Finding Out How Much Child Support Owed?
Yes, MooseMom and Redhatterb are right. You should be able to reach your countys child support enforcement office through your countys Jobs and Family Services (welfare) office. They can also provide you with a toll-free number so you can track whether theyve...
A Red Tail Hawk Soaring on the Thermals
Wow, that was always one of the sights I loved...watching raptors of various types riding the thermals. They looked so graceful up there, it took my breath away. Thanks, Bobby.
Apply Deodorant In Sweaty Areas
Hmm, now why didnt I post this? I dont deodorize my thighs or forehead, but Ive been deodorizing under my breasts for some time now. Im not exactly a small-chested gal, and had noticed an unpleasant, yeasty smell under them, especially in hot weather. Now I...
Take Your Own School Pictures
Professional photographers everywhere must hate us, or you, anyway, lol! Wish Id thought of this tip years ago.
Find Your House After Dark
lol! I hadnt even noticed the lack of photo. You get my thumbs up for this nifty, thrifty tip!
Wildlife: Vibrant Purple Starfish (Sunset Beach, OR)
Im very un-adventurous. Thanks for sharing your daring with us! :D
Reducing Cable Costs
GrandmaEarth, youve got a very good idea - Im glad its working for you. Id follow your example if I werent addicted to History International and Fox News. Im praying theyll institute a la carte pricing thatll let me only pay for the channels I actually watch...
Library Book Swap
I love any tip that encourages reading! Im a lifelong bookworm, and it breaks my heart how few true bookworms I know in my offline life. My older daughter is passing on the passion for books, though.
Scenery: Sunset (Moorpark, CA)
Ive been known to pull over to admire sunsets in years past. Even though youre down to only one view now, I know youre enjoying it for me, too. Thanks, GG Vi!
How to Complain to a Company and Get Real Results
I have one last word on this subject: when all else fails and you can, show up in person. I spent several months trying to get the Sears gift card Id been promised, Hubby wouldnt take me to the local store, but a friend would. I printed all my notes and took...
Avoid Antibiotic Soap
Ive lived for 49 years without regularly using anything antibacterial. I feel it only fosters super-bugs that nothing can kill. Antibacterial products may have created the MERS (a super-strain of staphylococcus) bacterium, for all we know. My own immune system...
Scenery: Sunset (Whiskey Run Beach, OR)
Wow! Thanks for sharing such a romantic memory, too. I still remember where I was when hubby admitted his feelings for me - too bad it wasnt as romantic as yours. :)
How to Complain to a Company and Get Real Results
Wow, Id forgotten how many of us have had some bad experiences with so-called customer-service professionals. I also forgot to mention that I do, indeed, write down dates and times, as well as the CSRs ID number when applicable. When all else fails, Ive been...
The Queen's Linen Tablecoths
Im with Deeli! You get my thumbs-up for the smile. Spit always worked when we were kids, didnt it? :D
Discount Spa Services at Beauty School
Thanks for the reminder - I really need to see whether our local beauty college is still open!
Favorite Books?
Wow, were a bunch of bookworms here on TF! I know we all have our fave books & genres, and everyone whose lists Ive read are great. My classic fave has always been Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Ive probably read it half a dozen times. Another old fave is A...
Before You Dispose of That Computer
I wholeheartedly agree, the only new thing on my 3.5-year-old desktop is the hard drive. My old one fried during this past Julys heatwave. The monitor is the same one I used with this computers predecessor. I only turn it on for others, so its no biggie, lol...
Wildlife: Hummingbird (Santa Barbara, CA)
Ive always been fascinated by hummingbirds. Thanks for sharing yours with us!
Break Up Lumps in Dishwasher Detergent
Great way to save $$! Ive never found a detergent bargain like yours, but got a great deal on some gorgeous Christmas cards a couple of years back: I got a $12 box of cards for $2, because the plastic seal was broken. When I got them home and counted them, they...
Wildlife: Butterfly Wings
Interesting! Butterflies were pretty much the only insect that didnt terrify me when I was little.
Photo: First Day of School
Too sweet! Hope you save that pic to show her on graduation from high school, etc...
Dessert for Young Kids in Restaurant
Im with Nurserobinson! Thumbs up for your thrifty solution to a problem parents through the years have struggled with - how to have a nice restaurant dinner with small children.
Observations from the Blind Side
Sorry... cailifouhnofthemist. I tried to remember instead of copying the name.
Observations from the Blind Side
Caliph, youre right - all too often, Ive had people talk to my escort as if I couldnt hear, either. My friend and NFB mentor, Debbie, told me how she was out with a friend in a wheelchair and another who was deaf. The store clerk took one look at the three...
Observations from the Blind Side
Aww! Its nice to be missed. :D Simplify, dear, youre in my prayers! I know youll enjoy driving every time you get behind the wheel, until the inevitable happens. If Id had any warning, maybe Id have appreciated my sight more. Our fate is in Gods hands, though...
Rubbing Alcohol For Cleaning
I like this idea. I even refilled my purse-sized hand sanitizer bottle with plain rubbing alcohol. A bottle of rubbing alcohol costs $0.50 to $0.99 for what, 10 ounces? Each little bottle of hand sanitizer couldnt be more than two ounces and cost the same. Hubby...
Use Medical and Vocational Schools For Services
While this tip might not work for everyone or every service, its a good one to keep in mind. I got a very nice manicure and simple wash-and-trim at my local beauty college awhile back. Ive also received services from my own dentists trainee/apprentice. Vocational...
Fruit of the Spirit Speech Ideas?
Heres the actual passage, in the King James version: Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Just wondering which word was rendered kindness...
Keeping a Journal
Luana, I love your idea. Im not nearly as organized with journal writing, but then I dont need to be for my purposes. I dont plan to pass along my random thoughts. My journal is strictly an outlet for me. Recipes and other useful info, I store in other folders...
Free or Cheap Cellphones?
My hubbys had a SafeLink phone for a couple of years now. I applied online, & since were on Social Security (disability for me, retirement for him,) we qualified. 60 minutes have been more than enough for us. The down side? Its not blind-accessible. I had to...
Freeze Sauteed Veggies For Quick Cooking Later
Now, why didnt I think of that? Ive figured out that I can freeze fresh, diced onion for use later, but hadnt thought to try sauteeing first. Thanks for the idea!
Is the Door Locked?
This is a great tip! Now Im plotting how I can adapt it to myself. Thanks for the idea.
Keeping a Spreadsheet to Monitor Budget
Marti, this is a great idea, I cant track every penny, but I keep a running estimate spreadsheet. I found a simple spreadsheet works best for my screen-reader, since I can set the audio function to read the column titles as I arrow from one to the next. Ive...
Wildlife: Salamander (Nesika County Park,...
How sweet! Wish Id been there, Ive only seen salamanders in pictures. It wouldve been an unforgettable experience for this Midwesterner.
Booklights in Home Emergency Kits
Love this idea! Lights are something that wouldnt occur to me - but hubby wouldve been glad for some during the last, thankfully brief, power outage around here.
Scenery: Golden and Silver Falls (Coos Bay, OR)
Ive always thought of waterfalls as a multi-sensory experience. Sight, sound, smell, touch - and if you open your mouth at the wrong moment, taste, lol! Thanks for sharing.
Organizing Your Expenses
Suntydt, your logic is sound. However, Id venture to suggest you buy yourself a business-style cash ledger. Use that instead of your checkbook to track your outgoing cash. Might work better and save confusion.
Watch Quantity When Buying Tissues
Thanks for the tip. I still remember the day my non-bargain-hunting hubby and I were shopping in a locally-owned drug store. He grabbed the nearest multi-pack of purse-pack tissues, then someone pointed out that wed get a better deal buying 10 individual purse...
Store Toothpicks In Spice Jar
The important thing to remember is, you did think of it. Thanks for the tip!
Have Friends and Family Check On Older Parent
Scooterrhea and Lilac both have a good point. If I didnt have scary dogs, I wouldnt want to be alone with an unlocked door! Your reasoning and basic idea are sound, though. You also get others involved in your dear mothers care - if not physically, at least...
Make A Diaper Cake For Baby Showers
Useful trumps cute for me every time - looks like you managed both - thumbs up!
Scenery: Yellow Wildflowers (Shore Acres...
Wow! Ive never made it to OR and may never do so. Thanks for sharing a piece of it with us. Thumbs up!
Graduation Gift Ideas?
With my sense of humor, Id have gone for something like a bobble-head to show how my head swells, knowing how brilliant my kid is. :D
Praying Mantis (Richland, WA)
We regularly saw praying mantises where I grew up in a suburb of Indianapolis, but I dont remember ever seeing a brown one. Thats pretty cool!
Taking the "H" (Hassle) out of Homework!
Bravo! Anything that reduces the nightly frustration of homework gets my vote.
Disguising WiFi Box and All Wires
You have a wonderful idea! I only wish you could unplug some of those items without losing important data. Even when theyre covered, those little blinking lights mean those items are drawing energy. Energy conservationists call them energy vampires and suggest...
Attach Important Items To Handbag
God bless your daughter for recognizing the need and acting on it, and God bless you for not having too much foolish pride to accept it. I cant think of anything worse than losing all my important items that I carry in my handbag!
Travel: Air Force One (Ronald Reagan Library,...
Wow, that sounds like a great educational trip! I havent been there in awhile, but Ohio has a free Air Force museum about 20 miles west of us, in Dayton. Theres a lot of history stored there. imho, we are all responsible for teaching the next generations about...
Fresh Blueberry Crisp
Julia, youre merciless, lol! Ill never lose weight this way. Ah, well, Ill die happy... :)
Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole
Hmm... this sounds interesting. Ive never tried eggplant. I think its time I broadened my horizons, dont you?
Choosing a Good Charity
I completely agree. Why shouldnt those of us who have an embarrassment of riches - whether financial or otherwise - refuse to give where its needed most? That, of course, is in our own neighborhoods.
Opening Jars With Arthritis
I tend to use a floppy rubberized circle as my jar opener. The hot water thing did used to work for my family - my mom had small hands and my brother usually wasnt around. Mom would also sometimes rap the edges of a jar lid with the handle of a butter knife...
Speech Ideas for Receiving a Service Award?
First, congratulations on your award! Next, Garnetgirls got a great idea! If you have trouble with saying all that, though, a simple thank you should do. (btw, Garnetgirl, I like your idea of going into the bathroom beforehand for a little pep sing, lol!)
Ripening Fresh Fruits You've Purchased
Julia, thank you so much for sharing info many of us never learned at our own mothers elbows.
Old Fashioned Peach Cake
In a word? Yum! I absolutely adore peaches. Thanks for a new idea of what to do with them.
Using Shampoo and Conditioner as Body Wash
This is something I recently discovered when I forgot to carry a bar of soap into the shower with me. Id received several good-sized bottles of shampoo, either via coupon or as a gift or hand-me-down. I simply grabbed one of those bottles at random. It worked...
Summer Squash Casserole
Although Im not much of a squash eater, imagining this blend of flavors has my mouth watering!
Volunteer In Exchange For Tickets
This is an excellent idea, and not just for community-theater productions. I saw some truly wonderful productions at my childrens HS this way. Colleges and universities should also be open to volunteers.
Are You Ready For An Emergency?
These are some very good tips. Youve definitely got me thinking! Our power was off for a couple of hours last month due to an auto accident involving local power lines. We were without power for about 15 hours when the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through...
Apple Brown Betty
Ill never lose weight this way, but thats okay. Therell just be more of me to love... besides, hubby keeps saying if I get too round, he can roll me down the street instead of my trying to walk. JPJ
Hearing Aids for Low Income Seniors?
There are a couple of avenues you may want to explore. Your county Area Agency on Aging first, of course. They can help these dear folks with more than just hearing aids. My hubby gets, among other things, a Medicaid card. That pays for anything Medicare doesnt...
Leave Blouses Buttoned
The little touch of arthritis in my fingers doesnt interfere with my doing buttons, but its faster and easier for me anyway. No more feeling all up and down the length of the top, making sure Im not buttoning crooked! I only undo the top couple of buttons so...
Use Facecloths to Keep Cool
This is a wonderful tip. I use a hand towel rather than a face cloth and leave it in the freezer longer, but it helped me survive the record high temperatures Ohio got throughout July and August. I heard even Colorado got temperatures near 100 this year.
Store Paprika In Refrigerator
You said it yourself... spices are as precious as gold and can be almost as expensive. Keeping spices in the fridge or freezer can also probably save them from clumping in a hot, humid kitchen. Youve probably saved folks a lot of money with this tip! JPJ
Easy Pineapple Cake
Yum! I love pineapple. Im going to have to break down and chase hubby out of the kitchen, just to try this one. Thanks!
Helping My Sister Deal With an Abusive Relationship?
God bless you for your love and concern for your sister! I spent 15.5 years in a farce of a marriage with a man much like your brother-in-law. Neither his family nor mine had much money, and he had our pastor on his side. He browbeat me into forking over every...
Write Names On Class Picture
Sounds like a great idea and not just for annual class pictures, either. If Id thought to do this with family pictures, those that include extended family my hubby and new friends dont know, they could read those names and help me reminisce even though my eyes...
Cleaning Hairbrushes?
I have one of those wide-apart brushes for extra-curly hair, so cleaning it is relatively easy. My fingers fit between the rows, so I can work through to dislodge the hair. Once Ive de-haired, I get a couple of drops of shampoo on my fingers and wipe through...
Terry Fox Memorial (Thunder Bay, Ontario)
God blessed the effort. As He does any effort we make to do something extraordinary to help others. Thumbs up to you for sharing a sight some of us would never have seen otherwise.
Tips For Saving On Electricity
All very good thoughts. For our extra-tight budget, I unplug those small energy vampires like the toaster, coffeepot and microwave. Instead of turning off my fans, I turn off the surge suppressor theyre attached to. Since were low-income, were on the PIPP Plus...
Selling the Estate
Thank you for the caveat. Im sure youve helped a lot of people today. Estate-sale companies make huge profits from others hardships. However, Im sure it was worth it for your family. Best to you and your dear mother... and God will bless you for honoring her...
Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Green Onions
Ive never wanted to try smashed taters this way but you make it sound so yummy!
Safety When The Lights Go Out
Excellent idea - wish wed had something like this when an auto accident knocked out our power for a couple of hours. Didnt bother me, of course. Im used to getting around without seeing where Im going, lol! Hubby was the one I worried about.
Unsubscribing from Freecycle?
I was getting too many FreeCycle emails too, but rather than unsubscribe, I changed my email preference to the daily digest. It works for me, since I occasionally spot a request I can fill. If you still want to unsubscribe and nothing else works... go to your...
Freeze Water Bottle
Im with happyintern - we all have to die from something. Ive been using the same, hard-plastic water bottle for years. I simply wash it thoroughly on a regular basis. Also, this tip is something my kids did throughout their school careers. They were in marching...
Walking for Exercise
Its difficult for me to get out and about - not because I cant walk, but because I lack a sighted companion both willing and able to walk with me. My solution: I sneak in extra steps any time I can, right here at home. I sometimes even walk back and forth between...
Newborn Calf
Im not cut out for the farming life - which makes me even more grateful for the extra-special folks who are. Thumbs up!
Photo: In Time of Need (Haiti)
Thumbs up for your sister for her generosity in donating her services - and to you for telling us about it!
Wildlife: Danger and Elegance
Emmy12, thank you for the picture youve put into my mind - you get my vote! And Lilac, Ill be sure to tell my son about that series of shots. Hes also fatally allergic. JPJ
Homemade Ant Traps
Hmm... I think well have to try this. Those little commercial ant baits get expensive, and Im always knocking them off into the dishwater, yuck!
Extending the Life of Razor Blades
Like MaryEileen, Ive been pouring a little alcohol over my razor blade when I finish shaving. I know oil retards rust but dont understand how!
Cook Meals For A New Mom
This is a wonderfully thoughtful tip! Here are one or two more: Spend an hour or two caring for any older children so the new mom can nap, new moms need all the sleep they can get! Or, that time could be spent on helping with the housework. Dishes, dusting...
Recycle Bubble Wrap And Packing Materials
Its great to see folks recycling instead of filling the landfill! Im also proud of you for resisting the urge to pop all those little bubbles, lol!
Cleaning Windows with a Mop
Ingenious! We short (or vertically-challenged, hee,) folk have to adapt to this tall-peoples world, dont we?
Is Your US Post Office Designated For Closure?
Thanks for the link, Deeli. My town is not affected, but several offices in my sisters area are affected. So is the one nearest friends of ours. In this day of electronic mail over standard, Im not surprised, just sad.
Finding Free Books for Your Kindle
Dont know if my daughter uses this method to get books for her Kindle, but Im posting to Facebook anyway. Thumbs up!
Back Child Support?
My 77-year-old, sickly hubby still sacrifices a few dollars every month to the child support office, for back support he didnt pay when the mother took him across the country to live. Not only is the son in question 29 now, but the woman who gave him life didnt...
Update on the GE Self Cleaning Oven
Thanks for the update and reinforcement for your original warning. Thumbs up for both you and your DH!
Swimming Rubber Duck
Aww! Now youve got me singing The Rubber Ducky Song from Sesame Street! Too bad your maintenance guy was such a sourpuss...
It Costs Nothing To Smile
Wise words, well said, Nita! I follow your philosophy too. God bless you real good... JPJ
Barter For Music Lessons
We also got our woodwind instruments from our local music shop. We cant trade though, neither daughter who played wants to give up her beloved alto sax! Sounds as if you made an excellent trade - and other kids can use that gently-used clarinet. Thumbs up!
Live Like No One Else
Excellent advice! Ive never tried to keep up with the Joneses. The things I have are because either theyre truly necessary, or I truly enjoy them.
Repair Your Dryer Instead Of Replacing
Your way is not only thrifty, but earth-friendly as well - thumbs up!
Pay Off Your 30 Year Home Mortgage in Only 18 Years
This is definitely on my bucket list! Ill be sure to keep the caveats in mind, though. Thanks. JPJ.
Scenery: Heaven's Rays
I often wished I had a camera, and of course the skill to capture more than a blur. Thanks for sharing your awesome image with us.
Wildlife: Wren
Lol! Youre probably right. No adolescent wants to be caught looking silly - thats why the dirty look, Id bet!
What are the Birthstones Most Commonly Used?
Heres a very good Wikipedia article on birthstones. I believe it includes the entire list in order. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthstones
Use Lonely Sock as Powder Puff
Ive been pondering the problem of powdering without mess, too - thumbs up to you and your DH for this inventive solution!
Paying Bills On Time Without Auto-Pay
Leslie, you expressed your rationale for not using automatic bill-pay very well. I couldnt have said it better! I prefer to pay my own bills on my own schedule too, but mine is more a matter of never knowing ahead of time what my income will be. It would be...
Wrap Grapefruit In Newspaper
Now Im going to have to find some newspaper. We dont subscribe because neither of us sees well enough for that teeny little print. Great tip, though, as always.
Activities for a Person Who is Legally Blind and Living with Dementia?
My prayers are with you as well, but heres a practical suggestion for entertainment: did your mother ever enjoy watching game shows like Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune? If so, thats an activity that may help. Or perhaps you could find simple jigsaw puzzles, the...
Tickets for Chores
This is an excellent method - wish Id thought of it when my brood was young! It also takes an extra-special person to be a foster parent. Wish I could give you two thumbs up.
Wildlife: Feeding Squirrels (Hyde Park, London)
My great-grandpa had his pet squirrel, too. He/she would literally sit on my great-grandpas chest and eat. The original squirrel whisperer! Glad your mum is carrying on in that tradition.
Uses for Plastic Packaging
CaroleeRose, Ive heard the nickel-metal-hydride (Ni-MH) batteries are better, so Im trying to stick with that type. I also just bought a universal battery charger for everything from AAA to D, which can discharge batteries before charging. Dont quote me on...
Paper Towel Waste Eliminated
Youre all going to think Im gross, but Ive been known to hoard barely-used paper towels where hubby doesnt see them. He throws them away if they have one single crumb touch them. When possible, I use cloth, but oftentimes it just doesnt work out. Of course...
Movie Slumber Party
We were never into movies so much, although we did that sometimes. Our family activity was music - Mom would put on a stack of 45s or maybe some albums. (We had everything from Alice Cooper to Jim Reeves, and even comedy albums.) Sometimes it was just Mom and...
Quit Smoking by Changing Your Routine
Congratulations to every single former smoker! I have a son whos going through the same struggle, and both my parents smoked while I was growing up. Hubby smoked until his heart attack 10 years ago. Ive never smoked, but I definitely sympathize. Youre right...
GDTYL - Gotta Drive, Text Ya Later
Excellent use of creativity! I like the idea of using the GDTYL acronym before the key goes into the ignition. Adults, lets model the behavior and reinforce what the young folks are saying! HS kids do dramatizations in my area, but theres nothing quite as powerful...
Attend Free Summer Community Events
I dont get out much, but I was able to attend a performance of Annie Get your Gun earlier this summer. They passed the hat and concessions were offered, but there was no admission fee. Free or nearly so is great!
Getting Kids to Keep Their Rooms Clean
ROTF! My mom posted photos of the room I shared with two older sisters, on the outside of the bedroom window. Your method works better. I hope your daughter is still close to that friend - she sounds like a real keeper!
Thrifty Water Bottle Cozy
I really need to do this, thanks for the poke/reminder, and thumbs up! Im going to search my sock drawer for one of those orphans before this day is out.
Link: Contact the White House
Glad as always to be of service. Thanks for the votes and the great feedback. :D
