March 4, 2011

Looking Forward to SpringWhat a lovely time to look forward to - gardening in the spring when frost is no longer on the ground. We rototill the vegetable garden to prepare it for planting and place wooden sticks in the ground to which we tie string. This gives you nice straight rows.

 

Homemade Ice PacksFor a gel ice pack, place 2 cups water and 1/3 cup (80 proof) vodka in a ziploc freezer bag. Seal and enclose in a second ziploc freezer bag. Place in freezer. When frozen, wrap with a cloth before applying to skin.

 

Scenery: Bamboo (Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, CA)Here are some photos of different types of bamboo at Hakone Gardens in Saratoga, CA. If you are ever in the Bay Area, it is a must see.

 

College Scholarship TipsMay is coming soon. Some schools are very good at helping kids look for scholarships; others are not. Often times home schoolers and adults need guidance for scholarships as well.

 

Decoupage CrossIf you like to decoupage, you will like making this cross. I started with a plain wood cross purchased at Michael's.

 

Garden: Summer Deck (West Virginia)This is my back deck. I entered pictures of the heavy snow we had in WV this past winter and the year before. I can't wait until my back deck is covered with flowers instead of all the snow! I love summer and all the beautiful flowers.

 

Trashy Treasures: Reusing Capri Sun...Recycling juice pouches into fashion accessories is a fun eco-stylish trend. All recycling projects require the same first step - cleaning. The great colors of the pouches make for endless design options.

 

Craft: Diva Doggie CoatEvery doggie has a diva side, and with this doggie coat you can show it all the time. Stripes, hot pink, and lace - what else would a doggie diva want to wear?

 

Photo: 40th Birthday CakeI made this cake for a very good friend. It's a chocolate cake decorated with black and red fondant. It was her 40th birthday so I wanted something simple but spectacular! Everyone at the party loved it!

 

Homemade Plant RisersDon't ever put your potted plants directly on the floor. Eventually, water begins to collect under the drip pan and damage the floor.

 

Mesh Laundry Bag With Baby Shower GiftA friend of mine is having her first baby soon, so I have been having a ball knitting and crocheting for the new little one. I went to the dollar store and picked up a bunch of those mesh laundry bags.

 

Other Uses for LipstickGet a cheap lipstick that is a shade deeper than your lips. Dot some on your cheekbones and blend with fingertips for a blush that appears natural. This can be put in your purse in place of a blush compact.

 

Clove for Tooth AcheGot a toothache? Relief is on it's way. Place a whole clove inside the jaw next to the tooth that is bothering you. In just a little while, the pain will begin to subside.

 

My Frugal Life: Discount DivaI was laid off from a permanent job 6 years ago. My field is in oil and gas. During that time I have worked contract and my ways of savings have really helped my husband and myself.

 

Directions for Building Simple Raised BedsThere are several advantages to using raised beds when gardening. They provide excellent drainage, warm soil earlier in the spring, prevent soil compaction, maximize yields in a minimum amount of space, and they can be built to any height.

 

Clean Windows With Coffee FiltersWhen cleaning windows, use automatic coffee filters instead of paper towels. They work excellently, and they do not leave lint or smears behind. They also stay together

 

Fruits and Vegetables as Dog TreatsFor inexpensive and definitely more healthy dog treats, try feeding your dog broccoli and carrot slices. My dog absolutely loves them! He thinks that he is a real good dog when he gets these.

 

Travel: Waterfall (Honolulu, HI)This is a waterfall that was located at a condominium complex in Honolulu, Hawaii, across from the site where our luau was being held. I thought it was gorgeous, and couldn't take enough pictures of it.

 

Cherry Booze Recipe?Has anyone ever tried or have this recipe "Cherry Booze on a High, Safe Shelf"?

 

Free Slingo Game Downloads?I want free downloads of slingo games. Where can I find them, please?

 

Pattern for a Family Tree Poster?I'm planning a family reunion and would love to create a forest of individual family trees. Does anyone have a pattern for a large tree and branches (poster board size)?

 

Using a Scythe for Mowing Hay?I'm getting a scythe soon for mowing and will possibly be growing some hay for my donkeys. Has anyone else had experience with a scythe?

 

Recipe for Banana Spread or Jam?I am looking for a recipe for a jam or spread to use up some ripe bananas. I have lots of banana bread and muffin recipes. Thank you.

 

Exercises for Upper Body Building Without Joining a Gym?I have a friend who is trying to get in shape with his arms and chest, but doesn't have the money to join a gym. He would like to build muscle in his arms and chest areas. Will the old fashion push-ups help build his chest muscles?

 

Underarm Odor?I shower everyday and use deodorant, but the odor is still there. What should I do to remove the odor? Please help me.

 

How Can I Tell If I Have Body Odor?How can you check to determine if you have body odour?

 

Pennsylvania Dutch Fasnacht Doughnut Recipe?There used to be a local bakery that made fasnacht. They are doughnuts that are eaten on Shrove Tuesday. They do not have holes in them. The ones I had were made out of some sort of potato dough. They came out light and fluffy and were sprinkled with powdered sugar.

 

Alternative to Mary Kay Timewise Targeted Action Line Reducer?I have been using Mary Kay Timewise line reducer and it's OK. Is there another product that works better? I really dislike trying things based on the advertisement and then have to return it, buy something else, etc., etc. Thanks.

 

How Do I Dry Clean an Area Rug?How do I dry clean a bedroom rug?

 

How Do I Find the Right Foundation for My Skin Color?I can never find the right foundation for my skin color. I either look pale or I look like I have a mask on. I have spent so much money on this; it's pathetic!