February 25, 2011

Staying HydratedI was feeling tired, lacking energy, and was having problems with muscle cramps. When talking to my doctor, I realized I do not drink enough water. Even when I thought I was drinking enough water, I was not.

 

Painting TipsWith spring right around the corner, here are some handy painting hints.

 

My Frugal Life: Surviving After A LossWhile people everywhere were preparing for the holidays, my children and I were preparing for a funeral. My husband of thirty years had a heart attack on December 14, 2008, passed away on December 23rd, and was buried on the 31st. It was indeed an indelible holiday.

 

Reuse Lamp Base in Garden DecoratingKeep an eye open for big table lamps at thrift stores or yard sales. Remove the top part that holds the light bulb and tear out the wiring, so you have just the lamp-base.

 

Link: 5 Ingredient FixI don't make recipes any more that have a lot of ingredients. I was quite surprised to find a program on the Food Network called 5 Ingredient Fix. It is only on on Saturday at 9:30 am Central time. I have gone to that site and find myself spending a lot of time there.

 

Scenery: Fishing Area (River Walk, Augusta, GA)I was walking at River Walk, and saw all these fishing poles. The people fishing were enjoying the sunshine and not the least bit worried about catching a bite!

 

Remove Seal Before Shaking JugDo you purchase "shake before using" orange juice or milk in a cardboard carton with a screw-on cap? It's been my experience that if I shake the carton before removing the seal, drops will fly everywhere when it's pulled off.

 

Keeping Razors SharpAfter showering, soak head of your razor in some baby oil to keep the blade rust free.

 

Scenery: Sunset (Grand Prairie, TX)This is another beautiful sunset that I took a picture of last month. I love the colors and cloud formation. You can even see a little bird's nest in our tree that's left from last summer. Spring is already arriving here and the birds are starting to sing their songs.

 

Carry Loose Checks in WalletI don't carry a bulky checkbook any more, but sometimes I need a check for those businesses who don't accept credit cards (hairdresser, etc.). I carry a couple of loose checks in my wallet, and I attach a tiny post it note to each of them.

 

Scenery: Christmas Day Snow (North Carolina)We had a wonderful Christmas Day snow this year! It really made our holiday even more special! Everyone had an extra warm smile this Christmas!

 

Cut Flowers on a BudgetFew things can elevate your mood like a pretty vase filled with a bright bouquet of fresh flowers. Whether you buy them at the store, or grow and cut your own, here are some budget conscious tips for to getting the most out of your cut flowers.

 

Grammar Tip: "Advice" vs "Advise"Do you get the spellings and meanings of "advice" and "advise" confused? Here's an easy memory trick. "Advise" is SPOKEN advice. If you're SPEAKING, you're ADVISING someone. Otherwise, use ADVICE with a C. It's that simple!

 

Folded Paper TrivetWant to recycle those magazines? Here is a fun way to involve the children in making versatile project they could give to grandmother or perhaps their teacher. It can be used as a trivet or a decorative bowl.

 

Shaping Curved Flower BedsWhen you want to have nicely curved flower beds, the best way to achieve this is to use a rubber water hose. You curve the hose in the shape you want the bed and then dig along the shaped bed.

 

Keeping Cats Out of My Yard?I need a deterrent to keep cats out of my yard. They are male strays that come over and fight at night and during the days they chase my dogs.

 

Dog Has Skin Tags?What can I do about my dogs skin tags? He is getting quite a lot.

 

Killing Weeds With Vinegar?What ratio of vinegar and orange oil would you use to kill weeds?

 

Parakeet Is Losing Its Feathers?My parakeet loses his feathers and has a bald spot on the belly area. He is eating and acting normally. What possibly could have happened? We got him Thanksgiving of 2010. Thank you.

 

Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Get Clothes Clean?Has anyone tried making their own laundry detergent? I read a recipe which used Fels Naptha soap, borax, and Arm and Hammer Super washing soda. It makes 10 gallons. You use 5/8ths of a cup per regular load.

 

Grade School Science Project Website?I am looking for a website that has quality, low cost (or free using stuff at home) easy science projects and/or experiments for a first or second grader. Any recommendations? Thanks.

 

Homemade HE Laundry Soap?Is there a homemade washing soap powder that is safe for HE machines?

 

Buying a Wonder Box Cooker?Where can I get a Wonder Box for cooking?

 

Cleaning Lace Curtains?Could someone help? I would like to know how to wash Austrian lace curtains in the washing machine without getting the strings on the back tangled.

 

Removing Melted Bread Wrapper from Oven?How do you remove plastic bread wrapping that was baked in a hot oven? I have tried everything. Thanks.