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Hello,
If the site has been slow for you today, we apologize. We have ordered everything we need for our new server. We hope to have it in place by late this week or early next week. We also are getting ready to launch a new version of the website which should be able to handle more traffic.
We have a lot of requests today, be sure to check them out and see if you have any advice to offer. If you have any trouble posting feedback on the site, feel free to email it to me at susan@cumuli.com and I will post it for you.
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Susan
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
The Best Times are Priceless - Jaylan (7 months)
I live in a very small, rural community. Entertainment such as a theater, nice restaurants, etc. are at least 60 miles from me. With today's hurried world, I believe we tend to forget that the best times don't cost us a penny... but are priceless. Walking down a country lane with your dog during the fall, simply to admire the beauty of the leaves. Smelling the freshly mown grass as you rest in your lawn chair at dusk, after you've mown that grass. And my personal favorite.... sharing bath time with your precious grandchild! This picture is of my 7 month old Granddaughter, Jaylan, playing while she takes her bath. As I previously stated, these memorable times don't cost us anything, but are none the less priceless.
By kountry_kraftin
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Tip: Teach your dog what to do when there is a fire. Stop, drop and roll.
After seeing her picture online, we had to drive five hours to get Cricket. She crawled up on her mom's lap and fell asleep. From that point on it was love at first sight and we have been inseparable ever since. Cricket is very smart and very spoiled. She will give you a high-five whenever you ask. She lives with her big brother Kosmo, and can jump into the back of a fourwheel drive jeep that's about four feet tall. Her hobbies are four-wheeling, playing in the mud with her brother, and going to dog training classes with her 125 lb. Newfoundland puppy cousin. We say she's not only queen for a day, but queen forever.
By Stephanie Brandt
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
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Today's Tips
Spray your garden tools with a little cooking oil or WD-40 and they will be very easy to clean when you are done gardening.
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Keep Small Garden Tools Handy... A handy place to store pruning shears and small garden tools is in an old mail box. Just place the mail box on a post in a convenient spot in your yard and place the small tools that you use regularly in it. Many mailboxes will even have a hole for inserting a small padlock. If your doesn't, just drill your own hole. Paint the mail box and it can be quite attractive.
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Gardening, even with gloves on, can dry out your hands. Apply petroleum jelly or hand lotion to your hands before putting on your gardening gloves and your hands will be soft and smooth after a day of gardening.
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Tips for washing fruits and vegetables. Post your ideas.
Bicarbonate Soda is a good way to disinfect many of your fresh fruits and veggies (such as tomatoes or apples, etc). Just sprinkle with a little baking soda, cover with cold water, and soak a while. After about 15 minutes, I scrub softly with a brush for vegetables and then rinse the vegetables.
By Shirley Johnson
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One Christmas, when my niece asked Santa Claus for vacuum cleaner, Santa brought her a small, but real vacuum cleaner, instead of a play one that wouldn't pick up anything. Another Christmas, the same niece requested from Santa Claus, a waffle iron, so she could "help make breakfast", Santa brought her a small but real waffle iron.
Both appliances are only used under parental supervision. My sister's reasoning was, "if she wants to help out, why not let her". This lead to more waffles being put in the freezer for use at a later date and my sis not having to vacuum as often. Sis said she didn't really spend that much money extra on the real appliances for my niece, as toy appliances are almost the same cost.
By Terri
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My daughter received a jar of peanut butter that was not homogenized and had quite a bit of oil on top. After trying unsuccessfully to mix it in by hand (with the oil spilling out over the top of the jar), I thought about my mixer. I simply emptied the jar of solid matter and oil into my stand mixer bowl, put on the general use attachment, and in less time than it took us to clean up the original mess, the contents were smoothly blended and ready to put back into the jar. It couldn't have been any simpler!
By Ronsan
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Tips for removing gum from clothing. Post your ideas.
Use egg whites to remove gum on clothing. Brush egg white onto gum with a toothbrush. Let sit for 15 minutes and then launder on the items normally.
By Diana
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Cutting Down on Lint and Pet Hair in Laundry
This really helps cut down on lint and pet hair on clothes! Get some "netting" at a sewing shop, I found mine in the wedding section. Cut it into 6x6 inch squares, and toss one in the washer and a fresh one in the dryer, and bingo... it catches pet hair and lint
By Diana
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A better idea than using mothballs is to take your leftover soap slivers and put them in a vented plastic bag. You place the bag with seasonal clothes before packing them away. Not only will the scent prevent them from moth harm but also they'll smell great when you pull them out. I especially like this for sweaters, which can be difficult to remove the odor of mothballs from. Using soap you simply have a clean smell rather than the smell of an attic.
By Diana
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Salmon Patties - Recipes and Tips
Tips and recipes for making salmon patties. Post your ideas.
Salmon Patties
As a young bride I asked my mother how she made these patties and mine never were as good as hers. One day I watched her fixing dinner and realize what she put in them. I have been doing it her way ever since.
I usually have cornbread with my salmon so I make up a larger batch of cornbread batter and add some of this to the salmon, stirring until you get the correct consistency, add a tablespoon of dehydrated onion and then fry as usual. Bake or fry the cornbread batter that is left. Sounds funny but is really good.
By Drucilla
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New Life for Old Stuff - Save money while saving the environment
By Sally Stitch
Please go to this website to read this wonderful article:
It has wonderful ideas and has been an inspiration.
10 Items...20 Uses... New Life for Old
Please go to this link to see the article:
30 Days to a Clean House!
Please go to this link to view the article:
Another great article to inspire!
By Maryanne
http://www.teapotcottage.com
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Make Your Own Wedding Invitations
Tips and ideas for making your own wedding invitations. Post your ideas.
To make wedding invitations, just go online and look at different invitations and choose the one you like the most. Then look at what you basically need and make them yourselves, you can get most of the things at a crafts store. Just get your friends and family to give you a hand.
If you don't have a computer to make invitations you could also stamp your invitations. They have complete alphabet letters in craft stores.
By Adriana
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Ideas for using plastic tablecloths for something other than a tablecloth. Post your ideas.
I carry an old cheap plastic tablecloth in the trunk of my car. If I ever need to change a flat tire, I can spread the tablecloth on the ground to keep from getting dirty and/or muddy.
An old plastic tablecloth can be used as a drop cloth when painting.
An old plastic tablecloth can be used as ground cover when picnicking, attending outdoor concerts, fireworks displays, etc.
An old plastic tablecloth or shower curtain can be spread under newspaper to use when housebreaking puppies -- less cleanup!
When you see decorative plastic tablecloths on sale cheap, grab them! They are terrific for wrapping large gifts, rather than using rolls and rolls of expensive gift wrapping paper!
By Becki in Indiana
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My Mother's Chocolate Cream Cookies
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix together sugar, lard, eggs. Then add the rest. Drop by spoon on ungreased cookie sheets and bake around 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Then cool. Frost with powdered sugar frosting.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In a medium bowl, mix first 3 ingredients together and add 1/2 chopped pecans.. Press into a 9"x 13" baking dish and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together rest of ingredients, with a mixer. Beating till smooth and there are no lumps of cheese. Pour over cake mixture in pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting and serving. Cut in small pieces, as this is very rich.
*I've made this with lemon flavored cake mix and it's scrumptious! I imagine any flavor would be good.
By Terri
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Pound Cake Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and eggs. In a medium bowl, sift dry ingredients. Pour dry ingredients into butter mixture. Mix well. Add milk and extract. Pour into a loaf baking pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or till it tests done.
By Terri
Easter Pound Cake
Ingredients
Directions:
Cream butter; add sugar and cream together. Add eggs one at the time mixing well after each. Add vanilla to above mixture.
Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together and add to mixture alternately with sour cream. Mix well, but do not overbeat.
Batter will be thick. Spoon batter into 2 loaf pans which have been lightly greased and floured. (Shake out excess flour)
Bake at 325º F for 50-60 minutes checking for doneness after 50 minutes. If not done in the middle, return to oven for the other 10 minutes. Check again for doneness.
Because of the various sizes of eggs used, the moisture content of flour, and your own oven temperature accuracy, it could take an additional 10-15 minutes to get properly done.
Pound cakes are most often baked at a lower temperature than other cakes, giving the eggs a chance to do all the leavening, but this cake has both baking powderand baking soda as well, so it will rise more quickly and thoroughly.
When done, cool in pan on wire rack for 5-8 minutes, then turn loaves out onto wire rack and cool thoroughly.
Optional: Dust tops lightly with a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon, or use confectioner's sugar to make a lacy design with a paper doily.
Julia
Colonial Pound Cake
Here is another pound cake that is even easier.
Ingredients
Directions
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at the time, mixing really well after each addition in order to obtain the maximum volume of the eggs
Sift flour with mace and fold into above mixture, mixing well, but do not overbeat. It will toughen your cake.
Spoon thick batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Bake at 325º F for 1 hour, then testing for doneness. It may take longer (an additional 10 minutes or so) for your cake to reach the desired doneness. Check it again after 10 minutes.
When done, remove from oven and allow to cool on in pan on wire rack for about 5-8 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and allow to cool thoroughly.
You may choose to lightly glaze this pound cake with a mixture of undiluted frozen orange juice and confectioner's sugar. Use about a cup of confectioner's sugar with 2 TBS orange juice. Add more sugar or juice to get desired pouring consistency.
Pound Cakes are the most versatile cake to keep on hand. It can be served with sour cream, whipped cream (flavored or unflavored), ice-cream or fruits (fresh, canned or frozen).
Julia
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Cook chicken breast halves in oil in a large Dutch oven over medium high heat until browned. Remove chicken and cool slightly. Add onion and next 6 ingredients; cook over medium high heat 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Add sausage and next 7 ingredients stirring to crumble the meat. Cut chicken breast halves in half using a sharp knife of kitchen shears. Place chicken in single layer in Dutch oven; add rice and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and cook 35-40 minutes or until rice is tender. Toss gently before serving.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Place flour in a 10 inch cast iron skillet. Bake at 400 for 1 hour or until dark brown, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove skillet from oven, and set aside. Combine chicken and water in a large Dutch oven; cook 20 minutes or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken and broth and set aside. Combine onion, green pepper, celery, garlic, and 1/3. cup chicken broth in Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat 10-12 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add browned flour and 1 cup chicken broth; stir until blended. Gradually stir in remaining broth; add green onions and next 7 ingredients. Remove chicken from bones and chop into bite sized pieces; add to Dutch oven. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Serge gumbo with rice.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Sort and wash beans; place in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water 2 inches above beans; let soak 8 hours. Drain well. Coot a Dutch oven with cooking spray; place over medium high heat until hot. Add celery, onion, green onions, green pepper and garlic; saute until tender. Add beans, ham, and remaining ingredients except rice and cook, uncovered, over medium heat, 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Serve bean mixture over rice.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Coat a nonstick skillet with cooking spray; place over medium high heat until hot. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic; saute until tender. Stir in paprika and next 4 ingredients; set aside to cool. Spread cooled spice mixture on both sides of fish fillets. Place fish on rack coated with cooking spray; place rack in a broiler pan. Broil 3 inches from heat 7-9 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. (fish will be lightly charred).
By Robin
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Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
New Contest Prize! Now a 2 $25.00 Gift Cards
In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will
select to winners at random) at one of the following stores: Home
Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you
get to choose which gift card! This contest ends on May 15th,
2005.
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests:
Elegant, but Cheap, Wedding Decorations
I am getting Married in September 2005 and it is a afternoon wedding. We have opted to pay for it ourselves and my colors are WINE & CHAMPAGNE the accent color is Gold. I want to use Roses as my flower and candles for my centerpieces for the reception. Do you have any suggestions on how to make something elegant but cheap?
Farrah
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Recycling Old Barn Wood For Crafts
I want to make picture frames and things from old barn (pine?) wood. I have collected the wood, and with age, it's obviously very delapidated. How do I prepare it to use it?
Thanks,
Lily from Virginia.
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I have a 5 year old son that wants a spiderman party, I would like to do it at a park, can I get some ideas?
Yvonne
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Coffee Stains On Crocheted Tablecloth
I have a 4'x6' hand-crocheted tablecloth that has set in coffee stains (from many years ago). Is there any way I can remove the stains safely without damaging the crochet? I have washed it in bleach but the stains did not even lighten. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Connie
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Caring For a Burning Bush Plant
I'm trying to find information on the care and growing of the plant called "Burning Bush". How often should they be given plant food, pruning, any kind of disease to look for, etc.? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Susan from Virginia
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I want to do a container garden with the following plants: Bloody Dock (Rumex Sanguineus), Kent Beauty Ornamental Oregano (Origanum 'Kent Beauty'), Verbena (Verene tenuisecta 'Edith'), Red Ace Twinspur (Diascia 'Red Ace'), Pink Crystals Ruby Grass (Melinis nerviglumis) and Silver Mist Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare 'Minus'). I am having a difficult time finding these plants -- Is it too early in the season? The only thing I've found is Verbena.
Meari
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Salad Dressing Stain on Polyester Prom Dress
Can anyone give me any ideas on removing an Italian Dressing oil stain from the seat of a royal blue 100% polyester prom dress. The dress has no beads or sequins where the stain is located. I took the dress to a dry cleaners this morning and they refused to try and remove the stain because the tag says "do not wash, do not dry clean, PROFFESIONAL SPOT CLEAN ONLY. This dress was worn once on Saturday night. Thanks so much!
Kay
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Home Based Business Doing Self Inking Tabs
Can you tell me if there is a special area where I could request information on starting a home-based business doing self-inking tabs for stampers and what all I would need to get started. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You JJ
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My cat has just peed on our dog's bed. Right after I felt the wet spot I wiped it with soap and water. After that I did a mixture of vinager and water, it's still wet and smells like cat pee and vinegar. It still stinks. And I mean stinks. I can't wash the dog bed because there's nothing on the tag saying anything about machine wash or any wash. So I don't know if I should even just soak it in the bathtub. It's polyester fiber, with no removeable covering. Please Help!
baby_jess
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is there anything I can use to remove a scratch off an acrylic window on my caravan?
Phillip
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I want to stencil words and phrases and my walls but, I'm not sure how to do this. Should I make my own stenils? Any suggestions or advice?
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I want to create the look of a french bistro in my kitchen/dining area but, I'm at a loss. What colour for the walls and any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Irradiate
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Wedding Ceremony and Reception
I am getting married in March of next year and we are trying to keep the wedding at $5000. What can I do to keep it at that rate including the following: cake, favors, flowers, dresses, ceremony, reception, catering? Help!
McGuire from Cali
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There is a great deal on apples right now at the grocery store. I like to put apples in my smoothies. What is the best way to freeze applies to be used in smoothies? Thanks,
Glenn
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Magnifying Eyeglasses For Applying Makeup
My eyes aren't as good as they used to be, so I've been trying to find the magnifying eyeglasses to wear when applying make-up. They fold down on one side so you can do one eye at a time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Diane in FL
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I just recently received a knitting board and I was looking to find a pattrens to use on my board, especialy a sweater pattern for a child and an adult. I am looking for a free patterns or a fairly reasonable priced one. I want to make sweaters and other gifts for my family.
Thank you in advance for any help that I receive.
sew sweet
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I just lost my male gerbil can i put 2 females in the same cage?
Nick From Oregon
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Perspiration Odor on Polyester
Can anyone please tell me how to get perspiration odor out of some tops that are 60% polyester 40% cotton?
These tops have been soaked in Era, washed, and, unfortunately, dried in the dryer. I've tried rewashing them several times, and the odor remains. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Gail C
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Tips for cleaning silver: I have a collection of silver mustard spoons that are beginning to look a little tarnished and yellow. Does anyone have any ideas on how to clean silver?
Many thanks to you all in advance.
Julie (UK)
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Protecting Lawn From Dog Urine
Every where our female dog urinates outside kills our grass. Can anyone help save our lawn? Thanks,
Sharyl from Utah
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Infrequent Blossoming Dogwood Tree
I have a dogwood tree that is at least 15 years old. I think it has blossomed only two or three times since buying it. What does it need nutrionally or is it the amount of sun it receives that is crucial for annual blossoming? Thanks for your help.
Carol in Michigan
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Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make 11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures of the crafts visit:
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More Reading:
Creative Decorating Ideas Using Old Windows
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
A Room With A View
Have you ever wished you had a great view right outside your bedroom window but all you see when you wake up in the morning is the wall of the next-door neighbor's house? Well then follow these easy steps to create your own window with a great view.
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The Art of Scrapbooking
By Eileen Bergen
If you'd like to start scrapbooking or create scrapbook-style art, but are simply overwhelmed by the vast product choices, let me help you narrow them down and get you going. I view scrapbooking as a highly specialized form of collage.
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