Trouble Shooting an Electrical Switch Problem?
John, I dont think your friend blew something as much as he/she burned something. This is a job for a professional, someone with the high-end tracking tools to find where the burn-out is. Make sure to contract with someone who is licensed in your area and the...
Painting Over Wallpaper?
As other posters have said, if the wallpaper is in good shape you can paint over it-I have many times. Ive even pulled off the came off easy stuff (bubbled, peeling, etc), sanded the edges smooth, and applied a sponge effect paint job to camouflage the slightly...
Clothing Dye Transferred in the Wash?
I wouldnt mix OxiClean and bleach, in fact I think there is a warning on the label about it. As long as you didnt throw the now pink blouse into the dryer, you should be able to get the pink out, and restore the blouse to its original white by washing it in...
What is This Plant? Creeping Charlie
It might be dollar weed (aka pennywort)-thrives in moist soils, and will take over a lawn in a couple of years. http://www.cooperseeds.com/dollarweed.php3?cartid= Its hard to eradicate especially if you are having a drainage problem in your lawn area; you can...
Recycle Buttons Into Earrings
I wear clip-ons but those are hard to find nowadays. Ill be able to make myself as many pairs as I want now-thanks for a great tip!
Cutting Down One of Two Apple Trees?
Jodie is right-apple trees (and most other fruiting plants) need a mate to pollinate and produce fruit. Since you have two 40 year olds that are producing bumper crops, have you thought about sharing the wealth? You could donate the excess to food banks, homeless...
Removing Cigarette Odor from a Room?
Try washing the walls, ceiling, switch plates and light fixture covers with a half water, half vinegar solution, that should neutralize the nicotine trapped in the paint; set several bowls of vinegar in the areas for a few days, too. You may have to repeat...
Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Something is causing that breaker to trip-dont take the chance of a fire or electrocution, call a pro in to find out what is wrong.
Removing Stagnant Air Smell from a Room?
Can you get distilled white vinegar (not the malt kind for chips, but the plain white)? If yes, set several shallow bowls out in the room-trust me, the vinegar smell will fade in about a half hour, and so will the musty smell. You can also wash the walls with...
Video: Crochet Hook Gel Grip
I not only thunbs-upped this tip, I bookmarked it and put it in my crochet folder on the favourites bar-this is a wonderful idea and Ill be putting it to work this morning!
Free Vintage Red Work Designs?
Have you tried looking on the embroidery pages at about.com? Ive found several patterns for hand embroidery there, including some really nice redwork. Ive also found some that can be adapted. This page is full of links to vintage embroidery-all free because...
Shopping for Mean Green Kitchen and Bathroom Cleanser?
Have you tried Dollar General? Ive never been to Ohio, and now I live in the UK, lol, but when I lived in AL, FL, GA, and VA, Mean Green was on the shelf in every single Dollar General store I ever visited. Your Ohio stores probably carry the same products...
Getting Rid of Dandelions and Hedges Without Herbicides?
The only way I know of is to take a skinny trowel or long toothed forked out there and dig them up as soon as you see them. Its a bit of work and is a lifetime commitment, but well worth the effort. My new husband and I are reclaiming several garden beds and...
Clematis Stopped Blooming?
How old is it? A lot of plants have a shelf life. Like humans and every other living thing, they have a life span-your clematis might be at the end of its. Although they have a long life span, you may have got your plant when it was at a middle-aged point. But...
Removing Smoke Odor After Mattress Fire?
Vinegar will really help you get rid of the smoke stench and it is incredibly cheap. Mix it strong at one-to-one to create a washing solution for the floors, walls, light fixtures, switch plates, etc. Dont rinse it off as the vinegar smell will dissipate within...
Getting Rid of Gnats on Houseplants?
Are you absolutely sure the gnats are from the plant? Sometimes what looks like fungus gnats come in through the drains, not the plants.
Getting Rid of Gnats on Plants?
Make sure that your dish soap is one of the very mildest-in other words, dont use anything marked concentrated grease relief, or as containing bleach or OxyClean type stuff. Ivory dishwashing soap was the best thing, we Master Gardeners (university extension...
Growing Plumbago?
Plumbago has a spreading-droopy nature, and as such will not grow upright unless you stake it. Luckily, it takes to staking rather nicely, just be sure that you dont cut the stems by tying them too tightly to the stakes. I suspect you saw one or several in...
Getting Rid of Shredded Paper?
We use it to make briquettes for our wood burning stoves. We bought a briquette form and have saved a lot of money on wood for the stoves. This year we figure to have around 50 hours of free burning thanks to collecting shredded junk mail and newspapers from...
Front Load Washer Leaves Clothes Hard?
My new husband came with a front load washer, and its been a learning experience, lol! I have learned that with front load washers, less is more when it comes to detergent, and that using laundry soap for front load washers (marked HE for High Efficiency) is...
Cleaning Tub Stains?
You want to avoid anything with bleach if your stains are from mold, even the purpose made products that claim to be specific for cleaning mold from tile. Bleach and mold react to form a gas that over time can cause serious health problems: http://www.thriftyfun...
Harvesting Potatoes
Ellen, thank-you very much for this column, the information will be shared with neighbours here who are joining my husband and me in the Good Life exercise by planting vegetable gardens. Although Scotland is a country filled with farms and farmers, our neighbours...
Bleaching Agent Left Yellow Stains on White Shirt?
I dont think youll be able to get the yellow out. Ive done the same thing a couple of times and sadly had to give up on the garment. I even tried one of those colour strippers from Dyelon-didnt work. Sigh. My most heart felt condolences on your loss-finding...
Getting Rid of Flies in the House Naturally?
My husband uses a strip of duct tape to home make fly tape. He twists the strip, securing it to itself to maintain the twist, then sticks it up. It is beyond gross and works like a charm. (But Id rather be able to find the real fly tapes, lol! I havent seen...
Ideas for a Waterproof Clothespin Holder?
Lilac beat me to it, lol! I love using an apron for the clothes pins, and have made one using pretty much the same directions she gives in her post:) I got a carpenter apron as a freebie once about thirty years ago and it occurred to me that this would make...
Shopping for Reasonably Priced Men's Jeans?
I found several that size in Wal-Mart this past spring. The price was pretty good too, if youre not looking for anything too fancy-I think theyre called Rustlers, and they cost around $9. LOL, I was looking for 33x30s, and kept finding those 33x38s, took me...
Getting Rid of Bishop's Weed?
Oh dear, good luck with this little beast! According to the link (and the many others I found when I Googled), this is one of the most persistent and hated garden weeds known to man. http://www.gardendecor-and-decorativeaccessories.com/getting-rid-of-bishops...
Shopping for Raw Peanuts?
Most grocery stores carry boiled peanuts, look for them in the canned goods aisles. You may have to ask where the store keeps them, but most store chains across the US do carry them. Erm, word of warning, boiled peanuts are the textbook example of an acquired...
Adjusting the Flame on a Gas Range?
No, you call in a professional and get the jets cleaned-what you are describing are the signs you have a partially clogged jet. Youve got the beginnings of a real problem there, please be safe and have the unit serviced asap.
Cleaning Burners on a Gas Stove?
Every gas stove Ive ever seen (to be fair, not that many because gas scares the heck out of me) had lift off burners that could be soaked in the sink and then replaced on the stovetop. Look at your burners to see if there is a hinged looking thing on any of...
Removing Deodorant Stains from Clothing?
Are the blouses made of any kind of synthetic fabric or a blend of synthetic and natural-if yes, you are stuck, nothing gets that yellow out. Ask me how I know (sniffle), Ive lost a few lovely blouses over the years to underarm protection. I ended up switching...
Scale, Ants, and Aphids on a Meyer Lemon Tree?
Your best bet is to Google the extension service for your area. Use the name of the nearest university and the words extension service for your search term, for example: auburn university extension service Your local extension services are an amazing source...
Identifying Small White Jelly Bean Shaped Eggs?
Dont disturb the eggs as the lizard you saw running away may have been the mum who will return to the nest. Its better to take a photograph of the eggs where they lie and show the picture to the teacher, or the extension service office. Some of the university...
Choosing the Right Shrub for Your Garden?
Also, NCSU has an absolutely fantastic extension service run by people who would LOVE the chance to advise you on the best plants for your situation, give their webpages a look to find out more, and how to contact your local office: http://swain.ces.ncsu.edu...
Removing Smoke Odor After a House Fire?
Vinegar will also take the smoke odor out of clothes and mattress. Use the vinegar in the laundry by adding a cup to the wash cycle, repeat as needed until the smoke smell is gone. Make up a half water-half vinegar solution, dampen a washcloth or hand towel...
Garden: Peony
What a lovely peony! Have you thought about growing a new garden in your new home? Even in an apartment you can grow a lovely container garden. Your grandchildren will love the memories theyll grow by visiting you and your new garden, plus you can share memories...
Planting Seeds in August?
The best way to know what and when you can plant in your area is to Google your local extension service. Use the name of the biggest state university plus the words extension service to find the website. Most of the extension services have web pages geared...
Growing Bonsai Trees?
Bonsai is one of the most beautiful forms of gardening there is! It is a life work, though. One family has been caring for a Bonsai for over 800 years. The basics are that you use careful and constant root pruning to force a tree or shrub to maintain a miniature...
What Kind of Snake is This?
It looks like a diamond back rattlesnake, although Ive never seen one with that dark a head before. Best thing to do is take or email the picture to your local extension office (Google your nearest university+extension services to find the one in your area...
Indoor Gardening?
You may not have much luck with the lavender because they need to have an outdoor setting for the light and pollination from bees and wind combined. But the gardenia-if you can manage the tricky indoor environmental needs, shouldnt be too hard to do. Research...
Painting Over Wallpaper?
You sure can paint over stubborn wallpaper! Use a fine grit sand paper to smooth any edges from bits you have been able to remove, then use a coat of a good quality primer to keep any pattern colour or bold lines from bleeding, then paint away-use a roller...
Help with Front Garden Bed Design?
I love box hedging too, and luckily your little front garden is perfect for using a method the French have used for years-parterre planting: Use the images in the link to inspire you to design a parterre garden in miniature: http://www.google.co.uk/search?tbm...
Garden: Iris from My Country Garden
Im glad to read that you have a new garden, Diane, what a wonderful way to teach your grandson about his grandfather. :)
Using a Handy Stitch?
I Googled and found the following links that seem to be clearly written, and Ive included a YouTube link to a video that shows the operation too: http://www.ehow.com/how_7524375_use-singer-handy-stitch-machine.html http://www.ehow.com/how_7877985_handy-stitch...
Eliminating Static in Fleece Blanket?
Have you thought about using a duvet (comforter) cover? Insert the static generating blanket in the cover, zip, snap, or join the velcro closure, and you should be ok. You can make a cover by seaming two bed sheets together on the two long sides and the pretty...
Craft Ideas Using Men's Ties?
I used my now retired husbands work tie collection for coffee and tea pot cosies, a Christmas tree skirt, and a stocking for him to hang on Christmas Eve (were newlyweds, got married last January). You can piece together the ties as they are, or you can open...
Frugal Scrap Rug
This is a great idea! I do needlepoint and crochet, and really hate throwing out those scraps of yarn. Now Ill save them up for a rug. :)
Protecting Grass from Dogs?
Two ways to handle this-create a path of some sort of hard scape where the dogs like to make trails, or plant a grass that wears better. Which grass variety is dog and kid traffic hardy in your area is best determined by a visit to a good local plant nursery...
Shopping for Seat Savers for a Sagging Sofa?
Or you can measure the sofa/chair and get the d-i-y centre to cut a piece of thickish plywood/MDF for you. Works the same and is cheaper.
Creating an Office Fund?
I think asking people once a year to donate to a small float is OK if its a fairly small company, but one with more than 25 employees is asking too much of people in these economic times. And I would never say that people who didnt contribute for whatever reason...
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
Mom-from-Missouri is right, and you need to get an electrician in ASAP. Check the contract on the carpet layers, you may be able to get some of the expense for the electrician back from the installers insurance. But get the house checked right away because...
Clothes Washing Savings
My only concern about using only cold water is that a lot of the bacteria we come into contact with in our daily lives gets onto our clothes and household linens-I just dont believe cold soapy water kills bacteria. And bleach doesnt rinse out in cold water...
"Romance of the Sea" Silverplate Storage Box by Wallace Silversmiths?
You may found a treasure in the eyes of a collector of original Wallace SIlversmiths memorabilia-if your chest is original to the 1950s when the Romance of the Sea line was first produced: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_Silversmiths_Inc. There are some...
What Is This Plant?
Actually, what you have there is a dracena, of which there are many varieties. Im posting a link to a good source of information with pictures, the article has links at the bottom of the page to several extension service website that have a lot more information...
Can I Use Rit Dye in a Stainless Steel Sink?
Ive done it without a problem, but I made sure to scour the sink out right away with Ajax once the dye job was done.
Cleaning Hairbrushes?
I am so lazy! I carry my hairbrushes and combs into the shower on shampoo day, and after Ive lathered up I run the combs and brush through my hair-carefully to avoid tearing the hair. Nothing cleans the hair brush and comb better than shampoo:)
Helping My Sister Deal With an Abusive Relationship?
It sound as though your sister is in a very bad, dangerous place. She needs to contact the nearest battered women shelter and follow their advice to the letter-the most dangerous time for a battered (physical or verbal) woman is when she is trying to leave...
Refrigerator Tripping Breaker After Power Outage?
You may have a problem related to surge when the power came back on. The safest and best thing to do is unplug the appliance and call a professional. But first: Does the power cord get hot to the touch when plugged in and drawing power? If yes the problem is...
Remedy for Smelly Water?
You might want to have your water heater checked: http://www.mrwa.com/watersmellrotteneggs.htm I had the same problem once years ago. The plumber said it was sulfates accumulating in the tank.
Growing Food Commercially in a Greenhouse?
The first thing to do is make sure that any seeds (or plants you want to propagate) youre thinking of using, are not covered by a patent. It is against the law in the US to sell any plant that is under patent (unless its your patent, of course). The next thing...
Determining the Age of a Vintage Marlboro...
Its probably from the late fifties or early sixties. It looks as though its been exposed to weather, and the red paint has faded. The paints used in commercial signage changed in the early sixties to a paint formula that doesnt fade under weather so Im guessing...
Beware of Drug Interactions
Logged in just to hit thumbs up on your extremely valuable tip. Thank-you!
Simple Toddler Cape Pattern?
Chloes suggestion is great, but if you decide you want more pictures and patterns, try the sewing pages at about.com. The guide there has posted several patterns available free online. You download the pattern, print it, tape it together on the clearly marked...
Growing Onions?
Hi Robert, I live up in Scotland, and have had the same questions. Im new to the UK and gardening over here. :) A site that has been a great help to me is the allotment site, the information is easily adaptable to small home plots: http://www.allotment.org...
On-line Planting Timetables for Fruit?
Every area is different-when to plant anything depends on your planting zone, and also on any micro-climate may exist in your exact location (and that micro-zone can vary from one spot in your garden to another!) Your best bet for successful planting is to...
Cleaning Vinyl Wallpaper?
Mix a half water, half vinegar solution in a bucket and wipe down the walls-dont rinse. The vinegar smell will evaporate and take the odor with it. Test on in inconspicuous spot first, wait 24 hours to make sure the vinegar doesnt eat your wall paper. Ive never...
Where Have the Boysenberries Gone?
I have no clue whats happened to the boysenberries, but I hope someone does, and I hope the canes come back to fruiting. I was raised in Southern California on boysenberries - so very good, nothing else compares. I miss the wonderful taste here in the UK where...
Saving Money by Buying in Bulk?
Make sure you have room to store your bulk buys, and dont fall into the trap of buying a bulk quantity of something your family will never touch. Oh boy, I learned that one the hard way! One of the best bulk buys out there is the case of freezer zip-lock bags...
Transplanting Irises?
Most bulbs are best transplanted or divided after flowering has stopped and the foliage has progressed to a point where it looks dead and scraggly.
Growing Annuals in Pots Buried in the Ground?
This is a fantastic idea and should keep your impatiens looking great while youre away. The planting process you describe so well is known as carpet bedding, and is one of the ways professional landscape designers and maintenance techs keep places like Disney...
Scenery: Fourth Of July Fireworks (Coos Bay, OR)
Wow, these are great photos, some of the best Ive ever seen of fireworks!
Small Pattern for Learning to Sew?
The sewing pages at about.com have tonnes of information and free printable patterns to learn to sew on-youll have something usable to show for your efforts, too:) As for fabric, a great place to buy fabric to learn to sew on is the second-hand, charity, or...
Save on Facial Cleansing Wipes
Excellent tip! Im going to start doing this, thank-you for posting it. Its a kind of a forehead smack thing because it makes so much sense but had never occurred to me.
Organizing Thread?
Ive got mine organised into shoe boxes. I use a twist-tie from bin liners to attach the bobbin to the spool of thread, and try to organise the colours by shades with a card taped to the end of the box for quick selection.
Making a Floral Swag for the Front Door?
I used to make sprays with seasonal cuttings from the woods near my house. I would take three cuttings per spray, putting the longest in the center and the two shorter ones on either side. Id tie them with twist-ties from bin liner bags, then use a piece of...
Manual for Singer 2404 Sewing Machine?
You can also try the Singer sewing website. They charge a small fee for most of the manuals but its well worth it for the newer models. Some of the machine manuals are free to download, but most have a cost.
Manual for Singer 2404 Sewing Machine?
I found it here: http://www.sewingmanuals.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Singers.htm Dont know if its free or not though. Good luck!
Make New Patterns From Old
This is an excellent idea and I gave it a thumbs up. Im going to do this with my master patterns, thank-you for the tip! Im going to assume that you used permanent marker to transfer the pattern markings, and that you finished the raw edges of the pattern pieces...
Scenery: Thunder Rolls (Florida Coast)
Oh I agree with the other posters who are calling unfair on this! I hit thumbs up before realizing the photograph was taking by a professional, I wish I could take back my vote.
Beeping Smoke Detector?
Sounds like there is a short somewhere. You need to contact a licensed electrician-he/she will have the tools and training to track down your problem. Do it as soon as you can because this could be a fire hazard; if you are on a very tight budget you can call...
Teaching Children to Sew?
The sewing pages at about.com have loads of info on teaching children to sew. LOL, its been so long ago that I learned I cant even remember how I really started, but Im thinking it was hand sewing on paper templates like Sandy writes about. I also vaguely recall...
Kitten in the Window (France)
Sweet photo, even better when clicked on so that it is enlarged. Well done:)
Improving the Appearance of Ridged Nails?
Hoof conditioner for horses works a real treat on people nails, too! Its inexpensive, and comes in a huge tub in the pet section at WalMart, or in any tack shop. Apply with cotton swabs to the nail and cuticles every night before you go to bed. Youll see a...
Anti-wrinkle Cream Intensified Appearance of Fine Lines?
You should get pictures, too, to support a claim. The product may have been out of date. The damage could be from the way you applied the product-if you pulled the skin while applying it, or rubbed it in when you should have let it absorb, for example.
Repairing a Silk Scarf?
Look for a tailor or seamstress in your town-try the dry cleaners, and the high end bridal departments, too. Both establishments usually have a staff of truly expert needle-persons who can repair your vintage scarf. Another place to look would be the fine needlework...
Pinecone Christmas Ornaments
The photos are very much appreciated, as are the templates and the well written instructions. Thank you!
Christmas Cactus Not Blooming?
This cactus also likes to be slightly root-bound before it will bloom, so dont pot it up into a bigger pot until the roots are literally waving at you from the bottom of the pot.
Insulating Sliding Glass Doors Inexpensively?
I lived in an apartment for a year that had a sliding glass door in my bedroom. Oh boy, the drafts coming in were terrible, even with a heavy set of insulated drapes. So I rolled up newspapers into logs, fastened with rubber bands from the Sunday paper, and...
Finding Support Groups?
The community pages of local newspapers often list support group times and meeting places; another place to look is your local version of The Thrifty Nickel (Penny-Saver, etc) classified paper. I hope you find a group soon. Support groups are a wonderful help...
Fixing Squeaky Brakes?
Have those brakes checked at a reputable and trustworthy garage. Squeaky brakes can be trying to tell you all kinds of things, none of them any good. You could have worn pads, or low on brake fluid (try looking it up in your owner manual, if yours is lost, Google...
Getting Rid of Fleas in Your Yard?
If you can squeeze out the money, liquid Sevin is the best flea killer for in and out of doors. Apply it on the interior perimeter (baseboards, cabinet backs) and then mix another canister and go right out to apply another round on the exterior perimeter of...
Dish Soap To Clean Houseplants
This is such a good thing to do for your plants! The use of the mild soap and water treatment can also act as a pesticide. It was one of the first things Master Gardeners were taught back in the early 90s when I went through the training in FL. Using it to...
Gas Oven Does Not Heat Up Correctly?
If all of your majour appliances are acting up at the same time, your problem may be in your electrical system-even if your range/oven and clothes dryer are gas they still use some electricity. But it could be you were sold appliances that came from a damage...
Wiring a Service Disconnect?
I hate to put it this way, but if you need to ask, you really need to have a professional do the work. Im sorry to be so blunt but as PBP said, your inexperience could result in a real tragedy.
Starting Vegetables from Seed Indoors?
Google the name of your local university plus the words cooperative extension service for the website of the local extension office-tonnes of fantastic information geared to your locale:)
Vegetable Planting Calendar for the UK?
Hi Dave! Im an American ex-pat living in east-central Scotland, and sometimes feel Im having to learn gardening all over again since moving to the UK! Ive found these three sites to be the most helpful: http://www.gardeningzone.org/content/content.php/hardiness...
Reblooming Iris Only Bloomed Once?
Multiple blooms from iris depends on where you are located. I love the flowers but when I was living in the American Deep South I didnt even try-too warm and the plants dont get enough chilling hours to encourage the second and third blooms. I think to get...
Sharpening Rusty Garden Tools?
First thing to do is fill a bucket with sharp sand available in most garden centres (or get a bag of childrens play sand, its not as sharp as sand labelled sharp but will work in a pinch) Mix in some used motor oil-not too much but enough to make a sort of...
Troubleshooting Wiring Problem?
You have a serious problem that requires a professional; a trained, certified and licensed (and insured) professional who has the tools and knowledge to sort this. There is either a short somewhere or the wiring is wrong between the outlet and the lights. BTW...
Identifying the Source of a Musty Odor?
The smell might be coming from your duct work, or from the drains. Do you have central heat and air? Check the filter; might be time to change it. If that doesnt help, try having a look with a flashlight in the ducts. If you can see dust, there is probably...
Cell Phone for Emergencies
This is such a good idea! I was alone for 11 years (after a divorce ended my marriage of nearly twenty years). When I first got it (1997) I was still married, mobile phones were expensive but when my marriage ended in late 1998 I continued the cell phone plan...
Fleas in the House?
Winter in Ohio should kill off most of the fleas living in your soil outside-which is where the fleas in your house are probably coming from. However, a few of the eggs will over-winter and you will have the problem again as soon as the ground thaws in spring...
Snake in Wall of House?
The presence of a snake in your walls is a heads-up that there is food in there for them-rats, mice, and squirrels are on a snakes preferred menu and they will go where the food is. Seal all the holes and cracks you can find with the expanding foam over the...
Snake in Wall of House?
Forgot to say that you should be very careful about using the bathroom-always check to make sure the snake isnt swimming around in the toilet or shower.
Identifying Temporary Internet Files?
Im on a MacBook now but I used to see the same thing when I was on MS. Once you really look at those files, a lot of them are ones you dont want-they are persistent cookies. You can right click and delete them that way, but you need to be careful that you dont...
Rubbermaid Boxes For Christmas Decorations
I really like this tip, thank-you for posting it. I like those specialty plastic bins but the price is always too high for me to justify buying. Your tip will work great for me, thank-you again.
7 Year Old Won't Eat Since Moving?
Were looking at a reverse of the same situation-Ive recently remarried and moved to the UK and my son will be bringing his 7 year old son to visit in the spring. The grandson has the same food requirements as your son. For take-away, try the chicken nuggets...
7 Year Old Won't Eat Since Moving?
Forgot to add the way I know this works is that I tried it when I was visiting them this past spring. I took my grandson to the grocery store so that I could stock the cupboards with foods he would eat while he spent Spring Break at his dads (My sons notion...
Burnt Stainless Steel Saucepan?
Not in my unfortunately considerable experience, lol! Uhm, youre not talking about a pan burned so badly that it was deformed, right? That might make a difference.
Plastic Sacks in WWII?
Could the writer have used a term out-of-time? If the writer was born in an era where plastic bags are literally everywhere, he or she may have unconsciously substituted the word plastic to describe a bag made from waxed cotton or oil cloth-both waterproofing...
Inexpensive Heating Unit Similar in Efficiency to Window AC?
I want to chime in with support for the oil radiator type space heaters-they are very safe and work well IF your house is well insulated/draft proofed, and the space you are trying to keep warm isnt too big. When I was living in North Georgia I lived in a 1965...
Removing Mold Spores from a Room?
Deeli is absolutely right-this is a job for the professionals. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if the guys you mention in your post dont use protective gear whilst doing the work, you may have a lawsuit on your hands should one of the workers become...
Polyurethane is Not Drying on Dining Table?
It could be so many things! The wood types being different could make a difference depending on soft v. hard woods (more common a construction trick than people realize), and how dry the woods were. Was the humidity level in the area different when you applied...
Bringing Ferns Inside for the Winter?
If the fern is in the ground, leave it where it is because its acclimatised and will be fine-it may look dead with winter but will perk right up in the spring. If its in a container, first give the soil a good soak with the garden hose and while youre doing...
Redecorating on a Tight Budget?
For nearly free Christmas decor, think about things like pine cones rolled in glitter-soak pine cones youve gathered on walks in water and a little household bleach overnight to kill off any bugs, let them dry in a warm spot for a few days, then brush white...
Cleaning a Washing Machine?
Ive always cleaned mine by running it through the cycles empty (no soap, no clothes), set on hottest water and heavy duty setting. You can also add a cup or two of vinegar the first time to break any suds lock. Its a good idea to do this as a habit at least...
Mexican Palm
I think the birds have left you Mexican Fan Palm seeds that have now germinated and sprouted: http://ag.arizona.edu/pima/gardening/aridplants/Brahea_armata.html They grow to be those huge palms that line boulevards, and since yours are so small they should...
Home Remedies for Dizziness and Tight Shoulder Muscles?
Dizziness on standing indicates low blood pressure, and could be a symptom of something very serious going on especially put together with any muscle symptoms. You MUST go to a health care professional to have this attended to-dont rely on helpful advice from...
Home Remedies for Dizziness and Tight Shoulder Muscles?
Dizziness on standing indicates low blood pressure, and could be a symptom of something very serious going on especially put together with any muscle symptoms. You must go to a health care professional to have this attended to. Dont rely on helpful advice from...
Cleaning Carpet That Has Been Flooded?
Or you could rent a steamer and do it yourself. Backbreaking work, but youll have the machine for 24 hours and will be able to really sort this mess. Make sure you get the de-foamer as it sounds as though youve saturated the carpet and padding with way lots...
Cleaning Carpet That Has Been Flooded?
Forgot to say that you probably wont need to buy the soap when you rent the machine, just the de-foamer that you pour into the tank. Read the directions and good luck to you in this! It is very hard work but the savings makes it well worth it.
Winterizing a Butterfly Bush?
We have several in our Scottish garden and they make it through the harshest winters in great shape. Last winter we had a heavy snow pack from late November through the middle of February. You had to know those bushes were out there because they were completely...
Fall Vegetable Planting?
I was able to get some fall crops in my Cherokee County garden (Ive since moved to Scotland) so you should be able to as well. The best thing to do is check with your local extension service, try this link to find your office and their web pages which will...
Dyeing a Polyester Wedding Dress?
DeBushe is right, youre going to need dye made especially for synthetic fabrics. LOL, I learned this the hard way:)
Female Dog Urine Stains on Carpet?
Hatty is right-the lingering odor is likely coming from the soaked underlay of the carpet. Since you posted your question a few days ago the padding has probably begun to dry but the smell isnt going away. MottmillerCremean is right about the vinegar, but because...
Kitchen Paint Color Advice?
You could use a green to pick up the hutch, or you could go with a beige to go with the floor and the light coffee colour in the LR, and then use pot holders and canisters, etc, in complimentary colours to accent.
Ideas for Meaningful Gift Bags for Wedding Guests?
My then soon-to-be husband and I spent a very pleasant evening in early Jan 2011 filling little organza bags we bought from a crafts house online. We placed the bags at each guests table setting, and the bags were very well received:) He has beautiful calligraphy...
Shortening a Pleated Wool Skirt?
Labor-intensive is the right phrase for this job! Make sure the person you entrust with this job understands that to do it properly he/she should measure the depth of the pleats very first thing to make sure that the pleats fold back properly after the work...
Sweet Gum Tree Root Removal?
Ive heard of success by driving a huge nail or railroad spike down the center of the stump, but it takes years to accomplish the subsequent rot of the stump and root. There are products available at plant nursery centres that hasten the decomposition, make...
Using Artificial Light for Indoor Plants?
Are you using one of those daylight-spectrum bulbs? Thats the only thing I can think of that might work instead of a specialty (and expensive) gro-light bulb. Read the tip of the bulb to find out what kind of bulb it is, if it is one of those daylight bulbs...
Fall Planting Ideas?
You can also try the extension office website for your area (Google the name of the closest university and the words extension office to find yours). Lots of free and very useful information geared to your area.
Leather Clogs Squeak?
Apply a liberal application of saddle soap-takes the creak out of anything leather. Follow the directions on the tin.
Electric Stovetop Not Working?
It sounds as though you have a wire gone bad in the stovetop (the part where the burners are). It may be something as simple as a loose wire from the top being pulled up while cleaning. Shut off the power to the burners and then use a flashlight to get a good...
Circuit Breaker Broke While Being Turned On?
Only one suggestion-call in a licensed, certified, insured professional, and do it as soon as you possibly can! You have an overload somewhere and by forcing that circuit breaker over you have worsened the situation. This is a fire waiting to happen, no kidding...
What Breed is My Dog?
I think he does have some German Shepherd in him (back legs, tail), but not a bit of Border Collie-those front legs and paws are pure Welsh Corgi for one thing, and truthfully the head does have something of a Corgi look, too-easily mistaken for Chihuahua if...
Painting Over Very Dark Brown Walls?
Your best bet to get the rooms the colours you prefer is to wash down the walls with a one-to-one vinegar+water solution, let dry thoroughly, and then apply a couple coats of KILZ or other similar quality covers-all primer paint. If you follow the directions...
6 Year Old Daughter Won't Wear Underwear at Home?
Im mother of two adults, gran to one seven year old-trust me, 6 year olds want to conform. There is a reason your daughter takes off the underwear as soon as she can, and it is very likely to do with either soap irritating her as Mary suggested, or the fit...
Troubleshooting Computer Problems When Keyboarding?
Have you recently updated or upgraded your browser or OS (operating system), and are you on Internet Explorer with a Windows operating system? If yes, go up in the tool bar and hover the curser over the icons until you find the one that says something about...
Shopping for a Belt for a Ruby Treadle Sewing Machine?
Check for a serial or model number and then Google using the model name and number in your search string. I think the Ruby was made by Singer for a store chain so you might be able to find parts looking on a Singer site, try this one, and follow the navigations...
Selling Crafts Using Licensed Fabrics?
Actually, using the fabric to create items for resale is illegal without proper licensing from the company. I teach sewing using commercial patterns and fabrics but am only able to get away with doing so because the patterns and fabrics are bought by the student...
Towels Smell After Washing?
It may be from soap residue in the towels. Try running them through a wash without any soap, and check during the agitation cycle to see if the water is sudsy. Ask me how I know, lol! I had the same problem and a Google search led me to the suggestion. I did...
Low Cost Veterinary Care?
Ive been in your situation. I found help for my elderly dog by ringing around to the vets and baldly asking for help. I prepared before starting the phone calls by writing down a simple paragraph that I could just read as an introduction to why I was calling...
Shortening the Stride in Men's Pants?
There would be a lot of alterations needed to cut down a pair of mens pants to fit a young boy, youd almost have to completely re-sew the garment. Try having the child put the trousers on inside out and see how much would have to be taken in at all of the seams...
Removing Cigarette Smoke and Nicotine from Wood Furniture?
A solution of half water-half vinegar will work too. Use a dampened cloth to lightly wipe the upholstered parts of the furniture. It may take a few times to completely rid the furniture of the stench, but the vinegar and water will do the trick.
Display Everyday Dishes as Decor
Good tip, and it does add to the decor, very nice. FarStars question is a good one, but I already know the answer from my use of open shelving in my tiny kitchen. I dust everything before I use it:) Yes, it does sound like extra work, but Ive got a couple of...
Troubleshooting Power Outages to Appliances and Receptacles?
I agree with WildIrish. Call in a professional, and do it quick because whats happening with your wiring sounds scary-something is causing a short circuit somewhere along the line. This could lead to a majour fire in your home. If you are money crunched right...
Thread Keeps Getting Tangled in Bobbin Casing?
I hope you were able to get your costume done in time. It sounds as if the problem might be that the bobbin tension needs adjusting. Even though you have a brand new machine and the tension was adjusted at the factory, its possible that it was un-adjusted during...
Covering Styrofoam Balls with Feathers?
Or you could paint the ball with white glue (dries clear) then roll the ball in a pile of the feathers. That way you get coverage and stick. Then you could go back once that has dried and varnish with more white glue to get the feathers to completely conform...
Halloween Costume: Lego Indiana Jones
Incredible costume, looks very much like a Lego-how did you do the shirt? Very nice, gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Paint Color Advice for Burgundy, Black, and Cream Kitchen?
What a lovely colour combination! Id go for a cream on the walls to match the bottom cabinets, and I think Id probably use a green for accent pops. Post a picture for us. Id love to see what you end up with it.
Use Pegboard to Hang Kitchen Tools
Cute kitchen, and the pegboard really works in there! Love the red and white, the kitchen looks modern and functional, yet very retro, too.
Tree Leaves Have Black Spots?
You dont say the type of tree, or much about the black spots. Your tree could be a tall rose bush, or an actual tree-black spot on different types of plants have different causes and treatments. The best thing would be to take a sample to your local extension...
Lawn Fungus Control?
Hi David, Im up in Scotland. Have you had a look at the Royal Horticultural rhs.org.uk site for help? Also, try looking at the BBC gardening site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/ Good luck to you, the fungi lawn diseases are the hardest...
Finding a Vet Who Will Work Out Payments?
Have you tried calling around to the vets in your area asking for help? I did that and found one who helped me with my elderly Boxer. I cleaned kennels and walked boarding dogs to repay the vet for the discounted service, it was a real blessing to me and my...
Organize Current Photos First
Great thought about starting with the newest snaps first! Im always thinking I should get the old ones first but then I get bogged down and give up. Starting with the newest would mean my memory would still be fresh on the event and participants; that bit of...
Cleaning Wooden Blinds?
As far as I know there isnt an easy way to clean any kind of venetian blind no matter the material the slats are made from, wood, aluminum, or plastic. But I do know from experience that the bathtub soak and scrub method is the least easy of the ways to clean...
Wine Racks for Limited Storage
Thank you, this is a good idea that I am going to use in my bathroom for towels. And maybe my kitchen, too:)
