Trouble Printing Email Content Only?
You highlight the content of the email (holding the right click of your computer mouse), and it will be highlighted in blue. Then push cntrl + p, for print or push the printer icon, and say in the print menu that pops up that you will only print the selection...
My Frugal Life: Teaching Children About Toys
My father used to call cheap toys Japanese junk (how times have changed! But after a few experiences with cheap stuff, we reverted to the better products - of course, there werent so many dollar stores around then. Its a good lesson to teach anyone of any age...
Treating an Allergic Reaction to Antibiotics?
I had the same experience & also took Benadryl. In addition, I applied cold tea compresses to the irritated areas, as nothing else was soothing, even cortisone cream or lanacane. Sometime afterwards I was talking to a woman who was a nurse & when she had a...
My Frugal Life: Knit and Natter
You are a more expert knitter than I am, but I also try to pursue this hobby thriftily. I buy my yarn largely at thrift shops (& some knitting needles, too) even found some at the dollar store & I have combined yarns to get a tweedy look on the scarves & hats...
Cleaning Corroded Pennies?
If they are old pennies, they should be copper & will respond to any metal polish suitable for copper. New coins are a different amalgum.
Removing Musty Smell From Books
When I find an old book that is musty. I put it out in the sun & where possible, spray it with spray disinfectant (usually has a scent) & fan the pages & put it out to dry. This perhaps wouldnt be good for an extremely valuable book, but it does make run-of...
Cleaning Mold and Odor from a Velvet Lined Guitar Case?
Ive said this elsewhere on the site, but let me repeat that spray disinfectant coupled with putting the moldy item in the sun is a good way to kill the mold. First try to clean away as much as you can, then spray with the disinfectant & put out to dry in strong...
Difficulty Removing a Musty Smell from an Old Cloth Bound Book?
I would put it out in the sun and rifle the pages occasionally to dry it out. Try putting the book on its spine with its pages fanned out. You could also try to spay really bad parts with spray disinfectant, which kills mold. Sounds as if the mold persists...
Whirlpool Stove Beeping and Displaying F2 Code?
Most manufacturers nowadays have posted copies of their manuals on the internet - as everyone loses theirs! Do a Google search for the type of stove you have.
Finding Jeans for a Hard to Fit 10 Year Old?
As a short adult, I can wear pants that would be cropped as almost usual pants for me. There are a lot of cropped cargo pants and similar styles out now. Try to see if they would do. Also, perhaps very long shorts, as long as the weather is not too cold (if...
Hoarding: Cleaning and Maintenance
Its always good to be reminded that sometimes hoarders NEED HELP. People can get so self-righteous - which does no good whatsoever! For me, even someone sitting there to TALK to while I tidy up or clean is invaluable - but there arent very many people that...
Halloween Wreath
What a great idea! I was wondering what to do for Halloween - I will add a pumpkin pic I think
Organizing a Crowded Apartment?
Have the same problem; we totally re-organized this summer & I am putting things in baskets & tins, etc. & putting them on shelves. The containers are attractive & they can hold a lot of little craft stuff. (P.S. I am getting my baskets at thrift shops!)
My Frugal Life: One Man's Trash . . .
When I was in college on the Upper W. Side of NYC it was well known that very interesting vintage furniture could be found sitting out on the curb on trash day! I found a 50s dinette table with chrome legs sitting out for the trash once here in L.A. & called...
Change Shoe Color with Cream Polish
You might try an additional coat of black liquid shoe polish to make the finish blacker. Of course, you can also use shoe dye from the leather store or shoe repair shop.
Tenant Landlord Disputes?
In genl real estate law, creating a nuisance is, I believe, a cause for breaking your lease. I have had landlord problems myself in the past & I have used the Nolo Presss book for renters (I think thats the title) successfully. You might also be able to go...
My Frugal Life: Watch Every Penny
Look at www.freestufftimes.com regularly & you can get lots of free magazines (& then donate them back to the library or elsewhere). There are also lots of other samples, especially for deodorant, shampoo, skin care, even some food, which should be fun to receive...
Save Cotton from Bottle Packaging
Have been doing this for years. I find that it helps to collect the recycled cotton in a specific container so you know where it came from!
My Frugal Life: The Coupon Lady
Yes, it is a fun hobby getting samples and coupons! And often you have extra to share with others, too.
Assistance for Low Income Senior With Denture Expenses?
I dont know if this will help but I put my root canal on CareCredit, a special credit card only for medical/dental expenses. Perhaps you will qualify. Or you could present yourself as a cash patient & ask your dentist for a discount based on that. Ask if they...
Getting Rid of Bedbugs?
There are home bedbug extermination kits. Look for bedbug extermination in a net search. The are really hard to get id of, so use these kits or call in a professional. They do not go away easily!
Balancing Thrifty And Fun
Recently I have found new hardbacks at the Dollar Tree, of all places! Also check out used books at thriftshops & good used bookstores, you would be surprised at what you can get - I also check the book exchange shelves I encounter, put a few in, take a few...
My Frugal Life: Toys Made From Nothing
Oh, I remember rubbing the comics onto waxed paper! I also loved to make my own paperdolls and outfits - with tissue paper poufy skirts. We also played lots of easy card games. A trip to an unfamiliar playground was a real outing for us!
Frame Giftbags for Wall Art
I also have used the tops of British biscuit tins that have art on them as wall art. The tin is great to put up in the bathroom, as it is indestructible. I imagine that you could easily decoupage images cut from magazines, etc. onto the top of a tin (using...
Craft Ideas Using 14 Inch Eiffel Tower Replica?
You could use it on your desk with a little cup of paperclips under it & then stick pens & pencils into the grid.
Incorporating Owner's Name into Name for Office Cleaning Business
?
How about Office Cleaning by Ashley?
Saving Buttons
Ha! I just cut off all the enameled metal buttons off a slightly moth-eaten knit jacket I was donating to the thrift shop last week. (Sometimes it would be worth it to buy a thrift shop item just for the buttons & I have bought items without buttons cheaply...
Treating a Bug Bite on Your Eye Lid?
Theres a limit to what you can put on your eyelids, as they are very delicate, when I have had allergic itchy reactions, I have used health food store Calendula gel & very cold black iced tea also works to relieve swelling.
Removing Fabric Dye From Skin?
Usually you can get rid of such stains by exfoliating the skin. I use pumice stones on my stained fingers, for the face, I would use the pads they sell for facial exfoliation. Was it an irritation that left a scar-like mark? That should be treated differently...
Recycling #6 Coffee Cups?
Why dont you just reuse them as containers for coffee from home? My husband & I do that as much as we can!
Scenery: Sunset on a Beach (Texas - 1940's)
What beautiful photos & how sad that these boys died that way. We have to remember & be grateful for all the serums & preventative shots we have now.
Showing Support for Adult Child's Career Making Decisions?
Its always easier to get advice from people other than your parents. Is there a counselor at her high school? Or ask school for referrals/materials. Your local 2-year college might also be able to help, & there are government services, like EDD, too.
How Do I Dye Velvet Drapes?
Velvet will be a pain to dye at home! See if a local dry cleaner knows of some place to dye items.
Looking For Suede Shoe Dye?
At least in the US, any good shoe repair shop will have shoe dye. Leather dye is also available at leather craft shops. Nowadays, I am sure you can order dye on the internet.
Collect Water From Condensation Pipe
Some of us fall apart in the heat! & what with the dreadful heatwave in the East. A/C is definitely called for! Our a/c unit drains into the flower bed below. Definitely good for the garden. There was a good feature on yahoo recently about keeping cool over...
Use a Window Fan To Cool Home
Luckily, in S. California, it generally cools off at night even if its been hot during the day. So I turn on my window fans before I go to bed to cool off my apartment overnight, and then turn them off in the AM when the air outside is warmer than inside.
My Frugal Life: Reusing Plastic Grocery Bags
I dont think the plastic bag problem is so much a bag problem as a litter problem, as these bags can so easily be re-used in ways you would use plastic trash bags, or you can recycle them by using at yard sales, or recycling them at the supermarket. We bring...
My Frugal Life: My Garden Costs Almost Nothing
Yes, I remember gardening by cuttings - people sharing their plants, from when I was a kid. It still works!
Buying Sunglasses in Bulk?
You can check out www.graveyardmall.com which has had 9 pairs for $10 recently.
Is It Safe to Use Expired Toothpaste?
If the toothpaste is in good shape (it has been sealed) I dont think it would do your teeth any harm. Things last a good deal longer than the stated shelf life, which is to rotate new merchandise.
Getting the Most Out of Coloring Books
Check out the free samples of artistic coloring pages at www.doverpublishing.com. Coloring those pages will teach them something, too!
Removing Odor from Vintage Clothing?
They may be musty - putting them out in the sun should help - I used Borax on some old linens & dried them in the sun - You could also try Fabreze Fabric spray - & drying in the sun.
Finding a Decorative Bead for Formal Dress?
Dear, that does seem to be an elaborate dress for a 16-year-old! I wouldnt try to have that much beading, if any, and the teardrop bead doesnt seem to be a necessary part of the design. It could easily be eliminated. What happened to 16 year old girls just...
How Can I Tell If Something is Made of Silver?
Silver oxide (the tarnish on silver) has a distinct odor & I have used that test to determine if a thrift shop item is silver. (You can also look for a hallmark that says sterling, but all items wont have them.) You also have to remember that there are items...
Acne Medication Bleached Carpet?
The spot is probably bleached & hence the colored spot. I would suggest trying to fill in the color with permanent markers the same color as the rug. Or cut a piece of rug (if its wall to wall) & try to patch it, or put another small rug on top of it.
Washing a "Dry Clean Only" Blouse?
Many silk blouses are actually hand washable, but some water spot. Try wetting a small corner to see how the silk reacts, if it doesnt water spot, you can wash it very gently by hand with cool water & gentle soap.
Homemade Flushable Wipes?
Dont make them, but I get mine from the dollar store (Dollar Tree). I use the refills & put them into containers I already have. Look in the baby section. They are very affordable!
Buy Magazines Used at Garage Sales
There are ways to get magazines free! Check out freestufftimes.com for notices of free magazine offers, There are lots of them! Heaven knows how many we are currently receiving. I really enjoy them & we always pass them on to my husbands school & elsewhere...
My Frugal Life: Preschool At Home
Also check out the internet for lots of freebies for kids - www.freestufftimes.com will get you started - They include scientific posters, coloring books, puzzles and books and little prizes and gifts.
My Frugal Life: Preschool At Home
I second the grammar point - as an at home teacher it is vital that you understand that its = it is and its = a possessive like his or her (E.T. lifted its hat...) Also remember that possessives of plurals + s as in the teacher corercted the students papers...
Mom's Money Jar
You can also ask relatives and friends to contribute to a fund for the item you want instead of giving you a gift - Like $ for the harp fund. If they all make modest contributions, it may add up to the $ you need for a relatively expensive item.
Gum Tissue Gray After an Extraction
?
Take your vitamins, especially Vitamin C, and gargle also with dilution of hydrogen peroxide for healing. You can also go to the health food store and buy gum therapy drops with myrrh and apply those. Gums SHOULD be pink for health! There may be an infection...
Why Do My New Bathmats Have a Skunk Odor?
Plastic/rubber items often outgas when they are new - hence the smell - Leave the mat outside as much as possible to let the gasses dissipate & with them, the smell. (Same happens with plastic shower curtains....)
My Frugal Life: Run Of Bad Luck
We have had great luck with used appliances - much cheaper & we havent had any major problems. I wouldnt buy a whole set of appliances at once, but acquire them over time. Our microwave is from a thrift shop, too!
Your Time Is Worth Something Too
You DO save $ by trying to do things yourself - but if its too much of a hassle - then consider farming the task out.
Store Bracelets and Watches on a Mug Rack
I found a vintage cast iron mug rack with birds & 2 matching painted cast iron curlique candle holders which go together nicely at at $9 for the rack & $3 for 2 candle holders were probably cheaper than the new mug tree!
Recycling Old Clothes for Crafts
Also remember that if you donate old, non-wearable clothes to major thrift shops like the Salvation Army, they put them in lots and sell them off for rags.
Inexpensive Furnishings for a Temporary Apartment?
The most important thing is to get a mattress! Sal Army often has those. Then get some pillows so you can sit on it like a couch. Scavenge for furniture so much good stuff goes in the trash! Make things out of cardboard boxes - (side tables, etc.) - you can...
Uses for Silk Scarves?
You could sew the scarves together to make a large scarf like a shawl. Or you could tie them around the band of a hat to decorate it. But actually scarves are terribly fashionable these days- I wear them to spiff up my t-shirts or sweat shirts! See if you can...
Reducing Puffiness Under Eyes?
I put a dab of witch hazel beneath my eye cream in the AM & that helps reduce puffiness. Also use cold tea bag compresses to reduce bad swelling due to allergies when nothing else works. Could apply very cold water or ice cubes to help. Just read about using...
Mature Hair Styles?
One way is to cut out a picture of a mature woman you admire - like Diane Sawyer - with a style you like and bring it to your hairdresser for inspiration. (P.S. they also have all sorts of new thickening products for you to try.)
Make Purchases Go a Little Further
I also stretch my budget for things like toothpaste, deodorant, skincare, shampoo and shower gel by getting FREE samples over the internet (I have even gotten Prilosec samples) - Check out the free samples Walmart always lists at www. walmart.com & look at...
Less Costly Landscaping
Living in S. Calif. I have found that succulents like jade plants are very easy to take cuttings from - all you have to do is break off a sprig & just put it in soft moist ground! Spider plants are also invasive in our climate and the small plants they make...
Advice For Reading Small Print
I mark my prescription bottles w/Letters of the name of the drug written large in permanent marker, so I wont get them confused!
Products for Age Lines on the Neck?
Try using anti-aging products with retinol or similar ingredients (see Garnier/Olay/Roc, etc.) They will defoliate your skin on your throat & reduce lines - you can help by smoothing them out with an upward massage - also keep your neck hydrated with moisturizer...
How Do You Get Free Seed Samples?
If you do an internet search with seeds + freebies (or seeds + free) you should find some free seed offers. I recently have seen some offers online for tomatoes & wildflowers.
Free Beauty Samples
I dont buy anything from Sephora (two $$$ for me) - but I DO enjoy the samples they give out to their membership program! I get coupons for those samples via their email list. YOu dont have to buy anything!
Reviews of AAA Auto Club?
I have had great success with AAA - in California you can register a car with them & so avoid going to our Dept. of Motor Vehicles ofc. (with its long lines) - which makes it a bargain.
Liquid Eraser on Denim?
Liquid eraser IS paint - so scrape it off carefully with a sharp edge - then color in the stain with marker to blend in.
Preserving Pinecones?
Try just spraying them with extra-strength hairspray to preserve them. I have used it on leaves, so it should work on pinecones, too.
Protecting Satin Shoes from Stains?
I wd spray them with Scotchguard/fabric protector, but first spray an inconspicuous spot to see how the fabric reacts.
Carpet Advice for Room with Gold Walls and Navy Trim?
I would use a multi-colored rug with a pattern that picked up the colors of the walls - A modern oriental? perhaps with cream in the color mix?
Earning Extra Money With Consignment Stores?
Look in your phone book and/or online under secondhand/vintage clothing, or consignment shops to find your local outlets. Usually vintage shops that carry different sorts of clothes from consignment shops, where clothes are generally newer, high-end merchandise...
Alternative to Flower Petals for Flower Girl to Scatter?
How about blowing bubbles or waving a bubble wand?
Condensation on Walls and Windows in Mobile Home?
The is dessicant (drying material) that you can get from the hardware store. Its used in basements - You can spray the mold with disinfectant spray to kill it.
Dishwasher Rack Coating is Coming Off?
You could use the coating they use to fix porcelain bathtubs (I just got some from the dollar store) - or thick coats of cheap white nailpolish - or go to the auto supply store & buy white auto touchup paint!
Keeping Pantyhose From Running?
Yup, I would suggest getting a little bottle of nailpolish & keep it handy to mend any runs. Works great.
Keeping Pantyhose From Running?
P.S. Once you have applied nail polish to the run, you can often move the mend around so it is on the sole of your foot, and wont show.
Using Cell Phone With a Fax Machine?
Do you have internet access on your phone? There are net-based fax services, such as eFAX, which receive & send faxes thru the net.
Favorite Tips from ThriftyFun
My favorite tip is using 1/2 liquid fabric softener and 1/2 water in a spray bottle to spray as an anti-wrinkle sray. Its saved me a LOT of ironing! (& $ because the commercial sprays are expensive.)
Cooking for One?
I was single for many years & ate a lot of soups & stews in the colder weather - You can make a big pot & then eat it in several servings over a few days - I also bought ramen in a cup & broke an egg into it, added soy bacon bits, garlic powder & dried onion...
Shopping at IKEA?
Ikea is a Swedish firm that specializes in Scandanavian Modern furniture - Lots of white laminate & birch veneer & pine. You put them together yourself. Yes, there is a catalog - but I have only picked it up at the store. Lots of great inexpensive housewares...
Problems Threading a Needle?
You can also just get a needle threader, which has a fine wire which goes through the needles hole,allowing you to put thread through it, pull & thread the needle!
Clean Suede Boots With Hydrogen Peroxide
This one is new on me. I wonder if it works as well on boots that have been waterproofed? I have a pr. of suede Ugg-type boots that have gotten grimy. I wonder if I would have to waterproof them again after cleaning? I will wait until they are really dirty...
Getting a Job With a High School Diploma?
You cant unless you are a genius in some way. Go back to school for your diploma, and go on to college. Even college degrees dont guarantee anything. In the meantime, your only choices are fast food, retail and lower level sales, and manual work. So be prepared...
