I have a simple way of filling plastic bags with liquids or messy items. Set the bag inside of a glass big enough to hold it up. Take a canning funnel (big size that keeps splatters off the jar rim) and put it at top of bag on the glass. Cleans up easy and no messy plastic bag.

Make cleaning the microwave easy by first heating a microwave safe cup or bowl with about two cups of water. No need to add anything to the water but be ready to clean when about 5 minutes are up. The grunge will wipe right off.

To get a garlic clove to shed its skin easily, cut top off with a small knife (cut onto plate or board if you are prone to cutting your thumb) then cut lengthwise through the skin (just barely to cut only the skin) from tip to bottom. The skin will slip off as a thin jacket. 

Clean mildew from the refrigerator interior or door gasket using a soft cloth dampened in a mild water-and-ammonia solution: 1 gallon of water mixed with ½ cup of ammonia. (Ammonia with lemon is safe to use, but the lemon scent can be permanently absorbed into the refrigerator's plastic interior and pervade food.) It is not necessary to rinse. Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, or concentrated cleaning agents.

For a persistent burnt food odor in your microwave, try mixing 1 cup of water with 
6 tablespoons of baking soda. Then place solution in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 2 to 3 minutes on high power.

Keep Baking Soda handy for mixing with a little water to form a paste and use as a facial skin defoliator. Cleanse thoroughly, rinse and massage in a few dabs of petroleum jelly for moisturizing.

We were always looking for new ideas on cooking goodies without the sugar. Using Splenda, I found most recipes worked fine. I made the cake and frosting but then I also made the decorations for the cake. A little practice making leaves and flowers, allow to dry and place where wanted. Take a little fresh paste and make a holder for the birthday candles. Everything is edible (except the candles) and no sugar to create hyper kids.

I always save all my past issues of the special edition Christmas gifts and crafts from such magazines as Woman's Day and Family Circle. They are always at the grocery store isles and handy for the holidays. But save all so that you can browse for new ideas every year.