Advice of Meal Planning, Shopping, and Food Storage?
So, youre stressed out because 1) your kids dont agree with what food to eat and 2) you dont have enough time to do a lot of cooking. Since your kids are a little older, have you considered allowing them to help with the menu? Get together pen and paper, sales...
Crush Sugar Cubes For Granulated Sugar
Have you ever tried stevia as a sugar substitute? It is not aspartame, splenda, or anything like that. It comes from the stevia plant and people have been using it in places like South American for thousands of years. It mixes well into coffee and tea. I have...
Christmas Charities?
Hi, Kisha. I agree with the other posters that there are probably numerous organizations in your community that will help you not only with toys and gifts but probably with food and other items too. Also, check places like Freecycle and Craigslist for free...
Graduation Gift Ideas?
Congrats to you and your son. These are just a few ideas: 1) money to help him relocate and set up an apartment or house once he finds a job. 2) nice briefcase (whether or not you do this would depend on his profession). 3) nice frame for his diploma so he...
Manual for a Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven #AX-707?
Is this it? http://customwebdesign.tripod.com/perfection_aire_manual.pdf
Basic Spaghetti Cake Recipe?
How about this? http://allrecipes.com/recipe/spaghetti-pie-ii/detail.aspx
The Dangers of MSG and Aspartame
Congratulations for finding the answer to your problem. I like your line about how it is easier to be well than get well. Thats so amazing and simple, yet also true. I thought you might also like to read a book about excitotoxins written by a well known doctor...
Latex, Tree Nut, and Oatmeal Free Cosmetics?
I will start by seconding the first posters comments on eczema and parasites. I have had eczema very bad and eliminating the parasites and exposure to allergens helped much more than anything I could spread on my skin. In my case, I am extremely allergic to...
Roach Problem?
You are not dirty people, but roaches are attracted to paper, crumbs on the counter, dirty dishes, and trash. You didnt say how often you clean, so please dont think I am trying to be insulting. Some of this stuff is not so obvious. To get rid of the roaches...
Inexpensive Storage Bins?
How about old shoe boxes? Check around your house. You may have old shoe boxes or other kinds of boxes you are not currently using. If you dont like how plain they look, get out some craft paints, glitter, etc. and decorate them up a bit. Also, check stores...
Weight Watchers Diet Plan from Late 1980s to early 1990s?
Try this used books site. Click on advanced search in the upper right corner to enter weight watchers and the years 1980 to 1990. I found a few titles. Good luck. http://www.alibris.com
Income Ideas for a Stay at Home Mom?
Not sure about the job front, but have you considered teaming up with another mom in a similar situation? For example, while she is at work, you could watch her children. While you work, she could watch your children. Just an idea, but I dont know if it would...
Water Game Birthday Party for a 5 Year Old?
How about one of those slip and slide things that you could put on the ground, turn on the sprinklers, and let the kids (and maybe grownups, too) have fun? Water pistols and balloons sound fun, too. For littler kids, maybe a wading pool? But they would need...
Rash On Tops of Feet?
Have you considered whether it could the fabric in the shoes, or maybe dye, or something else about the shoes you are wearing? Maybe even the socks you are wearing? Even if it has never happened before, it is possible.
Centerpieces for a Post-Prom Party?
How about hanging some maps, like old road maps or world maps on the wall? Have tacks handy in bowls or baskets and a little slips of paper. People could write their destination on the slip of paper and put it on the wall. I suppose doing this necessitates...
Reusing Tins
I recently began doing the same thing. I began storing my oatmeal in an old Folgers coffee container after I ran it through the dishwasher. I am using an old Jif peanut butter jar to put flaxseeds in. The possibilities are endless.
Cheapest Cell Phone?
I recommend Tracfone. No monthly fee at all. All you need to do is buy the phone which you may likely find in Walmart, Big Lots, Dollar General, or Walgreens. The features on phones vary, but the last one I bought only has text and talk and cost about $5.00...
Removing Ball Point Pen From Paper?
I work as a professional librarian and do book repair and cleaning on a regular basis. I recommend using a Magic Rub eraser which can be purchased at art supply stores, Office Depot, and Office Max. Office Depot.com has them priced at 89 cents. Dont use the...
Advice On Opening and Financing a Small Business?
Small Business Development Center has loans and grants available, and also classes and other assistance with starting a business. http://www.sba.gov/content/small-business-development-centers-sbdcs
Putting Together a Clorox Ready Mop?
I havent used one of these, so I dont know if this works. Good luck. http://www.clorox.com/products/clorox-readymop-mopping-system/how-to/
Controlling Hypertension?
I know that some folks are able to control their high blood pressure without medication through diet and/or meditation. Check with a doctor about whether this approach is right for your situation. I know this approach has worked for some people when medication...
Deodorant Stains On Clothing?
I have no idea what to do about the stains, but to keep from getting stains in the first place, I would recommend changing deodorant. I use Crystal Deodorant that I can buy at Walgreens, grocery stores, and sometimes Big Lots. It costs around $5.00 or so, depending...
Carrot Recipes?
How about in a smoothie? Put a handful of carrots, a banana, and some kind of milk (cows milk, almond milk, rice milk, etc.) in a blender and puree it. The carrots are pretty sweet, but you could add a little honey or stevia sweeten it up. Put some in a soup...
Inexpensive Meal Ideas?
Macaroni with tuna and peas Cook package of macaroni (12-16 oz.) according to package directions. Because we are a dairy and gluten free house, we use gluten free pasta and stir in mayo, tuna, and frozen peas. If you like, you could cook regular macaroni and...
Choosing a Food Chopper?
I have this one from Cuisinart. It is inexpensive. I think I bought it at Bed, bath, and beyond for about $12-$14. I guess what you get might depend on if your mother has any difficulty with her hands like grasping things or arthritis. This one is pretty easy...
Whirlpool Stove Beeping and Displaying F2 Code?
Try this: http://whirlpool.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/178/kw/manual/session/L3RpbWUvMTI4NjkwMjIwMy9zaWQvVUROTGlqY2s%3D
Lemon Juice For Acne Scars?
I cant say as I know about lemon juice. I would think leaving on while you sleep might risk you getting it in your eyes and stinging. I visited several dermatologists beginning when I was about 11 until I was 18. I had cystic acne, which is about the worst...
Looking for Discount Food Stores Near Reading Pennsylvania?
Here are a couple of Dollar General Stores. 3215 N 5TH STREET HWY READING, PA 19605-2450 (610)929-9365 1920 KUTZTOWN RD READING, PA 19604-1518 (610)921-2465 Here is a Big Lots. Big Lots #1754 3215 North 5th Street Highway Reading, PA 19605 (610) 921-2176 Hours...
Ideas for Activities at a Rehabilitation Facility?
How about a potluck party? They could cook some of the items for the party. Can someone else bring refreshments, plates, etc.? If they are not physically disabled, maybe a game of Twister would be fun?
Organizing My Desk Drawers?
Would it be possible to put in a hanging file folder frame and put handing file folders on it? You could definitely use that to store stationery. You can certainly put those little plastic label holders on the file folders to make it easy to see your stuff...
Remedy for Itching Mosquito Bites
Up until about a month ago I walking to work every day for a couple of years, I was also getting eaten alive by mosquitoes and whatever else flies around in Kansas. So, I had already bought some citronella for something else. I rubbed it all over and it worked...
Home Remedies for Acne
Has your daughter been tested for allergies? I was tested multiple times for allergies and only seasonal ones and mold came up. I had had allergy symptoms, infections, etc. all of my life and at age 29 was diagnosed with asthma. I also had the worst kind of...
Uses for Fan Parts
Hello, Tamaram55. I saw your photo and comment. If you really have old computers amongst your junk here is one way you can salvage one for something useful. http://thereifixedit.failblog.org/2009/12/31/old-data-storage/ I dont know where you are located, but...
Father's Day Gift Ideas for Nursing Home Residents?
Gifts are nice, but most folks in nursing homes are very lonely. How about arranging a special dinner and arranging for family members to visit?
Second Job Ideas?
Do surveys. Could you sign up with a temporary service to work once in awhile like as a day laborer? How about collecting aluminum cans and selling them? How about doing errands like shopping, cleaning, or lawn mowing for elderly or disabled neighbors?
BrassMate Metal Polish?
Here is where you can order Brassmate. They did not list any brick and mortar stores that have it. However, you should be able to buy a product called Brasso at most stores like Walmart, Target, grocery stores, Walgreens, etc. Look in the aisle with cleaning...
Removing Ink from Book Pages?
Try a Magic Rub Eraser. You can buy them at places that sell art, office, and school supplies. http://www.dickblick.com/products/sanford-magic-rub-eraser/
What Can I Make With These Ingredients?
I would suggest going to the following link and clicking on ingredients at the top of the page: http://www.allrecipes.com Just a few ideas that come to mind: Hamburger Rice Soup Cajun Soup Beef-Vegetable Soup
What might be causing an itchy ear?
You could possibly have an infection in there. Its not like an inner ear infection where you have to take antibiotics for 10 days. I used to get infections a lot when I was a kid. For me, it was caused by bacteria in the public pool that I went to a lot during...
Royal Blue Stick On Bows for Wedding Invitations?
How about Hobby Lobby? They have many different craft items at excellent prices.
Earning Extra Money With Consignment Stores?
I went to http://maps.google.com and entered El Paso, TX. Then, I clicked Search Nearby and entered used clothing. I did see quite a few used clothing stores, but some are likely charities, like Goodwill. Call ahead about whether they buy, what they buy, etc...
What Do I Make With Leftover Steak?
Chinese stir fry idea sounds good. Or how about slicing it thin, stir fry it with some onions, etc. and put it in a wrap with something like barbeque or steak sauce.
Uses For Leftover Chili
When I lived in a major metro area, we used to eat Chili 3 way or 3 way at Steak and Shake a lot. Now, I make it at home and my husband loves it. Another use I can think of is making chili dogs.
Frugal Cooking for Two Recipes?
I like this recipe for stew a lot. I change it up a little by adding a can of diced tomatoes, a small can of mushrooms, and 1 or 2 cans of pureed black beans. You could add virtually whatever vegetables you like and maybe noodles or rice to extend it some. The...
Frugal Cooking for Two Recipes?
I forgot to say that the stew recipe enables my husband and I to get at least 2 meals each of it. Its pretty cheap to make and yummy, too!
Pumpkin Dump Cake
This is awesome. One of my friends introduced me to this years ago. I am allergic to milk, though, so we experimented with rice milk. It tastes okay with rice milk, but was not as fluffy.
Recipes Using Leftover Ham?
My mom used to make salmon cakes for my brother and I when we were little. She mixed up onion, canned salmon, an egg, and some kind of breading. She fried it in small patties about 2 or 3 inches diameter in oil. I dont think normally we would have volunteered...
Pets Drinking the Christmas Tree Water?
I would not let the dog drink the water from the Christmas tree. Between the potential for pesticides and not knowing if a normal tree is toxic, it seems like a bad idea, especially for a pet with health problems. About 2 years ago, we bought a small version...
Remedies for a Cat With Dry Skin?
You should really take your cat to a vet for diagnosis, as it may not be a dry skin condition. If the cat has mites, it causes him to scratch enough to form sores. Fleas may also causes this. At any rate, you should take your cat to the vet so that you arent...
Real Christmas Trees Are Green
If you are going to have a Christmas tree, why not buy a live tree planted in a pot? After the holiday is over, you could plant it in your yard or offer it to a local park or something to plant there. This actually seems like the best option.
Cooking for 8?
My husband and I like to eat the following: Pasta with tuna and peas Cook pasta according to directions. We like to use elbow macaroni, but any kind will do. Drain water off pasta. Dump in about 1/2 a bag of frozen peas, a couple of spoonfuls of mayonaisse...
Product Review: Dryer Balls
I have been using a set of dryer balls for several years and love them. I guess they dont get the laundry to smell good like fabric softener does, but I dont care because I hate the smell of that stuff and it makes me itch. I bought my dryer balls at a Walgreens...
Party Foods That Do Not Require Refrigeration?
Can you possibly order something by phone and either have it delivered to the destination or pick it up on your way to the destination? Or how about chipping in some money with other people at the events? That way you are contributing, but you dont have to...
Removing Permanent Marker from Dry Clean Only Clothing?
Try a little alcohol. Alcohol breaks up inks. If you dont have that handy, try hairspray, as it has alcohol in it. Try it in a nonconspicuous place first just to make sure it would affect the color.
What Chemicals Are in Unsalted Butter?
Unless you use organic butter made from milk with no hormones as well as not coming from cows that consumed feed with pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, it is possible your butter has some or all of these in it. These are harmful chemicals to all people...
Ambrose Family Stew
This stew is really good. In fact, I made it last night and my husband just raved. One pot will usually feed us both for at least 2 meals. I have changed it a little bit by adding a can of diced tomatoes. I dont use Lawrys salt, celery, or cheese.
Using Basil?
I, too, am an addict. I chop it up very small and use it in stuff like stir fry and soups. It is very fragrant and blends well with other spices, like ginger and garlic. Here is an url with some recipes. http://allrecipes.com/recipes/herbs-and-spices/herbs...
Wild Blue Internet Service Reviews
I wish you luck with the attorney generals office. Their practices do sound ridiculous and predatory. If you have one in your area, I would recommend checking out Cox Communications. We have had broadband internet with them for over 6 years for $54.44 per month...
Christmas Dinner Starter Ideas for Three Course Meal?
How about nice salad with lettuce, spinach, etc. and an assortment of dressing and toppings on the side?
Recipes Using Canned Chicken?
I love to buy the Swansons canned chicken, either the 3 pack of small cans or the larger cans. Another yummy option is the Tyson refrigerated chicken strips. The small cans are just the right size to make a chicken salad sandwich. I add mayo, salt, and pepper...
Mimzy Marie Blue (Grey and White Tuxedo)
I think Mimzy is just darling. She looks a little like my cat Morgaine. See photo below. Morgaine also loves to look out the window and could spend all day watching the birds out the front window.
Water Bathing Potatoes for Canning?
Is this what you are looking for? http://www.freshpreserving.com/pages/step_by_step_low_acid_foods/35.php
Making Shoes Narrower?
I am not sure you can resize the width of shoes. You could wear thicker socks to make the shoes fit a little tighter. However, I would recommend actually buying shoes to fit your feet. Naturalizer makes shoes in narrow, medium, wide, and double wide. Buying...
Helping Improve a Child's Concentration on Studies?
I would add that you should keep age-appropriate dictionaries on the table nearby. If the child becomes sleepy or is disinterested, have him go back to the last area he felt he understood the text. Quiz him on the meanings of words. For those that he gets wrong...
Removing Ink from Old Paper?
Try a Magic Rub Eraser. They can get dirt, ink, and a lot of other things off of paper. You can buy them at art supply stores, school suppliers, Walmart, etc. for a couple of dollars or so. Dont get the pink pearl type erasers. They will only smudge it. Here...
Shipping a Pie?
Maybe you could contact a bakery in your sisters area and pay to have a pie made and delivered to her home. That way it would arrive fresh and unmangled by shipping. My heart goes out to you and your sister. I lost my father 28 years ago. God bless you.
Decorating a Room With Red Couches?
How about some interesting art work or wallhangings for the walls? Cushions in contrasting colors? Vases?
Reusing Old Sheets
I saw something recently where somewhere where somebody took an old sheet, a curtain rod, and rubber bands and made an interesting looking valance. With a used piece of material and some rubber bands, it is a practically free decoration for your house. Because...
Use Stevia Instead of Sugar?
Hello. I also use stevia, but not the Truvia brand. I use Sweet Leaf, which I buy in the health food section of my grocery store. Sweet Leaf is organic and does not contain any sugar or anything artificial like colorings, etc. It has a glycemic index of 0, so...
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dry Cleaning?
There are several brands of dry clean alternatives that you can buy at Walmart, etc. Purex is one of them, I know. They usually come with a special bag that you put in the dryer and you turn the dryer on a lower heat. It costs a lot less and you dont get the...
Advice on Buying a New Washer?
Well, I cant really give you any advice about a washer, but if you want to get a better deal, go to http://www.mrrebates.com. I ordered a dishwasher from Sears by going through mrrebate.com and got a really good deal using a coupon code on a machine that was...
Use Safety Straps to Secure Purse While Shopping
Wouldnt it be easier to put the purse strap on your shoulder? What if you turn your back from your cart for a second? Do you think a thief would car if he had to undo a cart strap while you are preoccupied? I never leave my purse anywhere except on my shoulder...
Saving Water When Washing Your Car
I am curious about how you managed to do this since you said there is a ban on water usage of this sort.
Save With a Vacuum Sealer
I couldnt afford to buy the more expensive models, but I did buy a Reynolds Handi-Vac for about $9.99. It does not work quite as well as I remember my mothers Seal a Meal working many years ago, but it does work and it is worth every penny and then some. You...
Uses for Pickle Jars?
How about collecting coins in them? Or maybe buttons? If you really want to use them in your kitchen, I think keeping different kinds of pasta in them would look really pretty. If you want to keep flour, sugar, etc. in them, I like the other posters ideas about...
Paying Off Bills?
Start looking at what you are actually spending money on. Nearly every bill is negotiable or an alternative can be found. Get out each one of your bills: rent/mortgage, electric, gas, phone, cell phone, internet, garbage, credit card, etc. Ask yourself if you...
Eating a Low-Salt Diet?
You cant still create tasty, yet healthy meals even without salt. Have you tried any salt-free seasonings for your food. For example, garlic, turmeric, curry, cayenne pepper, and onions all add a lot of flavor and no sodium. I like to make baked chicken or...
My Hair is Too Curly?
One of my friends has really curly and frizzy hair. She uses a product called Frizz-Ease. In the United States, I think you can buy it in discount stores like Walmart and Walgreens as well as an online store http://www.drugstore.com. I dont know anything about...
Crafty Uses For Plastic Baby Food Containers?
A number of thoughts come to mind. 1) jars for storing glue, paint, glitter, etc. that you might use for creating your crafts 2) jars for making up premade cocoa or tea mixes, etc. to give as gifts or sell 3) storing safety pins, beads, buttons, paper clips...
Angel (Tortoise Shell)
We purchased a Cat It brand drinking fountain for our kitties several months ago and the just love it. We initially bought it because we were looking for a water bowl that was large and heavy enough that they could not turn it over. When talking with a colleague...
Eliminating Leftovers and Food Waste
I use a Reynolds Handi Vac with Reynolds Handi Vac Bags. The Handi Vac removes the air from the food. I cant promise it wont get freezer burn, but my food never has using this. The Handi Vac was only about $10 (I think) when I bought it a couple of years ago...
Car Flag Holders?
Is this what you are looking for? http://www.flagandbanner.com/fab/productpage.asp?id=CBRAC38H
Try Almond Milk for Cereal
I use almond milk and rice milk a lot because I am extremely allergic to milk, so it provides a healthy and tasty alternative. The brand of almond milk I buy is Blue Diamond. My store has it in vanilla flavor, regular, and unsweetened. Sometimes, I buy Rice...
Tape Residue on Mirrored Wall?
To get adhesive or residue of tape off of something, I use a Magic Rub Eraser. You can buy them at office supply stores, art supply stores, and sometimes Walmart. Depending on how bad the residue is, you may have to work on it for awhile to get it come off...
Make Cat Toys Out of Recycled Materials
One of my cats (the black one in the photo) loves to chase the plastic rings off of mayonaisse jars. He will even play fetch with it for hours. Our other cat, the white one in the photo, likes to play with pieces of dry cat food that somehow get dropped on...
Growing: Stevia
I have been using stevia for years and love it. I bet if we did some hunting into who funded these studies we would find some very interesting information. If it actually caused sterility, the population in Paraguay where a lot of it grows would have probably...
What to do About Armpit Odor?
If you find that it has something to do with your lymph glands, you may want to read this book called Dressed to Kill. It talks about how bras restrict the flow of lymph, which can result in cancer and other illness. I have been going without a bra for over...
Substitute Canned Tomatoes for Fresh
I wonder if growing tomatoes would be cheaper than buying canned?
Paperclip Bookmark
As a librarian who has seen the damage that bobby pins and paper clips can do to books, all I can say is AAGHH! Metal fasteners of these sort are particularly bad at damaging to books by tearing and making holes in the paper when you go to remove them. Do yourself...
Does anyone know how to start a bartering group?
First, try this website to see if there is already a local group in your area. Being a member of freecycle is completely free. In fact, one of the main rules is that no money changes hands between people when something is traded. Over the years, my husband...
