Freezer Power, and Fluid Fix

by WiredBerries Readers — December 18, 2006

Our members this week offer tips on using less energy in your freezer,
removing stubborn scuff marks, and keeping ferns healthy indoors. In addition, there is a delicious mocha smoothie loaded with potassium and calcium.

Monday December 18th
Freezer Power

"If you don't keep your freezer stocked with food, fill zip-lock bags with filtered water and stow them inside," advises Crystal Fioredda of Queens, NY. “The more frozen stuff you have in you freezer, the less energy it consumes,” she continues. “It doesn’t have to work as hard because the number of frozen objects keeps other foods cold without burning extra electricity.” And, in the event of a power shortage or other emergency, “you’ll have fresh drinking water on hand.”

Tuesday December 19th
A Tried-and-True Timer

The gadget of the week comes from Cheryl Kleinman of King George, VA, who swears by the Pampered Chef Clock/Timer. “It’s easy to set, for up to 9 hours and 99 minutes, and can be heard almost anywhere in my house,” she writes. “I’ve even used it as an alarm clock, and the powerful magnet stays put, unlike others I’ve used. It’s also very sturdy—we’ve dropped it into a pot of boiling water and it still works.” The gizmo costs around $16, can double as a stopwatch, and is a mere 2 by 2-1/2 inches in size.

Wednesday December 20th
Fluid Fix

Kerry Lynn of Valley Cottage, NY, has discovered that the best way to get rid of stubborn scuff marks on appliances and tennis shoes is to dab a bit of lighter fluid on a paper towel and lightly rub. This economic elixir also works well for fingerprints on mirrors and all kinds of stuck goo—including the residue from price tags and labels.

Thursday December 21st
Mocha Smoothie

Our smoothie of the week comes from June Taggart of Portland, ME, who likes to drink it for an occasional on-the-run breakfast—it’s got fruit, protein, calcium, and a jolt of caffeine to see her through till lunch.
1 cup fat-free milk
1 medium banana, sliced
1 to 2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
2 teaspoons of instant coffee (use decaf if you’re cutting down on caffeine)
½ teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup ice cubes or crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth. Serves two.

Friday December 22nd
Feeding Fussy Ferns

Potted ferns take a beating from indoor heat during the winter season. Everyone knows about misting with an atomizer, but to keep hers extra healthy, Jean Feigenbaum of Branchville, NJ, advises

•	Adding weak tea to your watering can. When you buy a new fern or are repotting an old one, plant a soggy teabag alongside the roots.
•	To keep worms away, poke wooden match sticks into the soil with the sulfur end down. Use four matches for a six-inch fern and six for an eight-inch plant.
•	Once a month, boost your fern’s nitrogen content by adding a few drops of ammonia to your watering can. They love the nitrogen.