Whether it's anticipating a back-seat disaster, coming up with a quick dinner solution or keeping memories alive, my wonderful readers always have the perfect solutions. Oh, how I love to open my virtual mailbag (otherwise known as email) to find all of your fun tips, tricks and life hacks.

TRAVEL KIT

I have a little kit I keep in the car. It contains gallon-size zip-close bags, paper napkins, straws and antibacterial soap. It's amazing how many times I use it. Once, my daughter became sick on the way home from an event. The zip-close bag and napkins came in very handy. Then there was the time my son had to pet a friend's dog and then wanted to have a snack on the ride home. Antibacterial soap to the rescue. Having straws handy means I can keep my eyes on the road and take a swig of soda at the same time. — Mary Jo

SHOO, FLIES

I've learned that keeping fresh rosemary around keeps the flies away. A growing plant in a windowsill is a great idea. — Bud

ROLLS LIKE BOB'S

Sometimes I forget to buy dinner rolls to go with the entree I've made for dinner. Then I remember what they used to do at Bob's Big Boy when I went there as a kid. They toasted split hamburger buns and served them in place of dinner rolls. If it's good enough for Bob, then it's good enough for my family. They love it, too! — Jennifer

SAVING MEMORIES

My husband loved his trophies from his "glory days," but they were becoming unsightly in their sprawling mass. He agreed to part with them on the one condition that I take a picture of each trophy. I have more space, and he still has proof of his past achievements. — Carol

MYLARED WALLS

A good use for Mylar balloons after the celebration is over is to deflate them and use them like wallpaper in your child's bedroom. Start in the center of the wall and move outward, overlaying them as the years and balloons grow. We did this for my daughter, and by the time she was a senior in high school, her one wall was totally covered. Her friends enjoyed the "celebration wall," and our daughter could relive some of the celebrations and memories as she talked about the unique balloons. — Jim

DO-IT-YOURSELF ICE PACKS

To make your own flexible ice packs, pour 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol into a zip-close plastic bag, and close. Put zipped bag into a second bag. Seal, and then freeze. You will have a slushy bag of ice whenever needed for sprains and headaches. Make sure you label these bags clearly. — Donna

SHELF LINER

If you want sturdy shelf liner material that looks great and cleans up easily, consider self-stick vinyl floor tiles. They're simple to cut to size and come in lots of colors and styles. Look on the clearance table for opened boxes or discontinued styles that have been marked down. — Marcy

Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

Photo credit: Bru-nO at Pixabay