Recycling Plastic Coffee Containers for Cash?
Why not give them to an elementary school teacher to use in crafts projects with the kids!
How To Make Homemade Hot/Cold Packs?
The quickest way to make a hot-cold pack is by taking a pillow case (made of cotton or 50/50 cotton-poly) then pour in one or 2 boxes or bags of any type of rice. (Minute rice OR regular). Then tie a knot on the end of this pillow case so the rice stays in...
Hanging Tulle From The Ceiling?
Most people would use clear pushpins or even screw-in tiny cup hooks because tulle is so light. Use larger cup hooks if you plan on also hanging tiny LED Christmas lights in it. If you plan on using any lights (even low wattage lights) first spray the tulle...
Dogs With Separation Anxiety?
Try D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Hormone) or Comfort Zone for dogs.They are Diffusers... Or you can try Rescue Remedy. The first two cost around $35 (& less for the refills) but most pet stores have a $10 rebate coupon you can use, or you could find a coupon online...
Spouse Won't Sign Divorce Papers?
You can still get a divorce, but if your spouse wont agree to it, the divorce will usually cost you much more because of higher lawyer fees. If your spouse is in the military & wont sign the papers then you cant divorce them, but otherwise no trouble. Each...
Keeping a Comforter on the Bed?
1) At the dollar store (Dollar Tree) they sell these clips attached to white elastic that are made to keep your ironing board cover from slipping off of your ironing board. Theyre are adjustable. Al youd need to do is clip one end to the comfortable & the other...
The Green Way to Get Rid of Unused Prescription...
Help thoses in need of recycling prescription drugs: In some states they have changed the laws to allow certain leftover drugs to be given to organizations that give them to people with prescriptions that have the need for this drug, but are without money. This...
Painting Kitchen with Sapphire Blue Counters?
Theres nothing like a creamy golden, light butter yellow as an accent to Sapphire Blue! This yellow & blue gives the room a traditional, classy look. You can use one or many shades of yellow & blue to decorate your kitchen with. But be careful, if you can see...
Vinyl Record Bowl?
I saw this on TV, Heres the basics: 1) Line your ovens rack with aluminum foil 2) Lay record on top of a fairly large glass, ceramic, or stainless bowl and place in a cold oven. 3) Turn oven to lowest setting and keep watch on the record. Do not leave record...
Washing an Autographed Shirt?
If its really that important for you to wash it, why not coat the autograph first with a clear coat of clear fabric paint or fabric medium. *** But first take another similar piece of fabric, then sign your name to the test shirt with a sharpie, then coat it...
Tiling a Kitchen Backsplash?
If the gap is at the end of the counter, simply move the tiles to the middle & make sure they are all spaced the same. When you fill in with a grout in a color close to same color as the tiles, youll never notice the gap! Each tile should be about the same...
Smoke Smell Removal from Furniture, Rugs, etc.
We had a house fire, so I learned some tricks from the pros: Anything you can put in the washing machine, add a can of regular Coca-Cola (NOT sugar free) to the laundry along with your laundry soap. This removes the smell from clothes & other washables. For...
Craft Ideas for Bible Study Class?
I recently saw a TV show called Sewing with Nancy (on public TV channel 9) that talked about a school project. It was a large quilt. First they glued the characters on with a glue stick then later on when the quilt was finished, they had someone else sew the...
Celebrating Kwanzaa
Thank you so much for posting this interesting article! I have heard about Kwanzaa on TV & have always wondered exactly what it was. I appreciate you taking the time to inform us. I believe that anything that unites the family & community should be fully supported...
Craft: No Sew Fleece Blanket?
Sometimes Joanns has no-pill fleese on sale for only $4.99 per yard. Check out their online sale flyer: http://www.joann.com/joann/shop/promotion/sales_listing_home.jsp This price is for solid colors only. This week (Sept 1-09) there is a sale on prints. Regularly...
Robin's Christmas Tradition
Robin, I am sorry to hear about your loss, but I wanted to thank you so very much for sharing your story... My father died suddenly or a heart attack after being in great health at the young age of 43 (back in 1981). He died several weeks after Christmas & my...
Coat Cannot Be Washed or Dry Cleaned?
Yes, I also bought a wonderful rain coat made of that same exact non-washable plastic-like fabric & was disappointed to not be able to wash the dust I get from selling at a graveled Saturday Market. (but I loved the coat so much I had to buy it!) The damp cloth...
Spraying Cat?
Im sorry, but nothing will stop your cat from spraying like getting him fixed will! In the long run getting him fixed will save you tons of money because he wont be getting in fights & wandering off, so less vet bills! And, think of all the homeless kittens...
Gluing Rhinestones to Fabric?
Fabri-Tac Fabric glue. Its sold in craft Stores, Fabric Stores and sometimes at Walmart for around $6. Youll know you have the right one because its in a clear bottle. I like the way the glue sets up quickly (kind of like hot glue). This is some pretty amazing...
Advice About a Student Loan in Default?
I have a very close friend who has gone to heck & back with a student loan. My girlfriend is also disabled & she was totally surprised that they could garnish her social security disability check which she lives on (she receives only $800 per month to pay bills...
Saving Money on Maternity Clothes
I also wanted to mention that if you can sew, you can easily add an elastic maternity tummy into most regular pants, especially ones without a front zipper. And instead of buying the expensive pregnancy elastic tummy sold in fabric stores, instead buy a piece...
Removing Rubber Carpet Back From Cement Floor?
It depends on the glue that was used. I have had luck using a blow-dryer and/or a heat gun to warm up the glue-backing that was on the back of carpet tile (this also works for removing linoleum & vinyl flooring tiles). Open a window & use care! You dont want...
Lightening Hair with Hydrogen Peroxide?
Yes! Peroxide will turn your hair orange! Maybe not right away, but for sure slowly over time. If your hair is naturally a dark blond you MAY be able to get away with it, but even then, it will most likely turn it orange (& Dont use Sun in either). Put the...
Planning a Wedding for Under $3000?
My dress was bought during Prom (or Homecoming) season at a mall chain store. The dress was a white homecoming or prom formal (just beautiful!) & it cost under $80, but you can also buy a used wedding dress on Craigs List & get a great deal! To save money, I...
Cleaning Stair Carpet Without a Vacuum or Brush?
Use a small vacuum with a hose attachment. They have lightweight vacuums that have a shoulder strap (like the little Dirt Devils sold here in the USA for about $50). The hose attachment will suck up the dirt without hurting the pile. If you want to actually...
Cleaning Stair Carpet Without a Vacuum or Brush?
Use a small vacuum with a hose attachment. They have lightweight vacuums that have a shoulder strap (like the little Dirt Devils sold here in the USA). The hose attachment will suck up the dirt without hurting the pile.
Cleaning Wood Furniture With A Sticky Film?
My mother in laws furniture was sticky like this. We never figured out if it was because of her smoking or because of years of furniture polish. I made her furniture look brand new by using straight ammonia to clean it & using a scrubbie sponge & a toothbrush...
Removing Animal Urine Odor from Wood Furniture?
Obviously the pee has soaked into the wood, so youll need to get the cleaner in to the wood to remove it. Buy OUT! brand enzyme based pet cleaner at Walmart or Target ($4.79) and spray this into the wood and let saturate. Youll need to keep the enzyme based...
Weaning a Breastfed Baby
?
Article, How Do I Wean My Baby: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/weanhowto.html Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Feeding: (go down to Weaning there are many articles) http://www.llli.org/FAQ/FAQSubject.html?m=0,0,3 * For more information contact the La Leche...
Alternative Uses for Wire Reindeer Christmas Decorations?
Wire Animal with Moss and Flower Pot: First cut the light cord off & remove lights if possible, then: Take sheets of dried green moss (from Craft Store) & place them over the wire animal... Then using a spool of cheapie clear fish line, wrap around & tie the...
Microwave Turns on But Doesn't Heat Food?
This happened to us. Youre element has gone out & youll need to buy a new microwave (or one at the thrift store). In the USA you can get one for only $25. I paid $50 & got a really nice one. I was surprised at how cheep they are! * This doesnt apply to burned...
Crocheted Leg Warmer Pattern?
You dont need a pattern - Heres how Ive done them in the past: This pattern is worked from top to bottom, then from bottom to top & not in the round & not side-to side... This way you get ribs & it looks like its knit & it stretches & has more give too! To...
Removing Smoke Smell from Clothing?
We had a house fire and the insurance company sent in the pros in to help us with smoke damage. The first thing they did was hook up a huge ozone machine to remove the smoke smell from the carpeting and furniture. But when it came to clothing and other machine...
Choosing Companies to Invest In?
Tread with care! My mom had most of her retirement money in Tech stocks before the market crashed and she lost darn-near all of it! Another friend of mine had her money tied up in 5 rental properties which have now lost half of their worth! & right now Gold...
Magazine Subscription Ideas for 10 Year Old?
When my daughter was 10 my mother subscribed to Cat Fancy magazine & still to this day she enjoys reading it. (she is now 30). If she isnt a big cat fan, then a magazine dedicated to a certain horse (like quarter horses or appaloosas), dogs, soccer, kids crafting...
Avoiding Charity Fraud?
The people you need to be especially careful of are the ones that go door to door. In Seattle/Tacoma weve recently had problems with people taking advantage of the Homeless by getting them to go door to door collecting funds for bogus charities. Sometimes they...
Halloween: Box O' Popcorn Costume
I have to say that this is the very best & most original Halloween costume Ive ever seen!
Making Soup?
Heres my instant soup recipe for vegetarians: Theres no need to ever cut vegetables for soup! I have a super-quick & easy way to make a wonderful homemade vegetable or minestrone soup. The soup starts with 2 different types of packages of frozen stir-fry veggies...
Permanent Marker Stains off Linoleum Floor?
When Im doing crafts, I use Rubbing Alcohol. If you worried about your floor, you should dab it on with a Q-tip & let sit a minute. As a second, stronger option, have you tried Fingernail Polish Remover? If you already have, make sure it was the kind thats...
Keeping Makeup From Rubbing Off On Clothing?
Use Infallible by LOreal. It will not budge! I guarantee it wont rub off! When buying the product, look at the other LOreal true-match shades of make-up & use these to gauge what color youll need. True-Match comes in the same colors as the Infallible does. Otherwise...
Shelf Life of Flavored Oils and Vinegars?
It depends on exactly what herbs or feeds are used & if they are in oil or vinegar. Some store-bought products as only for display. But the ones made for consumption that are professionally bottled & sealed will last about a year or so, until the are opened...
Can I Sew Leather with Singer Model 99-31?
If your machine is one of the really old cast iron machines (all metal parts) that you can barely lift, you may be able to sew leather thats not too thick. Nearly all machines can sew on thin leather if you sew slowly & use a leather needle, but for med or...
Embellishing A Wedding Dress?
Ive been sewing since 1969. If you have money to burn, Id say, Go for it & make your own custom dress! If youre poor like me, then youd might want to stick with something simple. Heres why. The appliques can be quite costly, (price them) as can some of the...
Making Crackle Glass for Crafts?
You dont need a kiln, just an oven! To crackle glass its all about rapid temperature change. What you do is put the glass in the oven on a cookie sheet or a metal baking pan & bake at 400 degrees F. for 45 min in your oven. You then take it out with oven mitts...
Reusing Motor Oil?
Not a good idea! Not good for your woodstove, not good for your lungs & not good for the environment! The oil will leave a film inside your stove-pipe & if you burn it enough, it can eventually leave a film on your roof & siding as well. You can take used motor...
Getting Rid of Dead Rodent Odor in Wall?
I had an old mobile vacation home on 20 acres in the country that I only went to occasionally and boy did the mice ever love that place! The little varmints would crawl in the walls and die. It seems that no matter what I did, it always smelled like dead mice...
Removing Sharpie from Leather Shoes?
Rubbing Alcohol will remove the mark. Use paper towels & alcohol. I like to put the alcohol in a well-marked spray bottle then spray the alcohol on, then wait a few seconds, then wipe it off then do it again until the mark is gone. If you have no luck use fingernail...
Couch Seems Too Big for Room?
Before I even had read all the way to your idea about painting the room to match the couch I had come up with the same exact idea about painting the walls to match the couch. Painting the wall beige (or even khaki) will make the couch blend in better but it...
Cleaning a Handmade Wool Throw Rug?
You cant wash wool in a washing machine or it will felt! You can have it dry cleaned. I have had 2 wool rugs dry cleaned. They were both white with a very thick 4 inch pile & handmade in Greece. One came out looking wonderful & the other not so good (it looked...
Secure Ribbon on Spools With Rubber Bands
I have no camera. Heres how to do this: Most ribbon comes on a spool. Cut a slit or a notch into the spool in 4 areas so the rubber-band will not slide off. Cut 2 notches in the top of the cardboard spool (across from each other front & back) & do the same...
Using Bleach in a Humidifier?
Dont run the humidifier with any bleach in it (its VERY bad for your lungs to breath it!) but do clean your humidifier once a week with bleach-water (to kill mold spores)! Vinegar can also be used to clean it. * If youd like to add something to your humidifier...
Painting a Laminate Tub?
Besides painting with epoxy, If its not stained & scratched, you can do what the TV designer Christopher Lowell says: Camouflage the color by using it as an accent color. For example, say a guy has a pink tile, tub & sink in his bathroom he despises. What youd...
Underarm Stains on Shirts?
Perioxide - If the shirt is light colored. Peroxide can sometimes fade darker colors. You can either pour it on, or spray it on. Its best to let it sit for a few minutes before laundering. Ill spray it on, then let it sit for the time it takes my washer to...
Add Safety Glow Tape to Your Lampshade
This is great. Several years back I posted a tip about putting several drops of glow-in-the-dark paint to light switch plates. You cant see the paint when the light is on, but in the dark its easy to find the light switch! I also put drops of glow-in-the-dark...
Making Fleece Scarves for Gifts?
If you can find it, buy a quality Non-Pill fleece. Cut strips about 60 inches by about 8 inches long. (you dont need to sew or finnish the ends because fleece doesnt fray) Next, punch holes with a hole punch or make tiny slits with sharp scissors (fto do this...
Boiling Pine Sol as Air Freshener?
No, It is NOT safe to boil Pine Sol! If you really like the smell, go into any Health Food Store & buy a tiny bottle of Pine Essential Oil. This will cost around $5. You can then add the Pure Pine essential oil to a pan of water & boil it, or put a drop on...
Cat With a Flea Collar Has Fleas?
My vet told me that flea collars only kill the fleas on the pets head, neck & shoulders. You will need to buy a stronger (whole body) product to completely rid your pet of fleas. Flea collars work when you shampoo your pet regularly & cant shampoo the face...
Use Unused Kitchen Appliances for Storage
Yes, I have a portable dishwasher that came with the place. I never get around to wheeling it to the sink, so I decided to keep my cleaning supplies & products in it. At least Im getting use of the space. The problem with this suggestion is, Ive seen people...
Belle Button (Pit Bull)
What a beauty she is! Pit bulls are usually such wonderfully friendly dogs. Lets all speak out about not banning the breed. Owners have to make sure these gladiator type breads are successfully socialized. If they are, theyre some of the best family pets around...
Ideas for a Vegetarian Cooking for Meat Eaters?
Ive been a vegetarian for 30 years this year & I went through the very same thing when I remarried back in the mid 80s. My new husband thought it wasnt a meal without meat! Thankfully by that time my kids could either take meat or leave it, they just wanted...
Store Razor Blades and Steel Wool in Soap Gel
I may sound stupid for asking, but what is a soap pad? Is it a steal wool pad with soap on it? ---> I love your tip! Especially the ideal of using the soap gel to hold the razors because mine are always rusting. This would work especially well for those that...
Too Many Bananas?
Pies & pudding; add to homemade granola bars, mush them up & dry in oven or dehydrator to make fruit leather, add them to bran muffins, with blackberries, blueberries or strawberries to make a wonderful smoothie. Mush them up & freeze them with coconut milk...
In Memory Of Diana (Striped Tabby)
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story! It gives us all hope that we might be as fortunate as you & have our cat live such wonderfully long lives. Wow! to think how much you 2 have gone through. Its simply amazing to contemplate! & now your sweet furry...
Healthy Snacks for Fishing Trips?
You cant go wrong with trail mix. If you add nuts, you get the high protein that satisfies. I like to snack on multigrain Cherios, either plain or mixed with any nuts you like or sunflower seeds, you can add dried cranberries & apples, also coconut as well...
Crafts Using Window Blinds?
They make amazing siding for doll houses & indoor birdhouses. You can also use them to cut fimo & cookie dough. Also, remember how wed take playing cards & using clothespins attack them to the spokes of our bikes so theyd make noises when we road? These would...
Use Chili Sauce as a Copper Cleanser
Simply amazing! This is one of the most amazing tips Ive ever read! I cant stop wondering exactly what ingredient in the chilly sauce cleans the copper. Is it the acid from the tomatoes? Is it the chilies themselves? Is it some additive (like Citric Acid) that...
Urine Stain on a Microfiber Couch?
I would recommend one (or both) of 2 techniques. Both work amazingly well! You can try peroxide if your couch isnt a dark color (do a test spot in the back of the sofa first). The other technique is a product (sold at Walmart & Target) called out! it has a...
Using Dehydrated Apples?
Besides what PIKKA said, you can also use dried or dehydrated apples in most any recipe that calls for apples. To rehydrate, Ill usually soak them overnight in the liquid in the fridge with a plastic-wrap covering the bowl. They are also great stewed: (serve...
Using Advantix on Dogs?
Be EXTRA careful! READ THIS tip I posted: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20064536.tip.html Pets can easily be allergic to these! 4 months ago my cat almost died, it was touch & go for 2 days! Try one drop then wait a day. You can easily use much less that the...
Ideas for Corks?
The cutest thing Ive seen is a cork bulletin board. The corks are laid on their sides with the label facing up then glued on to a framed board. You then pin notes into them.
Selling Homemade Curtains?
Id check out the price of curtains of the same size at the store then charge your friend at least that much, or more because you curtains are custom. Do yourself a favor, at least get minimum wage ($7) or double that ($14) per hour! If you are an exceptional...
Increasing the Size of a Crocheted Baby Bootie Pattern?
Increase the size of the crocheted sole by 3 or more stitches & the rest will follow. * Usually a baby bootie will start with a chain then you go in the chain & around the chain then into the other side of the chain until the sole is the correct size. Youd...
Making Barbie Camping Stuff?
Twigs for the campfire with real but tiny rocks. Cooking & eating utensils made of lids of vitamin jars & toothpaste lids for cups. Tents from a piece of fabric healed up with wooden skewers or dollar store straws... Food made from fimo. Couches made from cardboard...
Algae In My Pool?
On The Fine Living Channel theres a show called I want That! & they showed a solar pool cleaner... it floats around in your pool & uses the solar radiation to run a battery that does something to clean the algae, etc. Youre supposed to need far less chlorine...
Removing Hairspray Build Up on Walls?
I like to use a spray-on bathroom cleaner (like Dows Scrubbing Bubbles or the dollar store equivalent). A second option is to put rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle then spray & wipe, but the bathroom cleaner works wonders & will clean practically anything!
Getting an Injured Cat to Eat?
This is a sad story, but hopeful as well. If the cat hasnt been around humans much (or if humans have hurt or scared him) most likely, he will always be scared. My cat was born a stray then taken in for several months when he was a kitten then abandoned again...
Latex Paint Over Oil Based Primer?
Sometimes can put Latex over primer, this depends on the exact type of oil primer you use. Some primers (like B-I-N and Kilz) have what is called a critical recoat time - this means that they must be topcoated -with either latex or oil - within a certain time...
Use Thrift Store Mini Skirts as Bargain Belly Bands
Wow! You are quite resourceful! Great idea! Its cool how the most unusual tips can be some of the very best! Another thing that might work for you when you need something really soft & comfy is to buy a stretchy cotton interlock knit at the fabric store then...
Use Soda Pop Bottle for Clogged Drains
Wow! This is one Amazing tip! Its funny how the simplest things can be made into wonderful ideas by a brilliant mind! Thanks for taking the time to post this for us mere mortals (that arent quite as quick thinking!) Great idea!
Use Preparation H For Wrinkle Cream
This tip may sound weird & slightly strange, but Ive read in all the fashion magazines that the high-paid models use this tip to fix eye puffiness before big shoots. The trick is to use the REAL stuff, not the dollar store knock-offs which only contain a lubricant...
Requirements for Replacing Propane Tanks?
Yeah, This happened to me (but they didnt give an actual date) but I just went somewhere else & had mine refilled until I can afford a new one. For safety, I keep mine turned off at all times until Im actually going to use it. After Im done cooking Ill turn...
Cleaning Artist Brushes?
Everything I know about brushes & painting in 10 minutes typing: Im fortunate to be able to paint for a living. I do botanicals on pottery, tiles for installation, custom wall murals & paintings on canvas & have been doing this for over 20 years. Usually I...
Transitioning to a Healthier Diet
Youve probably already done this, but start out by not buying any chips, pop or junk food. Instead buy fruit. Have celery & veggies already cut up & in individual baggies with a healthy dip so they are easy to grab. If junk foods not in the cupboard, they cant...
Growing a Rainier Cherry Tree?
I dont know the answer to your question, but I do know that in my state (Washington) the growers plant Van Cherries near by to help in pollinating both the Raniers & the Bings. If I were you, Id contact your local Master Gardeners You can simply Google Master...
Growing House Plants in Water?
I have seen plants grow in these greatly expanding crystals. http://www.watercrystals.com/ They also say: Water by itself is not a sufficiently nutritional diet. We recommend adding a few drops of liquid minerals to help provide nutrients to your plants in...
Be Careful Not To Damage Spiderwebs
These are our little bug catching friends! We have one we call Fred. He stays in one spot up by our ceiling. I was going to take the web down but my partner (who usually HATES spiders) said he enjoys seeing the little guys conquests. The other day he had a...
Adding Color to My Kitchen Walls?
Ignore the wood, its a Neutral color. Id pick a second color along with the blue for your color theme. Examples that would look nice: Blue & Yellow - Blue & Mustard-gold - Dark & Light Blue - Blue, Green & Yellow - Primary= Blue, Red, Yellow - Blue & silver...
