Protecting Plants in the Winter?
Heres a few items from an HGTV article... Mulch after the first freeze to insulate plants against freezing temperatures, especially those that are marginally hardy. * Pull mulch back from the base of young trees, particularly if mice are a problem in your...
Drying Hydrangeas?
Doris to help get rid of bugs in produce from the garden my Mom always washed her stuff in salt water, the bugs hated it and died. Maybe that would work for your flowers, just a thought. Linda
Drying Hydrangeas?
As far as drying hydrangeas goes, probably the best way to dry them is to bunch a few stems together, secure with a rubber band and turn upside down to dry in a dark, dry area, an attic is great. They will lose a little color, but will dry in good shape if...
Drying Herbs
You can cut herbs for drying or cooking any time the plant is full and healthy. Also, when it is getting overly full and starting to look like it needs help. Some should even be pruned back regularly during the growing season to keep them in optimum health...
Drying Herbs
This page - Harvesting and Drying Herbs - seems to be exactly what youre looking for. - http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod03/03900063.html
Drying Herbs
I wouldnt have believed my mom, but I tried it, and the microwave really works! I just place (for example) a bunch basil on a paper towel, place it in the microwave and cook until dry. The time depends on the amount of herb. Good luck. Shawn
Drying Herbs
Most herbs should be harvested before they flower, early in the morning when the sun is up and the most oils are in the leaves. I gather small bunches together and secure with twist ems or rubberbands. Hang upside down in a dark area with lots of ventilation...
Last Minute Gift Ideas
Cookies in a Jar Pick an easy recipe and mix the dry ingredients minus the sugar together. Quite often recipes ask that you cream the butter and sugar before mixing it with the dry ingredients so put the sugar in a separate package (baggie.) Let the recipient...
Gifts for Coworkers?
I think (if they celebrate Christmas, that is) that you can find inexpensive ornaments to give and if they are selected carefully each person will think of you when they are trimming their tree year after year. Also calendars for the coming year are always...
Gifts for Coworkers?
Baked good or food items (snack items) are always good for the work setting. Think about something that will make the workplace nicer for them. Vera - Denver, CO
Gifts for Coworkers?
I buy candles whenever I see them on sale. The ones that smell good especially. There are always some good deals on votives if you keep your eyes open. I have some that Ive been collecting during the year for gift baskets and to give as a token gift. Look at...
Gifts for Coworkers?
I like to buy little gifts for several of my co-workers just to let them know I am thinking of them. Since most of us work various schedules, I go to the Dollar Store and buy several 2-year pocket calendars with plastic covers. They are used all year and I...
Shopping Tips!
- Dont Shop Hungry - # 1 rule! Always eat before you go shopping! You will buy less junk and save lots of money even without coupons.
Shopping Tips!
- Shop Healthy - To shop for healthy foods try shopping only around the perimeter of the store - - one big square. Youll get fruits and veggies, dairy and meats that way and you will avoid the very costly processed foods
Shopping Tips!
- Grocery Shopping Online - Ive just recently started grocery shopping online. If this convenience is available in your area, give it a try. Ive found myself actually spending LESS because I do not impulse buy. It takes me about an hour online to place an...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
When you are near the end of a tube of lotion, shower gel, facial scrub, etc. and cant easily get that last bit out, dont throw it away. Leave the cap on and cut the top of the tube off far enough so that you can reach your fingers into the bottom to scrape...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
I buy the generic Lubriderm lotion for my husband. There is usually a good 1/2 inch of lotion left at the bottom of the bottle when the pump stops working. I stand the old one on top of the new one (after the new one has been used a little) and tape them together...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
Check out stores which sell kitchen gadgets. I have a little two sided plastic funnel like thing [sort of shaped like an open ended hourglass] which fits over the the necks of two bottles [ketchup, karo and other tall narrow neck type bottles]. You place...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
When the old bottle is almost empty there is usually enough room at the top of the new bottle to pour off what is left. The old bottle balances easily on top of the new and drains to the last drop. If you are not sure whether the new bottle has enough room...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
You can only squeeze so much of the toothpaste out of the tube. When you have squeezed all you can, split the tube open with a pair of scissors. You can get several more brushings out of whats left inside. Just remember to store in it a plastic bag, because...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
Regarding the tip about turning bottles upside down to get every drop. I have a shower caddy that allows the bottle to sit that way all the time. Plus, when I reach the end of a shampoo or conditioner bottle, I add a bit of water to the bottle and shake it...
Using it all? Toothpaste/Shampoo
A few ideas serve me here. For toothpaste, I flatten the tube when it is about three/fourths empty then roll from the bottom and secure with a large paperclip. Keep rolling and securing as the tube empties. By the time the last portion is reached the tube...
Healthy Treats for Halloween?
To the lady wanting treat ideas, instead of giving candy etc, give them a nickel or some pennies. Tell them to put them in their piggy banks and that will teach them the art of saving instead of taking all the time. Mary Mary
Healthy Treats for Halloween?
Two healthy halloween treats come to mind. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers come in individually wrapped packages (about 2 oz. ea). Also some companies have individually wrapped pretzel packages. The kids love them and they make a great snack in the lunch...
Healthy Treats for Halloween?
Mariannes request for healthy Halloween treats that meet the sealed package criteria makes me think of yogurt-covered raisins! They come in small pckgs just like many candies. Or sugar-free gum - it tastes good these days. Tommye
Healthy Treats for Halloween?
Combs * Pencils * Erasers * Colored Pens or Pencils * Coloring Books * Pony Tail Holders * Brightly Colored Paper Clips A trip to the Dollar Store or to Walmart or an office supply store can be inspirational. Look for items packaged in larger quantity...
Healthy Treats for Halloween?
In response to the healthy halloween snacks request, I am offering the following suggestions to hand out to trick-or-treaters: * - Raisins (individual serving packages) * - Peanuts (individual serving packages) * - Pop tarts * - Juice boxes (100% juice...
Uses for Styrofoam?
If there is a mailing service in your area they usually will take and reuse styrofoam from packing boxes, also the styrofoam peanuts, and plastic bubble wrap. Ive been doing this for years and am glad that I am not contributing to the land fill. Dee
Uses for Styrofoam?
I give these to my 2 little boys ages 2 and 4 to hammer golf tees into; older kids could possibly hammer nails. The material does not fall apart and actually closes up when the pegs are pulled out. Kathy
Need 50th Anniversary Ideas?
My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1988. Mom passed away nine months later. Dad 4 years after that. Both wanted to spend the celebration with children, grand children and great grand children. As a family for each member we created a quilt square...
Need 50th Anniversary Ideas?
We had a party Sunday afternoon in a park, invited all their friends, fed everyone hotdogs, hamburgers, and low-country boil (were in the Southeast US). We played Little-known Mom and Dad facts. Questions were things like His favorite color? Who sleeps nearest...
Family Present?
For the family gift, what I did one year was to buy a big bowl and some microwave popcorn and arranged the popcorn packets in the bowl. Then I went to Wal-mart where they have lots of videos for $10 or less and bought one that I thought the family would like...
Family Present?
Last year, I got some baskets from the thrift store and spray painted them red. I, then got some candy from the $.99 store ( 3 for .99 some 4 for .99 - licorice 2 for .99), I put canned soda (you could put a 2 liter with the type of cups you get at the theater...
Family Present?
My first choice would be a family board game. I would get one that the 5 and 9 year old could play and the 3 year old could join in at a later time. You also could get something for the computer (if they have one) such as a novelty mouse cover or pad. How about...
Family Present?
How about a board game for that age group? I know our family likes to play some of these games! For example: Tri-bond for kids, Guesstures, or Trivial Pursuit for Kids. Lisa
Family Present?
Having a family with 3 children, I speak from experience-McDonalds gift certificates would stretch the farthest or from somewhere like OCharleys where the children would eat for free. Janet in KY
Family Present?
One idea that my sister-in-law has done for our family in the past is give the gift of a puzzle or two. Try to focus on the familys interests, hobbies or vacation dreams. Its a lot of fun to do as a family when all of the packages are opened and the toys get...
Frugal Ideas for Charitable Giving?
Christmas caroling doesnt cost a penny, and is much appreciated! Gather a group of friends or co-workers and go caroling at a nursing home, hospital, senior citizens center, day care center, etc. Just call ahead and make sure youll arrive at a time when they...
Where to Get Non-fortified Flour?
For the person who is having the medical condition that requires her to use non-fortified flour,my friend has this same medical condition and she purchases her non-fortified flour from the local health food store.Hopefully the health food stores in your area...
Energy Conservation Ideas?
I was always running around turning thermostats back down after family members would crank them up to warm a room, stay 15 minutes, and leave without re-adjusting the temp. I bought them throw blankets, and sweaters, but they were never handy. So, when the...
40th Birthday Ideas?
Make the invitations using pictures throughout his life. Collected empty Metamucil containers and filled with sand and then had pink & turquoise ballons coming out as the centerpieces. Also put false teeth and other sillies around bottom of centerpiece. It...
40th Birthday Ideas?
Not so much a gift, but a cute card is to take a blank card, glue 4 tea bags in a row and label it Happy 4 Tea Birthday. Jeanne
Thanksgiving Gift Ideas?
A bottle of wine is always a nice gift. Or how about a decorative, scented candle in a nice candleholder? Depending on how much you want to spend, flowers are nice, too, maybe a small centerpiece for the table. Karen
Thanksgiving Gift Ideas?
Poinsettias are always nice for this time of year. It will probably last until Christmas and will be a nice decoration. Marianne
Thanksgiving Gift Ideas?
Bringing some cheese and crackers or other eat before the meal snacks is a good idea. You could also bring some wine or sparkling cider. Aggie
Christmas Gift for Just Married?
Give the newlyweds Christmas decorations, they probably have very few and something special would be appreciated. Rhonda
Christmas Gift for Just Married?
Even though a newlywed couple received many gifts on their wedding day, things for the house are always nice and welcome! Some ideas: a. tray(s) b. tablecloths with matching linen serviettes c. place mats d. linen serviettes with serviette holders e. a...
Christmas Gift for Just Married?
Why not look at all the neat boutiques going on in communities right now and give them a nice Christmas decoration. These things are expensive and I am sure that they would be welcome. Connie
Christmas Gift for Just Married?
Tickets to a local play are a great gift that many would not think to buy for themselves. I plan on tucking my familys tickets into gingerbread houses i am making them for Christmas. This would work for any holiday. Mrs. Kathy Cohen - Northfield, VT
Christmas Gift for Just Married?
Many times newlyweds have not accumulated Christmas ornaments. Choose a nice First year Together ornament or a dated ornament that is fitting for their personalities, hobbies, or jobs. A decorative piece for table or mantle that is just right for them would...
"Just Dating" Gift Ideas?
For me, it would be either bake something (breads or cookies), wrapped real pretty or buy or acquire tickets to an event that you would both attend together! It can be as inexpensive as movie tickets. Stephe
"Just Dating" Gift Ideas?
How about tickets to a movie, play, ice capades, etc? Or maybe some lottery tickets. Also, if you buy him a Bible, hell think twice about how he treats you. Jann McClain - Texas
"Just Dating" Gift Ideas?
What about two tickets to something that you would like to go to, too. Janice
"Just Dating" Gift Ideas?
Choose something that relates to a hobby or that simply says you care. A bag of gummy worms attached to a new book for the bookworm, a container made to look like a medicine bottle filled with chocolates (label it vitamin C) for a chocoholic, or even a jar...
Gift for a Computer Guy?
How about some kind of subscription with the latest in Computer technology magazine (if one exists, Im pretty sure there are some) Its the gift that keeps giving and hell stay current. When presenting him the subscription include the current issue of the magazine...
Gift for a Computer Guy?
- A novelty mouse pad. If you are crafty, recycle an old one with a clean new top. Adhere a soft fabric or felt with no-sew fabric glue. - A big coffee mug, so he doesnt have to leave the keyboard as often for refills. - Cup warmer, or insulated cup. - A...
Gift for a Computer Guy?
- Software in his areas of interest - A Palm Pilot - Internet Service - A computer magazine - Computer Games - Tee shirts, ties, & other such clothing or accessories with specific messages or designs aimed at geeks - Computer Books - A small add on such as...
Gift for a Computer Guy?
How about an interesting mouse pad? They come with all kinds of pictures, from Star Trek. You can often find inexpensive computer games. I know places like Kmart and Wal-mart have CDs that have games for about $10. A box of disks for the computer would also...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
I went to an evening wedding/reception recently. The front of the church was full of white candles in many shades and sizes. Similar large candles were used as centerpieces at the reception. It was very elegant and lovely. Cathy
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
I had the same dilemma 9 years ago. We were on a pretty tight budget, and after a lot of thinking, I came up with this idea: In the middle of our round reception tables, a square cloth napkin in our wedding color, pink, was opened up to lay flat in the middle...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
What I did for my wedding was that I took a glass bowl available in most craft stores for about a dollar and filled it on the bottom with some colored glass half marble pieces that usually run for about a dollar or two for a bag. I put just enough to cover...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
When I got married, over 20 years ago, someone gave us a flower arrangement of Fall flowers, stuck in fake moss covered foam, wrapped in burlap, with a ribbon tied around the top. I saw some pictures just like the one I received in a home decor demonstration...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
I have seen beautiful displays done with candles. Floating candles can be displayed quite elegantly... Ive seen the floating candles displayed in a nice glass container with clipped carnations or rose blooms floating intermixed. Fill up clear clean mayonnaise...
Inexpensive Wedding Centerpieces?
I got married last May. About three months earlier, I bought ivy (grocery store or nursery has them cheap). I let them grow a little, and then about 3 weeks before the wedding I repotted them in terra cotta pots that I had spraypainted white. I tied a ribbon...
Orange Stains on Dishwasher?
I had the same problem. I cleaned the dishwasher with Lime Away full strength and let the Lime Away sit in the bottom for about an hour to ungunk the drain, etc. Then run the dishwasher, empty. Since Lime Away tends to suds up I added a small amount of Downey...
Orange Stains on Dishwasher?
Cheryl, it does sound like rust stains from hard water. I use to work for a laundromat and we would get a product called Red-B-Gone from the local water company. We used it to clean the rust from our machones when they flushed their lines. I would suggest that...
Orange Stains on Dishwasher?
I havent experienced this personally, but have heard that if you run the dishwasher with a packet of dry kool-aid, lemonade flavor, it washes away the orange. You just repeat this periodically. Kim
Orange Stains on Dishwasher?
The orange inside your dishwasher definitely sounds like iron in your water. When we bought our house, the previous owner had never had a water softener, so everything looked terrible. Even the wall in the bathroom were orange from the shower spray. We used...
What to Do with Liquified Tomatoes?
Use for soups (cream of tomato, vegetable, minestrone), stews (beef, pork, vegetable), sauces (spaghetti), or even tomato, or mixed vegetable, juice. You can also place them in a saucepan, add a fresh peeled, chopped, tomato (for some texture), and some herbs...
What to Do with Liquified Tomatoes?
I take most of our tomatoes from the garden and put them in a Vitamix, skin and all (but the stem.) I then freeze them or cold pack them. Good to just drink or I make spaghetti sauce. I have my own recipe if you want it Mike - Elmira, NY (b) Editors Note...
Grandmother on a Budget?
Im not a grandma, but one grandchild out of 23. My grandparents always gave us each $10. It adds up to quite a bit, but it saves the hassle of finding a lot of gifts, and spending an exuberant amount! Another good idea that I would appreciate is start writing...
Grandmother on a Budget?
I would love it if my childrens grandmas would read books they loved as children onto cassettes for my children to listen too. I also wish they would tape all those wonderful family stories that are going to be lost, and make a special family tree notebook...
Grandmother on a Budget?
Homemade items! Mittens, scarves, blankets, cookies, or cross-stitch their names and put it in a frame. You might also consider McDonalds gift certificates or a gold dollar. How about making up a booklet of the story of your life, including pictures of you...
Grandmother on a Budget?
I am a grandmother on a budget. When the grandchildren started to come along we made the decision not to buy toys. I refuse to buy clothing because I hated getting that from my grandmother. So I make things. Brownies, crocheted items, etc. Throughout the year...
Present for a Sailor?
Send him a gift basket filled with snacks (cookies, microwaveable popcorn, snack crackers, etc), books or magazines, phone cards (to call you), tolietries (razors, shaving cream, etc.) My husband was in the Navy and he just appreciated the little things I sent...
Present for a Sailor?
Make up a big tin of baked goods that can be shared with friends. You might include a small photo album with pictures of loved ones (including pets, church family, etc.) back home, or maybe a calling card. Jann McClain - Abilene, TX
Present for a Sailor?
What about making up a little package of a nice pen, note pad and some pre-addressed, stamped envelopes? I would then add a small photo album with pictures of loved ones to help in case of homesickness. A long distance phone card and a pre-filled address book...
Present for a Sailor?
Ive been involved with the Navy since 1966 and I can tell you that those men and women onboard ship and those who wont be able to come home for the holidays will love a touch of home in your gifts. Homemade cookies, candies and breads get devoured. If they...
List of Timing for Sales?
Heres a list I found somewhere. I didnt keep the source, probably the Frugal something newsletter. Hope this helps. Hope - Apex, North Carolina Monthly Seasonal Bargains -- Non-food January * After-Christmas sales of Christmas merchandise * appliances...
Courier Plane Tickets?
The only information I could find on being a courier was on the official website of the International Association of Air Travel Couriers. The site has information on being a courier. You can join the association there for $45 and receive a one year membership...
Christmas Gifts for $10 or Less?
1) Good old Lottery ticket each 2) Go to the thrift store and get baskets, or tin cans and fill them with homemade candy or cookies. 3) How about creating a christmas ornament - here are two different ideas - A) Get three different colors of acrylic paint...
Christmas Gifts for $10 or Less?
For Children: How about McDonalds Gift Certificates? Or a comfy fleece blanket? My husband and I never go anywhere without our bwankies and the grandkids love them, too. We find them to be such a comfort zone. Look for them to go on sale at Wal-Mart, Target...
Gift Idea for a College Student?
One of the best (and easiest to find) gifts for college students is a long distance phone card. They come in all denominations and you can sometimes get them for as cheap as $.10 a minute if you watch the newspaper ads from office supply and drug stores. Sometimes...
Gift Idea for a College Student?
Any type of food gift certificate to fast food places in the college area is a nice gift. Mike
Gift Idea for a College Student?
Hi, this is a great gift that any college student would love. Make them a gift basket. Fill it up with supplies that they need, bathroom toiletries, kitchen supplies (if she needs to cook her own meals) snacks, something they normally wouldnt buy for themselves...
Gift Idea for a College Student?
When my niece started college, I gave her a recipe book of simple recipes geared to college life. Or what about giving gift certificates to restaurants common in the city/town where your grandchild is attending school. Perhaps a care package of items that the...
Gift Idea for a College Student?
How about a gift certificate to Wal Mart or Target so they can get the lastest CD. What about a coupon book that you make to give them that they can send you when they want a care package from home (your specialty candy, cookies, special talk, etc). Connie
Removing Email Addresses from an Email?
We had lots of responses to this one. It is a great question and it is important for everyone using email to learn how to send on messages without the names and email addresses of all the recipients being displayed. There are programs capable of dredging out...
Removing Email Addresses from an Email?
Thanks for your request; I wish everyone would take an interest in deleting all those forwarded addresses. There are two ways of doing this. 1. Practice on old messages. You can forward your changed message (see #2 below) to yourself then you can see how...
Removing Email Addresses from an Email?
The way that I do it is when I hit forward to send it to someone I type in who I want to send this to in the BCC field (if sending it to more than 1 person you solve the extra baggage problem by putting everyone in the BCC field, BCC means blind carbon copy...
Removing Email Addresses from an Email?
Not only are all those names a nuisance, they can become DANGEROUS! We dont like to think about it, but there are predators en masse on the internet. To remove them... hit your forward. Then with your text in the outgoing/writing box use your cursor to highlight...
Removing Email Addresses from an Email?
(Contained similar suggestions plus) Folders really are a nice way to keep similar emails together. For instance, I have a recipe folder, a genealogy folder for keeping emails with family info that I dont want to lose, a cute story folder, etc. They really...
Stainless Steel Sink?
I use 000 steel wool on mine. I go with the grain of the sink and it shines it right up. SOS pads also work quite well. Use the old style metal not the plastic ones. Susan
