Disaster Preparedness for Dogs And Cats
My dog is microchipped, and I keep that paperwork, along with shot record in a waterproof envelope along with other documents in our emergency bag. That way everything is together, and all documentation is protected. Just be sure to update it in a timely manner...
Frugal Halloween Costumes for Children and Adults
THis upcoming year is a big one, my boys will be 5 and over 18 months. They will be Thing One and Thing 2 (respectively) and I will be Cat in the Hat. The stroller being a big red wood box may be some trouble, but the outfits will be easy: red sweat shirts...
Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner Reviews?
I am planning on buying one, soon. My DH always forgets to spray the shower clean (arm & hammer) then I get stuck scrubbing...and Kaboom is not all it is cracked up to be!
Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner Reviews?
BEST DEAL ALERT!!! Go to scrubbingbubbles.com for a $7 dollar off coupon; Walgreens has it for 19.99, then you can get a $ 5 mail in rebate by sept 30. Ha, youve tried it for the whole price of $7.99! I will be buying mine this weekend!
Add Baby Food To Recipes To Boost Nutrition
I do this with the Libbys pureed pumpkin (big can) and freeze it into cubes. I bought that instead of the baby food sqaush (a can costs 1.75 year round.) I also discovered it tastes EXCELLENT in macaroni and cheese, just do not go over 1/2-1/3 cup per box. The...
Cleaning Lymphatic Fluid Stains From Leather Shoes?
I would check at a shoe repair or higher end store and see about dye, or if they are standard black/brown, then give them a good polish. I personally use babywipes for the initial cleaning, as it keeps things supple, but the ingredients knock out the grimiest...
What Is a Good Color Scheme For Green Carpet?
I had a home with dark green carpet throughout the upstairs (log walls) so we went with earthtones, mixed with warm mauves or cranberry accents, ivory background, etc. Off the top of my head, purple or reddish-purple is a compliment (opposite) on the color...
Uses for Cardboard Milk Cartons
I got bored one day, and made a muppet family with some milk cartons, stale marshmallows, and a magic marker! Remember the aliens from Sesame Street? (Yip yip uhuh) The opening of the cartons works like their mouths. If you add paint and pipecleaners, it could...
Saving Money on Haircuts for Guys
For Melody_yesterday: most of the hair trimmers come with videos on how to cut hair, and cover this. My hub does a fade, with the shortest for sides and back, then uses a longer one on top, evening out with the scissors and fine comb. Here is a link for a dvd...
Making Your Own Brown Sugar
I have been making my own brown sugar for awhile, with 1 cup sugar to 2 Tbls. molasses. I use an airtight canister to store up to 5 cups at a time. It stores good for me, but where I live is pretty dry, especially in the summer. I go through it fast, so it...
A Wife's Duties (A Joke)
That is hilarious, I was born in IA, and have become alot more ornery in Oregon..but it applies to women in Alaska too! ;) (cabin fever?)
Make Your Own Baby and Toddler Food
I have never thought of beans in the macaroni and cheese! I always sneak in pumpkin puree, which blends in well (3 cubes ) so this is a great hint for extra protien!
Old T-Shirts As Swiffer Replacement
I have used old dishcloths, which scrub even better! I put it on damp, spray cleaner on the cloth or area, and work with it. sometimes the washcloth falls off, but I use that for little areas (or move in one direction)
American Bull Dog With Small Children?
American Bulldogs (if from a trusted line) are normally good with children; my InLaws helped birth eleven of them, whom are all good dogs, and they still have the mother and #5. THey are generally laidback (bull mastif and english bulldog are very easygoing...
Buying Organic Clothing?
Here is a great website with lots of vendors: http://www.coopamerica.org/pubs/greenpages/results.cfm?category=CQ The search bar will limit to stores in your state or you can check their websites. These are also supposed to be no slave labor (unlike some big...
My Mom's "Lid" Drawer
Wow, I havent thought of a name for my drawer, as I already have the junk drawer. I throw my lids, twisties and produce bags in another drawer for food related things. I used my old sturdy lids for baby plates, being the right size!
Mommy Can I Have It?
I know this depends on size availability, but with clothes, we have a store Ross (like TJ Maxx or Gordmanns in the midwest) and you can buy designer, well-made clothes for the same price as the stuff at Walmart (and sometimes Goodwill). And the clearance is...
Preparing for a Baby?
Congratulations on the new blessing..and I understand your concerns. My best friend had three children with high blood pressure concerns. If breastfeeding will not work, the major formula producers all have special programs. You dont have a limit on how many...
Chicken Pulling Out Its Feathers?
I dont know if this helps or not, but my in-laws African Gray parrot would do this. It was young, and attributed to nervous behavior, it had to go through a long move (they were building a home) and any change in its environment would set it off. May be just...
Substitute for a Baster?
My grandmother always used one from the nursing home....could have been for flushing feeding tubes, or other things....we never had the stomach to ask! I use the injector or the plastic tube with rubber pump..just make sure it is on tight. Ive had mine for...
Low Fat Chocolate Cake?
You can make your own powdered sugar with 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, then blend in blender. I have not tried this with Splenda yet (I do not allow any other substitute.) But this will add little carb from the corn starch. I would start with that...
Oregon Governor Lives on Food Stamp Benefit for a Week
Being from Oregon (and no, I am not a fan of Kulengoski).... Ive lived in the midwest and Alaska, and believe me, the state of Oregon has THE BEST cost of living when it comes to groceries...I think the Iowa gov should do this instead, as I have lived in Iowa...
Oregon Governor Lives on Food Stamp Benefit for a Week
Oops, $3 per person? Yeah! Add on Generic (real) choco chips. I also host a cook out when I am broke and have only enough food in the house, Everyone brings something and I end up with four days worth! Share and your cupboards (and heart) will swell!
Oregon Governor Lives on Food Stamp Benefit for a Week
Very interesting insights....I have seen most people buy real food....its the ones that dont know better who buy the convenience food or brand choices because they were raised with that entitlement. Ive even had to rewire some close family that some foods can...
Oregon Governor Lives on Food Stamp Benefit for a Week
I just sat down and did the math...I have a family of four, $3*4=$12/day; 12*7= $84 per week. Hm, just about what I average for EVERYTHING (including tp, papertowels, diapers, cleaning, etc.) SO the food stamp recepients do eat better! I am not upset about...
My Frugal Life: Live Like Good Ol' Grandma
My grandmother was my inspiration...have you ever noticed that when you decide to run out and buy a cake (or something like that) the time and money you spend to get there and come back you already have it made? Convenience food isnt really that convenient...
What Cleaning Products Do You Use?
I use Windex WITH vinegar (no ammonia) EVERYWHERE (really is vinegar & alcohol, but I found it at one store for dirt cheap, and even used it on the carpet to my pleasure!), then clorox wipes for weekly disinfection and as needed on toilets and kitchen; Murphys...
Using Crystal Every Day
I think that is a great idea! It is hard for me because I have a toddler that is notorious for grab N throw...but when he gets older (and more self-control/listens better) I am planning on using my china and crystal more. I like to use it for any family visits...
Feedback About Online Survey Sites?
Some take awhile to build up points but the surveys are legitamite (I have had companies send surveys using the same company independantly) and sometimes youll get products to try. I have cashed in for some prizes, and while I dont get alot, it is nice to get...
Feedback About Online Survey Sites?
sorry, sometimes you do get a check...but it is for under $10 usually. I wouldnt look at it as supplemental income, but they are fun, helpful to companies, and you can get something out of it without paying money!
Mamaw's Tried and True Baby Products Reviews
Re: Johnsons Bath...I get a bad reaction too...I found Baby Magic by Playtex works much better for our sensitive skin, and usually cheaper! The baby shampoo also smells like apples! Petroleum Jelly was bought by the pound for my babies, and prevented diaper...
Stop "Drive-Through" Mastectomies Petition?
What is a drive-through mastectomy? Is this like a same day surgery? (b)Editors Note:(/b) Yes, you can read more about it at the link. The link should work now.
Tree Nut Allergy and Cosmetics?
I use the Olive oil wash from the body shoppe, just too much moisture for me! I have a tree nut allergy too, and it looks like peanuts are included on my list now. I didnt even know that my Sally Hansen hair removal had black walnut extract! I did a yahoo answers...
Making Your Own Marinade
I like to keep it an equal ratio so the oil bonds with the citric acid and ensures it all breaks down. This is the one I use (Cuban Mojo) for one and a half # of meat (chicken or pork pref) 1 cup sour orange juice (or 50-50 lemon/lime juice and sweet orange...
Bargains for Petite Women?
If you have a Gordmans, Rosss or TJ Maxx nearby...they are the same price as Walmart (if not better...the clearance is AWESOME) and have real designer clothes. I bought two pairs of pants and five shirts for $30 in the misses. Im not petite (my sisters qualify...
Container Gardening Tomatoes
here is a great website that shows step by step how to do the upside down tomato planter: http://www.minifarmhomestead.com/gardening/tomato.htm I dont have the set up yet to do this, my yard is rather limited in space, but my mother has seen a man do this in...
Saving Money on Tools
Re: Harbor Freight and no name battery packs...you can get the extended warranty and they will replace those batteries for free for the life of the tool. My husband had one go dead and they replaced it with a new one in another state. They may be cheap, but...
Making Paper Boxes?
Paige, remember the Childcraft series (kind of like an encyclopedia set)? They had a craft book (make & do, i think volume 15) and I remember seeing a pattern you could trace and cut out. It was essentially 6 squares laid flat then fold up and around to tape...
Purse from an Underwire Bra
That is beautiful! I wish I would have seen this when I got rid of all of mine! I read the link for the inspiration, and how funny! Mine would never hold a cell phone, much less spare change!!!!
What Should I Name My Dog?
Go with his personality and looks. I adopted a dog named Charlie, and he looks like the dog Charlie from All Dogs Go to Heaven (but is a big dork!) We kept the name because he is so sweet and silly! I had a cat that the previous owners named Cleopatra, but...
Entering Local Contests
I won an 8 hour use of a bounce-house (large inflatable bouncing room) during fourth of July, because I was the only one to buy 6 raffle tickets for 5 bucks! Our yard was to small, so we used our neighbors lawn and planned an end of summer party. What a blast...
Toning Down the Taste of Wild Game
I simmer cuts in orange juice, marinate with Mojo (Cuban marinade) for at least 6 hours, or stuff with sauerkraut (especially pheasant/duck!). The acid seems to help break down the taste. Cheese crackers tend to have lactic and citric acid, that sounds good...
Toning Down the Taste of Wild Game
I eat it because it is mostly free...and if it was wounded or slow death (like with bow hunting sometimes) the adrenalin can affect the taste of the meat. Some places have a road kill list (charities/foodbanks usually are first) and you can contact local charities...
Buying a Piano?
Check out your local University Music department, sometimes they will sell their practice pianos. I am hoping to get one too (one day!) My five year old really wants to learn. I ran across an estate sale that had a player piano with rolls for 400, you could...
Life Without a Garbage Disposal?
I rarely ever had a garbage disposal growing up (minus the dog!)...When we wash or rinse, we always leave the plug (with the strain holes) in the drain, to catch whatever, and clean when full or afterwards. The only liquid not allowed was oil, and if it is...
Knowing When a Website Was Last Updated?
-I do classes online, and do A LOT of internet research. I use Mozilla Firefox, but when I went through Explorer, using Properties and view Source, no dates popped up (except for when it is copied into your history.) The most common I have seen is the Copyright...
Storing Bread?
We keep ours in the fridge, and store extra in the freezer. We go through it fairly fast, but I am sure to buy the softest loaves on the shelf. I just give a quick pat on the top, a friend in college passed that tip to me. We have dry summers here, so it keeps...
My Frugal Life - Coupons, Contests, Freebies and Rebates
I have been couponing since I moved out of my moms, and my husband didnt understand it until he saw a grocery reciept where I saved us $30 (not including the free gourmet coffee!) Now I collect the Walgreens monthly rebate gift card to go towards my sons monthly...
Save Money on Dish Soap
I throw most everything in the dishwasher, but for the handwashables (and bibs!) I keep my dish soap in a pretty ceramic handsoap dispenser (dhs idea) and use one or two squirts. It took awhile to get used to it, before I had a flower dishwand from Wal-mart...
A Small Book Rack for Cookbooks?
Keep an eye out in thrift stores or used book stores, as sometimes they may carry them, as well as cooking stores with lots of cookbooks. (the one I worked for in AK carried them from time to time.) Also, Betty Crocker Catalog carries them in a set or individually...
Canning to Save Money
I am attempting freezer jam this year, but may switch to the hot water bath (at least the 1/2 pint jars!) I did make my own pectin, and tested out so may be promising! I have alot of fruit for my little yard, and we love pie! Next year, Ill attempt tomatoes...
Can I Save Money Making My Own Baby Food?
Mindy....I live in your neck of the woods....I cooked and blended foods for both my boys (except with the youngest I did buy some that we normally didnt eat, but switched to canned alternatives, like pumpkin (Libbys). If you have a Winco in the area, their...
Can I Save Money Making My Own Baby Food?
about canned fruit: stick to applesauce (unsweetend) and you can buy it in individual cups for traveling. You can also buy pears and peaches with the light syrup (pear juice) and rinse off before mashing (no cooking needed.) Bananas are best fresh, and mashed...
Cloth Diaper Advice?
I used cloth on my first (we had coin-op laundry with the second, so generic diapers were cheaper.) Stock up on PETROLEUM JELLY.....that is the NUMBER ONE diaper rash prevention tool, and much cheaper than desitin! Smells better, too. I bought a 5 gallon pail...
Can I Save Money Making My Own Baby Food?
I think youll do fine, Mindy...And alot more companies are making canned foods with no salt added or less sugar, but read the label to rule out hidden sweetners (especially artificial!) If it is just salt, most of it can be rinsed away, and a little doesnt...
Saving For School Expenses
As this is my sons first year of school (kindergarten) we have to chip in for class supplies as well as his personal items. Luckily I got my list/paperwork early through special placement, but I found that at the end of July, many stores were doing special...
Suggestions for Using Balsamic Vinegar?
I use the balsamic vinegar in my good seasonings cruet jar (for more flavor than apple cider vinegar) or you may use it for adding flavor to meat (great on pork!)
Drying Bread for Bread Crumbs?
if they are thin sliced, i put it in a large baking pan at 180 degrees (warm) for one hour, then let it sit in the oven after it is shut off for another. I then place it in a sturdy bag, like a freezer bag (clean & re-used) and squeeze the excess air out. I...
Watch Out For Aspartame
Dr Beth...Splenda is made from Sugar, but processed with chlorine (you are right about the allergies!)
Baking With Silicon Bakeware
I had to try these out when I worked at a cookware store, so we could give honest feed back to the customers. My problem was with the muffin pan (only had 6 regular cups) and to make a regular batch took all afternoon! I thought the baking quality was okay...
Cuban Empanadas
Yes....cook with sofritto (minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped yellow peppers) sautee in a little olive oil and salt for flavor. My DH uses store bought pie crust (roll out and bake) for REAL fast empanadas
Pizza Bites
my ds, also in kindergarten, doesnt like the store bought pizza bites, or much other processed food for that matter! What a different thrifty alternative! THANK YOU!
Gift Ideas for Men?
Food and tools...I got my DH hot sauce and gourmet stuffed olives in his stocking one year, and he loved them (his co-workers didnt......) If you know they have a computer and like to download music/games/etc you can get them cd or dvd recorder discs, as part...
Repairing Water Damage From an Overflowing Toilet Upstairs?
I would contact the Manager, and tell them were the leak was, because it sounds like you have standing moisture/water in there=MILDEW!! If you have a baby or respiratory problems, that is a bad thing to let go. They need to check it out and report it/fix it...
Refilling a Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner?
Walmart has Arm & Hammer Shower Clean for about $2, give or take, and I love that but I really want to try the scrubbing bubbles with that as a refill. I love their toilet brush!!! THats my splurge!
Give Store Brands a Try
Store brands are great, especially since if you dont like it, you WILL GET MONEY BACK, unlike with name brands. There is no risk. I have returned coffee because it was not as good quality. Now where Walker is coming from, you may have run across the lower end...
Poll: Do you have a dog?
I have one dog, Charlie, who is 6 years old (german shephard/husky) and he is 100% dorkdog! He is almost my size, but the only thing dangerous on him is his tongue and tail! He loves our boys so much, he sleeps under the bunk bed and never lets them out of...
Cleaning Burnt Oil Stains from a Sauté Pan?
If it is stainless steel/aluminum please try Barkeepers friend (sold next to Bon Ami) it is the best for removing old stains. Dampen the area, sprinkle it on, rub it in and let it set for a minute or two. Then scrub to rinse it off. It takes some elbow grease...
My Frugal Life - The Frugal Gene
My DH came home this morning to find me making my own pectin for jam with unripe apples in our yard, and I didnt have cheesecloth for straining...just old underwear! Some in my family dont have the gene too, though they made due when money was tight. As soon...
Making Beer Can Chicken?
You can put your favorite seasonings inside the beer...I am big on italian seasoning and some garlic; or you can throw in a spicy red pepper base. Rub some on the outside of the bird, also, so the flavor is all over.
My Frugal Wedding
I was blessed to use my MILs dress (my DH is only child) but we lost it in a fire - handmade! I love the FP topper! They are in great shape! Congratulations!
Mattress Reviews and Advice?
I have the simmons Beautyrest, which I like. THis is my second one in ten years, because we lost the first one to smoke/water damage (and the movers broke the frame just before that). It is a firm mattress, but my DH has back problems and prefers the couch...
Using Dry Milk for Baking
You also cannot taste the difference when it is mixed with chocolate! I use a kind in the yellow bag (now it comes in the bulk bin, but my mother gave me a package from her local food bank) and it is the smoothest mixing I have ever used. My DH still cant stand...
Cooking When the Power Goes Out?
Betsy LT - we used to grill ALL year in ALaska, especially for holidays and Super-Bowl! I keep extra charcoal and fluid through the winter just in case. Unfortunately, we have more rain than snow here in Oregon!
Fabric Softeners?
Ammonia is toxic! And if you have bleach in the water (or in most common detergents...) watch out! Better to go with vinegar and/or baking soda. But it will not help with the static electricity...I am still trying to find that help, with out the toxins!
Which crockpot brand name is the best?
Rival 5 qt with removable ceramic crock. Put your food in the night before, then while you are getting ready for work, let it set on the counter to warm up, then turn it on before you go (or add your liquid warm to help with the temp change). I have had mine...
Freebies from Hotels, Restaurants, Etc.
I use these for travel, emergency kits and when we run low on house supplies...I made pancakes one morning with yogurt and half/half to substitute for milk! YUMMY! It was better than buttermilk! I got all mine from a weeklong hospital visit....you think hotels...
Almost Free Boredom Busters
We live in Willamette Valley in Oregon, and I came across one of the local nursery that has a HUGE corn maze; it is 3-4 dollars to go in, but ages 5 and under are free....Farmer Johns is the name. We are doing that as an activity for my sons 5th birthday, with...
Conserving and Cutting Laundry Costs
I dont have enough room for a real clothesline, so I willl be investing in a large rack to use on the patio in summer and the garage in winter. Great for hot days or big blankets!
Saving Money on Diet Snacks
I buy: grapes (also good to freeze!) blueberries, pretzels, carrot sticks (w/wet paper towel), cheerios (more for kids),frosted shredded wheat (for me), snack crackers (gold-fish, generic form), and gallon size bags: POPCORN! I buy whole-grain cereal, snacks...
Saying "No" to Charities?
Start off by saying, I apologize for canceling, but unforseen circumstances (no details) have forced me to cancel. If you gave them a credit card, be sure to get a confirmation letter!
Silly Putty on an Antique Oriental Rug?
could you try rubbing salt? It would stick to it and help break it down (abrasive) without harming the dye, then you could vacuum the smaller pieces?
Silly Putty on an Antique Oriental Rug?
Im an idiot....ICE or can of compressed air turned upside down...it will freeze and you can break it off. And you can thank my DH! His mom has oriental rugs!
Make Your Own "Elmers" Glue
I would think instant would work, as it is equivelant to skim milk when fully constituted.
Uses for Chipped China Platters?
I saw an artist profiled on Martha Stewart (I think) that uses old china pieces for mosaic artwork. You could google that in. It looks wonderful on a table top or a wall hanging.
Bottled vs Canned Spaghetti Sauce?
Francisco Rinaldi...hands down! But one time I bought the hunts tomato sauce and followed the recipe for homemade sauce....now I use one can of sauce (Roasted Garlic flavored, same for pizza) instead of two and replace the other with diced tomatoes (italian...
Using Car Wash Water on Plants?
I would pick somecleaner that wont harm the plants (some cleaners have ammonia base) I use my mopwater on my plants for soil conditioner (less watering) and it keeps little gnats at bay: Basic H and you can get it at www.healthyhomeworld.com The cleaning spray...
Keeping Long Hair From Getting Tangled in the Vacuum?
Honestly, I went through the same thing after I weaned my son. I got so disgusted I put it in a poney tail and lopped it off. So it was like an A line (shorter in back than front) but because my older son scared me in the middle of it, I had to get it fixed...
Grape Jelly Recipes?
If you are in OR...Albertsons has the Sure-Gel Freezer Jam Pectin (at $1 each for a time) just crush the fruit and mix. I used the blender because my blueberries didnt smash up with the masher very well (but the blackberries were falling apart! It said 5 8oz...
Aerobie Espresso Maker Review
We have two stovetop espresso makers (cafetterias) italian style, 3 shot and 6 shot. If you go to a Latin or Italian area (like Miami or New York), you can get them very cheap. Cooks right on the stove, similar to a percalator. My DH used to be a barista at...
Make a Weekly Menu Before Shopping
Judy - I would love to see a draft of your weekly menu....I have been thinking about doing this (not for grocery shopping) because sometimes I just get too busy to prepare, or come up with everything in the freezer TOO Late! I have two boys 5 and 18 months...
Travel Tips for Kansas City, KS?
You can take them to the Cabelas store. It is a lot of fun without spending money! They have a large aquarium set up and stuffed big game (the elephants are amazing!) They also have some awesome fudge, so I would set aside some money for that! My DH went there...
Uses for Plastic Oval Shaped Mayonnaise Jars?
I am planning on using one or two for my sons toys/craft items. Or you could decorate/cover the tops and use them for gift boxes (like to hold soaps and things) or piggy banks.
Pyrex Bakeware in Different Shapes?
You can get ceramic, like Chantal or check Corningware/Corelle (made by same company as Pyrex.)
