Cleaning a Dull Geode?
I bought a Geode from the farmers market in the spring and all the vendor said to do was wash with clean water and use a toothbrush to get into the cracks. :)
Monkey (Tonkinese)
The first thing I thought when I saw the picture was, What a handsome kitty! I normally dont read the bios on the animals but I couldnt resist those eyes. Lucky you!
Emergency Preparedness?
I, too, prefer to be proactive about these situations. I get some funny looks from some friends and family but I dont care. I would rather them think I am being paranoid then be unprepared. Go to www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html it gives you a basic...
Use Recycled Plastic Bag as a "Glove"
I was taking chicken off the bone yesterday and watching tv, so I put the remote into a bread bag to protect it in case I wanted to use it. Worked and it stayed clean! Hubby gave me a funny look though :o)
Refrigerator Door Does Not Close Properly?
Look around the fridge and see how the doors attach. Try to tighten the screws that hold it on. I also had a fridge that one door was off center but we put a wedge under the side that it was off and that actually helped because it wasnt level so wouldnt shut...
Crafts Made With Wine Corks?
I was at the craft mall the other day and someone had taken a tray and glued the corks (sideways) across to make a pretty little display. I bet you could use it to serve with or put it on the wall for a message center like mentioned above. Also, If you really...
Using Leftover Wax from Scented Candles?
You can buy new wicks from the craft store and melt the candle wax down to make new candles. Sometimes I save the little holder the tea light candles come in and reuse them to make new candles that way. New wicks are nice if you want to give the candles as...
Selling "Magic the Gathering" Cards?
I sold all of my sons cards on Craigslist. Go to the craigslist.org and click post to classifieds then follow the directions. Be sure to choose the correct area that you are in. I am WA too and I sold my sons cards for a great price. Try checking out craiglist...
Buying Bulk Spices?
Our local Winco sells spices in bulk as well as the Fred Meyer (which is owned by Kroger).
Saving and Printing Recipes on Cards
I do something like this, too! I use microsofts publisher program because I can draw a text box the size of the index card and then fill it in. I keep mine in a photo album box that fits my 4x6 index cards and if some recipes from magazines are small enough...
Finding Smaller Furniture for an Apartment?
Checkout IKEA. They often have many options for furniture that saves space and looks good. If you dont have one near you, take a look on line and you can have it delivered or just request a catalog to be mailed.
Pattern for 50s Cat Eye Glasses?
Search the web and if you find a picture of some frames you like, enlarge the picture to the size you want, print on regular paper and cut it out and use that as a pattern. Good Luck!
How to Buy Meat in Bulk?
Check your local butcher. Not the one in the supermarket, an actual store that specializes in butchering meats. They should be able to either fill your order or point you in the right direction. I am sure you will find a listing in your phone book. Good Luck...
Cleaning a Rice Filled Pillow?
You can try sticking it a paper bag with lots of baking soda and give it a good shake-shake-shake. Let sit for a while and shake off the excess to see if smell remains. (Maybe run the vacuum hose over it, too) This dry bath works wonders for lots of items that...
Buying TVP?
If you are talking about Sams Club the warehouse store, you probably wont find it there. Look in the natural/organic aisle of your local grocery or a health food store. I got mine at Fred Meyer, a local Kroger store, in the bulk food section. Good luck!
Apartment Warming Party?
Why Not? I think it is just the same idea as a house warming party: a chance to invite friends over to see the new place. Good Luck on finding the perfect place!
Plastic Lids for Microwave Splash Screens
I also like to use lids underneath stuff. Like my honey container! It keeps my cabinets nice and clean!
Use Your Potato Ricer to Remove Moisture from Spinach
That is an AWESOME idea! Thank you! Now I have to remember where I put the ricer...
Add Whipped Topping to Stretch Frosting
You can also add whipped topping to pudding to make it mousse-like and increase the volume. Yummy!
Calculating Fabric for Table Runners?
http://www.weavespindye.org/html/rfts-doc.html Check this site out.
Valentine's Day Tradition: A Home Cooked Meal
I have done this for my family for a couple of years now also. I have a 14 year old boy and 5 year old girl who I hate leaving out on a day that is meant to show our love for someone. So I started making a special meal complete with all the fancy plates and...
Recipes for One?
Try this site: http://www.cookingfor2.com It is affiliated with Taste Of Home (their recipes are great!) You can do recipe searches for items you have on hand and if you cook for 2 you can put one portion in the freezer or take it for lunch the next day! Menu...
Free Garage Sale Advertising Tip
Go to Craigslist.org and find your city. You can place announcements on their site at no charge. This is especially good if you have some big ticket items and you would like to draw in some good customers! I often look through the ads before leaving the house...
Review: Redbox for Cheap and Convenient Movies
These are so cool! I just discovered them last month and they have the latest movies, too! You can even reserve a movie on-line!
Make Gift "Baskets" in Useful Storage Containers
Here! Here! I dont like the overabundance of Easter baskets either! I tell the kiddos that they have to leave last years basket outside their bedroom door for the Easter Bunny to refill. This is a very green idea - reduce, reuse and recycle! And my daughter...
What Type of Flour for Baking Cakes?
If it doesnt say, then it should be all-purpose flour. Make sure that you are measuring correctly. Use a measuring cup that is meant for solids not liquids. Stir your flour then scoop lightly into the cup then use a knife or other straight object to take off...
Slow Cooker Recipes?
Your local library should have cookbooks just for crockpots, too. Its a great place to get ideas for your recipes. Look for the Fix it and Forget it Cookbooks, those have easy and yummy recipes in them.
Remove Cardboard Liner From Mayo Jar
Huh! I never thought about that! My mayo never lasts very long though! Its a good idea that I will have to remember! Thanks!
Suggestions for Games to Play With Adult Children?
My family enjoys a game called Apples to Apples. It is a fun word association game that you can play with a lot of people (of varying ages, too). Everybody receives a hand of cards with a descriptive word, a single separate card is flipped over by the Judge...
Brownie Pan Recommendations?
I prefer a glass baking dish. I can spray with a cooking oil (such as Pam) if I want to make it easier to remove. Doesnt scratch and lasts forever. Plus the glass ones are microwaveable so you can use it more often, for more recipes. If it isnt in your budget...
Glass Dust in Wine Bottles from Drilling?
Try a bottle brush that you use to clean baby bottles. They are meant to go into a small openings and are usually flexible enough to bend and get around the sides. Another way is to put uncooked rice into the container and shake it around with hot/warm water...
Saving Money on Electricity?
Cover your windows! I dont have the best windows and cant afford new ones and I can feel the cold coming off of them at night! By using drapes to trap the heat and stop the cold, you could save a considerable amount of money on your energy bill. This works...
Walmart Getting Rid Of Crafts Department?
I also enjoyed the sewing and craft dept at our local Wal-Mart but when they remodeled and put in the grocery area it went out the door! But not all of the Wal-Marts have rid them selves of the sewing and craft area. Call around and you may find one but it...
Ask About Your Library's Book Sale
This is a great idea that I do regularly! For all of those crafters out there, you can usually get those special mags at a great price (I get them for a quarter!) If I go in the last hour on the last day, they often have all the books you can fit in a bag for...
Having My Dog Neutered?
You need to speak to your vet about your concerns because he/she will be able to put your fears to rest as well as give you all the great medical reasons that this should be done. We had a german shepherd that went for a long while without being fixed because...
Use Post-Its For Bookmarks
I love to do this too! I especially love it in my cookbooks because I will write at the top what the recipe is, then I can easily find my favorites!
What is Hamburger Helper?
Hamburger Helper is a boxed dinner product that usually comes with noodles and a seasoning packet. All you have to add is the cooked hamburger and water. (This is from the Betty Crocker company which also produces Bisquick.) I have posted a link if you wanted...
Eggless Brownies (AKA Zucchini Brownies)
I cant wait to try this recipe! I have too much zucchini, too! I am also going to share this with my vegan friends, it will be great for them! Thanks! CB
Using Acetone In Microwave?
Are you trying to clean it? Put a bowl of lemon water in it and boil for 5 minutes and most of the gunk will just wipe right off and smell good, too. Acetone is a dangerous chemical that you should be very careful with, especially around something that will...
Decorating A Column To Look Like A Tree?
You could use corrugated cardboard to wrap the column and hang paper leaves from the ceiling. You could even write the names of your students on the leaves or themes of education that you are using through the year such as morals (honesty, helpfulness, etc...
Keeping Bugs Out of Plastic Food Containers?
I know this sounds gross but have you considered that some of the product you buy has already been infested? I have heard of people often freezing their foods as soon as they get home for a couple days to a week and that will ensure that any bugs or eggs that...
Cleaning Kitchen Drain With a Disposal?
Fill disposal with 1/4 to 1/2 cup or so of baking soda. Pour 1/2 cup or more of regular white vinegar down the drain. This will erupt into a sink volcano as the two react and clean. (Kids love this part) When it is done foaming, flush with hot water and run...
Storing Bulk Non-Perishable Groceries?
I installed shelves in my laundry room for extras such as this. Think up! Items you dont need everyday can be stored higher up! I also converted the bottom of a hallway coat closet to store items and put a hanging shelf on the inside of the door for small items...
Buying Bulk Canned Goods?
I have read of people keeping price books so that when you go shopping it would be easy to compare the prices. That is too much work for me! I do as the others here have posted and compare price per ounce or per item. **BEWARE** BUYING IN WAREHOUSE STORES IS...
Do You Preheat a Baking Stone?
You do not need to preheat your stoneware! It is a wonderful tool to use in your oven and, if it fits, microwave and toaster oven. I actually have 3 flat ones of various shapes and sizes that I use when I bake cookies so that the first one is cooled by the...
Picking Tights Color For Wedding?
Go for the natural look. Nude or beige - whatever matches your skintone. Cant go wrong with it!
Buy Frozen Spinach To Keep Your Groceries Cold
The spinach will work in a jam but try what my parents do: Leave a small ice chest in the van for this purpose. It doesnt take up much room and when you are not using it for food, you can store other items in it.
Baby Owl
It is nice to know that there are still people out there who go out of their way to help an injured life. Thank you for taking care of such a beautiful bird.
A Guide To Household Recycling?
Contact your garbage collection company. They may have a program for recycling. We have a large recycling bin provided by our garbage company that we can throw all of our paper, plastic (#1 & 2) and cans into and they sort it. I have to take glass to a separate...
Make A Freezer Pac With Rice
Makes a great heat pack, too. Stick into the microwave for a couple of minutes until warm.
Finding a Playmate for My Dog?
Sometimes you can find breed specific clubs that get together on a regular basis. Look it up! There are also kennel clubs that you can look into. I just googled Dachsund club, tx and came up with a few orginazations in TX. Good Luck!
Preparing Rhubarb for a Recipe?
The recipe directions will let you know what to do to it before using. Sometimes you sprinkle with sugar and let sit for a bit other times you just wash, dice and use. The larger the stalk the tougher it is so if you are picking it yourself, pick some nice...
Is Borax Safe To Use Around Children?
I was just reading a book yesterday and it said to Keep out of reach of children, pets and pregnant women and dont use it around food. Sure it is a great cleaning agent, but it is toxic if ingested in any way. I would not suggest using this as a flea control...
Ideas For Float Themed "Everyone Is Family"?
People (or Paper mache people, whatever medium you use) of every age, color, size, shape holding hands around a world globe or something that represents your hometown. Might symbolize family and community togetherness. Kind of corny but theres my two cents...
Fixing Pin Hole In Cake Pan?
Use a piece of parchment paper on the bottom when you bake and it shouldnt leak. Keep it from slipping by dabbing butter or shortening between the pan and the paper.
Add Greens To Your Ramen Noodles
I agree! I like to throw in tofu, spinach, shredded carrots and other extra veggies I may have on hand. Also, use extra meat that you may have such as ham, shrimp, chicken. Kids like corn, peas and carrots in theirs! It makes a more filling and yummy soup!
Looking For Kwik Sew Pattern #3558?
Use Google or any other search engine and type in Kwik Sew Pattern 3558. You will come up with many hits (including your query) but I looked around and found it at the link below for $9.49 at Patternreview.com. Good Luck! http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi...
Ideas For a Mother's Day Party?
Tallest, Shortest. Who has come from the farthest away (such as for church that day and/or even one who has immigrated.) Who has the most children? Who has the oldest child, youngest child. Hope this helps you out.
Make Extra Pancakes and Freeze
I do this all the time so my 13 year old can have a good breakfast in the morning. I make sure that they are just the right size to pop into the toaster and he can easily heat them up! This idea works great for waffles, too! Yummy!
Layered Look T-Shirt/Blouse
This is a great idea! Ive had a couple shirts shrink in the laundry, the top part still fits but the length is too short. This is a great fix so I can still wear them. Thanks!
Adding Sugar To Powdered Drinks
I do something similar. I just add the sugar and mix then add a cup or two of hot water from the tap to melt the sugar. Once melted I add cold water up to the recommended amount.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser For The Kitchen
The sponge works really well to clean the handles of the fridge, too. I used it to clean my laminate countertops and I swear it took off of 5 years of ground in dirt (yes, I cleaned them regularly!) Love these things!
Blackberry Rhubarb Jam
Wow! Thanks for sharing! It combines two of my favorite flavors! Dads too! I will definately be trying this one soon!
Ideas for School Children to Recycle their Paper?
Along the same lines as Lori in Florida, I use the unused back of paper by cutting a bunch of paper and stapling it together to make a small notepad. Sometimes it is a half sheet or 1/4 sheet size. You can also shred or wad it and use as packing material. Maybe...
Summer Class Suggestions for Twelve Year Olds?
Your local Red Cross should offer a class for young adults in CPR and first aid basics. Also, our local zoo offers tons of programs for your age group-some even include a sleepover! Check that out in your area! Look to your local public library as well, some...
Baked Chicken in Italian Dressing
Ooh Yeah! I was looking for a recipe to use up my Italian dressing! Thanks! (PS. I love all of your recipes! You are really creative)
My Dog Smells But I Can't Give Him a Bath?
Use baking soda! (avoid face-dont let doggie breath in) rub it in and then brush it all out well. Probably best to do this outside!
Food Keeps Sticking to My Frying Pan?
Stainless cookware is great for browning meats and making sauces! The trick is to know what cookware to use depending on what you are making. (Use your non-stick for foods like egg dishes and such). For your meats, heat your pan on medium to medium-high. Add...
Beagle Puppy Has Severe Itching?
When we got our beagle, he developed severe itching and made himself raw in a few places. The vet said he had a severe allergic reaction to the flea bites. She gave him a shot to help with allergic reaction and started him on a flea control program. We bathe...
Freecycle, Petcycle, Tag Sale and Barter Groups
I agree! These groups are a wonderful way to connect in your community! I have given and received many items- some which I have gifted to others. It is wonderful and it doesnt cost a thing! We even got our doggie through freecycle! I cant wait to check out...
Indoor Birthday Party Locations?
If you want to have pizza on the menu, a lot of pizza parlors will let you have a large room or space for free as long as you purchase some pizza. You can even bring your own cake! Happy new year!
Easy Fondue Recipe
Have you heard of tasteofhome.com ? I love the ADVANCED RECIPE SEARCH that you can do. I checked it out and did an search with cheese as an ingredient and told it to exclude wine and beer. Then type in Fondue to narrow the search and it came up with about 700...
Decorating a Damaged Christmas Gift Box?
Take it out of the box, put flowers in it, wrap a bow around it and..wah-la! So beautiful and fresh flowers at this time of year seem to be so much more special! Give it to the recipient as soon as you walk in the door! Or take it out of the box, wrap it in...
What Kind of Dog is Buddy?
Hes cute and that is all that matters! If anyone asks tell them that! Give im a big ole smooch from our doggie Francis!
Decorative Shower Diaper Cake
Thank you for your compliments! This was the first cake I ever made and just kept building it until I felt it was just right. You dont need a pattern - it is very easy! I had a lot of guests assume it was real and had to do double takes! Very fun!
Sneaking Veggies Into Ground Beef
I love and use the shredded zucchini trick but I also use shredded carrots. I toss into my spaghetti sauces and anywhere else I can think of and get away with it! (I like the slight crunch from them but if you dont want any, saute them first.)
Cleaning Plastic Dish Strainer?
Try using a dab of shampoo on it and scrubbing with a washcloth, then rinse with hot water. The dandruff kind works great. I use it in the bathroom to clean the fixtures of soap scum buildup! Use an old toothbrush for any small hard to reach spaces.
Wondering What To With Extra Cell Phone Minutes?
Perhaps you could donate them to soldiers or their spouses or maybe you know of someone with out of state family so they could call their loved ones during the holiday season. You may even be able to use it as a charitable write-off. Just a suggestion...
Wondering What To With Extra Cell Phone Minutes?
Perhaps you could donate them to soldiers or their spouses or maybe you know of someone with out of state family so they could call their loved ones during the holiday season. You may even be able to use it as a charitable write-off. Just a suggestion...
Party Favors for 10 Year Old Boys?
Pick a theme for the party and that will give you ideas. If you have a sport theme, you could give those small soccer balls. If you have a board game theme, you can give travel games. Nascar theme - go with Hotwheels. Or just decorate plain paper bags to go...
Finding Free Packing Peanuts?
Check Craigs List in your local area under FREE. I often see people trying to get rid of packing peanuts and other packing materials for free.
Transferring Cross Stitch Patterns to Aida Cloth?
I know how you feel! Sometimes the symbols all just start to blur together! My solution is to use a yellow highlighter on my actual pattern and I highlight each square/row as I stitch. The highlighter allows me to see the backstitches that need to be done later...
Craft Ideas for Egg Cartons?
Check out this site, they have lots of ideas! http://www.make-stuff.com/recycling/eggcartons.html
Transferring Pictures to Fabric?
You can buy printable iron on transfer paper at the store. Just scan in a picture then print onto the special paper, cut and iron. (Follow any special instructions that comes with the package) Super easy and a great family project.
Ideas For Reusing Small Tea Tins?
You could make travel sized sewing kits to give as gifts. Wrap black and white thread around a piece of cardboard then put a needle in it. Include some buttons and, if it will fit, some travel scissors or snips that you can find at the craft stores. Look in...
Keeping Pattern Pieces Together
I like to put my pattern pieces in a standard letter envelope. That way I dont risk tearing anything and I can label it with the pattern number and what pieces are inside for quick reference. (I dont have to unfold each piece). It also fits back into the large...
Keep Kids Busy With Summer Movies
I was surprised to learn how many people didnt know you could borrow movies from your library! And our library system offers an online service that you can find movies (and books) from anywhere in their system and have them shipped to the closest branch for...
