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Handy Tools Ease the Pain
Manufactures have been making a name — and a profit — for themselves creating tools and gadgets to help consumers get a "better grip" on countless household tasks. And I'm not knocking it. But I love it when I don't have to …Read more.
Let the Decluttering Begin
I know it's time. It's been time for at least five years, possibly longer. I need to clean my kitchen. Now, before you send the Health Department to my address, let me explain. What I mean by "clean" is that I need to clean out and …Read more.
A Glimmer of Hope to Cling To
Think back to a low point in your life. Don't struggle with this, just try to recall when you were going through a difficult season and life seemed bleak. Now recall that first glimmer of hope you clung to as you could see that things were beginning …Read more.
Homemade Solutions Are Budget-friendly
Dear Mary: Do you have a homemade recipe for bathroom air freshener refills? I have Air Wick brand, and I'm wondering if there is an easier and cheaper way to refill it when it runs dry. — D.R., California
Dear D.R.: Four to eight drops of …Read more.
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How to Remove Latex Paint Stains From CarpetWant to get latex paint out of carpet, upholstery or any other kind of fabric — even if it's old and dried up? Saturate the stain with lacquer thinner (not paint thinner, not mineral spirits or anything else you might be tempted to substitute) applied with a clean white cloth (so there is no chance of transferring the color from the cloth to the item to be cleaned). Allow it to sit for a few moments to soften the paint so you can scrape, blot and-or scrub it out with the white cloth. Depending on how old the paint is, you may have to repeat a couple of times. I don't know why this is such a favorite tip of mine. Maybe because it's such a dramatic rescue for a sloppy painter such as myself. Caution: Lacquer thinner is highly combustible, so don't wad up that cloth and throw it in a bucket. Instead, allow it to air dry and then launder appropriately. Here are more great tips from readers just like you: HANDY ZIPPER PULL. The pull on the zipper of my snow boot broke, and I replaced it with a circle key ring. Now I can grab it when I'm wearing gloves. — Ronald, Michigan SEMI-HOMEMADE CINNAMON ROLLS. I have a recipe for cinnamon rolls that everyone thinks is homemade, but isn't. And it only takes about 45 minutes to make from start to finish. I use two tubs of Pillsbury Grands cinnamon rolls and discard the frosting that comes in the tubs. Arrange the rolls in a 9 x 13 inch pan (four down the middle and three on either side, spaced between the four in the middle).
DISHWASHER CLEANS ALL. I use my dishwasher to clean lots of things. I just make sure to put most items on the top rack and also to secure the small items with clothespins or place in baskets so they don't fly around. I wash stove knobs, baby bottles, drain stoppers for the kitchen sink, small trash cans, kids toys and refrigerator shelves. I even wash diaper bags and baby bottle bags in the dishwasher so the insides get clean and sanitized. It works better than any other cleaning method. — Colleen, email LIKE PEDIALYTE. At about $5 per quart, Pedialyte is not cheap. But making it yourself is. Here's how: Mix together 1 quart sterile water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 packet unsweetened Kool-Aid powder (or to taste). Keep refrigerated, and use within a couple of days. — Tom, Massachusetts (NOTE: Always consult with your healthcare professional before substituting a prescribed treatment with a homemade version. — mh) Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. Include your first and last name and state. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 20 books, including her January 2012 release "7 Money Rules for Life." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM
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