February 15, 2005

Mail College Kids a Roll of QuartersAs a special surprise for your college kids, mail them a roll of quarters. That way, they can do their mailing (and laundry) on you and maybe even have something left over to buy a treat from a vending machine! By Robin

 

Keep Oatmeal from Sticking To The PanIf you are making oatmeal on the stove, one way to make sure it doesn't stick so badly to the pan is to spray the pan with cooking spray like Pam before you start. By Robin

 

War Sails Or Terra Rosa - Iris - Easter FlowersThis is a picture I took for Easter last year.

 

Aspirin Face MaskGreat for exfoliating away all the icky dry skin!

 

Picture on Your Debit CardOur bank recently began offering a debit/ATM card with a photo of the carrier on the card. It helps a great deal to fight against identity theft, which has become a real problem. Also, they provide $10,000 insurance along with the card and this was no cost to us at all. Might be worth checking with your bank to find out if something like this is available. By Robin

 

A Tiny Gift to EncloseAt Christmas, I was signing cards and found more than a few I'd like to endow with a 'tiny' gift. I enclosed a flavored tea bag or two and got nice responses.

 

Looking for a Way to Supplement IncomeI am looking for a way to supplement my income. I work full time as a secretary and have a computer at home. I am a very fast typest and am organized. I have bills I need to pay. Any suggestions? Thank you very much for your suggestions!

 

Earth Friendly Play DoughMix in saucepan over low heat (it does not have to heat long). Dough is ready when it rolls into a ball. Keep fresh in an airtight container or baggie.

 

Group Painting as GiftEver wonder what to give the person with everything? Yesterday after church, we had a ministry faire. It was wonderful! During the faire we designed a painting.

 

Unique 50th Birthday IdeasThis article features ideas that were shared in response to a question posed by a reader in 2005 who was looking for cheery and unique 50th birthday ideas.

 

Disposing of Unused Pet FoodIf you were to buy a brand of pet food that your pet won't eat for whatever reason. Don't toss it out in the trash, look in your phonebook to see if your city/town has a no kill animal shelter. Take it there.

 

Garlic for Sore ThroatsIf you have a sore throat try eating something with garlic and it could help give you relief very quickly. Garlic has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties to it so it really does help. By Robin

 

Chocolate DessertMix and melt the margarine and chocolate. Allow to cool. Combine powdered sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla. Fold in beaten egg whites. Add to chocolate mixture. Combine vanilla wafer crumbs and nuts. Layer in 9x13 inch cake pan:

 

Valance TableclothsInstead of trying to find a window to make these valances fit on, I decided to use them for side table covers. They are also foam backed so anyone placing a wet item on the cloth, will not spoil the finish of the table.

 

Emergency Methods for Someone Who is ChokingI am a former first aid/cpr instructor and think that knowing what to do in a choking situation is important. It only takes a few minutes without air before brain damage occurs.

 

Cheap & Festive DecorationsQuick, easy, and inexpensive--this is great for any party (just change the color scheme!) Go to your party supply store and buy a large spool of "curling ribbon" (the kind you put on balloons). . .

 

Crochet Purse Made With Strips Of Fabric?Does anyone know how to knit or crochet a purse with strips of fabric? Linda

 

Inexpensive Resources For Birth Control?My friend is a young married lady on a tight budget. She uses birth control pills for family planning, and she has run out. She cannot afford the cost of an exam and pill from a private clinic or Planned Parenthood. Does anyone know of any resource for her? Thanks! Susanna

 

Looking for a New Home?Things to consider when looking for a new home. Post your ideas.

 

Dyeing Leather Sneakers Pink?My daughter wants to dye her white leahter sneakers pink. Has anyone done this and had success? I'd appreciate any tips. Katie in NY

 

Help with Stray Cats?I have 4 stray cats that hang out on my back porch. I have a male neutered cat inside. Apparently, one of the strays is also a male (unneutered) and he has been spraying my house--gross! I have a 2 year old and I don't want him to go out and play when this cat sprays. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this stray cat to stop spraying or to get him to leave? Help please! melissa in wv

 

Looking For Cool Salads For a Packed Lunch?I am looking for receipes for cold salads, such as pasta, egg salad, and such. My husband travels for his work and he takes a cooler and I am running out of ideas for cold salads for him to take along. Any resources would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Melissa

 

Odors Coming From Downstairs Apartment?I share the 2nd floor of a duplex and the neighbor downstairs is extremely dirty. *Think the worst episode of Lifetime's 'How clean is your house?'*

 

Cat Pees on Dirty Laundry only?My cat seems to pee only on my dirty clothes. Any idea's on why? She is almost 2 yrs old, and her litter box is kept clean. Please help with any ideas of how to make her go back to using her litter box. No changes in the household. Debbie

 

Recipe for Clove Oil?Does anyone have a recipe for clove oil? Laww

 

Uses For Belts?Tips for using clothng belts for something other than keeping your pants up. Post your ideas.

 

Painting Dining Room a Dramatic Color?I want to paint my dining room a dramatic maroon, but my husband insists that it would make the room "small". Also I am looking for a finish that would add depth, without being trendy (like sponging). Any tips for colorwashing? Debbie