Mint Brownies Recipe?
Ive made both of the above recipes with great results. Another thing I do is, make a regular brownie recipe and sprinkle mint chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. Its quick and easy, and tastes really good.
Other Uses for a Waffle Iron?
My mom always made grilled cheese sandwiches with her waffle maker, but the waffle plates turned over to flat grill plates, which is what we used for the sandwiches. By the way, a little george foreman grill can be used for a grilled sandwich called a pannini...
Crocheted Christmas Angels
I love that there is no pattern. It makes each angel slightly different, and the group looks realistic--like a group of us earthlings--all different sizes and shapes. Theyre beautiful!
Recipes Using Bulk Chocolate Cake Mix?
Once youve figured out how much equals an average box mix, make cookies out if some: plain chocolate, chocolate w/ chocolate chips and pecans, chocolate with white chips and macadamias, ...YUM
Christmas Cactus with Red Leaves?
The red ones are simply the young, immature leaves. Some varieties are a little redder than others. Once they grow larger and mature, they turn green. When yours blooms, youll easily tell the difference between these leaves and the buds.
Freezing Rhubarb
I just planted some in my yard last spring. I plan on freezing it to use in smoothies during the rest of the year, along with other berries I grow and freeze. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
If You Are Overcharged at WalMart
Everytime Im overcharged and I say something, Im told that you have to catch the error at the time its made. If its the last item rung up and the cashier hits the last key, its too late. You have to wait in line at the service desk to get your overcharge money...
My Frugal Life - Watering My Flowers With Recycled Water
I wish that I had a utility sink so I could do this too. This summer, Ive quit using my dishwasher and I wash my dishes by hand. I use a dishpan to catch the water which I use to water my plants, garden, and bushes. Even though were in a drought, they look...
Dealing With Debt After Divorce?
Unfortunately, theres no easy answer to this one. You were married when the debt was established and that makes you liable. Id make sure that I posted a letter with all three credit reporting agencies stating that my husband made the bill without my knowledge...
Easy Inexpensive Solar Oven
Ive always wanted to make one of these, but there were just so many steps that I never bothered. This one is EASY, quick, with almost no assembly. Im sure its going to be the one Ill try. Thanks.
Recipes Using Peaches?
I made peach nectar (peach juice) this year. I cheated a little by leaving the skins on, but no one knew. I washed the peaches and pitted them, then threw them into my Vita-Mix blender with some water, lemon juice, and sugar. I pureed them and poured into a...
Gorilla Glue on Microfiber?
Im sorry, I dont have an answer for you. I just wanted to make readers aware of something that Ive just read in a woodworking magazine about Gorilla Glue. Dogs love it and often eat (lick) it. The problem is, their bodies cannot break it down and it collects...
Electric Hair Clippers Not Clipping Well?
Wh had a dog that was half husky, and in our hot summer months, her fur was just too thick and hot. We bought clippers and ran into the same problem. Her fur was just too dense for them. We looked at clippers for sheep, very expensive, but the only thing that...
Using an Iron Griddle on a Glass Top Range?
I just use my cast iron griddle and pans. I made sure there were no rough edges to scratch my cooktop. Ive done it for 16 years now. I figured that I bought my stove to use, not to baby, and I was going to get my moneys worth from it. I use cast iron pans, I...
Keeping Tall Candles In Their Holder?
You can buy some soft moldable wax/putty-like stuff at Wal-marts for less than $1 for this. It is reusable indefinitely, lots easier to clean up than melted wax, and works wonderfully.
Small Fans To Keep My House Cooler
I keep a small fan in my bathroom too to help move the air. Living in the South, where its especially hot and humid in the summer months, I have no problem with mold or mildew growing around my tub and/or tiles. Things dry out more quickly (shower curtain, towels...
Cooking Up Chickens for Meat and Broth
To save time and money, buy an extra turkey around the holidays when theyre cheap and do this. I freeze individual portions of meat covered in broth in plastic containers. This keeps them fresh indefinitely with no freezer burn. This way, Im ready to make casseroles...
Freezer Storage Times?
Food wont spoil at 0 degrees, but it will get freezer burn if exposed to air. Charts give approximate times. A lot depends on your freezer and how the food is wrapped or prepared for the freezer. For example, if you use Food Saver bags which vacuum pack, food...
Blanching Squash?
Heres some info I had; hope it helps. Copy printable Format: http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/foodnut/gh1503.htm 'Squash: summer (Cocozelle, Crookneck, Straightneck, White scallop, Zucchini) Choose young squash with tender skin. Wash and cut in...
Adding Beef Broth to Spaghetti Sauce?
Definitely add it--the more flavor, the better. If it does make it too thin, just add some more tomato paste to help thicken it up. I always save leftover beef gravy/juices in a small container in my freezer and add it to the large pots of sauce that I make...
Make Your Own "Elmers" Glue
I believe the main asset of being thrifty, is to allow an individual to do what is most helpful for him/her, not for everyone else. And sometimes what would be helpful in one situation simply will not work for that same person at another time. If it works for...
Mixing Lipstick Colors
Ive saved used lipstick containers; lined them with a small piece of parchment paper. Then I put a small glass container into a pan with a little boiling water in it--to mimic a small double boiler. I add the leftover insides of used tubes of lipstick, any...
Yellow Tomato Jam Recipe?
Heres an old fashioned one thats simply wonderful. YELLOW TOMATO JAM 1 lb Yellow Tomatoes, peeled and sliced 3/4 lb Sugar 1/2 Lemon Peel tomatoes; cut into small pieces. Add sugar and let stand 1 hour. Thinly slice lemon with rind. Cook until tomatoes are clear...
Have you made homemade laundry soap?
Ive made it for years, and believe that its every bit as good as store-bought detergent. I remember watching my grandfather make homemade soap and grating it to do laundry when I was a child, over 50 years ago. People get so caught up with the brand of soap...
Plastic Lids for Freezing Hamburgers
I took all my excess lids and cut the same size circles out of them to use for making and freezing the patties. This saves space in my small kitchen. I cut 2 different size circles: a larger one for hamburger patties, and a smaller one for sausage patties. (I...
Loofas for Scrubbers
Unlike sea sponges, I believe that loofas are actually gourds. After you grow them, you hang them to dry, then clean them up and cut into any size sections that you want. Ive seen them in seed catalogs, but am not sure on the climate needed to grow them. My...
Problems Growing Peppers
I wish that I had an answer for you. I always grow green peppers without problems, and this year the leaves on mine are curled too. So are the leaves on the pepper plants of everyone that Ive talked to in my town. I was wondering if it might be a blight of...
Cooking a Cake in a Saucepan?
I have a Turbo-Cooker. For cakes, youd make the batter, pour it into a cake pan, set the cake pan on a rack in the Turbo-Cooker (bigger pan), and pour water into the big pan--sort of like a steam cooker.
My Frugal Life - The Kids Think We're Rich
Oh my gosh! We must be related--long lost cousins or something. I refuse to pay full price for just about anything, especially when you know that if you wait a week, itll go on sale. Its amazing at the bargains that can be found. I remember when my son went...
Give Store Brands a Try
I remember when generics first became popular. The arguement the they were inferior would indeed have been true, but it no longer holds true. Even Aldis is now starting to carry gourmet products under their own label. When my son was younger, he insisted on...
Leashes for Cats?
Cat collars usually have elastic on them, so the cat can safely slip out of it in case it gets caught on something. Look for a regular harness-style or one that looks like an 8 where one loop goes around then neck and the other around the chest, and you hook...
Faded Spots on Clothing?
Are you or anyone in your family using an acne treatment containing benzoil peroxide? It will cause faded spots on clothes, sheets, or anything it touches.
ProActiv Stopped Working for Me?
Unfortunately acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance that causes your oil glands to work overtime. There is no way to just turn them off. I find that when I get lax with my proactive regimine, I get more breakouts too. Are you using the toner religiously? This...
Red Bumps After Waxing?
The acid in lemon juice will burn the already irritated/sensitive skin, probably causing it to get redder before it gets better. Id stay away from the lemon juice until the irritation goes away. Use something soothing, like aloe vera gel. Plain ice will alleviate...
Ticking Noise Coming From AC Air Ducts?
Does it happen when you run the furnace too? Its probably the ducts swelling and retracting from the temperature differences, and is normal. I remember my parents doing this when I lived at home, my grandparents did it, and now mine does it too. Different homes...
Changing the Color of a Leather Purse?
It would depend on the way the leather is finished. I have used shoe polish on leather that seems to be sealed since it has a shiny finish, and it didnt really change the color that much, but rather gave a hue/sheen of the new color. On leather that is unfinished...
Frugal Ethics - When Frugal Becomes Just Plain Cheap
Ethics asside, sometimes the line gets blurred. When we get take out (which we dont do very often) Ill often order a childs meal since I dont eat too much. But Ive seem some postings on menus that are almost rude -- these are ONLY for children under a certain...
Transplanting and Harvesting Mint?
I agree, you cannot kill mint and it is the most invasive plant there is. I potted some in my flower garden contained in a pot so it wouldnt invade anything else. Well, it grew out of the hole in the pots bottom--which had been strongly covered, it flowered...
Brutus (German Shepherd and Siberian Husky Mix)
In the past, we took in a dog someone found that was half husky and half shepherd, and about the same age as Brutus when you took him in. She was the best dog. I couldnt believe how lucky we were to have had her--she was the smartest dog, and she had a wonderful...
Leaving Crockpots on When You Aren't at Home?
I routinely left mine on and felt extremely safe doing so...until this last spring. I was home doing a school project and knew that I wasnt going to have time to fix a dinner, so I was made a stew in my crockpot. Later, I went into the kitchen for a drink, and...
Cooling a Home from the Desert Heat
In part of my home, I have drapes, sheers, and room darkening blinds too. I try to keep them closed as much as possible in the summer to help keep the heat out. One thing I read at this site to save money in the winter, is to buy some white fleece, cut it the...
Canning to Save Money
I can too--Ive done it for years while working full time, and now while I go to school. I live in the city, so my garden isnt too big, but it still gives me enough to really help our food bill. Isnt it amazing what you can find to put up and how convenient...
Create a List for When You Travel
My son was an avid golfer, and in the summers wed hit the road to attend several tournaments in a few states. I too used a computer list. It made packing so much easier. I rarely had to even think about what I was doing, I just checked things off my list.
Keeping Cool by Grilling Lots of Meat
I thought that I was the only one who did this. Do you grill veggies for your meals too? I have an old loaf pan that I keep just for this. I fill it with sliced carrots, celery, cubed potatoes, onions, and some corn. Drizzle with a little olive oil, cover with...
Is it customary to see a list of the gifts your son received from family members?
Im taking a different opinion here. I believe its the reason why you want to see the list thats important. If you are nosy and want to see who spent what amount of money, then its none of your business. If your husband has a friend whos daughter is getting...
Ant Hills on a Paver Walkway?
I use the sugar-borax mixture dissolved in a little water and soak cotton balls. Put these on the anthills, or in a jar with holes poked in the lid and placed on the side so ants can get in. It takes a while, but they take the food back with them and the colonies...
Disposing of Bamboo Stalks?
If the stalks are thick and long, offer them to a gardener. They have multiple garden uses--I actually was looking for some this summer. You can also tie pieces together with jute to make trellises for houseplants. Schools in here--Im sure several teachers...
Will a hummingbird vine die if I cut it back?
Dont be afraid to cut it back--anytime. You cannot kill this plant.
Saving a Plant From Weed Killer?
If you just dripped it on, you can simply cut off the part that it had dripped on immediate;y, and it will not have time to kill the plant. Make sure you get everything.
Box Fan Filters
Why couldnt you just buy some pellon to make new filters? You can get it at Wal-Marts in the sewing department. Its called interfacing. Just be careful not to get the iron-on kind. Like you said, since pellons washable, theyd last a long time.
When do you start litter training kittens?
I wouldnt start regular food at least until theyre 4-6 weeks old. Preferable the later, the better, in my opinion. As they get older, put food out for the mother. If they are ready to eat it, youll notice them attempting to get at any food she leaves. Thats...
Marigold Flower Tips?
I live in northern Arkansas, and it had been my experience that marigolds are summer flowers best planted in the spring. Although they are fall colors, I dont know if theyd grow enough to flower this time of year. On the other hand, if you plant in the spring...
Rescuing Aggressive Breeds?
Caesars methods are known to work on animals that have failed to learn appropriate behavior by other training means. Id definitely give them a try. I had a Rottie. He was the sweetest, most gentle dog with a wonderful temperment, not to mention really bright...
Spicing Up Rice?
No one has mentioned Oriental fried rice. Whenever I cook rice, I always make extra just so I can make this. You can make it pretty plain, add veggies, or add veggies and leftover meat too. I can eat a big bowl alone for a meal. And if you dont like spices...
Shopping "Clicker"?
I just use the margin of my shopping list to add my purchases and round things up to the nearest increment of .25--if something is 1.10, I add 1.25. It goes really fast this way. Although it doesnt give an exact amount, I get really close. P.S.: Theres a big...
Inexpensive Low Calorie Snack or Lunch
Tomato juice stables blood sugar. I always carry a small can or two of tomato or V8 juice in my car for those times when I miss a meal and am feeling funny. When Im at school, I keep a small can in my purse to drink between classes. It really seems to keep...
Don't Throw Your Clothes Away Until...
I do the same thing. Money is tight, but Im not much of a shopper to start with. I seem to always say, its good enough for around the house, or I can get another year out of this. Even when I do go through my things I dont want to wear anymore, I first keep...
Nasal Spray Tip
Health food stores carry an item called a neti pot, or a nasal cleansing pot. Its used by countries in the East (India mainly), and looks kind of like a small ceramic tea pot. You make up a salt water solution and use it to irrigate and clean your sinuses. I...
Sugar, Booger, and Patches (Kittens)
Whenever I find animals that someone has abandoned, I usually run an ad in the paper for FREE WHATEVER. When they come to the house, I screen them carefully, and have always managed to get good homes for the animals. Yes, I have turned people away for various...
My Frugal Life - A Fun Adventure
I loved your story. I too am a veteran at frugal living, but still am always willing to learn a new thing or two. I find that I learn them in the most surprising places and at the craziest times. Please post more hints. You may be able to teach even us old...
Making a Rug From Newspaper?
Just out of curiosity, why would you want to? Water or any moisture would ruin them and all your hard work would be for nothing. If they werent sealed, theyd leave black ink smudges on the floor. If they could be sealed in some way...but then theyd probably...
Dyeing a Nylon Dress?
I agree with everyone else. If you do try to dye it, prepare yourself that it may not turn out. Good luck!
"Do Not Call" Phone Number?
Just a note: This does not stop calls from charities or companies that you have done prior business with, like your phone company wanting you to update services. They legally can still call you. You have to tell them to put your name on their DO NOT CALL LIST...
Washing Machine Reviews?
I bought a mid-range KitchenAid washer about 15 years ago. I have never had a single problem with it and to date, it has never even needed a repair. I raised my family with it --yes, Im talking kids, sports, and lots of filthy clothes. It is still going strong...
Is There Something Wrong with This Apple Tree?
I dont believe that its a pear tree. Pears grow with the narrow end (stem end) attached to the tree. It looks as though the bud end is facing out. Apples do often grow in clusters like this, but these seem to be deformed. Are all the clusters like this, or...
Craft Ideas Using Sunglasses?
I have these in one of my craft books. You get old (or cheap) sunglasses, trace the lens size using a piece of tracing paper, and use the tracing as a pattern for cutting out the photo. You apply a thin layer of glue on the photo back and one onto the eyeglass...
Brushing My Dog's Teeth?
Are you sure the $250 was only for cleaning your pets teeth? I have a cat with a disease who gets gingivitis, and have to get his teeth cleaned, but its not just a regular cleaning. He has to be sedated and the vet must clean below the gumline, which is comparable...
Repairing a Hole In My Inflatable Back Cushion
?
Have you tried a repair kit for swimming pools? We had a 4 ft. deep pool when our family was young that had a vinyl liner which I repaired several times. You could patch seams unbelievably well. And they turned out strong enough to withstand the pressure of...
Sunflower Theme Kitchen?
Id keep the cabinets a basic, neutral white. Later, when you get tired of this theme, it will be easy to repaint walls for a new color scheme, and get different accessories, but refinishing cabinets can be a real pain. I think yellow kitchen walls are a real...
How do you remove oil from your face during the day?
Do you go to a chiropractor? Their face paper that they use on their tables (to protect the tables from face oil) is actually face blotting paper. Some use rolls and others use sheets. Just ask if you can buy a roll or box of sheets from one--trust me, itll...
Growing a Daylily in a Pot?
You probably could, but why would you want to? A daylily is a perennial--it will grow, bloom, then die all the way back. It will not grow again until the following spring. Are you going to be able to store the roots in the pot until the following spring?
Debt Consolidation Warning
I agree with you more than ever. If you are unable to change your spending habits, this can be a chief factor in getting really deeply into trouble.
"Bunny Special" Recipe
This is a basic recipe with things that I usually have on hand. Im going to try it some night when I cant figure out what side dish to make. Thanks!
The Benefits of Canning And Gardening
My parents and grandparents canned, so I grew up doing it. I started my own garden shortly after we married and have been canning our food ever since. A few years ago, several people were surprised that I still did something so old-fashioned. Thanks to the...
Is a wedding invitation mailed to the parents of the groom?
Why do you ask? I hope this is just an innocent question. Of course its always proper to send an invitation, out of common courtesy if nothing else. But if someone forgot to send one because he/she was just busy with all the other arrangements, Id just let...
Sugar Free Frosting?
Place a stencil on the cake and just sprinkle with a small amount of powdered sugar. Youll get the design, but not all the sweets. And Id place it on homemade carrot cake, banana cake, applesauce cake, or even zucchini bread -- where you can cut way down on...
Caring for a Pear Tree
The first thing that Id do is give the tree a good pruning to remove dead wood, crossed branches, and retain a basic shape. If youre not sure how, go to the library and get a book. Ive found that you can safely prune any time of the year, even though its not...
My Kitten Is Coughing?
I once adoptd a kitten that did this, and it turned out that she had worms really bad. This can be life threatening for a kitten if left untreated. Best take her to the vets.
Deodorant Advice?
Just a note about the stone crystals -- you must wet them before using, and then rub over the entire area and then some, and allow to dry fully before getting dressed. Finally, you must use them for a while (3-4 days) before you notice them really working well...
Quick Fix for Faucet
God love you. A few summers ago, my husband and I decided to start fixing small things around the house that wed put off for years. We did them one after another. I even made a list of things we needed whenever we went to the store to complete certain projects...
Uses for Wire Hangers?
The company my husband gets his uniforms from takes them back. Every week when he drops off his dirty uniforms, they have a box for the hangers too.
Patio Vegetable Garden
Although most vegetables grow best in direct sun, I wouldnt rule anything out until Ive tried it. Remember, some varieties will do better than others too. Once you find one that does well, if its an heirloom, just save the seed for next time. If its not an...
Transplanting Black-eyed Susans
My grandmother always grew the prettiest black-eyed Susans back in Ohio. OH, the memories youre giving me this afternoon. How I wish I could go back...
Crafts Uses Sheets?
I purposely bought some sheets at a yard sale to make garment bags for my closet. They are super easy to make, keep clothes dust free, and help keep moths out of wool blends. And they are so much better than the plastic ones you buy.
Thrift Shops in London, England?
They have lots of trunk sales (I believe theyre called), which are a lot like our yard sales or flea markets. People load up their car trunks and park together, selling their wares out of them. They shouldnt bee hard to find.
Puppy Names and What They Mean?
Im not familiar with many languages, but know that a word pronounced the same or similarly have different spellings and are extremely different in meanings in different languages. Differing languages also have specific suffixes or prefixes that will change...
Cleaning a Juicer?
Lemon juice will brighten the basket, but wont clean the clogged holes. Soak it to moisten the food fiber, then use a toothbrush to scrub the fiber off the basket. Mine actually can with a tool that looked a lot like a generic toothbrush, but I buy a good one...
Cleaning a Juicer?
Another note: While holding the strainer blade upside down under running water, you can sometimes use the toothbrush to scrub the outside of the basket. It will release the food stuck in the holes and the water will flush them out. Which side you scrub depends...
Martha Stewart Towels?
Fabric softeners shouldnt be used on any natural fibers. It was invented to prevent static cling from synthetics. It clings to natural fibers, making them much less absorbant. I think soaking in vinegar and washing them several times should remove the build...
Selling Crafts in Front of Your House?
Better check with your city. Where I live, this would qualify as a yard sale. We are only allowed two per year and you have to buy a license to have one or you will be fined.
Picky Eaters?
Please be aware that children with autism are not your basic picky eaters. They are not trying to be difficult either. The textures of different foods is what gives them problems. Their brains--which do not function like normal brains in every way-- simply...
Making Turkey (or Chicken) Soup
Add a little vinegar to the water at the beginning of cooking to draw the calcium out of the bones. Youll never taste it, and itll add nutrients.
What Type of Squash is This? (Strange Zucchini)
Ive seen gourds that look a lot like that (two-toned). Do you think a gourd and a zucchini inter-pollinated to produce a new variety? I agree that you should save some seeds to see if you can grow them again. As long as they taste good. Id call a local universitys...
Stroganoff from Leftover Pork Roast?
Stroganoff is traditionally made from beef. But go ahead and try it with your pork roast. I bet youll come up with a taste alternative.
"Impossible" Chocolate Pudding Pie?
Kings kid--I dont have my recipes in front of me, but do a search for copy-cat recipes. Bisquick is a baking mix made from flour, shortening, baking powder, some salt, and some sugar, I believe. It can be listed as a master mix sometimes. Im sure youll find...
Creative Cookie Containers?
I line my old pringles containers with a plastic bag, put in the cookies, seal the bag, snap on the plastic lid, roll the container in brown paper, address, and mail. Keeps the cookies crush-free and makes a thrifty surprise for someone. Lots cheaper than the...
Starting a Christmas Tradition
I did the exact same thing when mine were small. The only difference is, each got to invite a friend over to help decorate the cookies. This allowed the friends mother to have some time to finish shopping, wrapping gifts, or anything else she needed to do. At...
Pumpkin Substitution
Here in the South, we commonly eat sweet potato pie. Its made exactly the same as pumpkin, but cooked and mashed sweet potatoes are used. Only the especially gifted can tell them apart. And yes, pumpkin is a squash and it can be interchanged with any other...
Drilling a Hole in a Mirror?
I do stained glass and know you can do this with a grinder, but they are expensive and not worth it for just this. Id let a glass place drill the hole. That way, if the mirror chips or breaks, they will be responsible for replacing it. If you do decide to do...
The Left Side of My Face Hurts?
There is only a thin wall separating the sinus cavity from the roots of the upper teeth, so often when one has a sinus infection, the teeth will ache too. For some reason, I have a tendency to clench my teeth when I sleep (and I have sinus infections) probably...
Paint Color for a Kid With ADHD?
Cool colors are the most calming. Stick with any cool blue, green, violet, or in-between shades. Id be careful to use a medium to light hue, since the darker versions are bolder and more energetic, which is contrary to what you are looking for.
December Best Buys
You forgot one of my favorites--pomegranates! While they are not cheap, I cannot wait until fall to buy them. Ive also heard that they are higher in antioxidants than any other fruit. YUM!
Christmas Wreath from a Hula Hoop
I did almost the same thing... One day I was junking and was given this huge wreath form for free. I brought it home, and that fall I used our old christmas tree to make us a wreath. I just wired the branches on, starting with the largest lower ones. It is...
10% Rule for Savings
Id just like to add, that if you dont feel you can do 10%, make it 5% or whatever amount you can do. After you feel comfortable putting that much aside, raise it 1-2% more. Keep doing that until you are up to 10%. As you start setting money aside and watch...
Homemade Wedding Favors?
At a friends wedding, they bought small white boxes and placed some cookies in it, tied with a ribbon and tag with bride and grooms names, etc. Each guest got one as they entered the hall. Since they were not at the table settings, no one could grab a few and...
Flying Vs. Driving?
When my son was young, we made several trips that were over 1000 miles, and we always drove. Forget all the horror stories you hear, he was good as gold, slept a lot. When he was up, I often sat next to him while my husband drove, to read books or play with...
Keeping Mice Out of a Dryer Vent?
Attach a piece of metal window screening to the pipe. Just make sure to clean the lint so the vent does not get clogged, or it can pose a fire hazard.
Oil Dipstick Broke?
My son had to take his to the dealer to get it fished out. He got lucky and they were able to get it out pretty quickly.
What are the large to giant dog breeds?
I had a rotweiler. He grew to be the largest any of the vets in our area had in their practices; much larger than his sire. He was the gentlest, friendliest dog ever, and we loved him dearly. But there are lots of things to consider before getting a large breed...
Cingular Wireless Complaints?
Ive had a few run-ins with them too. Good Luck. Maybe try the Attorney Generals office. Theyll allow you to file a written complaint, investigate it, and maybe help you get some money back. The Better Business Bureau might be another place to start.
Curfews for College Age Children?
Wow. So much depends on the young adults nature and that of the family. I guess that I have a unique perspective on this, I have: 1) Raised a son -- now 24, ending his masters and has been accepted into a PhD program. 2) Returned to school myself, and am surrounded...
Add a Drain in Your Basement Floor
I grew up in the Northern part of the country where all homes had basements with drains in the floor. In the city, theyd connect to the homes drain pipes and in the country, theyd connect to the sump pump drain. I thought this was a normal procedure.
My Dad Won't Let Me Shave?
How old are you and do you really need to shave? I went to school with a girl when I was growing up whose mother wouldnt allow her to shave her pits or wear deodorant. She wanted to keep her a child forever. The counselor stepped in by calling the mother and...
Making a Fake Wedding Cake?
Traditional bakeries use styrofoam bases covered in, and decorated with, the actual icing that is used on their wedding cakes. It dries, to form permanent displays. If their icings are a type that wont dry properly, they use a Royal Icing (egg white based icing...
Home Improvement Price Comparisons?
Im sure youve already considered this, but make sure you consider the weight/gage of the wire if you are pricing chainlink fencing. We had one around the yard of the home we bought, and needed to add more. We never considered the chain links wire gage, and...
Blackberry Stains on Clothing?
If it doesnt work or if the stain has already been set, use some oxiclean dissolved in hot water. It should come out.
Buying Plastic TV Dinner Dishes?
I just bought some at Wal-Mart. They were in the small appliance aisle, next to the Food Saver and Rival Seal-A-Meals.
Buying Wedding Cake Supplies?
Price is pretty subjective--what is cheap to one can be expensive to another. I used to do cakes, and often people were shocked at the extra charge for the toppers or specific material they wanted on their cakes. I let them price some items they wanted, and...
Composting Grapes
I compost and have done it for years, but I am not a traditionalist. Books tell you to alternate between green and brown matter, to turn it every so often, and all kinds of stuff that I do not have time for. Dont let the books scare you off! I have my compost...
Composting Grapes
Brigette--I forgot to say that your pile does not need to be made of anything special. You can simply bend some fencing for the sides. My grandfather, on his farm, just threw everything onto a big pile. Since I live in the city, my husband made me a wooden...
Houseplants That Are Easy to Grow
I live about 100 miles West of you, and I grow African Violets in my North-facing window. They dont require direct sunlight or much care, and they bloom continually. Ive started and given away so many plants.
Frost Damage on Mint?
Pick what you can, to use now, but dont worry about your plants. Mint is extremely hardy. I live in Arkansas and have had mint growing in my yard for years. It freezes and dies in winter, but will grow back next spring with a vengence. Trust me--you cannot...
Displaying a Large Magnet Collection?
Could you either reface a couple of your upper cabinets with metal, or mount a framed metal sheet on the cabinet doors to use as a display?
Painting a Room to Look Bigger?
As a general rule, dark colors absorb light and make an area look smaller. Light colors reflect light and give an area a more expansive look. Often these principles can be countered with furniture size, placement, etc. If you have your heart set on a dark color...
Transplanting Crepe Myrtles?
I live in northwestern Arkansas, in a house thats over 100 years old. The original owners planted a crepe myrtle that was huge. Weve transplanted shoots during any time of year and found that 99% of them have taken. The only ones that died were from lack of...
Dryness Around My Eyes?
Is the dryness around the inside or outside of your eyes? Mine get dry around the insidee, and yes, it is allergies. Ive even tried plugs put into my tear ducts numerous times, which didnt work too well. My body expelled them--it was really strange. My doctor...
Found Change Keeps Loved One Involved
I saved my change in a bank too, a large one that never seemed to quite fill up. Then one day it occurred to me that the money was just sitting there and not earning interest. So I started using a smaller container and deposited it every other month in the...
Over The Counter Medications That Rebuild Cartilage In The Knees?
Definitely try the glucosamine-chondroitin combo. It has been sold for years for animals and is known to work wonders. Ive tried it myself and gave it to my husband with his regular vitamins, not even telling him what it was, and he later mentioned how much...
Storing Garlic?
Plant a few cloves outside. If all else fails, at least youll have some to use later. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried to use their food saver to prolong the storage life (seal and refrigerate) of garlic? I just thought of it and wondered if it might work...
Numb Spot On My Thigh?
If it is nerve damage, the nerve will have to regrow which takes a LONG time, if ever. Nerves grow up to 1/2 per year I believe. If it is a pinched nerve, have you tried a good chiropractor? They can do wonders. (Forget about any horror stories that youve heard...
Kitchen Appliance Advice?
I can all the time and often use my pressure canner often. Ive never seen an electric one big enough to can in though -- maybe Im just behind the times. If you are serious about canning, what do you want to can? You will use a water bath for a lot of stuff...
Buying Fertile Duck Eggs?
Do you have a university that has an agricultural department? The may be willing to part with just a couple (my sister got a few turkey eggs for her daughters schools science project). Our town has ducks in the park, and often will give some away to thin the...
Pull Out Sofa Bed Frame?
Wish you lived close to me. Were buying a new sofa and our old one is a sleeper sofa--was only used a couple of times and the pull out is like new. Maybe put it up on freecycle or craigs Llst in your area. There must be others like us...
Uses for Hand Lotion?
I read that you can mix vaseline in to thicken it up again, but have never tried it.
Borax Equivalent in Europe?
I read on another site that in Australia, they call Borax washing powder.
Nviro Potter For Seeds
Ive been making these for years using food cans. My favorite size is a tiny (6 ounce) tomato paste can for seedlings, but you can use slightly larger cans too. I just press the paper covered can onto my table to fold the bottom closed -- works just fine. I...
Proactiv Alternatives?
I use a good general cleanser like Clearasil or Equate (Wal-marts generic version), which Ive added a few drops of tea tree oil to. And I never wash my face with my bare hands, no matter what the cleanser says or how clean my hands are--Ive worked in the medical...
College Grants and Scholarships?
My husband has driven a bus for decades and our district has no money to give out (Im also a returning student, and if they had anything, Id know about it)--its really nice that some other schools will. But I agree with the other posts, it takes quite an effort...
Color Washing Off a Vinca When I Water It?
Flower color is at the cellular level. Some bright colors simply are more sensitive and fade quicker then others. I wonder if the minerals in the water could be altering the color. You are able to change the color of hydrangeas from pink to blue by changing...
Fixing a Tear in an Above Ground Pool?
When we had our pool, I repaired some big tears with a patch kit. Just be liberal in using the goopy glue. After they dried, I even put an extra coat on top of the entire patch to make sure it was sealed and would hold. We never had any problems, as long as...
Hip To Be Square Meatballs
WOW--Ive been doing this for years. I hate making round meatballs and cleaning up the frying splatters from them. It makes the job so much easier. Often Ill put the meat in a small square, cake pan so the meat-squares are 1-layer deep (they bake quicker). I...
Party for a Science Major?
My first thought was what type of a science degree? I have a science degree in Interior Design, and another in Speech-Language Pathology. My friend has one in Education, and another friend has one in Cellular Biology. Science covers a vast array of fields. That...
Compost Instead of Buying Topsoil
I live in town and have composted for years. It amazes me at the number of people who think compost piles stink and attract rodents, which they do not. Mine attracts worms to aerate my lawn and garden, and lots of birds who help keep mosquitos away. I feel...
Spider-Man Invitations?
Could you just get a line picture of spiderman (like from a coloring book), copy it onto a plain white piece of paper, print the party info on the bottom of the picture, fold it up to standard postal size, and close with a spiderman sticker to mail it. Youd...
Preparing to Vacuum Seal Vegetables?
If youre just sealing them to insure freshness and keeping them in the refrigerator, then no, you do not need to blanch them. If you are freezing them, then yes, they are supposed to be blanched to stop enzyme reactions. Do a google search, or look it up in...
Easy Fruit Crepes
I grew up eating crepes, but thought they were just thinned pancakes. My grandmother was from Europe, and made them for us all the time. Wed spread homemade jelly on them and roll them up. To this day, I absolutely love them. Thanks for the memory.
Top Loading Washer Reviews?
Just bought a new washer and dryer after spending a month talking to appliance people. Apparently, Whirlpool has bought out and now makes both Kitchen Aid and Maytag, and puts the Kenmore name on their appliances too. If you choose to buy one of theirs, Kitchen...
Preventing Tick Bites?
Unfortunately, if you go into an area that has ticks, you take a chance on getting them on you. There is NO way to prevent it. Contrary to popular belief, DEET is dangerous, especially to children whose immune and neurological systems have not fully develpoed...
Are Hens & Chicks Supposed to Bloom?
Ditto. I had mine a number of years and theyve only bloomed a handful of times.
Chicha de Jingibre Recipe?
www.gingerpeople.com has Ginger Soothers or you can buy them at a health food store. They arent carbonated, nor are fermented. They can be drunk hot or cold. My grandmother used to drink plain ginger-ale for nausea. I like to eat candied ginger--much cheaper...
Milk Jug Watering Tip
I used to use either milk or 2 liter pop bottles, put a tiny hole on the bottom, and bury most of the jug next to my plants when I planted my garden. I left them uncapped. Whenever I watered my garden, I simply put the hose nozzle into the opening and filled...
Spray Bottle For Ironing
If you use distilled water in your steam iron from day one, you wont have any problems with it getting clogged.
Add Bleach To Your Fountain Water
My fountains slightly splash when they run constantly (and my cat drinks from them too). I started using just a little vinegar in the water. It works just as well as the bleach, but has an added bonus of helping to keep fleas off my cat (when he drinks the...
Skewers to Keep Squirrels Out of Planting Containers
What a great idea. I just put four newly started avacado trees on my porch banister to enjoy the sun. The first day I went out, two were uprooted--I quickly replanted them. The next day, the pits and stems were eaten. I never thought about squirrels liking...
Thick Webs on My Pear Tree?
You can spray sevin dust into the web and on the ground around the tree to kill them too.
Bob Cat
Congratulations on having such a wonderful companion. Hes a beauty. And looks really intelligent.
Stitches Skipping on Sewing Machine?
I agree with everyone else, first make sure your machine is clean, you have a good sharp needle for leather, the tension and such is correct. Ive had problems with this happening if I am using the wrong kind/weight of thread for the material I am attempting...
Rooting Plants?
For the snowball bush, just dig out some shoots. theyll already have some roots, and hydrengeas should be divided occasionally anyway.
Earring Organizer?
I got a box of candy where the plastic liner was molded in squares -- 8 rows each with 8 columns, for a total of 64 compartments. I kept the plastic liner, put it in a drawer of my jewelry armoire, and keep my hoops and certain other earrings in the spaces...
