Replace Washing Machine Hoses

We've all heard horror stories about faulty washing machine hoses breaking and causing major water damage. In fact, State Farm insurance company says they spent $150 million last year on damage from burst hoses in the U.S. Maybe it's time to plunk down the $10-$20 for some preventive maintenance.

Washing machine manufacturers recommend replacing washing machine hoses every 5 years. However, some plumbers recommend replacing the hoses with braided, metal reinforced hoses so "you won't ever have to check them again." For an extra $5 per hose for metal-reinforced vs. rubber, the investment may be worth it.

Click here for more information. clarkhoward.com/topics/tv...hoses.html

Getting Baby-Formula Stains Out of Clothing Try this recipe ONLY on white bleachable clothing: Fill a big container (not aluminum) with one gallon of hot water. Then add 1/2 cup dishwasher detergent and 1/4 cup bleach. Stir this mixture until dissolved and add clothes. Soak for 15 minutes and then rinse them well. Wash as you normally do.

Easy-To-Peel Eggs

The American Egg Board also says that fresh eggs can be hard to peel when hard-boiled. If you cook eggs that have been stored for a week to 10 days, peeling will be easier.

The AEB suggests that you cool hard-cooked eggs immediately after cooking. Place them in ice water or under cold running water. For easiest peeling, roll the eggs on a flat surface to crack the surface, and then roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell. Start peeling from the large end.

Recycled Cleaner Caddy Make your own caddy for cleaning supplies. Save a large plastic milk jug (which has been cleaned). Cut off the top, but save the handle. Then store cleaning supplies you carry to clean rooms around your home.

Lots Of Extra Eggs?

How long will those Easter eggs keep? According to the American Egg Board hard-boiled eggs will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. If you display decorated eggs at Easter, you should discard eggs that have been un refrigerated for more than two hours.

- Peggy Clements

Easter Fun Fact

In case you didn't know, or if you once knew but forgot, here's how the date of Easter is determined. Easter is the first Sunday, after the first full moon, after the Spring Equinox. For some reason, knowing this tidbit can really impress people. Sort of like understanding how the first cousin once-removed thing works. (But let's not go there.)

Need To Make Cookies In A Hurry? Use a boxed cake mix! To the dry mix, add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup vegetable cooking oil — nothing else! Drop teaspoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. You can add nuts, raisins or chocolate chips for a crunchy texture.

-- Anonymous, March 30, 2002