http://maraknows.com/ Mara, and friends, share insightful tips on better living. Here you will find cleaning tips, decorating tips, food tips, gardening tips, household tips, kitchen tips, lifestyle tips, money saving tips, organizing tips, and thrifty tips. http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Argotic Syndication Framework 2008.0.2.0, http://www.codeplex.com/Argotic http://maraknows.com/ http://maraknows.com/Portals/0/Mara_Anderson_125.png Mara, and friends, share insightful tips on better living. Here you will find cleaning tips, decorating tips, food tips, gardening tips, household tips, kitchen tips, lifestyle tips, money saving tips, organizing tips, and thrifty tips. en-US Sun, 20 May 2012 10:50:05 GMT Sun, 20 May 2012 10:50:05 GMT Do you wake up at night to painful leg cramps? Tonic water contains quinine, which is known to help relieve leg cramps. Keep a bottle of tonic water on hand to drink, as needed. Drinking tonic water before you go to bed, can help prevent the painful cramps from affecting your restful sleep. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=43 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=43 Sat, 07 May 2011 16:46:21 GMT To keep your punch cool, float an ice ring made from the punch rather than using ice cubes. Not only is this more decorative, but it also limits melting and diluting. Use a jello mold to make your ice ring, or a muffin tin to make large round shaped punch cubes, or use whatever shaped mold you have available, to match your event theme. Let your creative ideas flow! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=42 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=42 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:23:54 GMT To clean and soften your hands naturally after working in the garden or yard, wash them with pure apple cider vinegar. Use the vinegar diluted or undiluted, depending on your personal preference. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=41 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=41 Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:18:17 GMT Next time you buy bananas, pull the bananas apart at the stem to keep them fresh longer. If you leave them together at the stem, they will ripen faster. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=40 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=40 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:02:18 GMT Been working your body hard lately or just a little stressed out?? Here's a Stress Buster! Try an Epsom Salt Bath by relaxing in a warm bath with one to two cups of Epsom salt to relax your muscles and reduce inflammation. Epsom salt is a natural emollient, that will exfoliate your skin. A Lifestyle Tip that's good for your body and your budget. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=39 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=39 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:12:39 GMT Freeze your homemade baby food in regular or large size muffin tins or ice cube trays, depending on the quantity you want per serving. Once frozen, place in freezer bags, label and use as you need. Next time you have a banana or two that are over ripe, peel and mash into a couple of ice cube tray sections and freeze. Any leftover cooked vegetables could be mashed and frozen in ice cube tray sections. Use a blender to puree foods to the consistency you want for freezing homemade baby food! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=38 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=38 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:32:37 GMT Freeze leftover mashed potatoes, gravy, chili, spaghetti sauce, meatloaf or a casserole in regular or large size muffin tins. Once frozen, remove from the tins and place in a freezer bag, label and use as needed. Spray your muffin tin with Pam, if you want or line with aluminum foil for easy removal. This works great for bringing lunch to work or a thrifty after school snack for the kids. Great Food Tips and Money Saving Ideas for Freezing Leftovers in muffin tins! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=37 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=37 Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:08:28 GMT When buying fresh raspberries look for berries that are plump, dark red with no stains on the bottom of the packaging. Fresh raspberries deteriorate rapidly so if you can't use them right away, freeze them. Freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then pour them into a plastic freezer bag or container, label and they'll be ready to measure out the quantity needed for your next cooking adventure. Or make jars of jam to enjoy yourself or to share as great thrifty gift ideas. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=36 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=36 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:01:11 GMT A banana peel can substitute as a polishing rag for leather shoes; its slippery qualities clean and condition the shiny surface nicely and is a great thrifty tip. First peel a banana and eat the inside or save it for later. Then separate the peel into 2 or 3 sections (lengthwise) and rub the inside flesh of the banana peel over your leather shoes. One banana peel will usually do one pair of shoes. Now compost the banana peel and thanks for reusing something you already had. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=34 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=34 Sat, 15 May 2010 20:58:06 GMT Use a pizza cutter for a quick and easy way to cut up children's pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches or french toast. Can't find your pastry cutter? Your pizza cutter will cut your pie lattice strips or steam slits if you are making a solid pastry pie top. Remember to cut fun shapes with your leftover pastry, sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar, then bake. Yum! Dice fresh parsley, chives or cilantro with a few rolls of your pizza cutter, to add great flavor to your favorite recipes! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=33 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=33 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:38:41 GMT Don't throw out the Christmas Cards you received in December, before you salvage any reusable areas. Cut off the front cover if it has a festive picture or saying - check out the inside and back side for a Holiday verse or garland wreath picture. Cut them large enough to allow space for writing on and save them to use as next years gift cards on your Christmas presents. If you want a funky edge - use a pinking shears or craft scissors and get creative. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=32 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=32 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:48:47 GMT Get a pedometer and stick it in your pocket. If by the end of your day the number of steps is under 10,000, walk around your house, apartment or up and down the steps until you reach that goal. This simple challenge will significantly improve your health. Walking strengthens your core muscles, promotes endurance and blasts fat. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=31 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=31 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:12:31 GMT Breaking a light bulb while it's still in a fixture could be a disaster, but a popular vegetable can help. First - Turn off the power by removing the fuse or flipping the circuit breaker for the light fixture. Then find some safety goggles, grab a raw potato and cut your potato in half. Gently push the potato into the broken bulb and turn the potato counterclockwise until you've unscrewed the base of the light bulb, that was left in the socket. Dry out the socket before replacing the bulb. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=30 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=30 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:12:02 GMT Keep frozen chicken breasts on hand to give weight to a quick pasta meal. They are easy to defrost in the microwave. Take care to barely thaw the breasts; if they are allowed to cook in the microwave, the fast change of temperature will toughen the meat. To ensure the breasts will stay tender, cut them into strips while they are still lightly frozen. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=29 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=29 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:59:44 GMT When making a whole-berry cranberry sauce, it is a good idea to add the sugar after the cranberries have been cooked, letting it dissolve in the juice. Adding sugar earlier tends to toughen the skins. Happy Cooking Tips! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=28 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=28 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:50:11 GMT Money Saving Tips for Green Living! Target now rewards customers who bring their own cloth shopping bags. Customers will receive a 5 cent discount off their purchase for each reusable cloth bag that is used at the check-out in place of a store issued plastic bag. Check with the stores where you shop to see if they offer similar discounts, as stores look for creative ways to save money and keep their customers coming back. Recycle and reuse leftover fabric to create your cloth shopping bags! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=27 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=27 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:59:57 GMT Instead of being obsessed with losing those last 10 pounds, focus on regular exercise and eating right. Being a little overweight (emphasis on "a little") may help protect the body as we age. Women who don't sweat their curves may remain worry-free and lower stress levels and a healthy lifestyle can add up to a longer life. Focus less on getting slim and more on being strong. And don't forget to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly to help maintain immune function. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=26 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=26 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:24:45 GMT Save gas and time by locating weekend yard sales in your area for free. Visit www.YardSaleTreasureMap.com. Enter starting location, distance willing to travel, the day (Fri, Sat or Sun), click "Search" and you'll get a Google map of area yard sales that have been posted on Craigslist. Click on red balloon for each listing for details. Save a buck with your thrifty shopping skills! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=25 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=25 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:13:27 GMT I recently read an article tip to keep a can of Wasp and Hornet spray by your bed or on your desk at work. The spray will reach 20 to 30 feet, spray an intruder in the eyes, to temporarily blind the attacker and give you a chance to remove yourself from the situation and contact help . This is an inexpensive and effective defense method for someone who has concerns about safety in their life. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=24 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=24 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:45:56 GMT If you don't already buy Forever Stamps at your local Post Office, you'll want to make sure you do, next time you buy stamps! Current cost for mailing a letter in the U.S. is $.44. This stamp will always be good no matter how much the prices go up. So invest in the future and purchase Forever Stamps now! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=23 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=23 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:17:29 GMT Store your empty cans from nuts, coffee or those yummy Fried Onions you put on Green Bean Casserole - under your kitchen sink. When you have leftover used cooking oil or grease, fill one of these containers. Cool and dispose of after each use or if there is still space in the container - find an available spot in your freezer; mark the outside "Grease". Reuse until filled and then dispose of in your garbage. Great way to reuse non-recyclable containers. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=22 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=22 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:46:27 GMT Keep a few extra night lights handy to use for house guests. Plug one in to their sleeping area, bathroom, kitchen or hallways, for easy guidance if they wake in the middle of the night. If your guests are children, this allows you to check on them without turning on lights that may wake them up. Travel plans in your future? Carry a couple with you, in case the place you are staying doesn't have any available! Sleep well! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=21 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=21 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:26:11 GMT When you are doing laundry, do you ever come up with a missing sock? I sure have, so I keep a small basket handy in my cabinet above the washing machine. If I have a lone sock when folding clean clothes, I check the basket for a match. If it's not there, I put my sock in the basket for a future match. My family knows to check the basket if they are missing a sock! Works great! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=20 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=20 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:18:57 GMT The brand of beer we drink is sold in a nice sized box (9"x10"x15") with handles on each side. When empty, it works great to keep project materials I'm working on all together. Like the pictures I need to organize in the photo album, the recipes I'm gathering for a family cookbook, left over yarn and fabric from projects or the broken household items that need repair. Label the outside of the box for easy identification. Store the box in a closet until you have time to work on it again! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=19 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=19 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:38:53 GMT Keep a box, bag or basket handy in a storage area of your home to put items into whenever you find you no longer need them. Make sure all family members know where it is located, so they can assist with organizing their own areas. When the container is full, drop off at the organization of your choice. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=18 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=18 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:20:49 GMT Don't throw out your broken or worn out mini blinds. Cut each blind piece to size (approximately 4" to 10") and use as markers in your garden for individual plants (zucchini, mint, tomato, etc) or use 2 as markers on each end of your plant rows. With a permanent marker, write the name of your vegetable or plant right on the cut blind piece for easy identification. Plastic knives could also be used as plant markers, insert the handle in the ground and write your plant name on the cutting side! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=16 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=16 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:16:30 GMT When you are harvesting your vegetables, donate what you don't need to a local food shelf, senior citizen center or soup kitchen. Contact them directly to confirm their needs and any special requirements. If you don't have a charitable outlet in your area, then share extra produce with neighbors and friends. They will appreciate stretching their monthly food budgets! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=15 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=15 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:23:32 GMT In blender, puree 1 cup vegetable and/or fruit peelings, eggshells or any other vegetable matter with 3 cups water. Pour this potent fertilizer on soil immediately. By taking a little extra time to do this you are saving on your daily garbage, adding organic nutrients to your garden and hopefully putting a smile on your face for knowing you are contributing to the well being of our mother earth! Thanks for your help. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=14 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=14 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:44:43 GMT Next time you find a hole in your cotton sock, don't throw it away; darn it!! OK, if they are beyond darning or it just isn't your thing, at least save it to use the next time you need to clean your mini blinds. Dunk the sock in your cleaning solution bucket, squeeze out excess water, put your hand inside the sock and wipe both sides on each blind piece in one simple motion. The sock would also work to wash your car, polish your shoes, silver, furniture or when scrubbing your lawn furniture. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=13 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=13 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:14:25 GMT Place an open box of Baking Soda in your refrigerator, freezer or inside your bathroom vanity, to absorb odors. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=12 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=12 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:53:55 GMT Add 1/2 cup Baking Soda or less (depending on your washing machine recommendations) to your laundry for a cleaning and odor control boost. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=11 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=11 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:50:35 GMT Remove red pasta sauce stains on your plastic containers by mixing baking soda and water in container and let sit overnight. Freshen up your garbage disposal by pouring baking soda into your garbage disposal while running warm water. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your kitchen waste basket, place your plastic bag in and it will help control odors. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=10 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=10 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:48:41 GMT Keep Baking Soda under your kitchen sink to scrub your glass coffee pot, kitchen sink, counters or for grease splatters. Sprinkle some Baking Soda on a sponge or damp cloth and use to clean the inside walls of your refrigerator and dishwasher door. It will clean and deodorize at the same time. Baked on food in your sauce pan or electric fry pan? Add a little Soda and water to the pan, heat until hot, turn off the burner and let it sit until it cools. Food removes easily. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=9 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=9 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:32:24 GMT When your favorite shredder no longer works, Reuse the basket portion of the unit. Reuse as a waste basket, a container to hold paperwork, the kids toys, magazines or to hold recyclable items under your kitchen sink. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=8 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=8 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:29:35 GMT For scratch paper, cut up mail that doesn't have writing on it and don't throw away the envelopes. Use the clean back side of envelopes received in the mail for your weekly grocery list and store your coupons you plan to use inside. Also check mail for blank return envelopes - put a mailing label over the clear opening and use it to mail a letter to a friend. Shred any items when done that have any writing on them and turn in with your curbside recycling, to give them another use. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=7 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=7 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:27:55 GMT Next time you are cleaning out and throwing an old pair of worn shoes, if the laces are still in good shape, keep them. Use to wrap around your yoga mat to keep it rolled up or your garden hose coiled neatly in the garage. Or when old towels or clothing are too stained or full of holes to donate, cut up and use as rags for those dirty jobs. http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=6 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=6 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:24:59 GMT Another good reason to use vinegar instead of fabric softener!! I recently read that to keep your cotton towels fluffier and help retain absorbency, don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets. These items will make the surface softer to the touch, but will inhibit the cotton's natural water wicking ability. Pretty amazing, huh! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=5 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=5 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:22:31 GMT Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to your washing machine in the fabric softener dispenser section. It leaves your clothes smelling fresh, feeling soft and really works great! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=4 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=4 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:19:37 GMT Many electronic items draw power even when they are turned off. So unplug items when they are not in use (toaster, microwave, shredder, cell phone chargers, etc). To make this easier, plug multiple items into a power strip, where possible, that has a flip switch that you can instantly turn off. Try this out and see how it can lower your monthly electric bill!!! http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=3 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=3 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:06:25 GMT From USA Weekend. "Park your car in a shaded spot: A hot car allows gas to evaporate. And fuel up in the cooler early-morning hours or in the evening. Heat causes gasoline to expand, meaning you are actually getting less in your tank when you fill up at midday." http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=2 http://maraknows.com/QuickTips/QuickTipsDetail.aspx?xmid=2 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:02:54 GMT