Altering a Knit Top That is Too Large?
I start at about the elbow on the inside seam and graduate the sewing to about an inch in the armpit area then go down the side of the garment to the hem. This reduces the diameter of the garment by 4. Ill trim the excess quite close then zigzag or overstitch...
Making A Quilt Out Of Clothing?
My sister makes the cutest vests from acquired fabrics. Lightweight fabrics can be cut in to thin strips for crocheting a cloche or toque a trendy item the kids are wearing these days.
Ideas for Keeping a House With Toddlers Clean?
I got tired of the mess and had the boys each pick out a few of their favorite toys. The rest went into storage. This made a huge difference and it was easy for them to tidy up. Each month the box came out and they traded toys. My children loved age specific...
Arranging Furniture in a Small Room with Four Doorways?
Id set the couch back about 12 from and facing the patio doors, leaving good walk around room on each side and behind. Id use two armless chairs positioned on an angle facing the couch, one on either side, again leaving walk around room. Id add a rug that runs...
Frugal Organizational Ideas for a Small Apartment?
You might find it tippy. If you can just hang a closet rod from the ceiling. It doesnt give you shelving but its dirt cheap to make. Someone is usually giving pallets away with salvagable boards. Carefully taken apart you should get enough 4 boards to make...
Sewing Machine Needle Jammed?
If the bobbin is jammed with thread the needle wont move as the mechanisms work off each other. Be sure to use the same thread both top and bottom and use good quality thread.
Dryer Sheets For Pet Hair Maintenance?
Dryer sheets contain silicone which pets ingest as they lick themselves. A good daily grooming will help control the hair.
Is It Safe to Add Yeast to a Septic System?
The bacteria in a septic system work in an airless environment and do quite well at breaking down solid matter from humans. The worst thing one can do is pour grease down the drain as it will form a barrier that eventually coats the lines. Dishwashers create...
Let Dough Rise in the Oven
The oven light provides just enough heat and easy to keep an eye on the dough.
Reuse Glass Water Bottles, Not Plastic
My boys enjoyed dilute juice in glass bottles and I still do. I guess ours was the first vitamin flavored water. (laughing)
Don't Clean Up Dough With Hot Water
I let it dry while I tidy everything else up. When dry its very easy to clean up with a metal spatula. Then I wash everything as Im not dealing with any dough.
Homemade Cleaner for Pet Urine Odors?
When its still wet Ill blot with paper towels then sprinkle baking soda on to neutralize and soak up more urine. Then a few drops of dish detergent in a cup of water whipped foamy in the mixer and applied to the spot. I will then blot as dry as possible. If...
Finding Someone to Help With Home Repair?
Whether you hire a trades person or a handy person, always, always get references and call the references. There are some very talented handy people and some real slackers amongst the trade people.
Advice For Dog That Runs Away?
Since dogs are food motivated Id make a cluck sound when she sits and give her a treat. Youll have to practice this before someone comes to the door. Use the leash during practice sessions so she will know a treat will soon be coming.
A Pastry Blender For Chopping Eggs
A flat bladed pasty blender works well for chopping up cooked potatoes for potato salad.
Briggs and Stratton Push Edger Will Not Start?
The gas line needs to be flushed to remove varnish that builds up from sitting.
Product Review: Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
Id be more concerned about the chemicals we are dumping in to our rivers. We dont know what stabilizers are being used. I use half the recommeded amount of laundry liquid and cut my dryer sheets in four and they still work and maybe even a second time.
Save With Electric Meat Slicer
Years ago I invested in a couple of reall good knives and find I can shave meats without all the cleanup of a slicer.
Improving the Flavor of Canned Bean and Ham Soup?
Pinch of cayenne to a bowl of soup and a tsp of butter swirled through the soup.
Retaining Independence and Self Confidence in a Relationship?
Youll only become dependent and helpless if you let it happen. You need to take a hard look if this is a kill with kindness means to becoming controlling in everything you do. Maybe not now but is it heading in that direction?
Disposing of Bacon and Cooking Grease
Dispose of bacon grease. Its good for you! I pour mine into a glass jar with about a inch of water in the bottom and as the grease floats on top, the bits sink to the bottom. After its been solidified in the fridge its used for biscuits, corn bread, etc., even...
Restore and Reuse Dryer Sheets
I just cut the dryer sheets into 4 strips and add one strip to the dryer and maybe even a second time. It works as well as a whole sheet.
Keeping a Dog from Being Lonely?
My St. B got plenty of exercise before I left and after I got home. Being big heavy dogs they are then content to sleep. One advantage of owning a St. B is it doesnt take long to exercise them, unlike a Lab or similar.
Removing Grease from Painted Surfaces
Im a great fan of spray foam Kitchen Cleaner or Bathroom Cleaner for those stubborn jobs. It lifts the grease and dirt that collects in it. I just spray, leave it alone to do its work, then wipe up the runs.
Caring for a Young Puppy?
My chi puppy was eating on its own and quite robust at 4 weeks. She did remain with her mother until 6 weeks but would have been fine at 4 1/2 weeks.
Uses for Little Pieces of Soap?
Put them in a piece of old panty hose leg, Tie a knot and use. Like soap on a rope without the rope.
Substitute Double Boiler
I do this but put a canning ring in the bottom pot as my upper pot sits on an angle.
Homemade Suet
I ask for meat cutting scraps from our local butcher. Whats good to cook up for the dogs I keep and the remaining scraps are scattered along the side of a snow packed road.
Determining the Best Price on Toilet Paper?
Would you believe that all paper products actually go by weight although not marked. Same with eggs. Check the size of the donut, as some bargain rolls have a larger donut and less paper. The better the quality the less paper used so its just something you...
Sewer Smell in Laundry Room?
You may need to run a snake down. Im wondering if the air vent is partially plugged. Those odors are supposed to be expelled through the vent pipe that goes up through a wall and out the roof.
Rehydrating Beans in Hard Water?
I too have hard water and often add a little vinegar to soften it, whether cooking or laundry. It cleans up the white hard water marks on the spouts too.
Making a Fruit Fly "Trap"
Im not so sentimental so I float the heel of an orange or lemon in a small wide-mouthed jar in water with a drop of dish detergent. I push the heel into the water to cover although it will rise to the surface. The flies go after the fruit and drown. There is...
Fabric Softener Dispenser Won't Drain?
With the machine unplugged can you feel around for a drain hole in the dispenser? Sometimes hard water deposits will build up. Just a guess.
Organizing Childrens Clothing?
Everyone really wears about 4 favorite tops or shirts. Same with pants so with 4 days worth plus a couple of Sunday best type clothes they have plenty. Its also frustrating to wash and fold everything neatly only to stuff it into an overfull drawer. Everything...
Product Review: Kitchen Gourmet Air Popper
I found that by buying a better brand I got nicer popcorn and far fewer kernals. I can place a tea towel over the chute on mine and drape it over the bowl. No airborn popcorn. Ive also found that by using an ice cream pail for 1/4c of kernals works.
Bumps on a Coach Purse?
Those bumps look bumps from warble larvae. But thats usually on a living animal unless these were there originally. North American tanners wouldnt touch hides with warble marks.
Cleaning and Organizing My House?
Quit being an enabler. If he wont do it, why do you? I went on strike a few times and held my ground. Dishes piled up, carpets needed vacuuming, laundry needed washing. I was tired of them working against me. On several occasions it took 3 days for them to...
Dog Will Only Eat Liver?
So your letting this dog dictate to you! He will quickly become deficient in important vitamins and minerals if fed a liver only diet. Id set down his proper dog ration and dont worry if he doesnt eat it. He figures youll cave in and give him what he wants...
Molasses Butter and Bread
Molasses is high in potassium. Ill take a heaping tsp full and put it in the fridge freexer for about 20 min. then savor it off the spoon.
Natural Remedies for Dyspepsia?
I find GasX, even a half tablet works for me, better than prescription ranitidine.
Keeping Snow Peas Off the Ground?
We used posts and chicken wire approx 6 high and when they reached that height Id prune the tips and got more lateral branching.
My Frugal Life: Frugality From The Farm
My father was a minister and they arent well paid so with 5 kids, being frugal was top priority. My mother was a stay at home mom and she cooked, cleaned, sewed, knit, crocheted, etc. many of our garments. When I was 16 they announced I would be put on a clothing...
Tips for Freezing Leftovers?
The freezer in a refrigerator is not cold enough for storage longer than a week. A deep freezer is much better. I use sandwich bags, folding the top back over the contents to eliminate air then zip shut. I then store all the small bags in one or two large freezer...
Removing Tile from Plaster Walls?
How lucky your are. Why remove them? Id add touches of black and white. Those are probably quality tiles and were installed by someone who really knew what he was doing. Tile is coming into vogue again.
Plastic Lids Work as Small Dry Eraser Boards
Where I live a 4 red disk is all thats needed to post ones land indicating no hunting. For greater visibility I use ice cream lids. give them a quick scratching with course sand paper and spray red paint. I screw these into the trees and change them every few...
Gift Bags for Family
I recycle colorful flyers and use them for giftwrap for children. They are so interested in the gift they dont look at the wrap anyway and one can relax when they tear it up.
Make Christmas Wish Books For Your Kids
About the 1st of Nov. my father would tape up 4 sheets of foolscap inside 4 cupboard doors, one for each child. We were to itemize our requests. As typical of children we changed our minds frequently and would scribble out one wed lost interest in and add new...
Wood Banister Cleaning?
I get good results with foam kitchen cleaner. Spray and let the foam do its job. It will lift the gunk without soaking the wood.
Homemade Piddle Pads?
I approached a gal working in the hospital laundry. She was glad to recycle the draw sheets that would have been thrown out. They have washable waterproof backing and are quilted on top - perfect. I cut each into 4 making them about 14 square pads. A few needed...
Half The Meat in Hamburger Helper for Kids and Friends
By making ones own a lot of chemicals are eliminated, especially all the salt and sugar.
Spring Cleaning Redecoration
I have a couple of toss pillows on the couch which I slipcover with warm reds for winter and lighter colors in Spring. It gives the room a different look for just a few dollars and the covers take up little room when stored.
Removing an Indentation on Leather?
What Ive done is use the bowl of a table spoon and rub on the backside.
Disguising White Marks On Jeans
A friends sister got a spot of bleach on an expensive sweater. Resourceful friend embroidered a pretty little daisy with a winding stem and leaves over the bleach spot. It actually enhanced the sweater.
Blocking The Sun From Coming In My Windows?
I put sheets of plywood hanging on hinges installed along the top of the window frame. This year I plan on painting them in simple quilt patterns (google barn quilts, to match the house. Altho I have air conditioning its rarely used as I also have a large fan...
Uses for Bacon Grease
Black flies chew up the base of my horses ears and high up under their bellies. Bacon grease gets rubbed in, giving immediately relief, helps with healing and the bugs dont like anything greasy.
Recipes Using Pork and Beans?
To each 14 oz can try adding two cups of shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix will work) small slice celery, one small shredded carrot and one small very thin sliced onion. Allow to steep in the fridge overnight, stirring once or twice. For a little kick you might...
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Cleaning Dentures?
Really stuffed up with a cold? Dip a Q tip in 50/50 Hydrogen peroxide and swab as high up in the nostril as possible. Block the other nostril and sniff to draw the peroxide higher. If you taste it in your throat just spit it out. Do the other nostril. You will...
Mom's Best Housekeeping Tip
My mother of 5 kids would do housework only in the morning and took the afternoon off, at least until the first child arrived home from school about 4. Shed read, snooze, watch tv, etc. basically resting and enjoying her time to herself. Once all the kids were...
Cleaning or Washing Off Mold?
vinegar kills mold, altho best to start with about a quart to the washer load. Allow to soak for several hours then add detergent and wash. This is good for the washer as well.
Washing Windows for Less
My army trained son washed windows with soapy water, rinsed with vinegar water and wiped with newspapers. Its the ink that polishes them so nicely. They were so clean I thot theyd been removed (they are sliders which can be removed)
