Finding an Honest Mechanic?
These are all great suggestions, and in the Oregonian this morning I found a website for www.angieslist.com it is a compilation of all consumer-rated businesses, kind of like a referral service. I havent visited it yet, but you could check it out to see if...
Make Your House More Energy Efficient
You know, regarding setting back thermostats.....I actually turn mine up at bedtime and then turn it down during the day. When we sleep, it is only for 7-8 hours, it is colder at night, and my sons are notorious for kicking blankets off and waking up because...
Make Crust from Cracker Crumbs
Could that be Barnums or Stauffers? Barnums are so much sweeter, but Stauffers are much more like a cracker!
Frugal Dog Toys?
My dog only plays with tennis balls, but the ones marketed for pets are not good enough (pop in thirty minutes) In the sporting goods, you can get three for less than the price of two in the pet department if you look for practice balls. Also, tennis clubs...
Frugal Dog Toys?
Sidenote....be careful on your choices for chew toys...when they misplace their favorite, they WILL look for replacements. I had that problem with shoes. My husband gave a puppy we had an old slipper, then she started on others. And if you have young kids, or...
Frugal Dog Toys?
For Ree - try racquet balls, the blue ones by Wilson (?) They are guaranteed for game use, but the dobe/lab puppy we had could only play with that ball because she would destroy EVERYTHING (including my shoes and a squeaky gorilla she disembowled!)
Reusing Old Wine Bottles?
I would check a brewing store, they sell empty clean bottles for homemade wine, I dont think it would hurt to ask them about buying yours (if no chips or cracks).
Measuring Elastic for a Bed Skirt?
I saw one of those fully elasticized bed ruffles on Direct Source insert in Sunday paper (also at directsourceinc.com under general merchandise) I am so thankful for the search engine on Thrifty fun to find this advise! The profile said it was double elastic...
Housewarming Money Tree?
I like the wishing well idea, and let people know ahead of time that gift cards at Home Depot, Lowes, Sears are acceptable. Alot of times people will ask what you need, and these are great for home emergencies, and can be combined as a down payment on major...
Housewarming Money Tree?
You want to hear tacky, I was invited to one (I had already bought the present) and all I asked was if youd like me to bring a dessert or dish (potluck style) and she said no, just a gift is fine.
Strategies for Family Togetherness?
Church is a number one....but we as a family have graveyard schedule, and it rotates, so it is hit and miss. We have only one tv, but if you have a small one upstairs, it makes a big difference when one is laid up in bed (and when it is a parent, the kids naturally...
Jelly Making Prices Seem High?
For the pectin from apples, does it matter if they are tart or not? My apple tree makes tart apples, which I may mix with pears for sauce, and I am planning on making plum jam from the plum tree. Would the tartiness of the apple adversely affect the plum? This...
Jelly Making Prices Seem High?
UNRIPE APPLES!!! My DH pruned our tree, so I salvaged the little green apples. I found an article in the Oregonian, (lost the date!) by Vern Nelson (the hungry gardener) and here is a brief rundown: Select only hard fruit with a strong sour taste. If they start...
3 Cats that Don't Get Along?
For Barn v. House = My mother had a house cat that did that....he was old and fixed. He ruled the house, regardless of who lived outside. Male cats are extremely territorial, regardless of being fixed. I would do my best to keep them separated and look into...
Thrifty Uses for Salt
Salt is wonderful at cleaning up raw egg! Cover it and wipe away (kind of like slugs....)
Commercial Detergent Alternatives
Borax will stretch out your detergent too. My sons need to have perfume & dye free, and so I use borax for softening and boosting the power of the detergent. All through potty training, it got out the smells and stains; of course I also do a load at least every...
Frugal Furniture Ideas?
We keep our ears open for people moving (we were blessed to buy a solid wood entertainment center and 27 tv and dvd player for 300 after a fire!) We also do trading, either services or goods. A lot of the furniture we have is from clearance at furniture stores...
Put Ads at the Bottom of the Garbage Can
That is cheaper than the shelf lining. I used that because of the color contrast and they are washable
Ideas for Truly Madly Deeply Prom?
do a mountain by the seaside effect (like in the song)...or as a funny, a padded room!
Ideas for Truly Madly Deeply Prom?
Sorry, I meant the song Truly, Madly Deeply do (I want to stand with you on a mountain, I want to bathe with you in the sea, I want to Lay like this forever, Until the Stars fall down on me) I cant remember the band!
Marinated Frozen Chicken Breasts
Thanks for that..we buy the frozen packs of boneless skinless breast (and I personally dont think these are a great deal) I may try this with my favorite salsa for even quicker fajitas!
Too Much Liquid in Stew?
I found adding pureed pumpkin is GREAT for stew. My DH gives the last word, especially on Cuban/Basque cooking, so when I made the beef stew (I cannot begin to spell it!) I added some pumpkin instead of tomato paste for thickness...and he LOVED it! It mixed...
Masculine Homemade Christmas Gift
That is cute...maybe it can be altered for sports or yardwork in the summer for Fathers day?
Salt Free and Low Sodium Foods?
For tortilla chips, my husband bought some corn flour tortillas with low sodium, and I cut them up and dried them in the oven at 250 for an hour. Not as salty, but works great with salsa or cheese, and my little boy liked them too. About 12 8 tortillas made...
Iowa Applesauce Cake
I assume this is Robin From Washington, IA....I think I have saved all your applesauce recipes, as I have froze a big batch of it! You are as helpful as my Roseville Church Cookbook, from Roseville IA and my Mom on the phone! From another Iowan by blood.... (b...
Venison Recipes and Tips?
We sautee in orange juice, or anything with a citric base to break down the gamey Taste Works for steaks...maybe cube too. Try it in a swiss steak with tomatoes.
Operating a Garbage Disposal?
I would follow the rule, if it wont blend in the blender, dont put it in your disposal! You always need to clean vegetables and fruit before putting them in a juicer or blender, so I figure since it looks like a blender, itll act like one (without a drain and...
Looking for Healthy Oatmeal Recipes?
I make my boys oatmeal apple pie: One serving oatmeal (any kind) Applesauce, UNSWEETENED~as much as you can stand! Mix in cinnamon/splenda or just plain cinnamon, then sprinkle on top. No sugar added, even the splenda is ommitted most of the time! We do the...
Birds As A Bad Weather Predictor
It certainly is a lot cheaper than a weatherstation! I noticed the birds eating through the rain the past couple of days....and now we are getting a big system in time for Easter! My grandfather always taught us about cows: when they lay down in the pasture...
Invest In Your Health
We are blessed with a great grocery store (Winco) that has the best prices/selection Ive ever seen! If you read your labels, it is pretty easy (a little time consuming at first, but youll catch on!) For instance, just switching from bleached enriched flour...
Healthy Eating For Overall Health
If you eat out, pick Subway or Wendys. I think for their menu selection and price they are the best in terms of healthier eating out. And they do taste better!
A Healthy Meat Substitute
We got veggie burger mix (may be the same thing) but it seemed to be better used in our house to stretch ground meats, like for meatballs or loaf. We could never go vegan exclusively, but it was nice to have the extra soy protien and stretch our dollar more...
Healthy Snacking Grows Healthy Kids
Hooray Susan! I do the best I can with my kids, too (though we dont have a veggie garden, but will try containers over the next growing season!) We buy only wholegrain breads, and use whole grain flour for at least 1/2 the recipes. We dont buy cookies and sugary...
Healthy Eating For Overall Health
Quick tip on oatmeal: I compared the nutritional data (including dietary fiber) for Baby oatmeal (at 3-4 dollars a 12 oz box) to 12 packets of store brand instant oatmeal (1.50) and there wasnt much of a difference, except that store brand I.O. can be halved...
Sites Or Companies Willing To Donate To Troops?
verybestbaking.com is from Nestle and has a link for baking for troops.
Convincing My Boyfriend To Eat Cheaper Food?
I like the shopping idea, when he sees how much you really stretch. The flip side of that is when he gets to be TOO frugal and looks at only price and not quality! Case in point, I write on the list Grape Juice for my DH. He brings home Grape Juice Cocktail...
Looking For Wholesale Spam Supplier?
Some stores will give you a discount if ordering by the case or in bulk...
Sample Sizes For Travel
Keep the free sample items from stores, brand websites (unilever and P&G are the biggest) and even the Red Cross....I went through an apartment fire, so they gave us 4 toiletry bags, with literally 20-30 shampoo and soap samples! Lucky for us, they worked out...
Wash Your Dryer Lint Screens
So now what do I do with the big box of dryer sheets? lol Our problem is our ventilation system is poor (we have some flap contraption and the exhaust goes through half the house) but that is great to know!
Creative Ways To Serve Vegetables and Create Healthy Meals?
My husband puts cheese on everything...he can be hard to cook for except for that. And he was impressed when I cooked macaroni (about one and a half cups) and melted 4 slices american cheese and milk until creamy....you may want to use cheddar/colby-jack. He...
Lost My Job, Need Frugal Advice?
Heres what we have done (growing up and my own family:) Goodwill and Thrift Stores....look for clean ones (goodwill is best for picky teens) and keep all the older kids good clothes for the little ones and DONT be afraid to ask neighbors/old co-workers about...
Storing Clothes?
I like the sterilite containers (like Sharon said.) The space bags (vacuum) work great too, and you can store those ANYWHERE (my dh uses them for his hunting outfits) We combine the two to save on space
Baking Less than the Whole Bowl of Cookie Dough
Ice cube trays are great too...1 cube is one decent sized cookie.
Sneak Vegetables Into Your Dinner!
I have always fed vegetables to my children, but they do not like potatoes, especially mashed! We end up eating alot of carrots and tomatoes, but I add extra veggies to spaghetti sauce (like broccoli, the best veggie to eat!) They will reluctantly eat peas...
Uses For Cornstarch
Make gravy, white sauce (recipes on the boxes) and make your own powdered sugar...1 Tbsp: 1 cup sugar and blend in blender.
Dealing With An Abusive Husband?
I have been through this situation through the childs eyes....GET OUT NOW!!!! Just because he drinks beer and hasnt striked you yet doesnt mean it is not abuse and will never happen! You are blessed that it is just you to financially support, so it can be done...
Homemade Fresh Brush Refills?
Someone posted the instructions awhile back, with vinegar/baking soda combo...I screwed up and used store brand paper towels!
Baby Formula Recipes
Ha, Ive used it when I ran out of milk for my 4 year old. I now store the powdered milk in an old formula can. I dont think it would hurt to replace it for powdered milk in recipes.
Mach 3 Razors For Women
My husband switched over to the Fusion (he shaves his head) and he LOVES it! I would have taken his Mach 3, but 17 dollars for refills?!?!?! NO WAY! I use the Schick silk effects with the screen!
Bring Bags on Dog Walks
At the apartment I lived in, we had posts with the doggie bags. I always grabbed two, one to use and one to tie on the leash, and then always replaced it on the leash. It also let me know at a glance when my DH took him out if he pooped, because DH would fall...
Closet Door Mirrors Never Get Clean?
Paper will leave scratches, same on eyeglasses...cloth is best! Try microfiber clothes and do circles on the glass till you see no streaks. I dont think it is the cleaner, usually the material you use.
Tyson Chicken Fajita Strips?
I found the quickest tastiest fajitas are made with the cut chicken/steak, onion and peppers (you can get these pre-chopped in the frozen veggies) then add 1/4-1/3 cup of chipotle salsa (or your favorite kind), just enough to cover the meat/veggies. Make sure...
Quickly Removing Cigarette Smells From Clothing?
Wash your clothes with Scope (one capful) and it will get heavy smoke out (we went through a fire and had to wash everything) If it needs to be done right away, any fabric refresher would do (clorox makes a great one, just as safe on fabrics as febreez
Quickly Removing Cigarette Smells From Clothing?
Another trick for furniture: get that carpet fresh Powder from Arm & Hammer (baking soda essential) but get CINAMMON...both ingredients neutralize smoke (and I mean HEAVY) leave on the couch overnight and vacuum in the morning. We went through an apartment...
Preventing Crust From Browning on a White Cake?
Check out your local cooking/baking store for CAKE MAGIC BAKING STRIPS....they are strips that you place on your cake before baking. They promote the cake to rise evenly, and I believe it helps retard browning. I dont think it would hurt to try the wax paper...
Air Travel Tips
If you have a toddler/preschooler.....get a harness leash and put a luggage tag on it! That way you can stand in line without worrying about them running off or not be identified. Also pack extra clothing in your carry on (rollup tight to save space) especially...
Saving on Toilet Paper?
About Scotts.....The extra soft really is SOFT! I loved cottonelle (cursed with hemmroids after my second blessing) but tried it at my moms and was impressed! You may have to surprise your family with it, it took awhile for DH to get used to it!
Keeping the Bathroom Clean?
My little boy does not like to stand up, because he keeps missing, and with him sitting to pee, it actually keeps the bathroom much cleaner! I have convinced DH to do the same, especially when he first wakes up, and I havent had puddles since! ROFL
Easy Earrings from Vintage Buttons
Thanks for sharing this....I dont have the money for buying new ones (Ill be cutting my hair short and need some new big earrings) and I love the ability to customize with outfits!
Shopping with Cash
I am going to do this, but I shop at 3 different grocery stores, and two of them participate in the U-Promise program (which means you need to use the debit AND savings card) But I do the bulk of my shopping at the lowest priced store, and buy the participating...
Keeping Track of Boxed and Canned Goods
I once had so much food stocked up (my husband went to school for 6 weeks and we were planning to move soon after he found a job) I made $60 in returns! I made sure it was brands that they carried, but they gave me a gift card. It was all purchased in the prior...
Cleaning Hands After Gardening?
I found on a post under homemade goop grate regular bar soap and mix with an equal amount of borax. Put in a shaker (or I use an old single serve yogurt) Water on hands and rub it in! They sell this next to the hand cleaners as Borateem (or similar in name...
Cookie Cutter Bungee Cords
I have a set of autumn themed in a box, then the rest are piled into a tin bucket! Somehow they all fit in the drawer! I bought a molded cookie sheet with a Christmas theme, so that took down the cookie cutter count! Alot of mine are the old tupperware (shallow...
Plastic Bag Dispenser
I keep mine in an extra drawer in each bathroom (how did I manage that, Ill never know!) I have a drawer that fits extra toiletpaper and the bags for the garbage perfectly, but this idea is great for the closet by my kitchen.
Display Cookie Cutters on Walls
Any ideas for ones you cannot hang? I have some vintage tupperware ones that do not have holes for string or hooks...some of the handles broke off so my DH glued pen caps on! What ingenuity!
Single Parenting: Dealing With Dead-Beat Dads
I pray for all you moms AND dads out there that need to raise young children on your own. My father threw us out (mom and 4 kids). He is an alcoholic, and would be so drunk trying to call me, he couldnt even dial the phone and talk! I have two little boys, and...
I'll Never Buy Commercial Fabric Softener Again!
Okay, I did it by halving the recipe. I used my Mighty small All bottle (32 oz, and the detergent really is concentrated!) I tried it on one load using my machine dispenser (truly frugal, gotta use what I got!) - one capful of rinse & one capful of water. Had...
I'll Never Buy Commercial Fabric Softener Again!
Wal-mart or most major discount stores sell them next to the Downy F.S., but I usually see the display empty. You can talk to your local store manager and have them hold one for you or call you when they come in. Some are nice enough to do that.
Store Brand vs. Brand Name Products
Most of the food I buy storebrand of, except for coffee (or if I do try store name, I get my money back if it is bad!) I was having bad luck with both generic and name brand cleaners (due to allergies in my family) so I switched to a non-store brand. I like...
Store Brand vs. Brand Name Products
Oh the science fair post.....have you checked Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping magazines? At your local library, you can do a search, like for household cleaner comparison Or contact your big name stores PR (Public Relations) person to find the info...At...
Healthy Beverages?
If it is the caffiene you are getting away from, you could get a half mix for coffee (half decaf/regular.) Or Try instant, it has the lowest caffiene just above decaf (always a trace) and you still get that morning wake up. If you buy the whole beans of coffee...
Healthy Beverages?
OH it didnt say where you are from...Talking Rain is bottled in the pacific NW, they only add fruit oils to their carbonated water. If you are not too hung up on caffiene (just the bubbles) it is easy to drink instead. Or any natural soda in the healthfood...
Work or Family? What's More Important?
I had my first child 2000 miles away from my family....luckily my DH folks were there, but the second child was without family close by. If you have even one or two good friends for support, that can become very close to family.....the main thing is if you...
Uses for Oven Mitts?
Hand puppets for the kids!
Disposable Toilet Bowl Scrubbers
OH THANK YOU! I love this gizmo for cleaning the toilets because my One year old loves to explore the bathroom, and grab ANYTHING he can swing! This is the cleanest, safest cleaning tool I know, but I couldnt think of how to make the pads, thanks!
Homemade Chocolate Milk?
I made homemade cocoa mix with powdered milk, sugar and cocoa. I ran out of ovaltine for my three year old, so I mixed up my cocoa with cold water. He drank it right down with no complaints! Ovaltine is to expensive. Better to just do the natural way! Kind...
Organizing the Nursery
I have that in my bathroom....my boys were too big for a standard changing table, the one has to stand up for changes! With my first one, I registered for a Baby Magic gift set that included full size bottles, and a bath caddy (a plastic basket with handle...
Making Good Yard Sale Signs?
My DH got neon chartruese (yellow-green) poster paper at Walmart - about 6. And we used thick magic marker to draw signs and post address from downtown to our house (SMALL town) so everyone that got out of church from either direction in town saw them....we...
Corner Dining Booth With Storage?
I used to have a corner booth dinette set with storage in the seats (had a trestle table) and I could store tablecloths, linens, small card games and coloring books for my son. I believe the company was Bartlett or Barrett, If you look in the JcPenney catalog...
Corner Dining Booth With Storage?
Its no prob! Our first house was a vacation home, 800 square feet with one bedroom and a loft. My hubby, me, 95 lb dog, fat cat and baby boy all made due for 2 and a half years! Luckily we moved to a big apartment before I got pregnant again!
Trisodium EDTA in Laundry?
Trisodium EDTA is used in Scope, and that is what American Red Cross gave us when we were involved with an apartment fire. It sure did get the smoke out! I would add it to a small batch (very Minimal) and use it on only heavy oders. I do not have a bottle, but...
Asking My Mom To Let Me Shave?
THere was a similar request on here....but this is all good advice! Tell your mom how embarrassed you feel, and then ask her. I am sure she remembers her first time with hair, and youd be surprised how open she may be, because you brought it up. Moms can get...
Puppy Chow (Not for Dogs)
ROFL we made the kind with crispix once, and our dog (Cocoa Moses) an irish setter/spaniel got a hold of the Ziploc bag and devoured it! She was just fine, but we thought maybe she thought it was REAL puppy chow (with Peanut butter!) NOTE: Just be sure to refridgerate...
Last Off the Plane
Oh the epitome of frugality! I LOVE IT! lol
Still Seeing Fleas After Terminex Has Left?
My dog and I will bring in a flea when we go outside for duties. I check him almost every night now, and no infestations! We use Diamond Dog food, the low fat kind and I saw it has brewers yeast in it. He also gets leftovers occasionally, and there are traces...
Leaving Out or Substituting Ingredients
I always substitute chocolate chips for nuts, as I am allergic. I did this in chewy granola bars, and all the chocolate melted! What a gooey treat!
Saving Money on Little Juice Bottles
Langers juice makes a frozen orange juice concentrate in an 11oz screw cap plastic bottle. It is flexible to squeeze, but stands up to the freezing...especially the lid. And they were as cheap as the store brand, and great juice! I freeze one with water and...
Banana Stroller Cover
That is great...I have a blue gift bag from Walmart.com that may work for that!
Meals on the Go
I end up combining errands and grocery shopping with a meal, so I pack little snacks for the car ahead of time, like snack crackers (or make peanutbutter sandwich crackers) or carry a box of granola/cereal bars, and even homemade cookies! I have a juice box...
Frugal Hair and Body Care Tips?
Dont overlook storebrand..especially the equate from wal-mart.....the oil of olay moisterizer with spf 15 is copied by equate and at HALF THE PRICE! Same with most popular brands/types. I tried the Dove facial cloths (cut these in half to last) for sensitive...
Renting Tools
Wow! We shop Autozone all the time; My hubby does all the work, do they have air compression tools too?
Using Up Holiday Baking Supplies
My husband bought canned pumpkin for pies, but I made the cake roll instead (on Libbys can) DELICIOUS! It only uses 2/3 cup, so with a 20oz can you can make a lot! OR...use it as thickner in stew/soups and gravies! My son was 9 months old, with no teeth yet...
Stumps on Cleared Acreage?
Go to your gardening center or nursery, and you can get a substance that accelarates the decomposing of the stump (i am stumped as to what the name is though!)
Easing Stress
Wow, been awhile since Ive checked others..... Good news: not malignant, but found out so much info and became so aware that I am taking better care of my health now! Got it removed fine and it was large, will not divulge more detail, lest weak stomachs are...
Poll: How often does your family eat meat?
We eat red meat once a week at the most....My husband is on the Zone diet (works awesome - so much more energy) but before that we went in on 1/3 of a cow with two other people; saves us a ton of money (only 2 bucks per pound for various cuts and ground.) Because...
Cleaning Human Urine Off Hardwood Floors?
Still working on that! Keep cleaning right away, because that smell can come back, especially in the summer heat...try URINE GONE (also comes with a handy black light) I personally havent tried it yet, I get by with pine-sol on the linoleum/heating vent located...
Decorating a Hall for a Wedding?
When is your wedding? I did a garden motif, found a cute painted wheelbarrow for the main piece, bought 4 ivy starter pots to put in them wrapped with burlap, then put candy raspberries in little tinpails and watering cans trimmed with personalized ribbons...
Baby Powder Stain on Carpet?
I had dark green carpet with my first baby...i can sympathize! One good thing I found (especially with getting rawhide out) was FOLEX, found at all stores in the carpet shampoo. A little goes a long way and safe for kids and pets. It breaks down the crud and...
Cleaning Silver Spoons?
Toothpaste (not gel) works great for cleaning silver.
Moss on Fruit Trees?
Thanks, it is mostly on the North west.....and the stretch of storms dont help!
Moss on Fruit Trees?
Thank you everyone! Looks like I have both. I will make sure DH does the spray.....wont have the pleasure to! I hope to enjoy some pears this year.
Baby Powder Stain on Carpet?
Did you have any luck?
Rust on Stainless Steel Sink?
Barkeepers friend is the best for that...it will also protect the stainless steel, making it easier to clean. Light rust will be removed, I have done that with my inferior knives and flatware!
Store Brands That Are Better Than Name Brand Products?
Kroger is the best for overall. We have a store here in Oregon, Winco, that has Flavorite, but their tomato canned products taste like ketchup, so I go with the S & W. I look to them first because you can get your money back if it is opened. Look for the satisfaction...
Urine Stained Grout?
The best thing I have used is pine-sol for cleaning up around the white grout, and deoderizing. Bleach just seems to make the smell worse, and does not go away! I mop at least twice a week between my husband and 4 year old, plus the new whizzer in training...
Dear Tech Support Joke
nosexforaweek 10.1 will cause the Blue Screen of Death....NOT WORTH IT! He may feel he doesnt need to operate the same anymore (working to support a new family overtakes the romance, especially if he is very traditional) A lot of men use sports and hobbies...
The Best Apples for Baking?
I like fujis or Gala, but the best canned I have found are at wal-mart....Great Value (or whatever the brand is) sweetened with splenda (NO acesulfame potassium or Nutrasweet!) Just add your cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. and it is not too sweet, just a lot of flavor...
The Best Apples for Baking?
Sorry....I mentioned the canned because the wm ones averaged 1.20 per can, much cheaper than purchasing the apples for the pie! This fall, I have an apple tree (unknown, tart) that I hope to use for many pies and kuchen!
Cleaning Formica Furniture?
lighter fluid or glass cleaner with ammonia definitely...maybe vinegar?
Teaching Responsibility and Accountability to PreTeens and Teens
I never got an allowance, but when we had money, I got paid to do extra jobs (like yard work, shoveling snow) I learned about money from babysitting and stretching the money. I think after my boys reach 10 well start paying for extra jobs (some you just have...
Reusing Juice Concentrate Bottles
I got that study in my RealAge tips newsletter....I use it once for freezing, then recycle them or use them for non-ingestive uses (like storing items). I figure if it is an emergency, Id rather take my chances!
Removing Cooking Odors from Hands
lemon juice gets out garlic & onion quick....just be sure you dont have cuts ;)
Oatmeal Instead of Cold Cereal
We buy the quick oats for baking and quick hot cereal. My little boys eat them with applesauce and cinnamon sugar (Oatmeal apple pie) I try bananas, but wont do it! I like just brown sugar. We bought the 5 minute rolled oats, but couldnt get through them fast...
Alternatives to a Gift Registry?
I think that is great to give that choice. Alot of older relatives (or ones with little ones) may not have the time to go to a store, only to have the registry not updated and you are stuck with 3 woks! That also helps relieve the stress of having to return...
Cleaning a Broom?
While mopping (with Mr. Clean for now) I let it soak in the bucket. Some times Ill soak it in diluted bleach over night if it is REAL bad
Keeping Coffee Grounds out of the Pot
You can also invest in one of those goldfilters, or permanent filters. Wash out with baking soda once a month or week, depending how much you brew, and you never have to worry about flimsy filters letting grounds go through. Most new makers come with them now...
How Did Our Ancestors Do Their Laundry?
Before my second son was born, and I had to do laundry at the laundry mat, I made my own mixing 1:1 Borax and grated bar soap (one-two tablespoons goes a long way!) I always use warm or hot water to wash, so everything dissolved, but whites were a little dingy...
Alternatives to Band Aids?
If you have a nut allergy of any kind, then you are probably latex sensitive.....new skin is good, like glue. Or guaze and tape is next best. The only brand I can use is Curad, but it sounds like yours is more severe.
Diet Cookbooks and Programs
The one my hubby has had great luck with is the Zone, which basically is common sense (eat your oatmeal and veggies!) Very similar to French cooking, and keep portions sensible. Of courcse, everyone has to make a buck, but the cookbooks explain so much and...
Blowing Out Candles on the Cake
If you think boxed cakes are bad...imagine homemade..with little kids! I cant tell you how many times I have found HAIR in my own! (My hair is falling out, and Ive cut it as short as I can!) I am ready for hairnets! Also, little kids taste testing behind your...
Cleaning Shortcuts?
WHen you mop, sit on the kitchen chair (or office chair, whatever.) I did that when my back went out, and after the babies. Also, looking at volunteers, or even barter/pay low fee for cleaning help. Oh...saw on t.v. lastnight, scrubbing bubbles has a new system...
Opening Jars with Arthritic Hands
My blessed hubby taught me a trick...flip the jar over and pound with the palm of your hand until you hear a thud (thats an air bubble?) then try, it usually gets it. If it dont work the first time, run the lid under HOT water, dry good, and that heat will...
Littleman (English Bulldog)
Hes a handsome one! My husbands Darby ORose passed on five years ago, after catching a streetsweeper....we are thinking of buying one, but him and my oldest are allergic to shorthair dogs!
Battery Charger Reviews?
Can you charge other (current) batteries, or only use the ones it comes with/reccommends? How much does the Energizer kind usually sell for?
Using Leftover Coffee
Christmas Cacti love the acidity....coffee is great for them!
Duct Tape Purse and Clutch
FYI: Alaska is one of the biggest users of duct tape: there is an annual ball in the summer in Anchorage...Gowns are judged and must be completely made of duct tape!