Make a Rag Holder out of an Old T-Shirt
I have found that a woven fabric shirt works better than a t shirt
Dyeing Clothing with Tea
Tea or coffee will dye natural fabrics - cotton, silk, wool, etc. It will not work well on synthetics. I recently dyed a cotton skirt using used coffee grounds that Starbucks will give to gardeners to use in compost in our gardens. The skirt was bought at a...
Keep Sticky Notes in the Bathroom
Jot your list of errands or needed items on bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker. You can then copy it when you are heading out but often, just seeing it triggers visual memory and will help you visualize the list late. Wipes off with a tissue!
Office Party Prize Ideas?
This depends on your price range. Gift cards to places like Blockbuster or Starbucks or restaurants are welcome. How about a photo session like GlamourShots for the winners. If it a company party, how about an afternoon or day off,with pay, if that can be arranged...
Creative Uses for Upholstery Samples?
How about eyeglass cases, sewing kits, travel jewelry packs, travel shoe bags. patchwork throws or tote bags.
Early Bird Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
A favorite gift I gave my niece one year was ream of paper. Cheap copy paper, I put it in a box from the print shop and she was thrilled to have 500 sheets of paper all to herself!
Custom Embroidery Help?
Basic embroidery is easy to learn. Get a beginners book at the library and practice on something old. All you really need to learn is a backstitch or a running stitch. You are limited only by your imagination. Make up a design or copy something from a book...
Looking for Advice on Hearing Aids?
There are different kinds of hearing loss, i.e. conduction, nerve etc. Each kind requires a different type of aid. Have a doctor (ENT) or audiologist prescribe the right kind for you, then you might price shop it online.
Crafts With Glass Flower Vase?
I would decorate them nicely with ribbon, bows, greenery, pinecones and any Christmas craft stuff on hand, then tuck in some fresh greenery and the smells of Christmas enter your home. Especially nice if folks have a fake tree. Or use them, decorated, as containers...
Uses for Paper and Craft Ideas?
I designed a cute personalized letterhead for my friends, and had it copied and bound into a pad at the print shop. I bought my own colored paper by the ream at the paper company, took it to the cheapest print place I could find by calling around. They will...
Uses for Baby Bed Bumper Pads?
I discovered that turned upside down and tied to the bed frame, these make great dustruffles. They are just the right height. My beds are against walls so I only have 1 length and 1 width to cover. This works best in the design is not directional, but whos...
Looking for Hot Tub Chemical Alternatives?
I use a product called Carefree Spa. It isnt cheap but it is cheaper than all the testing and then various chemicals to adjust balance. It is easy to use, doesnt have harsh chlorine odor or feel, and is gentle on skin. I dont have to shower after I get out...
What Goes with My Living Room Paint?
Take a paint sample with you when shopping. You may want to use a floral print that has this color in it.
Dry Erase Board for Appointments
I jot my reminders on bathroom mirror with dry erase marker. Wipes off in a flash with a bit of TP or a tissue. I always see the memo in the AM as I am getting ready for the day.
Christmas Basket Food Wrapping?
Depending on what you make, some things can be made ahead and frozen. Clear plastic to-go boxes (clamshell) and deli containers are good in baskets. So is foil with red and green ribbons. Or a mix of the two. Containers can be saved from your to-go purchases...
Solution for Bad Smell in Chinese Antique Wood Bucket?
Try soaking it with a strong vinegar solution for a few days, then drain and soak in clean water. Leave it in the sun to dry.
Looking for Lightweight Gift Ideas for Family Overseas?
How about gift cards to companies that will ship overseas that they might like, and that have web-sites to order from. A digital camera if they dont have one, or web-cam might be super gifts, too.
Looking For Free Junk Website?
You must be looking for http://www.freecycle.org There are local groups here and its a yahoo group. I give and get stuff all the time.
Uses for Miscellaneous Fat Quarters (Gift Ideas)?
How about doll clothes, doll blankets that are tied with yarn. Or aprons for a child who helps you in the kitchen or potting bench. Tote or drawstring bags are great , too.
Safe Can (Jar) for Hidden Keys
My aunt used to wrap cash to have on hand for an emergency in a foil packet in the freezer.
Removing Mold Smell From Mobile Home and Clothing?
Soak overnight in vinegar and laundry soap. Rinse as usual in the AM. Hanging them out in the sun to dry woould be a good idea, too
Make Planters With Old Record Albums
To turn records into planters, cover an oven safe bowl, or flowerpot with foil. Place it on a cookie sheet upside down with a record on top. Oven at 250 degrees, record will soften and drape down over the bowl. Keep an eye on it.
Family Oriented New Year's Eve Party Ideas?
How about lots of balloons? Since helium can get expensive, I blow up balloons, tie a long curling ribbon to each, and tape them to the ceiling with a small roll of tape. No-one every guess I didnt use helium! How about making noisemakers at the party to use...
Flame Retardent Plastic Table Covers?
Try lighting one on fire in a safe place with extinguisher right there. I doubt that these are fire retardant-they will probably flare up then melt.
College Gymnastics Banquet Centerpiece Ideas?
Get potted mums in school color or colors. Using stakes long enough to go into the soil, spear small toys indicating sports, balls of different types, bats, mitts and poke 1 or more of these into each pot. A florist can get you pot covers in solid color of...
How to Get Peace Lily to Bloom?
Do not overwater, and peace lilies like low light. A hi nitogen fertilizer at half strength will encourage blooms.
Is Replacing The Springs On a Sofa Worth It?
This really depends on how much the sofa cost new, how much it will cost to replace springs, and how much a new sofa will cost!
Looking For Advice On Vacuum Sealer Bags?
Try wetting your thumb and index finger, and rubbing in opposite directions with the bag between. This works in the market, too, for opening plastic produce bags.
Call Ahead to Check on Appointment Times
My time is as valuable to me as theirs is. Any doc can have an emergency now and then but running very behind always show lack of time management skills in the practice and disrespect for patients.
Pocket Pouch for Couch?
I made one from a new square pot holder. With 1 corner up, fold the 2 side corners overlapping and tack with a few stitches. I sewed on a pretty button for decoration and tacked this, with a few stitches to the armrest cover on the couch. You could use velcro...
Plastic Grocery Bags In The Glove Compartment
I keep my car registration and proof of insurance in the plastic case from a CD. Takes up hardly any room and keeps these important documents from getting ragged. I think I will add that emergency $20 bill, too.
Button Sewing Tip
In thinner fabrics reinforce fabric with a small square of heavier fabric inside to see they. I like small squares of denim inside where button is sewn. Obviously this is only a goidvideanifbthevdwnum square won't be seen from outside. Oh and a Dab of clears...
Thrifty Items For Your Glove Box
I keep my car registration, proof of insurance and a $20 bill in a jewel case in glove compartment. Easy to pull out everything if needed and the docs dont get shredded and wrinkle from other stuff in there.
Paint Color Suggestions For Asian Inspired Decor?
Celadon green or a rich taupe with red and black accessories
Tips For Taking a Cruise With Children?
There are tons of activites for kids on cruises. Most cruise ships have a kids club organized and supervised kids activities. Let your kids spend some time there, and some time with you on shore excursions, meals, etc. Soft drinks are not covered in your room...
How Long Should Dishwashing Gloves Last?
I agree-use until unusable! Then cut into slices or rings for extra strong rubber bands!
Cowboy/Outlaw Themed Birthday Party?
Serve food in aluminum pie tins, something like hot dogies and campfire beans. Rustlers punch, cowboy hat shaped cake. Red and white checked picnic tablecloth, Have kids come dressed as cowboys, make a couple of stick horses from old socks, stuffed and attached...
Saving Money On Tights?
Buy dance tights in neutral color-the kind dancers wear with leotards. They last a lot longer.
Sending Out the Old Magazines
I take old magazines to nursing homes, medical offices and a dialysis center near my home. They are always glad to get them.
Airport Tips When It Is Difficult To Walk?
TSA wont let you bring a bottle of water thru security but you can bring an empty water bottle or reusable cup and fill it from a fountain inside security and once aboard do ask for as many bottles of water as you need.
Pajama Birthday Party for 7 Year Olds?
How about doing some crafts. If you do something like painted T-shirts or even socks , they can wear them the next morning. Buy T-shirts in boys dept-packs of 3. Just buy them all larger than needed and they can wear them as nighties or cover-ups.
Pen Around Your Neck for Shopping
Kind of a silly thing to buy. Any pen with a clip can slip on any lanyard or chain you already have.
Organizing With Free Boxes
Love these boxes. I might put a piece of contact paper folded over where label is just to be prettier
Shabby Chic Bedroom Decorating
In a similar vein, I made a headboard from plastic lattice, painted green stems on it and hotglued silk flowers along the stems. I did the flowers in each girls chosen colors.
Spider-Man Party Ideas?
Spider webs are very easy to draw with fabric paint and would make great party girfts. Check with moms ahead of time as to sizes. Games could be Pin the spiderman in the web, spider toss into a can or bucket. Find the hidden spidermen.Musical spidermen (like...
Name Tag Ideas for Clothes?
I have marked black or other dark colored clothes with whiteout. It does not wash out.
Contact Paper For Longer Lasting Books
When I was teaching I did this with all the paperback books in my classroom library. It extended the life of these books enormously.
Using Placemats to Protect the Nightstand
Regardless of what I use to protect my antique furniture, I always make sure the bottom layer is plastic
Overspending in September - Supplies for the Secondary Schools
Many schools email the list to parents before school starts.
Framing Inexpensive Art
OMG. I have a gorgeous original painting that was done for me but not framed and I have had it for at least 2 years. I have an antiques frame for it but the mat was too expensive to do. Now I can frame it and hang it up.
Baking With Jelly Beans?
They melt if you use them for baking and make an unattractive colored blob. How about putting them on top of a cake or pan of brownies, They will stick to the frosting.
Saving Money at Restaurants
In CA servers are paid minimum wage, and tips are not deducted from their pay. They do have to pay taxes on their tips, but the restaurant doesnt deduct that from their pay-its between them and the IRS/Franchise tax board. That said, I tip based on service...
Use Plastic Placemats For Cutting Board
Dollar stores sell plastic cutting mats for $1. Better to use this thAn a placemat.
Stains on Hosiery from Shoes?
If these are good shoes from a reputable store. Take them back to the store. The shoes have been improperly dyed and will probably do this to all your hose.
Removing Odor From Dish Sponge?
These are so cheap. Just throw them out before they get as bad as that pic
Tips For Grooming Heavy Shedding Dogs
Sometimes when I brush my Sheltie I could swear I get enough hair off of her to knit another dog!
Organizing Your Bathroom For Busy Mornings
Jot notes to yourself right on mirror or glass shower doors with a dry erase markers. It wipes right off
Puppy Keeps Running Away?
I have had 3 Shelties and they like to run around in circles,, run away and bark incessantly. Because these are innate behaviors I have not been able to train her to do otherwise. Our house rule is that no one, under any circumstances opens an exterior door...
Saving Money on Milk
Milk mixed half with water will have half the nutrients. Maybe ok to do so for baking, atho this might not work at all, but a pretty poor idea for drinking.
Keeping Track of AC Adapters
White-out works really well as a permanent marker-no need to buy another product. Also, a dot of nailpolish matching color to color works really well.
Organizer from CD Cases
I put my car registration and insurance info into a CD case (remove all the CD info first). Then toss it into the glove box and it is easy to grab when needed.
Use Natural Paint Brushes for Applying Makeup
BTW, CVS and RiteAid have same return policy on make-up as Walgreens.
Dispose of Prescription Bottles Safely
With the opioid crisis we need to get these drugs put of our houses ASAP and safely. Many drugs stores will accept and destroy them appropriately. Some police depts have drug take back events. The sheriffs stations where I live have have a secure drop box inside...
Plastic Lids Work as Small Dry Eraser Boards
2 lods turned back to back and fatsened with a little brad (paper fastener) in the center make a great card holder for little children who have trouble holding playing cards. Just slip the card between the lids and hold onto the circle.
Make Your Own Board Game
When I was teaching I had my math class make our own version of a Monopoly game. We labeled the space with things Like principals office, library, front door, Ms so and sos classroom. We measured the board squares learning how to use rulers, and practiced counting...
Floppy Disc Case Recycling
I use one of these to hold car registration, proof of insurance and an emergency $20 bill in glovebox. All in 1 place if needed.
Floppy Disc Case Recycling
Inside one of these cases I put my car registration, proof of insurance, copy of AAA card and a$20 bill. Everything is in 1 place and I pop it into the glove box of my car. Cash is just in case as I never seem to have cash on hand when I need it.
Fasting and Weight Loss?
This is foolish and dangerous. Your body needs protein to surviv and will start to consume is own muscle if you don get enough. The heart can b affected as it is a muscle. You also risk electrolyte imbalances and could ver easily pass ou while driving or doing...
Bleach Alternative for Cleaning a Meat Market?
Your local health dept. will have safe guidelines to use. Please dont risk the health of your customers by doing anything else. You would have HUGE liability if someone got sick from your food.
Losing Weight on a Budget?
Eat lots of fruits and vegies, steamed or raw or microwaved without added fat or butter. Grilled chicken or fish-chicken breasts on sale are a good buy-stock up and freeze. Whole grain breads or pastas. Lots of water. Half of a meal plate should be vegies, 1...
Dog Pees on Furniture?
Dont have advice but Bichons are notoriously hard to potty train completely. I have 1 and he does OK wth urinating outdoorsin my house, but will poop anywhere, often my bathroom, if he has been scolded or whatever, but will pee on anything outdoors, so if I...
Substitute Teacher Business Cards?
I love all of these. I taught for 30+ years. How about Im here when youre not Are you aware of VistaPrint for free business cards (pay only postage)?
Keeping Grass from Growing in Mulch?
Roundup, and you can also buy pre-emergent weed and grass hebricides at any home supply store. One brand is Triox
Moody Children Need Breakfast
Sometimes I wake with a headache. I can usually attribute this to low blood sugar, and find eating breakfast right away-which I usually dont do quite so soon- helps. Kids might manifest bad moods or headache as well-this is super advice. Be sure to feed healthy...
Moses and the Burning Bush Sunday School Projects?
They could make a burning bush by taking some twigs, tying or wiring them together and gluing on bits of orange and yellow tissue paper
Painting Over Contact Paper?
Contact paper is a pain to remove. There are textured, strippable wallpapers you can get that are meant to be painted over.
Treating a Dog for Pain?
Why is your pet in pain? Treat the source of the pain-and that means going to the vet first. If he has arthritis there are dietary supplements that may help, as will making sure he is not overweight.
Killing Mange Mites with Bleach?
I wouldnt risk the kids health. Drain and clean the pool thoroughly. If you refill for the kids to use put it where the dogs cant get in, or keep it covered when not in use.
Good Gift for a Departing Soldier?
Phone card, phone minutes, song downloads if he has an Ipod. Or a homemmade Gift cert for regular care packages- from home-maybe every relative could pick a month to send one?
Cleaning Espadrille Shoes?
Try a Mr Clean eraser, or if that doesnt work a laundry stain remover and scrub with an old toothbrush. Dont soak the shoe-it will probaly fall apart if you do.
Hiding Places for Cash at Home
My aunt hid cash in her freezer, wrapped in foil and labelled with a food label, like hamburger patty
Repairing Shoe Straps With "Insta Fix" Glue
There is a glue I buy at Walmrt called E6000 that is amazing-it needs to dry overnite, but you have the flexibility of not needing to be spot on the moment you touch the surfaces together. It is inexpensive and holds everything-dries clear. Look on the peg...
Dry Carpet Cleaning?
Look for a company called Chem-Dry. I, however, prefer steam cleaning. Carpet will be wet after, but should not be soaking. If it is they did a poor job of extracting dirty water.
Advice for Reestablishing Credit?
If you want a card to make online purchases consider a pre-paid credit card, which you buy by paying a st amt of $ for it like $100-$200 and it functions like a debit card but is not linked to a bank acct.
Home Remedy for Diabetic Foot Pain?
Please discuss this with the doc who treats your husband. It sounds like diabetic neuropathy and is a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to amputation if untreated.
Ear Cropping and Tail Docking?
Again, there are all too many unwanted dogs, esp mixed breeds around. Spay and neuter all your pets-dont breed!
Homemade Cough Remedies?
Never give honey to an infant under 1 yr old, however. Some honey has botulism spores that could be fatal to a baby.
Looking for Dieting Advice?
Be sure you are getting adequate nutrition while you are healing. Smoothies are great-add some protein powder to them-available in drug store, Costco, health-food stores. Get the vanilla flavor so it wont mess up the fruit flavor of whatever fruits you choose...
Company Review: Publix Grocery
Many stores donate their soon-to -expire stuff to food banks and the like.
Older Dog Has Started Chewing on Things?
People, whenever your dog has a problem you think may be medical, dont ask questions here, which takes days or more to answer. Go to the vet ASAP! Would you ask about your sick child here? How can anyone here know what I wrong with your beloved pet without...
Finding Listerex Face Cleanser?
I believe this prduct had hexachlophene in it which the FDA pulled for safety concerns back then.
Frugal Ways To Save
It is not wise (and may be toxic) to substitute dog medicine for use in cats., regardless of dose. I agree with splitting pills for dogs of different sizes, but not species specific meds
Homemade Shaving Cream Recipe?
I use cheap hair hair conditioner. Works like a charm and a bottle lasts forever.
Wedding Gift Ideas for a Second Marriage?
Gift cards for entertainment if they dont need things or family passes to a local attraction like a zoo or amusement park. Restaurant GC, movies theatres, rentals etc, or if possible offers to babysit.
Decorative Story Jar
Please use caution before giving a glass jar to children to decorate. Some peanut butter or jelly jars are clear plastic and might be a better choice.
Frontline Flea Treatment No Longer Effective?
I am using Comfortis, too, although it is expensive if you have to get it from the vet. In the US that is the only place to get it but you can order it online from Canada or Australia for way cheaper! I have 2 dogs in the same weight group and buy a dose strong...
Homemade Garden Hose Holder
Standing water breeds mosquitos. With a number of mosquito-borne diseases out there I wouldnt suggest this. Water in your pic looks yucky
Helping My Husband Match His Clothing?
I had a colorblind partner. I just marked the color name on tag with a sharpie(i.e. Light blue and put a list of colors that go together i.e. light blue-navy, black. Very easy, and after a while she learned the combination that work. Im sure that doing this...
Paper Towel Tube for Tong Storage
I save the wide rubber bands that come around broccoli and wrap them around tongs
Crocheted Tea Cup Pincushion
use E6000 glue to join cup and saucer. It will hold better than hot glue/
Removing Seafood Odors from Your Hands
Anytime I have food odors on my hands, esp onions or garlic I wash my hands with toothpaste (with breath freshener kind, or even mouth wash.
