November 12, 2010 | ThriftyFun

Check Nut Quality when HarvestingBefore you spend a lot of time picking up hickory nuts under any particular tree, crack a few of the fallen delicacies first. If three out of four are rotten, there's obviously not much sense in gathering at that spot. Move on to another tree.

Poem: Ode to ThriftyFunThis is a celebration of ThriftyFun and our ThriftyFun Family. I've been working on it, off and on, for a couple of months and am finally happy enough with it to share. I hope you enjoy!

Freshening Sheets Between ChangesTo freshen sheets between changes, I use any brand of room spray that calls itself "Crisp Linen" or "Fresh Linen", even if it's from the dollar stores. I spray it on the fitted sheet and a drop on the pillows.

Shred Mail Without A ShredderIf you don't have a shredder, here is an easy way to "shred" your mail. Take all the mail you don't want, tear it up into little pieces, put it all in an empty envelope, seal it, and toss it in the trash.

Fixing the Time on Difficult AppliancesWe have a great deal of difficulty programming the correct time on our kitchen stove's display. The attempt to simply set the time is often interpreted by the stove's microprocessor as a request to set up timed cooking.

"PayPall" Phishing WarningThis time of year, we might use our paypal accounts to purchase things on line. Well, (Jaws music if you please), they are out "phishing again". Yep, the spammers and spoofers got me this morning.

Dryer Sheet AlternativeIn a pail mix 1 gallon water and 1 cup concentrated fabric softener. dip a sponge or dry washcloth in the liquid, squeeze out the excess and toss in the dryer with your laundry. Seal the pail when not in use. Re-soak the wash cloth when needed.

Soft Scrub RecipeFor homemade soft scrub cleaner, mix 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup dish soap, and 1/8 - 1/4 cup vinegar. Adjust amounts of baking soda or vinegar until it's the consistency you prefer.

Repairing a Volterra Sofa Bed FrameI have a very expensive Slumberland Volterra sofa bed that is under two years old and the support beam at the head end of the bed frame has bent. It is aluminum I believe. I have contacted the company I purchased the bed from have been told its out of warranty.

Using the Ninja Master Prep to Chop NutsCan the Ninja be used for grinding or chopping nuts?

Put Timer on Water HeaterWhy heat your water for 24 hours? Just install a Hot water heater timer purchased from Lowes. Set the timer for 1 hour before rising in the morning.

Scenery: Road TripOur family enjoys being thrifty by taking a road trip each year when the kids are out of school. What a great way to see the country together! We have traveled from California to Alabama and to Yellow Stone in Utah.

Dry Your Own Citrus PeelsGrate lemon peel, lime peel, and orange peel when you buy those fruits on sale or any time. Allow the peel to dry on waxed paper. When fully dry, store in glass jars and label. Saves money by using these peels for flavorings when cooking or baking.

Stuffed French RollsGrind together the first 5 ingredients. Mix in last 3 ingredients. Fill rolls. Wrap in aluminum foil and heat in oven for 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees F. These can be frozen before putting in the oven to heat.

Wildlife: Mirrored EgretWhile doing yard work, I saw this beautiful Egret catching some fish. So peaceful!

Lily Belle (American Cocker Spaniel)Lily Belle is 18 months old and an American Cocker Spaniel. I got my pet from a farmer, who had both the father and mother. She was being advertised on a community bulletin board.

Spike (Little Corella Cockatoo)Spike is 4 years old and a Little Corella Cockatoo. I got him at Christmas time. I had just lost a beloved cockatiel and was hoping for another one to love.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin CardEasy to make pumpkin card for Thanksgiving. Begin by choosing the size of finished card you want and cut it from the printed card stock.

In Memory Of Candy (Black Lab)We got De De (the yellow lab) when she was 3 months old. She is the mom of Candy (the black lab) who was born on Feb 10, 2006. Here Mom is 8 years old and Candy is 2 years old. They love to go for long walks.

Keep Dog From Jumping Through WindowOnce a dog learns that he can jump through an open barn, house, or shed window, he's apt to be hard to keep out. You can let the animal cure himself of that habit, by setting an open pan of water in the opening.

Tips for Caring for a Removable DentureHow do care for my flipper tooth that I have as a back up if my crown (which is the front tooth) falls out? Do I always keep it in water, even for months at a time?

Homemade Dish SoapI would like to know how to make dish washing soap.

Themes for a 13th Birthday PartyMy daughter is turning 13 the first of December and we are stuck on a theme and what to do for a party. We have played with the idea of a masquerade ball. We need ideas for decorating! It will be held in a shop and will need lots of coverups. Please help!

Homemade Febreze Laundry Odor EliminatorDoes anyone have a recipe for homemade Febreze?

Creative Closet Space IdeasI'm sure a lot of people have asked this, but I really do need a lot of help. My fiance and I just moved into an apartment, which we have never done before, we have always lived in a house.

Steam Cleaning LeatherMy leather jacket was cleaned by a Tobi steamer. It has left the jacket with discoloration water stains throughout; it looks terrible. It looks all faded in areas. Can this be fixed? If so, how?

Shopping for Perfume Bottle Spray NozzlesWhere can you buy those little sprayers for women's perfume, to replace the ones that broke or were missing off your perfume?

Keep Saw from Sticking in Sappy WoodA little kerosene and used crankcase oil dripped onto its blade will keep a saw from sticking and binding as you cut hedges and other sappy wood.

Shopping for a Fabric Hole PunchI am looking for a "fabric hole punch"quot. My friend has one that is 40 years old and is unable to find another one. It would be of great help if she could find another one or even better yet if I could find one for her. Any wisdom out there on this subject?

Freezing Bell PeppersI would like to know how to prepare green bell peppers for freezing. I would like to prepare whole peppers for stuffing. Do I have to blanche first, thaw then cook or can I just freeze, stuff and cook while frozen.

Can I Paint Microfiber Furniture?How does fabric paint take to the material on microfiber furniture? How much is a replacement cushion?

Why Does My Paint Smell Bad?Why does the can of paint smell like rotten fish?

Organizing Church Christmas Parties for Very Large GroupsWhat are the great ideas for organizing church Christmas parties for 2000 people? And what activities can one include?

Wildlife: FrogAlthough Rodeo Frog really enjoys his job, he has been waiting many months for a well-deserved vacation. After a very busy year helping keep the jungle's bug population under control, he booked a "puddle jumper" over to Toad Hall, a very short hop.

Three Flowering Vines You Can Grow IndoorsYou don't have to live in the tropics, or even in a warm USDA Hardiness Zone to grow flowering vines indoors. All you need to do is provide bright light, moderate temperatures, and in some cases, a little bit of extra humidity.

Flavored Instant Coffee (Copycat)International House of Coffees are very popular, and can be expensive, consider making these favorites at home. Not only are these tasty, you may want to consider making these up for friends as inexpensive gifts for friends, family, and co-workers.

MooseAs the sun appeared and the frost glittered, this bull-moose wandered out in front of my son. He sat quietly and took a few frame-worthy photos before the bull ventured off into the trees.

Stromboli SandwichBrown meat. Add onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Cook five minutes. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic salt and rosemary.

Easy Peanut Butter CookiesThis is so simple and tasty, frugal too!

"Carnival Pride" (Freeport, Bahamas)Photo of "Carnival Pride" departing from Freeport, Bahamas, taken from the deck of "Carnival Glory" while still in port.

Cranberry ChickenGreat for holiday potlucks.

Brownie Cheese Cake This is a fabulous recipe fit for a wedding or other very social event. You can make them for yourself as a treat also. Everyone will love them and ask for more.

Christmas Card: "Quiet Christmas"We have a tradition now of creating our own Christmas cards. This was our 2005 version and it was entitled. Jane was hoping for a quiet Christmas, WARNING! Be careful what you wish for.

Calculating Ingredient CostsHow do I price out each ingredient in my fruitcake recipe. It uses teaspoon and tablespoon measurements. For example how will I compute how much one teaspoon of nutmeg costs?