October 26, 2004

Dry Hand RemedyWhen I was a surgical assistant, my hands used to get very dry from the surgical scrub and powder from the gloves. This is a trick I learned that works great to make your hands feel wonderful! You will be amazed at the results, however temporary they may be.

 

Take Leftovers from Large Celebrations to Homeless SheltersSince our big Italian family has grown in the last few years, we now hire a hall to have a Christmas celebration in December. We all make and bring our favorite foods; lasagna, meatballs, pastries, etc.

 

Save Money on Heat, Put on a SweaterI've noticed that many people who complain about being cold automatically turn up the thermostat instead of putting on slippers, a sweater, etc. I've found I can set the thermostat a few degrees lower by simply keeping my feet and arms warm. By Leann D

 

Drying Place MatsDry place mats by hanging them over the side of the bathtub. They dry flat and straight and don't need ironing.

 

Soaking Your White LaundryTo get and keep your white laundry the whitest you can, soak the load overnight in the washing machine with your normal detergent and additives. Agitate the load for a few minutes, turn off, and let soak.

 

Cheap Gifts From Root CuttingsRoot several plant cuttings in soil in empty sour cream or cottage cheese containers, yogurt containers or cut down plastic bottles. Drill or punch a few drainage holes.

 

Taking Pictures When Your TravelIf you're traveling with an untried camera, take advantage of a 1-hour film developing service and test a roll of photos. This precaution may spare you the disappointment of learning only after returning home that your camera was malfunctioning. By joesgirl

 

High Humidity for Winter ComfortKeep the moisture level of your home relatively high during the winter, either with a humidifier or with lots of plants. Higher humidity makes the body feel warmer. By joesgirl

 

Organizing Your Gift ClosetKeep a running inventory on the door of the closet where you keep gifts purchased throughout the year. If the item is stored elsewhere, note where you have stored it.

 

Cookie Cutters as Napkin RingsInexpensive cookie cutters make cute seasonal napkin rings. By Linda

 

Reusing Disposables GameMake a game out of seeing how many times a "disposable" product can (safely) be reused. I have been using the same sheet of paper towel to clean my bathroom mirror for over 2 months! I have used a paper plate to eat a sandwich on, brushed off the crumbs when finished, used it to cover a bowl of soup in the microwave, and finally drained bacon on it. My disposable paper products (well, except toilet paper!) seem to last a very long time! By Leann D

 

Tub or Sink Stain TipGot a stain on your tub or sink? Clean them quick and easy. Add cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide and make a paste. Spread the paste over the stain and scrub lightly with a brush.

 

Using Disposable ContainersKeep all "disposable" containers (juice bottles, margarine tubs, peanut butter jars, etc). They are great for taking to lunch for work, on picnics or to send leftovers home with dinner company.

 

Scrapbooking Tip - Storing StickersI know a lot of people who do scrapbooks. I love to make them, but have a limited budget, so I've come of with some ways to make my money go further. Instead of buying expensive sticker binders, I use the envelopes that come with my credit card offers.

 

Stretching EggsIf a recipe calls for 2 eggs, and you find you only have 1, you can use 2 Tablespoons of regular mayonnaise instead. This doesn't effect the taste at all. By Linda

 

Shoe Covers in the GardenPlastic food storage bags make great shoe covers when you're working in the muddy garden. Slip 2 bags over each shoe and secure them with rubber bands around your ankles.

 

Uses for Potato MasherI use a potato masher to mash hard cooked eggs, avocados for guacamole, butter that is still to hard to use for baking cookies.

 

Removing Skunk Smell From Books?I need to find out how to get a skunk smell out of school books with out ruining them. Need information asap.

 

Calming Down Your Pets With Comfort Oil?Has anyone used a product called comfort zone? You plug it into a wall socket, it has some kind of oil in it. To help calm down your pets. Ruthann

 

Mechanics Cap Pattern?I am looking for a pattern for a mechanics cap. I had made a few quite a while ago and have lost the pattern and hubby is running out of them with all the dirt and sweat, they only last so long. If you could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank You Trish

 

Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year?I have a Hibiscus which was given to me as a gift and bloomed beautifully all summer. Now the blooms are gone and it does well while it is outside but if I bring it in the house, all the leaves fall off and it looks awful. Is there anyway to save it so I can enjoy the blooms next summer?

 

What Is Grunged?Hi, I'd like to purchase some primitives and I see alot of them are listed as grunged which when I question what that is, they just say it is a process. Does anyone know what grunged is and what the process is? I have a person in the home with allergies. Thanks Kathy

 

Which Things Should I Donate?Help! My house is overrun with too much stuff! I'm selling some items on eBay, but want to have a garage sale by Spring 2005. I am not sure on a strategy on HOW and WHERE to START sorting everything in the house, it's over-whelming. I plan on storing boxes of sale items in the basement. And, what items are best to donate instead? Any tips would be great. :) My husband would appreciate this, too! -Lori

 

Making a Crate Sofa?I'm in the process of building a crate style sofa. I have a major back and leg problem and this is the only style I can sit on and be comfortable. I have all the measurements for the outside frame, 76"L x 32"W x 25"H. However I don't have the seat height.