February 5, 2010 | ThriftyFun

Surprise 35th Birthday PartyMy boyfriend is turning 35 and I want to surprise him but I don't know where to start. He's the type of guy who has everything but the little things are what count the most.

Sending a Package to AfghanistanCan I send vitamins and body building powders to my husband in Afghanistan?

Wooden Spoon to Keep Pot From Boiling OverWhen boiling pasta, potatoes, or etc. just place a large wooden or metal spoon across the pot top. This stops liquid from boiling over onto stove. It has never failed me.

Don't Use Microwave to Melt CandlesI read a suggestion to melt the wax by putting the candle in the microwave. However, I found this was not a good idea. I put it in for only 10 seconds and a FIRE started! Luckily I stayed by the microwave to keep an eye on it.

Buy Birthday and Christmas Gifts at the Same TimeWhenever I buy a birthday gift and I happen to exchange a Christmas gift with that person, I buy two. One for their birthday and then one for Christmas.

Use Chewing Gum to Calm StomachIf you do not mind chewing gum, chew it when your stomach is a bit queasy or upset. I recommend a mint type of gum, not the fruity type. I have been doing this for many years and it has always helped me.

Add Cinnamon to CoffeeWhen you make coffee in your coffee maker, espresso machine or French press simply add a dash of ground cinnamon to the coffee grinds and make coffee as usual. You'll have a wonderful treat that's good with breakfast or dessert!

Spray Snow Blower with SiliconeAlways use spray silicone on the auger and chutes on your snow blower before using it. The snow will not stick.

How to Clean a Washing MachineWhat can I use to clean the inside of my washing machine? The tub is stained brown.

Keep Coupon Organizer in the CarI keep a coupon organizer in my car just for non-grocery coupons. I have fast food, nice restaurants, clothes, and other misc. stuff. That way when I am out and about, I always have my coupons close at hand, if we decide to stop for a meal or something.

Curtis TV ManufacturerWho makes Curtis TVs?

Ask Bank to Reverse Overdraft ChargeOur college freshman recently overdrew her checking account by $8 when paying for this semester's books. We contacted our bankand explained the situation to them. They reversed the bank and the merchant's overdraft fees which totaled $61.

Using a Pizza Cutter On Marble CountertopCan I use a pizza cutter or metal dough cutter on a marble countertop without damaging the marble?

Use Pencil Eraser For Earring BackLose an earring back while at work? Cut the top off of a pencil eraser and use that to hold your earring in place.

Use A Net Bag For Clothes PinsA lot of us still hang our clothes out to dry during the nice days on clothes lines that require you to use clothes pins. A lot of us leave the clothes pin bag hanging on the lines to use the next time and end up with dirty nasty looking bag...

Cleaning and Deodorizing CarpetsHow do you clean and deodorize carpets?

Adding Mandala Prints to Jeans HandbagsI made handbags out of jeans. I would like to add Mandala prints to them, ones that I made, by computer or drawings. Any information would be helpful for how to do this. Thank you so much.

Decorating with Antique French DoorsI have two antique french doors from my aunt. I'm looking for suggestions on how to decorate with them. One door has all the glass panes and the other is missing two panes.The wood is in pretty nice shape. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Alternative to Flower Petals for Flower Girl to ScatterI am having problems on what to have the flower girl scatter down the aisle. I do not want to use flower pedals. I am having an outside wedding and do not want to clean up after the wedding. Does anyone know of something that would not have to be picked up that you can still see?

When Entertaining, Mark Your Bathroom DoorMaking your guests feel comfortable is an important part of hosting a social event and does not stop at offering refreshments. Tie a ribbon or affix something fun from your party theme to the knob of the bathroom door.

Cola for Limescale Buildup in ToiletIf you have heavy limescale encrustation in your toilet, pour a 2 litre bottle of Coke or Pepsi in the bowl. Leave this overnight, and flush all the limescale away in the morning.

Dealing With The Grief After Losing a PetMy dog, Simba, just passed away last Thursday. It was also my daughter's 10th birthday. We have had Simba for 13 years, since he was a puppy. We never boarded him and he went on every vacation we ever took (yes, even on airplanes).

Hiding a Large MoleI have this large "beauty mark" on my right cheek. I've had it most of my life. It grows hair and I'm often teased about it. I need some ideas to make it look lighter. The picture was taken underwater and it's the only one I have.

Dilly BreadDissolve yeast in water. Add cottage cheese and other ingredients. Work in flour to make a soft dough. Let rise 1 hour. Place dough in 2 bread pans. Let rise again.

Feeding Vegetables To DogsMy dogs thrive on a similar range of foods that our local bears and foxes eat! They, both beautiful Australian Shepherds (gotten free, I might add, as retirees from a breeder). They love carrots, sweet potato peelings, cabbage cores, etc.

Cheese StrawsDelicious and easy for entertaining or to snack on. Let cheese sit out for 1-2 days, so it is easy to work with. Place cheese in blender. Add melted margarine. Slowly add flour to mix. Add salt and cayenne pepper.

Powdered French Vanilla Coffee Creamer RecipeHow do you make your own simple, good French Vanilla powdered creamer for coffee?

Removing Food Color Stain on Twill JacketI left 2 sticks of Extra Fruit Sensations Long Lasting Watermelon gum in my brand new camel colored twill jacket. It is 94% cotton, 6% spandex.

Coconut Salad (BJ's Salad)Quick and delicious. Our son found this recipe in a magazine, remembered it he thought it sounded so good. He brought it home from school when he was 8 years old, and we still make it today.

Discontinued Wallpaper: Blonder's Beachy Keen #BK60462I'm looking for discontinued wallpaper #BK60462 Beachy Keen. If anyone knows where I can find some please advise, thanks.

Treating a Dog's Strep Infection Without AntibioticsMy Beagle came back from hunting with a rash on her underside. It then developed into a strep infection requiring antibiotics, in a couple of days. We bathed her with medicated shampoo when she arrived home.

Snoek (South African Fish) Recipes I would like a recipe for grilling, baking, frying, or smoking snoek. Thanks.

Super Bowl Bread Bowls and Vegetable ChowderThis makes a great presentation for a party. In bread machine pan, place the first seven ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select dough setting. When the cycle is completed, turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into six portions; shape into balls.

Caper VinaigretteIf you like capers, you're going to love this one. Shake all ingredients together in a cruet or jar and serve.

Luke (Redbone Hound Dog)Luke is a 4 year old Redbone Hound dog. We rescued him from a situation of neglect and abandonment. Luke loves car rides, sniffing out cats and squirrels, and eating my shoes.

"Eagle Brand" Milk (Copycat)Gradually stir powdered milk into water, stirring until smooth. Microwave on high for 45 seconds to 1 minute (should be steaming but not boiling).

Stitch (Mixed Breed)Stitch is about 6 years old and a mixed breed. I got him about 4 years ago from Craigs list.

Lilly, Rosey, Pancho Villa And Buccaneer (Dogs)Left to right, here are Lilly, Rosey, Pancho Villa and Buccaneer.

Scanning for BargainsAfter recently cruising the office supply stores for bargains on a home scanner, I found that $100 was the best I was going to do for what I needed. That's fine, but while I needed the scanner, it will take awhile to earn its keep at that price.

Chandler (Cat)Chandler is 2 years old. She is a black and white kitty cat. Two years ago, I was at the bar I worked at and stepped outside of the front door and this little black furball comes running towards me.

Teddy (Shih Tzu) - Blonde colored dog in a Santa coat, sleeping

Teddy (Shih Tzu)Teddy is 5 months old. He is an AKC Shih Tzu. I got him in November. He just has a great temperament and trained so fast! He loves to play tug a war! Also, loves to open my closet doors to see what he can chew on.

Carrot CookiesCook and mash the carrots to measure 1 cup. Cream shortening and sugar. Add carrots, egg and vanilla and mix well. Add dry ingredients. Drop on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes.

Taco ChiliMix all ingredients, heat and simmer until heated through.

Easy No Egg CookiesSuper easy cookies recipe for people who has allergy to eggs. Mix well. With your hands make a shape of a small ball and flat with your hands on a pan covered with parchment paper put the flat cookies with a distance.

Red Hat Hearts PinThis will delight everyone who loves hearts, who is a "Red Hat Lady", or just the perfect craft for Valentine's Day!