July 28, 2011

Drying GrapefruitThis is a page to drying grapefruit. Dried grapefruit is a tasty healthy snack. It also makes a nice spicy addition to some dishes when powdered.

 

Organizing FabricThis is a page to organizing your fabric. Whether you are a seamstress or an avid quilter you probably have tons of fabric. Organizing your fabric will make it easier to see what you already have and allow you to find what you are looking for faster.

 

Organizing MagazinesThis is a page about organizing magazines. Magazines are a great source of information and entertainment. Some of them we want to keep, to reference later, but they can quickly add to the clutter in our home.

 

Cleaning Your Dog's TeethThis is a page about cleaning your dog's teeth. One way to help keep your dog happy and healthy is to keep their teeth clean. There are a number of home use products on the market so that you can clean them yourself.

 

Saving Money on Carpet CleaningThis is a page to saving money on carpet cleaning. Despite your best efforts carpets need to be cleaned every once in a while. It's an added expense that can be difficult to budget for.

 

Saving Money on Chimney CleaningThis is a page to saving money on Chimney Cleaning. Cleaning your chimney is extremely important because build up in your chimney can cause a fire. Whether doing it on your own or getting it cleaned by a professional, it is important to know the steps to cleaning a chimney.

 

Storing Pet FoodThis is a page to storing pet food. Animals probably don't enjoy stale food any more than us humans do. Storing pet food properly will keep the food fresh and keep unwanted pests out.

 

Storing LemonsThis is a page storing lemons. Storing lemons properly will ensure that they stay good until you need them.

 

Saving Money on Summer CampsThis is a page to saving money on summer camps. Sending your child to summer camp is a great way for them to make friends, stay active and learn new things. Prices of summer camps vary greatly depending on the length, location and organization.

 

Saving Money on Horse FeedThis is a page to saving money on horse feed. The expense of feeding a horse can really be a drain on the pocketbook. Here are some ideas to help make it more affordable to take care of a horse.

 

Growing LemonsThis is a page abut growing lemons. If you live in a warm climate, you may be able to grow a lemon tree. Being able to pick your lemons when you need them ensures they are as fresh as possible.

 

Organizing Embroidery FlossThis is a page to organizing embroidery floss. It is important to have a wide variety of colors when doing embroidery. However, that many spools of floss can easily become tangled and disorganized.

 

Cleaning Your FireplaceThis is a page about cleaning your fireplace. A fireplace can provide not only heat but ambiance. Keeping it clean will improve its efficiency and safety. Whether you are removing ash and soot on the surround or creosote buildup from the chimney, a regular cleaning is necessary.

 

Storing Comic BooksThis is a page to storing comic books. Comic books are a fun collectors item for young and old. Storing them properly is an important part of maintaining their value and keeping them nice.

 

Easy Chicken Dumpling SoupThis is a simple and very good tasting soup to make. It is done in less than thirty minutes.

 

Eggplant ParmesanLove this recipe!

 

Anzac BiscuitsThis is a biscuit that was named after the Anzacs and is very popular in Australia. A crispy, nutty taste though no nuts. I presume the taste comes from the oats and golden syrup.

 

Dijon Curry MustardIf you like the flavor of Dijon and curry, you'll love this for assorted uses including as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and even as a dipping sauce for chicken and pork.

 

Simple Citrus PieSo good and refreshing on a hot summer day. This is very good and very easy.

 

Savory Spinach SquaresNot fond of spinach, but this recipe is the exception to that rule for me.

 

Red Kidney Bean SaladI don't usually care much for beans, but this is really good. Think I like the sweet pickles in this recipe.

 

Organic Solutions for CrabgrassCrabgrass can be relentless. Because it grows fast and tends to thrive in hostile conditions, it can quickly turn your lawn into a tangled patch of weeds. Here are a couple of organic solutions for fighting crabgrass that are easy, safe, and effective.

 

Duplicate Catalog Style with Thrift Store FindsI love Pottery Barn styles for my decor, so when their catalog comes to my house I study it for weeks, until the new one comes. Then I go to garage sales/thrift shops and find "look-a-like" decor and refurbish it to fit in my home.

 

Store Linens In Each BedroomWhen bed linens are washed and dried, they are folded as flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases in layers together. They go in a drawer in whichever room those sheets are used.

 

Use Washcloths As BibsI own a Home Day Care and can not keep up with enough baby bibs. It works out for me to grab a wash cloth and wrap around child and clip in the back with a small chip clip.

 

Losing Weight With Portion ControlThe best advice I can give for losing weight, is that diets don't work; losing weight is a lifestyle issue. Weight has to do with what you put in your mouth and how many calories you are able to burn.

 

Primitive Halloween CatsI purchased a large barrel of men's wool suits at an auction for a dollar. They are truly vintage. Many of them are black or gray, so I figured they would make great primitive Halloween decorations. For this project I designed primitive Halloween cats.

 

Organizing Sheets By Room and Rotating TowelsI place all of sheets together in one of the pillowcases, so the set is together and easy to grab. I store the clean sheets in the closet of the room they are going to be used in.

 

Scenery: Summer SunsetThis was taken from our deck on one of those almost 100 degree days. It looked as though the sky was on fire. I know we were certainly melting!

 

Just Keep TryingMy tip is about your mind set. I used to begin a diet and exercise routine thinking it was "all or nothing". Then, when I would have a bad day or two and fall off the wagon, I would feel like I had failed and stop trying.

 

Keep Aluminum Foil from Sticking When BakingI found that more times than not the cheese or other topping sticks to the aluminum foil even after spraying it with cooking oil, especially if it has to bake a good while.

 

Gunter (Orange Tabby)Gunter is about 1 1/2 years old and an orange tabby. He took shelter under our front porch this year around Thanksgiving. He hunts squirrels and chipmunks.

 

Storing BlackberriesI have found that if I store blackberries or raspberries in a airtight container, they last much longer than the ones stored in the paper pint container from the farmer's market.

 

How to Select a Good GrapefruitFirst off, be aware of the seasons of citrus fruit and when to get the best quality. Here in California, we have a lot of trees that grow naturally around and you'll see that citrus prime time is winter! It is the same for where a lot of our grapefruit comes from, Texas and Florida.

 

Camphor for Sinus Pain And HeadachesFor sinus pain and headaches, I use camphor. It comes in small blocks and can be purchased from drug stores. Scrape a bit off into a basin, pour in boiling water, put a towel over your head, and steam.

 

Tickets for ChoresWhen my kids (and fosters) were young, I bought a roll of tickets (like those at a carnival). They are available at places like WalMart. I made lists of chores, age appropriate for each child.

 

Raleigh (Dalmatian)Raleigh is a 6 year old Dalmatian. I waited nine years before acquiring my best friend. I wanted to make sure I had the time to devote to him and was in the right place in my life.

 

Label Leftovers in the FridgeI buy removable labels at an office store. I put them on the lids of containers with the date and type of food. Now we know what leftover is in the fridge. I use the 7 day rule and throw out when necessary.

 

Mix Taco Seasoning With Sour CreamI have a lot of leftover taco seasoning packets left over from when we were always cooking Mexican. I found that if I put one package of taco seasoning into 2 cups of sour cream and top with shredded cheese of any kind, it goes like hotcakes.

 

Silking Corn On The Cob QuicklyIt's time to harvest and put up your summer veggies! One of the most dreaded tasks is husking and silking corn on the cob. You can silk a single ear of corn in 30 seconds by using an air compressor.

 

Write Down CaloriesRight now, what seems to be helping me eat more sanely (not overeating, or eating very high in calorie or fat foods), is writing down the calories I've consumed every time I eat or drink something.

 

Cleaning The Inside of Your MicrowaveTo clean your microwave, take a bowl of water and had a half cup of lemon juice. Place in microwave for 3 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes or so to loosen the dirt inside and wipe clean. This makes all the dirt and grime come off a lot easier.

 

Scenery: Strasburg Railroad Engine 475...While visiting Lancaster County, PA for the day, I took this picture of Engine number 475 coming down the tracks at the Strasburg Railroad.

 

Lighten the LoadWhen traveling, take all of your older underwear. As you wear them, throw them away, thus allowing for room in your suitcase for the souvenirs.

 

Lemon Lysol For Kitchen CleaningDaily, I fill my kitchen sink at the end of the day with hot water and about 1/2 cup of liquid lemon Lysol. I grab 2 rags, soak them in the hot lysol, squeeze out the excess water and wipe!

 

Keeping Your Dryer Duct ClearThis really works. Remove the cover of the lint filter. Wet your finger and remove all visible lint. Under running water, scrub the filter with a toothbrush and a little liquid detergent.

 

Eliminating and Preventing Fungus Gnats on HouseplantsIf fungus gnats are a problem with your houseplants here is an easy solution that has worked for me every time. Fungus gnats lay their eggs and develop into adults in the top 1/2 inch of the soil and they need moisture to survive. They have a 2 week life cycle.

 

A Bed for Cats That Go Outside I made a cat box bed for my late cat, Midnight. He would go outside to do his business, as he was a stray who showed up on my porch one cold winter night. He didn't really like a litter box.

 

Use Kids Tattoos On WindowsI have lots of kids tattoos that they leave lying around. They might only use a few and then want to throw the rest of the page out. Recently I had a project where I was blocking out a window that led to another room for privacy.

 

Darwin TulipsTulips in the warm winter areas of California are difficult for the average gardener. However if you plant Darwin tulips (following directions), you don't have to dig them up until they get crowded. This takes about 4 or 5 years depending on the spacing.

 

Sort Bills As They Come InI purchased a Rubbermaid sorter in the office supply section at Wal-mart. When I get my bills in the mail, I instantly open them. On the front of the envelope I put the date that the bill needs paid by and amount to be paid.

 

Exercise EarlyI find the best time for me to exercise is early in the morning before I do anything. First, I make sure my exercise routine is already planned the night before.

 

Adopting a Rescued PetWe have adopted three rescued dogs in the last 15 years. The first one taught us a lot. She had been abused and was afraid of everything. She needed lots of patience and tender, loving care.

 

Wildlife: Feeding Squirrels (Hyde Park, London)Here are some photos of my mother feeding a friendly little squirrel on our vacation in Hyde Park, London. She is really good with squirrels as she has a few pet squirrels at home. Some people even call her the Squirrel Whisperer!

 

Cleaning Stainless Steel Grill Grates?We have recently purchased a Charbroil Quantum infrared grill with stainless steel grill grates and underpans. We really, really love how the meats turn out.

 

Clematis Stopped Blooming?My clematis grows very well. It use to have all kinds of blooms, but in the last couple of years it has had none.

 

Uses for Wine Bottles and Corks?What do I do with wine bottles and corks, aside from the typical flower vase and trivet?

 

Homemade Bug Repellent?I am looking for DIY insect or bug repellent?

 

Canning Cabbage?I would like information on canning cabbage.

 

Planning a Fundraising Dinner?What is the best "meal" to serve at a fundraiser dinner held in the high school cafeteria? We need something that is good and filling, easy to prepare and serve, yet something people would come out to eat. Should it be all-you-can-eat or one-time plate?

 

Shopping for Spic n Span Bam?What stores carry Spic n Span Bam? I can't find it on the shelves at Wal-mart or Safeway where I used to see it. This is the best product I have ever tried for soap scum. Can I order online?

 

Making Cleaner or Freshener for Front Load Washer?I am looking for a recipe to make my own front loader washer cleaning or freshening product. The tablets are very expensive and I am wondering if anyone has come up with a solution of their own. Thanks.

 

Bamboo VS Hardwood Flooring?We are thinking of installing bamboo floors in our family and living rooms. What are the pros and cons? How do they compare to oak floors? The hubby and I will do this with possible help from a neighbor who rehabs houses. Thank you in advance.

 

Best Bait for a Mouse Trap?I have tried peanut butter, honey peanut butter, cheese, and gumdrops; the mice do not touch these. What else can I use? I am using the Ortho traps.

 

Where Can I Buy Caster Sugar and Dessicated Coconut?What are these ingredients? I have not heard of them, and can I buy them at a supermarket?

 

Using Tea Tree Oil to Kill Lice?Will tea tree oil kill lice on humans? If so, are there any side effects?

 

Getting Rid of Weeds in Grass?What can I use to kill weeds and bermuda grass in a fescue lawn?

 

Planning a Profitable Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser?I know Krusteaz Pancake Mix offers a partial refund of the cost of the mix after a pancake breakfast fundraiser. Does anyone know of any other companies that do this?

 

Getting Rid of Sugar Ants in the Kitchen?I have had this problem with ants being in my room and in my kitchen. About a year ago I woke up to thousands of ants (sugar ants) in my bed and biting me all over! I'm just wondering how to get rid of them when they are in my carpet and just all over the house.

 

Freezing Eggplant?Can you freeze eggplant?

 

Housewarming Invitation Etiquette?I am hosting a housewarming for my younger brother. All he has is his bed and a fridge; that's it! How do I word the invitation saying that gifts are welcome?

 

Cleaning a Concrete Birdbath?What do you use to clean a bird bath? This is a bare concrete, shallow bird bath with a 12 inch circle of rust colored, slimy gook on it.

 

Getting Rid of Dandelions and Hedges Without Herbicides?Does anyone know ways to kill dandelions and hedges without herbicides?

 

Shopping for Mean Green Kitchen and Bathroom Cleanser? I would like to know of stores that sell Mean Green Kitchen and Bathroom Cleanser nearest to my location in Dayton, Ohio?

 

Keeping Cats from Chewing Carpet on Cat Tree?My daughter bought a really nice cat tree/condo for my 2 kitties. However, they are chewing one of the carpet covered ladders. I am wondering what I can do to keep them from doing this. I am afraid they are eating the carpet, and it will cause health problems.

 

Using Green Concord Grapes?My friend picked all my grapes, he did not know to wait till October. What can I do with them? I have them in a paper bag. Please help me.

 

Lightening Wood Paneling Without Stripping?My dining room has wood (the real stuff) paneling and I want to give it a face lift. I am looking for a simple way to lighten the wood without re-stripping the whole room or painting over such quality wood. Does anyone have a fairly simple solution to my problem?

 

Affixing Fabric to Mirrored Closet Doors?I have mirrored sliding doors. I would like to know the best way to adhere fabric to the mirrors and how to measure and trim the fabric once it has been mounted.

 

Freezing Raw Potatoes?How can I freeze fresh/raw potatoes?

 

Cleaning Interior of a Car?What can I use to clean the dashboard and interior door handles that doesn't dry out everything?