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* 12/09/2004

Christmas tree inspirations
The Christmas tree shape is a sign of the season and it can be so much more than an evergreen. Here are a few clever ideas.

* 12/02/2004

Gifts in a jar
Gifts in a jar are simple blends that are creatively layered in a canning jar. Things like cookie mixes and hand made bath products are the perfect for this simple technique. Plus they're so beautiful they require very little wrapping.

11/25/2004

Painless penny pinching: For the holidays
Holiday fun can cost a fortune, but it doesn't have to. Frugal folks everywhere know that saving money on holiday celebrations can be simple and painless.

11/18/2004

Painless penny pinching: At home
True penny pinchers know that your home is one of your top expenses. With a little know-how, you can cut back on expenses without cutting back on comfort. Here are a few ideas.

* 11/11/2004

Painless penny pinching: At the grocery
Painless penny pinching is a great way to save money without making big changes in our lifestyle. A great place to practice the technique is the grocery store. Here are a few ideas that can trim back your spending without a lot of work.

* 11/04/2004

Top painless penny pinching tips
We all want to save, but not many of us want to sacrifice. It's possible to cut back on spending without changing our lifestyle. If that sounds good to you, here are the top painless penny pinching tips.

* 10/27/2004

Frugal Halloween
The average American family spends more than $100 getting ready for Halloween. You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun.

* 10/19/2004

Kitchen substitutions
Nothing is more annoying than discovering an empty container for a key ingredient. Here are a few quick substitutions when you don't have time to run to the store.

* 10/21/2004

Honey
Honey has been use as a sweetener for thousands of years. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this naturally sweet food.

09/30/2004

Canned broth
Good cooks know that canned broth, a pantry staple, can be the key to preparing meals that are quick, healthy and economical.

* 09/23/2004

School lunches
For lots of moms, back to school also means back to packing school lunches. Here are a few ideas to make this chore quick simple and a little more fun.

* 09/16/2004

Toothpaste uses
Everyone knows toothpaste keeps teeth fresh and clean, but it can also do double duty around the house.

* 09/09/2004

Backpacks
Each year more than 3,000 school age children are treated for injuries related to backpacks. It's important to know how to choose and use the one best for your child.

* 09/02/2004

Back to school
Back to school means back to busy schedules, so here are a few tips to keep everyone on track.

* 08/26/2004

Paper tubes
Never, never throw away a cardboard tube. Whether it comes from paper towels or a roll of wrapping paper, it can be reused in lots of ways. Here are a few you might want to try.

* 08/19/2004

Silk flower cleaning
Silk flowers are more realistic and beautiful than ever. But they do attract a lot of dust. If yours could use a good cleaning, here are a few techniques you might like to try.

* 08/12/2004

Fresh, clean bathrooms
Everybody loves a clean fresh bathroom, but it can be a lot of work. Here are a few tips to make this tough chore a lot easier.

* 08/05/2004

Dog tips
We love our dogs, but sometimes they can be a lot of trouble. So here are a few tips to make things easier for man and man's best friend.

* 07/29/2004

Towel care
According to experts, bath towels can last five to ten years, depending on how well you take care of them.

07/22/2004

Save Summer
During these last days of the summer, it's a good idea to think about saving some of the best of the season for the long days of winter. Here are a few ideas.

* 07/14/2004

Cereal
Breakfast cereal is one of our favorite foods, but it can be expensive. So here are a few tips to get the most out of your purchase.

* 07/08/2004

Blueberries
According to recent studies, blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat. With that in mind, here are a few tips for enjoying one of nature's most perfect foods.

07/01/2004

Fourth of July tips
Turn a white sheet into a temporary tablecloth. Let kids make a border using patriotic stickers around the top. When the party is over, just peel the stickers off.

* 06/24/2004

The sniff test
When something smells fresh, it just seems cleaner. Here are a few ideas to make sure your home passes the 'sniff' test.

06/07/2004

Melons
Nothing tastes more like summer than a refreshing slice of melon. Whether you pick cantalope, honeydew or watermelon, here are a few tips on how to choose and serve this summer favorite.

* 06/10/2004

Cooler tips
No matter what season it is, a cooler can really come in handy. Here are a few tips to get the most out of yours.

* 06/03/2004

Conserving water
We use huge amounts of water, about a hundred gallons per person per day. You can always save more. so here are a few ways to make sure every drop counts.

* 05/27/2004

Hot dogs
Hot dogs are an all America favorite. We eat more than 20 billion hot dogs a year. So here are a few tips to help make yours the best.

* 05/19/2004

Lemonade
When the temperatures rise, there's no better way to beat the heat than with a tall lemonade. Better Living has tips to help add a twist to this summer classic.

05/12/2004

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs
Lets shed a little light on the subject of light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs or cfls can save you a lot of money on your lighting bill while providing superior light. Here's what you need to know.

* 04/28/2004

Low carb grilling
If you've been thinking about trying a low carb lifestyle, now's the perfect time to get started. Grilling is great for summer and a wonderful way to go low carb.

04/22/2004

Car care to save money
Automobile costs could be needlessly driving up your expenses. A few simple tips can get you on the road to budget wise driving.

04/14/2004

Cleaning your windows
Most of us say we don't do windows, but the fact is sometimes we just have to. If windows are on your spring cleaning list,here are a few tips to help make it simple.

* 04/08/2004

Easter ideas
Easter morning will be here before you know it, so here are a few tips for our favorite spring holiday.

03/31/2004

Painting tips
Even if you are not a do-it-yourselfer, you're likely to be called on to do a little painting once in a while. Here are a few tips from the experts to make the job a little easier.

* 03/25/2004

Canned food tips
Canned food has fallen out of favor in recent years but the fact is it's convenient, inexpensive and can actually provide more nutrition than fresh. So if you want to stock up, here's what you need to know.

03/18/2004

Girl Scout cookies
Americans have been munching Girl Scout cookies since 1933, but they're still a lot more than just a sweet snack. Buy extras to keep on hand to use as ingredients in some great All-American recipes. Here are a few ideas.

03/11/2004

Spring Planting
You can get a head start on the growing season by starting plants from seed. It's fun and a lot less expensive than buying them from a garden center. Here's how to get growing.

03/04/2004

Low carb dessert recipes
One of the secrets to success with a low carb eating plan is the great desserts. Clever weight watchers have discovered a lot of easy to make low carb treats. Here are a few you might like to try.

02/27/2004

Low carb party snacks
Just because you're following a low carb eating plan doesn't mean you can't enjoy party foods. Here are a few quick and easy ideas for low-carb appetizers and treats.

02/19/2004

Too much stuff
Let's face it, most of us have to deal with clutter because we simply have too much of a good thing. Instead of stashing our extras in the attic, here are a few ideas for getting rid of things.

02/12/2004

Last minute Valentine's ideas
Americans are spending more each year on Valentine's cards and gifts, but there are lots of ways to recognize your Valentine without spending a fortune. Here are a few ideas.

02/05/2004

Germ-free houses
We all know that keeping the house germ free is our best defense against disease. So here are a few things that go beyond the basics to help keep things clean and safe for your family.

01/29/2004

Slow cookers
In this age of microwaves it turns out that the old fashioned technique of slow cooking can actually be a greater time saver. Toss a few ingredients into a crock pot in the morning and dinner will be ready the minute you walk in the door.

01/22/2004

Chinese New Year
You don't have to be Chinese to enjoy the wonderful traditions of Chinese New Year.

01/15/2004

Winter tips
When winter weather strikes there's a lot more to deal with than cold temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you take the bite out of old man winter.

01/02/2004

Simple budget solutions
With an uncertain economy, it's a great idea to try to build a little extra in savings. And you can, by trimming a little each day from your everyday spending. Here are a few ideas to help you put more cash in your pocket.

12/26/2003

New Year's Eve tips
After the Christmas rush, planning a celebration to welcome in the new year can seem expensive and exhausting. Here are a few tips for a simple New Year's eve.

12/18/2003

Christmas card recycling
Every holiday we all receive Christmas cards and they're just too pretty to throw away. Here are a few tips to help you put them to good use.

12/11/2003

Candles
Candles are more popular than ever and an important part of holiday decorating.

* 12/04/2003

Nuts
Nuts are an important holiday ingredient. So here's what you need to know, in a nutshell.

11/27/2003

A frugal Christmas
With a tight economy lots of people are looking for ways to hold back on holiday spending. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a fun but frugal Christmas.

* 11/20/2003

Gravy tips
What is it about Thanksgiving gravy? It seems like every cook has had a problem at least once. But the good thing is most gravy goofs can be fixed. So here are a few tips that might save the big day.

* 11/13/2003

Cranberries: think beyond sauce
Think cranberries and the holidays can't be far behind. Here's what you need to know about this American original.

11/06/2003

Low carbohydrate tips
Everywhere you go, thousands of people are switching to a low carb diet. But the special foods can cost a fortune Here are a few tips that might help you cut cost as well as carbs.

10/30/2003

Halloween
Putting together last minute Halloween decorations and costumes can be scary and expensive. Here are a few ideas that are quick, simple and cheap.

10/23/2003

Organizing remote controls
Operating electronics with a remote control is a great convenience. But it can be frustrating to keep them organized and in good operating order.

10/16/2003

Hot glue guns
Hot glue guns have become indispensible around the house. Here are a few tips to get the most out of yours.

* 10/09/2003

Mayonnaise
Sometimes a common product can have a lot of uncommon uses. Take mayonnaise. Its use in the kitchen is well known but you can spread its value throughout the house. Here are a few tips.

* 10/02/2003

Measuring in the kitchen
Even a small error in measuring can cause a recipe to fail, so it's really important measure accurately. Here are a few tips to make sure you measure up perfectly

09/25/2003

Duct tape uses
Duct tape goes all the way back to WWII when it was used to help keep ammunition boxes dry.

09/11/2003

Toothpicks
Toothpicks are a common object with a lot of uncommon uses. They may be small, but they're mighty around the house. So here are a few ideas for using this tiny tool.

09/04/2003

Homework Tips
Back to school means back to homework. Like anything else, if you have a system you'll be more successful. So here are a few tips for families to develop a good homework plan.

* 08/28/2003

Backpacks
ach year more than 3000 school age children are treated for injuries related to backpacks. It's important to know how to choose and use the one best for your child.

* 08/21/2003

Household tools
Household tools are a big investment but with a proper use and care they can last a lifetime. Here are a few tips from the experts.

* 07/30/2003

Cooler tips
No matter what season it is, a cooler can really come in handy. Here are a few tips to get the most out of yours.

* 07/17/2003

Packing tips
Whether it's an overnight business trip or two weeks in Europe, it seems like the hardest part of any trip is packing. So here are some tips to help you get your stuff together.

07/10/2003

Picking the right luggage
Technology has made a lot of things better and that includes luggage. Best of all, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a suitcase that will provide years of good service.

07/02/2003

Flag etiquette
This July fourth, millions of us will fly the American flag, so it's important to know the proper way to display the stars and stripes.

* 06/25/2003

Iced tea
Americans drink more than two-billion gallons of tea each year and most of it is over ice. Here are few tips to make yours the best.

* 06/17/2003

Hot dogs
Hot dogs are an all America favorite. As a matter of fact, we eat more than 20 billion hot dogs a year. So here are a few tips to help make yours the best.

06/12/2003

Kitchen safety
Your kitchen can be a hazardous place, and lots of accidents that could have been prevented, happen every day. Here are few things to keep in mind to make your kitchen safer.

06/04/2003

Making bath towels last
Experts say bath towels can last five to ten years, depending on how well you take care of them.

05/28/2003

Pots and pans
Pots and pans are expensive. Here are a few tips to help keep yours in good shape.

* 05/15/2003

Here's how to get the most out of your bacon
Nothing smells like breakfast like the aroma of sizzling bacon. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your next few slices.

05/07/2003

Bath Towels
The way bath towels look in the store is no indication of how they will perform at home. Since towels can cost a small fortune, here are a few tips to help you get the most for your money.

04/30/2003

Cutting daily spending to save money
With an uncertain economy, it's a great idea to build a little extra savings. You can do so by trimming a little each day from your everyday spending. Here are a few ideas to help you put more cash in your pocket.

05/01/2003

Arts and crafts hobbies
Arts and Crafts hobbies are more popular than ever and Americans spend billions on supplies. Here are a few tips to help yours last longer.

04/17/2003

Easter Ideas
Here are a few tips to help you make this your best Easter ever.

04/09/2003

Muffin Tins
Muffin tins aren't just for baking muffins

04/01/2003

Marshmallows
Marshmallows aren't limited to floating on top of a cup or hot chocolate. These cute little puffs of sweetness have lots of other uses too. Here are a few tips for making the most of them.

03/27/2003

Cupcakes are fun!
There's something about cupcakes that just says fun. And there are a lot of fun ways to create them. Here are a few tips:

03/13/2003

Lemons
We love lemons for their fresh scent and crisp taste. And luckily for us they're available year round. Here are a few tips to make the most of them.

03/06/2003

Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is not only great for cooking, but has a lot of household uses as well. Here are a few tips that can come in handy.

02/20/2003

Food storage tips
Proper storage can help most foods last a lot longer. There are lots of clever storage tips and here are a few of the best.

* 02/13/2003

Valentine's Day ideas
Having fun is at the heart of any celebration. So here are a few ideas to make yours the best ever.

01/16/2003

Rug-buying tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice when buying a rug.

01/29/2003

Chinese New Year - Year of the Goat
You don't have to be Chinese to enjoy the wonderful traditions of Chinese New Year. Here are a few ideas to help you celebrate.

01/23/2003

Winter Tips
When winter weather strikes, there's a lot more to deal with than cold temperatures. Here are a few tips to help you take the bite out of old man winter.

01/10/2003

Buying a dining room set
Buying dining room furniture is a big investment and something most of us only do once or twice. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice and get the most for your money.

01/02/2003

Budget Resolutions
This is the time of year when most people vow to start saving money, so here are a few Better Living strategies to help you keep more of what you earn this year.

12/22/2002

Organize after Christmas
If Christmas clutter is a problem for you, here are a few tips to help you get a handle on holiday organization.

* 12/18/2002

Frugal gift wrap
Wrapping gifts is a fun part of the holiday but it can be expensive. Here are a few ways to create beautiful packages without spending a small fortune.

12/12/2002

Simple decorations
Keeping decorating simple is one way to get a handle on Christmas chaos. Here are a few tips to help you decorate with impact but cut down on costs and effort.

12/05/2002

Cookie Quickies
if you don't have a lot of time, use some store bought items and still get that home-made appeal.

11/21/2002

Cookie baking tips
Here are some baking basics that can help prevent the most common disasters.

* 11/14/2003

Eyeglasses care
When it comes to caring for eyeglasses, a little creativity can go a long way. Here are a few tips that are sure to help you see the light.

* 10/31/2002

Popcorn Tips
Popcorn is most often popped at home. Whether you pop it in the microwave ordo it on the stovetop, here are a few tips.

* Halloween Decorating Ideas
Halloween is more popular than ever with both kids and adults. Here are a few ideas to make this Halloween a real scream!

10/10/2002

Egg Cartons
In their lifetime, the average American eats almost 20,000 eggs. That's a lot of empty cartons!

* 10/03/2002

Pansies
Pansies are among the easiest flowers to grow and with a little care they can bloom right through winter. But they can brighten up more than just your garden. Here are a few ideas.

09/25/2002

Garlic
Garlic lovers find ways to use it in almost every recipe. If you're a garlic fan, here's what you need to know.

09/19/2002

Household appliances
We spend a lot of money on household appliances. It only makes sense to spend a few minutes to make them last longer.

09/12/2002

Flower Bulbs
Here's what you need to know to grow spring flowers like you see in Holland.

09/05/2002

Homework Tips
If you have a system for studying, you'll get more out of it.

08/29/2002

Mosquito
There are over 150 species of mosquitoes in the United Statesand it probably seems like most of them are flying around your yard. So, here are a few tips to get them to bug off.

08/22/2002

Preparing to go back to school
Back to school means back to busy schedules, so here are some survival tips for today's time-crunched families.

* 07/24/2002

Summer Fun
Here are a few fun things you can do everyday to celebrate the summer.

07/18/2002

Watermelon Centerpiece
It' s surprisingly easy to turn a watermelon into a spectacular centerpiece.

07/11/2002

Camp at home
Why not create your own camp at home? Here are some ideas for "Camp Mom."

07/03/2002

Flying the Flag
This July Fourth, it's important to know the proper way to display the Stars and Stripes.

06/27/2002

Kids in the kitchen
some great ideas to keep junior cooks safe and healthy.

06/20/2002

Power outage planning
The best way to deal with power outages is to plan in advance.

06/12/2002

Better Living File #2
There are lots of great ways to make life a little easier. Here are a few from our Better Living file.

06/06/2002

Washing fine china tips
With a few precautions, you can wash most fine china in the dishwasher.

05/30/2002

Home Cleaning Tips
Research shows that American homes are not as clean as in years past.

05/23/2002

Summer picnics
Whether you're heading to the beach or just in your own back yard, here are a few tips for a successful picnic

* 05/16/2002

Summer Vegetables Tips
This is the time of year when produce aisles are overflowing with fresh vegetables. Here are a few tips to help you make the best of them.

05/09/2002

Money saving tips
Here are a few simple things you can do right now to get you on the road to money saving basics.

* 04/25/2002

Strawberries
Nothing is better than strawberries fresh from the field.

04/18/2002

Shampoos clean more than just hair
It can be used for lots of things all around the house.

* 03/28/2002

Quick and simple ways to get ready for the Easter bunny
Hippety, hoppity, Easter's on its way

03/21/2002

Borax
Borax is just as helpful around the house as it was in your Grandmother's day.

03/14/2002

St. Patrick's Potato Tips & Recipe
And a Colcannon recipe for St. Patrick's Day

03/07/2002

"Spring" into action with these tips for the perfect brunch
A spring brunch is a great way to welcome the season.

02/28/2002

Clutter control by the numbers
Try this simple number system to finally get organized

* 02/05/2002

Valentine's Day
If you have your heart set on celebrating Valentine's Day, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money. Here are a few quick and inexpensive ways to say "I Love You" to your favorite valentine.

01/18/2002

Better Living Corn Tips

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