Tongue Depressor Trivet
Our first grade class made these in 1969. I still have mine and have used it as decor in my home.
Basic Block Quilt
Thank you for this post. I am a beginning quilter and have been afraid to even start a project. I think this will be something I can make for my friends and family.
Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe to Use Around Children?
From all I can find out, DE is not safe to be inhaled for anyone. I certainly would not use it around children.
Using Homemade Carpet Cleaner in Dirt Devil Shampooer?
Someone who has a rental house told me that Tide liquid laundry detergent works well in shampooers. I dont know how much he diluted the detergent, if at all, but I know he said it left a very nice scent in the rooms as well as cleaning the carpet.
Coloring Book Baby Quilt
My Mom has made a similar quilt, but she traces pictures from a cheap coloring book and then embroiders the pictures onto each square. I like your idea!
Looking for Summer Salad Chutney Recipe?
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1666,134177-247194,00.html Cooks.com as well as other sites have various Peach Chutney recipes.
Make Extra Cash With Your Used Books?
I have an account with Half.com and I sell (and purchase) used books and textbooks. I have been pleased with the site so far.
Reusing a Clothes Dryer Drum
I dont know how much it would pay, but I would take mine to the local metal recycling center.
Homemade Solution for Rough Skin?
The dermatologist advised my husband, who suffers from psoriasis, to soak his hands in whole milk 30 minutes a day. Then pat them dry and apply a quality hand lotion such as Cutemol. Also, we have had some success in applying a salve called Bag Balm to his...
Removing Candle Wax from TV?
You could try taking a cloth that will not be damaged by ironing and lay it over the wax spill. Then warm up your iron and gently iron the cloth and the wax. When the wax is slightly warm, it should peel off.
Uses for Pringles Cans?
Make a winter/Christmas scene by cutting an arched shape on one side near the bottom. Cover outside of can with white paint, add glitter if desired. Hot glue trim around cut out area. Use a section of an old Christmas card as the background of the scene, add...
Craft: Crocheted Rag Rugs
These rugs look just like the ones my grandma used to make! Glad to see that the tradition is continuing.
Uses for Egg Cartons?
http://www.blurtit.com/q255355.html I remember making small trash cans out of used egg cartons.
Buttermilk for Septic System
A packet of yeast that you find in the baking aisle of your local grocery store would be better. Pour the yeast into the toilet and flush. Do this once a month if necessary. Tip from a plumber. Costs much less than Rid X.
Uses for Old Coffee Cups?
Donate to the local thrift store. Or, if you are into crafts, put old ceramic cups into a heavy plastic bag, (Wear eye protection & gloves). Take bag of cups outside or to the garage, and carefully break cups with a hammer. Make a mosaic table top or other...
Reuse Discarded Silk Flowers
Wow, your post really brought back memories! I thought my family were the only ones who recycled ribbons and flowers from cast off cemetery arrangements. Once, my cousin cleaned and ironed the silk ribbons and made decorative pillows for us. Thank you for your...
Uses for Back to School Items for Adults?
Adults could use the back to school sales to restock some of their home office supplies. Some items, like tape, glue or pencils and pens, etc. could be useful in making crafts. Or if you feel charitable, you could donate some of the purchases to help families...
Sour Milk and Septic Systems?
I dont know about sour milk. But if you pour a packet or two of regular baking yeast into your toilet and flush, it will keep the good bacteria working in a septic tank. No need to buy RidX or other products.
Sour Milk and Septic Systems?
My husband was a plumber and gave me the advice to use the yeast in those little packets. One a month or less is fine rather than purchasing RidX. I just priced RidX and its over seven dollars for 10.3 ounces, so a small pack of yeast would be less than RidX...
Sour Milk and Septic Systems?
Weve had our septic system for 17 years. And using yeast, weve never had to have it pumped.
Improving Water Pressure?
If you are on municipal water, you need to check with your authority and see how big the feed line is into your house. If you are on a well, check the pressure on the tank to see if the pressure regulator needs to be adjusted, or if the air in the bladder of...
Making a Seat Lift from a Recliner?
http://1liftchair.com/index.htm I dont know how to make a lift chair, but this site lists numbers to call to try and obtain a free lift chair for low income or elderly people.
Coffee Drink or Smoothie Recipe?
Iced Mocha from the following website: http://www.coffeeandteawarehouse.com/index.cfm?method=recipes.recipe&recipeid=2 There are lots of ways to make an iced mocha, this being one of the simplest and most delicious. I like how the brown sugar adds a slight...
Uses for Bread Heels
You could make bread crumbs or croutons with them also. Butter the slices, season to taste with garlic powder or other spices. Place slices on cookie sheet in oven on 250 degrees. After toasting this way, crumble them up and store in zip top bags for use on...
How To Keep Deer and Rabbits From Eating Your Plants?
I have heard that you could ask for hair clippings from your local barber or beautician and spread them around the plants to ward off deer, but I dont know if it would keep away rabbits. This sounds gross, I guess, but if you can collect human urine, and distribute...
Buying a Used Sectional Couch?
If you join your local chapter of Freecycle you can advertise by email that you are looking for a sectional couch. The only cost might be for you to transport the item to your home.
Cheap Meals?
If possible, buy meat, vegetables or fruits in bulk, divide into storage containers and freeze for use in soups, and stews, etc. Dry beans and rice, when cooked properly, can be filling and are often a good bargain. Ramen noodles can be the basis of many recipes...
Using Bell Pepper
Buy in season or grow your own. If there are too many to use right away, wash, remove seeds, dice into small pieces. Freeze to use in recipes such as hushpuppies, casseroles, pizzas, etc.
Earning Extra Money for College Classes?
You could sell items on Ebay or Half.com. You could post an offer to tutor others in reading or math, etc. for a fee.
Saving Money on Entertainment
RedBox vending machines rent movies locally for 1.00 a day plus tax. If you have dominoes, Monopoly, cards or checkers, etc, you could start a family game night.
Cigarette Smoke Odors in a Refrigerator?
I think that you could take a few charcoal briquets set on a paper plate or a piece of foil, shut the refrigerator door for a day or so, and the briquets should absorb the smell and you can throw them away.
Asking People to Bring Frugal Gifts?
In the way of gifts, bring your most creative creation or purchase for the baby that costs under $25.00. Lets have a fun, but thrifty shower.
Getting By on a Low Income?
Make a budget each month. Write everything that you spend on paper, keep receipts, and a calendar you can write on. Write down the dates of when your payments are due.
Buying Pudding Mix in the UK?
http://www.twenga.co.uk/dir-Gastronomy,Desserts,Instant-pudding-15173 I found this site that sells Jello brand pudding mixes in the UK.
Making a Family Food Budget?
You didnt specify if you mean $50 a month or $50 a week. Rice, beans, ramen noodles and such items are cheap and filling. For tips on budgeting, Dave Ramseys website is very good. If you make a written family budget, you may find there is more than $50 available...
Masking Ammonia Odor in Cleaners?
Is there a way to use less ammonia or to substitute another ingredient in order to lessen the odor?
Check Your Debit Card Charges Regularly
Thanks for the info. Also, be careful when using a debit or credit card if the person behind you in line at the department store has their cell phone out. They may be taking pictures of your debit/credit card info.
Selling Coca Cola Bottles?
Maybe you could join eBay and sell the items on that site. I have had some success in selling on eBay. Also, I would research what Coke memorabillia and soft drink bottles are selling for currently. That way, you will be sure if you are recieving acceptable...
Black Ink on Gray Carpet?
http://www.ehow.com/how_10702_clean-ink-carpet.html Spilled ink doesnt necessarily mean curtains for your carpet. Watch stains disappear with this simple solution. Instructions Things Youll Need: Soft Dry Cloth White Vinegar White Vinegar Hair Spray Medium...
Using Stale Coffee?
http://www.howcast.com/guides/1061-How-To-Recycle-Stale-Coffee-and-Used-Coffee-Grounds?rev=1 This link gives a list of uses for stale coffee.
Purple Avon Jewelry Box?
Have you tried eBay? There might be one listed there. Or maybe you could contact a local Avon representative and they could help you.
Dollar Store Treasure Chest for Christmas
Great idea!! I used to buy a basket or small bin and fill it with pens, stationery, stamps, hand lotion, etc, for my grandmother. It was a gift that was different than the usual and I think she appreciated that it was tailored to her needs and wishes and not...
Removing Cheese from a Sponge?
Rinse the sponge in hot soapy water and wash by hand to remove as much cheese particles as possible. Then, if you have a dishwasher, put the sponge in the dishwasher and wash the sponge along with your load of dishes. I think that would clean up the cheese...
Using Salt to Clean Drains?
Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break...
Transplanting Moss from the Woods?
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/gt_other/article/0,,DIY_13865_5475654,00.html This site tells how to plant a moss garden. It calls for a buttermilk mixture.
Cleaning a Corroded Salt Shaker?
Method Two Step 1 Fold up a piece of aluminum foil and submerge it in Coca-Cola. Step 2 Using gentle back-and-forth motions, gently rub the rusty areas with the Coke-soaked aluminum foil. Step 3 After the rust is gone, wipe down the area with a wet rag and...
Looking for Lacoste Shaving Cream?
I found a site online called halfpriceperfumes.com. They have Lacoste Shaving cream.
Black-Bottom Cheesecake Recipe?
Black Bottom Pecan Cheesecake Pie bakerchick103 INGREDIENTS 1/2 package refrigerated pie crust 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 3 tbsp whipping cream 1(8oz) pack cream cheese, softened 4 large eggs 3/4 cup sugar, divided 2 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup light...
Recommendations for a Wild Game Cookbook?
http://www.aetn.org/ There is a cookbook for sale on this site (Arkansas Educational Television Network) called Arkansas Outdoors. It has various recipes for preparing wild game and fish, etc. And the proceeds from the sales go to support public television...
Mayhaw Jelly Recipe?
Mayhaw Jelly 5 cups juice 7 cups sugar 1.35 oz. pectin Heat juice and add pectin. Bring to a boil and add sugar. Bring to boil again and boil for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and spoon off foam. Place in jars. Spec S. www.mayhaw.org/recipes.html
Ideas for Using Deceased Father's Clothing?
Do you make quilts? Maybe you could craft some nice throws or even decorative wall hangings from some of the clothing. If you know how to make scrapbooks, you could incorporate some of the fabric from his clothing into them to honor your fathers memory. Other...
Craft: Recycled "New" Outfits
What a great idea! I thought that my mom was the only one who cut down mens shirts to make dresses for me when I was a child. Very creative.
Aveda Recycling Program?
http://www.aveda.com/contactus/contactus.tmpl?ngextredir=1 I went to the Aveda site and they had contact info so that you can find out if they are still doing the recycling program.
Chess Set Made from Nuts and Bolts?
http://team.lu/chessfigures/index.html On this site is a diy plan to make a chess set from nuts and bolts.
Removing Mothball Smell from Bras?
Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things Youll Need: Laundry Detergent, White Vinegar, Hangers, and biological odor remover Step 1 Remove clothes from the closet and take them out of boxes, plastic bags or storage containers. Step 2 Hang clothes outside on...
Help With a Wild Pit Bull?
If there is a local animal control officer in the police department contact them. If not, then call a veterinarians office to ask for their assistance. Pit bulls can be very dangerous to people and other dogs, so its not a good idea to try to approach him or...
Looking for a Non-Electrical Washing Machine?
http://www.lehmans.com http://www.greenmodernkits.com/laundry.htm These are 2 sites I found that deal with non-electric washing machines. One of them costs around $47.00. I would also look for non-electric wringer washers, but the cost may be prohibitive.
Cleaning Attached Sofa Pillows?
Youd probably have to make new pillows. You might be able to rip out the seams and disconnect the cushions to clean them, but that might ruin the sofa.
Saving Money on Garbage Bags
We flatten any cans that cannot be recycled. By compacting the trash, you can use less bags. Also, we use Wal-Mart or grocery store bags in the smaller trash cans in the house. Using feed sacks or dogfood sacks is also a good idea to save on buying trash bags...
Keeping My Elderly Mother from Driving?
Have you tried using something like the Club? You could remove it from the steering wheel as needed, but maybe she couldnt remove it to drive it. You could also have a very loud annoying alarm set to go off if the touches the car door and disable the alarm...
Subtract Savings First
I have been reading up on saving and paying off debt. Most of the articles Ive seen say Pay yourself first. Thank you for reminding me of this good advice.
Discount Grocery Store Near Pearland, TX?
Dollar General Store, 2502 21st St N Texas City, TX 77590 (409) 941-0294 I found a Save A Lot listed at 12655 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77099. I dont know if this is what you are looking for, but they claim to charge 40% less than other chains for their product...
Cleaning a Cloth Couch?
Rent a Rug Doctor or borrow a steam floor cleaner from a friend. Use upholstery attachments to steam clean the couch after you vacuum the couch with a regular vacuum cleaner. Be sure to lift out the cushions if they are the detached type and clean under the...
Lions Vs. Bulldogs Homecoming Decorations?
Go Bulldogs, Tame the Lions And you could have a stylized Bulldog (maybe a picture of the Mascot) Taming the Lions or turning them into kittens.
PVC Flag Pole?
I found these instructions posted online. http://www.info-res.com/ehill/sxm/flagpole.html
Natural Shower Tile Spray Recipe?
Try tipnut.com or keepitcheap.blogspot.com. I would think that something with vinegar or baking soda would be a good start.
Homemade Vinyl Floor Cleaner?
Homemade floor cleaner Homemade floor cleaner can save you hundreds of dollars per year. I have been making my own for years, with better results than the store bought brands. I use the following recipe for cleaning my floors: 1/4 cup Dish soap 4 cups White...
Canning Green Tomato Relish?
Here is the recipe I have for Green Tomato Relish: 1 gal. green tomatoes, chopped 1/2 cup salt 2 medium onions 1/2 medium sized cabbage head 4 large green peppers 2 large sweet red peppers 3 cups vinegar 2 tsp. celery seed 2 tsp. mustard seed 1 tsp. whole cloves...
Using Cloth Instead Of Diaper Wipes?
They should be washed alone, and frequently. They should be washed in hot water with liquid Lysol (the directions will be on the bottle) or with a little bit of bleach added to the water prior to adding the cloths. Use either one or the other, dont mix bleach...
Home Remedy For Scabies?
I dont know if it would work for your problem, but I have found white vinegar useful in reducing itching.
What Is Cavaner's Seasoning?
Cavenders All Purpose Greek seasoning is made by: S-C Seasoning Company, Inc. P.O. Box 1296 Harrison, Arkansas 72602 USA
Removing Rust From Car Interior?
You might get some steel wool and carefully buff off the rusted areas. You can buy auto paint that will probably match your colors, and cover the areas where the spots are. Hope this helps.
Other Uses for Laundry Detergent?
Some people use Tide in carpet steam cleaning machines such as Rug Doctor that you can rent at Wal-Mart or other stores.
Cleaning Up Olive Oil?
Any oil spills on hard surfaces can be absorbed well by using corn meal. Sprinkle on spill and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes or so. Then sweep up the spill into the dustpan and throw away. This is what we did with oil that was spilled at the grocery store...
Ideas For Small Quilting Projects?
You could make some nice pot holders. Or you could make doll quilts.
Who Should Pay To Have My Carpet Cleaned?
I think that you would have a hard time proving that the paint mixer person did not seal the paint can properly. They would maintain that you should have checked the seal before you left the store. After you leave, they cannot be responsible for damages. I...
Halloween Craft Ideas for Orange Net Bags?
Maybe you could fill them with wrapped candies, little Halloween toys, etc. and use them as either party favors or goody bags.
Alternative Scents for Rainbow Vacuum?
In the water chamber, when you add the fresh water, add a few drops of essential oil of your choice. Wal-Mart sells these oils for 2 or 3 dollars, and one container will last for several uses. I worked for a local resort and vacuuming was one of my chores, and...
Protecting Carpet From Food Spills?
You might check with a carpet center for a remnant piece in or close to the desired size. Spray with scotchguard, if desired, and put carpet remnant in the room in lieu of a rug. My mother in law found a really nice oval braided room size rug that just needed...
Reusing Racks and Bins from Refrigerators
Im not sure if you could do this with refrigerator shelves, but we took old wire shelves from an oven that was no longer working and using concrete blocks, made an outdoor grill. We stacked 4 large concrete blocks for each side of the grill, then we laid the...
Removing Grease Build Up On Cupboards?
I used a mixture of Dawn and warm water, and sprinkled a little baking soda on the rag before wiping the cabinet doors. It worked well for me.
Saving Money on Houseplants
You might want to join Freecycle in your local area. Sometimes I see people giving away cuttings or plants. Or you can post a request on Freecycle to ask for plants or cuttings, etc.
Packing a Lunch Without a Soggy Sandwich?
When I am at a fast food place, I take a few extra packs of ketchup or mustard or etc. I send these with the lunches rather than putting the condiments on the sandwich the night before. I bought one small, cheap plastic container to send pickles or tomatoes...
Put Your Shredded Documents in a Paper Bag
If you cut out your name/address off before shredding the items, the shredded paper would be to pad packages for mailing.
