Carly St.Clair | ThriftyFun

Home Remedies for Removing Cat Urine Odor
Now that you have stripped the flooring, Paint the floor with KILZ brand sealant paint. It will seal the odor in. Leave the floor as is or replace flooring after painting. We did this in a 1300 sq. ft. apt we once rented. We tore out the carpet and padding...

Burnt Smell in a House
Wipe down with a vinegar/water/dish soap solution Boil Vinegar and water on the stove with lemon essential oil added (10 drops) The steam will carry and de-oderize. Set charcoal briquettes inside the corners of cupboards, and any other place odors need to be...

French Vanilla Coffee Creamer Recipe
Buy plain mocha mix or something that is cheaper add sweetener and vanilla extract to taste into the carton. Use as vanilla creamer.

Wedding Reception Food Ideas
I like to tell people to bring their specialty -- the dish everyone asks for seconds and wants more of.

Cleaning a Burnt Microwave
Set charcoal briquettes on the inside and close for 24 hours. Set salt that has been sprinkled with essential lemon oil inside and let sit for 24 hours. Sprinkle baking soda all over and close and let sit for 24 hours.

Removing Burnt Smell From Microwave
1. Boil slices of lemon in a bowl of water inside the microwave for five minutes. Wipe down. 2. Sprinkle baking soda all over the inside and scrub with the open flesh of 1/2 a lemon. Rinse, wipe down. 3. Place charcoal inside, shut and leave for 24 hours.

13th Birthday Party Ideas
If at home: egg toss -- make sure there is a hose near by water balloon toss 3 legged race with pillow cases tied on their legs Organized water gun fight with winner declared Rent or buy a volleyball set and play volleyball If going somewhere: Take them to...

Making Laminate Floors Shine
Clean thoroughly and I mean so that you can eat off of them. Next, apply floor acrylic according to bottle directions. Enjoy your shiny floor and keep it clean and shiny by sweeping and mopping regularly, then reapply acrylic as often as bottle directs.

Burnt Oil on a Stainless Steel Pan
Paste of salt, baking soda and dish soap (Dawn) and elbow grease : )

Remedies For Stinky Feet
Stinky feet can be soaked in a foot bath with 1/2 to 1 cup baking soda (odor absorber) and fungus/bacteria fighting essential oils such as 10 drops of lavender, tea tree, lemon essential oils. Use one or all three oils for a nice clean scent. This will kill...

Removing Odor From Clothing Left in Washer
Something that is color safe and fabric safe is Pine Sol. I will add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of lavender or spring flowers scented Pine Sol to the wash to deodorize and disinfect laundry that has a "sour" smell to it. I've done it with excellent results and NO DAMAGE...

Organizing a Crowded Apartment
Think "Little House on the Prairie" How did they do it? Make use of every nook and cranny. Prioritize what is most important to you right now. For privacy and or "stuff covering" -- make some curtain panels Screw plant hanging hooks into the ceiling, then place...

Removing Burned on Food from Pans
Place 1/4 cup baking soda in the pot/pan. Add 1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice. Let it foam all over the burned on food. Next add boiling water to the pan and let it cool. Clean as usual.

Getting Rid of Bed Bugs
Kerosene is the best answer outside of getting a new mattress. Kerosene is what they used in the old days also. Beds were made from straw, feathers and anything that would make a soft bed. This attracted bugs over time too. Kerosene evaporates. Leave windows...

Bedroom Paint Color Advice
neutral color on the walls like a shade of beige or taupe and clean white or antique white trim. If you want to bring down the ceiling height paint it a darker shade of the same wall color. If you like the ceiling height paint it the trim color and it will...

Remedies for Excessive Sweating and Underarm Odor
Go to health food store or supplement store and buy liquid chlorophyll and follow the directions on the bottle. Drinking this in water or juice will make you smell better from the inside out.

Unclogging a Sink
Depending on what is clogging the drain, there are different approaches. I once moved into an apartment that had straws and all kinds of junk down the drain that simply needed to be removed. 1:Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow with one cup...

Dishes Smell Bad After I Wash Them
I looked around and a couple people suggested running a lemonade koolaid packet through without dishes inside.

Fitness and Exercise Websites
If exercise doesn't help, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but it could be skin that was stretched out during pregnancy. It's very common and a valid reason for a tummy tuck.

Second Job Ideas
Be the AVON lady for frequent flyers and those that live around you at home. Carry product with you. Recommend it. Sell it.

Recipe for Killing Ants
During ant season March to September 1. Clean surfaces with vinegar. You can add a couple drops of essential oil or citrus peels to your jug of white vinegar to help with the pungent odor. They hate it. And it removes the pheromone so they can't detect where...

Painting a Dining Set
Looks like you are a country/traditional style person. How about two or three colors that compliment each other and distress it a bit. Antique white with country blue, green and red to blend the sofa with the wood furniture. So paint the seats of the chairs...

Anti Virus Software Recommendations
@Cajun 62234 Yes, you can still use Google. I have iGoogle setup as my homepage on Firefox. @Ann Parker My point was to give the best "thrifty" suggestion. I've used AVG in the past and compared to Avast!, Avast! is better at preventing virus'. @Suntydt I read...

Craft: Portable Yard Sink
Kudos.

Nail Polish Stain In Bathtub
Nail polish remover?

Centerpiece Ideas for an 85th Birthday
Flowers in the theme colors of the party. Fruit flower bouquet. Here's the link to edible arrangements: http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

Can an Odor Build Up on Clothes from Dryer Sheets?
We Americans like our sweet perfume smells. A lot of time we think more is better concerning soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, and dryer sheets so that our laundry will smell and look like it does in the commercials. I've learned that more is not better...

Comparing Weight Loss Programs
Buy the book Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth Geneen was on Oprah yesterday and they talked about weight issues, food issues and why Oprah will never diet again and this book has everything to do with it. Oprah recommends it! There was a woman on the show...

Color Ideas for Nook Upholstery in Burgundy and White Kitchen
I agree with perfume and powder (557) Taupe Earth colors hide dirt and they are calming to people/children

Microwave Coffee Mug Cake Using Cake Mix
Diet Alfredo Sauce using a quart of fat free half and half. Thicken fat free half and halfwith cornstarch by placing 2 heaping Tbsp. of cornstarch in 1 cup cold fat free half and half and stir thoroughly. When the remainder of the fat free half and half comes...

Ideas for Food Donations for Teacher Luncheon
Prepared food trays from grocery stores. They have fruit, veggies, tortilla wraps, croissant sandwiches, cut up hoagie style sandwiches. People can purchase these trays for $10 - 20 dollars and bring it. Also, they can pick up fried chicken and jo jo's from...

Free Microsoft Malware Program To Protect Your Computer
Free: Spybot Search and Destroy Avast! Anti-virus software I use these two for virus' and malware and run my laptop problem free. Update on a regular basis and you should have no problems. Spybot Search and Destroy link http://download.cnet.com/Spybot-Search...

How Do I Remove Diesel Smell from the Dryer?
Wipe down the dryer with this solution: hot water 4 cups baking soda 2 tsp. vinegar 1 cup 1 tsp. dish soap lemon essential oil 10 drops In a med/lg. bucket place the baking soda and vinegar and let it fizz. Add the dish soap and hot water. Stir thoroughly and...

How Do I Make a Cover for My Metal Porch Swing?
I've never purchased "outdoor" fabric like canvas etc. I do know it is and can be very expensive. Here's what I would do: Measure the set to see what I need i.e. how many yards of material and thread and zipper or buttons etc. Watch for sales at all the fabric...

Cleaning Painted Surfaces
Years of grease is a pain, isn't it?! Get a plastic scraper/puddy knife and carefully scrape grease/dust off of surfaces without removing paint. I've found that if you can handle the fumes, commercial citrus cleaner that you buy in a gallon jug at Lowe's, Home...

How Do I Get Gel Pen Stains Out of Laundry?
From Haley's Cleaning Hints: Place paper towel or a large rag you don't care about under the garment. Douse ink stain with hairspray. Then rub with a bar of soap. Rinse in cold water. Any ink residue leftover? Set the garment on paper towel or rag again and...

Soda Stain on Microfiber Furniture
50/50 vinegar and water if still there, sprinkle with baking soda and then a little vinegar It will fizz and get it out. Rinse well or it will bleach over time.

How Can I Resolve a Repair Dispute With Condo Manager?
You have every right to have it fixed properly. the condo mgmt company is responsible for facilitating the process. It legally should be repaired to existing or better condition than before the leak. You have a case in small claims court if the mgmt company...

Cleaning a Canvas Patio Umbrella
Use nail polish remover

Bleach Shower Cleaner Left White Spots on Glass Shower Doors
Lesson learned. Now you know bleach and glass don't mix. Make a paste of baking soda and dish soap, scrub the glass doors down and rinse.

Grainy Frosting
When using granulated sugar (even superfine) you must cook the sugar into a syrup to lose the grit. Confectioner's powdered sugar is the only sugar I know of that you can make a frosting out of without cooking. Your recipe has to be exact.

How Do I Have a Successful Yard Sale?
1. Good Advertising 2. Proper pricing -- a yard sale is not an opportunity to get your money back on items. Think of it as charity for the proud. People will pay a little so that they don't feel like they are taking a hand out, but if they wanted to shell out...

Cleaning Cookie Sheets
Make a paste of 1/4 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup salt, and 1/4 cup dish soap (Dawn would be good). Scrub and scrub and it will come off.

Gentle Facial Scrub
1/2 cup brown sugar 5 drops lavender essential oil 1/8 cup almond oil 1/4 cup organic hypoallergenic lotion Mix and scrub face with this. It is my personal recipe that I use for myself. I am very fair skinned and extremely sensitive to chemicals. You can find...

Selling Homemade Skin Care Products
Get a business license for your area (whatever the requirements are). Rent a booth or table at the local farmer's market or flea market.

How Do I Remove Ink from Car Upholstery?
Hairspray, rubbing alcohol, cream of tarter, and lemon juice paste.

How Do I Remove Black Mold on the Ceiling?
Dishwasher detergent gel (that has bleach in it). Rub it on and leave on. It will kill the mold and musty odor and dry, leaving a seal so that mold cannot grow in that same spot. KILZ brand paint is a good sealant paint for such areas of the home that tend...

How Do I Make Easy Spanish Rice?
Taco seasoning and petite diced tomatoes, Goya brand sazon seasoning and adobo. Salsa is a good idea, too.

Looking For Crockpot Recipes
2lbs boneless pork onion soup mix to taste garlic powder to taste taco seasoning to taste 1 can green chili 1 can petite diced tomatoes Cook on high for 4-5 hours Makes a good mild pork chili. Serve with rice.

Looking For Crockpot Recipes
2lbs boneless beef onion soup mix to taste garlic powder to taste 2 Tbsp browning sauce 1 cup wine Brush the browning sauce on the meat, place in crock pot, sprinkle the spices on and pour the wine in. Cook on high 4-5 hours. Serve with potatoes. Or add some...

Looking For Crockpot Recipes
Soak a pound of black beans overnight. Rinse and place in the crock pot. Cover with water. Add bacon, or ham or pork fat leftovers to flavor the beans and make them smooth. Add salt and pepper and garlic powder. Cook on high all day. Serve with Rice.

Looking For Crockpot Recipes
Old apples sitting around? Cut the bad parts off. Peel. Rinse. Dice. Place in crock pot with cinnamon and sugar to taste and cover with apple juice or water. Cook on high for several hours. Mash or puree. Keep cooking until it is nice and thick. Cool. Refrigerate...

Looking For Crockpot Recipes
Bag of boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders or thighs. 1 bottle of Italian dressing Place chicken in crock pot, pour dressing over all. Cook on high for 4 hours. Serve with rice. I like to serve with rice because I cook it quick in my rice cooker.

Quick and Easy Skillet Dinner
What a fun challenge! 1. Fritata This is basically scrambled eggs with stuff you like added. You make it by sauteing the stuff you like for example potatoes and ham and then adding the scrambled eggs and cooking until done...add some shredded cheese and yum...

Looking For Microwave Recipes
Did you know you can microwave eggs? We make a breakfast sandwich this way: Toast and butter an english muffin (assuming you have a toaster) Spray a round bowl or tupperware about the size of the english muffin with pan spray, crack an egg in it and lightly...

Looking For Microwave Recipes
Noodles can be microwave cooked too. Boil the water in a microwave safe bowl. Add noodles and cook a few minutes until al dente. google microwave cooking also...i'm sure you will get all kinds of ideas. A potato can be washed, pierced and wrapped in plastic...

Removing Stickers From a Door
Mayonnaise works wonders, also hair spray can be used. Goo Gone is a good product also.

Lightening Dark Eyebrows
Hydrogen peroxide

Keeping Bra Straps From Slipping
Safety pins

Painting a Kitchen With Mahogany Cabinets and Green Granite Countertops
Taupe - which is neutral and earthy. It will let the cabinets and counter shine without crowding or shouting above them. Taupe is a mix of gray/olive/brown. Happy painting.

Ideas for Birthday Party With Safari Theme
Animal cookies/crackers in the give away bags for those that attend. You could rent a costume of a safari guide and then hide all the presents for the b-day kid. Pretend to take kids on a safari and search for "treasures" (the presents) google safari themed...

Brightening Up a Drab Bedroom
I would start by figuring out what theme you would like to create. When you look through magazines or online catalogs -- what style pops out at you? Do you like old fashioned country? patch work quilt with many colors, items that have been knit or crochet, things...

Easy to Prepare Soups and Casseroles That Can Be Frozen
Learn to make a white sauce from scratch -- google it You can vary the white sauce to become a homemade version of cream of chicken, mushroom, celery, cheddar etc. Suggestions: Mac & cheese casserole with ham and spinach or broccoli pieces in it. Lasagna can...

Recipes for a Whole Chicken
Thaw Bake with salt and pepper inside and out. Serve with mashed potatoes gravy, biscuits and veggie When cool - pick remaining meat off of the bird. Place this meat in tupperware for future meals. Save carcass in a gallon ziplock for soup. Second day - make...

Looking for Salads for 100 People
Pasta of your choice (tri-color) is a good one canned olives chopped Italian dressing bacon pieces minced carrots and celery parmesan optional OR Pasta Ranch Dressing chopped ham from 5lb loaf canned olives chopped minced carrots and celery

Cleaning the Bathtub with Baking Soda
Make a soft scrub paste of baking soda mixed with enough dish soap to form a good paste. Works wonders in the tub, toilet, sink and in the kitchen too. I've cleaned baked on grease from frying with this paste and some salt added. Remember if the soda and soap...

Wedding For Under $5000
In my not so humble opinion - it's the marriage that matters more than the wedding and neither have any to do with the other. I got married 15 years ago with a borrowed wedding dress and paid $50 to a licensed woman who did weddings out of her living room. We...

Paint Color for a Great Room with Ebony Glazed Cabinets, Black Countertops, and Red Oak Floor
Taupe is neutral and goes well with dark colors such as ebony.

Why Are My Cookies Flat?
From the Food Network: Cookies come out flat if the dough is not cold enough and/or the fat in the cookie was too soft. Did your butter soften or melt? Was your dough chilled? Try chilling your dough every time. I hope this helps.

What Do I Make With Leftover Steak?
Stroganoff

Oven Not Heating Up Properly
Your element is dying or dead. You need a new heating element.

Getting Rid Of Roaches
If all else fails, place Boric acid where the roaches feed. They will eat some and take it back to the rest of the colony. Roaches eat each other and they will begin eating the poison directly and via eating each other. I used this method in a neighborhood...

Painting Each Room a Different Color - Advice
You sound like an excellent decorator and your plans are splendid. As long as you like it, that is what counts...right? I agree though with Allison5 about varying shades. Maybe you can use varying shades on the walls and trim? One light yellow on the walls...

Simple Tips For Frugal Living
Very Good Advice! Well thought out too. I caution readers to keep a balanced point of view though. Some regions have unsafe tap water and/or questionable pipes bringing water into their homes. In these cases other sources of water are needed and a blessing...

Starting an Interior Design Business
First and foremost, you need to get licensed for the area you live in. You will need a business license and I recommend business insurance as well. Next: use internet search engines such as google to find what others have done. Get books from the library on...

Recipes Using Leftover Ham
Drench in milk and brown sugar and slow cook in crock pot or in slow oven. Serve with mac and cheese and homemade biscuits. I bet you they won't turn it down. Saute' some leftover ham in a stick of butter. Add 1/2 cup flour to make a nice rue. Add heated milk...

Feeding a Large Crowd Cheaply
I hope I'm not too late. Here are my ideas: Pasta is cheap, so I would have a pasta night with mac & cheese (3 for a dollar boxes) for the kids maybe and spaghetti for the adults with lots of homemade bread or thrifty bread from a bakery outlet. You could also...

Making Vegetarian Gravy
Vegan Gravy 1/4 cup flour (of your choice) 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes 1 1/2 cups of hot water or heated soy milk 2 Tbsp. Braggs Liquid Aminos 2 Tbsp. Olive or Canola oil onion powder to taste garlic powder to taste salt and pepper to taste Heat oil, add...

Looking for Ground Beef Recipes
I make meatballs or meatloaf this way: To 1lb of ground beef add 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce 1 egg 1/4 cup water dashes of salt, pepper, and garlic powder This makes a very loose and wet consistency, don't worry about it. It comes out juicy and delicious. If...

Making Dumplings in the Oven
Heat up a can of peaches and place tiny dumplins in for peaches and dumplins at breakfast or for dessert. Yes, you can cook them in the oven, however they still need a liquid of some kind to cook in or they won't be a true dumplin, they'll be biscuits. You...

Organizational Advice for a Packrat
You have been given very good advice. All I have left to say is when you are working on a pile, cupboard, drawer, closet, corner, etc., and you are trying to decide what to do with stuff one at a time... Ask yourself these questions: 1. Have I used this in...

Tried and True Recipes for a Healthier Diet
I suggest using Barilla multigrain pastas. They taste the closest to original yet they have a high fiber, high protein and vitamins content. The best thing you can do for recipes is to convert the recipes you already like by substituting lower fat and sugar...

Tried and True Recipes for a Healthier Diet
You may like the HealthyEats Website also.

Tried and True Recipes for a Healthier Diet
Splenda Pointers: For chocolate chip cookies, I substitute splenda for the white sugar. I use real brown sugar because it usually calls for less. Cookies need some sugar and fat to get the right consistency. I cut the fat by 1/3, so if the recipe calls for...

Tried and True Recipes for a Healthier Diet
Products I like to use: Fat Free 1/2 & 1/2 Sugar Free flavored coffee creamers Light Sour Cream Light Mayonnaise Ranch Dressing Packets made with light sour cream, light mayonnaise and skim milk. Skim Milk Real Eggs (I don't have to worry about cholesterol...

Easy, Healthy Bagged Lunch Ideas
Here's some good ideas: Tortilla wrap sandwiches: Tuna, chicken salad, egg salad Regular sandwiches: Bologna, Tuna, PB & J Cold Salads: Pasta salads, potato salads, rice salads Fresh fruits/veggies: carrot sticks, celery with peanut butter or cream cheese, apples...

Making Crispy Fried Chicken
Dip chicken pieces in flour. Next dip them in buttermillk, then in flour, cornflake, seasonings mixture and deep fry until golden brown.

Homemade Hot Pockets
Make a batch of pizza dough or purchase Rhodes bread dough. Roll out circles of dough any size you want. Place your favorite filling in the center. Fold dough in half and pinch to seal the sides. Deep Fry at 370 degrees until brown. Freeze for later use or...

Good Stuffing Recipes
Five kids to feed, wow. You probably want something easy, fast and filling without breaking the budget. Here goes: 1 batch of your best homemade cornbread crumbled. 1 loaf of stale bread (homemade or storebought) diced and toasted under the ovens broiler. 1...

Recipes for Leftover Pork Roast
Dice it for pork stroganoff, make pork sandwiches for sack lunches, make a potato, onion and pork hash in your skillet. Pork tacos, burritos, enchiladas. Pork chow mein, Pork Yakisoba.

Plastic Bag Melted onto Toaster Oven
I had the same issue. I was dumpster diving and found a toaster oven that needed a good cleaning. It had a note on it that said "works fine". I used a sink full of hot hot water with arm and hammer washing soda. It has an alkaline level of 11. I also added...

Getting Rid of Mites on Pets and Owner
You poor thing. I feel very bad for you. Mites hate eucalyptus. It would be great if you could purchase some eucalyptus essential oil at a health food or vitamin store that sells essential oils. And purchase some jojoba or almond or olive oil to go with it...

Finding Non Toxic Cleaning Products
I use Vinegar, water and essential oils for simple wiping down counters, mirrors, surfaces. I also use baking soda, washing soda, borax, and salt. When you combine baking soda with vinegar for scrubbing, it makes an excellent all purpose soft scrub. If a little...

Keeping Your House Smelling Nice With Smokers
I saw on "How Clean Is Your House?", Kim told a smoker to put baking soda in the ash trays. You can put some lavender essential oil on light bulbs and a few drops with the baking soda in the ash trays. As far as drawers, closets, car, etc. you can make pomanders...

Homemade Facial Scrubs
Make a paste of baking soda, oats/oatmeal, water and cinnamon optional for pleasant scent. Scrub your face with this. Not too many ingredients, not too expensive. Dab some lemon juice on a cotton ball for a nice refreshing toner afterward. Moisturize as usual...

Facial Redness
Add plenty of good clean water to your routine. Drink green tea. Exercise and sweat a lot. Clean and moisturize daily. I recommend all natural cleaning and moisturizing. Try to avoid make-up. You are probably allergic to it. i.e. the having to reapply it throughout...

Use a Steam Iron to Remove Stickers
From "How Clean Is Your House" on the BBC network Kim and Aggie teach to use hairspray on glossy surfaces to remove stickers and use mayonnaise on wood and other surfaces to remove stickers.

Have a Laundry Basket for Each Person
To weedytj -- lighten up and back off! To talkingbookworm -- ingenius idea -- Kudos to you for thinking of it or finding the idea. Kudos means "Good Job" in case you aren't familiar with American slang. : )

Removing Burnt Rings on Stovetop
Whenever we have moved into a new place as renters I have always had to clean even if the landlord said it was cleaned. I have detailed stovetops and ovens. I have used baking soda with vinegar to soak items and I really love the steel wool soap pads. I don...

Helping Child Get Ready in the Morning
Sounds to me like your daughter needs some TLC because you are a "work outside the home mom". Try giving her attention wrapped in love instead of frustration at her behavior. Maybe she doesn't like the routine of you going to work. That is not always fixable...

Homemade Nestle Quik
The ingredients on the can are: sugar, cocoa(processed with alkali), whey, lecithin, artificial flavor. I don't know how anyone could copy this at home unless they are good with chemistry. My suggestion is to make your own chocolate syrup with cocoa, sugar...

Recommendations for Cheap Face Wash
I have always been complimented on my complexion. I don't wear make-up like you do though. I believe make-up prevents your facial skin from breathing and it creates more oil to make up for it. That plus the make-up is a breeding ground for bacteria and we humans...

Activity Ideas for a Brain Injury Rehab Facility
The game UNO.

Amaretto Syrup Recipe
Try mixing almond extract from the dollar store with corn syrup.

Use Dishwasher Detergent For Baked On Food
Green Alternative: Sprinkle baking soda and salt. Add white vinegar until all is fizzing. Add boiling water to cover. This loosens baked on grime from a baking dish/pan...any pot or pan...also the bathtub or a dirty floor. It does so in 30 minutes or less too...

Cleaning Baked On Food
Sprinkle baking soda and salt, then sprinkle vinegar until all is foaming. Pour boiling water over all and let cool. By the time it's cool enough to touch and wipe away, about 30 minutes you will have an easy job of it. This is less expensive, and quicker too...

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