Frozen Assets, Standing Chicken, and Other Great Reading Tips, by Mary Hunt
I am always amused and often educated by the advice readers send me. Today is no exception. I am sure you will agree with me.
SAFE FROZEN: I’m on a waiting list to get a safe at my bank. While I wait, I keep my important papers in a thick freezer bag in the freezer. I hear that in a fire the inside of the freezer does not burn easily. – Jill N.
STAND THE BIRD: To roast a whole chicken evenly and faster, place your Bundt pan on a cookie sheet. Now place this chicken on the central cone of the Bundt pan. Roast as usual or at 375 F until done. A standing chicken browns more evenly and cooks faster. – Priscille G.
FIRE ANTS EXTINGUISHER: In many parts of the country, fire ants are a very serious problem. The hills they build are difficult to clear, they attack very quickly, and their sting burns for a long time. Instead of spraying toxic and expensive pesticides, just pour enough uncooked oatmeal over the hill to cover it completely, then water the hill very well. The ants eat the oatmeal and when water is applied they “swell” and die. It works great and leaves no toxins in the surrounding areas that your children and pets may be exposed to. – Elaine M.
ART SHOW: I love seeing the artwork my young boys bring home from school, but we can’t keep all of them. Instead, I take photos of each artwork with my digital camera and put the photos on my digital photo frame at work. This way I can see their artwork all the time and it doesn’t clutter my house. -Erin J.
GREASE CUTTER: I keep white vinegar in a used detergent bottle near my kitchen sink. When I have something greasy to wash, I pour a small amount of vinegar on the dish. It works wonderfully in containers with tomato sauce or some other tomato product. The vinegar quickly cuts the film of grease and residue. – Janet M.
SLIPPING CHICKEN: Removing the skin from chicken can be difficult when it is slippery because it is difficult to have a good grip. Solution: Dip your fingers in flour first and the skin will peel off immediately. – Gloria Z.
NO MORE WATER STAINS: I’ve found Rain-X wipes to be great for more than just your windshield. I use them on the exterior side of my home’s windows, my stainless steel sink, and my shower walls and door. This keeps them all spotless for weeks. – Angela R.
SPRING CLEANING: Use shaving foam to clean the rubber strap on outdoor furniture. Spray it once, let it sit for a bit, then rinse it off. It cleans all the stains and grime left over the winter. I returned my furniture like new. – Bobbie H.
ACCESSORIES THE KITCHEN: Would you like to have the funds to modernize your kitchen? Instead of installing brand new cabinets, save money by replacing the old hardware with brand new handles or knobs. They will give the whole room a new look. – Thanks Mr.
WALKING TO WORK: To achieve two of my New Years Resolutions – to exercise more and do more volunteer work – I signed up to walk the dogs at my local animal shelter. -Lorna B.
CURL CONTROL: I have curly hair. Instead of buying curly hair gel, I use regular conditioner and let it work. I don’t rinse it; I just dried off with a towel. I dry my hair and then scrunch it without a brush. Frizz may reappear, but I just place a small amount of conditioner in my hand and apply it to the frizzy areas. My hair is kept soft and not at all sticky. – Marianne R.
Mary invites you to visit her on EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments to https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Marie.” Tips can be submitted to tips.everydaycheapskate.com/. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living”.
Photo credit: at Unsplash