Homemade Facial Scrubs?
Just add a little bit of baking soda to your facial cleanser. it gently exfoliates without damaging your skin.
How Do I Grow A Bonsai Tree?
The answer to that question is too long for a thrifty fun post. I would suggest going to your local library or book store and getting a book on the subject. I liked: Bonsai ; the complete guide to art and technique / Paul Lesniewicz The author also wrote a...
Adding Crystal Light To Water?
Both posters have good points. Just watch your intake as with anything else. Artificial sweeteners, flavors, and preservatives are never good for you. I like to add True Lemon to my water for flavor. Check it out at their website and request a free sample. It...
Will The Snake Come Back?
I agree with the first post. If you a really bothered by it call someone to come check it out and possibly get rid of the snake and any others. Good luck!
Meals That Reheat Well?
Things I like to make that reheat well are: soups, stews, chili, casseroles, tacos,etc. I also like to make a big batch of meatballs(use your favorite recipe!),flash freeze until they dont stick together, then toss them in a freezer bag and freeze. Whenever...
Use Baby Wipes for Walls and Floors
i love baby wipes! even when i dont need them for my son anymore i will still keep them on hand. They are great for quick cleanups around the house and are really nice to keep in my purse on the go for sticky hands or messes in the car.
Garage Sale Finds?
Wow! Isnt it amazing the valuable stuff that can be found at garage sales? My favorite things that I bought are a beautiful shabby chic style desk and lingerie chest priced at $7.50 each. I had been looking online at similar desks that were priced around $500...
Have a Recycled Christmas
Great idea! Christmas is also a great occasion to pass on family heirlooms and other sentimental things like photos, etc.
Handmade Gift Ideas?
How about a nice letter written from the heart? Or a father/daughter hike with a picnic lunch you prepared? Or maybe if he has his own yard you could create a small bird garden with plants/flowers birds are attracted to, complete with a bird feeder and bird...
Handmade Gift Ideas?
Kelli, the compass/watch is a great idea! An inscription will give it that personal touch you are looking for. You mentioned that he is a Christian. How about engraving some scripture about fathers, husbands, or men in general?
Frugal Christmas Gift Ideas?
If you are looking for some cute handmade gift ideas, check out: http://100handmadegifts.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2006-11-12T18%3A27%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7 They have some really nice ideas and are things you would actually want to receive, not the...
Quick, Tasty Meals To Serve Fiance's Mother?
I would suggest checking out some recipes at: allrecipes.com They have hundreds of recipes and people rate the recipes after trying them and post comments. I use it all the time. I know they have a section for quick meals. Good luck!
My Frugal Life: How Coupons Made Me Richer
Wow! I have never been one to use a lot of coupons because I am not brand particular and usually find that that the generics are cheaper than the coupon price of the brand name product. After reading your post I can see how you can really save!
Accessorizing Straw Hats?
Try tying some pretty silk scarves around them that coordinate with your outfit.
Looking For Affordable, Fashionable Children's Clothing?
Where I live there is a store called Plattos closet that sells gently used brand name clothes for teens. You can even trade old clothes in for new. Also check out other local thrifts stores and garage sales. You will find clothes at a fraction of the price...
Organizing Your Pantry With Recycled Containers
Great ideas. I also save my glass jars from spaghetti sauce, apple sauce, etc, and store dry goods like candy in them. It organizes things and looks pretty at the same time!
Using Home Grown Herbs?
Thank you for your help! I will start using them now in my cooking. The chia instructions do say to use a liquid fertilizer, I just wasnt sure if my miracle grow for houseplants would cut it. Is there a special type/brand of liquid plant food for edibles? When...
Buy Vacation Gifts At Regular Stores
Good advice! Even at a local wal mart you can find postcards, sweat shirts, tee shirts, and other basic souvenirs.
Sugar Scrub For Mother's Day
yes, it will spoil eventually, although i have read that the honey acts as a natural preservative. the shelf life of an unrefrigerated oil is about 6 months. chances are you will have used the product up before it goes bad.
Neutrogena Exfoliator?
To check the safety of your products google skin deep cosmetic database. This is my favorite site for getting safe product recommendations. They test a wide range of products for hair care, skin care, makeup, sunscreen, etc. I am sure you will find most of...
Too Many Toys?
great idea! now if i could only get his grandparents to stop buying him so many toys to begin with...
Balancing Bills On One Salary?
Be frugal! The other posts list great ways to start adjusting to one income. The grocery part of your budget is the easiest place to cut back on just by meal planning, utilizing leftovers, and shopping sales. Thrift stores and garage sales are a great place...
Adult With Severe Fear Of Dentists?
Try getting him to see a counselor again. The biggest misconception about counseling is that the counselor can give a miraculous cure. It is the client that must actually WANT to change and take the time to change. If he can find a counselor he feels comfortable...
Making A Travel Craft Basket?
the ideas already listed are great for take along projects. I enjoy knitting on the knifty knitter, especially in the car. If you make cards it is a great time to get a head start on birthday or even christmas cards. Dont forget your camera and a good book...
Planning A Frugal Wedding Quickly?
i agree with others. this is YOUR day...i would focus less on what your family wants and more on what you want ESPECIALLY since you are footing the bill. if niagara falls is your thing then go for it! you can always have it taped so family can watch and then...
My Organized Life
you are an inspiration! i used to do the 3 ring binder thing as well but when i returned to school all of my organizational abilities focused on college. it really helped me though and i think i will dig it out again to get me back on track. thanks!
My Frugal Life: A Love Affair With Used Goods
Great post! So many people I know are so caught up in having this brand and that brand and everything NEW that it gets hard to make ends meet.I love being frugal and consider it a hobby. Furniture, clothing, and books are my favorite things to buy used. I can...
Jazz Up Your Water with This Fruity Lo-Cal Beverage
I also like lemon,lime, or orange flavored water as well. I got sick of always cutting up fruit until I came upon true lemon, true lime, and true orange. You can find it at Target, Walgreens, and other large stores. It is way cheaper then other similar products...
Recipes for Meals to Fix and Freeze?
One of my favorite cook books is: Make-Ahead Meals by Jean Pare It sounds like exactly what you are looking for. The book has a multitude of recipes that tell how to make the recipe, what you can do to prepare ahead and how to freeze/reheat. Most of the recipes...
Making a Kids Knitting Loom and Knitting Rake?
I am not sure exactly how to make them but I saw at a thrift store a while back, a homemade circle loom that used golf tees as the pegs. In all honesty it may be more cost effective to buy a cheap Knifty Knitter loom set at wal mart. My set was around 10 or...
How I Save Money By Keeping a Clean House
These are all great ideas! I have found that if you have daily routine you always have a company ready house without all the effort of wasting a whole day off. Keeping clutter at bay also makes it easier to have a clean house and really does cut down on buying...
Creative Crafting with Cookie Cutters
On creative juice they took metal cookie cutters and clipped a clothes pin on one side for a handle. They dipped it in wax and placed on a clean white silk scarf. After they repeated that all over the scarf they dipped the scarf into dye and then washed it...
Making Needlepoint Heirlooms?
I am not sure what kinds of patterns or colors will be worth more in the future, but one thing to consider when making heirlooms for your family is the quality of the materials you use. With any type of craft there are good, medium, and low grade materials...
Price List for Meals Made for a Bachelor Friend?
I agree with everyone about getting paid what you deserve to be paid, but my advice is not to go overboard. He isnt going $1.50 per muffin if he can get bakery items at the grocery store or local bakery for cheaper and have a larger selection. If I were in...
Colors That Would Go Well in a Beige and Black Kitchen?
any color would look good with your colors. Go to a store that sells paint and pick out some paint swatches that appeal to you. Use them to see which colors look best with your dishes, wall pictures, or other decorative items in your room. Good luck and have...
1800's Craft Ideas to Sell at Historical Club Fair?
I would make bar soap and candles since both items would be extremely common and useful in that time period. If you get stuck just look on Google for craft projects from that time period.
Organizing for Two Children to Share a Room?
Under the crib storage boxes are a must. Keep the clutter in the room to a minimum by not having a million toys. Kids tend to gravitate towards certain toys at certain times. Keep those out in a toy box or shelf in the bedroom and store the rest in a box in...
To Ship or to Shop?
Great idea. I also did most of my holiday shopping online. You can find the best deals and a lot of site do free shipping. After how easy it was this year I will probably order all of my gifts online.
Homemade Gift Ideas For Teenagers or Young Children?
I am not sure about what to make a 17 yr old boy besides a cd of his favorite music. If he is anticipating moving to college soon you could also start a recipe book for him. Gifts for the girls can be made very easily and cheaply. Jewelry making is very easy...
Homemade Dry Soup Mix?
check out http://www.budget101.com/ for dozens of recipes for soups and other homemade convenience style foods.
Do You Wear Rubber Gloves To Wash Dishes?
It does protect your hands. I read in some magazine awhile back that to treat your hands you should apply good lotion or cream to your hands without rubbing it into your hands all the way and wash your dishes while wearing the gloves. The heat from the water...
Sheer Coverage Mineral Makeup?
I havent tried that specific brand but I love the mineral makeup by physicians formula. I also like that it is inexpensive and can be bought at wal mart.
Tips to Curb Cigarette Cravings?
When I quit smoking I first tried to cut back. Instead of having a cigarette right after a meal or morning coffee I would wait 30 minutes. I also made other changes like not smoking in the car, etc. Once I actually quit smoking I used nicotine gum and regular...
Use Sheets For Quilt Backing
While this is a very thrifty idea I think that any experienced quilter would tell you that it is the quality of the material you use that will determine how long your quilt will last. If you are looking to make casual pieces for when you want to change up your...
Picking up the Tab at Lunch?
The best thing to do is to be honest. Perhaps you could talk to your daughters and gently remind them that money is tight and while you would love to treat them to a lunch out at a restaurant it isnt possible. Perhaps you could suggest a potluck lunch at your...
Bark Picture Frame
I love this idea! I like to use this same kid of style in my home as well. I live in Minnesota so that sort of style is everywhere. I think bringing the outdoors in really creates a soothing, peaceful, and inspiring home. This is a great idea that I cant wait...
Cleaning a Ceiling Fan?
If it is really dirty you may have to get up on a stool to give a thorough cleaning and to wash the light fixture. After you do the initial cleaning then use a swifter duster with the extending arm to maintain it during your weekly cleaning.
Remove Excess Grease From Pepperoni
Good idea! I always like to blot the grease off my pizza but it would be better to do it before baking the pizza. Thanks for the tip.
Looking For Review of Good Sturdy Vacuum?
I always check the consumer reports website before buying anything. You do have to subscribe ($15 per year I think) but it is worth every penny and I know it saves me a ton of money per year. With the subscription you get access to the last five years( I think...
What Household Products Can Be Used As Fabric Softener?
Use white vinegar. Vinegar is one the most used products in my home. Check out the Heinz vinegar website for more practical uses.
Buy Versatile Furniture
I totally agree! Not only should you buy furniture that could go from room to room but you should always buy furniture that can double as storage. End tables, coffee tables, sofa tables, etc, that have drawers or cupboards help organize and control clutter...
When Things Aren't On Sale
I couldnt agree more with this post. People need to pay very close attention to credit card balances and keep spending in check. My financial motto is dont spend money you dont have and if you cant afford it today with cash dont buy it until you can!
Use for Crystal Light Canisters?
I think they make a neat gift box for smaller items if you clean them and decoupage, paint, or otherwise decorate the outside. If you have children you could also have them make cool mini time capsule containers for a special occasion like a birthday or a day...
Homemade Body & Facial Scrubs For Baby Shower Favors?
I saw a great episode of creative juice that was all about homemade scrubs and other pampering ideas. Check out the episode at http://www.DIYnetwork.com and use the recipes from the show. They looked so great! I cant wait to try them myself.
Getting Rid of Cottonmouth Snake In House?
If it were me I would not mess around with a do it yourself solution for a snake in the home that may or may not be poisonous. An old neighbor of mine got a snake in the home that laid eggs and hatched a bunch of baby snakes in the basement. You probably do...
How Much To Charge For Cleaning & Doing Laundry?
I think it depends on where you live. I have one friend who charges around $10/hr to clean and another friend in another area who charges around $25/room or so but does a visit to the home to do an estimate before naming the price. If I were you I would call...
Making Homemade Pot Scourer?
I dont have instructions for a scrub pad but to make your scrub pad last longer use a baking soda paste to get the stubborn baked on particles or grease off. Baking soda is abrasive enough to get stuff off without scratching or damaging.
Natural Bug Sprays?
I am not sure of the exact recipe but I came across a website that used several essential oils mixed with water. I bet if you searched on Google for essential oil bug spray recipe you would find it. Essential oils are great for many things so if it doesnt work...
Removing The Smell Of Bathroom Disinfectant?
I would wipe down with a solution of water and vinegar. Not only does the vinegar clean(which you dont need) but it is a fantastic oder remover as well. I use it on the inside of my garbage cans every time I change the bag.
Advice For Updating Kitchen Decor For...
I agree with the previous posts. The potential buyer may want to change it anyways. If you really feel you need to change it I would pick something very neutral so if they get rid of the peach the new counter top will go with anything. Granite is a good choice...
Ideas for Different Themes for Combo Rooms?
While it is nice to have separate themes to showcase all of your collections and interests it sometimes makes combo rooms look really small and choppy. Spaces like that tend to look best if they flow together in one continuous movement instead of starting and...
Coffee and Dessert Wedding Reception
this is a great idea. i wish i would have done this for my wedding. weddings should be about the celebration of the marriage not about how fancy and expensive the wedding and reception are.
Carnival Party for a 13 Year Old Boy?
A carnival party sounds fun, but 13 might be pushing it. The only way to know for sure is to ask your son. Carnival food (teens love walking tacos) and games (knocking down milk bottles, balloon/dart game, etc.) for teen prizes might be fun and no teen could...
Need Ideas for Blank Fabric Canvases for Baby's Room?
If you are not good at painting free hand you could buy some jungle theme stamps and the paint colors of your choice to stamp out a picture. Otherwise I saw decorating show that used coordinating fabric stapled on a canvas and used embellishments to really...
Make a Bathroom Vanity from an Old...
this is a great idea! I would also love to know how you did the plumbing.
Daughter's Birthday Quilt
I am sure your daughter is so happy to have been give such a nice gift. My Mom is a quilter and I absolutly cherish everything she has made for me.
Saving By the "Windfall" Method
This really proves that no matter how small the savings it can add up quick if you stick with it. Good luck!
Frugal And Loving It
I am very impressed with how frugal you are and how you have fun with it. While I am not as frugal as you are I feel that now that I have started to live a more frugal life I live a better life and have my priorities in check. Thanks for the inspiration.
Grapevine Wreath Cross Stitch Gift
I dont cross stitch myself but think this as a cute way to modernize cross stitching. The grapevine wreath frame is a very unique idea that I would live to try out sometime. Thank you for posting!
Chicken Noodle Soup Stain On Blue T-Shirt?
My favorite product ever is simple green. It is non toxic and biodegradable. It seems expensive compared to other cleaners but it is a concentrate that you dilute into your own spray bottle so it works out to be as cheap as generic cleaner. It can be used everywhere...
Hardwood Floor Damaged By Zep?
First off I would contact Zep by phone to complain that the product ruined your floor. The customer service department could do anything from refunding the price of the cleaner or maybe even help with the repair. They may even be able to tell you a product...
Removing Carrot Stain From Microwavable Bowl?
Try scrubbing the stain with a paste of baking soda and water.
How Old Should a Girl Be To Go Places On Her Own?
Rachel, I understand your situation. I am 23 years old and am the baby of the family. I felt the same way when I was 13. Luckily I had an older brother to plead my case that I was old enough to do certain things. As cliche as it sounds the best way to be treated...
Reuse Newspaper As A Garbage Can Liner and Other Tips
This is a great idea. I have been trying to switch to a greener lifestyle but so far the only green garbage bags I have found are very expensive. I was just wondering how to avoid the mess factor of using newspapers. Is their a pattern or something to make...
Reusing Childproof Pill Bottle?
Child proof pill bottles are great for keeping craft items neatly stored. Beads, buttons, needles, etc, all have a way of getting lost at the bottom of a box or drawer. Using a pill bottle keeps them accessible yet out of the reach of small kids.
Getting Kids To Help With Chores?
I think it is good to have your kids help with chores. I have a two year old son and he already has to help pick up his own toys and help do other small tasks. This website http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/ has info on how one stay at home mom of 8 kids(6...
Pros And Cons Of Homemade Laundry Detergent?
Thank you all for your help! I will be trying this recipe when my gigantic container of laundry detergent runs out. Since posting this I have found out a little bit on if this is eco friendly. The green guide posted a similar recipe(liquid castille soap or...
Gymnastics Birthday Party?
This sounds like a fun party idea. This is YOUR party so it should be more about your interests and not about your friends. $60.00 is not the cheapest idea but it is cheaper then taking a bunch of friends to a movie or bowling or other common party ideas and...
Preserving Friendship when Kids Don't Get Along?
My thought is honesty is the best policy. You can tell the truth to your friend while saying it in a tactful way. I would think about the reasoning behind your child not wanting to be friends with the other child. Is this child a bad influence? If so maybe...
Natural Weed Control?
I read this on the Heinz vinegar website to kill dandelions: A Dandelion Free Lawn A natural alternative to using expensive and potentially toxic chemicals. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted Heinz® White Vinegar. 'When dandelions start to pop up, spray the...
Grocery Shop At Dollar Stores First
I have to disagree about better prices at a dollar store. While I love the dollar tree in my town I have only bought 4-5 food items from them in the past 1 1/2 years. Some items like the chocolate chips are in smaller bags so they dont save you any money. Sometimes...
Ziplock Zip 'n Steam For Microwave Cooking
This sounds like a neat product. Wal mart is offering a free sample at: http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid16606.aspx
Gift Card House
This is really cute! It would also be nice for birthday and anniversary parties. The possibilities are endless...Great idea!
Organic Face Mask Recipes?
While I dont know any homemade concoctions I do love the pore refining mask from burts bees. In fact I love the whole burts bees personal care line. They use natural ingredients and offer there products at affordable prices. For the dry skin I would use aloe...
Uses for Recycled Glass Jars
I really like the idea posted about using glass jars to store leftovers and food items. I am not sure where I read it but I heard that chemicals from plastic seep into food items. If this is true I had been wondering what else to put leftovers in. Also some...
Use Swiffers For Cleaning Walls And Ceilings
This is wonderful idea. I love to have a clean house but dread spring cleaning type jobs like washing walls. Your tip would save tons of time! Thanks, I will be trying this soon.
Make Your Own Baby and Toddler Food
This sounds like a good idea. I have a 2 yr old and am always looking for freezer recipes and alternatives to store bought convenience foods. I like to make meatballs out of lean ground beef and flash freeze for about 2 hrs then put them into a zip lock bag...
Old T-Shirts As Swiffer Replacement
This is a great idea! I love the swiffer products but they are expensive and wasteful. This is a great alternative to the paper refills. Now if I could just think of a way to replace the swiffer wetjet liquid refills and paper bottoms.....I love how convenient...
Useful Party Favors?
Scented or plain tea light candles can be found cheaply at dollar stores and discount stores and are both pretty and useful. You could also steal any favor idea from the average wedding and give out food items like candy, cocoa, tea bags, etc.
Rural Work at Home Ideas?
I know you dont have a fast connection but have you thought about selling stuff online on ebay or selling craft items? Another idea is to raise farm type animals for profit. I am not sure how much money it would require to start out or for feed and upkeep but...
Grow a Living Clubhouse
This is so cute! I just saw something similar on heathsong.com and they wanted $69.00 for it! This looks way cheaper and customizable.
