Teaching a Pitbull Not to Bite?
No dog should be allowed to bite on children, especially not one as strong as a pit bull! That is a recipe for disaster. He may only be playing but a pit is big and strong, and they dont let go. It would only take him getting excited and grabbing hold of a...
Tomatoes Not Getting Very Large?
Unless its a Beefsteak variety thats supposed to be very large, that sounds about right to me! If its been a good season and the plants have been taken care of (and if theyve produced a lot of fruit they probably have) then its most likely just the size of...
Getting Rid of Flies Inside?
It might be that a fly has laid her eggs somewhere in your house and theyve all reached maturity. One time I was absolutely swarmed with fruit fly-like bugs in the thousands (or it seemed to be!). Ive never seen so many bugs. It turned out they were coming...
Bell Peppers Brown and Rotten on the Bottom?
It sounds like blossom end rot. The rot is caused by calcium deficiency in the plant. Over-watering, too much nitrogen or low calcium in the soil can be to blame. I have read adding lime to the soil can help, though Im not sure when or how much.
Young Teens and Makeup?
I was wearing lip gloss and eyeshadow at 13, though I had to pester my mom for weeks to wear it lol! I think its pretty normal for girls that age to start getting interested in makeup. Maybe you could compromise and let her wear some sheer lip gloss or something...
Saving Money on School Clothing?
Kids clothes in charity shops are usually just ones the children have outgrown, and usually arent too old or damaged. Do you have eBay in Australia? There are lots of clothes available to buy new or win at auction used. A lot of parents put their childrens...
Saving Money on School Clothing?
Edit: You dont need a PayPal account on eBay if youre only buying, you can pay with a credit or debit card. If you wanted to sell though youd want to register. The coffee hasnt kicked in yet! :-)
Facial for Dry Skin?
I agree, it sounds like you might be having an allergic reaction to something. I had a reaction to a moisturizer Id been using for years. My face went puffy and red with dry, flaky patches. At first I thought Id been sunburned, and it took a while to figure...
Homemade Sun Lotion
Id think the ingredients in this recipe would cost more to use than just buying a bottle of sunscreen. Diaper cream can be expensive! And it leaves a sticky white residue behind. But more than that, theres no way of telling how much sun protection this actually...
Child Won't Go to School After Being Bullied?
I would march down to that school and demand that they do something immediately. Keep hounding them until you see results. This has gone well beyond playground taunting and your childs physical safety is at risk. If this child is acting this way towards your...
Organizing Crafts Inexpensively?
Those cloth shopping bags are good for storing yarn and they dont cost much to buy. Like the other poster said, I use mine to keep different projects organized. For smaller items you can find plastic tool boxes or fishing tackle boxes that are pretty inexpensive...
Problems Potty Training a Two Year Old?
Are you sure shes ready? Some children arent ready for potty training till theyre a bit older. Potty training is a big step for them physically and mentally. If she isnt starting pre-school till next year I wouldnt rush it. If she gets stressed it might make...
Shopping for Food for Graduation Party?
Years ago I had a friend who was big into entertaining and would often throw big open dinner parties. (Yes, she did have a lot of money, lol!) What she usually did was serve food on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those that showed up on time got the good...
Buying a New Home After a Bankruptcy?
Any chance you could put your things in storage and move in with friends or relatives for a few months? Probably not an ideal solution but it would help you get through the lean times. Otherwise I agree that renting would be best until you get back on your...
Pigeons Building Nest on Apartment Balcony?
Pigeons can really be a nuisance. Many of the apartments around here have netting rigged up over their balconies to keep them away. If you rent talk to your landlord and see if hed be willing to help set some up. A plastic owl figure set up out there might...
Heath Insurance When Living Abroad?
If youre coming to live in the UK permanently you should be able to get health care on the NHS. This link might answer some more of your questions. http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1087.aspx?CategoryID=68&SubCategoryID=162
Shopping for Boxes for Storing Canning Jars?
If you can find some free boxes from the supermarket you could stuff them with wadded newspaper so they dont get banged up. Or you might cut some cardboard down to size and make your own dividers. Another option might be to find some of those stackable plastic...
Identification Needed for Marriage License?
Wow! :-) Not marrying someone you know nothing about is always good advice, but the OP didnt say anything about how long theyve known each other. They might have been together for 10 years and lived just across state lines. Maybe she just means he doesnt have...
Planning a Trip to England?
Im from the US, been living in England for 10 years now! I love the history and the natural beauty here. Taking the train is a great way to get around. You can sit back and watch the countryside roll past. One of my favorite places is Cornwall in the south...
Planning a Trip to England?
I cant believe I just talked about York without mentioning York Minster! Its a beautiful medieval cathedral that you can see from all over town, and one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Europe. I studied in York, and used to listen to the bells ringing out...
Making Room for Baby Clothes in Your Closet?
Congratulations on her baby! We had a baby last year, and we live in a one bedroom apartment so space is pretty tight. We dont even have a closet here! What I did was consolidate hubbys clothes and mine to clear out a couple drawers for the baby, one for her...
Breaking a Coffee Shop Addiction?
I agree with the previous poster! Years ago I used to go to a coffee shop every morning, ordered a tall mocha and read the paper. Often Id order a muffin to go along. It wasnt a cheap habit and when money got tight I agonised about it. I did like you and tried...
Decorating Apartment Walls Without Painting?
If youre looking for wall decals Amazon com sells a lot of them. We bought some nursery decor for our baby from there, and they look really nice. Our walls are plain white and were not allowed to change them either, and they were an easy way to add color.
Backdrop for Pictures at School Dance?
Maybe a profile of a city-scape with your schools name and the year written on like neon signs?
Backdrop for Pictures at School Dance?
Just thought too, if youre going for a retro 80s look it could be fun to do up a big record album cover! Lots of neon and geometric shapes around then.
Difference Between Mint Tea and Green Tea?
Id echo what the previous poster said. Green tea and mint tea are two different things, but while mint is generally considered one of the safer herbs some of these interactions can be surprising. Herbs are medicines in their own right and can have some powerful...
Local Fresh Fruit Available in England in March?
Not much, unfortunately! Were in the middle of the hungry gap where the winter produce is reaching its end but the spring season hasnt really started. Rhubarb is available now though, and if youre lucky you can still find English apples.
Growing Vegetables from Seed?
I agree, radishes and lettuce are great choices. You can plant fast-growing crops every couple of weeks to give you a steady supply during the season. If you choose loose leaf or cut and come again varieties of lettuce you can snip off leaves as you want them...
Go Barefoot Whenever Possible
I used to go barefoot at home all the time until I started having foot trouble a few years ago. Probably didnt help that we were living in a house with paper thin carpet over a concrete slab! I bought some of those Crocs sandals to wear as house shoes. Theyre...
Growing Red Potatoes?
Red potatoes grow the same as white ones, just the variety makes them red. Desiree is another popular red variety. How long they need to stay in the ground depends on whether you choose an early or maincrop potato (it should say this on the label). Potatoes...
Introducing Young Children to Computers?
I remember using a computer from a very early age (my Dad was a computer geek way back before most people had a PC!), although internet access was very different then. What I do remember him teaching me were basic computing skills, which in todays world would...
Introducing Young Children to Computers?
Just to add a note on age. I think whatever age you see fit is a good age to begin. If you feel that theyre too young it wouldnt hurt to wait a couple of years. One factor to consider might be how much a computer is used at home. If its something that you make...
Looking for Work From Home Jobs?
Redhatterb--This person came here looking for help, not a moral lecture. I dont usually comment on posts other people make. We know nothing about the circumstances of her or her family, and in any case its not our place to judge. I gather from your posts you...
Protecting Plants from Cold Weather?
The main thing is to protect them from frost. Keep an eye on the weather report for frost warnings in your area, or cover them at night just for safety. For single plants you could mound them over with soil, or cut the bottom off of plastic bottles and use...
Preventing Email Spam?
If its on Yahoo, do you use the report spam feature? I get loads of those viagra emails but the spam filter usually catches them all. If thats not helping maybe you could try contacting Yahoo directly about the problem.
Buying Borax in the UK?
The EU changed the chemical classification of borax a few years ago, and since then its no longer sold as a laundry additive or household cleaner. But its still available if you look around. Supermarkets are unlikely to stock borax but you could try somewhere...
Vacuum the Living Area Weekly
I much prefer wooden floors too, especially as we rent and its hard to say how clean the previous tenants were or how old the carpet might be. Definitely a necessity though to vacuum frequently. I see all the dirt that accumulates on our floors every day, and...
Use WD-40 To Keep Appliances Fingerprintless
Yes, Id be wary of spraying WD-40 around. Its flammable and irritating to the lungs, plus you wouldnt want to chance rubbing it in your eyes. Probably a regular vegetable oil would be better.
Advice for Weaning a 15 Month Old?
I know breastfeeding can be stressful, but you have done a good thing for your son and you should be proud. :-) Does he take a bottle at all? You might try to replace one feed at a time with formula and go from there. Stopping cold turkey can put you at risk...
Growing Mint for Tea?
Green tea is actually from the same species of plant as regular black tea. I used to keep a pot of mint growing on the windowsill to make tea. Id just snip off a few fresh leaves and let them steep for a few minutes in a mug of hot water, with a little sugar...
Finding Land for Off-The-Grid Living?
Instead of starting from scratch, have you looked for properties that already have some of what youre looking for? Where I used to live it was pretty common for rural homes to have their own well and septic tank. But I agree with the other poster who said maintaining...
Homemade Cleaning Wipes
Good tip, Ive seen similar systems for baby wipes. It can really cut down on waste if youre someone who goes through a lot of them. Although Id probaby make only enough to last a couple days, any longer and they might start to smell a bit.
Getting Mascara Off Without Burning Eyes?
A good way to remove mascara without tugging is to close your eye and gently press a cotton ball with makeup remover to it for a few seconds, then carefully wipe away. Waterproof mascara is harder to remove so stick with the regular kind. If you can find products...
Getting Babies Vaccinated?
I tend to be a bit dubious on the medical industry but we opted to have our daughter vaccinated. Are there risks of a severe reaction? Yes, but I think the liklihood of her catching a serious illness is greater. We even opted to have her get the TB vaccine...
Substitute for Crisco or Shortening?
Yes, Cookeen or Stork brand should work. Maybe vegetable suet too.
Be a Catering Server for Extra Income
Actually, I used to do this line of work myself. It is a flexible in terms of hours and days spent although many events take place on weekends. The downside is minimum wage like you said (and we didnt get tips, but that might just be us) and travel time has...
Metal Button Bracelets
This reminds me of the button string my grandmother helped me make when I was a little girl. I wanted one like I read about in the Little House books! Some of them were old buttons shed kept and theyd probably be nearly 100 years old now. Such a pity it got...
Using Different Email Addresses to Your Advantage
Ive been using yahoo mail for ten years now and its always been good. Hotmail always gave me lots of spam. I have two email addresses, one business and one pleasure. The business email I use for family, online orders and anything more formal. The pleasure address...
Buying Saline Solution?
If youre asking if the two are interchangable I dont know. Id imagine both are sterile and are safe for eyes, but eye drops might not be suitable for storing contacts. Some of these drops contain added moisturizing ingredients. In these cases I generally think...
The End of the Incandescent Bulb
Saving energy is a good thing for our wallets and the environment but the fact that these bulbs have mercury in them and emit UV radiation is a thumbs-down for me. Plus the light they give off is variable and can give some people headaches. But Ive replaced...
Rings Are Too Big?
I remember in high school some of the girls would wrap embroidery thread around the bottom of their boyfriends class ring so they could wear it. Maybe you could try something like that?
Making a Raised Veggie Bed from an Old Fridge?
Refrigerators are an environmental hazard that need to be specially disposed of, so turning one into a veggie bed isnt a good idea Im afraid. Depending on the age of the fridge it might contain CFCs, mercury, and other baddies. Even newer ones have things you...
Ideas for Paris/Eiffel Tower Themed Living Room?
Maybe some old French advertising posters to match the theme? I always loved the Art Nouveau style. Theyd be period to the Eiffel Tower too.
Hiding Valuables?
What Lyonpridej posted reminded me of something. My grandmother, God rest her soul, died quite suddenly. Afterwards my mom was going through her things and only by chance happened to find some heirloom jewellery that Grandma had taped to the underside of her...
7 Year Old Won't Eat Since Moving?
I would guess it has more to do with the stress of making such a big move rather than the food itself. Is he adjusting well to life in the US? Maybe sit him down and have a talk about how hes feeling, if you havent already. I know when I moved from the US to...
Cooking Chicken in a Crockpot?
My crockpot manual says the dish should always be at least 2/3 full with liquid. Id go with whatever your instructions tell you. I always brown my meat first but I dont think its necessery, its more of a flavor and appearance issue. Although browning does help...
Cement Lawn
I agree that people waste too much energy and dump too many chemicals in search of the perfect lawn, but green space is so important to urban wildlife, birds in particular. Look at your lawn the way a child might see it; youll see different grasses, tiny flowers...
Leftover Steak Recipes?
Beef and noodles is very good: Brown the cubed steak with some chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Drain off any fat then add cooked pasta and a can of cream of mushroom soup. I usually cook some frozen peas with the pasta and add them too.
Getting Rid of an Intelligent Mouse?
We had a mouse like this. Tried every single trap, bait, and overpriced electronic device on the market and never managed to catch the little bugger. The only thing to do is figure out how theyre getting in and seal them out. Mice can fit through a hole the...
Housebreaking an 8 Month Old Husky?
This is a random thought, but was she maybe living in a kennel her whole life? It may be that she just doesnt know how to go on the grass. Dogs can be funny about surfaces. Does she go on the carpet or the tile? Maybe you could try putting down a rug or a linoleum...
Remedy for Dry, Flaky, Mature Skin?
Frankincense is often recommended for mature skin. You might find some frankincense essential oil and mix a few drops into a moisturizing carrier oil, like jojoba. Neroli and rose are also good for dry skin. I used to mix up my own scented facial oils which...
Saving Money by Buying in Bulk?
Check the price per pound rather than the package price to find the best deal. I know my supermarket sometimes runs deals where its cheaper to buy the smaller packs of rice or pasta rather than the large bags. Also I only stock up on the things I use regularly...
Economical Alternative to NewsCurrents?
With all the videos on YouTube and other sites there should be plenty of content out there. You might be able to put together a presentation yourself. Maybe you could get the people in the group more involved and have them bring in stories that have caught...
5 o'clock is Staring You in the Face, Quick Meal Ideas?
Any spare lunch meat you have can be a quick way to dress up a pasta or rice dish and make it into a meal. It saves the extra step of cooking up some meat. Apart from pasta and rice, the most important staples for me are canned tomatoes, new potatoes, and cream...
Squirrels Digging Up Potted Plants?
Squirrels like to dig in soft dirt, so you might try covering the soil with gravel or rocks.
Washer Started to Smoke and Stopped Spinning?
Is it smoke or steam? I had a similar problem with our washer, turns out it was the thermostat malfunctioning. Either way it might be time to call a repair man.
Cell Phone Went Through the Wash?
I dont know about rescuing the phone, but if you take it back to the store they might be able to rescue the data stored on your SIM card. Good luck!
Homemade Alternative to BioKleen Bac-Out for Cloth Diapers?
We use cloth diapers on our little girl too! :-) If theyre smelly they might be in need of a strip wash. Detergent buildup can make the diapers smell. Run the clean diapers through the wash with hot water and no detergent, then rinse until no suds remain. It...
Musty Smell on Clothing?
Hanging them out on the line for a day or so might help. The sun will kill the mildew and the fresh air would do them good.
Musty Smell on Clothing?
Hanging them out on the line for a day or so might help. The sun will kill the mildew and the fresh air would do them good.
What Can I Make With These Ingredients?
Id just toss all the ingredients together with some olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. It sounds like you have what you need for a really nice pasta dish! I often cook my pasta in stock too, it gives it some extra flavor.
Toxicity of the Crown of Thorns Plant?
The plant is toxic and the sap can cause skin irritation, but I dont think it will give you cancer! Many popular garden plants are in fact toxic but people still grow them. If you have small children or pets who might be tempted to mess with the plants you...
Spanish Rice Recipes?
I make a simple spanish rice: 3/4 cup white rice 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 chopped green pepper 1 tbsp tomato paste Worcestershire sauce Chicken boullion Chili powder Dried parsley Cook onions and peppers in a saucepan with a little oil until tender. Stir in...
Non Poly Fiber for Filling a Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow is one used by the mother in bed to support the big bump. :-) Those beads they use to fill beanbags might work well, theyd be flexible and provide support.
10th Birthday Party Ideas?
Maybe some sort of craft party where the girls can make things? If you look around your area you might find workshops where they can decorate their own pottery or make jewellery. Something like that would be pretty easy to do at home as well.
Oven Canning?
Oven canning means processing the filled jars in the oven as opposed to a boiling water bath or pressure canner. However, unlike the other two methods it isnt considered safe. Ovens dont provide the reliable, even heat required to kill some nasty bacteria including...
Something is Leaving a Trail of Dog Food Through the House?
We had mice a few years ago and were really struggling to figure out how they were getting in the house. We ended up buying this flourescent powder that you sprinkle on floors, surfaces, etc and whatever walks over it will leave a trail behind. We had tiny...
Pet Parakeet Behavior?
The boy feeding the girl sounds like mating behavior, you might read up on what to look out for if some babies are on the way! :-)
Baking Soda Darken Skin When Used as a Deodorant?
It sounds like your skin might be irritated by the baking soda. Try using a mix of two parts corn starch to one part baking soda and see if that helps. If you still have a reaction you could try using corn starch on its own, too.
Aphids on Tomatoes?
A soap spray will deal with most aphids. Mix a couple teaspoons of dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle of warm water and give the pests a spritz!
Identifying Beneficial Garden Insects?
Bees are always good! Unless youre having a problem with something damaging your crops I wouldnt do anything. Gardens are like miniature ecosystems and using pest control when you dont need it can upset the balance. Otherwise have a look into organic gardening...
Keeping Birds from Eating Berries?
You could try setting up a netting frame around your bushes to keep the birds off the fruit. Good luck!
Hanging a Bird House?
Its best to face the hole away from the strongest winds to keep out the cold and rain. It should be shaded from the sun during the hottest part of the day as well.
Organizing Recipes in Your Purse?
I carry one of those little spiral notebooks in my bag in case I need to write something down. Its an easy way to keep track of things. :-)
Recommendations for Books on Homemade Gifts for the Nonseamtress?
I dont have any books to recommend, but crafts like decoupage, candle making, soap making, glass painting or mosaics can make nice gifts without any need for sewing. :-)
Are Horse Chestnuts Safe to Eat?
Unfortunately theyre not edible. I wish they were, we have a tree out front that drops hundreds of them!
Tomato Plant Leaves Rolling Shut?
Tomatoes can get dried out pretty quickly in the heat, and they might just need some water. Give them a good drink and see if that helps. :-)
Potato Plant Appears to Be Growing Tomatoes?
My potatoes havent done this, but those are the fruits of the potato plant. Sometimes potatoes will set fruit after flowering. Potatoes and tomatoes are in the same family so they look a lot alike! Ive heard you can save the seeds for planting but I dont know...
Making a Pet Bed from Wool Strips?
Thats a wonderful thing to do for the animals. You could try making the strips into rag rugs by sewing the ends together and braiding them, which could make some nice mats or car beds for pets.
Caring for Parakeets?
Our birds are fond of toys with bells they can ring and things they can easily grab in their beaks. Since you have two birds mirrors may not be the best; they can distract the birds from bonding with each other and may even cause arguments! Speaking of bonding...
Worms in the Rice and Moths in the Cupboard?
Ugh, I had this problem one year. I dont know what they were but they were disgusting! Little moths that managed to lay their eggs in our food cupboard. The only thing I found that helped was vigilance. I cleaned everything regularly and made sure that all...
Best Way to Start Flower Seeds?
The answer to that is, it depends! :-) Some flowers dont like being transplanted and are better off being sown directly. Others you might begin indoors to get a head start on the growing season if frost is still a problem. The seed packet should give you an...
Easy to Manage Hair Styles for Young Girls?
Your girls will probably have an idea of whats cool right now and what looks they like already. Maybe the oldest one could help make sure her sisters are styled for school and what have you. Just simple things like headbands and hair ties can make a style. I...
Natural Remedy for Anxiety?
Good diet is important. Mrs. Story mentioned magnesium but you should also make sure youre getting enough B-vitamins and zinc. Try to limit the use of caffeine and alcohol. Stay hydrated and try to get plenty of sleep, easier said than done when youre feeling...
Natural Remedy for Anxiety?
I also forgot to mention that any herbs or essential oils should be used with caution if you happen to be pregnant or breastfeeding. :-)
Health Concerns About Food Canned in China?
If I pick up something in the grocery store that says produce of China on it I put it back. Their safety record isnt exactly stellar and to be frank I wouldnt trust it. Its bad enough that everything seems to be made there anymore, but I draw the line at food...
