What Is This Garden Plant?
This is a Mexican Marigold. We grow them every year, although usually ours have a lot of blooms on them and they get very large (six feet tall and 5-6 feet in diameter). In fact, next year we are growing enough to use as a temporary hedge around our above ground...
Caring for a Dog and Her Puppy?
If the pup is healthy looking and fat, shes fine. Theres more milk there than you realize, and this one pup is getting it all. If the pup were not being properly nourished it would squeak, grunt, and root all the time. If its tummy is rounded and it spends...
Chicken and Noodles for 35 People?
Do you have a favorite chicken and noodles recipe? If not, look one up and get a pencil and paper. How many does your recipe serve? For example, does it serve 4? If so you would want to multiply the amount of each ingredient by 9, in order to serve 36 people...
Donating Chemo Hats?
Look in the phone book for American Cancer Association. Or call the local hospitals. Most hospitals in large cities have websites---does yours? Its easy for look up the phone numbers you need on their web site, and then you just call them up and say you have...
Buying Yarn in Bulk?
Have you tried Craigslist or Freecycle? Sometimes people have stuff theyd like to donate or just get out of their house, and if you write a nice ad about why you need it they will give it to you. Craigslist and Freecycle are free to use, and fairly easy as...
Cleaning a Freezer?
Baking soda and water, made into a paste. Rinse thoroughly by wringing a wet rag, wiping, and swishing in clean water, wringing again, wiping, etc... When baking soda is gone I would go over it with a weak solution of pine cleaner or bleach and let it air for...
Spending The Evening With Deer
Nice story! We have a lot of deer here and enjoy watching them often...so peaceful... If you are in the mood for comedy though, you cant beat watching chickens eat spaghetti. Or even funnier---peanut butter!
Caring for an Egg?
When an egg comes out of a chicken, it comes out wet. That fluid is a protective covering, which when dry (it dries almost instantly by the way), keeps a lot of bacteria from entering the egg, because the shell is porous. If you found the egg in a creek, it...
Are These Tomato Plants?
Thanks for posting this! I had no idea Lilly of the Valley was so poisonous...learn something every day!
Reuse Coffee Creamer Containers for Storage
Yes---good idea. I like to reuse those plastic jars that you get nuts in from Sams Club or Costco for rice or beans also. I make a lid liner from a circle of waxed paper to make the lid fit more snugly, and put a couple of bay leaves in for good measure.
Frugality, Foraging and Farming
Hi Realestatemama, Im very sorry to read that your sons hard work and generosity have been victimized in this way. Its a hard thing to work on something like this and have someone else sneak off with it in such a cowardly fashion.
Frugality, Foraging and Farming
Dear Brenda, Im very sorry that I have offended you---I was not intending that in any way!! I dont have any problem with anyone who is legitimately foraging public land, as long as they dont take any forbidden or protected species. And I surely dont have any...
Living Room Paint Color Advice?
Id probably pair the gray and brown with varying shades of teal. That would brighten up the room, and both colors go nicely with teal, in my opinion.
Wood Ashes for Watermelons
You have my vote again! Brilliant solution---but why stop at wieners? See, if we were neighbors, Id help you load up that grill with some kebabs with a little chicken marinated in spiced yogurt, peppers, onions, and tomatoes from the garden, and some skewered...
Living Room Paint Color Advice?
Sherriefults, It would be helpful to know what color the couch will be---you only mentioned that it would be suede (colored). To my knowledge, suede is one type of fabric made of a cowhide...not a color. Suede can be dyed almost any color. Im guessing you mean...
Stepmother Gives Me Used Gifts Every Christmas?
Perhaps you or your husband could suggest that the four of you take whatever amount of money you would have spent on Christmas gifts for each other and donate it as a whole (in other words add the amounts together and write one check from all of you)? If, as...
Removing Nicotine Smell from Walls?
When we moved into our house, one bedroom had been used by a smoker. We had to rip out and replace the carpet, clean the walls and ceilings with Mean Green (straight), and apply two coats of Kilz. Then we painted and laid new carpet, and finally the room was...
Organization that Helps Vets With Home Repairs?
Paul, Knowing several people who are going through this with their parents right now my heart goes out to you and your folks. Maybe you could try asking at the local American Legion for suggestions, or your states office of Veterans Affairs?
Non-Tracking Cat Litter?
If you have a long-haired cat chances are the litter is sticking to the fur around and between his toes (thats what the problem is with our male cat). We improved the tracking situation by placing an old bath mat under the front of the litter box (the kind...
Name for Child Care Business?
Bee Sweet Daycare? Busy Little Bees? A slogan: Your Little Honeys Home Away From Home
Kitchen Paint Color Advice?
How about a shade of orange? If you are wanting bright, I think orange would go with what you are describing...although maybe not Halloween-pumpkin orange,...a lighter orange color?
Recovering Old Box Springs?
We did this once. We pulled off all of the torn fabric and the padding, and aired the frame outside for a couple of days in the sun. Then we put new foam padding (recycled leftovers from another project) on the corners (stapled in place), covered that with...
Building a House Frugally?
Hi Day Go, Mother Earth News magazine has, over the years, done several articles by people who have built their own homes from the ground up, some of which was done with found materials. On their website you should be able to look up the publication dates of...
Dog Licking Surgery Site Raw?
I dont mean to be antagonistic, but why on earth did your vet send your pooch home without one of those cone collars?
Decorating a 2 Man Paddle Boat?
Since its summer, Id probably go to the dollar store and clean out their Seasonal aisle, and buy a couple of rolls of double stick tape. Id name my paddle boat float In the Good Ol Summer Time. Id put one of those little cheapie grills on the back, (unlit naturally...
Do Different Vegetables "Cross"?
I have no wish at all to be contrary, but we can and do cross honeydew and cantaloupe every summer, to obtain cantadew. My husband loves honeydew, and most cantaloupes are a little too sweet for my liking, but these cantadews are wonderful, with slightly crisp...
Do Different Vegetables "Cross"?
Doug, I suggest if they are yellow you could try one and see whats in there. We just started digging potatoes last night, because with all the rain weve had were worried they will rot. Our vines are for the most part just starting to turn yellow, but a few...
Do Different Vegetables "Cross"?
You could even just gently move your hand down into the dirt and feel for potatoes along the side of the cooler. I sometimes do that earlier in the season if Im just itching for some little new potatoes... Let me know how it goes! Kate (a.k.a. Trudy)
Do Different Vegetables "Cross"?
Perhaps...but those cantadews certainly taste different - and quite delicious!
Do Different Vegetables "Cross"?
Doug, We assumed that those seeds would be sterile, so we never tried saving them. It would be an interesting thing to do, so maybe I will try some this year. I understand that others have strong opinions about these things, but I garden to please myself and...
Robbie's Home in the Petunias
I agree, Id rather think he had gone off hunting adventure too! Sorry though, as I know you miss your friend... If Roberta feels safe enough, maybe she will stay around your yard permanently? Best wishes for you and your new pal, Kate
Jeanie & Johanna's Vegetable Garden
This is a lovely little garden, and it seems very well maintained! I wish you had more pictures from different angles so we could see the rest of it. Definitely thumbs up!
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the encouraging and kind comments---they really make our day!
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
Jacquelyn, I appreciate what you shared about your time in the hot seat of unemployment...we have been doing all kinds of things too, I only took time to post this one rather different example. Some days I work from up to down, and I dont mean the sunrise/sunset...
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
I wanted to thank everyone again for their comments, encouragements and voting for me... unfortunately I probably wont be posting for a while. When it rains it pours - Ill be having surgery and some chemotherapy in the next several months. The good news is...
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
Home recovering from the surgery, no chemo but will gone having radiation for a while. Hope all my TF friends are well!
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
Thanks Abigail--Doctors say prognosis is excellent but I can definitely say that cancer is not thrifty, and it most certainly isnt fun.
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
Thank you Bonnie! Were slowly starting to recover, financially, as well as physically. I think for me keeping busy was the best thing I could do,...otherwise I start to feel worthless. Even while I was recovering from the surgeries, as soon as I could actually...
Organizing a Bedroom Shared by Two Teens?
If you have a little money to invest here is what I would suggest. First, get rid of the bunk bed. They need their own space, even if its in the same room. Two twin beds would be better. After you have each girl a twin bed, (could you use part of the bunk bed...
Saying No to a Friend?
You could just be very up front about it and tell her you value her friendship, but are starting to feel used by the situation and would rather not do her entire familys taxes any more, as you dont want it to affect your feelings for her. Her response will...
Thrifty and Quick Ribs
Thanks for the comment Ginger. I too use a slow-cooker, but I have found that it heats the kitchen up all day, whereas my pressure cooker only adds heat for approximately 40 minutes. Also I like it that I can take meat that may still be partially frozen and...
Heirloom vs Hybrid Seeds
Great post! Have you ever gone to the Big store and bought roasting ears? I made that mistake a few years ago. I got them home, boiled them up, and slathered butter on one. I took a big bite, having been waiting for the first sweet corn of the season, (couldnt...
Heirloom vs Hybrid Seeds
I answer to the name of Kate. Im sorry about the briefness of my profile, but I am a more private person than some, and my husband even more so...hence no faces in the photos. I do enjoy (almost) all of the articles I read on Thrifty Fun, especially those with...
Tomato Plant Stems Being Eaten?
If there are no leaves left, the plant has no way to gather energy from the sun and it will die. In that case its best to dig it up and replant.
Making Coffee in a Drip Machine?
This is very subjective, but at our house I use one level scoop per each three cups of water. However if I am making a full pot (which happens once in a blue moon) I use three and a half scoops, because it seems when I make a full pot using full scoops it gets...
Powdery Residue on Resin Lawn Chairs?
My Husband power-washed ours, and it did help, but they still are rough textured. They dont look wonderful, but at least theyre not messing up our clothes when we sit on them, and they are 15 years old.
Disappearing Oatmeal Cookies
Thanks Melissa! The tablecloth is vinyl by-the-yard. Easy care, and what I really love is that its so cheerful! Have a great afternoon. :-)
Disappearing Oatmeal Cookies
Thanks Doug--we think they are pretty good. My daughter is going to make a batch today as I am still recuperating.
Healthy Chicken Dinner Foil Packets
If you make your packet with parchment paper its much healthier, and the cleanup is almost as easy. Sounds delicious!
Raising Rabbits?
We have successfully raised rabbits for over many years now, but I am not a vet. There may be several reasons for your problem. Firstly, they may have been sickly when you got them. Second, where is their cage located? Is it covered? Is it shaded? Rabbits can...
Kitten Has Swollen Eye With Discharge?
I would take him to the vet. A kitten this young is very vulnerable and the infection could spread or at the very least he could lose the sight in that eye.
Planning Food for a Wedding?
I agree with Dinah, its hard to give advice with so little information. However, it seems like these days literally anything goes at weddings and receptions, so I guess Id say, it largely depends on your budget, and if you are doing it yourself, the amount...
Keeping Neighbor's Dog Off Lawn?
Although the yellow grass patches your dog created have been repaired, the scent still lingered and probably other dogs have visited also, perhaps at night when you couldnt see them. If they have become used to leaving messages in your yard previously, why...
Smoke Detectors Chirping?
My husband said that when the battery-operated ones chirp like that and wont stop after replacing batteries it means they need to be replaced. He doesnt know about the hard-wired ones. Have you contacted the manufacturer about this problem? Thats where Id start...
Getting Nail Polish Off Car Paint?
I asked my DH about this one and he said the first thing he would try would be WD40 on a soft rag. He said it takes off road tar, so maybe it would take off nail polish? If that doesnt do it you might try some buffing compound that is specifically made for...
Clean Living Is Frugal Living
It might be helpful (?) to know which studies you are referring to. Just a thought...
Clean Living Is Frugal Living
Extremely informative! Thanks very much for this terrific summary and all the information - you have my vote.
Dog Pees and Poops In House When Left Alone?
I can understand your frustration in this situation. You love the dog and want to do right by him, and hes stressing you out to the Max. He can feel that. Hes been moved around a lot, and its going to take time, love, and much patience. I do suggest that you...
Treating a Dog's Ear Infection?
I need to tell you first that I am NOT a vet... however I have successfully treated ear infections in both my family members and our animals using the following home remedy; Put half a cup of olive oil in a small saucepan (top of a double boiler is even better...
Dog Pees and Poops In House When Left Alone?
One more thing - when you get the crate, cover the back and sides with a blanket or dark sheet. It feels more like a den. Hell feel safer when hes in it. Make sure its a very large crate - hes a big dog.
Dog Pees and Poops In House When Left Alone?
Oh sorry! Second one more thing! You can re-use the same bone by retrieving it when you put Max outside to potty and stick it in the freezer in a baggie. Next time you need to go out, stuff it with peanut butter again and follow same routine.
Dog Pees and Poops In House When Left Alone?
I dont criticize what others have written. I will say this - I dont believe I indicated that the dog was damaged by this person. I was only saying that moving is an adjustment for dogs. I also have a German Shepherd - incredibly smart fellow. We got him when...
Living Room Curtain Color Advice?
Id probably do cream colored drapes with matching cream sheers behind them. On the drapes maybe a wide band of red, matching the red in the rest of the room, across the bottom. Then Id sew (or buy) some cream colored throw pillows to tie it all together.
13th Birthday Party Ideas?
If it were me, after I realized she was serious and stopped laughing, Id say, NO. In my opinion, for my family, this would be a ridicules request, and not even considered. Children (shes still very much a child) need and want boundaries---its our job as parents...
Tunisian Crocheted Sponges
Ive been crocheting (Tunisian, Bavarian, English, and Irish) since I was a child, and this is a VERY good tutorial on this subject! Clever use of the darning needle to show stitch placement too.
Oak Tree Is Dripping Sap?
Something has attacked your tree and is drilling or eating (possibly very tiny) holes in it. If you care a lot about this tree you might want to think about consulting an arborist as soon as possible. It may need to be sprayed with something.
Pet Drinking Buckets
I think this is a really good idea, and not just for dogs. Im not sure how well it would work for our home, because our dogs head is just too large to fit into the size hole you are indicating (scale of the drawing).
Nature's Beauty (Dandelions)
Mowers dont come often enough? Here in Missouri its once a summer... whether we need it or not. :-)
Nature's Beauty (Dandelions)
We dont get a lot of litter along the main roads here, and we have adoption programs to keep them cleaned up. The agreement is that you must clean your adopted section up at least twice a year. When you ask the highway crews (very small town - about 900 people...
Nature's Beauty (Dandelions)
Oh no Litter Gitter, you didnt give that impression at all! Also I hope I have not given the impression that Missouri is a trash-free utopia either! Its just that here in our area the local citizenry keeps the roadsides fairly nice (we get a lot of thru-traffic...
Reassuring a Frightened Puppy?
Talk to the puppy a lot, in a low and reassuring voice. Stroke slowly and gently, and brush the puppy very carefully, especially around the face. Never strike the puppy - they dont need to be taught with spankings. Make sure the puppy knows you are in charge...
Growing Yellow Potatoes In Ice Chest
Hi---love this idea! I am curious how it will go for you, as you seem to have them planted very close together. We usually plant (in our large-ish garden) roughly 14 inches apart. Could you please post an update later to let us know the results? I can see this...
Growing Yellow Potatoes In Ice Chest
Oh I do wish you luck! How I wish I had some soil like what you are describing! We have clay-based soil, heavy, with a lot of rocks. We have worked a lot with our soil, many amendments including composted turkey litter, rotted hay, rotted wood chips, goat manure...
Growing Yellow Potatoes In Ice Chest
Thats great Doug! If they look good on top most likely you are watering just right. Just a thought - do your coolers have drain spouts on the side at the bottom?
Growing Yellow Potatoes In Ice Chest
Going only by the results weve had with yellow potatoes (which I too think are fabulous!), Id say your experiment was truly a success! We dont even try to grow them any more in our garden, because the yield was so poor. Our best results have come growing several...
Sheets as Shade Cloth
I wasnt really meaning to enter this tip in a contest I just wanted to share it. Do I need to tell someone? (b)Editors Note:(/b) We will make that change for you.
16th Birthday Party Ideas?
While I cant fathom the idea of spending that much money on a party, I can see wanting to have all of your friends. I suggest a backyard B.B.Q. You can jazz things up nicely with home-made or store bought Tiki torches or those decorative light strings, light...
Preventing Leg Ulcers with Shin Guards
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this - so many people could try this! Im going to suggest it to my neighbors. Definitely thumbs-up!
Teaching the Next Generation to be Thrifty
Your post is inspiring! I wish people would put as much time, effort, and thought into training their children as they put into their careers. Not just training them to behave nicely in public, or training them how to keep their rooms clean,...etc... But training...
