Today's tips are from the Watkins Almanac and Home Book of Useful Information that was published in 1940.

Very neat pages with Moon's Phases, seasons, plus recipes and tips.

--Soft fruit such as berries, should be spread in shallow pans lined with waxed paper and kept in the refrigerator. If kept in boxes, berries soon mold.

--If boiled frosting will not thicken, the syrup is too thin. Place bowl in hot water and use a rotary beater. If frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of hot water and beat.

--The white lining of oranges will come off with the skin if the orange is soaked in boiling water for five minutes before peeling.

--When baking potatoes, let the potatoes stand in boiling water 15 minutes and they will bake in much less than usual time. If you are crowded for time, boil the potatoes until nearly done, then place in oven to bake.

--Muffin tins are excellent for baking apples, tomatoes, stuffed peppers, etc. because they will keep their shape.

--Use two small eggs in dividing a recipe calling for three eggs.

MORE: Tips on caring for vintage fabrics---

http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/vintagefabric.html

From Brenda Hyde, owner of Old Fashioned Living.com. Visit her for more tips, recipes and crafts. Sign up for her free newsletters here: http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/news.html