Betty Anne's Household Hints

Well, after scrubbing for like, minutes, on crayon (glitter) on the floor, walls, chairs, table, and heater, I decided to check out what Betty Anne would do to remove it. (Um, was that the longest, most comma filled sentence ever?) 

While I didn't find one on crayon removal, I did find a great way for mothers to avoid the high cost of new toys. Here is a tip from the Domestic Goddess herself: 

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. 

Betty Anne's Helpful Household Tip #3 AND #4

An unexpected gift arrived in the mail today. Betty Anne's Helpful Household Hints Volume 2!! I do not recall ordering this, I looked at it on Amazon, but never ordered it. Yet, like a gift from above, there it was in my mailbox today. I personally believe Betty Ann herself sent it to me.  So, in celebration, here is a double dose of Helpful Household Hints for you. 

#3- You can make your own deodorant at home. Simply fill a small spray bottle with lukewarm mineral water.  Mix in a heaping tablespoon of alum and a generous dose of your favorite scent and shake well. Now you have a home-made version of what you pay so much for in drug stores. 

#4- 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 heart (pig, chicken, cow, whatever) recipe. If you have one, do share. 

Betty Anne's Helpful Household Tip #2

This tip doesn't actually have to do with the household, it is more of a camping tip. I know some of you are still planning camping trips this summer, so here is a helpful tip- but don't think it is only for camping- many of us also run errands around town as well, and this may be a great option: 

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. 

I love this idea! Now, I can wash clothes and run errands at the same time! Whoo, multi-tasking! My only issue is this- diaper pail?  Yuck. I better check the book to see what her tip for cleaning diaper pails is. 

Betty-Anne's Helpful Household Hints #1

My sis reminded of a very helpful book I received as a shower gift for my wedding 10 years ago entititled Betty Anne's Helpful Household Hints. Given to me by my hubby's great-grandmother, who only re-gifts, this book was originally published in 1983. I will periodically share some of Betty Anne's hints with you, so you too can "make everyday life easier and less costly for you." (taken from the back cover) 

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. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I must go now, I am making a list of upcoming birthdays.