Save Money on Your Electric Bill?
Keeping your freezer full to capacity is not always feasible but you can offset this by storing empty, but lidded, plastic containers in it. I do all of the things suggested here but I always feel my electric bill is way too high. I get far more benefit from...
Removing Packaging From Toys Before Wrapping Them
I do this when posting presents, especially overseas, as it saves on P&P!
Save Gift Bags That You Receive Presents In
When I use a gift bag, I dont write on the gift tag so that the bag can be used again by the recipient. Also, if I deliver a card by hand, I dont write on the envelope!
Shopping With a Cellphone
Im afraid that would cost a fortune in itself here in UK:-(( Not cost effective. Better to do it online before you leave home.(b)(/b)
Shopping With a Cellphone
Im afraid that would cost a fortune in itself here in UK:-(( Not cost effective. Better to do it online before you leave home.(b)(/b)
Organizing Kitchen Utensils In a Drawer
Sounds a bit dangerous as I have special knives in my drawer:-((
Summer Book Club and Book Swap
Alternative to this: I have been decluttering and lots of books dont make much on Ebay so I have been putting them out on Bookcrossing ( www.bookcrossing.com). Its really interesting watching your books journey!
Organizing Your Coupons When Shopping
I agree with Roxanne. We dont get many coupons over here but, when I have a few, I always write down what I need and what size. I was once caught out at the checkout because I had the wrong size for the coupon. Its easier this way than pulling out the coupons...
What's So Great About a Digital Camera?
Wouldnt be without mine. Its wonderful for all the reasons stated but its also so easy to transfer your photos to cd and then view them on your TV. I spent a lot of time, when I retired, scanning old photos, saving them to the computer and also putting them...
Dieting for People Over 40?
I am 68 and last year lost 38 lb by following an on line tracker. It was free and no longer available but there are others including, I think, weightwatchers. I had tried all sorts of diets but always got fed up of the food available and slipped back after...
Recipes for a Sandwich Maker?
Butter the sides of the bread which will be next to the plates of the machine. You can leave the crusts. We quite like slices of cheese (cheddar or similar rather than processed) with either thinly sliced onion or apples added. You can, if you wish, add a few...
Garden: Summer House
Re pruning. I spend time every year pruning etc but the holly bush had got out of hand before we bought the house. It was probably about 50 years old and we tried pruning it for several years before taking such a drastic step, but could never get it cut back...
Have Evaporated Milk In Your Pantry
hi wonder if you would post your recipe for your rice pudding. I have long since lost my one using evaporated milk. It was really good- so much better than the canned variety! Thanks for the reminder:-))(b)(/b)
Magnificent Mince
Hi Groovygranny; Dont forget the neeps and skirlie to go with your mince and tatties! Still the best way to serve mince in Scotland:-) Or you could have dough balls:-D
In Memory of Kirsty (Lurcher)
Yes, we did get another dog - another lurcher. He is now almost 9 years old and the most laid back dog we have ever had! He, too, is very special but you never forget any of your pets. Each one brings something different to your life. What hits hardest is when...
Use Masking Tape to Make Seed Tapes
Great idea! Thanks. For flowering plants you could do them in short lengths and offset them to make clumps of flowers.
Tie Plastic Refuse in Knots
Our council recycle plastic bottles, but cant take any other kind of plastic, not even yogurt cartons which is a pity:-((
Removing Tile from Plaster Walls?
We have sheets of Drywall over here which can be fixed on top of tiles and theres no problem with grouting and keeping it clean! It is quite expensive per sheet, though, but might be cheaper than gutting your bathroom. I think it is used quite a lot here, especially...
Computer Isn't Doing Updates?
Download and run Spybot Search and Destroy from here: http://spybot.search-destroy2009.com/index.asp?aff=103&camp=gg_spybot_uk&se=google It will pick up anything malicious on your computer - it worked for me and it is free (although they appreciate a donation...
Paint Brush Cleaner Recipe
Hi Im decorating just now so thanks for the tip! Cleaning the brushes has always been the worst part! Just one thing: how big is a sherbet sized container? We dont get them here:-((
Painting Over Tile?
We used a special primer, then 2 coats of ordinary Satinwood paint and topped it with clear satin varnish. 9 years later, still going strong! Just make sure they are thoroughly clean before you start! Also we used a small roller to give a really nice smooth...
Save Dog Fluff for the Birds
Fatty Ball Container:-D(b)(/b) It is a container which holds fatty balls which we can buy over here for the wild birds. See picture: from a catalogue not from my garden; although I have had several birds feeding at one time!
Two Pads of Paper
Also: If I print cd or dvd labels I clip off the spare bits and cut them into labels for items I put in the freezer!(b)(/b)
Cheap Meals?
I posted this one on another thread. It goes a long way and can be served with pasta! I freeze what I dont use for another day. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92738735.tip.html Another relatively cheap meal is to brown, then stew chicken thighs in gravy with onion...
Freeze Soup in Stackable Containers
This is a great space saving idea. I use margarine tubs. A 500g tub holds 1 serving of soup!
Knit an Afghan in 7 Minutes a Day
Have seen a lot of mentions of an afghan but not sure what it is:-( Anyone got a picture? Is it a scarf or a rug? (b) Editors Note:(/b) An Afghan is a hand crafted wool blanket or shawl, generally knitted or crocheted. They are often draped on furniture, or...
Getting Rid of Robins?
I would be delighted with this but, if it is impossible to leave them, then Id suggest placing one of the fake robins ( you usually get them around Xmas for decorations) on the wreath or nest. Robins are quite territorial and that might be enough to drive them...
Don't Use Plastic Net Bags for Wild Bird Feed
The fatty balls we buy here for the birds come in individual net bags. I, too, always remove them and put the balls in the feeder. The jackdaws were adept at knocking the feeder down and stealing the balls so I had to secure it to a hook on my bird table. They...
Deleting Photos in Yahoo My Photos?
see: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AscPaNV21sCNVmE18XRBZA0jzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20071126194433AAs3YLd
Avoid Flashed Out Photos With Your Finger
Must try this when taking a photo through a window. I usually end up with the reflection of the flash!
Who Remembers Paper Dolls?
We can still buy books over here, containing 1 or 2 pop-out dolls + clothes. My grandchildren love them. They also print off others from the computer.
Save Plant Instructions
I like this idea. At the moment, I have a pinboard in the garage where I stick the labels. I have a few small albums with pockets where I can pop in the labels and still be able to read both sides! Then I can take them indoors, too, and look at them! Thanks
Use Margarine to Remove Oil Based Paint
I seem to remember butter being used to remove tar from my shoes and clothes in hot weather when I was a child. We used to burst the tar bubbles on the road with our shoes! So easily amused back then!
Puppy Won't Stop Barking?
Unless you are going to be happy having her in your bedroom for ever more, then you musnt give in. Also, you are going to have to leave her on her own sometimes. She is lonely and probably missing the company of other dogs at the centre or even the pups in...
Lime Jelly and Cucumber
Sounds pretty much the same. Jelly is in a block which you melt by adding add hot water. It is a dessert but the lime flavoured one isnt that sweet and goes well with the cucumber.
Ginger Beer
I didnt put in the NB Plant at the top (Thriftyfun must have re-arranged my recipe?)! The NB I had in later was just nota bene as in note well The plant is what you make from the list of ingredients and is the base for the drink. At the top of the recipe it...
Simple Pattern for a Doo-Rag?
Interested to know what a doo-rag is? Editors Note: Wiki says, A do-rag, also spelled doo-rag, du-rag, durag is a piece of cloth used to cover the head. A popular folk etymology claims that the term derives from drive-on rag, a term first used by U.S. soldiers...
Making an Amaryllis Bloom Again?
After flowering, leave the bulb in the pot so that the leaves can feed the bulb. When the leaves begin to wither, remove the bulb and store in a cool place. Replant just before Christmas in fresh potting compost. I usually put it out in the garage once the...
Tulips Have Sprouted, When Do I Plant?
Id plant them now as the sprouts show that they are still alive. If they grow it will give the leaves a chance to feed the bulbs and then the cycle should get back to normal. Persevere with your gardening - it will give you so much pleasure!
Do Hibiscus Leaves Close at Night?
I had a hibiscus in my porch and the flowers only lasted a day as, apparently, is usual. However, it was getting too big and I repotted it and put it outside and the flowers have been lasting several days, much to my surprise!
Paper Towels as Packing Material
I used 1 sheet between each plate, then wrapped the stack in clingfilm, no breakages. :-)) I, then, reused the paper for mopping up spills etc. Nothing wasted! Plastic bags are not bio-degradable; the clingfilm squashes up into small pieces.
Paper Towels as Packing Material
I should have added that, best of all, the crockery doesnt need washing after unpacking!
Thick Hair Unmanageable?
Try to look on the bright side:-D You can always have it thinned. My hair is very soft and fairly thin, so keeping a style is impossible. I always wanted thick hair.
Recipe for a Dessert Exchange?
I would suggest Igloos (I have the recipe posted in todays list). They are so easy to make - individual desserts which make them simple to serve. Ingredients: 1 Swiss roll 1 can peach or pear halves jam egg whites sugar Directions: Cut 1 slice of Swiss roll...
Making a Rolled Paper Bowl?
In school, we used to make baskets by folding long strips of paper, then using the strips to weave. You can attach a handle, too. We then painted them and gave them a coat of PVA glue which dried clear like varnish. They made nice Mothers Day gifts with sweets...
Use Less Shampoo By Avoiding "Repeat"
I have short hair and need to wash it every 3 days. Even so, the first wash never leaves it clean. I use a cheaper shampoo for the first wash and then my more expensive one for the second so I still save a bit.
Alternative to Swiffer Duster?
Static dusters are great for this. see: http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/static_dusters.htm Costs you nothing after youve bought it!
Lick Your Fingers to Open Plastic Bags
I do this at home and, if Im working in the garden, I wet my fingers at the outside tap. However, be careful of doing that at the supermarket. A friend did that and was unwell later. She reckoned maybe a bug had transferred from an item shed put in her trolley...
Reducing Blood Pressure?
Try beetroot juice. It is sold in wine-sized bottles over here and, apparently, very beneficial for many things, including lowering blood pressure. See:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8186947.stm
Omelet Recipes?
Heat some oil in a frying pan (around a tablespoonful). Beat your eggs with salt & pepper to taste and add a few drops of cold water. Pour mixture into pan. While it is cooking, pull back the edges with a spatula and tip the pan slightly to let the uncooked...
Best Way to Cook Steak?
Im not in favour of this modern way of cooking meat which ends up practically raw. Apart from anything else, I dont think it is safe. When I cook sirloin steaks, I oil a piece of tinfoil and place the steak on it. I then add sliced onion, mushrooms and sprinkle...
Hysterectomy Advice
?
Main thing to remember is to follow your doctors advice on aftercare. Dont lift etc. You may feel you can quite soon afterwards but this can lead to major problems. Just because youre healing nicely on the outside, doesnt mean youre healing at the same rate...
Recommendations for Kitchen Timers?
I carry mine around with me as it doesnt ring loud enough, nor long enough!
Scruffy (Miniature Schnauzer)
It must be terrible not knowing where he is and if he is ok. Do hope you get him back safely.
Dog Is Itchy After Being Groomed?
Could be a coincidence. Have you wormed her and had her anal glands checked - they could be impacted.
Making Your Own Concrete?
Got this from a UK DIY TV Show:-)) Concrete Mixtures For Bedding Bricks 4 sharp sand 2 soft sand 1 cement 2 caps of mortar plasticyser gives longer before setting Grouting Mixture 2 sharp sand 2 soft sand 1 cement For a concrete Base 4 coarse gravel 2 sand...
Removing Labels from Jars
I find soaking the jars in cold water overnight works best. They usually just slip off without leaving a sticky residue. Less elbow grease!
Be a Greener Reader
When you are finished reading a book, check out www.bookcrossing.com You can register your book there and send it on a journey you and others can track. Not only is it interesting but you are sharing your books with others.
Garage Sale Items for Gift Exchanges
?
Great idea; recycling. too! My only concern is that, if you make it look like new, others might think youve gone over budget:-((
Moving Tips?
Pack a bag or box for moving day with tea/coffee, milk, sugar, kettle, biscuits/sandwiches. Keep it with you so you can have a cuppa without having to hunt around;-)) Put labels, with the contents listed, on your boxes as you wont unpack everything at once...
When Do You Stop Giving Christmas Gifts to Adult Nieces and Nephews?
Like OliveOyl, we stopped at 21.
Substitute for Chocolate Chips in Recipes?
Put your chocolate bar in the fridge so it is chilled then grate it, preferably with the large sized teeth.
Christmas Dinner Starter Ideas for Three Course Meal?
2 options we tend to use here are: broth which can be made weeks before and frozen or prawn cocktail: Use stemmed glass dishes, if you have, and line with lettuce, add prawns mixed with Marie Rose Sauce. Garnish with a sprig of parsley. Another option is to...
Getting Rid of English Ivy?
We cut all along the bottom of the plant (quite an expanse) and pulled off what we could. We left the rest to wither and die. We then had to dig out the roots:-(( Hard work, Im afraid!
Transplanting Roses?
Be sure to cut them back first and dont let the roots dry out. Should be fine, especially at this time of year.
Reuse Greetings Cards as Postcards
I used them in school to make gift tags, Christmas story books and small gift boxes.
Use the Sun to Whiten Linens
I agree that was common practice, many years ago, in order to bleach clothes. There werent all the fancy detergents then and they had to make use of what was available.
Helping My Husband Match His Clothing?
Colour code the hangers - use cheap beads, coloured paper or etc
Dog Attacked Other Dogs in Home?
Pit Bulls are on the dangerous dogs list in Britain. Please dont put him in the pound as some other unsuspecting person could fall foul of him. The kindest thing to do, for all concerned including the dog, is to have him put to sleep. Pit Bulls can suffer, too...
Computer Not Detecting Audio Output Devices?
I have a problem with my sound every time I reboot the computer (thankfully I dont have to do that often). I discovered, however, that if I scroll down to the icon with the yellow exclamation mark on it and right click and disable it, then enable it, my sound...
Recycling Poinsettias
They are given to the older members of the congregation who cant get to church.
Pros and Cons of Leather Furniture?
Cats scratched the sides of my sons leather sofa and chairs:-( Its more noticeable on leather, too.
Dog With Brain Injury Peeing in the House?
She might have a urine infection and the fact she is doing it beside the doors might show she is trying to get outside and not doing it deliberately.
Organizing Bookmarks in Firefox?
For sites I had already bookmarked, I dragged and dropped them (hold down left mouse button on item you want to move) into the appropriate folders. Subsequently, any new sites you want to bookmark, just click on the choose button (on the same menu list as unsorted...
Dye Clothing in a Front Loading Washer?
Not sure how you can dye clothes as kffmrw88 says in a frontloader. (once you have water in it you cant open the door again.) Should think it would work well in a top loader. I have dyed curtains in my Whirlpool frontloader: Its best to put the dye in the machine...
Travel Insurance When You Leave the Country
In the UK, we buy our travel insurance independently from travel agents. By shopping around, its possible to get a much better deal. Its amazing the difference in quotes. But, I agree; never cut corners on insurance; it could cost you dear in the end.
Economical Travel in England?
Check out the following. its possible to get a room for as little as £19 and theres usually a restaurant/cafe adjacent http://www.travelodge.co.uk/ http://www.premierinn.com/en/ I do hope you enjoy your stay but, if you have time, do organize a trip to Scotland...
Ceiling Tiles for Quilt Staging Wall
Cork tiles would be good but the only kind of ceiling tile Ive seen are polystyrene which are a fire hazard.
Can You Reuse Potting Soil?
I either put it in my compost bin or put it in the bottom of pots and top up with new when transplanting plants to bigger pots.
Dealing With Fine Hair
I comb my hair while the shampoo is still in it and havent needed conditioner for a few years now. I, too, have fine hair and found the conditioner made it limper, even when I used volumizing products.
Puppy Pees When Excited?
Please dont ignore her; most puppies do this when excited. Dont worry, shell soon grow out of it; just enjoy her:-))
Organizing Clothing in a Cluttered Apartment?
My husband built a wardrobe in our attic and we keep our out of season clothes in it - makes it so much easier to keep the wardrobes tidy and to keep track of what we have. If you dont have room for a spare closet, then think about storing clothes in suitcases...
Climbing Rose
These are beautiful. Fragrant climbing roses are not so plentiful - do you know what it is called?
Cleaning the Door Seal on a Front Load Washer?
I sprayed mine with white vinegar, left it for a while, then cleaned it out with paper towels. Not perfect but made a huge difference!
Blue Heron is Eating My Koi?
I would opt for wire or netting, too, but if youd rather not do that then, I have heard that, if you put an ornamental heron by your pool it deters others from landing.
Use Removable Inserts In Birdbath
This is such a good idea. Unfortunately, we have a decorative bit in the middle with a bird on top but its set me thinking I might be able to find a way around this. We have the same problem with jackdaws and crows. They salvage bits of biscuits our dog leaves...
Getting Rid of a Nesting Pigeon?
Id love to watch the eggs hatching and the young birds developing. I think you are lucky!
Paint Color Ideas for Exterior Door?
I think your door should match your shutters; or at least royal blue. You need a strong colour.
Planning a Trip to Europe?
Decide what you want to see in these countries and work out the timescale. Dont forget to count the travelling time. We did the west coast of Scotland a few years ago but we crammed in too much (accommodation was already booked ahead). We had planned what we...
Keeping Dog Off the Bed?
If its impossible to keep him out of the bedroom, then get a throw for your bed. Charity shops quite often have something suitable. eg candlewick bedspreads, curtains. These are easily washed out and can be dyed to match your decor.
How Do I Email Digitized Photos?
I open My Pictures folder; right click on the thumbnail of the photograph I wish to send and a menu appears with an option send to
Scenery: NE Scotland
I should add that people come from all over to surf here. I took this on a very calm day. :-)) As I took this photograph from the dunes, the full width of the beach is hidden from view.
Replacing Louvers on Shutters?
I once recovered a stool and used braid to hide the staples. Youll get it from the soft furnishing department in store. You can tap in small pins between the threads of the braid to hold in place, alternatively use glue.
Travel: Historic 1884 Hogback Bridge, (Winterset, IA)
I find old buildings etc etc fascinating, just thinking of the skill of the workmen at a time when they didnt have all the machinery etc available today. Googled it and came up with this: Built in 1884 by Benton Jones, it measures 97 feet, and is in its original...
Bissell Carpet Shampooer Isn't Working?
My one is the opposite, it doesnt lift the water after shampooing. :-( Have tried cleaning it etc. to no avail. Sorry, I cant help.
Paddy (Labrador - Terrier)
I love the expression on his face. :-) Lucky dog, lucky you! P.S. Nice garden, too!
Car Sickness Remedies?
Some travel sickness pills are quite strong. I dont travel well in a bus or in the back seat of a car and find that Joyrides (for children) are good, with no nasty side effects.
Getting Rid of Wood Lice in Compost Bin Safely?
Thanks! That gives far more comprehensive information than I got from our council along with my bin.
Store GPS in Camera Bag
Camera cases are very expensive, too. I bought a small purse, just the right size, from our local supermarket. It even has a small side pocket which holds my spare battery. It only cost £3. (UK)
