Transporting Seeds to the Philippines?
http://www.evergreenseeds.com/howtoorder.html had this information: The seed import rules are different in many countries which are set by their government. It is your responsibility to check your customs for the entry requirements, we cant guarantee for your...
Transporting Seeds to the Philippines?
I just found this website from the Philippines with more information: https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg/the-philippines-2/visit-the-philippines/customs-passenger-guidelines/ Hope this helps.
Advice For Pruning Forsythia Hedge?
I would not recommend the round-up, it probably wont be very effective, and you would jeopardize the plants health, and dump some nasty chemicals into your garden and the environment. This website gives some good advice on caring for a forsythia http://www...
Freezing Baby Food In Ice Cube Trays?
Hi Lisa - I did this with all sorts of different foods for my son - and still do (he is 2.5) - I put them in the trays, covered it with the press and seal freezer wrap, and then when they were frozen solid, I would put them into ziplock bags. I labeled the...
A Gift Frame For Earrings
What a wonderful idea - I would love getting a gift like this!!! And the earrings are beautiful - also!
Make Your Own Bag Holder
Thanks so much for posting this. Our Lions club does Adopt a Highway and I am sure the members would LOVE to have these to make that job easier.
Pink and Pearls Necklace
Beautiful - thanks for sharing!!! I love finding beads at yard sales - either already part of jewelery or loose - and making them into something new.
Reselling Glass Bowls Leftover From Wedding?
I would see if there is a craigslist local in your area, and post them there - with photos of course. that way there are no shipping charges, and no listing fees. the other thing to do is contact a local florist or wedding planner and let them know what you...
Need A Name For A Tile And Grout Cleaning Company?
Some freewheeling brainstorming here... ScrubaTub Mr. Green Clean ... and that is the extent of my brainpower today. I will post again if I think of any more.
Bridal Shower Watermelon Lighted Centerpiece
This is gorgeous - what a fun idea - and a different twist on the watermelon boat!
Keep Loose Items In Eyeglasses Case
I have one to keep my digital ear thermometer and ear covers in - just the right size. Another one holds my needles and scissors for my craft work to go in my craft tote. Also dont forget you can give cases as well as old glasses to your local Lions Club.
Recycling Contact Lenses?
The Lions will not work with contact lenses - only regular eyeglasses (BTW - the Lions also collect hearing aids). A google search turned up the information listed below but I saw conflicting information on if they still accept contact lenses or not. However...
Essentials for Baby
Dont forget about baby sheets - you can make your own out of recycled sheets, or fabric, using the pattern from this website: http://www.bundlesoflove.org/sheetpattern.htm
Gift Card House
This is so great! I like it so much better than the fruu-fruu wishing wells! I might do one of these for my nephews wedding in September.
Pattern For Fitted Queen Sheet?
It is not hard to make a fitted sheet, I made one for my sons crib, but you will have difficulty finding the fabric large enough for a queen sized bed. Most fabric is 45 wide, home decorator fabric is 54 wide, and a queen size mattress, on top, is 60 inches...
Partitioning a Bedroom in an Apartment?
Are they climbers? If you placed some bookcases back to back to form a wall down the middle, would they try to climb on them? You could screw plates together on the top to keep them from tipping apart - these would be high and the stuff on them would help absorb...
Pattern For Fitted Queen Sheet?
sorry - I just reread these instructions - the corner that you cut out of the fabric should be equal to the height of the mattress plus 1 inch - so for a 9 inch mattress cut 10x10, if your mattress is 13 inches, cut 14x14.
Frugal Ways To Hang Curtains?
The most expensive part of a curtain rod is usually the brackets - so even if you make your own rod, getting some kind of bracket to attach it to the wall will add expense. Your most inexpensive option is a tension rod -they are usually only around $2 or so...
Making a Silk Bridal Bouquet
This is gorgeous. I wore a vintage gown, and found that fresh flowers were too BRIGHT for the dress, so went with antiqued silks and dried flowers mixed together. I got my flowers done by a friend in SC and the wedding was in NY - could never have done that...
Use A Band Aid For Straight Seams
Great idea - I usually use blue painters tape for the same thing. I do a lot of quilting, and want to keep those seams straight, so I mark the front of my machine with the blue tape. It is really easy to see, and easy to remove when necessary. Next time I cant...
Free Landscaping Programs?
Better Homes and Gardens has an online garden planner on their website (see link below) that seems to be pretty nice, and I have never had any problems with things on their website. Later this summer and into the fall you can plant chrysanthemums that will...
Walking Onion
To answer some questions: I got mine from my mother (in SC) and I am growing it in NY - so they grow pretty much anywhere. Thanks Susan for the links on where to get them - since mine were from cuttings, I was not sure where to buy them.
Craft Ideas for Camping?
You could do a square knot quilt. Blocks are cut with fringes on the edges -and tied together. You just be sure all the knots are on the same side, so one side is smooth and the other is knotty. This works great with denims and polarfleece, and would be a great...
Walking Onion
They are mild tasting - not hot. I use the green stalks like chives or green onion - I just mince them up and either throw them in salads raw, or cook them in soups, omelets, or with chicken. The bulbs I use like shallots. I peel them (I find a garlic peeler...
Craigslist Alternatives?
On craigslist or any online classifieds, photos are also a MUST. I skip right over a listing if it does not have a photo with it.
Hanging Planters From Paint Cans
If you use a plastic container inside the can, there is no leeching. Dried paint would probably not be a problem, and the original article I read where i got this idea did not mention a problem. if you are planting vegetables or herbs, I would probably suggest...
Cook With Your Child
Great ideas! I cant wait until my little guy is a bit older and we can have him help! I grew up in the kitchen with Mom as did my husband - so we really want him to help and learn.
Making a Futon Cover With a Quilt?
Gwen, The only thing I would do is be sure to give yourself enough seam allowance to handle the bulkier material - and to be sure your quilt is a very sturdy construction. Most quilt seams are not designed to be sat on - so you may find that the quilt wears...
Where Can I Find A Round Rubber Jar Opener?
The new silicone hot pads that are in stores everywhere work great as jar openers - and double as hot pads so you get 2 items for the price of one - how thrifty is that!
Cork Wreath Out of Wine Corks
I went to a wine tasting recently and was told that corks are becoming scarce as more and more wineries are changing to screw caps for a more reliable seal - so if you want to do something like this DONT WAIT!
Uses for Scrap Fabrics?
I have seen people tear them into long strips and crochet them into rag rugs, floor mats, place mats, etc...
Domino Angel
Very cool angel - do you sell these or give them away? I bet you have fun at yard sales finding all sorts of fun supplies!!!
Creating a Newsletter Online?
Tracy, Lots of the word processing software like Microsoft Word have free templates that you can download. You can go to the microsoft website and look at the templates there. Good luck.
Safety Of Microwaving Potatoes In Plastic?
I would not use a grocery bag - but plastic designed to be microwaved should be OK - like plastic wrap. I purchase the ones already wrapped -they are cheaper per pound than loose potatoes and are convenient. I have had good success with them.
Planning For A Pamper Party?
i went to a spa night for MaryKay once - and you could use some of the same ideas- there was a station for hand softening - they used their product, but I have seen where you can use salt and mineral oil and massage your hands - then wash. there was a manicure...
Advertising a New Website?
Websites move up in search engines like Yahoo and Google based on number of links to them - so your best bet is to find other related sites to have you cross listed. For example, if you are a reseller of a certain merchandise, can you get listed on the manufacturers...
Post Phone Number on Garage Sale Signs
You can post free yard sale announcements on craigslist, and can add a link to mapquest so people can see on a map where you are located. They can also email you for directions -without you having to give out personal information like your phone number or email...
Plastic Plates For Camping
Frisbees make great heavy duty plates/serving plates also, and sometimes you can get them free at festivals and other events.
Copying Articles From Waiting Rooms
I keep a little notebook in my purse -and usually check to see if the magazine has a website. If it does -I jot it down, and the name of the article -and go looking once I get home.
Making a Purse Out of a Gift Bag?
cover the bag with clear contact paper - that will help to reinforce it, as well as make it resistant to water damage. If you can reinforce the area where the handles attach - inside and out - it will hold up better to your stuff.
Money Walnuts For Christmas Ornaments
I used to do this - but put fortunes inside instead of money - I called them fortunuts. If you use a thin wedge in the hole end of the nut, slip it in and turn it like a key - you are more likely to get a consistent split down the seam with less cracking. In...
Starting a Crafting Business?
Michelle, I have gotten a lot of satisfaction out of teaching other people how to do the crafts that I enjoy so much - I teach at local school Continuing Education programs - rubber stamping, bead work, quilting, tote bag making, stenciling - it is great fun...
Earring Organizer?
Burlap or cross stitch fabric in a nice wooden embroidery hoop hung on the wall works nicely. I take wide grosgrain ribbon and put it at the top to hang down the front, and can put post or clip earrings into the ribbon. The fishhook style earrings just go through...
Curling Tupperware Lids?
My MIL always says to run them through the dishwasher and then put them back on the base when they are still hot from the dishwasher - and let them cool. They will usually reshape then. Otherwise see about getting them replaced.
Rainbow Through the Lilacs
Love your lilacs -what a beautiful photo. I love my garden also - especially my tulips, but we got too warm too fast this year and they all bolted too quickly. Thanks for sharing!
Separating Plants in a Dish Garden?
Peggy, I have received a few dish gardens and I usually separate them relatively early, before the different plant roots get too grown and intertwined, that way there is less damage to the root systems when you pull them apart. I sometimes repot two plants...
Personalizing a Tie Dyed T-Shirt?
You can use iron on transfers that you put through your ink jet printer - you can find them at office supply and craft stores. The background is clear - so you can print the letters - I would then cut out closer around the block of letters so you dont have...
Uses for Bath Puff Balls?
Use them as a scrubber for your tub, sink, etc (just reassemble them into puffy shape by using a rubber band in the middle) - can be thrown in the washer when they get dirty - remove the rubber band and replace with a new one (just be careful what you wash...
Hiding a Bright Paint Color?
If she is mainly going to be in the room at night, you could try a colored light bulb in the lamp - pink or bluish - it will make the wall color look different. The sunglasses are a fun idea - Other than that I would not do anything - if you are not going to...
Mix in Baby Food to Get Extra Veggies
I take a jar of sauce and a jar of canned great northern beans and throw them in the blender -then I use that sauce to make pasta with sauce. I take any leftovers and freeze them in ice cube trays for quick small servings of pasta sauce for lunches or for my...
Mix in Baby Food to Get Extra Veggies
More info on frozen versus fresh vegetables: http://www.wisegeek.com/are-frozen-vegetables-less-nutritious-than-fresh.htm
Scrapbooking Tips?
Papers and embellishments can be very personal - but some tools like scissors or die cuts or alphabets are more universal - I share a die-cut machine with my sister - we meet about once a month for a scrap night, and we both buy the dies we like, and share...
Milk Jug For Sun Tea
http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/suntea.asp Making sun tea this way can be dangerous to your health. There are some safety guidelines at this website.
Milk Jug For Sun Tea
Sorry - I did not think my post of safety guidelines would set off this frenzy either. I make sun-tea also, but since this info came out I am just sure to follow the guidelines so we dont get anything icky. have a safe and healthy summer!!!
Beaded Hair Sticks
You can also use balsa craft dowels - available at craft stores - just run them through a pencil sharpener and then sand them smooth. A push-pin will help make the hole in the top. I color mine with ink pads, then seal them with wax before adding the beads...
Preparing for a Baby?
Cindy Congrats -I had my first son at 38 and high BP - but we did ok... keep your stress down, and exercise lightly as you can -that helps... Join FREECYCLE on Yahoo - and check Craigslist - there are lots of baby things moving around secondhand -mostly free...
Updating Laminate Kitchen Cabinets?
I have been seeing a lot of bubblegum pink and fuschia with brown recently - a fun retro look. That might work!
Roasting Two Meats at the Same Time?
cook by temperature - not by time. That way you are sure they are safely done.
Saving Money on Snacks
Buy store brand crackers and cookies. They are usually about half the price with the same taste. Bake your own homemade cookies! Pick fruit in season and dry it yourself - or freeze it.
Locating Old Friends Online?
www.allfolks.com is free for the first level - which will probably show you her married name - and then you could go from there.
Remembering To Use Coupons?
I have one of those little portfolios that holds a memo pad (the ones that are about 5x7 with the sheets attached at the top) - it has pockets in the left side for credit cards and business cards and such, and a loop for the pen. I use this pad to keep my grocery...
Coin Sock Craft?
http://www.baglady.com/PurseFrames.htm should have what you are looking for. There are other online sources for purse frames - you just need to decide what size you want. I have a manufactured one of these coin socks - and I LOVE IT! Be sure to post pictures...
Nursing a Lilac Bush Back to Health?
I have a similar OLD neglected bush, and was told by my local nursery to cut it way back by 1/3 each year - not all the way in one year. we have also been taking the suckers and propgating them - transplanting to other parts of the yard- so when the big shrub...
Renting Walkers?
If none of these resources help - try contacting the local Lions Club in that area. You can find the local clubs by checking http://www.lionsclubs.org, and many of them have medical loan closets that let you borrow equipment for free, or a donation at your...
Creating an Outdoor Curtain for Privacy?
Kim, Freestanding might be problematic because any kind of curtain/screen is going to catch the wind and want to tip over. If you need something temporary - you can try what i did to create a privacy screen from our road/driveway - I pounded metal fence stakes...
Organizing a Bathroom Countertop?
A few ideas: Contain like items in cups/flowerpots/baskets (we have a frosted cup that holds our toothbrushes and toothpaste, another that holds DHs shaving cream and razor) See if you have room for a tall shelf unit (we have a 12x12 square unit that sneaks...
Making Baskets From Recycled Fabric?
To make a folding basket (one that stores flat, but pops up when you need it by tying ribbons at the corners) - 1. Figure out the dimensions you want. You said you want rectangular baskets, so find a box (shoebox?) that is the size you want, and open it up...
Dry Skin Moisturizer Recipe?
Maria, I could find NO evidence in any reputable source of honey becoming toxic when boiled and have NEVER heard of that. And honey is heated to very high temperatures in baked products all the time with no toxic effects - so I am curious how valid this is...
Quick Lunch Ideas?
A lot depends on their tastes -but the following always work nice for me: Soups - can freeze and reheat small portions Casseroles - variety is endless. Pot of chili salad bar - they can make their own. Tuna/egg salad Sausage rolls (tuck sausage/bacon& cheese...
My Frugal Life: Tips from a Save-o-holic
I have found that coupons can be misleading - in most cases I can purchase a similar (or better) quality product in the store brand for less than the branded product with its coupon.
Growing Vegetables in the Mountains
Are you planting from seed or starting the plants early? With the short season we also have in NY, I try to start things before they go outside. I also try to give them as much warmth as possible, either with dark plastic mulch or regular mulch. They also recommend...
Newspaper for Less Weeds
I use this trick all the time - I put down about 10 sheets and overlap really thickly, spray it and then put the mulch down. It decomposes over the season, and winters over, and the next spring it is starting to crumble and add to the soil. It does not get...
Thomas the Tank Engine Birthday Party?
My brother did this - made a tank engine pinata, and got bunches of cardboard boxes, tubes and stuff and let the kids construct their own engines.
Checking Your Credit Rating
Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com and you can get all three reports for free. You can get them once a year from each agency - so you can get all three now or spread them out over the course of the year. It is an easy process, and is just now available...
Flowering Plants Not Flowering?
You might not have blooms on the bleeding heart because it is thee wrong season - plants also dont like to bloom right after they are transplanted because they are putting energy into developing new roots. Here is a good link on bleeding hearts: http://www...
Homemade Policeman and Knight Costumes?
Policeman: dark blue button down shirt, blue pants (jeans are ok) (check goodwill for shirts) - make a badge out of cardboard with tinfoil. If you have a round button with the pin back, you can attach it to that to pin on his shirt. NOTE: you will want to put...
Soda Can Costume?
Industrial saran wrap, rolled into ribbons would be close. You will probably want something more flexible than the harder plastic used on cans, since all of you will have to move together and that is hard if it is too stiff.
Dressing Up a Bathroom Mirror?
Use some fabric and get a window curtain bracket, mount it above the mirror like it is a window. and swag the fabric over it and down each side just like you were doing for a window. Easy to take down and wash, or change seasonally. Also works well with silk...
Making Crafts With Leaves and Flowers?
Use the leaves to make impressions in your polymer clay. If you have a pasta machine that you roll your clay in, place the leaf over the sheet of clay as you pass it through the pasta machine. You can also lay it on the clay and roll over it.
Free Wedding Invitations?
I dont know about free -but here are some pointers for really inexpensive Go to a paper store - not office supply but one that supplies paper to printers and stuff. They usually have a castoff bin that has cut paper they cannot use and you can get usually for...
Dry Erase Marker on Walls?
I think I read once that you can rewet dry erase marker by writing back over it - then erase it?? Might be worth trying on a scrap of painted wood somewhere and then on the walls if it works We used to use rubbing alcohol on the dry erase boards at work.
Heat Therapy Pillow
I make something these - but I make my rice bag out of muslin and make a pillowcase out of fleece or flannel or other nice fabric. This allows the outer casing to be washed if it gets dirty, or the rice bag to be easily replaced if the rice gets old. It does...
Instead of Rice, Throw Flower Petals
Check with the church or reception hall - part of the reson they dont like rice or birdseed or flower petals is that people could slip on the loose things on the ground and the insurance liability. Also - clean up is a factor. It started out because birds ate...
Making Stencils For My Walls?
I agree - an overhead projector would work fine. Perhaps you can borrow one from work, or a school - instead of buying something you may use only once. Projecting them also means you wont have to worry about cutting the stencils and having the letters look...
Pampered Chef Baking Stones
Unglazed terra cotta tiles from your local home improvement store will work as well, and are very resonably priced. Just measure your oven and get a few of the size that will fit to cover your lowest baking rack as completely as possible. You can leave them...
Pampered Chef Baking Stones
The terra cotta in the home improvement store is made the same way as any other terra cotta, and cooking.com websites recommend them - that is what some of the italian restaurant ovens are made out of on the bottom - that or brick. They are safe. Nothing to...
Organizing Shoes?
I keep mine in the plastic shoebox size rubbermaid totes. That way I can stack them and easily grab the ones I want. For shoes I dont wear alot, I keep them stuffed with tissue paper. You can also put sachet in there to help them smelling fresh. I like this...
Scrapbooking - Secrets and Pitfalls?
Sandy There are differing schools of thought on cutting or not cutting pictures - but as far as I can tell the lifespan of a cut photo is not significantly less compared to our lifespan...so do what you like. My advice is not to buy cheap scissors however - they...
Decorating Rooms With Pink Carpet?
Cassie- go with the flow - use black and grey and do a funky retro 50s feel, poodle skirts, record albums/old records on the wall, kind of like an old diner (think Happy Days reruns). I would leave the walls white - you dont want it to be dark down there... that...
Benefits Of Online Bill Paying
If you set up online bill paying through your bank, you have fewer websites you have to check, and you can see at a glance where your funds are going. That way you only have to remember one password and one website, and are less likely to miss a payment or...
Uses for Frisbees?
Frisbees make great, inexpensive dishes for hiking and backpacking, especially the ones you can get for free as promo materials at a fair or festival.
Easy Christmas Tree Decorations
you can make ornaments out of cinnamon, applesauce and white glue (lots of recipes for this online) and cut them out with cookie cutters. use yarn or ribbon to hang them for a bit of color - this adds a nice festive smell as well. Family photographs make great...
Marinating Food
An easy way to marinate food is to put it in a ziplock type bag and pour the marinade in with it. It uses less marinade, allows the marinade to completely cover the food, and is easy to turn. You can even mix the marinade directly in the bag, eliminating a...
Gift Wrap Ideas
I make small boxes out of recycled greeting cards, and use those for small gifts - just tie them closed with yarn, twine or raffia. I especially like using the card sent to me by that person the year before to re-gift them with a small ornament, gift certificate...
Frugal Christmas Gift Wrap For Guys
Yarn makes a great, inexpensive ribbon with this type of paper. I like to get two colors - like dark green and burgundy, put a bunch of strands together, and tie a large, floppy bow. It is easy, and looks nice. If you have someone who knits or crochets, they...
Uses for Miscellaneous Fat Quarters (Gift Ideas)?
Check http://www.nancysnotions.com under her free patterns for the 10 minute totables. These are great little bags and so easy to make. She says to quilt them, but I have not been doing that, and they are still turning out nice. There are also patterns around...
Uses for Film Canisters?
You can put together a small emergency sewing kit in a film canister. Take a few different colors of thread and wind them around a small piece of cardboard that is short enough to fit inside the canister. Add a needle and a few safety pins, and you are all...
Gross, Yucky, Creepy Halloween Recipes?
An old microwave recipe I used to make for regular parties was crunchy breadsticks wrapped in bacon strips and then rolled in parmesean cheese... I did these for a halloween party once and labeled them as skin and bones...really grossed people out but the food...
Quesadilla Recipe Ideas?
These are easy - and you dont need the butter on the tortillas if you dont want the extra fat. I made them last night with shredded cheddar and chopped up spring onion inside, and the salsa and sour cream on the side. I just put the base in the warm pan, added...
Uses for Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil Boxes
I found that the jumbo boxes of foil or wrap were a good size to hold spools of ribbon - especially the curling type ribbon around the holidays. I take off the serrated edge so it does not catch, and then just make sure all the rolls are going the same way...
Centerpiece Ideas Using Candles?
I recently went to a wedding where the bride and groom scattered blue and clear glass votives with candles everywhere! There was one at each place setting, a few scattered on a mirror in the middle of the table with some loose flowers scattered around as well...
Alternative to Cascade Plastic Booster
Make friends with your local Tupperware dealer. It is usually on sale for about $1 if you buy some Tupperware, but you can ususally get them to tack it on an order from someone else who did not want it. I have also tried the olive oil trick and it works pretty...
Camping As A Frugal Vacation
My husband the Boy Scout would suggest you invest in a non-scented soap (like Ivory) instead of scented soap samples which will attract the bugs. Also look for heavy plastic dishes and cups that go on clearance at the end of the summer. It takes just a few...
