A Simple Way To Conserve Water
I catch the cold water in a pitcher while waiting for the hot water. I then use it to water my plants in the yard. I also purchased an instant hot water unit $175 and installed it on the kitchen sink. Now when I want to make a cup of tea, instant coffee or...
Buy Discounted Flowers and Houseplants
I too do this. Everything seems so expensive these days so I decided to buy plants that looked almost dead. I brought them home, transplanted and fertilized them & removed all the dead leaves. Bingo! Within 2 wks they were thriving. I paid a total of $11 for...
Kill Ants with Pam Cooking Spray
If it kills aunts that quickly Id think twice about using it on my food constantly. It might not kill us instantly but used for a long period of time who knows. It might cause cancer. Same thing with coffeemate. Ever notice how the bugs avoid it? Not good.
My Frugal Life: Food On Hand
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! Good for you - while you were doing all that searching around werent you struck with the idea that sometimes we shop mindlessly? Look what you made and didnt even go to the store! Ive been doing the same because the weather is so rotten...
Training a Dog Not to Bark?
Some breeds of dogs are chronic barkers. A lot of dogs will bark & bark if their owners leave them outside and ignore them for extended lengths of time. Or, if there is a lot of activity from noisy kids or if they have separation anxiety & miss their master...
Bank Threatening Foreclosure?
Remember this: When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a code that glorifies it. Frederick Bastiat The Law 1850 Im a Realtor and I can tell you that youre...
What Breed is My Dog?
How fortunate you are to have such a sweet girl. My first pick would be to go to the Veterinarian and ask him what breed she could be. Also, what color is her tongue? If its a combination of speckled pink & blue that would be a Chow Chow in her blood. All Chow...
My Dog is a Picky Eater?
Its a wonder that dogs even eat that stuff they call dog food! If you research this you will find that perhaps the food companys use 4 D meat in their products. 4 D stands for animal carcasses from: Drugged, Diseased, down & dead animals - I even think they...
Tomato Equivalents
Great chart Thanks. Ive srarted using fresh tomatoes in my cooking to avoid the BPA from the canned tomatos.
Washing Machine Spin Cycle Not Working?
The washer wont spin if you have a plugged drain. Did you wash something and it fell apart in the washer? That would do it. Another thing is to find you reset button its usually on the top of the washer - it might look like an open small hole. Take a screwdriver...
Mattress Know-How
With different names for mattresss at the stores it can be hard to shop price but I solved that problem. First pick out a brand thats right for you. Write down the name & number of it and then go home and call the manufacturer and ask for the names of this...
Open Difficult Packaging Before Wrapping
The reason they make packages like this is to stop thieves from opening it and taking off with the product while in the store. Also, it protects the item from being broken while being shipped to the store or another country. I like the can opener idea and will...
Put Electric Blanket Under Pet Bed
Great idea but how about a water proof cover for the pad, but how do you guarantee that they wont find the cord and chew on it?
Hot Water Bottle to Reduce Heating Bills
I think using flannel bed sheets is a better answer to this problem. Plastic bottles eventually will leak and look at the gallons of water over time that is wasted. Flannel sheets are a one time purchase, come in beautiful patterns, colors and size & can be...
Oma's Cucumber Salad
What a wonder thing for you to do. I too am of German descent and I loved my mothers cucumber salad but couldnt find a recipe to match it until now. Do you remember eating hockapater? (sic)
Restoring Old Photos
You have a lot of determination and patience dont let it go to waste. Write a book on how you did it and the long painful months without any help learning how to manipulate the software, etc. You can inspire and teach people a lot and it could pay for the bathroom...
Homemade Elevated Dog Feeder
Back in 1969 my husband invented an adjustable dog feeder. It was made from a metal track that was about 3.5 feet long, he made two medal rings by welding metal strips together. They fit inside the tracks and were tightened with wing nuts. It was very easy...
Twin Mattress for Large Dogs
I already won a Thrifty contest with this idea last year. I dont know if you can find my entry on this web site. (b)Editors Note: (/b) Here is Glorias winning entry from last year. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97753907.tip.html
Painting a Faux Granite Counter Top
Wonderful job - but you dont say how much all the supplies cost you versus a granite counter top. Id like to know.
Peeling Egg Shells
I boil my eggs for 3.5 mins. soft and 4 mins. hard boiled. Run them under cold water and then just tap the egg on the kitchen counter until one end is cracked. Put finger nail under cracked egg and peel. Simple & quick.
Use Tuna Water to Tempt Senior Cat to Eat Dry Food
Youve accidentally discovered that cats & dogs DO NOT LIKE DRY FOOD! I dont care what youve heard it DOES NOT keep their teeth from forming cavities its just the OPPOSITE. The dry food sticks to the teeth more. Dont listen to you Vet & well meaning friends...
Hot Dog in a Milk Carton
Id be very concerned about the carton having potential for causing cancer activated while its burning. Have you researched this at all?
Health Concerns With Flea Medications
This also extends to the dry dog food we buy. My Greyhound started having seizures suddenly - hes 10 yrs old. After a vet bill of $150, with no real answers as to what was wrong, I decided to check my dog food for problems of this type on the web. Sure enough...
Removing Stains on a Stainless Steel Pan?
When I burn food in my pans and cant get it out I spray them with Easy Off Oven cleaner - fume free and it works cold not in a hot oven. You could also use their other product for Bar-B-Q grills. Let the pan sit overnight and then wipe it clean with a paper...
Blossoms Falling Off Tomato Plants?
Are you kidding? First comes the flower then comes the fruit! Look to see if there are tiny tomatos hidden in the leaves.
Rubbing Alcohol as a Flea Repellent
But does it take your dogs breath away? You could be burning his lungs with the fumes from the alcohol and wintergreen oil. What does your vet say about doing this?
Frugal Doggy Dental Care
Sorry but dont feed dry dog food to your dog. Whoever started that was wrong. Studies done by scientists have discovered that giving your dog dry dog food actually makes tarter worse not better. For some strange reason the food seems to glue itself to the teeth...
Settling Debt
Its true I settled $60,000. worth of business debt & the minute I did my credit rating improved. Better than a bankruptcy. I played hardball so bad with them one of them offered me a job! Of course I said no - I have to be able to sleep at night.
Dry Dog Food Recipe
I stopped using commercial dog food long ago by making the food myself. One surprising benefit from doing that is LESS dog poop to pick up! Generally they eat the commercial food and the same amount that goes in also comes out. So I assume that nothing much...
Grease Pet Dish with Olive Oil for Easy Cleaning
Olive oil is not good for dogs over time it will make him very sick. Talk to your Vet for an alternate oil to use.
Dog Crate Cover
Just dont forget where you put the dog ha ha. Its also a good way of camouflaging the cage to blend into a room. And of course in the heat of summer you might want to remove the cover so your dog doesnt overheat.
Use Vinegar Instead of Dryer Sheets
I bet the vinegar is a better choice over dryer fabric sheets because it wont leave an invisible lint film on the lint trap. If you dont clean the dryer lint trap every 2-3 months it builds up preventing the dryer from releasing the hot air. Left long enough...
Supplemental Nutrition for Dogs
We need more articles like this one. I stopped feeding my dogs commercial dog food and cooked chicken, beef & some pork for them. I gave them chicken broth, noodles, vegetables, yogurt and bread - they thrived and ate all of their food. BUT the most interesting...
Selling Scrap Gold?
I know its better to sell it to a smelter but I couldnt find one in Chicago. Do you know of any in Chicago?
Freeze Paintbrush For Tomorrow
I just slip a plastic grocery bag over the paint tray with the brush inside it & tighten the end of the bag. This will keep the brush for up to 3 days without a problem.
Keeping Birds from Nesting in a BBQ Grill
I live in the Chicago area so in the fall I put an old waterproof table cloth over the grill & secure it with bungee cords. I also add a sheet of Bounce dryer sheets to discourage bees & yellow jacks from nesting in it. I also have an outside light that they...
Put a House Key on Your Dog Leash
Bad idea dogs have a tendency to slip away from their owners control for whatever reason. If the owner somehow drops the leash & the dog takes off and cant be found then what? You wont be able to get into your house and maybe if you do there might be a burglar...
Stretching One Meal Into Five
Sounds so creative good for you. Could you please tell us how many pounds of pot roast you use in order to stretch it this far?
One Pan Tuna Noodle Dinner
What a salt bomb! If you have high blood pressure, this recipe could push you into a heart attack.
Going Organic With Pet Food
After yet another poison food problem with dog kibble (my dog suddenly developed convulsions at night) I swore I would never buy dog food again. Instead I shopped around and found a store that sold chicken for 39 cents per pound. I then purchase 20 lbs of rice...
Good Enough for the Queen's Dog
Good for you! Not only do dogs get allergy problems but seizures as well. I stopped feeding phony dog food and for the first time in my dogs life he ate all of the real food. Never put him back on commercial food again. And Id suggest everybody type into their...
Thick Noodles for Soup?
It could be FUN noodles which are flat and wide and just great. Go to an Asian store and ask for them. They use them to make Beef Fun Chow. Or, do what I do and buy wide egg noodles at the grocery store.
Easy Homemade Bagels Using Dough Cycle on Bread Machine
I had to stop eating bagels because I gained weight by eating them. Enjoy all you lucky people who dont!
Make Dog Treats out of Hot Dogs
Good for you! Anyone who has been following the horror stories about arsenic, seizures and other problems with commercial dog food will use this article. Look at some of the dogs and see how fat theyve become eating commercial dog treats that are loaded with...
I Love Dandelions!
And what about Dandelion Wine? I thought I read somewhere that they were brought here to America by the settlers and their leaves were used for salads, wine and more. Today we think theyre weeds - how terrible! They are beautiful in a field or designated area...
Let The Garden Take Care Of Itself
Yes that seems to be true. However, for anyone who reads the Bible there is a notation that as God rested so should we. Also, the animals and the crops! However, the crops/fields are to rest for one year where nothing is planted in them this should occur once...
Storing Pet Info and Supplies
Great idea especially if you need to evacuate your home quickly. Sometimes just minutes can mean the difference between life or death.
Shop Other Thrift Stores Before Goodwill
Ive heard that Goodwill doesnt pay their employees much and its not a charitable store - its just a resale shop like any other resale shop. Dont confuse it with the Salvation Army stores. The guy who owns Goodwill is making $ big time because he doesnt have...
Inexpensive Dog Coat
Great idea. Now take the money you saved and buy her winter boots too! Dogs get frost bitten feet easily and you know she will appreciate it.
Inexpensive Dog Coat
Want to save money on dog beds? Tired of trying to clean a bed soaked with urine? Buy a baby crib mattress for your large dog and then get a plastic mattress cover with a zipper. Youll save a lot of $.
Inexpensive Dog Coat
I had Greyhounds and live in the Midwest which can be brutal in Winter. My dogs had no fur or fat to keep them warm, once I bought a winter coat ($120) but it seemed to thin. Because I couldnt afford $240 for two coats I went to the fabric store & bought polar...
Make Sure Ebay is Actually Making You Money
I went to the library and took out a book called: Selling Beyond ebay by Greg Holden. He gives a lot of other web address to post your stuff by catorey such as: www.justbeads.com for beaded jewelry or www.potteryauction.com for pottery to name a few. Lets start...
Make Sure Ebay is Actually Making You Money
I went to the library and took out a book called: Selling Beyond ebay by Greg Holden. He gives a lot of other web address to post your stuff by catorey such as: www.justbeads.com for beaded jewelry or www.potteryauction.com for pottery to name a few. Lets start...
Recipe For Steak Diane
I remember the days when my boy friend would take me to a restaurant called Hys of Canada in Chicago. They made the most spectacular Steak Diane. One of the main ingredients was the Diablo sauce which is no longer sold in stores today. After much research I...
Recipe For Steak Diane
I use to eat at Hys of Canada in Chicago they made the best Steak Diane unfortunately they went out of business over 20 yrs ago. This recipe comes pretty close to theirs. Steak Diane This is a wonderful recipe that not only brings out the full Steak Diane flavors...
Recipe For Steak Diane
One more thing on my recipe for Steak Diane - if you must have it with a cream sauce just ad a little cream to taste to my recipe.
Use Vinegar And Apple Cider For Pet Odors
Ive tried your recipe and it doesnt work if you have large dogs. After several years of back breaking efforts and $$$ I finally used the nultimate solution. My solution to the problem is called: Laminate flooring or ceramic tiles or vinyl tiles. Why? Theres...
Use Vinegar And Apple Cider For Pet Odors
One more comment on your suggestion - It will not stop your dog from peeing on the same spot. Ive had over 40 years experience in dogs and several different breeds - believe me I know what Im talking about.
Saving Money on Car Repairs (and Maintenance)
I went to a well known repair shop 3 wks before Xmas. I was there to have them add brake fluid to my car. They told me I needed new front brake pads and the cost would $800. I thought that was outrageous but instead I said I didnt have any money & would have...
Watching HDTV For "Free"
Sounds pretty good you know what youre doing. .I now sit with my 17 yr old 50 Mitsubishi TV that cant pick up the signals (its old but the surround sound is fantastic and the picture is very sharp - I had it repaired once $200). I bought a ROKU $59.95 and can...
Watching HDTV For "Free"
Oh one last thing - I can buy a cable for my laptop and download everything on the web to my TV with buying a ROKU.
Map Garage Sale Routes
Forget Mapquest! Theyre wrong too many times. Instead go to Rand McNalley & get your instructions they are hardly ever wrong.
Pictures Help When Buying Parts
Its a great idea I do it myself. Im a retired single woman who bought a house 10 yrs ago. My kitchen drain started leaking and not wanting to pay for a plumber I snapped pictures of my P trap that I had taken apart. At the Big Box store I showed them to the...
Inexpensive Dental Insurance?
Forget those cheap dental plans instead check out the dental schools in your area - some are at the major universitys and offer big savings.. I received $700 worth of dental care & xrays for $45.00. If its root canal work you need they will point you to the...
Why Spay or Neuter Your Pets?
I never neutered or spayed a dog not ever! Unfortunately not everyone is as vigilant as I am. Never had an unwanted litter either. What I did have was a vet who wanted to neuter my 8 yr old Chow Chow when the dog had a cancer tumor on his foot which the vet...
Hypoallergenic Pets
If youre looking for a big dog that wont give you much of an allergic reaction check out the black Greyhounds. While they come in several colors the fur on the black ones is similar to human hair so theres little reaction to them. They barely have a fur coat...
Breed Information: Chow Chow
I had a chow/collie mix that a friend gave me. He was 1-1/2 yrs old. He had bitten two kids and was wanted by the police. I took him and we had our problems. Whenever the door bell rang hed run to the door and wouldnt let me answer it-instead he tried to bite...
Paying Attention to Hints from Your Rescued Pet
I brought home a rescued 5 year old Greyhound. After a few weeks he seemed a little depressed. The dog track I got him from were offering a video of the dogs that raced there. I called them & ordered a video of his races. When it arrived I popped it into the...
A Dog Coat for Honey
Great job you could start a business doing this. I had 3 Greyhounds and lived in Chicago where it gets very cold. The first coat I bought cost $140 and that was in 2000. What a kick it was to dress up my hound she looked like a live Barbie Doll in her hot pink...
Clipping Those Chips
I go to Dollar General & buy their package of mixed sized clips in bright colors for just $1. They work on all my food pkgs both large & small even my frozen chicken or fish pkgs.
Transform Vintage Sheets Into Home Decor
If you think these sheets are made well take a look at the thread count (found on the label?) Or, if youre buying new sheets youll find that the lower the thread count the cheaper the sheet. I use to buy sheets at discount stores and after a few months they...
Elevated Dog Dishes
Large breeds (Great Danes, Greyhounds, Saint Bernards, etc. have a difficult time eating off the floor. Worse yet - if you show the dog in Confirmation competition eventually from eating on the floor the dogs front paws will start to sway outward - this is...
Feeding Big Dogs
Its good to see so many smart dog owners out there who seem to know their stuff. I stopped feeding my dogs commercial dog food a few yrs ago. Instead I started feeding them boiled or roasted chicken along with brown rice & veggies. End result: They ate all...
