Frugality And A Question Of MoralsI recently voiced my opinion, maybe too loudly, on a post about asking for extra condiments when dining out. I felt keeping extra condiments automatically given to you was OK, while asking for extras to increase your at home stockpile was not.
Do These Little Things Really Add Up?We're governed by our habits, and while some of them are simply irksome, others serve a purpose. After coaxing the last spurt of shampoo from the bottle, do you add water and swish out whatever is left?
Using Fleece for CurtainsYou can use polar fleece for curtains. Fleece throw are often inexpensive and they can cover and insulate a window or doorway.
Slip-proof Your Lap DeskIf things tend to slide around and off of your lap desk learn how to make it slip-proof. All you will need are some glue sticks and a hot glue gun.
Taxidermy AdviceIf someone wants to have a small carcass stuffed you can sometimes keep it well wrapped in your freezer. Make a place separate from your food.
Helping People During the PandemicBe aware of your neighbors and their possible needs during this time when all people can not safely move about freely. There are many ways we can help others.
DIY Paper Towel Sheet Saver Using a Tissue BoxRegular size paper towel sheets can be cut in half and dispensed from an empty tissue box. The box can even be made to fit on your existing paper towel holder. Many clean up jobs can easily be done with the smaller sheet.
Relationship AdviceYou need to be honest with yourself and take a good look at what you really want in your relationships with others. Good communication and respect go a long way for developing a healthy relationship.
Duck Eggs Scattered Away from Active Mallard Nest?We have a mallard duck who has made her nest under a lilac bush in our back yard. She has been sitting on it for about 4 days. The weird thing is every one of these four days we have found random eggs in our yard. Are these bad eggs that's she getting rid of? We have not touched them hoping she'll move them to her nest. These four eggs are all within two or three feet of each other.
Using a Typewriter?Although typewriters are not used by many people anymore, some people enjoy using them for art projects and correspondence. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your typewriter.
Reusing Inner Lining from Cereal or CrackersThe inner lining found in many cereal and cracker boxes can be put to a wide variety of second uses, from crafts to food prep and storage. This page contains a selection of excellent ideas for reusing these liners.
Reusing a Tissue HolderTurn a plastic canvas tissue box holder into a pretty floral display. Yet another example of repurposing as an inexpensive decorating technique.
Finding An Old Friend?The internet can provide many tools for searching for a lost friend. Before paying money, try searching through free social media sites.
Repurpose Charcoal from Spent Water Filter CartridgesThis page offers some good suggestions of repurposing the charcoal from your water filter cartridges. One way to use it is to add to your cat's litterbox.
Propping a Refrigerator Door OpenIf your refrigerator door keeps closing on your head while you are trying to put groceries away or remove food for lunch, this page contains a tip for an inexpensive temporary fix.
From Freezer's Floor to Garden's DoorTransform wooden freezer floor grates into an integral part of your garden. They make excellent fencing and trellises. Learn how with this step by step tutorial.
Dealing with Friends Fighting?Fighting with friends or close friends who don't get along can be very stressful. We can have disagreements, but it is not always easy to make up and get along.
Getting Your Life in OrderIf things in your life get overwhelming, take a step back to decide what is most important. The best way to get your life in order is to take small steps and establish a routine.
Caring for Wild Ducklings?If you find abandoned duckings the best choice it to contact your local wildlife rescue organization. If that is not possible there is information on the web about emergency care procedures for a baby duck. Be sure to research duckling care before you attempt to feed or house them.
Hosting a Book Exchange PartyHost a book exchange party for neighbors, friends, and family. It is a fun way to trade used books for ones you have not read. Some suggestions for planning a book exchange party are found on this page.
Celebrating Holidays Away From HomeThe holidays are a time that traditionally centers around family get togethers, but as family members move away new traditions can replace the old one. Perhaps a telecommunications video chat app can allow everyone to sit down to a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal together.
Ways to Make Christmas Less Lonely and More Fun?If you live alone or far away from family Christmas can be a very lonely time. This page contains suggestions for ways to make it less lonely and more fun, such as volunteering, inviting neighbors over, movies, games, etc.
Reusing Water from Boiling EggsWhen hardboiled eggs are made, they usually have a large quantity of water to be drained out. This water can be added to recipes or houseplants for extra calcium. Check out the other ideas on this page.
RepurposeAn artist at heart, my brother loved doing home renovations. He also loved teaching me the basics, like how to use a power drill. This skill has played an essential role in my frugal living. Many of my frugal habits center around repurposing. It is finding another meaning in something, whether it retains its current form or not, and whether it is carefully preserved or eventually discarded.
Living on a BudgetMy boyfriend and I live in Southeastern KY. We are both disabled and living on disability. We have to budget everything, from electricity to groceries, every month. We are members of several store loyalty programs that automatically apply coupons to your purchase, which helps a lot. You can also use clip coupons along with that to add extra savings. Just about every store has a loyalty program now and you should be able to easily sign up online or at the store itself, just ask a clerk.
Living in the BoondocksWe live in the country and it is 45 miles away from any grocery store. The first thing we do is to make a shopping list and only go shopping once a month. Our doctors are 180 miles from our home so, when we have a doctor's appointment, we check the shopping ads for the stores in that town and buy what we know we will use and stock up on those items at those stores. We go to a Sprouts at those times and stock up on sale meat items because they are organic or Kosher, due to my allergies.
Country Meets CityWhen I was five, we would travel from Hamilton to Roebuck to see my dad's parents. We loved it there, even though there was no running water or any thing fancy. There was a built in toilet, like an outside outhouse. I remember my aunt carrying the pail to dump, she hated it. She would have to feed the pigs and other animals. We would follow her around.
I Hope You Dance to HeavenMy sister was diagnosed with cancer in the year 2000. She was not expected to live over one year, but God gave us seven years to watch her journey through this cancer and her spiritual journey to Heaven. The last Thanksgiving that my sister was on this Earth, she was wheelchair-bound and I was asked by her to prepare Thanksgiving dinner for her and her family.
The Christmas Tree GrinchMy father bought our Christmas tree every year on Christmas Eve. My father, well, he was a bit of a Grinch when it came to purchasing a tree. He didn't want to spend money for a tree that was only going to be up for one week. It was his money; after all, we were spending.
Use Binder Clips for Hanging ArtworkBinder clips are an easy way to hang artwork, especially small items. Once you attach it to the artwork, simply hang the clip on a pushpin or a nail.
Pinch Those Pennies When You're YoungMy great aunt and uncle were very frugal. They made their own furniture out of pressed wood. They had a schematic of the property, where every wire was buried outside, location of all piping, cable etc. They ordered kitchen cabinets to put together themselves and bought parts for repairs in bulk; plumbing, sprinkler, electricity, basically anything that could break and need repaired. They bought the best quality gloss enamel paint so everything was easy to maintain with washing.
Finally Starting Out Being ThriftyMy partner and I are on SSDI with SNAP and I am enforcing a budget for 4 people in this household. We consume a lot of tea so we get the gallon bags on our main shopping trip. My partner brews it up in a large Dutch oven like pot and makes 2 gallons out of that, one for him and one for the rest of us.
A Fortnight's Lost IncomeThis is a story from my past, which taught me that when you have to you can do it! It was the day after payday and I had the cash on the table, working out where it would be going. There was a knock at the door so I hid the cash. It was an hour or so before I got back to my budgeting task. Unfortunately, I had forgotten where I'd put the money!
Recycled Maxwell House Coffee CaddyWith a handful of binder clips and some empty Maxwell House coffee containers you can make yourself this handy caddy.
Refurbishing a Fire PitSome crafters really enjoy refurbishing other folks' trash or freebies and giving them new life. This page shows you how to refurbish a discarded fire pit and make it into a glass topped table.
Uses For Windshield Sun ShadesThe sunshades designed to be used inside your vehicle can also be drafted for use in other situations. This page contains some interesting alternative uses for windshield sun shades.
Black Bear Photos and InformationThe American black bear, Ursus americanus, is the most familiar and commonly seen bear in North America. While omnivorous they also eat fish, mammals, and carrion. They like human food as well. They will approach campers, hikers, and rural homes in search of food. While interesting to sight, caution needs to used if you encounter one. Do not approach wild bears, especially cute little cubs, whose mom is surely close by. Read more about black bears and view some photos on this page.
Reusing Plastic BottlesSo many products are packaged in plastic bottles. Finding creative and practical ways to reuse them is a good practice and a way to reduce plastic pollution. This page contains some ideas for reusing plastic bottles.
Getting a Black Snake to Leave the Basement?I love black snakes in the outdoors. However I recently found a 5 foot snakeskin in my unfinished basement. There is a Frenchdoor that we enter and exit in the basement. I know he's still there as we have had no mice upstairs and living in 27 acres of woods gives us lots of mice. Will he come upstairs and kill my 10 lb. Morkie? What should I do? How do I get him back outside?
Curb Shopping Tips and TricksSometimes you run across discarded items on the side of the street that may be useful for you. This page contains curb shopping tips and tricks.
Finding an Agency to Help with Free School Desks in Uganda?We have a charity school in Uganda where we are providing students with free educational services, but we are having a problem with a lack of desks. They have to squeeze themselves like five people on one desk. I would like someone to help us with free desks so that we can create a conducive learning environment for them. Any suggestions?
Finding Donated Fabric for Youth Training Program?We are training youths who are school dropouts but we are limited with the fabric. Can someone help with suggestions on how to find some free fabric to equip the youths with tailoring skills.
Selling Household ItemsMost of us end up with numerous items both large and small, never used or gently used that we want to get rid of in our efforts to declutter. This page contains some very helpful tips for selling household items.
Saving Money on Alarm SystemsHome alarm systems can vary in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars, including installation, monitoring, monthly fees, and other services. Shopping around may help find the provider that fits your budget or you can research homeowner installed systems, which cost less and can be monitored by you.
Recalling Childhood MemoriesThere may be no time travel as depicted in science fiction stories or movies, but our memories of earlier times in our lives can often be quite vivid. They can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or just a desire to travel back to our childhood through our memories of those days gone by. We spend a few moments there and return to the present better for the fond memories.
Replacing a Missing Cap or LidIt is frustrating when a container's lid goes missing. Often lids and caps from other containers will fit.
DIY Projects Using PVC PipeSo many things can be made from PVC pipes. From a beach wheelchair to a garden tunnel for climbing plants, this page is full of ideas to try.
Reusing Paper Towels and NapkinsIf you are not ready to quit using paper towels, one way to reduce waste is to consider reusing ones that have been used perhaps to wipe up water or dry your hands. Relatively clean ones are perfect for a spill on the floor or other messier jobs. Remember reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Recycling or Disposing of Plastic Water Bottle Caps?For the last 3 years I have been collecting water bottle caps, from work at a car dealership, thinking it was for St Jude's, for cancer research. Now I have 1000s and 1000s of them at home in black plastic bags. I don't know what to do with them. Does anyone have an idea where to discard them?
Recycling Dentures?While there are not recycling options within the United States, there is a program in Japan that recycles dentures. The program recycles the metal found in the dentures and donates the profits to UNICEF.
106 Ways to Save in the KitchenThere are numerous ways you can save money with regards to your kitchen including reducing the cost of food, eliminating the use of disposable items such as paper napkins, growing a veggie garden, and more. This page contains several essays that outline 106 ways to save in the kitchen.
Organizations That Help Disabled People Get Furniture?A disability can leave you financially unable to meet the cost of new furniture. There are organizations that can assist disabled citizens get new and used furniture.
Agencies That Help the Elderly Get Household Items?I am in search of household items for an elderly patient who is leaving the hospital today. I found out she has nothing. She needs clothes or bedding, sheets, towels, plants, dishes, and household items lightly used. I am wanting to help out, but cannot afford to personally.
Getting Canvas Donations for a Girl Scout Project?My daughter is good at art. For her Girl Scout project, she was thinking of creating oil paintings and donating her paintings to a non-profit organization. She and her group of friends are aiming to make 60 paintings on 24"x30" or bigger canvas. Where can she go and ask for canvas donations?
Uses for Old Plastic Inhaler Dispensers?Does anyone have uses for old plastic inhaler dispensers. I use them on top of my bamboo canes as a safety measure to protect my eyes from being poked when I'm gardening. I've been prodded a few times! But not any more. '
Donating Campbell's Soup LabelsThe "Labels for Education" program through Campbells has ended.
https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/faq/how-do-i-find-out-information-on-the-campbells-labels-for-education-program/
Repurposing Yogurt Container for Bow/Headband StorageYogurt containers are versatile and plentiful storage containers. They can easily be used to stage things like hair ties and bows.
Reading Informational SignsSigns posted in businesses and other areas often contain good information about the location you are at or the facilities available there. Taking a moment to read these signs can be very helpful and informative.
Donating a Pair of Shoes in Two Sizes?I have 2 different sized feet, so I have opposite shoes with no home. Is there a place I can send them?
Using Coffee Grounds to Clean Shoes?Do fresh ground coffee grounds clean shoes?
Make a Difference By Picking Up TrashLook around your neighborhood. There are probably many places where trash can accumulate, even if it's inadvertently. Grab a trash bag and go on a little walk. Picking up the little bits of trash you find along the way will help make where you live little nicer and it's quite rewarding.
Make a Funnel from a Plastic BottleIt's easy to make a makeshift funnel from any recycled plastic bottle. Select a bottle with an opening the proper size for easier use.
Financial Help for Moving Expenses for the Disabled?I am disabled and 56 years old and I have been living with my parents for the past 7 years. They don't want me here anymore because I get hurt so easily in doing all they require of me to do. I need to move anyway because their basement is cold and has bugs and is not fit for me to try to survive in any longer. Is there a place that would be willing to help me move from Springfield to Joplin?
Focusing on GratitudeFinding people, circumstances, and things that you are grateful for will help you focus on gratitude. How we look at our situation, will determine our own happiness, and ability to live in the present moment.
Hiding Jewelry Behind ArtworkOne way to hide your jewelry is on the backside of a framed painting or photo on the wall.
Keeping a Gratitude JournalKeeping track of what you are grateful for can be done in a journal. You can use an extra datebook or diary for this purpose.
Finding Fabric Donations for Charity?We are a small group of volunteers working for Carers of Africa. We need 100 percent cotton material/cut pieces, satin ribbons 3/8 inches, and hotel soap to make sanitary items for young girls. Can someone please help with suggestions for finding donations?
Reusing Cereal Liners in the KitchenThe wax bags that line a cereal box can be reused to keep food fresh, or even as mini trash bags. They make excellent freezer bags.
Recycling Worn Out Clothing?You can use old worn out clothing for rags once the buttons and zippers are removed. You may have a craft use for some of the undamaged fabric pieces.
Using Recycled Paper for NotesThere are many pieces of paper that come your way that you can cut and reuse for lists and notes. This can save you money and reduce your waste.
Lessons From BakingShare your love of baking with others. Cooking can teach us all sorts of life lessons, such as following directions, measuring, caution and patience. Your family also gets to enjoy the end product too.
Use Drawer and Shelf Liner to Open JarsNon slip liners for shelves and drawers can be used to help open tough lids on jars. It's a great way to repurpose the last of the roll.
Garden Uses for an Empty Pool Filter?I have this empty pool filter and I want to turn it into something in my garden. Any ideas?
Bird That Would Reuse a Robin Nest?I have a robin nest on my patio eave that was built and used last year by a robin. This year it is being used by a different kind of bird (smaller, very noisy). Any idea what kind of bird it could be? (I live in the Appleton, WI area). I was thinking it might be a purple martin. I don't see well enough to tell for sure.
Reporting a Business That Doesn't Have a Permit?Business permits are required in most places for any sort of commerical transactions. Food businesses often have much stricter guidelines to ensure food safety.
Finding a Half Sibling?I am trying to find my oldest brother, Luke, born in 1987 whom I've never met. He is my father's son. My dad didn't have much to do with him. All I know is that he was born and I think may still live there in Victoria Australia. I have no clue as to how to find him. I've tried Facebook and his surname is either Walsh or Welsh.
Finding Old Free Used Tires?I am looking for free used 235/75/R 15 tires. Does anyone know where I can get some? I will pick them up in Phoenix.
Recycled Plastic Bottle Phone SpeakerInside listening can easily be enhanced a bit by recycling a plastic bottle into a speaker to amplify the music coming from your cell phone.
Inspirational QuotesThere are so many different inspirational quotes from different sources such as; historical figures, literature, modern actors, pundits and politicians. If you have a favorite quote that has inspired you, please share it here.
Using Nail Polish to Identify KeysIf you have keys that are difficult to tell apart, use nail polish to mark them. You can just add a dot in the middle or you can try to get fancy if you wish.
Apologizing to Your Parents After a Fight?When tempers flare, we can say the wrong thing and make matters much worse. Apologies must be sincere and listening to others is an important skill we need to develop. This is a page about apologizing to your parents after a fight.
Uses for Sara Lee Lunch Meat ContainersReusable plastic containers are often found with cold cuts and ready made foods at the grocery store. Save them and use them for leftovers or storage later.
Survivability of Baby Bird Pushed from a NestWhen you come across an abandoned baby bird, a wildlife center may be its best chance for survival. This is a page about survivability of baby bird pushed from a nest.
Donating vs SellingIf you are purging things from your closets and garage, you need to decide whether or not to try to sell before donating. This page disucsses donating vs selling.
Using Recycled Lanterns As PlantersRepurpose lantern frames with plants to hang or place on your patio or porch. This is a page about using recycled lanterns as planters.
How to Make a Recycled PhotophoreSolid gel air fresheners usually have a nice floral or geometrical pattern under the plastic film. Once it has dried out, you can add a LED votive candle to make a small light. This is a page about how to make a recycled photophore.
My Daughter Missed Mass on Holy Thursday?As you know, this week is holy week. Does anyone know if my daughter should go to confession if she missed mass on Holy Thursday? I told her it would be longer than usual (as Holy Thursday masses are an hour longer) and she had refused to go. She claimed the reason was "I'm tired" which is not a good reason to miss mass.
Using Drinking Straw as Small Travel ContainersRepurpose a fat straw as containers for shampoo, lotions, etc. so you can travel with small amounts of your favorites. This is a page about using drinking straw as small travel containers.
Prescription Bottle Auto Air FreshenerA great way to reuse your prescription bottles is as a car air freshener. You can drill holes in the lid and put some scented oil on cotton balls inside it. This is a page about prescription bottle auto air freshener.
Using Sunglasses as Cell Phone EaselYou can turn your sunglasses upside down to make a makeshift stand for your cell phone to watch videos. This is a page about using sunglasses as cell phone easel.
Removing Prescription Bottle LabelsPrescription bottles are handy to use for storing small items but it is desirable to remove the labels first. This is a page about removing prescription bottle labels.
Microwave Glass Tray as DIY Lazy SusanRepurpose the plate and revolving stand from a non-working microwave to make a lazy Susan for condiments, or other things. This is a page about using a microwave glass tray as DIY lazy Susan.
Frugal Living ComicsHere is a collection of humorous comics about frugal matters, illustrated by Donny Yankellow. This page contains frugal living comics.
Uses for Pop TabsThe aluminum tabs from soda cans have many uses, from securing lightweight wall hangings to increasing wardrobe space in your closet. This page contains a variety of ways you can reuse these pull tabs.
Hanging Curtains in a CarAn easy way to add car curtains is with rods, small hooks and semi-transparent kitchen window curtains. They can give shade without obstructing the driver's view. This is a page about hanging curtains in a car.
Keeping Your Cell Phone DryToday's smartphones are becoming more and more water resistant but it is still best to keep them dry to avoid damage. This is a page about keeping your cell phone dry.
Business Card Holder as a Phone StandThis is a handy trick for the office or a nightstand and can be much cheaper than an expensive phone stand. This page is about using a business card holder as a phone stand.
Repurposing an Old Pole Lamp?What can I make out of an old pole lamp?
Moving a Pigeon Egg?Sometimes birds will choose a nesting site that is dangerous for their eggs or simply in the wrong spot around your home. Some research can help to successfully move the nest and egg(s) and prevent similar nesting in the future. This page offers some helpful suggestions for moving a pigeon egg.
Use a Lipstick Cap as a ThimbleThe plastic caps from lipstick tubes and other small round containers can be repurposed in a number of ways. This page suggests using a lipstick cap as a thimble.
Educational Resources for SeniorsBesides the public library, there are many online resources available for continuing education. This is a page about educational resources for seniors.
Alternative Uses for Fleece Blankets?There are a variety of ways you can use a fleece blanket to create a blind, stop a draft, or repurpose the fabric to make other things. This is a page about alternative uses for a fleece throw.
Saving Money by Cutting Sponges in HalfFeel good about throwing away dirty sponges regularly by getting twice as many with this simple trick. This is a page about saving money by cutting sponges in half.
Mamma Duck Won't Sit on Eggs Inside an Enclosure?I had a Muscovy duck lay eggs in my front yard about 2 months ago and they got destroyed by a predator (probably a raccoon). So when I saw the nest getting used again and there were 12 eggs in it with the mother sitting on them, I kept an eye on it. Later 4 of the eggs were eaten. I built a cage around the area using simple strips of wood and chicken wire. But now she won't sit on the nest.
Using Security CamerasModern security cameras are inexpensive and easy to use. Many send videos directly to a smartphone. This is a page about using security cameras.
