Years ago I came upon the book 1003 Household Hints and Work Savers: A Treasury of Household Hints to help you beat the high cost of living at my grandpa's house. It was published in 1948, and has many ingenious hints that could help all you ladies during these tough economic times:
85: To put attractive scalloped edges on thin cucumber slices, just run the tines of a fork lengthwise over the peeled cucumber, and then slice.
[My cucumber slices just have regular edges. I feel like such a failure.]
192: When it's necessary to cut marshmallows, use a pair of thoroughly clean scissors dipped in hot water to prevent the marshmallows from sticking together.
[I don't know about you, but sometimes I find that a whole marshmallow is just too much.]
216: If you drive a car, get in on the side nearest the wheel, instead of scraping along the whole seat until you worm your way into position, thus wearing out the seat of your fur coat.
[Well thanks. NOW you tell me, after the seat of my fur coat has already been worn out.]
225: Pack turbans (several to a box) with tissue paper. They'll keep their shape better.
[I have been having a problem with flat turbans lately.]
511: Freshen up your wax flowers by dipping them in alcohol and swabbing them off with a soft, small paint brush.
[Just what I needed! My wax flowers have been looking awfully tired lately.]
693: Cut out interesting illustrations from magazines or wallpaper, chintz or cretonne, paste them on the screen and shellac the whole thing for "tricky" and colorful designs.
[I'm bringing "tricky" back.]
751: When making long-distance telephone calls, place an "hourglass" egg-timer near your phone. It operates on a three-minute schedule and will warn you exactly when your three minutes are up.
[My frequent 4-minute long-distance phone calls have been a subject of strife in my marriage lately.]
That dream home of your own - here are a few ways to tell whether it's the house you want: 988: Is there enough lumber in the construction? Go up to the attic and measure the rafters, beams and studding. They should be close enough to make the frame substantial.
[Oh no! I forgot to measure the rafters before we bought our house!]
1002: You can tell whether or not the phone has been ringing in your absence by placing a piece of thin paper and carbon paper between the clapper and the bell. If that important call came in while you were out, the carbon marks on the paper will tell you so.
[I prefer the "missed call" icon, but this works well too.]
