Uses for Wine Bottles and Corks?
As iI write this, I am using 2 wine corks to prop up my laptop to keep it from overheating. I also put them on yarn needles to hold my work.
Duplicate Catalog Style with Thrift Store Finds
Crafters seem to like to try to reproduce what they see at Anthropologie. I love to window shop there!
Dye Accidentally Removed When Cleaning Leather Shoes?
There used to be off white shoe polish out there - available in shoe repair stores...or you could try using acrylic craft paint to match.
Dye Accidentally Removed When Cleaning Leather Shoes?
There used to be off white shoe polish out there, available in shoe repair stores or you could try using acrylic craft paint to match.
When Expiration Dates Matter
According to my internet research, the only people who have research very long term expiration issues about medications is the govt. who is interested in it due to stockpiling of medical supplies for the armed forces. They have found that medicines remain mostly...
Highlighting Brown Hair With Lemon Juice?
Hydrogen peroxide produces the orangish color. Its great for me, a potential redhead. Lemon juice just lightens blonde hair & going out in the sun will intensify the effect. But I have found its best to put lightening agents on dirty hair so the effect isnt...
My Frugal Ways
Check out www.freestufftimes.com at the end of the week for a hole list of free activities for the kids over the weekend (including free museum tix recently), I really recommend the site.
My Frugal Ways
Check out www.freestufftimes.com at the end of the week for a hole list of free activities for the kids over the weekend (including free museum tix recently). I really recommend the site.
Simplify Your Beauty Bag
There are also good deals in the dollar store for eye cream (put on a dab of witch hazel first). I put petroleum jelly on my eyelids, use dollar store lip stuff & dont forget all the samples from the internet! (I also look for them at thrift shops & yard sales...
Less Free Disk Space After Document Cleanup?
I agree. Use CC Cleaner. Since I surf the web a lot, I use the cleaner almost daily to get rid of all kinds of junk.
Brewing Coffee Without a Coffee Maker?
You could also make hobo coffee by simply boiling the fresh grounds in a sauce pan until you get the strength of coffee you like, then either filter it (see above) or just carefully pour out the coffee leaving most of the grinds in the pan. (In the Middle East...
My Frugal Life: Healing on the Oregon Coast
Although I wasnt as badly injured as you, Cindy, I, too took time by the beach to heal after a breakdown. As luck would have it, I had just met my future husband, had a place to stay by the beach, & had inherited some $ to pay the bills for a while. So, we...
My Frugal Life: Clothing Is Fabric
Just took the buttons off a jacket I am sending to the thriftshop to use again. Used to be that everyone had a button jar! How do the people without them replace missing buttons?
My Frugal Life: Clothing Is Fabric
Just took the buttons off a jacket I am sending to the thriftshop to use again. Used to be that everyone had a button jar! How do the people without them replace missing buttons?
Recycling School Supplies
Remember to recycle your art/craft supplies. After my mother died, we donated all her craft materials to the Girl Scouts & they were very happy to get them to use in their summer programs!
Refinishing a China Hutch?
My friend used a Formsby formulation to re-finish our oak kitchen cabinets - it sort of moves the finish around. Nowadays you can also take your piece of furniture to someone who dips it in refinishing liquid for you! Find in the Yellow Pages? Or you can apply...
My Frugal Life: Fun When You're Broke
One of the benefits of a college education is that you never need be bored! As you realize there is so much out there in the wide, wide world.
My Frugal Life: Disguising Generic Items
Its really ironic that I have found better tasting condiments at the dollar store (the Dollar Tree in this instance)! There was an obscure brand of ketchup that was tastier than Heinz & they have wonderful sweet pickles (made in India?) My husband used to hate...
Getting Rid of Mold in the Kitchen and Refrigerator?
Spray disinfectant, available at the dollar store, it is great for killing mold. You can also use cleanser with bleach for the sink. Toss any food that is moldy - & toss or wash containers thoroughly. Make sure tour bathroom is well ventilated - Sunshine & fresh...
My Frugal Life: Carl the Cadillac
I see golf-cart-type vehicles in the area of our marina, too. Are they street legal?
My Frugal Life: Ways To Live On Less
Re: polyester in hot weather, on the plus side, polyester doesnt wilt in the heat, so you can use it judiciously.
Estimating Value on a Set of Congas?
I would go on line to places like eBay & see what comparable congas are getting these days. Make sure you check the condition, as that makes a lot of difference. I know that a friend sold a pair of newer congas for a couple of hundred dollars, which is about...
Oil Stains on Clothing?
You can use powder or chalk on the greasy stain to absorb the grease & then brush it away. May take several times.
Decorating Luggage?
You could use colored tape to make a striped pattern (if the surface is such that you can make the tape stick). Or you could use stencils & spray paint, and spray paint a pattern on your luggage - a floral design?
Inexpensive Cosmetic Bags
You can also get them at dollar stores & I have also received several through freebie offers.
The Basics for Starting Out on Your Own
Remember, you can shop for the basics; shoes/suits/shirts etc., at an Outlet mall. That way, you can get great value for less money. (Ditto shopping on sales.) You can also consider re-sale shops (mostly female). Suits are conservative & dont go out of style...
Home Remedies for Dermatitis
Having also had problems with skin rashes, I would recommend Calendula gel (which you can get at the healthfood store). It is soothing, but not too strong. Also be aware that often you get counter irritations & dryness from using antihistamine or cortisone...
Suggestions for Brightening Up a Dark Apartment?
Lived in a dark apartment for a while & what I did was to install mirrors of all shapes & sizes on the walls (from thriftshops & dollar stores!) They reflected whatever light there was & made the place brighter. Ditto with pictures framed in glass & other reflective...
Reshaping Old Glasses
I actually re-use my old frames! Lenses can be ground slight to fit the new shape of the other frames. They warn you about the frames shattering - but I have only had one pair do that in all the years I have re-used my frames.
George Foreman Replacement Parts?
I would suggest writing a letter of complaint to the makers of the appliance, asking for replacement or replacement part(s). This is obviously a design flaw of some kind.
When Are You Being Too Frugal?
These habits are more miserly than frugal! One reads of people dying as secret millionaires & leaving their $ to charity. I think charity begins at home & one should not deprive oneself of lifes little pleasures. That attitude comes of fear of want, rather...
What Are Some Uses for Talc?
I use talc (dusting powder) as a dry shampoo, as I use it only occasionally. I dont think there is any health risk. Its also good for putting on greasy stains. It sops up the grease & then you can brush it away and the grease stain goes with it.
Reusing Tins
I love tins that come with food, etc., even ones I find at thrift-shops. Always something to put into them! Some cookies at the dollar store come in them! Remember when we had Sucrets tins for pins? Too bad they went plastic.
Ideas for Inexpensive Crafts and Hobbies?
There are lots of interesting & cheap ideas on the internet. Start with dollarstorecrafts.com for some really good inexpensive ideas. I like crafts, too, but I do them on the cheap, like getting yarn & knitting needles from thrift shops!
My Frugal Life: Focus On What's Important (Part 6)
Luckily I grew up with thrifty ideas passed down by my mother, who had grown up in the Depression! Now I approach senior years & I feel well prepared.
How Can I Hide a Crack in a Mirror?
If its an a side area - you could lover it with decoration, like gluing those glass pebbles to it, I did that to a mirror once. Other than that - you could use the stuff that they used in crafts for faux stained glass. But if its right in the middle & you want...
Repairing Torn Suede Boot?
If it were me, I would put a leather patch behind the tear & glue it to the boot with household cement. Hopefully is wont show much.
How Do I Budget For a Used Car on a Low Income?
I would as a preliminary scout out places where the used car prices are low. For ex. 90 min. N. of L.A. in Ventura Co., used cars are MUCH cheaper than in the city. Also check with your local mechanics to see if they have any cars they would like to sell. (My...
My Frugal Life: Focus On What's Important (Part 5)
Credit for medical/dental bills. When I had my last root canal (@ $1000!) I found through dentist that there was a plan called Care Credit which I could get to finance my medical & dental bills. It certainly saved us, as the dentists dont accept partial payment...
My Frugal Life: Learning From Others
Dont know why it hadnt occurred to me before, sewing placemats together for a rug! Great idea.
My Frugal Life: Pay As You Go
My husband & I have lovely used furniture & that allows us to buy musical instruments!
Replacement Battery for Fossil Wrist Watch?
I took mine to a watchman/jeweler. They only charge a few dollars for installation + battery.
My Frugal Life: Difference Between Thrifty and Cheap
This sort of calculation is especially important when considering gasoline prices, so picking up anything would cost some gas $. Also check on shipping costs if purchasing online. One wants to get as much value as possible, not to be just a rag picker!
Do These Little Things Really Add Up?
Putting the leftover water on my plants from my nightstand in the AM makes sure that I water my houseplants!
Do These Little Things Really Add Up?
Putting the leftover water on my plants from my nightstand in the AM makes sure that I water my houseplants!
My Frugal Life: Furnish Your Home With Used Items
Used hardwood furniture is such a good deal in comparison with most low-cost furniture at places like Target & Ikea that I am amazed that more people dont go for it. After all, furniture that survives beyond being old becomes collectible & eventually antique...
Tips For Urban Gardening
Tip: succulents are very easy to grow, to propagate (just put a leaf in soil!) & they need very little water. In my apt. bldg. I have put pots on the side of the entry staircase with mixed succulents. I was the first to try to revive the old beds on the side...
Getting Rid of Mouse Urine Odor on Stored Luggage?
I would recommend spraying the suitcase(s) with spray disinfectant (they come in scents) & then putting them in the sun. If there is still odor try some pet urine solutions.
Free Version of WordPerfect?
I dont know about that particular program, which seems to have gone out anyway, but Google Office has a whole suite of free software, including a word processing program.
Cleaning "Dry Clean Only" Clothing at Home?
Depends upon the piece of clothing. Many silk pieces are marked dry clean only when you can actually hand wash them carefully. If your jackets/sweaters/coats need freshening up, try Febreze or a similar fabric spray.
Finding Home Repair Help for People on Fixed Low Incomes?
I would check with your local council on aging & I have also found my local govt reps on the city level very helpful.
Ideas for Organizing Storage on Closet Shelves?
<3 the idea @ the post office boxes - gonna try that.
Ideas for Organizing Storage on Closet Shelves?
You can use decorative boxes to store small things in. These range from large pretty boxes left over from Xmas presents to ones found at the thrift store, or vintage milk crates, even orphan drawers from demolished dressers. I am collecting inexpensive thrift...
Getting Free Craft Supplies for Charity Crafts?
All I can suggest is to look for supplies at thrift shops, thats where I get all of my yarn for my projects, as yarn otherwise is too expensive.
Uses for Clothing Rags?
Its my understanding that larger thrift shop concerns accept clothes in any condition & sell them in bulk as rags. So, feel free to dump them in those donation boxes to get rid of them, as they eventually will go to a good cause.
Remedies for Healing Sore Gums Due to Dentures?
For immediate relief of pain, use Orajel, or similar mouth antiseptic/pain reliever, rinse with hot h20/hydrogen peroxide for healing. If you are brave & there is a particular spot that seems rough or sticks out, you can make adjustments by filing it with an...
My Frugal Life: A Winter Miracle
Your group was really angelic! How blessed that lasy was to know you all!
Repairing Damaged Laminate Flooring?
To simply mask the scratches, apply shoe polish of the same color to tint the scratch to match the rest of the flooring.
Free Educational Materials?
I would see if any of your texts are available as ebooks, so you can just download them, much cheaper. You can, of course, buy last years texts from your student book store or privately from upper class students. I used to sell off my books to make extra $ myself...
How Do I Make My Dark Hair Blonde?
With hair that dark, I wouldnt do it myself the first time Invest in a professional job & then keep it up. Thats they so many of us have highlighted hair. its so much easier to take care of.
Cutting Back At Christmas
I know other people whose gift to themselves for Xmas this year is dental work, too! P.S. Perhaps you can get your dentist to make some temporaries for you to use until you can afford your permanent dental work. here is also a plan called Care Credit which...
Getting Help With Utility Bills?
In many communities (such as L.A., for ex.) they have low-income assistance programs for heat/power. Check with your utility co.
How Can I Dye Synthetic Wigs?
I like the spray on colors because if done carefully, they can take away the artificial shininess of an acrylic wig.
Relieving Tension Headaches?
#1 Mk sure you are getting all your vitamins, the Bs & Calcium are particularly good for the nerves.(You can even get multivits from dollar stores today!) #2 Try using Rescue Remedy (from the health food store) for calming you down, its an old homeopathic remedy...
Removing an Underarm Stain from a Vintage Beaded Silk Dress?
You can try sponging the area with a weak solution of water + vinegar. That will remove sheer sweat stains & also be kind to the beading.
Fixing a Ballpoint Pen?
You usually can make the ink flow again in a ballpoint pen by carefully applying heat to the metal tip.
Laundry Detergent Caps For Bathroom Organizing
Funny, but this AM I found a nice top to a spray can hubby had tossed & I washed it & used it to put my little sample skin care packets in!
Laundry Detergent Caps For Bathroom Organizing
Funny, but this AM I found a nice top to a spray can hubby had tossed & I washed it & used it to put my little sample skin care packets in!
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends?
Last year we found Cds of relaxation music at the dollar store. Hubby gave them to everyone at the office & they loved them. Or how about Xmas music? I bet they havent started on their own collections.
Tobacco As First Aid On Small Cuts
I read recently on the net that 19th C. ships doctors used tobacco smoke to revive an almost-drowned man by putting it in his lungs. I think that tobacco is a stimulant, so that would actually do some good. Just a fact to file away in my head.
One Size Doesn't Always Fit All
Very interesting post. So now there are frugal snobs! If we all did just as much as we can, considering our circumstances. It would make a big difference in our budgets & probably our greenish footprint too. I dabble in all sorts of frugality, from picking...
How Do I Make a Waterproof Coaster Out of Cardboard Blanks?
Even regular paper-based coasters are not completely water-proof. Rather, they absorb the water sweating from the glasses.
Removing Curry and Tumeric Stains From Clothing?
Turneric/curry powder are really hard to get out of clothing! You will have to try to bleach the spot out - if it goes onto the black part of the check, maybe you can restore the black after you bleach it. Hydrogen peroxide is a good mild bleach & you can make...
Free Storage Ideas Using Common Household Items?
You can ask 4 shoe boxes at your local Pay Less shoe store; they always seem to have them. Other sturdy boxes can be gleaned from liquor stores. Check out threadbanger.com for their home section for organizing ideas with recycled materials. I also suggest getting...
My Frugal Holiday: Shop for Christmas All Year
I have been doing the same thing for years! I start in earnest in late August, to see if everyone is covered. And frankly, my oddball gifts are always the most popular.
Removing Sharpie from a Comforter?
This kind of ink is permanent. Perhaps you could put a teeny patch on the stains, lacy? Part of a doily? & you could even make that part of the whole pattern & do it all over the comforter & personalize it. Sometimes the way to deal with stains is to disguise...
Ideas for a Frugal Wedding?
Just look up wedding here & you will find lots of frugal ideas. It can be done, I have done 2 weddings for very little (Under $1,000).
My Frugal Life: Passing the Buck
I learned here from thriftyfun.com to use 1/3 liquid fabric softening + 2/3 H20 to make a wrinkle-release spray, which has saved us lots of ironing!
How Do I Thicken My Hair?
I am not an expert, but there are so many new products on the market for thickening hair. I would recommend you go shopping perhaps at a beauty supply store where you could try to get some good free advice on this. P.S. If you have straight hair, why fight...
My Frugal Life: Keeping Our World Clean
Good for you! I myself have always tried to keep the front area of my apartment building free of litter. Even got the school across the street to buy an outside trash can, because they didnt have one & the kids were dropping candy wrappers and so on all over...
My Frugal Life: Out Of Sugar?
What kind thoughts! I have always tried to cultivate the children in my apartment building, as they are easier to approach & they bring goodwill home with them.
