Girl's 10th Birthday Party Ideas?
What about a local park? Pack the cold stuff (including extra water if the temps are hot in your area) cake and treats in coolers, and tote a bunch of blankets or beach towels if you cant find or reserve picnic tables. Then, add a good scavenger hunt game (natural...
Shopping for Old Fashioned Christmas Ornaments?
Hello Mary - Im round about your age and I think I know what you are talking about? One place you might begin searching is www.etsy.com in their vintage section. Ive not seen exactly what you are talking about (and some of the things individual shops list as...
Knowing When Tomatoes Are Ripe?
When they are bright red - they are ripe! (But dont fail to look up great recipes for fried green tomatoes if some fall off the vine or you pick a few too early). Pluck and enjoy! Good luck with your new gardening venture. Youll go through valleys and mountains...
Removing Rotten Food Odor from Truck?
Okay Mary. This is going to sound totally beyond belief, but if you are desperate it might be worth considering. I honestly cant remember where we found this hint, but after one of our very ill, huge breed dogs (think huge breed bladder) peed & soiled the carpet...
Training a Dog Not to Bark at Strangers?
While you should train your dog to not chase strangers by obeying your commands, (I use the single word, Halt with my dogs) are you sure you really want to train him or her not to bark at strangers? After all, thats what dogs do best as they alert their pack...
Blanching Corn?
Wiser ones might correct or add to my answer, but blanching as I understand such is merely placing the food (usually fresh vegetables or fruits) into a pot of boiling water for 1-2 minutes and then immediately submerging them into ice water to stop the cooking...
Cleaning Rusty Stains in Toilets?
If the toilet bowls are porcelain (and thats a big if - check with the manufacturers of your new toilets) a pumice stone works well in eliminating rust stains. They can be purchased at many hardware stores and usually come in small brick sizes at about 4 x...
Vinyl Record Craft Ideas?
Ive bought clock kits and made working (battery operated) clocks with old vinyl records. True vinyl record collectors enjoyed them, but non enthusiasts looked at me rather oddly, with that awkward smile, saying . . . Oh this is nice, as I realized they were...
Buying a Counterfeit Detection Pen?
Any office supply store can order them for you with overnight or a few days notice, even if they dont have them in stock. Just ask a friendly clerk or small business owner! The good ones will be happy to help. :)
Feeding an Overweight Dog?
Okay! First of all - and I am not an animal professional, but I am a life long animal pet parent - 8 pounds above average in a Golden is not cause for alarm! (I currently have English Mastiffs, so I get the large and huge breed dog issues!) May I respectfully...
Parvo Advice For Those Who Can't Go To The Vet?
Crystal, Ive never had to deal with Parvo, but I dont think I would ever depend upon home remedies for the victims of such without the professional advice of an animal vet Doctor. Ten weeks is such a tender age . . . please find a way to secure such advice...
Getting Rid of Rodents in a House?
Hello Marie Val - the invasion wont stop until you and yours (or your landlord if you dont own the place) can plug up the exterior holes that allow the mice to invade. My suggestion is to consider this the first priority, then do what you can (traps - etc.) to...
How Can I Sell Homemade Bird Feeders?
Jackie - Your picture of the bird feeder looks very cute and clever. Have you and your husband looked into the craft sales events in your area and/are you willing to travel within a few states area on weekends two or three seasons each year? Seems that if these...
Growing Tomatoes in Containers?
Elena, Hello! Yes you will have to drill or poke some holes in a plastic container, but may I offer something else to consider? We live in a number 7 (seven) hardiness zone and our experience with the plastic containers was that they got too hot in late summer...
Teething Kitten?
Hello, Lana! I cant imagine that straws (paper or plastic) are good for you kitten. Please talk to your vet or find a very well informed, dedicated pet person / pet store associate that can offer you better alternatives for your Kitties dilemma! She/he does...
Surprise Birthday Party Ideas?
Hi Emily. What a sweet sister you are for wanting to give gifts that mesh with your sisters lifestyle. An idea to consider is a surprise picnic party at a favorite park or community garden. Suggest to all the guests that a gift certificate to a retail gardening...
Decorating a Girl's Bedroom with a Nickle Headboard?
Hello! I agree that either a darker lavender or robins egg blue would both work wonderfully with the nickle plating. Like others have said, I also agree that it should be a color that the young girl likes. However, as the adult, you need to help narrow down...
Caring for a Five Day Old Puppy?
Oh Dexster . . . I dont know how you found yourself with a five day old puppy that needs anything more than its mother to monitor feeding schedules, but bless you for your concern. Please dont hesitate to contact a professional vet that can help you through...
Craft Activities for an Elderly Blind Client?
Hello Mary. You are a good woman for searching out hobbies and crafts for your friend. Bless you! Have you ever seen the old movie A Patch of Blue starring Sir Sidney Poitier (1965)? He meets and befriends a young blind woman that does bead work because she...
Determining Fair Market Value for Donations?
Hello, Amy. I did not read MCWs links but let me share with you my personal experience as a public service, non profit agency, employee for assigning values of donated materials . Dont do it without the accountable advice of a tax professional. As a receiver...
Substitutes for Aluminum Foil?
Hello Joan. I dont mean to be a smart alec here at all, but if you want to avoid using aluminum foil, just dont use it! :) If you could add a more specific question I might be able to offer more specific advice, but meanwhile, maybe these ideas will help. Buy...
Is Peanut Butter Okay for Dogs?
Hello Millie. I am totally on board with those that say peanut butter is fine for dogs as long as they dont have a peanut allergy. Too boot, (although I dont know everything in the world, darn it. LOL) I know not of a single friends dog that has or had peanut...
Substitutes for Aluminum Foil?
@ Teresa Kay - Huh? Joan did not ask for other things she can do to cut down on using so much tin foil. (Your post.) She asked, So, my question. Do you know ways to avoid using it? (Joans original post.) I didnt see anything wrong with her question, either...
Removing Dry Erase Marker from Piano Keys?
Hello Sami. Yikes! Im sure you are regretting writing on the keys, but please dont rely on home remedies to solve this problem. Please contact the manufacturer of your piano for the ultimate results. While some of the suggestions listed here might work for...
Removing Dry Erase Marker from Piano Keys?
Im grinning, grinning, grinning, Sami! So glad you found a solution to erase your keyboard labeling vs. a full sized, very expensive, real piano key labeling with a dry eraser pen! But seriously (LOL) consider using post-it notes above the keys next time! :) (You...
Homemade Heat Packs?
Hi there! We use mens tube socks or womens knee high socks for heat packs (one of a pair that remains with no holes or tears) and fill with dried white or brown rice or dried barley. Works like a charm and if the sock happens to rip, we save as much rice or...
Organizing Clothes That Can Be Worn Again Before Washing?
Hi there StellBell! My hint only works for hanging items (not folded items) but I turn the hook of the hanger of the gently worn clothes opposite of the freshly laundered clothes in our closets. This helps remind me that an article of clothing can be worn at...
Keeping Dogs From Pooping on Grass?
May I respectfully suggest we all sit back and take a deep breath? First of all, Beverly, what does the fact that your neighbors (yes, they are your neighbors) are smokers have to do with their dogs pooping in your yard? Last I heard, smoking (cigarettes, cigars...
Updating a Bathroom with Pinkish Burgundy Fixtures and Shower?
Hi Pat! Im laughing with you, not at you! We once moved into a rental that had a bright, lavender colored sink, toilet and tub and shower surround in the one bathroom small home. Talk about a decorating nightmare! :) I dont have any painting recommendations...
Dog Peeing in the House Since the Death of Other Pet?
Hello Janet. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Lab. How blessed you are to have had that fur friend in your life for 20 years. Your Boxer is grieving the loss of her lifetime buddy, too. She is probably picking up on your grief as well which can cause...
Keeping Dogs From Pooping on Grass?
My second post on the topic and @ Lilac - Hello and I do mean this pleasantly! Again, can we all just breathe deeply about trivial matters before engaging in all out warfare? I did not say it was OKAY for a neighbors dog to poop in anyones yard if they offered...
Centerpieces for a Post-Prom Party?
Hey Becky, Im not sure if this is what you are looking for, but please read the response I wrote to Sheila titled High School Graduation Party Ideas. Her original post was on 3/24/11 so you should be able to find it by going to the home page on this site and...
Homemade Fly Traps?
Hi Cindi. Ever hear of that old saying you can attract more flies with honey than vinegar? Id try taking takelababys suggestion of water in a large mouth bottle or larger container and add some honey to the mix. I dont have horses, wish I did :) but if the...
Recipe for McCormick's Brown Gravy Mix?
Hey Amber, if no one else is able to offer a better answer, look at the ingredients label on a package of McCormicks Brown Gravy mix to give yourself a clue. Also remember that in the USA ingredients are listed from highest amount (first listed ingredient) to...
What Can I Use to Kill Weeds in My Lawn?
Hello Hulcy, I dont know anything about Treflan, but here is another idea for you to consider. This may sound crazy, but do some google or bing internet searches on table sugar as lawn fertilizer or some such combination of related words. (Sorry, I dont have...
High School Graduation Party Ideas?
Hi Sheila. I dont have a specifically thought out travel theme idea, but Ive always wanted to do something fun and creative with old maps and atlases. You could use actual old maps and atlas pages or photo copy such to make envelops and invitations (use a solid...
How Can I Organize My Reusable Plastic Bags?
Hello! Perhaps its because we drink coffee everyday, but Im always looking for ways to reuse the plastic coffee containers with handles and snap-on lids. (If you dont drink coffee, Im sure you know someone that does - just ask them to save you a few.) I use...
Recipes for Making Household Products?
Hi Jaci. In addition to what others have suggest, do some google or bing searches on home uses for vinegar and home uses for baking soda or some variation of these words, just to start. You will be amazed at how many ideas are out there! Good luck
Kitchen Colors to Compliment Honey Gold Living Room?
You might also consider a darker, more saturated shade of green. (A forest green, emerald green or a bright grass green, etc.) Something that would compliment the honey gold living room and not clash with the sage green in the kitchen. Green is a very calming...
Drip Trays for Creative Container Planters?
It depends on what size and/or color you need, but what about lids from jarred food products? Kraft Mayo in the 48 oz size has a pretty blue colored lid that is about 3 1/2 in diameter. Maxwell coffee has a silverish gray lid that is about 6 across. Metal lids...
Cooking Tender Corned Beef?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I dont think there is a way to cook corned beef fast and not have it turn out as tough as shoe leather. If someone on this site knows better, Id be happy to be corrected. :-) Corned beef is usually a brined cut of beef...
Finding the Meaning and Origin of First Names?
Hi Joan. Check at your public library. Ask the Reference Librarian to help you locate information on just what you asked for, here: the origins of first names. Tell him/her you were told it might be an Islamic name, (just remember, it may not be Islamic at...
Kitten Bites for Attention?
Chances are good that a kitten will outgrow this behavior but I would not encourage or reward his actions. Cats usually have most of their adult teeth by six months or so, I doubt if its a teething issue at nine months but it does take some kittens longer than...
College Graduation Party Ideas?
Hi, Trisha. My suggestion is a simple wine and cheese open house with coffee, tea, sodas and some chips and dips and finger sandwiches for those that dont want wine or cheese. :-) Open houses are great for several reasons: #1 You set the time limit (1:00 - 5...
Using Cocoa Butter on Sensitive Skin for Scars?
Hi Sally. I must have missed this post earlier, sorry for such a late response. The problem with sensitive skin is that what may be sensitive to my skin many be just fine for your skin. I can and do use cocoa butter and yes it does help with non acne scars...
Eating After Getting New Dentures?
Hi Doris, Ugh! So sorry you are having to deal with this. Heres a few ideas: Yogurt Cottage Cheese Cream of Wheat Make your blender your new best friend and you can puree the following: Canned veggies Canned fruit Canned soup Canned beans Cooked rice with chicken...
Preparing Parents' Home for Aging in Place?
Sorry your mom broke her leg. Im sure others will have more advice on aging in place as Im not familiar with that term, but I do have a few suggestions to start. Will she be in a wheel chair or on crutches? Either way, remove all the throw rugs in the rooms...
Stouffer's Tuna Casserole?
Hi Annie, I love the microwave Stouffers tuna casserole, too. I havent tried to do so yet, but I think it would be fairly easy to recreate at home. Based on a casserole that would make 4 large or 6 medium servings, this would be my first attempt: Try at your...
Selling Homemade CDs for a Fundraiser?
I think Suntydt and I are saying the same thing, but to clarify, you must own the copyright or it must be original music that you wrote the lyrics, wrote the music score, and produced yourself, to avoid prosecution or lawsuits for copyright infringement if...
Filling the Gaps Between Pine Floor Boards?
Glad to read Ruths comment as that is exactly what my dad would have done. Hes no longer around for a clarification so I cant pick his brain for specifics, but you could try this in a very discrete place, wait a few days, and see how it looks and works. Filling...
Dog Eating Its Own Feces?
Hi Deb! you didnt mention the age of your pets or how long they have been eating their own feces. Is this a new or longer term habit? All three of our dogs ate their feces as puppies and two of them outgrew the nasty habit between 8 and 10 months of age. However...
Surprise Birthday Party For Teenager?
Hello Michele and best wishes to your young teenage daughter on her 14th birthday! My mom planned and pulled off a surprise birthday party for me on my 15th b-day and 35 plus years later its still a wonderfully fond memory. She only spent money to make a cake...
Craft for School Fair With a Jamaican Theme?
Hi Earlene, I dont have a particular suggestion but if you do a google or bing search on Jamaican crafts it might stimulate your imagination for projects you could adapt for young elementary aged students. Good luck.
Selling Silk Floral Arrangements On-line?
Hi Cindy. I dont have the technical expertise to answer your first question (how to sell online) but I do suggest that you use several Could be used for . . . references in your description of each item. This helps the consumer imagine how he/she could use...
Socializing a Puppy With Other Dogs?
Hello to you and your new pup! Please look into obedience classes through a local branch of the American Kennel Club. A good club will accept any breed, mix or mutt and you dont have to have any intentions of breeding or showing to enroll your pet. Classes...
Starting a Vegetable Garden?
I would like to expand just a bit on Jilsons comment that every U.S. state has an agricultural extension service as our area also has a county agricultural extension service (in addition to the state service) which offers even more advice for a much smaller...
Potty Training an Adult Dog?
Just a semi educated guess, but regardless of how well you have tried to clean such, I suspect your dog can still detect the smell of his own urine and recognizes that as an invitation to re-cover. IMHO it is not productive to punish the dog for doing so as...
Organizing Linens in a Home Without a Linen Closet?
Hello Andrea! We own a very old, modest, home - built circa 1890 - which started out with only two, 2 x 2 interior closets with pegs (no shelves or rods) only, for non-kitchen storage. The bedrooms, however were larger than todays standard 10 x 12 so after...
Unique 50th Birthday Gift Ideas?
Hi Linda. Silly, but seriously, one of the sweetest gifts I received on my 50th birthday, only a few short years ago, was something I didnt believe anyone should waste their money on. Told my husband, year 1 of our now 25 plus years of marriage, that this particular...
Suggestions for a Large Kibble Dog Food?
Hello Willi. A lot of dog food brands have a unique product for large breed dogs. In my experience, considering the brands Ive tried, most of these kernels are indeed bigger and more suited for huge breed and huge jowled dogs. (I have English Mastiffs, the...
Wedding Etiquette: Groom's Family's Responsibilities?
I dont have an etiquette fail safe answer, but generally speaking, the grooms family is usually only responsible for the rehearsal dinner (wedding party and dates, only) and maybe the tux rental cost for the groomsmen and ushers. However, if you cant afford...
Using a Scythe for Mowing Hay?
Keep it clean and sharp and safely tucked away when not in use. As takelababy mentioned, when using its important to develop a smooth and steady pace. Make sure unsuspecting animals or humans are not around when using so that no one is harmed. I honestly dont...
Removing Skunk Smell From A Dog?
A tomato juice bath is the best advice I can offer. Its not an end all, cure all, in quick real time, but it does take out the most obnoxious stink and the rest will reduce over a few days time. Use that and a daily changing/washing of the pets bedding materials...
Baptism Gift Advice?
Hello, Dee. I think it would be considerate and heart-felt to send a late, modest, gift while simply explaining you were not aware of the current day gift giving expectations at a baptism. Its honest and charitable and far from rude. However, if you choose...
Home Remedies for Dog Worms?
Hello Lora. I have to agree with K9Cats. Ive never heard of a safe and sure fire home remedy for worms in pets and I don think it is worth the risk to experiment with store brands or home cures. Please work with your vet to solve this problem as it is not that...
Du Rag Pattern?
Hello Kathie. I have a brother that works in construction and he usually wears a do rag (also spelled doo rag) to protect his shaved, (almost hairless, anyway, head; she teases as only a big sister can - yes, Im bad!) scalp from sunburn. He folds his own from...
How Do You Clean Tape Residue Off Windows?
Fingernail/toenail polish remover almost always works. Use a cotton ball to get the majority of the adhesive off first. It will take a bit of elbow grease but after most of the residue is gone, you can follow up with a dampened SOS pad and glass cleaner: Usually...
Activities for an Alzheimer's Patient?
Alzheimers is a devastating and often misunderstood illness. As much as I appreciate health care workers that try to find group activities that help them feel good, I honestly think each case is different. IMHO they each need stimulation from personal life...
Activities for an Alzheimer's Patient?
Hello again. @ PainterLee, (and others?) my apologies if my post sounded angry as frustration was the emotion I had hoped best to describe: Alzheimers and dementia are horrible health inflictions to human beings and leave their loved ones scared and frightened...
What Color Refrigerator Will Coordinate With Bisque Appliances?
I agree with Allison5, think about what you would like to choose when its time to replace the other appliances, then again, that might be years from now and the hot appliance color could be eggplant purple! What to do, what to do? Personally, I would choose...
Slow Cooker Roast Beef Recipes?
Hello, Noellel. I really dont have a recipe for slow cooker roast, its rather a method, but its easy and delicious! I usually start out with a a box (about 32 ounces) of Swanson brand beef broth and a 2.5 to 3.5 pound shoulder or arm beef chuck roast. (Swansons...
Are Walmart Great Value Products As Good as Name Brands?
Please reread SavingGraces comments as she is correct . . . SavingGrace quote: Many store brands are name brand products with the stores label on them. Name brands have the perception of being of better quality and that simply is not so. A retailer like WalMart...
Adopted Dog Does Not Have All of Its Shots?
Hey PK. Your question baffles me a bit. Are you scared to tell your vet your dog has not had the shots? If I were you Id simply be upfront with my vet, explain how he is a young rescue (one year old), and ask how the vet can help you get the dog up to speed...
Removing Cat Urine and Feces Odor From Outside?
Hi Lynn. As Lorelei implied, you need to make this area as inaccessible to feral and wildlife creatures as possible. These critters arent going to abandon a partially sheltered retreat without such and who could blame them? (They need safe places!) Lattice...
Trouble Retraining a Dog to Use a New Poo Spot?
No offense meant toward your wife, but if the dog cant poop in the yard, what is he suppose to do? While its more than reasonable to expect a healthy dog to learn outdoor potty habits, I think it is unreasonable to expect a dog to know what corner of the garden...
House Trained Dog Peeing and Pooping in the House?
Im so sorry Angela. If its not a health issue (schedule a routine health examine to eliminate that worry), I highly suspect your pup is sad, sad, sad. Ive been a pet parent for decades, and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult it is for some of these furs...
Entering Toddlers in Beauty Pageants?
I have a certain appreciation for 18 to young 20 something gals that enter beauty pageants with college scholarship opportunities, but babies, toddlers, elementary aged children, preteens, tweens, and young teenagers . . . no frickin way! The under-aged beauty...
What Can I Do With an Old Family Quilt?
Betty, your children might not have a sentimental attachment to these items, but you might have grandchildren or great grandchildren some day that would appreciate these family artifacts. Do a google or bing search on Heirloom Shadow Boxes and you will get...
What Can I Make Out of Speaker Cabinets?
Denise, a lot will depend on what size they are but assuming you are talking about a rectangular box that is open on one side you could convert them to mini curio display type units. Add plexiglass shelves and a front plexiglass cover (with hinges) and if you...
Growing Jalapeno Pepper Plant?
Juanita, your planting hardiness zone is close to mine so Ill share my experiences. Unless the plant has naturally re-seeded (which is very iffy in the mid to upper U.S.) you will need to plant new seeds or new bedding plants every year. I dont count on the...
Activities for a 50th Anniversary Open House?
Hello Jen. One similar event I attended had a buffet style table set off to one side that was filled with the anniversary couples scrap books and photo albums. They used a few framed family portraits (from across the decades) as the center piece of this conversation...
How Do I Treat a Cut on My Dog?
Hi Shane. Im assuming this is not a severe cut that needs stitches and that you have readjusted the harness. That said, treat it as if you had the same cut, flush it out with hydrogen peroxide, let dry for a minute or so, and rub on an anti-bacterial cream...
Paying a Large Dental Bill?
Hello Sue. First of all, I appreciate you asking such good questions, but IMHO some (not all) of the responses on this thread are not offering sound advice. Having a good doctor/dentist patient relationship is very important and you need to work to keep that...
Scratches on a Porcelain Toilet?
A pumice stone, which can be purchased in almost any hardware store that also sells cleaning supplies, will help erase scratches and stains on porcelain and follow it up with a hard scrubbing of elbow grease aided by Comet brand abrasive cleaner. Try in a discrete...
Fixing Unresponsive TV Remote Buttons?
Chances are that you simply pressed some button that negates the others. Remotes are tricky creatures (too often their instructions are not written in plain English) and often need feeding from Engineer savvy type family or friends. Cleaning the contacts can...
Treating a Dog's Ear Infection Without Antibiotics?
Please take your dog to a vet. In the U.S there is no such thing as an over-the-counter anti-biotic. I understand you want to save money, but your dog needs your advocacy to find the best cure for his severe infections. Please help him, ASAP. -Cindy-
Puppies With Worms?
Jewel, Im sure you mean well, but dogs with worms need to be first diagnosed and treated by professional vets. I understand that money might be an issue, but you are doing them no favors by trying to treat them without vet care. If nothing else, please call...
What Can I Do With Heated Spoiled Milk?
Throw it out? Im not sure why you are wanting to save or reuse something spoiled and rotten, but maybe you are asking the best place to dispose of such? We drink too much milk, too fast, to ever worry about this, but maybe others might have a suggestion as...
Ideas for Making Dog and Cat Toys from Silk Ties?
Hey Mary, I cannot recommend this idea for a pet toy. (My huge breed guys can scarf down a hand towel in minutes and this is not good for their health.) As well, neither a dog or cat of any size should be left alone with a human designed, recycled, chew toy...
Is a Self Cleaning Oven Worth the Extra Cost?
Hello Joanie, I dont have a self cleaning oven but when I replace mine, I will buy such simply for the convenience. Its not that I overuse the oven. (I cook a lot, but dont bake, roast or broil as much.) Its just that it has taken so much time and so many chemicals...
Remedy for Puffy Eyes?
Marge, I am so sorry for whatever is causing your tears but a cold compress always helps. Ice, cold wet teabags, cool cucumber slices, or even a cool wet cloth will help reduce the puffiness of crying eyes. I have tons of legitimate allergies and and am often...
Donating Old Cell Phones?
Contact your local police department and or a local Crisis Center for Domestic Violence. Old cell phones can be reprogrammed to allow 911 calls only (with no service charges to the new recipients) and most local concerns know how to make this happen. Good for...
Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Containers?
Redhatterb is correct, a five gallon container is plenty large enough for one plant, however, there is one particular problem that we have had with the five gallon plastic containers: As the plant matures and the roots get closer and closer to the plastic wall...
Why Would a 10 Month Old Cat Go In and Out of Heat Repeatedly?
Hello, Julie. Why does your cat go in and out of heat? Cuz shes a non spayed cat! As tamlabar stated, this will probably continue until she is either spayed or becomes pregnant. (And just because she is an indoor cat, dont underestimate her instinct and ability...
Why Did My Cornbread Turn Out Dry?
Sharon, I learned this hint from a friend who makes delightfully moist and sweet cornbread: Add one more egg than the recipe instructions call for, and a tablespoon of honey. Im sure exceptions exist, but every boxed, bagged, or from scratch cornbread batter...
Cooking Ground Beef in a Crockpot?
Hi Alan. I cook ground beef in the crock pot a lot! The only thing I wouldnt recommend ground beef in the crock pot for is a dish that needs the beef to stand alone and look skillet browned. (It can look a little gray from the crock pot if not smothered in...
