March 2, 2006

Late Winter PruningProper pruning is a good way to help your plants and shrubs stay healthy while preparing them for budding. It's best to prune shrubs that bloom in the summer and fall in the late winter or early spring prior to bud development.

 

Sanding WoodWhen sanding a piece of wood you can use an old nylon to check the smoothness of the wood. Slip the nylon over you hand and slide your hand over the piece of wood. Anywhere that the nylon snags needs more sanding.

 

Make Your Own Sanding BlockWrap sandpaper around a wood block to sand large areas of wood. The wood will be sanded evenly and the sand paper will wear evenly.

 

Getting Sticky Dresser Drawers to Run SmoothlyUse Johnson wax to wax the runners on sticky dresser drawers. Makes the drawers slide smoothly. This can make sticky secondhand furniture drawers slide smoothly.

 

Keep Pen Ink From Leaking in Your PurseOne easy way to prevent pen ink from leaking in your purse or briefcase is to store your pens in plastic travel toothbrush holder. Even pens with caps can sometimes break and leak.

 

The Value of Clear Glass CanistersI have heavy square glass canisters with tight-fitting lids that I store dried ingredients in on the countertop. The glass lets me see the level of these products so I know when to add that item to the grocery list.

 

Heaven JokeA woman approached the Pearly Gates and was greeted by St. Peter who said, "Before you enter, you must spell a word." "Oh," she said. "What word?" "Any word you like," he told her.

 

Gizmo (Moggy/Ragdoll)Gizmo is about 8 Months and is a Moggy/ragdoll. He is a kitten from my gorgeous Tortishells litter, along with another entry of mine, Milesy. He likes to sneak into the pantry.

 

Saving By Using Smaller Post-a-NotesI use a lot of post-a-notes for various reminders, but found I was rarely using the entire space the larger post-a-notes provided. I have now switched to the smallest size I can find...

 

Picture PillowHere is a picture pillow I made of my granddaughter, Dani. It was my first try at printing pictures to cloth using my printer. I must say, I'm quite proud of it.

 

Homemade Kool-aid Playdough RecipesI am looking for recipe to make playdough using koolaid.

 

All Occasion PunchCombine all ingredients except ginger ale and chill well. Just before party time, pour over an ice ring or block of ice in a punch bowl. Add ginger ale...

 

The Care and Feeding of African VioletsThe African violet, one of America's most common houseplants, comes in an immense range of varieties. Although it is not difficult to grow, it does demand constant care and attention. Above all else, that is the secret to successfully growing and maintaining this diverse and beautiful plant.

 

Birds Nesting in Attic?We have birds nesting in our attic. They are entering and exiting through the little vent holes near the roof. Does anyone know a humane way to get the birds to leave so that we can cover the holes?

 

Candle Wax On Mercerized Cotton T-Shirt?I got candle wax on my black 100% mercerized cotton t-shirt and now the wax has dried. I need the shirt this weekend, can anyone help me out?

 

Flavoring Dishes With Butter?I'd like to flavor a fried cabbage and onions dish with butter, but do the actual cooking with olive oil. How little butter can I use at the very end and still give it some flavor? Any opinions?

 

Certificates of Deposit?I would like to know whether to buy Certificates of Deposit in large amounts, or would it be better to split the money up that you have to put in CDs?

 

Removing Burnt Grease from Copper Bottom Pans?I am new at this and I have a question for the members. How do you remove burned on grease and crud from copper bottom cookware? It's burned on over a period of time and short of using a Dremel on it I have no clue how to clean.

 

Vinyl Record Covers Tote Bags?I just retired and going through my vinyl record collection. I am finding out the covers are worth more than the record. I am trying to locate a source for clear vinyl tote bag in which a record cover can be inserted. I will use the above to sell records at local events. Any leads?

 

Stains From Rawhide Dog Bone on Microfiber?My puppy chewed his rawhide bone on my new dark brown microfiber sofa, I now have small white marks on the sofa, I have used a damp cloth to clean but it doesn't do anything. Is there any way to remove the white/light discoloration?

 

Job Ideas for an Outgoing Person?My son is working in heating and air, and is not really happy with that choice of occupations. He is a very outgoing type of person, and anytime he has ever taken an aptitude test, it always suggests sales. Does anyone have suggestions for him as to what he can do with that kind of personality and people skills? Any brainstorm ideas would help and be of interest.