Stuffed Animals, Potatoes & Ants
Joan Clark
September 04, 2026
In partnership with
.
Hi there,
It's time to tackle those home projects you've been thinking about. Whether you're caring for cherished keepsakes, growing your own food, or keeping your space pest-free, today's tips will help you get it done.
In this issue:
The Right Way to Clean a Favorite Stuffed Friend
Container Gardening Success: Growing Potatoes in Small Spaces
Natural Solutions for Ant Problems
And more…
CLEANING
We once rescued a beloved teddy bear from a grape juice disaster using nothing but a pillowcase and the gentle cycle—proof that most stuffed friends can survive a proper bath. This guide walks through 6+ safe methods to refresh everything from delicate vintage plush to machine-washable favorites.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OONI
The professional secret to dough is out
Ever tried to make dough in your regular mixer?
The results aren’t pretty: Clumpy texture. Stodgy bread. Overheated motors.
So, how do the pros get it right?
Introducing Ooni Halo Core Spiral Mixer.
Its secret is the same dough-making technology that professional bakers have used for decades.
Until now, most spiral mixers have been industrial-sized machines with industrial-sized price tags.
They also only made dough. And that gets a no from us.
To put the same professional tech into the hands of home bakers, we rebuilt the spiral mixer — creating a mighty little machine that can whip, beat and knead to professional high standards.
PLANTS & GARDEN
Container-grown potatoes can yield up to ten pounds of spuds from a single five-gallon bucket, turning even the smallest patio into productive garden space. We've gathered seven expert-tested strategies that make growing your own creamy, fresh-dug potatoes easier than you ever thought possible.
TIP OF THE DAY
Toothpaste Doubles as Chrome Polish
Non-gel white toothpaste works as a gentle abrasive that removes tarnish and light scratches. Squeeze a dime-sized amount onto a damp cloth and rub it onto the chrome in straight lines, not circles, for about 30 seconds per section.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry immediately to prevent new water spots. Skip whitening or gel formulas because they contain chemicals that can dull the finish. The mild abrasives in regular toothpaste smooth the surface without damaging the chrome plating.
BUG CONTROL
A single scout ant can lead hundreds of friends to a forgotten cookie crumb under the fridge, proof that tiny ants are smarter than most people think. These homemade traps use ingredients already sitting in the pantry to outsmart even the most determined colony.
FUN FACT
Corsets for Tennis?
When Major Walter Clopton Wingfield patented his lawn tennis game in 1873, women played in full Victorian dress: floor-length skirts, petticoats, long sleeves, hats, and tightly laced corsets. The corsets restricted breathing and movement so severely that fainting during matches was common. It took nearly 50 years before tennis fashion shifted to allow women the freedom to run, stretch, and breathe. |  |
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THANK YOU!
Whether you're rescuing a beloved teddy from the wash, coaxing potatoes from a pot on the patio, or outwitting ants with pantry staples , you're proving that the best solutions grow from curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
May your container garden overflow,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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