Use Creams Right After ShoweringI bought a tube of cream, but didn't like it because it was too greasy. I remember reading that if you apply any greasy cream right after you shower or take a bath, it won't feel greasy or leave any greasy residue.
Removing Under Eye Bags in the MorningGetting rid of bags under your eyes in the morning is really simple. This tip has helped me when I look like a monster in the morning.
Clothing for Shoulder Surgery and Other TipsI recently underwent orthoscopic rotator cuff surgery and the first thing that came to mind was what type of clothing should I need.
Protecting Your Skin from Costume JewelryWe all have that silver or gold toned jewelry that we would love to wear, but unfortunately when we do it leaves our skin green or can even cause skin irritations. If you simply paint a thin coat of clear nail polish over the metal that will be in contact with your skin, it will alleviate the problem completely.
Keep Track of Daily MedicationIf you are taking a pill every day and have a hard time remembering whether you have taken it or not, you can write the day on the pill bottle label every day to keep track. This keeps the record with the bottle and saves you the bother of dealing with a day-of-the-week dispenser.
Soothing a Sore ThroatThis remedy was given to me by an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. To get immediate relief of a sore throat, eat Fritos Corn chips and eat popsicles. You cannot gargle enough to reach all the way down the throat that is sore.
Lemon Juice Ice PackI re-purposed an empty Jif Lemon juice container for a handy ice-pack. I suffered for a long time with nose bleeds due to a perforation and I found the shape of the Jif bottle was ergonomically shaped to keep the bridge of my nose cold thus stopping the bleeding.
Preventing Denture PainTo help prevent sores, make sure you brush the inside of your dentures. The more food built up onto them, the more sores you'll get in your mouth.
Home Remedy for Minor BurnsWhen you get burned, immerse your wound in flour for ten minutes. It should take away the pain and you should not get a blister.
Stress-free Dental AppointmentsAny time I go to the dentist, I always bring my iPod so I can listen to my favorite music while I'm being worked on. I turn it up loud enough so I don't hear the drill and it helps me relax.
Coconut Oil for Removing Sharpie from SkinGently rub coconut oil on skin with cloth and Sharpie comes off instantly!
Efferdent Tablets Ready to UseMy hubby uses Efferdent tablets. Instead of him having to tear off one each time he needs it, I cut all the sheets of tablets so there's only one in each section.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda DeodorantI have been keeping a bowl and mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and using it as deodorant. I have never been fresher. Mix a small amount into a paste. I buy the value size on both at Sam's Club. I am at seven months and might get a year out if it. I used to use a deodorant costing 5.99 every two weeks.
Flannelette HandkerchiefI didn't have a handkerchief or tissue handy when I needed them the other day, so I used an offcut of flannelette from sewing. It was really soft and easy on my nose, which was sore and chapped from much blowing.
Treating Dry Cracked HeelsA major cause of dry cracked heels in women comes after menopause. Hormonal changes are a major culprit. All of our glands are changing. The oil glands slow down oil production. There isn't much you can do except for diligent care.
Covering Resistant Gray HairBrush 30 developer on the resistant grays. Wait 10 minutes, then dye as usual. You will find the color will hold.
30 Second ManicureYou will keep this little one ounce container with you all the time! You just brush the oil on your cuticles and rub it in.
Bar Soap as Emergency DeodorantI have used this tip several times over the years and it really does work to help curb the odor - when in a pinch!
Nail File to Prevent Repetitive Stress InjuriesAs a RN, 12 hours of opening individually packaged pills caused my flexor tendonitis. I finally figured out that a steel nail file could open that packaging without twisting or prying.
Apple Cider Vinegar for HeartburnAlthough some people might think apple cider vinegar as a remedy is nothing more than an old wives' tale, my father-in-law used to ingest it every day. He never had a digestive ailment in all his 80+ years.
Use Garlic Capsule as Emergency DisinfectantStaying with my aunt recently, I had a rash on my foot which was sore and weeping, but could find no antiseptic in her cupboard. I nipped off the top of a garlic oil capsule with my fingernails, and squirted it on the affected area, then went to bed. Next day, the sore place was clean, dry and starting to scab over.
Clove for ToothacheTake a clove and let it sit in your mouth for a minute or until soft, then apply over the painful area until the pain goes away.
July 4th Nail Polish IdeaI took my daughter for a pedicure as a birthday present. Since her birthday is on the 4th of July she decided to get red, white, and blue toes. She did her big toes with blue and a star decal. Then she alternated red and white on her little toes, adding red and blue glitter over the white.
DVT Delicate Calf/Shin ProtectorsHere is help for people who've had DVTs or Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in their lower legs and who's skin is very delicate and easily torn or punctured by hard objects. I'm one of these and this protection may be stronger, easier to make and cheaper to buy the raw material for!
Tape for Mosquito BitesI fell upon a solution that is so simple, I almost hesitate posting it. I put a small piece of plastic tape over the bite and it started to lessen the itch right away.
Toothbrush to Clean FeetI recently discovered that a soft bristled toothbrush is a big help in getting between toes and behind ankles when in shower or bath.
Plastic French Wire Hooks for Sensitive EarsMy daughter has always had trouble with metal wires for her earrings. One day while we were in the local craft store, we found replacement French "wires" made out of plastic.
Use Any Body Lotion in ShowerI recently got a sample in the mail for Nivea in-shower body lotion. I was taking a bath the same night and looked over on the shelf next to tub and saw a bottle of hand and body lotion. I just put some on me and rinsed it off. It works fine and saves me money and uses up my old lotion.
Preventing Split EndsTrim your hair every 6-8 weeks. When you get out of the shower, use a comb not a brush. Crack an egg in the shower. Wash it with shampoo and conditioner. . .
Not Completely SilverSeveral years ago, I started doing my husband's haircuts. I still do it because it is more economically feasible. Both he and I are completely silver, or so I thought.
Remedy for Thin and Weak NailsAs a recent avid nail biter, I have found a solution to help grow nails that is not only inexpensive but natural and healthy. My nails were really thin and would chip and peel.
Glue to Remove SplintersTo get out the splinter, put a drop of glue where the splinter sticks out. Let the glue dry, then peel the glue. The splinter will stick to the glue and go with the glue, right to the garbage can.
Dye Your Own HairIt takes my breath away thinking about how much money we can spend at beauty salons. I stopped going to get my hair dyed years ago. Now I simply buy my own at my local grocery store. I spend a fraction of the amount I used to.
Denture Brush as Foot BrushI quit buying the nail and foot brush to use in the shower. I started using my old denture brush. I get a new one every few months. It works better in the shower having two sides to scrub nails and feet.
Loofa as a Soap PocketI have never been satisfied with the various nylon soap pockets used for showering. So, a while back, I began to cut a three inch chunk off of a loofa, and then cut out the center part to leave just the outside ring of fiber.
The Ultimate Shin FenceDetermined to find a whole leg hard guard, I found plastic tree trunk protectors to have some potential, I think! Basically you "stitch" two together for each leg (or more for big lower legs) and join them by sticking the tabs into whichever slots are "your size". I guess wiring the tabs shut would be the next possible step for anyone doing hard labor or sports!
Frugal Wedge PillowUse a 20 inch beach ball as a wedge pillow. Just blow a little air in it and place it under your pillow. It forms to fill in the gap between the pillow and the arm rest.
Preventing Leg Ulcers with Shin GuardsFrom my two long ago blood clots, I have a perennial threat of developing a leg ulcer, suffering pain, Una-boots in July and huge medical bills for "wound care" visits. As a result, I live in constant fear of bumping my shins on or scraping my lower legs on some hard object.
Raise Head of Bed for Acid Reflux (GERD)To relieve acid reflux at night, use adjustable bed risers at head of bed only and elevate accordingly. This beats having to pay for expensive wedge pillows that do not always help many GERD sufferers who find them uncomfortable or buying that special adjustable metal bed frame and you don't have to replace the present mattress or box springs. I paid $15.00 on amazon.com for the sturdy three adjustment bed risers and when you buy $35.00 worth of items, you get free shipping. Most importantly, the bed risers really help to put the whole head of bed at same height and your spouse is benefiting from it too.
Raisins Help Get Rid of CelluliteCellulite is one of the major signs of a lacking of potassium in the body. Raisins can help banish cellulite. Healthy adrenal glands need much more potassium than most of us will consume in a normal day. If you need potassium, eat raisins.
Remember WW Points EatenI'm a member of Weight Watcher's where we track our daily points consumed for the day. Sometimes with the best of intentions we'll eat something and it won't be a convenient time to write it down and then we'll forget and our daily point consumption won't be accurate.
Treat your Tired FeetBy the end of the day my feet usually let me know they've had enough! Recently after seeing a spa offer foot soaks with various ingredients while you sip tea (for $50 or more!) I realized I could treat myself to a foot spa even though I'm frugal.
Rocker Soles for Heel Spur ReliefI have also suffered from heel spurs and my solution to the pain and final cure was to wear rocker soled shoes! I found the shoes were such a relief eventually I could wear my regular shoes again!
Exfoliate and Moisturize at the Same TimeI have dry flaky winter skin around my eyebrows and the bridge of my nose. Quite by chance I found a remedy that removes the flakes and moisturizes at the same time without leaving my face all shiny.
VHS Travel First Aid KitI have always thought it would be a good idea to have a small first aid kit in my vehicle. Have you seen how expensive they can be? Since I am a cheapskate, I decided to make my own from an empty VHS case and dollar store supplies. Now I can be prepared and it only cost a few dollars.
Mustard for Burn First AidIf you burn yourself, don't run for the ice. Instead, grab the mustard and slather it on the burn. You'll be shocked at how quickly it cools the burn and how much it helps the healing process.
Use Coffee or Tea for Gray HairI have just a few strands of grey hair but it bothers me. Someone mentioned tea. I either make a very strong cup of tea or coffee and comb it in and let it set 30 minutes or so. It helps blend in the bit of grey.
Q-Tip and Soap for Mascara Clean UpI keep slivers of soap by the sink. I use a wet Q-Tip and rub it on my sliver of soap to remove spill over mascara. Works like a charm.
Treating Sensitive TeethI must credit my own dentist for this hint. My teeth have been getting extra sensitive lately, even after using Sensitive Toothpaste. I told my doctor and we discussed the new sensitive strips.
Micro-Pedi for CallusesI am type 2 diabetic and bought an Emjoi Micro-Pedi foot file. It has been a relief. I find that if I soak my feet in hot water with a 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and then use the micro-pedi while my feet are not quite dry but mostly dry, I can get most of them off.
Use Tape for Minor CutIf you don't have a plaster (bandage), sellotape, wound round the affected finger several times so that it sticks to itself, will work just as well at containing and then stopping the bleeding. You do need to be a bit careful not to wind it round too tightly, though.
Biolage Conditioning Balm for Dry HairGo to your local salon and purchase Biolage conditioning balm. Once a week, apply generously to the end of your hair. I usually start half way down from the top of my head, all the way to the ends.
Cut-Away Top Denture to Avoid PainI have worn full dentures for many years. I found that I cannot have anything covering my upper hard palate. I always have the upper portion of my denture cut out in a U shape. Some dentists say that the upper denture will not hold in as well. But it is better to have no pain.
Hang Wet Laundry in Bedroom to Prevent NosebleedsI line dry most of our laundry. My husband gets nosebleeds in the winter. To solve both, I started putting a load on the rack in our bedroom before he goes to bed.
Swallow Pills with FoodI have a lot of difficulty taking pills and vitamins I was thinking I have no trouble swallowing food, so what I do is when I'm eating I take my pills just before I swallow my well chewed food.
Custom Nail Polish ColorMix loose eye shadow pigment with clear nail polish to make a custom nail shade. Mix all together with a cotton swab, grab a brush and try out your new color.
Stretching Lumbar Spine While on ComputerI have persistent and chronic Lumbar Spine pain. I put an extra chair lumbar support on my bed, then position my lower back on it. Putting a pillow on my abdomen/stomach, I position my computer and then do my work.
Removing Glitter Nail PolishIf you have ever used glitter nail polish, you know how difficult it is to remove even after soaking nails in polish remover. One way to remove the glitter polish is to first paint nails with Elmers Glue on your nails as a base coat.
Stopping An ItchTo stop an itch, crush many aspirin, put in apple cider vinegar and shake. Apply and itch subsides quickly.
Stop Bleeding of Knicked VeinIt's amazing how many people nick the vein in their ankle while scratching themselves and then can't stop the bleeding. That happened to me too. I had visions of having to rush to the ER for help I remembered what I do for my dogs.
Hangover Home RemediesHere is are tips for treating a hangover.
1. Drink water - Hydrate
2. Sleep
3. Take a pain reliever. . .
Homemade Hair and Skin ConditionerBoth my hair and skin tend to be dry, especially in the winter, and I rely on extra conditioning treatments. Hydrating products are expensive but through trial and error I've come up with the best treatment yet that satisfies both hair and skin and costs next to nothing.
Colloidal Silver for Treating BurnsI now keep an old fashioned product on hand - Colloidal Silver. It's essentially the liquid produced by generating electricity through silver. It is antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal. It also has a miracle property of numbing the area of the burn while cleansing and treating it.
Store Injection Pens in Toothpaste HolderI am diabetic. I often have to take my lantus pen with me when I am away from home. But, often people see the pen and get nervous when they think there might be body fluids on it.
Tips for Wearing False EyelashesSoak your lashes in a bath of hot water and leave for a minute or two. Remove with tweezers and dry with a paper towel. Any sticky residue from the last outing will be visible and will be easy to peel off.
Add Baking Soda to Saline RinseTo relieve the 'saline burn' when using a sinus rinse just add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to the mix. I got this from my GP.
Homemade Oatmeal ScrubBe it for winter dry skin, sunburn or a rash, I rely on this concoction to give me hours of relief from intensely itchy skin. I grind oatmeal and dried rosemary leaves and store in a large mason jar until the time I need it.
Drops for Treating Itchy EarsAfter reading hundreds of web pages and articles, I came across a site that kind of described my symptoms. I found out it was similar to summer ear. Then, after scouting around, I decided to try this.
Free Red Dress Jewelry Pin From American Heart AssociationIf you go to the link below, all you have to do is click the button that says "Get the Pin" at the bottom, fill out your mailing address, and they will ship your goodie!
Spooky Eyes Nail ArtIf you are looking for a quick and fun Halloween nail art design, try these spooky eyes! Simply paint your nails black. Allow polish to dry and apply a large dot of white polish. Once the white polish has dried...
Natural Remedy for Armpit OdorI come from a tropical country when I was a kid. I remember at school the teacher would make us rub lime with baking soda, that used to work very well!
Reduce Time Spent SittingMany studies now show that sitting is as bad a health risk as smoking! Sometimes you have to sit so I keep a kitchen timer on my desk to stand up every 20 minutes and move around.
Wipe Down Library BooksWhen I get books from the library, I use a spray bottle with vinegar and spray the book and wipe it down with a paper towel. The vinegar kills germs and you can see a lot of dirt removed on the paper towel.
Avoiding Bacteria TransferI recently read a medical research report stating that hand sanitizers are only about 60% as effective as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. However, a hand sanitizer is better than nothing!
Moxa Kills Athlete's FootI had a bad case of athlete's foot that no medication would resolve. Out of desperation, I used moxa smoke for 5 minutes and resolved it completely and permanently until now, 5 years later.
DIY Makeup Setting SprayStop reapplying your makeup and use a setting spray for all-day wear. Here's how to make your own at home for a few bucks.
Chew Gum While CookingIf you are trying lose weight, before you do anything with food, stick a piece of gum in your mouth! That why you will not "taste" the food to see if it is good!
Uses for Castor OilCastor oil has amazing healing properties. It can be used to help heal small wounds and even small burns. It can help with a pulled muscle, inflamed tendons, and even some tummy issues. Just place it on a cotton ball or piece of gauze for small wounds, then place it on the skin.
Uses for Lavender Essential OilSoothing Sunburns:
It's that time of year again. The sun is out there baking our brains and our bodies. Did you know that one of the fastest and safest ways to cure minor burns including sunburns is with lavender essential oil?
Treating Chigger BitesI am allergenic to chigger bites. I found how to kill them on me quickly.
Freeze Juice Packs for Ice PackI always keep some of those Capri Sun juice packs on hand for the neighborhood kids. We live on a lake and there's always children going by.
Banana Peel Sleepy TeaDon't throw away that banana peel! It will help you fall asleep tonight, for free! Just steep your clean, sticker-free peels in a pot of water for 10 minutes, sprinkle with cinnamon, drink an hour before bedtime, and off you go.
Cure for Dry SkinI have terrible dry skin. I am itching all the time, it is just horrible! I talked to my new doctor about it and decided to share her advice with all of you. It really does work and no pills!
Frugal Liquid Hand Soap TipsLook for any liquid soap that is inexpensive to use as a refill to your hand soap dispensers. I've found liquid bubble bath and shampoos that are much cheaper per ounce than the prepackaged liquid soap refills.
Bag Balm for Chapped Skin ReliefBuy Bag Balm, in the green tin. It was made for farm animals and has an antiseptic in it for healing cracks and dry skin. Do not use on lips or get into private parts or eyes.
Homemade Body GlitterMake it for you or a sleepover for your daughter.
Tackle Box for First AidUse a tackle box to organize and store all your first-aid supplies.
Jello Didn't Dye HairMy daughter recently asked to color the ends of her hair. A friend of hers had used Jello successfully so we decided to give it a try. I researched it online and found a method that combined Jello and conditioner, making it into a paste.
Calendula Facial CleanserUse as a cleanser on your face and neck. Guys, you can use this too!
Hair Care RecipesMix together the water and herbs. Heat on simmer until it looks like strong tea. Let stand for about 25 minutes. Add shampoo and glycerin, stir well. Pour into a bottle. Leave overnight to thicken.
Give Deodorant Time to DryGive your deodorant time to dry before you get dressed. I get out of bed, make a pot of tea, and shower. I put on the deodorant. Then I sit and drink the tea (in bed). A lovely treat in the morning!
Lid Removal from DeodorantIf you are like me and have no strength in your hands and fingers, then this tip is for you. When you get a new deodorant with the little plastic cover, use fingernail clippers to grab the corner of the clear cover. That way, you won't have to struggle with pulling and pulling and get no results.
Use All the Lotion in a TubeWhen you can't squeeze any more lotion out of a plastic tube, save what is left inside by cutting the tube so you can dip it out with your finger. I trim the tube so the top will fit over the bottom and this keeps it from drying out. It works great for me.
Cupboard Bath SaltsGreat for Grandma presents!
Apple to Relieve HeartburnIf you feel that you have heartburn, eat an apple. Works better than Tums or Rolaids. The acid in the apple neutralizes the acid in your throat, relieving the pain. I have reflux disease and this remedy was told to me by a Gastroenterologist. I find that it works very well.
Use Lotion to Protect Sore NoseAs you have sinuses, your nose eventually gets raw from all that blowing. But today I have a cure! All you do is apply baby lotion or any other kind and smear it on a thin layer over the rawness.
Oils to Prevent an Itchy ScalpAs a remedy to prevent an itchy flaky scalp, try emu oil, coconut oil or olive oil. Any one of them works great!
Feed Corn for Keeping CoolI keep a large shoe-box-sized plastic container in the freezer filled with feed corn. It's actually wide enough for both of my bare feet to fit side-by-side. On hot days, or if my feet hurt, I pull it out, stick my feet into plastic bags, then dig my toes deep into the feed corn!
Deodorant for Mosquito ItchI was actually looking through all these questions and I saw that one option said deodorant so I tried it. It was INSTANT!
Medijel for Denture PainI had all my teeth out in Jan 2014, lower and upper. I found that Medijel gel works really well as it numbs the area.
Prevent Underarm Odor With Antibacterial SoapUnderarm sweat only smells because of the bacteria that grows there. If you use an antibacterial soap (I use one called Safeguard), you won't need to apply deodorant as well.
Cool Strips for MigrainesI have very frequent migraines (several a week). One thing that lessens the pain is a cool strip on my forehead. I buy cool relief patches meant for back pain.
Baking Soda as a Natural DeodorantI keep a small jar of baking soda along with a blush brush to lightly brush under my arms after a shower. Keeps me fresh smelling AND dry. You could also use this on the feet after your shower, before dressing.
Ginger For Flu SymptomsIt took me standing there in shock at the prices of the OTC's to remind me that I had what I needed at home all the while. I did get something for the extreme sinus headache, but I only took one;' taking two was the recommended dosage.
Hairspray Hint for Arthritis SufferersAn elderly friend of mine has arthritis in her hands so bad that she can no longer put hair spray on. Her fingers are so weak and twisted that she can't push the nozzle down. In the paint section at Walmart, I ran across a pistol grip that is used for spray paint.
Use Dryer Sheets to Freshen UpYou've had a long day at the office and you are about to meet a client or attend a meeting and you need to freshen up. Don't reach for perfume or cologne, use a tumble dryer scented sheet and rub over your clothing.
Ball Foot MassagerSit down and place a tennis ball or golf ball under your foot. Put pressure on the ball and roll it around under your foot. Works wonders. You can get right to the pressure point that hurts.
Keep Toothbrush In CabinetWe have all heard keeping a toothbrush in the vicinity of a flushing toilet is not good, as it can catch what sprays into the air, ick! So, all it takes is a wood bathroom cabinet and cup hooks, problem easily solved.
Aleve (Naproxen) to Relieve ToothacheLast night I had a menacing toothache that would not cease. These are all the remedies that I used and the one that finally did the trick at 9:45 this morning!
Microwave to Melt Bars of SoapI microwaved pieces of Dove and Lever together. Next time, I will not mix them, as the Dove melted faster and frothed up.
Warning: Coconut Oil and High Blood PressureCoconut oil has been in the nutrition buzz for quite a while now. It is awesome for the animals and I keep it on hand for them. But, I have hypertension. I can tell you that just a little of this, even just as a lip balm, can send blood pressure skyrocketing to a dangerous level.
Getting All the Lipstick From the TubeThere is a lot of lipstick left after it becomes level with the container. Just use a sponge tip brush and you will get many more uses.
Treatment for RoseaceaI would love to share with you guys how I treat my roseacea! All you need is a small spray bottle, glycerine, and a toner.
Use Hair Color to Combat Head LiceI brought up 5 children and when one got lice, they all got lice. The medication is not really great so I used hair dye on them. Each child's hair was dyed the same color it was before they had lice.
