Cleaning Cast Iron Pans
I keep my cast iron well seasoned by holding it under hot water while scrubbing it with a brush immediately after each use, while it is still Hot. Food comes off like its Teflon. Then dry thoroughly and if necessary, rub on a little oil with a paper towel or...
Ideas for Preparing for a Job Interview at a Botanical Garden?
Tour the gardens with a notebook taking notes on what plants are there; outdoor, indoor, tropical, desert if any and riparian plants or other categories. Using that info, research info regarding what other types of plants could thrive in areas in the gardens...
Cleaning with Vinegar?
Dab a little vinegar on chapped lips several times during the day. I know this sounds awful, but it works great. That is, if you dont need to kiss anyone right away. Avoid getting on your teeth as it is not good for tooth enamel
Apple Turnovers
We do something similar but with blueberries (fresh) mixed with cream cheese and yogurt plus a little cinnamon/sugar mixed and warmed in the microwave. No measuring, just a soft mixture. Toast one side of tortilla, til brownish, on an ungreased griddle, I use...
Rolo Pretzels
Skip adding a pretzel on top and just after removing these little goodies from the oven, top with a pecan half. Adds protein thereby making them more nutritious. Ha Ha.
Buying Clothes You Will Wear
Will someone please tell me what matchy-match clothes are. I cannot picture this. Its smart and thrifty to buy well made clothing for a basic wardrobe. Do have some neutrals, but make sure the neutrals flatter your skin tones. If its grey and cheap and gorgeous...
Use Your Swimming Pool as a Garden
As a native Californian, if I had a pool, Id eat the algae before filling it in. LOL But your post gave me an idea. A plastic wading pool could be used as a raised bed. I have 4 x4 raised garden beds made of wood and also use an old wheelbarrow (with plenty...
Persistent Feminine Itching?
Hard Questions: Are you an adult who has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse? Is it possible for you to talk with a counselor or therapist? If this question doesnt apply to you, please dont be offended. If it does, please find a listening ear who can advise...
Persistent Feminine Itching?
Hard Questions: Are you an adult who has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse? Is it possible for you to talk with a counselor or therapist? If this question doesnt apply to you, please dont be offended. If it does, please find a listening ear who can advise...
Getting Rid Of Pledge Smell From Dresser?
Try hotish water and a little New Dawn liquid. Leave rag as wet as you think the wood will take without damage or wring rag almost dry. Working quickly, wipe where you put the Pledge. Wipe with a clean rag wrung from warm water to quickly rinse. Dry with a...
Getting Puppy To Wear A Harness?
Get some little dog treats and treat him when you put on the collar. Find something he loves and be generous. Keep that collar on at all times. He should never be without it. Use a flat woven or good leather collar that fits well. Leave it on at all times making...
Towels That Recommend "Avoid Contact With Skin Treatment Products"?
Often a skin treatment lotion or cream will have, May stain clothing, printed on the label.
Problems With Finish On Hardwood Floors?
Wow. Some of those gloproducts are not supposed to be used on hardwood floors. Contact customer service at the Armstrong Co. to see what is wrong. Then go back to your guy who did the one room and tell him to fix it. It may have to be stripped and re-sanded...
Baby Shower Diaper-Shaped Nut Cups?
I remember pink and blue flannel, cut in triangles and dipped in wax or paraffin. They were formed into diapers that sat up, like a baby was sitting in them. They were always pinned in front with a little gold pin.
Buying My Kids a Dog?
Jack Russells are extremely busy, active dogs with minds of their own. Good Labs are great family dogs with generally even temperment and dont panic at every little thing. They stay young and silly but after a year or so you have a fantastic dog. No, Im not...
Table Favors for 200+ Wedding Guests?
Any of the candies suggested would be great. You could also use Jordan Almonds or jelly beans. They could be presented in crinkled black candy (or cupcake) papers. You could buy or cut circles of tulle, put a tablespoon or two of candies on top and tie with...
A Thrift Store Christmas
Thank you Debra for your good ideas. Christmas can be overwhelming when there are children and money is in short supply. I am still cranky over feedback I read in the Christmas section (Gifts) on another part of this web-site. Several teachers complained about...
A Thrift Store Christmas
Well said!! I agree with jenntaker. Fortunately I dont have to work outside my home, but if I wasnt thrifty, I would. I keep busy with my grandchildren, my church and volunteer in my community. I find great ideas here to help stretch our income and to help...
Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Coworkers?
A packet of microwave popcorn and several packets of hot chocolate mix in a bag. Toss in a few candy canes or pieces of wrapped Christmas candy and tie with a ribbon. I kept treats like that in my desk for prep period and after school pick-me-ups. A principal...
Stopping German Shepherd From Being Jealous of Other Pets?
If you give this dog a cookie or additional attention to direct her away after you see the jealous behavior, you are in fact rewarding undesirable behavior. Please do some research on line about being the leader in your pack. GSDs are very intelligent and some...
Caramelized Onions?
The slower you cook the onions the sweeter they will be. Dont get in a hurry and turn up the heat to try and cook them faster. The carmelized onions I have made were very easy. Rub a little lite olive oil in a cast iron skillet and very slowly cook the sliced...
Small Items to Send to Troops?
Cough drops, wet-wipes, sweetened kool-aid or drink mix to flavor water (that sometimes tastes bad). Often the soldiers like to share with local children, so crayons, small paper pads, wrapped candies, any kid goodie would work.
Dog Scared To Go The Bathroom Outside?
Tara, Go to Leerburg.com. It is an information site with everything you would ever need to know about dogs. Its huge but search and explore and ask questions. You will be amazed.
Burning Smell Coming From Garbage Disposal?
If you have a landlord, have him check it out. It its your home you should have it looked at. A garbage disposal that is running properly should not have a burning smell. Something is getting hot somewhere in there. Have it checked!
Smart Names for Contacts In Your Cell Phone
ICE is pretty much everywhere to use in case of emergency. Its a great idea.
Blues Theme Party?
How about using blue for your color theme. Blue and white Christmas lights, candles, tableclothes. Also, you could use a night club type of decor, plastic stemware, or glass if you can get enough. Sounds fun-good luck. Black would be a good color choice too...
In Memory of Big Grunt (German Shepherd)
Im so sorry to read about you losing your boy. I know it hurts. I lost my14 year-old female GSD to cancer a while back and cant talk about it without choking up. She was my wonderful companion. She was also a certified therapy dog who was in my classroom everyday...
Tips for Moving Into a New Home?
Congratulations on your new house. My Mother-in-law told me some boxes will just not get unpacked. They will be stashed somewhere to be opened years later. It will be just like Christmas. She was sooo right. Moving day is extremely risky for small children...
Jungle Birthday Party?
Sounds fun. We did a jungle party and made palm trees. We got some big cardboard tubes from the carpet store, covered them with brown paper and used green crepe paper for the palm fronds. You could use newspaper sprayed green.
Soap Scum on Granite?
DONT USE VINEGAR ON GRANITE, as it eats the finish put on at the time of installation. To clean white hardwater stains or anything else gucky that gets stuck on, slide a razor scrapper around, dont gouge with the razor corners. After scraping, rinsing and drying...
Soap Scum on Granite?
More from Vicka...sorry, I forgot to add that granite needs to be recoated every so many years, depending on condition. Check with a granite guy.
Training an Aggressive Miniature Pincher?
How long have you had her and how long has this behavior been going on? This may sound strange and be way off base, but could she be in a false pregnancy mode...the nesting? I would have her checked by a vet and then definitely contact a dog training professional...
Low Purine Diet for Someone With Gout?
Do an on-line search for gout diet, youll get lots of sites and info
Storing Bedding, Clothing, and Soft Toys
We did this for blanket storage. Just dont fill the bags too full and when the air is sucked out, roll the top down and tie in a knot. You roll the top down as tightly as it will go and end up with some of the bag in each hand- this is what you tie into a knot...
Macaroni Chicken Casserole
Im not sure I would want to let a casserole stand overnight, unless it was in the fridge. (b)Editors Note:(/b) Good point Vicka. Always refrigerate anything with chicken or daily products. I added that to the recipe.
Birthday Gift for a 96 Year Old?
Take him out to dinner. Then go to his house and video tape an interview with him. Ask about his life and his memories to preserve his story. He will love it and you and your family will have a priceless piece of heritage and history.
What Is This Tree? (Ornamental Plum Tree)
I would be leery of eating something unidentified, growing in my backyard, I would take a sample of branch, leaf and flower or fruit to a nursery and find out for sure what it was. if it is one of those small plum trees, lucky you. We have some branches of...
Sticky Car Door
If it sticks and you dont want it to use WD-40. If it DOESNT stick and you WANT it to use Duct Tape. lol
Can Heartworm Shots Be Harmful to Dogs?
I am so sorry about your dog! I hope everything goes well for him. I do not remember what the site was, but some dog-owners were receiving compensation for their vet bills from the mfg. of the injectible. I think the parent company was Wyeth. Help with vet...
Inexpensive Party Favors?
What a lovely thing to do for your mother. She will treasure the memory. Be sure and have a guest book for comments and signatures and maybe disposable cameras on a few tables for fun, candid shots. A possible favor might be a tablespoon of wild-flower seeds...
Tea Bags for Infected Sores
Tea bags are great for refreshing tired eyes. Use them with the water squeezed out, warm or cool. It must be the tannic acid.
Opening Jars with Arthritic Hands
Run metal lids under the hottest water, metal will expand and you can often open the jar. The old fashioned beer opener works too. Just hook it under the edge of the lid and push down. This releases the vacuum, pops up the center of the lid and make opening...
Pecan Layer Cake?
Would that be baklava, the Greek dessert? Its layers of paper thin pastry with a syrup of raisins and nuts. Yum!
Removing Heavy Plastic Packaging From Products?
Maybe heavy duty scissors or light-weight tinsnips would work. Im going to check out the seatbelt cutter...never seen one. Tool shopping for this problem will have to be done at an automotive or hardware store. Has anyone tried to take apart a multipiece kids...
Paying for a Surprise Birthday Party Without My Husband Noticing?
Everytime you write a check for groceries make it for more, hide the $$ and toss the receipt. Ive saved up $600 in less than six months and Ive been dying to tell my husband, but I need more $$. Im saving for a GSD puppy for him. We have a great male but lost...
Paying for a Surprise Birthday Party Without My Husband Noticing?
Note to Guestposter: I often use my debit card, but I honestly find it easier to keep track of my money using my check book. When my husband and I are both ATMing and debiting in all directions it gets a little hairy sometimes.
Baby's First Christmas Tree Decorations
You are so smart! Those decorations of your babys first Christmas will be treasures in the years to come. Another fun thing is to put baby pictures on some ornaments each year and in time every Christmas is a reminder of your children when they were young. Years...
Beano Substitute?
Beano story...my husband and I were in California. He was down there for work and I drove down for a week. We were at Thrifty Drug- we each went our own way to grab what we needed. I needed earplugs for swimming. As we waited to check out, I looked in our basket...
Stop Calls from Phone Solicitors?
Heres what our neighbor does. They have a chihuahua who hates the phone. When they get one of those calls he politely says, Id better let you talk to Miguel, hes in charge of that. Then he puts the receiver on the floor and Miguel growls and snarls with all...
Cakes Sticking to an Angel Food Cake Pan?
I looked this recipe up because it sounded interesting. Looks like it was originally a Watkins recipe and they gave no pan instructions. But, on Cooks.com the instructions said to pour into well-greased and floured tube pan. Also to let cool 10 to 15 mins. before...
Rust on Stainless Steel Sink?
How about Bon Ami? Dampen your rag, dab in the Bon Ami and rub. Just dont get it too wet. I use it for lots of stuff. Somebody told me once they polished their aluminum sink with salad oil to keep it shiny and stain free???
Very Dry Lips?
Ive always heard that products with mineral oil clogged up your skin. Is mineral oil a petroleum product? Ive never heard that before about petro products- going to try the vinegar as my lips seem to be falling off in chunks. Thanks for all the good ideas.
Easing Stress
Its really worth asking yourself, Is this a lump in my gravy or a lump in my breast? We do tend to go to pieces over the small stuff. Vicka Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. Philo of Alexandria
Dog With Hip Problems?
Sounds like hip dysplasia. There are degrees of severity and x-rays are the only way to tell. Many vets are not experienced in positioning and reading hip films. You must find out how bad her hips are. Have your vet x-ray her and send the films to OFA, he can...
Puppy Cries When Left Outside?
We raised GSDs as house dogs for years, I love the breed. I have an 8yr old male and just lost my 14yo female. We will be getting a puppy sometime later this year. I hope you are giving corrections for nipping, 5 weeks is early to be removed from mom. The mom...
Spending Time at the Hospital?
Im so sorry. The ideas are wonderful, especially the rolling suitcase. Be sure and let folks help you. If you will be walking to your car after dark, ask for hospital security to accompany you. They should be glad to. If you knit or crochet make little things...
Spaceman Joke
...just thinking I think the joke is about parking a car. If you see a space man..park in it. Other response- UFO is probably fake and if you shoot it down, you will see what it really is.
Make Your Own Christmas Crackers
Im sorry, Im confused with the instructions following CROWN. Duh. I really want to do these for a birthday party.
Dog Consuming Dog Urine?
A female in season will attract males from miles around. You will probably have pups to deal with and a 7 month-old is young to have pups. If you are going to spay her do it soon. Female dogs remain healthier for life if they are spayed early.
Utah Christmas Charities?
The Utah Food Bank Humane Society Homeless Shelters Catholic Charities LDS Humanitarian Center (All in Salt Lake City)
Entertainment Ideas for a Single Female?
Raise a guide-dog puppy. There is an Oregon campus of Guide Dogs for the Blind. The number of the campus in San Rafael, CA is 1-800-295-4050, they can tell you where in Oregon. I think they have groups in all the west coast states. If that isnt possible, contact...
Natural Homemade Tooth Powder?
A very good, older dentist told my husband to mix a paste of a small amount of baking soda and a little peroxide and using a CHILDS SOFT brush, gently brush his gums and each tooth. We both do this now and its great. Our teeth are getting whiter and our gums...
Homemade Hair Rinse
Mayo goes on dry hair. Cover with a plastic bag and clamp with bobby pin or clothes pin. Quickly run hairdryer around your head -DO NOT get it too HOT. This is the heated oil treatment, so expensive in salons. When you get ready to wash out after about 5 minutes...
Making Febreze Type Fabric Freshener & Wrinkle Releaser
Someone asked if there was a way to get rid of urine odors from boys who cant aim. I raised 4 and threatened to put inches of cat litter by the toilet. I never did. I did buy two identical contour rugs that go around the base of the toilet. One I placed in...
