Merlin (Maine Coon Mix)
He looks and sounds like such a sweetie. Thank heavens you rescued him, and that he has a loving home now. :-)
Scratch Resistant Coating Peeling Off Lenses?
Did you get the glasses from Wal-Mart? (Im assuming they have stores in PR.) Their glasses are notorious for doing this. If you have the receipt from when you got them, and theyre still under the guarantee period, just take them back to the store. Theyll have...
Name Ideas for a Full Service Cleaning and Yard Work Business?
How about AA House & Yard Services, with the slogan, We do windows, and everything else!
Assistance for Low Income Senior With Denture Expenses?
I wish I knew, my mother is in the same situation, and Im not in a position to help. :(
Orajel For Mosquito Bites
T&T Grandma, I wonder if the disinfectant would actually kill WNV, or if it would react badly with the numbing gel. You bring up a good point about WNV, Im going to ask a pharmacist if a disinfectant could kill the virus.
Microwave "Grilled" Cheese Sandwich
Ive been doing something similar for years; I lightly microwave the cheese before putting it on the toast, to make sure it isnt too hot. Ive had a pizza burn once, and its no fun. Otherwise, I prefer this method, because an actual grilled cheese can get pretty...
Caring for an Aging Parent?
All the advice given is good, but you must realize that you have a problem, as well. You wouldnt harm a child by spoiling him/her, but youre spoiling, and endangering, your mother by not putting your foot down. You need to adjust your own point of view to realize...
Alternate Uses for Dental Floss
A word of caution about using dental floss for buttons on coats. I tried that, but once the floss got wet in the rain, it came apart rather quickly. Since then, I just stick with heavy-duty thread. :)
Will Bathing a Dog With Dawn Help With Dry Skin?
I highly doubt it, because Dawn is best-known for its grease-cutting capabilities. It will only make skin drier. Ask your vet what he/she recommends to help your dogs dry skin. There are probably over-the-counter remedies available at a nearby pet store. Another...
Tools That Help The Blind Today
Jo, your posts are always fascinating. Im disabled in different ways, due to multiple health issues, so Im always inspired by people who have been able to find ways to get around the day-to-day problems that able-bodied people dont have. Like you, I have problems...
Customizing Windows 7 OS?
If I may, Id like to make a joke here and say, just delete Windows entirely and install Linux instead (since Linux is free, more stable, etc., than Windows, and you dont have to worry about viruses/spyware). Seriously, you would NOT want to do that, but I got...
Removing Pen Marks from Photos?
Im not sure you can. It might be worthwhile to scan the picture, then take the time to edit the mark out of the digitized photo, on your computer. If you cant do it, there are services at places like Walgreens photo department, where theyll do it for a price...
Kenmore Freezer Not Working?
Perhaps it needs freon, or theres a mechanical problem. Either way, itd be a good idea to call a repair tech at Sears. Even if the freezer is older, you can get it repaired. To save $$, you can buy a 1-year repair policy which is effective immediately; if the...
Homemade Dog Food Suggestions for Dog Refusing to Eat?
Have you tried warming the food a little bit in the microwave? It helps enhance the scent, which is often all thats needed to pique a dogs interest and hunger. There could also be a medical reason the dogs refusing to eat, so if the problem persists, please...
My Frugal Life: ThriftyFun Family
OMG, what a terrible life youve had! An innocent child being blamed for the mistake of her mother, there are just no words. It may sometimes be hard to believe, after hearing so much negativity pounded into your head, but youre a valuable person who deserves...
Scenery: San Francisco Peaks (Flagstaff, AZ)
Pretty! I visited Flagstaff once, and wanted to see all the beautiful sights. Unfortunately, my health issues are such that I was unable to adapt to the elevation, so I developed mountain sickness and had to be taken down to Phoenix ASAP. Its so gorgeous up...
Clean Crock Pot With Denture Tablets
What a great idea! Ill have to tell my mom about that one. Thanks!
Green Savings and Losses
CFLs are not only potentially dangerous, their so-called savings is grossly exaggerated. After hearing about the dangers, I switched back to incandescents, and it made no difference in my electric bill. Even electricians I know say that CFLs dont save much...
CD Spinners
That is so cute! You could add dollar amounts to the wedges, to make a Wheel Of Fortune wheel!
Cut Electricity Bill and Keep the AC
The simplest way to save $$ is to turn up your thermostat. Anything below 80 degrees is a waste of money, and unnecessary. I used to live in Arizona, where, contrary to popular belief, its only a dry heat in June and part of July. I now live in a much more...
Tips for Keeping Cool in the Summer
One important note: You actually do sweat while swimming, its just rinsed off by the water youre in. So its very important to keep hydrated, when in the swimming pool. :)
Message to Accompany Gift of Pen to New Writer?
May you always find inspiration and joy in the written word.
Styrofoam Stars
Utterly adorable! Id love to make some, but its almost always windy here, often with storms and very high winds, so my decorations always get ruined. Maybe I can use them indoors!
Use Open Office For Free Office Software
I have an older version of Windows, so I use Linux a lot. Its especially nice to use the live CD versions, because theres no complicated installation necessary. :-)
Buy Soda (Pop) By the Case
My mom used to drink soda pop by the case. Years later, she ended up with osteoporosis so bad, that she has lost 5 of her height and is in constant pain. Why? From drinking soda pop all those years. It strips your bones of calcium, accelerating bone loss. Please...
Dishwasher Deodorizing
Something else that people recommend is putting lemonade flavor Kool-Aid in the dishwasher, and run it with no dishes. We do it, and its nice and fresh! Only lemonade flavor will work, however. Anything else, and youll end up with an unintended dye job in your...
Toilet Makes Loud Screeching Noise?
Definitely haul that plumber back to your house and make him fix the problem.
Lawn Mower Starter Rope Stuck?
You might try spraying a little WD-40 on whatever part(s) you think are stuck. If that fails, then youll probably have to take it to the shop.
4 Year Old Won't Behave?
I would agree that a talk with the pediatrician is a good idea. As for praying, well, thats kind of silly, because (as the old saying goes) God helps those who help themselves. Meaning, you need to take action yourself, or God cant help you. ;-) Shows like...
Using Self Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles on a Shower Wall?
I kind of doubt it. I used self-stick tiles on our bathroom floor, and when some water sloshed out of the tub, it loosened the glue and caused them to shift. I wish Id used linoleum, now.
Complimentary Colors for Hot Pink and Cream Kitchen?
Hot pink goes great with black. Dont overdo the black, but its a great neutral color to ground any neon color. (Take it from someone who grew up in the 1990s, when EVERYTHING was neon + black!)
Porch Paint That Doesn't Fade in the Sun?
We were told to use deck stain. I had painted the back porch with outdoor paint, and its almost all gone after just one year! Deck stain comes in various colors; I dont know if theres such a thing as high-gloss deck stain, but at least you wont have to keep...
Will My Auto Insurance Cover This?
It depends on your individual policy. The only way to know for sure is to call your insurance agent and ask.
Reuse Disposable Vacuum Bags
Bad idea, Im afraid. These bags arent as efficient, which will result in more dust being deposited back onto the carpet and elsewhere in your home. This is especially bad in homes with allergy sufferers.
Make Own Bottled Water
Thanks, Deeli. I was looking for the info on which plastics were safe to reuse. :-)
Fabrics to Use for Making Rice Heat Therapy Bags?
I use old T-shirt fabric, myself. Ive never had a problem with it. :)
Tank Cap for a Scunci Steamer (Model SS-1000)?
Check the manual for contact info (or find it on Google), and get in touch with the company. They should have replacement parts for sale. eBay might be another place to look. Hope this helps!
Clean Your Toilet with Baking Soda and Red Wine Vinegar?
I would just put in the baking soda, and then add the vinegar carefully...because it will fizz like crazy when it hits the baking soda, and you dont want a smelly, fizzy mess on your floor. :-)
Homemade Weed Killers?
Ive used bleach, but I dont like to because I doubt its safe for the environment.
Removing Candle Wax from Jars?
Thank you--Ive always wondered how to clean candles out of glass. Im assuming this would work well with metal candle holders, too.
Soothe Aching Feet for Mother's Day
Thanks for posting this. Ive been meaning to give Mom a pedicure, and Mothers Day is a perfect time to do it. :-)
How Do I Display Children's Aprons at a Craft Market?
You might try making a two-dimensional mannequin by cutting the shoulders of a child out of something like foam board, and putting it on a post of some sort or hang it from a wall display. If you have some pegboard, you could even just put them on hangers and...
My Frugal Life: Stay Prepared For Everything
There is no shame in being on food stamps. Sometimes circumstances prevent people from earning enough money, even to be frugal. Nowadays, especially, people must look for work while theyre on food stamps, so its not like these recipients are lazy. Were just...
Fedex Your Luggage
Ive used the USPS to ship some last-minute items that we didnt get packed in time for the moving company. The USPS didnt lose anything, which is more than I can say for the movers.
Free Address Labels?
Almost any word processing program has the ability to make labels, so you wouldnt have to download any new software. I use Microsoft Works, Microsoft Word, etc. :-)
How Do You Get a Dog to Stop Chasing Cars?
For the dogs safety and your neighbors safety, they should either be fenced in or (if you cant afford fence) leashed. Most cities (and even my tiny little town) have ordinances prohibiting dogs from running free.
Chloe (American Longhair)
Beautiful name for a beautiful cat. You can tell she already has the run of the house, LOL.
Frankie (Chinese Water Dragon)
Amazing...Ive never seen a Chinese water dragon before! I love all sorts of living creatures!
Why Do My New Bathmats Have a Skunk Odor?
I have a bathmat like that. Its not skunk, its the smell of the mat itself because its new. The only thing that cures it is time. The smell will eventually go away. Until then, you might want to air it out daily on a clothesline or whatever, and that will help...
Really Different 25th Birthday Party Ideas?
What are his interests? If he likes music, a music theme would be good. Movies--an Oscars theme (Oriental Trading Companys website has movie-themed party goods). Whatever he likes, go with that. :)
How Can I Take to Treat Vertigo?
Vertigo is often associated with ear problems. This is something to take up with her doctor, as it could be the sign of something more serious.
Garage Door Not Opening Properly?
You might want to search Google to find a Genie forum, or any forum about repairs of this nature. Most of us around here are into living frugally, but not necessarily complicated repairs such as that which you describe. You obviously know quite a lot about...
Finding An Inexpensive, Basic Cell Phone Plan?
I have an Alltel (now Verizon) prepaid phone, and its great. $7.50 a month, and even though you dont use texting, its included. (Though Id recommend using Google SMS with your text feature...you can get the weather and all sorts of info via text when youre...
Lawn Mower Not Running Smoothly?
Call a lawn mower repair shop to ask them what it might be. Whatever it is, it doesnt belong in your gas tank, thats for sure. :(
Indoor Cat Got Out for the Night?
If she appears to be okay, the only issues I could think of are either picking up fleas/bugs, or getting pregnant (if its female, and hasnt been spayed). Good to know your kitty found its way home!
Free Dental Care?
Try going to a local church (Catholic churches, in particular). Even if youre not a regular at that church, they can link you up with some way of getting your teeth taken care of. If the first church cant help, keep calling/visiting other churches until you...
Craft: Bulletin Board Button Pins
Ooh, I like this idea! I have some pushpins I could do this with. Thanks!
Denture Tablet for Cleaning
Those things are amazingly useful, arent they? Theyre also good for cleaning out vases with necks too small to get your hand into. Plop-plop, fizz-fizz, a quick rinse, and its clean!
Use Paint Can Opener For Opening Jars
Ive been doing the same thing, only with a screwdriver. Its so much easier to open jars after that seal has been broken, isnt it?
Advice for Saving for the Future?
The best place to get this sort of advice would be at your bank. They offer assistance like this for free, and the person you talk to would have a lot more experience than any of us do. Also, theyd be able to ask you all the necessary questions, to determine...
Getting Rid of Wild Strawberries?
I found this on Google: http://www.weedalert.com/weed_pages/wa_wild_strawberry.htm I hope its of use...
Recycle Buttons and Zippers From Clothing
Great idea! Its a lot cheaper than buying new buttons to change the look of clothes.
Looking For Power Cord For Betty Crocker Indoor Grill?
Try eBay, as they often sell power cords that are either identical to or compatible with various appliances. Failing that, you could go to an appliance or electronics store, and ask them if they have a compatible cord. Bring your old cord, of course. Most of...
Cleaning The Toilet Tips?
If they get dirty in just one day, its probably an issue with the type of water in your area. Weve got really hard water, and even our toilets dont get dirty again that fast. Soft water might be the way to go, to eliminate this problem for good. Because theres...
Grocery Shopping At Multiple Stores
I used my PC to create different shopping lists for different stores. That way, theres no confusion or worrying about which color is for which store. I also leave room at the top for writing down things we only need occasionally, like furnace filters. When...
Useful Items From Tree Limbs
Agree with the others here...oleander is indeed poisonous. If you used bushes from some other tree/plant, these are cool ideas, however. :-)
My Frugal Life: Tips For Spring
When you do the CTRL + A and CTRL + V tricks, all youre doing is saving the text into RAM. So if the computer locks up or shuts down, you lose all your text anyway, because RAM is always cleared out whenever you restart your computer. What you need to do instead...
Google Searches for Free Samples and Coupons
Thanks for the tip! I never thought of using Google News for such a search. Im going to give it a try!
Aloe Vera for Acne
Sounds like a great idea! Just one caveat...this should be tested on a small area of skin first, to make sure youre not allergic to it. :-)
Chamomile Tea for Lightening Hair?
Im dark-haired, but I used to use a chamomile rinse simply because it left my hair feeling so nice. :-)
Caring for Your Dog After Surgery?
I would add that, if in doubt, call the vet. He/she will know how soon and how much water to give your dog. Good for you, getting your pet neutered, BTW. :-)
Freezer Not Cold
?
I, too, was just going to say make sure theres not a freon leak. Also, you simply might need more freon put in. Same goes for your cars air conditioning.
Attaching Headboard and Foot Board to Bed Frame?
Im not sure what you mean by a regular queen frame (a Hollywood bed frame?). However, if I were you, Id just see where the holes in the head/footboards need to be, in order to fit on your lower frame. Then ask at the hardware store, what kind of drill and screws...
Animals Eating Strawberries?
What kind of animals? Neighborhood pets, rabbits, birds, or burrowing critters? If the animals are above-ground, fencing your strawberry patch might work. If the animals can reach them from above, then a fence with netting or chicken wire over the top might...
Improving the Tensile Strength of Viscose Rayon Thread?
I dont know how, but maybe one of these links can help? http://tinyurl.com/yjhv7ma
Difficulty Getting Investment Funds Released at ING?
For future reference (for you, or anyone else reading this), weve been with WT Direct for three years, and their service is fantastic. I do agree with the posts above...you may end up needing a lawyer. You have the right to get your own money. We had a similar...
Recycle TV Dinner Boxes for Organizing Mail
Dont the boxes have freezer odor from being in the store? Maybe its because I live in a humid area.
Easy Candle Making Instructions?
The absolute easiest is to find candle wax that comes in little chips or beads, pour it into a suitable container, then add a wick. These items are available at craft shops. Craft shops have lots of candle-making supplies, so you can pick the ones with the...
Jean Draft Stoppers
The rice wont spoil? If thats the case, then Ill use your idea. Weve been needing some draft stoppers desperately, but I had no idea of how to stuff them.
Frugal Eye Make-Up Remover
I dont know about the no more tears shampoo. Ive gotten that stuff in my eyes, and had to go to the eye doctor to get prescription eye drops, for relief. That shampoo is horribly misnamed. :-(
Move Closer When Taking Photographs
That is the one mistake most people make: Standing back too far from the subject. With todays cheaper digital cameras, you have to really make sure to get in close, because the wide-angle lenses make the subject look farther away than it actually is. :-)
Coconut Decorations for a Luau?
http://www.orientaltrading.com They have lots of ideas for themed parties, like luaus. You dont necessarily have to buy their stuff, just look at it for inspiration, and then make things yourself, on the cheap. ;-)
Puppy Has Cherry Eye?
Costs vary from vet to vet, area to area, so youd have to look in the telephone book and just call the different vets near you, to find out. :-)
Painting Throw Rugs?
Actually, fabric paint or dye would be a better idea, as spray paint will crack and flake off over time. :-)
Putting Photos on a Quilt?
Im not a quilter, but I would assume that you just put the picture on a piece of fabric to be used in the quilt. Office supply stores have T-shirt transfers that you can run through an ordinary inkjet printer. Print the photo(s) on them, iron them on the fabric...
Two Year Old Likes to Get Finger Tangled in Hair?
The answer: Short hair. My hair was very fine at that age, got snarled over everything (not just fingers). She cut it in a little pixie cut until I got old enough to care for my hair better. Saved me a lot of tears. :-)
Best Method for Making Payments to Collection Agency?
Checks are OK, but debit cards arent a problem, either. You have the proof of your bank statement and/or the print-out you make from your banks web site as proof. Plus, you dont have to pay for a postage stamp, or risk the check or MO getting lost in the mail...
Improving Dog's Weight and Muscle Tone?
Yes: Dont expect a dog to be ripped. Thats a human thing. :-) Ask your vet if your dogs weight is normal. If not, he/she can suggest dietary changes. Good luck!
Pillow Top Mattress Not Soft Enough?
Pillow top mattresses dont feel particularly soft, as theyre made of a rather dense foam. Theres nothing wrong with putting a feather bed on top, if you need that sort of softness. I have fibromyalgia, and even though I was fortunate enough to inherit a TempurPedic...
Student With Sports Scholarship Doesn't Want to Play?
I agree that you need to get things out in the open, and find out why he dislikes football now. Is he just tired of it, or is there a problem in college that he didnt face when he was in HS? Either way, he needs to have a chance to talk things out, so he can...
Crafts Made With Wallpaper?
Origami sites have some simple patterns, which might work. Be sure to test them on regular paper, first, and confirm that whatever project you do is suitable for heavy paper. You could also cut up the scraps to strips, etc., and use them for accents in scrapbooking...
Hanging Tulle From The Ceiling?
Have you tried using thumbtacks? Or if theres too much tulle to be supported by thumbtacks, perhaps wide-headed mails would work.
Allergic Reaction to Polyester Blanket from Walmart?
Have you ever had a reaction like this to anything else made of polyester? I ask, because a lot of what Wal-Mart sells is made in China, of inferior materials. So maybe youre allergic to polyester, but you might also be allergic to some unknown contaminant...
Trouble With Woven Hat Pattern for Knifty Knitter Round Loom?
Is there a forum for Knifty Knitter at the manufacturers website, where you could ask? Beyond that, Im sorry I cant be of much help, because I dont know how to use the Knifty Knitter. :-(
Email Account for Passwords
E-mail isnt very secure, and e-mail accounts frequently get hacked. Which means, if someone hacks your e-mail account, they have access to all your passwords. The alternatives listed here are safer. :-)
Canceling NetZero Service?
Perhaps this will be of help? http://forum.theispguide.com/isp-ftopic2810.html Good luck!
Repairing CD/DVD Drive in an E-Machine?
@MCW: eMachines is a computer brand name. Yvonne, I would think that the manufacturer offers at least a one-year warranty. There should be papers in the box the computer came in, that provide the contact info and instructions on what to do. :-)
Craft: Recycled Heart Garland
I cant crochet, either, but this is great inspiration for similar projects. Thanks!
Spray Snow Blower with Silicone
Sounds like a great idea, but could you be more specific about what silicone is? (Meaning, brand names that we could ask about, at the hardware store.) Thanks!
Places to Recycle Prescription Bottles?
(b)Editors Note:(/b) Both of these websites are no longer in operation. Scroll down on this page, to the part that says donation: http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/daily-green-tips/recycle-prescription/ There are some donation suggestions if you look here, too http...
Wildlife: Horned Owl
A wonderful picture of a truly gorgeous creature! The sound they make is somewhat spooky, but magical at the same time. I love these birds!
Condensation on Walls and Windows in Mobile Home?
I live in a mobile home, too, and we sometimes get condensation on the windows...but its not from the heater. Its caused by windows that arent completely shut. Double-check to make sure all the windows are tightly closed. If this doesnt work, there is an air...
Refinishing Textured Wallpaper Walls in Mobile Home?
Another mobile home question, LOL! Theres a great forum for help on mobile home decorating, repair, etc., which I found here on ThriftyFun.com. I live in a mobile home, and Im still learning about it, so I dont know the answer to your question. However, youll...
Removing Candle Wax from Plastic Cups in Microwave?
Warming the candle wax might actually make it harder to remove. Ive heard you should put candlesticks, etc., in the freezer, so the wax will peel off cleanly. Because warm wax leaves a messy residue behind.
Alternative to Internet Explorer?
Opera is the fastest and most secure browser. You have to download a lot of add-ons, for Firefox to do what Opera does, right out of the box. Opera is the best, Firefox is second-best (as someone else here said, its more forgiving of lousy web page coding, when...
Getting Dogs to Quitting Eating Their Poop?
Victoria Stilwell, on Animal Planet, addressed this problem in Its Me Or The Dog. One part of re-training is to feed your dogs something that will make their feces less appetizing. I think it was pineapple that she fed the dogs. But other retraining methods...
Gift for Boyfriend Who likes Sports?
Go to the NFL shop: http://www.NFLShop.com They have lots of merchandise. Just pick out something of his favorite team, that he doesnt already have. :-)
Deleting Linux from My Computer?
Linux is an operating system. You dont mention whether Windows is on your computer or not. Thats important to know, because if you dont have Windows on your PC, deleting Linux will make your PC unusable. Youd have to install Windows from scratch, which isnt...
