Reuse foil to save money, plus other tips designed to save you time and money

DEAR SARA: I need ideas for storing foil. How do you store saved foil to reuse? I don't have any extra space in the drawers in my kitchen, so I keep the foil in a plastic zipper bag in the cupboard. The bag falls out nearly every time I open the cupboard. It is so annoying. There has to be a better way, but I'm stumped. Suggestions appreciated. -- R.D., Ohio

DEAR R.D.: You wouldn't have too many pieces at a time if you reused the same one before taking a new piece. But that doesn't help you now if you have a lot of pieces saved in a baggie. Your bag idea is a good one. You can buy a small plastic hook with double sided tape (3M makes a hook that adheres to the wall or cabinet but won't damage it) and hang the baggie on it. Or store the flattened pieces where you store your cookie sheets, in the oven, and remove whenever you use the oven. Put it back when you're done, save the box and tube that your foil comes in and reroll it. Or store flattened pieces under similar packages of brown bags, wax paper, plastic wrap, etc. If you'd like to reuse a few quickly so you have a few less to store, crumple them and use them as a pot scrubber, or clean the grate on your grill or toss a foil ball into your dryer to reduce static cling. Or wrap your celery in it so it lasts longer.

DEAR SARA: I just bought 3 half gallons of almond milk. Can I freeze it? -- Sindi, New Jersey

DEAR SINDI: Yes, you can freeze it. Pour it into ice cube trays. Once they're frozen, transfer them to freezer bags.

DEAR SARA: My daughter is 9-1/2 months old now and no longer spitting up. I have a huge stack of cloth diapers. What can I do with them besides turn them into dustcloths? -- Anne, Kansas

DEAR ANNE: You can use them to wash windows or the car (interior detailing and tires, too), to dry pets or if you own a Swiffer mop, they can be used as reusable pads for it.

DEAR SARA: I'm wondering where to get cheap maternity clothes. Did you sew your own maternity clothes? Or is it cheaper to buy? If so, where can I get maternity clothings for cheap? Any information on how to change my regular pants to maternity pants? This is my first pregnancy, and I'm starting to show and need clothes that fit. -- Mai, Indiana

DEAR MAI: I wore my regular clothes for a while. Later on, I wore pants with elastic or a drawstring waist and oversized shirts. There are waistband expanders and belly bands that attach to or slip onto your regular pants. You can ask friends and family, search Craigslist, eBay, thrift stores, garage sales, consignment stores or Freecycle for maternity clothes to fill in the gaps. Check for retail clearance stores, too.

DEAR SARA: How do you clean fiberglass tubs? Help! I have hard water scum all over my tub and shower. How can I clean it? Hate to say it, but our tub and shower doesn't get cleaned like it should, so how can I get it clean and vow to keep it clean? -- Jeannie, e-mail

DEAR JEANNIE: Don't use any type of scouring pad. Use a wet, soft cloth or sponge and baking soda. You can use shampoo or dish liquid on a wet cloth, too. Or use a wet fabric softener dryer sheet.

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village ( www.frugalvillage.com ), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com .