How Can I Clean or Renew Paper Lamp Shades?
When my shades were looking bad, I measured the height and added a few inches on each end. I cut the fabric (I used a cotton with a pattern which was compatible to my living room) and left the length about twice as long as the shade was. Then I sewed it together...
Keeping Ants Out My Dog's Food Bowl?
I have cats and dogs. My house was built on what used to be orange groves and I was told that I would always have an ant problem. I put the food bowls inside a container of water, such as a container lid or a large tray. This works great. While I still have...
Cappuccino Mix
What a great idea! I am diabetic and cannot find sugar-free flavored coffee. Thanks a lot.
Using Up Ripe Bananas?
I do the same, only I eat the frozen banana pieces like they are little popsicles. Good in hot So. California.
Oil Free Fried Chicken
I have done the same thing except in a non-stick pan. Sometimes I will throw in a package of frozen vegetabels and cook everything together. One of my daughters liked it so much she asked for my recipe. I have none. I usually add salt, pepper and garlic powder...
Microwaving Baked Potatoes
I have been doing this for years. As my microwave is very old, I prick the top of the potato with a fork, place it/them on paper napkins and set it for 7 minutes.
Alvin (Chipmunk)
This is a wonderful picture. We used to have raccoons visit us when we went camping. Nothing near to what you are experiencing, although we watched a baby get into a peanut butter jar which was nearly empty and clean it out. These critters ars such a joy. Thanks...
Recycling Ivory Piano Keys?
There is an artist in Apple Valley, Ca. who paints small flowers on them and sells them. Theyre very pretty.
Caring for a Newly Adopted Frightened Dog?
Give the little creature time. He is already frightened. Do what you would do with a frightened child.
Killing Algae in Backyard Fishpond?
I wouldnt use vinegar without checking with a reliable source. I had a fish pond for years with no problem. Do you have any plants in the pond? Water hyacinths are supposed to help. In the house, I have algae eaters in the aquarium.
Cat Poops in Bathtub?
I keep the litter box in the bathtub as I have a very old cat and she frequently misses. Rather than have it on the floor (yes, I tried putting a rug and then newspapers underneath it, neither of which worked), I find it easier to clean the tub than the floor...
Killing Mosquito Larvae in Standing Water?
When I was in high school, we raised mosquitos and had to draw each stage of development. If you put a thin coating of cooking oil on the surface of the water, it blocks their breathing tubes and they die. Non-toxic and you only need a little oil swished over...
Substitute for La Choy Brown Gravy Sauce?
It is called Bead Molasses. I couldnt find it anywhere either. I went on-line and was able to order a number of bottles. Not sure how I found it. You might try going on-line and typing in LaChoy products or Oriental food. I really missed it too. It was worth...
Groups for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren?
AARP has information on grandparents raising grandchildren. I have raised a grandchild and as a retired child psychologist also spoke to groups on this issue. You also might try a YWCA if there is one near you or a mental health agency. When I was involved...
Storage Container for Inexpensive Cat Shelter
I made the opening using a sharp knife I heated up on the gas stove. It cuts right through. You have to keep reheating it and its much easier than any other way I have tried.
Remembering Items For Grocery Shopping
I do a similar thing with my car keys. Also, I keep a cooler in my trunk as I never know when I will run into a bargain in perishables.
Motivating Myself to Clean and Organize?
It is nice to hear that others have this problem. I am 72 years old, with really bad arthritis and am unable to keep things as neat as I used to. I feel embarrased when someone drops in and cant seem to cut myself any slack about this. I have already used the...
Wash Potatoes and Carrots Before Peeling
It is less expensive to peel them on newspaper. Actually, carrots dont need to be peeled, just scrubbed.
Giving a Cat Medication
Great idea! I have a crotchety old male Siamese with a temper and love this idea.
Neosporin Use on Dogs?
There is a dachshund website which is full of information. Cant think of the name right now. Just type in the word dachsund and see what comes up. They were very helpful when one of mine had a ruptured disc.
Wearing Flowers in Your Hair for Wedding Ceremony?
When my grandson got married last year, his bride had a round wire thing with flowers attached. It was very pretty. She doesnt have enough hair in which to pin flowers. It was just like a plain wire band with the flowers attached.
Reviews of Jetted Bathtubs?
Cyinda, Thanks for the information. I have a bad back and was considering buying one (when I saved enough money). With a bad back, I would not be able to keep it clean the way you describe. Thanks again.
Make Lettuce Last Longer
Many years ago, my aunt taught me to core the lettuce, let water run through it , then wrap it in a kitchen towel, put it in a plastic bag and refrigerate. It can keep for weeks this way.
Removing Lip Gloss From Tubes to Make New Colors?
I started painting when I retired. The way to get paint out of the tubes when they are nearly empty is to roll it out with a pencil or something like that. You lay the tube on a flat surface with the top off. Then roll the pencil from the bottom up. You may...
Tomato Salsa Using Canned Tomatoes?
A friend who is Mexican gave me this recipe and it is delicious. 1 1/2 cans (approx. oz) whole tomatoes; 1 7oz can of Jalapeno peppers; 2 oz green chilies; dash (2 shakes) of cumin; 1 clove garlic; garlic salt; oregano; pepper; 1 onion chopped; cilantro, optional...
Ask Your Kids "Are We There Yet?"
When we drove from Chicago to San Diego to live, I drove with 2 teen-agers. One of them was constantly asking Are we there yet? I gave her the map and let her plot where we would stay and I didnt hear that the rest of the trip.
How to Wash a Wool Sweater?
I used to collect antique clothing and learned a great deal about handling delicate fabrics. I was taught to NEVER use Woolite as it leaves a residue.
Pickle Dip
My mother-in-law used to make a variation of this dip. She used the cream cheese base and used sweet pickle relish and a little garlic salt. She served this with thin pretzel sticks. It is very good.
Young Child Raised By Grandmother Now Lives With Mom?
I was in a similar position years ago. My grandson defied his mother at one point and came to live with me. He was 11 at the time. The relationship I had with my daughter was strained and she did what she could to keep the boy from any contact with me. She...
Christmas Treats For Our Beloved Pets
Thanks for all the recipes. I intend to make some of these. Maya, owned by 3 doxies and 2 cats.
Italian Christmas Celebration Ideas?
My family was from Sicily. On Christmas eve, my aunt would cook a regular spagetti sauce and use canned tuna in place of meat. Sounds weird but was very good.
What Happens To Discontinued Products At Target?
I got some Waverly violets pattern which had been discontinued at Target, on ebay.
My Frugal Life: Saving Money and Water
Nice to know Im not alone. I used to catch the initially cold water in a bucket and add it to my grandsons fish tank (after waiting 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate). Now I use the water in the bucket to wash my floors. I was born during the great depression...
Uses for Egg Cartons?
A friend of mine works witha food bank. They get eggs donated in large boxes. We save our cartons and give them to her so they can more easily give them out.
Fixing the Taste of Vegetable Soup?
In addition to the other suggestions, lentils and barley cook at a different rate than vegtables. They need a much longer cooking time and the timing has to be that you put the veggies in 10 to 15 minutes before the barley and lentils are done, so that every...
Cleaning Artist Brushes?
Another way to straighten crooked bristles on a brush is to stroke them on a cake of soap or add some liquid detergent. Shape them, let them dry and they will be straight again. When I am out painting, soap is always available.
Trivia At Dinnertime
A few years ago, I found a blank Trivial Pursuit game. We were having a mini-family reunion and I passed the cards out there. Everyone wrote questions on them. When they were discussed, family stories came out that we hadnt heard before. It was extremely interesting...
Looking For Recipes Using Tofu?
When I was friends with a Japanese person, he used to just drain it, cut it in squares and sprinkle it with soy sauce and wasabi and eat it that way. It is very refreshing on a hot day.
Looking for Easy Low Calorie Recipes
My favorite low-cal recipe is to take chicken pieces and remove all fat and skin. Saute in a small amount of olive oil. I season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. When it is nearly done, I add a package of frozen vegetables (not the starchy kind), stir and...
Does the Neckline Slimmer Really Work?
If you will notice on the ad, the models pull their chin in when they want to show how saggy their necks are and push them out to show the effects of the gadget. I can do that without the gadget.
Sleeping Better Without Medications?
I have used hypnotic tapes for years and find them very workable, especially if you can find one which helps deal with a problem area, such as public speaking, etc. I now use books on tape (CDs) at night.
Ground Beef Recipes?
This is very simple and very good. Brown one lb. of ground beef with a chopped onion and then drain the fat. Add some chopped garlic and soy sauce and stir. Add a tablespoon or so of cornstarch to a cup or two of cold water, stir until there are no lumps and...
Paint Color Advise With Brick Wall?
I hated the brick fireplace in my family room. When I painted the room, I also painted the fireplace. It is not so obvious now and I can decorate the way I want to.
Getting Help With Vet Bills?
I got a doxie from a shelter and within 5 days the back legs were dragging. He had ruptured a disc in his back. The surgery would cost $2,000. which I did not have. The shelter would take him back and would put him down. He has been on cage rest for a month...
Preserving an Antique Christening Gown?
Get it out of what it has been stored in and get it into acid=free tissue or an acid-free box until you can follow the advice given previously.
Use a Nut Cracker to Open 2 Liter Bottles
Since I retired, I have taken up painting. I keep a nutcracker in with my oil paints for tubes of paints with stuck on caps.
Guacamole Deviled Eggs
This sounds wonderful. I am diabetic, love guacamole and cant eat all the chips with it that Id like to. This is a great option.
Keep Lemon Wedges in the Freezer
I also have lemon trees and never thought of this. What a great idea!
Storing Iceberg Lettuce
One of my aunts taught me to core the iceberg lettuce and run water through that open space. Drain it and then wrap it in a kichen towel and then in a plastic bag. It will last for weeks this way.
Repairing Dents in Lampshades?
When I had a lampshade which was beyond redemption, I took a piece of fabric about twice as long as the shade was long. I cut it so that I could put a hem at the top and bottom which would just fit over the rims. I sewed it in a circle, sewed the hems and them...
Ramen and Eggs
I used to go out with a man from Japan and the way he fixed ramen was similar. Except, when the ramen was boiling, he would drop in one or two raw eggs and the onion tops and then shut off the stove and let the eggs come out like soft boiled eggs. This way...
Make Coupons for Frugal Gift Giving
My children have been doing this since they were little girls (oldest is now 51). They gave me coupon books for Mothers Day, Xmas, etc.and included such items as I will get up on time with no nagging 5 times., I will get you a cup of coffee in the morning, 10...
Use Bandannas for Cloth Napkins
When I was married and we entertained a lot, I used small hand towels as napkins. Easy to wash, no ironing, etc.
Buying Presents for Grown Children?
Two of my children have had financial problems. One in the past and one now. I got a credit card in their name and gave them a limit of what they can charge. This has helped me feel useful and limits what I am able to provide.
Rotate Your Kids Toys
I used to do the same thing. I now have grandchildren, so it was a long time ago. I would fill a paper bags with pop-it beads, another with doll toys, etc. After a number of months I would take them down and the kids were thrilled. They acted as if the toys...
Updating a Lamp
Many years ago, I read a similar suggestion. It called for measuring the height of the lamp and adding inches for a casing at the top and bottom. Those were sewn fo make a casing at each end. The fabric was about one and a half times the width of the lamp. Elastic...
Keep a Photo of What's in the Box
Love this idea. I am so forgetful now that I am older and this would work very well. Thanks
Repairing Scratched DVDs
The Walmart in my area no longer carries the repair kits (described above). I got one on ebay.
Organizing a Sewing Room
I hang fabric on pants hangers in the closet in my sewing room. I use the kind with clips and it is really easy to see what I have and easy to organize by color, fabric, etc.
Breed Information: Siamese
I have a male snow shoe Siamese. He is all of the above and is a real charmer. His name is Hunter.
Painting Window Shades?
It would depend on the fabric/paper/plastic from which the shade is made. I painted some years ago. I think they were paper or plastic. i just used acrylic paint with a brush and painted vines and flowers. They were very attractive.
Organize Your Refrigerator?
When I last cleaned my refrigerator, I realized that I have a problem with spills and things in the back of shelves which were forgotten. I have a number of trays and put all my items on trays in the refrigerator. That way, if I have a spill, I just have to...
Dog Constipation
The canned pumpkin should also have no sugar. If you look at the ingredients, you can tell. Just plain canned pumpkin. I stock up when I find it. I used it for my dogs diarrhea as well.
A Cut Above - Find Good Cookie Cutters
When I was married, my husband would win trips to conventions all over the U.S. and Canada. I would go to dime stores in each area and purchase cookie cutters. As a result, I had quite a diversity of cookie cutters and my children enjoyed the output.
