Prepare for winter ahead of time

It is time to think about winter-proofing your home. Many supplies are less expensive in the off months. You will save more money if you implement changes before the cold strikes because changes work well to keep homes cool in warmer months, too.

They are just really huge pieces of polar fleece sewn into sheets. Anyone could easily make their own with a little elastic and a serger or sewing machine. But I think you would have to order the special extra-wide (usually 60 inches) polar fleece online because I have never seen it in a store. -- Vail, WashingtonThe first reader tip suggests another way to stay warm.Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a website that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo., 64106, or email sara frugalvillage.com.Save time: When I need stuff from Sam's Club, I use the click- and-pull. You go to the website and just make a list of everything you need and order it. The store pulls it within 24 hours, and it is waiting on you when you get there! This saves me money because I don't walk through and see this or that thing that I just can't live without. -- Lorene, North CarolinaStay warm this winter: Polar fleece sheets will easily allow you to turn off the heat in your house at night. And you can find them at Costco, Walmart and Cabela's. I like the Cabela's ones as they are thicker, better quality polar fleece, but they are more expensive. I am one of those people who is always cold. I tend to wear socks to bed, and now I don't have to.A few examples include blocking drafts, adding insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, servicing your furnace and buying wood if you own a fireplace. Here are a few more ideas to prepare for winter: www.frugalvillage.com/2010/10/27/prepare-for- winter.Quick corn: I cook corn-on-the-cob in my microwave. Put it in a microwave dish and cover. One ear takes only 3 or 4 minutes unless it is frozen. It also is good when cooked in the shucks. When cooked in the microwave, you find out how sweet it is. Cooking it in water removes the taste. I also bake my potatoes in the microwave. Prick a few holes in the potatoes with a fork and grease them with butter or oil. -- Martha Y., emailThese are the best sheets ever! If you use them during the summer, they also help to keep you cool. -- Debbie, Minnesota

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