Keeping Wash Cloths Smelling Fresh?
Try using a disinfectant, like Lysol liquid all-purpose cleaner, in with your regular detergent. I use about 1/2 - 1 cup per susceptible load--germy, smelly work and T-shirts, clothes that have been wet too long, etc. (Disinfectants say that they kill germs...
Getting Rid of Odor in Bathroom?
Bowls of charcoal placed in the room are recommended for removing smoke odors, so maybe it will work for you. Charcoal absorbs odors, but dont get the kind with lighter fluid in it, or it will leave an odor of its own!
Uses For Shower Curtains?
My dad uses one for the back seat of his car when he takes my brothers to the beach.
Uses For Shower Curtains?
I use a piece of shower curtain to hide the supplies on the bottom shelf of our aquarium stand. I glued magnets to it.
Yellow Zucchini?
I just did a search on yellow zucchini on the internet. Apparently, zucchini does come in yellow. Id say, use it.
Sharpie Marker on Book Cover?
Nail polish remover will remove, or at least lighten permanent marker. Be advised, though, that it is a solvent, and could damage finishes. Id think that the worst it would do is put a haze on a shiny book cover. It should be safe for natural fabrics, but be...
Dog is Too Submissive?
I heard on TV from a dog training show that it has to do with sef-confidence. See if you can find dog training tips online or maybe in a book at the library. Dog/owner training classes can get expensive, but from what Ive seen in my mother-in-laws dog, adopted...
Lipstick Causing Chapped Lips?
Have you tried lanolin? One of the ways its sold is in small tubes for nursing mothers, for sore nipples. Its highly refined, so its supposed to be hypoallergenic. Artistry Cosmetics has lip color that doesnt dry my lips out.The website is www.quixtar.com. They...
Musty Smelling Linens?
There are dehumidifying agents out there, some reusable (you bake it when it gets moist), some not--like Damp Rid. (It turns into liquid, then you dump it out.) Clay cat litter absorbs moisture, and its cheap. Baking soda absorbs odors. If you dont already...
Halibut Leaked in Our Freezer?
A couple of big boxes of baking soda, one for the freezer, and one for the fridge. Maybe you should change all your storage containers, and rewrap your frozen food. Plastic absorbs odors sometimes. We always used to wash out the fridge with baking soda water...
My Dryer is Stealing Fresh Scent from Clothes!
They do make fabric softeners, or maybe its those detergents with fabric softener in them, that smell really strong.Start sniffing boxes of detergent or softener, and the one that knocks your nose off is the one, if you like the scent. Theres one that used...
Preparing Soda Can Tabs for Crafts?
Aluminum doesnt rust. Just use the ones from aluminum cans. My daughter made one--really cute!
Uses for an Old Crib?
I was thinking of a display for dolls, especially old ones, or special toys. You might think of a way to make it into a stand for potted plants, without having to put it outside.
Using Beer in the Garden?
I read of a homemade fertilizer made with very small amounts of beer, household ammonia, whiskey, I believe, plus maybe some more stuff. It was in an Atlanta paper 10 or more years ago. I havent been able to locate it, and I wouldnt want to try it out without...
Mustard Stain on Shirt?
Oxygen (all-fabric) bleach makes a great presoak. Make a strong solution by dissolving the recommended amount for a full washload in a container big enough to immerse the shirt. Soak as long as you want, all day if necessary. (Use hot water unless youre worried...
Reusing AOL CDs & Computer Disks?
My tip it similar to some already posted. A friend put CDs in the bushes going up her semi-long driveway. They help when people are turning cars around at night.
Saving Money on Homeschooling Supplies?
Use a plastic sleeve (page protector) and dry-erase marker or crayon over workbook pages. The workbook can then be used over and over. Cut the left part of the plastic sleeve off (the side with the holes), then slip it upside-down over the page you want to...
Car Air Freshener Recipe?
I found this on another website. Havent tried it, but it seems like you could use cookie cutters to make the shapes you want. I dont know how the gelatin will hold up in a car. White glue is also flexible when it dries. Im not sure how you could make that work...
Soup Tips - Making Good Soup?
Save the juice from drained hamburger meat. (I use ground chuck because it has a lot less fat than regular, and I get more juice.) Put it in a container in the freezer (skim off fat first), then each time you brown ground beef, pour the juice in the same container...
Uses For Cornstarch
Finger paints! From the book Kids Crazy Art Concoctions (abbreviated instructions): Combine 1/4 cup water with 3/4 cup cold water, cook over low heat, cool, and add food coloring or tempera paint. Also from the same book, cornstarch dough: Combine 1 cup cornstarch...
Pre-schooler Craft Projects?
Ive heard you could finger paint with pudding(different flavors, or colored with food coloring), but would this teach the younger ones that paint is edible?
Saving Money On Tights?
Ive heard of a way to strengthen the fibers by soaking them in salt water. I believe it comes from the Morton Salt Company.
Natural Headache Cures?
MigraStick, a roll-on peppermint and lavender oil on the temples, helps. If theyre migraines in women, look into NATURAL progesterone cream. Health food stores have them.
Saving Money on Dishwasher Soap?
I dont put any detergent in the prewash cup at all. If I run low anyway, I put about 1/2 detergent and 1/2 baking soda. I have used the 1 part detergent, 1 part baking soda, and 1 part borax recipe, but Ill have to research the borax thing...I thought it was...
Uses for Flower Tubes?
For those of you who are looking for glass tubes, your local cigar shop may have some, or could ask patrons for them. Some cigars come in glass or aluminum tubes. They may also sell cigar boxes for cheap, which can be used for cute purses, jewelry and keepsake...
Uses for Paper and Craft Ideas?
You could do a search on aging paper, and make the paper look really old, for old-fashioned stationery. Havent tried it, but Ive read you can age paper with coffee or tea, lemon juice (heat the paper to turn it light brown). Finishing touch could be burning...
Using It All - Margarine Tubs?
If you have a lot of plastic containers, you could donate them to a local food bank. Sometimes they get huge quantities of food, and have no way to divvy it up.
A Critique of ThriftyFun?
A lot of the ideas are great, plus it gets me thinking about things that I can share with others. Love it! I dont get the newsletter, because I want to read for fun and ideas only when I want to, not just because its there. Im easily drawn into spending more...
Selling Usable Clothing?
See if anyone in your area is having a clothing swap. It will profit you clothes that you or your kids will wear.
Frugal Meals for One?
www.savingdinner.com has free sample menus and shopping lists for 2 or more. The recipes are generally good and healthful. There are regular, frugal, vegetarian and lo-carb options.
Recycle Old Coffee Cans?
You can put a small coffee can with 1/2 and 1/2, vanilla and sugar (ice cream mix) in it, lid on tight inside a big coffee can with ice and salt packed in around it to make ice cream. Tape the large lid on, and roll the can around for 20-30 minutes, then check...
