Buying Ivory Soap in the UK?
Hi helen. Im thinking that sunlight soap is probably the best substitute there is. if you can find it, knights castile soap is a pure mild soap too, which is probably the same thing. I live in Malta, Europe and have the same problem with substituting things...
Brightening Up a Drab Bedroom?
Start with a bright, sunny yellow bedspread/comforter and take it from there!
Defrosting and Cleaning a Freezer?
Hey peter! I lived in jumeira in the UAE for 5 years. My daughter went to Dubai college and my son went to emirates international while we lived there. it was quite an experience! Anyway, one tip I have for you is that after you have finished defrosting the...
Recipes for a Whole Chicken?
Carlys ideas are excellent. if you DO happen to have any more chicken meat left over, you can always shred it and put it on top of homemade pizza dough mixed in with the sauce. add some frozen corn and peas, top with grated cheese, and you have another meal...
Economical Travel in England?
I lived in England for 7 years and things like transportation and hotels are very expensive. The best option for you is to choose which area you want to explore then try to rent a country cottage there. it wont be hugely expensive and you can cook your own...
My Frugal Life: Common Sense About Money
I too learnt frugality from my parents, but in the opposite direction. Both my parents were spendthrifts and gamblers and we never had anything while i was growing up. Ive learnt NOT to do what they did, so they DID teach me how to live frugally too.
Freezing Egg-less Mayonnaise?
Thanks for your feedback. I was hoping somebody already tried this and what the results were. As was suggested, the only way to find out is to try out a little bit and see what happens. I only use eggless mayo perhaps once a week so refrigerating is not really...
Gluing Glass to Glass?
Use bostik superglue. I had a little crystal boat and one of the sails fell off. A tiny dab of superglue and I held it in place for a few seconds, and voila! Its fixed!
Making Functional Window Shutters?
i live in a 200 year old cottage in the mediterranean and i have the real working shutters which are probably as old as the cottage. quite honestly, they are a pain in the neck. A big hassle to keep clean when its windy and they make the room darker plus the...
Meet a Local ThriftyFun Member
Oh dear! Im feeling left out of an opportunity! 2 hours isnt so much is it, laniegirl, but I dont think Im going to find any ThriftyFun members here on my little Mediterranean island of Malta! Just in case anyone ever does decide to visit my little island, please...
Using Ready Made Custard in Fruit Tarts?
Hi Rebeca. I lived in the u.k. for many years and yes, I did use ready made custard in tarts with no problem. Just make sure if you are adding fruit, that it is well drained. one thing to remember is that in the U.S. Ready made custard is unheard of, for some...
Diet Ideas for an Autistic Child?
I sympathize. my son has Aspergers syndrome plus many allergies. Eggs are easy to replace with soy yogurt or applesauce in baking. Corn cereal is easily available for breakfast. Stewed fruit with soya yogurt for desserts. You can buy or bake wheat free bread...
Prepackaged Sweet Roll Icing Recipe?
I dont have the specific recipe but from what you are describing it sounds a lot like Betty Crocker vanilla frosting which here in Europe we buy ready made in a plastic tub. Its absolutely brilliant! I frosted my xmas cake with it and the frosting was more...
Sore Throat Since Quitting Smoking?
Good for you! but yes, you may have a sore throat.Ii had a killer of a cold when I stopped. I think its just your body getting rid of junk that you may have accumulated with the fags. No harm in seeing a doctor, though. I see you live in the UK. Why not visit...
Murphy's Oil Soap European Alternative?
Thanks metroplex. I will try to google it and see if i can, at least, get the ingredients so when I next go supermarket shopping, I can have a look at what is available here. Im assuming this soap would be in the laundry section?
Butter Conversion for Europe?
All purpose flour is PLAIN flour, powdered or confectioners sugar is icing sugar, baking soda is bicarbonate of soda not baking powder, canning means bottling, you get used to U.S. terms after a while although i personally prefer imperial or metric as cups...
Recipes Using All Purpose Flour in Bread Machine?
Thanks pcheflm. Seems like its ok to use all purpose flour. Just a case of trial and error to see how it comes out. At least, if Im successful, I can save a ton of money! There are many different recipes for making white bread (using bread flour) so I can try...
Recipes Using All Purpose Flour in Bread Machine?
Sorry, its cett here again. What I meant was that I could try out different recipes which state bread flour and substitute all purpose flour and see what results I get.
Recipes Using All Purpose Flour in Bread Machine?
Thank you all so much! Its so good to know I can substitute bread flour for ordinary flour. I cant wait to try out the recipes you kindly gave me! I also take the bread dough out after the 1st rise and bake it in the oven. I get much better results too. Once...
Organize Christmas Decorations with Ziplock Bags
And for fragile items, I use free shoe boxes from the local shoe store. Everything is stored away in a large carton box leftover from my last house move (free from the movers) and put away in the box room clearly marked for next year!
Brown Water Spots on Ceiling?
Hi, I once had a brown stain on my roof. not very big but enough to be unsightly. Turned out that the pipe feeding the tank of the water boiler was rusted and dripping very slightly. Just enough to stain the roof. in a way, it was a blessing because I could...
Using Crackers in Sweet Recipes?
Hi Jess! Here in Malta the weather is warmish - about 72 degrees, sunny and beautiful, makes me feel a bit guilty listening to the news of countries which are snowed under and miserably cold! It does get very cold at night - coats, gloves and hats are necessary...
Freezing Fudge?
Ive been freezing my fudge for years. I have so much to do at Christmas time, that I make my fudge and mince (sweet) pies in October and open freeze them on a tray till hard, then store securely in plastic bags or plastic containers which have tightly sealing...
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Couples?
A plate of homemade fudge! store bought or homemade, doesnt matter.
No-Knead Bread Recipe?
Go to allrecipes.com and type in kneadlessly simple easy oat bread without the commas, of course. They have a recipe that you mix all the ingredients and set it in the fridge to prove without any hassle.
Use Sour Cream as an Egg Substitute
Hi lazateda. Just to explain; I have been a lacto-vegetarian for 25 years. its no to meat, fish and eggs but yes to anything else - including dairy! Simple, really.
Advice for Quitting Smoking?
Ok. There is a lot of advice here. just my two cents. I havent stopped completely yet, but Ive gone down from 2 packs a day to just 8 cigs a day. I couldnt do cold turkey. So every week or so, I would lessen my daily cigarette quota by just one cigarette. Ok...
Christmas Gifts for the Granddaughter With Everything?
How times have changed! 2 year and 7 year old and they have everything? Wow! Think back to your own childhood and what simple things made you happy? A picnic on the beach or a day at the zoo eating ice cream and sitting on the grass with birthday cake and candles...
How Do I Knit the Last Row?
Dont worry its easy. Knit the first two stitches in whatever pattern you are using, then slip the first stitch you worked thats on the right hand needle over the second stitch you worked. Continue till you only have one stitch left of the row. Then loop your...
Handbag Patterns?
Depends on what type of material you want to use and what craft you wish to employ. I make crochet handbags out of old t-shirts, grocery bags and Ive made really cute, crochet again, hand bags from old VCR tapes. Go to my recycled bags.com Theres masses to...
Problems With Automatic Computer Updating?
I had norton on my laptop and it was a pain. The best way to uninstall it is to go to their website and uninstall from there. Also, webby here on this site has a link that helps you to uninstall Norton, if Im not mistaken.
What is Corn Flour?
I live in europe but I prefer using u.s. recipes when Ibake. u.s. cornstarch is cornflour. Im assuming the American version of cornflour is our version of cornmeal or polenta (just the continental way of saying it). By the way, u.s. baking soda is our bicarbonate...
Surviving Family Thanksgiving?
One thing Ive learned is that if its possible, always keep your cool and the childish unattractive behavior will always be from her and not from you. so you will be the one that always looks good. Why dont you ask - with your husband present - what your mil...
Christmas Dinner Starter Ideas for Three Course Meal?
What great ideas! I knew I could count on all of you at thriftyfun. I still have a couple of weeks of grace before I get started, so please, if you have any more ideas, they will be very welcome. Im thinking i could even mix and match ideas such as the fresh...
Small Gift Ideas for Christmas to Take Abroad?
I dont know how it is in your country, but where I live, silver jewelery is very reasonable in price. Just tiny things like a charm or thin bracelet or perhaps a thin chain. These things a very small and travel well.
Fruit and Coconut Bars
Looks like a great recipe. I shop once a month to keep to a budget, which works great for everything else except the cereal which always runs out before then, and I refuse to buy any more than i usually do.so this will be great to tide my kids over till its...
Fruit and Coconut Bars
And heres me blessing dorty for giving me measurements in grams! Wish there was a way we could have the recipes in both grams and cups so that everybody is happy! Yes, I agree, it takes ages to convert. Ive given up on so many recipes simply because its such...
Sweet Corn Bites
Can these be frozen?
Use Warm Oven to Dry Pots and Pans
Why go to the trouble of heating up the oven? Soon as I take anything out of the oven that needs hand washing, I put my cake or cookies or whatever on the cooling rack, wash the pan, and put it in the cooling oven to dry. No need for wasting fuel. Also, if...
Substitute for Chocolate Chips in Recipes?
Thanks for the suggestions but I still have the problem that I dont live in the US and Hershey bars do not exist in my country. I used a normal cadbury chocolate bar and it wasnt successfully smashed - probably its too thick, or perhaps milk chocolate isnt...
Substitute for Chocolate Chips in Recipes?
Thank you so much for all your suggestions! Yes, I can get dark chocolate bars here and I will use them (either Cadburys or Nestles, both are available here) instead of the milk chocolate I was using unsuccessfully. Coupons are not used here, unfortunately...
Selling Used VCRs?
If you know how to crochet, there is an amazing site called reycledbags.com Ive made up a handbag and an evening bag out of old vcr tapes and they are awesome! have a look before getting rid of them. The bags could be made up and donated to charity jumble sales...
Fixing the Taste of Vegetable Soup?
Thank you so much for all the suggestions. Being vegetarian, chicken is not an option but the other suggestions of adding herbs, and a pack of dried tomato soup sound great. I actually forgot to add onions and potatoes so that could be another factor in the...
Ideas for a Vegetarian Cooking for Meat Eaters?
As a vegetarian for 25 years with a non vegetarian family, i found one good solution is to use a pressure cooker when making a lot of meat stew, spaghetti sauces, casseroles, etc. it cooks food quickly and doesnt make a lot of meat smell in the kitchen. Then...
Using Your TV as a Computer Monitor?
Thanks twilightgift. My acer is only 2 years old (but unfortunately bought in the U.S. and warranty isnt good for Europe where I live - it was a gift) so the s plug thingy you were talking about shouldnt be a problem. My TV may be a problem since its 10 years...
Crunchies
Can I use crushed cornflakes instead of weetabix? Ive just run out!
Reusing a Desk Fan?
My backyard is very small so the idea of a hanging plant is excellent! Just one more query, what do I line the inside with, to prevent the soil from seeping out when I water it? I have a lot of old t-shirts, would they do? Thanks for all your suggestions. Any...
Reusing a Desk Fan?
Thanks so much for your ideas. Im keeping the blades as well since I didnt realize that I could recycle them, too.
Canned Tomatoes Have a Metallic Taste?
Try a pinch of sugar to regulate the amount of acidity in the tomatoes and mask the canned taste. Ive always used canned tomatoes in my recipes since its not always convenient to have fresh tomatoes on hand, especially if you dont use them up quickly.
Are My Lemons Safe to Use?
Thanks, RDLaure. Ive been making marmalade for years and no, it doesnt matter if they are mushy. I like to cook them to GET them mushy anyway- just the way I prefer them myself. So I will probably save some time this way! At least I know that they can be used...
My Frugal Life: From the Beginning
Know the feeling. 2kids, an irresponsible, spendthrift husband and after the divorce it got worse- no alimony! But my kids and I managed and I have a beautiful, married daughter and a teenage(autistic) son at home but I still count my blessings and am thankful...
What is the Best Carpet Cleaning Method?
I dont know if you mean a fitted carpet or large rugs. The guy at the carpet shop where I purchased my acrylic carpets, woolen carpets and silk mix carpets always told me to scrub them with plain white vinegar and water - half and half - and I always have had...
Hysterectomy Advice
?
I had a full hysterectomy 6yrs ago having an incision in my abdomen. Of course you will feel some pain and discomfort afterward. You are having surgery! Yes, I was absolutely terrified beforehand. a week after the op, I was so glad it was over and I was overjoyed...
Transitioning to a Healthier Diet
Personally I dont think potatoes are bad neither white rice nor pasta! I have been vegetarian for 25 years and eat no meat, fish and eggs but do eat dairy. My family are pretty healthy and I have always had two rules. Cook from scratch (saves on any additives...
Inexpensive Facial Toner?
I have very dry/sensitive skin and the best toner I have ever used is rosewater. you can get it from anywhere. Nice smell and it wont do any damage, and its cheap!
Causes of Body Odor?
This may sound crazy, but could it be your clothing? Maybe you have changed your laundry soap, fabric softener? You may still smell if after a shower you are drying yourself with towels washed in the detergent, fabric conditioner that you have changed? This...
Ideas For Wedding Appetizer Menu?
My daughter married in February, and I did the catering for 150 people on my own by starting in the October before and freezing stuff as I went along. I made tiny chicken turnovers, Italian rice balls, both freezable recipes from allrecipes.com., plus hummus...
Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts?
Thank you all so much. Loads of ideas here, and since Im not too good at sewing. If they dont work out, at least I have plenty of fabric piled up, so I can try again!
Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts?
Oh Cindy! What a gifted lady you are! I havent been on your site for a while and had no idea you were using t-shirt yarn as well as plarn. Ive made tons of stuff for myself from your site: video tape bags, plarn shopping bags, purses, etc. Now I can start on...
Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts?
Hey micksgirl! If youre interested in moving to a tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, then I would be happy to make you as many as you want! donating them to fund raising sales for charity would be an excellent idea! I dont have much income(cant...
Low-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream?
Thank you so much calis mom. Does whipping cream have a lot of fat in it, or can I use low fat evaporated milk instead? Do I measure the whipping cream after its whipped or before (if I can find low fat version)? Seems like a quick and easy recipe to do. The...
Low-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream?
Thanks, quilltmom. Your suggestion is perfect. Ive checked the stores and frozen yogurt is not common and very expensive where I live (tiny, independent island in the middle of the Mediterranean), but Im certain that I could find a recipe somewhere to make...
Low-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream?
Thanks jsham for your suggestion. Its easier for me to control the fat intake by using low fat evaporated milk for creaminess instead of whipped cream and using calis moms recipe. We finally managed to purchase a small container of frozen yogurt - took a bit...
Low-Fat Vanilla Ice Cream?
Hey, chloeA. The frozen banana idea is great to have as a try out as well. Especially since Ive always got leftover blackened-skin bananas that nobody wants to eat. Thanks for your idea.
Selling a Home to a Family Member?
Sorry to sound stroppy here but if the house belongs to your mum, she can dispose of it as she wishes. She is under no obligation to give equal amounts to her children. Its completely up to her to do as she wishes with her property. My daughter is married to...
Alternative to Safari for a Mac
?
I have found a brillant and free online computer site which deals with problems and helps you sort them out in a clear easy-to-understand way. they have been brilliant with me - and I can assure you, Im as idiotic as they come when it comes to computers. the...
What is This Cookie?
Hi, I knew you thriftyfun members would come through for me! Thanks for the pictures. no, the plain wafers are unavailable in my country. No point in giving me brand names - I dont live in the U.S.! the ones with the cream filling shaped like fingers are the...
What is This Cookie?
Hey catastrofy! What a kind heart you have to offer to send me a box of American style wafers! I was really touched. I don want to put you to any trouble for no real cause since Now I have a good idea of what they are and I know that I cant find them here in...
What is This Cookie?
Just for information, the round nilla wafers described by notwrong(with the accompanying picture) have a very similar appearance to Italian cookies (forget the name right now) which are very easily available here since Malta, my little island home, is only...
Cup Measurement Equivalents?
I hope ThriftyFun members from the U.S. can confirm this but Im under the impression that 1 cup is 8 Imperial ounces. 2 cups is the equivalent to one U.S. pint. An English pint is 20 ounces. Dont mix the two when using a recipe. Stick to American or English...
Mincemeat Recipe with Meat?
Living on an island in the Mediterranean(which was under brutish rule for over 200 years), it took me a long time to decipher U.S. equivalent words for British - for example, canning means preserving in British terms. I have finally worked out that hamburger...
Preventing Navy Blue Pants From Fading?
Dry them inside out and NEVER in the sun!
Dog is Lethargic After Using Frontline?
Thanks for info. Perhaps my dog is also allergic. Maybe I should try something else as an alternative? Problem is, I cant use anything for a month since that is how long the stuff is supposed to work.
Dog is Lethargic After Using Frontline?
Wow! Really scary to read about all the adverse information. I think I will stick to the less intrusive one of taking her to the beach and letting her play around in the sea water. I live on a tiny Mediterranean island where the sea is only a few minutes away...
Skin Care Advice?
Im in my fifties and my skin is getting much drier now but I had combination skin most of my life. If you have a moisturizer that agrees with your skin. I found the best foundation is to mix a little bronzing powder with my moisturizer in the palm of my hand...
Using Frozen Meatballs?
Thanks for the suggestions. This may come as a surprise to many of you, but although Malta is not a rich country by any means, there is no such thing as the truly destitute. Everyone has enough to live and get by with here. The social assistance structure seems...
What is a Dutch Oven?
Thanks carolb, for the wiki site so I could read about it. Just one more question. is the American version with the three little legs underneath? We just call it a casserole dish where I come from but it hasnt any legs underneath. So in American recipes, which...
What is a Dutch Oven?
Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain what a Dutch oven is. Leastways, now I can safely follow a recipe requiring this object knowing that a casserole dish is the same thing. Pity I didnt ask earlier, I missed out on some good recipes simply because...
Dawn Detergent in the UK?
Hi. I live in Malta and most of our stuff comes from either the UK or Italy. The best equivalent in the UK for dawn is Fairy.
Add Ice Cubes to Empty Muffin Tins
Please could somebody enlighten me? when I dont fill all the tins I just leave them empty! Is there some special reason for filling them with water? Why do they ALL have to be filled with anything? Editors Note: The reason I fill any empty tins halfway with...
Store Detergent in Name Brand Box
Been doing this with breakfast cereal for years! My kids have NEVER noticed.
Ice Forming in Back of Refrigerator?
Im a bit wary of raising the temperature in the refrigerator. I will try raising it a little and see how it goes. I live in a warm country. not so bad yet but the temperature in a few weeks time will be around the 100mark if not higher. and I dont have air...
Ice Forming in Back of Refrigerator?
Thanks jademing. I got somebody in to check the door - just in case and it WAS the door not fitting tightly. Should be fine now. Thought I would have to go to the expense of a new refrigerator but the price of the gasket wasnt much and its sorted now. Thanks...
Picking a Baby's Name?
Jonquil? Jon for short. Think its a woodland plant but Jon sounds masculine at least.
Learning to Knit Vs. Crochet?
Hi. I do both knitting and crochet. Knitting is easier because there are only 2 basic stitches to learn but it grows much more slowly and can get boring. Crochet grows fast and you have to learn to keep your edges straight but once you get the hang of the stitches...
Coordinating Paint Colors in Different Rooms?
sunny yellow!
Gift Ideas for a 30 Year Old Woman?
Here in Europe, we have a company called Interflora where you can wire a bouquet of flowers to anyone in the world, as long as you have their name and address. Im sure you would have the equivalent of this where you live and with prices to suit anyone. How...
Homemade Napisan Recipe?
Why dont you email the manufacturers and ASK them what the ingredients are? They should have an email address on the container somewhere. You COULD say you have allergies and need to know what the ingredients are. Depends on how you feel about doing that.
Putting Hair in a Ponytail?
What about putting in a couple of velcro curlers at the crown of your head and spraying them with a bit of hairspray to give you volume. After a few minutes, take them out - or leave in as long as you can-then pull your hair into a ponytail taking care not...
Applesauce Vs. Apple Butter?
Thank you all so much. yes, I have understood the difference now. and why they have different names. It makes sense now.
Recipes for a Sandwich Maker?
i use my sandwich maker often. basically, i butter the sides which will be on the OUTSIDE touching the griddle and then i usually put a tablespnful of watever leftovers i have in the fridge. baked beans, leftover pasta meat sauce, chilli, curry, leftover stew...
Inexpensive Pasta Dishes
this feeds 4people easily. about 2oz(or more depending on taste)of cheapo blue cheese 1medium pot yogurt.(or light cream if you dont like yogurt) 1lb pasta(i favor spagetti) Melt the blue cheese GENTLY in a pan, mix in the pot of yogurt. mix everything with...
What Breed is My Dog?
Your dog looks EXACTLY like mine. I found her abandoned in a field when she was a puppy of only a few weeks. Same character too. She is much loved and VERY spoiled and quite honestly i dont really care what breed or mix of breed she is. I love her to bits and...
Buying Pudding Mix in the UK?
Im assuming we are talking about angel delight or miracle whip here. You could probably use custard and flavour it yourself. Custard (as in BIRDS)powder is unheard of in the U.S. I lived in the U.K. for 7yrs so I have a rough idea of what you are talking about...
Parenting a Disabled Child?
My son is 17yrs old and has aspergers syndrome. PLEASE! DO NOT call your grandson disabled. He is probably more intelligent AND ABLE than normal people - just has a different perspective of life. Surely, if you explain to the interviewer BEFORE he goes for...
Using Olive Oil for Bags Under Eyes?
Hey Nancy! Dont know where you are from but I assume thats its the U.S. You should come over and visit Malta. Its a place you either love or hate, but Im very proud of my tiny beautiful island in the middle of the Med! Thanks to all of you for the feedback...
Acne Remedies Causing More Acne?
Hi. I had really bad acne as a teenager and tried everything for my very oily, sensitive skin. Then a doctor recommended (probably as a last resort) to go to the pharmacy and get 1% sulphur mixed in calamine lotion. I used to dab it on my spots and boils every...
Freezing Homemade Foods for Wedding?
Thank you all so much. Your very welcome advice is just what I needed to know. Now I can carry on with my baking and freezing so that by February, it will all be done and I wont need to panic. Thanks again.
Using Baby Lotion as a Facial Cleanser?
Hey sharpy! What a great idea - BABY WIPES! Didnt occur to me. Thats cheap and convenient. Thank you so much.
Thumb Hole Cookies?
hi. i remember that recipe SO WELL during domestic science class at school. since u are from the isle of man, i assume that u are british. i went to school in australia so everything there was british style too and they were called JAM BUNS at school. just...
Using "Spools" From Old Video Cassettes
like the other posts, i used the video TAPES themselves and crocheted a beautiful evening bag for myself. whenever i use it - which is often - EVERYBODY tells me how fantastic it looks AND IT WAS FREE using stuff i nearly threw away! go to myrecycledbags.com...
Cooking Frozen Chicken?
THICK CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE BROTH!! easy peasy. put yr chicken and any cut up veg that you have with a stock cube and either pressure cook it for about 20 to 25mins or bring to a boil in a pot and allow to simmer for about an hour and a half. its easier in...
Bugs With Split In The End?
they sound like silverfish. maybe in the U.S. they are called earwigs. i dont know. they will ruin clothing like moths so use a long lasting insect repellant. probably anything that repels ants or cockroaches will do the trick.why dont u look them up on the...
Use a Wooden Spoon to Prevent Tears
i can well imagine it wud work! with a wooden spoon in your mouth it wud be a job trying not to gag or dribble, let alone cry!
Thinning Hair After Hysterectomy?
After my hysterectomy, I was getting hot flushes, my hair was falling out and I looked a mess! Doctor put me on HRT and I have never looked back. At 53yrs old I dont even have many wrinkles (except a few around my eyes). Probably will get post telling me about...
Cleaning Handbags?
If they are leather, I have always cleaned my leather handbags with shoe polish of the corresponding color or neutral if I cant find a color match. Buff with a cloth after it has dried and they look brilliant, new and last longer.
Improving the Flavor of Hummus?
add crushed garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.add a little bit of each and keep tasting a tiny bit at a time till u get the flavor u want. makes a huge difference.
Long Lasting, Smudge-Proof Eyeliner?
Ive used this trick for many years. Get your eyeliner pencil (whatever you normally use, cheapo or expensive) and put a lighted match or lighter to the end for about 2 seconds; just enough to soften it slightly. Line your eyes like you usually do and trust...
Using Fabric Softener With Vinegar?
I forgot to say that I live in a HOT country so dryers are unnecessary. I ALWAYS line dry; summer and winter. I dont even own a dryer so I never buy dryer sheets.
Using Fabric Softener With Vinegar?
Thanks, Alexis. I will try half and half and see how it goes and then take it from there to see if I can add more vinegar. If it works for you, then it should work for me! Thanks again.
Summer Dinner
please, what is hominy? being european, ive never heard of it!
Cheese Muffins
correct me if im wrong, but are american muffins the equivalent to british SCONES? i have a recipe for cheese SCONES which is so similar to this but the name is different.
Ranch Dressing Mix
hi dragon sue. i live in malta and have the same problem trying to decipher different US terms to British. i have a feeling saltine crackers are CREAM CRACKERS.and MSG is in the herb and spice section of the supermarket. in malta, we call it monosodium glutamate...
Instructional DVD For Making A Rag Rug?
go to yarnloversroom.com thats where i got my pattern and instructions from and ive made about twenty since then. very easy to follow. it was my first project as soon as i mastered the stitches in crochet so its just perfect for a beginner.
Remedies For Twitching Legs?
Hi. I lived in Australia for many years. If you want to try the quinine water remedy, which is quick and easy, then go to your local milk bar and pick up a bottle of tonic water. Its got quinine in it and it tastes nice.
Tips for Defrosting Chest Freezers
you can buy glycerin from any pharmacy. its cheap.
Portable DVD Player's Screen Too Dark?
thanks harry! seems like the best solution. funny, that u never lthink of the obvious first unless it is pointed out to you.
Tips For Using Freezer Chest?
ive had a chest freezer for about 10yrs now and i find it pretty useful. i put what i use daily(peas, ice cream etc.) in the freezer compartment(which is small) of my refridgerator and the rest goes into my chest. i have backup supplies for everything so as...
Becoming A Vegetarian?
Ive been a lacto vegetarian for 30 years now. I eat EXACTLY what I want except that I leave out meat, fish and eggs (if possible). You dont HAVE to eat certain foods or avoid others because they are not healthy. I eat junk food sometimes and balance with healthy...
Tips For Reusing Canning Jars
Dont know how you buy your jams(jellies to you) or marmalades, but Ive been bottling (canning) my own jams and marmalades for years. Ive always used the jars that jams and marmalades originally came in. Either from friends or family, who dont throw them away...
Saving Electricity When Using Your Dishwasher
be even more economical with yr dishwasher.when i owned one (it packed up and i never replaced it) i filled every single empty patch with something! plates went on the sides after filling the racks, little empty corners got filled with glasses, cups, mugs etc...
Soy Milk Vs. 1% Milk?
Ive been a lacto vegetarian (no meat, fish or eggs, dairy products in moderation) for 30yrs now and Im full of energy and very rarely need to see a doctor (im in my 50s). My answer to this is practical and straightforward: soy milk tastes of rotten seaweed...
Making a Rag Mop?
tumpy, wat a brill idea! i was thinking on the lines of cutting the towels in strips and attaching them somehow to a broomstick or watever. this way, i dont have to cut them up into strips and its so easy. less chance of fraying and more important, less time...
Eat Your Potatoes, Peelings and All
Hey Connie! I tried out your idea and they didnt even reach the table. Itested one to see how they came out and ended up eating the lot! Brilliant idea! Its too hot to turn the oven on so I just boiled them in very little water for 3mins and popped them under...
Healthy Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup
hi jan. i also live in europe(malta,to be precise) and i find it fascinating that the americans seem to base a lot of their cooking on CANNED SOUP!where i live canned soup is VERY expensive coz its all imported. i normally adapt the recipe using a veg. stock...
Use Leftover Coleslaw for Second Meal
Salad cream is very much like mayo but not so thick and creamy. It has a sharper taste coz it has more vinegar in it than mayo. Here in Europe - since I assume you live in the U.S. - its very popular. I personally prefer it to mayo.
Protecting Cabinets Above Stove?
I have kitchen cabinets over my stove and my solution is that when Im finished cooking and doing the washing up. I use my dishcloth from the soapy water in the sink to give the cabinets a quick wipe. They stay nice and clean and its only an extra 5 mins work...
Pixie (Dachshund Mix?)
funny that. my dog looks very similar to yours and her name is pixie too! amazing! ive had her for 6yrs and she is my baby. i love her to bits.
Is Firefox Better Than Internet Explorer?
oh dear! i STILL dont know wat to do coz the responses were so varied. i have a laptop which doesnt have a huge memory. its enuf for me but i dont want to use up precious memory for something i cud do without. wonder how much memory it wud take up? (b)Editors...
Saving Money on Yogurt
Why buy a yogurt maker? Waste of money and electricity. Just get yourself a wide mouth thermos flask(which you can use for other things too). Boil the milk, let it cool till you can leave your little finger in it while counting to ten, put 1 or 2 tablespoons...
Styling A "Bob" Haircut?
i also have a one length chin length bob haircut. i got this secret from a hairdresser a few years ago. after shampoo and conditioning,put one large roller on the top of your head at the crown, then wrap your hair around your head in the opposite direction...
Turning Bergamot Oil Hairdress Into a Hand Cream?
thanks for your suggestions. i tried a little with some cheapo body lotion, still too greasy so i added a bit of rosewater and its usable AS A HAND CREAM! yes, i saved some to use as a hairdress for REAL emergencies. ive always used a tiny bit on my hair, but...
What Is Anso Sauce?
thanks everyone! i got the recipe from a website called cooks.com but ive got the idea of what it is now - seems to be a mild chilli sauce. thats not a prob. can find that here in malta. once again, my friends from thriftyfun have sorted out my problem! thankyou...
A Is For Apple Butter
recipe looks really nice but what do you use apple butter for? ive never heard of it before!
Chocolate Coke Cake
hi robin. tried out your recipe and it turned out WAY too sweet.im no recipe maker, just tend to follow the recipes as is, but you really need to modify the sugar somewhere along the line. my kids have a VERY sweet tooth and they cudnt eat it! and i left the...
Accessories to Put on the Coffee Table?
thanks for the compliment, perfumed fan. i love my little 2bedroomed cottage too. took a lot of planning and knocking down of wall, etc. to get it livable. didnt even have a bathroom in it wen i got hold of it! your ideas on the color schemes,cream beige and...
Accessories to Put on the Coffee Table?
hiya all! went to great aunts house and found a gold painted box frame she doesnt want. its about 6inches square and 2inches deep. im thinking of re painting it gold again coz its very tarnished - the frame i mean - and its lovely with a sculptured pattern...
American Bulldog Puppy is Scared of Everything?
you COULD spend a lot of money taking him to classes or u cud just accept that he is a timid dog. my dog who ive had for 7yrs is exactly the same. long as im in her line of vision, shes ok coz she knows nothing is going to hurt her if im around.took a while...
After Washing and Drying Jacket, Lining is Lumpy?
Thanks for replying. Unfortunately, CHAMPION clothes dont exist in my country. My son was in the U.S. when it was given him. Laundromats are few and far between here in Malta. I think there is only one on the whole island, if it hasnt closed down as well. Ill...
After Washing and Drying Jacket, Lining is Lumpy?
tks luvmygingerkids. maybe champion can give me some idea to fix the problem. i cant imagine them replacing it since they have to send it to me in malta and i have to send them the jacket i have here. the postage from malta would be horrendous coz the jacket...
After Washing and Drying Jacket, Lining is Lumpy?
thanks cathy for your kind wishes. kiomall is not a maltese surname so maybe u got the spelling wrong. but im glad u have nice memories of someone from my tiny country! i dont know if your suggestion wud work but ill give it a try. i have a feeling the wadding...
After Washing and Drying Jacket, Lining is Lumpy?
hi grandma margie! cett here from malta. just to let u know that u have saved the day AGAIN. YES it took a little while messing about with the lining and the outside of the jacket but i did it in stages. few minutes here and there and now the jacket is wearable...
Food Keeps Sticking to My Frying Pan?
How familiar this sounds! In the end I tossed mine and am slowly building up a set of LE CREUSET pans. They are brilliant but expensive. Ive only got 2 saucepans, a big pot with lid and a big fry pan. I seem to cook everything in them. We are a family of three...
Advice For Round Crochet That Buckles?
thanks for the tips. i know i shdnt get so upset but i sent the text in after battling for HOURS trying to get it right. yes, its a relaxing occupation which i need in my very stressful life but i do like to get a reasonable result for all my hard work! ill...
Advice For Round Crochet That Buckles?
i usually use a very large safety pin as a marker. pattern says to increase one stitch in every four as u go along. i was working twice into the same stitch for my increase. ive counted my stitches as i was undoing it (again!) and ive worked the increases properly...
Advice For Round Crochet That Buckles?
thanks ronnie. a bit of support and encouragement helps a lot. ok, so ill stay away from rounds for now until i get alittle more confident. i can do a square even an oval, no prob. ill try AGAIN later with a round. tks again.
Lemon Bread
thank you robin. this recipe is very very good. had surplus lemons and my family loved it. left out the nuts coz my kids dont like them in cakes. just sprinkled them on top of cake after i glazed it. a huge hit...
Is Bicarbonate of Soda a Substitute For Borax?
from wat i can gather, best substitute for borax is clothes bleach. i can get that here so it wont be a problem to substitute. tks for all the suggestions.
Looking For Cream of Onion Soup?
why not just buy normal onion soup and add milk instead of water or in the case of canned soup, a little evaporated milk?
What Is Graham Flour?
Are u sure its not GRAM FLOUR? Gram flour is ground up garbanzo beans turned into flour (like soy flour or cornmeal) Its brilliant as a binder instead of eggs and for many vegetarian/vegan recipes. i get it from health food stores. Very nutritious stuff.
Treating Minor Ailments Yourself
hiya. my name is cettina, from malta,europe. if u know of any good, informative sites relating to healthcare i wud greatly appreciate it if u cud let me know. tks
Summer Celebration Ice Cream Cake
sorry eena, dont really know if it matters that it was copied. i never saw this magazine and the recipe looks delish so that im keeping it for wen i have guests. thanks robin.
Easy Ways To Stiffen Fabric
What a great idea! I love the suggestion of the clear acrylic spray paint. So easy, thank you.
Caramel Squares
recipe looks yummy. wud love to try it but i dont know wat hard ball stage means. can u explain plse?
Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax?
I dont know what borax is coz its unavailable here, so I didnt know if I could leave it out. Yes, we get imported fabric bleach from Italy here so can I use the same amount (more or less) when I make up the recipe instead of borax? Washing soda and Oxyclean...
Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax?
Thanks for all your suggestions. Im really surprised I saw another person from Malta - Gail! i thought i was the lone voice from my little Mediterranean Island. Its lovely to know that there is somebody else from Malta who uses this website.
Help With Computers?
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! jess_admin. Its easy when you know how and Im very grateful that you replied and showed me how to do it. I appreciate you taking the time and trouble to help me. I know I seem idiotic but Im so worried Ill click on something...
Help With Computers?
compared to using computers, jess, raising boys and keeping my house clean is a piece of cake for me! boys are easy, lots of love and DISCIPLINE. house clean with boys? U MUST BE JOKING! wait till they leave home, until then, a lick and a polish is enuf unless...
Pickling Banana Peppers?
not quite sure wat banana peppers are. here in malta-which is a tiny island in the mediterranean, we have the very hot red peppers that look like tiny bananas. wat we do here is give them a good rinse under running water, leaving them whole and then putting...
Ways To Eat Bagels?
thank you all so much for your suggestions. yes, they are the small dense chewy type and yes, i didnt know and defrosted them in the microwave and they werent nice. now, i slice in half and either toast them or make mini pizzas with watever i have and grill...
What is a Bundt Pan?
thank u all so much for the info. wat a great idea for a cake tin. i suppose u cud fill the hole after the cake is cooked with fruit or cream or something and make it look really pretty.ive never seen one here in malta where i live, but im sure they are available...
Lentil BBQ Loaf
hi LRP! tried out your recipe and sorry to say, it turned out dry, bland and fell apart when i tried to slice it! any tips for improving the recipe?