Tips, Tricks, and a Bunch-a Whatever

Last year a friend passed on a list of tips and tricks to me and here are some of my favs.  I have actually used some of them and they work!  I hope you find some useful ones as well...so here goes:

*Store sheet sets in pillow case in your linen closet; it keeps closet neat and tidy and easy to get when you need a clean set
*Clean your chopping board (wood) with coarse salt and a sponge
*Use nice, thick washcloths instead of hand towels in the bathroom; they are cheaper to buy, easier to handle (especially for children) and are much nicer to use than those small, thin guest hand towels
*Microfiber cloths are great to use to dust windows in between window cleanings; use them inside and out then just toss in the wash
*Use a belt or tie holder for necklaces and other jewelry
*Make breakfast for dinner once a week. Serve omelets with a salad or serve pancakes or waffles with turkey sausage and a fruit/veggie smoothie
*Microfiber cloths work well for dusting without using a spray cleaner; you don't get any build up on the furniture and you can use the same cloth to wipe off wood, ceramic, glass, and other surfaces
*Use dryer sheets in drawers or closets to freshen air
*Put extra (unused) ice cubes in plants; waters the plant as the ice melts
*Organize food in your fridge with plastic bins or small desk organizers from a discount or dollar store; it is a good way to keep everything corralled and looks super-neat
*Color code sheets, towels, etc., by room; makes it easy for sorting when doing laundry
*Avoid buying food items in bulk if you do not use quickly...really a waste of money, and if you are like me, I forget what I have and end up tossing anyway...better to buy small quantities for freshness
*Purge your closets twice a year...if you haven't worn it donate or toss out
*Add beans or tofu to a dish, as a protein supplement, instead of meat, fish or poultry; stretches your dollars and is a healthy alternative to animal proteins
*Sandwiches are good alternative to traditional breakfast foods; try mixing pureed carrots with peanut butter for a delicious sandwich spread, or try candying mild tasting veggies like carrots zucchini or even kale in the oven  (spray veggies with cooking spray then sprinkle with sugar and bake on a parchment covered cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 15-20 min turning once)

And one of my favorite tips....

Create a secret hiding place using the spines from old book covers and glue to a box...cleav-ah!

I'm sure you all have your own tried-and-true tips and tricks.  I hope you can share them with us on the blogosphere...