Medication for Oedema Not Working?
The previous poster is right: excessive thirst is a symptom of diabetes. I am diabetic & also sometimes have edema too. Check with the doctor please.
Fixing the Taste of Vegetable Soup?
You can use the tomato soup that comes in a box as a base. It adds some taste & vitamins. Sometimes you can buy vegetable stock that way - or I would add more then one vegetable cube - maybe 4 of them. I use the spice called Italian Blend in my soup; a fair...
Healthy Dog Food Recipes?
Here are some unhealthy dog foods to stay away from: The following brands have been recalled: Product Name / Bag Size UPC Product Name / Bag Size UPC Country Acres Cat Food 40# 16603 02181 Retriever Bites & Bones Dog Food 8# 79818 96757 Country Acres Ration...
Start Buying Christmas Gifts in January
I think it is a lot less stressful too to do it this way. I buy all year, and this year I have been embroidering pillowcases. I have about 6 sets done.
WD-40 and Razor Blade to Clean Shower Doors
I am glad you did this outside. I think the smell of WD-40 is not too good to breathe in. It made me violently ill when I sprayed the hinges on a metal ironing board in the house. I believe WD-40 is made of petroleum distillate, so people need to ventilate...
Product Review: Bissel Little Green Carpet Cleaner
Thanks for the review. I have been considering buying that machine. Thanks again.
Reviews of Steam Cleaners?
I bought a handheld one from Walmarts for about $43.00. It is a McClintlock (something like that). I like it because it has a large well for holding the water. Many others hold much less water & have to be filled often. This one heats up almost immediately...
Hardy Kiwi 'Michigan State'
Thansk very much. Kiwis are expensive here & a good source of viamin C. I will look into this in the spring. Thanks again.
Anthurium Blooms Turning Brown?
I found anthuriums dont like to be too wet. I water once a week & I dont soak it - I just add a cup or 2 of water for a large plant. You can also check & see if it needs a larger pot. Anthuriums throw off small plants from the base. When you see one that are...
Jess (Jack Russell/Beagle)
What a pretty face. My beagle loves to sleep under the covers too. You were lucky to get her. Good luck.
Natural Repellent for Lizards?
Lizards eat bugs, so you might need to get rid of the insects & the lizards will leave. : ) Maybe there are ants outside the lanai? Lizards are really creepy.
Char, Coal and Fluid (Black Lab)
Black labs are such small babies. I love the picture of Fluid in the bowl.
Steam Cleaning Floors?
I love my steam cleaner. Be sure to buy one with a large enought water tank, otherwise you will be stopping to refill it too much.
Jeans Bled onto Coach Purse?
Why dont you call Coach & ask them? They might be able to give suggestions. Good luck.
Tips for a Weekend Trip to New York?
The last time I was in NYC I stayed in town. I took a bus tour that took me on the Staten Island Ferry, into Chinatown & Greenich Village & several other areas.I felt safer going in a group. If you want to go to see the Rockettes - I suggest calling about tickets...
Diet Ideas for Someone Who is Hypoglycemic With High Blood Pressure?
If your insurance will pay for a consult with a dieticien, it is worth every penny. Even when I have had to pay for this service myself, it has been extremely useful. They have so much information to give youl I have been a vegetarian & now am diabetic & I...
Recipes for Someone With Heart Disease?
You could get a referral from your doctor and see a dieticien. I pay just my co-pay, & the one on one with the dieticien clears up eating problems for me.They can recommend a good diet for heart health.
Shop Thrift Stores for Great Deals
I have had such good luck buying things at Savers, both in Colorado & here in Massachusetts. I have bought higher quality clothing then I have ever been able (or willing) to buy. For example, I bought a brand new Talbots vest for $4.99 & an Evan Piccone vest...
Make Dry Shampoo With Baking Soda and Baby Powder
You should be careful not to breathe in any talc baby powder. It is made of ground up talc stone & can lead to lung problems such as cancer.
My Cleaning Made Simple
I printed off your entry as I am moving soon & I will take the list to the market. Thanks!
Use Brown Paper Bag to Drain Fried Food
My mother always did that too (she would put newspapers under the bag). She lived through the Depression & had a lot of savings rituals.
Black Bugs in Rice Products?
I called the Konriko Rice Co. in Louisiana when this happened to me. The man there said that all rice products develop bugs if left in the heat for a long time.
Soothing Effects of Peppermint Oil?
The smell of peppermint energizes us. You can add peppermint oil (drops until you reach the scent you want) into shampoo, body wash, lotion, etc. Peppermint oil diffused in distilled water makes a good foot spray or room spray. I have read some gyms use a peppermint...
Scallop Recipes?
I like to put about half a stick of butter in a pie pan. Add the scallops & kind of roll them around in the butter. Add a layer of flavored breadcrumbs & bake until just barely browned. Dont over cook. Delicious!
Cause of Dry Cough?
Is he by any chance taking the medicine Lotrel? It is for cholesterol. I coughed & coughed when I was taking it (about 2 years after I started the pill the cough developed).I couldnt sleep for the coughing. Maybe it could be some other pill too.
Olive Oil for Sensitive, Dry Skin
Other oils are good for skin too. I like to use grapeseed oil, teatree oil (also astringent), almond oil and avocado oil. Plain shea butter has also been used for 100s of years & works well. I was surprised too when I saw how quickly oil is absorbed.
Clean Hair Bows With Dish Soap
I lived in Louisiana for 20 years. I miss seeing all the little girls with their bows. Here in Massachusetts, it is unusual to see many little girls with the beautiful bows.
Steam Mop Leaves Water on Floor?
Would you let us know the name of it? I have been wanting to buy a steam mop, but I am wondering which kind is best. Thanks.
USMC Cruise Book BLT 2/6 1962?
Did you try Amazon.com? They sell 2nd hand books (as well as new). Also, you might try ebay.com.
Add Decorations to Sliding Glass Doors for Safety
This is an important tip. A friends son went through a sliding glass door & died. Thanks for the tip.
Yorkie With Hair Loss?
I agree with the previous writer, my dog would get bald spots because of corn in his dry food. He was allergic. I think corn is a common allergy.
Peppermint to Deter Flies
Thanks for that hint. I live at the beach, & the greenhead flies come every August. They are like horseflies & bite. I will try the peppermint. Thanks again.
Treating a Dog for Pain?
I give my dog Benadryl (bought on line $5.00 for 100 pills - PetMeds.com) to sedate him on trips (he throws up in the car). I wonder if this would help your dog? Please mention to your vet.
Preventing Soggy Pie Crust?
I used to freeze unbaked apple pies. After defrosting, I would pop them in the oven. They always tasted very fresh.
Using a Water Pic?
I love my Waterpik. I like it with plain water, but I sometimes add a little mouth wash & get a really clean feeling.
Burning Coal in Wood Stove?
We just bought a coal grate from Larry Trainer in Bryantville, MA (781) 294-0010. We heat with coal & use gas as the backup. If you want to email me privately thru ThriftyFun, I can help with some of your ?s. I do want to say though, that heating with coal...
Burning Coal in Wood Stove?
Regarding the comment below: I wanted to say that Mr. Trainer is a part supplier out of his home. Ecellent, fast service. I also like supporting an individual rather then a large company. He also frequently has used supplies at a lower rate.
Vanilla Extract Substitute?
How about almond, cherry, etc. extract? You just look in the spice section.
Moisturizer for Dry Hair and Split Ends?
My hair got horribly damaged from a perm. I had a long braid down my back & decided I needed a change. Now that my hair is fried! I use Queen Helene Hair Conditioner. I use a ton of it & pack in on my hair before almost every shampoo. I try to leave it on for...
Removing an Oil Stain from Micro Suede Furniture?
You might try using cornstarch. Just let it sit on the stain for quite a while & then vaccum up. It helped me when I had a suede skirt on & sat in some Chinese food at a restaurant. Dont use if the stain is soaking wet.
Voles in the Garden?
Our voles are finally being controlled by a neighbors cat. The were doing a lot of damage in prior years. Good luck.
Spa Baskets for Gifts
Sounds like a beautiful gift. You could add a paperback or 2 for reading while they soak in the tub. The Dollar Store around here carries HUGE gift bags for a large gift like that.
Bags for Selling Lotion?
I used papermark.com for very nice bags - both paper & material bags. I found their prices to be very good.
Filling In Acrylic Nails Inexpensively?
You could go in & have just the nail polish done again & it extends the time a little. I used to get my nails done, & I would purchase a bottle of the nail color. After about 2 weeks, I would repaint my own nails & I could get a little more time. Its so expensive...
Uses for Back to School Items for Adults?
1. Christmas gifts. 2. Things to occupy visiting children. 3. Find a child at your local school who needs supplies & be his/her sponser.
Does Dog Urine Stain Hardwood?
Could you crate your dog until housebroken? It is the easiest (IMO) way to housetrain a dog. Put in the cage & then take him outside every 90 minutes or more. If you feed him or play with him, take him out too. Usually the dog wont wet or mess in the cage. Floors...
Dispenser from Germ X Works on Ajax Bottle
I like to keep a small bottle of sanitizer in my purse. I refill the little bottles from a larger one I bought at the Dollar Store. I also keep small alcohol cloths with me. They are packaged individually & are sold in diabetes supplies at Walmart. They are...
Banana and Cocoa Mush
Thanks a million. This is healthy, sounds delicious and easy. As a diabetic, I will enjoy it.
Making Soymilk
Where do you get your soy beans? Could you give the approimate price & about how many pounds of soybeans you go through in a month? Thanks.
Spicy Veggie Burgers for Two
I saved this recipe. Thanks so much for sending it in. I wonder if I can use any bean in it? I cant wait to try. Thanks.
Decorating a Room With Red Couches?
Could you place a multi-colored rug on the floor, & pick up 2 of the accent colors from the rug? Then you could use the accent colors in pillows for the couches & chairs, curtains, etc. If you can, a similar rug in the dining area can pull the rooms together...
Fleas In Beds?
If I was worried about carrying some fleas in my hair, I would soak my hair in a heavy conditioner or oil & let it set for a few hours. That should kill the fleas. I would wash all the bedding in very hot water & dry in the dryer (would kill anything that made...
Vitamin E for Skin Conditions
I like to use vitamin E oil too, but my husbands cancer doctor said NOT to ingest vitamin E pills.
Natural Alternative For Treatment Of Acid Reflux?
I take 4 omneprazoles a day. Its a generic & at Walmarts is very inexpensive (prescription needed). Constant irritation can lead to worse things like cancer.
Help For Seniors Who Need Eyeglasses?
If your friend is a veteran, he can get one free pair of eyeglasses a year at any veterans hospital.
Scenery: Lake District, England
Thanks so much for this picture. I had such a wonderful time in England. The people are kind & friendly. I spent about 6 weeks there, & wish I could go back.
Swim Party Ideas?
How about the limbo game/dance? How about a karioke machine (away from pool)? Decorate individual cupcakes or 3 or so larger cakes (in groups - award prizes).
Random Drug Testing for Teens
I feared my daughter might drink a bit in high school. I made her kiss me good night whenever she got home. It was easy to do the sniff test! I wish the drug tests had been around then. Good for you for protecting your children.
Dog Nibbles on Us?
My dog nibbles on me to get my attention. I use plain water in a spray bottle & zap him with it. He is nearly broken of the habit.
Tips for Cleaning the House?
Real Simples website has some interesting checklists that also tell you how often to clean whatever. For example, it might say to wipe the bathroom counters everyday, but to vacuum the bedroom once a week. I found it helpful.
Using Lavender in a Wedding Bouquet?
We used wonderful fresh lavender that we bought on ebay for my daughters wedding. We used it in the bouquets & the table decorations. The smell was wonderful & everything has stayed fairly bright & with that great smell for several years (spray a bit with hairspray...
My Frugal Bathroom
Thank you for all of your wonderful ideas. Do you have any ideas for other areas in your home?
Cat Won't Stop Meowing in Car?
My dog gets sick in the car, even on short trips. I ordered pet dramamine with the vets advise. 100 tablets cost $6.00 (shipping was free because I buy his other meds on line too). Ask your vet if this would help you with your cat.. Good luck.
Getting Rid of Spiders?
Spiders eat insects. I would rather have the spiders there then a bunch of bugs.
Stain on Silk Dress?
I would take it to the cleaners & show them the spot. See if they think they can get it out for you. Good luck.
Restoring Computer Without a Recovery Disk?
Ive gone to system restore in the system tools. Go to all programs, then accessories, then system restore.
Is Using Salt and Borax for Fleas Toxic to Cats?
Borax is not acutely toxic, but it is toxic, even to humans in large enough doses. The problem with cats or dogs is that they lick their paws & ingest the borax. I never used it around in my home around the pets or my daughter. I would think when spreading...
Buy a Counterfeit Detection Pen for Garage Sales
Thanks for the tip. What low lifes to steal from you.
Getting Help With Vet Bills?
You could try a university with a vet school. Often they have clinics for dogs & do all kinds of things for a lesser cost. I used to take my dog to LSU in Baton Rouge, LA for cataracts & liver problems.
Dog Always Has Body Odor?
I had a dog with kind of a rancid butter smell to him. It was finally discovered that he had a liver problem & that created the odor.
Buying Bulk Spices?
The best I have found is the San Francisco Herb Co. I think their products are superior. Also, the price is right. They have a website: http://www.sfherb.com/
Driving from Massachusetts to North Carolina?
If you go to Map Quest http://www.mapquest.com They will give you sets of directions to travel from your door step to your destination. It is so helpful, I use it all of the time.
Advice on Buying a New Washer?
Consumer Reports Magazine recently tested washers. One that they highly recommend is the Maytag model # MTW5800T(W) at $500.00.
Savory Zucchini Pie
Thanks so much for this recipe. This weekend I made quiche, & I was wishing I had the recipe for a pie that didnt require me to make a crust!
Key Locks Differently
Maybe it would be a problem to have all (or most) of the doors keyed the same. If you ever have your keys or purse stolen, you would have to rekey the whole house again.
Squash Casserole Recipe?
I like zucchine or summer squash stuffed. You par boil the squash, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds & some of the squash meat. stuff with hamburger, rice, whatever. Cover & bake until tender.
Crafts Ideas for Kids?
Painting t-shirts, or if you are brave tie-dying them. She also can crochet or embroider. How about a sewing project thats not too hard?
Facial Redness?
I have rosacea & I dont like the gel medications I have been prescribed. I do like using tea tree oil soap ($3.50 for 2 good size bars at Trader Joes). I think the soap has had a good impact. When my face was really bad, the doctor put me on a small dose of...
Gift Ideas for 20 Year Old Son?
How about: 1. a camera 2. tickets for a concert 3. gift certificate for music/dvds 4. a membership for months to Netflix or Blockbuster 5. movie theater gift card
Keep Lemon Wedges in the Freezer
I had a DUH moment with this. Why have I never thought of this myself? Thanks for this handy tip. I am always throwing out parts of lemons that I dont finish.
What Causes Thin Fingernails?
I read the other day that the vitamin biotin will help your nails get harder, but it is a slow process lasting up to 1 year. The nail harders often contain formeldahyde. I would not reccommend using them.
Using Composite Wood Decking?
We are having the same problem. Our old deck is about 30+ years old. We figure if we could get half that time out of a new deck, it would be great. We, most likely, will be living somewhere else in a few years. Also, I believe in renewable products, we live...
Powder Coat Finish on Patio Furniture Looks Dull?
I wonder if Armor All would work (spelling? - the stuff you use on the car to clean it). : )
Don't Procrastinate, Get That Cleaning Done!
It does hang over me like a dark cloud when I dont get everything done on time.
Prepare Your Freezer for Hurricane Season
I went through Hurricane Katrina (& moved back to Boston after it!). You are absolutely right. Being prepared makes all of the difference. I hope you escape all hurricanes this year. Good luck.
Coco (Beagle)
Beagle babies are the cutest! They can be rascals when they are older. My beagle is about a year old. Beagles love kids & people. They are very sweet dogs. Good luck with yours.
Getting Rid of "No See Ums"?
I just read that a small amount of mouth wash & water sprayed on arms, legs, etc. will keep the bugs away.
Prevent Heat Stroke With a Timer
Thanks for the hint. I know that feeling all too well. I also recommend a hat, sleeves if the sun is strong, & a wet rag tied around your neck. I lived in Louisiana for many years & it was so easy to get sun sick.
Preserving a Dead Starfish?
We live at the beach in Mass. My husband is a fisherman & gets lots of starfish. The ones that you find in tidepools around here, or in the waves at the ocean cannot make it back to deep water & will die. You can just leave them in the sun to dry up, and you...
Squeaky Brakes?
I dont know if this helps, but I live at the beach & the road in and out is sand. My brakes get sand on them & often squeak.
Less Expensive Treatment for Rosacea?
I have rosacea too. I use Tea Tree Oil soap from Trader Joes ($3.50 for 2 good size bars). I think it has helped. You can use very diluted tea tree oil on your face also (it has antiseptic properties). Also, certain foods aggravate my rosacea,such as very hot...
