Wrap yourself in fleece and turn the thermostat down

If you hate climbing into a cold bed, you'll like the first tip. It's a great alternative to an electric blanket or a Snuggie. The only problem: you'll want more than one set. I recommend you do research before buying. They vary considerably in quality brand to brand. If your heart is still set on a Snuggie, here's a similar, free pattern so you can make one yourself: sissonfamily.com/Sewingroom/images/2006 projects/thesnuglet.pdf.

Better than flannel: Polarfleece sheets will easily allow you to turn down the heat in your house at night. I'm always cold - cold feet, cold hands. etc. I tend to wear socks to bed. Now I don't have to. - Vail, Washington

Note from Sara: You can find them at such stores as Costco, Wal-Mart and Cabela's.

Surprise dessert: When we have a pie, cake or any type of dessert, I take a piece or two and put it in my freezer in the cellar. This way, long after my family would have plowed through the entire dessert, I have some for them that they have forgotten about. Last night, my daughter and husband split a piece of cheesecake from a cheesecake we had over the weekend. They enjoyed it more last night, when they thought there were no desserts than the day that three-quarters of a cheesecake was staring back at them. Pam, e-mail

Stretch hamburger: Add some shredded potato to it for things like tacos. It fries up nicely and really adds bulk to the hamburger to make it stretch for a larger family. I do it all the time, and my family doesn't even notice! Patty A., Utah

Self-rising flour: I no longer buy it! Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 11/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Makes 1 cup. Brenda, New York

Chunky sauce: I shred carrots into spaghetti, and they double the bulkiness of it, making it seem meatier. Kathryn, Louisiana

• 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.