February 1, 2005

Protecting Heirloom NeedleworkMy late mother-in-law made me a lovely piece of needlework, but it had to be laundered quite often. I was worried about the wear and tear on the piece, so I found an old metal frame with glass that fit the frame and hung the piece.

 

Saving Electricity - Maintain Your Water HeaterMY electric bill dropped thirty dollars last month when I changed the heating elements and put a cover on my hot water heater. The lower element was burnt out so the upper had to work overtime, plus the loss of heat because of no cover. Live and learn. By Reta

 

Creating Extra Counter Space For BakingOur kitchen did not have enough work space. My sister likes to bake, and did not have the space to roll out dough, etc., without moving things all around.

 

Using Medicine DroppersIf you have to give your toddler tylenol or other "dropper" medicine measure the medicine in the dropper then transfer to a spoon. That way you won't recontaminate them with the same sick germs later, or have to throw out the bottle of medicine. By Melanie

 

Shortening Cooking Time In The OvenTo shorten cooking time for fish sticks or chicken patties first cook them on a plate in the microwave for a minute or two until just warm then transfer them to the oven to get them crispy.

 

Wrigley (Chocolate Lab)This is Wrigley. He is named after Wrigley Field in Chicago. (My husband is a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan.) He is a full-blooded Chocolate Lab and was born December 11. We've had him for one whole week as of today (1-29). Since he is teething, his favorite hobby is chewing everything in sight.

 

Unsticking SuperglueMy tip is the 'antidote' to Superglue, for when you stick yourself to something, your fingers together or even worse to the tube of superglue. Cooking oil and lots of patience will remove or unstick Superglue.

 

Unmatched Socks for PlayWhen your kids go out to play in the snow let them wear pairs of unmated socks, probably more then one to keep warmer. Then when they come in just let them put on the regular mated socks.

 

Keeping the Kids from Unrolling Toilet PaperIf you have small children, they've probably played unroll-the-toilet-paper at some point. To make it harder for kids to unroll it, and make toilet paper last longer, squish the roll so that it's no longer round before you put it on the holder. Kids won't be able to give it a spin and unroll it. By Camilla

 

Duck TaleA woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgeon. As she lay her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm so sorry, your pet has passed away."

 

Beloved Stuffed Chicken Breast RecipeHere's a recipe that I absolutely love!

 

Free Plastic UtensilsWhen you go out to eat at a drive-through or eat at your work cafeteria just slip your plastic utensils into your tupperware to take home. Wash and save them. A friend of mine gets about a shoe box full of free plastic forks and spoons each year. By Melanie

 

Covering Heat RegistersTo stop cold air leaks from coming in your unused heat register vents just cut up one of those large magnetic calendars for your fridge. I got 3 covers from a Dollar Tree calendar.

 

Killing Bind Weed?I am looking for a cure to kill the bind weed around my farm. I haven't minded it too much except that it is moving into my flower beds and that is a no, no. I've tried digging it, but there is just too much of it. Donna Marie

 

Schnoodle That Bites?My name is Baxter, I am a 9 week old schnoodle. I like to bite instead of love. Can anyone tell my mom If this is normal for a schnoodle. According to everything she has read I am supposed to be very loving. Well I'm not. Baxter

 

Liquid Eyeliner On Suede Boots?Today I was putting on my liquid eyeliner when I accidently dropped the bottle and the liquid landed on my new suede boots! Help! I just bought my boots. How do I get the stain out!

 

Does Putting Batteries In The Freezer Extend Their Life?My question is... Does putting batteries in the freezer extend their life? I have been told that it does. Can someone answer this question. Thank you, Mary

 

Creative Uses for Empty CD Jewel Cases?Looking for creative uses for empty CD jewel cases. We have lots of them! Please post your ideas. By zballoongirl

 

Homemade Marshmallows?Does anyone out there know how to make marshmallows? On qvc this morning they were selling a cookbook and said you could make your marshmallow for pennies! I thought that would be fun for the grandkids! Thanks, Carol from Tennessee

 

Scrapbooking - Secrets and Pitfalls?Hi, I hear so much about scrapbooking. Although it sounds like fun, time and money are always a balancing act. There are lots of supplies at the Dollar Stores. Like all things, there are great tips and suggestions that put the special "zing" into the presentation. Before I start cutting up pictures, what are the pitfalls? What are the "secrets"?