The slow economy and fast rising costs for health care and energy is putting a crimp in all of our pockets. The Farmers’ Almanac has always been an advisor on issues of “frugally”. It may be our Yankee ingenuity and it may be that there are ways to accomplish chores without buying disposable products. Here are a few suggestions concerning containers:

Coffee cans:

   * Storage place for nails, screws and small tools

   * Outdoor citronella candles -place candle inside. When done cover with plastic lid.

   * Fund-raisers. Decorate empty coffee can and fill with cookies and sell at bake sales or other fund-raising events.

Plastic Milk Containers:

   * Store sugar. Easy to pour and sugar won’t lump

   * Fill with rice, pasta, dried beans, etc.

Wrapping Paper Cardboard Tubes

   * wrap your holiday lights around empty tubes. Prevents tangling and allows for easy storage.

   * trim to size and store tongs closed so they take up less room in drawers.