Gravity and Creativity Prolong Products’ Useful Life

If you were to take a peek inside my refrigerator, you’d have to stand on your head to read labels. Food seems to last longer when stored upside-down in a container with a tightly fitting lid. It’s something about the food sealing itself. All I know is it works. I can’t remember the last time I had to toss out sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. due to spoiling. Our first reader tip has the same idea but for different reasons. Genius!

NO-MESS PEANUT BUTTER MIXING

Dear Mary: Natural peanut butter separates and must be stirred thoroughly before the first use. That can make a big mess. To avoid this, I store the jar upside-down so that the oil is at the bottom of the jar. When I stir, the oil doesn’t run over. It also ensures that there won’t be peanut butter at the bottom of the jar that didn’t get thoroughly mixed. — Jill

PUT FLEECE SCRAPS TO USE

Dear Mary: I have found many uses for fleece fabric scraps. They are the best dust cloths for my wood blinds and my floors. I have an old Swiffer that I never used because I didn’t want to purchase the wipes that go with it. Instead, I attach a piece of fleece. It works great for what I need. — Meg

USING THIS FOR THAT

Dear Mary: I love it when household items can be used in multiple ways. The sticky labels on my new dishes came off with cooking spray, and the ballpoint ink stains on my kitchen cabinet laminate came off with hand sanitizer. — Carolyn

DINING ROOM TABLE OPTIONS

Dear Mary: Instead of looking in furniture stores for a dining room table, try checking office supply stores or Craigslist for conference tables. Dining room tables of the size I need ran $1,200 and up, but when I looked for conference tables in the same style, I was able to find them for around $300. — Harvey

A HOMEMADE SOLUTION FOR DRY HAIR

Dear Mary: Add extra shine, volume and strength to your hair with liquid fruit pectin. I add one 3-ounce package of liquid fruit pectin to my shampoo and another to the conditioner. Stir and shake to mix the contents. It’s also a remedy for split ends. — Gina

LEFTOVER SPECIAL OCCASION CEREAL

Dear Mary: I buy cereal whenever my grandkids come for a visit. After they leave, I take what’s left and put it through my blender. I put the crumbs in plastic bags to use as breading or fillers. You can do the same with crackers of all flavors, chips, pretzels and other snack foods. — Donna