My Frugal Life: Thrifty Midwest Mom
What an outstanding writer you are! Sounds as though you are keeping up with keeping up and good for you! You are doing a fantastic job!
Garden: Flowers in My Yard
You have a wonderful talent not only in taking pictures but in growing flowers! Thanks for sharing these with us, your online Thriftyfun family.
Wildlife: Young Buck (Tiburon, CA)
Arent Gods furry babies beautiful? Wonderful and peaceful looking photo, thanks for sharing it with us online.
Plastic Lids On Canning Jars
I use my jars (rather large or small) for our left overs. This saves aluminum foil being used constantly (an expense we can not really afford.) The left-overs heat right in the jars (with a heating pad sitting atop them) as they heat up in the microwave and...
Restocking My Pantry
I have been doing this for years [I am 60 years old]and yes it does make a huge difference in the grocery budget & its expenses PLUS it makes cooking a real treat because you can see what you have to fix. ANYWAY, good job to & for you!
Aluminum Foil as Alternative to Fabric...
Oh my goodness I can not wait to try this out...thanks for telling us about this and Ill keep you all updated on the results!
Washing Machine Backing Up into Sink and Dishwasher?
Check your drain/sewer lines, mine was doing it too SO I hired someone to rent a machine at Home Depot ($40 for 6 hours) to clean out my sewer line (on my 2003 - 80 mobile home). It was amazing all of the gunk that he got out of it in the two hours that it...
Ms. Sparklette (Raccoon)
Arent Gods animals just adorable. I am so glad to know that there are other folks out here that help to feed Gods animals as my family has done for nearly 40 years now.
Troubleshooting a Strong Unidentified Odor in a Park Model Trailer?
I have to agree with the prognosis from the other members. Contact a plumber and see if it is sewer gas But only if there is no way you can dis-assemble the wooden walls inside of the trailer and then put back up (you would be looking to see if a rodent has...
Accent Wall Paint Color Advice?
I would pull the blue that is in the hanging photo on the wall, have the blue in the painting closely tinted into wall paint and paint away!
Laminate Squares as Shelf Liner
I love this idea. I wonder why silly me never thought of it but thanks for letting me know I really do not know everything in a nice informative way, ha!
Use Old Clothes for Camp and Outdoors
What a fantastic idea, living in NC we know all too well what red clay is all about; it is impossible to bleach out of anything but I love your suggestion! Cant wait to share it with my younger daughter who has three children under the age of 5 years old right...
Getting Help for a Contested Divorce?
I agree with the other post said that when he was served the divorce papers he has 60 days to contest it. Course then all states are different. So what state are you in? Call the court house and ask them or better yet call the library as they have a department...
Still Trying To Be Frugal
Thanks for your latest installment, it sounded as though all things are going fairly well with you and DH. Keep up the great work in living frugally and continue your writing, you have a gift! Thanks for sharing with us what your live is like over on the other...
Distilling Water at Home?
Boil your water to make it distilled water, learned this from a vet, one of my girlfriends dog could only drink distilled water for some reason I do not remember but it had to do with its health. So boil it she did and daily.
Iron While Seated
My spine is like yours, I am so thankful to read what you wrote, cant wait to try it out as drycleaning costs are getting way too expensive just to iron my clothes.
Attached Pill Box to Refrigerator
Great idea for my mother in law, but where can I find this special glue you wrote about, please let me know at dpcarr@bellsouth.net with glue in the subject line thanks!
Fixative to Prevent Glitter from Coming Off Dress?
I would spray it with hair spray, you cant see it and a dry cleaning can take it out of the material IF you are concerned about it. Good luck!
Finding Listings for Free Office Furniture?
This is a common problem, take this to a body shop or to a glass shop or fix it yourself this way. 1. Take a piece of masking tape and place it on the outside of the windshield where you see the glue that was originally holding up the review mirror. 2. In the...
Dyeing Clothes in the Washer?
Follow the directions to RIT fabric dye that you purchase at any Wally world or any grocery store. Make sure you run two tubs of water with detergent in your washer after dyeing your fabric to make sure that there is no dye residue left over that will get into...
Removing Fish Smell on Car Seats?
I would try the pet urine thing as PIKKA had wrote about but without spending any money I would buy some charcoal to grill with & put some of the charcoal briquettes in the car and shut the door. After about 3 to 5 days the charcoal should/will absorb the smell...
Removing Cat Spray Odor Inside the House?
Get a black light and turn it on in a dark room. The urine marks will show up but only when using a black light. Treat the areas where the animal urine is showing up with the black light. (Youll be amazed at how it shoes up I know I was when we had the same...
Removing Cat Spray Odor Inside the House?
I forgot to say as PIKKA stated Walmart has a relatively inexpensive enzyme odor product OR any near by pet shop OR vet shop would sell the stuff needed too. The sprayed areas will show up with the black light, then treat those areas with the odor enzyme product...
Is Medicare Part B Worth the Cost?
You should be able to get help paying it from your state...contact Social Security they will be able to answer all of your questions. God bless!
My House Smells Like Cigarette Smoke?
I would put small jelly, pickle or pickle relish jars filled one third full of straight vinegar out and about (hidden) in the rooms throughout the house and the smell (I promise) will disappear. You need to change the vinegar monthly, pour the old used vinegar...
Changing the Filter on a Whirlpool Conquest Ice Maker?
If you have paid for you to get The Power of Attorney on your mother (as I had to do here in NC) then yes, you can move the money where ever you see fit, If it is in her best interests and you could within a shadow of a doubt proof it to a court if asked to...
Refinishing a Wood Deck?
Personally I would slop on some old oil (from a car, truck or any other machinery that uses oil) on to the decking wood. It will dry, bugs will not get in it and it is free to use and do it! I have seen this done and know that it is very attractive and what...
Wildlife: Look Who Came to Dinner
Cute photo, we had an opposum visit our cat food dish too on our front porch along with all of her babies hanging off of her, simply adorable!
Potty Training an Almost Three Year Old?
I had this same problem with my daughter 32 years ago. I took her to Kmart where she picked out her own colorful, dainty, pretty little panties. From there we went home where together we took the panties and put them in their very own panty drawer within her...
Help With Prescription Drugs?
Go to RXoutreach.org - I had to use them years ago and I know they do work. Good luck and keep us informed on what you end up doing ok?
Shopping for L'eggs Thigh-hi Panty Hose?
How about writing the Leggs company about the product you want... perhaps they can and will help you. Good Luck and keep all of us informed on what you end up doing ok?
Making Your Hair Grow Faster?
Take vitamin A that you can buy at the drug store also talk to the pharacist about what would be good AS he or she is only a couple of years away from being a doctor themselves BUT they chose to be a pharmacist and not a doctor. When I learned that (years ago...
Finding an Inexpensive Hall for a 1st Birthday Party?
Go to a senior citizens center (ours here in NC rents for $75 for 4 hours and that includes a kitchen with a sink, a stove, oven and microwave, tables and chairs for approx. 60. Got a grandparent in a nursing home - get the elderly invovled and let them have...
How Can I Reduce My Heating Costs?
Invest in a couple of (hot steam) vaporizers like I have done...and boil water to put additonal steam into the air...moist air feels better to the skin then cold air. Also then invest in a dehumidifier to run while the vaporizer is running so that mold and...
Designate an Out Of State Emergency Contact
THis is the greatest Idea I have read in years! Cant wait to utilize it for myself, family and friends!
Cleaning Artificial Flowers?
I do not buy anything other then cheap furniture polish. Spray it on my silk flowers and walk away, folks compliment how nice my silk plants and flowers look. I got the idea from these folks (thrifty fun) some time ago and it works!
Wildlife: Crab
What an adorable little guy, he does look as though he is looking right at you to take his picture! Thanks for sharing a photo of one of Gods animals with us!
Practice Drills Before A Disaster
Cantate, Always remember that blessings come in all forms and disguises, you are in our thoughts and prayers here in NC.
Planning an Inexpensive Date Night at Home With Your Spouse?
What brought you both together, talk about that. What hobbies if any does he have - talk about them by asking him questions about it. Does he enjoy sunrises or sunsets? View one together and talk about the colors God creates with them while cuddling. Ask him...
Removing Stickers from Plastic?
I use WD40. Saturate the label with the WD40 that has been shaken up well. Let it soak in a few minutes and you will see that it will easily scrap off with your finger nail. I use this all of the time in fact I just did use my WD40 this way this morning. You...
Removing Hairspray Residue from Vinyl Tile?
Take baking soda and mix it with water (this is what my hair dresser told me they do on their floors and counters). It does work as I use it all of the time in my bathroom on the floor itself from the over spray. It is safe on your hands and on what ever you...
Going Public After Cosmetic Surgery (For...
You have found a way to make extra money! I would pay you to paint something on my house, you should seriously think about hiring yourself out, even if you were to charge $1 a minute ($60 an hour) I would gladly pay it and I am sure others would also. Perhaps...
My Frugal Life: Pay As You Go
I love to read that there are others out here that are like my self and Glenn - we do not have alot either and pay as we go or save up for the item wanted - we still have each other and that is what counts the most in our book! Thanks for sharing!
My Frugal Life: Difference Between Thrifty and Cheap
I totally agree with you in what you wrote here. I always point out to Glenn the cost of gas and wear & tear not only on the car but on us when he is out just saving pennies instead of dollars when purchasing or doing anything for us. All I have to say is good...
When Can I Buy Corned Beef?
You can buy canned corned beef at any grocery store - one by that carries canned tuna, chicken, beef and such. Our Food Lion carries canned corned beef here by Bunker Hill. I have also gone and bought thickly sliced corned beef from their deli department brought...
Planning a 31st Birthday Party for My Boyfriend?
Ahhhh how sweet of you... your boyfriend is going to be 3 perfect 10s plus one (equals 31)... give him 31 special kisses within a 31 minute time frame.
Removing Pickle Odor from a Jar?
Soak the jar and the lid in vinegar (vinegar is cheap so if it takes a gallon to do this it will be worth it IF you really want to keep the jar). Good luck!
How Can I Remove Hair Spray from Wallpaper?
Mix quite a few table spoons of baking soda in warm water and sponge off the excess hair spray anywhere. Good luck and keep us informed on what you do. (I personally know that this does work!)
How Can I Find Dried Dog Pee in My House?
I agree with PDG get a black light using it to shine on the rugs, floors or the furniture and where ever there is urine it will show up. We have done this with our furry children. Finds the spot every time. Good luck!
Removing Hairspray from a Mirror?
Mix baking soda and warm water in a spritz bottle and clean your mirrors, counters or floors. Told to me by my hair dresser. Good luck I personally know it does work!
Tips for Traveling By Train?
Pack tons of tea bags, instant coffee, sugar, dry creamer, instant soups, instant oat meal, instant anything that needs to be made only with hot water as you arent charged for the hot water or the glass cup it comes in. Also, pack your own styrofoam cups for...
Removing Burnt Smell From Microwave?
Heating vinegar as told already will work but so will charcoal you use for your grill outside. Good luck to you - my 78 year old mother-in-law did the same thing a few mornings ago with a sausage biscuit, so accident can happen to anyone.
Search Tips On Google
What an outstanding thing you have wrote here for all of us that are not as computer savy as our children would like us to be. Thanks for spelling this all out for us but especially for me I know I appreciate it.
Washing Your Hair With Hard Water?
Boil the water before your use it to get all of the yuckies out of it. That is also how distilled water is made if anyone wants to know, why buy distilled water when all you have to do is boil it, cool it off and use it. Good luck with your situation!
What Color Accessories Will Make a Grey Powder Room Look Larger?
I would use maroon and pewter as my accent colors and a mirror in front of the sink and also one in back of the sink on the opposite wall so when you look into the mirror you can see the back of your hair or dress and it also gives the illusion of making the...
How Do I Remove Dried Toothpaste From Carpet?
Perhaps the whiten-ing agent in the tooth paste has bleached your rug so I would guess yoou will have to just spip it off - sad to say. Keep us informed on what you end up doing ok? Good luck!
Mower Won't Start?
Glen had the same problem with a mower last summer...after discussing it with his 80 year old father we all discovered that the jets or jet openings inside of the mowers carberator were plugged up from trash that had been in the gas. They pulled the carberator...
Frugal Wedding Reception Venues in Baltimore?
Do you have a large community center where your elderly have their congregate meals together. The places a very large and accommodating to folks with our without disabilities. One of their rooms has a kitchen in it with a refrigerator, sink, stove, microwave...
What are the Most Cost Effective Leftover Food Storage Products?
*I personally think that putting my left overs in a quart jar with a lid is better. *When reheating I can reheat the whole jar or spoon out what I want and reheat that by itself in a bowl or plate that I will be eating out of. *When finished getting out the...
Removing Smoke Odor from Home?
What I have used is a half-filled quart jar with vinegar and sat it in the corner of the room & of course hidden from view. You will find that within a few days you will not smell any more smoke. I have used this is in the bathroom too where boys & men miss...
Help Making Perfect Southern Fried Chicken?
I flash fry my chicken until crispy in very hot oil. I then take the chicken and finish baking it in the oven at 350 for 45 minutes. Chicken outside is crispy while the inside is all cooked! I have been doing my chicken this way since the early 70s & my family...
Scenery: Horseshoe Trail (Mount Baker, WA)
Isnt God great in how he presents his master pieces in scenery. :)
What to Wear to a Dance if Your Date is Short?
Personally speaking my honey is 55 tall and the biggest little man I have ever been around. While I am 61 tall, he refers to me as his own personal model. Really to us it doesnt matter that I am taller then him because when we sit down we are still eye to eye...
Grind Cloves in Coffee Grinder
What a fantastic idea that I know I will be trying. We live 15 miles away from the nearest Walmart, grocery store chain and like you I refuse to pay high prices at convenience stores out here in the county. Thank you for such a great idea and sharing it with...
Removing Candle Wax From Fabric?
Put them into the freezer, once frozen peel the mess off and wash as normal.
Ideas for Organizing a Teenager's Bedroom?
My teenagers had the same problem with odors lurking around in their rooms but learned that 1/2 a quart of regular straight vinegar in a mason jar would make the bad smells (any bad smells) go away. Just sit the jar where it will not get knocked over accidentally...
Wedding Meal on a Tight Budget?
I suggest a potluck so everyone can be involved in your big day. Just keep up with who you have asked to bring what; a meat, a vegetable, a potato dish or dessert. It is your day, enjoy yourself! For the cheap we had chicken or tuna salad sandwhiches for my...
Gluing a Car Handle Back On?
1. Call the business that sells your car on their lot new and ask them. 2. Call a body shop that works on any cars and ask them.
Getting Free Empty Shoe Boxes?
I agree with Lynda, contact some of the shoe makers an thank God there are folks like you out here! What a noble thing you are doing.
Use Microwave To Refresh Masking Tape
What a great idea thanks, for sharing it with us - I will be doing this from now on instead of throwing it away which I do hate to do.
Paying a Friend to Hang Curtain Rods?
Being widow since last Feburary 2010 I now pay a male friend of my husbands (that we worshiped with) $10 an hour to do handy man jobs for me. I do not mind this at all AS I know I can at least trust him being around me and my home!
How Do I Prepare Pumpkin for Canning?
Years ago when the children were small (1980s) and after Holloween we would take their carved pumpkin, cut the rind off of it and cook down the meat of the pumkin. From there I would fill my quart jars and process them in a water bath canner for 50 minutes...
Funnel When Filling Small Jars
Thanks for letting me know that this does work, as I had thought about trying this very same thing myself but was unsure if it would work. And if it didnt, then I would be out money that I desperately need (dont we all).
Barbecue Apricot Chicken
This sounds very tasty! Thanks for sharing it with us here on line. I cant wait to try it out now AS I love apricot and/or BBQ flavored anything.
Storing Leftovers in Ziplock Bags
Sounds like a great idea but I agree with what moravice said and would contact the manufacturer to see if you would get the ok from them. If it is ok, then it is an awesome idea. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Can Campho-Phenique Be Used Vaginally?
Absolutely not! Do not even think about putting that down there! Talk to your area pharmacist if you can not afford to go to the doctor. Please keep us all informed on what you do end up doing ok? Please be safe and not sorry. :(
Getting Assistance for Food?
Look up Angel Food Ministries in your area. You pay $25 for a couple of weeks of groceries, I have done this and it is really a God send! Good Luck!
Alka Seltzer to Clean Thermos
Great idea! I would have never thought of this so thanks for sharing it!
Wildlife: Crab Spider
This is the most amazing thing that I have seen and come across in years. Wow! How great God is to give us these fascinating creatures to look at eh? Thanks for sharing the photo and your great commentary that went with it!
Cleaning Pyrex or Corning?
I suggest putting hot water in it and adding a couple of denture cleaners to the water and let it sit all night. I do this also in our bathroom toilets, works like a charm. Good luck.
Dental Care on a Limited Budget?
Go to your local Social Services office for help of all kinds ~ keep us informed on what you do!
Medicare Supplemental Insurance?
Look up AARP for a supplement to your Medicare insurance, that is what I have, good luck and keep us informed on what you end up doing!
Spike (Little Corella Cockatoo)
I am like you and feed Gods animals our left overs from the day... it makes me feel extra special to read that someone else is doing it also! And by the way! What a beautiful bird! Congratulations on getting him, they are very, very intelligent birds - my Aunt...
Spaghetti with Onions and Eggs - For A Dollar!
I cant wait to try this one. We are also having problems stretching money but then again who isnt? Thanks for your wonderful idea, have anymore you can share with us or me alone? Thank you. Paula Jo Carr dpcarr@bellsouth.net
Clean Bathtub with Powdered Dish Detergent
What a great idea and I do not even have a dish washer but I will check this one out, thanks for the great tip!
Creative Sink Storage Ideas
Oh, I just love this idea... the width in the back of my sink wasnt large enough for this idea but I still love the idea!
Lessons Learned From My Grandmother
Written wonderfully Robin from Washington, IA... I too had two wonderful grandmothers that I learned many, many things from... I was blessed by having them in my life as you were yours also... Thank you for sharing this with us!
Using Reed Diffuser Air Fresheners?
I personally love them in our home, make sure it is a smell that you like.
Start Baking Christmas Cookies After Thanksgiving
What a fantastic idea! Thank you for sharing this with all of us out here.
Covering Walls for a Wedding?
How about pretty king size flat bed sheets taped or tacked up to cover the wall. The sheets could be in your wedding colors and really are not that expensive. Good luck and congratulations how the marriage soon to be.
Hobo (Tabby - Siamese)
How wonderful this story is; to find a safe haven after being in that rig for so long 3 days! I can not even begin to imagine how scary that must have been for him. I wonder tooif his original owners are missing him, wouldnt be something if they read about...
Transporting Soup for Potlucks
What a great idea! I would have been afraid that the bag would melt but now that youve done it I know that it will be alright and I wont be so scared of doing this myself, thanks!
Can I Add Fragrance to a Humidifier?
Personally, I have been adding Pine Sol to my humidifier for the fragrance of it [the smell of pine trees] for years, so, I would say YES you can add anything to the water, scent wise, that you enjoy smelling.
Attach Child's Picture to Gift
I just love this idea and wonder why this hasnt been thought of before. Needless to say, I am so glad you brought it to our attention and we can all start doing it ourselves starting this year and there after! Thank you. I give you a thumbs up!
Tree Ornaments Have Black Spots?
Hate to say this, but it sounds like mold to me too. Clean it with clorox and check the area where you keep them in - the mold came from somewhere, and mold can make you & your family deathly sick. Get rid of it or call someone to check your home out to get...
Perfect Ponytail Tips?
I too have long, thick hair, when I put mine into a pony tail I bend over at the waist, brush my hair into a pony tail holding it into my other hand; then put in the band around it (with the other hand) that will be holding it in place. Good luck!
How Do I Get Rid of This Mildew?
Wash it down outside with straight clorox immediately. You do not want this getting into your house. Clorox will kill it. Mildew to me is just another road for mold and that can be very dangerous to you. Your house and your family making you all sick.
In Memory of Tessa (Yorkshire Terrier)
I am so sorry for your loss. I too know the/your pain. As long as she is in your memory she is still alive. Please do not forget that ever.
Inexpensive Non-Clumping Mascara Recommendations?
Rimmel is the product you want to get at any drug store or Walmart.
Lightening Strawberry Blonde Hair?
Do what I did last summer. Standing in front of my makeup mirror I spray my dried hair OR wet hair with a half bottle of perioxide with the other half in water. Shake the bottle and spray away, or should I say mist away. This makes your hair look so natural...
Iron Waxed Paper Together for Wider Sheets
I agree with caraing I totally had forgotten about making fall leave placemats as a child for a school project - thank you for the warm and wonderful memories of my childhood back in the 50 & 60s flowing back into my memory; perhaps now I can share those memories...
Sam (Flame Point Himalayan)
What a handsome animal. Daddy saves cats too that have no home. Problem is that he does not want them to go to another home. He keeps them all up to date with their vet bills and feeds them twice a day (canned food) dry food is out all of the time with fresh...
Could Dog's Bad Odor Be Anal Glands?
My understanding is yes. Our friend grooms animals for a living and she told me about them and how to drain them. I am unsure if that is the right wording or not. I would suggest you call a vet or an animal groomer for the answer to your question AND it would...
In Memory of Fancy (Himalayan)
So very sorry for your loss. We had one like her, but male, named Apple Jack (like the childrens cereal name). Jack was helped in passing because he had cancer within his mouth. It looked like a huge abscess. He and other furry babies are now over The Rainbow...
Kitten Sucking on Everything?
It may be annoying to you but it is very comforting to her Because she was taken from her mother so young. We have an adult male cat that sucks on things too and we love him just the same as it is just in his nature like your eye color is your very own. Accept...
Exterior Paint Color to Coordinate with Maroon Iron Roof?
A warm but muted soft yellow would be very, very pretty. Some folks up the street have theirs painted that way and it looks outstanding from all of the other homes.
Felt for Securing Clothes on Hangers
What a great idea! I can not wait to act on this one. Thanks for the idea.
Halloween: Horse Costume (Dog)
Thanks for making my night full of laughter in seeing Peteys photo. This is simply adorable!
Organizational Advice for a Packrat?
Go to Flylady.net where I learned that anything can be done in 15 minutes a day. My husband couldnt believe it when we did only 15 minutes a day to his closet and then mine by going through & sorting into keep piles, throw away piles, rag bag piles and donating...
Surviving Family Thanksgiving?
I say have all parties meet at a restaurant and each person/s then pay for their own dinner/s. Do not give into the MIL who admits to being a bully... stand your ground b/c IF you give in this time you will hate yourself and end up resenting your husband for...
Separating Old Currency That is Stuck Together?
Take them to your bank as it has already been stated banks do this sort of thing daily so leave this problem in the hands of someone who knows what to do AND if they should mishandle the money they will replace it IF the serial numbers are still intact. Good...
Lid For Corningware Teapot?
Look up www.replacements.com you will find your missing pot lid there I bet. They are located up the road from our house AND are huge. One can take tours witin their building AND it is incredible how many different dishes there are that they are re-selling...
Dog Shaking Head?
I too say it is ear mites. I order from www.HappyJack.com for our 5 furry babies. It costs around $15 a bottle BUT that will treat the area that is making him shake his head or itch at their ears constantly; they will not like you when you put the drops in...
Halloween: "A Cow Says Moo" Costume
This is the cutest costume that I have seen in my many, many years. We live in Mebane, NC and there werent alot of trick or treaters at our house this year. I beleive that parents are taking their children to the area churchs for Trunk & Treating which is much...
Dog Ate Bologna Wrapper?
I agree with Poor But Proud. It takes much too long for any of our typed information to get back to you. If you love your furry baby as much as I think you do call & ask the vet next time.
Slow Cooker Beef with Balsamic Vinegar?
I would think the vinegar was used to take the wild and gamey taste out.
Could This Be a Piano Stool?
Perhaps it was a chair that a midget person used. They wouldnt use normal size furniture because they wouldnt fit into it. Perhaps a piano playing midget person used it in a traveling carnival? Something to think about eh?
Finding Inexpensive Flooring?
Go to FreeCycle.org to see if some is offered in there for free. I too would probably paint it if there ends up being nothing free for the floor.
Asking a Guy to a Formal Dance?
Ask him & away from everyone IF he has ever thought about asking you to the such and such dance. IF he says no then you can say well would you like to go with me to the dance? Some boys are just scared that they will be turned down so they clam up & shut up...
Hairspray on Linoleum?
The same way you take the accumulation of hair spray on a person hair when you wash it you use any brand baking soda 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of it and stirring to dissolve it with a quart of warm water will do the trick. Put your dish rag in it and wipe...
