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Hello,
I have started a blog on My Frugal Life about the work I have done over the past couple years remodeling my house. You can read my first entry about installing new floors at the link below.
http://www.myfrugallife.com/blog_thriftyfun.html
If you are a registered user, you can create your free blog at the link below.
http://www.myfrugallife.com/account.ldml?account_nav=blog
We have a new poll today.
Poll: Do you have a dog?
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28543412.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Tips:
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| Today's Sponsors
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Today's Photos
| Jack and George (English Bull Dogs)
Jack and George are our 3 month old English Bull Dogs. We purchased from a breeder at 8 weeks of age. These 2 loveable pups enjoy running and chasing after their '3 boys', as well as wrestling with each other. Next to playing, their favorite past time is napping on the marble floor in the house! By Donna from San Diego, CA
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| Coco the Chocolate Lab
Coco is our 17 month old Chocolate Lab, we got her in April, 2005. She likes to aggravate my other dogs and cats. This is a picture of Coco right after I got her. She CAN sleep anywhere. By PENNY from Ipava, IL
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| Contests!
The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
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Today's Tips
| Packaging Quick Meals
I save the black microwave containers that frozen packaged food comes in. Then when I am making casseroles or chili, etc., I fill them, use Glad Press, seal and make my own instant food for my teenage son. They are also handy to send home cooked meals back to college. It's cheaper and at least it's good for them. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Laundry - Making Whites Whiter
Whenever I do a load of whites I use Tide with bleach alternative, Calgon water softener, vinegar and Borax. I begin to add HOT water to machine then pour in all ingredients approx 1/2 cup of liquids and about 1/4 cup of Calgon and Borax. ALLOW ALL INGREDIENTS TO DISSOLVE FIRST, THEN ADD CLOTHES! Nothing, (not even bleach) gets my clothes whiter than this method. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Frugal Life - It's for the kids!
I am a stay at home mom of two little boys. It was not a hard choice, given my mother stayed at home for as long as she could with her four children. We knew we were different from other kids, due to income and being a large family, but we made due with our gifts. My mother (before she had to work) sewed our clothes, tended a garden and canned/froze the goods, and, especially, made EVERYTHING homemade, even Twinkies! Most of our clothes were hand-me-downs, from neighbors and thrift stores, or gifts on holidays. It was something that couldn't be hidden, so while it was depressing at times (especially as a teenager), it was also an important step in growing up: count your blessings and learn to overcome your obstacles. Now that I have a young family, and my husband is just starting in his new career, things get very tight, but as a mother and housewife, I learn to overcome by preparing for these things. 1) Keep your pantry full:I always keep an unopened item on the shelf. When it is time to open a jar, it is immediately put on the list. This keeps from unexpectedly running out of ingredients (especially for baking.) I also keep enough pantry-style milk like powdered and evaporated for when money is too tight for fresh.2) Learn to make your own:I mix my own laundry detergent. Since my boys have sensitive skin, I have to be extra careful and will not use standard fabric softener. My clothes come out smelling clean and looking just as fresh as with any other detergent! I also make all of our treats, even pizza and birthday cake. And this year, I get to make my own jam for the first time! We are creating a new mix called Bruiser Jam; I'll keep you posted on the progress!3) Educate yourself:I currently attend an online college, and everything is covered by U.S.D.E. financial aid (including loans, unfortunately.) This defers my old loans, saving us money, and gets me prepared for more opportunities when the boys are older, or if something happens to my husband. I also do a lot of research on nutrition, to avoid additives and junk foods that can increase medical costs. Leading me to my final point...4) Be a savvy shopper:I buy real food, or food that I could almost replicate if needed (I found out that sometimes it is cheaper to buy it ready-made!). I also carry a calculator to determine cost per ounce or cost of ingredients, to be sure I'm finding the best deal. I get all the store circulars (two of the major grocers have theirs come out on Tuesday, one with double coupons!) plus the multitude of Sunday coupons. I separate them by what products I buy regularly, then divide them by store, since some have better deals, while only one will double coupons. I buy seasonal clothes at the end of the season when they are on clearance, and I always buy at least one size ahead for the children, so they will have clothes when they need them.My children are very happy with their life. I hope to pass on some of these frugal life lessons without compromising their quality of life. With all the laughter and love in our house now, I am not too worried about their future. camo_angels from Willamina, OR Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Finding Cheaper Produce
You can buy cheaper groceries by going to a farmer's market rather than the grocery store. Amish owned farmer's markets can sometimes be the cheapest. Farmer's markets have fresher fruits than the grocery store. Sometimes they let you pick your own berries and you can come home with a basket full of berries for only a couple of cents. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| New Ideas for Meatloaf
My family loves meatloaf. Trying to change it up so it is healthier has been interesting. To save you some time and energy, here are my tips for a yummy, healthy meatloaf.
The final step is to let the meat loaf stand for at least ten minutes before slicing. While the meat loaf is resting, make your own slices of garlic bread by using up any day old bread you have on hand. Mix light butter with the minced garlic, spread on slices of bread and broil. By the time this is done, your meat loaf is ready to serve. Have a large green salad with it and you have a great meal. We also have leftovers for another meal or cold meat loaf sandwiches. By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Too Many Cookbooks?
I had collected lots of recipe books, some with only one or two recipes that I liked to use. I was tired of these books taking up room in my kitchen so I bought a large photo album with see through pockets. I then went through all the recipe books and cut out the recipes I definitely wanted and placed them in the album. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Staying Positive with Behavioral Techniques
I'm a preschool teacher and mom to a 3 year old. One of the behavior techniques I use in my classroom is phrasing things in a positive way. For example, instead of saying, "no running!" to a young child, I say, "walking feet". This lets children know very simply and clearly what kind of behavior you want from them. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. More Information:
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New Requests
| Buying a Snipper for Sweet Gum Tree Balls
Where can I purchase Snipper for Sweet Gum tree seed balls on the internet? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Buying Cream of Coconut
I have a recipe that calls for cream of coconut. I have looked at WalMart, Albertsons and Blue Sage, the only supermarkets available and cannot find it. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Underarm Odor
My one arm pit seems to smell just about all the time. Even after showering? Do you know what causes this? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Woven Candy Wrapper Purses
Have you seen those cute purses made from woven candy bar and potato chip wrappers? I can't find instructions. They look like the old gum wrapper chains, only larger. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| IKEA Swedish Apple Pie Recipe
Does anyone have the recipe from IKEA Swedish Apple Pie or Cake. I would love to have the recipe. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Smoke Smell on a Wood Bassinet
I have a wood bassinett that smells from smoke. How can I clean it and get the smoke smell out of the wood? There are also 2 heavy pressboard inserts that smell. Help, the baby is coming soon. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Mud Stains on Clothing
How do I remove mud stains from a white tee shirt? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Recipes Using Soy Nuts
I have about 3 cups of soy nuts that I don't know what to do with. I believe they are all salted. i have tried eating them and really don't like them. I can give them away but as I am very tight on food, I would like to try to use them. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Canning Soy Milk
Does anyone know how to can homemade soy milk? I regularly make my own and keep it in the fridge, but it would be convenient if I could can some to use in an emergency, or if I simply forget to soak soy beans. Can anyone help me? Thank You. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Does vinegar harm wood?
Does vinegar harm wood? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Homemade Fabric Softener Sheets
How do I make home ade fabric softener sheets? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Mold in My Basement
My once mold-free basement now stinks with moldy smell. The dehumidifier hasn't stopped it. What can I do to clean it? Stop the mold? Do I have to throw everything away? The carpet, too? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I have very thin nails and growing them naturally is out of the question because as they grow passed the finger tips they'll bend back and forth, break or tear (Very painful). I had acrylic nails for a few years, but found that to be too expensive because my nails grow so fast, I would have to go in every nine days to have them redone. Does anyone know of a home remedy that will make my nails thicker and stronger, or am I doomed to have these thin nails all my life? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Rust Stains From My Washing Machine
I have a washing machine that is probably 6 or 7 years old. Every once in awhile I find a rusty residue on the laundry when I do a load. I have checked the inside of the drum and haven't found any rust. I contacted the manufacturer, and was told there is nothing one can do to resolve this problem, short of buying a new machine. I am currently getting by, by running a cup of lime-away through it once a month, but the problem reoccurs. Does anyone have a solution to getting rid of rust stains on clothing or better yet stopping my washer from leaving the rust stains in the first place? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dorothy Lynch Salad Dressing
My Mom used to have a recipe for Dorthy Lynch Salad Dressing, but due to her fading memory, she has lost the recipe and really doesn't remember even having it. The only ingredient I can recall is that it used a can of tomato soup, but have no idea on the rest of the ingredients or amounts. Does anyone happen to have the recipe? Thank you so much in advance. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Freezing Roma Tomatoes
How do I freeze fresh Roma tomatoes? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Putting a Shelf on the Wall Without Brackets
I am looking for a unique way to put a shelf on the wall, using some kind of supports, but not brackets. I had a wild hair about using soup cans (loll) if anyone has any Ideas on what I could use I will welcome the help. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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More Reading
Freezing Sandwiches
Select Fresh Ingredients:Start with fresh bread and the freshest ingredients possible. Fine-textured breads and egg-enriched breads tend to stay freshest longest.
Preparing for Freezing:Unless you are using peanut butter for filling, coat each slice of bread thoroughly with butter or margarine to keep filling from soaking in. For very moist fillings, freeze buttered bread first before spreading on filling. Bread and fillings can also be packed frozen separately and assembled at mealtime.Suitable Packaging:Good packaging for freezing prepared sandwiches includes freezer-grade plastic bags, rigid plastic containers, glass containers, heavy-duty aluminum foil and foil containers. Sandwiches should be double-wrapped in heavy-duty foil or in freezer plastic or packed in small, airtight container designed specially for sandwiches.Maximum Storage Time at 0ºF:Store cheese, ham and bologna sandwiches for 3 to 4 weeks. All other sandwiches from 4 to 6 months.Thawing:Let sandwiches (left in wrappers) thaw out in bagged lunches throughout the morning or in the refrigerator.Fillings That Freeze Well:Peanut butter (with or without jelly); cheese spreads; cream cheese mixtures (with olives, dates or raisins); and sliced meats, poultry and canned tuna. Small amounts of condiments, like ketchup, mustard or relish should freeze fine.Fillings That Don't Freeze Well:Mayonnaise or oil-based dressings.Tips:Add toppings like hard-boiled eggs, lettuce, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables to sandwiches after thawing.Read More: Click Here |
Uses For Baby Food Jars
Snow GlobesMy niece made snowglobes out of babyfood jars with her Girl Scout troop. Fill clean jars with water. Water can be tinted with food coloring if desired. Add glitter into the water (for the "snow"). Spraypaint the lids gold or silver or whatever color you like. Then hot glue small figurines or objects onto the inside of each lid, such as a tiny trees, animals, people, etc. Hot glue and screw on the lids (with the figures now inside) tightly. Let dry thoroughly. Hot glue ribbon around the edge of the lids if desired. Turn babyfood jars over and shake -- and watch the glitter swirl in the water like snow -- and you have snow globes! If any jars leak water, try to remove the lids and re-glue.You can also put loose items into the jar with the water and glitter -- such as colored beads and metallic confetti cutouts -- that will float (and not disintegrate) and look pretty when the jar is shaken. By Ness
Lighted Baby Food Jar Christmas Tree
NOTE: Because Liquid Nails Adhesive is used as glue, each row of jars must dry overnight before next row is added. Project will take a number of days to complete. Prepare the jars. Wash and dry all jars and lids. Drill the holes. Before drilling holes in lids for the bulbs to fit into, drill practice holes in a board to determine appropriate bit size. Bulbs should fit snugly into holes. Drill holes in the center of all 33 lids. Place tinsel in all jars and replace lids. Glue the jars. Line up 7 jars with caps up next to each other along a straight edge on a flat surface. Use Liquid Nails to glue jars together. Tie string around the row of jars to hold them in place. Let dry over night. Turn glued jars on side. Glue a row of six jars on top of the 7 jars. Let dry overnight. Continue to glue a row each day until the last jar becomes the top of the tree. Make the tree trunk in the same way. Assemble the tree. Glue tree trunk to the finished board. Let dry overnight. Glue large section of the tree onto the trunk. Let dry overnight. To attach ribbon to tree, start at top of tree trunk and apply double-sided tape around tree, ending on the opposite side of tree trunk. Place the ribbon over tape. Insert the lights. Starting at the top, insert a light in each hole. Set the completed tree in a location of your choice, plug it in and light up! By BeckyTN Organizing Nails and ScrewsIn your garage or basement, you can nail/screw the lids to the undersides of your shelving, then put nails, screws, and other small fasteners in the jars and screw them onto the jar lids. Baby food jars are a good size for this, but you can also use larger jars. This provides a free, convenient, see-through way to organize.By Claudia Freezing HerbsI was reading a book on Home Freezing this weekend. It talked about using baby food jars to freeze fresh herbs in. Pack fresh herbs tightly in the jars. Put lid on. Boil in water for 5 minutes. Cool and freeze. Take out what you need when you need it.By Meari "Gerber" Baby Food CraftFor my daughter's first birthday party, I made her into the "Gerber" baby by creating new "labels" for the jars. I started with a Word document and inserted a picture of her from my Kodak files, then shrunk the picture down to the size needed to fit the baby food jars. After that, to the left of the picture I typed "ingredients" to include mom, dad, grandparents, and added aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. On the right side of the picture I typed her birth statistics and her height/weight a year later.I even inserted lines and bars to make her very own "barcode" with the numbers of her birthdate under each bar. I copied and pasted 6 or 7 to a page, cut them out, then glued them to the baby food jar. I filled them with M & Ms, Skittles, and cereal to give as gifts at her birthday party, and for table decorations. Here's a link for making this craft:
By Donna Read More: Click Here |
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