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Tips on cleaning porcelain lamp

Posted By: mt of oz on 2008-01-17
In Reply to:

Hi All,


I bought a beautiful old oil lamp. It has a white porcelain shade that has a darkish ring around the top rim. I put a little diluted bleach water on it and, as is typical for things I try to fix, the stain kind of ran and spread. Any tips on cleaning this would surely be appreciated. I don't know what the stain is, just that it's dark. lol TIA!




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Think I read this somewhere but can I use some gold spray paint for the inside of my shade (white on inside, black on outside) to create a warmer color for my living room? Thanks.
You mean not cleaning, huh?
I have seen others but hubby cleans everything in the kitchen as clean as humanly possible, getting out the scouring pads and Ajax or the like. No burnt on items and tells me just let him get it as his eyesight is a lot better than mine and I might miss a speck of something!
My MIL used to do all her own cleaning...
scrubbing floors on all fours and such, but now is paying a price with health problems, achy bones and joints, etc. I asked her why she didn't just have someone come in every so often to clean (because she is in her 70s), and now she does that. I like having a cleaning service come every couple of weeks to do the deep cleaning for me. They get on their fours to clean my floors, something I would never do. I keep it up in between visits, but not like what they do.

I've actually stopped using them a couple of times because of the guilt and the feeling of being pampered, but I got over and we use it. I don't want to have an achy, sore body later in life because of pride, and neither does my hubby! Also, at the end of my last work day, I would dread the thought of hard cleaning on my days off, so now look forward to my weekend with only laundry to do! We pay $75 for 2 women to come and clean for 2 hours. I do make our own beds before they come, as I feel funny about that. Just had a cleaning today and love it! I say go for it for those who are considering it! It's so worth it! Stay younger and live longer! :-) Those women who think they're doing it all by cleaning, cooking, and working, are actually hurting themselves in the long run.
At next cleaning, would use another dentist
xx
Cleaning egg crate
Help!  I just moved into a partially furnished mobile home.  The bed has an egg crate topper on it.  It has not been used for a long time - the place has been empty, on the market for long while.   The previous tenant had a cat and I'm still cleaning up pet hair, including a ton of it on the bedskirt. 

Anyway, the egg crate is very dusty - down in its valleys, but still in good shape, not shredding or anything.  Is there anyway I can clean this thing?  I thought about vacuuming it, but it would take hours because each little thing would have to be done separately.   It is queen size and will not fit in the washer, but I might be able to launder it in the bathtub, then stand it upright and let it dry.

I bought a new mattress topper, but I would like to reuse/recycle this egg crate - packing material, maybe a couple of chair cushions, etc., - but it would need to be cleaned first.

Any ideas?   Thanks.
Sorry, cleaning all day, here is recipe sm
I would set the oven at about 350-375 degrees, no higher or lower, I add everything at once, the apple juice, the butter, etc., and cover with foil just so it won't make a mess in the oven. I love the conventional oven, I guess you could microwave it (but not with foil, of course). It depends on the squash itself, some are harder than others, but I would say 45 min. to an hour. Stick a fork in it and you can tell if it's soft. You can do it the night before and just "nuke" it on TDay to warm it up. My refrigerator will not hold all this stuff plus the turkey -- that's the problem, as it is with others, I am sure. If the temp outside is not freezing, i.e., under 32 degrees, I put a large cooler outside and move all the canned and bottled drinks there - out the door and use the extra room. I have a little office size fridge in the basement for extra. Have a great day. The cleaning is the worst part and my husband gets angry because in 5 minutes the place looks like a tornado hit it. but at least I know it's clean and neat for the start of things. Happy Turkey Day!  I do a lot the night before or day before now, as I find if soaked in water on the stove, it isn't harming anyone, then just turn the heat on and cook, or even cook the night before, smash it up and nuke it to warm it up. It's all about SPACE!
I have cleaning people too and sm
have run into that. I just put things away.

If I were you, I would just tell her that if its behind closed doors in a cabinet to NOT open and clean. If she ignores that, then you have to think about a new cleaning lady.
Dental cleaning

What is the average cost these days for teeth cleaning (without insurance)?  I suppose they include x-rays as well.  I know the cost can vary but am trying to get an idea of the cost without insurance.  My son and I have dental insurance but my husband does not so he needs an estimate.  I think the dental office my son goes to is a bit pricey; however, with the dental insurance I have not bothered to comparison shop the prices.


Thanks.


then just a simple cleaning lady?
OK, I gotcha!  I'm thinking about doing this myself...my hubby just got a hefty raise, so hopefully I can afford to pay someone to clean my house now!
Don't bother with a cleaning service...
Save your money. We had a cleaning service twice a month for a year, and the day they cleaned the house, it looked wonderful, but the day after...yikes! Like it never happened. We have 3 kids and 2 dogs, and it's honestly like shoveling in a snow storm! So my husband and I took the job back and do our own cleaning. We teach the kids to clean their rooms, otherwise it won't get vacuumed. I clean the 3 bathrooms on my day off, which really doesn't take too much time if I spot clean in between. We just keep after the kids to pick up after themselves. I always have a to do list in my head for myself every weekend and feel good when I actually get them done! I know that's strange, but I do:-) Just take one day at a time, think about what you really want taken care of, and it'll get done. Don't sweat it, but I wouldn't throw money at a service to do it. Your husband has to work as a team with you. If he likes organization so much, then he can handle that part of the duties. I never grocery shop or really cook...so my husband took that over from the beginning. We chose the things we like to do and then get them done. Who cares who does them? Good luck!
I have a cleaning service and I love it

She comes in every two weeks. Of course, most of the time it is just my husband and me, with my son home from college on holidays and vacations. And we are pretty much neatniks - I just can't do the "heavy" cleaning (bathroom, floors, etc.) because of my back, and I don't want my husband spending his weekends cleaning.


Before you bring anyone in, though, it would be a good idea to sit down with everyone and discuss how you are going to handle things in between maid visits. The kids need to learn to carry their dirty dishes to the sink (and put a little water on them to soak off any food residue - my pet peeve!). You need to make sure that everyone has their own laundry hamper and make it a rule that dirty clothes must go in there immediately - no throwing them on the floor until "later." Make sure that the kids have adequate storage for their toys and clothes, with a place for everything.


And everybody needs to follow the "one-in-one-out" rule - if you buy something new, whether it's clothes, toys, or whatever, then something comparable has to go in the "donate" bin (or trash, depending on condition) and be taken out of the house.


If your family can learn to follow these rules and you have someone come in once a week or every two weeks for the heavy cleaning, I can guarantee things will run a lot more smoothly.


Good luck!


Ever have a yearly exam, cleaning?
They give you a soft toothbrush, always.
spring cleaning blinds
I have blinds on my windows that are dusty and yucky.  I'm wondering if anyone has a good way to clean them without taking them down. 
I am still cleaning up my mess from about 2 months -sm
ago. We have paid off all but $3K on my husbands cards, have them paid off in full by March, don't want to get stretched to thin over Christmas, car insurance on 2 cars and propane for heat. I am on hardship plans with 2 of my credit cards, one is no interest for a year, the other is 10% for a year. Cut the payment in half on one, the other only by about a 1/3). Have 2 of my others current again--small balances on those, and working on getting the last one current--need another $600 on that one to get caught up after not paying for about 3 months. But in 2009 plan to use a debt settlement company and for at least the 2 that are on the hard ship plan (don't think it will work on anything you have current) and that should save me I hope at least $15K before interest, which is about 40% of the total due on those two. But waiting until 2009 because of the tax liability, will have a year to save up the taxes owed on any settled accounts, have $1400 set aside so far, figured on saving at least $3K to be safe. --but yes you can do a lot yourself in terms of negotiating a lower payment and interest as long as you show good faith. I am making my payments on time (they directly debit it from checking). Learned a lot here asking questions. Sorry to hear you got ripped for the $400 but as someone hear pointed out, you ask to be put on the hardship plan and they transfer you over to another department who handles repayment plans, etc.
Talk about some spring cleaning
My house is getting in really good shape. I, like you, also have some medical issues, 1 being fibro. Some days I am so achy I just could cry. Most days my ribs are so sore cannot touch me. Having said that I continue to work because my husband thinks I can do the work IF not working and I just do not care to do it. I do washing and hang that up in the washroom, cleaning person hangs in closet because the poles are really high for this 5Ɗ" person to jump up to. I pay the person myself. My husband does not so what I pay for, work for and really mine to spend as I like.
Cleaning lady broke something again!

This time it's really not replaceable. It was a tiny glass vase of tuilps that my MIL brought back from Italy. Each tulip was separate and just adorable.


I MIGHT be able to find something like it online, but I haven't looked yet. She/they have broken stuff before and while the stuff as been important to me it was not expensive.


I had this, and a few other things in my bedroom entertainment cabinet - to PROTECT it from HER. Today she decides to clean in there.


I think this is it. She cleans well and is affordable, but at this rate everything important to me will be broken in a couple of years.


Cleaning mercury spill from thermometer.
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/HlthHaz/fs/HGtherm.htm
I agree; the cleaning spatula they give you does not work
If you use marinades or the like forget it - everything sticks to it and makes a big mess. So most times I either had to clean it right away with water while still very hot (and by the time I ate my food it would get cold) or I had to go and turn the grill back on and use water on it and a new sponge each time and then throw the sponge away each time because it was such a mess. Anyone have any pointers on a easier way to clean it or suggestions for another indoor grill? :)
ask how long she plans to stay as you need help cleaning out the attic or some
yuck job...

maybe?
Mrs. Meyer's geranium or lavender. They also make cleaning products.

The love of my life does all the cleaning, cooking, laundry, shopping etc..

He even has decorated the house with Christmas villages, lights etc.., wrapped all the presents, even his own..LOL (I did put them in brown boxes). I'm sorry but I sit here all day working..he can do something. I know how lucky I am. Going from being a single mom to this has been heaven. For every dream I had, it was answered by him. I shouldn't brag..but...last year he took me on 3 cruises..and it just never stops. So kudos to all of you who have a wonderful man in your life. Lord knows they are few and far in between..


Hubs did window cleaning as a teen & always got swamped w/folks wanting them
s
Suggestion for cleaning chrome faucets in bathtub that does not hurt the finish of them but

removes water spots. 


Tips
My general out look on tipping is I tip for a job well done and a lot of times when they are in my house my previous have been known to throw the bathroom rugs in the wash(which wasnt on the list but was appreciated), vacuum the dog bed, one lady would wash my dishes and would actually take great pains to make sure she put them up correctly (major points there) and would run my families laundry (correctly) while she did the cleaning which was not requested so I tipped. BUT then after a couple of months she would rescedule, show up hours or a day late and would only half complete the list but would do the extra and got attitude when she did not get a tip.

A tip (IN MY OPINION) is for above average service. If you do not complete the minimum then I do not even consider tipping.
A few tips...
First, taking a taxi is even scarier than the subway! (keep in mind everyone I am from a small town in West Virginia and New York was a little intimidating!) I went with my mother for my 21st birthday. We got two maps - a subway map and a detailed map of the streets. We either walked or took the subway everywhere we went. We learned after having to take a cab from the airport to our hotel that it was probably safer just to walk!

The hotel that we stayed in was in China Town and it was very tiny - don't expect any alone time with your hubby! :)

Central Park was excellent and your kids will love the zoo. That would definitely be a good place to go. We did all the touristy things -went to the statue of liberty and all that.

The Lion King was the best show I have ever seen!! We also saw Wicked, which was also great and would probably be kid friendly.

Overall, it was an excellent experience and I cannot wait to go back some day. My only suggestion would be to get any map you can! Preferably, a subway map and the street map like I did. Even if you do take a taxi, you need to know where you are so the cab driver doesn't 'take you for a ride'! I hope you have a wonderful, safe trip!
Thanks for the tips - sm
I have spent a small fortune trying to find a mascara that doesn't irritate my skin. Even the hypoallergenic mascara is irritating or clumpy.

Definitely going to try the false lashes.
Tips
  • It's easy to get mad at someone, but getting to the deeper root of the problem is sometimes more difficult. If you have recurring arguments, get to the root of the issue once and for all. Knowing what the sore spot is will help you understand each other more and will help avoid future blow outs.
  • Admit when you're wrong. The power of a simple apology is extremely underrated so when you're in the wrong, own up to it; I guarantee he will appreciate it.
  • Although fighting is serious, breaking the tension if the timing is right is sometimes necessary. Don't mock or undermine the argument, but making a joke will prove that your relationship means more than simply winning an argument.
  • You really get to see someone's insecurities during a fight so talk about them with each other in order to get to know each other even better than you thought you did.
  • Try to avoid hitting below the belt and bringing up past fights. No matter how angry you are, it will behoove you to fight fairly.

  • These are some good tips I came across. Good luck!


    Lilly


    Thanks for the tips - I too....
    am not quite at that stage where I think I'm ready for all gray. (I'm only...48 - wait a minute...there's no way I can be 48...born in 1960....yeah I guess that's right 48 - egaads!) :-) Anyway...maybe I should start just going gray, but just bought the hair color so will use it. I'd love to have a hairdresser color my hair but I can't afford monthly trips to the beauty salon. I just got this shampoo and conditioner from a hair salon, but when I'm out I'm going to use the stuff you suggested. I also have a jar of cholesterol hair conditioner, so I'm going to try that too and hopefully it will make it softer. I used to have such beautiful hair a few years back. Natural curls, and all the hairdressers that cut my hair said how everyone wishes they had hair like mine. Over the past few years I've noticed my hair thinning (going bald) towards the front. I also don't have any more natural curls like I used to and now I have to keep my hair shorter because if it goes longer it just looks stringy. I only wash my hair about once every 3 days. I figured seeing as I sit at my desk every day and only go out of the house once every other weekend to grocery shop there's no need to wash it so much. Thanks for the tips. I should put a post up in about a month with an update of how my hair turns out :-) or if I do end up just "doing the gray thing".
    Maybe some tips that might help sm

    i to am gray, not sure how much cause i color my hair.  i'm 36 and i got my first gray at 22.  my mom is 55 and i have more gray than her.  my dad is completely silver (he's 56).  his hair is beautiful!!!  anyway, i color my hair.  i used to buy my stuff from walmart and highlight too.  my hair would look really dry.  i found a great hairdresser and she told me to wash with Redken Allsoft (and conditioner too).  she said to also give myself a conditioning treatment twice a week where after you wash your hair, towel dry it and put this conditioner in (she gave me the stuff) on the tips or wherever it's dry and leave it in for about five minutes then rinse.  what happened was before i started going to her, i used one of those caps and pulled my hair through and highlighted it that way.  that really dries out the hair.  so now i'm not doing to that anymore.  i'm going to let my hairdresser take care of the coloring.  she's really great and full of information.  i've often thought about going gray too, but i'm still too young to look about 10 years older.  i have like a dirty brown with gray (yuck).  oh she also said to try and only wash hair about every other day.  washing every day dries it out too.  use conditioner every time you wash.  i hope it helps!



    Thanks for the tips - sm
    I know our daughter wants to be in a State school.  She has lots to choose from in NY.  And she wants to live at college.  Over the past several days since I posted, she's looked up three particular schools and signed up for the open houses, the first of which we're going to on Monday.  I liked that advice about going to the open houses and then if it looks like something she might want to then schedule a more private tour.  So now it starts.  I'm excited and scared stiff at the same time, living vicariously through her.  I never went to college, and I really hopes she gets everything she wants out of it!
    Tips
    Been working over 25 years. Raised my 2 boys by myself in a small hick impoverished town. Had plenty. Had nothing.

    Here's the lessons I learned and the tips that helped me and still will, I am sure, at some point:

    1. When you are in dire straits (we're talking long-term problem, not just a little short this month), you must reprioritize. Make a list of the things you MUST have to survive. You must secure those first and foremost. Once you do that, anything extra does NOT buy extras -- it goes into savings. No more extras until you are caught up on your MUST HAVES and you have enough savings for to cover those for at least 2 months.

    2. Change your food budget immediately. Eat basic staples. Another poster below had the right idea: Beans, potatoes, etc. Get cozy with a family-size can of Campbell's Tomato Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Cook. Don't order out or buy any convenience foods at all. Give up sodas, coffee. Clip coupons. Any money saved goes to savings only.

    3. Get rid of the junk in your home -- any/all of it -- sell it. Use consignment shops, sell it on eBay, have a garage sale, call a junk man. ALL the money goes to savings.

    4. Make change at home: Change the thermostat in your home. Make it cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. Bundle up or wear lighter clothes. Only wash clothes in cold water. Do you need the cable TV package you have? Do you have telephone extras? Do you need that cell phone?

    5. Cut down your driving. Car pool for shopping trips or kids to school, etc.

    6. Raise the deductible on your car insurance. This you should be doing anyway -- insurance is a paid risk, that's all. Take the max deductible allowed by your insurance company. It is unlikely you will use it and you will pay less per month. The idea is to PAY LESS but still have the necessary coverage. If you can drop full coverage for liability only - do it.

    7. Pack lunches for kids or get on a free/reduced lunch program at school.

    8. Evaluate your job(s). You need steady income and work that is available to you. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that MT work is the only work you can do. Convenience stores need help, so do retailers, etc. It is your RESPONSIBILITY to do what is necessary to bring home the money. If MT work is not paying you enough, then get out of it or at least supplement it. You would do better to work two outside jobs at $10 an hour than to sit at home on 3 MT jobs making only $7 an hour WHEN you get to work.

    9. Make sure all in your household are aware of the crunch THE FAMILY is in. It is not just YOU in the crunch, but the entire family. Even the children. Everyone must do something to contribute. For children, this means just doing their part at home with chores but also turning off lights not used, turning off the water while brushing teeth, taking a bath with a little less water, etc.

    These are just some tips to get started.

    You have to recognize and accept that the responsibility is yours to ensure the money is coming in and being spent responsibly. There is no excuse for waiting for work nor for spending foolishly.

    My heart is with you ... I have truly been there and done that.

    Survivalist
    Thanks for the tips! -sm
    What you said about putting in the veggies last makes sense. Probably similar to steaming them, huh? Mine is also a small, 3-qt. one. (They were on sale at Target in Dec. for only $15!)

    I've also had some interesting microwave experiences. Like one day I went to cook something on a plate that had gold metallic-looking paint around the rim of it. There were sparks everywhere! Scared me to death! I know you can't put metal in, but I guess metallic or gold-leaf paint is a no-no, as well. I've also had some things I microwaves for too long explode.

    Another time I put something in the oven and left the pot-holders inside the the oven by accident, and started a fire.

    This is all why, when I go to my parents' for Thanksgiving, my sisters do all the cooking, and I just sit around and watch.
    ;D
    She needs more than just packing tips sm
    She just told her father and I that she changed the message on our answering machine. We listened "Hi, the Hurts are in New York right now so we won't be able to call you back for about a week." This is a straight A student Geesh! Don't know what she was thinking, actucally she wasn't thinking at all.LOL
    Thank you for the reply and the tips.
    Been thinking of going the natural route myself. There sure do not seem to be any good diagnosticians around today like there were years ago. Nowadays, most put the symptoms into the computer and see what comes up. Well, I can do that too!

    I've been reading up on the many diseases and syndromes that affect multiple body systems that often go undiagnosed or are treated separately for years, probably partly because everybody is a *specialist* these days.

    But the last two I saw actually called each other, so HEY maybe they're finally onto something! lol

    Gotta have a sense of humor or it'll make you insane.

    Sorry to hear of your problems. And I'm glad you are doing better!
    Here are some tips from a fellow
    I have really curly hair and I only wash it once a week with organic shampoo.  It does not have sodium laureth sulfate in it, which really makes your hair frizzy and tangled.  I also use a good quality conditioner and put it in my hair (just a little) between washings and work it through with my fingers.  Good luck.  It took me into my 20s to really appreciate my hair.  I think less is more as far as doing stuff with it.  Don't cut it, you'll regret it later because sometimes curly won't sit right cut short. 
    good tips
    thanks for the tips - I like the one about making a joke or trying to lighten the mood - I have used that one before and it usually works.. I also like the one about not hitting below the belt - I used to do that with my first husband - that's not good. . it is just hurtful.
    Believe it or not we live off those tips.
    DH gets 2 bucks an hour. He gets none of the surcharge, nothing for gas, nothing for delivery fee you all pay. He gets stiffed, he gets 2 bucks an hour. That is our spending money. Since I am an MT and you know these days what that means, and I watch the kids, he works at the post office and with a church, and the only way to make bills stretch is to live off his tips on pizza. So, we eat mostly the discounted (not free) pizza he gets from work (the left overs people don't pay for or are deadbeats). So next time you tip the pizza guy remember these truths. Our 3 kids depend on the tips, and so does this MT, whose 2 jobs typing goes to bills and growing kids clothes.
    Need frugal tips
    I love the fall but this is the time of year that I also get to thinking about summer vacation in order to start saving early.  I want to take my 7-year-old son to the beach.  Does anyone have any ideas for a cheap but fun vacation.  We would drive so I know packing to eat on the road would be one thing.  What else?  Is it cheaper to get a hotel or a condo?  Eat out or go to the grocery store?  ANY ideas would be greatly appreciated!! TY
    Canning tips.
    I see that you'd like to learn to can. I do a lot of canning. In fact, I have a weird little room between my kitchen and dining room that I call "the pantry". We put shelves up on all the walls. One little shelf unit along one wall is my office. (I call the place the Pantroffice. :) The rest of the shelves, floor to ceiling, are filled with canned items. It's more of a hobby and a way to ensure that I know what is going into the cans. I can't say that it is necessarily cheaper than buying canned goods at a store.

    If you are interested in learning, I highly recommend the latest edition of the Ball Blue Book. It costs about $5 or $6, and includes recipes and basic guidelines for canning. It's updated regularly, so find the most recent version. The Ball Blue Book will tell you when it's safe to can using a hot water bath, and when you must use a pressure canner. For years, I only did foods that required hot water canning, because that was the cheapest way to go. Several years ago, I invested in a very large pressure canner. Now I can can my own broths, soups, stews, and much more. It makes for quick foods at times.

    It is something of a science, and lots of guidelines have changed from the days our grandmother's canned food. You certainly don't want to poison anyone! You need to know how to can the modern way.

    If you want to know more, feel free to email.


    Some tips..for next time...sm
    Crock pots are not as "dummy proof" as they profess to be. I have found that most of them have too high a heat, even on low, to cook anything for 10 hours!! Everything pretty much depends on the size of the crock pot, as well. I am alone, so mine is small at 3 qt. Remember that the crock pot must be filled to about 2/3 full of food, or it will burn! Boneless chicken breasts cook a whole lot faster than the ones with the ribs. Most are done in three to four hours. Potatoes can go in at the same time as the meat, but as far as veggies, don't put them in until about an hour before the meat is due to be done or they will turn to mush! particularly anything frozen or canned. Fresh might take a little longer, but not much. Quite honestly, you really can't "just throw in everything together" and cook it for 12 hours like they advertise on TV. Crock pot cooking is just like any other cooking. It is a learning process by trial and error. There are some good crock pot recipe books out there that explain all this stuff. basically, three to four hours for meats and potatoes, one hour for veggies. good luck to you on your next try.
    Tips on walking my dog

    This is my dog Kane, doesn't he look sweet?


    He is not sweet on our walks, he is a big butt nugget, he pulls and wants to walk as fast as he can.


    I try and wait for him to calm down before we leave for the walk but as soon as I touch the door knob he gets excited.


    I am just using the leash as a collar and leash, I wrap it around his neck so I can pull it when he acts up, which is the enitre walk!


    Any ideas on how to stop the pulling and make him focus and mind?


    Thanks a bunch, great tips!

    //


    favorite diet tips?
    Mine is putting sauces on vegetables according to cravings.  My son mentioned he had ribs for lunch today and that made me want some so badly I went and put BBQ sauce on my veggies w/ rice!!!
    Just wanted to thank you all for the great tips and
    info and links. I called HSN today to speak with a supervisor, and read them the letter from their collection agency. They truly sounded horrified, and said that was not in the spirit of their company. Probably a bunch of phooey, but I also said that if the collection agency can threaten to ruin my reputation, I should also feel the same to mention to as many I can about HSN and the quality of computers they hawk. LOL. Best I could think of. At any rate, it felt good to voice my opinion to someone at HSN. I'll just wait and see what next week brings as far as if this company calls me and what I'll say. Am also following some leads on the sites for reporting collection agencies. All info said that they can never be demeaning, or insulting, or emotional/personal, etc.  I think the things they said in the letter cover all of the above.  Thanks for the help.
    we generally give $4, my DH usually tips 20% - sm
    everywhere we go, also for pickup orders as well which I am sure most people don't do but should do something (I do 10-15% when I pick it up, depends on the place).
    Any tips on getting paint out of carpet? sm
    My daughter had a party tonight with probably 10 kids here.  One of the girls spilled a can of paint in the garage they were using for their "haunted house" and stepped all in it.  Rather than staying outside until she got the paint off with the water hose, she tracked it all into my house!  I am furious!  Of course, she wasn't wearing her shoes.  She was playing and put my 16-yo's shoes on.  I highly doubt she would go tracking through her home with paint on the bottom of her feet and she even came upstairs laughing saying I stepped in that paint that we spilled.  I said then what are you doing tracking it all through my house, get in the bathroom and wash it off!  She is 12 years old and should know better. Kids these days are so disrespectful.........Any tried and true tips for getting paint out of carpet?  Should I say something to her parents?  This is the same child I almost sent home earlier today because she slapped my 9-yo son and I did call her mom about that and informed her of what happened and if I had any more incidences out of her she was going home.  Hitting is not allowed in my house period!  Geez, can I say this child will not be a vistor at my house anymore! 
    Do you think you could give a few tips to my daughter? : ) - nm
    x
    Holiday Eating Tips
    Come on girl, you gotta have more than one slice!! :)

    HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

    1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

    2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

    3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

    4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

    5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

    6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

    7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them aga! in.

    8. Same for pies. Apple , Pumpkin , Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples a! ND one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more t han one dessert? Labor Day ?

    9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, even I have some standards.

    10! . One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

    "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

    Have a great holiday season !!
    Here's a link to some office tips

    I'll look for some more for home tips in general.  I liked these office tips.  This is the clearest explanation I have found yet for some of it.  I need to move my desk around.


    http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-feng-shui-office.html


    tips for sick kitty. sm

    What is the mineral content of your water?  I know it seemed to help giving my boy distilled water.  My vet recommended anything high in acid foodwise.  I remember him recommending tomato juice.  He said raw hamburger would work, which I did occasionally give the cat.  The  Purina variety cat food for urinary tract health worked for him. 


    Moving/packing tips???
    My husband and I are moving to another state on FRIDAY!!! I can't believe how quickly the moving date has come around. We still have well over half of our packing to do. Do you guys have any tips or motivation techniques to get my butt in gear? I do NOT want to have to be up until 2:00 in the morning Thursday night, but that's what it is starting to look like. HELP!!!