Replacements for Glass Center of Coffee Table?
I would cut a piece of plywood to fit, and finish it with a faux-marble paint job or something else creative or even paint it a solid color to harmonize with your other furniture.
Homemade Cuticle Remover?
Massage Vaseline into your hands and nail. I do it while watching TV. The cuticle softens after a little while.
Homemade Weed Killer Recipe?
Vinegar works well as a weed killer. Put it in a spray bottle, turn the sprayer so it shoots out in a stream, and aim it at the bottom of the plant.
Treating Sunburn and Windburn?
Take some aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofin, or naproxen. They are anti-inflammatory drugs that are readily available. That will cool the burn.
Shopping for Karo Syrup in Northern Ireland?
Karo syrup is the trade-name for corn syrup, which is glucose. Check in stores because it may be sold as Glucose in your area.
Buying Saline Solution?
It is the same stuff. You can make your own by mixing 1 tsp. salt and 1 qt. of distilled water.
Rice Filled Heat Pad Sweats When Heated?
Rice has a moisture content that comes out when microwaved. Lots of people dampen the rice bag before heating so you get a moist heat which is soothing for chest colds and sore muscles.
Cleaning a Sticky Portable DVD Case?
Try dusting it with body powder. I had a doll that got sticky like that, and nothing would work, so I applied powder and it took away the stickiness.
Making Extra Cash?
Put up ads for pet-sitting. You can either go to the home and feed and play with or walk the dog, or have it come for a stay at your house. Cats are easy-only require feeding and maybe a litter-box change. I used to do this when my son was small. A lot of people...
Accent Ideas for a White, Peach, and Teal Kitchen?
I would repaint the walls in a lighter shade of teal. It looks best with what you have. If not teal, try a taupe color, a cool beige.
Home Remedies for Dizziness and Tight Shoulder Muscles?
For the dizziness try an iron supplement, especially if you are also seeing black spots. Massage your tight muscles. It may hurt at first because they are tight, but do it for 10 minutes or so.
Financial Assistance for Roof Repair for Seniors?
If there is a county Office for the Aging, you should contact them. Here in upstate NY, they fixed my mothers roof, installed a handrail on the back steps and got her a new furnace. They help with safety issues, so that the elderly can stay in their own homes...
Getting Rid of a Boil?
Put a washcloth soaked in hot water, as hot as you can stand it, and continue until the boil has opened up and drained. Then clean it with rubbing alcohol.
Saving Water is Important
Even if you live in a place with lots of water, as I do in upstate NY, it doesnt mean you should waste it. Thanks for the ideas.
Getting Rid of Mice in the Kitchen?
I live in a rural area and good old-fashioned mousetraps are a must to get rid of the mice that are there already. That will take care of the trash. Bait them with peanut butter. Keep all of your food in metal or glass containers. Plastic gallon jars are good...
Removing Vaseline Stain on Satin Pillow?
Rub dish soap into the stain, then wash it in the washing machine on the gentle/delicate cycle.
Getting Kids to Turn Laundry Right Side Out
This is something I did with my family and it worked fine, no one ever complained about their clothes being inside out. I just washed them as they were and let the family sort them out . Now, I live in a place without a dryer, so I prefer to launder clothes...
Does the Wind Remove Mineral Powder Makeup?
The powder sticks on with the moisture and natural oils of your face, as does all face powder, which has always contained natural minerals. This is a marketing ploy and does not mean the product is anything new. Or better.
Paint Colors for Room with Red Sofa?
If you are not afraid of bold colors, a deep mustard-yellow for the walls with cream or white trim, and black accent pieces.
Uses for Baby Wipes Containers
Great idea for reusing these containers. Even more frugal would be to not buy them in the first place. My baby did just fine with a wet washcloth.
Poor Man's Insoles
Hey, this isnt the Great Depression! Cut insoles out of an old wool blanket - the edges are usually pretty thick. They are warm, breathable, and long lasting, especially if you sew two together.
Removing Wrinkles from Drapes?
They will most likely iron themselves out by hanging. You can put some water in a spray bottle and spray until damp. Smooth out with clean hands and let gravity do the rest.
Household Uses for Vodka
This is not thrifty. Vodka is expensive. Use rubbing alcohol for a cheaper alternative.
Making a Bar of Soap from Soap Scraps?
When I have a lot of soap scraps saved up, I grate them on a coarse grater into a bowl. Then I add just enough water or liquid soap to make it stick together like clay. Once you have done this you take a handful of it and form it into one or more bars of soap...
Wrap Gifts in Old Shirts
That would be unbelievably tacky. Also, surely if you buy them at a thrift store you can buy wrapping paper at a dollar store and get more for your money.
Cleaning a Percolator?
There is a product called Dip-it that works well. Personally, I think washing it with detergent should be ok, as long as it gets rinsed well. After all, you use it on your dishes and silverware. Has there ever been a taste from it?
Permanent Marker on a Plastic Car Tag?
It is called permanent for a reason. However ink remover should do the trick. Google it.
Cleaning the Inside of Clear Glass Christmas Ornaments?
Use sand, water, and a little bit of dish detergent. Shake vigoruosly and rinse out.
What Can I Do With Used Cooking Oil?
You can clean it by placing the oil in a pot with about the same amount of water. Heat to boiling, then let it cool and separate. You should be able to pour off the cleaned oil into a jar. This can also be done with other cooking fats like bacon grease. Keep...
Other Uses for Key Rings?
I use one to hold my measuring spoons because the ring that came with them is not secure and they fall off.
Use Nouns Instead of Verbs to Help Children Mind
I learned in a child development course at a local college that small children only hear a few words in a sentence. So, if you say something like You have been bad so Mommy has to make you sit in the chair, they might only hear Mommy bad chair. So it makes...
Where Can I Find Liquid Starch?
You can also make your own. Dissolve 1 T. of corn starch in a little cold water, then add to 2 cups of boiling water, stir until thickened. If it is too thick, just add some water. Keep refrigerated when not in use.
Getting Rid of Weevils?
Flour and other grain seem to always harbor the eggs of the weevils so if they are a problem where you live, like in a warm climate, keep the flour in the refrigerator or freezer.
Using Baby Yarn to Make Adult Sweaters?
Baby yarn is the same as sport-yarn isnt it? Try a pattern using sport yarn.
Cleaning Tar From Your Car?
I use kerosene. Put a little on a rag and gently rub the places where there is tar and it will disolve and come off with no harm to the paint.
Recycled Flip Flop Craft Ideas?
Cut the soles into smaller pieces with a knife or scissors and then cut designs in them to make rubber stamps. use an Exacto-knife or small kitchen knife. Another idea: cut the soles into small pieces and make a hole thru each of the with a hot nail and use...
Saying That Goes with Empty Box Gift of Encouragement or Comfort?
An empty gift is, to me, a disapointment to the receiver and a cutesy sentiment on the part of the giver,and a useless dust-collector besides. Write a heartfelt note instead or give some of your time to the recipient-it shows a lot more class.
Theme Ideas for a Harvest Fest?
Harvest Home-bringing in the harvest and sharing it with local people in need.
Ice Maker Dispenses Ice On Its Own?
Barring any mechanical problems, it appears that your icemaker is possessed by a restless spirit. Consult either the maker or an exorcist.
Decorating Duct Tape Purses?
Duct tape comes in colors, so you could cut shapes out of a contrasting color and stick on.
Saving Buttons
I, too spent hours on rainy days sorting buttons. It is a small, but sweet pleasure even now that I am 57. It is relaxing and it takes your mind off worries. I also make buttons from clay-Fun!
Hanging Wallpaper Temporarily?
You can get strippable wallpaper, which comes off easily. (What kind of landlord wouldnt want you to improve the place?)
Painting Appliances?
Clean it really well, using dish soap and steel wool. Rinse and dry. Put masking tape over hinges and handle so they dont get painted. Buy a can or 2 of spray enamel in the color of your choice and spray you refridgerator. I have done this and it works great...
Uses for Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces?
Glue them onto a picture or mirror frame and paint all one color. When dry, lightly brush a second color over the first to bring out the shapes. Copper with a little light green brushed over it makes it look like an antique.
Can I Use Recycled Materials for the Siding on a Dollhouse?
Sure you can! Start looking around for things that might work. For instance, flattened bottle caps can be used as shingles. Or use vinyl flooring scraps, or slats from mini-blinds.
Recycling #6 Coffee Cups?
I save coffee and yogurt cups for starting seeds in the Spring. Just poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage.
Keeping Trash From Smelling
If you live out in the country why dont you start a compost pile away from the house . You will have less garbage to throw out, and nice compost for your garden. Use real diapers. I did 4-5 dozen per week in 1 load of wash per. If you really want thrift and...
Making Fabric Appliques for Craft Projects?
I use fusible webbing which is a paper-backed stuff you iron on the reverse side of the fabric. Once it is cool, you peel away the paper and it leaves you with an iron-on fabric which is also stablized for sewing.
Removing Dog and Cat Hair from Clothing?
My old cat used to shed on everything. I would wash it and put it through the dryer with a fabric softener sheet. That will get it off. If it is not washable, just do the dryer thing at a cool temperature without washing.
Homemade Saline Solution for Asthma?
Home-made saline solution is made by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 quart of boiled distilled water.
Older Home Has Musty Smelling Closets?
Remove any wallpaper and wipe down all surface with a bleach solution. Air out for a few days. Air out or wash any clothing that is stored in the closet.
Homemade Jewelry Cleaner?
Use white toothpaste to clean your silver jewelry. Use Catsup to clean copper.
Reviews of Temperpedic Mattresses?
We recently bought a knock-off brand on ebay. A queensize was $400, post-paid. I have a bad shoulder and can now sleep on that side whereas I could not on a Sealy Posturpedic. They now have layers that help keep the bed cool, so getting too hot is not happening...
Buying Rosewater?
Rosewater is available in the larger grocery stores in the Middle-eastern food section. It is used in some recipes for flavoring.
Homemade Wallpaper Remover?
I use a sponge mop and hot water. go over a section of wall several times and let it soak in for 20 minutes, then scrape.
Attaching Shells to Mirrors?
I would use e-6000 glue. It is really good and can be used for a large variety of surfaces.
Store Utensils In Jars at Buffet
That is about as casual as it gets. Since its a special occasion, why not use something a little nicer?
Cleaning with Rubbing Alcohol
It also works great on faucets, tea kettles, and toasters. No expensive degreaser needed.
Removing Washable Marker from Linen and Cotton Tablecloth?
Use ink remover. Look for it where laundry products are sold.
Removing Cat Hair from Knit Fabric?
Put the dry item in in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet. If that doesnt work you can get a lint roller for about a dollar. It has adhesive sheets that grab the hair. Works on carpets too.
Melted Rubber Inside a Dryer?
Try Goo Gone- it helps with a lot of stuff like that. Put some of it on some steel wool and scrub. If your dryer is hot enough to melt rubber, maybe you could use it as a bread machine!
Separating Stored Ceramic Tiles That Are Stuck Together?
This is my tried and true way to get glued things apart: put the tiles on some foil or an old pan and put in the oven at 350 Deg. Wait 10 minutes, then take out carefully and pry apart with a screwdriver, or knife. repeat if necessary.
Recycled Jeans Crafts?
Make a skirt by cutting off the top of the jeans at hip-level. Sew some gathered fabric on for a jeans-yoked skirt. Add trim as desired.
Father's Day Paper Coffee Cup
Im sorry, but I do not see the point of this project. Of what use is it?
Removing Permanent Marker From Doll Faces?
Try dabbing on some undiluted bleach. Rinse off as soon as the stain disappears.
How Do I Keep My Hair Color from Fading?
Go to an art supply store and get a permanent ink such as India ink,in a color close to your own. Mix about 20 drops into 1 cup of shampoo, and use it when you wash your hair. It is subtle and wont radically change your color, but works as a booster for your...
Paint on Polyester?
Try rubbing Goop handcleaner into the paint and leave it on a while to soften it. Then, scrape it with a knife to get as much off as possible. Repeat if needed, then launder.
Saving for Emergencies on a Tight Budget?
Once a week, put all of your change aside in a jar. This adds up faster than youd think.
Quick and Easy Skillet Dinner?
Brown 1 lb of ground turkey or beef plus a chopped onion, add 1 qt. jar of spaghetti sauce or tomatoes, 1 cup water and 1 cup of small pasta.Cook covered till pasta is done. Other things to add-green peppers, chili powder, chopped garlic, leftover vegetables...
Quick and Easy Skillet Dinner?
Brown chicken leg quarters , add some onion, garlic, canned or fresh mushrooms, 1 cup of uncooked rice plus 2 cups water or broth. Put a lid on it and cook until rice is done; 15 minutes for white rice, or 40-45 min for brown rice. Additions: green beans, peas...
Sweetening Frozen Cranberries for Baking?
I chop the cranberries and mix with a little sugar. Dry out on a baking pan lined with paper towels. Use in your recipe. Just chopping the cranberries will disperse them enough in a sweet bread to not be biter or sour-tasting.
Uses for Cigarette Ash?
1. Use it to polish silver with a damp cloth dipped in the ash. 2. Put it on your house plants, mix into the soil a little. 3. Put it on the garden.
Bartering Advice?
Go to one of the sell and trade or freecycle websites which are for this type of networking. Yahoo groups have these, maybe others.
Getting Rid of Tin Cans?
Cut the ends off, flatten them, and use then for shingles on a shed or dog house.
Use Snow To Water Houseplants
I have heard that snow is the por mans fertilizer.I wouldnt put it right on the indoor plants as it lowers the temp of the soil.
Beans Without Gas?
Black beans are the best. If you soak your beans, any beans, overnight or several hours, the drain and add fresh water to cook them, they wont be gassy.
Bamboo Stalks Are Yellow?
Throw it out and go to the dollar store and get a new one. Once it is yellow, it is probably too late to save it.
Where Can I Find Borax in the UK?
You can contact a ceramic supply business. Potters use borax to make some of the glazes .
