For those of you who have been reading my blog for quite awhile (um, Patty and Kate) you know I have a fascination with Betty Anne's Household Hints. Yes, this book is a gem to me. Before I share the BeSt of what she has to offer, I will give you the back story.
For my wedding shower, at the tender age of 18, I received this book from Corey's great grandmother Helen. She was about 84 at the time, and has been giving away things from her house for 20+ years. This always makes for interesting gifts from Grandma Helen. You are never surprised to get a homemade faux fur vest, one silver spoon from a set of silver (your father in law will get the pickle fork, your uncle the salad spoon) or a crocheted doily. Being a child of the depression, she never lets anything go to waste. When she was still able to sew, we would get homemade vest, quilts and pillows. Since she had this issue with things going to waste, you might get a quilt made out of old curtains, table cloths, faux fur, and other random fabrics from the 60's and 70's. Which, actually, would be pretty rockin' fabric used in funky color combinations. Ahem.
For my wedding shower, I received an old cookbook, a book on how to be a good wife (in my feminine ways, I threw it. Shouldn't have, it was great) and this book:
It has the best tips ever for a Domestic Maven such as myself. Take a gander at my top faves.
Betty Anne Helpful Household Hint #1:
A gift that's lucky, too- As the cost of meats keep rising, chicken becomes more popular. And that means more leftover wishbones. Here's another way (besides wishing!) to use them. Dry them. Paint them. Put a little glitter and tie them to gift packages. The recipients will not only have a nice gift, but have a lucky wish, too.
It is my friend Kari's birthday this month. I better buy some chicken.
Your car can be a washing machine
If it's absolutely necessary to wash clothes on a trip, try this. Bring along a diaper pail. Fill it with dirty clothes, soap and water, and put back the lid. (Make sure it fits tight.) Store it in your trunk. ( Do this just before departure to another site, or if your taking a drive.) The movement of your car will agitate your clothes. Just rinse and hang at the next location.
Umm, no thanks.
Dolls
Here is a cheap and easy way to make "dolls"! Save used, clean, empty dishwashing detergent bottles. Take some colored marking pens and draw faces, hair and clothes on them. Before long, you'll have a whole "family" of these beautiful friends.
Don't worry, there is one for if your young one is not into dolls. Simply take your man's old necktie, stuff it with stuffing and sew it shut. Then, sew a tongue and eyes on it for a creepy old snake for your kids to cuddle with! Don't worry, they won't strangle themselves on it or anything.
Lastly, my all time favorite:
Bored of the same old meat and potatoes? Well, for variety's sake, try some of what we call the "forgotten" meats. Kidneys, liver, tongue, hearts, even brains can be fixed in a number of tasty and interesting ways. They'll also be easier on your budget.
I am glad she mentioned the "forgotten" meat tip. I have been looking for a good brain (pig, chicken, cow, whatever) recipe. If you have one, do share
