Costume Ideas for Photographers?
Go as an old fashioned camera! (Like those used during the Civil War era) Make a replica camera from cardboard with space for the regular camera to shoot through. A cloth over his head and hes good to go.
Shopping for a King Size Cotton Quilt?
Try http://www.etsy.com/browse/home-garden/decor-housewares/blankets-quilts/?ship_to=US
Finding a Good Hair Stylist?
I take a picture with me of a hairstyle I like and tell the stylist to start from there and modify to suit my hair etc. It works for me as I use the same stylist all the time and show her the picture every time. You cant expect them to remember every nuance...
14th Birthday Party Ideas for A Girl?
I suggest a trail ride be part of your party. Its certainly not too childish for any age and would include some of the animals you love.
Making a Surround for Machine Quilting?
I made one of these and I love it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14govA4pIM
Discount Tickets to Disney World Theme Parks?
My husband and I went to Disney last fall. We bought $300 in Disney gift cards at the grocery store with fuel perks at a time when the perks were doubled. At $.20/gal for every $50 spent, we saved $1.20 per gallon when we filled 30 gallons in our Suburban - $36...
Substitution for Paper Padding Compound?
I make paper pads from scrap paper quite often. I have used rubber cement, hot glue and white glue. They all work more or less. I like the white glue best. Use binder clips side by side to hold your paper tightly together, then spread on the glue with your...
Adapting the Making of a Quilt for Developmentally Disabled Adults?
I dont know if this would work, but maybe you could try double sided mounting tape (foam kind). Its about an 16th of an inch thick and you could lay it on the fabric in line beside proposed stitching. Second idea: tape the mounting tape in layers on the machine...
Inexpensive Gifts for Male Cheerleaders?
Make backpack bags from nylon they can hoist over their shoulders from cords. I forget what theyre called but its a bag with two loops of cord that cinch the bag and are worn over the shoulder. Theyre everywhere. Make them in school colors.
Decorating a VFW Hall for Wedding?
You could try crepe paper streamers taped to the ceiling, twisted and taped to the floor - like we used to do for high school proms. Tape the streamers abutting each other so it looks like a solid wall of vertical twists in your wedding colors.
Shopping for Cool Craft Lighting?
Get an LED light. There are many available in different brightnesses and they have very little heat. You could also try using a CFL bulb in a regular lamp. This is what I do. It cuts way down on the heat when using a 100 watt equivalent bulb.
Getting the Last Tissues Out
You can cut a slit in the edge of the bottom and slide a sponge in it beneath the tissues. This will push the tissues up and make them reachable. PollyG
Repelling Mosquitoes?
My husband swears by the citronella coil bracelets. He wears them around his ankle when visiting our daughter in Florida - who lives next door to a canal... As for me, Ive used Listerine in a spray bottle at band camp for my students and it works pretty well...
Setting Permanent Marker on Clothes?
I dont know what kind of sharpies you use, but I have gotten accidental marks on my clothing that have NEVER washed out after numerous washing. I had been using the brand name Sharpie (the expensive ones. I know you can get knock offs that have that name). I...
Teen Summer Fun Ideas?
Check out opportunities to do fun work! Things like helping at Vacation Bible School, community projects like planting flowers and painting curbs can be lots of fun for teenagers (especially if you get to squirt each other with a hose), hold a car wash to raise...
House Cleaning Fee Advice?
I pay my housekeeper by the room for cleaning as she does not do the whole house all the time (guest bedrooms, sewing/office/music practice area almost never etc) It works out to about $30-$35/hr. She does not do refrigerators, ovens, laundry, or windows. When...
Alternative to Photo Albums?
A while ago, I saw a teacher cover her classroom door with photos as students brought them in. By the end of the year, the door was totally covered, front and back. It was very cool and many people were able to look at them. This gave me an idea to make large...
Wallpaper Won't Stick?
I had a similar problem with pre-pasted paper. Even though the rest of it worked fine, a couple of pieces didnt. I bought wallpaper paste and put it up with that. It worked. I think I also sized the wall, too.
Band Instruments At Pawn Shops
As a music teacher I occasionally looked in pawn shops for instruments. I found that I was actually better off buying a used instrument from a small music store. I also bought a really good Tenor Sax from a music repairman at a great price and it was already...
Identifying Lost Phone
A few years back, my husband found a cell phone while walking in the neighborhood. I called the Dad cell number on the contact list using that phone and dad told me whose phone it was. He contacted his son, who called me on his cell while I was holding it. The...
Solution for Limp Blouses?
Magic Sizing, ironed on after each wash. Its 99 cents at our Walmart for a big spray can. No flakes like you might get from starch.
Use Body Wash As Hand Soap
Mix that body wash with 3-4 parts water and put it in a foamer type dispenser. Ive been buying body wash just for this purpose for quite a while. It works great!
Selecting Coffee?
Chock Full O Nuts is a decent coffee though not very strong. It is inexpensive and I believe it is a national brand.
Ideas for a Wedding Gift?
How about a membership to something that interests them - museums, zoo, gym, club etc?
Altering Curtains?
I suggest white out, thick paint or nail polish applied with a toothpick just on the pinhole. I would do it on the back side but try to match the front side. Just FYI, I have used masking tape to pin rubber backed curtains. I did get holes from the machine...
Going Rate for House Cleaning?
Around here, housekeepers charge by the room. I get my Living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 long halls for $60. I have a LOT of knick knacks to be dusted but were not messy. Some days shes here longer than others, and she often cleans guest rooms...
Cleaning a Trombone?
I am a retired band director and have cleaned trombones and trumpets. Clean the trombone in the bathtub with warm soapy water, dish soap like Dawn is fine. Take it apart, being careful not to dent it or bend the slide. Wash outside with a soft cloth. Clean...
Ideas for Posting Photos on Office Bulletin Board?
I have taped pictures (and cards) using tape loops on backs, to long pieces of ribbon in long rows top to bottom. I used this on a door and tacked the top and bottom of the ribbons on the top and bottom of the door where they wouldnt be seen. You can put a...
Downloading a Free 2012 Monthly Calendar with Holidays?
I highly recommend the following calendar for your specific needs. http://www.somacon.com. Down near the bottom of the page click on Free Monthly Calendar or Planner Printable Online Every year, I make a birthday and anniversary calendar for my extended family...
Buying Parts for a Used Washer Without Knowing the Model Number?
Take the part to the parts store and ask them for help replacing it. Barring that, a repairman would know from looking at it what the model is. You probably want the save the cost of a repairman, but sometimes thats the only thing you can do.
Shopping for Inexpensive Foam Hand Soap?
Buy one foam soap dispenser. When it is empty, refill the bottle with one part shampoo or body wash and 8-10 parts water. This makes a nice foam soap. Foam your hands and rub thoroughly without water first. Then use water to rinse. That way the soap is not...
Removing Chocolate Milk Stain on Tablecloth?
I highly recommend soaking it for a week in Oxyclean and water. Its my go to for all organic stains.
Making Fruit Punch with Sherbert?
We used to call that church lady punch because it was what was served to the kids at church dinners instead of coffee. It was made in equal portions of punch and ginger ale (or 7-Up) with a dollop of sherbet added to the top of each single serving. Sometimes...
Painting Chalkboard Strip on Plastic Cups?
For re-usable plastic cups, just put a piece of Scotch Magic Tape on the cup You can write on it with a pen or sharpie. I usually fold a tab on the end of the tape so that its easily removable. It doesnt have to be Scotch but it shouldnt be the shiny cellophane...
Painting Plastic Bottles to Reuse?
Some of those bottles are so flimsy they might not last the weekend - and theyre not easy to wash nor are they supposed to be refilled. Why dont you get some sturdy plastic tumblers at the dollar store and have the kids use those? You wont have to worry about...
Shelf Life of Fresh Fruit Mixed with Citrus Juice?
Since you can use lemon juice to make sour milk for recipes, I doubt that the milk would last long at all.
Remedy for a Bad Hair Cut?
Get some freeze strength hair gel and make a spiky do. Uneven lengths can be glued together, waves and curls formed etc. There are some spiky hairdos that are quite conservative and others you could just have fun with. My husband actually began using my leftover...
Removing a Set In Coffee Stain on Clothing?
I got a set-in (washed and dried) coffee stain out of a gold cotton bedspread by soaking it for a week in Oxyclean (name brand, not a substitute) and water. I think the gold color was lightened slightly - but not much. I have good luck getting food-based stains...
Paper or Fabric? What Napkins Save the...
I bought 2 dozen fabric napkins at a thrift store for $2.00. My husband and I use 1 each a day for dinner (paper for breakfast and lunch). They are tossed in a load of laundry Im already doing. They do take time to fold. On the other hand, I often have to use...
Recipe for Baked Jelly Filled Donuts?
Here are recipes that come with the Dazey Donut Factory. Maybe they can be adapted to fit your needs. http://mosaiccodes.com/donuts.html I have a Dazey but havent used it for years. I think Ill get it out and try these!
Repairing a Cigarette Burn Mark on Clothing?
Cover it with white-out or similar product. It may last through a few washes then reapply. A burn is permanent.
Cleaning a Smooth Top Stove?
I use a Mr Clean Magic Eraser to clean mine. First I wipe everything I can with a wet cloth. Then I use the eraser on whats left.
Float Ideas for Annual County Parade Themed: Sow it, grow it, and show it"?
You reap what you sow. Show young children being read Bible stories, teenagers helping others, adults bringing others to church. Sow it, Grow it, Show it!
100th Birthday Gift Ideas?
100 cards each with a different inspirational quote, or jokes, or tips etc depending on the 100 year olds personality. They can be bound and flipped to read one a day etc.
Removing Yellow Rodent Urine Stains on White Clothing?
I would put them in a bucket or basin with hot water and a cup of Oxy Clean and leave it for a week or more. This saved a bedspread of mine with similar stains that wouldnt come out.
Flea Repellent for People?
My husband wears those coil bands around his ankles (they might be citronella?) He swears by them for bugs but I dont know about fleas. You can get them at some dollar stores, and in camping section at WalMart. Its inexpensive to try!
Craft Uses for Memory Foam Mattress Toppers?
Roll up a piece and stuff it in a cloth tube. Instant neck pillow. I have one made from carpet padding but should work with the thinner topper.
Craft Uses for Memory Foam Mattress Toppers?
Cut into fun shapes to use for bath sponges; make bricks out of them for children to build with.
Using OpenOffice.org Instead of MS Word?
I use Open Office occasionally on my laptop. The commands and shortcuts are very similar to MS Word and everything jaxinman says applies. Formatting doesnt always look the same. I was doing layout for a church bulletin that started out in Word and it really...
Getting Rid of Coating on Teeth From Chewing Gum?
I think youre talking about Freedent. Its what I chew, because I, too, have dry mouth. Linda, if you havent had trouble, Id love to know what brand of gum youre chewing.
How Can I Reapply a Peeling Letter on an Athletic Shirt?
I agree about the fabric glue. Make sure you get the washable or dry cleanable kind (depends on how the shirt is cared for.) You could also try hot glue is very small amounts - that might work.
Where Can I Buy a Small Number of Class Reunion Party Favors?
Best favor I got at a reunion was a badge with my high school picture on it. Someone had a Badge a Minit kit, made photocopies of our senior pictures from the yearbook and put them on the badge (dont know how). We wore the badges as name tags and then took...
Where Can I Have Funeral Notices Laminated?
The funeral home where my father was laid out made ours. It was part of their package, I guess. You might try asking at some funeral homes in the area. Perhaps they could give you a lead.
Why Does New Sink Look Black When Wiped Down?
We have a vacation cabin in WV that has well water. There is something in the water that makes the stainless steel sink (and my fingernails!) black. I know the water has iron in it but it may also have sulfur, etc. (We do not drink this water) You might try...
Protecting a Screen Door from Cats?
We bought 2 screen doors that had the screens on the top and a solid panel on the bottom, put one on the front doorway and one on the back. Problem and its attendant frustrations, solved!
Removing Dry Erase Marker from Piano Keys?
I hope you named the keys correctly! Good for you for passing on your music training. Go to an office supply store. They have a solution you can buy just for that. Unfortunately, I dont know what it is called. Or you could try a little hairspray (but thats...
Keeping Bags from Falling into the...
Rubber bands slide down the side of my wastebasket (its narrow on the bottom) so I use several pieces of poster putty aka sticky tac etc. to hold the bag up. You have to stretch the putty a number of times until it gets warm and then it will stick very well...
Alternative Easter Baskets for Boys?
My children each got an Easter basket for their first Easter. My 34 yr old daughter, my 32 year old daughter and my 30 yr old son still bring me THEIR baskets to be filled for Easter! We never did toys, though, just candy and eggs.
Ideas for Chicago Themed Birthday Party?
Chicago (musical) DVD and music by the band Chicago as well as Frank Sinatra singin about that toddlin town!
Ground Beef Parmesan
Is it tomato paste or tomato sauce? The ingredients say paste, the instructions say sauce. I know they are very different in texture and taste.
What Can I Do With an Old Family Quilt?
Fold the quilt and put it in one of the pillowcases. Baste closed. Whenever you nap on the pillow, you will think of your mother. I have an afghan folded up in a pillowcase I do exactly that with!
How Do I Get Permission to Use a Copyrighted Materials?
I am not a lawyer but I am involved with information related to music copyright - and that includes poems. 1. ALL intellectual property is automatically copyrighted the moment it is written. It may not be filed etc but this IS the case. 2. It is not legal to...
How Can I Fix Cookie Dough That is Too Gooey?
My mom used to add powdered milk to sticky dough, especially if it has milk in it.
Sticky Tack for the RV
As a perpetual user of poster putty/sticky tack I offer this hint for best adhesion. Knead, pull and pull the putty as you would taffy. It will become stickier and stickier (and warmer!). You only need a very small amount in each glob for posters, a little...
Fixing a Shirt That Shrank?
You could try ironing it, but when I had the same problem with an all rayon shirt, I washed it (no spin) and hung it to dry. While it was still wet, I pulled the bottom edge down and clipped some pants hangers to it (for weight). The shirt came out perfectly...
Improving the Appearance of Bathroom Sink Without Cabinet Underneath?
You could take an old plastic trash can, cut it in half lengthwise, cut off the bottom, paint and decorate one half then slide it under your sink, screen style. You can easily store things behind it.
Where to Purchase a Drip Tray for George Foreman Grill?
I saw several at Goodwill just last weekend! You can take a strip of aluminum foil and make one the length of your grill. Its disposable and doesnt need to be cleaned.
Removing Wood Stain from Vinyl Flooring?
I had the same problem. Nothing removed the stain because it had become integrated into the vinyl. I put a strip of quarter round over it (stain the quarter round before installing!) It looks like it was made to be that way.
Ideas for Organizing Storage on Closet Shelves?
I use storage file boxes purchased at an office supply store. When theyre on sale, you can get them for about a dollar each in packages of 4-6. I also use ream paper boxes covered with fabric (My adult daughters Barbie dolls are in them. My grand children play...
What to Wear to a Dance if Your Date is Short?
My son-in-law is an inch taller than my daughter. For their wedding, My daughter picked shoes she loved (not real expensive) and had a shoemaker cut the heels down. Youd never know they werent made that way! In her wedding pictures, they are the same height...
My Frugal Life: Zany Ways To Save
If you dont have a dryer, how did you get dryer lint? My zany thing: I put all my receipts (not groceries) in a gift bag that I leave sitting out in my home office. The two or three times Ive had to have a receipt take less time looking for than keeping organized...
Wedding Meal on a Tight Budget?
Have your lasagne. It sounds delicious! Contact a local high school culinary arts department. You maybe able to hire some students as servers or it might be included in the hours they need for licensing. The students at my high school are very professional...
Shopping for a Functioning Nutcracker?
Try lehmans.com. Its an Amish store website based out of Ohio. I bought a really good nutcracker from them that my parents used to shell pecans.
How Can I Dress Up a Laminated Book Cover?
Place an adhesive backed clear plastic pocket on the cover and add a picture inside. The recipients can put a picture of themselves or grandma etc into the pocket.
Laundry Detergent Caps For Bathroom Organizing
Biscuit and cookie cutter, paint cup, fill with water and freeze to make ice cubes (suspend a piece of fruit inside and it would look cool in a punch bowl), measuring cup, hot glue several together in a star shape, poke a hole in the bottom for a mini light...
Frozen Bread Dough Cinnamon Rolls?
Sprinkle some butterscotch pudding mix (not instant) in with the cinnamon sugar mix - about 2 cinnamon/sugar mix to 1 pudding. M-m-m-m! I adapted this idea from a recipe off the Rhodes bread dough website.
Snowmen Made from Creamer Bottles?
I dont use Coffeemate, but if the only thing keeping you from using the container is that its clear, then fill the container with cotton balls or pillow stuffing. They will be white then.
Activities for Celebrating the International Day of the Disabled Patient?
2 movies: My left Foot and Lorenzos Oil.
Locating Christmas Activities for Assisted Living Residents?
Call your nearby schools and talk to the music directors (for chorus or instrumental concerts from elementary on up), also art teachers. I knew a craft oriented art teacher that took her class to a nursing home and the children helped the folks there make Christmas...
Perspiration Stains on White Clothing?
I am also recommending dress shields to prevent the problem. You can get them at some fabric stores and just pin them into your clothing. You could get a set for each uniform or wash and reuse. It doesnt stop you from sweating, rather it stops the sweat from...
Biscuits Turned Out Doughy?
This happened to me last week when I had my son and his wife over for dinner. They were both looking forward to my biscuits. Alas twas not to be! Later, I looked on the bottom of my baking powder can and saw that it had expired four years ago!
Anniversary Party Planning?
My mom wore hers at her 50th anniversary, Dad wore a suit. They reaffirmed their vows in church then had a reception immediately following. I love my picture of them cutting the wedding cake!
Removing Self Stick Carpet Tile Glue Residue from Linoleum?
You might want to try GooGone, available at the Dollar Tree. It gets all kinds of sticky stuff off.
Craft Ideas Using 14 Inch Eiffel Tower Replica?
Its the perfect size for a table lamp base. You can get a wiring kit to run up through it and a plain shade. Decorate the shade with French looking pictures cut from magazines etc.
Covering Scratches on Dark Furniture?
I have successfully used brown shoe polish, both solid and liquid.
