Make Your Own "Corn Syrup"

If you want to make something but you're out of corn syrup, or if you're like me and want to avoid as many GMO corn products as possible, you can make a good substitute by adding a quarter cup of water to a cup of sugar. Mix it well and cook until it's syrupy when you put a drop into cold water. Don't overcook it because it will become like hard candy. Store and use just like corn syrup.

Duct Tape

The use of duct tape suddenly took off a few years ago and wound up to be a sort of art - or craft, if you will. Not to lose out on an opportunity, companies started making it with colors and designs. Thank heavens we can still find plain old gray duct tape that works. Keep some handy to make repairs or for more creative projects. Hem a pair of jeans, cover a splintery rake handle... or close a leaky duct.

Easter Baskets

Still saving plastic grocery bags? Good! Make plarn from them then knit, braid or crochet Easter baskets. Use spring or basket-y colors and they look great. Start with a circle then create straight sides. Add a handle and you're done.

How to Knit a Rug (circle) Without a Pattern
How to Knit an Easter Basket
How to Crochet a Basket

If you've ever braided a rug, the concept is the same. Sew the braid into a circle then sew it into the sides.

Cheap? More than that. They're free. And cool!

Egg whites

Leftover egg whites? Use them for a facial mask, or put them in a meatloaf. They break down the 'gum' in chewing gum so that it's easily removed from fabrics and hair, too.

Keep your car battery in good shape

Car Tip: To prevent corrosion on your battery posts, apply some petroleum jelly  to them. Make sure that your car engine is cold before attempting this.

Go prepared

When you're in the market for a major purchase, don't go to the store until you know what you want. Research the product and decide what size, color and so on, will be the best for you. Going armed with your exact requirements is defense against a salesman trying to unload a 'great buy' that wouldn't suit your needs.

Freeze leftovers for convenient use

Put leftovers in serving sized containers and freeze. Individual yogurt cups are great for this. Seal the lids with tape and mark the contents. When you're busy or tired, dinner is already cooked and everyone can mix and match to their heart's desire! Just run water over the containers to release the food, put on a plate and microwave. (Or put on an oven proof dish and warm in the oven.)

Close vents in unused rooms this way

Instead of buying magnetic sheets to cover vents in unused rooms, buy narrow rolls of that magnetic stuff (or cut strips from a sheet of it) and put them around the edges of (free) cardboard sheets. It's just as effective and costs a lot less.

Plastic bag ropes

It's surprising how strong a strip of plastic bag can be. Cut it several inches wide and twist to make a rope or cord shape for tying almost anything. It won't stretch out once it's twisted and tied.

Free shower cap

Need a shower cap? Use a plastic grocery bag. Just put it on your head, twist the excess and tuck it in.