Cleaning Animal Urine
Use caution and make sure you try a test area first. We ruined light gray carpet by using too much vinegar to water - ended up with a big pink spot in the middle of the floor. Other areas wed done with less vinegar in the water were fine.
Keeping Little Ones Occupied?
My parents have a house full of pricey antiques and glass tables. Between us, my sister and I have 6 children, including 4 rambunctious boys. My sister hit the Goodwill and got a couple games and some toys that are kept at Grandmas house. We make a big fuss...
Get Into Your Growing Zone - USDA Plant...
Looks like the updated site for the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is: http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
Buying Towels - Tips and Advice?
I found that using vinegar the first time I washed my new towels and clearing the lint filter four(!) times while drying completely took care of the lint and absorbency problems. Each of the times I cleared the filter, there was no way it could have possibly...
Lint Balls on Fleece?
Im able to avoid this problem by not washing fleece with towels or denim. The lint from the towels is guaranteed to ball up on the fleece. If the lint balls are really stuck to the shirt, youll probably need to use a razor.
Saving Money on Breakfast
I love oatmeal with fruit for breakfast. I add about 1/2 cup frozen fruit (peaches, strawberries, blueberries, or bing cherries) to 1 cup water when I put it on to boil. Once the water comes to a boil, I add 1/2 cup oatmeal and let it cook. When done, I add...
Replacing Canopy on a Lawn Swing
Awesome idea! Ive been wondering what to do to replace the shade for our swing. This idea is perfect (and the roll up shade will even coordinate with the replacement cushions I bought - yay!)
Chemical Odor After Plumbing Work?
I would contact the plumber that did the work and ask if the odor is normal. The silicone sealant we used when we redid our bathroom had an odor, but it didnt last as long as two weeks.
Laying Tile Over Carpet Adhesive?
After a rather painful DIY attempt, I can tell you that a plywood subfloor will also cause the grout on your tile floor to crack because it has too much give. We ended up having to rip out all our hard work and have the floors professionally redone. They removed...
Don't Use Choke Chain as a Collar
While I use a regular fabric flat collar for daily wear and training, I use whats called a martingale collar for walks. A martingale collar is a flat cloth collar most of the way around with a loop of chain where the leash attaches. Its recommended for dogs...
Getting Rid of a Double Chin?
I had a significant double chin when I was overweight. My mother also had one (she was overweight as well). I have since lost quite a bit of weight and my chin (along with the rest of my face) has firmed right up. I dont have a double chin at all anymore. I...
Bake Cookie Dough as Bars in Toaster Oven
We used to do this in my college dorm. Microwaves were banned as a fire hazard but toaster ovens were not(?). You can also make brownies, tube type cookies, packaged cinnamon rolls, and most microwave dinners (those that have oven directions). The Microwave...
Homemade Yogurt and Lactose Intolerance?
Im lactose interolerant as well and have always been able to handle yogurt (but not ice cream, milk, or cheeses with high milk content). My Aunt is so sensitive she cant even eat the smallest amounts of cheese or baked good containing butter. It must depend...
Measuring Shortening (Crisco)
Good idea. In Home Ec I learned to put a piece of saran wrap in the measuring cup before the shortening. It is nice to be able to lift the saran wrap by the edges and pop the shortening into the mixing bowl without having to touch it but sometimes its hard...
Ask For Christmas Gift Ideas In October
I really like this idea. It sounds so much more fun that getting a list. Easier to provide as well. Its hard to ask for things. I have several family members that are difficult to shop for. Some could say the same of me. :) Would you mind providing the full...
Photograph Your Contact Info for Lost Digital Camera
This is a great idea. We once found a camera during the weekend at the elementary school playground and this would have been really helpful. Not knowing what else to do, we ended up taking the camera up to the school figuring the owner would check there eventually...
Pumpkin Pancakes
I just ate these this morning with chopped walnuts, caramel sauce, and cool whip. Oh... my... goodness!
Recipes Using Canned Chicken?
I often make fast chicken noodle soup with canned chicken. I heat canned chicken, packaged broth, and frozen mixed vegetables to a boil, add noodles until cooked. It takes perhaps 10 minutes to make and is great on a cold day or when sick.
Thanksgiving Family Potluck
I love the tablecloth idea! I think Ill start that tradition this year. We also do dinner potluck style. I provide the turkey, stuffing, cranberry salad (my grandmothers recipe), potatoes, and gravy. My in-laws bring the pies, my parents bring the vegetable...
Cook Your Turkey In An Oven Bag
Ive been doing this for years! Its soo easy. I buy the discount turkey at WinCo and cook it in the Oven Bag with some butter and Johnnys Seasoning. A 25 pound Turkey takes less than 4 hours to cook (use the cooking times in the box - the first year we didnt...
Does Meat Need to Be Cooked Before Putting in Crockpot?
I rarely go to the trouble of browning meat before putting it in the crockpot to cook all day. I occasionally brown beef the night before if Im making a roast, but never for a stew, pulled pork, BBQ ribs and, of course, I wouldnt brown chicken. I cant say I...
Tips For Eating Out Less
My trick to avoid eating out is planning! I have a magnetic white board with each weeks menu at the top and a spot for requests at the bottom. The kids love making requests and sometimes we do fun theme weeks like Family Favorites where each person gets to...
Storing Lettuce in a Crisper?
Just a tip - our crisper has a meat or vegetable setting. It kept sliding over to meat (kids?) and the produce would freeze, ruining any with a high water content like lettuce. Once you find a setting you like, a little masking tape on either side of the knob...
Cut Your Alfredo Sauce With Broth
This worked great! Even better, I poured the alfredo sauce in the saucepan, then poured the chicken broth in the jar and swished it around to get every last drop of alfredo sauce out without having to scrape the jar so no waste!
Controlling Odor in Compost Bucket
Wish I knew about this trick before I splurged on a compost bucket from New Seasons that has a charcoal filter. Yours solution is much more thrifty.
Why Are Organic Products So Expensive?
Pamela, Pesticides, herbicides and fungacides are used to keep pests, fungus, and weeds from destroying crops. Natural treatments are more expensive and take more work (pulling those weeds) than the chemicals that are bad for our bodies and environments. For...
Flatten Ground Beef Before You Freeze
You can also do this too with the non-frozen family pack bulk ground meat from Costco or grocery store. We split into 1 pound sections, use the food saver to vacuum seal it into pouches, then flatten it before freezing. It thaws very quickly in a sink of warm...
Recipes Using Quinoa?
I get quinoa at WinCo in the bulk foods section. I had trouble finding it at first because its in the cereal section and not with the barley and rice where I expected it. I love quinoa with black beans, Ro-tel (tomatoes w/ chiles), corn, and cilantro.
My Mother's Gingerbread
Thank you! This reminded me so much of when my mother would make Gingerbread too. She would make it in this adorable gingerbreadman shaped baking pan and decorate it with icing and raisens just like you would a cookie. It smelled so good! Ive inherited that...
How Do I Make Easy Spanish Rice?
I cook regular rice in the rice cooker and replace half the water with salsa.
Ice Dispenser Works Water Dispenser Does Not?
I did an old-fashioned defrost to fix this with mine. I put everything in coolers and unplugged the refridgerator overnight and that did the trick. Ive read here that people have used hair dryers to melt the water in the line as well.
Setup a "Salad Club" at Work
After seeing this tip, I recommended it at work for our Weight Watchers group. We had a great salad potluck and everyone really enjoyed it. Thanks for the great idea!
Toddler With Diarrhea?
My pediatrician had us use the BRATY diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast, and Yogurt. These foods are the best foods for diarrhea and vomiting. Of course, LOTS of water is important to avoid dehydration. Juice is absolutely out. Too much apple juice will...
Planning a Candy Themed Birthday Party?
I know it seems Christmasy but you do the little graham cracker houses and let the guests decorate them with candy as a craft. You could use more seasonal candies so it doesnt end up looking like a gingerbread house. That would rock my 3 year-olds candy obsessed...
Soap Does Not Dissolve in Dishwasher?
Make sure you are not loading the dishwasher in a way that is blocking the soap dispenser. I used to have this problem when we put plates in the area that was in front of the dispenser, until I realized it wasnt getting a direct hit from the spinning water...
Use Facebook To Reconnect With Family
My mother passed away 18 years ago. This year would have been her 40 year High School reunion. One of her old schoolmates that is on the reunion planning committee found me through Facebook via my uncommon maiden name. She is now mailing me a bunch of pictures...
Floor Tile Color Advice?
We used a mottled green and brown ceramic tile that looks great with my mossy green walls and dark walnut 70s cabinets. My friend has a similar color tile laminate with apple green walls in the kitchen and tan (latte?) colored walls in the eating area and it...
Ideas for Activities at a Rehabilitation Facility?
What about offering classes like computer classes, basic Spanish, or a regional cooking class? Since these are useful skills they might be more interesting than crafts and such. Local businesses may be willing to donate old computers. Book Clubs are pretty...
Store Tissues In Baby Wipe Container
Brilliant! I actually have a container of wipes in the car because I was sick of the crushed tissue box, but Ive been unhappy with the solution because it feels so yucky to wipe ones nose with a wet wipe! It never occurred to me that I could just put the tissues...
Bookstore Shopping Trip as Gift
That really is a great idea. The gift of time, really is the most important gift you can give.
Removing Bleach Smell from a Mattress?
A professional carpet cleaning business can also clean mattresses, furniture, and car upholstery. If you have the funds, a professional will know best how to clean your mattress. The guy I had come out to clean up after a massive dog incident had a minimum...
Halloween Costume: Cheerios and Milk
Very creative and adorable, not to mention thrifty! Good call on the plastic bags. I spent hours making a cardboard car costume one year when I was a child and was very disappointed when the rain destroyed it by the time Id gotten to the end of the street. I...
Scratch and Dent Appliance Stores?
Im not sure if they still do it, but you used to be able to get used/returned appliances at Sears back in the mid-90s. The refrigerator I got was scratched, but about half the new price and in great working order.
Jack-O'-Lantern Pot Pie
After reading this tip, I tried the jack-o-lantern idea with my chicken pot pie recipe. Heres a picture so you can get an idea of what it looks like. It was even more adorable in person. I forgot to do the second egg wash when adding the cheese, so it wasnt...
Mount a Spice Rack on the Wall
It did take some searching to find the right ones. I got these racks at Storables. They came with the bottles. You can find spice racks designed for the wall elsewhere, but they dont hold very many bottles. I needed something that could hold 36 bottles without...
Rescue Dog Still Acts Frightened a Year Later?
From what you described, she was probably kept in a kennel with no human contact or new experiences so everything is frightening. Keep doing what youre doing and loving her. She may always be a nervous dog, but as long as you dont push her, shell feel safe...
Dog Names?
You might get better suggestions if you can tell us whether this dog is a male or female and what breed. A photo would be great (everyone loves puppy photos!) I have a boxer/lab mix named Mason and I think the name fits him well. Lol, yes, think about what...
Thanksgiving Turkeys
This is a lovely photo. It is beautiful artistically and these turkeys appear to be healthy. Raising a Turkey over 31 pounds is a big achievement and a testament to the care with which they were raised. Why shouldnt someone take pride in raising healthy livestock...
How Can I Alter a Blouse To Make It Larger?
You might be able to add solid color cuffs and either border a large square of the back or add side panels to make the blouse larger. Black would set off most oriental fabrics. You could also keep the front and use a solid color for the back. My aunt is an...
Boomer (Bernese Mountain Dog - Great Pyrenees)
Big dogs are great and boomer is a cutie! I used to have a Newfoundland mix, another extra large fuzzy dog. They stay cuddly their whole lives and I always felt safe out walking with my gentle giant. By the way, the best way I found to keep the fur bunnies...
Cleaning Your Blender
I learned this trick in High School Home Ec. Its easy and works great for getting all the stuff that usually ends up dried on the inside of the blender. I do take the blender apart periodically to make sure the washer and all are really clean though.
In Memory Of Candy (Black Lab)
My lab/boxer mix can open doors too! He can open both round door knobs (in or out) and opens the coat closet accordion door every time he is left home alone. Looks like Candy did a number on your door (my bedroom door looks much the same). They really worm...
Remembering to Rotate Your Mattress
Thanks for this idea. Ive always had a hard time remembering when I last flipped the mattress or what I should do with it. I think your tip will be a great way to keep track of what I need to do when.
Doodlebug (Cat)
We used to have an old style Siamese cat that looked a lot like Doodlebug. He was the friendliest cat Ive ever met and beautiful to boot. He didnt have the eerie cry, but he sure talked a lot, especially if he thought his food bowl was too close to empty. Thanks...
Fiscally Responsible Parenting
My kids each get $100 dollars for their birthday from my grandparents estate. We have them use the money for their birthday parties (including activities, cake, snacks, and party favors). They get to plan whatever they want and keep what money is left over...
My Frugal Life: A Winter Miracle
Thank you for sharing such a touching warm fuzzy! I love how something that was a manageable gesture on each persons part, made such a huge impact on this ladies life. Reminds us all that the little things we can do really do make a big difference.
Sleepover Birthday Party Ideas for Boys?
My son turned 9 on the 28th and is having a slumber party this weekend. Hes inviting a couple boys over and were taking them to the 7pm session at the local roller rink to wear them out ($4 a kid w/ coupon), well do cake at home first so we dont have to pay...
Shopping for Clip-on Stirrups to Keep Pants Inside Boots?
I think I found them: http://www.jeanstraps.com/ -or- http://www.prairiemoondesigns.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=77
Feeding a Family of Four on $400 a Month?
I feed a family of 5 on around $450 a month. We enjoy a rich, healthy, varied diet. I shop at WinCo (similar to CubFoods and Food4Less) and get a few things at Costco. The trick is planning. Each week I make a menu and we stick to it. We cook all of our meals...
Adult Pads as Alternative to "Puppy Pads"
Great idea! My sister taught me that these are also great for when your young child needs to spend the night at someone elses house. Since most people dont have waterproof mattress pads on their guest bed or couch, you can sleep one of these right under the...
Sanitizing Wipes for Cleaning Books
I volunteered at the library and this is how they clean the grime off of the hard cover library books. The childrens books get pretty nasty! Wed hit books that had obvious gunk on them as they came in and a couple times a year theyd have voluteer days and run...
Helping a Puppy Going Through Separation Anxiety?
My dog had separation anxiety (the tear and destroy type) when I adopted him. I spent a lot of time at the vet and dog trainers figuring out how to deal with it. This is what they recommended: 1) Try a Dog Appeasement Pheromone (DAP) collar (they have them...
Monster (Pit Bull)
Monster is adorable! What a great picture. I did want to warn you to be careful if youre using that choke chain as a collar as there have been many dogs who have been choked to death when they catch on something (plus they tend to encourage pit bulls to pull...
What Breed is My Dog?
Hes definitely a terrier of some sort. We had miniature schnauzers growing up and he looks a lot like they did when they were puppies. My parents never had their ears done, so they were floppy like Totos, but the tails were always shortened before we got them...
Madame, Spot, and Pugsley (Cats)
LOL! We also have three cats and my husband often ends up with them all in his lap as well. The picture of Puglsey is priceless! I love how he has his paws stretched out. He looks so comfortable. :)
Shopping for Cat Collars That Stay On?
Ive seen some other safe alternatives to the break-aways at the store (like stretchy elastic collars). I was also wondering if it was maybe the brand. Does anyone have a type/brand that works best for their Houdini cat?
Shopping for Cat Collars That Stay On?
There is one store in the area that sells the Beastie Bands and it is only a couple blocks from one of the train stops on my way home from work. Im going to give them a try. Thanks for the recommendation!
Removing Chocolate Milk Stains From Carpet?
You can try oxyclean (test a small area in the back of a closet or something first just in case). My son spilled chocolate milk all over my white jeans when we were on an airplane and I couldnt even rinse them for several hours - I looked like a cow :). I tried...
Willy (Border Collie)
What a cutie! Arent dogs funny about the squirrels? I grew up in a heavily wooded yard in the middle of a residental area. Our dog would drive us (and the neighbors) crazy trying to keep all the birds and squirrels out of the yard. The jays used to rile him...
Dog Has Become Aggressive With Owner?
Be really careful. I was in this situation. We adopted a great dog who was fear aggressive. He was fine with us but would get scared and nippy around noisy children (even though I had children) and strangers. I did a lot of work to socialize him, but eventually...
Can I Leave an Intex Above Ground Pool Out Year Round?
We have had an Intex metal frame above ground pool for about 7 years (were on our second one). The guy at the pool and spa shop where we get our chemicals told us you can winterize it and leave it up for the winter - however, we usually find that when the fall...
11th Birthday Party Ideas?
My daughter is also 11. I wouldnt think a murder mystery party would be too violent - especially if you used a kit. You could also come up with a clue hunt based on the Clue board game. Since its based off a board game theyve probably all played and no one...
How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing On Blankets?
My dog does the same thing, and only when were not home (the last remaining sign of separation anxiety). We have baskets under the TV where we put all our lap blankets when were not using them and I shut all the bedroom doors when we leave so he cant get to...
Saturday Snow Day
I love this! Last year for Mothers Day I said I wanted a Family Pajama Day and we did just this. I got all my chores and laundry done on Saturday and on Sunday we did nothing!. I played video games with my boys and watched Perry Mason with my daughter (something...
Tiny Flying Insects in the House?
Im not sure what kind of bugs those are but I found the apple cider vinegar trick worked when we had a gnat infestation. Maybe that would work for you. Place a cup of apple cider vinegar near where the bugs are (a few drops of soap in the vinegar helps). Dump...
Healthy Coconut Cream Pie
I didnt try any substitutions, because between the amount of work involved and the special occasion, I didnt want to risk screwing it up. :) Honestly this did turn out better than any other coconut cream pie Ive tried. Regarding the substitution ideas, the...
Scenery: Snowed In
Wow! That is a lot of snow. Two inches is enough to cause panic in the Pacific Northwest where I live. I cant imagine!
Sambo (Iguana)
Wow, he is big. Is Sambo the iguana in your tattoo? I bet an iguana a good alternative for someone with pet allergies. How do you house train a reptile?
How Do I Train My Cat Not to Sleep on My Head?
Thanks all. I had the best success putting my head on top of her when she tried to sleep on my head - only took a couple tries. Shes still a pest at night, but at least Izzy isnt sleeping on my head anymore.
Can Clothes Effect a Dog's Behavior?
Ana, They make a product called Thunder Vests that can help calm dogs during stressful times (like thunder storms). My vet recommended one as an option for my dog who freaks out on the 4th of July. Maybe clothes calm your dog the same way.
What Breed is My Dog?
I have a friend whose dog looks exactly like yours. They paid the $60 for a DNA test, because they were getting a lot of hassle about their dog possibly being a Pit Bull. The results came back 50% Boxer, 50% Greyhound. I dont think very many breeds have brindle...
Remedies for an Anxious Dog?
First, since this sounds like a fear issue and not a possible medical condition, I would recommend you see if a pet store in your area has a dog trainer on-site (although you should have the vet rule a medical condition out). Most PetCo and PetSmart stores...
Repairing Versus Replacing Appliances?
Our 12 year old washing machine recently broke - it stopped spinning. When we had it repaired several years ago, the repair man had showed me the $14 part that had broken and said that it commonly breaks (of course labor was over $100). I decided to check online...
Rugs on Smooth Floors for Dogs
Our house has carpeted stairs that go down onto a Pergo floor. As our Newfoundland aged he would have trouble getting his footing as he stepped down off the stairs. We found that a non-skid rug at the bottom of the stairs worked great!
Karma and Numi (Cats)
Numi sounds like my kittens. Mario likes to wake us up by attacking the mini-blinds, and they both practice their collectible weaving like theyre hoping to go pro. :)
Gabby (Boxer)
Maybe Im biased (I have a Boxer mix), but Gabby sounds like a fabulous companion. How great that she is being trained as an service dog to help you.
Warning: Anti-Virus Pop Up Advertisements
There are a lot of viruses that pop up these virus warning alerts as a way of tricking you into installing them. They are very hard to get rid of (my son helpfully clicked on one of these messages and installed it, we had to reformat). Be sure you know what...
Fireworks at Fort Vancouver
Great photos. We definitely need to take the kids up to see the fort. They think they have it so hard with their chores. If only they knew.
Goldfish Keeps Having Babies?
This looks like a Sunset Platy to me. Both Platies and Mollie are live bearers and are often pregnant when you get them from the pet store. Females can hold sperm for 6-8 months before giving birth. They tend to have them in several small litters to increase...
