Cup and Saucer Planter Gift
I would love receiving a gift like this! Phyllis, do you use a special glue to attach the cup and saucer, or just regular household glue like Elmers glue?
Cup and Saucer Planter Gift
I have always called these plants Hen and Chicks because the bigger rosette (Hen) always has little baby rosettes (chicks). It is ideal for this craft because it is a drought tolerant, succulent plant that doesnt require a lot of water. It also doesnt require...
Quick Tea Towel Angels
I love this idea! I always need towels and think this would be a great gift to give or receive. Cant wait for Mothers Day now that I have the idea!
Summer Activities for Teachers?
How about volunteering at a local animal shelter to walk the dogs? They get the exercise and fresh air and so do you! Or, you could volunteer your services to shop for senior citizens or take them shopping (you combine your love of shopping but dont spend your...
Creating a Fishing Room?
Michele, for some cute wall decorations take a look at the website www.tatouagedesigns.com they have rub-on wall decals of a fishing theme with a net, poles, lures, creel, ect.
Stocking Up on Groceries?
Im not sure if this is it or not? Set aside $5 a week to buy the specific items each week. You will have a kitty set aside that you put the $5 in and you cant touch it for any reason but to buy the food storage item for that week. Put in the remaining change...
Stocking Up on Groceries?
Karen, To start out, I would take a quick inventory of what you have in your pantry/cupboards already. Get out all your cookbooks or favorite recipes and meal plan with what you have on hand. Then, get your sale papers and meal plan with what is on sale. I...
Stocking Up on Groceries?
Carol, the list is just a suggested idea for stocking up a pantry with an extra five dollars a week. With your other grocery funds you would buy other items as each person sees fit, such as fruits and vegetables. I dont follow the list exactly as printed, but...
What Pets Do You Have?
Ruby, shes a three year old Norwich Terrier, spoiled rotten, likes tummy rubs and eating. Reba is a two year old mixed German Shorthair that everyone says looks like a whippet mix; she loves to play and run, run, run!
Hawaiian Themed Party?
There is a website that has very inexpensive luau items; go to www.orientaltrading.com. Congratulations on your college graduation!
Staffordshire Terrier Name Ideas?
Alaina, will Boomer be used for breeding? That is usually where the big, fancy names come into when registering your dog with the AKC. If Boomer is a family pet and it really isnt important to you to have the big, fancy name, then just name him Boomer V as...
Kids' Cut and Paste Cookbook
Awesome, Debra! What a great idea for people to share their love of cooking with kids of all ages!
One Red Wall?
Treasure, I have never painted a wall red, but I have heard that you should use a grey primer underneath to get the best coverage. Maybe someone with a little more experience could post and let you know for sure? As to your color choices for the other walls...
Small Christmas Gift Ideas for Customers?
How about making some personalized wraps that you wrap around miniature hershey candy bars? There is a site called www.alenkasprintables.com that has free printables that you can use; there are even bookmarks that you could print off if you would like to go...
Broken Cane Backed Chairs?
Hi, Holly! I think that it is a wonderful idea to re-do your chairs yourself. I think that recycling and re-using is a great idea; it not only saves money but keeps things out of the landfills. Your idea to attach a padded board to the front is wonderful, but...
Broken Cane Backed Chairs?
Hi Holly, I must have mislead you, not intentionally of course. My chair is not a dining chair, but an upholstered side chair. The picture is not the greatest, sorry. I have re-upholstered kitchen chairs that only needed the seat material changed out, and that...
Making a Kitchen Splash Guard?
How about a mosiac tiled effect? I have never tried this myself, but have seen broken dish pieces used with some adhesive, and then grouted in between. It would be very inexpensive if you went to the resale shop for the dishes or bought garage sale dishes, wrap...
The Gift of Soup!
Carrie, your label is so cute; what a nice finishing touch for your gifts. Did you create this label on your own or did you use some software or a download? Thank you for sharing your creative idea!
Christmas Cards for Kindergarten Kids?
A website that I use is www.alenkasprintables.com they have free downloadables to print and personalize little wrappers for mini candy bars, maybe you could wrap up some of the candy for your students to include in their cards.
Building Self Esteem?
Steven, Be proud of who you are, because there is NO ONE else in the world like you. You need to project how you want to be perceived. Make eye contact with people and smile, smiles are contagious! Compliment people with sincerity, look for something good to...
Aleef Adam - A Happy Guy
Rose, you are so blessed!! What a beautiful baby, and he has such a gorgeous smile!
Friends, Fun, and a Frugal Christmas
Debbie, Since I am not very good at downloading patterns it didnt come out the correct size and will need to be enlarged. If you would like to email me with your address I will mail the full-size pattern to you. The instructions are: Materials: Antique white...
Burgundy Paint Didn't Work Out?
Why not try to keep the color that you have? Buy some glaze and mix it in with the paint that you have left then you can sponge paint, rag roll, or use a feather duster dipped in your glaze mixture and dab it all over the wall. You will have the color that...
Simple Candle Decorating Idea
Very beautiful, Mitzi. I am going to go to St. Vinnies resale shop and get the glass dish that I saw there, the box of shiny ornaments, and the mismatched candle sticks and make your arrangement! Thank you for the inspiration!
Caring for Your Skin?
I have been using Dove soap since I was a teenager. It is the only type of cleanser that I have been able to use that didnt make my sensitive skin break out. It has been 32 years and I am still using it; the good thing is that I can buy it at the Family Dollar...
Reusing Old Christmas Cards (Holiday Craft Idea)
Gayle, that is what Christmas is all about....family, fun, and making memories! Happy Holidays to you!
Cream Cheese Bacon Crescents
This recipe makes me want to have company over just so I can make this to serve them, thanks IMQT1962 & Robin!
Snowman Floral Bucket
This same idea would be cute on an aluminum paint can (Lowes sells them) and could be used to pack cookies in to give as a gift.
Expensive Gifts Are Not What Christmas Is About
I totally agree with you, Gepe. But, times are different now, parents are different, and so are the children. Children today seem to need to be entertained all the time by electronics. I, too, remember the oatmeal container doll cradle and my dad made me a...
Milk Crate Furniture
Now that is frugal! They seem to be very sturdy and last a long time, so why not? I would have to embellish a little bit and cover the end tables with fabric, and maybe a bedskirt to cover the crates that she built for her bed; old sheets bought from garage...
Dusty Rose Carpet?
Laurie, what color do you like? Would you like to have a monocromic scheme by staying in the rose hue? I had rose colored carpet and painted the walls in a similar color and it was just too much! You could choose any color; a sage green, a navy blue, grey would...
Gift Ideas for a Youth Minister?
Cheryl, I love your towns name, Peculiar. And, I also like your idea of a nice pen set. I thought it was a pretty boring gift too; until I, myself, actually received a very nice pen. It is my favorite pen to use, and is so much nicer than the cheap, disposable...
What is Gathering?
This is an idea from an old post: I use an easy way to gather fabric without the gathering thread breaking. Pull out both the bobbin and the top threads to a length longer than the piece to be gathered, and pull them to the right of the needle. Set the machine...
Changing My Profile?
Kristin, if it is a brand new profile under the blue bar at the top of the Thriftyfun page is a spot that says user login...look to the far right and click on register. The next screen will be a page to fill out with your information. If you are already a user...
Pennsylvania Christmas Charities?
I got this off the site http://www.stvincentdepaul.net if you need assistance with utility bills, a food box, or other financial assistance, please call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Help Line at (602)261-6878.
Drilling a Hole in a Mirror?
Tom, would it be possible for you to hang the metal sculpture with a thin gauge wire through its hanging bracket and somehow connect it to the top of the mirror?
English Pasties Recipe?
We have a local restaurant that claims they have the number 1 pasties in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). I think they do not, but, my best friend does! I use her crust recipe which is 3 cups flour, 1 stick of crisco shortening, 1 tablespoon of salt, blend with...
Selecting and Caring for Poinsettias
I find that the only poinsettia that is safe living with me is a FAKE one! I have never been able to take one of those beautiful, living plants and have it last past Christmas. I saw one once that was planted outside in Florida and had grown about five feet...
Santa Soap
This is a very ingenious idea! Thank you for sharing it. I would never have thought to use the bath mesh for the beard!
Reduce Energy Costs
I would love it, just once, to see that little wheel in the meter box to quit spinning!
Santa Soap
Thanks again, Cindy, for your idea. I just got done making one for my friend and it came out so cute!
Uses for Unwanted Artificial Christmas...
You could also use the branches and shape them into a wreath to hang on your door.
Repairing Dining Room Chairs Vs. Buying New?
Hi Holly, I can understand your dilemma about your dining chairs. I had a set that my grandmother had given me that was about 40 years old. I stripped and refinished the table and the hutch but I didnt bother with the chairs. They were very wobbly and I sat...
Repairing Dining Room Chairs Vs. Buying New?
This is in response to jmz2005 and the broken cane backed chair. Maybe you could make a slip cover (like a big pillow case) and slide it over the back of the chair to hide the broken part. Or, cut fabric to the shape, fold over the cut edge, and hot glue it...
Master Grocery List?
Set aside $5 a week to buy the specific items each week. You will have a kitty set aside that you put the $5 in and you cant touch it for any reason but to buy the food storage item for that week. Put in the remaining change back into the kitty. Some things...
Is it financially practical to get a fishing license?
I think it would be better to pay for a license than have to pay for a ticket when you are caught by DNR officers for fishing without a license!
Paper Bag Santa Puppet
I dont have children to make a puppet with, but I am going to use your idea and turn the bag over and make a gift bag!
Kitchy Kitchen Wallpaper
This is a very cute idea for a kitchen. I have seen other rooms in a house wallpapered with pages from books. A very frugal way to recycle and decorate!
Kid's Presents For Mom?
Wow, Chelsi, you got your mom a beauty basket, snowglobe, cookbooks, and chocolate for her stocking, and you say thats it, like it isnt enough?! You are stressing yourself out over gift-giving, and that is exactly what it is NOT about. I like the suggestion...
West Virginia Christmas Charities?
www.angelfoodministries.org has a listing for West Virginia: BIG SPRINGS Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church (304) 354-6951 CHARLESTON McKinnon Presbyterian Church www.mckinnonpresby.org (304) 744-2815 GASSAWAY Mid State Church of God (304) 364-8781 GLENVILLE...
Easy Holiday Recipes?
Cranberry Salad: 2 cans of whole cranberry sauce 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained 1 small package frozen strawberries Mix all together, chill, serve.
What Type of Squash is This? (Strange Zucchini)
Did you purchase this in a store, or did you grow it yourself? My brother has a vegetable garden and at the end of the season does not pick all of the yellow and zucchini squash, the following year some of them had self seeded and he had a cross between the...
What kind of tree is this? (Bald Cypress?)
I would call the Department of Natural Resources and ask them what kind of tree it is; if they dont know themselves they always know who to ask!
Homemade Candy Wrapper Wedding Favors?
Taira, I use a site called www.alenkasprintables.com to print candy bar wrappers and other things like teabag envelopes and jiffy pop covers. They have a free section or you can pay to get even more choices.
Selling Crafts in Front of Your House?
Oh, I am sure there are laws about such things. I think you should call your city offices and ask someone there. You will probably get a person that doesnt have a clue, but maybe they can refer you to someone else. Plan to spend some time on the phone, especially...
Lipton Onion Soup Mix (Copycat)
Don, thank you! I have had this mix recipe for a while but never made it because I didnt know the equivalent to the store bought mix; now I can finally quit buying the expensive store bought stuff!
What Should I Name My Dog?
Cookie. It is the only thing my dog will come running to! Her real name is Ruby Jewell, aka Ruby J, Pork Chop (she has a weight issue), Scrappy-doo & Boo Boo, all names that she chooses to ignore. But, I yell COOKIE and she will come a-runnin (hence, the weight...
Uses for Wrapping Paper?
Emily, I remember my grandma saving all of her wrapping paper to reuse the next year! I think that some of the papers that I have seen would be pretty enough to frame or cover with clear laminate and make placemats from it. I had paper that had country looking...
Plastic Cutting Boards for Meat
While growing up, my mom used a wood cutting board, and I have used a wood cutting board all of my adult life. I have had the same one for 25 years now, I scrub it with disinfecting dish soap immediately after use, and let it dry in the dish drain. I have never...
Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog
Absolutely adorable, Harlean. What a great craft to use up all those wire hangers!
Boosting Leftovers
I love leftovers and specifically make meals that will have leftovers to make into more meals! I liked the idea about adding more broth or tomatoes to the soup, how about thickening the leftover vegetable soup and making a crust and making a pot-pie with it...
Scotty (Greyhound)
What a gorgeous dog! He seems to be very comfortable with his new life and from the picture with your daughter you can tell he is very much loved.
Can you put wool blankets in the dryer?
Liz, I wouldnt even try it! I had a wool vest and I washed it and it came out fine, but then I threw it into the dryer and it came out doll sized. I would take it to the dry cleaners and have it cleaned professionally.
Mildew Smell When Removing Wallpaper?
Michelle, I have had a similar experience when I removed wallpaper. It was vinyl wallpaper and I imagine that soaking it in water to apply to the wall would lead to it developing a musty smell before it could completely dry. I know that some wallpapers have...
Gift Ideas for a Company Christmas Party Gift Exchange?
Karen, I just love that kind of gift exchange, it can get wildly funny. When I was at a party and we did this, I found the most popular gift was a basket with a bottle of wine, some glasses, and some snacks. There was also a basket with spa type items that...
Stuffing Envelope in the UK?
Jasvinder, I live in the States, and unfortunately, I have never had any luck with such a thing. If you go onto the internet and find something and apply, the next thing you know you are asked to send in money (okay, if I HAD money I wouldnt need to apply to...
Charlie Brown Costume
Carrie, he is absolutely adorable; he has the most beautiful eyes! I think your costume idea is cute, you are very creative, I would never have thought of doing that.
Painting Faux Finish Cabinets?
Is that faux walnut finish like a plastic type of contact paper? My moms (l980-ish) kitchen had that. I would think that the Krylon plastic paint would do a nice job. Take your cabinet doors off and spray outside to keep the fumes down. I have used the Krylon...
Flashlights that Don't Require Batteries
I live in a very remote area that gets very severe winter weather, I think this flashlight is a great idea and I plan to look for one the next trip to Walmart. I was also informed today that there is a radio that operates by winding it up and I plan to look...
Order Direct From Local Florists
Fran, you are so very right. I ordered flowers for my mother last Mothers Day with 1-800-florist # and when I called her she told me that the arrangement was the worst she had ever seen. After finding out how much I had spent on the arrangment she took it to...
Easier Thank You Notes
Guess how I got a thank you note from my nieces wedding? She mailed it along with her Christmas card six months later!
Christmas Gag Gift Ideas?
I dont know how clean the gag gifts need to be, but, if you go to www.kitchenmixgifts.com and click on gift ideas, then go to #8 for gag gifts they have some ideas and little poems that you can print out. For example, there is snowman poop, Grinch Toots, there...
Today's Entrées and Tomorrow's Sandwiches?
I love stretching two meals out of one! Fortunately for me, my husband doesnt mind leftovers. I also like to make turkey soup from leftover turkey, and beef/vegetable soup with leftover beef roast. I can usually stretch soup out for another extra day and get...
Small Dog With a Big Head?
I would go to http://www.akc.org and see if you can find your answer. I was thinking that maybe it is a Bishon Frise, I dont think that they really have a big head, but the way they are groomed they have a full, round face.
Transplanting Black-eyed Susans
I have transplanted Black-eyed Susans in the spring, summer and fall! There were times that I didnt even dig them up, I just yanked them out of the soil! They are pretty hardy and can withstand a lot. Even if they turn brown and look dead, keep them moist and...
Bleaching a Black Dress?
I agree with Grandma Margie and if you try to bleach the dress you will not be happy with the results. It will probably turn out to be a dirty gray color when you are finished, or worse, come out looking like a bad tie-dye attempt. If you still are determined...
Choosing a Floor and Countertops That Go Together?
I always like to start with a theme or something that I like and pull colors from that. For example, do you have dishes that you like the colors of, or a favorite cookie jar, or towels with colors that you like? White cabinets would go with any color you choose...
Homemade Christmas Presents for Adults?
Do you buy gifts for each adult or do you draw names and only have one gift to give? My husbands family has 8 adult siblings and seven adult kids so we draw names and on the slips we put a suggestion or two about what we would like or maybe what size we would...
Lap Dog Recommendations?
Hi Beth, I remember when I decided on getting a puppy and I did a lot of research before choosing a breed. The American Kennel Club has a wonderful site that tells you all about the different breeds. I think that Pomeranians would require a lot of brushing...
Miss Lady WillowBee (Papillion)
Liz, your little Willow is beautiful. Arent Papillions wonderful little dogs? They are so sweet, playful, and affectionate. My sister-in-law has two of the little darlings and they dont care who is loving them, they just want to give kisses to everyone! I am...
Gift Basket Ideas?
I love giving and getting homemade gift baskets! If you are really tight for money use a smaller basket and it fills much quicker. I buy baskets after Christmas when they are discounted and save them for the next year. To make my baskets look more professional...
Is Food Coloring Bad for Hummingbirds?
I dont find it necessary to add color to my hummingbird food, the feeder is red and attracts them. I also have plenty of flowers around that will attract them too; they absolutely love hanging baskets with Fuscia in them! I dont know if the red coloring is...
Motivation Tips for a Stay At Home Mom?
Celeste, I can relate to your issue about your husbands socks....it took me five years to get my husband to use the clothes hamper instead of the floor, another five years to get him to close the lid of the hamper. Even after all that time he would still leave...
Christmas Gift Ideas?
How about a movie theme? Get a small bowl from the dollar store, fill with shredded paper, a packet of microwave popcorn, a can of pop, a candy bar, and maybe a gift card for a movie at a local theater, wrap it up with clear cellophane wrap and a bow. There...
Publishing a Recipe Book?
If you are looking to publish a recipe book just for family and friends, not for public sale, I would find a printer in your local telephone book. I work at a small print shop that prints pages and covers, cuts them to fit, and uses bindery equipment to assemble...
Painted Window Welcome Sign
Just beautiful, Laurie! You have an awesome talent. I sure wish I were on your gift-giving list!
Crocheting With One Hand?
Diane, I would call the Goodwill Industries; they may know of somewhere or someone that could teach you. They have a lot of programs that help rehabilitate people and help them with job skills so, maybe, they have someone that would know how to teach crocheting...
Stiff Washcloths?
I have this problem too. I think it is a combination of the hard water that I have and soap build up in the cloth. I presoak them in vinegar and it cuts right through any soap build up. My vinyl shower curtain liner gets yucky soap build up too, I run it through...
Decorating a Shop Light for the Sewing Room
You are very creative, Pat! I never thought of using a shop light in my craft room, it sure would help with the eye strain from my late night crafting! Thanks for sharing your idea.
Making Paneling Look Like Drywall?
When my sister-in-law redecorated her mobile home she used drywall compound to fill in the lines of the paneling, sanded it all when it was dry, primed the walls, then painted. Some of the walls she wallpapered over. It came out really nice and she never had...
Twelve Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Books
I have seen lamps made out of a stack of books and I have seen a wall that was wallpapered from pages of old hardcover books. I use some of my favorite, old hardcover books stacked on top of one another with figurines on them and a bit of fake ivy around them...
Matching Paint Color?
Maybe you could take a picture of the wall up close with a polaroid camera? Myself, I have never had much luck with paint colors matching. When I painted my house I had all the paint mixed at the same time, by the same person, and it still was different between...
Explaining a Gap in My Resume?
I would think that rather than have a gap on your resume, that you should put down the dates and that you were caregiver; I would list the responsibilities that you had during that time. It may not have been financially gainful employment but it was work with...
Refurbishing Kitchen Cabinets?
Are your cabinets solid wood, plastic, or veneer? I have plywood cabinets in my kitchen and I took off all the doors and drawers and sanded, primed, and painted them. I also bought new knobs and pulls, but I spray painted the hinges to match the knobs and pulls...
Refurbishing Kitchen Cabinets?
Patti, I just found the post about the silverware drawer pulls. In the search box, type in A beautiful, unique kitchen makeover. You can see pictures of before and after!
Christmas Party Favors?
How about little mittens made from felt to put the silverware inside? Attach a little floss loop on the back and they could use it as an ornament on their tree.
My Frugal Life - Homemade Christmas Gifts
I absolutely LOVE homemade Christmas gifts; both giving and receiving. I like to do crafts, but I liked your idea about the Q-tips, soap, toothpaste, and other bath items. My family always uses the excuse that they cant give homemade gifts because they arent...
Poll: Do you have a sewing or craft room?
For some reason, I can never answer the poll. Yes, I do have a craft room, but it is also my guest room. I would like a room specifically for crafts and sewing so that I could just leave my projects until I can get back to them. My craft room is mainly used...
Activity Ideas For A Doggie Get-Together!
I dont know of any fun activities for the dogs, but some doggie bags with homemade dog treats would be fun to pass out to all those in attendance. Or, how about some of those layered mixes in a jar, so that the owners could make their own dog treats? I love...
Decorating My Apartment?
When I helped my brother-in-law decorate his apartment I tried to bring in some color into the otherwise bland room. I assume, like his apartment, that you cant paint the walls. I brought in throw pillows, a large area rug, and changed the drapes, saving the...
Decorating My Apartment?
Whoo-Wee! Cyinda has some great ideas! Cyinda, I tried to read your profile, but you havent made one yet! I love to read profiles of the ThriftyFun participants; I hope that you will make one up soon! Are you a professional decorator or is it just your hobby...
Hatching Butterfly
Wow, April, thank you for sharing this; I have never seen a butterfly hatch and I LOVE butterflies. What a wonderful event!
Back to School "New Year Resolution"
Well, my New Years resolution was to drink more water every day; and I have not been very good at keeping that resolution. But, I will make it a resolution to try it again, thanks to your post!
Getting a Civil Service Job?
Janet, I would go to your states website and find a telephone number to call. Here in Michigan, I took the civil service test for the clerical field. I didnt study beforehand or read any books. The test included some simple common sense questions and also some...
Good Dog Breed to be a Running Companion?
Why not look into a greyhound rescue? I have heard nothing but good things about the breeds intelligence and disposition, not to mention they are good runners and would benefit from the exercise.
Other Uses for a Spice Rack?
I have a spice rack from the 60s that my mother gave me. I sanded it down and spray painted it white and put it into my cottage style bedroom to hold all my little collectibles and small pictures. I just love how it turned out and I like taking something old...
Dryer Balls Reviews
I really dont like the dryer balls at all. I didnt find that they softened the clothes like it stated in the commercial, nor did it fluff them like it showed on the commercial with the two stacks of towels side by side. One of the balls split open and I threw...
Carrot Bars
I have never thought of using canned carrots before! Thanks for the great recipe, I am anxious to try it out.
Transplanting Strawberries?
I have transplanted strawberries at all times, even in the middle of summer; they just needed to be watered constantly. I do prefer to transfer in the fall so that they have time to get established before the next spring.
Finding Legs and a Spigot for a Vintage Sink?
You could try a company called Van Dykes Restorers, the number on my catalog is 1-800-558-1234.
Use Tomato Cages For Garage Sale Signs
This is the garage/yard sale season and I think that this idea is fantastic! I really, REALLY, dislike garage sale signs that are left up long after the sale is over; as far as I am concerned, it is littering! This idea would help to keep the road sides clean...
