Reusing Envelopes
As mentioned above, BE SURE TO MARK OUT THE BAR CODE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ENVELOPE, because the post offices automatic sorter uses this code to send the envelope to the ORIGINAL address, not to the address you wrote on it. This also may happen to letters you...
Make Crust from Cracker Crumbs
No, but Americas Test Kitchen tested cookies and crackers of all kinds. Guess which ones made the very best crumb shell? animal crackers. Works for me.
Craft Ideas Using Baby Food Jars?
Dont forget to add glycerine to the snowball jars so the snow will float a little slower.
Inexpensive Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning means NO Heat. Liquids are used on fabrics that are dry cleaned. Also, the steam pressing is a key item. I have a steam iron--that is lots of steam--and a big steamer. I wash in cold water, air dry, then steam press for looks.
Inexpensive Lip Gloss
DO NOT use petroleum jelly. As the previous poster says--it is drying--in many adults, and its a moisture barrier. Dry lips need moisture--thats oil or cream. Aloe is very healing. Cocoa butter is moisture. So is mayonnaise and canola oil. Grape oil is good...
Cheap Car for First Time Driver?
Go to your mechanic. Ask him if he knows someone who wants to sell what you want. This means he may have a history repairing the car, and know the owner as well. Check out places in the Internet, like LATimes.com in the used car section, for listings and advice...
Travel Sized Cosmetics
The maid is an employee who works for money. You can afford to go to Cuba. Please leave those who work for you cash next time. Would you prefer your wage earner--whoever that is--to come home with a trial size of shampoo from someone who earns more?
Preparing a Salad Ahead of Time
Walmart, babe. ?eBay? I do this for the week, for dinner and lunch salads for two. I put the greens in a zip-lok bag for storage. Youre really right, this is a great time-saver.
Grout Smell After Toilet Overflow?
There is a product called ZeroOdor that is used the cean up after pet poo. It is super for odor and stains. I use it. Its on the internet at its own site. A less costly brand is Natures Miracle. Others swear by it, but it didnt work as well for me. If it works...
Pumpkin Plants for Halloween Treats
One year, in med school, we all sat on our balcony, eating watermelon and spitting the seeds onto our purported lawn below. The next summer, there was a watermelon patch covering the whole lawn. the landlord was baffled. We werent.
Quickly Dice Eggs
Maybe she means a cutter, the utensil you use to cut butter into flour. It has parallel rows of metal slicers that do the job.
Eyeliner on a Coach Purse?
On another thread, Colleen suggested taking it to the Coach store for help. Thats one advantage to owning this excellent brand. O.
Keeping Pan Lids Organized
Same idea, but I got plate racks in stainless steel at the container store. I had had enough with the piles of lids. I put it in the pots and pans cabinet, which has a roll-out drawer, next to the pots and pans. :)
Can't Do Without Appliances?
Just what I need! Another counter hog. I agree, the Foreman grill is a great appliance, and easy to store. The new one has plates for all kinds of things, like waffles. I like my Cuisinart Toaster, Toaster Oven, and Convection Oven. Its used daily. One footprint...
Food Gifts for People Who Live Alone
So, just because were old, we dont get the fancy stuff, just the stuff we cant eat anyway? How do you say Godiva chocolate?
Wallpaper An Old Ugly Colored 'Fridge
Another solution for metal or enamel-painted metal furniture or appliances is to go to an automobile paint shop for an estimate. They enamel metal all the time, and they have an excellent choice of colors.
Is Replacing The Springs On a Sofa Worth It?
The thing about springs, I have always thought, is that they are 15th century technology. Futons are better support, but the cushion design doesnt match--more like spring sofas. Maybe a combination of futon frame and memory foam fillings (If you dont want to...
The Dogpatch Gang
Ah, um, and what are they planning for presents for you? You must be easy to please.
Save Your Grocery Receipts For Future Rebates
Since some stores receipts fade quickly, I would photocopy those stores recepts right away, so you have a readable copy saved.
Beauty Washcloths
I use 100% Egyptian cotton white washcloths, 13 x 13. Reuseable, bleachable, washable, and soft, soft, soft. If those beauty washcloths are made of a paper product, it means youre wiping your face with wood. I prefer cotton. Thus I am not tied to any one cleanser...
Helping Someone Who Is Choking?
The most important thing is this: First make a correct diagnosis. Be sure the airway is obstructed. When the airway is obstucted, no air can move through it, so the person should not be able to cough or talk. They will usually grab their neck, right in the...
Calluses on Feet
A shaver cuts the callus, which can be dangerous for those with diabetes or blood-vessel disease. I found a new product. It is not wildly inexpensive, but it will last you for life, and it does a superior job. It basically is a whole new way to get rid of calluses...
Painting Dining Room a Dramatic Color?
I have been told that red makes you hungry. What does maroon do, I wonder? By smaller dont you mean cozier?
Cure for Gel Toothpaste Mess
You got that right. My Mom always told me, You can fuss, or you can do something. Every time I find a little irritation from my DH of 28 years, I stop and say that to myself. Then I fix the toothpaste the way I like it, and it is not an irritation. DH thinks...
Saving Money on Dentistry
Its not true for some people who have to take specific medicines where gum inflammation is a common side effect. Losing teeth is not uncommon, and dental care just keeps it down to a dull roar.
Hard (Cold or Frozen) Butter Tip
I use a butter bell. Some are from France. They keep butter soft without going rancid. You can Google them or find them on eBay. QVC has one that looks like a tiny oval casserole.
Donating Your Extras
If you plan a tax deduction, dont forget to use your handy instant camera to take and store photos of the things donated. It can be used to confirm their value.
Meeting DECENT Singles Online?
Is everyone being honest? First, you mention meeting people for a chat, then its meeting men, then its dating (which has a whole new meaning these days), then its DH time. Youd do just as well joining organizations you would enjoy anyway, or starting a singles...
Looking for Parts for a 95 Isuzu?
Google an Isuzu Club. The members of these kind of clubs usually have a list of sources.
Tapeworm Prevention With Dogs?
The cats may be unhappy because the vinegar is not cool. I was always taught that white vinegar is for cleaning, and apple cider vinegar is for eating. My cat once had a diphyllobothrium latum tapeworm when I was in school in Indiana. The intermediary is the...
Passed Over For a Job, Need Ideas To Cheer Hubby Up?
I know when I come home from a 20-hour shift at the hospital, I like dim lights, soothing music, like Elvis, a lovely private meal waiting, followed by a warm bath and massage. How relaxing for a tired body and soul. Man or woman, it hits the spot every time...
Profession Decorating Advice?
Dont put furniture along the wall, move inward. Draw the room on paper, cut the furniture out in pieces, and move it around unti it works.
Profession Decorating Advice?
http://www.designingonline.com/services/layouts/sofa.html http://www.an-impeccable-design.com/AID/Asp/IDRoom_layout.asp For more, search furniture layout or interior room design on the web. You can hire a decorator by the hour, and be sure s/he is experienced...
Make Your Own Panties?
Breezies on QVC.com make high-cut legs with the waist at the navel. Im with you, babe, I dont like skimpy panties. Breezies are also a terrific panty. In fact, check out their great-looking, great-fitting bras while youre there. If you want to save money, buy...
The Hungry Squirrel
Sometimes, if squirrels get too familiar, a bite can be a problem to you or your pets. In many areas, squirrels are carriers of rabies. If you dont know, check with local animal control or your vet.
Use For Leftover Meat Loaf
Meatloaf sandwiches are soooooo good. 12-grain bread real mayo romaine lettuce sliced tomatoes sliced meatloaf Store your meatloaf wrapped in foil in the meal drawer. Slice and use it cold. This is not diet food, or food for the faint of heart. Great for football...
Replacing Bathroom Faucets?
THIS IS IMPORTANT. When you replace older bathroom faucet, remember the industry is going through a lot of design change. Make sure you know what size and number of holes you have in your sink before you puchase or try to install a new faucet. The new ones...
Adopting Older Cats
Pasadena, CA, has a special program for very low adoption fees when seniors adopt senior pets (5y+), made possible by a special endowment. How cool.
Put a Trash Can in Each Room
Princess Diana and her butler had a system for this. When a basket was full, shed set it by the door, so it coould be emptied. What I do is tie the bag closed and set it by the door, so it goes out on the next trip. I get a clean bag from the supply of clean...
Cheap Lunch and Snack Ideas for 4 Kids?
First, buy in bulk, at the local WalMart, Sams Club or Costco. Hot oatmeal with raisins is a filling breakfast. Add butter and brown sugar on top. Lets get away from the high fat things like cheese sandwiches. Start with a salad, the ultimate finger food. Chop...
Cheap Lunch and Snack Ideas for 4 Kids?
I forgot. You can check games out from most libraries with a childrens section. Ask the librarian for other ideas, since there usually is a summer program for kids. Check the local paper for schedules of recreational activities, like swimming, day camp, etc...
Smelly Down Comforter?
The secret to down is that it must be completly dry, or it may grow some little things that can eat the costly down. Yum, yum, yum. Down is normally washed a number of times in the manufacturing process, but the secret is complete drying. Dry, dry, dry. When...
German Girl Coming To Canada?
To decrease an accent (yours), speak more slowly and speak more deeply. Also go to places we have here you like to go or do, also places Germans dont have or do. (Where do they vacation, Indonesia?) In California, we hosted French exchange students. We love...
Kitchen With Red Sink and Floors?
Whats black and white and red all over? ThriftyFun.com. hahahahaha Any bright primary color, including yellow and blue. Get a fan deck, that fan of paint-color cards. Match it to your red sink. Then look for bright colors in the primaries at the same level...
Stain From Plastic Bag on Linoleum Floor?
i dont know if methlylated spirit is the same, but acetone-containing nail polish remover can do it.
Scrapbooking on a Budget
For all the money that is spent on supplies, for all the time spent shopping, for all the time spent copying or using a paid artists work, NO ONE will have a more beautiful, original or interesting work of art than you. The interesting part is that each piece...
Aunt Martha's Flour Sack Towels?
I buy Martha Stewarts Flour Sack Towels at KMart (or whatever the name is now). They are inexpensive, wash/bleach white, and do everything but fold laundry! They are essentially lint free, and the hems hold. I believe they are available online. They dry crystal...
What Colors Go With Sage?
Almost any color will go with sage, as you can see from the other answers. The trick is to find colors that go with your sage. There are two ways to go: (b)1.(/b) Go to a paint store and get or buy a (b)fan deck(/b), that big wheel of paint chips with all the...
Removing Hair Without Shaving or Waxing?
When we lived in the Raj, and didnt have razors, we used emory boards--nail files. Of course, today you may purchase permanent emory boards that are very cool, from http://www.CheriShop.com . Check it out.
Randy Reindeer Crochet Pattern?
Pattern LA172 has a reindeer: http://www.countryyarns.com/la001.htm Another is listed as a Hallmark pattern, but that is called by another name. http://search-desc.ebay.com/crochet-reindeer-christmas_W0QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQftsZ2QQsacatZQ2d1QQssPageNameZRC0022...
Dog is Too Submissive?
A recent article outlined discovery of a fear gene in mice and rats that interacts in the amygdala of the brain to exaggerate the fear response. Further research will follow to see if there is a way to limit its effect. There is a group at Yahoo Groups called...
Tilex Stained My Porcelain Tub?
That happened to us and we understand that our poor, old tub was losing its enamel surface. Time to call the resurfacing guys. However, Im as cheap as anyone, so I tried beach, which did the same thing--hahaha. By now, after reading the feedback below, I guess...
Nice Way to Cover a TV in a Bedroom?
Before you hide the TV, make it safe for the smaller members and visitors (children, pets) who may be injured if it falls on them. Anchor it to the wall. Anchor the chest to the wall. Sometimes children are sent to see TV in the bedroom, and try to adjust it...
Find the Brands You Like and Get To Know The Sizes
I used to shop at consignment stores for costumes for school plays. I was surprised at how many great buys were there. Couldnt get my daughters to go for things like the new cashmere sweater for $1. Of course, those days are gone. Nevertheless, bargains persist...
Soda Can Costume?
Excuse me for being indelicate, but what if one of you has to go to the powder room? Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is....
Smelly Outdoor Trash Can?
I like the idea of letting the garbage company worry about the odor. If they have to trade enough cans, maybe they will give you some good, thrifty advice about deodorizing the cans. Until then, try ZeroOdorStore.com . Its not inexpensive, but it works. Hooray...
Juice Pouch Lunch Bag
Excellent project. Maybe you should submit it to Carol Duvall for her craft show on HGTV cable.
Reusing Paper?
We routinely use both sides of computer printer paper here, since a lot of printing is one-sided, and it doesnt matter whats on the other side. Just keep two stacks of printer paper, used and new, so you can easily switch when you need up-town paper for a clean...
Using Clear Plastic Jars
I even wrote to Kraft suggesting they change their packaging to this type of recyclable containers that may be reused. They wimped out. Some brands of yoghurt have plastic caps, some not. I now let the packaging help me choose which brand I buy. Can I reuse...
Denim Pocket Purse
If you need feet for the purse, to help it stand up, go to a luggage repair shop. They usually have them and can put them on.
Gnats in The Diaper Pail?
Usually gnats are gone in less than a month, so whatever you use seems to work. They just love decaying manure, and horses, so those are two things to eliminate. Rather, dont eliminate the horse, treat it. So, obviously you must keep the diaper pail clean, very...
Vacationing Close to Home
When I became ill many years ago, this was my only choice. However, there were so many great places and thngs to do nearby, I have had a ball. Since I live in Pasadena, I actually live where people travel from all over and spend a bundle to enjoy our Rose Parade...
Cooking Sweet Corn
You guys are killing me! I want corn for dinner. Even better, green corn tamales. Yum.
Puzzles as Wall Decorations
If you like to travel, map books from garage sales or any large picture or art books from books sales are a good source of things to hang. If you like modern design, using print fabric stretched on stretcher bars and stapled in back is a snazzy choice. Then...
Soften Brown Sugar
I use the lovely air-tight cut-glass jar that nuts came in as a gift one holiday. Its never hard. I use it down to the last granule. So there, brown-sugar fairy! These jars, if they are from the same place, all have matching patterns. I collected a whole set...
Making Cracker Crumbs
As I recall, preteens were the ones to use the exercise, anyway. If a younger brother got an earful at his sisters door, this was all just part of growing up. Now they make funny stories at reunions and birthday parties. Thats about as family friendly as you...
Christmas Crafts for Kids?
Gee, I hope every one in that company is a Christian, unless the company is a church or a religious organization. Rather presumptious to coopt the employees for one holiday, then expect the kids to go along, too. The age range is rather wide, unless the teenagers...
New Roof Recommendations?
I dont know about you, but the sound of rain on a metal roof sounds rather romantic. Of course, I have wood shingles, and it almost never rains here in California, so that is my fantasy. Such as off in the jungles of Borneo or the outback of Australia. Works...
Melted Plastic on Chrome?
I read about that somewhere. First, I would try a hairdryer to melt it off. I will get back to you.
Melted Plastic on Chrome?
Forget the hair dryer, thats for wax. For plastic on metal, use nail polish remover, and I suspect the kind with acetone in it. Dont know whether it was stainless steel or chrome or plated. Apparently, it glides right off. Plastic on a coffee pot, use petroleum...
Storing Crazy Glue
Try a straight pin with a bead on the top--you know the kind--and youre in business. This is the best stopper. I also like the spice bottle idea. I use the fridge, and make sure you burp the bubble so the path is clear. I wrote a fridge poem for a chocolate...
Soaking Clothing in a Frontloading Washing Machine?
A thousand bucks, and were back to rubbing our clothes on rocks? How retro!
Melted Plastic on Chrome?
The nail polish remover has to be the kind with acetone. Nail polish without acetone probably wont work, as it didnt for Steve.
Melted Plastic on Chrome?
The nail polish remover has to be the kind with acetone. Nail polish remover without acetone probably wont work, as it didnt for Steve.
Birthday Presents for a History Buff?
A bottle of canola oil. A long gold chain that drapes around your hips. I understand hes easy to please.
Avocado Seeds Not Sprouting?
Avocados are a never-ending barrel of laughs. Mine was a full-grown tree when we bought our home, but wwe were told it had not yet born fruit. Also, it needed a tree of the opposite sex to do so. Three years later, we saw it! One beautiful avocado. We watched...
Accompany Your Children Trick or Treating
Yes, it was fun. DH and I would take turns. We also had open house in our LR for R&R for parents and kids who needed a rest stop. Apple cider, bathroom, meet people every year. Put away the pets--its too much for them. Some other families would do the same...
Keep Your Eye Out for Good Costumes
Thrift stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army make a great source for costumes of all kinds. I used to haunt them for components to costumes for plays at my daughters schools. They work just as well for Halloween. You put together the pieces. It cuts your...
Thrifty Substitute for Holiday Meal
Some parts of the meal you may find at the dollar store. For example, side dishes and condiments. There are many different kinds of nuts and finger foods, exotic things such as canned hearts of palm and artichoke. There are many choices of canned vegetables...
Car Buying Tip 1 - Take Your Time
I usually allow three months to buy my next car. Notice I did not say new car. Thats a sucker bet.
Use for an Old Golf Bag
Get dowels from the home store. Roll up large items like tablecloths or wrapping paper. The bag is a great upright holder. Use as a planter outside. Use in a family or sports room to hold pool cues, putters for practice, dried or silk floral display. Use at...
Inviting People That Will Be Alone
My first year away from home, as an intern, I was alone on the holidays. I made jelly for all the neighbors, wrapped the jars like old-fashioned ones. I got a new down comforter, and decorated my apartment. I got some pretty holiday music, and a premade holiday...
Training an Older Collie?
I am Spirit64 E-town, This dog will bite. The snarling is an aggressive or fear-aggressive behaviour. Never leave this dog alone with the baby, especially close-by. No dog is naturally friendly with anything they dont want to be, expecially if theyre trying...
Spaceman Joke
I always have said if you want to know that what you see is a UFO or alien being, shoot it. Youll get your answer soon enough. Thats what you get for telling space man jokes. O. p.s. My family came from there in 1656.
Bead and Sequin Ornaments (Grandma...
How many 8 mm sequins for one 2.5 ball? In other words, what size pack?
Damage from Steamer on Pergo Floor?
I have sevety-year-old oak hardwood floors. Pergo, though is not hardwood, but a laminated photograph of hardwood. Now, you can damage ANY flooring surface with steam. That includes hardwood, linoleum, tile, ceramic, and stone. I have a steamer and I have done...
Looking For No Sew Blanket Patterns?
Everything in your bedroom is a rectangle, so you can no-sew anthing you need for that room. For pillowcases, cut two pieces 12 wider and 8 longer than your pillowcase is now. Cut the usual 6-inch strips and six-inch corners. Tie around three sides, leaving...
Bernie (Bernese Mountain Dog) and Wilson (Great Pyrenees)
Lovely dogs. I have a 4.5# Yorkie, but I love big dogs, just too disabled to handle them. My neighbor had a pyrenees which stood on top of the hill next to my garage, but in the middle of the street. When I would come home in my little Italian convertible sportscar...
Spending Time at the Hospital?
If the nurses tell you they dont have the leftover trays, tell them you mean the ones they keep and eat from themselves. hahaha That one worked for me.
Saving Padded Mailers
Whatever you do, if you do nothing else, be sure to cover the bar code at the bottom of the envelope. It contains your address, and the envelope will come back to you, and youll have to use new postage. Ooops.
Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?
You just proved my mother is right. She said, A man will do anything if he thinks its foreplay. BTW, whats S&H on Jason? Hes a cutie.
The Legality of Rainchecks?
Well, Susan. Guess who I am? The lady for whom the California Bait-and-Switch law was written some 35 (was it that long ago?) years ago. The rain check was included in that law. A similar thing happened to me for an item listed at while supplies last, and the...
Cat Pee or Spray on Suede?
Actually, you may also need a suede cleaner. How do you clean those costly boots? With UGG Cleaner& Conditioner. A couple of ideas from UGG: Moisten entire surface with clean, cold water. Apply dilulted cleaner with a sponge, rubbing gently all over. Dont rub...
Poll: How much spam do your receive each day?
I use IncrediMail to sort through them, and block/bounce/delete them. I forward other addresses (e.g., Yahoo) to my cable address. I get 3-8 a day. O.
Store Brands That Are Better Than Name Brand Products?
Dawn dishwashing detergent--brand only. Rubbing alcohol, virgin olive oil, salad dressing, vinegar, nuts, all very good at a Dollar Store. Always check unit prices to see if a brand is more costly. Paper goods less costly at membership store in bulk, also fresh...
Dentist Bill Joke
Heres another. A dentist hired a plumber, who spent an hour under the sink. He gave the dentist a bill for $200. Two hundred dollars, exclaimed the dentist. Im a dentist, and I dont make that much an hour. The plumber replied, Neither did I when I was a dentist...
What is Hamburger?
Hamburger is the lowest cut of ground beef. Its whats left over after all the other cuts of beef are taken. You can also buy ground round, ground chuck, ground sirloin, which are ground up cuts of beef. You can also get choice beef or even prime beef ground...
Tuffy (Shi-Poo)
A cross between a Bull Terrier and a Shih-Tzu is a Bull-Shi-Tz. Your puppy could also be called a Poo-Shitz! Cant wait until you hear all the mixed-breed jokes. O. p.s. I heard these from a pet board. Your puppy is gorgeous.
Frog Joke
I tell this one every St. Patricks Day, and the same people fall for it every time. Whats green and lives in the back yard? Paddy OFurniture O.
