Double Decker Wicker Basket Floral DisplayI got two square baskets last week, and thought how cute it would be to stack them and put some faux flowers inside.
Americana Ball WreathI am into Americana way more than traditional red/white/and blue. So I make things every year that reflect that color choice.
Backyard Visitor (Fawn)This adorable baby showed up in our yard last week. Our backyard borders the gamelands, and we have seen adult deer walk down our driveway to graze in the fields across the street. We figured momma deer left the baby in our care, so she could feed and run errands.
Passionfruit FlowerIt is passionfruit season! Flowers are blooming everyday. I just love how detailed and beautiful they are that I had to share. :)
Junco BabiesMy friends have a section of their yard that they leave unmowed in the spring and summer. This allows birds to nest there and pollinators to enjoy the flowers. They recently were able to enjoy their little "contribution to the animals" when a Junco chose it as their nesting spot. Look at this tiny, hungry babies!
Rainbow GobletsI love the colors of the rainbow. I prefer the old version, so you get 7 colors (ROY G BIV). So today I made a rainbow goblet display with colors that are spot on, pretty close and this is a great way to teach kids colors, BTW.
U.S. Flag EtiquetteCelebrate Independence Day, display your U.S. flag using the proper flag etiquette.
Car Tag (License Plate) FlagMake an American flag from an old car tag. Spray paint the tag (license plate) using either red or white. That way you will only have to paint one set of stripes. Let dry. Paint on your blue background for stars, let dry. Paint on your other colored stripes, let dry.
4th of July Mesh WreathI saw the rolls of mesh at the craft store and wanted to try making a wreath for the 4th of July. I love how it turned out!
Fireworks at Fort VancouverMy family and I visited Fort Vancouver for their annual Fourth of July fireworks display. It is a very large park located in Vancouver, Washington, with historic and archeological exhibits and information.
Uncle Sam's Salad BowlI picked up this Uncle Sam hat in the dollar store. They had matching ice buckets, so it dawned on me that putting the two items together would make a nice presentation for the Fourth of July!
Americana LanternGive your old lantern a new look for your Memorial Day Celebration. This was an old rusty lantern that I gave new life to with an Americana Theme for Memorial Day and can be used as well for 4th of July.
Coolest Pop CardI made this card for my dad for Father's Day because he is an absolute Popsicle fiend and he's the coolest pop! This cute little play on words makes for a fun and sweet card, and a great all-ages craft.
Toddler Handprint Monkey Father's Day CardHere is a cute and sentimental card you can make with your toddler to give to dad. My daughter loves making crafts with her handprints, so this was perfect to make for Father's Day.
#1 Dad Father's Day CardHere is an easy and simple Father's Day card anyone could make. There is no excuse to have to buy a store bought card especially in the circumstances we are all in right now.
Bowtie Pasta Father's Day CardThis is a quick and fun Father's Day card made on the cheap! Use scraps of paper to make a collared shirt, topped with a bowtie made with painted farfalle pasta. My craft paper here has pineapples on one side because my dad has a super loud pineapple shirt he's secretly in love with (and won't wear out of the house)!
Father's Day Handprint Keepsake CardFather's Day is right around the corner. This would be a cute craft for your child to do for Father's Day.
Father's Day Coffee Cup Greeting CardGive simple treats to your dad this Father's Day. Make a simple greeting card and creatively make a 3D compartment for your personalized token gift to start his day with a smile.
Natural Fly RepellantHere is a way to keep pesky flies and mosquitos away using citrus and cloves. Simply cut the citrus in half and insert the cloves into the lime. The scent keeps them away and it is a natural solution.
Getting Rid of Horse FliesHorse flies can be a menace to have around. This is a page about getting rid of horse flies.
DIY Foil Garden Pest DeterrentsFor several years, most of our big fruit trees were being attacked by squirrels, birds, rodents, raccoons, and insects. Deterrent sprays did not work. Hanging shiny CDs barely helped at all. Finally, we tried this foil method and we have all of our fruit intact and growing at extremely rapid rates. Anyone need nectarines? We can't keep up! :)
Keeping Lizards Off Your Porch?Lizards love to sun themselves during the day. Your porch may very well be a nearly ideal place for them to catch some sun and warm up. If you live in an area with many lizards, keeping lizards off your porch might be an issue you have to deal with.
Mosquito Repellent RecipesMosquitoes are a problem in many regions. This page contains mosquito repellent recipes.
Use Ammonia to Kill FleasAmmonia applied to carpets where your dogs and cats sleep can be effective in killing fleas. Be sure to let animals out while you do this. This is a page about using ammonia to kill fleas.
Another Day in Quarantine: The Best Day of AllMy day started out about the same. I have to say, I am looking at life a lot more positive these days! That is important for everyone to know. I think we (people) are just adjusting to this way of living. We are so conscientious of the possibility of catching the virus, we have given into the new way of life living in our homes We are at an accepting stage.
My Life Since Being "Quarantined"I'm not complaining at all here! One thing I want to focus on is my attitude. That is, my attitude now. Oh, I was not very happy with all of this in the beginning! Oh no!
Non-Pleated Face Mask With Filter PocketThe most recent orders from our governor include wearing masks when in public so I decided to make a set of masks for my family. I found a free pattern online for a non-pleated mask with filter pocket.
Best COVID-19 Mask PatternsIt has been reported that as many as 25% of people with COVID-19 might be asymptomatic. This is why it is important to wear a mask. Wearing a masks helps stop the spread of the disease by containing respiratory droplets of people who might be sick. Wearing a mask also helps people remember to not touch their face.
Fabric Face MaskI found this pattern on the Kaiser Permanente website. It is for making a pleated style face mask. The photos are mine, but the instructions are based on their pattern. I have included Kaiser the link as well. The pattern is for a small/medium mask.
Nine Layer No Sew Face MaskWith a square of material and two rubber bands follow these steps and have a fast face mask within a minute!
Recycled Wheelbarrow Herb GardenWe've seen that people are making gardens, especially now. My tip is to recycle an old wheelbarrow into a lovely and useful herb garden. There is no weeding and many herbs are perennials. My husband was about to trash his old wheelbarrow and I turned it into a herb garden. Now I just go out the door and snip whatever I need for cooking or to dry.
Protection from the Birds and the SunWe added a conduit metal frame with side "curtains" and a "roof" to our grow box to prevent birds from attacking our plants and to prevent the sun from attacking our plants. It works well here in sunny Arizona where temperatures get up to 115 to 120 degrees in the summer.
Now Is the Time for a Victory GardenWith all the extra time spent at home and uncertainty with COVID-19, now is the perfect time to be planting a victory garden.
Beware of Poison Ivy and Poison OakI learned something new. My daughter and I took a stroll on a farm path down by the woods. As we were walking, I noticed a tree that had a limb, about head high, that was filled with pretty leaves with small white clusters of flowers.
Spilling Wheelbarrow Garden PlanterHere is a "spilling wheelbarrow" I made, using coleus. It was easy to make and can be used for years.
Vertical Gardening in PotsAt the beginning of the season I select one plant of each type at a nearby nursery. I cut off each stem about an inch from the bottom. I cut all but the top 2 leaves off of each stem and place the stems in various sized jars of water to root. In a week or two the roots grow long enough to plant them in pots. By this time the original plants have grown up once again and are blooming.
Try Geocaching This SummerAs soon as I hear, "Hey, Gigi, let's go geocaching," from one of my grandkids, I'm ready to go.
Summer Crafts and Activities for Kids (and...If I do not make plans to keep my son busy this summer, he will be perfectly content to waste his days watching TV and playing with his DS. So I plan to set up a daily schedule for him.
Summertime Activities for Your ChildrenFrugal living is nothing new to us as I was raised in a family of 11 kids and many foster children. We may have struggled because money was tight, but we never seemed to lack for fun things to do and there was always something going on that held our attention.
Starting a Summer Book Club and Book SwapKeep your kids entertained and reading over the summer by organizing a book club and book swap. Consider one for yourself as well. This is a page about starting a summer book club and book swap.
Summer Fun BoxSchool is almost out! A great surprise gift idea for elementary-aged children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews is a 'Summer of Fun' surprise package. Try to think of all the things you loved as a child.
Almost Free Boredom BustersIn June the kids aren't bored yet; the thrill of summer vacation is still upon them. However, August is another story. With movie prices at $6 or higher and gas soaring in its price per gallon, how can you keep the kids busy and your budget happy?
Removing Roof Tar from Skin with Olive OilRoof tar and other sticky substances can be gently removed from skin by using regular olive oil from the kitchen. Learn how to do it in this short video.
Flourless Peanut Butter CookiesThese easy peanut butter cookies are entirely gluten-free. Learn how to make them in this short video.
Halloween Mantel PennantsDress up a boring fireplace mantle with this decorative pennant made from Halloween themed fabric triangles. Learn how to make it in this short video.
Make Your Own Hand SanitizerLearn the step by step process of making your own hand sanitizer in this short video. This recipe makes a strong enough sanitizer to kill of the coronavirus. This is based off of the World Health Organizations' recommendations. This recipe uses rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and glycerine.
Butterscotch PuddingCreamy butterscotch pudding is easy to make at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Learn how to make it in this short video.
Refinishing Teak Outdoor FurnitureTeak is a common material for outdoor furniture because it is long lasting if cared for correctly. Learn how to do it in this short video.
Soup from Leftover ScrapsMaking soup from leftover scraps can be surprisingly good. Use up your leftovers, and freeze your vegetable scraps to make a low cost nutritious soup.
Gluten Free Banana BreadWhen I have extra bananas that are going to get too ripe for eating, I use them to make banana bread or freeze them for smoothies or to just munch on. This is a recipe I got from a friend years ago, when I first found out I had Celiac disease. The bread comes out moist, but not too moist. It is great as a snack or served with ice cream for dessert.
Noodle Rice (Reshteh Polo)Reshteh polo is a fragrant noodle and rice dish often served for Nowruz (Iranian New Year). The dish combines toasted noodles, basmati rice, raisins, and dates. Saffron rice is also an optional version. Here a bit of saffron flavored rice is sprinkled on top. A recipe for this lovely dish can be seen below.
Grilled Lamb Shoulder SteaksLamb steaks are marinated in a delicious blend of olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Then grilled to your liking.
Spicy Mustard Dipping SauceI came up with this sauce when the Louisiana-style chicken restaurant we order food from never had their spicy mustard dipping sauce available, mostly due to popularity. You can use whatever type and add as much spiciness to this as you want. I used habanero hot sauce. So good!
Making Breakfast Cereal Coffee CakeA good use for leftover, slightly stale, cereal is to add it to a coffee cake recipe. The recipe on this page is for a tasty coffee cake that includes fruit and flake cereal in the batter and also in the crumbled topping.
Brand New Singer 3232 Won't Sew or Wind Bobbin?I just bought a Singer 3232, from Amazon. I plugged everything in and have power, but when I tried to load thread onto the bobbin spindle, nothing happened when I pressed the pedal. The motor just revved. The spindle is in the correct position. When I put the bobbin spindle in the sewing position and threaded the needle. I tried to stitch, but again the motor just revved.
Value of a Vintage Magnavox Record PlayerI have this old Magnavox chest that opens with a record player and radio inside and speakers in the lid. I'm wondering about the rarity and if it's worth anything. I've searched and seen no others like it. Anyone know?
What Kind of Eggs are These?I found these on the window to to my backyard. They're outside and I was wondering what kind of eggs they are. They're oblong when looked at from above.
Information on Duck House Heirloom Porcelain Doll Lamp?Can someone please tell me the name of this doll? I want to do some research and all I know is she is a Duck porcelain heirloom fairy lamp. I would love to purchase, but I need more info.
Buying Milton Porcelain Doll Shoes?Where can I buy Milton porcelain male doll shoes?
Value of Homer Laughlin China?What might be the value of Laughlin Persian Garden Cavalier Birds china? I have 3 salad-type plates, creamer and sugar bowl, platter, large bowl, 8 soup bowls, and 1 dinner plate. A56N5 CV28 on one plate, creamer K54N5, not all are marked.
Finding Plumbing Repair Assistance for...This is a page about finding plumbing repair assistance for low income homeowners. Having working plumbing is a necessity. However, some families can not afford the cost of hiring a tradesperson to make the necessary repairs.
Cream Cheese Sweetheart Cake RecipeA sweetheart cake is more like a brownie or cookie in texture. This particular recipe includes the addition of a delicious cream cheese based glaze. This page contains a cream cheese sweetheart cake recipe.
Roof Repair for Low Income Homeowners?Low income homeowners often can not afford the cost of roof repairs. Searching for agencies or organizations that might help with the costs may be their only solution. This is a page about roof repair for low income homeowners.
Finding Home Repair Help for Low Income FamiliesThere are times when household repairs just can not wait until you have the money to complete the project. This page is about finding home repair help for low income families.
Getting Dental Work w/o InsuranceFor the many people without dental insurance, there are sometimes affordable ways to get the needed work done. This is a page about getting dental work done without insurance.
Getting Financial Assistance for Roof...When your roof is starting to fail it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. This page is about getting financial assistance for roof repairs.
Graduation Party IdeasThis page is about graduation party ideas. Whatever the milestone, it is fun to plan the perfect party for your graduate.
Identifying Small Black BugsHaving unidentified insects infesting your home can be annoying. It helps to know what kind they are when determining the best way to be rid of them. This is a page about identifying small black bugs.
Selling Trees on Your Land for LumberIf you own acres or even a larger residential lot you may have trees that you would like to have removed and be able to sell for the lumber. This is a page about selling trees on your land for lumber.
Best Dad I Ever 'Saw' MagnetThis fun to make Father's Day gift begins with a recycled Pringles can. This is a page about, best Dad I ever "saw" magnet.
Buying Second Hand AppliancesThis is a page about buying second hand appliances. One way to save money on expensive home appliances is to shop for second hand ones in good repair.
Finding Roof Repair Assistance for Seniors?Many senior citizens are living on fixed incomes that often are insufficient to meet the maintenance needs of their homes. This is a page about finding roof repair assistance for seniors.
Identifying Little Black Biting BugsIdentifying biting bugs is the first step in trying to eliminate them from your home or to repel them when outdoors. This is a page about identifying little black biting bugs.
Making a Harmonica CaseThis is a page about making a harmonica case. Storing your harmonic can be done easily in either an elaborate case or in a simple homemade one.
Coping Skills with Depression and AnxietyA few years ago, I needed help with coping with depression and anxiety. I went to classes to learn. I don't usually tell people this, but it helped me learn so much. It helped me then and it is helping me greatly now! A lot!
Getting Rid of Tiny Biting Black BugsMany types of bugs are small and black, if they are biting bugs they can be annoying and a health hazard. This is a page about getting rid of tiny biting black bugs.
Tiny Black Bugs in the KitchenThe key to getting rid of tiny black bugs on kitchen floor is first identifying what they are. Check out what has worked for others in this page.
Using AAA When Keys Are Locked In the Car?When your keys are locked in the car, AAA will call a locksmith to help you retrieve them. Hopefully there will be no damage to your automatic window. This is a page about using AAA when keys are locked in the car.
Collecting Back Child Support if Parent is Deceased?This is a page about collecting back child support if parent is deceased. When the obligated parent dies, there may still be ways that the parent with the child(ren) can collect some child support.
Getting Rid of GophersThis is guide about getting rid of gophers. The cute little gopher is the bane of many a gardener and home owner. They are herbivores that love to eat roots. They will eat the roots of your vegetables, flowers, and lawn. Getting rid of them can be difficult.
Cleaning a Tanning Bed?I have just got a tanning bed. I'm not sure what to clean it with. I don't want to buy the expensive cleaning stuff from the company ir possible. Any ideas?
Getting Rid of Moles in Your YardThis is a page about getting rid of moles in your yard. Moles can make your yard look really messy in a very short period of time. They are notoriously difficult to eliminate from your yard and often require professional assistance.
Finding Replacement Parts for Jars and Canisters?It can be difficult to find the right sized gasket or closure for an older glass container or cookie jar. Here are tips for ordering a replacement for a vintage or family treasure.
Organizations That Help Low Income Families Get Free Furniture?Buying furniture is an expensive undertaking. Families struggling on low incomes often are unable to buy or replace their furniture without some type of assistance. This is a page about organizations that assist low income families get free furniture.
Removing Moss from Asphalt Roof TilesAsphalt or composite roof tiles can easily get moss growing between them. This is a page about removing moss from asphalt roof tiles.
Selling Mature Pine Trees?If you have large pines trees that need to be removed, it may be possible to sell the timber if you have enough of them or a desirable variety of tree. Selling mature pine trees from your property can help clear some land and make some money.
Getting Rid of Old TVsThis is a page about getting rid of old TVs. TVs contain materials that are harmful to the environment and need to be disposed of properly. It can be difficult and expensive to get rid of them.
Keeping Squirrels from Digging in PlantsSquirrels can cause a lot of damage in plant containers and the garden. This page is about keeping squirrels from digging in plants.
How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?Whether you are looking for a cleaner or starting your own business, determining the average cleaning rates is a main consideration. This is a page about how much does house cleaning cost.
Cleaning Yellow Bleach Stains in a Plastic...Sometimes using bleach on plastic can result in yellow stains. If this has happened to your bathtub it can be difficult if not impossible to remove the stains. This is a page about removing yellow bleach stains in a plastic bathtub.
Preventing and Killing Weeds Between BricksSeeds will land and germinate in your brick driveway, walkway or patio. This page is about preventing and killing weeds between bricks.
Refilling a Comforter?This is a page about refilling a comforter. If the fabric on your comforter is still in good shape, but the filling is getting lumpy, try refilling it.
Tiny Orange Biting Bugs Near Pool?If you have issues with tiny, orange bugs around your pool, you aren't alone. It isn't easy to enjoy your pool when you are being bitten by bugs. This is a page about tiny orange biting bugs near pool.
Getting Rid of Invisible Biting BugsWhen you are having trouble identifying what insect is biting you, they can be difficult to get rid of. This is a page about getting rid of invisible biting bugs.
Removing Mothball Odor from ClothingThis page is about removing mothball odor from clothing. It is great that there is no moth damage on those clothes, but getting rid of the smell can be a challenge.
Treating a Kitten with Eye DischargeSome pet ailments can safely be treated at home whereas others need to be referred to a vet to determine the cause and proper treatment. This is a page about treating a kitten with eye discharge.
Removing Rust from Well Water?Well water can contain rust. Not only does rust in your water make the water reddish, unappetizing, and possibly bad tasting it can also stain laundry and other items. This is a page about removing rust from well water.
Making a Mosquito TrapTo keep mosquitoes from ruining a picnic or camping trip, it is nice to have an enticing trap to lure them away from you. This page is about making a mosquito trap.
Social Security and Back Child SupportThis is a page about Social Security and back child support. Certain types of government programs can have their disbursements garnished for child support.
Finding Glider Chair Replacement CushionsMany glider chairs have fabric upholstered cushions that may need to be replaced long before the chair itself. This is a page about finding glider chair replacement cushions.
ASPCA Pet Vaccination Truck ScheduleIn some places like New York City, the ASPCA has mobile vaccination trucks that service neighborhoods on a set schedule. This page has links and information about the ASPCA's mobile vaccination truck schedules.
Minimum Payments to Avoid CollectionsMaking minimum payment to keep an account from going into collections is good way to ensure your credit score does not drop unnecessarily. If you can make minimum payments to avoid collections it's usually a good idea.
Orioles No Longer Visiting Feeder?I have been feeding about four Baltimore Orioles since spring and now my feeder has sat untouched for days. I was re-filling it every other day as they were literally waiting in line to feed, now it looks like they've moved on.
Repairing a Sofa Bed FrameThis is a page about repairing a sofa bed frame. The frame on a sofa bed can become damaged from use.
Cleaning a Gas Oven?Cleaning an oven, while necessary, is probably one of the least exciting household cleaning jobs. This is a page about cleaning a gas oven.
Slipcovers for Reclining CouchesFinding slipcovers for your reclining couch may be difficult. This is a page about slipcovers for reclining couches.
Washer Does Not Spin Water Out of ClothesHaving a washer full of wet clothes because it is not spinning all of the water out is frustrating. This is a page about washer does not spin water out of clothes.
Finding a Veterinarian That Accepts PaymentsIt is very stressful to have a pet in need of veterinary treatment and not have the cash for the visit. Finding a practice that will accept payments can be difficult. This is a page about finding a veterinarian that accepts payments.
Leaning a Ladder Against a Roof...This is a page about leaning a ladder against a roof without crushing gutters. When you need to make repairs or clean gutters, your ladder needs to lean on the house often against the gutters.
Removing Sulfur Smell from a Well Water System?Well water can be the best water you have ever tasted, but sometimes it can have a strong, unpleasant sulfur odor. This is a page about removing sulfur smell from a well water system.
Finding Plumbing Repair Help for Low Income Homeowners?This is a page about finding plumbing repair help for low income homeowners. Plumbing repairs may be too expensive for many low income homeowners. However they are quite necessary for health and even safety. Finding a source of assistance to reduce the costs can help.
Removing Denture Adhesive from Your MouthDenture adhesive can remain stuck to your gums and the roof of your mouth after taking out your dentures. This is a page about removing denture adhesive from my mouth.
Keeping Copperhead Snakes Out of Your YardThis is a page about keeping Copperhead snakes out of your yard. Finding venomous snakes in your yard can be very scary.
Rates for Cleaning New Construction HomesThis is a page about rates for cleaning new construction homes. Cleaning businesses often focus on specific types of cleaning jobs, such as private homes, businesses, or new construction.
New Era Medicare Supplemental Insurance...Determining what is the best medicare supplemental insurance for you requires some research. This page contains New Era medicare supplemental insurance reviews.
Cooking Corn on the Cob in a MicrowaveThis is a page about cooking corn on the cob in a microwave. Corn on the cob can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Freezing Hot DogsThis is a page about freezing hot dogs. You can take advantage of sale prices on hot dogs by buying them in quantity and freezing them.
Finding Free or Low Cost Pet Clinics in...When looking for veterinarian services it helps to find a clinic you can afford. This page is about finding free or low cost pet clinics in California.
Cleaning of Footprints on Laminate FloorThis is a page about cleaning footprints on laminate floor. Hard surface floors such as wood, tile, and laminate can show water spots, foot prints, and the like on your flooring. Using the right cleaner will remove footprints and other smudges on your flooring.
Remodeling A Mobile HomeThis is a page about remodeling a mobile home. Remodeling a mobile home is not the same as working on a stick built house, but still maybe the better alternative to buying a new home.
Making Concrete Stepping StonesMaking your own stepping stones is a fun project and a way to create unique stones for your garden. This is a page about making concrete stepping stones.
Identifying Flying InsectsThere are a variety of small insects that can be bothersome around the house and yard. Use these tips to help identify and mitigate common tiny insects. This is a page about identifying flying insects.
Buy Now, Pay Later WebsitesBuy now, pay later websites offer an alternative to shopping using a credit or debit card. This is a page about buy now, pay later websites.
My Debit Card Was Stolen and Used Online?I have recently had my credit/debit card number stolen and used online. Between May 27-31st over $1000.00 of charges were made. I was alerted to this by a letter from my bank saying that I was .32 cents overdrawn.
Use WD40 to Get Rid of Carpenter BeesSolvents and oils can often be detrimental to the health of insects. WD40 when sprayed on most insects will kill them. This is a page about how to get rid of carpenter bees.
Removing Rust Stains from a BathtubRust stains can get on your tub either from old plumbing or from metal objects left sitting around the edge. These stains can be removed from your tub by using the proper cleaning products. This is a page about removing rust stains from a bathtub.
