Mississippi Mud
I have almost the same recipe, but I put a layer of mini marshmallows as the second layer and put it back in the oven until they are mushy. Then I cool it and put on frosting.
Tire Marks on Linoleum Floor?
When we were getting new tires and there were black marks from soles of shoes on the floor, my husband removed them by pressing down and moving his foot in a circular twisting motion and the black marks came right off. Ive used that method under my kitchen...
Using Condensed Milk in No-Bake Cheesecake?
Eagle brands recipe is based on sweetened condensed milk. Condensed milk already has sugar in it:) see: http://eaglebrand.com/recipes/search/Results.aspx?Keyword=cheesecake&CourseIDs=&OcIDs= for variations of their cheesecake. They also have the traditional...
Diet Ideas for an Autistic Child?
I have celiac so am on a gluten free diet which excludes wheat (also barley and rye). I buy rice, potato (or garbanzo bean) and tapioca flour and mix it 6 parts rice, 2 parts potato, 1 part tapioca. You can use it in pancakes, waffles, muffin and quick bread...
Reusing Every Bit Of Jar Candles
Thriftiness is important but not to the point of breaking glass and getting wax melting all over. Putting a water pan under it detracts from the atmosphere the candle is to make. The small jar candle can be recycled by putting a small candles in the middle...
How to Make a Cupcake Cake?
I have never seen the type of cupcake cakes described above, but the cake decorating stores sell cool racks to place cupcakes on for parties. Also I use to make a small cake and decorate it really fancy and put the candles on it, then make lots of cupcakes...
Word of the Day to Expand Vocabulary
Great tip. My sons are all grown up now, but I agree with the first commenter that you should use correct wording with young children. My middle son was precocious and picked up very large words. Also reading to the child is very important. Read to them even...
Lacy Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten Free)
Oats were originally off limit for Celiac patients. Todays research indicates that it is a slightly different type of protein and 60% of people with Celiac can eat it without having any problems with villi, etc. I have been using oats for about 1 year now. I...
What is This Plant? (Trout Lily)
It is in the lily family. One entry above is right. It is sometimes called a trout lily. My mom always called the Adders tongues and I only have seen the yellow ones. They come in white too. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trout_Lily It has photos of them...
Crafts Ideas for Kids?
Hi Leah, Many girls her age are using the knitting frames to make scarves, bags, etc. I meet moms and daughters all the time when I purchase yarn. If you knit or crochet it is a good age to teach her. If you dont and she is interested, yarn shops or friends...
Applesauce Vs. Apple Butter?
In addition, applesauce is usually served as a dessert or side dish. It also is sometimes added to cakes or cookies in place of oil to reduce calories/cholesterol. Apple butter is usually used as a spread on toast, bread, etc. because it is much thicker and...
Tying Ribbon to Cat Toys?
I make fleece blankets and the long pieces I cut off are great for dangling in front of the cat for him to chase. Also I just purchased plastic jingle balls that had chunky yarn glued to them with pieces of the yarn left sticking out so it gets the cat chasing...
Puppy is Pooping in Cage?
When potty training a puppy, they usually put the puppy in a small cage that is like a carrying cage just big enough for sleeping and them take them out each our to see if they will poop and pee and praise them. After some play time they go back in the cage...
Homemade Salt Dough?
I think what you are looking for is Bakers clay...I used it often for tree decorations...gingerbread men were the childrens favorite and they helped make and paint them too:) : Bakers Clay: INGREDIENTS: 4 c. unsifted flour 1 c. salt 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 c. slight...
Roasting Meat Overnight in the Oven
The rib roast unattended is a recipe that I use often. I found it in a paper labeled The Roast Recipe that Saved a Marriage. You can put it on when you leave for church on an hour time set and then when you get home, you heat it (my recipe said 30 minutes) while...
Do Wilton Candy Melts Contain Gluten?
You apparently have or are cooking for someone who has celiac or is gluten intolerant for other reasons. Celiac.com also has lists of unsafe and safe ingredients. If you have a bag of the melts, you could go online and check out the questionable items. You...
Repainting Kitchen Counters
Thanks for posting how you did it.
Helping Elderly Parents?
Make sure that you have a bar in place in the tub for getting in and out of the tub. Also a shower seat even in the bathtub helps. They can sit and you can get a long extentioned shower head for washing. I also laid out the pills for mom once a week. This was...
Recipes Using Turnips?
You can candy them like they do parsnips. http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1850,155188-225194,00.html has a basic one. What you do seems to depend if your replacing mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Actually, I ask the person that requested what you bring what...
Putting a Diamond in a Different Ring?
Take it into a jeweler and they will give you a free estimate.
My Dog Won't Eat?
Depends how old he is, if he is lethargic or active and normal and how long it is going on. Try putting little bits of cheese or chicken and chicken broth mixed into the dog food if he is acting normal. If not, you better check with the vet.
Perfect Cookie Icing
This is fun for children too. Have them paint the cookies with a pastry brush and the put sprinkles on them if desired before it hardens.
Crocheted Dog and Pig Potholders?
Pig potholder: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa110197.htm Perky Pig and Hot Dog on: http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/sitemap.html Perky pig and Puggy Wuggy on: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/potholders_etc.php Hope one of these is...
Use Warm Water When Frosting Cake
If you make a thin coat of icing that is called a crumb coat on the cake first using the dipping method, then the crumbs will be set and the second coat will go on with not problem with crumbs. Information for Cake Decorating class
Is Planning Your Own Birthday Party Tacky?
Plan the party...people will come and enjoy it and you will have what you want. I dont think it is tacky...my children all helped me plan their birthdays so we would have the decorations, cake and games just like they wanted them:) Happy Birthday! Harriet
White Cookies with Marshmallow and Coconut Topping?
Didnt know you could make those. I use to love the ones from the store. I do have a recipe for marshmallows that I got when we were in Africa if that would help. I will keep checking to see if anyone has the recipe. Hope so. Harriet
Tips For Tiling Bathroom Floor?
As other said, the correct way is to remove the toilet completely. My husband help me remove the toilet and the old flooring and put the backer board on the floor with the screws. Then you put a specific type of cement down made for holding tiles down with...
White Cookies with Marshmallow and Coconut Topping?
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gale-gand/chocolate-covered-marshmallow-cookies-recipe/index.html Look at this recipe and see if you think it would work leaving off the dipping in chocolate and sprinkling or dipping it into the coconut? Let me know. Harriet
What Is This Plant? (Wandering Jew)
The picture doesnt show enough for us to help you. Take a photo of just the leaves and flowers if it has them closer up so it can be identified. Harriet
Making Pom-Pom Animals?
When doing them with children we always glued the pom poms together and added felt parts. This site sews them together and has instruction for a few http://www.marthastewart.com/article/pom-pom-animals But this site is the best! http://nabell1.tripod.com/nppp...
Comparing Dog Breeds?
I depends on your family. People say that the Dalmation often becomes a one person dog. They also have shorter hair, but are a larger dog than the spaniel. If the Springer is anything like our Brittany Spaniel, they are active, great with children and love...
Easy Flan Recipe
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf317891.tip.html has a number of different recipes for sweetened condensed milk. Both Jello and Royal have a boxed flan that is very easy to make and very inexpensive and does not have to be baked like a custard. I actually do mine...
Triple Crochet Shell Baby Afghan?
Try going to: http://knitting-crochet.com/ They have a place where you can post what you are looking for. Click on Keep on Learning and then Find and Seek and then post your request. All the ladies crochet and knit and they are wonderful at finding patterns...
Restoring Childhood Blanket?
I think that you could also use some of the unripped sections and other fleece material for squares. Sew these together and then put a pink backing of fleece on it to hold it together. You can buy binding and put that around the edge. Fleece is cozy and cuddly...
Homemade Presents For Dog Lover?
If you crochet or knit and know the kind of dog, you could make a doggie coat. Harriet
Affordable Wedding Locations In Somerset, NJ?
Hi, My son and daughter-in-law made their own wedding announcements. They also saved on flowers...she had a bouquet, but her maids carried a single stemmed rose...looked lovely. For the banquet....I dont know if it is a tradition that you really want, but a...
Trouble With 4H Projects?
Dear April, It is delightful that your girls are learning to sew so beautifully. I had all boys, but we had a 6th grade teacher that accused me of typing his paper for him...he had self taught himself and when in high school could type 100 wpm. People dont...
Yard Spiders
really neat way to use grape vines. Imaginative...I like them:) Harriet
Toddler Bangs Head During Tantrum?
My oldest son did it when he was just under two. I tried to ignore him. I know it is hard. A friend of mine said she put her sonin a cold shower...only had to do it three times. I thought that too cruel....takes longer when you just ignore and you have to convince...
Crocheted Sunflower Potholder?
http://hometown.aol.com/lffunt/daisysun.htm has a daisy or sunflower kitchen set that includes a potholder. It was nice of you to share your pattern, Pat, I could hardly find anything online:) Harriet
Pattern For "Family Guy" Crocheted Doll?
http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2007/06/stewie-griffin-doll.html This site has a knit pattern for a doll. You could adapt it to crochet if you do not knit. Harriet
Pattern For "Family Guy" Crocheted Doll?
http://yarntothemax.blogspot.com/2008/02/meet-stewiemy-version-of-him-anyway.html Here is someone that used the knit pattern for a crochet project:) I think you would just single crochet for every knit stitch and purl stitch and decrease and increase, change...
Crustless Egg Custard Recipe?
Is this what you are looking for? Harriet CRUSTLESS EGG CUSTARD PIE 3 eggs 1 1/2 c. milk 1 1/4 c. sugar 1/3 c. flour 1 tbsp. butter 1 tsp. vanilla Dash of salt Mix all ingredients together with electric mixer. Pour into greased pie pan. Bake at 350 degrees...
What Breed Is My Dog?
She looks sweet. If her personality is too, then dont be concerned about the breed. Breeds, although they tell you the general size, are not always accurate to size. We had a Brittney Spaniel and I was told he would be about 40 pounds when grown and he ended...
Pattern for Crocheted Chess Set?
Boards are easy to find by googling...chess or checker crochet board. there is someone who has made up her own pattern and is selling them on ebay. You could contact her and see if she will give you a deal on the whole set http://cgi.ebay.com/Fancy-Chess-Pieces...
Growing Lupine?
There are different varieties of Lupine. Find one that will grow in your hardiness zone. There are mountain lupine, even dessert lupine. Just make sure you have room for it to grow and multiple...dont have to buy many plants:)
Do Dahlias Always Need To Be Staked?
They dont need to be, but then the flowers grow up from the branches that have gone to the ground. I put a tomato wire around mine each year just as they start to show and make sure the branches stay in the middle. Dahlias have been hybrid to have larger flowers...
Recipe For Frozen Pudding Pops?
Is Dream whip still available? I have a number of recipes that call for it and cant find it in South California. I have been substituting Cool Whip (or store brand whipped topping and adjusting milk in recipes.
Tips From a $300 Wedding
My youngest son and his wife got married on a beach. They put a large wooden cross in the ground and people sat on blankets. Family brought food for the reception afterwards in the pavilion (beans, potato chips, watermelon, buns). My other son barbecued hot...
Calculating Costs for a Large Wedding?
My son and his wife had a frugal wedding. Renting the pavilion on the beach for the reception afterward was the most expensive part. The ladies had simple Hawaiian dresses and men had Hawaiian shirts. Flowers where single stems of stargazer lilies (bride had...
Pattern For Fabric Cat That Sits on Shelf?
http://www.patternmart.com/patterns/search/cat/Animals/All/cat?py=nopage&sid=34&cid=91&bid=&keyword=cat&designer=All&patterncat= Try this site it has various patterns for sale
Recipe For Italian Nonpareils Cookie?
http://www.google.com/search?q=Italian+nonpareils+cookie&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a Here is a google search with many cookies.
Small, Brown Bugs In Couch? (Carpet Beetle)
http://www.medicinenet.com/bed_bugs/article.htm Here is a site with pictures of bed bugs so you can identify them. Google on line to find out how to get rid of them.
Peek-a-Boo Dolls?
Hi! I was curious about you request so googled some. Here are two posting on another site about how to make the dolls: What I do:. I use light colored childrens footed pajamas size two preferably because they are the cutest. I have used ones and threes. Stuff...
Removing Sticky Glue From Doll's Hair?
I would try Goo Gone and then wash that portion of hair with baby shampoo.
Making Market Bags from Plastic Bags
Hi, I also love the pattern with the wide straps. Everyone would like to know what pattern you used, Geni. I also didnt know you could get pink plastic bags at the dollar stores. I will have to go and get some:) Thanks, Harriet
Making Market Bags from Plastic Bags
Hi people, Lions brand has a few patterns and a few look like they would work well for plastic tote bags for the market. http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?search=Search&searchText=market+bag&Go.x=13&Go.y=14 Enjoy and post them if you make...
What is this plant? (Crown of Thorns?)
I cant say for sure. It looks a lot like what is called a Christmas Tree cactus, but it also has the characteristics of a euphorbia. If the stem is very green and looks like a catus and the leaves mostly on top...then it is the catus. If the stem is more woody...
Recipes Using Cake Mix?
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97351265.tip.html This has the basic recipe and the input says you can use applesauce instead of the oil. I made the basic recipe with German Chocolate mix and added mini chips and they turned out great. You could use some as gifts...
What Kind Of Lizard Is This? (Western Fence...
Since the western fence lizard is the most common in California and that is where we live, that is probably what it is. They vary in color. One has a blue belly. One of my sons always caught them and examined them and let them go. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki...
Instructions for Children to Make a Rag Rug?
You can make rag-rugs by making material strips about 2 wide and as long as possible (sew ends together to extend). Then fold in the edges of both sides of the length and then fold this in half making a thick 1/2 piece. (this can be ironed in place or pins...
How long does puppy house training take?
Make sure you use something like Natures Miracle to eliminate the odor of the pee when the puppy goes in the wrong place. You may not be able to smell it, but they can after you clean up with water and soap. It tells them it is a place to go again. I also think...
Cookie Recipes Using Applesauce Instead Of Butter?
You can replace butter/margarine in moist bar recipes such as brownies. Use 1/2 cup replaces 1/2 cup. Also in the cookies that are made from a cake mix you can use applesauce instead of oil. Again 1/2 c. replaced with a half cup. I would think it would work...
Getting Rid Of Caterpillars?
http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/america/ Here is a site that might help you identify them. You have butterfly bushes which would attract all kinds of butterflies. Please do not kill them until you find out what they are. You may be killing all the butterflies...
Will The Snake Come Back?
The main thing you need to do is identify the kind. Only rattle snakes, copperheads, and water moccasins and other poisonous snakes should be killed or caught by the animal control and placed elsewhere. Snakes are very good and catch rats and mice and keep...
Saving Overheated Plant
The only thing I can suggest, since no one else has responded, is to pick out a cooler place and move the plant and see if it does better. I have had to do that with a few plants. You could also check at a nursery and see if they have ideas. Harriet
Tree That Looks Like a Crepe Myrtle?
See the information on: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf280210.tip.html It is a type of crape myrtle:) Harriet
Help with 4 Year Old Behavior?
Because she behaves for you, I agree that it probably is a discipline problem at home. She sounds strong willed which means she wants to control and if allowed will do so. Dr. James Dobson has a good book called The Strong Willed Child that might help her parents...
Wheelchair Tips and Advice?
With the diagnosis of MS, I assume he has seen a therapist (physical or occupational). If not he should get a referral from his doctor. They specialize in the adaptions of cars and other needs such as dressing, transferring to chairs and beds, cooking for a...
Wheelchair Tips and Advice?
I know many people who make simple bags to hang on the back of the chairs that they donate to nursing homes for this purpose. They are usually of quilted material and sometimes have extra pockets. They are essentially a bag the size of the space between the...
Wheelchair Tips and Advice?
http://www.wheelchairgear.com/accessories.html#backpack Special packs and be purchased and are not extremely expensive if you want to give a birthday or Christmas gift this would be nice. Above is just a sample. If you search on line for wheelchair bags you...
Why aren't my cakes flat?
In order for the edges to cook at the same time the center does, take an old towel and cut strips. Wet the strips (I use one twice the width of the height of the pan). and put is around the pan and straight pin or safety pin it in place. This slows the cooking...
Fourth of July Water Balloon Game
My boys loved to do this at their summer birthday parties. They were 10 to 12 years at the time. You can also just play catch with balloons making the pairs take one step back after each throw. Last pair with a unsplattered balloon wins.
Older Cat Acting Like a Tyrant?
Hi, Our cat that is 4 years old and an Abbysian , so very active, and an indoor cat. He started spraying when there were strays that came around. My sister, who raises Abbys gave me a plug in and a spray from Comfort Zone with Feliway. It is suppose to help...
Berry Freezer Jam
We make freezer jam because it tastes so much better. I freeze enough berries in containers for a batch of the jam. then when we use up a batch I can make more. It takes up less freezer space that way and you dont have the freezer full of jam all the time.
Making Paper Bags From Newspaper?
http://www.ehow.com/how_13441_make-paper-bag.html Try this, it may be the answer. I will try it as soon as I have some newspaper...just recycled:) Harriet
Easiest Peanut Butter Cookies
This is a good cookie for those on gluten free diets too:)
Make Your Own Dog Ramps (Steps)
Smaller ones of these would be good for mini and regular dash hounds that are allowed on the couch (like my sons). Harriet
Tent Caterpillars
In the spring, my dad always poured kerosine on them and burned them when they were still in the tents as eggs and larvae.
Helping Little Ones Find Their Computer Games
Do make sure you limit the time children spend on computers and that they spend much more time playing with construction 3-D items, trucks, etc. Computer games are addictive and if you let them stay on too long (especially young children) they will become addicted...
Making Large Pearl Tapioca?
The Amish-Mennonite Tapioca Pudding on this website uses Baby pearl. I would think if you heated then soaked the larger overnight then made the recipe it would work. Date: 02/10/2006 Topic: Recipes > Desserts Ingredients * 6 cups boiling water * 1 cup baby...
Is This Larkspur?
Yes, the leaves look correct. I do not know if they will need thinning or not. I think I would just let them grow and see how they do.
What Is This Flower? (Wild Rose)
http://www.cambridge2000.com/gallery/images/P6247299.jpg http://www.directgardening.com/large/6748_l.jpg http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl= http://www.cirrusimage.com/Trees/mock_orange_1.jpg&imgrefurl= Check out a few of the above pictures. The Mock Orange...
What Is This Flower? (Wild Rose)
http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0103-0509-1012-0826.html Here is a photo of a wild rose for you. If the leaves match, that is probably what you have. It says they are invasive.
Making Your Own Evaporated Milk?
Yes, the second has to be backwards. I think both should read 2/3 c. dry milk (either low fat or whole) with 1 c. milk which will yield slightly over a cup of the equivalent to evaporated milk.
Recycle Jeans As A Planter
We saw two (a man and a lady) made like this sitting on a bench with flowers on the top when in the Netherlands. They really attracted our attention. I think they are neat:) Harriet
Ask Your Cafe For Used Coffee Grounds
Starbucks keeps it for people to pick up. I use it in the composite bin. By the time it is composed with other things, I think it would be safe for dogs and my desert tortoise.
Molding Candy Melt Suckers and Favors
Most cake decorating stores (and I believe Michelles) sell molds and melting chocolate. The chocolate is dark, milk, white or colored. Color the white to the colors you want with paste coloring (cake decorating store). Use fine brushes and toothpick (for eyes...
Freeze Cake Before Frosting
This is taught in most of the cake decorating classes. It helps keep the crumbs down and also makes the cakes very moist. I have been doing it for years, ever since I took two cake decorating classes. Only can do it if you have a freezer big enough to freeze...
Getting 2 Boxes Worth of Cake Mix
I presume you mean you make a one layer cake. It is great if you dont need a whole (large cake) to feed more people. I did this when I took cake decorating and need a cake each lesson. I put a styrofoam round form under it to to make it look like a double layer...
Pressure Cooker Vs. Crock Pot?
They have different purposes. Both are good for less expensive cuts that cant be grilled or pan fried. Crock pots are for when you go away for the day or dont want to watch the cooking because you are working on a project. Pressure cookers are quick, but you...
Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve (California)
The poppy reserve is north of the Los Angeles area near Lancaster, CA. Glad you all enjoyed the photos. Harriet
Anyone Have Tips for Thrush?
IMPORTANT: Thrush can become systemic and since you are feeling like you are loosing strength and stamina, I would go back/to the doctor. They have medication they can prescribe to take care of this yeast infection and if it has gone systemic you definitely...
Finding Toys for Tiny Dogs?
I found an article on the web for making inexpensive toys for dogs. You take (scraps from another project) of fleece and cut a rectangle that is large enough to cut 2-3 inch fringe on the edged. Tie all the edges except one. Then stuff it with crinkly cellophane...
What are Graham Crackers?
I cannot eat wheat so I subsitute corn flake crumbs in recipes such as pie shells, fillers, etc.
Crafts With Flower Loom?
http://www.knitting-and.com/small-looms/index.html This site has connections to a variety of things you can make with the flower or Daisy loom from toys to shawls. I know you can also make placemats and afghans (make white and yellow flowers and connect with...