Ideas for No-sew Curtains or Roman Shades?
By no-sew I assume something using iron on tapes with the pull threads already attached. I would think the kits would have instructions, but for good measure Id check the store where you buy the kits for a good book on sewing for the home/sewing window treatments...
Finding Free Fill Dirt for the Garden?
There are usually signs at construction sites, or possibly on free part craiglist or similar sites. Id just keep an eye out while driving around.
Using Fresh Grape Juice for Line and Wrinkles?
Alpha hydroxy acid is in a lot of fruits and it will over time peel off layers of outer skin and make it look nicer. So will lactic acid. So you can use crushed fruit, or yoghurt or buttermilk. You might try getting a can of dry powdered buttermilk and mixing...
Removing the Odor from New Silk Garments?
I dont know if the scent is the silk or the finishing technique which may use chemicals, or the smell of the dye or shipping container. But I worked for a natural dyer for a year, who specialized in silk, and sometimes it does have a scent for a while until...
Start Seeds in a Kids Swimming Pool
This is a wonderful idea. You might also add a tablespoon or two of compost around each plant as it grows. Ive read this idea before and it seems like a wonderful idea. That person put a clear plastic tarp with air holes poked in over the top of the pool, the...
Fading Black and White Shirt?
I am not sure if this will help, but I dont think it will hurt. Wash shirt in either water with maybe 1/4 cup dissolved salt and rinse well, or preferably, a cup of white vinegar in washer at least med full of water. Rinse well. Either of those is supposed...
Sunken Top on Quick Bread?
Im having trouble myself, most likely, if all things are same the oven is not holding temp as before, wasnt really preheated enough, or possibly humidity has affected your flour (it does), so it wasnt really enough flour. Probably not the baking powder.
Cabinet Color Advice for Kitchen With Dark Mahogany Floors and Blue Granite Countertops?
I lived in Africa once, and seeing that lovely blue with hints of green in it reminded me of the lovely days in the Highlands of Kenya. How about a soft green taken from the dark streaks in the granite; a pastel/light version. It would be like the blue skies...
Felt Tip Pen Stain on Wood Furniture?
Well, it depends partly on how old and worn the finish on the wood is. I would proceed cautiously in case the varnish is thin; if you start removing the ink and it smears you dont want to make it worse by spreading it onto bare wood. Get a million q tips and...
Quinceanera with Dragonfly Theme?
Not sure what you mean by dirty. Why dont you tell us what youve made the other parts from, and that might be useful for ideas.
Best Vacuum for Laminate Flooring?
For starters, why not a little swiffer shaped thing with a lambswool type cover. It will get all the hairs and dusty stuff, and slide other objects which you can sweep up with a nice synthetic [soft style] broom. Shake out the cover into garbage can and toss...
Choosing Plants for a Vegetable Garden?
Above writer has great ideas. You can also read the tag on your brocolli starts/seeds and if its not a hybrid let one or two plants go to seed, and then use the dry seed to start more brocolli in about September for a fall crop.
Olive Oil Facial Cleanser?
Years ago I read an article on using oil on ones face for a cleanser and I did it for a long time; olive oil was the recommended oil. Fill the basin with fairly hot water. Use cotton ball to put very thin layer of olive oil on face [cover hair with towel or...
Tips or Saving When Dining Out?
Hey John, Portland is my home town and Im currently in exile in Colorado and my dear brother is also named John. That aside, the best way to save money on eating out, is eat at home. Sorry. But, many restaurants are offering deals right now if you eat with...
Substitute For Buttermilk?
Measure out milk and put in 1 teaspoon lemon juice or 1 teaspoon vinegar if thats for baking; it wouldnt do for salad dressing or drinking.
Squirrels Eating Plants?
I understand your frustration, but since 2006, squirrels around the world have been going hungry because of weather disturbances/out of phase resulting in little or no nut crops. They are starving. In 2006 it happened in Poland, Russia, and I think it was last...
Rabbit Ate My Burning Bush?
If the trimming was mainly on the ends of branches towards middle, bush will probably be fuller. If they took off whole branches in uneven manner, hard to say. Pruning often encourages growth.
Tips for Gaining Weight?
Age is the most likely cure; my husband and children were all slender until about 40, now they are less slender, but not fat. Are there any digestion problems? The one thing I have noticed universally is how buffed and filled out people look after military...
Tips for Gaining Weight?
I forgot to say what I mean by good plain food; I do not mean potato chips, candy, junk food stuff. For some reason I think that will make people obese but not a healthy weight. I mean meat, starch, veggies or casserole, or whatever you like by way of main...
Stench in the Microwave and Kitchen?
Move microwave to another location, like your Moms garage. See how much odor is left. Turn on fan above range for few hours full blast. Do what you can to remove remaining scent with Febreeze room spray as suggested above. Early in morning add pleasant scents...
Top Load Washer Does Not Drain or Spin?
How old is it? If its 10 or more years old, it might be dead. Otherwise look on web for an 800 number for Frigidaire and find their do it yourself repair number and talk to someone. I used to have a GE washer and dryer, and occasionally had to fix it and got...
Finding Free Water Garden Plants?
Put an ad on local craigslist. Theres bound to be someone in your area with overgrown plants.
Generic Versus Name Brand Bleach?
The bleach ingredient in bleach is a 5-6 per cent solution of sodium hypochlorite. Ive read labels and all seem to be around that percent. Perfumes and water, possibly something else are the remainder, but thats the bleaching agent. You can increase the effectiveness...
Using Rid-X for Pet Odors?
I love experiments like that. Why not dissolve a bit in a quart of water and test in small area, marking off area with tape and wait several days for it to work.
My Frugal Life: Common Sense About Money
Where do you live, TXBetty? Texas? I live in Colorado and milk now is 2.19/gal, eggs can be had for 97 cents/doz if you dont mind medium, but you are right about the bread. I shop at KingSoopers and Walmart, though when I lived in Oregon it was WINNCO and Fred...
Hospital Fundraiser Craft Ideas?
I dont know if this is a help, but maybe just collection jars in local businesses, grocers etc. Or a group door to door collections solicitation, as it sounds as though you live in a small community, and that way there is no money put out for expenses. Just...
Keeping Bugs Out of a Light Fixture?
I know it seems yucky, but those bugs are no longer bugging you. Maybe rig a home-made bug trap with sweet soda or something to hang right near the light?
Keeping My Neighbor's Pets Out of My Yard?
Make some sort of latch and wire it shut with bread wrapper wire until dog discovers it cant get in a few times. Then you probably wont have to do it anymore.
Candyland Birthday Party?
Well, everyone could wear something striped: shirts, socks, pajamas. Or that looked like candy, candy colors, something with round life-saver shapes.
Mattress Smells Moldy?
You take the mattress to the dump. Mold is bad for everyone and you could give yourself lung problems for the rest of your life. You should write with permanent marker on mattress the world MOLDY for the sake of anyone tempted to take it.
Freezing Baked Jacket Potatoes?
Enzymes break down the potato. You can can potatoes, but freezing must be harder.
My Legs Are Itchy?
Well, Aisha, hello there in Mombasa. I lived in Kenya once, years ago...how old are you? Dry skin is more common amongst older people, and dry skin can cause itching. The most likely culprit is your soap, or lotion. New brand? For instance Dove soap makes my...
Reporting a Business That Doesn't Have a Permit?
Well, you can have a home based business involving cooking, but rules are very stringent. I thought of it once, but involves a lot of detail, so gave up idea. Frankly a garage does not sound sanitary unless it were remodeled completely into a modern, stainless...
Is it OK to Put a Refrigerator in the Garage?
Well I would call an appliance center and ask to talk to manager, who will get info for you. Or if your current in house fridge is older, swap them out, or go to estate sale and get nice older type. I like to buy from estate sales because often older people...
Scratches on a Porcelain Sink?
Get some Barkeepers Friend and gently use it to buff out the porcelain and hope it works.
Cleaning Eye Glasses?
Mine did that [they were metal] from lotion on my face. I stopped putting lotion in that area and doesnt happen anymore.
Harvesting Horseradish?
Why dont you do both; if its not hot enough the first time [that would be upcoming spring, right?] offer it to friends and family who like milder horseradish. Being fresh, I am going to guess it will be plenty hot, regardless.
Making a Mini Green House?
I had the use of an unheated green house for 4 years once and it was a hoot. I had plants and experiments coming out of my ears. Some years better than others. I no longer have a garden but still put aside stuff for one in future. My son had a waterbed which...
Costs of Making Your Own Juice?
Like many, I have been tempted by one of those juicer things, and of course, its fresh juice. But, I bought a juice steam extractor for jellys etc, and it produces wonderful juice. I plan on making my own tomato V8 type juice with it. Ive done various berry...
Advice for Sagging Breasts?
Well, are you normal weight or under/over weight. It doesnt matter, just trying to get an idea of where you are at. I believe in boob miracles because Ive had them. After my first child my boobs were shriveled, sunken and sagging. Fast forward couple of years...
Family: Robin's First Grandchild
Congratulations on your lovely grandchild. Our greatgrandaughter/grandaughter had a difficult birth and swine flu was everywhere, so doctor told us to keep her away from people for 8 weeks and to use one drop per day vitamin D [can find many places and store...
Best Method for Making Payments to Collection Agency?
Id give them money order [keep receipt part] from us post office. Unquestioned money order and they have o access to your personal account info.
Converting Two Pounds of Potatoes to Cups?
You can convert somethings to cups easily, like sugar or flour or rice, but you will have to cook up those potatoes, drain, mash down and measure. Then you will know. Also different potatoes mash up differently. Gold potatoes probably weigh more than fluffier...
Improving Dog's Weight and Muscle Tone?
How old is poor dog who has a human master wanting dog to live up to an idealized image for the humans sake? If young, let it mature to full adulthood, about age 3. Human master can get up and take dog for walk; good for trimness for both. Maybe human should...
Methods for Cutting Baking Time?
Well, it depends. Ladyscorpio raises completely valid points, but sometimes I start my chicken if roasting at a higher heat for 15 minutes to get the crisping going or finish at higher heat for crisping, but then the goal is not really to hurry it, but to crisp...
Dishwasher Not Releasing Soap?
Could also brush area around little door pivot area with old toothbrush and warm water. Maybe its just caked.
Toning Down Spicy Foods?
There are two things that might help: with all spicy dishes, cook the spice itself over low-med/low heat in the oil/fat of recipe the spices to mellow, before putting in other ingredients. I heat my pan to med low, add oil and butter [has to be low enough not...
Removing Rust From Chrome?
There are probably product but the foil and cola sounds good to me; however, your chrome product is probably on its last legs because the chrome protection has worn away, but you can just start looking for replacements at garage sales. I see chrome trimmed...
Removing Rust from Paper Clips?
Rub with scrap of steel wool, not cleaning pads, just plain steel wool.
Low Cost Educational Toys
One of the most educational things you can give your child is the experience of seeing you make a toy for them. I had a father who made everything, but I didnt have a lot of toys, I had the richness of seeing you could make what you wanted and needed and that...
Paint Suggestion for Black and White Kitchen?
I was going to say white with small accents of red and green also. As in tiles, cups, print of veggies, cookie jars.
Problem With Varathane Floor Finish?
Bubbles are a problem with varnish of any kind. See if there is an 800 number to call. You have to make very slow, one way strokes and dont stir can. I used to refinish furniture to the stain phase, and then mix thinner, tung oil and varnish in 1/3rd and rub...
Painting Room With Red and Black Furniture?
What else is in room you want to keep? How about art work colors, are those the only two colors? Take inventory of all colors, and try to imagine one as wall color, as is, or lighter, or darker. Grays are always good with red and black, but that doesnt feel...
Chile Juice for Garden Pests?
When you are dealing with chilis, fresh or as powder you have to be aware you are exposing yourself and anyone in area [children] to a potential breathing problem or skin/eye irritation problem. You could blend them with water and let sit, strain after some...
Price Per Load for Homemade Laundry Detergent?
Where does one find washing soda nowadays? I get my borax at Walmart; its about $3 per box. I use Purex detergent, at WMart for $3. I cannot figure out why detergent has gone up as it has. I do not use the amounts called for. I use about 3 tablespoons for full...
Smell From Garbage Disposal?
Get some lemons when they are onsale, cut into small pieces or slices and freeze on a cookie sheet and then put in plastic bag in freezer, and until smell is gone, put one in every night and grind it up. You could also pour in some white vinegar [1/4 cup] or...
Upholstery Cleaner Left Stain on Furniture?
Wipe with damp cloth [lukewarm water] over period of days and let dry in between, and see if you cant gradually fade the ring. I am only suggesting the gradual approach to avoid any mold problems which would rot the fabric. If you feel you got too much water...
Getting Started on Ebay?
It sounds as if you are planning on selling often on ebay. I only buy, and use a pay pal account linked to my checking account; it goes through immediately and I get notices in my email account within minutes. I agree you dont want to risk bouncing anything...
Acrylic Paint on Wool?
Try rubbing alcohol. Ammonia might work on anything but wool, it will disintegrate it.
Making Sauerkraut With Frozen Cabbage?
No. Frozen cabbage has already been damaged to some extent. Sauerkraut is a fermentation process which takes place over some days, and I have no doubt youd have a really smelly mess on your hands. If you mean the cabbage was frozen in the field, and the inner...
Cleaning Business Price List?
Call local cleaning services and ask for their price list. Or call apartment complexes in your area and ask what they pay.
Unable to Work Due to a Car Accident?
Definitely try for disability. It often takes more than one time. Consult a disability lawyer. Apply for welfare. Thats what its there for. Apply for workmens comp. Thats what its there for. I am not being facetious. Try everything and all. If you were injured...
Canning Fresh Salsa?
As far as cooking before hand or not, I think the tomatoes have to be cooked a bit to be canned. If you want fresh, you could freeze whole tomatoes and make up a quart or 2 as needed; yes the tomatoes were frozen but would probably make up satisfactorily. I...
Making Canned Chili Taste Homemade?
Which type chili are you using? If you are using the thick kind of grainy type, add a can of chopped small tomatoes, maybe the ones with jalapenos, Could add finely chopped pieces of bell pepper. You might also add another can of kidney beans. Stagg is kind...
Saying "No" to Someone Who Asked You Out?
Is he being bullied or is he bullying you? If hes bullying you, he doesnt care about your feelings. If hes being bullied, I see your point about his feelings. You dont say how old you are. If you are relatively young 13-15, use your parents as an excuse, and...
Damaged Blue Spruce Tree?
It will probably fill out sideways more than up, and then it will grow upwards again. It should right itself over the whole of a year.
Low Protein Dog Food Recipes?
I would think any vegetables one would put in a stew would make a good meal. The potatoes could thicken the water a little and a teaspoon of brewers yeast or nutritional yeast would add nutrients, plus a little olive oil. Potatoes, carrots, peas, celery, canned...
Beans Without Gas?
I recently learned a new way to cook beans on Americas Test Kitchen show. They stay whole, cook very nicely, and do seem to produce less stomach turmoil. Cover beans in salted water [probably 2-3 tablespoons to 2 quarts water, and stir before adding dry beans...
Selling Handmade Crochet Items?
Cant you break up the items you have into categories and post them that way on Etsy? It seems the best venue to sell year round for crafters, that Ive ever seen. The other way is to google etsy, and when it pops up, check similar, but if you are dealing with...
Recipes for a Burger and Fries Restaurant?
I worked in restaurants for 15 years, mostly in a small family business, which was run very well, of the owners own design, ie, not a franchise. My father also was a small businessman/inventor who had a small factory in his garage for many years, which he ran...
Modular Office Furniture Business Name?
If its assemble it yourself furniture, how about Office in a Box?
Removing Dimensional Fabric from Clothes?
Only thing I can think of [with ventilation] is alcohol or acetone. You might try hand sanitizer, which is largely alcohol. be careful, these are both very flammable. Ill bet most people dont know that hand sanitizer is flammable, but believe me, it is.
Toddler Pocket Bib?
I would consider NOT using the cross ties in back because they could get tangled in them if they tried to get out of chair as they will when they get older. Maybe regular with a little tab of velcro. Probably have free patterns on web.
Financing a Treadmill Purchase?
Have you looked on craigslist for an inexpensive used one of the model you want? Many people buy those things, never use them more than once or twice, and then get rid of them.
Changing the Battery in a Smoke Detector?
Getting the lid off can be a pain. Theres usually a little tab thats supposed to give to pressure. Just keep trying; my son finally got ours off after I was sure it wouldnt.
What Fruit Crops Will Grow in Salty Soils?
I am not sure what would work for you but the ones who might would be the Israelis. If you can find some sites for Plant/Garden Nurseries in Israel they might be able to point you towards both plants and information since I believe they have done very well...
What Fruit Crops Will Grow in Salty Soils?
Once my mind gets going, it doesnt stop. See if you can find permaculture organizations in India. I know they exist, if anyone would have a clue, they would.
Toddler Won't Play Alone?
Sounds like hes needing more interaction. No one likes to be shoved off in a room. Maybe take short walks with a small container for gathering treasures. When you get home, have a snack, then let him draw pix of his treasures [rocks, weeds, sticks, and so on...
Buying a Round Loom?
Sounds like spool knitting. You can even make one with a toilet paper roll, 4 penny nails [no big flat head], and duct tape. There will be tutorials on web, and there is a book in childrens section of many libraries in last few years.
Advice About a Student Loan in Default?
Are these cosigners members of the mafia or what? Or someone who once passed, mistakenly, for a friend or family? I would [really] send in your problem to Suzy Orman. Its a great problem and she has discussed student loans in the past. What is a confession...
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Couples?
What have you noticed the younger couple doesnt have: towels {inexpensive at Walmarts, even two towels and two washcloths would do]. My grandson needs towels, and a nice mid-size stainless pot in his apartment.A small but comprehensive tool kit for the car...
Making Syrup from Dried Apricots?
I make jam from dried apricots. I would soak the cots a few days in a quart of water, well covered in fridge. Run whole thing through blender to chop and simmer for few hours, adding more water as needed. I think you would have even better results if you add...
Cleaning Candle Wax Off an Ivory Menorah?
Put candle in again, light and melt a bit , and remove all was when old wax has slightly warmed from new wax.
Refrigerator Exterior is Rusty?
Rust can be cleaned off with white vinegar. Swab area, wait few minutes wash with maybe a green scratcher/sponge, and keep doing until rust is gone. If necessary sand lightly with fine sandpaper when entirely dry. Paint with paint suitable for metal [probably...
What is This Ingredient in Old Cough Syrup?
No 18 is probably a proprietary compound made by the pharmacist himself/herself. But you might ask any older pharmacists you run into if there was a text used by pharmacists with recipes in it. Or write your state pharmacy college. Or go to library and see...
Ants in Refrigerator?
Hmm..how are they getting in? Seal might not be sealing correctly. First wash all nooks and crannies and grooves of seal with soapy water to prevent any uneven sticking that might disrupt sea. Take everything out of fridge and wipe down whole thing with soapy...
Recipes for Someone With Acid Reflux?
Believe it or not, apples and apple cider vinegar have helped me, especially after meat. Just 2 slices apple and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, for couple of meals started straightening everything out. Also, eating standing and walking short distance after...
Substituting Agave Syrup for Karo Syrup in Recipes?
Here is your situation. To make the popcorn balls the syrup has to be cooked to a certain stage usually based on temperature. Its going to concentrate the syrup to about the same amount as a corn syrup, which will decrease its sugar content benefit, but it...
Remedies for Hives?
Hives are an allergic reaction showing in the skin as opposed to sneezing, etc. You are allergic to something touching your general panty and thigh area. It could also be a reaction to a spider bite, but there should be a bite mark at the center. Do you wear...
Buttermilk Baking Mix?
I believe you can add buttermilk to bisquick. Or for more servings, buy powdered buttermilk at most grocers in baking section [near choc chips, coconut, etc], and make your own biscuit mix with a buttermilk recipe. One can would make a years supply or more...
Ants in Dishwasher?
We used to have ant problems every spring. My daughter discovered that by wiping their entry area with a bleach solution they would stop coming for a few days, and then wed repeat it. Maybe put some bleach [one tablespoon or it will reek of bleach] in your...
Removing Dull, Stained Appearance from White Tile Floor?
Maybe wipe with a white vinegar solution a few times.
Homemade Faux Finish Paints?
From the other posting, I am assuming its a fine grit paint? Rottenstone? Check on ebay for carbomer thickener.
Banana Upside Down Cake?
Wouldnt you just butter a pan very well with real butter, put down some brown sugar, slice your bananas and top with any cake batter you liked, most likely yellow cake of some type? Cook as directed?
Can I Use Acrylic Yarn to Make Potholders?
Use wool if you can, make it a tiny bit bigger than you need, and toss into washing machine followed by stop in dryer, checking every 5-10 minutes. It will be nice and thick. Or go to goodwill and get an old all wool sweater, toss in washer on hot-cold cycle...
Christmas Gift for Farmer Boyfriend?
I might recommend any books by Gene Logsdon: All Flesh is Grass, about pasturing animals again; Small Grain Raising, about growing grains for family and animal needs, Chelsea Green Publishing.
Transplanting Roses?
Well, what have you got to lose? They may or may not die, but probably not. Be sure to water them in. If you feel worried about a chill maybe put up some straw around them or wrap a little cloth around them. Something with a bit of ventilation.
Solutions for Dry Hands?
Ive heard using plain shortening and gloves to put on while you sleep helps.
Removing Concrete?
Well, where is it, and what was its original purpose? What is your purpose for the space now? One suggestion: dig a hole nearby, twice as deep as the piece is, lever it over, and bury it.
Tried and True Ways To Save
These are wonderful ideas, and Ive used many of them throughout my life. Its really a mindset mostly I think. One tip more, save small leftovers even if it doesnt seem like enough. Weve gotten so used to large portions we often dismiss small amounts, but they...
Permanent Marker Stain on Carpet?
You might try plain rubbing alcohol. It takes perm marker off a few hard surfaces.
Reusing Toilet Paper Rolls?
If you garden, you could use them to make collars to keep away cutworms. You might shorten or cut in half and cut a slit up side and retape if plant isnt small enough to plant through the roll. Or just tuck in ground and stick seeds into ground with a chopstick...
Removing Black Heel Marks?
Try clear packing tape or scotch tape. Put on mark. Use back of your fingernail or teflon spatula [nothing too hard] to really bond the tape to the mark. Pull up and see if anything is better. If it is, continue. Tape is great for removing all kinds of marks...
Popping Fresh Corn from the Field?
Hang the cobs upside down with the husks and silk pulled back. Remove the silk, and use the husks to hang over a clothesline or such in dry place, not in a damp garage. Maybe near your furnace if possible. Idea is to let them dry for weeks. When they are dry...
My Frugal Life: $20,000 Experiment in Happiness a Failure
Funny how that works, isnt it? The things that have made me happiest have almost always been small, idiosyncratic [peculiar to me] moments or treasures. I love it when I finally get a recipe the way I want it so I can enjoy it for years. I love it when I get...
Does My Dog Sleep Too Much?
Was he wormed? Does he still have fleas? I had a neighbor who got emu oil shampoo for her poor old dog who had dry skin which she said looked slightly inflamed under a magnifying glass. I thought the dog was on its last legs. It seemed very down and out.It...
Substitute for Chocolate Chips in Recipes?
Id get a plain Hershey bar and let it sit somewhere a bit warm for 15 minutes. Use a sharp knife, like a chefs knife to cut each square into 1/4s or smaller. Cut all the way through. Put in fridge and chill, and add at last minute to cookie dough. These will...
Appropriate Tip For Waitress at Sports Bar?
Ten dollars would have been about right. In non-game hours, she could have waited on 4-5 tables in that time.
My Frugal Life: Learning From a Frugal Mother
Yes, and even though its wintry now, when garage sale-ing I always take a peek in the free box. I get lots of tupperware type stuff that way. If its scratched, I use it to hold dog food or store sewing pins, that kind of thing.You can often find things you...
Using a Knitting Machine?
You can find them new or used. There are websites with lots of info on the web; just google. Some sell machines, some just blog. Id check out yahoo.com for machine knitting. You may find one or be able to ask a lot of questions. Check their groups, visit and...
Build Your Own Sofa?
Go to the local library and get some upholstery books that show a sofa stripped down to the wood. Study the shapes you like and figure out how to make a simplified version. Two by fours, some slabs of plywood sheeting, at least 1/2 inch thick, use good long...
Painting Kitchen with Cherry Cabinets and Dark Granite Countertops?
A white the shade of cream, a very pale creamy yellow. Possibly a very light warm gray. Very pale creamy yellowish green-very light. These are just suggestions. Ask yourself how you want to feel in the kitchen. Warm colors: cozy. Cool: calm.
Estimating Fabric Needed for Reupholstering a Couch?
Well, thats actually not enough information. The best source for figuring out your final fabric needs would be a book on making slip covers or upholstering from your local library. It will show you how and what to measure, and how to figure out different amounts...
Importance of Insects?
They help pollinate plants and without pollination wed be doing it by hand if we hoped to eat. They also perform cleaning functions, eating things that are decaying which might make us sick if not processed away. They kill one another, which eliminates some...
Other Uses for Baby Products?
My daughter uses baby oil, or baby oil gel on a cotton swab to remove mascara and moisten her skin right after a shower. The skin lotion for babies is nice for anyone. For years I used baby powder as a light dusting instead of make up powder to set my foundation...
Using Bleach in a Humidifier?
I think so. What is it you are trying to accomplish? If your problem is mold, either see how much you can clean with a soap and bleach solution and do it weekly, or find out of there is something else to do by finding the 800 consumer satisfaction number for...
Making Liquid Glucose?
Glucose is available as a crystal, just as sugar is. Find a source, and get distilled water. Figure out the percent solution you want, measure out glucose and put in appropriate amount of water, dissolve. There you go.
Cleaning Terra Cotta Pots?
Because birds can carry diseases which cause dysentery, no I wouldnt. Id put it in the back yard or basement or laundry sink if you have one and put in detergent and bleach when you are not in the room, at least a half cup. Leave for few hours. Scrub with something...
A Substitute for Tofu?
Well, for what reason are you eating tofu? Because you like it, or because you want to go vegetarian? As an inexpensive meat substitute? I enjoy it about once a year. If you are not concerned about eating animal protein, use chicken in most cases.
Stained Glass Window Film?
I dont know where you get it, probably at a craft store, but there is see through plastic that just sticks to the glass, and can be peeled off. No adhesive involved.
Determining the Value of Antique Doll?
Try yahoo groups for dolls and join one. Start there for suggestions.
Best Apples for Pie?
Whichever you use, if you feel they are going to be juicier than you want, mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with some of your sugar, and toss with the apple slices. Thickens the juices a bit.
Dyeing Linen and Viscose Curtains?
Okay. I worked for a natural dyer for one year and she said linen has a slightly waxy coating on the fiber, which makes it resistant to dye [with home dyeing it can be a little uneven or mottled, though not overly so]. First, weigh them when they are dry. If...
Sewer Odor Coming from Sink?
If you have already done all those things, Id try the vinegar thing, and at the same time as she suggests. It might be a vapor lock of sorts and if you dont do it all at once, whatever bad air there is might just move through to another pipe. I worked for a...
Stevia Plant Seems to Be Dying?
I dont know if this will work, but I read this tip years ago and saved a tall diffenbachia that only had 2 leaves left on it. Dampen the plants soil thoroughly, but dont soak it; you just want the whole plant to come out in one piece. After its sat for an hour...
90th Birthday Party Ideas?
Looks like your Mom was born in 1919, my Dads birth year [hes gone]. So she was 10 in 1929, when the market crashed, and spent her teens in the Great Depression, and was in her prime early 20s during WW2. She saw all the wars and went from Ice box years, radio...
Planting Onions in Zone 6a?
Garlic is planted in the fall, so shallots must be also. I used to live in an old house which had a yard planted to the hilt. I found shallots growing there [Portland, Ore]which had regenerated every year [my introduction to shallots]. Just cover the area with...
Buying an Exterior TV Antenna?
You might go to your local recylcing place for parts if you make one, or go to your local dump [if its possible] and look in their metal area to see if they have one. If you have private dump yards sometimes they keep things and you could call and see if they...
Getting a Kitten to Sleep at Night?
I read that cats like to play at chasing prey type of activities, eat, groom, sleep. In that order, so to have some control of their behavior, you arrange a play time, feed them, let them groom, and then they will sleep. All well and good, except our cats love...
Potato Cabbage Surprise
And you could turn it into a cream soup by adding milk and mashing a bit of the potato instead of pureeing, and grate a little cheese on top. I will try that tomorrow. I have all the ingredients.
Cleaning a Toaster Oven?
Just before you go to bed at night take some paper towels or even couple layers of newspaper and lay them on the surface you want cleaned and pour or spray on some plain ammonia. Close the door and close the kitchen door if you can. In the morning wipe what...
What Breed is My Dog?
He looks like a Tibetan Spaniel, but the only way to be sure is a DNA test, and as you can imagine, they arent cheap.
Alice Avalon Bay (Spitz/Border Collie)
Shes a beautiful dog and I know just what you mean about the saving being mutual. I dont know how to describe the relationship we have with animals except to put it in terms earlier people might have: they are brother/sister dog, cat, bird, and so on. They...
Fabric Pumpkin
I love your pumpkin. Its not perfect. It sags a bit, but really captures something of the farm. Thank you.
Soak Beans Overnight
I saw an episode of Americas Test Kitchen where they tested the soaking/salt/beans theory and they came up with something new that Ive tried and am very pleased with. So they get the credit. You do soak the beans for at least a few hours, overnight is best...
Starting a Walking Stick Tree?
If the seeds are hard shelled, soak them in vinegar in a closed container over the winter. Rinse and plant in early spring. Maybe even keep container in the fridge in case they need to be subjected to cold first. Some seeds do, and it shouldnt hurt to be in...
Making Apple Jam?
Get a box of pectin and you will undoubtedly find, under jams, apple listed as one of the fruits you can make jam from. Just follow directions. Or, cut up your apples to the fineness you want, and cook with a couple cups of sugar and maybe a little frozen apple...
Making Mittens Out of Wool Sweaters?
Google mittens felted sweaters [images] and dive in. Theres a lot of info on how to do it. Not hard. Working with wool is so much fun. I was preparing a fleece for spinning just this morning at 5AM. Thats how much I love it.
Natural Treatments for Hyperactivity in Children?
Make sure they have enough vitamin D. Mainstream press is just now revealing details of information which came out about 3 years ago re Vitamin D. Low vitamin D levels were implicated in so many problems it was incredible. It was found to be as effective as...
Gargle With Cola for Sore Throat
Im going to try that. Phosphoric acid is in cola I think and maybe its that. An acid environment with fizzing to get in crevices of throat. Bacteria doesnt like acid.
Float Ideas for a Mom's Group?
Well, I was watching a minute of Walter Mitty from the early 1950s and then saw your post. What I imagined was a float with a vintage electric stove (or its cardboard double] with a mother in apron, stirring at stove, hairdo in 1950s curly [permed] hairdo. Then...
Sewing Patterns Swap Groups?
They are terribly expensive now, but I keep an eye out for the company pattern sales at Joanns. Two dollars a pattern, limit 5/6 for Simplicity and then the next week it was Butterick. Ill take that.
Finding the Value of Old Vinyl Records?
There isnt a lot of value, but most cities of some size have a store or two which buys old records. You could find one near you and give a call for an estimate. Also google old records, buy and sell. Definitely check on ebay and see if anything is going on...
Painting Kitchen With Pink and Grey Countertops?
You could go get some paint cards that you think are near the colors you mentioned: pink mauve, gray, any other little fleck of color. Some light greens might work. Do you like the colors? Maybe the one you like most?
