Killing Weeds Around Plants?
The dig them up advice is about as sound as you can get...Once youve done that, I would mulch and mulch frequently to keep them at bay. You can use dried leaves or grass clippings for mulch. Alternatively, you can purchase wood chips or straw. In some cities...
Making a Candle Making Kit?
I can help you. I am a soy candle maker, and this is my business. If you are interested, I can help you get the supplies that you will need. I only work with soy wax, so I am limited as to what I can do. If you want to make small votives or container candles...
How can I grow herbs with low light in my apartment?
A shop light is a great idea.... Grow lights are also available in the form of an ordinary light bulb. I once found one at Walmart for under $5.00. Any sort of full spectrum light might work since they are designed to mimick daylight. I used florescent lights...
Step by Step Guide To Get Organized?
I found this really FABULOUS website that helps to get you going on a regular routine by helping you create your own schedule, but also by giving you daily reminders and motivational testimonials. It also gives you projects to do to de-clutter your home. The...
Rain Stains on Suede Shoes?
Try to find a suede brush, or suede stone and brush. The stone is used to remove the stains, and the brush returns the shoes to their former condition. If you live in a cold or rainy climate, you might want to consider getting a water proofing spray. You can...
Ham and Bean Soup
I have done both; sometimes I would keep half of it out, and freeze the rest. Having it on hand was great! There were times when I didnt feel like cooking for just myself, so having stuff that I only had to heat up was great! Beware, though, because the tomato...
Caring for a Tuberous Begonia?
The main thing I know about this type of begonia is that the tuber will rot if it gets too wet. The best way to water them is to put a saucer under the pot (preferably a terra cotta pot) and put the water into the saucer. The plant will drink the water from...
Morning Sickness Remedies?
I would try ginger -- either in the form of small pieces of raw, peeled ginger root, crystalized ginger, ginger beer or ale (both non-alcoholic,) or ginger tea. You could keep a small jar with crystallized ginger by your bed, so that you dont have to get up...
Morning Sickness Remedies?
If you have a Trader Joes nearby, they have amazing ginger gummi bears that are really delicious, and very full of ginger flavor. Unfortunately, I have never managed to find them anywhere but at Trader Joes. They come in re-sealable packages, and the packages...
Water Saving Tips?
You can also get a small spray bottle and put liquid fabric softener in that. Rather than having to dash to the washing machine to put the fabric softener in at the correct time, use a wash cloth or rag, spray the fabric softener on the wash cloth -- about...
Tomato Plant Dying From the Top Down
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/tomatoproblemsolver/index.html This website might be helpful. One very common problem with tomato plants is root rot. I believe this happens when the roots get too wet. But I think it would likely be happening to both plants...
Small Bugs on Houseplants?
You may have aphids. They are probably the most common insect that infests plants -- both indoor and outdoor plants. You might want to try something like Safer Insecticidal Soap. There are other versions of the same thing, but they are made by different companies...
Holes In My Cherry Tomatoes?
First of all, your container should have drainage holes. If it doesnt, part of the problem may be that you are over watering them. You shouldnt need to water them everyday. Every two or three days should be sufficient. Its also possible that either birds or...
Removing Make Up?
I have discovered that baby wipes work as well, if not better than the stuff they sell for removing eye makeup. Baby wipes also take off foundation and blush. I also sometimes use them as a quick face wipe, because they are far cheaper than the moist ones, or...
How Do You Take Cuttings From Plants?
The previous posts contain excellent information. However, I would like to add that if you are rooting something in water, I have had the most success when I do it in a clear glass, and place it somewhere where it will get some light. When I go to plant things...
Purchase a Bottle of Flaxseed Oil
There is actually a cereal called Uncle Sam, and this cereal is made with whole wheat flakes and lots of whole flax seeds. You can usually find it in most grocery stores, or health food stores. I found it at a military commissary. Flax seeds can also be purchased...
Cleaning Heavy Smoke Damage From Walls, Ceiling and Hardwood Floors?
There is also a special type of primer that can be used on walls that have smoke damage. Using this will enable regular paint to adhere to the walls better. I dont know what the specific name of the product is. I lived in an apartment complex where one apartment...
Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
I bought a brush at a hardware store several years ago that is designed expressly for cleaning the dust out of the back area of the refrigerator. It works wonderfully, and it does cut down on the cost of the electricity.
Water Marks On Nubuck Shoes?
I have a stone that is made precisely for this purpose. I also have a tool that is a stone on one side, and a brush on the other side. You use the stone to rub the stain away, and the brush to return the nap of the nubuck to its original condition. I suspect...
Extra Fresh Fruit?
I often put things like grapes in a plastic freezer bag and freeze them. Some fruits ought not be washed first. Washing them makes them get soggy. Not only are they good for Smoothies, but frozen grapes make a great refreshing snack. They are also ideal (especially...
Cleaning Dishes and Wooden Cutting Boards
He needs to get a spray bottle which he should fill with a mixture of bleach and water. The concentration should be about 1 part bleach to 3 parts of water. He should spray this on all of the surfaces after cooking -- especially a wooden cutting board. As far...
Roasting Vegetables
Roasting is an excellent way to cook many types of vegetables. I like to drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on the vegetables before roasting; it keeps them from drying out too much in the cooking. Roasted peppers taste excellent, and I like to use roasted...
Roasted Tomatoes
I discovered that it is actually possible to freeze tomatoes. All I do is core them, and put them in freezer bags. I dont wash them because that will make them get soggy in the freezer. For cherry tomatoes, yellow plum tomatoes or other small tomatoes, I just...
Inexpensive 50th Birthday Gift Ideas?
The previous ideas are excellent. As someone who just turned 50, I understand how many people approach their 50th birthday with dread, others with a sense of celebration. Nonetheless, theres a knawing realization in the back of ones head that they are getting...
Looking For Lemon Sponge With Soap?
I checked the O-Cedar website, and discovered that they have a product called a Solo, a scrubber and soap in one product. The product number is 520. They have an online retailer, but they have temporarily disabled that. You can order products directly, however...
Organizing Dirty Laundry?
I use two laundry hampers that stack on top of one another. They have handles, and there is a space on the bottom of each basket where the handles can fit. They are designed specifically for this purpose, and they hold a fair amount of laundry as well. The...
GoJo Hand Cleaner For Stains
A long ago ex boyfriend of mine used to use something called Goop. Once you open the container, you will see that the name is extremely appropriate, but it is an outstanding cleaner for hands that are filthy from grease, etc. He used it for cleaning his hands...
Legal Help For Social Security?
The Social Security office will probably have a list of lawyers who help people who need to appeal, but if you look at the attorney section in the yellow pages of the phone book, you will find that attorneys who specialize in Social Security disability claims...
Teen Looking for Dieting Advice?
Well, first of all, maybe you and your grandmother could do this together. Secondly, do this in a way so that it doesnt feel like a chore. You are making a lifestyle change, and thats different than a diet. A diet implies a temporary fix. You should do this...
Washing Machine Touch Panels Wear Out
I have discovered that if you dont try to overload the machine, and do smaller loads (and yes, it sometimes means doing more loads,) the spin cycle is able to get rid of the excess water very effectively, and when there is less water, you can run the dryer...
Looking for Frugal Wall Decorations?
Trading Spaces had a segment where they redecorated a kitchen and used wine bottle labels all over the kitchen walls, to give the effect of wall paper. When it was finished, it had a rather neat graphic look, but I thought it was kind of dark and busy for a...
Improving Sandy, Clay Soil?
You can probably get a soil testing kit from your county extension office, or at some gardening supply stores. Before you go to the expense of adding a ton of organic matter (which may be what it needs anyway,) I would test the soil to find out exactly what...
Cleaning and Drying Down Comforters and Feather Beds?
I have washed a down comforter in the washing machine, but it isnt the greatest or most effective method. For one thing, most washing machines that arent heavy duty commercial ones arent big enough to hold that sort of stuff. Secondly, unless you have a box...
Bunny Cup Cakes With Edible Ears?
What about using Marzipan? You could mold it into any shape you want, and you could use food coloring to make the ears a certain color, if you want the color. Marzipan is delicious, and it would be something so much out of the ordinary that everyone would think...
How to Help My Husband Change His Eating Habits?
I understand your plight completely. I am in very much the same situation; my husband had a stroke, and that hasnt been reason enough for him to change his eating habits. I have realized that trying to force him to change is like beating a dead horse (in fact...
Easter Ideas For Teens?
What about a basket filled with bath gels or salts, a nice bath puff, some perfume, perhaps little make up samples, nail polish, and other body care stuff. It would be like having your own spa in a basket. Or if they arent into that kind of stuff, you could...
Removing Cola Stain from White Blouse?
Try soaking it in OxiClean and hot water. I have done that with many things, soaking them for anywhere from overnight to an entire day or more. It has worked remarkably well. Amway laundry products also work wonderfully! That is all I use!
Freezing Prepared Oatmeal?
My mother loves oatmeal, so she started making oatmeal muffins. I believe the recipe came from Jane Brodys cookbook. Shes used to be the food editor (and probably still is) for the New York Times. My mother typically doubles the recipe and makes about four...
How Do You Clean Copper?
I have always used a product called Twinkle. You can find it in the grocery store in the aisles with oven cleaner, etc. It comes with a sponge. I have used it to clean Revere Ware pots and pans, as has my mother, and she had her Revere Ware set for over 50...
Ripening Avocados
I often buy gifts for my mother from misterspear.com. Martha Stewart brought this company to the publics attention, and their January offering is avocadoes. They recommend ripening avocados by putting them in a brown paper bag with an apple. The gasses that...
Cleaning Gold Rings
Baking soda also works well, but what do you do when the wedding ring has some scratches, which is undoubtedly inevitable for most of us? Is it possible to get rid of the scratches without having to pay a jeweler to do it for you?
Using Straw For Low Maintenance Garden
I used to use grass clippings. They are easy to get, and if you dont have enough of your own, the city dump often lets people come to get the grass clippings. Using grass is far cheaper than buying straw, although admittedly, the straw does look nicer. Wood...
Frugal Planter Ideas?
What about egg cartains for starting seeds? Cottage cheese or yogurt containers would also work. Poke a hole in the bottom and use the top as a saucer. Coffee cans are also great. My mother saves the bags she gets from the dry cleaners and uses them to cover...
Storing Green Onions?
I have come to think that one reason produce goes bad so quickly in the refrigerator is because it is constantly getting sprayed in the store. I have taken to putting everything I bring home into a colander to let all of the water drain off of it. With green...
Frugal Weight Loss?
Eating a high fiber diet is also helpful. For one thing, it is a healthy way to diet, and fiber gives you the feeling of fullness, so you are less inclined to eat more. Moreover, most high fiber foods are relatively low in calories. Take stairs instead of the...
Avocado and Papaya Ripening?
Put them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two. The gas that the apple produces cause the avocado, etc. to ripen more quickly. Check the paper bag each day, and you will undoubtedly find that things ripen twice as fast as they would if you merely left...
Round Knitting Loom - Starting a Seed Stitch?
My mother who is an avid knitter told me that seed stitch consisted of knit one, purl one. As I understand it, the row is always started and ended with two knit stitches. Are you doing a double seed stitch?
Keeping Coffee Fresh?
I always keep mine in an air tight container. I grind it as I use it, and contrary to popular belief, the freezer doesnt keep coffee fresher. You should never buy more than you can use in a fairly short period of time. If you want better tasting coffee, use...
Finding The Right Coffee Measurements?
I typically use one or two tablespoons per cup. It depends on the variety of coffee I am using. I like very strong coffee -- like French Roast. I also try not to make more than I can drink at any given time. Coffee that sits around for hours starts to taste...
Keep Your Toothbrush Germ Free
You can soak your tooth brush in mouthwash, soak it in hydrogen peroxide, or put it in the dishwasher, but my former dental assistant told me to change it at least every 8 weeks, and if it starts to lose its shape, sooner. If you are sick, do not use the toothbrush...
Cat Repellents?
My mother has had that problem for a long time. We started to use fox urine. You can purchase it in liquid, and place it in little containers that are designed for that, and hang them from the lowest branches of trees, or near the plants. There is also a powder...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
This for Christin who is getting married in June: I used to have a neighbor who grew flowers expressly for cutting. To earn some extra money, she would put together bouquets and sell them to offices around town, or make bouquets for anyone who wanted them for...
