Tip Contest Results

Rope Lights Show the Way

My husband and I just got a new bed and it is slightly bigger, just enough for me to run into it during my middle of the night bathroom trip. A night light in the bedroom keeps my husband awake. So, my solution was to get a string of the LED rope lights in a soft white color. I ran it under the bed, along my side. This provides just enough light for me to find my way back into bed without running in to it. I just follow the light and stop when I get to it. And, since it is under the bed, it doesn't shine towards my husband's side to wake him up.

When my children were smaller, I had a rope light that ran from their bedroom door to the bathroom door. Each bedroom had a different colored rope light so they knew which one to follow to get back to the correct bedroom. This works well for elderly people as well, to provide enough light to find their way at night when they don't want to turn on a bright overhead or don't have an outlet in the right place for a night light.

By April from NW, MO

Walnuts for Hardwood Floor Scratches

Crack open a walnut and rub the nut "meat" against cracks and scratches in hardwood floors to repair them. The nut meat fills in the scratch with a color resembling the wood. Natural tannins found in nuts contain healing properties. Almonds and pecans also work if you're out of walnuts!

By attosa from Los Angeles, CA

Lip Stain and Plumper

Put 1 teaspoon of lemon berry drink mix and 1 teaspoon of lemonade into a bowl. Sprinkle a little water until drink mix is dissolved, then stir in 3 teaspoons of vaseline until smooth. Put into a container with a lid. The lemon makes your lips fuller.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Homemade Wasp Solution

The cheapest hair spray you can find will freeze a bee or wasp in place, and drop it like a cannon ball. Just keep a can handy. It works for other flying insects too. Just spray on the bee, and in seconds it will dry and the bee will drop out of the air.

Source: Can't remember where I got it, but know it works!

By Jacketbacker from Greer, SC

Preventing Smelly Feet and Shoes

Keep an inexpensive container of solid deodorant where you first put on your shoes in the morning. Just quickly rub the deodorant stick over the bottom of your feet (soles and toes), before putting on your socks or shoes. This keeps feet, socks, and shoes free of odor. And you'll never be embarrassed to take off your shoes. All you'll smell is a pleasant deodorant scent.

By Steph from Cincinnati, OH

Retirement Gift Ideas

To really give an awesome retirement gift that the recipient will always treasure, you will need to find out what the person likes. For example, when I retired a few years back my coworkers gave me a heavy duty apple peeler. It was the perfect gift for me as I am a home canner, and I love canning apple sauce and apple butter. :-) No more peeling by hand, and I think of them fondly every time it is used.

By Beverly from Fredericktown, MO

Drying Nail Polish Quickly

Fill up a wash basin with very cold water and after you have polished your nails, immerse them in the cold water for about 3 minutes. It makes the nail polish hard and stays that way.

Source: Wikihow

By Elaine from Belle Plaine, IA

Save Those Bread Bags for Dog Walks

If you have a pup to clean up after when you go for your walks, save those bread bags to use for that chore. They are free, thick, nice and long, and kind of like a "glove" and they work great!

By CDC from FL

Frugal Veggie Grilling

Don't have one of those special baskets for cooking vegetable on your outdoor grill? Not to worry. You can still have yummy, healthy veggies cooked right along with your BBQ meats.

Simply take a length of heavy-duty aluminum foil and fold it in half for strength. Now crimp up the sides to form a shallow-sided tray. Lay it on the grill before you light it. Then take a sharp knife and cut lots of slits in it to let the heat come through evenly. Spray lightly with cooking spray.

I microwave the veggies in a drizzle of olive oil just until slightly tender before putting them on the grill. Cook them the rest of the way, to your preference, on your foil tray. Sprinkle with spices of your choice as they cook. Be sure to turn your veggies to keep from sticking and for even cooking.

Note: You can get more than one use out of the tray if you clean it off. And don't forget to recycle it when you're finished with it.

By ~gloria from upstate NY

Rinse Hair Before Swimming

I have blonde hair and it's also pretty long. To keep the chlorine in the swimming pool from turning my hair green, my hair dresser told me to thoroughly rinse my hair in plain water before getting into the pool. Your hair can only hold a certain amount of liquid and if you saturate it first, the chlorinated water won't be absorbed. She says she's been doing this since she was a kid, and it really works.

By Jaye N. from Orlando, FL

Editor's Note: Many ThriftyFun members have recently commented that it is copper in the water, not chlorine, that turns hair green after swimming.

First Aid Basket

Keep all your first aid stuff in a small fruit basket with a handle. Put your peroxide, bandages and gauze pads, etc. Then it will be easy to carry with you on picnics or to the park. You can also carry your sun-tan lotion in it. Don't forget aspirin for bee stings.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Duct Tape for Plantar Warts

Use duct tape to smother plantar warts. My granddaughter's doctor recommended this after the prescription failed. It worked and all the plantar warts are gone and have not come back.

By Deb from New Carlisle, OH

Organizing Kids Art Supplies

For Christmas last year I bought four clear storage tubs with lids that had graphic designs on them and filled them with all kinds of art stuff; color books and crayons, sketch pads, markers, ruler, scissors, glitter glue, colored pencils, etc. What you put in them would depend on age of the child. The size of the tub would depend on what all you want to put in them.

Then I got letter stickers and put their names on the ends of the tubs so that they could store them on a shelf and stack them if there was more than one child in the room and they could tell at a glance which tub was there. I did buy deeper tubs so that they could add supplies that they liked and I didn't put in them and to make sure that there was enough room for them to also keep their art work in the tubs. This has cut down on so much clutter on all the clutter in the grandbabies rooms having everything in one place.

By Tonya

Broccoli All Summer Long

If you have planted a garden and grow broccoli, once you have cut the main head off, leave the plant alone. It will produce side heads of broccoli, quite a bit smaller than the main head but still just as edible as the main head. I usually have broccoli all summer using this method.

Source: A friend told me

By Elaine from Belle Plaine, IA

Freeze Stew Meat Before Cutting

If you have enough time before starting your stew, or can plan it ahead, freeze your meat almost but not quite, solid, then chop it into whatever size chunks you need. The almost frozen meat doesn't slide around on the cutting board as much, and you are much less likely to slice yourself!

By Eileen from Elk Grove, CA

Catalog Purchases

When I receive catalogs or those thick fliers in the mail, I go through them and turn down the page for anything I "think" I want. Then I put it aside for about 1 week. At that point, I look at those items again. Most of the time, it all gets pitched in the recyclables. It gives you a chance to rethink those items and not "impulse buy."

By Barbara from Jacksonville, FL

Shelf Life of Milk

Everyone knows someone who can't tell when milk has gone past it's prime. Right? If you live with one of these people, I have a remedy for the age-old question: "Honey, does this milk smell bad to you?"

Simply write the date you open the milk on the cap with a permanent marker. Then let them decide for themselves what is an acceptable number of days the container can be open before they turn up their noses.

By ~gloria from upstate NY

Homemade Wasp Nest

While browsing another of my favorite blogs, Calgary Garden Coach, I found a great, simple, and free idea to make fake wasp nests. Basically you make a nest and hang it in potential nest spots to deter the real wasps from nesting there. So simple, yet I see the fake nests on "sale" for around 2/$5 or more. This is a project that requires zero crafty skill, I'm betting you already have the supplies on hand, and takes literally two minutes.

Take some old newspaper and crumple in balls. Stuff into plastic shopping bag and tie closed. Stuff this into a paper lunch bag. Hang up in the corners and other places wasps may like to nest in your yard. Done! Even with my "helper" this took literally minutes to do.

Source: http://jenmadethis.blogspot.com/2009/05/wasp-nests.html

By Grandmama

Easier S'mores

Why try to make s'mores from graham crackers and chocolate? Why not buy striped shortbread chocolate cookies instead? I use 2 cookies and 1 large marshmallow to make my s'mores. Yummy!

By Louella from Billings, MT

Join a Virtual Yard Sale

Join or create a virtual yard sale on Facebook! I recently discovered this idea. You post a picture of the item you want to sell along with a description and price. People who are in the group will comment that they want the item and arrangements are made for a meeting place and time. It works really well.

If you don't like the price you can offer a different price which is nice for those of us who find haggling in person intimidating. You can search for one in your area by typing in "virtual yard sale" in the Facebook search box. If a group doesn't exist in your area you can start a group. Its a great way to purchase items at garage sale prices or get rid of some things that are gathering dust. The absolute best part is no fees!

By Kristinas from South TX

Using Leftover Hot Dog and Hamburger Buns

I always have leftover hot dog buns and/or hamburger buns, especially during BBQ season. Leftover buns make great French toast sticks for breakfast (use with your typical French toast recipe). They also make great garlic bread sticks. I butter and garlic them and sprinkle cheese on top. Then I bake them, butter side down, in a 375 degree F oven for 15 minutes. My family loves it and can't tell they are old hot dog buns!

By Jackie from GA

Cleaning Old Stained Cookie Sheets

Put the old cookie sheet in the sink add a little water and add some baking soda and peroxide.Leave it soak for about 1 hour and the grime should wipe right off.

By coville123 from brockville, ontario

Keep Trash Bags In Place

When installing a new trash bag in my trash can, I found when putting trash in it some times the bag would slip down. I solved that problem by wetting the outside of the top part of the can with a little soap and water. I used a cloth or sponge to dampen outside, then place the trash bag in it and over the top of the can. It never moved until I needed to take the trash out.

By Marcy from Houston, TX

Homemade Fire Starters

Recycle used toilet and kitchen rolls, fill with newspapers.

We also use a 'Briquette Maker' to make use of old newspapers. Have a look at Amazon for ideas. Make them in the sumer to dry out in conservatory or green house, a little labour intensive but quite relaxing with the tearing and soaking of the papers.

Source: Amazon

By Katieb from UK

Coconut Shampoo

I tried this shampoo and it works really well. Use 1/4 cup coconut milk, 1/8 cup of baby shampoo and 1 tsp. of vitamin E or olive oil. Put it all in an empty container. Shake it up and give it a try.

By coville123 from Brockville, Ontario

Cleaning Window Screens

I have found that by using a hand held soft brush (as in the photo), you can rid your window screens of that pesky dust in just seconds. No washing required.

By Louella from Billings, MT

Buy Healthy Snacks When Traveling

I sometimes travel for work and must stay at a hotel (and eat out). One of the first things I do is stop at the market and pick up some fruit and baby carrots so that I have healthy snacks for between meals to help offset the splurging.

By Stephanie from Hillsboro, OR

Tea Cup and Saucer Tea Light Holder

Tea cups and saucers make nice tea light holders. Just put the tea light inside and you have a nice candle. Makes a nice gift too.

By Karen H. from Pawtucket, RI

Using Leftover Spices

I got all these different leftover spices which were taking a lot of space in my tiny kitchen. So I just picked one larger spice container and dumped all other spices in it and mixed it well. It makes a great seasoning for pork chops.

By Julietta

Make a Charcoal Smoker Into a Gas Smoker

My husband has a gas grill that had a burner on the side that he had never used once. He had a charcol smoker that he wanted to use more in the cooler parts of the year, but it was hard to keep up the heat. So he looked into a gas smoker, $400! Instead he bought a $20 hose and adapted his two items into one by cutting a hole in the bottom of the smoker and putting the burner in and connecting the hose to grill. Money saved $380!

By Linda from Rapid City, SD

Tips For Selecting Good Raspberries

What I consider a good raspberry, you may not. Do you want the biggest berries, the reddest, the least seedy, the sweetest, the zingiest, or the ones with the firmest texture? Intended use also plays a role in berry selection. Do you want them for fresh eating, baking, or freezing? Some of the most tender, aromatic berries to eat out-of-hand may not do as well in a pie. For my money, it's the berries with the best flavor that win, hands down. But how to select them?

In my experience, many times berries that have been bred specifically for large size, transport-hardiness, seed-lessness, thorn-lessness canes, or or heavy-bearing, do not always have the best flavor. There are exceptions, of course. Smell the fruit. That's my rule for selecting most fruit, but especially raspberries. The most fragrant berries taste best to me. Freshness is definitely a factor in fragrance, but some berry varieties are less aromatic than others. Please take into account that a cold berry will usually smell less fragrant than the same berry at room temperature.

I find that local berries usually beat store-bought in the flavor department, but it still pays to ask to do a taste-test. Grocery stores may not like people sampling, but my experience is, if you ask, you may get the go-ahead. I've found Farmer's Market sellers to be generous with samples.

U-pick berries can offer some of the best opportunities to get exactly the type of berry you want at the most reasonable cost. If you have something specific in mind (flavor, seeds, size, freezing) you can save time and gas by phoning or emailing the U-pick grower in advance for information.

For example, if you desire a raspberry that is less seedy, or the sweetest, or a particular named variety, there is usually a "peak of perfection" time frame target. It may vary from year to year depending on weather. Going at the same date you went last year without checking ahead may result in disappointment, wasted gas, or less than optimal berries.

At the U-pick farm, ask directions to the type of berry you want. Some attendants/farms do not provide specific information, but many do. You can often ascertain this in your pre-visit phone call or email. Many growers enjoy sharing their expertise and opinions about their plantings. Plan to spend a little time shooting the breeze with them if they are free. While you may have a certain ideal berry, keep an open mind and the grower's enthusiasm may entice you try something new that may win you over.

When you find a raspberry cultivar you like in the U-pick patch, fine-tune your taste buds. If your family is like ours, you will find differences in flavor even within a given variety of berry. Some canes produce a tastier berry than other canes. Or you may find you prefer sweet south or west-facing berries over north/east facing berries. Or you may find that berries in a specific area of the U-pick patch taste best to you.

I am a raspberry pig. While a raspberry is not a truffle, there is a LOT of variation in flavor among raspberries. A delicious raspberry is a true treasure, and well worth the hunt.

By L Har from Pacific Northwest

Attract Slugs With Melon Rinds

Are you having trouble deciding what to do to kill the slugs on your okra, bell pepper plants and flowers. I was having a huge problem and tried a few things. Well, here is the best, quickest, cheapest solution:

When you peel your cantaloupe or melon, just save the rind and place upside down in your garden and flower bed. It is sweet and moist and the slugs gather there. You can take a night light out (this is when they crawl around) with a few paper towels. Flip the melon rinds over and start picking. Pinch with the paper and flush or put into the garbage. This is safe for kids and pets. You can use the old rinds to compost with.

I just collected about 20 tonight from a tiny garden. I was so pleased with the result. You also can keep leaves at the bottom of plant clipped off and put crushed eggshells at the base of the plant, it helps the plant also.

By Carol from Waynesboro, GA

Stretch Dish Soap with Bubbles

To stretch your dish detergent, use "bubbles" refills from the dollar store, the type kids use to create bubbles. The cost is about $1 for 32 ounces. Use this instead of water and it will keep the dish detergent from becoming watery. Really cleans the dishes and saves money.

By Jan from Philadelphia, PA

Choosing the Right Drill Bit

My husband shared a good tip with me yesterday when choosing a drill bit for a project. To find the right bit take the screw and put into the drill bit hole to see which one is the perfect fit. His first try worked!

By Linda from Rapid City, SD

Packing Jewelry for Travel

Use the plastic pillbox/cases to store small pierced or clip on earrings. The larger sized pillbox/cases will hold larger earrings, rings, pins, etc. This method keeps jewelry organized and takes up very little space in the suitcase.

By Libby from TX

Address Books

When adding names to my address book, I will add the first name of the person under appropriate letter. Then I will add an entry under their last name. If I forget a first or last name, I can look it up under both names. I never forget or misspell a name this way

By Kathie from Spokane, WA Washington

Using Extra Pieces of Soap

I use a plastic bag to carry my fresh set of underclothes to the gym. Outside of that plastic bag is another plastic bag. After I remove the clean underclothes just before entering the shower, I place the used underclothes in the outer bag. To keep them from smelling too much, I have pieces of soap in that outer bag.

By abcs