Planning a Family Get Together A Month After the Wedding?
If your daughter understands why you and your mother were not able to attend her wedding, and shes not upset with you, then by all means have an after-wedding party for her and her new husband - that would be such a nice gesture! If you invite immediate family...
Please Don't Give Garlic To Your Pets
Thanks so much. Its hard to determine which hints are good ones and which ones could be potentially dangerous!
Preventing Wood Ticks and Fleas
How did you learn about this tip - did a vet recommend it, did you read it in a pet book, is it something a friend told you about? If it really works, its a great tip for sure! Thanks for sharing.
Reuse Plastic from Mailings
In our city, residents are asked to take their plastic shopping bags and plastic newspaper and magazine wraps back to the grocery stores, Target, WalMart, etc. for recycling. The stores either bundle them in-house or truck them to their warehouse facilities...
Stopping the Itch from Chigger Bites
Relocating from the west coast, imagine my surprise when I first heard about fire ants, which are just as ornery and painful as chiggers! Im gonna use your remedy to treat ant bites as well, because Im so allergic to them! (Another surprise moving to Texas...
Keeping Garden Flag on Holder
I found a thick rubber washer, cut a slit to the middle, then put it around the the curved end of my stake - never have had a flag fly off again, and its easy to remove while changing flags. Easy-peasy!
Fun Things to Do With a Teenager?
You can also share the pictures you have of him and his family and recount some early memories; and show him pictures of you when you were young and what kinds of things you did when you were his age! Beginning to put together a family tree would be fun - if...
Still Trying To Be Frugal
Loved the descriptions of your frugal ways (although Im not familiar with all of them, it was fun trying to figure them out!), and really love your can-do attitude. Thanks for sharing with us!
Picking Up Roadside Litter
Kudos to you and your husband - what great earth partners you are! As an environmental educator, Im going to share your post with my students in the Dallas area as an example of what dedicated folks who love their city/area will do to keep it clean, despite...
My Frugal Life: Fun When You're Broke
Isnt it interesting that the times in our lives when we have so little bring the most happiness and force us to come up with creative ideas? I remember using a little palm counter for my store purchases to make sure I didnt go over budget, and organizing similar...
Heartbeats for Dad Craft
Love this, not only does your craft teach recycling principles (which I absolutely love and teach whenever I can!), but your grand-girls will also see that when they put so much love into a project, reactions will be fabulous, their dad will be so pleased!
Removing Facial Hair Growth Caused by Medication?
Electrolysis only works for those with dark hair; if you are a blonde or have very light hair, it wont work as well. I saw an interview on TV with a beautiful Japanese lady about 20 years ago, and she said Japanese women shave their faces every day, which explains...
Helping a Friend Who Is Breaking Off a Relationship?
Do not answer any of his calls. Hes only calling because he has lost control on how he wants the relationship to be. Guys who need to control women can become very dangerous; sad statistics bear that out. If you ignore his calls, he may eventually tire of calling...
Fun Birthday Games for 2 Year Olds?
1. Have the kids line up in two horizontal lines facing each other. Give one side of kids a medium ball. They are to throw the ball to the child across from them; if that child catches it, each take a step back. The pair of children who catch their ball at...
Why Didn't My Hard Boiled Eggs Peel Easily?
I put the eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, then put the pot on a burner and bring the water to a boil. As soon as that happens, I MOVE the pot from the burner, put a lid on the pot, then let it sit for 18 minutes. Once that time is up, I take the pot of...
Ideas for Chicago Themed Birthday Party?
How about having the guests who will be attending the party go to your moms favorite places in Chicago (Navy Pier, Field Museum, etc.) and have their pics taken with people from the facilities holding a Happy 50th Birthday sign? (If Oprahs in town, maybe she...
Surprise Birthday Party For Teenager?
How about a 24-hour surprise party for her, beginning at midnight on the day of her birthday? Get her up at midnight and quietly sing Happy Birthday to her; then at 1:00am, wake her up gently and tell her one reason why you love her; at 2:00am do the same thing...
My Frugal Life: Surviving After A Loss
Your story is a very sober reminder of how close many of us are to the harsh reality of loss if we dont learn who and what are important in life. Im so sorry for your loss, and wish you the very best as your family cherishes fond memories while learning how...
Staying Hydrated
Better than plastic water bottles (one-time use, incredibly expensive, and horrible for the environmenta), why not get a stainless steel cup and refill it when you drink water? (The chemicals in plastics leech into bottles of water, so not only buying new bottles...
In Memory Of Hayley Girl (Jack Russell Terrier)
Im so sorry for your loss, Judy. Not many people are able to experience the unconditional love of a pet, but those of us who have, know how special that kind of gift is. Hayley Girl is similing down at you, thanking you for saving her from days and weeks of...
Making Guests Feel Welcome
I also fill a small basket with bath soap, body lotion, a travel-size toothbrush and tooth paste, a book (I ask beforehand, discreetly!, what topics my guest enjoys reading), some chocolate kisses for late-night snacking, and whatever else I can think of. I...
My Frugal Life: Difference Between Thrifty and Cheap
Very well said; its important to calculate everything before tacking any kind of project. If its done for love, then the dollar amount isnt the most important thing; but if something is done to save money, then I say heed sweetsoos advice! (I speak from experience...
Craft: Guitar Purses
Are you willing to share directions on how to make these? Theyre awesome!!! Id love to make one for a family member who is using her guitar and songs to minister to very ill kids and teens.
Ideas for Face-in-the-Board Photo Props for School Fair?
Oriental Trading Co. has several face-in-the-photo items (different styles). I think theyre printed on a heavy vinyl which can be affixed to a doorway. Another idea is to google movie star photo stand-ups and see what you get. Another idea is to enlist h.s...
Blondie (The Wonder Dog)
What a precious, precious sweetheart you have, and how lucky she is to have you as her parent. Enjoy her for as long as you can!
How Do I Successfully Organize and Get Rid of Clutter?
Im in the same boat as you. After many years of accumulating things, I started going through them in a serious way on January 1, and am giving myself all of 2011. Im calling it the year of the purge because I know itll take that long after I go through the...
Love Potion Bubble Bath
Do you soak the bar of soap in the mixture to get it to melt? Or do you heat the mixture to get a smooth consistency? Help! (Sounds like a wonderfully romantic potion!)
Warm "Lovie" for an Elderly Pet
What a loving thing to do for your loves! And I really like that you recycled the stuffed animals, awesome!
Ten Lessons from the Blind Side
Thank you for the wonderful insight into your world; I wish you the very best as you navigate through your future with such a wonderful faith and sense of humor; youre an inspiration to sighted and unsighted folks, and we admire you!
Our Little Trailer On the Prairie
Thanks for sharing your story and such wonderful memories; what an example of doing with and doing without but making it! Youve enriched the lives of your children and other family members and many friends, including your TF friends!
Skeeter (Dog) and Muddy Water (Cat)
Love, love, love hearing about the love these two share; its heartwarming! Thanks for sharing.
Cooking Oil to Remove Labels
Thanks very much, JodiT, for this hint. Im going to try it pronto because, I, too, use lots of plastic jars for many craft projects and those darn labels are really difficult to get off, if ever! Blessings.
Locating Recycling Centers for Plastics?
Many grocery stores that collect plastic shopping bags also collect the plastic wrappings from various foods. Ask them. (Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Tom Thumb do so in my area, along with Whole Foods and stores like that. Thanks for trying to do the right thing! As...
Donating Used Christmas Cards?
I offer workshops to schools and churches about items made from greeting cards; Id be delighted to receive cards from ThriftyFun members! Please send the whole card (front and inside) to me at: P. O. Box 1981, Allen, TX 75013-1981. (We can also use everyday...
Seeking Home Cleaning and Organizing Tips?
Like others have suggested, just commit to cleaning and sorting one small thing or area each day - a drawer, a shelf, or a closet. Listening to music while you work might help. (I collect tons of ideas for my workshops, but dont always put them in the proper...
Use Cell Phone for Lists
Ive been reading, though, that more and more hackers are getting information that way; if someone hacks into your calendar, theyll know when youre not home or when youll get home, etc. Please be careful with the information you post that might get into the...
Correct Usage of "Regrets Only" on Party Invitation?
You were correct in attending your friends party, based on what she wrote in her invitation. The fact that she didnt understand and was then rude to you can be chalked up to inexperience; dont let it affect your friendship. Once she learns the meaning of regrets...
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts?
Make some unusual promise coupons; your kids and fiance will love em (making cookies together, letting the other person win at a favorite game - its so fun to try to lose on purpose and will bring oodles of giggles!, doing chores together with feet only, making...
Cutting Back At Christmas
Your children will understand why they are not getting their usual Christmas gifts, but why not make what you CAN give them more fun? Wrap each dollar bill in a piece of paper (fancy scrapbooking paper or just plain, your choice), then write a favorite memory...
Money Saving Tips for Christmas Decorations
I was just going to send the alarm as Lilac did. we Americans are being swayed by cheap prices on products from China and Taiwan, but at what price to our health and health of our children? Ive been reading a lot of newsletters lately that tell us about alarming...
In Loving Memory of Hershey (Doodle)
Thank you for sharing memories of your beloved Hershey; what a treasure he was! I hope Im lucky enough to find a dog like him some day.
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for Friends?
Go to a store like Big Lots or Dollar Store and get inexpensive mugs (to match each personality), then search online (or ThrifyFun!) for a mug cake recipe. You put all the ingredients in the mug, your friends add water, then they microwave all for a homemade...
Frugal Christmas Gift for Boyfriend?
It just doesnt make sense for you to compare the gifts you two will be exchanging since hes so much older than you AND working! If you dont have any money, you cant buy him anything. Its that simple. But you can cut slips of paper, write one thought on each...
How Do Parents Find Personal Time?
The very best thing I did - for both my kids and me - was to join a babysitting co-op with other families. No money was needed, just hours exchanged. There are lots and lots of ways to run a co-op, so check out your area to see if theres one near you. If not...
Repairing Plastic Bins
What is the name of the product you used and where can we buy it? It sounds great! Thanks!
Share Your Worst Cooking Disaster
As a new bride, I was so excited to make my husband a real grown-up meal: steak, mashed potatoes, salad, green beans, and rolls. The recipe for the mashed potatoes said to sprinkle paprika on top for a nice pink touch; I didnt have paprika, but I did have cayenne...
Take Your Kids For A Walk
Excellent idea to get your darling boys used to natures beauty, in all seasons! Another thing you might consider is bringing small bags to pick up litter (with gloves!). Discuss each piece picked up, talk about whether or not it could be recycled, what the...
In Memory Of Freckles (Husky-Shepard)
I make photo magnets and would love to make one of Freckles for you. Im so sorry for your loss - what a beautiful dog she was! Just e-mail me at caseyeck AT tx.rr.com. God bless.
Recycled Plastic Flowers
A couple of questions: what kind of paint did you use on the plastic that would stick for a long while, and what are the petals made from - the extended bottoms of the plastic bottles or tissue paper? Thanks for a great idea!
My Frugal Life: ThriftyFun Family
We dont know why we were born, Grace, but I do know God doesnt make mistakes! Our job is to find out what our mission is here on earth, do it to the best of our ability, with the help of those who love us and believe in us (may or may not be family members...
Make a Prayer Box
It would be interesting to take out the full box at some point and re-read the prayers to see how God answered them. He answers all prayers, you know, to some He says, No, to some He says, Not Now, and to others He says, Yes!
I Can't Afford School Clothes?
In my town we have a store (all donated items) where people can work a few hours each week to earn vouchers to buy furniture, clothing, books, etc. Its a really neat arrangement for those who dont feel comfortable accepting hand-outs, but need the help and...
Saying Goodbye to a Paradise: The...
Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories; your descriptions helped me to understand what you experienced and, now, how the area is coping with a real sad loss of land, friends, and a way of life.
Recipes From The "I Hate to Cook" Cookbook
So sorry, all, for the typo. The ingredients for the Cocktail Cookies should read: 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 butter, 1 jar processed bacon-cheese spread. I idea from MaryEileen to use Cool Whip instead of heavy cream for the Apple Cream recipe sounds interesting - hope...
Dog is Food Aggressive?
An aggressive dog, who has already bitten your two children, is not a safe companion for your family. Please have your vet talk to your husband and do not allow your children around the dog until then. (I used to work with pediatricians, and heard and saw the...
Use Baggie Instead of Funnel
You can also use a sheet of paper (roll it into a funnel shape) or an envelope (just tear off a small corner). Its amazing what solutions we moms can come up with in a pinch!
Ice Box Dessert
Dont you have to bake or cook the eggs in any way? Im not sure about eating them raw.
Is It Safe to Use Expired Toothpaste?
Why not call or e-mail the manufacturer of the product to find out! They should be able to tell you how long after the expiration date the product is still usable and effective - or if it should be discarded. If you dont trust their advice, ask a pharmacist...
Bag Styrofoam Packing Peanuts Upon Arrival
Many packaging stores now accept the peanuts, so if youd really like them to be reused, consider this possibility, too!
Homemade Graduation Gift Ideas for Friends?
How about getting a large frame with several photo openings, then fill the openings with photos of the designated girl with her pals? You can then personalize or identify the photos on the matboard. Memories made together will live forever! Have fun!
Business Name Ideas for Special Occasion Musicians?
Harp/flute sounds for Your Special Occasions. Good luck!
Dealing With Credit Card Debt?
Great advice from applejack. Several of his ideas should work. Its just a matter of getting in the right mind frame. Pray first and ask God for His guidance, then get to reviewing several of the ideas and see which ones will apply to your situation. Once your...
Beware Misleading Produce Packaging
Take them back! They should give you your money back, and be sure to let them know that you will report them to FDA. Its against the law to deceive customers on purpose! Good luck.
Having a Twilight Themed Party for a 30 Year Old?
Age has nothing to do with what youre interested in - go for it!!! (Have a trivia quiz, make photo buttons for your guests, put on a skit to mimic one of the movies storylines with your own ending, get stickers to decorate the napkins, etc. Have fun!)
Plan a Bring and Barter Event
This is a great way to demonstrate bartering, Fair Trade, and meeting lots of great friends. Thanks for sharing!
Name Ideas for Business Making Unique Recycled Repurposed Items?
Thanks for the great feedback! Im working on developing a website that will show all the recycled crafts I make and sell, as well as the workshops I provide. First thing, though, is I need to decide on which name to use! Thanks again!
Reviews of Jack LaLanne's Juicer?
I bought one, but am unhappy with the cleanup; its not as easy as is portrayed on TV. I hardly use it at all any more. You might be better off getting a heavy-duty blender!
Where Can I Donate Greeting Cards?
I am an environmental educator, and am always in need of greeting cards for lots of projects I teach! I can use the entire card, front and back (many of the sayings can be re-used for multiple projects!). If youd be willing to help, please send cards to my...
Waiting For Spring
A very good friend of mine has been doing this for years, and I never knew it until she confessed after I gushed and gushed about her beautiful year-long garden! It really floored me, but I really admire her creativity!
Preventing Customers from Changing Prices at a Garage Sale?
Make a large poster and list the prices of items alphabetically. Put the poster in a prominent place so your customers can see it. (Id still price each item as well.) Good luck!
Patenting an Invention?
Be very careful with whom you share details of your invention; there are nasty people out there who would take what sounds like a great idea and steal it for themselves. Whatever patent attorney you talk with, be sure they sign a waiver. Good luck!
Easter Gift Basket for Husband Who Loves Books, Video Games, and Cooking?
How about sending a plea to his family members asking for their favorite Hawaiian recipes (let them know that youre compiling them for your sweetheart)? You can then put them on recipe cards, make a simple but elegant stack of the cards tied with a ribbon, and...
Champagne Cake Recipe?
Hi Vickie: Im from Fresno, CA, and we always had a Champagne cake for special occasions! Now that Im in the midwest, though, I havent been able to find in any any bakery around, nor do they know what Im talking about! I visited Fresno in 2009 and my friend...
"Squeeze My Cheeks" Santa Pattern?
Id love to have the pattern booklet for Squeeze My Cheeks from dunfee. How do I go about getting one? Thanks kindly!
Thrifty Moving Ideas?
Wow, what an adventure you have before you; thank goodness youll have your darling dog as a traveling companion! Im with you about trying to sell as much as possible before your move; youll need as much $ as you can get. Try selling things individually on Craigs...
Tessie LaNae (Jack Russell Mix)
What a heartwarming testimony of how God blesses us (and our family) when were not even looking! Thanks for sharing your story. It made me smile out loud! (And how great that you got such a good girlfriend in this whole thing, too!)
Family: Robin's First Grandchild
Congratulations and many blessings to you and your growing family! Casey
Summer Activities for Teens?
How about getting folks to give you stuff for a giant garage sale and donating the money collected to the Salvation Army or the Red Cross for the victims of Haitis earthquake? Or, if you community has a recycling center for which they pay money for items brought...
Valentine's Day Craft for 3rd Grade Boys?
Try making doorknob hangers with very silly, boy-type messages, or even bookmarks. Or make covers for small, snack-size or full-size candy bars. These have always worked in the past for me.
69th Birthday Parties Ideas?
While your golden birthday was when you turned age 10 on October 10, I agree that celebrating this years birthday on 10-10-10 should be something special! Start the day on October 10 at 10:10am, with your family or friends (10?). Do something special every...
Changing the Color of a Baseball Cap?
Before doing anything on this cap you want to keep, go to a thrift store and get a couple of caps that are pretty cheap and experiment! Try dying one, then try doing one with permanent market and getting it wet, etc. Better safe than sorry!
Having a Costume Birthday Party Other Than at Halloween?
Call it a Masquerade Party or pick a theme (such as movies, plays, or TV shows) and ask everyone to dress in those costumes. And ask them to make the costumes in as earth-friendly ways as possible - use common products, not store bought, to get across the character...
Multicultural Winter Holiday Celebration Ideas?
I would think that honoring everyones traditions would not be offensive to anyone! Contrary to what you may have heard, most Jewish people dont mind if they are wished a Merry Christmas, and most Christians dont mind hearing about and celebrating other traditions...
Ask For Christmas Gift Ideas In October
Thank for your kind comments. See, youre all getting the hang of it! A list to go by is SO much better than saying, What do you want for your birthday or for Christmas? I hate that - I want my gifts to be special and well thought out! Here are some other questions...
Ideas for Raising Money?
How about conducting A Mile of Dollars for (name of woman) one day? Advertise it around town, then have people lined up for a mile. As you and your team goes down the street, each contributor lays down a dollar and the space is marked with chalk with the dollar...
Homemade Yogurt and Lactose Intolerance?
I am lactose intolerant as well, but am able to eat yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, and chocolate. Its just something in milk that upsets my system completely. Ive heard, and now believe, that yogurt will help adjust your system, but you may never be able...
French Fry Hot Dish
Are these frozen French fries, defrosted frozen French fries, or sliced potatoes in French fry shapes? Help!
Organize Unused Greeting Cards
Had to chuckle with the idea of storing my greeting cards in folders since I have THOUSANDS of cards that I use for all the repurposed workshops I teach! I store my cards in three 4-drawer metal files, filed by lots and lots of categories. No file folders for...
Teenage Girl Cries A Lot?
Could be so many things: anxiety about upcoming school/work/family decisions, sadness over a loss (friend, boyfriend, etc.), feelings of hopelessness (re economy, jobs, etc.), feelings of inadequacy, and so much more. The best thing to do is see a doctor to...
Heartfelt Thank You Gift Ideas Needed?
Have a photo of all of you taken and enlarged to a poster size; have a large banner across the photo (or under it) thanking the best, most fantastic friends a gal could ever have!. Display this at the function for all to see. God bless!
Ideas for Environmental Club Activities?
I work with many schools in our district about activities for their environmental clubs (and I make numerous presentations). Consider a trash-free lunch (kids bring their foods in Tupperware, use real silverware, etc.), buy treats in large bags and give out...
Prevent Heat Stroke With a Timer
This happened to me last summer, too, only I got to feeling pretty bad while I was mowing. Thank goodness, I realized what was happening, so I came in the house, drank lots of water, splashed cold water all over my face, neck, and arms, and sat down. It really...
Product Review: EZ Squeeze Tube Squeezer
Instead of buying something which may or may not break and which may or may not end up in the landfill for many, many years, I just use the large office-type clips. These then can be used for other things as well. (I look for them at garage sales, or ask if...
Repairing Purse Handles?
The braid I used is way too wide to put through a large-eyed needle. I taped the end of the braid so it wouldnt unravel, then took a large-eyed needle and threaded it with heavy-duty thread to try to sew the taped end of the braid to the piece next to it. Im...
Fun Leftovers With Mystery Dinners
GREAT idea (sounds like so much fun!). Would you kindly share the disguised names used for the menu items? Thanks a bunch!
Tape Residue on Scissors?
Thank you ALL for great suggestions; Im going to see what I have on hand and try it tonight! Thriftyfun readers are GREAT sources of information and so willing to help - I really appreciate it. Blessings. Casey
Tribute to My Mom
Your tribute brought tears to my eyes because not many daughters have had the loving kind of relationship you have with your mom. Tell her often how much youve learned from her, how much you appreciate all the efforts she put forth on your familys behalf, how...
Gift Ideas For Harley Lover?
My brother-in-law invented a real cool light for Harleys. Let me know if youd like more info. Casey
Cleaning Rubber Stamps
Fact is, good stamps stain, it just happens no matter how careful you are. Just keep a damp paper towel on hand, and blot your stamps as they are used to get the ink off that you just used. Other than that, you can never really get all the ink off, but the...
