October 24, 2004

Candy and Cookie Gift PackagingMaxwell House Coffee cans, 13 oz. size, have an inner metal ring just under the lid that strengthens the can and avoids sharp edges. Also, the thin plastic covering peels away easily leaving a shiny container that needs no other decoration. I use these to pack my best candies and cookies for gifts. I use a circle of waxed paper between layers and top the container with a bow. By Elizabeth

 

Menu Plan and Grocery ListsTo help save money on groceries, start by making out a menu plan for the upcoming week. Once the menus are made, check your cupboards for the necessary ingredients. Make a list of what you need to buy and stick to this list.

 

Make Your Own HandsoapYou can make your own handsoap from one bar of soap. Grate one (1) small bar of any kind of soap and add 3 cups of water. Put mixture in a microwave safe container and zap for 3 minutes. Pour into a handsoap container with a pump when cool. Makes 24 oz.

 

Easy Egg SaladI've seen many suggestions for dicing or chopping eggs for different meals, but never mine. For years now I've used the large holes of a grater.

 

Uses for Jam Jar LidsCooking Oil - To stop the drips from your cooking oil bottle messing up the cupboard shelves, try keeping the bottle on an inverted jam (jelly) jar lid ~ I find the lid from 'Nutella' spread is just the right size.

 

Easy Crockpot Beef RoastAn easy recipe for Crockpot Roast Beef.

 

Recovering a SofaDo you have a sofa that has seen better days? I have one that the material was really worn and had started to rip in places. It was second hand when it came to us but my children were very young then and helped it deteriorate.

 

Papaya Skin Treatment for Dry Skin1 wedge of papaya Scrape out the seeds, scoop out the fruit, and mash it. Smooth over entire face. After 5 minutes, wipe off with washcloth. Follow by splashing face with cool water. (*also works well on flaky skin) By Suzanne S.

 

Counter Top Refinishing?We are trying to update our home on a budget. The kitchen has white counter tops, but a green edge around it. I am trying to get rid of the green in my kitchen. I can not afford to have it professional done. Does anybody have any ideas on how I can change the color myself? Linda from Texas

 

What to do with Cardboard Cigar Boxes?I need some ideas on what to do with about 30 cardboard cigar boxes I got at an auction this afternoon. Some are pretty old and some are not. Any ideas? -tammy from virginia

 

What to Do with Queen Sized Comforters?What can I do with the queen size comforters I have lying in a linen closet--we don't have a queen anymore and I don't want to toss them out. One is a leopard print that I adore, but have no use for. -Kristy

 

Cap Pattern Instructions?I would like to find crochet instructions for a cap that is pointed at the top. Seems to be made in triangles and then joined together. thanks. Elles from AR

 

Smoke and Dog Odors?We recently bought a house and the previous owner left us a couch and recliner. The furniture has smoke, and dog odor that wont come out. We tried upholstery cleaner, and odor neutralizer sprays. None of this worked. Any suggestions? - Julie

 

Termites on Books and Cartons?How do we get rid of termites on some household items like books and paper cartons. Please give us tips.

 

Looking for Christmas Photo Ornaments?Looking for Christmas photo ornaments. I have snowflakes and like them but would like others.

 

Getting Basement Smell out of Clothes?How do I get "basement smell" out of clothes? Febreeze did not work. -Rasheed