Identifying a Houseplant?
It looks like a Wandering Jew. I have had mine for 24 years and its a wonderful plant that sometimes gets tiny pink-purple flowers. Each flower only lasts a day. The plant loves light and is very forgiving if you sometimes dont water it on time. They do grow...
Keep Cats Out of Outdoor Planters
Weve had good luck using the water bottle method. Every time the cat got near the plant, we would spray her with the water. She saw the bottle and associated it with being sprayed. Any time we left the house, we put the spray bottle in front of the plant and...
Using Wilting Leftover Salad Fixings?
You can throw most of those veggies into a pot and turn it into vegetable soup. Lettuce doesnt really add taste but it bulks up the soup. I usually pick the olives out first but all of the other things will cook just fine. And the croutons will disappear and...
Using Tough Overgrown Green Beans
I used the last of mine this year by julienning them and using in stir-fry. They were too tough to use the regular way but cutting them so thin made them just right.
Expandable Garden Hose Review
I didnt like mine since it wouldnt build up any pressure. That meant adding extension hoses to go the length of my yard and the pressure was still not adequate. I finally got rid of it when it sprung a leak and couldnt be fixed easily.
Whitening a Vintage Wool Sweater?
If you cover the navy letter and put the sweater in directly sunlight, the white areas should bleach out. Not sure if it will take a while, though Good luck.
Removing Silverware Stains on Corningware?
Try scrubbing with a mixture of baking soda and water. It wont scratch and takes most stain off Corningware.
Save Extra Lids to Replace Lost Ones
I save a few lids, too, and have been amazed at how many are interchangeable.
Eat Leftovers And Be Grateful
Thank you for all the posts but especially Eat Leftovers And Be Grateful. You are so right! It was a pleasure to read your post.
Carpet Cleaner Brushes Not Spinning?
It sounds like the belt that turns the brushes may have snapped. You may need to replace it.
Carpet Cleaner Brushes Not Spinning?
It sounds like the belt that moves the brushes may have snapped. You may need to replace it.
Cleaning Smoke/Burn Marks Off Outside of Oven?
Not sure if it will work or not but you might try a paste of baking soda and water. I have had a lot of success getting burn marks off my stove with it. I usually rub it in with a toothbrush or a cloth, whichever is handier.
Store Compost in Refrigerator
We often keep a paper sack in the freezer for the compost clippings. You can keep them forever and the bag is good as a brown for the compost. This is especially good when the weather is bad and you dont want to go out for a week or more.
Car Frostbite Prevention Kit
I keep a metal can with candles and matches in my car in case I am stuck in cold weather. Lighting a candle inside the can will keep the car warm enough that you wont freeze. Of course, its important to keep a window cracked a little.
Remedy for Denture Pain?
You need to go back to the dentist - as often as needed. I had the same problem since bottoms are much harder to wear than tops. The tongue is a very tough muscle and moves your denture every time you swallow. I dont have a ridge on one side and have to paste...
Getting Free Shoe Boxes?
Why not ask your local VFW, American Legion, etc to help collect them for you? Nearly everyone has a couple of them at home so you might collect them really quickly that way.
Remedy for Muscle Spasms?
Pickle juice is the best and easiest thing Ive found. I keep a jigger for that purpose. When I get foot or leg cramps in the middle of the night, I just drink one jigger of pickle juice and they are gone in a minute or two. Even homemade pickle juice works...
Opening a Stuck Drawer?
If none of the other ideas work, how about trying a plunger to pull the drawer? Youd probably have to put it right in the middle. Good luck!
Paint Color Advice for a Burgundy and White Bathroom?
We have gray and burgundy tile in our tiny bathroom, too, and I get more compliments on the wall color. First I painted them white and then I lightly sponged on glazes of gray and pinkish-puple paint. The glaze is something they sell at the hardware stores...
Keeping Spiders Out of the House?
Ortho Home Defense Max works for us. We use it around the perimeter of the house in spring and fall.
Adding Small Shelves to a School Locker?
If you cant find any shelves that will fit, you could get some small tension rods, put two horizontally where you want the shelf and lay a piece of wood on them. You could add as many as will fit and remove them very easily. And you can rearrange as needed...
Product Review: Clip On Mosquito Repellent
I absolutely love the Off fan! When I was growing up my sister and I slept in the same bed and I would wake up with mosquito bites galore while she had none. Now, my husband wakes up bite free and I still get them. Our joke used to be that people invited me...
Ideas for Using Wilted Cherries?
You could pit them, coarsely chop them in a food processor and add to things like oatmeal, banana bread, etc. Or you could cook them with a little sugar and lemon juice for ice cream topping. If you dont know what you want to do with them, pack into a freezer...
Tomatoes Turning Black on the Bottom?
It sounds like blossom end rot which is caused by uneven watering and lack of calcium. This can be prevented by watering often and spreading crushed egg shells around the plants. I keep an old oatmeal can under the kitchen sink and and drop in rinsed out egg...
What is the Best Groundcover for Sunny Rocky Bank?
Any of the low-growing sedums would be good. I like the yellow sedum which seems to like it anywhere you put it. And it doesnt interfere with other plants.
Eating After Getting New Dentures?
ORZO - that little pasta will be your best friend and this is delicious! Sautee some in a little butter, add a small amount of hot broth. When the broth is gone, add a little more and whatever herbs you like. Continue to add broth every time it soaks into the...
Mysterious Grease Stains on Clothing?
Maybe its something in the dryer. Try checking it every time before you throw the clothes in. I say this because I had a tiny puddle that appeared in the bottom of the drum during humid weather. I noticed it before anything happened but would have had mystery...
Conditioner Makes Hair Fall Out?
Maybe you its not the conditioner. It could be a medical condition. A doctor could prescribe a simple blood test that could tell you if its a thyroid problem or a lack of certain vitamins. Good luck!
Keeping Cats Out of Potted Plants?
Spray the cat with water every time it goes near the plant. Let the cat see the sprayer. When you leave the house, put the spray bottle in front of the plant and the cat will leave it alone. At least it worked with our cat.
Cleaning Porcelain Dolls?
I copied this from a website: Use a flea comb to brush your dolls hair. Work from top to bottom. This removes dust and keeps it tangle-free. Freshen the hair by spritzing it with Febreeze. Take white bread and remove the crust. Roll the bread into a ball. Use...
Name of Vintage (1974) Bonne Bell Perfume?
I used to sell cosmetics at a department store in the 1970s and the only one I can recall is Bonne Bell Skin Musk
Organizing Pill Bottles?
Why not get a bunch of different colored markers and color-code the bottles? When you refill the Rx, immediately mark it with the color you had previously been using. A simple color band through the label should do the trick.
Paint Color Advice to Coordinate with Butterscotch Leather Sofa?
What about a very light shade of the same butterscotch color? The paint stores have the cards with three or more shades of the same color. Get one that matches the sofa and then go very light. Just make sure that the paint isnt too dark since you want the sofa...
Paint Color Advice for a Pink, White, Tan, and Blue Bathroom?
Youve got a lot of different colors that cant be changed. Rather than pick one of them, you could stick to plain white towels. And then get a really big glass container and fill it with marbles or stones (you can spray paint them) that pick up every one of...
Share Your Worst Cooking Disaster
This is a baking disaster. I have a very simple banana bread recipe that I have been making for many years. Recently, I have been making mini-muffins. A few weeks ago, I hurried home from work with a million things to do and decided that I would use up the...
Securing Your Home from Burglars Without an Alarm System?
I have a personal alarm that is motion sensitive for use when I travel. Since its also a flashlight I carried it on dark mornings when I needed to take the bus. The alarm button can be pressed if you feel threatened or the alarm can be set and hung on a door...
Identifying the Source of a Water Leak into Garage?
Add some food coloring to one of the sources at a time and youll know where the problem is.
Foods I Can Eat After Having My Teeth Pulled?
You might want to try doing this with orzo (the small pasta that looks like rice): saute some in a little butter for a minute or so, add a small amount of broth. After it cooks down, add a little more. Continue to add broth and stir until you get a nice creamy...
Looking for a Crockpot With Removal Insert for Browning?
I have a Westbend that is a slow cooker but is not crock..its made of metal and is wonderful. They come in a variety of sizes and I have bought a lot for gifts. Mine is about 15 years old and I love it. The metal pan sits in on a flat grill that can be used...
Remedies for Post Nasal Drip?
Try the saline spray. Its cheap and it usually cuts down on the post-nasal drip even if it doesnt entirely stop it.
Tracking Down a Continuous Beeping Sound in House?
If all else fails, clean your closets and junk drawers. You may find that you are being driven crazy by something that you dont even know that you have.
Pointers for Getting and Staying Organized?
Do you misplace the same item; cell phone, car keys, wallet, glasses, remote often? Have you ever heard of A place for everything and everything in its place? Figure out what that place is and stick to always putting the item in that place. If you find you...
Pointers for Getting and Staying Organized?
2 ........ When straightening the house, put all items that are not needed in that room into a container and walk around later (or have the kids do it), putting them away. If you are cleaning a drawer, do the same thing. Take everything out, dust it and only...
Pointers for Getting and Staying Organized?
3 .............. If kids or spouse are a distraction, set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and tell them that they cannot interrupt you until it goes off. Work fast for that time and only stop if there is an emergency. Dont answer the phone. If you think of something...
Healthy Midnight Snack Ideas?
Me, too! Hunger is the only thing that wakes me. I usually go for oatmeal, a banana, applesauce, or (in summer) a tomato. Im in my 60s and still wear a size 4, it works!
Preventing Splashing When Using Wet Food Grinder?
I am unsure if you are using a blender, or mixer or other device. If you are using a mixer, you can drape a dish towel over the mixer and bowl and that should prevent splashing.
Recipes for a Whole Chicken?
Some ideas for the leftover chicken: 1. simmer in salsa (we prefer Pace) and its wonderful in wraps or with rice; 2. stirfry some vegetables with some ginger and a few dashes of soy sauce and add the cooked chicken when almost ready to serve; 3. dice the chicken...
Centerpiece with Fishing Theme?
How about bowls of Pepperidge Farms goldfish (they come in different colors now) in bowls from the Dollar Store?
Party Foods That Do Not Require Refrigeration?
Pasta salad is a good dish because you can use any raw vegetables you like. I boil some pasta (rotini holds up the best) in salted water. While the pasta is cooking, I usually shred carrots and slice zucchini and yellow squash. Sometimes I add black or green...
Interior Refiner Business Name Ideas?
I know that we are all familiar with MySpace. How about YourSpace, if its not already taken.
Young Girl's Hair Styles?
When my daughter was young I worked 6 days a week and didnt have the time when I was at home to mess with her hair. She always had it short and was told that once she was old enough to fix it herself she could have it long. Well, shes 30 now, does some modeling...
Removing Ink from Countertops?
I know that one of the readers said that baking soda and water didnt work for her but it always does for me. I just sprinkle some on a damp cloth and rub it on. Its taken off ballpoint ink and the food coloring ink that results from unpacking groceries on the...
Keeping Grass Out of Rock Garden?
Ortho makes a product called Grass B Gone which is just the best! I have been using it for 2 years and it kills the grass in my ground cover (sedum) without bothering anything else. I have also used it around other plants successfully.
What is This Plant?
It looks likw a Hindu rope plant which, I think, is in the same family as the wax plant. I pulled this info. from Google.In any event sounds to me like a watering problem instead of a light or temp problem. Here is a quick remedy to help your little plant get...
Ground Cover That Tolerates Heavy Rain?
Yellow sedum spreads quickly but it is very low to the ground. It blooms once for about 2 weeks and then goes back to its regular yellow-green color. You can easily pull it up if its in your way and can plant other plants right in the middle of it and it wont...
Reviews of OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent
I used to love the old Off clip-on but a couple of years ago they changed (not improved) the clip-on as well as the refill. Previously, there was a gauge on the old one that told when the refill needed to be replaced. The new ones dont have it so its easy to...
Making Shirts Longer?
Have you thought of buying a very thin top and wearing it under the short top? Layering doesnt always add a lot of bulk and its really an in look at the moment. And, no sewing!
Tomato Blossom End Rot?
Blossom end rot is caused by lack of calcium and/or uneven watering. The calcium has to be able to get to the plant so good watering is essential. Using egg shells is a good way to go. Any time I use a raw egg, I rinse out the shell and throw it in a container...
Measuring Marshmallow Creme?
I agree that using spraying with a cooking spray works well. This is also good for measuring peanut butter or anything else that sticks in the cup.
My Frugal Life: Freezing Meat
When ground beef is on sale, we brown it with onion, salt, pepper (or whatever you like) and freeze it in smaller bags. We always have a ready supply for making meat sauce for pasta, tacos, casseroles, etc. You can also, freeze slices of ham when you have some...
Recipes Using Canned Green Beans?
Drain them, marinate in Italian salad dressing for at least 4 hours and serve them as your vegetable or as a topping for salad. No need to add any other dressing for the rest of the salad.
Getting Rid of Briers?
Any systemic weed killer should do the trick. Systemic means that it will permeate the whole plant. You can ask at any hardware store and they will have one. You want to let it work its magic on the plant and get to every part of it so dont pull the plant out...
Favorite Kitchen Gadgets?
If you love to bake, I would recommend you get a lemon zester. Its a little hand tool that will cost a couple of dollars, but you cant use a knife for zesting. A zester removes the outer layer of any citrus fruit without getting to the bitter part. Before you...
Keeping Sage Leaves For Cooking?
Next year, pick it fresh, rinse and set aside. I put it on waxed paper and ignore it until I can crumble it and put in a jar. As for this year, since you grew it, you know if you used anything harmful. If not, it should be fine - especially since you will be...
Looking For Curling Bookends?
Your best bet may be a consignment or resale shop or a flea market. With this economy, theyre spinging up everywhere. While youre at it, you may find a lot of other good things! Good luck!
Attractive Container For Your Compost Scraps
We put a small paper bag in the freezer and use it for composting during the winter or in bad weather (or when we just dont want to go out). You can throw the whole thing into the composter and the paper is good as the brown element. You can also use newspaper...
Mosquito Problems, Decorate with Geraniums?
I had the same problem and was even afraid to walk to the composter without my Off fan. We had a standing joke that people invited me to their garden parties just to keep the mosquitos off the other guests. Some people who camp out a lot told me to take extra...
Keeping Grass From Growing in a Flower...
Orthos Lawn Be Gone will kill grass but not flowers. I use it on grass that insists on growing through groundcover.
Uses for Chipped China Platters?
Depending on where the cracks are, they might be used under houseplants. You could put a few plants on the bigger ones.
Using Wallpaper for Gift Wrap
Ive been doing it, too. Sometimes the wallpaper is stiff or the finish makes tape hard to stick but a glue stick seems to work well. Also, you can use a stapler and make big bags for oversized gifts. I punch holes in in the wallpaper and thread ribbon through...
Cheap Hanging Baskets
Try using clippings from your indoor plants in your hanging baskets outside. One that works particularly well is a Wandering Jew. The more sun, the more purple it gets and can take a lot of hot sun and still look beautful! And if you forget to water it for...
Smelly Kitchen Problem!
Try simmering lemon juice and water in the pan you used for the fish. Lemons also should take the fish smell off your hands. I know that when I reheat fish in the microwave, I always use a little lemon juice in water and bring it to a boil in the microwave...
