Babysitting Activities?
You find some good board games for a 5 year old, I bet the 7 year old would be willing to play along. Simple crafts can also be fun at that age, maybe make some homemade playdough (recipe is on this site). Also, ask them what they want to do, let them each...
Using Homemade Deck Cleaner Near Plants?
The bleach and water solution should be kept off of plants. You could get some plastic drop cloths or tarps to cover your plants and direct the water away from them.
Middle School Melee - Getting a Boy to Read?
Finding the right books is important at that age. The child needs to feel some ownership over the books. Finding books that fit a childs interest is key. Taking him to a book store to get a book as a treat might help. Then he gets to pick something out. Finding...
Cinder Block Gardening?
I would probably put some weed cloth in the bottom so that water could still escape. I built my planter on concrete, so I didnt need to put anything under the cinder blocks. For future planters, I plan on putting some weed cloth under it to deter weeds.
Oil Stains on Carpet?
Blot up as much as you can with rags or paper towels. Then place a folded towel on the stains press on it to absorb as much of the oil as possible. Then I would scrub the stain water with a squirt of Dawn dish soap in it. Dont use too much dish soap, any left...
Crate Training a Puppy?
I would try giving her treats when she goes into her crate herself. Do it a few times a day, then maybe you wont have so much trouble at night. Always leave the crate open during the day, so it is a place she can go back to when she feels like it. And try to...
Molded Wine Bottle with Monkey Wrapped Around It?
Hi Mary, Visit this search on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Collectibles-/1/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=monkey+wine+bottle Youll see several different bottles for sale there, maybe there is one like yours. Might give you an idea of the value as well some information...
Getting an LTD Catalog?
Looks like this might be the link: http://www.ltdcommodities.com/catalog_request/
Baseball Themed High School Centerpieces?
Try to incorporate things that make people think of baseball. Cracker jacks, peanuts, baseballs, baseball cards, etc. If possible, put them in baseball mitts, which you can get for cheap at thrift stores.
Giving a Photo Tile as a Gift?
We have some tiles with hand prints on them that we put on little stands. I believe they are plate stands. See the attached image. Might be a nice alternative to framing.
Removing Washable Marker from a Photo?
I dont know if you have succeeded in getting this off, but my guess would be that you could a damp cloth to get this off. With the gloss on the photo, it should wipe off. If its stubborn, you may have try a little bit of rubbing alcohol, but it would be careful...
Broke the Avocado Seed When Repotting?
I think if it has, roots it should be ok. At some point, the seed is unnecessary for the plant to grow. Good luck!
Removing Paint from a Window Screen?
I would try isopropyl alcohol on a rag first. Is it on the screen itself or on the border of it? Next you could try acetone, but if its the border of the screen, and that is painted, using strong solvents may damage the paint underneath.
Value of the Modern Encyclopedia?
Go to eBay.com and search for the book title and publish year and see what comes up. You can also search the completed auctions to see what has sold recently. Generally, even old encyclopedias dont have a high value because so many were saved, but there are...
Removing Fingerprints from Stainless Steel Appliances?
Put some vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe it down. It will gleam.
Storing Homemade Cracker Crumbs?
I would put them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. Sprinkle them on as needed.
12th Birthday Party Ideas?
Are you a member to the YMCA? They sometimes have a party room. I would look for inexpensive places to rent or a free opportunity like the YMCA (if you are already paying for membership). Most party places are going to cost a lot. Community centers often have...
Finding a Coupon for Sylvan Learning Center?
http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/form_tutoring_discount.cfm It looks like they have a coupon offer on this page. Hope that helps!
Kindle Reviews?
We have several readers in our house. We have a Nook, Kindles and an iPad. They really are all fantastic in their own way. What you buy depends on what you want to do with it. If you mostly want to read eBooks, get one of the basic Kindles or Nooks. Heres an...
When To Plant Tulips?
Heres a guide that may be helpful: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40007726.tip.html
Toilet Brush Stuck in the Toilet?
Have you tried grabbing it with a long handled pair of pliers? Is it too far to use something like that to grab it?
Value of Sharon Curtis Porcelain Doll?
Ebay can be really useful for this. Just do a search on the doll but also look at completed auctions. There is a checkbox for that. If you dont see anything, you can sign up to receive alerts on auctions then are post. Make sure to find auctions where items...
Value of Treasury Collection Premier Edition Dolls?
If you look on eBAy make sure you search for completed auction AND make sure the auctions actually were bid on. If you need help, let me know.
1940's The Book of Knowledge?
I can see one volume selling for $12 on eBay here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/The-New-Modern-Encylclopedia-A-Library-of-World-Knowledge-1944-LEATHER-Beautiful-/221160095502?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item337e2b3f0e&_uhb=1 I suppose that could put the set...
Cleaning Dust from Top of Gel Candle?
If you have an open gel candle and it has accumulated dust on top of it, we recommend that you wipe off what you can with a dry cloth. Then if you have access to a heat source like a heat gun, gently warm the surface of the gel so that a small layer starts...
Privacy Window Using Contact Paper
Oddly enough, that is not where we discovered this idea. We had to make our own template since we didnt have the benefit of that page. Thanks for sharing it, though. It may help others interested in making this project.
Value of Old Nancy Drew Books?
If you go to eBay and search for nancy drew 1939 you will get quite a few results. If you click on the advanced search option you can search on completed items as well. Just read the description of the auction closely to make sure the books are comparable to...
Value of John Stoddard Lectures?
Heres a link to a set that sold on eBay recently: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1898-John-L-Stoddards-Lectures-Complete-10-Volume-Set-/280830708455?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item4162d08ae7&nma=true&si=MIYUEvkfEJ%2FFVVnR3sBvFNXxlYc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid...
Value of set of 1942 Encyclopedia Britannica?
I checked eBay and dont see of that year but they do have a nice set from 1941 that they are trying to $320 for. I recommend going on eBay and set up an alert. They can email a 1942 Encyclopedia Britannica is put up for auction and then you can watch and see...
Pruning a Burning Bush?
This page has some information about pruning. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52138569.tip.html Generally, I believe early spring and later winter are good times to do heavy pruning. Light trimming can be done just about any time.
Cleaning Smelly Books?
The most common solution I have seen is to put newspaper between some of the pages, then wrap the book in newspaper and then put the books in a box full of more newspaper for few days. Some variations use charcoal as well. You read all the way down this page...
Making My Own Compost in a Bucket?
What you really need are some leaves or grass clippings. From what you listed, you have lots of greens but not a lot of browns. You want a ratio of 2 to 1 or at least 1 to 1, browns to greens. So at least the same amount of browns (grass clipping, leaves and...
Value of 1771 Encyclopaedia Britannica?
If you do a search on eBay with this term 1771 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Youll find several for sale. They currently range from $55 to $180. If you are a register eBay user you can also look at completed items. Looks like the last set to sell was $79.95. The...
Removing Lubricating Oil Smell from Refrigerator?
How long ago did he apply the soil? The odor should subside in time. If you cant stand, try watching the areas where you think the oil may have been with dawn dish soap. It should remove the oil and the odor. The squeak may come back. For that you could try...
Removing Mildew Smell in a Mattress?
Try putting white vinegar into a spray bottle and mist the mattress with white vinegar. Dont overdo it. Wipe up any excess vinegar with a towel, let it dry. Once dry, the vinegar smell should subside and hopefully the mildew smell is gone to. If that doesnt...
Canning Salt vs. Table Salt?
I believe you can use them interchangeably. Canning salt doesnt have the anti-clumping additives of table salt. Those additives can discolor some canned foods. Because it it is without those additives, it is more likely to clump than table salt.
Color for Peace in the Bible?
A quick search turned up two: Blue --- Revelation(color of God); the Spiritual or Heavenly Realm, Exodus 24:10, Ezekiel 1:26, 10:1; Healing; Hope; Grace; Freedom; Holy Spirit & Anointing; Peace; Illumination. Symbol of heaven and authority. Numbers 15:38. http...
Removing Hard Water Stain on Motor Home?
First thing I would try is straight white vinegar, spray it on, let it soak for a while and then try scrubbing it off. Repeat a few times. If that doesnt work, I would check out this page about cleaning hard water stains from windows, many of these approaches...
Keeping Plums from Turning Brown When Freezing?
You can use about a teaspoon of lemon juice added the the plums that you are preparing to can. Not sure about the ratio for a water lemon wash.
Doo Doo Drops
Hi Gloria, they hold together, but they will cause sticky fingers. I eat them out of the cup.
Cleaning Plastic Mouth Retainers?
I think you need to be careful of heat, because could warp the retainer. So dont try very hot water. So I would try the denture tablets. It seems like those are designed for dealing with that type of build up.
Cleaning Flip Flops?
Rinse the dirt off and toss them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Works for me.
Ideas for Reusing Trampoline Springs?
Those are great spring. How about using them to make a self closing gate spring. Heres a picture of the product they sell.
Value of a Vintage Jukebox?
In really nice shape, 1956 Wurlitzer Centennial jukeboxes have sold on eBay for as much as $9500.
Removing Melted Plastic from Car Seat?
I am scared to even offer solutions but probably your best bet if its really into the fibers to try heating it back up using the method you would use to remove candle wax from a tablecloth or furniture. Use a clothes iron on its low setting. Put a brown paper...
Repairing Pet Urine Damage to Floors?
I have not dealt with this problem and ceramic tile but have experience with other floorings (vinyl, carpet, hardwood). I think you probably do need to replace the flooring and take a long look at any sub flooring. Anytime the urine gets all the way to subfloor...
Graduation Party Ideas: Physician Assistant Theme?
For healthy foods, fruit and vegetable platters would be good.
Removing Stains from a Porcelain Bathtub?
I second that, Barkeepers friend works great on our porcelain sink.
Finding the Value of a Louis Orr Etching?
One of the best ways to find real work values of collectibles is eBay. Try to search for exactly what you have and see if any current auctions come up. Note whether the item is bid on yet and follow the auction to completion to see what its sold for. People...
Reconstituting Paint?
You could bring the can to place that you bought it and have them put it back in their paint mixer, that might bring back the right consistency. They may be willing to do that even at a place other than where you bought the paint if they arent busy.
No Slip Finish for Porcelain Tile?
Is this what you are looking for? http://www.ndclean.com/skid-safe-water-based-sealer-finish.html
Water Not Getting to Kenmore Ice Maker?
My understanding is that if the tube is free and clear and not frozen, the culprit is probably a faulty valve.
Value of Grolier's "The Book of Art"?
They have some for sale on Amazons seller market here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0012IOXYI/ref=dp_olp_used?tag=thriftyfun0b-20 Full sets are available from $40 to $80.
Muffin Tin Tacos
You could try something like Doritos. I am not sure who much they would set like a muffin. One cool thing about these is once done, they really kept their shape and could have easily been frozen.
Zippered Plastic Bottle Container
Really like this idea. Seems like you could make a taller one to hold pens and pencils. Being see through, makes great for storage in a craft room.
GPS Instead of a Speedometer
I always find my self looking at my GPS for my speed for some reason. So its pretty easy to read. But, it does tend to be a few miles per hour less than my speedometer speed, so watch out for that.
Store Spaghetti in Pringles Can
Thanks for the encouragement for less waste and my wasteline. I try to avoid Pringles, sometimes I falter. :)
Reheat Pizza in a Frying Pan
Good idea galmud, I will try that. We have used a toaster oven to that but I bet the pan would be quicker, as it is with pizza.
Duct Tape Wallet?
Heres a nice video with instructions for making one with a zip-loc bag: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78154649.tip.html
Quick and Easy Mold Removal from Walls
A quick update, the mold was removed about 2 months ago and none has returned.
Removing Tobacco Stain from Mustache?
You could try buying some Just For Men dye that matches and try dying it. You certainly dont want to use a lot of harsh cleaner that may irritate your face. You could try dawn dish soap.
Plastic Tablecloth Christmas Door Decoration?
Every year, we wrap our kids doors using wrapping paper and just use scotch tape. Something as thick as a table cloth, you may want to try clear packaging tape. My concern would be damaging the door when you remove the tape. With our wrapping paper doors, we...
Fair Price for Tree Removal?
The last time I got a bid for removing trees that big, they wanted $1,000 a tree, which seemed high to me. I think you can get them done significantly cheaper if they arent close to any houses, but when they are, its usually a 2 or 3 person team and fairly...
Wet Carpet Smell in a Vehicle?
I would vacuum really well, then sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Leave it for a few hours, then vacuum it up. If its still there, do it again. The baking soda absorbs moisture and odors. If the car in general is having a hard time drying out because of...
Recycling House Batteries?
Heres info from the city of Tampa website: Batteries: Button and nickel cadmium batteries from cell phones etc should be taken to a participating store such as Radio Shack, Target, Home Depot etc., or to a Household Chemical Collection event. You could call...
Samsung TV Stopped Working?
Sometimes, you can still extend a warranty, even after 2 years is up. So that might be worth a try. We have done that with an appliance that busted shortly after 2 years. We didnt mention it was broken when calling, they also didnt asked. We waited a few days...
Refill Your Popcorn At End Of Movie
I love it, you paid for it, might as well get it and bring it home.
Hard Wired Smoke Detector Chirping?
All of ours do. Is there a spot for a battery but no battery in or just no place for a battery at all? If the battery slot is just empty, I would toss one in and see if the chirping stops.
Finding Free Furniture?
Go to freecycle.org and find list near you: http://www.freecycle.org/ You can post that you are looking for free furniture, or just watch the offerings for a couple weeks. You certainly see some decent furniture posted if you have an active freecycle list in...
Removing White Marks from Wood Table?
Mayo and ashes has been recommended a lot and does work in some cases. Check out this archive for other ideas. This is a topic that we have seen a lot on ThriftyFun. Always best to test the solution in an inconspicuous place before attempting on area that will...
Uses for Moon Sand?
Its something that kids can play with. Kind of like playing with sand it a sandbox but you can sculpt with it a bit as well. They sell it at toy stores.
Moon Sand?
Moon sand is something you can buy at toy stores that kids can play with. Its kind of a cross between Playdough and sand.
Wiring Diagram for a John Deere Riding Mower Series 145?
Heres a link to the manual for the 100 series mowers: http://manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMGX22464_C8/Output/Index.html?tM=HO Hope that helps.
Potty Training a Three Year Old?
This is normal. I say to forget the idea of training for a while. She will learn when she is ready, trust me! Just encourage her and she will learn quickly as soon as SHE is ready. There is really no rush, we all learn eventually lol. One thing I did to make...
What Do Ground Moles Eat?
I have always heard they eat grubs and other little worm-like creatures. From wikipedia: A moles diet primarily consists of earthworms and other small invertebrates found in the soil and also a variety of nuts. Because their saliva contains a toxin that can...
Frigidaire Water Dispenser Works Ice Maker Does Not?
It could be that your water line is frozen. I have had this happen when either my freezer or refrigerator is too packed. It will thaw out eventually, although slowly, if you unpack it a bit (assuming thats the problem). Or you can try transferring everything...
Making Custom Colored Wilton Candy Melts?
The best way to make custom colored candy melts is to mix different colors together. Heres a chart that Wilton provides to create different shades. (Click the chart to see it bigger.)
Outdoor Electrical Outlet Stopped Working After It Rained?
The outdoor socket is often wired to one of your bathrooms so that it shares a GFCI circuit. Go into each of your bathrooms and check the little breaker on the outlets there. One of them may have tripped. The GFCI trips if you drop an electrical device in the...
In Loving Memory of Hershey (Doodle)
I am so sorry. Hershey was so lucky to have the two of you to share his life with. Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures.
Looking for Dawn Power Dissolver?
This appears to be available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Procter-Gamble-Dawn-Dissolver-Bottle/dp/B00PRACR7W/
Shampoo as a Carpet Stain Remover
Its very important to make sure all of the shampoo is removed from the carpet so that any residue left behind doesnt attract dirt. You can accomplish this by using a carpet or upholstery cleaner using plain water. Go over the area until you dont see any suds...
Cleaning Bamboo Floors?
The recommended cleaner when we had our bamboo floors installed was Bona Hardwood Floor cleaner and it has worked great. It hasnt left any residue or damaged the finish in the 5 years we have been using it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ARPVIY?tag=thriftyfun0b-20
Congratulations Paul and Harlean (50th Wedding...
Congratulations! It is wonderful to have you as part of the TF family! You have a story that we can all learn from and strive for. :)
Buying a Small Commercial Range?
Thanks deeli, looking for gas and its for commercial use. Its surprising how sparse good review sites are on the net. Thanks for the links!
Buying a Small Commercial Range?
Guess I will reply since I have done some research. The key for restaurant use is to get something that is approved for commercial use by your local health department, that will require NSF or ETL certification. You can google those to find out more about those...
Can Eating a Peace Lily Cause Anemia in Cats?
I cant find information about them causing anemia. Heres some good info on the Peace Lily and cats. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/mauna-loa-peace-lily/
Ice from Kenmore Elite Ice Maker Contains White Particles?
Old question but I think I know the answer. It probably has something to do with the filter. Its recommended that you make several batches of ice to get debris removed from the filter. It could be that the white flakes you are seeing are from that process needing...
Name of The Song from the Movie "This Christmas"?
Got to Give It Up Written and Performed by Marvin Gaye http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0937375/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd
Nino (Yorkie/Poodle)
Sorry everyone, there was a gremlin in the system that hampered voting for Nino, it should work now. Please try again.
Rules for Fill or Bust Card Game?
Visit https://fillorbust.com and you can download a PDF of the rules.
Selling Vintage Comic Books?
The best way to sell comic books is on eBay. Things to keep in mind. 1. Some issues are more valuable than others, and its not always the early issues. For example, the first appearance of a popular character is very valuable. So you want to get a price guide...
Electrical Wiring Diagram for John Deere Mower?
Have you checked the John Deere website. Does the have what you are looking for? http://manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMGX22464_C8/Output/Index.html?tM=HO
Looking for Small Terra Cotta Pots for Making Clay People?
Craft stores or the dollar store are probably the best bet. They also sell them at home improvement stores but I dont think they have smaller sizes. Amazon sells smaller pots but they would be more expensive, especially if you dont have a prime membership. https...
Online Game: Super Obama World
This was posted because the game is free and fun. Not for its political content. We hope to feature more free, online games and resources like this.
Repairing an iPod Screen?
Try http://www.ifixit.com/ They have guides for repairing just about everything by Apple. They also sell replacement parts.
Website With Opened Package Discount?
I have had some luck going to sites and like buy.com and searching for Open Box or Opened. Usually there is a 10% or more discount. Im not sure of a site that sells only those items but a lot of big retailers have open box items...
Homemade Household Cleaner Recipes?
ThriftyFun has a category dedicated to this topic. You can find it here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/Cleaning_Cleaning%20Recipes_296_305.html
Looking for an Old Friend?
Heres a good page listing ideas: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55944404.tip.html
Perfume Smell on a Purse?
(format_html)I bought a beautiful leather purse at a Flea Market but it reeks of perfume. Obviously someone spilled a bottle and it soaked into the leather. Ive tried natural enzymes, smell-be-gone, lots of sunshine, and baking soda. Ive even taken it to a...
Recipes Using Firm Tofu?
Making Your Own Tofu A Substitute for Tofu STEAMED EGG TOFU Recipes Using Firm Tofu
Pictures of Glass Block Crafts?
Heres the link on this site... be sure to look down the page for more ideas that people have posted. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37245405.tip.html
Drying Bar Soap?
I had a plastic soap dish that would collect water and give me mush soap... one day I got the bright idea to drill a few holes in it. Now the water drains, the soap dries and isnt mushy and it last much, much longer.
Where Do The Pictures of Pets Come From?
Hi Judy, All the pictures of pets are submitted by visitors to this website. They submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml Then we publish a different one each day. Thanks for asking!
Clean and Green Bathrooms
Hi glowgirl, The article is referring to white vinegar, although I have heard about people using apple cider vinegar for many uses as well.
