Cake Mix Cookies
Ive been making cake-mix cookies for years - usually when our local humane society is having a bake sale. I can make many varieties quickly. I tend to call em 1-2-3 cookies because I use one box of cake mix, two eggs, and 1/3 cup of oil. 10 minutes (+-) at...
Use Window Fans Before Air Conditioning
I know how good they can be! Usta use in my house afore had to move, an now my window fan is lost in storage somewhere (boohoo!). Gonna try to get another one or two soon, cuz temps are rising again (wonder why? oh, yeh, summer comes everyear!). I dont have...
Easy Fruit Cobbler
Ooohh, sounds delish and so simple, too! Gotta try this. I think Ive even got all these ingredients on hand, as well. Thanks for great idea!
Rice Krispy Treats Recipe?
Have you tried going to the Kelloggs website? Id guess theyd have variations as well as the original recipe. Im not sure, cuz Ive not been looking for such recipes -but it sounds like the best place to start. Good luck!
Opt-Out of Yellow Pages Delivery
Yea! Gonna add this to my tdo list as close to the top as I can! I get YellowPages books from areas I dont even live in! I sure dislike the waste...worsen junk mail! Thanx muches!
Using Powdered Milk When Making Yogurt?
Hi Kerry - Ive never heard of adding powdered milk to home-made yogurt. I havent made some for a while now, but it was so very simple. If I didnt have any yogurt on hand, I would start with heating milk (I always used 2%) and adding the contents of one or two...
Birthday Cake Recipe Ideas?
S.B., you asked for a birthday cake recipe. Do you really mean the cake itself, or the decorations? Decorating would depend on age & things she likes. For the cake, which I thought you meant, her favorite would be best; but what comes to my mind is wedding...
Birthday Cake Recipe Ideas?
Hi S.B. Well, Id started chatting atcha a couple hours ago--too many interruptions! Meanwhile, eggz chimed in with the obvious. Anyhow, whatever cake is her favorite--and for decorating, simplicity would be Happy Birthday Sisname, which you can write with icing...
Using Telephone Receiver Cord to Tie Up Plants
If you cant find any kicking around your house (or ask your neighbors), check out your local thrift shops! Ask them, too, because many items are tossed if the person tending the items dont think its a good re-seller. If you put them on alert, many places will...
Freezing Water Bottles?
Do you cap the water bottles before putting in the freezer? Leave the caps off until you take them out. And filling just half or less before freezing is a good idea, too. Good cold water most of the day.
Microwaving Eggs in Ziploc Bags?
Whoa! Ive NEVER heard of cooking eggs in Ziplock (or other) bags in a microwave! To add to Deelis comments ... eggs can burst in a microwave oven and make a heckuva mess! Sealing in a plastic bag would be no better. Never put whole eggs in the shell in a microwave...
Strawberry Shortcut Cake
Question: Do you mix the dry gelatin with the strawberries, or do you prepare it as if for a set gelatin? If prepared, all the way or partial? This recipe sounds quite interesting. When I have some kids around I just might try it.
Making Shirt Collars Last Longer
Believe it or not, I used to do this for my older brother when I was a pre-teen! And when his long-sleeved shirts showed too much wear, Id cut & hem the sleeves to change em to short-sleeved shirts. What amazes me these days is how many people will throw out...
Chicken Scratch as Birdseed
Absolutely, Sherry! The only way to feed so many! I miss it; had to move from acreage where we fed so many many, and the local feed stores were a way much better buy than anything else. Maybe - just maybe - some day I can get back there again. Dont dare count...
Buy Birdseed In Bulk
Im with SherryR from Texas. I dont know what prices & quantities youre dealing with, but $50-60 for shipping alone sounds like truckloads! Ive had to move from my lovely home on acreage where we fed birds, squirrels, and foxes...but as our colony grew we shifted...
Cayenne Pepper for Termites
Way tgo, Atascadero! Its been many a year since we moved from Arroyo Grande, an I sure coulda used this info way back then! But I tell ya, Lin, Im still anxious to give it a try on the 96-year-old house weve got now in Tehachapi. Not so anxious as to go diggin...
Mold Prevention Tips
I was curious about the plastic contradiction statements, too. My friend moved into a house that was built in 1915. Somehow, mold had developed along the baseboards in her bedroom, the walls to the outside of the house (not interior walls). Shed tried cleaning...
Plastic Bottle Solar Lights
We dont worry about what to do with plastic soda bottles, and they never reach the landfill. All our sodas, when purchased, have a recycle fee added 5 or ten cents depending on size of bottle (and aluminum cans, plastic & glass water & juice bottles, etc.). When...
Tips for Cold Prevention And Treatment
A couple more preventive helps: Acidophilus capsules. Especially if one is taking antibiotics. The acidophilus capsules are full of the good bacteria that antibiotics (and some other meds) wipe out. Some people go for yogurt, but there are times you have to...
Tips for Cold Prevention And Treatment
Just a couple additional preventive thoughts: Acidophilus capsules--great for the immune system. With antibiotics (and many other meds) the good bacteria is wiped out as well as the bad. Many people eat yogurt for good bacteria replacement. All well and good...
Vinegar Dish Washing System
I beg to differ, to use an old phrase. Cold water is not dangerous. Intelligence in cleaning is more important. It is very possible to have dishes all surfaces, clean with cold water (and/or other cleaners). Just make sure they are free of grease and food particles...
Leaves on Avocado Tree Turning Yellow and Fruit Has Red Skin?
Its possible its just a different variety of avocado. Maybe youve discovered a new cross-breed? Ive not researched avocados much lately, but I have seen red ones when I used to live near the coast here in California. Youve got me curious now, if I get some...
Leaves on Avocado Tree Turning Yellow and Fruit Has Red Skin?
I found info on yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves indicate iron deficiency, that can be caused by overwatering or lack of nutrients. They say a chelated foliar spray containing iron will correct this deficiency. Dont know your feeding setup, but they suggest...
Growing Lupines from Seed?
I love these flowers, the look, the fragrance, the colors. Ive not tried to grow any (yet) because Ive not been at home often enough thru the years to be able to spend much time in my garden (or elsewhere for that matter!). But when traveling to & from our...
Selecting an Avocado
Hi Shirley, this is Shirley from Tehachapi CA. Your comments are true for the large, wonderful, thick-skinned, buttery Haas avocados, but not all types. The Fuerte are more oily and very thin skinned, and when they are black they are way too far along for firm...
Add Extra Storage Next To Water Heater
Been there, done that, tiny spaces an all. Great idea, but, but, please check with your local codes! We had a fire-marshall inspection aways back, and were told to keep a 24 clearance around the water heater! Its difficult sometimes, when others dont pay attention...
Planting Virginia Creeper?
Well! I was trying to change some funny inserts that came up in my post-preview, an something glitched everything out! Will try again--maybe a bit shorter? You dont say where you live, David, but it sounds much like here in Tehachapi, California. We have vines...
Planting Virginia Creeper?
Hi David! Ive been away from my computer a bit lately, but want to let you know: do not fear Virginia Creeper! Just to make sure, I checked with my nurseryman, what we have all around town, and he has surrounding his nursery, is definitely Virginia Creeper...
Keeping Ants Away From Bird Feeder
Luv it, luv it, luv it! Had hummy feeders aplenty at our previous home. Cant wait to find a location to hang some where the local winds cant toss em an spill that great sugar-water all over the ground (which really brings the ants!). Thanx for the great tip...
Deer and Rabbit Deterrent
Im going to pass this on to my friend and former neighbor. I had to move due to financial crises, but she still has her beautiful gardens in the mountains where the deer just love the plants and veggies! She had a big problem with them last year, couldnt find...
"Damper" Bread
Hi LisaE. When I saw the start of your recipe, I wondered where the Damper came from--and if maybe it was Dumper (like the ol dump-cake recipes: dump it all together sorta thing!). But Im anxious to try your recipe. Life has made changes for me, and I do not...
Unclogging a Toilet?
Just got thru reading maybe 1/4-1/2 the posts, yes this is amazing! I know I love Dawn--now I REALLY love Dawn! Ive not had problems as fierce as most of these posts; but when I first read Tishas question I just had to check this out. Why? The first thing that...
How Can I Remove Rust Stains on China?
I used to have a can of Zud around for years. My recollection is it works great, but I never had much need to use it. Have moved a couple times since and dont even know if it exists in my belongings any more! However... Just yesterday my friend came in from...
What is This Houseplant?
Yes, lipstick plant it is. Relative of honeysuckle, grows fabulously outdoors, and as aloham58 says, the hummie-birds jes luv em! Interesting. Ive never seen one growing indoors! Usually outdoors, vines ofttimes covering fences or lattice or somehing. And the...
What is This Plant?
Yes, yes, yes. Thats what I get for reading my mail late (not first up to bat, thats all!)! Amaryllis. Not difficult to grow, at least whenever Ive seen/had any. Im in California, but that shouldnt make any difference. Usually has two large blooms on opposite...
Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Containers?
Cherry tomatoes can also be grown in hanging baskets. And a couple years back I had some volunteer cherry tomato vines appear in my yard from nowhere (obviously seeds from tomatoes tossed out, or spread from the horses from feed scraps or some such). They just...
Growing Roses in Containers
Oh, my. If my friend Marcia read this shed never have tried growing roses! She never fed them anything beyond tossing coffee grounds (sometimes filter and all!) and banana peels (not ground up nor nuthin) under the bushes. Me? I didnt even do the banana trip...
How Can I Fix Cookie Dough That is Too Gooey?
My first reaction on reading this plea was also add a little flour. Have you tried to BAKE any of these cookies yet? If not, try one. Bake one test cookie to see how it comes out. Then adjust batter accordingly if need be. After making any adjustments, bake...
Why Did My Cornbread Turn Out Dry?
Oh, I do like those ideas, gals! Will try mself. Sharon, my first thought was perhaps you baked it a bit too long--that often happens when product comes out dry. But adding another egg & some honey should really do the trick, as well as the sour cream idea...
How Can I Mend Tears in a Synthetic Leather Jacket?
I sure wish I could see the coat, it would be ever so much easier to try to help with repair suggestions. You say it has several rips in it now which sounds like more to come. How are the rips? Long tears or holes or starbursts or ??? Where are the rips located...
Displaying Pierced Earrings for a Garage Sale?
Yes, looks like my ideas are already here. I was helping a local thrift shop sort and organize donated jewelry, some single earrings added to a chain became necklaces an such. When I was sorting items, I had a large sheet of styrofoam that I stuck the earrings...
Is AARP Membership Worth the Investment?
Lorelei & Deeli, and most others, pretty much said it all: Find out where your money really goes. Some of you may be quite shocked. Realize that so much of what they offer can be had without them for nothing. If youre looking for lower rates on insurance or...
Covering Cat Scratches on Imitation Leather Sofa?
Fabric paint? Maybe, Ive no experience with that. You might try permanent markers, those felt-tip things like Sharpie or such. Ive had good luck with them myself on different non-leather leathers. Possibly a wax crayon (Crayola-type coloring crayon) might work...
Contact Paper to Refresh Counter Tops
Right on, Suz! Been there, done that! I had a mess in my trailer bathroom, an didnt like the dark paneled walls in there either. I had a marble-pattern contact paper and did the walls & ceiling as well as the counter. It really lightened and brightened up the...
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Eileen, California Gal? Me so too! Cant wait to give this a try. I love how youve given so many variations for this. Ive got spice cake mixes on hand, and lotsa pumpkin, both canned and my own fresh-frozen from Halloween pumpkins!--but Ive got no traditional...
Reuse Glass Microwave Tray
Yep. Been reusing microwave turntable for quite awhile now. I just hate to throw out anything that might be useful for any other purpose beyond their original use!
Removing Bath Crayon Stains from Carpet?
I dont know much about bath crayons, but they sound like crayons to be used by kids while taking baths...no? If so, wouldnt you simply use soap & water to remove the stains? If its like a throw rug, put it in the tub to wash it! If a wall-to-wall carpet [or...
Shopping for Shout Stain Stick?
Yes, check with Johnson by phone or find their website. An itd be a great help to many of us if you could give us a follow-up on your results!
Remove Pet Hair with Washcloth
Yes Teri! I discovered this by accident back always. Ive got a chair with a velour-type cushion our long-haired manx has taken a liking to, and just a simple pass or two with a damp cloth of any kind can make all the difference! If I let it go too long between...
Avoid Flashed Out Photos With Your Finger
Glad I stumbled across this one. Im looking forward to trying to remember to try it! specially the comment about shooting thru windows! I get some great shots from time to time when looking out my French doors [deer, dogs, cats, birds, etc] but quit trying...
Ingredient Substitution List for Cooking and Baking
Wow! I was on a totally different search--an this came up! Im workin with my laptop right now, no printer (boohoo!). Hopefully, I can find you all again when Im on the big old desktop computer w/printer and can zap this out! Thanks bunches! Now, can I find...
Bagging Your Own Groceries?
Different stores an chains have different practices. Super discount-type stores like WinCo you bag your own groceries all the time (Ive only been there a couple times, too far away from my home to shop there). Here in Tehachapi CA we have Albertsons and SaveMart...
Recycle Flour Bags For Baked Goods
Another great recycle container is waxed bags from cereals and crackers! I started saving them for popcorn, but of course they can be used for anything needing/wanting a sturdy bag-container. Just as they were meant for cereals, they keep items fresh. Fold...
Knifty Knitter Hat Is Too Large?
I dont exactly visualize the Knifty Knitter, but have an idea what its like. I do knit, but Im an ol traditional needle-knitter. If you dont have any suggestions with your instructions, a couple things you might check: The first thought was the type of yarn...
My Frugal Life: Simple Stuff
Sounds oh so familiar! But A/C? Well, I guess not all of us have such things! I use fans; open windows & screened doors [summer] late afternoon & all nite, close, or just the shades, a.m. to let in air but keep out sun. Really really hot nites keep a spray...
Bobbie (Golden Retriever)
I ditto tedsmoms thank-you for sharing--she is truly beautiful! Im almost in tears, cuz I had a Golden for 16 years...Toughy was an absolute wonderful person and is missed dearly. Oh, hes been gone for way too many years now, but that doesnt stop the missing...
Are There Hydrangeas That Are Naturally Blue?
I made a note to check my books when I get home, when I saw the related links listed to the right of your question--one was how to change to color of your hydrangeas! I knew it had to do with the acidity/alkalinity of the soil [the ph] but couldnt remember...
Can I Drink Milk on A Liquid Diet?
I dont understand what you mean by liquid diet--last I heard, milk IS a liquid! Actually, your diet may work even better if you do include milk every day, like 3-4 glasses! Try it...Ill keep checking to see if youve got an update down the road apiece. Good...
Making Baby Shower Table Decorations?
Oops--Shower on June 8 & you posted this today, the 17th? In case you meant JULY 8, lets see: are we talking one table here or more? You could get a tree branch, base it in a weighted box or jar [wrap in white tissue or a diaper w/pins maybe?] an hang the items...
Use Wood Ash for Cleaning
Hi NY...My basic heat source is a wood-burning stove. Some time ago I asked a nursery-type friend about the ashes making a drastic change in the ph of the soil. He said the best counteraction [neutralizer?] is to mix it with old coffee grounds! Both great for...
Product Review: Sunsilk Shampoo for Fine Hair
Im anxious to give it a try! My hair is VERY fine, Ive more or less conquered the oily bit. But it doesnt hold a set much and Id sure like more body an bounce! Maybe if I dont hafta set it alla time I could wash every few days an feel great. Will catch up with...
Freezing Ribs?
I just freeze em as I would any other meat or item. No problem. We just thawed some last weekend for BBQ, even found others deep in the freezer thatd been there for eons! Sauced em while qing an let the dogs join us with the bones after wed gnawed all the meat...
Dehydrating Fruits and Veggies in the Microwave?
Back aways, I acquired a Quick Minute Dehydrator by Emson...one othem As Seen on TV items. Ive not used it yet, but it looks interesting. Couldnt find an address, website nor nuthin on the box or enclosures, just on the back of the how-to & recipe book it says...
Keeping Your Windshield Free of Snow and Ice
Oh, wow! Ive always got a couple old flannel/plastic tablecloths kicking around. As you say, we keep em just cuz and now I know (one reason) why! Gonna hunt em up and toss em in the car. Always trying to figure out some way to ease the snow-off-the-car burden...
Use Car Alarm to Call for Help
Great idea! I suggest you do a test drive of your remote. Maybe its the type of car or control, but I can click my car lock from inside with a door, a wall, and a very large hedge between the remote and the car - no need to be seen through a window to work...
Extra Blankets
Youre right, WIsgal! Down is so warm! And you dont always have to pop for brand new, either. I have a down comforter on my bed now. I think its really only a twin size, too. I have a larger comforter of some other content used for a spread with throw pillows...
Take the "Slip" out of Slipcovers
I notice redhatterbs post was Sept09, but thought Id add an updated version. Hope she tried it, Im sure it works/worked. My friend was grumbling because her queen-size mattress kept sliding off the box springs when theyd sit up in bed to read or watch tv or...
Recycling Political Campaign Signs
Wonderful idea! If you have enough you can tape two back-to-back (or really face to face!) for sturdier signs - and not having to show where they came from without having to block out the info. Also have two sides to write on, depending where your signs are...
