Recycle Event Flowers
I know a woman who started rose bushes from her mothers funeral bouquets, as a remembrance.
Housewarming Gift Etiquette?
I have to wonder why you want to do it now? Is it something they can use immediately?
Painting Cabinets to Coordinate with "Tomato" Walls?
I lean toward cream with black (pepper?) accents and hardware. How about a photo when youre done?
My Frugal Life: Recession? What Recession?
Im sure Michelle is not talking about people who have had so much misfortune! She is talking about the ones who own snowmobiles and speedboats (and owe money on them) and are losing their homes and declaring bankruptcy. Its a matter of needs vs. wants. Some...
Purple Rainbow Tea Ideas?
A really yummy, easy tea I found in a make-your-own gifts book is to mix 2 1/2 cups instant tea mix and 1 envelope of Kool-Aid, flavor of your choice. Then add hot water to make 2 gallons. We put it in the coffee maker to keep it hot (just take the innards...
Getting Enough Fluids in Diet?
A big thermos would help. Fill it with his favorite beverage, preferably something like Gatorade, and that should do the trick.
Clear VHS Cases For Seedlings
Looks great! Are the cases glued together so they can be lifted up as one piece? Is there reinforcement inside?
Drying Chives?
I chop mine and then spread them on a tray on the kitchen table. In about 3 days -- faster if its hot -- they are nice and dry and I put them in a good, tight jar. I guess there are lots of ways to do this.
Getting Rid of Earthworms?
Honestly, you dont want to. They are what is keeping your soil healthy. Unless you really want a dry space with no vegetation?
Becoming a Helpful Hints Columnist?
Once you decide which publications are likely to carry that information, contact the editor. If it is a newspaper, contact the food and home editor. Ask if you can submit a sample column for his/her perusal. Its competetive. If accepted, you might get their...
Getting Coupons for Free?
Do you have a recycling dumpster in town? I often search for coupon inserts there. I come home with a stack and clip the ones I want, then save the rest in case a super sale comes up. If you are shy about being seen, wear dark clothes and go just before sunset...
Starting A Self-Sowing Garden
The same principles apply for some vegetables. We have had excellent luck with lettuce, tomatillo, India mustard and potatoes. Plus, strawberries send out runners that you just have to replant into a row. Our self-sown crops are the earliest ones, generally...
Starting a Cherry Tree from a Pit?
I got at least 50 by throwing the pits left from canning out into the flower bed. We gradually trimmed out all but one. It doesnt produce heavily, but its in mostly shade. What it does beautifully is give us shade on the house. Between the cherry and the apricot...
When Are Peas Ripe?
If I had just one row, I would clip them off with scissors, because the vines are so brittle that if you pull on them, theyre likely to break off and then that part of the vine will die. If you clip them, you can get more than one picking. Snow peas are a tiny...
Eating Wheat Makes My Stomach Feel Bloated?
It sounds like celiac disease to me. Do foods like milk and cheese also upset your stomach and cause gas? A dairy intolerance is common along with celiac disease. Try going wheat free for a week and see what happens. You can always have your peanut butter on...
Fruit Kabobs
Our daughter did this for our granddaughters wedding, and it was gorgeous! It was the star of the cake table, and everyone was taking photos of it. Plus its healthy and relatively economical.
My Frugal Life: Thankful for Being Frugal
You sound a lot like us! We do those things as well. Today Im trying a new recipe for Basque Bread, because we need something for sandwiches. Homemade is definitely best! Carry on!
Homemade Yogurt Recipe?
Greetings to my neighbor to the north! Heres a recipe Ive had in my collection for ages but have never used. Maybe its the one you need? Plain Yogurt With Gelatin 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons cold water 1 quart 2% or skim milk 3 tablespoons plain...
American Staffordshire Terrier Keeps Biting People?
Is he neutered? We find that deals with a lot of behavior problems. Our dogs are happier, too.
White Mold Growing on Plant Soil?
Are you sure it is mold? It sounds a lot like alkali. If it clings tightly to the soil, thats what it is. I would suggest getting some potting soil from the store (I know, it costs money, but not a lot!) and see if you have better luck.
Flour Stuck in Sifter?
I use an old toothbrush for that very problem. If I have to soak it to get it out, that just makes the brushing easier. Probably your strainer was damp when you used it. Flour and water set up like concrete, but a few hours soaking should soften it up. Good...
What is This Plant?
If the stem and leaves are hairy and maybe a little sticky, it is a sunflower. Looks like the wild kind, but its hard to tell for sure. Most of them look alike at this age. Maybe youve got a little free sunshine for your garden.
Ideas for Used Birthday Candles
A couple more ideas: Melt a little candle wax in a shallow dish and suspend three or four used birthday candles in it until it cools. In a pinch, this gives you light when theres a power outage. Its also a romantic touch to a dinner table. And secondly, I have...
Cranachan
Sounds great! Tasty and healthy. Ill hang on to this one for when the raspberries come on. Thanks!
Organizing a Summer Fete?
At our church harvest festival, the most popular event for children that age is the fishing pond. If you are not familiar with it, you make a curtained-off area and make a fishing pole from a branch with a string and clothes pin on the end. The kids toss their...
Getting The Most From Your Warehouse Store Membership
Theres something else thats very important at Costco. If you pay for your order with their photo-id American Express card, you get at least 1% back. Gas pays 4%. Our reward for using the card last year came to over $185.00, which we applied to a new set of...
Minted Yogurt Dip
Raymonde, you come up with the most wonderful recipes! Your friends are worth their weight in gold. If I were closer, I would invite myself to dinner! --- Coreen
Rabbit Droppings Near Fruit?
Well, we fertilize our organic garden with cow manure, if thats any help to you?
Add Vanilla to Cola
Vanilla extract has sugar in it? Thats the first Ive heard of it. I make my own, and it is just vanilla beans in vodka or brandy for six weeks in a hall closet. And I cant imagine 1-2 drops of vanilla alcohol causing a problem. Im a type 2 as well, and I dont...
Softer Homemade Bread?
1) Use milk, not water. 2) Could you reduce the baking time? 3) Put in moisture-retaining ingredients (up to 1/2 cup per loaf) such as potatoes, mashed winter squash or leftover cooked cereal. Making bread is such a lovely adventure!
Tribute to My Mom
I love your tribute! My mother was not a great cook. I think she was traumatized early in her marriage when she made a beautiful leg of lamb with mint jelly and my dad took one look and ran to the bathroom! (In all fairness, he couldnt help it. She didnt know...
Making Children's Dress-Up Costumes?
When my grands were little, I made wreaths to fit their heads like a crown. For our grandson it was ivy and a few white flowers. For our granddaughter it was lots of bright pink and white flowers. They had lots of fun with those! I just made a soft wire loop...
Popping Microwave Popcorn Without a Microwave?
I do it all the time. Sometimes microwave popcorn is so cheap I cant resist it, or it gets me a nice rebate. Its already seasoned, which is something I dont do myself, but its nice for something different. Just pop it like regular popcorn, but dont add any...
Liver Albanian Style
Sounds so good, but Id never have Pernod on hand. Could I substitute something like aniseed or dill seed? A stick of black licorice? Id really love to have a liver recipe my husband would eat.
Serving Liver To Kids
Ill have to try that for my husband. He can barely stand to be in the same house with liver, and I enjoy it.
Recipes Using Rolled Oats?
This is one of our favorite recipes: COTTAGE CHEESE PATTIES 2 cups cottage cheese or homemade quick cheese 1 cup oats 3 eggs 1 T. sage 1 t. salt breadcrumbs if mixture is not firm enough. 1/2 cup finely chopped onions finely chopped celery (optional) Mix everything...
Modern Afghan Pattern?
I have one almost finished right now. It is made in jewel tones and some fuzzy yarn. There are color bands all the way across, and the colors are randomly distributed. It is 5x5.5 and extra warm. I have had so much fun making it! Its like having a party!
Recipes Using Leftover Oatmeal?
I used to mix it in my bread batch, along with things like mashed squash, extra eggs, leftover whole wheat cereal, the last bit of cereal in the box, extra raisins, etc. You get something different every time, and its always good! With squash and raisins, I...
Dill Cabbage
Got to try this! No fat! Is there a web site that lets us figure calorie and nutritional information?
Gardening: Mini Greenhouse for a Head Start
Do you plant your garlic in August? Then harvest it the next July or August? Thats the way my husband does it, and we get huge garlic. Hope this helps. I think your mini-greenhouse is wonderful!
Crafts Using Styrofoam Peanuts?
I learned this from my neighbor. Thread a darning needle with dental floss or string. Put the peanuts on one at a time to make a garland for the Christmas tree. The peanuts are slightly brittle, so go carefully. It looks so nice on our sparkly Christmas tree...
Washing Machine Not Rinsing Soap Out of Clothes?
Why not try putting the water in first, then adding the detergent and agitating until the detergent is fully mixed in, and then add the clothing last. If you still have streaks, you probably need to work on that rinse cycle a bit. Best of luck!
Advair Doll Chair
Serevent inhalers are in green and darker green, and the exact same shape and size!
Saving Money on Beans?
My husband grew two 30-foot rows three years ago. He planted a cup of black beans from a bag we bought at the grocery store. At that time it cost about .79, but now its over $2.00 for a pound. We got enough dry beans that we are still using the last half gallon...
Churning Butter?
This is how we make butter at our house: First, the milk must stand in a cold place about 24 hours so all the cream can separate out. Skim that off. Put it in a quart jar and let it sit on the counter until it reaches 68 degrees. You can shake it, but it takes...
Making a Family Food Budget?
You didnt say whether that was per week or per month. I feed two of us (big eaters) very well on $150 per month, but if I had to, I could feed us on $50 per month. There are a million tips on ThriftyFun like buying in quantity, cooking from scratch, couponing...
Recipes for a Mini Crockpot?
There was one at our church potluck last Sunday that held barbecue sauce. I would imagine chocolate would be nice - you could dip strawberries or pieces of banana in it. Gravy wouldnt get cold. It would probably melt wax in case you needed to coat the top of...
Where Do You Let Your Dough Rise?
If your oven does not have a pilot light, try using a styrofoam cooler. We use one for making yogurt. When the dough is ready to rise, put it in the cooler and put jars of hot water around it. Put the lid on tight and weight it with about 5 pounds of phone...
Mayonnaise Separated After Being Frozen?
Since it is only separated and not frozen, try using it up in salads and things where the separation wont show. It cant hurt you!
Wine Cork Self Portrait
This is fine art. If you need more wine corks, I can help. My husband makes wine and we always have extras.
Pirate Ship Made from Recyclable Materials?
I made one for a kids party a few years ago. I asked the appliance store for a refrigerator box, and they saved one for me. You lay it on its side. Cut down the middle of each end from top to bottom, slash a bit along the bottom of the sides, and fold the ends...
Gardening on a Budget
One side benefit is that you make friends with like-minded gardeners. You are a lady after my own heart!
Crust on Homemade Bread is Hard?
I think Harlean has it right. Butter the top and then wrap a towel around the loaf. How much fat are you putting in each loaf? If the above doesnt fix it, try adding more fat, preferably butter. Good luck! Nothing like a slice of homemade bread fresh out of...
Homemade Heat Packs for Children?
One caution with microwaving these. They get hottest in the center and you may not be able to tell how hot they are. A friend of mine had one for her husband. It was under the covers on his leg. He said it was way too hot and smelled smoke, but until he threw...
Simple Christmas Decoration Ideas?
One very easy Christmas tree decoration is to get a ring such as the plastic ones that hold soda cans together or a bone ring, and single crochet all around them. You can add a second or third row of single crochets. Be sure the stitches completely cover the...
Puzzle Piece Pins
The thing that struck my mind was, I sew (crochet, knit) because I am. Thanks for a great inspiration!
Wooden Spool and Nails Instructions?
Those were the days! Its hard to find a wooden spool anymore,but now they make plastic spool knitters. Ive seen them at Walmart. I use a crochet hook now, but in the olden days we used a bent horseshoe nail. Maybe thats tied in to the Horse Range name. I started...
Ideas for Mobile Food Service Business?
We id this for several years. I would have loved to sell healthy food, but it really doesnt sell here. First, start with the health department. Our annual permit was $65.00, and we paid $14.00 each for a training course that was very valuable. We had to undergo...
Making Extra Money For The Holidays?
What are your talents? Aluminum cans are worth a lot right now, or if you can write the local papers are probably begging for extra help for the holidays and you can still be your own boss. Are you tied down with toddlers? Do you already have a job where you...
Frugal Gifts For Neighbors?
This week I found little ring boxes with different Nativity scenes on them at the Dollar Tree. I bought some to give to the people who help me at the various city offices where I go every couple of weeks to collect data for the newspaper. I think Ill put some...
Making a Dessert To Be Sold at a Charity Function?
Cupcakes with candy designs on top work. Use candy corn for teeth and eyes, gum drops for hats, or roll out the gumdrops and them shape them into flowers. Use bright colors.
Frost Damaged Jalepeno Peppers?
They will be okay if you keep them in the freezer in a baggie and just take them out as you need them.
Butter Clogging a Drain?
How about putting the butter in a stainless steel container and setting the container in the hot water? If it doesnt overflow, you wont have butter in the water.
Washable Cloth Nappies
Oh, Ruth! How I wish more mothers would do this! Disposables are just money down the drain. I think youre marvelous! --- Coreen
Recommendations For Small Food Processor?
I have had a little Black and Decker processor that holds about 1 1/2 cups. I use it for tons of things. We had a fancy Cuisinart, but it gave up the ghost quite rapidly. My little one cost $10.00, and I had a $10.00 coupon!
Saving Money on Pumpkins
In the aftermath of Halloween, commercial pumpkin patches are left to rot. There are literally hundreds or thousands of all kinds of pumpkins and squashes that no one wants. It never hurts to ask the owner if you can glean from the field. Gleaning is a custom...
Cherries Are Very Small?
Ill bet you have Nanking cherries or Hansens bush cherries. Our bushes get covered with them, just like clusters of grapes. I juice them and then make jelly using the cherry recipe in Sure-Jell or MCP pectin. Its my most favorite of all the varieties Ive ever...
Raised Veggie Garden On Deck
Ive had fantasies of doing that if I ever had to move to an apartment! I think youre both brilliant!
Ideas for Adult Princess Ball Party?
Have manicure stations! Do each others nails (hands or feet). Unless you invite men as well. Not sure how that would go over.
Ideas for Adult Princess Ball Party?
If youre having couples, get a male friend with a loud, great voice to announce the guests at the door as they arrive. Put him in a red velvet jacket. Powdered wig optional. :-)
Frugal Meals for College Students
I am happy to gift you with my Ph.D. in economics! Or maybe common sense! Love it!
Frugal Meals for College Students
All these ideas are great except for one thing: they are mostly low in protein. You really need protein to stay sharp and healthy. In place of the canned salmon you could substitute Jack Mackerel. It costs about a third of the salmon and we think it tastes...
Peach Jam Is Liquidy?
How long ago did you make the jam? It sometimes takes 2-3 weeks to set up. Since it is still liquid and slightly separated, if it is properly sealed (boiling water bath) just invert the jars for a week or so and see what happens. I had some corn cob jelly once...
Does Sewing Your Own Things Save Money?
The world of sewing is a wide one. I traded my Bernina for a Singer treadle about 25 years ago, and have not been sorry. Although I no longer have time for sewing clothes, I do sew just about everything else. I replace broken zippers, hem up thrift store jeans...
Harvesting Black Walnuts?
Black walnuts are common here. If you know a handyman, get him a board about 8x12, or maybe a little longer. Use a router or circle cutter, and cut a spot out of the middle that is the size of the nut, not including the husk. Prop the board over two chairs...
Hair Has Become Dry And Gray?
I started into that cycle a few years ago. In my case, it was hyperthyroidism (had your thyroid checked?) and a medication I take for my heart. Also, when I got my hair cut yesterday, the stylist suggested massaging tea tree oil or peppermint oil into the scalp...
Becoming A Vegetarian?
In Nourishing Traditions Sally Fallon cites several studies that showed that vegetarians were subject to up to 191% more of certain cancers. I dont think it takes a lot of meat to move you out of that category. Something to think about.
Violet (Parakeet)
I am intrigued by the name. How did you come to name her Violet? I have two that are that color! Shes so lovely!
Cost of Ribeye Steak?
It fluctuates wildly. Ive seen it anywhere from $1.99 per pound to $6.99. Your best bet is to save up and buy a quarter or half of beef from a small ranch. Then you get all the cuts for a set price per pound, and better beef too!
11 Year Old Cat Losing Weight?
When we wormed our outdoor cats one of them went from 7.5 pounds to 15 pounds in about a month!
Gift Ideas For Boyfriend's Daughter?
Does she have all the Beach Boys albums yet? (Lets go surfin now/everybodys learninhow/ come on a safari with me.)
Getting A Hair Out Of Your Eye?
I worked for ophthalmologists for about 13 years. Their solution was this: Stare straight ahead. Now look toward your nose and close your eyes. Repeat until the foreign body is in the inner corner of your eye. Now you can scrape it out with a clean fingernail...
Help with 4 Year Old Behavior?
She should be checked by a pediatric psychiatrist. I have raised 29 other peoples children. Her behavior parallels that of some of my children. Put yourself in her position. At four she is not old enough to evaluate it. If someone is doing something to her...
Soaking Up Bacon Grease?
I generally use newsprint (black and white only). Of course, if Im saving grease to make a batch of soap, I pour it in a jar instead.
Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas?
Here is how I manage it: Watch for rebate premium offers. For instance, right now you can get Tony Stewart Racing Gear for 20 points from Van Camps Pork and beans. Theres one point on each can, and they are on sale for the summer holiday. You get your choice...
Shell Wreath with Candle Holder
How lovely! Are the seashells painted with glass paint also? Is this built on a styrofoam base? What kind of glue did you use?
Help Dealing With Bossy, Whiny Child?
It seems you have been given some very good advice. I have raised 29 children, and I completely agree that a firm hand and strong discipline coupled with plenty of reassurances that they are loved is the absolute best formula. My children came from homes with...
Baskin Robbins Jamoca Almond Fudge Mud Pie Recipe?
Try this recipe: Hot Fudge Sauce 2 T. cocoa powder 2 T. butter Melt together over very low heat or in a double boiler. Then add: 1/3 cup boiling water 1 cup sugar 2 T. corn syrup Stir well and bring to a low boil over direct heat. Do not stir. For a sauce that...
Steak'n'Cheese Sandwiches
Sounds heavenly! Are the inside round beef slices just essentially thin roast beef?
Frozen Watermelon Smoothies or Daiquiris
What a great idea. Im the only one who eats watermelon at our house, so a lot of it goes to waste. As a result, I dont buy it more than once or twice a season. Now I can freeze the leftovers and have smoothies when I want them. Thanks!
Getting Rid Of Thick, Yellow Toe Nails?
I use Vicks every night. It doesnt cure it, but it makes it look and feel normal. Be sure to rub it in around all edges of the nails and underneath them.
Keeping Flies Out Of Dog's Food?
Feed what the dog will eat in one sitting. Then take the dish indoors and put any leftovers back in the sack.
Storing Leftover Nacho Cheese?
Maybe it depends on the brand. We freeze it all the time. We buy Ortega at Costco and we sell it out of a food concession and its always smooth as can be.
Count Protein To Help Control Diabetes
Pretty soon there wont be anything left for us to eat but lettuce! Aargh!
Foods That Cause Acne?
My uncle had awful acne with boils until a doctor told him to eliminate dairy foods. It cleared up very well. I have also noticed that people who wont eat veggies (cooked and raw) have more acne. Hope this helps.
Easy Frozen Pizza Slices
Absolutely brilliant! Simple,satisfying and not loaded with sugar. Youre obviously an intelligent and caring Mom.
Making Silk Flower Petal Soap?
That sounds so lovely! And what a great use for silk flowers that are no longer fresh looking! Thanks!
Where Can I Find Wine 'Dregs'?
I agree. Make your own wine, and then youll have it. What are you needing dregs for? I know from personal experience that wine dregs are super plant food for asparagus ferns.
What are Graham Crackers?
If I were in your position, I would try toasted bread crumbs, probably white, with a tablespoon of sugar stirred in for every cup of crumbs. Ive done this before, and the flavor is quite similar. Happy baking!
Reusing Bed Skirts
Just saw one today! It was beige, and a medium quality, new, still in the package. The price was $1.00.
Using Paper Bags for Cat Litter
Now bury the bag in a flower bed in the back yard, and youll improve the soil by leaps and bounds!
