Mini Cheesecakes
These DO sound yummy and alot easier than making a big cheesecake! These would be great to serve at a party and have different toppers set out, kind of like an Cheesecake Sundae Buffett!! I wonder how well these would freeze! I would think it would be the smaller...
Do-It-Yourself Trash Can Composting
This is a wonderful way to have a small compost without having a section of the yard devoted to it. Ill be getting this started this weekend!
Cream Soup Mix
What a wonderful recipe! Ive never seen an alternative to Cream soups before. This is much healthier than the can soups as well and could easily be made organic by using organic ingredients! Thank you so much for posting .. Ive been using things like creamed...
Make A Pillow Out Of A Beloved Shirt
I did this a couple of years ago for all the single women in our family for Christmas and called them boyfriend pillows! I took old flannel shirts, stuffed the sleeves and sewed the bottom to make a pillowcase that fit over a regular pillow. They were a cute...
Toning Down the Taste of Wild Game
Marinating any game or large fish (like big salmon) in buttermilk helps alot! Even just a few hours!
Playdough Stain on a Wall?
I would try a paste of baking soda and water .. itll get into the grooves of the wall. Or a magic eraser .. those seem to get rid of everything! Good Luck Rebekah
Weight Watchers Chocolate Muffins
sounds good .. i love muffins but usually they arent the best choice .. these are better! thanks for sharing! Rebekah
Washing a Vinyl Handbag?
Try rubbing alcohol or anything with alcohol as the main ingredient such as hand santizer. Im guessing the stickiness is a result of the cleaner not being rinsed off all the way. Good Luck! Rebekah
My Cakes Aren't Rising?
Perhaps your baking soda or powder isnt fresh anymore if your recipe includes it. Without knowing the ingredients its kinda hard to troubleshoot but thats my first guess! Good luck. I hope you figure it out! :) Rebekah
Poll: Do you hang dry your clothing?
To prevent the stiff towels I throw them in the dryer for 5-10 mintues on fluff (no heat) .. they come out perfectly and still smell great. I hang everything I can outside in the spring, summer and fall. I think its a great way to get outside while doing my...
My Washing Machine Wobbles?
dpcw is correct .. your machine does need to leveled. On most large appliances the feet screw in to the bottom all you have to do is play around screwing and unscrewing until the thing is level. I say all because it will take 2 people, one to hold up the machine...
Cheap Summer Drinks for Kids
I agree with the previous posts in regards to not giving kids (or adults for that matter!) excess sugar, additives or preseratives but would like to add caffine to that list! In the summer we like Fizzy Fruit! I take the overripe fruit we have leftover (melons...
What's A Cookie Cost?
Well put! I just wanted to add that making cookies and most junk food is healthier as well .. not that chocolate chip cookies are healthy .. but ones you bake at home wont have high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils.
My New Luggage Smells Bad?
I too would try the wadded newspaper and charcoal ... both are natural odor absorbers. Maybe call the manufactor for advice and to let them know of the problem. Good luck and have fun on your trip! Rebekah
Homemade Pizza Substitute
When I was younger I used to make little pizzas on english muffin halves for my sisters and other kids Id babysit .. quick, easy and yummy! I still make them for myself when the mood strikes! I like the idea of using crusty bread or even day old bread too! Thanks...
Southern Sweet Tea Recipe?
My husband lived in Georgia for 2 years before we got married and became hooked on sweet tea! To make in the microwave I boil 4 cups cold water in a pyrex measuring cup and let 8 regular tea bags steep for about 10 minutes or so depending on how strong I want...
How I Went Broke Saving Money
While some good points are made here .. I find that almost the exact opposite works for my family! Couponing, done correctly, will save a bundle! Combining a coupon with a sale price and a special promotion is wonderful! For example, last week my local mega...
Flip Flop Quilt
Thats adorable .. I bet Grandmas would love it! My sisters and I made something similar with footprints for our grandmother as a thank you for sewing lessons! She loved it! This is one Ill have to try with my girls for their grandma .. sounds like a great summer...
Family Closet for Organizing Laundry
What a great idea! My laundry room is really just the hall from the kitchen to the garage but I would love it if I had room! Congrats! Rebekah
Throw Up on Microfiber?
Try rubbing alcohol poured into a spray bottle .. I use it to clean up the accidents from my potty training 2 year old and her 6 mo old sister who has acid reflux and spits up frequently! Works wonders and kills any germs. Good Luck! Rebekah
Extending the Life of Your Washing Machine
GlowGirl -- nope the smell of vinegar will be gone as soon as it dries! Many here love vinegar for its cleaning properties and for me the only downside is that my house smells like pickles as Im cleaning, but its worth it to not have to use harsh, dangerous...
Make Your Own Boboli Pizza Crust?
I love the Jiffy Pizza Mix, its cheap, $.44 per crust and will go on sale for $.33, and easy .. just add water, let sit on top of the preheating oven for 5 minutes and roll out. When making homemade pizza, Ill make 4-5 boxes, bake off all the crusts, let cool...
Poll: Have you made your own baby food?
Were just starting our 6 month old on solids and were making it all. With our now 2 year old we started with regular jarred baby food and found she wouldnt eat it. Turns out she didnt like anything she couldnt feed herself so she ate alot of soft cooked foods...
Sewing a Bra Into a Wedding Dress?
Just a note about using one with the clear back strap. If that does show out of the back of her dress, it will show in pictures and when light hits it. Just an FYI!
Homemade Fun Fruits?
I make something simmilar with juice and unflavored gelatin .. one packet of gelatin to one cup 100% juice. My 2 year old loved the fruit snacks she got at Grandmas but I didnt like her eating them .. so I found this solution! We mix up flavors of juice for...
Urine Smell on Toddler's Clothing After Being Washed?
I agree .. use white vinegar! It works wonder with smells of any sorts! I use it with my kids clothes in the Downy ball instead of softener. Good luck to you! My 2 year old is in the same boat as yours .. hopefully the leaky diapers will be a thing of the past...
Substitute for Baby Wipes
Great Idea .. I bet you could add a drop or two of food coloring to make fun foam for the kids! Im going to try this with my 2 year old whose just starting to toilet learn. Thanks! Rebekah
Substitute for Baby Wipes
I agree with the previous poster .. these are just like homemade baby wipes which weve been using for over 2 years now with no problems what so ever. With toddlers the need is still there for an adult to make sure all is clean .. but this tip is an excellent...
Other Options for Weight Loss
Diet pills can be incredibly dangerous, especially over the counter ones. If after trying everything else, talk with a doctor who can determine why nothing worked BEFORE taking diet pills .. there could be a medical problem like thyroid disfunction or something...
Perfect Gift For Mother's Day - Garden Apron
Great idea .. My mother in law would love something like that! I think Ill print out pictures of each grandkid on iron on paper to use as the center of each flower instead of the name! Thanks for the post! Rebekah
Slime in My Steam Iron?
Yep .. vinegar should clean it right out ... I would steam some of the vinegar through the iron to clean everything out. Just be sure to rinse with water a few times so the vinegar wont discolor or damage the next item you iron! Good Luck! Rebekah
Cloudy Coffee?
Hmm .. my first thought is there may be limescale or mineral build up on the inside of the coffee maker. Try brewing a pot of half white vinegar and half water followed by a couple pot of plain water to remove the vinegar smell. It will clean the insides out...
Getting Chores Done
Im a stay at home 26 y/o mother of 2 kids under 2 and sometimes chores just have to take a back seat to more important things like raising children .. Often times the dusting doesnt get done or the laundry isnt folded before its worn .. but my kids are happy...
Candle Wax Stains on a Jacuzzi Tub?
Ditto on the Magic Eraser! They work great! Or try a cleaner like OxyClean, the dollar store version is just as good! Good Luck! Rebekah
Cleaning a Prom Dress?
It would depend on the fabric and the size of the dress .. but I love Dryel or Dry Cleaners Secret (both available at places like WalMart) for things that absolutly have to be dry cleaned. Other items, again depending on the fabric I just hand wash. If its...
Checking Store Website Before Shopping
Great idea! Most stores also have the weekly circular online as well. I also look at prices of specific items and if theyre cheaper on the stores website Ill ask if I can get that price instore and save the shipping cost! Not all stores do this and some managers...
Motor Oil Stains in Truck?
Cat litter also works well to absorb the oil and take out the smell .. the cheaper the brand the better as long as it doenst contain clay or is the non clumping kind. The litter also works well on garage floors. We also use it in the winter as extra weight...
School Fundraiser Ideas for Students?
I was student body president for 2 years in high school and one thing we did that was popular and a decent money maker was to have dress up days! We had a somewhat strict dress code and any break from that was great for the students. The most sucessful was...
Lady (Jack Russell Terrier)
Shes beautiful! Were looking at a Jack Russell once our kids get a bit bigger .. Your Lady is so cute! Thanks for sharing her!
Wedding Photography for Less
Most professional photographers will work within any budget. I am a photographer who has done numerous weddings (although I do consider myself a portrait photographer first and foremost) and the one thing I suggest to couples on a budget is to see if you can...
Restoring Linoleum?
I would suggest just painting over the floor! My parents did this when we were kids, we lived on an old farm and with 7 kids there was no point in putting down a new floor just to have it trashed! It does need to be primed first and I remember my parents putting...
Keeping Kids Warm in the Snow
Great ideas! I just wanted to add to make sure kids arent OVER dressed to play in the snow! As an outdoor lover since I was a kid, Ive found that if I get too bundled up because its cold out, Ill overheat and get sweaty once I get moving. Layering is the best...
Purse Tanned With Animal Urine?
Hmm ... I would try stuffing it with newspaper for a few days .. for whatever reason it seems to help with sweaty odors, perhaps it would work here too. Good Luck! Rebekah
Poll: Do you use any homemade cleaners?
I use pretty much use all homemade cleaners with the exception of laundry soap and dishwasher detergent. I also try to use green cleaners as much as possible and will not use ammonia for anything! With 2 small kids and a dog I dont want to risk anything. The...
What Are Your Favorite Links?
Some of my favorites are: http://www.ivillage.com -- great message boards http://www.about.com -- I swear they have info on everything! http://www.startsampling.com -- Free samples and coupon deals http://www.smartsource.com -- coupons from Sunday paper
Drying Hair Without Getting Tired
Great idea! I think this will be great since I have very thick hair and bad shoulders! Thanks! Rebekah
Food Grease on Work Shirts?
I think nantohannah is talking about GOJO .. its a heavy duty hand cleaner thats meant to cut through heavy grease and grime ... I would try Head and Shoulders too! (try looking for a travel or sample size to test it out first). My sister works in fast food...
For Softer Feet
This works so well! I used to do this all the time when I worked on my feet and now do it about once a month! Works great on your hands too if you can sleep with it on! Just remember to wear clean cotton socks! Good Luck! Rebekah
Cleaning The Inside of Your Car Windows?
I like to use rubbing alcohol but only with all the doors open and in the garage with the door open. It really cuts through anything including nicotine (thank goodness DH finally quit!) and doesnt streak.
Coffee Stains on Clothing?
I agree with the previous post. You could try the fantastic but it may discolor or mat the velour. I love OxyClean and the off brand versions are just as good if not better in my opinion ... white vinegar would also remove the coffee stain! Good Luck!
Removing Cooking Odors from Hands
Great Granny Vi is right once again! Stainless steel will remove any odor from your hands! In fact some kitchen stores will sell small soap size bars of stainless as odor removers. I learned this from a friends father whos a commerical fisherman, its how they...
Fish Oil Stain On Suede Desert Boots?
I wouldnt apply heat to suede, it could cause discoloring and might mat the suede. I, too, would try cornmeal or starch or anything that would absorb the oil, let sit overnight and then brush gently with an old toothbrush. It may take a couple of times but...
Teaching a Toddler to Behave in the Bath?
I feel your pain! :) My daughter, too, loves bathtime way too much and we often end up soaking wet as well! We started to just throw her in the shower with us and that works really well, she still gets naked time and to play in the water WITH mom or dad and...
Saving Money on a Cellphone?
I switched to a regular plan after finding out how much more per minute the prepaid plans are. It was almost 3 cents per minute more in my area for anytime minutes. Not to mention the free nights and weekends that I didnt have with prepaid. I like not worrying...
How do I hem tracksuit pants legs?
I would start by removing the zipper using a seam ripper to cut the threads holding it in place, then remove the excess fabric, probabally 3 inches or so if you want to shorten about 4 inches and hem the bottoms. Then trim the opening for the zipper and reinstall...
Recipes for a Beginner's Cookbook?
I would start with basic how tos like how to cut and saute vegetables or how to pick good cuts of meat or how to tell when foods are cooked and other helpful hints that we do without thinking. Other than that I would just put in your favorite recipes and ones...
Baby Juice Gellies
I agree valleyrimgirl .. its much more economical to buy a larger juice as long as its 100% fruit juice with no added sugars like Juicy Juice, they do make 100% juice fruit punches. You just dont want HI-C or the like. But Ill admit to buying the smaller containers...
Throw Up Stains on Pillow Top Mattress?
Ive found that Awesome Oxygen Cleaner (the dollar store version of OxyClean) works great on formula stains and spit up stains on clothing ... I bet it would work well on your mattress too! Good Luck to you! Rebekah
Cleaning The Inside of Second Hand Leather Shoes?
I wouldnt throw them in the washer in case the leather would shrink after drying. But regular white vinegar should do the trick to clean and disinfect both the inside and out of the shoes and once it dries the smell of the vinegar will disappear! Good Luck...
Removing Decals From Wood?
A product like Goo Gone will remove the labels but I would try using a hair drier to loosen the glue to peel them off first ... or for that matter try a wallpaper stripper. But test it on the wood first to make sure it wont damage the finish. Good Luck! Rebekah
Sweaty Feet?
Glad to see someone who avoids chemicals especially around kids! Baking soda sprinkled in her shoes will help with absorbing the sweat and Ive heard that wiping her feet with rubbing alcohol before she puts socks on will help too. I would also make sure shes...
7 Year Old Baby Stain?
Patty: Try Awesome Oxygen Cleaner, its the dollar store version of oxyclean powder. I used 4-5 scoops in hot water and let soak in the washer to remove formula stains from some hand me down onesies! It worked better than I thought it would. I did run an extra...
Pen on a Cork Floor?
If its a sealed cork floor (cant imagine it wouldnt be) you should be able to use anything you would use on a regular wood floor. The Magic Erasers seem to work well on most every stain but Ive had is just using rubbing alcohol or anything with alcohol as a...
Was Getting Married, Now I'm Expecting?
I would call your medicaid case worker and see if your being married would affect your status to claim benefits .. if you are already living together it probally wont matter depending on the state in which you live .. Then trust your heart, itll will guide...
Leaf Stains on Vinyl Seats?
Try Westlys Wheel White .. its found in the automotive section at most stores.. Its meant for cleaning the white walls on tires but works very well on most any white outdoor surface! Good Luck to you! Rebekah
Looking for Freebies?
One of my favorite sites ivillage.com has great message boards. (At least) One of the boards is devoted to finding free samples and other freebies .. theyre posted by readers so sometimes there arent as many freebies out there but theres usually at least a...
Grocery Shopping Tips?
And the most obvious of all .... DONT SHOP HUNGRY!!. I also try not to shop with my dear hubby since its harder to stick to the list with him helping :)
Reversible Panels on Your Dishwasher?
Most of the time for new dishwashers you can order new front panels from the manufacturer .. my mom did this when she got a great deal on a new fridge and range but they didnt match her dishwasher! Rebekah
Iced Tea Tips?
I like to use a 4 cup glass pyrex cup to heat 4 cups water in the microwave and then add 8 tea bags, let that steep for about 1/2 hour or until the water cools enough so I dont melt the plastic pitcher. Then pour over 1 -1 1/2 cups sugar for southern sweet...
Low Odor Dry Erase Pen on White Board?
Rubbing alcohol or anything with alcohol as a main ingredient (cheap hairspray, hand sanitizer) will dissolve the ink without harming the white board! Good Luck! Rebekah
Removing Red Candle Stain from Microwave?
I would use a paste made of water and baking soda especially if its inside the microwave .. bleach will work too but Id be worried about the fumes inside the oven! Good Luck! Rebekah
Red Rag Stained Shirt?
Rit makes a color remover meant for exactly what happened to you! Try it .. it worked for us when I washed a new pair of dark wash denim with other things and everything turned a nice shade of grey/blue! Good luck! Rebekah
Freezer Odor?
Try checking the fridge too! I found a science experiment on the top shelf of the fridge that was causing an awful smell in the freezer (ours is a freezer on top model) I would also empty the drip tray under the fridge that collects some yucky smells too! If...
Healthy Beverages?
I echo the comments about water but I get so sick of the boring taste. I do like to add lemon or lime or both to give it more flavor and this is all I tend to drink in the summer. I juice the lemons and limes and store it in the fridge to add to each glass...
Lipstick Causing Chapped Lips?
The best product Ive ever used for chapped lips is plain old vaseline! You can wear it underneath lipstick or I usually just use it with a lip liner and call it good! Or if you dont want to wear it during the day, or I do this when my lips get bad, you can...
Halibut Leaked in Our Freezer?
Try washing it out with vinegar .. it should kill any odors and once it dries it wont smell like vinegar, I promise! The baking soda will help too! Good Luck! Rebekah
Add Cartoon Characters To Children's Products
I agree with you Karen .. sometimes its just not worth the fight .. Plus NO has to mean something, if youre always saying NO kids dont know when its serious! Plus it IS fun to give them something they like without spending alot of extra money. We do the same...
Juice Spilled Between Glass Doors On New Stove?
I cant think of a way to clean between the glass without taking the whole thing apart. And since its pretty new and most likely under warrenty I wouldnt do that. I would call the manufacturer to let them know of the problem and see if they have any suggestions...
Store Brand vs. Brand Name Products
Store or Generic brands are not always cheaper or more economical than their name brand counterparts. If a name brand is on sale or has a coupon (or both) then often I can get that for alot cheaper than the store brand .. for example Heinz Ketchup goes on sale...
Color Advice for a Princess Room?
We did a princess type room for my sister when she was that age .. it was so much fun to put together! For her walls we did a plaid design with pastel pink, lavender and yellow. It was pretty easy to do .. just a bit time consuming and used lots of masking...
Navy Blue Streaks on Red Clothing?
It sounds like your laundry soap or fabric softner maynot be dissolving completely in your machine .. which could be caused by your well water. Although Im not sure why it would just be on one color. We had the same problem here with our VERY hard well water...
Chicken Soup - Tips and Recipes
Whenever I make a whole chicken or when we get a rotisseree chicken .. I save whatever we dont eat and save and freeze the carcass. When I have a couple of leftover chickens I brown the bones and toss in a large crockpot with carrots, onions, garlic and whatever...
Cleaning a Tanning Bed?
I would suggest the white vinegar as well or use rubbing alcohol. Most of the sanitizing products tanning places use is mostly alcohol.
Laptop Bag and Backpack Reviews?
I took an older backpack that I loved and converted it into a laptop backpack -- All you really need is to find a backpack that you like and fits your laptop, A length of elastic (the length will depend on your computer and some velcro (both available at dollar...
Make Your Own Fruit or Pudding Cups
Most dollar stores have the small (4 oz) gladware type throwaway container that come in a 10 pack .. I use these for pudding, fruit, dips, pasta salads, jello anything!! I usually use a large glass measureing cup to make pudding and jello and pour the snack...
Coffee Spilled on Couch?
If the stains still wet, sprinkle it with table salt .. itll absorb the stain. Let dry and brush or vacuum it off. If dry, try a paste of baking soda and water .. brush it in gently with an old toothbrush and vacuum away. I would test the baking soda on a hidden...
Removing Sap From Nylon Pants?
I would *try* rubbing alcohol .. it should break down the sap and is safe to use on nylon! Good Luck! Rebekah
Plastic tub in mobile home has yellowed?
I would try Westlys Wheel White .. youd find it in the automotive cleaners section, its meant to be a cleaner for whitewall tires but works very well on most any porous surface. We bought a lakeside home with the plastic decking that was very yellow and stained...
Which Type Freezer Should I Buy?
I agree with the PP, upright is the way to go .. imagine which would be easier: trying to find somthing in the bottom of a really deep cooler or in your refrigerator! I think the idea with the manuel defrost is that you can control it. My sister in law has...
Preventing a Signature From Fading?
Try washing your jeans inside out and only when necessary aka when dirty or after 2-3 wearings! Good luck and Congrats on the autograph!
Paint Thinner Smell on Fabric?
I would try white vinegar, either soaking the bag in vinegar and then washing it normally or just adding 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar to your rinse water in the washer. Either way, vinegar should kill the smell ... it works on my husbands work pants when he gets...
Useful Yard Sale Spending
I agree with buying gently used kids clothes. Ive always shopped at resale shops especially ones like Goodwill, Salvation Army and womens shelter, I like the idea of getting a great deal and helping a charity at the same time! My hubby hated the fact I was...
Wax on Dryer With Clothes on It?
As for the clothes, as long as they can be ironed (check the tags) place an old towel or piece of wax paper over the wax and iron over it .. the wax will transfer to the towel or paper. As for the dryer, Id just let it cool and try to GENTLY scrape it off. My...
Pen Left In Wash?
I did the same thing when I was waiting tables in college .. isopropyl alcohol and dawn worked on most of the stains. I used to pretreat any stains and washed the shirts with just hot water by hand and kept repeating until the stains were faded or gone .. Good...
Pattern for a Twin Bedskirt?
I made a bedskirt for my sisters dorm room by taking an old sheet and laying it on the box spring and literally tracing the outline of the box spring, cutting it out and then added the skirt in 3 pieces, each side and the bottom. It was easy to make and easy...
Ants on Porch?
I agree with the PP about Terro .. it really works! Windex works too, something in it kill the scent that ants use to track their way home .. I keep a bottle by the kitchen sink (where we get ants in the summer) and spray them when ever I see them! HTH!! Rebekah
