Free Pill Boxes
I put four weeks of pills together at one time. I have three pillboxes per week. Upstairs I have one box with pills I take at bedtime and when I wake. Downstairs I have one for pills I take with breakfast and dinner and one for pills I take only with breakfast...
Gratitude Not Attitude
Thanks for great essay and the reminder to be grateful for the small and large things in our lives.
Saving on Lotion (Hubby Style)
Yes, I agree there is a lot of lotion left after the pump stops working. You have a very creative husband. My solution to this issue is that I keep a small jar handy for this leftover lotion. I turn the bottle upside down into the jar. When the bottle is empty...
Love Grows Valentine Card
Beautiful card and great idea to use magazine pages for hearts. Thanks for sharing.
Brownie Brittle
This sounds delish!! I think it would make a great gift for the holidays. Thanks so much. Have a great day!
Use Your Own Pen to Stay Healthy
Great tip. I usually carry a pen in my purse, but this is a good reminder as to why I need to pull it out more to use it. Thanks.
Easy and Effective Pomegranate Deseeding
Thanks for these tips. It is a messy job but delicious when finished. Ill have to try this next time I buy a pomegranate. Love them!
Five Minute Emergency Gift Wrap
Very pretty. I love your creativity and quick thinking to get the package wrapped and out the door in a very few minutes.
Organize Clothes by Vertical Folding
These are great ideas. I roll my camisoles/tank tops and keep them in a small drawer. I always wear another top over them, so wrinkles dont matter. I fold knit tops (long sleeve, sweatshirts, etc.) and put them on my closet shelf by category. I have labeled...
Disposing of Cooking Grease
We seem to have more space in the freezer than in the fridge. We have an upright freezer in the basement to hold most of our frozen items. Glad to know the fridge would work as well.
My Retired Tea Towels
I enjoy seeing how other people use old items. These are great uses, some of which I had not thought about. We dont like to use paper towels either, so I cut some towels in smaller sections for small jobs. I keep some upstairs and down - all within easy reach...
My Retired Tea Towels
If the old towels have holes in them, I cut them into 6-8 squares and use them to wipe up spills, counters, etc. I add them to the laundry and re-use over and over. During this coronavirus, we have used more paper towels in these few months than we have in...
Easily Remove Grease from Ground Beef
This is a simple idea, but I hate to use paper towels. I do your first couple of steps where you brown the meat, then tilt the pan. At that point I dip the grease out of the pan and put it in an empty can, (a soup can, etc. the larger the better). I put the...
Yarn for Autism Crochet Project?
If you have senior centers in your area, you may be able to put a note on their bulletin boards or in their newsletters. Many seniors are downsizing and are more than willing to give their craft supplies if they can find a good home for them. Also yard sales...
Cross Stitch Project Advice?
My mother made several of these baby blankets (quilts) for the grandchildren. She tried her best to not have stitches showing on the backside. This method is more time-consuming than putting the needle all the way through the fabric each time, but it solves...
Removing Tie Dye from Clothing?
A box of Rit Color Remover might be a solution for you. I have used it to take color out of a sheet that came out of the washer all blotchy for some unknown reason. Sometimes grocery stores carry some Rit Dye products. I got a box recently at a craft store...
No More Paper Products
I agree that using cloth napkins and rags for cleaning saves a lot of money. We have been doing this for about 10 years. I also keep a container of small rags under the sink for the greasy, red sauce spills that I dont want to stain my regular cloths I use...
DIY Gel Laundry Detergent
I use a version of this plus I use about one-fourth cup of Clorox in my whites. Colleen, for your husbands colored t-shirts, you might be able to use Clorox for Colors. Im not sure if this will help you or not. I like the DIY laundry detergent for its thriftiness...
Plastic Spoon Flowers
Oh, these are so creative. I have never seen anything like it. Thanks for sharing with us.
Making a Wall Mounted Blow Dryer Holder?
The simple solution for me was to stick a 3M Command plastic hook on the wall to hang my hair dryer by its loop. I did not have space for a holder.
Glass Painting Templates?
Im not sure, but you might find them on MarthaStewart.com. She has glass paint out now. You can probably find the paint at Michaels. This is a project that is on my list to try. It looks like a lot of fun. Good luck with your project.
Arranging Cookies for a Cookie Exchange?
At our local dollar store, I saw some holiday-themed boxes that would make a nice presentation for probably a dozen small cookies. I believe there were five in a package. You fold them into shape and the handles lock into place. I bought some of this same type...
Storm Preparation
Thanks for the great tips. Its the practical tips that come in handy together with the professional tips that help us all be better prepared. In Delaware snowstorms are not new to us. We are learning that the major storms, like Sandy, with the high winds and...
Applying Glitter to Furniture?
I dont know if this would work, but you could experiment. I saw on the Pinterest.com site, where you mix Mod Podge and fine glitter. Then brush it on paper to do crafts. You might try it with different ratios of Mod Podge to glitter to see how it worked and...
Making a Yarn Keeper?
I am not a knitter, but I saw an idea for another use that might work. Could you use old socks to hold the yarn? By using one sock per color, they would not roll around or become tangled. Then all the socks (colors) could go in a box, basket, whatever is handy...
Crafts Using Men's Ties?
I saw a picture of a Christmas wreath made from ties having red designs in them. The ties were wrapped around a styrofoam form with the pointed ends on the outside edge. It was very pretty. I have not made one. Its on my list to get to someday.
Clothing Dye Transferred in the Wash?
If you can find RIT Dye Color Remover, it works great to remove color transferred from one item to another. I recently put a white shirt in the dryer with a red shirt (had washed them separately - so much for being frugal on using the dryer!) and other items...
Retirement Gifts for Female Friend?
Thanks, Poor But Proud, for this idea. Thats a good place to start.
Tips for Estate Planning
My mother had everything we needed when she passed, which made it so much easier. Another thing to add to the list if there is a house involved and especially if it is out of your area or state, it is very helpful to have a list of the different repair/maintenance...
Removing Dye Transferred in the Wash?
Rit Dye has a product called Rit Color Remover. I have used it several times and have had good luck. It can be found at the grocery store, Walmart, etc. Any place that sells Rit Dye would probably have it. Thats a frustrating problem. Good luck to you.
Take a Photo of Ideas in Waiting Room Magazines
Another take on this concept that Ive read is to not touch the magazines in a doctors office because sick people with germs have probably touched them, especially in the winter. If it is a dental office or a specialist where sick people with colds, flu, etc...
Saving Plastic Food Liners
I use the cereal liners to defrost meat. When I buy large portions of meat and flash freeze it. I put several pieces (pork chops, chicken, etc.) in a large plastic zip top bag. Then when I need a couple of pieces for dinner, I put them in a plastic cereal liner...
Cut Lotion Bottle To Use All
I love this tip. Im not skilled enough to use a knife on the lotion bottle. I have to it the wimpy way, but it gets the job done. I have a pretty wide-mouthed jar I use for the lotion leftovers. I take off the pump or lid and turn the bottle upside down over...
Re-using Printer Paper
I, too, have been doing this for years. When I first retired in 2004, I printed 1000s of recipes from the internet. I organized them into 3-ring binders so I could find them, but never tried most. A few years ago, I decided to downsize all those recipes. I...
Get Address Labels from Charities
Also I find them handy to carry in my purse when completing name and address for credit card, a drawing, give to a new friend, etc. They are certainly more legible than my handwriting. lol
Sign Up for Local Freecycle
I signed up for freecycle and literally got tons of emails. I would suggest if you sign up, use a separate email address from the one you use for friends and newsletters, like Thrifty Fun, etc. My mind isnt what it used to be and I forgot about which email...
Extreme Recarding
This is a great idea and Im sure your cards are beautiful. For those who want more tips about reusing old cards, go on YouTube.com and search. Ive seen several videos with great ideas. I have even cut pretty Christmas pictures from the front of charity envelopes...
Shower Cap Food Cover
A friend gave me a package of these a few years ago and I love them. She got them from Starcrest.com You may know them, they send an envelope full of products quite often in the mail. I just looked them up online and these Fitted Bowl Covers are on sale at...
Choose 3 Things a Day
I like this idea better than the one Ive been using. When I retired as few years ago after having too many things on my plate, I wondered how I would fill my days. On this site or another helpful site I read a suggestion about putting five things on a to-do...
Substitute for Gouda Cheese in a Recipe?
Thanks to all of you for your helpful info. If the recipe makes it to keeper status (meaning it passes my DHs taste test), Ill let you know. I make dinner on Tuesdays and Thursdays and he makes dinner the other nights unless we go out. He likes to cook. Let...
Banana Dogs
I love peanut butter and banana sandwiches. This is a great idea to use leftover hot dog buns. I also like to add raisins to my sandwich. A lot of times if Im grazing over the kitchen sink for lunch, I just get a glob of peanut butter on a knife, spread it...
Binder Clip For Small Artwork
Ive also seen binder clips used to hold recipes, etc. by putting the back on the table and the recipe between the - oh my goodness what do you call the wings. Sorry I dont have a picture. But upside down from the picture of this posting. Hope you get the idea...
Pinwheel Card
Great card. Thanks for posting the info. I think the pinwheel idea can be used for a man, woman or childs card.
Break Up Lumps in Dishwasher Detergent
Thanks for the idea. I have a box of Cascade that had gotten damp in our basement. I have been breaking the small clumps with my fingers, but a plastic bag would do it all at one time. Glad you got a good bargain!
Freeze Cheese in Wrapping
Thanks for the tip about freezing cheese. One tip I found recently is to put freshly grated cheese, like parmesan, in a glass jar. It lasts a lot longer than in the plastic container I had used in the past. I also love the new plastic lids for Mason jars.
Kitchen Counter and Wall Color Advice?
I think I would go with the verde butterfly to give you a little color. But the black would also look very nice. I think either color would give you lots of options to add color to your kitchen in wall art, window treatments, etc. Your accent color(s) could...
Easy Pecan Bark Candy
This recipe sounds delicious. Ill have to add it to my holiday party menu. Thanks for something so easy.
Cleaning Glass Shower Doors?
Im not sure what you may be doing to cause the marks you have. I have used a squeegee for about a year and have never had any marks. The one I use has a plastic handle and plastic blade. When I first began using a squeegee, I tried an old one I found in the...
It Costs Nothing To Smile
I also smile at everyone I meet. I figure my smile may be the only one some people get all day and that makes them and me feel good. I will add a prayer for them. Thanks for the tip.
Tax Free School Shopping Weekend
Here in Delaware we are a sales-tax free state and do not have sales tax any day of the year. Thats why Delaware is not included in this list. If you live nearby or passing through, come to Delaware to shop anytime.
Organizing Gift Bags
These are great ideas but I dont have any extra closet space. (Think de-cluttering should be at the top of my to-do list.) I keep my supply of gift bags in a box under the bed. I havent gone the extra step to organize them by occasion, but they are out of the...
Hand Washing Sweaters and Delicates
I too was taught this way. I use the clothes drying rack I used in college. I put a large towel across two of the even bars and clip it on each end with a clothes pin. I can dry two sweaters at a time using two different levels. You were right about the warning...
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas?
Your kitchen sounds bright and sunny with the yellow walls. White subway tile gives a very clean appearance. It is glazed with thin grout lines and would be easy to keep clean. I have no idea of the cost. If you are cost conscious, you may find a laminate, like...
Label Boxes by Room When Moving
I like the color-coding idea. Ill keep it in mind for our next move. On our last move, I numbered the boxes and wrote a summary of items in each box in a notebook. I stood near the back of the moving van and directed the movers which room to put the boxes. Had...
Helping a Pack Rat Get Organized
My advice is to begin with small steps. One room or a whole house is too overwhelming to think about, but divide up the room and it becomes more manageable. Start in one corner, set a timer for 15 minutes and see how much you can accomplish. Have boxes or bags...
Clothespin To Close Hotel Curtains
I like the clothespin idea because it is lightweight and easy to pack. In the past, I have used a pants hanger from the hotel closet to clip the curtains together. Another travel tip I use is to make a list of the little items I have taken out in the room, i...
Prevent Glue Caps From Sticking
I got a tip probably from this site about rubbing petroleum jelly around the top of glue tubes or bottles to keep them from being sticky. I did this to my new tube of E6000 and havent had any trouble with it. Of course WD-40 is a good idea. I keep a small can...
Easy Lemon Cookies
After making this recipe, here are my thoughts. I used a medium egg and added a few drops of water until I could get all the cake mix incorporated. I used a dry cookie sheet (no buttering) and they did not stick. The batter is very sticky and difficult to get...
Uses for Expired Grapeseed Oil?
Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. For those who have not heard of grapeseed oil, I heard about it when I went to a cooking class. The chef used it to saute fresh spinach, so I bought some. Only a couple of teaspoonfuls are used at a time. It makes...
Keeping Bags from Falling into the...
I found a tip on here several years ago about keeping rubber bands in the freezer. Since I have been doing that, they dont get brittle and break nearly as quickly. The hairband idea is helpful. Thanks.
Ideas for Inexpensive Crafts and Hobbies?
I make paper beads into necklaces and for gifts using colorful magazine pages, a toothpick to keep a hole in the center, glue and ribbon, cord or wire to keep them together. Youtube.com has instructions and lots of pictures on pinterest and etsy or simple google...
Treating Osteoporosis Without Prescription Medication?
I took Fosamax for a few years and had terrible pain in my hips, legs and shoulders. One summer I stood at my desk with my keyboard on five phone books because the pain was much worse when I sat down. As soon as I went off it, I felt much better. If you are...
Sticker on a Sweater?
Thanks so much for your tips to my request. I used sticky tape and after several times, the adhesive was gone. I didnt have to wash it and it looks fine. I had purchased it in another state last year, so returning it was not an option. I now remove those stickers...
Are Super Absorbent Dish Towels Worth the Extra Money?
Yes, I think microfiber towels are worth it. The one thing to remember is to not use fabric softener on towels because they become less absorbent. I air dry my kitchen towels. Microfiber towels with water are the only thing I can use to clean windows without...
Tips For Unclogging Drains
A plumber once told me as a preventive measure to once a month pour one-half cup of Dawn (a grease-fighter) down the drain followed by a potful of boiling water. It seems to work fine and we dont have service calls.
Child Won't Poop in the Toilet?
My grandson was the same way. His mother got a footstool to go in front of the toilet to put his feet on. This way his legs were a little higher than his body and made it easier. Ive heard of this suggestion for adults as well.
Removing Soap Scum from Dishwasher?
Our water softener went bad and the hard water made a mess of our new dishwasher and dishes before we realized the problem. We got the water softener repaired, then used the Finish dishwashing product that cleans dishwashers. It did a great job. Our dishwasher...
Christmas Gift Ideas for Elderly Dad?
How about a magazine subscription to National Geographic or something that interests him that he wouldnt buy for himself. Or Fruit of the Month for the three months of winter or more depending on your budget. I worked for a company who gave all employees the...
Buy Them What They Want
I also like to give magazine subscriptions. I use www.bestdealmagazines.com. I dont have any affiliation with the company. I have used them for years and they are reliable and inexpensive. If you sign up, you get emails for discounts. Today and tomorrow they...
How Do I Keep the Shower Curtain From Blowing in and Sticking to Me?
I read online recently a tip about taking binder clips when traveling to keep shower curtains in place. You might try that as an inexpensive way to see if it works. I have not tried it. Good luck!
Are There Programs for Children Wishing to Send Christmas Cards to Soldiers?
I send cards to soldiers using the website anysoldier.com. You can get names of soldiers from your state or choose a name. I once sent a card to a soldier who had the same name as my father. It is neat to read about their team and what they are doing. Cards...
Cleaning a Self Cleaning Oven By Hand?
My mother used to put a bowl of ammonia in her oven and leave it overnight. She said she could just wipe the oven out in the morning with no problem. I have never tried it, but the ammonia would not be touching the oven walls, so I see no harm in trying it...
My Frugal Life: Keeping Our World Clean
I pick up trash several days a year while Im out walking. It takes more time but the bending and stooping give me more exercise and I get a clean neighborhood to boot. Its amazing what people throw out. We must be one of the few families who carry a trash bag...
Glitter Gourd Ghouls
Those are very cute and easy enough even I might be able to pull it off. Thanks for sharing.
Buying or Making a Loft Bed?
Just a word of caution from the experience of my sons family. My grandson, 7, has a loft bed. He lives in NYC in an apartment and in the summer it is too hot for him to sleep in the loft. As we all know, hot air rises and their air conditioning doesnt work...
Autumn Leaf Garland
Great idea! Im a card maker, so I have leaf dies that will be easier on my hands than fussy cutting the leaves. What a fun decoration!
Scenery: Flash Of Green At Sunset (Maui)
That is such a beautiful sunset. I love sunsets and take pictures of them wherever I travel. Thanks for sharing.
Keeping Stink Bugs Out of My House?
I live in Delaware and we are having the same problem. Im anxious to see if anyone posts a solution here.
My Frugal Life: Reuse and Recycle
Another idea is to cut cereal bags in two or more pieces to use instead of the waxed paper. I also like another posters idea of using the waxed paper on a real plate, so the plate could be used a couple of times or so before being washed.
Label Corner of Fitted Sheet
I have been labeling the corners on the last few sheet sets I bought. It is a great time saver.
Use Pliers for Opening Bottles
Good idea. I have a pair of small nut crackers that I use. Im for all the help I can get to save the strain on my hands.
Hoarding: Too Much Stuff
Thanks, Sandi, for this very inspiring article. I am not a hoarder but a pack-rat. The two areas of my house that are the messiest are the basement and my craft room. Every few years my husband and I designate 3 hours on a Saturday to start to clean our basement...
Cleaning Hardwood Floors?
When I had my hardwood floors refinished several years ago, the worker suggested I use Polycare. It is a liquid and I use one capful to a quart bottle. It is about $7 or so but lasts a long time.
Microwave "Grilled" Cheese Sandwich
Although grilled cheese sandwiches with butter on the outside are delicious, this alternative seems like a good way to save calories. As the saying goes, we can have our cake and eat it too. Thanks!
Save Paper Scraps For Crafts
I also keep my scraps. I have a small accordion file where I keep the smaller bits by color and an entire file drawer by color of pages I have pulled from magazines, ads in the mail and larger cardstock scraps for future uses. Its amazing at the times I will...
Bookmarks From Recycled Cards
These bookmarks are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing. It seems just when I find a new way to use something, it is no longer needed. With many people getting the high tech readers, they have no need for bookmarks. I continue to love them and keep my old ones...
Kahlua Stain on Cotton Sweater?
First I would saturate it with white vinegar and let it air dry. If that doesnt work, Id boil some water, put your stained sweater over a sink and pour the boiling water through it. Let it air dry between tries. Good luck.
