What to Do on a School Holiday?
Charlie, you dont say how old you are. Most kids think they have to play all summer and be entertained. While thats pleasant enough, have you considered starting your own business? Junior Achievement is one source of information. Your parents may have good...
DIY Gel Laundry Detergent
Ive been using the dry version of this for over a year. My only complaint is that it has no whiteners. My husbands colored tee shirts get so brown/grey that we have to pitch them out. Anybody know how to add whiteners?
Treating Toenail Fungus Takes Time
Right on! And if one remedy doesnt work, try another until your nail starts staining black. There is more than one type of nail fungus, and what works for one may not work for another.
Pudhina Paratha (Mint Flatbread)
We have an eight-foot row of spearmint. We dry it for tea, and its lovely! No caffeine, just lots of good flavor.
Always Remember Your Own Pen
When I was at the eye doctors on Wednesday, my exam was delayed while he sanitized his pen. Word is getting around!
Treating Toenail Fungus?
Im not sure toenail fungus ever completely goes away. In the past three years I have used a doctors prescription, a natural vinegar/herb soak, oil of oregano, tea tree oil and Vicks. I can tell when something is killing the fungus because the nail gets black...
Of Kids, Christmas, and Pets
What a great essay! It makes me want to go out and get more pets (we only have about 200 right now). I have always wanted to keep fish but needed some guidance. There might be a betta in my future! Dont think me eccentric with the number of animals we have...
What Embroidery Stitch Is This?
It looks a lot like couching to me. That is where you lay a cord on the fabric and place stitches over it. But without a closer look, Im not sure. HTH
Uses for Extra Syrup from Preserving Pears?
I have boiled it down to desired thickness, then used it over pancakes. Good!
Help with Crochet Instructions?
The pattern might tell you right before or after the shell instructions. Usually there is a chain one space in the preceding row that lines up with your shell. Dont be afraid to try it out. You can always pull the stitches out and put them somewhere else until...
Growing Lettuce from Flower?
Sure you can. Make sure the plant is completely dry before picking the seeds. We just leave ours in the garden over the winter, and in the spring, many little seedlings appear weeks before we till and plant. We have three varieties, and they all do it. Im in...
Making a Thermal Container for School Project?
You dont give many details, so this is a shot in the dark. Maybe it will be what you need. We make yogurt in a homemade thermal container. It is a styrofoam cooler lined with old rags. We put the warm milk and starter inside the cooler packing rags around everything...
Teaching Children to Sew?
Here is an idea that I hope will help. When my brother and I were aged 5 and 7, we were expecting another little brother very shortly. Our mother was in no shape to chase after us, so she put us to work embroidering baby quilt blocks in red thread. We only...
1980s-1990s Weight Watcher Books?
Ive had some success searching through the book shelves of thrift shops.
Getting Rid of Mice in the Kitchen?
We use the little boxes of poisoned grain. We live in the middle of about 80 acres, and mice are a given. The brand we buy is D-Con.
Cherry Nut Bread
What kind of cherries are we talking here? Pie cherries? Bing cherries? Maraschino cherries? Sure sounds good, either way.
Making Money Using Twitter?
Dear Luana, I am inspired by your courage and wise choices! My experiences may be of use to you. We were living on $700 per month, maintaining our small farm, home and three vehicles. I got sick and ran up about $200,000 in bills. Jim and I were grateful that...
Concerns Over Son Not Receiving a Share of SSA Benefits?
Do you have a Legal Aid Society or the equivalent in your neck of the woods? They helped us quite a bit.
Shopping for a Belt for a Singer Treadle Sewing Machine?
I buy mine at a Singer sewing machine/fabric shop. I believe they are available online, too. If I were you, I would call the sewing machine repair shops and see what they have. There are lots of our old treadle machines in use, so the parts are still available...
Canned Mackerel Recipes?
There was a time when mackerel tasted better than salmon. We used a lot of it. I found that I could substitute it for salmon in lots of recipes such as salmon loaf and salmon patties. If it is as strong as others say, try rinsing it, and be sure to include...
Growing Plants on Rock Walls?
You dont say how much soil was there for the vinca roots. With insufficient soil, the roots die off very quickly. I have hen and chicks in my rock wall, and they do well there. I put them in as I built the wall, so they can root into the soil behind them. Ive...
Taking a Cutting from a Lilac Bush?
Usually a lilac will have rooted suckers coming up around the base. You can just dig one of these up and transplant it where you want it. Keep it pretty wet for the first two or three weeks.
European Equivalent of and Stick of Butter?
Id love to help! A stick of butter is four ounces. As for the flour, if it doesnt specify self-rising, it isnt. Happy baking!
Tomato Plant Leaves Are Curling and Have Brown Spots?
Just a thought. When you transplanted them, did you make certain the roots were all completely covered in dirt, and then water them heavily to settle the soil around them? Ive killed a few plants by not transplanting correctly. Is the soil level at the same...
Adult Child in a Toxic Relationship is Very Demanding of Time?
There is little difference between a child you raised from age 5 and a child you raised from infancy. The harsh truth is that she will change her drama queen tactics when and if she is ready. Sometimes you have to set her free and tell her you long for the...
Plum Tree In Bloom
I congratulate you! You grew a fine little plum tree! They are an underrated fruit, so good for so many things! We keep eight plum trees for the two of us, just so there will be enough to make dried plums. We snack on them all year round. You made a great decision...
What Can I Do With an Old Family Quilt?
When I was blessed with a worn old quilt, I made Christmas tree ornaments with them. I traced a basic shape ( pig, cow, etc.) and cut two of those. Stitched them together with wrong sides out, then turned them right side out. I sewed on button eyes and ribbon...
Inexpensive Wedding and Reception Venues in Cambridge or Minneapolis, MN?
I dont know if this will help you, but when I was faced with a similar situation, I made a decision to not spend any more money than necessary. My first marriage was a big, fancy event in a magnificent church. The marriage lasted 3 years. This time around, I...
What Can I Do With Failed Coconut Macaroon Batter?
Another possibility would be to stir in a couple of eggs, then cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Coconut pudding!
Zesty Cream Cheese Rice
Thanks to all the holiday grocery sales and coupons, I have everything I need right on hand to try this out! I NEVER have cream cheese on hand, but this year it was free so I stocked up! Thanks for the inspiration!
Can I Safely Put Tulle Inside Lighted Glass Blocks?
I dont think LEDs put off much heat at all. And as for their being expensive, usually Walmart has them as cheaply as $1.50 per 150-light string. I have used those for several years on our tree and have not had a single bulb burn out yet.
Third Wedding Attendance Etiquette?
As one who has married for the third time, I think your brothers expectations should be low, and the guest list should be small. Or anyway, thats what we did. We had a minister, a few friends and our children. I made the cake and a friend decorated it. My husband...
Remedies for an Ingrown Toenail?
You didnt mention whether you have nail fungus - a thickening, yellowing or misshaped nail. I have inherited ingrown toenails, too. It certainly cut into my walking attempts. But Ive done better since I went to the podiatrist. I had the nail trimmed on the...
Magic Meatloaf Patties
I love recipes like this one, that allow me to use up leftover veggies in a new way. Thanks!
Where Can I Find a Free Doughnut Cutter?
When we had our mobile food service, I used a pineapple can with both ends removed, and for the center I used a plastic cap from a butane container. There are also small-diameter caps on many aerosol products. We only made a dozen at a time, so it was no inconvenience...
Sewing Machine is Wadding Up Thread Under Fabric?
I sew on a Singer treadle. My machine will wad up the bobbin thread if I fail to do this: Hold both threads to the left of the presser foot. Take 3-4 stitches. It should sew straight to the end of the seam. Good luck!
Use Layaway For Large Purchases
Layaway is so tempting! But if you want financial independence, you have to resist. So if I cant pay for something completely, I skip it. Its much easier than trying to play catch-up later on.
Planning a Harvest Festival For a Church?
I do this each October for our church. This year we have 15 games planned. The most popular with the small children is the fish pond. They have a fishing pole ( a branch with a string on it and a clothes pin) that they throw over a curtain, and we pin a prize...
Reuse Glass Water Bottles, Not Plastic
We do the same thing, Jeannie! I bought Sobe a long time ago, and refill them over and over. No plastic poisons; just our well water or sun tea! Thanks for sharing.
Reuse Junk Mail Envelopes
Ive used these for years, too! In fact, when desperate, I have opened up the envelopes at the glued seams (steam works well if it doesnt come apart easily) and turned them inside out. Some of them have really pretty printing on the inside to make them secure...
Squash Bugs on Gourds?
You could get some tanglefoot and smear it on the stems, first off. They get stuck in it and die. Your gourds might be salvagable if you can stop them quickly enough. You can also handpick them and drop them into a little kerosene. Watch for their eggs. I think...
Saving Money At College?
1) Learn the difference between needs and wants. 2) If you dont go anywhere, you wont need a car. 3) Get used to cheap meals. Get a rotisserie chicken and a head of cabbage and make soup, sandwiches, cole slaw, burritos, etc. I have a friend who does this and...
Mustard Greens Are Blooming?
I can say what I would do, but it may sound pretty unorthodox if youre a neatnik. I would spread fertilizer around it in an eight foot circle, then let it go to seed. Mustard greens re-plant themselves so you dont have to buy seed again. Depending on how long...
Circus Themed Dance Ideas?
Oriental Trading has several sharp-looking carnival-type games, such as knocking over milk bottles with a ball, spin the wheel to win a prize, etc. Our church does a Hallelujah Night celebration every October 31st, and we add to that a fish pond, dart board...
Circus Themed Dance Ideas?
By the way, you can rent a hot dog machine, snow cone machine and cotton candy machine.
Brittle Finger Nails?
Have you had your thyroid checked? Since I got mine regulated, I have actual fingernails for the first time in 20 years or so!
Planning a Birthday Party on a Budget: Sea Life Theme?
Lets see. How about turning an appliance box into a sea cave and letting them take turns being the giant squid and trying to touch the others? Prizes for the best fish imitation? A sprinkler and wading pool in the back yard could be the ocean. If you have a...
Lowering Blood Sugar Quickly?
I have a neighbor who says her blood glucose drops about 90 points with a 30-minute walk. Brings down the triglycerides, too.
When to Harvest Potatoes?
We wait until the vines are nearly dead, then dig the tubers and spread them on a tarp to dry for overnight. Then store them in a cool, dark, dry place. If you can keep them around 40-50 degrees F they will probably store all winter. Dont let them get any cooler...
Get Two Uses From Your Celery
Good luck! Let us know how it comes out! Ive got an onion from last season out in my flower bed, hoping it will set seed.
Craft Ideas to Sell at Markets?
I was at a craft fair last weekend. A friend of mine set up also. She sells gift baskets. They are baskets of many sizes. Each one contains a usable item such as coasters, a cute plate, or a figurine. They also have chocolate. All the items are color or theme...
Robin's Weekly Grocery Deals
I found a good deal at Albertsons this week. Mighty Dog dog food is on sale for .59 per 5.5 oz. can. We got coupons last Sunday for 1 free can, and for $3 off 5 cans, which makes them free at that price. Dont know how long this price is good.
Blue Heron is Eating My Koi?
One solution I read recently was to place chicken wire a couple of inches below the surface. The pond still looks the same, but the heron gets frustrated and goes elsewhere.
Centerpiece Ideas for an 85th Birthday?
What are his special interests? Is he still active at a hobby? You could decorate the tables with new garden tools (tied up with bows), sports equipment, art supplies, etc. That way people will know what to get for him, and hell get to enjoy them afterwards...
Pansies
Theyre lovely! But Ive always wondered about plants that come back in the same container. Do you just pile on the fertilizer before they sprout, or wait until they come up. It seems that if you dig it in, you would bury a lot of the seeds and seedlings. Can...
How Do I Use Alpaca Manure in the Garden?
Our daughter and son in law use llama manure, and they have the most productive garden I have ever, EVER seen! I would guess alpaca would be similar.
Granola Bars
This sounds delicious, but I would like to know how you can buy all those ingredients for $1.00. Maybe you were not counting the ingredients you had on hand?
Where Can I Buy Bulk Brown Rice?
Are you near a Costco? Ours in Idaho carries 12-pound bags that are quite reasonable.
Growing Beets in Containers?
I have not tried it, but I have read that it can be done. It requires a large pot that is at least a foot deep; is that 30 mm? Use enriched potting soil. They may start more quickly if you cover the planted seed with a cloche or even a large, clear plastic...
What Is Eating Holes In My Leaves?
Its probably the same thing thats turning my rhubarb leaves to lace every year. There are some little fuzzy caterpillars that come out at night and munch away. Then the earwigs pick up where they left off. Im going to try dusting them with white flour this...
When The Green Alternative Is Not The Best
Your research was apparently very thorough. We all need to be more aware of what we are doing to dirty up our planet, dont we? And to be thrifty. The thrifty lifestyle is the cleanest that I know of. Nevertheless, I am becoming increasingly disturbed by the...
Survey Sites That Pay?
I belong to Swagbucks and Mypoints. Ive done others in the past, but they were a fizzle. These two will never make me rich, but I love having a $25.00 gift certificate to my favorite restaurant now and then, and Im building up gift certificates in my Amazon...
Soap Making
I am a happy soapmaker from about ten years ago, and have not bought commercial soap (detergent bars) in all that time. I have not made glycerin soap (the transparent kind). While fragrance and color are lovely, I am chemically sensitized, so I leave them out...
Using Grocery Coupons from the Internet?
Here in Idaho I have used them without problems at Albertsons, Smiths and Walmart. So far the Associated Foods chain is also accepting them. I learn about the good ones from a web site I belong to, called RefundCents.com. There are other sites as well.
Choosing Wedding Colours and My Dress?
You dont give us any clues about what would flatter you. If you are dark-skinned, you can wear and be flattered by strong colors. One of the most dramatic weddings I ever saw was with the bridesmaids in very dark green and carrying orange lilies. Wow! If you...
Pears Falling Off Tree Before They Ripen?
As soon as they are full-sized and taste sweet, pick them. You can ripen them in the house, or for canning use them while still firm. Pears just dont soften on the tree. Hope this helps.
What Can I Make With These Ingredients?
It sounds like youre in great shape! Heres a recipe I learned from my aunt in Idaho about 50 years ago, and I am still making it. Layered Casserole 1 pound hamburger 2 cups thinly sliced carrots 1 cup thinly sliced onions 2 cups thinly sliced potatoes 1 can...
Chile Juice for Garden Pests?
Im with kffrm288. Boil or simmer the peppers in water to make a tea. Some folks like to run the peppers and some garlic together in the blender before steeping to make tea. Works on lots of critters, as you probably know.
Tomato Preserves Didn't Set Up?
Some recipes take up to two weeks to set up. Why not try waiting two weeks and see what happens? Good luck!
Bobbin Problems?
Put the feed dog down as if you are going to start to sew. Then catch up the ends of the bobbin and top threads and hold them firmly to the left of the presser foot for the first few stitches. That should solve the problem.
Should I Blanch Corn?
We have a friend who swears by this method: Soak ears of corn with husks on in cold water about 15 minutes. Allow the water to drain off, then wrap each cob tightly in plastic wrap or foil and put them inside bread bags. He says the corn tastes just like fresh...
Recipes Using Leftover Chips?
Make chilaquiles. Heat taco sauce in a skillet and stir in the broken chips. When all is hot, top with a little cheese and allow it to melt. This works even if the chips are stale.
Balancing Life's Demands?
Looks like you have a lot of good advice to consider. I would just add one question: What is your spiritual life like? God gives us 24 hours a day. How much time are you giving him? I have been through depression, and it seems to just hang on. But when I spend...
Garden: May Bushes
That looks like a kind of spirea that my grandmother called bridal bouquet after the little cluster of flowers! What a great way to use it!
Senior Discount at McDonald's?
Burger King gives us senior drinks for .25. Combine that with one of their buy-one-get-one-free coupons for a sandwich, and we get lunch for two for two or three dollars. I havent seen many McDs coupons.
Converting Slides Into a Digital Format?
WalMart will put them on a CD for you for under $3. Each disc holds about 40 photos, the technician told me.
Growing Potted Plants on Balcony in Cairo?
I am told it is very, very hot in Cairo. Is it possible you dont have large enough pots? Anything under two gallons or so would dry out in a day in Cairo. Also, when you water, you should let it run until water comes out the drain holes in the bottom. Is there...
Growing Rainier Cherries from Seed?
I have started many cherry trees from the pits left from canning. I dont know if Rainier cherries will grow true to their parent plant or not, but if you have the space, why not give it a shot? If it doesnt work, you can always have a horticulture student graft...
Growing Rainier Cherries from Seed?
P.S. All I did was throw them in the garden. At least one out of ten came up with no more encouragement than that.
