Household Tips
------ From Jan (plain ordinary 54-yr-old housewife!!) 
Tip #1 is don't peel your apples... the extra fiber is good for you, and unnecessary work not done gets you out of the kitchen much faster, and you have more pounds of finished apples from your fruit cuz you threw away less of it.

Tip #2 is cook for more than one meal whenever possible... this gets you some "no cooking required" meals stashed in the freezer so you don't have to cook every night.

Tip #3 is have REALLY BASIC cookware and dishes, and buy something that is modern and widely sold.   Then you can find replacements at yardsales/ flea
markets instead of paying megabucks to replacement china services.  My
everyday dishes are corelle... any border pattern except pinks... and I get them at yardsales for a quarter each.   Being the same size and shape, they rack well on the shelf (you guessed it... in upright racks so I can swipe one down with one hand only!!!)  My "good" china is anything white with gold trim, as long as it's quality stuff.   All the various makers blend because they are a common theme  -- it shows off the food instead of competing with it, as center-patterned china does.   I chose my "china pattern" in 1984, and I have enough white with gold to seat 20 for a formal dinner, plus everything ever made in serving pieces.  And it cost very little cuz I found it a few pieces at a time.

Tip #4 is have no doors on your kitchen cabinets... just open shelving...Amazing how much time you save just not opening doors all thru cooking, and other people can use your kitchen and find stuff without having to ask you where anything is.   Gallon glass pickle jars (ask at any restaurant... they toss them out or sell for a pittance) make good canisters unless you have other glass jars.  Spray paint all lids to match... the eye will read them as a "set".   Corral the little stuff (like yeast packets and bottles of extracts and box of toothpicks) as a still-life in one jar.

------If a glass item breaks and tiny pieces are lying all over the floor, its safest to pick them up with a handful of wet cottonwool, even the tiniest shards which you cannot see will stick on the cotton wool.  I find this more effecient than using a broom and pan.   Submitted by SheilaSyed

------When storing silver jewelry, try placing them in a zip baggie.  Keeping them away from the air helps keep the silver from tarnishing. 
From Annabelles Treasures - Click and visit today !

------Free up cabinet space by hanging your pots from a wall-mounted rack or series of hooks.

------To let as much as light as possible into a room, hang draperies that can
be pulled back almost to the windows' edges.  And if there's room,
extend your window treatment onto the wall so you can pull the
draperies back all the way.

------Trimming draperies and valances with fringe does more than add a decorative touch--the weight helps them hang nicely as well.

------Does anyone have squeaky floors??  Sprinkle talcum powder or drip some glue in the cracks... should help stop that annoying noise!!

------Believe it or Not!   You will increase your light output by 50% JUST BY DUSTING OFF YOUR LIGHT BULBS!!

Did you know that it is more economical to use 1 LARGE LIGHT BULB than several small ones?? For instance, a 100 watt bulb gives as much light AS 6 - 25 watt bulbs!! AND uses LESS than 2/3rds the power!!!

------My spools of thread and bobbins were all over the drawer!  Sooo, I glued some golf tees to the bottom, they fit perfectly .. try it!!

 ------Want to keep your salt dry? Add a few grains of rice in it.

 ------Buy the cheapest automatic dishwashing detergent and add some white vinegar to it.  Your dishes will sparkle without spending a lot of bucks!

 ------Drop an egg on the floor??  Sprinkle it with salt, it should come up easy!

------If an item makes you smile, inside or out, it will fit into your home--
even if you don't think it will match your decor, it will!!

 ------You can always get a 'homey' feel for your home by using primary colors.
They are sunny, happy colors and brighten any day.

 ------Use special quilts and new rag rugs as 'runners' on table tops, entertainment centers, and quilts can be draped over dividers and on hooks.
This adds a country warmth to new, cold items.

 ------Quart jars can be used as flower vases to add a special touch.

------Those special items that you just love and keep hidden away--
BRING THEM OUT!

You should be able to appreciate them. Decorate your home using all the things you love most and you will find that 'homey' comes with them.

------Don't frown on used things from flea markets and house sales.
All these items show 'history' and their worn appearance adds a touch of country charm.

 No matter what pieces you have, if you love them, they belong!! If they bring back memories or put a smile on your face, use them in your decorating. A home is just what you make it! Surrounding yourself with the treasures you adore will give more comfort and charm than any decorating rules!

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