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Today's Photos
Old Candles Made New
By Sharon Shearer
Candleberry, Old Yankee and Home and Hearth candles never seem to lose their good scent, no matter how old or low they have been burnt. Don't throw them away--RECYCLE into new!
What you will need is: old strong scented candle scraps which you have cut up into chunks, a box of Gulf Wax (clear parafin), wicks with an attached end to hold in place, hot glue and mugs, jars, or small candle holders to fill.
Using an old skillet and a large can as a double boiler, (use a heatproof container inside to hold the wax), fill the skillet with water and put a small amount of wax in a large vegetable can (the bigger the better). Do not let your water in the skillet boil dry or leave this unattended. Can be a real potential fire hazard.
While wax and candle is melting prepare your jars or mugs for filling. Heat in a barely warm oven to prevent cracking when hot wax is poured in. When war, hot glue the wick in the center of the jar or mug bottom. Also have ready a popsicle stick or tongue depressor with a small hole in the center.( This will be set in top of the mug to stabilize your wick while drying.
When wax is melted, fill your mug or jar. Leaving the wick LONG, pull it through the hole in the depressor stick and lay it on top across the mug. Make sure the wick is still centered before it begins the drying process.
Drying will take a while. Make sure it is sitting in a LEVEL AND SAFE spot to dry. When completely dry a hole will sink in the middle of the candle, and in order to level it you must add more melted wax, fill the hole, plus a little extra to level the top. On occasion this process must be done a third time to fill the middle and level the top.
Tarts can also be made using tiny tart molds made of metal. These are quick to make and can be placed in the freezer for 5-10 minutes and these will pop out when inverted.
These make nice inexpensive gifts, using your recycled strong scented candles. Often you can find old candles and mugs cheap at yard sales and thrift stores.
By Sharon Shearer
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This a picture of Cuda. Cuda is a 7 year old Rott/Lab mix. He is a big goofy dog! He loves to walk around with a stuffed animal in his mouth at all times. He also loves to invade my veggie garden and eat all the tomatoes from my plants. He loves to be wherever we are. We spoil him rotten!
By Donna J.
Cuda lives with Rebel, Tiger, Sammy and Molly Donna's other pets.
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This is a picture of my 13 month old niece that I babysit.
By Michele
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Today's Tips
Always make sure they have their shots up to date, make sure there is always water and food for them and have baths once a week to keep them clean. Keep them away from fleas and ticks. Take the for regular checkups. If you love them they will love you back.
By Kristy Hull
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Using Other Items for Curtains
If you're in need of curtains and don't have the money for them. Use a small blanket or rug with fringe on the ends, such a Southwestern Indian. Just tie one end of the fringe onto your curtain road. I was recently at a person's house, who did this and it was attractive. It kept the heat of the desert sun from heating up the place, too much. I've just never thought of using a rug or blanket for a curtain, it fit the window perfectly & it was something a momento from one of their vacation trips.
By Terri
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To stop some of the TV program fights set times for each age group in home. Toddlers pick programs during the day when older children are at school, school age choose programs after school, parents choose family time shows.
Everyone has a choice no problems.
By Randa Wagner
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Keeping Track of Fun, Low-Cost Family Activities
I have a 2 year old son and a VERY limited budget, but I hated that a lack of money could be a barrier to us going out and having fun! Weekends would roll around, and I would be out of ideas as to what we could do that was free or cost very little. What I finally did was gather information about places to go and things to do that are free or low-cost in our area. I then typed up a master list of all the information about the places or activities that I would need.
For example, in the next city over from us, there's a free zoo. I put "Racine Zoo" on my list, then the phone number, address, hours they're open, cost (in this case, free), etc. I also listed things like a "kids eat free" night at a local restaurant. I did the same for quite a few different places we like to visit, and also a few that we haven't been to yet.
Now, if we're looking for something to do and I'm out of ideas, I can just look at my "master list" of fun places, and we can be off on a thrifty family adventure in no time! (The bonus is that I don't have to waste time calling to see how late places are open, etc.--important when you have an impatient toddler!).
By Lisa from WI
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Using Polar Fleece for Curtains
Last winter after being cold from our single pane sliding glass door and not having the money to replace it, we bought a large piece of polar fleece to cover the window. (It's an 6 X 8 Foot window, I looked online for the best deal and ordered 3 or 4 yards of 60 inch wide good quality fleece. I think it cost about $50.)
Although it is not transparent (so does give you a bit of a blocked in feeling when closed), it does an amazing job as an insulating curtain both for the summer and the winter. We noticed a big difference. You could also buy a bunch of the little lap blankets when they are on sale and use them for smaller windows or sew them together for bigger ones. The key is to have the fleece at lease an inch or two bigger on the sides and top of the window. Fit it close to the window opening so no cold can get through the edges. We used push pins to hang it close to the opening.
When it is sunny, you can tie open the curtains to get some solar heat. You can hang some more decorative curtains over the fleece so it looks better. It definitely cut our gas bill during the coldest part of the winter.
If any of you have done something similar or try this, let us know.
Susan from ThriftyFun
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Fall Planting Guide for Spring Bulbs
Fall is not the time for cold climate flower gardeners to "live in the moment." It is actually the time when planning for next spring's blooms will produce the biggest payoffs. Here is a handy guide on how to plan and plant bulbs for the first blooms of next year's season.
Plant the Right Variety: Compile a list of suitable choices by finding out what types of bulbs grow best in your climate. All bulbs need cold weather to develop, but some are more susceptible to death or damage from freezing. Look for the biggest bulbs and make sure they are free from pits and mold. The longevity of your plantings will depend on the type of bulbs you select. Some, like Tulips, are usually only bred to last from 1-3 years. Others, like Galantus, will last for years. Chose bulbs carefully (early, mid and late spring bloomers) and you can enjoy flowers from bulbs long into next year's growing season.
Be careful when ordering bulbs from catalogs or from growers whose stock in not grown in your climate. Good growers will list the hardiness zones for each variety. If it isn't listed as hardy for your area, don't buy it.
Plant them at the Right Depth: The type and size of the bulbs you are planting will determine the depth of planting. As a rule, larger bulbs need to be planted deeper than smaller bulbs. Measure the diameter of the bulb and then multiply that number by three to find the proper planting depth. Tulips are generally planted to a depth of 7-8 inches. All bulbs should be planted with their flat end (basil plate) down so their roots can grow into the soil and their tops up, since that is where the bloom will emerge.
After digging a hole to the proper depth, loosen the soil below where the bulbs will be placed. Add a bit of organic fertilizer, top it off with a bit of dirt, place the bulbs in the hole and then fill in the hole with dirt.
Plant them in Well-Drained Soil: Bulbs need lots of water when they are first planted so they can put their energy into developing roots. They don't need much water after that, so make sure to plant them in well-drained soil.
Plant them in the Back: After blooming, it takes a long time for foliage to die back. Planting bulbs along the back of your perennial beds will help later emerging plants hide unsightly foliage as it is dying.
Plant them in Clumps: Bulbs planted in rows end up looking straggly because invariably one or more in a row will fail to come up. Spring bulbs will do much better and look much better if they are planted in clumps. Think circles, triangles, or oval shaped plantings for masses of color.
Plant them in Sun and Shade: Planting bulbs in both sunny and shady areas of the garden will extend your blooming season. Sunny bulbs will emerge and bloom first.
Protect them from Freezing: Keep bulbs from freezing and thawing over winter by mulching them with a few in inches of clean straw or raking fall leaves onto bulb beds. Include the depth of your mulch to the overall depth of your planting. You can remove the mulch in spring or let it continue decomposing into the soil.
Protect them from Critters: One of squirrels favorite fall activities is digging up next spring's bulbs. Tacking down a bit of screen or sprinkling blood meal over beds will help deter most hungry wildlife. If you have a history of losing bulbs to foraging animals, try going heavy on daffodils. They don't need protection because their bulbs are poisonous. Animals know it and avoid them.
Here is a list of some popular fall bulbs:
Daffodils, Lilies (Asiatic, Oriental, Martagon and Trumpet varieties), Hyacinths, Crocuses, Alliums, Tulips (hundreds of varieties available), Galantus, Snow Drops, Anemone, Ornamental Onions and Blue Squall.
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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When marking childrens clothing for family use, (Will not work for trips, like for camp).
Use 1 mark for largest child, 2 marks for next size and etc. Then as you have hand me downs no need to try to mark out anything (like names) just add another mark when it has moved to the next child.
By Randa Wagner
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We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
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Contest ends October 31, 2005
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New Requests
I have an 11 year old Boston Terrier named Daisy Huckleberry. She is a sweetheart. Her problem is itchy skin. I bathe her in flea shampoo and oatmeal shampoo. This helps but only temporally. Any suggestions on a home remedy to help her get some relief?
Thanks,
Mayverne from North Carolina
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Hand Soap Container for Soap Pieces
Since I was a little girl in a house of 6 kids, we always had leftover pieces of soap. I saw a container in the Harriet Carter catalog on a product that turns old, small pieces of soap into hand soap in some kind of container. Does anyone know where I can find one, I have tried looking in the Harriet Carter catalog and they don't carry it anymore. Any help?
Thank You,
Koren form Virgin Islands
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I got a pair of old, silky feeling oriental curtains from my great grandmother about a week ago. I love them, the problem is they smell. I have washed them three times; using detergent the first, detergent and dish washing liquid (someone told me to try that) the second, and the third, letting them soak, then washing them in a mix of the detergent, dish soap, and half a bottle of fabreze. So far, nothing has worked, please help me with this.
Nervarah
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Ellen,
A neighbor of mine asked if I could give her a cutting to root from my hydrangea. It is the type that has the "flat blooms." I have the rooting hormone to dip the cutting in but want to be sure where to take the cutting from the plant and if I can take it in now, in the fall, and possibly start it through the winter. I have a bay window that has wonderful southern exposure.
bekkicat
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Can I use a mild car compound on formica counter tops?
Linda Fulco
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New Government Website on Saving Energy
The Department of Energy has a new website which gives information on saving energy. There is a section for consumers, contractors and others. For consumer energy saving tips go to: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
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