Get Kids to Eat Magic Oatmeal
This is so good. It sure is hard changing kids stubborn little minds and you figured out how to do it and make them happy at the same time! A wreath of gold stars for you. With love, Susan
Recipes Using Wheat Berries?
I have also heard wheat berries called farro, so you might look in indexes or on Google under farro...see Heidi Swansons blog 101 Cookbooks...she cooks a lot with farro. I remember boiling it until tender (maybe the same as for brown rice) and then using it...
What is the Best Wax for Sealing a Corked Bottle?
I think what you want is the wax used for sealing letters with a stamp. It comes in flattish small candles and is hard and shiny when it dries. Youd find it in stationery stores or google sealing wax. The other non-brittle wax is beeswax. Quilters use it to...
Lactose Free Milk Substitute That Tastes Like Milk?
Aged cheeses (cheddar, Swiss) are better than Jack. Breyers makes a lactose-free vanilla ice cream. I also like Tofutti. The less cream there is in milk the more youll react (or I react) to the lactose, skim milk, forget it. I can only get by with 1/4 c. of...
Chocolate Depression Cake
I worked at a summer camp and we made this X 5 and it came out fine. We baked it in hotel pans (commercial cooking pans maybe 9X18(this is just my guess, its been a while). If the pan was deeper than youd usually use for a cake, a sheet of foil over the top...
How Do I Make My Own Spiced Teas?
I was gifted with two teas that suit your question. One was a China black tea with ginger (dried cubed /tiny cube) and some cinnamon stick. The other had dried orange and lemon (peel and pulp)and vanilla (either flavoring or bit of pod, I couldnt tell). Constant...
Preparing for a Move?
Its a big step, but can be divided up, first, do you know Burnaby at all? I Googled it and see that it is large and on the outskirts of Vancouver, so, lots or rental housing. You need to pick an affordable and safe neighborhood and look there to find an apartment...
Recipes for Making Faux Food?
Ginger ale can look like champagne. If its not going to be drunk (if it doesnt have to tip when the glass does, add gelatin to solidify it. Resin has been suggested. That would be good for a one-time project. From the stage, I dont think you can tell about...
Setting Up a Teen Center?
These are my personal suggestions. I do not have experience setting up such a center but I agree that one is needed. It sounds like a rural rather than an urban area, and I can remember being in one for a year when the one boring movie house within 40 miles...
Grind Cloves in Coffee Grinder
You can clean the grinder between spices and coffee by filling it partway with dry rice and whirring it a bit, cleans it right out, unless you want the spice taste in coffee or vice-versa.
Make Your Own Pet Bed
I havent acted on this idea, but it fits in well with yours. As happens, I have single socks...in my case, my left heel shreds the back of the left sock. For a small dog or a cat, stuffing these socks and sewing them together could give a side for the bed. (I...
Letter Carrier Gift Idea
Thank you, thank you. Ive always thought about but never figured out what to do for the mailman since I understand they cant (policy) accept cash. Now I know.
Holiday: Thrifty Christmas Decorating
Thank you for letting us see your artwork. I know that youre proud of it and can remember all the steps each time you look at a piece. Do you give tours? Thanks again.
Apple Pie
This is interesting, for adults I guess its because its more an applesauce pie than the apple pie Im used to, but I think Ill try it with a gingersnap crust and I guess Ill see what quantity it makes. Maybe whipped cream with cinnamon or just leave it as ginger...
Strep Throat?
If you dont know that its strep, Id gargle with hot heavily salted water every couple of hours, tea is ok, the main benefit is the heat. Take a flashlight and check the back of your throat. If you see white spots on the back of your throat you may have strep...
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends?
I second the idea for mugs, heavy-duty ones. Ive gotten some at Big Lots and at outlet stores, etc. Im thinking 1$ to 1.25 per). Fill them with hard candy or Kisses. Tie a bow on top. They will be used and appreciated. Who cant use another mug? Merry Christmas...
Hitachi HB-B201 Bread Not Rising?
Liquid vs dry milk/liquid/egg shouldnt be a factor in your breads not rising. My first thought is that your yeast is old. Bread machines recommend instant yeast, but Ive used regular Red Star yeast cause I can get it in larger quantities. Dont heat the water...
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Biting?
Have you had the cat a long time? I have a rescue cat that had been declawed (front only) when I took her. I dont know what her early life was like, but she also bites/attacks and has strong jaw muscles. When she wants to injure she sure can. Ive had her 1...
In Memory of Sissy (Long Haired Domestic)
Im so glad you found each other. I remember a cat (I didnt have him/no one had him. He had himself) He lived in my apartment house parking lot. Hip improperly healed, only one ear, didnt like women at all (Im one) but he would let me feed him and when it was...
Poole (Shorthair Cat)
These are beautiful cats. Id love to be around to see your cat mock-attack you and then high-tail it.
Organizing Church Christmas Parties for Very Large Groups?
Use paper simple shapes: triangle, star, circle, whatever is natural to you, in different colors and hand them out to guests when they arrive. These will be used to divide them into groups (2000 is a large group) for activities and then to decorate or sign...
Planning a Thanksgiving Without Family?
She may not want a big production. My mother is 93, we are going to my brothers and will have most of the day there with various family members. Mother would rather have lunch and a nap. Shes had lots of Thanksgivings. Yours may be different. Ask her if shed...
Thrifty Food Ideas For Wedding Reception?
Pasta casseroles (one with meat, red sauce, one with veggies and cream or mushroom sauce) with sides would be cheaper than lasagna. Try cooking for schools and get their prices, emphasize that you want quality (salad especially) but that you are hoping that...
Rico and Chance (Cat and Chihuahua)
I have a rescue cat who, after 2 years, is just learning not to bite hard. She has her front claws off and came from a home with multiple dogs and dysfunctional people. However, from the first day she wanted to get up and kiss. 30 seconds later shed be hissing...
Preventing Gas in Beans
When you keep ginger in the fridge do you slice it first or just put the roots in the wine/water?
Halloween Costume: Robot
Are you an engineer or an art teacher/artist? This is the best made/cleverest Halloween costume Ive seen. Your son is a a lucky boy, you did a great job. Thanks for showing us.
Use Nouns Instead of Verbs to Help Children Mind
I think this will work best with very young children who are just learning words. When they get to the smart ass stage you will end up teaching them either inappropriate words or facial expressions you dont want them to provoke. not that you suggested either...
Great Book Deals at Thrift Stores
Daedelus Books (salebooks.com) has current books, CDs and DVDs) for 3-12.00 and a flat rate for shipping. I also like having a library (especially cookbooks and mystery fiction) and aside from the library I use Daedelus, Hamilton Books in New England, and garage...
Looking for Wedding Cake Recipes and Tips?
Try egullet.com and search wedding cake(s). I know there have been multiple threads on them and you will most likely find ones by pastry chefs. At least you dont have to worry about the frosting melting this time of the year, and I sure do agree about putting...
My Frugal Life: Teaching Children About Toys
Not so close to you, but if youre in Bristol look at KSS Educational Supplies on State St at Volunteer Pkwy/Commonwealth (start of State St at VA/TN line). They have lots of educational toys and art supplies. I dont think its worth it unless youll be in Bristol...
Use Layaway For Large Purchases
Its too late for this year, but I use the Christmas Club plan through the bank where I have my checking account. You choose the amount they deduct from your account every month (from $20 where I live) and then in November you get a bank check for the amount...
Cover Barcodes When Reusing Envelopes
Its so very important and had never occurred to me. I often reuse envelopes. Thank you so much.
Buying or Making a Loft Bed?
Try your public library. There are a couple of books printed in the 1970s called Nomadic Furniture i.e. furniture that can be taken apart for moving. If theyre still in print you might try Amazon or a used book store. They were good for easy-to-make rather...
Bacon Grease in Can for Dog
This is so original, and Im going to try it for my cat who will kill for bacon. Ill only put a film of the grease in the tomato can because she can use her paws like soup spoons and we dont want an upset stomach (probably on the wool rug) but I cant wait to...
1 Chicken: 16 Servings
Another way is to make pulled barbeque chicken on buns with cole slaw. Use either the breast or (I use) the thighs and drums stripped from the bones. Shred the meat and mix with barbeque sauce and serve on buns (slider buns or rolls go further but hamburger...
A Snake In My Garden!
Such a good picture of a cute little snake (and you know he had stories to tell when he/she got home!)
Inexpensive Catholic Wedding Venue in New York?
I am not Catholic, but I do a lot of research. I would choose a church or churches that are in N.Y. in an area youd like, find out the parish (Google for the web site if you dont have a directory), then ask your parish priest in Ireland to contact that parish...
Inexpensive Wedding Reception Ideas?
If there is any one day that is yours to decide whatever you want, its your wedding day. Your idea sounds perfect to me. Enjoy yourselves and know that you have avoided an enormous amount of cost and mental stress.
Making Hot Chocolate for a Large Group Inexpensively?
The Hersheys with instant milk sounds the best. I just want to echo loudly the marshmallow suggestion. They will make it extra-special.
Making Hot Chocolate for a Large Group Inexpensively?
I just posted and do have something else to add, though Im not sure whether itd work for you. Homemade marshmallows are really cheap (gelatin,sugar, (water) confectioners sugar to roll them in, and take not a lot of time, maybe 1/2 hour to beat them (need a...
Where Can I Buy Microwavable Plates?
Melamine. There are different brands, but they will all say that theyre melamine. They come in sets along with the ceramic and china (but are less expensive). Single ones are available. Look on the back to see if they say melamine. They feel like heavy plastic...
Starting a Jewelry Business
?
Whatever state you live in you will need a business license and maybe a wholesalers license (I am not a retailer, but Ive been with friends when they bought jewelry wholesale to resell. With the wholesale license you wont have to pay taxes twice. Call your...
Decorating a Cake Shaped Like a Building?
Try an acetate or cardboard stencil of windows, experiment with an offset spatula or somehow blowing colored sugar on the stencil. As I see it, you might have to lay the sides down one at a time. Good luck. Post a picture if you can.
Calculating Meat Portions for Large Group?
I couldnt find it in my cookbooks, but I have a cookbook from the National Cattlemens Beef Association and if you Google them and find the website (not listed in the cookbook) I bet they either will have it there or will tell you if you e-mail them.
Sources of Financial Assistance with Medical Expenses for the Uninsured?
Call your county Health Dept. Call the county or state Department of Social Services and ask the locations of clinics...and yes, your doctor may have samples but you may have to push and ask. Good luck.
Fluffy Cooked Icing Made Without Flour?
I dont have the recipe but Italian meringue icing is similar, butter but no flour. As I remember you make a heavy syrup, beat the hell out of it then when its coolish add butter and vanilla. Google it, Im pretty sure of the name.
Use Tray for Containers in Refrigerator
Thanks for the tip. The part that I like best and am now starting to use is to use a tray to hold leftovers and check that first when making a meal. It results in way fewer mystery containers in the back of the fridge.
Watkin's Pound Cake
Thank you so much for both the recipe and the memories that go along with it. I was born in 1945, but grew up with my great-aunt telling me old-time stories from the pecan country of Alabama.
Bring Tote Bag with Children's Activities
This is such a practical idea but one that someone with kids all the time may not have thought about. I also say thank you for all the waiting patients who dont have to listen to the children being children. And thank you from me to you.
My Frugal Life: Saving On Groceries
I so miss Grocery Outlet. In East Tennessee we have Big Lots with maybe 4 single aisles of groceries, no fresh, no frozen, no dairy, no wine. Big Lots has some good surprises but I do miss Grocery Outlet in Berkeley.
Refreshment Ideas for a Neighborhood Get Together?
Bar cookies are quick to put together. A 9x13 pan makes 12, after you cut them and theyre out of the pan, cut each on in quarters. If you make 3 pans (maybe brownies, lemon bars and either another chocolate or a nut bar) youll have 144 bite-sized pieces. Since...
Scenery: Country Living
Quaint, but not cute when theyre going their 5mph on a country road that youve taken to avoid traffic, there are no shoulders for passing and you know the next road going anywhere you can long-cut is at least half a mile. Some farms are really broken up and...
Bake Mini Cakes in Tuna Cans
How many tuna cans does a 2-layer cake recipe take. This would be so good, but I need to know what Im getting into (I only love tuna SO much). Thanks
Homemade Bread is Crumbly?
Try adding 2 Tablespoons or more gluten (from health store or baking aisle of grocery store) to the recipe. I have used this and while it doesnt work as well as I would like, it does help. I have not tried increasing the gluten and I do use bread flour.
Treating Overprocessed Hair Before Highlighting Again?
I agree with MCW. Your hair will grow back ( Ive had this happen, not the beauticians fault). Live with it, let it grow as much as you can take and then be really specific when you go to get it done again. If you can, grow it out (maybe highlighting to give...
Teaching a Cat to Use the Toilet?
There is a video on the Web, try Google. My cousin trained her cat to pee in the toilet, but I think the cat uses the litter box too.
Finding a Fun Less Stressful Job While Pregnant?
There are some good suggestions. Mine are to find a (few responsibilities) position in a retail field that you like and work positively in it until you have time to think about going back to school and/or whether you really want to. This is a good period to...
Ideas for Starting a Bakery Business?
First, find diabetic recipes that you like and refine them until you would be happy to sell them to the public. Second, multiply these recipes by 2 or 3 to see if they do well (most do). Contact SCORE (Service Corps or Retired Executives) a Small Business service...
Keep Medications and Water With You
Another old dog thanks you. I hate trying to juggle the timing of medications Ive missed.
Buy and Freeze Corn In Season
Thank you for your clear directions, waiting for the silver queen, and for Feb. Thanks again.
Power Lines in Front of a Window?
As Foxrun41 says, get the tenant a fold-down ladder. I had one, at that time it was $40, probably a bit more now. The tenant will have an option if, in fact, he ever has to jump (not a good idea from a second story) or climb down from his/her apartment and...
The Gambling Green Light
When I lived in CA I would go to Reno or Lake Tahoe with friends. I know Ill lose, so I, also, try to maximize the time my money lasts. The older casinos usually have the better deals.
Make Your Own Single Serving Desserts
This is such a good, original idea. I have some of those jar desserts and Ill try it with those. Thank you.
In Memory of Skooter (Cat)
Im so sorry Skooter is gone, but you do have the memories. Looks like one kool kat.
Finding Cheap Airline Tickets on the Web?
These are usually promotional fares for a limited time and from specific airport to airports. Im in TN and we get $39 to FL occasionally. My suggestion is that you call the general number for the airport youll be flying from and ask them for the regional and...
Safe Flea Treatment for Cat with Kittens?
Sisser617 has it right. I isolated the kittens, its best with the Mom if you flea-comb her too. I put them in the bathroom for a week and flea-combed once or twice a day (helps to have a radio to listen to) until there were no fleas for 3 times. You develop...
Ideas to Using Fabric Samples?
This may be hard to describe, but take a picture frame that can hold samples/smallish pieces of your tapestries. Either use as is or embroider over the pattern or parts of the pattern (simple or complex (Google embroidery or crazy quilt for ideas/instructions...
Treating Fleas on Feral Cats?
Be quick and drop a towel over the cats head and body, bundle the cat, expose the back of the neck shoot (or squeeze) and release. It gets better with experience. Visualize first so you know how youre going to avoid the teeth.
Using a Stove Outside?
Youre in Boston, so your concerns sure have merit. If your partially enclosed porch is partially-enclosed also during the winter so that rain and snow can get in, the only way I can see it is to oil the stove and fittings well and cover with waterproof heavy...
Get Books From The Library
My library, and maybe yours, has a for sale shop or a book sale during the year. I take my used magazines and any books Ive bought and either dont want to read again or werent what I thought theyd be (different tastes for different people) and though I dont...
Removing Cat Odors from a House?
XO Odor Remover works fairly well. I would get a black light bulb to shine over the room when its dark. It supposedly shows where cats have sprayed. Ive used this and then sprayed Natures Remedy on and scrubbed and then detergent and scrubbed and got most of...
Walter Leonidas Raphael (Pit Bull Terrier)
That is one beautiful, intelligent-looking dog. Im sure hes a joy. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Use Microwave as Breadbox
My only concern is that no air can get in and out of the microwave and that the bread might mold.
Magazine Organizer From Recycled Wine Box
Ive also used the Tide powder boxes (small size) just with the tops cut off and then covered with giftwrap. The only bad part (to me) is that the magazines smell like laundry detergent...but hey, free is free.
Craft: Portable Yard Sink
This is not only super cool (now you know how old I am) but within the abilities of a klutzy wanna-be DIY-er. Thanks.
Store Necklaces and Bracelets on Wire Hangers
I was just near tears the other day trying to untangle a chain and stone necklace (I was late...I wanted to wear the necklace...it was SO tangled). Thank you so much. No more problems (well, not with necklaces, anyway!.
My Frugal Life: Save Energy At Home
Your article is really good and practical. There are only two of us and our energy bill is too high. Thank you for writing. (We use the TV one hour a day but I do use the computer...and turn it off/unplug it when Im finished)
Make Your Own Wine Coolers
Jug (or box) red wine + 7-up +splash of sweet & sour mix or Roses lime juice...if its too sweet, add fresh juice rather than the sweetened kind. This is so good that you have to pay attention to how much you drink, or make them weak, which isnt fun at all.
How Do I Care for My Gums After Tooth Extractions?
Cindy S. gives good advice. I also have had real trouble getting used to partials after extraction. Forcing the partials onto swollen gums (by chewing) isnt a good idea. Figure out soft food that will give you the nutrients you need (and take a multi-vitamin...
Scenery: Hot Air Balloons (Ohio)
That sight would give a lift to the day. Thanks for letting us see it.
How Do I Make a Plus Size Water Resistant Apron?
Try to find a restaurant supply catalog that has dishwasher aprons. They will tell you what size the larger sizes are. I forget any sites in particular. You might Google dishwasher aprons or plus size aprons. I agree that there arent a lot of patterns. When...
How Do I Make a Plus Size Water Resistant Apron?
I forgot the second part. I made mine by putting a large trash bag up in front of me with a cord for the neckstring and then pinned the sides to where I wanted them and used that for a pattern.
Sugar (Bichon Frise)
Im usually attracted to large, shaggy dogs, but Sugar has captured my heart. I can see her with her teddy bear waiting to come in. Bet she has a wonderful disposition. Thanks for posting.
Useful Items From Tree Limbs
I dont have oleaner, I certainly thank those who warn of its poisonous qualities...horrors. I have rhododendron (mountain laurel) bushes now trees, that I want to drastically prune. Is there any harm in them?
Hard Lumps Inside Clothing?
Sometimes the foam padding on bras turns hard when the bras are washed and dried in a dryer over and over. It does turn into little hard balls that are really uncomfortable. This also happens to shoulder pads. Best not to use the dryer for bras.
Grilled Tomato Basil Cheese Sandwich
I cant wait until summer so Ill probably go with supermarket basil and farm stand winter tomatoes, but itll be better than none at all. Thank you.
Corn and Noodle Casserole
I plan to try this. It sounds like a really easy side dish when a starch is needed to round out the meal and/or when there are picky or non-adventurous eaters. Thank you.
Make Money Packing Lunches for Others
I cant right now think of how Ill do it but this tops the list of (thank you, Deeli) out-of-the-box jobs I need to pursue to supplement my (woefully sparse) income. Thanks.
Summer Stay Home Vacation
My addition, remembering a childhood with more staycations than I would have rathered, would be one full-on restaurant meal. MacDonalds when the children can order whatever they want or IHOP or whatever the budget and/or the children/adults want. If its not...
Removing Pet Poop Odors from Carpet?
Petzyme and the one I use, Natures Miracle or the WalMart brand all are basically the same, I think. The enzyme does best removing the odor and not too bad removing the stain. I have had to go to a grocery-store located carpet cleaner with solution in a couple...
