Easy At Home Pedicure
I love L.A.! Pedicures are upwards of $45. I have had them and acrylics for nearly 35 years. Here are some of the things I have learned: A manicure and a pedicure does not include polishing the nails. That is a cosmetic that is applied after the pedicure or...
Cats Knocking Down Knick Knacks?
Cats hate to be embarrassed. Another approach is to put something there that makes a lot of noise, like marbles. Marbles in a shallow container, so they roll away if it is tipped. A large baking pan with a very shallow lip containing marbles. Hard to escape...
Avoiding the Temptation to Spend
You can either learn to live within your means on your own, or learn in bankruptcy. The former is always better. You need a budget and something to keep a list on. List everything you want to buy that isnt in the budget. Each week, review the list and add whatever...
Pitbull Puppy Won't Eat?
If you dont know that a puppy this young should not yet be weaned, why have you taken on this dog? What shots has the puppy had? Has he been wormed? Which vet was involved in this? If you havent been to a vet, go now, to set up his schedule of shots and see...
Preventing Infections At Manicures
Good advice. My manicurist keeps all of her supplies separate for each customer. This includes files, orange sticks, and nippers. Now nippers are upwards of $35, so you are charged for those, and occasional sharpening. The rest, she supplies. Since I am a doc...
Styling My Hair Like Tippi Hedren?
This is show biz, folks. Its all an illusion. You are assuming thats all her hair. The look is attained whether her hair cooperates or not. Just before every take, a hair stylist is making sure her hair looks right. That also means it has to match how it looked...
Using Carpet Samples to Carpet Your Room
Staple it to the floor??#@!!##:( I hope youre not renting. Wouldnt it be easier to duct tape the seams together, nail furring strips around the perimeter, and use carpet nails only on the outside of the room? If one of your staples gets loose (youve heard of...
Where Can I Buy Diaper Pins?
Usually, you can find pins in the cheapest store around, located in the sewing section. Since you use a computer, Google on cloth diaper pins. If youre using the pins for diapers, you will find that there are improvements in this area. Dritz diaper pins have...
Changing Cat Foods?
Friskies! Hork!! Even I wouldnt eat that. Cheap and thrifty are not always the same thing, unless youre my Dad. He was a champ. Go to a pet store, as in a large chain. Animals eat less of the expensive stuff, and fewer vet visits result. For cats, get the lowest...
What Is This Plant? (Schefflera)
I am a serious moron when it comes to plants, but I think this is a Rubber Tree. I was told that Schefflera were poisonous for dogs, so I dont grow them in the yard. Schefflera have five leaves at each node; Rubber Trees have only one leaf at each node. Also...
Bombs for Termites?
NO!! This is not the time to fool around with your major investment. Get advice and estimates from a few exterminators. Also, some of them are now using orange oil and freezing. Check the Internet and see what you can find.
Food Coloring Substitute Made From Candy
Kool-Aid powder? I works on clothes rather well. O. p.s. I just had a BFO.* Of course, since all these colored foods contain added food dye, the dye itself will work on other applications. *blinding flash of the obvious
Baby Shower Locations?
A living room is best. Just clear out extra furniture, move the rest to the walls so you have seating and room for wrapping mess and game playing. Put the food on a table or a buffet. If you need more seats, borrow patio chairs or other chairs from friends...
Medical Information Fact Sheet
This is helpful even when making office visits. I have a form like this. If I have to fill out a similar form, I just attach mine. If the office tells me its THEIR policy to use their form, I reply that its MY policy to use mine. :smile sweetly: Also, it rarely...
Mix Powdered Make Up With Vaseline
The trouble is that Vaseline can be drying. Try Shea butter, cocoa butter or a nonpetroleum product.
Repair For Cracked Dish
Sweet milk is milk before the butter fat is removed, leaving buttermilk, which is not sweet.
Office Chair Mats For Car Mats
For that small an area, do what the college kids do. Dumpster dive at the local carpet store. Join freecycle.com and ask for carpet remnants. Find the local carpet outlet, and buy a remnant.
Hot Dog Bun Sandwiches
At our home, we call these tuna burgers. Use prepared tuna salad. Add chopped or grated cheese, and diced onion. We dont carve out the bun. Wrap in foil, and toss in the oven. Yum-yum-yum. Big boys like them, too. O.
Clothing Advice for a Formal Business Event?
It is always better to be underdressed than over dressed. Whats not clear is if someone wanted to upgrade the dress at this event, compared to last year. Check with someone you know who is on the award committee to see. If the CofC members are casual people...
City Water Has Been Bad For My Plants?
The other thing you miss if you filter water is fluoride. If your water is fluoridated, this means your teeth enamel is not as strong as it could be. Check with your dentist for substitutes. Water softeners in areas of hard water save your pipes. Lets see, which...
SPAM Fruitcake (Joke Recipe - Do NOT eat)
Listen, some of MY relatives would eat that stuff and say it was very good fruitcake. Of course, I prefer the ONLY decent fruitcake in America, the one from Mary of Puddin Hill Farms in Texas. Their Macadamia nut pie is so good you want to roll in the hay with...
Shoe Color Advice?
If this is an office party, it is NOT a party, but a business function. That means: Tasteful adult dress. Black shoes/black hose, and I like the red clips idea. Red shoes with sheer hose, since red is in this year. Do not drink very much alcohol. Pretend you...
Moroccan Centerpiece Ideas?
Time to go to the library, or google on the internet, because there must be books with photos to help you out. Check out Moroccan restaurants or stores for ideas, since theyll be decorating to display tabletop wares. Are dates big in Morocco? Make an edible...
Meatloaf for Kids?
I noticed that there are some universal truths in these posts. Use ketchup instead of tomato anything. Its sweeter; kids like that. I also add one rounded cooking spoon of clear jelly--either currant or apple. Remember what I said about sweet? I use oatmeal...
Cure for Dry Feet
I remember seeing fine cotton gloves in a basket at thrift stores or resale shops. You might check there. Costume stores may have something, too.
Carrot Juice Stain on Clothing?
That awful tomato or carrot stain on plastic storage containers. Yuck. I found out that setting the container on the patio table in full sun for one or two days bleaches it right out. O.
Mikey (Dachshund)
Our oldest is a 17+yo Maltese. Hes nearly blind and stone deaf. His back legs are slowly going, so he eats layin down like a Sphinx. He broke his back years ago, but got well from that, so the legs are slowly going this time. We give him Deramaxx every morning...
Maple Cupboards?
How about multcolored (as in Mexican) tiles for the area of the backsplash, or mirrors for that area? Get a fan deck (strips of paint color), and use the fourth shade from the outside for the LR, and the second shade from the outside for the kitchen, whatever...
"Sounds of Christmas" Theme Float?
How about decorating everything with sleigh bells, lots and lots of them. one..two..three..four..the whole way. Or do a snow blower for snowing, where the sound of Christmas is silence, as in Silent Night.
"Sights & Sounds of Christmas" Float Ideas?
Check out this other thread: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62504393.tip.html
Burnt Plastic in the Bottom of My Oven?
This works for plastic on a toaster, and it may work for you. Acetone, specifically nail polish remover containing acetone. Be sure to read the label, since not all nail polish remover contains acetone. I learned this from Haleys book.
Sabrina (Miniature Pinscher)
I am the MinPin Shop Steward. You must stop making this darling dog dress like a baby. How humiliating. Her natural coat is just lovely as it is.
Overweight Dogs?
Your dogs must be really good cooks. From here, it looks like, except for pears, you are feeding the dogs too much and exercising them too little. No treat is lo-cal if you eat enough of it. The first thing to do is read the label on the dog food, and feed...
Poll: Have you used ThriftyFun's coupon site?
They only print one per page, which is wasteful. Many stores think they are copies. This isnt worth my time, so I voted it didnt work for me.
Removing Color From Fabric?
Sometimes, adding color is the key. To calm down yellow, try light grey dye. You have to experiment a little, so get the largest scraps you can from the valances and try it out. If not grey, try a cream color.
Cleaning a Tempurpedic Mattress?
Tempurpedic mattress are not cashmnere, unless theres a cover on it, and some mattresses have one. Tempurpedic uses a very dense foam, commonly called memory foam. For the price you paid for that mattress, I would call the manufacturer. Its their business to...
Beauty of a Spiderweb
Looks like my ceiling AFTER the housekeeping service has been here. Lovely photo.
Cleaning a Computer Keyboard
Note to Editor: Water isnt death to electronic things as long as the power is not used and is disconnected, so little electrons cant run around in there and get zapped. You have to be sure its dry inside and out. I saved a lot of drowned phones by not pushing...
The Benefits of Buying Used Cars
I am a doctor, and my colleagues tease me no end about the fact that I buy only used cars. One cardiologist was upset that his new Mercedes needed a new engine just after the warranty expired. hahahahaha Youre right about the savings. But theres more. If you...
Cooking Okra
I was born in Arkansas, but my Mother thinks theres something seriously wrong with me. I dont like okra or pecan pie. Its OK. I moved to California, and no one notices anything out of the ordinary.
Anniversary Fiesta
Pin-the-Tail-On-the-Donkey. Get a mariachi (as in marriage) record for background music. Hat dance record(?) for the Hat Dance--using a sombrero or old mens felt hat. Pinata. Fill it with hard candies or teeny-weeny toys. Put a dime in some enchiladas for prizes...
Song from Episode of Bones?
Finding the name and author of a song is simple. Just Google a line from the song, and you will get a lyrics page.
Google Products Before You Buy
This is a top notch tip to save you a disastrous purchase. You dont have to follow any advice you read, but now you know how to look at a product. I was going to buy a tabletop icemaker. Thank goodness I checked out the reviews. These ice makers tend to stop...
Camouflaging A Pimple
Actually, you would do better not to use a liquid foundation at all. Use Bare Escentuals mineral foundation (like a powder), which wont exacerbate the problem at all.
Measuring Your Torso, Arms and Legs When Making Clothing?
Actually, I have a different approach. I get out the best fitting article (shirt, skirt, pants, (i)etc.(/i)) I have. then I sit down and measure that to make a pattern. For the body measurements: Arm=from under arm or shoulder seam to bones that stick out on...
Dry Callused Feet?
I have your problem, too. Heres what I use. I get my scraper from Cherishop.com. It takes off dead skin, not living skin. I am diabetic, so I like to be safe. This is used as needed to get to pink, healthy skin. Every bedtime, rub in high-density cream (it...
Decorating My Apartment?
When I was in high school, my mom told me, You are an inexpensive date, not a cheap one. Remember the difference. The same thing can be said for decorating. You just have to remember the difference between cheap and inexpensive. If you have white or beige walls...
Frugal and Tightwad Living
Do you have a freecycle there? Its a website of everyone in the community offering free things, so if you need them, you can pick them up. Weve had everything from broken dishes (for mosaics) to autos. Of course, lots of clothes. I got Sesame Street party supplies...
Cleaning Burnt Oil Stains from a Sauté Pan?
I guess you mean stainless steel pans. Soak in a sink with Dawn liquid detergent. Use SOS. To avoid this in the future, wipe with a paper towel or a teflon scrubber as soon as you are through cooking and rinse. Then your pans wont be stained.
Watch for False Advertising
I dont know about back East, but in California, bait and switch is a crime. No wonder they were so happy to grease your palm. You should send a letter to your Attorney General about what happened to you. Maybe youll save others the same grief.
Poll: Do you eat ground beef?
I never eat ground beef. Its too fatty, and thus shrinks when cooked, so whats the point? Ground sirloin or prime ground chuck are far superior in taste and texture, and much lower in fat, so little shrinkage, more per dollar when cooked. Look also at portion...
Float Ideas for West Fest (West, TX)?
Get Your Health Czech-Up = theme. Use a red pick up with EMTs in various medical uniforms, giving checkups.
Organizing a Walk-in Closet?
Use any money or save your money for Huggable Hangers from HSN. They are also on eBay. Usually, messy closets are from being too crowded. So take everything out--all of it, and put in a stack only that which you wear. It will go back in. Now you see how much...
Odor from Pet Stain on Microfiber?
If t here is an ad for Zero Odor on this page, it is very good. Similar product is Natures Miracle at pet stores.
Making a Rug Out of Socks?
There is a patent #6923026. Go to www.freepatentsonline.com , join for free, then search for the patent number above. It looks complicated, but it probably is easy when you get the knack.
Converting an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat?
You are not G-d; you cant keep them alive forever. Theyll think you moved, and they were thrown into prison. No cat is ever an indoor cat, except by choice. So make indoors very inviting by keeping the litter box scrupulously clean, get those hammocks that...
Using Placemats to Protect the Nightstand
I use salad plates, candy dishes and ashtrays--anything made of glass and china, wider than saucers and low-slung. You can find them for very little at thrift stores. The more artistic they are, the better.
Painting a Bedroom with Ohio State Colors?
Stripes. Use blue paint tape. Dont paint the ceiling white--after all that work on the room. Paint it two shades lighter than one of the colors. Be careful, because lighter red is pink.
Check Out Textbooks From The Library!
This is why Indiana University has a reserve library. You may use the books in the reading room, but may not check them out. That way, everyone has a chance to use the booklist books.
Poll: Does your home have an air conditioner?
Since I got my memory-foam mattress, Im no longer hot in bed (while sleeping, duh). I dont know why, but it seems to modulate the temperature.
Cat Scratching Furniture?
I never have that problem because I train my cat that clapping my hands once means no. I start with a sharp noisy pat with my fingers on the cats behind just in front of the tail--its solid bone there. Never hit the cats head--unless you want to treat a cat...
Dealing with Smoking at Family Gatherings
You are a kind and generous soul. But tell me, when have you ever been to a party where a fire started from a cigarette? I know I never have.
Timeshare Advice?
We use ours for a week away for our wedding anniversary every year, then Thanksgiving every year. If you want to sell yours, use the person at your home resort. If you dont like your home, trade for a week at different ones until you find one you like. If you...
Buying an Olive or Cherry Pitter (Cherry Stone)?
You have to google cherry stoner. There are lots. Heres one: http://www.chefsresource.com/cherrystoner.html
Nut Cup Favors?
Go to Smart&Final Iris or any restaurant supply store. As a medicine cup, try a surgical supply store. Decorate with ribbon and little toy blooms or blooms from a many-bloom type fake flower.
Preparing Muslin Fabric for Painting?
Apply Gesso, available at art supply stores and at www.realgesso.com . Google gesso.
Changing the Names of Kittens?
If you havent already called them lots of different names like cutesypoo and sweetie pie, it would really surprise me. One more name would hardly be any different.
Removing Candle Wax From My Cat's Fur?
A hairdryer should work, or a craft heat gun. Turn it on before the cats in the room. Use the towel to bundle the cat, and use newspaper (its thrifty) under the tail to catch the melted wax.
Family Closet for Organizing Laundry
Now thats what I call a laundry room. Most home floorplans were designed by those who never do laundry, or expect us to abuse our launderers by making them do laundry at the top of the stairs, in a hallway or in a closet.
Vacuum Salesman Joke
I also smile from a true vacuum story of my own. After vacuuming and demoing and selling his best, I explained to the salesman that he could sell me the vacuum--straight from the box--as a used vacuum. Looking defeated, he did.
Inexpensive Denture Soak
Hydrogen peroxide can be found at dollar stores, too. Please tell me how to dilute it. (b)Editors Note(/b) I believe you use it full strength.
Breed Information: Bernese Mountain Dog
BTW, Ellen, these dogs pull carts, not cars, unless you knitted the car out of steel wool. hahahahaha (b)Editors Note:(/b) Whoops, must be a typo. Thanks for catching that.
What are "Fashion Earrings"?
Fashion earrings are not made with precious metals, such as gold or silver, nor are they made with gemstones. For pierced ears, it is important to buy only earrings that are non-allergic: sterling silver, fine silver, gold, platinum or titanium. Plated materials...
Levii (Part Siamese)
I dont know about Siamese, but this cat looks like a Bengal without good markings (marbelized), except for his face.
Fake Paypal Emails
These guys (phishing guys) are good arent they? To quote the drug runner in Romancing the Stone, referring to his gang, Dese guys arrr such keeders!
California Travel Tips?
Go to the local AAA for their tour book and materials on California. Escondido is a place for low cost hotels, and a short drive to San Diego. In LA, there is a childrens museum downtown, the Mexican Pueblo de las Reines de Angeles, Japanese town, China town...
Remembering to Send Birthday Cards?
Hallmark has a reminder program at their Internet site. You list the dates, who, etc., and they will send you e-mail reminders. They also have a list of holidays that is quite inclusive--just choose the ones you want. Most importantly, they have free e-cards...
Scratch on Laminate Table?
There are felt tip pens in wood colors at the hardware store. They work on my laminate furniture.
Stocking a New Freezer?
By convenience, I thought you meant entertaining. Put frozen boxes of appetizers in the top of the freezer. A cake, boiled shrimp, cookies or dough, pie dough, frozen fruit, Danish. Anything you dont use regularly, but serve to guests, and can be frozen. That...
Poll: What new feature would you most like to see on ThriftyFun?
Website recommendations by category--furniture, clothes, etc.
Poll: Have you ever adopted a rescued pet?
This rescue bit has become a real racket here in California. You would not believe the prices for rescued animals, and the cronyism among the rescuers. It is a disgrace. Two cats adopted us over the years. The male was a huge black DSH called Midnight. He actually...
Christie's Restaurant Remoulade Sauce Recipe?
I would call them up, tell them what you just said, and ask if they would be so kind as to give you the recipe. O.
Paying for a Surprise Birthday Party Without My Husband Noticing?
I got away with the whole number, including a cook in my house. I told him our friend was having a surprise party for her DH at our house. I didnt have to hide anything, including new chairs for the patio. Shes a chef, and told her DH the food she was cooking...
Tuffy (Shi-Poo)
A cross between a Bull Terrier and a Shih-Tzu is a Bull-Shi-Tz. Your puppy could also be called a Poo-Shitz! Cant wait until you hear all the mixed-breed jokes. O. p.s. I heard these from a pet board. Your puppy is gorgeous.
Frog Joke
I tell this one every St. Patricks Day, and the same people fall for it every time. Whats green and lives in the back yard? Paddy OFurniture O.
What is Hamburger?
Hamburger is the lowest cut of ground beef. Its whats left over after all the other cuts of beef are taken. You can also buy ground round, ground chuck, ground sirloin, which are ground up cuts of beef. You can also get choice beef or even prime beef ground...
Dentist Bill Joke
Heres another. A dentist hired a plumber, who spent an hour under the sink. He gave the dentist a bill for $200. Two hundred dollars, exclaimed the dentist. Im a dentist, and I dont make that much an hour. The plumber replied, Neither did I when I was a dentist...
Store Brands That Are Better Than Name Brand Products?
Dawn dishwashing detergent--brand only. Rubbing alcohol, virgin olive oil, salad dressing, vinegar, nuts, all very good at a Dollar Store. Always check unit prices to see if a brand is more costly. Paper goods less costly at membership store in bulk, also fresh...
Poll: How much spam do your receive each day?
I use IncrediMail to sort through them, and block/bounce/delete them. I forward other addresses (e.g., Yahoo) to my cable address. I get 3-8 a day. O.
Cat Pee or Spray on Suede?
Actually, you may also need a suede cleaner. How do you clean those costly boots? With UGG Cleaner& Conditioner. A couple of ideas from UGG: Moisten entire surface with clean, cold water. Apply dilulted cleaner with a sponge, rubbing gently all over. Dont rub...
The Legality of Rainchecks?
Well, Susan. Guess who I am? The lady for whom the California Bait-and-Switch law was written some 35 (was it that long ago?) years ago. The rain check was included in that law. A similar thing happened to me for an item listed at while supplies last, and the...
Saving Padded Mailers
Whatever you do, if you do nothing else, be sure to cover the bar code at the bottom of the envelope. It contains your address, and the envelope will come back to you, and youll have to use new postage. Ooops.
Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets?
You just proved my mother is right. She said, A man will do anything if he thinks its foreplay. BTW, whats S&H on Jason? Hes a cutie.
Spending Time at the Hospital?
If the nurses tell you they dont have the leftover trays, tell them you mean the ones they keep and eat from themselves. hahaha That one worked for me.
Bernie (Bernese Mountain Dog) and Wilson (Great Pyrenees)
Lovely dogs. I have a 4.5# Yorkie, but I love big dogs, just too disabled to handle them. My neighbor had a pyrenees which stood on top of the hill next to my garage, but in the middle of the street. When I would come home in my little Italian convertible sportscar...
Damage from Steamer on Pergo Floor?
I have sevety-year-old oak hardwood floors. Pergo, though is not hardwood, but a laminated photograph of hardwood. Now, you can damage ANY flooring surface with steam. That includes hardwood, linoleum, tile, ceramic, and stone. I have a steamer and I have done...
Looking For No Sew Blanket Patterns?
Everything in your bedroom is a rectangle, so you can no-sew anthing you need for that room. For pillowcases, cut two pieces 12 wider and 8 longer than your pillowcase is now. Cut the usual 6-inch strips and six-inch corners. Tie around three sides, leaving...
Bead and Sequin Ornaments (Grandma...
How many 8 mm sequins for one 2.5 ball? In other words, what size pack?
Spaceman Joke
I always have said if you want to know that what you see is a UFO or alien being, shoot it. Youll get your answer soon enough. Thats what you get for telling space man jokes. O. p.s. My family came from there in 1656.
Training an Older Collie?
I am Spirit64 E-town, This dog will bite. The snarling is an aggressive or fear-aggressive behaviour. Never leave this dog alone with the baby, especially close-by. No dog is naturally friendly with anything they dont want to be, expecially if theyre trying...
Inviting People That Will Be Alone
My first year away from home, as an intern, I was alone on the holidays. I made jelly for all the neighbors, wrapped the jars like old-fashioned ones. I got a new down comforter, and decorated my apartment. I got some pretty holiday music, and a premade holiday...
Use for an Old Golf Bag
Get dowels from the home store. Roll up large items like tablecloths or wrapping paper. The bag is a great upright holder. Use as a planter outside. Use in a family or sports room to hold pool cues, putters for practice, dried or silk floral display. Use at...
Car Buying Tip 1 - Take Your Time
I usually allow three months to buy my next car. Notice I did not say new car. Thats a sucker bet.
Thrifty Substitute for Holiday Meal
Some parts of the meal you may find at the dollar store. For example, side dishes and condiments. There are many different kinds of nuts and finger foods, exotic things such as canned hearts of palm and artichoke. There are many choices of canned vegetables...
Keep Your Eye Out for Good Costumes
Thrift stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army make a great source for costumes of all kinds. I used to haunt them for components to costumes for plays at my daughters schools. They work just as well for Halloween. You put together the pieces. It cuts your...
