Sometimes it’s a rogue apple that rolls off the counter onto the tile floor. Sometimes it’s a carefully selected peach that is carelessly bagged by a supermarket cashier. Sometimes it’s a forgotten plum that becomes squashed in the back of the produce drawer. Whatever the cause, bruised pieces of fruit are unsightly and, in many cases, … [Read more...] about Frugal TIPbits: Ways to Salvage Bruised Fruit
It’s the Little Things About Summer
Summer 2013 officially begins today! It’s the little things about summer that gladden my heart and put a smile on my face. Going barefoot. I’ve set my feet free from their shoes. I can feel cool grass tickle them and moist soil give way to their prints. Not only does this feel great, but there’s less laundry to do because we use fewer … [Read more...] about It’s the Little Things About Summer
Easy Tortellini Tomato Soup
All of us need a few quick, easy-to-prepare recipes in our repertoires. This is one of those recipes. I came up with it several weeks ago when we were low on groceries and I needed to quickly prepare a meal. Surprisingly, we enjoyed the result so much that I put it on our menu for this summer. Ingredients 32 oz. chicken broth 1 cup … [Read more...] about Easy Tortellini Tomato Soup
Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Rust in Bathtubs and Sinks
My husband and I purchased our house last year. A new bathtub was installed by the previous owner right before we made the purchase. Unfortunately, during the short time the house stood vacant before we moved in, a spot of rust developed in the tub where some water had pooled around the drain. Why did pooled water cause rust to form? … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Rust in Bathtubs and Sinks
Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
It’s common to see TV commercials portray dads as blundering and inept. The following commercials for Eggo Waffles and T-Mobile are examples. Though an uncritical perusal of these ads may provoke laughter, are they all in good fun or could they be harmful? Let’s consider this question in honor of Father’s Day. (Keep in mind, though, … [Read more...] about Countering TV Commercials’ Portrayal of Dads as Incompetent
Mexican Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
After the Italian Tomato Macaroni & Cheese I made last spring turned out so well, I decided to tweak the recipe to create a Mexican version. The result was just as hearty and just as tasty. Ingredients 3 cups macaroni pasta (uncooked measure) 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 can (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and … [Read more...] about Mexican Tomato Macaroni & Cheese
Rampant Reusing: Books
I would not arbitrarily encourage someone to destroy books (you can read here about various ways to get rid of books you no longer want or need). However, if you’ve decided to get rid of some books and you want to create something new with them, there are some really awesome options. These would be great uses for books that are damaged, … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Books
Shedding Light on Sunscreens
In our area, winter took its time transitioning into spring. Now it’s finally warmed up and we are spending more time outdoors. Subsequently, we need to take steps to protect our skin from the sun. What harm can the sun do to skin? Ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as from sunlamps and tanning beds, are forms of radiation that … [Read more...] about Shedding Light on Sunscreens
