Inexpensive Fire Starter Ideas
I would be cautious about using grease and lint in a fireplace/woodstove. While they are flammable, they could cause dangerous buildup in the chimney!
Scenery: Winter Scenes (Chewelah, WA)
This is just a few miles from where I live and yes, it is a beautiful area :) Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures!
Using Halloween Pumpkins for Cooking?
That is correct. The best ones to use for cooking/pies are the Sugar Pumpkins. These can usually be found at a local farmers market or farm. They make wonderful pies so its definitely worth it!
Is My Dog a Pure Bred Chihuahua?
You would have to do a DNA test to know for sure. It shouldnt matter though. Since you dont know her lineage, breeding is a bad, bad idea. Thousands and thousands of animals are euthanized each year due to overpopulation and they all started out as cute puppies...
Baby Sandhill Crane (Gray's Lake Bird Refuge, ID)
Im thinking its probably not a good idea to mess with baby animals as it may interfere with the moms care taking. Not worth a photo op, IMO. :(
Freezing Brown Rice?
As already mentioned, Yes! I measured it out first so that way I knew how much was in there (in case I was using it for a recipe). After putting it in the ziploc baggie, I made sure to get the extra air out and then pressed it flat for easier storage in the...
Cleaning a Microwave Quickly
You can add vanilla extract or lemon juice to the water to make it smell better too. :)
Ripening Fresh Fruits You've Purchased
Yes, tomatoes, even all the way green ones, will ripen in a paper bag. Do not place on a windowsill as it will overheat them and make them rot before even ripening. Ive been using the paper bag technique for several years ever since a produce manager at my...
Blanching Before Freezing?
To stop the enzymes in the foods. Otherwise the food will continue to ripen and become mush.
Deodorize With Perfume or Cologne
Just a thought, Im not sure that using a fragrance like that on linens is a good idea, some people may not like the scent as much as you do and they are then stuck sleeping on it.
Eliminating Cat Urine Odor Outdoors?
Please get your cat fixed, for more reasons than the smell. Hes marking his territory and so other tom cats will come along and mark it also. Cat urine is very hard to get rid of. If you get your cat fixed (many areas have low or reduced fees available), this...
Adopted Feral Kittens
You have a kind and beautiful heart. Ghandi once said How we treat animals is a reflection upon ourselves (or something like that). Thanks for being a wonderful part of this world :)
My Cat Using Flowerbed for Litter Box?
Put pinecones in the flower box until she stops using it. They are big and have sharp points (and shouldnt look too bad in the flower box while she gets the hint).
Painting Over Wallpaper?
I wouldnt recommend it. Your wall will look so much better if you remove the wallpaper and then paint it. Otherwise, the paint may not adhere properly and will not look smooth.
Keeping a Tom Cat from Spraying?
Natures Miracle is a good product for the smell, but honestly until hes fixed, theres not much you can do. Hes marking his territory.
Getting Rid of Fruit Flies?
Put some small pieces of fruit in a bowl and over it with plastic wrap. Poke a couple small holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick or something similar. the fruit flies are then attracted to this, and can get in, but they cant figure out how to get out...
Wired Smoke Detectors Beeping?
You need to replace the smoke detectors. Even though they are hard wired in, they need to be replaced. Keep yourself safe and do this soon.
Washing Your Dog With Dawn Dish Soap?
I dont think Dawn is the best shampoo to use on an animal. Because of its degreasing qualities, it may strip essential oils from their skin and leave them irritated or with dry skin.
Treatment for Brittle Hair?
Hormones may also be playing a factor here. Menopause or even peri-menopause changes many things, including hair (thinning). The other thing to consider or look into is a possible thyroid condition.
Puppy Keeps Crying and Can't Sleep?
Give him a stuffed animal to sleep/cuddle with, any yes, he was taken away from his mama and siblings too soon.
Smoke Detector Keeps Beeping?
If the batteries are new(er), then it could be that the smoke alarm itself needs to be replaced.
Safe Cooking Oils for Frying?
P.S. not all saturated fats are bad for you, as with anything, moderation is the key. Saturated fats are actually good for you in low amounts, thats why full fat dairy products help people lose weight.
Best Cat Litter for Controlling Odor?
You may also want to wash out the entire litter pan periodically to eliminate odors that dont go away with the litter.
Dog Food Suggestions for a Picky Eater?
The old saying of when they get hungry enough, they will eat sounds appropriate here...
Removing Milk and Blood Stains from a Tan Carpet?
Yup, the hydrogen peroxide works on blood. Use a 50/50 solution with warm water, sprinkle a little salt on the stain after spritzing, rub with cloth and voila!
Freezing Cooked Corn on the Cob?
I wouldnt freeze it, I would refrigerate it. When you reheat it from freezing (if its been cooked all the way), it will be mushy. :(
Add Dawn Dish Soap To Your Laundry
I would be very careful/cautious about using a liquid dish detergent in my washer. It could very well break down the part/hoses and therefore causing more problems later on. It may also be grounds for warranty rejection issues.
Flower Safe Weed Killer?
Use layers of newspapers to cover up the weeds (you can place some dirt on top to help hold them down, etc). This will prevent the weeds from getting light and its easy and inexpensive. :)
Cooking Stems of Broccoli and Hearts of Cabbage
Just wondering, how does the taste of the broccoli stalk compare with the florets?
In Memory of Stryker (Wolf/Husky)
Your story hit home for me as my college age daughter adopted a wolf/husky mix from the shelter that she volunteered at (they didnt list the wolf part, but its very apparent). He was 10 years old at the time and had been abused and run away from his owners...
Ideas for Getting Heavy Grocery Items into the House?
You could save a great deal of money by not purchasing those items in the first place. Soda is a caloric waste and all of that sugar is very detrimental to anyones health, even if they are not already disabled. You could use a Brita filte/pitcher for your water...
50 - 30 - 20 Spending Plan
I like this idea and am already in the planning stages of doing this. :) Thanks for the great tip!
Cooked Food For Your Birds (Mish Mash)
Thanks for the recipe. Im always on the lookout for new food ideas for my fids (Goffins cockatoo, Panama Amazon and Green Cheek Conure).
Cleaning Algae From a Pond?
Putting some barley straw in a flow through bag will help keep the pond clean. It will not clean the pond, but if you put it in there after you clean it, it will help keep it clean. Im not talking about using a huge amount, just a small handful in a bag should...
Remedy for Unexplained Hair Thinning?
Low thyroid levels can cause thinning hair, especially in someone that young. I would mention it at your next doctors appt.
Remedy for a Dog with Constipation?
Definitely agree with the canned pumpkin feedback already mentioned. My daughter uses it with her older husky when he gets a little backed up and it works wonderfully!
Removing Facial Hair Growth Caused by Medication?
You should also check in with a doctor and have your thyroid checked. As mentioned, asthma medicines do not cause facial hair growth, hormones and chemical imbalances do.
Double Rainbow (Spokane, WA)
Weve had some crazy weather lately, havent we? From a fellow Spokan-ite. :)
Controlling Ants with 20Mule Team Borax?
You can also use cornstarch. That is one of the ingredients in ant traps. They ingest it, it bloats up their systems and they die. Sprinkle it around the areas that you see them. A less toxic thing to try, at least at first.
Keeping the Cats Out of The Flower Garden?
Ive been using coffee grounds also and that has helped me too!
Fire Alarm Will Not Stop Beeping?
Agree with MCW, the alarms themselves can wear out and need to be replaced.
Home Remedy for Doggie Odor?
I just read a tip the other day about using Listerine on dogs to keep that wet dog smell away. I think they put it in a spray bottle and used it that way...
Preventing Weeds in an Asparagus Bed?
Salt will kill plants! Using chemical free grass clippings is one idea but no salt.
Tomato Plant Leaves Are Curling and Have Brown Spots?
It sounds like the amount of fertilizer was too much and it burned the plant.
Removing Dog Urine Stain from Carpet?
Use a 50-50 solution of warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Sprinkle table salt on the stain, spray it with the solution and wait a couple of minutes then scrub. Make sure to test this in an inconspicuous area first.
Keeping Deer Out of the Garden?
You put up a big ol fence! Or if that is not an option, replace the plants that they do eat with ones that are a little more resistant to deer. You can Google for a listing of them. If they get hungry enough, they will get by any spray or deterrent that you...
Year Old Puppy is Chewing Everything?
I agree with crating him when hes unsupervised and yes, he needs his own things to chew on. They have a very strong chewing urge at this time and need to satiate it. Get some soup bones from the butcher at your store. They love them and will chew on them for...
Shih Tzu Peeing in the House When left Alone?
I agree, kennel them as they will rarely go potty where they sleep.
4 Year Old Dog Has Started Peeing in the House?
At this time, I would definately recommend putting him in a crate for the night. They tend to like the security of their own den and they will also rarely go potty where they sleep.
Treating a Cockatoo That is Scratching Itself?
You may to make sure that it does not have bird mites. Also, you may want to spray it down frequently as a bath, as it may have dry skin and it is truly itchy.
Freezing Fresh Peas in the Pod?
Shell the peas first. To blanch, put the vegetables in a small amount of boiling water (although I used my metal vegetable steamer to preserve the vitamins) for approximately 2-3 minutes. Then you want to immediately put them in an ice bath of water (water...
Raised Beds Using Cardboard Boxes
I agree with gouligann... the moisture will break down the sides and you have to water thoroughly so I would put the creativity hat back on with this idea. :(
Growing Big Tomatoes
Just a note, some tomatoes are actually climbing varieties and some are bush varieties. The bush varieties will do better with this type of pruning, while the climbing ones will do better with one long trellised vine (other suckers pinched off). :)
Kitten Bites for Attention?
Totally agree with the first poster about Ouch!. You can also add a bite back of your own, using your fingers. We have used this techinique effectively with both of our cats. It helps them understand what not to do.
What Else Can I Do to Improve the Quality of Life for My Ill Cat?
As a vet friend of mine told me... when they are having more bad days then good, then it is time. It is the final act of love that you can do for your beloved pet. I have tears in my eyes writing this because I have also been in your position, albeit many years...
Dishwasher Continues to Run After Cycle is Complete?
It depends on what you mean by running... It may be going through the drying/heat cycle after it finishes washing.
Gabby (Calico)
Totally in agreement with K9cats! Please get her spayed. Tens of thousand of animals are euthanized every year. Please help stop the suffering by this single act of love. Thanks!
What Can I Use to Get Rid of Ants?
Use cornstarch, the ants fill up on it, it expands in their stomach and the rest (and the ant) is history.
Softening Hard Sugar?
Put a couple of saltine crackers in the container with the sugar. Also move it into a airtight plastic container.
Diesel (Bluenose Pit Bull)
Agreeing with the first poster... while puppies are adorable, the rate of euthanazia is horrendously high because people dont take the time to correctly train their pets and/or view them as disposable property. Please neuter your beloved dog and help to save...
Housebreaking an Abused Dog?
I would recommend doing some crate training with her. After checking out the medical issues already mentioned, she may be needing some sense of security. Having her own space that she can go to (as well as sleep in) might help. That is also a way to housetrain...
Introducing a Puppy to the Resident Cat?
It might take some time but they will get along. You might want to try having the puppy on a leash for at least the first time so they can sniff each other. If the puppy wants to chase the cats, definitely deter it in some way. Dont give up and give one of...
Cat Started Peeing and Pooping in Closet?
Agreed on putting the litter box back! As they get older, just like people, they are not as limber and resilient and may not have as much warning about when she has to go.
Toddler Backsliding on Potty Training?
When something like this happens, it is often due to some emotional stress or changes. Because of her age, they cannot process these emotions and therefore regress in a physical way. Dont over react as that will draw more attention to the less desirable act...
Water From Flowerpot Left Stain on Carpet?
Sprinkle some table salt on the stain, then spray with a 50-50 solution of Hydrogen Peroxide and water. Let sit for a minute or so, then rub with a rag. This should take care of it - Good Luck!
$10 Dinners: Grandma Sue's Famous Sausage...
Just made this. Used a little less water so that it was less of a stew as the end result. The flavor was amazing! Thanks for helping me use up some ingredients on hand for a wonderful dinner. :) Its a keeper!
