Can a Ceramic Knife Cause a Plate to Crack?
Contact the makers of Corelle. Corelle is supposed to be break-resistant. Were you cutting a very hot food on a cold plate? Anyway, the above answer is right; use a cutting board to protect yourself and your knives!
Organizing Keys
I had a lot of small padlocks on cabinets and drawers when was a foster mom. I labeled not only keys but with small dots of craft paint I labeled locks to match the keys.
Treating Dog's Ear Problems
When I had dogs with chronic ear infections the meds from the vet were very expensive. I found a local compounding pharmacy where the pharmacist was able to compound the same ear drops using the same antibiotic and a base solution (inert ingredient) and make...
Killing Vines Without Damaging Soil
Please avoid using ROUNDUP for any purpose. It is responsible for the die-off of bees worldwide and we need bees as pollinators!
Using Paypal for Non eBay Purchases
Good to know about PP. I always charge online purchases thru my credit card with my credit union. They are very responsive and my refunds are done within 2-3 days. All CC offer this but with a big bank or whatever it might take longer. Just 1 of the many reasons...
Accent Ideas for a White, Peach, and Teal Kitchen?
How about making curtains? You should be able to find a fabric to go with your kitchen. Easy straight stitching is all you need.
Removing Liquid Paper from Fabric?
Unlikely that this can be removed. I use Whiteout to mark names inside dark hoodies and it never washes out!
Dyeing a Polyester Wedding Dress?
There is a product called PolyDye near the Rit at Joannes-specifically for dying polyester.
Christmas Gifts Ideas for Convalescent Home Residents?
Avoid food such as cookies since often many residents are on special diets. People with dementia often like stuffed animals, fleece laprobes/throws are inexpensive and appreciated, toiletries and lip gloss for the ladies. We hava local agency here that gets...
Repairing or Replacing a One Touch Jar Opener?
Google handicapped aides and there are many companies that have adaptive items for daily chores, dressing, etc. I too have arthritis in my hands and the jar opener I have from one of those places is awesome!
Repairing or Replacing a One Touch Jar Opener?
Google handicapped aides and there are many companies that have adaptive items for daily chores, dressing, etc. I too have arthritis in my hands and the jar opener I have from one of those places is awesome!
Caring for a Cat With Jaw Cancer?
When my dog was diagnosed wih melanoma I put her on prednisone. It slowed down the progress of the disease-she was expect to live only about 6 mo after the diagnosis and she lived 18 mo. Pred is very cheap, it is probably on the Walmart $4 formulary. You need...
Prevent Muffins And Cupcakes Sticking To Liners
Why bother with paper liners if you have to spray them? Why wouldnt you just spray the tins?
Saving Money on Bras
Close hooks and put bras in a net bag in the washer. I do almost all of my wash with cold water anyhow and the cold water helps to preserve the elastic. Never put bras in the dryer. I have a little $1/store rack on the laundry room door and hang bras on the...
Lavender Bath for Sunburns
Acetominaphen is NOT anti-imflammatory. It may ease the pain if you cant take aspirin but is not anti-inflammatory.
Keep Thread From Tangling
Another thing that works is to run the thread tightly over a candle stub. Easy to keep one in your sewing kit.
Shopping for Comfortable Scrubs?
A not-too-light knit should work if you take care not to stretch it while sewing it.
Think About Where You Store Valuables
My aunt stashed cash wrapped in foil in the freezer. Gives a new meaning to cold cash.
Library For Blind and Print-Challenged Bookworms
I live in CA and there is a progam called CTAP-Calif Telephone Access Program that provides whatever equipment a person might need to be able to utilize the phone. This can range from a phone with large buttons, a phone on which you can adjust the volume or...
Back to School Clothes?
Very nice things can often be had in thrift stores for very little money. Also, garage sales, especially those in nicer neighborhoods are a good way to score bargains. You daughter is old enough to get a part-time job, too. Many employers will hire a teen PT...
Displaying Horse Competition Ribbons?
Take pics, send them to her on a disc. Or, ,box them up an send them to her and she can decide what to do with them.
Remedy for Smelly Front Load Washer?
I have heard this before about front load machines. Contact the manufacturer.
Removing Greasy Buildup on Kitchen Cabinets?
Oven cleaner-like EZ Off. Wear gloves and have plenty of ventilation. Do a small section at a time. This will take a lot of elbow grease.
Determining House Cleaning Rates?
About $12-$15/hr and she pays for all supplies. Gas/travel time is usually not compensated separately. No matter what kind of work we do we are usually not on the clock until we get there. If you are driving her kids places or running errrands, charge whatever...
Use Shampoo As Body Wash
When I taught at a special Ed school one of the parents told me that how child used up the entire bottle of shampoo or body wash. I gave her 2 suggestions. Pour the product into a Hotel size bottle and remove the big bottles from the bathroom. Or empty big...
Remembering Cell Phone
I let my phone sit inside my purse while on the charger-purse on counter where charger is plugged in. Since I need to grab my purse and keys, everything is in 1 place.
Acne Remedies?
Dab on some tea tree oil . Get it a a pharmac or store like Trader Joes or health fod stores-very inexpensive. Just use a dab 2 X a day and the blemished should be gone in a few days.
Potty Training a Three Year Old?
Back off the training for a couple of months as the previous poster said. I am a teacher and have never seen a child in diapers in kindergarten unless he or she is special needs!
Attach Store Discount Cards to Shopping Bag
I attach my kids library card (after drilling a small hole or punching a hole) to the handle of a reusable shopping bag with a carabiner, and the library books stay inside the bag. On library days, everything is grab n go! Make sure the hole doesnt destroy...
Recycling Used Tea Bags and Loose Tea?
All acid-lovng plants like this-roses, hydrangeas, camellias...
Recycling and Disposing of Electronic Waste?
Local areas have e-waste collection days and sites. Goodwill accepts these, too, for recycling
Make Your Own Recycled Knitting Bag
I would think punching a hole in a coffee can would make a jagged hole. Perhaps drilling a hole in a PLASTIC coffee container would work.
Teach a Child To Sew
Remember that sewing thru paper will full the needle so be sure to change it before U sew for real
Boy's 13th Birthday Party Ideas?
Most 13 y.o.kids I know are a bit to old or big for a bounce house, but maybe your son and his peers still enjoy it. I have done pinatas with multiple classrooms full of kids with no problems but to control the chaos and increase safety I give instructions...
Wedding Gift Ideas for the Couple Who Has Everything?
Donation to a charity might be best. Perhaps you can choose something for which the couple has an affinity or interest like a nature or eco group, zoo, medical or special needs organization, etc. Charity will send the couple a card stating that a donation has...
How Do I Know if a Tray is Sterling Silver?
Magnets will not stick to sterling, but they also do not stick to aluminum, pewter, tungsten, platinum, brass or copper as well as alloys of these.
Homemade Notepads
I stack blank scratch paper into thicker pads than a stapler can handle then use a binder clip to hold them all together.
Birthday Gift Ideas for 19 Year Old Boyfriend?
Is he an animal lover? Adopt a zoo animal or shelter donation in his name.
Feeding a Neapolitan Mastiff?
For heaven's sake consult your vet. If u don't have one , get one. Your dog needs a 'primary care' doc just as much as u do. You need to have basic care in place now, before your dog needs urgent care . She is the one to consult about your dogs diet.
Plastic Bins to Update Old Shelves
I wouldnt be too hard to mak a fitted covor to go ove the unit, or simply to drape it with perhap a repurposed sheet like a tablecloth style.
Gift Ideas for Mother's Birthday?
You sure know what your mom doesnt like-what does she like? Everyone likes something! How about a set of homemade coupons, 1 per month with things like a movie or play or concert, a trip to a botanical garden or zoo, a favorite dish she likes home-cooked by...
What Are Some Uses for Talc?
Sprinkle it where you see ants parading in. The powder dessicates their little obnoxious bodies and they wont crawl over it.
Where Can I Buy Tinkerbell and Peter Pan Banks for Party Favors?
Get some clip art and make the banks out of coffee cans, chip cyclinders, etc. Be sure to put a coin in the bank as a superstitious wish that the bank shall never be empty.
11th Birthday Party Ideas?
Ask her what she has done at othe parties that she really liked. Pick and choose the most popular things. A movie party with popcorn, candy in boxes like the ones that sell for $4 at the movies (Dollar Store item). Maybe a craft based on the theme of the movie...
Keeping Flies Away at a Picnic
Whenever I host a picnic or other outdoor event that involves food I cover the table with the food with a piece of nylon net that is bought at a fabric store for very cheap. You can see all the food right thru it and easily flip if up to serve yourself and...
Alternative Easter Baskets for Boys?
If you can sew, make a simple drawstring tote bag out of Easter or boy print fbric and put everything in there. They can reuse the bag over and over to stash stuff-think Legos, toy cars, marble, crayons, etc.
Making Fresh Flower Wedding Arrangements?
Huge difference! Fresh is much harder! It is hot in August and fresh flowers are very perishable. Roses that are buds when you start are opening and dying within hours so unless you have a cooler to store them in you have to get and arrange flowers the day...
Where Can I Buy Washing Soda?
Go to the Arm and Hammer website. They make this product but not all the stores carry it. You can find out what stores near you carry it.
Sticker on a Sweater?
I would return it to the store. Adhesive is hard to remove and you may damage the fabric trying to do so. Do NOT run it through the washer and esp. the dryer which will set a stain.
Where Can I Find Inexpensive Plastic Cylinder Vases?
Google to see if there is a floral supply wholesaler in your area or actually anywhere that can ship to you. Or ask your local florists where they buy supplies.
Watch For Conflicting Medical Information
I hope you told the doctor about this nurse. At the least she needs re-training, at most, she needs another career.
Using Paint To Make A Room Appear Larger?
Surely the girls have favorite colors. Take them to the paint store with you or bring home paint chips for them to chose from. Since kids change their minds frequently dont use very dark colors that will be hard to paint over in a few years.
Removing Oil and Odors from Work Clothing?
Have him ask his co workers what they or their wives use on ther clothes.
Preparing for My First Trip Out of the Country?
If yo are taking small appliances like hair dryers make sure they run on the same current we use. You may need a converter. Also may need this for phone charger.
Are Walmart Great Value Products As Good as Name Brands?
Many stores offer a store brand as good as name brand guarantee. They will give you your moner back if you dislike their store brand. Not sure if Walmart does-ask them. I know Costco, and Trader Joes will do so.
Keeping Cats Out of My Yard?
In San Diego we have a feral cat coalition that traps feral cats, spays or neuters them and then releases them. This is the only way to decrease their population without actually killing them off. Ask you local ASPCA, shelter or humane Society.
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Get Clothes Clean?
I make my own laundry soap-I only make the powdered version-why mess with heavy bottles containing water when you are going to add water to the machine aanyway. It contains washing soda, borax and grated fels or any bar soap. I save all the little bar soaps...
Planning A Cruise?
I like Royal Carribean. Carnival is more of a party cruise and tends to be younger folks. And unless you want to be around mega-kids, dont do a Disney cruise. Lots of books, articles and websites abound.
Soothing a Child's Cough?
There is a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic right now. Get her to a doctor.
Weight Watchers Selection Plan Information from the 1980s and 90s?
I have at least 1, maybe more, WWCookbook I could send.
Paper Towels Clogging a Toilet?
I hope you have talked to her about proper use and disposal of paper towels. If necessary, remove the roll from the bathroom. Prevention beats cure any time
How Do I Make a Whiteboard?
This one is easy. Home improvement centers sell a 4 x 8 sheet of tileboard or showerboard. They will cuy it to size if you like. Just nail or screw it to the wall. If she wants she can put a border of ribbon, bulletin board trim or whatever she likes around...
Choosing the Flower Color for Bridesmaids Bouquets?
Discuss colors with your floral designer. There are carnations in a burgundy and white, or all burgundy, some lilies and some orchids in those colors. When I was a designer we usally consulted with brides to figure out both color scheme and cost as some flowers...
Centerpiece Ideas for School Fund Raiser Dinner?
Green houseplants are inexpensive esp if you buy them from a home center. Make or buy red pot covers or add a 3rd accent color. You could also attach some red and /or white silk flowers to wires and stick a few into the pots.
Inexpensive Fall Wedding Table Centerpieces?
Use 6 houseplants which are about $5 each. Make a simple pot cover from autumn print fabric or fabric using the colors of th bridal party. Use fall pics or bunches of artificial fall leaves attached to floral pics or even wires and add a few to each pot.
Ideas for an Inexpensive Commitment Ceremony?
It all depends on what you want-food, alcohol, dancing? Cake and punch would be cheapest, or cake and champagne. Finger foods are fairly inexpensive, i.e. veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, stuffed mushroom or mini-quiches. Costco, Sams and Smart and Final...
Western Themed Cub Scout Banquet Ideas?
Happy Trails to You, or Tumbling Tumbleweeds. I once did TT in a school play with castenets to mimic the sound of hooves.
Ideas for Organizing Storage on Closet Shelves?
There are hanging baskets that clip onto the shelf above. I have seen them at Big Lots and Home DEpot. Dont get the ones with plastic clips, the plastic breaks.
What to Wear to a Dance if Your Date is Short?
Wear flats, and other than that dress appropriately for the event.
Type of Staples Needed for Recovering Chairs?
I had the ame issue with antique oak chairs. Assuming the staples go in a little way you can then tap them with a hammer.
Paint Color Advice for Chairs in a Black, Brown, Beige and Tan Kitchen?
A bright color, anything you like.
A Color Scheme for My Living Room and Dining Room?
I suggest all the ceilings done in the vanilla color.
Fabric Stuck Under the Needle Plate on Sewing Machine?
The part you are describing is called the throat plate. It sounds like the fabric was pulled into the bobbin assembly which is directly underneath Cut the thread, pull it carefully out. You may need to open the slide plate over the bobbin case and snip the...
Add Pinecones to Fire
This is dangerous. Pinecones emit creosote, a sticky substance that coats chimney walls and is very flammable!
Shopping for a Wall Mounted Coffee Cup Holder?
I buy them at the dolar stores. I have 1 on just about every doorback in my house.
Keeping Pictures Hanging Straight on the Walls?
Use a couple of clear pushpins right alongside the picture frame.
My Frugal Life: Surviving The Economic Crisis
And research and avail yourself of free spay and neuter programs.
Homemade Dog Toys
I buy stuffed animals at garage sales. Just make sure they are not filled with bean bag type filling and remove plastic eyes, ribbons, etc. Whether I spend .25 or 5.00 they destroy them just as fast
Child Refuses to Wear Underwear and Other Clothing Items?
You mention therapy and OT-does this child have autistic spectrum disorder or other special needs? If so, she may have a sensory integration issue and a skilled teacher or therapist can help with a program for her. If she is not a special needs child why can...
Cleaning Chef Coats?
Try straight bleach an leave it on for about 10 min then wash. (assuming it is white). If that doesnt work spray the white jacket with oven cleaner like easy off, wait ten min and wash. May need to repeat this treatment but it does work!
Christmas Charities in Washington, DC?
Tone down your expectations and make Christmas about sharing and experiences rather than things. Go to local events like tree-lightings and Santa visits, bake cookies (husband can do this since you are working all hours), crafts, Christmas movies and hot cocoa...
Hide Cluttered Shelves
Flat sheets are a very inexpensive way to curtain off an area. Use a tension rod cheaply avail in mass market and home improvement stores and no holes, hooks or hardware is needed and flat sheets can be had inexpensively at Wal Mart or at thrift stores.
No Toys As Gifts For The Holidays
Amen to this idea! Kids with a whole lot of toys wind up playing with only the same few anyway, most toys stifle creativity, many perpetrate violence (guns) or dangerous unrealistic self-image issues (Barbies). Gift cards can be used after Christmas to buy...
Reupholstering an Ottoman?
Depends on the dimensions H/W/L of the piece as well as the type of fabric-i.e. nap/pattern etc. Welted/corded seams are a factor.
Remedies for an Ingrown Toenail?
2 Years! You absolutely need to see a podiatrist. Probably needs a small surgery and antibiotics.
Why Do My Smoke Detectors Beep When the Heat Comes On?
Might be a dirty filter on the heater. These should b replaced at least every year.
Ideas for Keeping a House With Toddlers Clean?
I suggest having only a limited asst of toys available to them. Rotate batches of toys every few days. That way there will be a limited number of items to be scattered and the toys will always seem new to the kids.
Gift Ideas for Mother's 50th Birthday?
Send each guest a small cellophane bag,and a piece of curling ribbon, think corsage bag, and ask them to put 50 of something in it and tie with a ribbon. Suggestions of 50 pennies, 50 peppermints, pretzels, bobby pins, little silly toys like small cars, As...
Christmas Card Photo Caption Ideas?
Right side up or upside down. We bring you wishes from out of town (or anything else that works to rhyme with down)
Help For Ostomy Supplies?
Do you qualify for Medicaid? Are these supplies covered? Perhaps a shelter or relative or friend can receive the things you need.
Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas?
I am a retired teacher. Please, no Avon, mugs or anything with fragrance. My favorite gifts have been gift cards to places like Starbucks (if she is a coffee drinker) gourmet coffee or tea as appropriate, class room stuff like stickers or markers, personalized...
Advice for Disciplining a 10 Year Old?
Dont wait another minute in getting him under control. Permanent habits need to be developed while he is young. Behavior that is inappropriate or unacceptable now will be uncorrectable and significantly problematic when he gets older. There are many good books...
Removing White-Out Stain on Clothing?
Whiteout does NOT come out. I have used it for years to mark names on the inside of dark sweatshirts that kids wear to school.
Shopping for Open Bottom Bells for Christmas?
Do they need to ring or are they just decorative. Bell shapes of stryofoam are available in crafts stores. There might be some in the wedding department as well as Christmas stuff as they are often used to decorate at showers.
Cleaning Wet Potting Soil Out of Carpet?
I do this all the time. Alllow the soil to dry and then it comes right up with the vacuum. Dont touch it until it is dry or you create mud that does stain.
Party Favors Request?
Package up indiviual gifts of 60 of anything-60 pennies, nickels or dimes, sixty candies, 60 mini-cookies. You can get little cellophane bags at craft and party good stores. Tie these with a pretty ribbon and attache a note with a saying like{60 is nifty!
Acne Remedy?
Absolutely see a dermatologist. You have had this for years, home remedies arent working. A specialist can figure out what this and treat it. They may need to take a sample of the discharge or do a biopsy, but dont mess around with it yourself.
How Do I Keep Bra Underwire From Poking Out?
Try putting a bit of a heavy fabric like denim or toweling over the end of the wire. Glue it in place with a glue gun or washer safe glue. I also have had that happen and this works for me.
Sewing Machine Needle Not Catching Bobbin Thread?
Try changing the needle for a new one. I dont know why but this usually works for me.
Fake Fuzzy Animal Skin Shoes for Children?
Payless Shoes has a website-check and see if they have them.
Creating a Mock Float for Trunk or Treat?
Perhaps some of the flameless candles that are popular in the stores right now. Perhaps something lining the trunk with gold glitter fabric, tree branches sprayed black, and wear a sold color top.sweatshirt etc as you pass out candy.
How to Encourage a Partner to Go to Counseling?
Why isnt she working? Counseling, if need be by yourself, will help. Even if she agrees to get some counseling, if she isnt onboard she will not buy in to the program. The old saying You can lead a horse to water, you cant make him drink really applies here...
When Should the Child of a Deaf Parent Begin Learning Sign Language?
Absolutely learn simultaneously. The brain soaks up multiple languages easily when you are young. There is a neurological window from birth to about age 9 during which it is easiest to acquire new languages.
Extinguishing Kitchen Fires
Be sure to keep the box already open. In case of a fire you dont want to have to fumble opening a box. Also a fire can get very big very fast, so more than 1 box of b soda should be handy. Dump several boxes into a coffee can and a better place to keep it would...
21st Birthday Gift Ideas?
CD, an itunes gift card, gift cards to places he likes like Starbucks or a restaurant. If money is tight how about a homecooked meal and a DVD night, complete with popcorn, sodas and candy treats
Shopping for Loose Fitting Denim Jeans?
Try Lands End. They have jeans in a variety of cuts, and if they dont fit, Lands End will take it back.
Keeping Stink Bugs Out of My House?
Dont know if this will work on stinkbugs but for ants I use a trail of baby powder. Put this down where the seams of walls or anyplace you think the bugs are entering.
Removing Rust Stains from Aluminum Siding?
Aluminum does not rust. Metal must be something like steel or iron. Perhaps WD-40 will work.
Lavender Table Decorations?
Any kind of pruple flowers-there are lots. Purple sparkly confetti (available at party supply stores) scattered on the table dresses it up. If you want to be a little more green, take a live plant with the pot wrapped in purple fabric or cellophane and insert...
Removing Stains from a Countertop?
Oops or GooGone should work. If they dont, the stain may be permanent.
Removing Super Glue From Skin
Must be nailpolish with acetone. Not all polishremovers contain acetone
Reuse Junk Mail Envelopes
Some envelops have a bar code on them, either line this out or use WhiteOut. The bar code will mess up delivery of your other mail.
Bowling Ball and Bowling Pin Costume Ideas?
Get some foam rubber that is sold in upholstery stores-it is sold by the yard. Cut out the bowling pin shape-front and back and make like a sandwich board. Paint as desired. Wear white sweat under it.
Baby Won't Drink Formula?
Please check with your pediatrician. Almond milk may not give your baby the nutrients she needs. That is why they make formula.
Bridal Shower Etiquette?
Usually showers are given by friends or bridesmaids. Moms usually are not the ones giving a shower. If you are set on giving a shower please limit the guests to your friends who know you and your daughter. Other friends or relatives will usually be invited...
Finding a Handicapped Accessible Room Online?
There is a Lancaster Visitors organization and I think a B&B referral. You can email the places you are interested in and ask any access questions you have.
Organizing Pill Bottles?
I also take a lot of meds. I write the name of the med on the bottle tops with a sharpie. I then stand the bottles upright in a basket. The drawer would work as well. I also have taped a med list on the bathroom mirror so everything is organized for AM and...
Keeping Cat Hair Off the Bed?
The price to clean a comforter varies according to size and from cleaners to cleaners. Call around. Also, there are often ads for a discount in the Penny-saver. I, however, wash my comforters and dry them in the dryer. The washer load may become off balance...
Uses for a Vintage Encyclopedia Set?
Glue the pages together and stack the books flat in a pile (binding edge out ). Add some more old books that can easily be found cheap in thrift stores to the stack-fasten together with a strong craft glue and use the pile as an end table or night stand plant...
Changing a Bobbin Winder Spindle Gasket?
How about cutting a gasket from a margarine tub lid, use the old one as a pattern. If it needs to be thicker just double the plastic gasket.
Getting Rid of Adult Acne?
See a dermatologist. There are a lot of new products, some prescription, that work wonderfully. Obviously, dont pinch, pop or scratch them.
Removing White Out from Furniture and Carpet?
White Out is very permanent. I have used it to mark collars of dark sweatshirts for the kids on the inside to help them not lose them at school.
Buying the Sticky Paper Refills for Nightlight Flea Traps?
Wind masking tape or duct tape inside out on the roller.
Caring for an Aging Parent?
I managed my fathers care until his death and also was a conservator for the mother of a friend who had Alzheimers. An aide in her home on a short part of each day or a couple of times a week would really help. Sometimes it is necessary to become the parent...
Ideas for Community Service Activities?
Contact the activities director at a senior center or nursing home. They will likely have some suggestions for your group. Maybe the older kids can bake cookies altho not all elderly patients should be eating cookies so check with the facilttiy before doing...
Saving Buttons
Thrift stores here won't even try to sell a garment with buttons removed They sell it off as rags
Use Spice Rack for Bead Storage
I use one in the garage for little bits of hardware. Nuts. Screws.hooks etc
Removing Seafood Odors from Your Hands
Anytime I have food odors on my hands, esp onions or garlic I wash my hands with toothpaste (with breath freshener kind, or even mouth wash.
Crocheted Tea Cup Pincushion
use E6000 glue to join cup and saucer. It will hold better than hot glue/
Paper Towel Tube for Tong Storage
I save the wide rubber bands that come around broccoli and wrap them around tongs
