Repairing Sofa Upholstery Damaged by Cat?
I dont know how to repair it but I use a spray bottle of water to train my cats not to scratch or get on the tables or counters; it works great!
Protective Blue Film Stuck to Dishwasher?
Perhaps a hair dryer will help to loosen the film. I use it to take adhesive labels off.
Identifying Tiny Black Biting Bugs?
Could be bedbugs. For all bugs, garden grade, not pool grade, diatomaceous earth. Safe for humans and animals, just dont inhale it. Cattlemen feed it to their livestock for internal parasites. I sprinkle it in our dogs food and sometimes dust them with it. Make...
Introducing New Kittens to Resident Cat?
I discipline my cats with a spray of water from a spray bottle. One of my cats took a great interest in my beta fish, Bubba, and she lost interest after a quick shot of water.
Crafts and Activities for Seniors?
You could get the ladies together to knit and crochet for newborns, like my local senior center does. Maybe also a raised garden.
Getting Rid of Bed Bugs?
Diatoumaceous Earth, garden grade. Absolutely harmless to humans and animals but death on bugs. My daughter used it on her granddaughter for head lice and her teacher wanted to know how she did it so quickly. See Dave Owens, the Garden Guy website.
Removing Label Glue from Glass?
I have good luck using a hair dryer to take the labels from glass jars.
Getting Rid of Bedbugs?
Diatomacious Earth should do it. (spelling may be wrong). It is available at garden shops, feed stores, etc. Its non-toxic to humans and animals but kills most bugs.
Problem Taking Pills
I have found a good way to take pills is to take them into my mouth, take a sip of water and put my head down. Pills float to the back of the throat where they can be easily swallowed. I can take several pills at a time this way.
Uses for Bubble Wrap?
If this is the large bubble stuff, it is great to use as insulation on windows. Wet the window and place the bubble wrap with the bubbles against the window.
Keeping Fleas Off Dog?
Diatomaceous (spelling?) earth, garden grade not pool grade. Sold in garden centers and feed stores. Dust your dog with it and his bed, anything. It is not toxic, the only caveat is to not inhale it as it is a fine dust. Our local Dave the Garden Guy on TV...
Virginia Wolf (Bengal)
I dont know if this would help but I trained all my kitties with a spray bottle of water. They dont scratch the furniture or get on kitchen cabinets. Maybe I was just lucky lol. Pat
Getting Rid of Fleas?
Diatomaceus earth, garden grade, not pool grade. You can find it in the garden shop of about any store, or in feed stores. Dust your buddy with it, it causes fleas, ticks, etc to dehydrate. It is not harmful, just dont inhale it as it is a fine dust. You can...
Keeping Fleas Off a Dog?
Diatomaceous earth, garden grade, not pool grade. Found in most home improvement stores. Wont hurt animals or humans, just dust it on your dog. It is a dust so use some care that he doesnt inhale it. Totally organic, kills by scratching the outer skin of fleas...
Flowering Cacti (Arizona)
I live in Phoenix and I do love the cacti, those are beautiful pictures. Pat
The End of the Incandescent Bulb
Here in Phoenix, our Goodwill stores have them for a very good price, cant remember how much but I buy mine there. Pat
Copy And Paste Text To Print Information
I use a free office suite, Open Office. I, too, copy a lot of things into documents to print out. One handy paper-saver is to list ingredients horizontally instead of vertically. I am so accustomed to it that using a recipe with the ingredients lined up vertically...
Christmas Help in Illinois?
I encourage everyone to start a group like we have here in Az., ArizonansHelpingArizonans. We collect things to give to others who need them; you would be surprised how generous people are when they find you give things away. Our group is like a cross between...
Keeping Cats From Scratching and Getting on Couch?
I rescued 3 kitties one time and started immediately using a spray bottle of water to train them. Once in awhile, one will try to claw furniture but a good NO! will send them running. They still stay off the kitchen counters. Pat
Dexter (Pitbull)
We have a pitbull too, Barney, looks pretty much like your boy. We took him off the street and never found his owner. He is such a good boy, very good with the other dogs and the cats too, once he learned they werent fair game.
Donating Clothes And Household Items To Charities
I live in Phoenix and have started a yahoo group, ArizonansHelpingArizonans. We pass stuff around, sort of like freecycle but we also give things away to anyone who needs them; some of us shop yard sales for things to give away. One member has a small donation...
Financial Assistance for Roof Repair for Seniors?
Here in AZ, we have Angels On Call. If she lives in AZ, they may be able to help; and there may be an organization like that in her state. Google it. Pat
Product Review: Awesome Cleaner
I found Awesome Laundry Detergent at the $ store today, cant wait to try it. Its not the itty bitty size that the other brands are now. Ive used Awesome Cleaner for a long time.
Replacing Canopy for a Swing/Glider?
I actually found a small childs tent that was just the right size to replace mine, at a yard sale. Take the measurements and you may find just the thing to work for you. Pat
Essential Oil for Homemade Detergent?
I use vinegar in the softener dispense and sometimes mix essential oil in with it. The vinegar smell dissipates but the lovely smell of the oil remains. I never use fabric softener sheets in the dryer as it clogs up your lint filter. Pat
Removing Blood Stains
Plain ole dollar store peroxide will remove most any stain. I keep a spray bottle by my washing machine for this purpose. Pat
Growing Calla Lilies in Pots?
My understanding is that Calla Lilies are basically bog plants in the SE part of the country so I think they may need a little more water than most. Pat
Where Can I Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth?
You can buy food grade DE at most garden shops and feed stores. It can be used on/around pets, the only precaution is that it is a dust and should not be breathed in. Our local Garden Guy spreads it with a puffer that blows it easily.
Tick Repellent for Dogs That is Safe Around Cats?
Diatomaceous earth, garden grade, not pool grade. Safe for all pets and people, it punctures the skin of fleas and ticks, completely safe. Pat
Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer?
(format_html)Orange Coffee Creamer 3/4 cup sugar 1 cup nonfat dry milk 1/2 teaspoon dried orange peel Cafe Vienna 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup dry milk 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Cinnamon Coffee Creamer 2/3 cup sugar 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon...
How Do I Find Help to Pay My Rent?
Your community probably has a Community Action Program which may be able to help. Also, try some churches for info on where to obtain help. Pat
Bat Poop Stains on Fabric?
I find that peroxide is a great stain remover. I use it for pre-treating stains before washing. The 3% you buy at dollar stores is just right. Pat
Starting a Compost Pile?
Check with your city waste services. Here in Phoenix, they take the big barrels used for trash pickup, when they are no longer usable for that, drill holes in them, remove the lids and sell them for a small amount ($10 the last time I bought them) and I think...
Planting Flowers in a Vegetable Garden?
Our local Garden Guy, Dave Owens (he has a website) has built an organic garden on part of a parking lot at the Channel 3 studio here in Phoenix. He recommends planting flowers and veggies together for the benefits of both in terms of warding off bad insects...
Planting Vegetables Together?
My understanding of the 3 Sisters planting style is to plant corn first. Once it is up 6 - 12 in., then plant the beans close by that will grow up the corn. The squash will help keep the soil cool. Plant your garlic in with your roses and throw your banana...
Training a Cat Not to Bite?
I have used a spray bottle of water to train my cats not to scratch, fight, etc and I think it would work as well for biting, with a strong NO! A black cat who adopted us around Halloween last year has a bad habit of biting and I smack him softly with a strong...
Uses for Hydrogen Peroxide?
My favorite is as a stain remover, wish I had known this when my kids were little. I put a sprayer top on a bottle of peroxide and use it in the laundry. For ear wax removal, use half hydrogen peroxide and half water to squirt in the ears. Hold your head sideways...
Reuse Pet Food Bags For Household Waste
I save them for pet poo pickup, what goes in, has to come out lol. Pat
Remedies for Athlete's Foot
This from my files, hope it might help. Pat Use the alcohol mouthwash to keep your feet and toenails pristine. To prevent athletes foot, soak a cotton ball with the liquid and swab the bottoms of your feet and between toes after every shower. According to Sobel...
Stopping Leg Cramps?
Hylands Leg Cramp Remedy, available at Walmart. I suffered from leg cramps for years until I found this product. Pat
Dog is Licking Paws?
One of the best things for humans and animals, both inside and out, is good coconut oil. It has healing qualities of many kinds. Google it. Pat
Finding Home Repair Help for People on Fixed Low Incomes?
We have a group here in Phoenix called Angels On Call, they are associated with Stardust Building Supplies who do deconstructing for razing and remodeling projects and sell the reclaimed materials to fund Angels On Call. I wonder if Habitat For Humanity could...
Getting Prescriptions From Drug Companies?
This should help: Uninsured Americans - medicines or vaccines for free or at discount Merck firmly believes no one should go without the medicines or vaccines they need. We support policies to increase access to medicines and vaccine and are committed to assisting...
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends?
How about getting pictures of you and each of them or group pictures, especially at parties or events? They will treasure these as time goes on. Pat
Warning About Dryer Sheets And Pets
You are so right! I dont use fabric softener or sheets, instead I use vinegar in rinsing wash and for many other uses as well. It takes the soap residue from laundry and softens even better than softener, leaves no odor. Pat
Will Adding Baking Soda to Beans Reduce Flatulence?
I love all the suggestions. I put beans in a pot with water, simmer for about 10 min. Drain, add fresh water and a pinch of soda, add any other ingredients and continue cooking. Quick and easy. Pat
Pre-paid Cell Phone Cards with Rollover Minutes?
I use Virgin Mobile and top up online. I think it is currently about .11 per min. I dont use my cell phone much so the $20 I put on it usually lasts several months. Works for me. Pat
Preserving Ornamental Gourds?
Ornamental gourds are marvelous for making decorations. My son is a gourd artist and has won prizes for his work, which is mostly Native American designs. He even made a very life-like papoose from a large one. They can be carved with a knife or dremel, and...
Dry Erase Marker on Polyester?
I use alcohol to clean my dry erase board; I wonder if that might take it out of the jersey. One thing I use for most stains is plain ole 3% peroxide, available in dollar stores. It takes out most any stain. Pat
Recipes Using Dried Pinto Beans?
I love pinto beans, too. My method of cooking is to put them on in a big pot. Boil for about 10 min. Turn off heat and let sit about an hour. Drain, add new water, a pinch of baking soda and cook until done. I like onions and ham added when they are about done...
Poems Marking the Passing of an Infant?
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. (1) I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. (2) When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting...
Raising an Abused Neglected Puppy?
You will be rewarded with lots of love. Just be gentle with her and she will learn. Our pit/boxer mix is such a lover, and a real marshmallow with the other dogs and grandchildren. If I were a girl dog, I would sure be chasing him...not that it would do me...
Homemade Bathroom Cleaner?
I agree with peroxide for a great cleaner, especially in a spray bottle. One other thing I find handy is denture tablets for the toilet, one or two, plop, plop, fizz, fizz, wait, brush, flush. You can buy them at the dollar store. Pat
Removing Incontinence Odor?
Try vinegar, for laundry and spraying beds, furniture, etc. The smell dissipates quickly. Pat
Wildlife: Beetle
Wonderful picture! I love all Gods creatures except I try to stay away from those who would like to eat me lol. Pat
Getting Rid of Bedbugs?
Diatomaceous earth, garden grade, not pool grade. Available at garden depts, feed stores, etc. It is even fed to livestock to help keep them well. Dust anywhere in the house or yard, even on pets. The only caution is to not breathe it in, as it is a fine dust...
Daisey (American Pit Bull Terrier)
What a fine dog! We have a Pit/Boxer mix named Barney and he is marvelous. He scared my small dog out of her wits when we first got him. He made a run for her and she squealed and ran. Barney had that look on his face like he was thinking, now what is the matter...
Choosing Between a Comforter or a Bedspread?
I use a king size comforter on my double bed. It covers like a bedspread and gives me the cozy, luxurious feeling I like. Pat
Getting Rid of Fleas Naturally?
Bathe him with Dawn dishwashing detergent, apply diatomaceous earth (garden grade, not pool grade), being careful that you nor he breathe in the dust. DE is used in home, garden, yard, for many kinds of bugs. Pat
Cat With Fleas?
Diatomaceus earth, food grade, not pool grade. Rub on cats and their beds, throughout the house if necessary. Not harmful to pets or people. Available in home improvement stores in the garden area. Pat
Belle (Pit Bull Terrier/Boxer Mix)
Gee, I think our Barney must be Pit/Boxer mix, he looks a lot like Belle. He doesnt so much chew his food as swallow most of it whole. Hes a real chow hound and so very sweet. Pat
Home Remedies for Psoriasis?
These from my files collected from various sources: dont know if it was for psoriasis or what, but I know that Bag Balm or Udder Balm has been very effective for a family friend with a skin condition (pretty sure it was psoriasis). You should be able to get...
Making Your Own Skin Care Products?
There has been a lot of publicity lately about all the bad stuff in commercially prepared cosmetics so if you want to make your own, it might be fun. There are instructions on the net, just do a search. Here are a couple of things from my files: A Basic Lotion...
Recycled Jeans Crafts?
I made great work aprons with pockets across the bottom. Great for yard work, housecleaning, etc. Pat
Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide
I keep a spray bottle of it to remove stains before laundry, as well as cleaning. I wish I had known how versatile it is when my children were little. Pat
Multisurface Spray Cleaner for Quick Clean Up?
I, too, use vinegar but the product called Awesome that I get from the dollar store is really great. I dilute it about half and half with water or more water if you like. Pat
How Can I Stop My Dog from Digging in the Flower Bed?
Put his poop in the holes. Black pepper sometimes works too. Pat
Can Advantix Cause Seizures in Dogs?
I dont know what chemicals can cause seizures but I wont use them. What I do use is food grade diatomaceous earth, available at home improvement stores. Be sure to get food grade and not pool grade. It is usually with garden supplies. It will not hurt people...
Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe to Use Around Children?
I use it on my dogs. Dave Owens, The Garden Guy, highly recommends it for fleas and ticks. He even put some in his mouth on TV to show it is safe. You must use food grade and not pool grade, though. It is sold in home improvement stores, usually in the garden...
What Breed is This Puppy?
Looks like it may have a little Pit in it but that shouldnt deter you if it has a loving nature. We took in a Pit off the street and never found its owner; he is such a love! Gets along great with our other dogs and loves the grandchildren. He slipped out of...
Leg Cramps from Kidney Disease?
I had leg cramps nearly all my life, well before I had kidney disease and I buy the homeopathic remedy, Hylands Leg Cramp Remedy, at Walmart. It has a small amount of quinine which relieves leg cramps quickly for me, hope it works for you. I also eat bananas...
What Breed is My Dog?
Yes, I agree it looks like a Pit or a mix. We have one and he is such a sweetie! So good with other dogs and children. Pat
Is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Same as a Pitbull?
We have a Pit Bull and he is the most loving dog there could be. He loves our other dogs; my smaller dogs pick play fights with him and he is gentle and sweet. I had reservations about adopting him but we all love him. Pat
Uses for Dog Food Bags?
I agree about using the bags for garden cleanup. Our recent rains gave me an excellent crop of weeds and I used the bags to collect them. Too bad weeds are not a cash crop, I would be rich, lol. I always use the bags to collect my dogs droppings. I put one...
Tank (Pitbull)
We have a Pit mix, Barney. We took him off the street and never found his owner. He is such a lovable marshmallow! Pat
Dog is Infested With Fleas?
I agree with the food grade diatomaceous earth. You can find it in the home improvement stores like Home Depot. Again, just be sure to get the food grade, not the pool grade. I use it on my pets and in my yard. Pat
Malcolm (Pit Bull)
We have a Pit mix (with boxer, I think), that we took in off the street and never found his owner. He is such a marshmallow! My daughter takes him for walks and the two little yappy chiwauwas (darn, I was once a great speller) down the street put him in full...
Reminding Yourself
I no longer have a busy life with children grown and all but I use a little free program called Stickies to put a yellow sticky on my computer desktop to keep track of appointments, etc. I also use a whiteboard for such things as gardening chores, etc. Pat
Printer Not Working After Paper Jam?
For computer and peripheral problems such as printers, if nothing you find here works, try ComputerHelpandDiscussion AT yahoogroups.com They have experts who will help. Pat
Dealing with a Verbally Abusive Spouse?
Melissa, there is some good advice on this group. Please do get out of that situation ASAP. My local group, ArizonansHelpingArizonans AT yahoo.com cant help with shelter but we can help with clothes and supplies once you are in a shelter. You can email me at...
Starting Plants from Cuttings?
I use rooting hormone if I remember. I have 2 old aquariums in which I put about 1/2 of vermiculite. I use potting soil or perlite in pots or six packs, I have very good luck with this method. I put glass on top of the aquariums, leaving it open at one corner...
Growing Vegetables From Seeds?
Michelle, here in the low desert, you can grow something during every season. I have snow peas bearing right now and lots of lettuce. I have some snow peas where I planted them last year, came up from some dropped. More and more people are growing their own...
Dog With Brain Injury Peeing in the House?
This from someone else but I do like the Awesome products. You might try soaking a puppy pad in the urine and put it outside where you want him to go. I like to use Awesome Pet Stain remover. I get it at the 99 cents Only store, for 99 cents! Label is white...
Planting a Desert Vegetable Garden?
Christine, we are almost neighbors, I live in W. Phx. If you can, watch Channel 3 morning news, sometimes the Garden Guy is on and he gardens organically. He also has 2 paperback books and a web site. Just do a search for Garden Guy Phoenix. He made a marvelous...
Weed Prevention Tips When Preparing Garden?
Cornmeal is a great germination inhibitor but I wouldnt use it in the garden since you want your seeds to germinate. It is great where you dont want seeds to germinate. I use it a lot to keep the weeds down. Pat
Coffee Filter for Potting
You can also use newspaper (the black ink is soy based), napkins or paper towel.
What Breed is My Dog?
One of our dogs is a bigger version of your little one and we think he is pitbull/boxer. He is such a sweetheart.
Gag Gift for Newly Wed Husband: "Owner's Manual" for Wife?
Womens dictionary 1. Fine This is the word women use at the end of any argument when they feel they are right but cant stand to hear you argue any longer. It means that you should shut up. (NEVER use fine to describe how she looks. This will cause you to have...
When Should You Neuter a Dog?
Bless you for taking in the dog. We found a pit bull last Jan. while looking for our old dog, and never found his owner. We had him neutered and he is the absolutely sweetest dog; we had been a bit uncertain about taking in a pit bull but he fits in wonderfully...
RCA Satellite Receiver and Remote Control Will Not Communicate?
As a last resort, try Justanswer.com. They have experts of all kinds. It will cost a few dollars but only if you are satisfied with their advice. I got my CD drive fixed there. Pat
