Readers' Tips

Who Makes Store Brands?

The best way to find out what major company makes a generic brand is look on the generic brand's label. Often it is printed "packed by" or "made by." I generally just ask the manager who makes what. This goes for everything. At Sears all Kenmore appliances are made by major companies. I bought a Kenmore AC, window unit, made by a major company. Also, the bread and bread products are make by one bakery in town. Here, Holsum makes Walmart bread, Albertson's bread, Holsum bread, etc. Because I shop at the day-old bread store, I can get bread and rolls cheaper and all the brands are the same. The key to all of this is asking.
S.

Look for Addresses

Your reader may have it in reverse. Lots of grocery store chains make the brand-name products. My husband's chain owns its own bakery and dairy. The store milk and the brand-name milk are the same, but the store brand costs $1 less. The main thing is to look for the cities where things are packaged. If I see something from Cincinnati with a certain zipcode, I know my husband's company made it. If the store brand doesn't have the company HQ address, I look for the brand name and compare addresses. Always try the store brand. I thought nothing could beat Sara Lee bagels until I tried our store brand. Fresher, pre-sliced and $1.50 less per dozen.
NH

Editor's note: more comments on store brands at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/981221a.cfm.

Do We Need a Water Softener?

I would recommend she take a sample of her PRE-softened water to a lab and get it tested for hardness. Once she knows the extent of the problem, she can then better weigh the hassle of upkeep. She may even find it is unnecessary. I know someone who has one just because they like the feel of really soft water. Others get them because they call a "Culligan man" to ask if they need one. Guess what the answer always is? And they finance too!
Sheila

What About Electronic Softeners?

To the lady, Emily, who asked about "electronic" water softeners. These have been tested by many reputable organizations, including Consumer Reports and an investigative team for one of our local TV stations. They found that there was no change in the condition of the water at all. In this case, I would say that "junk science" is an accurate term.
Deb

Editor's note: more comments on Soft Water at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/981221b.cfm.

Water in Crawlspaces

I too have experienced the problem of a crawl space collecting water (a lot of water). My husband and I were advised to correct the problem quickly as the moisture can ruin your floor above. We couldn't afford to do anything costly, but we knew a plumber and he installed a sump pump in the crawl space. The pump kicks on when it senses a certain amount of water. Ours was a middle-of-the-line model but it works great. The pump cost about $175 and the labor was about $130. It may require a few more materials but definitely cheaper than you might think.
Jamie W.

Is the Water Coming or Going?

I had this problem with my home in Tennessee. Take a look around your crawlspace--there should be several blocks with holes leading outside (3-6" in diameter) at ground level. These are for drainage. Trace them outside. When I dug down to the black plastic pipe that drained the crawlspace, I found that it had either collapsed or was missing entirely. One piece was pitched towards the house instead of away from the house. It may tear up the grass, but in my case, it saved me several hundred dollars of repair bills for a few hours of digging and a couple of handfuls of grass seed. This was suggested to me by TVA before they installed my heat pump.
Nick

Editor's note: you'll find more comments on this question at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/981221c.cfm. There's also a story on avoiding home repair rip-offs at http://www.stretcher.com/stories/980416f.htm.

More Toddler Crafts

I had a couple of suggestions for the toddler crafts. To make the macaroni take color better, put it in a zipper sandwich bag, add food color and a small amount of rubbing alcohol, close the bag and shake or rub the bag between your hands. To take the idea a step further, use the long thin vines of red licorice and string fruitloop-type cereal on it. I have also taken construction paper shapes, punched a hole in the middle and cut up small pieces of straws. Alternate the straws and the paper. To keep them from falling off the other end start by tying a piece of straw on the end of the string.
Donna

Natural Facial Care

Basic Clay Mask

• 1/2 cup French clay or fuller's earth
• Cream - dry skin
• Milk - normal skin
• Water - oily skin

Combine 1 tablespoon of clay with enough of the appropriate liquid to form a smooth paste. Spread on face and let dry. Excellent for overnight pimple treatment. Take a cotton swab and dab on each blemish and leave on while you sleep. Rinse in the morning. The clay absorbs the excess oil during the night and aids in the healing process.

Egg White Firming Mask

• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Combine ingredients until stiff peaks form. Apply to clean face and let dry. Rinse. If you have a slant board, lie on this while your mask is drying. It will look like you've had a mini face lift when you're done.
B.

Editor's note: Please send your tips to tips@stretcher.com. If we use your tip or reply to 'Can You Help' in any of our publications we'll send you the next three issues of our print newsletter as a 'thank you'.

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