Clean soiled spots from carpet and cloths

I have found an inexpensive item to clean those unsightly soiled spots on the rug. Hydrogen peroxide. It cost less than a dollar for a good sized bottle; I dampened my cleaning rag with it and then scrubbed the area; for the reall nasty spots, I sprayed the spot with the hydrogen peroxide; let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes; then scrubbed. After it dried, I was amazed at how well it cleaned. I would suggest you test on a hidden spot of your carpet first. I didn’t have any problem, but you never know.

I have also used hydrogen peroxide on spots on clothing and had very good results.

Keep smiling.

Lap Board or portable desk

I had a set of wooden TV tables; One day the top separated from the legs. The legs will be in a separated post. The top makes a nice lap board that can be use just about any place you need one.

Now this does not need to be just wooden trays, I have had the plastic clamp break on the metal tops. When this happens, I do my best to remove the rest of them. Again you have a portable work serface.

Save the legs, I will give you a use for those in the future.

Keep smiling
Arlene

Dryer Sheets

For years I have been re-using dryer sheets; after using them, I pack them in a jar;
Pour just enough liquid fabric softener to moisten all; secure the lid and let them stand. You sheet is good to go again.

Recently I heard that you can drench a washcloth with liquid fabric softener; let dry; use. They claimed this should be good for 30 washes..

Either way, you will be saveing dollars

Bleach Bottle tote

I made these totes for my children. They used them for lunch, toy, wet swim suit and many other things totes. They may be made from just about any type of plastic bottle depending on what you want to use them for. I carry one for lunch and another one for my craft project.

To being with, you will need a plastic bottle; in this case I used a bleach bottle.

Remove label and draw a line around for a cutting line - I use a dry erase marker, so the line will not show when the project is finished.

Next go back and using a dressmaker's tape measure, place marks about 1-inch apart and about 1/2-inch apart, around the top. I used a standard, hand held paper punch.

Using an 'H' crochet hook and knitting worsted in a color of your choice, and work 3 double crochet in each hole around, slip stitch to join.

Chain 3, double crochet in each stitch around, slip stitch to join.

Repeat this last row as many times as desired. Works best if you make it at least half the height of the jug, or higher.

Next row (Draw String openings): Chain 4, *skip one stitch, double crochet in next stitch, repeat from * around, slip stitch to join.

Last round: chain one, single crochet in same space, single crochet around, slip stitch to join. Fasten off. Work in end.

For Draw String: Chain about 44-inches or a length you prefer. turn and work a single crochet in each chain to end; Work the far end from hook, in and out of the draw string openings; when you come around to where you started, take a stitch in the end, joining the 2 ends; fasten off; work in end.

I, frequently pull the string out on opposite sides, making 2 handles; I then tie a knot in the ends, so they don't slip back in.

I hope you enjoy this project. I remember one year, I found a line drawing and scratched it into the side of one of the totes and then rubbed in dark crayon; cleaned off the surface and the wax stayed in the scratches making an imitation scrimshaw. My girls really liked that.

Have fun.

Arlene

Ceral box bags and fresh vegetable bags reused

Many of us buy our cereal in boxes with a bag inside sealed to keep in freshness. You, also, find these bags in cracker boxes and I am sure in other places, too.

You can use these bags to cover bowls and dishes to put in the frig.

I, also, save the fresh vegetable – stored in an empty paper towel or toilet tissue tube – and use these to cover dishes that are to go into the fridg.

Doing this saves on the use of your plastic wrap and just a tad less in the land fill.

Keep Smiling Arlene

Great Christmas Gift - free

When my children were young and we did not have much money for gifts, I taught them to make coupons to give as gifts.

Feel Free to make copies of this blank coupon

For example:
Good for one time sweep the kitchen without complaining.
Good for one helping to fold cloths.
Good for one car wash.
Good for one evening of babysitting
Good for one walking the dog.
Good for washing the dishes on your night.

I am sure you get the idea. I didn’t have a computer back then, but with one you could make those coupons really look neat.

After you have them printed or drawn stack them, neatly, and staple them together.

These can be used any time of the year and can be made for any occasion and all it costs you is some time and thought to make them and some of your time to fill them.
Arelen

Canned Food liquids to replace water storage

I just remembered something I did years ago. I would drain the liquid from the canned vegetables into ice-cube trays, freeze and bag. These ice-cubes are ready for the next time you want to make soup, flavor gravy, cook fresh vegetables in or to pep up the flavor of a casserole.

If for some reason you don’t use the drippings from a roast or even fried meat, with your meal, add a little water to loosen it up; freeze in ice-cube trays and bag for latter use.

Now, if the water service is interrupted, you have liquid to cook with; not to forget the nutrition that would have gone down the drain.

Keep smiling
Arlene