Now Here's a Tip: Keep plastic wrap in the freezer

By JoAnn Derson

• File this one under safety AND energy smarts: Clean the dryer vent after every load. Clean the dryer vent screen monthly with a gentle soap and water bath. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before inserting back into your dryer.

• I used to struggle with plastic wrap every time I tried to use it. But now, it’s a breeze since I learned to do these two things: One, keep plastic wrap in the freezer. It unrolls evenly, not one side or the other. Two, use a serrated knife to cut it instead of relying on the metal strip down the side of the box. You lay it out on the counter, and just run the knife down the edge you want to cut. Works like magic, and it’s no longer frustrating. - G.S. in Georgia

• Store an apple or two with your potatoes to keep them from sprouting. Be sure to check them often.

• Cut cotton pads in half to double your supply. They are typically big enough for two uses, and you can always use two halves if you need a whole.

• “Make a cream lipstick last longer and stay cleaner by using a makeup brush to apply. Your skin picks up more of the lipstick than necessary, one reason why we blot our lips afterward. But the brush uses only what you need. And there’s less bacteria transfer.” - Y.R. in Massachusetts

• Studies have shown that you spend more and make worse decisions when grocery shopping at peak hours. To be a saver on the family food bill, pick a time to shop when you’re not rushed; have a list; know the sales ahead of time; and eat before you go.