Silence Is Golden
Hearing voices from a telephone wire? No, there are no voices in the wire, only electricity. Thats why we call the part we listen to the receiver, because it receives the electrical impulses and converts them to sound. Its interesting that you heard faint voices...
Frugality And A Question Of Morals
When charities send me as much as a nickel or dime in an envelope, I keep the money and write them off as a place I will never contribute to. If thats what they do with the money donated to them, I consider them poor stewards of their monetary resources. If...
Check Street Signs Thoroughly
Well THATS a dirty trick! A sign on one sign of the road that applies to the other side as well. Not to mention, the specific hours/day indicated on the sign would require one to enter the prohibited parking time in ones electronic planner in order to avoid...
Clean Inside Spatula Handles
What a timely post! This same thing just happened to me a couple of weeks ago, though my spatula wasnt as moldy as yours was inside. I did an online search for this issue and found that many others had the same unhappy surprise as I had! I followed the suggestions...
Paying with Coins at Self-Check Out
Choosing not to use self checkouts is a deliberate decision. All of the inconveniences you listed against using them are valid, but I still choose to deal with them rather than use self checkouts. Not only do self checkouts eliminate jobs, but they force the...
Cause of Tickling and Crunching Noises Inside My Ear?
What youre describing can simply be from a hair off your head that fell into your ear and is occasionally brushing against your eardrum. Its happened to me many times and its very irritating. I squirt some warm water into my ear to flush out the hair. If that...
Struggling with my Small Budget
Glad you got those glasses. Good for you, taking these first steps. The most important step of all is not to add to those credit card balances while you work so hard to pay them off and improve your credit score. But I believe you when you say youll be more...
Value of Vintage Wardrobe?
I agree - its a design typical of the 1930s. I couldnt venture a guess on the value, but judging by how much of this kind of mass-produced furniture was made and is still around, its not likely to have much value other than sentimental. Technically, this kind...
T-shirt Fold for Storage and Traveling
mabel_lee2, I fold my shirts the way you do - holding them by the shoulders, folding the sides inward, and then down in half, thirds, or even quarters. Ive found that to work better for me than the GAP fold demonstrated here, only because with my fold you dont...
WWI Spice Cake
Several sauerkraut chocolate cake recipes online. Heres one from a site thats usually a good bet! https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sauerkraut-chocolate-cake/
Frugal Parenting
Good for you, to be so concerned about your childs early education! Theres never such a thing as too much education, I dont think, but remember that the Internet is really a very recent tool. Children who were born before everyone had access to such a powerful...
Inverted Dish to Keep Salads Crisp
Just use a smaller diameter dish for the bowl with straight sides. If a saucer is too large, use a small candy dish/bowl. Anything would work.
Curtain Color Advice?
The smaller the room, the lighter you want whats in it to be or it will look even smaller. Id go with a curtain similar to the color on the walls, so they blend in.
Healthy Chicken Dinner Foil Packets
I agree that I would not make this up and let it sit in the fridge for a week before cooking. However, as far as the comment about aluminum causing Alzheimers goes, that was debunked. Heres a quote taken directly from the Alzheimers Association website: Myth...
Twisting a Bamboo Stem?
You cant just twist a straight bamboo stem. Its not like hair! :-) The curls in bamboo stems were grown that way. The part of the stem that is already straight will always stay straight. Its possible to grow a curly plant yourself, but it will take many months...
Take Monthly Photos of Baby
I think your monthly photos are great. As for your thoughts on how you could have made them even better, Id just say be careful not to obsess too much about making them perfect, because its like anything else we do - were always going to think after the fact...
Organizing Spice Tins
Couldnt help but notice theyre not alphabetized! ;-) Thats hugely important, in my opinion, to keeping them organized.
Eating a Cupcake With Less Mess
I see this is a very old post, but still, I wanted to comment that breaking the bottom off of the cupcake and putting it on top, like a frosting sandwich, is the only way my brothers and I ever ate cupcakes since we were growing up in the 1950s. We didnt do...
Avoid Aspartame for Bladder Control Issues
Wow, thats great! Im glad you found the information, glad your mother finally tried it, and glad it made a positive difference. Incredible sometimes that there can be such simple solutions!
Room Outlets Not Working?
The very same thing happened to us recently. Outlets that go out together do so because that set is connected to one another by the wiring in the walls. If there is a break in the power anywhere along that circuit they will all go out. It wont necessarily blow...
Don't Bother With Homemade Beauty Products
Hopeful, I totally agree. I think its fine that people want to avoid using products with chemicals or man-made ingredients, but in that case there are 100% organic options. And it isnt as if using food as beauty products provides a more effective, or even equally...
Using an Effusion Oil Lamp?
I make my own fragrances for my Lampes Berger using 16 oz. of 91% isopropyl alcohol, 8-10 drops of a pure essential oil, and NO water. I have had no problems with the stones going out. I dont understand why some recipes recommend adding distilled water, but...
Remedy for Twitchy Legs?
Add a little more potassium daily, like a banana, orange, or some tomato juice. And try to always stay hydrated - lots of water during the day. Might not want to drink a huge amount just before bed, though, to prevent nighttime bathroom visits!
Use Place Mats for Shelves in Fridge
I think I wouldnt like how placemats (or anything else covering the shelf) would block so much light! My fridge has only one bulb, on the back wall at the top, and I think this is typical. Ive often wished there was better lighting in my fridge!
Gnats in the Bathroom?
You might be dealing with sewer gnats/drain flies. They can set up housekeeping in floor and sink drains. First Id try slowly pouring a half gallon of boiling water down every drain in the room. Dont pour it too fast - you want some water to remain in the trap...
My Frugal Life: I Love Eating Out!
Good for you, Lovejoy, to love eating out but be enthusiastic about recreating restaurant dishes at home! I also love eating out, but when I say out, I mean out. I no longer want the hassle of shopping, cooking, and cleaning up afterwards. In my case, its not...
Organize Bills By Type
This is how I organized hard copies of bills when I worked as an office manager. That way when I changed vendors, like phone service, office supplies, printers, etc., the whole history was filed by category rather than vendor name. It made it easier not only...
Kenmore Elite Ice Maker is Rusty?
I dont have an answer, Alissa, but youre not alone! My GE refrigerator has the same issue. The rust started when it was about 5 years old. Its the big spring-like gear that pushes the cubes along that is rusting. Several times I pulled out the tray and scrubbed...
Removing Sticky Price Label Residue on Boxes?
A little blob of peanut butter will work. Just let it sit for a little while so the oil saturates the sticky stuff. I find it works as well as the store-bought stuff without the smell or chemicals. If theres any sticky left after the first application, give...
When Are You Being Too Frugal?
Deeli, I loved your post and I do indeed recognize myself in several of your points! Thriftyboo, I understand what youre saying. But in a way I think Deelis point about treating yourself occasionally isnt that different from how you feel. She just finds different...
Washing Your Hair With Hard Water?
Just a quick clarification to the response by Paula Jo Carr. Boiling water doesnt turn it into distilled water, it just kills any bacteria. Distillation is the process of boiling the water and re-condensing the steam into a clean container, leaving contaminants...
Youngest Child Opens Presents First
Weve done this youngest first all our lives - my folks did it first when my brothers and I were kids, and we carried on the tradition when we had our own families. We still do it to this day, and our youngest is 50 years old (we have no grandkids), and my husband...
Tape Recipes Inside Cabinet Doors
I like this tip, too. I like it so much Ive been doing it myself for over 40 years! :-)
Alternate Uses for Dental Floss
All great ideas, and I admit Ive done some of them myself over the years. But oh dear, only for FRESH floss! Even if washed and cleaned in alcohol, I think reusing dental floss instead of simply throwing it away after using is taking recycling to a further...
Canker Sore Remedies?
Oh gosh, ipeace, citrus fruit makes my canker sores worse! Jose, you say you are really stressed, but unfortunately stress is known to cause canker sores or make them worse. If rinsing in warm salted water a few times a day doesnt start to take care of them...
Scenery: Country Living
I dont know, Emily, I guess its different strokes for different folks. Im almost 61, and have lived in the country for all but 7 years of my life. Now that Im retired its no big deal, but when my kids were young and I had to drive them to school, or drive myself...
Loaning Money to Relatives
Old saying: Never loan more than you can afford to lose. Once it leaves your hands, realize that you may never see it again. If you can live with that possibility, go ahead and loan it.
My Frugal Life: Cooking From Scratch
How many years ago was it that were you able to feed a family for a month for $65 per person? (You mentioned that it was when your children were growing up.)
My Frugal Life: Living The Lifestyle
Well, more power to you! But at the risk of sounding like a doubter, I would say that regardless of cutting corners every possible way one can, one would still have to be bringing in a substantial income pretty regularly in order to pay off 2 mortgages, $10...
Increasing Frequency of Traffic Tickets
rjwilcox, you are SO right! When times get tough, the cops get going! Im in Michigan and believe me, times are definitely tough here! And the number of citations is booming! There are police patrolling roads now where we hardly ever saw them before. Everybody...
Lola Valley Park (OR)
Your photos are beautiful, Cheryl! You have found a wonderful location for photography! My husband graduated from Redford Union back in the mid-1950s. He has often talked about running on their cross country team and all the miles he ran through Lola Valley...
Shop for Craft Supplies at Thrift Stores
I agree, watch out for pin cushions. But Ive been ambushed by needles hiding inside my OWN pincushions! On occasion Ive reached over and grabbed my tomato a little too firmly and POKE - I get stuck with a stealth needle! I always leave thread in the needles...
Why are the Buckles and Handles on Coach Purse Turning Red?
Regarding whether its real, unless you bought it at a Coach store or reputable department store, youll never really know for sure. Its a shame things have to be that way, but sadly its just how it is these days.
Washing Grimy Socks
Hmmmm... do you think maybe you could have skipped the Listerine and hand lotion and just tried the shampoo? Shampoo is known for breaking down dirty, greasy spots prior to doing the laundry. But I have to tell you that I did get a chuckle when you said I just...
Pouring Ketchup Faster
The drinking straw thing does work, but its m-e-s-s-y! I just give the bottle a few good shakes before opening, with the last shake sending it toward the end youll be opening.
Grammar Tip: "Stationary" vs "Stationery"
Long ago in elementary school, the nun who taught us English gave us a hint about Stationery/Stationary that I have used ever since. The hint was that the a in Stationary stands for always, as in always in the same spot. Never forgetting that simple tip made...
Red Carpet Birthday Party
No offense intended, but I think theres something inappropriate about this kind of party theme for little girls. Dressing up for a princess theme party, maybe, because thats all make-believe. But glamour outfits, red carpet, paparazzi, and serving fake drinks...
Celery For Heartburn
Mom always swore by green peppers for this purpose. I love celery, so will be happy to give that a try.
Use Chewing Gum to Calm Stomach
Back in the 50s I was a kid who got carsick easily, even on short rides. My mom always kept a pack of Beemans gum in her purse and would give me a stick when I started to complain about feeling sick. Most of the time if I got the gum it did seem to take the...
Frigidaire Dishwasher is Flashing HO While Washing?
Your dishwasher must have a feature that heats the water to a preset temperature. If the water that enters the dishwasher from your hot water pipe isnt hot enough, the dishwasher wont advance the cycle until the built in heater brings the water up to the preset...
Honey for Minor Burns
Im glad that the honey treatment has had no bad effects for this writer and others who have commented. Ive heard people recommend this over the years, and although Im no medical professional, my husband did spend over two months in a burn unit years ago following...
Laptop Key Not Working?
Hi! A couple of thoughts: Holding down the FN key while pressing Num Lock is necessary to activate Num Lock with some laptops. Have you tried that? Also, not to minimize the problem, but Num Lock isnt really necessary for much anymore, since there are other...
Is There a Difference Between the Rehearsal and Groom's Dinner?
Maybe your sister is confused because there is such a thing as a Grooms Cake (not every wedding has one). But theres no celebration to honor the groom. Except the Bachelor Party, if theres going to be one of those!
Pack Up Christmas For New Years
Its either the 5th or the 6th, depending on the culture celebrating. Some consider Christmas Day the First Day of Christmas, others start counting with the day AFTER Christmas Day as the First Day of Christmas. Either way, Twelfth Night is the night between...
Drain Browned Ground Beef in a Colander
I stand the colander in a bowl and the cooked ground beef drains into the bowl. Once the grease firms up, I use a rubber spatula to scoop it out of the bowl and into the trash. A paper towel removes any grease residue before the bowl gets washed. By using a...
Taster Turkeys For Picky Eaters
Hello all - its Janet, who posted this tip. I am so taken back by such kind comments about my ideas! I just wanted to thank you all not only for taking the time to read it but for sending such nice responses! I wont be blessed with biological grandkids, so...
Save Time and Money With Home Cooked Meals
I dont think theres a wrong answer for To eat out or not to eat out. Its true that eating out can become an expense, and that its possible to eat in an unhealthy way, but my husband and I enjoy eating most of our main meal each day at a restaurant or carry...
Shred Personal Information into the Garbage
Sometimes people forget what others used to do before it was decided that households need electric shredders! Good tip!
Remember To RSVP To Invitations
I am 60 years old and still it never fails to amaze me that there are people who either dont understand what RSVP means, or who dont care to put out the ounce of effort it takes to respond. It is incredible to me the number of people who still feel entitled...
Furoshiki: Japanese Wrapping Cloth
At the risk of sounding cynical, I wanted to make an observation. While I appreciate that a furoshiki is an ancient Japanese method of carting things about, I dont think it is particularly amazing. Doesnt it come naturally to enclose items in a piece of cloth...
Holly (Domestic Shorthair)
Those two little girls were incredibly lucky when they ran out of the weeds that day and adopted such a wonderful family!
Making Glasses Less Shiny?
I got the anti-reflective coating on a pair of glasses I once had, and I hated it! They looked fantastic when they were clean. But that was the problem - they were impossible to keep clean! Even though I was extremely careful with them, they constantly got...
Preventing Fish Oil Capsule Burps
Also, be aware that fish oil capsules can go rancid quickly! I learned this the hard way when both my husband and I developed cramping and intestinal problems soon after starting a new bottle of capsules. Id left them out where the bottle was exposed to a lot...
Living With Less
I must admit Im a little taken back by this degree of simplifying! I cant quite figure out the logistics. Where do you sleep (you mentioned bed sheets)? Does your house just sit empty (except for your stuff) while you travel and live out of the truck? How big...
Living With Less
notwrong, thanks for taking the time for sharing so many details of your familys adventures. I sincerely believe that you were born a free spirit with much creativity and flexibility just waiting to be put to use, and I also think you have a lot of courage...
Reusing Plastic Soap Dispensers
I do think that this is a good thrifty tip. But to be honest, MartyD, I think that anyone whos been married for 54 years has a permanent free pass to buy themselves whatever store bought goodies catch their eye, whether its thrifty or not. Seriously. Congratulations...
Leave Craft Magazines Intact
I agree with this tip of not tearing magazines. I worked in a medical office for many years and we subscribed to a number of magazines for our waiting room. Patients would frequently tear pages from the magazines, or would just take the entire magazine home...
Scenery: Swamp Boardwalk (Woods Bay in Kingstree, SC)
Wow, thats absolutely beautiful! Ill bet the mosquitoes are fierce, though!
Be Aware of Driving Laws in Different States
Wow, I thought all States had the law about all traffic stopping when a school bus stops! I cant imagine a law that allows the oncoming traffic to continue - kids often have to cross the street to get on or off the bus!
Dried Potato for Making a Dolls Face?
Ive also only heard of (and years ago made) dried apple head dolls. I used to make corn husk dolls, too. Thats a beautiful example in the photo! On one corn husk doll I made for my mother I attached a much smaller corn husk doll to its hand - a dolly for the...
Can Your Water Make You Itch?
Hopefully your home has an operational water softener installed. With very hard well water like yours its a necessity. If you have one, is it working properly? Is it simply out of salt? Ive had well water in every home Ive lived in, and I assure you that hard...
Rubber Ducks Not Floating Upright?
Do the ducks have a hole in the bottom where air blows out when you squeeze the duck? If so, squeeze the duck and submerge it in water. Let go and it will inhale water. The water should make it bottom-heavy enough to float upright. Might take a couple of inhales...
Dismantle Old Jewelry to Make New Treasures
I think Patti and Emily were destined to be jewelry makers! Re-cycling old neglected treasures is a favorite of us beaders. Good for you!
Buy at Garage Sales and Make Money
I can sort of see both sides of this issue. On one hand, I can appreciate the initiative it takes to seek out bargains and sell them for more. I do something similar, in that I make jewelry, which means I buy various bits and pieces, put them together into...
Check Out Your Local State or County Fairs
Wow! My first comment disappeared, so I guess someone saw fit to delete it as being too harsh on the author, and I take exception to having it removed! Perhaps we need to back off on being so politically correct and allow honest responses that encourage honest...
Can Only One Child Have Head Lice?
Years ago head lice were spreading through my kids school. My daughter caught them but my son didnt, and neither did I even though I worked in my daughters classroom as a teaching assistant every day. It took a lot of trying to totally eradicate them, and in...
Tips for Singles on Valentine's Day
Not to minimize how it feels to be single when youd prefer not to be, please try not to assign too much importance to Valentines Day! Just keep in mind that Valentines Day is basically a Hallmark Holiday, meaning that its original meaning has been blown way...
Putting Shower Curtain and Liner on One Rod?
Always just one - shower rods/rings/curtains are designed to fit on one rod. Windows sometimes need double curtain rods, but not shower curtains. Thats why if the shower curtain has a valance, its attached right onto the curtain, below the holes for rings. On...
Chicken Casserole with White Sauce?
Check out recipes for Chicken a la King. Sounds like you may be thinking of that.
Keeping Tuna Salad from Being Dry?
Some of these tuna recipes sound great! Mine (my moms) was always very simple - canned tuna, Miracle Whip, and celery diced small. Nothing else. (ESPECIALLY no onions! Ive had restaurant tuna salad with onions and in my opinion they totally overpower the taste...
15 Year Wants to Sleep at Her Boyfriend's House?
What in the world are some people here thinking!? The only time a 15 year old girl might be permitted to sleep over at her boyfriends house is when her boyfriend is sleeping over somewhere else! I am astounded at how naive some people are. Or maybe this is...
Dishwasher Soap For Hand Washing
Ooooo, ouch! I agree that dishwasher soap is WAY too strong for hands. Gloves are a must and be careful not to splash the water onto your clothes or skin!
