Cheap Natural Hand Scrub
Used coffee ground work too, Kimberly, particularly when mixed with a very small amount of coconut oil. Recipes abound online (and neednt be strictly followed, I think, particularly those calling for organic ingredients and additional spices).
Rhubarb Stew
I love using ingredients in non-traditional (to Western) ways! Thanks for posting this, Toosa. You have rhubarb already?!
Motorcycle Sissy Bar Alternative
Would love to see a photo of you on the bike with the foam piece. Sorry, Mac, but Im finding it hard to see the entire picture (bike, rider, foam).
How Do I Ask My Mum to Shave My Legs?
Isnt it wonderful to get such good, supportive advice from so many ladies who have all been where youre at? The only (small) thing I can add, presuming your mum is a busy lady, is to ask if you can talk to her about something. Choose a time when shes not overwhelmed...
Improving the Appearance of a Pair of Boots?
Removable adornments? Shoellery (clip on jewellery for shoes) is hugely fun for pumps and can certainly be adapted to boots. Check google images and let your imagination run wild!
Moroccan Preserved Lemons
This is great, Toosa; thanks for posting! When using the lemons, do you just treat them as if theyre fresh? Squeeze juice where needed, make zest and so forth?
Repairing Pigeon Netting?
What do you think about using strong string to re-attach the netting to the rails (presupposing your deck has rails)? Is the netting itself torn? A photo of the problem would help us help you?
Rethreading a Crown Royal Bag?
As cybergrannie suggested, a safety pin will do the trick. If you have a large one - not too big to fit inside the top of the bag, but large enough you can actually feel and manipulate it - you can do without the paperclip.
Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese
Yummy. Thanks for the reminder, Toosa! If you like the smoked salmon version of cream cheese, see if you can track down some salmon jerky. Grind it to a fine powder and add to your recipe. Yogurt cheese is also very lovely with (minced) fresh basil.
Determining a House Cleaning Fee?
My friend and her mother, also housecleaners, charge by the hour. They bring their own cleaning supplies and tools (pails, mops, vacuum cleaners and such). It turns out to be a fair arrangement for all parties: sometimes clients houses are dirtier than others...
Washed and Dried Clothes Smell Bad?
Have you spoken with your landlord and asked if the water line supplying the washing machine is the same as the one feeding the apartments (with no crossover to, possibly, a leaking black water / outgoing line)? And are your neighbours experiencing the same...
Cleaning a Stainless Steel Slicer After a Fire?
Food safe is a rigorous standard in steel production. Extreme heat may have an impact. Why not get in touch with the manufacturer and ask?
Electric Stove Turns On But Not Heating Up?
Check the wiring behind the stove? I know its tough to test whether the outlet is functional (given that you cant plug anything else into it). Borrow a multi-meter if you can? (After checking the breakers, of course.)
Keeping an Inventory of Handmade Greeting Cards?
Im with Judy: set up a spreadsheet. You can use your choice of headings (suppliers, for example, themes, costs and so on), can add more as you go along and even include payment details (by date and / or invoice). Once you become familiar with the program you...
New Home Sewing Machine Won't Stitch?
Disregarding for a minute the foot pedal, will the needle move if you manually turn the hand crank / wheel on the right side of the machine?
What Is This Plant? (Schefflera)
Mine does very well in direct light but of course requires a great deal more water (twice a week). Pinching off new growth certainly helps.
Moist and Crunchy Baked Fish
Remaining oat / seed / nut mixture may be refrigerated for up to two weeks (which means, of course, that we can make it well ahead of time and have some on hand when wanting fish for dinner). The same coating ingredients, with mustard, are also lovely with...
Gluing Glass to Glass?
Safe to presume all sides (where glue is to be applied) are clean and dry? Dust and moisture can prevent bonding.
Closet Space Saver
Youll want s-hooks large enough to fit on your closet bar. If using plastic hangers, take one with you to the hardware store to ensure the links are large enough (plastic chain sizes vary).
Resolving a Fee Dispute with My Dentist?
To me, this sounds very unprofessional. Good dentists not only know your teeth, your mouth, but also their own capabilities / limitations as well as the supplies and materials with which they work. You do have legal recourse, but you also have (to me, justifiable...
Painted Wire Flowers and Clover
Im thinking earrings, Toosa. Heart shaped. Thanks a bunch for suggesting this medium, and the step-by-step instructions!
Pickled Bean Sprouts
Cant wait to try this! Love bean sprouts in salads, but they rarely keep longer than a day after bringing them home from the grocery store. Thanks a bunch for posting!
Lentil Stew with Fried Mint Sauce
Sounds amazing! I cant imagine combining some of those flavours but am certainly going to give this recipe a try. Thanks for posting, Toosa!
Homemade Vegetable Bouillon
Thanks, Darlin! Ive been playing around, doing the same thing with a few leftovers ... some nice flavours!
Organizing Handicraft Projects
Thanks, Sweetie. One of the things I do best (said ever so humbly) is keep stuff organized. Drop a line anytime you want other hints / tips. Or pass my e-address to your beautiful mum.
Organizing Handicraft Projects
Good on ya, Sandi! Life is just so much easier when things are organized, right?
Trimming and Upkeep of Acrylic Nails
Thanks, Toosa! I usually just file mine down (it often takes a fair bit of time) and look forward to trying your recommendations.
Use Recycled Oven Racks for a Drying Rack
Those racks, rescued from defunct appliances, are also great with a backyard firepit! Toast or roast or otherwise make use of the heat to cook or keep something hot (and we already know the racks are made to withstand high temperatures). Great to take on camping...
Grow Your Own Ginger
Perfect timing! I was just about to throw out the last of my once-fresh ginger, read your note and checked that little piece of ginger .... Be darned if it hadnt sprouted! Its now safely ensconced in moist black dirt. Thanks a bunch, Toosa! I look forward to...
Use Plant Trays to Store Mugs and Glassware
Brilliant! Thank you. Ive been reluctant to pitch them and - thanks to your idea - now have a good resource for organizing jars and such (without spending a dime).
Chicken Vegetable Soup (Instant Pot)
Looks delish, Jess! Could you please let me / us (readers) know the cooking time (in case we dont have an Instant Pot)?
Storing Stuff in Other Stuff
Would also be great for jewellery (to keep pieces from getting tangled). Thanks, Sandi!
What Is This Houseplant?
Ive got one, too. It sits right beside my dieffenbahcia, so Im pretty sure theyre not the same family. Its a succulent, for one thing, and grows slowly.
Our Throwaway Society
Well said, Judy! One of the things I wish wed learn from Germany is that each household has a certain weight allotment for trash. Anything over that is taxed fairly heavily. We also seem to have forgotten how many hours go into earning the money we bring home...
Homemade Brown Sugar
Who knew! This is great, Toosa. No more struggling with brown sugar (light or dark) that just gets hard between bouts of baking.
Cauliflower Pear Stew
Sounds delicious, and thanks for posting. I particularly love the fact you dont use oil or butter (as so many recipes do; needlessly, I think)!
Crisp Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Another way is to skip the butter (your heart and waistline will thank you), lay sliced or grated skim-milk cheese on a slice of toast (from the toaster), place it on a cookie sheet under the broiler element of your oven. Keep the door ajar and watch closely...
Muffin Tin Asparagus Frittatas
No grease required if using silicone muffin cups, reduce fat content (and animal protein-based fats) by using egg whites, skim-milk parmesan and omit milk entirely. Add vegetable protein with hemp and / or ground flax. Other vegetables (chopped mushrooms, bell...
Homemade Cumin Spiced Cheese
I also love home-made cream cheese / ricotta, particularly with skim milk. Nutritional yeast with garlic powder add an excellent flavour as well as a bit of colour. Have had excellent success with such other additions as fresh basil, caraway seeds, ground-up...
What Is This Houseplant?
Could also be a Wandering Jew plant. Youll know if it starts vining like crazy. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/wandering-jew/growing-wandering-jew-plants.htm.
Crafting with Crown Royal Bags?
Maybe use an overlock stitch around the edges to prevent fraying before washing?
Fee for Home Construction Cleaning Job?
Construction debris could include nails, carpet / flooring remnants, stickers on windows, packing materials from light fixtures as well as kitchen and bathroom fixtures, sawdust, drywall dust everywhere. Have a look at the place before providing a quote? The...
Seasoned Baked Chicken Breasts
One of my favourites as well, but I hadnt thought to add thyme. Thanks a bunch for that. No oil necessary, by the way.
Crochet or Cross Stitch Using One Hand?
If you have time, try browsing a hardware store in the clamps and vise grips section? Im not sure the result would be inexpensive, but am certain you would find something to hold your embroidery hoop firmly in place.
Perfect Roasted Veggies
Consider lining aluminium pans with silicone mats or parchment paper at such high temperatures? For safety sake.
Take Pictures of Cars in Parking Lot
As one quite fond of my (as yet unblemished) car, and also prone to fitness, I far prefer to park at the far end of the parking lot. Cars are typically sparse and the walking to and fro helps keep me in shape.
Donating Fabric to Charity?
Check you local Rotary Club or other womens organizations: they often collect fabric to make quilts for those in need.
Cauliflower Cheese Crisps
Thanks very much for posting this, Attosa! I too have a salt tooth and am always on the lookout for recipes. You might also enjoy one of my favourites: http://www.theedgyveg.com/2016/05/30/vegan-bacon-make-vegan-bacon-using-rice-paper/
Stir Fry Vegetables with Quinoa
I love the idea of using veg on hand! At the moment, Im experimenting with savoury steel cut oats which, when soaked overnight, also have an excellent texture and health benefits. Ill be trying these oats in conjunction with quinoa: thanks for sparking the...
Fix A Broken Hanger With A Straw
Bamboo skewers work, too (with duct tape). Yes, plastic hangers are inexpensive, but why pitch them (then buy more plastic) when a simple fix can do the trick.
Shopping for Fabric Under $2.00 a Yard?
Keep an eye on your local fabric stores? Youll probably be able to find roll ends and perhaps even bargain sections. Seasonal fabrics often go on sale, too (after Halloween, for example, or Christmas).
Use Paper Plate As Mixer Splash Guard
Great idea! Thank you! (Cant begin to describe the aggravation, cleaning up spatters all over the counter. And walls. And sometimes even the floor.)
Cool Down Oatmeal with Frozen Fruits
Great idea (to say nothing of reducing the need for sweetener of any kind)!
Berry Lime Sorbet
Yumm! Cant wait to try it, and thanks very much for sharing your recipe. I particularly love the natural ingredients, most notably the absence of corn syrup (and derivatives).
Clothespin for Closing Sugar Packets
Would also work for those little packets of fresh flower food / powder. Thanks a bunch!
Pistachio Shell Flowers and Candle Holder
Lovely! Would make great gifts, and might be something youd consider selling?
Chicken Zoodle-Do
Terrific to see a recipe which doesnt call for obscene amounts of oil! Thanks for posting, and I look forward to trying this.
Altering a Blouse for a Large Bust and Smaller Waist?
Learning to sew darts can be a bit of a nuisance, but once youve mastered the skill, it will prove invaluable: https://www.google.ca/search?q=sew+darts+into+shirt&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=aW-1WZXCLIrkjwPolJjgCw#gws_rd=cr&kpvalbx=1. And of course...
What Is This Houseplant? (Kalanchoe)
Definitely Kalanchoe. You can tell by the thickness of the leaves: its a succulent.
Walking for Exercise
Who says we have to join a gym / fitness club to get in shape?! Thanks for the reminder / nudge and great example.
Make Your Own Gift Wrapping Paper
Brilliant idea! Thanks a bunch for posting this (I really hate throwing out all that paper and am delighted to find a way to use it). Thinking about ways to decorate that paper? No end, really. Sparkle nail polish, judicious use of spray paint over paper doilies...
Carry Masking Tape in Your Purse
Another option is to buy an inexpensive shower liner to keep in the car and simply unfold when buying soil or mulch, a big bag of flour or anything else which might easily make a mess if the bag splits.
Sweet and Savory Chicken Thighs
Looks great! Quick question? Do you reserve the remaining marinade (fridge or freezer) to use again?
Sautéed Kale
This looks great, Judy; thanks for posting! My kale is growing so big and fast I can barely keep up. This recipe will certainly help. Cheers, Rose Anne
Keep A Running Shopping List
Shopping / running errands on just one day each week is another way to save money, Shirley (as Im sure you know). Less money spent on gas (at least for us city dwellers who dont have a mountain from which to descend). I like to use a little shopping book (from...
Never Lose Your Keys Again
I too have been doing this for years. 90% of the time I wear jeans: the carabiner fits perfectly on a belt loop, and hangs on a coat hook by the back door when Im at home. A place for everything ....
Ironing Clothes Without an Iron
Another trick which works extremely well is to use a lint-free cloth, run it under very hot water, wring it out, make sure your garment is laying flat, and wipe the wrinkles away with the hot, damp cloth. Hang to dry, if necessary. (This is great for delicate...
Lightening Tanned Skin?
Im with Judy on this: stay out of the sun for a while (or cover up really well if you cant avoid going out).
Low Fat White Sauce
Like you, Im also working to minimize my daily fat intake. Thanks for the process pointer! I use water in place of milk and no butter whatsoever. A little nutritional yeast and a pinch of garlic powder add abundant flavour.
Expired Credit Cards for Storing Earphones
Brilliant! Those old cards are also great for cleaning counter tops (for those of us who bake and roll out dough) and - if caught without a windshield scraper in winter - do a good job of clearing ice from car windows.
Using Coffee Grounds on House Plants?
So many terrific answers and good advice! My two cents? If youre looking for (additional) natural fertilizer, visit a local greenhouse and ask about worm castings.
Freezing Red Potatoes
Please let us know how things turn out (when you use them)? Blanching before freezing makes sense (its what we do with a bunch of other things from the garden). As a kid, growing up on the farm? We put them in a big tub with plenty of peat moss between the...
Information on Maybe/Definitely Cassette?
Why not check song titles on youtube and see what you can find?
Products for a Sagging Neck?
Exercise the muscles under the skin. Here's a place to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4KzaO7r3LE, but this looks pretty good, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amaRb54I26k. When cleaning and moisturing facial skin, dont forget to also cleanse and...
Food Inspiration at the Market
Excerpt from my soon-to-be-published article on healthy choices: You think salads are boring? Think again! Quick, easy, and endlessly versatile, salads are one way to ensure we eat our veggies. Mix it up by using fresh spinach in addition to or instead of lettuce...
Asking Mom to Shave My Legs?
If you and your mother go shopping together, take her to the area where disposable razors are on display? Ask her advice in selecting the best one?
The Bracelet Legacy to a Florence Nightingale
I am forever amazed by the strength and resiliance of women, and the women who raised them to be strong and resiliant. Education is a terrific stepping stone, and of course youre proud. Congratulations to you both.
Bring Fruit to Potlucks or Church Dinners
Thrifty options can include frozen / thawed fruit, particularly in winter months when options for fresh are sometimes limited. Fruit salads using chopped apples, sliced oranges and perhaps even fruit canned in water (such as pears) or pineapple (typically preserved...
Propagating Basil From Cuttings
Thanks for the terrific tip (from one who also loves basil)! Ive just tried the same thing with cherry tomatoes (I managed to keep one alive in the house all winter), and wow! What a difference in timing! Seeds take a good six weeks to get going and even then...
Making An Easy Garden Path
Looks lovely, Ana! Did you happen to calculate the entire cost (or even cost per foot)?
Name Ideas for Natural Organic Body Scrub Business?
Be good if you could use the same company name for your massage services as well as products. Natural and organic are a bit redundant, but why not think about descriptors for massage therapy as well as topical products? Body Therapy comes to mind, but why not...
Name for Silverware Jewelry Business?
Isnt it great being part of a community (ThriftyFun) where people freely provide such great ideas? How about playing with the word a bit? Silverwear.
Cleaning Service Pricing Advice?
It makes sense to me to clean the place the first time and charge by the hour. Among the factors difficult to estimate are numbers of people, how many are kids (and how messy are they), do they have pets, do the adults pick up after themselves, do they do their...
Why Are There No Toilette Exhaust Fans?
Burning a match does reduce the worst of the odour (something about sulfuric acid). According to a plumber friend whose dad is an engineer, far greater numbers of toilets are not built against exterior walls (think commercial use: hotels, office buildings, restaurants...
Dealing with a Physical and Verbally Abusive Spouse?
I hope you find the courage to do whats right for yourself and your son, Sandy.
Buying Trader Joe's Many Cloves Garlic Sauce?
http://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/1510 or make your own (might take some time finding a recipe on Google)
Planning a Baby Shower for a Co-worker?
Parties are fun, right? How about calling all party planners as a subject line? Keep the body of your e-mail light-hearted and fun as well as confident that all your co-workers will want to be in on making the party a success (even if they only have a little...
Tom Kha Gai
Just to clarify (before I head to the Oriental market)? You dont really mean 13 cans of coconut milk?
Gift Ideas for Boyfriend's 15th Birthday?
Everyone seems to have good ideas (whether you have money or imagination), but I have a question. Why are you afraid to talk to your parents?
Camisole Fabric Too Shiny?
Some fabrics are just shiny and yes, look cheap. If you dont (or cant) return it, try minimizing the impact by wearing a blouse or suit jacket over it so that just a hint of the camisole is visible. I might also try fabric paint to tone down the shine.
Love and Money Loom Instructions?
Youtube is an excellent source for tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXyFU98ydAg
Using Decoupage Glue to Attach Jewelry to Glass?
I agree with mom-from-missouri: resin is your best option for a durable and long-lasting result. Check youtube for instructions.
Homemade Soap Recipes?
https://www.google.ca/search?q=diy+honey+oatmeal+soap&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=OMHiWIm8FcHM8geelavYCA
Blooming Cactus
Do you think the number of blooms are related to how root-bound the plant may be, Rita?
Job Ideas for a Teenager?
Why not get to know your neighbours? Knock on doors, introduce yourself, point out your house and ask if they need help with anything. Perhaps suggest a few things such as cleaning up the garage, raking the lawn, washing windows, vacuuming inside vehicles and...
Stopping Nail Biting Habit?
Fake nails (gel, at a nail salon) are really hard to chew through. Why not give it a try? Theyll not only help you break the habit but also give you a good idea how pretty your hands could be when your own nails have a chance to grow.
Recycle Your Own Bottles and Cans
Youth organizations volunteers (Scouts Canada, in my neighbourhood), happily pick up such items: its one way to donate without any real out-of-pocket expense.
Ways to Occupy the Hands of a Terminal Patient?
Would he be permitted to spend time with a small pet? Ive read that cats and dogs can be very therapeutic.
