Peeling Boiled Eggs
Boiling finished remove eggs from hot water. Place in cold bath. Crack eggshells against sink sides, will help eggs cool faster. After cooling roll eggs in your hands under running water. Shells will mostly slip right off.
Peel Hard-boiled Eggs Quickly
I think I have an even easier way to peel hard-boiled eggs. Upon removal of the cooking pan from the stovetop after eggs are cooked I put it in the sink and run cold water on it. Then take each egg out individually and rap it all over against the sink side...
Use Deodorant To Deter Nesting Birds
Why do you wish to drive away barn swallows? Each of them gobbles up hundreds of flies and other insects every day which pests would be irritating you every summer day. Another reason to keep the swallows around is just the simple pleasurable viewing of how...
HP Ink Cartridges Have an Expiration Date
I thought everybody at Thrifty Fun knew about Atlantic Ink. Dear Webby has been pushing it for years. HP sucks. The Atlantic replacement for my HP 61XL cartridge costs $19; HP wants over $30. Contact Atlantic at www.atlanticinkjet.com, or call them at 1-866...
Insulating a Crawl Space
You should remember that the screens you covered are there for a reason. Your crawl space needs air moving through to decrease the humidity that would eventually rot your floor, allow mold to get started, and other bad things. A better idea would be to bore...
Refurbishing a Cedar Swing?
Sand the rough spots, then paint it with linseed oil. Youll need multiple coats of the oil and it will be beautiful. Linseed oil also protects from rain. Remember to give it another coat each year. If its exposed to the sun it will eventually darken and look...
HB-B101 Hitachi Bread Machine Recipe Book?
Dont fret the Hitachi recipes. Use any bread recipe you like. Thats been working for me since I bought my first bread machine over 20 years ago. Also, consider using your machine for initial kneading only. Your manual will list the time for each machine step...
Getting Rid of Spiders?
Which would you rather have - spiders or all the other bugs spiders eat? I love to see spiders hard at work. My adult daughter also learned to love them.
Handling Yellow Jackets in House Walls?
Long ago I discovered that yellow jackets had a fatal urge to eat the maple syrup we made, although Id venture they would like just about any syrup. I put syrup in a wide dish with rim, so they had no place to perch and sip. They would land in the syrup and...
Use Trashcan with Wheels to Transport Purchases
I shop Aldis for basics and have discovered a work-saving idea - I bring a cheap Walmart laundry basket to the store with me. When checking out I put the basket on the check out belt first. The cashier then knows to put it in the cart and fill with my purchases...
A Guide to the Common Loon
My family built a small resort on a beautiful, clear-water lake in Itasca County, MN, beginning in 1948. We were entertained every summer by Loon-Song, which was especially ethereal at sunset and after dark. Your article didnt miss anything Ive learned of loons...
Hitachi Bread Machine Shaft Not Working?
Can you take three or four pictures of the mixing/baking pan inside and underneath. That might give one of we viewers an idea of how to fix. I had shaft problems with my Oster 2 pounder and with just a couple of simple fixes Im using it again with no problems...
Dealing With a Verbally Abusive Wife?
Clip and have her read accounts of a mate snapping. She should learn that actions sometimes have responses.
Wet Vac to Unclog Toilet
American toilet paper is engineered to dissolve (you could test that) when it gets wet, so odds are that wasnt your problem. I think youre right about the other. Funny story: I moved into an old house with ancient plumbing - house built in 1920s maybe. When...
Leaving Clothespins on Laundry Line
My Mom, born 1910, bought what was then a common clothespin bag. It had a quite large hook for hanging and sliding on the clothesline so twas easy to move as she hung clothes. She died in 1998 but I expect the clothespin bag lives on.
Remedy for Ear Itching?
When I got tested for my first hearing aids not too long ago I asked the technician about that. He recommended a squirt of vinegar in the ear, then flush with rubbing alcohol. The alcohol removes all water in the ear - which is good. Ive been adding a tiny...
Hiding a Spare Car Key?
Do what I do - always carry a substitute key. Carry in same place you carry your credit cards, or cash. Whens the last time you were robbed of your personal belongings while out shopping, whatever?
Walking Makes Buttocks and Legs Tired?
I suffered from that, plus pain just from sitting. My VA Dr sent me to physical therapy where they taught me exercises to tone the muscles we use for walking. Pain problems disappeared. Id bet those same exercises can be learned from the internet. Most of those...
Use Window Fans Before Air Conditioning
Generally, a specific room or rooms in a house can be cooled more than others by using a medium-duty box fan (20 sq, more or less) to blow air out of the house through a different window. Open windows in the selected room(s); fan will then cause breeze to enter...
Organizing Your Freezer
Good job organizing your freezer. One major drawback though, every time you open the freezer door all that expensive sub-freezing air immediately falls out of the freezer. (Cold air sinks; warm air rises). Then it has to be replaced. With your organizational...
Solar Lights For Night Fishing
Wonderful idea for cheap lights. Not so wonderful interaction with your cheap boyfriend. Maybe you could upgrade both ideas?
Unplug For a While
I quit all TV cold-turkey about the time New Orleans was being destroyed by that hurricane. I survived the TV thingy eventually. Ive changed mentally and can no longer watch more than about two minutes of any TV program I accidentally wander into viewing area...
Great Great Northern Beans
I love those beans also. I buy a big ham hock at one of our local butcher outlets. Boil it for an hour or so with a chopped onion. Remove and de-bone, then all back in the pot. Add pre-soaked beans. I love carrots with that dish too. Check carrots after 20...
Sharpen Scissors with Scrubbing Pad
Im a retired carpenter who had to sharpen all kinds of cutting tools, powered or otherwise. I think this idea about snipping things is only an urban rumor. Never worked for me, which I expected. Wise up.
Using a Wen 909 Allsaw?
How old are you? Have you ever used a power tool before? If not Id not begin now. Your dream of missing fingers will definitely come true if you have no experience nor talent. Advice from a 50-year construction vet.
Easy Omelet Recipes?
My microwave cooks fantastic omelets. I dice onion and tomato and maybe a cheese brat to go with. Ham or turkey ham is good too. One can always include regular diced peppers and much else. Two large eggs by themselves are perfect after 90 seconds. But all microwave...
Would you Buy a French Door Refrigerator?
French-door refrigerators suck. Id choose a model with one solid door, one that has reversible hinges. Freezer underneath is the only way to go. Way more efficient than any other configuration. Expensive frozen air cant leak out easily when you open the freezer...
Removing Dried Out Masking Tape from Windows?
Soften adhesive with cheap mineral spirits and scrape with razor blade. Easy as A-B-C.
Buying Touch Up Paint for a Refrigerator?
Why you fixated on a perfectly painted refrigerator? Why not display your artistic talent covering up the defects with contrasting colors or patterns or whatever? Youre not afraid President Obama might visit and the ensuing TV would prove your refrigerator...
Ideas for Getting Heavy Grocery Items into the House?
You have water faucets inside the house? Is the water drinkable? Healthy? Sugar water (Pepsi, Coke, et al) could be expensive cause of ill health. Id suggest some dietary changes.
Seal Plastic Bags with Water Bottle Top
I agree its a great idea. I might add that it approaches being a fantastic idea. Thank you so much! Many brands of plastic bags are really hard, or impossible, to seal. And, I toss a water bottle in the trash every day. It held the water for my one cup of coffee...
Refinishing a Wood Deck?
Linseed oil has been used for hundreds of years to preserve wood surfaces. Its a natural crop oil -- from flax and will not evaporate. Is a very good primer for paint, but Ive found there is no need for paint after linseed oil has been on decks, rails, stairways...
Purchasing a Lump of Pure Coal?
There are plenty of rich people who keep horses in your area. Find names of stables, then call them for names of farriers in the area. They always have the very best coal.
Cleaning With Beer
I feel so very sorry about Deelis hyperactive nose; wonder if theres a medical solution for that problem? And if Medicare would cover the treatment. Ive no such problem. Ive only a question: Wherever does one find a leftover beer?
Cooling a Stone Garden Wall During Summer?
I wonder if you are an adventurous sort? Your patio sounds like a perfect site to erect a roof over, supporting electricity-generating solar cells. Which could possibly power air conditioning for your house. I dont mean a watertight roof, only a simple shed...
Buying Quick Fix Electrical Spacers?
Men (and women too) in polos at box stores work cheap and maybe not know as much as they should. What you are looking for is called an extension ring although it can be square or rectangular. It screws on the blue box and has screw-holes for the receptacle...
Buying Quick Fix Electrical Spacers?
More: Those extension rings are designed to be attached to the blue boxes before the new wall material (drywall, etc) is attached. You may have to cut a larger opening for the ring(s) and then patch.
Sunrise (Cocoa Beach, FL)
I was stationed at Patrick AFB just a few miles south of Cocoa Beach, back in 1954. What an unspoiled area that was then, we visited Cocoa Beach often. After our work shifts on base we could walk to our perfect beach and blow off teen-age energy. That was a...
Fog Rolling In (Catalina Island, CA)
I know just where that picture was taken. Beautiful! I loved riding the tram up to the island airport. Such sharp curves and hills! Revved up most heartbeats I think. Last time I visited, back in 99, we simply strolled over from Catalina ferry dock to Queen...
What Do I Use to Glue Sand Dollars on the Bathroom Walls?
Buy a small tube of clear silicon sealant, although any color will do. Silicon is used to assemble home aquariums BTW, if you are concerned about the quality.
Information About An Antique Fiddle?
I dont believe a single word you wrote. Youre obviously a simple scammer looking for profit. Shame on anyone who believes your post.
Flarp Stains on Clothing?
Holly, have lake-effect blizzards robbed your brain? You not using language familiar to the rest of us. So, ha ha.
Buttering Corn on the Cob
An easier way is to open one stick of butter and use it for just the corn. Put the handles on the ear and turn it on the butter surface. Re-wrap the stick and return to refrigerator to wait for next time.
Bird Convention (Snowy Egrets and Canadian...
I had an experience with swans not wanting to share a big pond with Canada geese. Both resident swans were very actively driving the geese away. And it was no contest regardless of the number of geese -- they all departed for elsewhere. BTW: Perfectionists...
Rubber Snake To Prevent Nesting Birds
My landlord tried that, leaving a rubber snake under each window A/C machine in each rental unit. Birds do not recognize silly human attempts like that to change their behavior. That idea qualifies as an urban legend. And none of them are factual.
Product Review: San Tech Hydro-Sil Baseboard Heater
Sorry you had such a bad experience with that heater. Ive always found that simplicity it the best choice in almost any endeavor. I bought a Lasko 1500 Watt portable electric heater at Walmart a few years ago. I chose Shop-to-Store where shipping was free. 1500...
Crispy Dark Meat Chicken Lover's Delight
And then do what with the honey, sour cream and mustard? (b)Editors Note: (/b) Deelis last instruction states: whisk together the sour cream, Dijon, and honey in a small bowl.
How Can I Get Coupons for Meat?
Since the main idea is to spend less for meat, maybe you could try this. No coupons involved. Many local farmers will raise beeves, whether steers or heifers, and parcel out the meat in shares agreed to with previously committed buyers. You, of course, will...
Remembering Reusable Shopping Bags
I lived in CA for 18 years, my two daughters still do. When IKEA moved in we all shopped there. I moved to Ohio, visited daughters in 09. We shopped at IKEA. They were selling blue, reinforced plastic bags for really cheap. Unfolded its huge, with both hand...
Does Running the Air Conditioner Continuously Save Money?
Just take some time to experiment, like a month at a time. Youll soon have a record of what it costs you. No need to ask someone else with entirely different circumstances.
Z'sip Crunch
I think it would be easier for me to get married to a gal that likes to do that sort of stuff -- than for me to do that recipe. But marriage scares me almost as much as that recipe. Thanks anyway.
Updating a Bathroom with Pinkish Burgundy Fixtures and Shower?
Im laughing at you, not with you. Why on earth would anybody need that many bathrooms unless one was training new recruits into the army?
Scenery: Antique Horse Drawn Hearse (1800's)
A scene like this convinced me to move to Ohio. Twas a funeral cortege for a marine killed in Iraq. Hearse was a horse-drawn antique. Surrounding area in Hudson, OH, was so wonderfully green, along with the trees. I was raised in northern MN so was used to...
Rodent Control Suggestions?
Quit feeding your dogs so much and theyll soon begin to hunt rats. Dogs are meat-eaters and rats are fine meat.
Repairing a Pocket Door That is Off the Track?
Im a carpenter with 50 years experience. Ive always hated pocket doors. Seems if they are not installed by true professionals, they go to seed quickly. You need a good carpenter to fix it. Maybe you can find a retired professional, like me for that. Some gentleman...
Reusing Tins
Those tins not as good as ziploc bags at keeping insects away -- unless they are stored in a freezer. On the other hand, insect larvae have been proven to be fine cheap sources of really good quality protein. Especially if you never knew you ate them.
Saving On Service Rates
Why not save a bunch of cash -- cancel your TV and begin reading quality stuff. My daughter posited that if the percentage of TV viewers (couch potatoes) and the percentage of newspaper readers could ever be reversed, good old US of A would be way more intelligent...
Inexpensive Chair Mat Ideas?
If you like this idea you may need technical help. Remove your chairs wheels. Replace them with larger, industrial, caster-type wheels. But the wheels should, I think, be thin, high-profile types with rounded edges. Adapting attachment devices to fit your chair...
Label Tops of Electric Plugs
Lindal, have you experienced a situation where the electricians have installed a receptacle upside-down? I have. No biggie, eh? And its not a safety problem either.
Scenery: Snow (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Beautiful pictures. The description of how much contained a typo, should be measured in cm instead of mm. (b)Editors Note:(/b) Thanks for letting us know, we fixed it in the original post.
Ledge When Replacing Cabinet Hinges
Congratulations from a veteran professional carpenter. There are many hints to learn that can contribute to a better job. Sounds like your carpenter is one who can think.
Filling the Gaps Between Pine Floor Boards?
Sawdust and glue combo is fine for minor cracks but by itself wont hold up under traffic in that situation. Take a hint from builders of ocean-going wooden ships. They would use oakum or some other fiber-based material to provide a base for the finished seam...
Removing Rust from an Old Metal Kitchen Table?
Try muriatic acid, outside where theres good ventilation. Scrub with a steel brush, with the elbow grease you mentioned. When finished hose it with water. Good luck.
Gravy Without Pan Drippings
Seems good Deeli. Personally, I like to just open a can from Walmart. Tastes just as good to me. Thanks
Scenery: Twisted Tree
That nice spiral caused by a vine that used to grow on the tree. There are quite a few of those where I live. The vines grow so fast you can almost see it. Ive a couple examples of vine segments I cut from one tree. Maybe Ill send pix of them to ThriftyFun...
Store Vitamins Upside Down
Being a guy I probably have no business posting here. However, why dont you simply toss the empty containers into the trash can, then order or buy replacements when its time?
Scrap Printer Paper Instead of Note Paper
Ive been doing this for about three years now. Price of commercial sticky notes is outrageous. Many advertisements arriving in mailed envelopes have blank reverse sides too. If one really gets serious about recycling, some of the envelopes can be turned into...
Winterizing an Older Unoccupied Mobile Home?
I feel for you young people who never were required to learn how things are done. Just drain the water and drain pipes, including sink and toilet and shower traps, and cut off the utilities. Cant drain those traps? Fill them with car windshield-spray solution...
Mai Flower Decoration For Lunar New Year (Tet)
You are indeed an artist, your creations are beautiful!
Banana Split Salad
No bananas included in list of ingredients. Do they magically appear when other ingredients are combined? Heehee.
Clean When You Can't Sleep
Im retired and love to read, but one cant just read all day. I exercise a lot - and clean a little bit - each day. Works for me.
Cut Post-It Notes in Half
No average American need buy Post-It notes - ever. If your home has mail delivery, youll always have plenty of paper to make all the notes youll ever need. And, its not that so many of us havent time for that - but we have ample time for watching TV! Its my...
Swiss Chard with Cannellini Beans and Tomatoes
Hi Deelie, I am amazed that people eat swiss chard with anything! Keep up the good work. Youll eventually get Americans to eat more healthily.
Driving Nails Into Plaster Walls Without Cracking
I love your frequent hints. But, Im not sure you are a girl. Are you? Your fans wish to know.
Keeping Mud Out of Gravel RV Pad?
Youve heard the term Make lemonade from lemons? Capture the worms and sell them as bait.
Store Manuals and Receipts
Dear Pixiedust (love the name, I know you have a computer from your comments. Each day I purchase something and pay with my debit or a credit card I enter the receipt information into my computer, such as a Word program titled XYZ Bank. I always save that info...
Garlic Cauliflower
Dear Deeli, Id love it if youd contribute simple recipes a hermit could cook. Or a busy Mom with two jobs. Or a single Dad raising kids. What do you think?
Changing Which Way a Door Opens?
I retired from a construction career ten years ago. Ive reversed door-swings often. If the original door fits well there is no need to buy a new one. Maybe some people have more money than sense? If the door is a simple plain blank panel one can turn it upside...
Leather Washer for Emergency Water Heater Fix
You have to be kidding. I suggest you divert your attentions to something other than plumbing. Really! Quit smoking too.
Determining the Energy Usage for an Electric Room Heater?
Most rooms in a house in the U.S. are wired with a 15-amp fuse or breaker. This limits the wattage you can use on that circuit to about 1800 watts. (Wattage = Amps times volts; 15 x 120) My electric heater is rated at 1500 watts and is designed for use in these...
Re-Key Lock Rather Than Replacing Knob
Good thinking, Fossil. Most stores have one or more real hardware stores and/or other places that can do this job. They can also re-orient your locks key-slot. You key should be inserted into the lock with the smooth side up. Possibly that only applies to older...
Wildlife: Backyard Birds (Cardinal and Woodpecker)
Isnt it wonderful how the birds know their pecking order? Do your male cardinals allow the females to eat seeds beside them at a feeder? Mine never do. I assume the males are not worried much about the girls holding out on them.
Pasta Fagioli
Im to the point where all I need to do is read the name of the recipe to know that it will be from Deeli. I know they all taste wonderful but I havent the talent or the enthusiasm for cooking complicated things like that. Old bachelors are lazy, ya know.
