Foot Care?
I belong to FlyLadys website. She talks about having diabetes & bad feet & swears that once she started wearing shoes most of the time, the condition of her feet improved dramatically. No running around all day barefoot on goddness knows what & bumping, bruising...
Preserving Your Garlic Crop?
Just harvest the garlic cloves, brush off dirt, hang in a mesh bag (like onions come in) in a dry warm place w/ good air circulation. The cloves will dry & remain usable for over a year (at least mine are still good...)
Buying Stove Burner Covers
You are so right. If you really like the pattern & it was difficult to find, buy two sets to keep one for the inevitable accident. Or, if some get burned, buy a co-ordinating set to mix & match. Its surprising how nice this can look!
Cloth Training Pants?
Could you take apart a purchased pair of training underwear or a regular pair of underwear & use that as a pattern?
Why Is Dawn Detergent Recommended So Often?
If you wash the animal with Dawn, fleas will drop off &/or be combed off, appearing to be dead. If those immobile fleas are put into a bag you will see that they were stunned, not dead. They will be hopping around before too long. Thus any not removed from...
Sunday Dinner Ideas?
My mother always makes this for the pastors dinner at our church. Its called Chicken Tetrazinni. Its chicken chunks, noodles, sauce & cheese. You can probably find the recipe in a cookbook or on the internet. Its a casserole. Easy, Good & Hearty!
Extra Large Rubber Band From Pantyhose
Once used the elastic waist band from a pair of CLEAN old underwear. Hey, it worked wonders to hold a large box & lid together & many other things. Thought it was just me, but then I saw my m-i-l had some in her utility room! hmmm...must be more popular than...
Replanting After Flowering
You can often get satisfactory results by cutting off the dead foilage before it turns completely brown. Leave the bulb buried under the ground. They will return bigger & better in the years to come. Much less expensive than buying them new each year.
Mano (House Cat)
She is absolutely gorgeous! I love cats & she is probably the prettiest Ive ever seen. Please dont give her or any cat potato chips or other snacks. They have alot of salt which is very damaging to the cats kidneys. Also very high in unhealthy fats. If you...
Jar Lids as Toys
My son loved to play w/ jar lids! He had the metal (no sharp edges) type & plastic ones in different sizes & colors. He kept his collection in a zippered lunch box & played w/ them every day! For a few years! They also make great circle stencils for crafts...
Simple Bleach Recipes - Instead of Buying Bleach Cleaners
If the bleach loses its potency in warm/hot water, how can it work in the laundry on a warm wash setting? Uh-oh. Gotta check this out. Someone know? Please advise.
Alternative to Water Guns
I bought enough 32 oz. spray bottles for each child in the family that attends our summer picnics. They have different colored tops, work very well, are easy to fill, cost $1. each. Much better than squirt guns which also cost $1., or super soakers. We keep...
Grease in Washing Machine?
Simple Green concentrate works wonders for grease. People that work in fast food industry & mechanics use it to launder their uniforms. Maybe it will work for your washer if you run rags through a cycle with it.
Baby Safe Cupboard Ideas?
While teaching the child that the cupboard is a no, you can tape a piece of an old terry towel to the side of the cupboard making it impossible for the turnstyle door to close. Yes, after a while the tape might need to be changed, or Jr might figure out how...
Cleaning Aluminum Rings on Gas Stove Top?
I gave up on cleaning them & started wrapping them with aluminum foil. Not the prettiest, but easy to change & always looks better than the baked on mess! Then, my husband bought the black porcelain rings, much easier to clean & the black doesnt show the crud...
Nasty Old Pet Stains?
You should probably put a sealer on the walls after you clean them & before you paint them again. You can buy sealer to paint on the walls at home improvement, hardware or paint stores. One example of a brand name is Kilz. It is a primer/ sealer & works to...
Nasty Old Pet Stains?
Here is a recipe for a home made stain & odor remover that really works. Recommended on this site & on pet sites on the net. You mix only the amount you will use at one time, it does not keep due to the fact that it works by producing oxygen, therefore is not...
Pit Marks on Stainless Steel Stovetop?
Theyre probably permanent, the stainless steel has been bored into by something. Do not use bleach on these surfaces unless you immediately wipe it off completely & rinse. It can cause pitting of the stainless steel. You could try rubbing w/ a fine grade steel...
Sell Your Unwanted Items When You Want New Things
If you search around you will probably be able to find local sites for selling things, usually no charge involved. If you cant find a local site, just ask for advice on one of the Freecycle sites, Im sure someone on there will give you a site address. Remember...
Sell Your Unwanted Items When You Want New Things
If you search around you will probably be able to find local sites for selling things, usually no charge involved. You list the item just like typing things into ThriftyFun, very easy. Its like the classifieds on the computer! If you cant find a local site...
Control Pests, Don't Eradicate Them
Bats are often feared creatures that are actually very useful to us. They, too, eat the insects that carry disease and bug us. There are sites on the internet that teach how to build bat nesting houses. Hung from trees they will help ensure that you have natural...
Preventing Food Poisoning?
Refrigerate food left overs in a timely fashion, within two hours is recommended. At serving time, including picnics, foods should be maintained at the proper temperatures. This means that bowls of cold salads should be placed into larger bowls filled with...
Idea For Reusing Tidy-Cat Kitty Litter Containers
We use them for storage of: cheaper bagged cat litter, dry cat food, guinea pig food pellets, salt for winter ice, small garden tools (provides a seat to rest & a bucket for weeds!), potting soil, toy building sets w/ many parts, small tools & fix-it supplies...
Removing Smoke Smell from Memory Foam Pad?
For the bedwetting children sleeping on memory foam mattresses. You can buy a vinyl protective mattress cover to use until this problem is resolved. Works to keep mattress clean & dry. If you dont want to put the sheets directly onto the vinyl cover, first...
Removing Smoke Smell from Memory Foam Pad?
For odors on the memory foam pad, or anything else... Works on cat urine & stains, even old ones! Mix 16 oz. hydrogen peroxide (brown bottle in the 1st aid aisle), 3 tbsp baking soda (orange box in the baking or cleaning aisle) in a spray bottle. Lightly spray...
Don't Drink from Garden Hoses
Ive been told that bacteria tends to accumulate in garden hoses, so I personally would be wary of even the food grade hoses because of this. If anyone has advise regarding this please post it.
Telling Your Mom You Are Expecting
What wonderful & creative ideas! We took the first ultra sound photo & copied it. Made a card out of it & presented that to the grandparents-to-be.
Color Coded Garbage Cans
It works well to color code each family members bath towel, cup/toothbrush, laundry hamper & basket.
Repelling Insects in Cabinets
Please be aware that the borax will work, but is toxic to children & pets. Not sure how this applies to using it in food storage areas. Also read on here that its good to repel fleas & bugs if applied near the baseboards in the home. Again, be careful, its...
How to Make Mother's Day Special?
I agree, as a mom, its very touching & special to read what you have written here. Give her a copy along w/ any other ideas you come up with. It will surely make her smile...for a long time.
Cheap Artificial Pampas Grass?
Is there anyone whos just starting to get their garden ready for spring that hasnt cut off the dead grasses & other such plants from last year? Use those.
Playdough on Window?
Play-doh is a wonderful tool for strengthening the fine motor skills muscles of the hands & arms of children. Also of the person who has to clean up the mess from it, lol! Give the child a special place to play w/ the doh, like on the kitchen floor on a clean...
Juice Stain on Mattress?
Make a solution of 16 oz. hydrogen peroxide (brown bottle in the medicine aisle) & 3 tbsp baking soda. Spray on to saturate, wait a few minutes, blot or allow to dry naturally. Test 1st as it might fade colors, but it hasnt at my house. This is also a great...
Doing Less Laundry
About the teens not catching on to reusing towels, etc. because they do not do the laundry...who not? They should be taught how those machines work so they will know when they get into the real world. My 12-y/o son asked to learn, now he actually enjoys doing...
Garage Door Not Opening With Remote Control or Mounted Button?
Could have something to do w/ the opener losing the code to make it work. No longer having the correct code to correspond from the remote to the actual opener unit. Can be reset. But if the button hard-wired to the wall doesnt operate the unit either, then...
Less Smell When Cooking Cauliflower?
Read if you add a little (tbsp or so?) to the pot of water it will keep the odor out of your kitchen. Doesnt put the vinegar taste into the veggie.
Making Color Sand For Sand Art?
You take regular play sand, put it in a plastic bag, add food coloring, shake to color.
Always Blooming Flowerbeds?
You can plant bulbs or plants that bloom at different times in rows, one behind the other. Rows of three, four, however deep. Then when one flower dies the other is ready to bloom...and so on. Read this in a gardening magazine. Strategically place the differently...
Gift Cards for Wedding Presents
If you dont want to give a gift card or if the couple is registered for gifts at a certain store, always make sure you get a gift receipt to put in w/ your gift. Sometimes they will still get duplicates b/c not everyone will purchase using the registry or that...
Saving on Birthday Plates, Cups and Napkins
Good idea to mix & match. I usually just buy the theme party napkins & matching solid colored plates & cups. Even white styro. plates & cheaper colored plastic cups looks good w/ theme napkins. Napkins are the cheapest of theme items & we need to buy for a...
Potpourri in the Vacuum
Slightly off subject, but Ive seen posts where people have good intentions & put things like citronella or flea collars, etc. in their vacuums for various purposes. When you then turn the vacuum on to use it you are spreading these (toxic) chemicals into your...
Good Chocolate Recipes?
Chocolate Wacky Cake: Combine all ingred. in one bowl, mix well w/ mixer, (will be pretty runny), pour into greased 9x13, 350-degr. for 45 minutes, check after 35 minutes, do not overbake. Recipe: 3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 tsp salt, 6 tbsp cocoa (not dutch...
Keeping Bugs from Sticking on the Car
Maybe you have to buff (wipe) the cooking spray onto the windshield so just a trace remains? Wonder what happens if it then rains, it is ok to still see & use wipers? Joanna, have you actually used this method...enlighten us please. We are curious.
Bad Luck With Seeds?
Could be many things...Overwatering, soil should be kept very lightly moist until seedlings emerge so seeds dont rot. (use spray bottle on mist). Most seeds also need sunlight & or heat (from sunlight) to germinate. Too wet, young stems & roots will rot...keep...
Cleaning and Drying Down Comforters and Feather Beds?
I would do the front loader washer or commercial laundromat warm but not hot water, Dry in a warm but not hot dryer. Too hot of heat will dry out the feathers making them brittle over time. Ditto for removing the item often & repositioning in the dryer. Run...
Sweat Odors On Upholstery?
*Be sure to test that colors dont fade or bleed before treating sofa.* Mix in spray bottle: 16 oz. hydrogen peroxide, 2 tsp baking soda, 1-2 tsp hand dishwashing liquid. Spray on, rub w/ fingertips to foam a little if can, blot off excess after a few (10?) minutes...
Blistex Stains On Clothing?
If you havent already, do not dry the items in sunlight or a dryer until you are satisfied that the stains are gone. The heat will help set the stains. If already been through the dryer, try to remove stains anyway. You can repeat the removal process several...
Outdoor Boy and Girl Birthday Party?
Please make sure there is adequate adult supervision at all times w/ the bonfire & that it is a safe one, not too tall...is that legal where you are? Wouldnt want the party shut down, lol, by the authorities. Kids that age can be spontaneous & anything could...
Carrot Juice Stain On Blender Lid?
Once read something about setting stained item out on the green grass in the bright sunshine. Said it worked wonders, worth a try! The grass trick is supposed to work on clothing, too...after pretreating.
Using Cloth Placemats and Napkins
I use cloth napkins almost exclusively. Got some (polyester & even solid cotton) that can be washed w/ bleach to sanitize. No ironing either! Throw them in washer w/ kitchen towels which I also bleach. I have many kitchen towels & use several daily for many...
Bat Living Above Our Front Door?
Maybe if you built a bat house you will encourage your unwanted tenant to relocate? Similar to bird house but w/ specs, just for bats. Simple, small, wooden structure. You can find directions on internet.
Academic Recognition Dinner Centerpieces?
Helium Balloons: Take a piece of fabric (or 2 pcs. in different colors), attach the ribbon to a latex helium balloon to the center of the fabric. (duct tape) Fill w/ sand & tie shut w/ ribbon to make a sack similar to a nice looking rounded beanbag. Fluff up...
Sesame Street Party for 1 Year Old?
We used our kids toys (or borrow some), in your case Sesame St. toys, set them all around on the tables, etc. Also, if you have a coloring book or book w/ Sesame St. characters, just make some copies & color them in, or if you can color-copy from a picture...
Extend the Life Of Sponges
Was warned by dishwasher repairman that this really isnt a good idea because there is often enough hand dishwashing soap remaining in the sponge to make too many suds, make dishwasher inefficient, &/or cause harm to the works of the dishwasher, unnecessary...
Using It All - Dishwashing Liquid
You can add some water to the soap remaining in the empty bottle then pour it under running water into your sink. There is usually enough soap to wash a sinkful of dishes, then the bottle is truly empty & can be recycled.
Stain From Red Garment?
Often I have very good luck at removing transferred color stains just by rewashing the garment (in warm water?) with a liquid laundry detergent containing bleaching action. (Ex: Detergent XYZ with BLEACH.) Not liquid bleach that you add separately. But, that...
Remove Tape Residue from Dry Erase Board?
To remove sticky residue from labels, etc. we use baby oil, which is mineral oil on a tissue or rag. Never used it on a dry erase board...you would have to clean off the oil with at least soap/water b/4 writing on it.
Drying Bath Towels
We have our bath mat hanging on a plastic clip type hanger which we saved from a new pants purchase. It is stronger than the clothespin type, has metal clips that slide up/down to fasten or release garment. When we need to use it we just put in on the floor...
Finding The Right Coffee Measurements?
We use the scoop that comes in the instant iced tea mix w/ sugar, not the diet kind. We use 1 1/2 scoops of coffee for a pot of 10 cups & leave the scoop in the coffee can. Also use the same measurement for our 8 cup thermal caraffe coffeemaker. Goes to show...
Pillowcase: A Very Easy to Sew Gift Idea
My mother has made quite a few special character pillow cases for my kids. Blues Clues, SpongeBob, Scooby, Etc. My oldest child suggested making holiday themed pillow cases. You could also use flannel (prewash), satin, any fabric that suits you. Sometimes these...
Pillowcase: A Very Easy to Sew Gift Idea
If you want to make several pillow cases of the same print or character, consider purchasing a twin bed sheet set on sale. It might be cheaper than buying the fabric by the yard.
