Caring for Itchy Ears With Lots of Wax?
Never put a q-tip in your ear! I always dried my ears with a q-tip, until a very small thread of cotton was left inside and caused a tumor and an abscess inside the ear. I was screaming with pain! The tumor had to be removed surgically. My dr diagnosed eczema...
Removing Grease from Cat's Fur?
In the RSA, Kleen Green. maybe you have something similar where you live? Good luck!
Do You Really Need New Clothes?
Hi metroplex! maybe you could look for a secondhand refurbushed sewing machine at a sewing shop, or at thrift or consignment shops. Just for starters, you do not need a machine with all the goodimadjoepsies. Good luck and love! Gurth from RSA
Pay Your Child Support
Yes notwrong Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes! Paying maintenance does not guarantee respect, but not paying maintenance guarantees children feeling abandoned and rejected. My ex-husband paid maintenance and is continuing paying, although our daughter has been working for...
Uses for Styrofoam Meat Trays
I treat my two cats, Mr Muffin Man and Klein Katjie, to yoghurt once a week. I use the styrofoam trays from vegetables and fruit for this and then just throw them away. But trays that had raw meat on them? I just throw them sway once Ive used the meat; too...
Tips For Dealing With Stress?
I work with my hands, that is cleaning, knitting, etc. I crawl under my comforter, hug my bear Ferdinand close to my heart and close my eyes tightly! And tell God everything.
Hand Out Snack Bags to the Homeless
A friend keeps oranges and easter eggs in his car for distribution.
Keeping My Elderly Mother from Driving?
Maybe, in view of her disablities, it could be time to bring an application to the appropriate Court holding jurisdiction to have a curator appointed. Discuss this with her attorney. The doctor could provide a report.
Making Christmas Presents From Fabric...
The quilts are so beautiful!! Are you sure I am not your grandchild as well:)
Scenery: Rustic Outhouse
I am 55 and my cousin, Hanlie. now 48, used to make herself sick for any strange smell, even imagined. When we moved in 1964 to a house with an outhouse, euphemistically called The Parliament by my mother, my aunt thought Hanlie would never, ever use the outhouse...
Easy Red Beans and Rice
How much would one Kielbasa sausage be - 1 kg? And what is Kielbasa sausage? Could I use any kind of sausage? Thanks! God bless!
Easy Red Beans and Rice
I received a message with info on the Kielbasa sausage, but now Ive lost it!! Thank you! to whoever posted. However, I have never seen Polska Kielbasa in our shops (Republic of South Africa), but will try local Boerewors or pork sausage. God bless you, wherever...
Pebbles The Cat
You are indeed privileged to be owned by Pebbles and Family! Hugs to them all, and please have Pebbles spayed after the birth of the kittens.
Finding a Gift for Husband?
What about an EXPERIENCE, such as a visit to a new Theme Park or the theatre, something that he is interested in? Or a new, interesting restaurant? Or a weekend away to a romantic, peaceful place to recharge yourselves?
Removing Tea Stain From Ceramic Pot?
Vinegar removed tea stains from an enamel tea pot, so maybe it will also work on ceramic?
Help Your Teenager Narrow the Career Search
Its worth every cent to have your child psychometrically tested at a university. They really get to know themselves from the results, sometimes things they did not even know/realise!
Picking up the Tab at Lunch?
I managed to invite my ex-husband to our daughters graduation in March and also to an upmarket restaurant afterwards. When I asked the waitress for the account, he actually took money out of hs pocket to pay, something none of us ever expected. However, I told...
Uses for Plastic Trash Bins?
Thank you! suzi-homemaker01! for the idea to put wrapping paper in a bucket/trash bin/whatever! I have been wondering what to do with the rolls of paper I have accumulated. This is such a brilliant idea!! Kind regards
Drying Bar Soap?
I unwrap my toilet soap (Palmolive) and keep it in a basket in my wardrobe to dry out. My Sunlight soap, for cleaning, I unwrap and put in my kitchen window in summer. My kitchen window gets afternoon sun, very hot, so the soap dries out quickly. When I buy...
Cleaning a Ceiling Fan?
I washed mine with Pine-Gel diluted in hot water. Kleen Green should also work well. PS: Make sure the electricity is switched off!!
How to Talk to Mother About Shaving Legs?
IMHO, the mother should be taking the lead on shaving. It should form part of guidance on growing up, like using deodrants, wearing stockings and bras, etc. OK, I was a teenager more than 40, yes FORTY!! years ago, but the basic situation is the same. So many...
What Household Products Can Be Used As Fabric Softener?
Add white vinegar to the last rinse. Everything comes out soft and NO! you will not smell like vinegar! The same amount of vinegar that you would have used of liquid fabric softener will be fine.
Power Of Attorney For Elderly Parent
In the RSA, the Law Society advises on lawyers specialising in these matters. I do not know the structures overseas, but try to find out whether there exists a similar organisation. Maybe even a welfare organisation specialising in elder care would be able...
Read the Instructions When Cleaning Appliances
I started a Household Appliance File and all receipts, instructions, warranties etc go on the file. No more wondering where I put it--
Is Cooking From Scratch Still Financially Beneficial For Small Families?
Yes! it is definately financially beneficial. Also, nothing beats the homemade taste! If you have only a small freezing space, you may be able to freeze more if packed in plastic bags - stronger bags for liquids and thinner bags for non-liquids. On the other...
Reusing Childproof Pill Bottle?
You could use them to keep coins in for parking. I have a Robersons Spice bottle with R2 coins in the cubby of my car. This means that I always have small change available for parking/newspapers/car guards/whatever.
Essentials for Baby
TO THE MEMORY OF ROLENE: When my sister, Rolene, was born in the winter of 1951 in Johannesburg, my parents could not immediately afford a crib or a cot. So the baby slept in her little enammel baby bath for some time. This worked quite well, as she was so...
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
SusannL, I do not know why you are a single mother. If you are divorced, check your Divorce Order, or even better, have it checked by the maintenance officer at the maintenance court having jurisdiction for your area. It could just be that your childs father...
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
SusannL, I still think you should be taking your daughters maintenance up with the Maintenance Court having jurisdiction for your area. OK I live in the RSA, so I have no knowledge on your system. In the RSA, if a parent approaches the Maintenance Court for...
Cleaning a Foam Cushion?
You could also try sprinkling the cushion with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda). Leave for half an hour and vacuum. I did this on a carpet where one of my cats did a Number Two and it worked beautifully; no smell and stains afterwards. Good Luck!
Toilet Ring from Silicates?
Please check my previous posts on Spirit of Salts for this problem. Good luck!!!
Use Small Portions On A Large Plate For Picky Eaters
My aunt always settled the matter by dishing up only one teaspoon of the food the child did not want to eat. The child was then expected to finish that wee bit. This always worked well.
Serving Dish As Bird Bath
I love the idea, but, as I have three cats, I will need to put the bath some distance from the ground and not permanently fixed, so that I can clean it. Could anyone help me with an idea(s)? Thank you! Kind regards
SOS Pad Stained Toilet?
The only guaranteed product is Spirit of Salts! I moved into a house with a toilet so dirty I assumed I would never be able to clean it properly. I put in two cups of Spirits of Salts, let it sit for two hours, flushed and scrubbed out with toilet cleaner. The...
Musty Smelling Bed?
I strip my bed in front of an open window for at least 30 minutes every day and change bed linens weekly. Once a week, I also put my pillows outside to air and get some sun. Pillows need to be washed regularly; say every six weeks. Good luck!
Products Being Thrown in the Garbage
Julia in the UK: I agree with you wholeheartedly about shops, and charity shops at that, throwing out books! Many, many people have a need for out-of-prints and I really cannot imagine throwing out old friends just because they are old!!! I would surely not...
Making a Door Stop?
I use a dolls chair, received from Father Christmas more than 50 years ago!, as a door stop for my front door. For the other doors, I use rocks picked up at my favourite places.
Fundraising Ideas?
I suggest you do yard work/run errands/babysit/shop, especially for the elderly and single parents who may need the extra help. Try a fixed rate per hour and make sure you render an efficient and effective service, so that you build a good name. Open a bank...
PreCycling: Saving Money While Reducing Waste
In the Republic of South Africa, customers are charged for bags when shopping for groceries. We buy bags for R5 or so at the grocery shops and re-use them over and over again. The clothing shops provide plastic bags free. I think it is to protect them from...
Mamaw's Tried and True Baby Products Reviews
May I warn against scented baby products - I recently used a scented Johnsons Cream for babies and it irritated my skin no end. And I am 54! For some babies it may work well, but do consider skin irritations when the baby frets for no apparent reason.
Old Fashioned Stocking Up
I stock up on: Toiletries Sugar Coffee Cat Food Baked Beans Dried Fruit Yes o yes! Meat Rice Wheat Cleaning materials: I buy dishwashing liquid and Pine-Gel ( for washing floors and furnitire) in bulk.
Money Saving Tips?
May I also suggest that you ask your parents for necessities that they no longer need/want/would have given you anyway, such as linen, furnishings, crockery, etc. All my life I have been using heirlooms, which, I suppose, were cast-offs at a time long ago! I...
15 Year Wants to Sleep at Her Boyfriend's House?
The fact that you are asking this question, shows that you are not sure! NO - flat and final!
Activity Ideas for Visiting Parents?
Maybe you could ask your mother to tell/write about when she was a child/newly married/her parents/grandparents etc? Genealogical information is PRECIOUS as well as anything that goes with it. Remember, once you lose your mother, you will also lose all that...
Washing a Satin-Backed Crepe?
I called Queens Lifestyle and they told me the material is washable. I washed the dress in cold water with Surf and rinsed twice, the last time with white vinegar instead of fabric softener. The dress came out beautifully.
A Nice Green Lawn on a Budget?
I read somewhere on the internet that Epsom Salts may be used as a fertiliser. I suggest you google: Uses for Epsom Salts or Uses for Epsom Salts in the Garden and check the results.
Buying and Using Essential Oils?
I use Dischem Vitamin E 7000 Cream on my skin (heels also!) and it works wonderfully. Not greasy at all and R30 for a big tub. However, this is South Africa, so I dont know what similar products are available in your country. Dry skin could also be a symptom...
Wilting Geraniums?
I am having the same problem with two geraniums I received from a friend. I have had a previous geranium die at my hands! Everyone knows I do better with lawyers and weeds than with plants and ministers of religion--- Any help will be appreciated.
Baking Soda And Sunshine For Freshening Pillows
I use inside covers on all my pillows. I wash the inside covers at least once a month and the regular pillowcases every week. I also put my pillows outside in the sun (without pillow cases) on the days when I change a linen (every week Saturday, in my house...
Does anyone still use the old mop and bucket?
No! I just go on my knees! and wash with an old cloth and Pine-Gel in hot water. That way, I can reach all the little nooks and crannies and scrub away at the dirtier spots. My children think Im nuts---
Caring for Your Skin?
I use Dove soap on my face and moisturise with Like Silk. For my body, I use Dischem Vitamin E 7000 cream, which is excellent!!! and keeps my heels as soft as a babys bottom. Drinking lots of water to detox is also a must.
Making a Nice Christmas on a Budget?
Times are difficult for young people setting up home for the first time. I have decided to give my three adult children each a hamper of toiletries and cleaning supplies, with biscuits (your cookies!), rusks and chocolates for Christmas. I will also include...
Recycled Clothing Crafts
In 1955, when I was 2 years old, my great-aunt made me blouses from my fathers old shirts. The material was white, with a very fine cord, almost like corduroy, but finer. I do not know the name of the material. Tante Emmie made the blouses with Peter Pan collars...
Gift Ideas for My Ailing Ex-Husband?
Herman died on Thursday, 9 July 2009 in a Hospice of Brain Cancer. Before he died, we made peace and he also made peace with God.
Weeds Growing Up Through Pebbles?
I have read that salt is dangerous when used near concrete as it may damage the concrete. You could use boiling water.
The Best Advice Is From Health Professionals
I agree that one should consult a doctor/vet. However, sometimes all medical advice fail. My daughter has been struggling with acne (medical diagnosis) for more than six years. She has seen dermatologists, dieticians, specialist physicians, without success...
Poll: Do you have a cat?
Yes, three. Kitten was a present from a colleague, a wee black and white cat who turned out to be the lapcat of the three. LiefKat I found when I was on my way to a meeting. I heard someone crying and at first I thought it was a child. Then I found this hungry...
Family Tree Wall Hanging
Please! Could the pattern be posted on this website? My friend Estelle also asked for the pattern as she would love to do the tree. All the way from SA a very big please! Thank you! Kind regards
"Bullseye" BBQ Sauce
What is the difference between tomato sauce and ketchup? (b)Editors Note: (/b) Ketchup is a spicy thick tomato sauce mixed with sugar, vinegar and spices. It is used as a condiment. Heres a recipe: 4 pounds of tomatoes - cored and chopped, 2 cups sugar, 1/4...
Patterns for Infant Baby Clothes?
You could google the following: @ Free sewing patterns baby @ Free knitting patterns baby @ Free crochet patterns baby Lionbrand.com is an excellent website for knitting and crochet patterns.
Saying "No" to Charities?
I suggest you just say No, not right now! Or something to that effect. Choose one favourite charity to support and hopefully the many requests will back off. You could also consider rotating your favourite charity, for instance by supporting a people charity...
Killing Weeds in Gravel
Hormoban is a selective spray. It will kill the weeds but not the lawn, trees or anything else you want to preserve.
Information About the Name "Gurth"?
It seems we are never satisfied! We also had extremely high temperatures during summer, but now, with the freezing cold, we also have the damage, destruction and loss of lives brought about by the floods--- Fortunately, in Pretoria we are safe, but other parts...
Tea Rose in Whiskey Barrel
~Beautiful! Is it a wooden barrel? If yes, what are you doing to protect the wood from rot?
Make a Weekly Menu Before Shopping
I am a single parent of three children: two adult children living on their own and one daughter living in a university hostel in another city. I shop on a monthly basis and work out my list according to the meals I plan to prepare. I cook the same amount I...
Recipes Using Peaches?
Are cobblers the same as dried peaches? If not, google How to dry peaches and the instructions will come up.
Dealing With Debt After Divorce?
It all depends as to whether that part of the settlement was included in the Final Divorce Order. If yes, I would recommend you taking the Final Order, or certified copies thereof (if a certified copy is considered a legal document in the US), to the bank and...
My Frugal Life: Make It Do Or Do Without
Evelyn, Please share your knowledge and experiences with us. If you do not share now, all the knowledge may be lost for the next generations. Thank you! Kind regards
