Substitutes for Shortening in Recipes?
Whenever making a box cake or cookies from a cakemix. Replace the oil with applesauce (even measurements) you will never use oil again. I imagine its the same as baking from scratch. Ive never from scratch. Use a good brand of applesauce, a cheaper brand will...
Economical Laundry Solutions
Sondra, I use the same recipe-so cheap and easy-right.joanie
Creating Your Own Cheap Double Boiler
I make homemade liquid laundry soap, having arthritis in my hands its hard grating bar soap. I never heard of putting bar soap in a double boiler. My question is will this work instead of grating? Does anyone have an answer to this? Thanks a lot. It sure would...
Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen?
Joann, I just sent message on mixing power sugar and boric acid tog to get rid of ants, it should have been, Borax-20 Mule Team. So sorry for the error. joanie
Use Plastic Tub Under Dish Strainer
Sandi, I had same problem, no counter space. This came from my sister. I have a dishwasher & dont like to use it, takes forever, In one sink is my soapy water, in the other is cold vinegar rinse water, open the dishwasher-pull out the top rack, wash dishes...
Laminate Squares as Shelf Liner
A long time ago I had wall to wall vinyl put in my kitchen. The installer told us to use the extras to line our drawers with it. and should we ever need to repair the floor-we would have the exact match of vinyl to use. another place to use sticky tiles is...
Angel Glass Block
That is so very pretty-love your colors. joanie
Crochet Edge Around a Fleece Blanket?
I havent tried this yet. You know spiral ring school writing notebooks, when you rip off a sheet of paper, use the strip with holes as a measuring device spacer, mark holes-use metal crochet hook, the holes will be evenly spaced. Hey, free. joanie
Frugal Organizational Ideas for a Small Apartment?
Krystal, I had that one, but its not worth the money. See what the wheels are on, make 2 out of wood, put a brace from the middle of one to the other (just like in picture) then attach 2 polls of wood on each side and one across. I saw this made somewhere on...
Uses for Celery Leaves
Molly, thats a great idea, Ive been doing that for years. I cant tell you how many times I forgot to buy celery for my soup I was making-then remembered the frozen leaves and stems, you cant tell any difference right.-joanie
Photo: Papa's Hands
Such a beautiful picture. joanie
Cake Mix Cookie Recipes?
Joan, this is where you want to go-477 recipes http://www.food.com/recipe-finder/all/cake-mix-cookies Enjoy, Joanie
Coffee Filter Doily
You got my vote. Think how much you save on doilies, like under cookies on a plate. Good tip, joanie
Make Hats from Leftover Fleece
This pattern is really a keeper. I have a lot of extra fleece and am going to make up some. Thanks for submitting. joanie
Nearly Sugar Free Pie
Boy, does that look good!, joanie
Hoop Earring Holder
Laura, you are too smart. joanie
Jaguar (Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA)
Just Beautiful! I agree with Rasta, this would look great hanging on your wall. You have to be proud of this photo. joanie
Concerns Over the Prep for a Colonoscopy?
Sandy, I hope you get this before Monday. I had 2 very close together. You know that gallon of liquid you have to drink, You mix in crystal light lemonade. Sandy, keep this in the fridge. My doctor put this in the pre-info instructions. That will make it easy...
Absorbine Jr. as Bug Repellent
Sandy, Sciota, IL, thank you, so much. You are where I got the tip. I have told everyone I know to do this. Thanks Again, Joanie
Homemade Denture Cleaner Recipe?
Thanks Linda, Im heading to the store tomorrow. I drink lots of tea and coffee that stains them. joanie
Stained Glass Yard Light
I logged in just to tell you--SO NICE, joanie
How Do I Make a Plus Size Water Resistant Apron?
Vi, I read somewhere to make outdoor pillows to use shower curtains because they repel water. Why couldnt use the material in them to make your aprons. I would buy one at a thrift store or yard sale to try this. Hope this info helps you, Joanie
Different Cookies from Cake Mixes
You just got my vote. This is what I need for when my grandaughters come over to visit. At ages 3 and 5, they like doing things like this. Thank you-joanie
Monkey Cake
Jane, that is great! thats what we grandmas are all about - making memories. joanie
Uses for Plastic Cutting Mats
I buy these for sewing,crafts,appliques, etc. to make templates. The mats cut easy with sissors. A lot cheaper than going to a fabric store to buy template plastic and also very sturdy.joanie
Potholder Towel Toppers?
Kaelle, you are too good! the treyandlucy website is what I couldnt find. Thank you very much, Joanie
Can a Crock Pot Liner Be Used in the Oven?
Adrienne, I have an oval crockpot liner from a crockpot that went bad and I kept it because underneath it is stamped-oven safe. joanie
Can I Use Unbleached Flour in Place of Regular All Purpose?
kffrmw88, Thank you very much for the info-Im saving it, Joanie
Louisiana Fish Fry Recipe?
Angelheart--go to this site-scroll down to Fried Fish, from your neighbor in Louisiana, joanie http://www.cookinglouisiana.com
Jar Lid Pincushion
Pam, just learning to sew-at 68yrs. I never thought to use a plastic lid to make a pin cushion. I would have kept on pinching my fingers, picking the pins out of its plastic box. Thanks, Joanie
My Frugal Life: Starting With Sewing
You know the new way of life now is called Living Green. Im 68 years and that is the way we lived all our lives. I truly enjoy all the blogs on-living green, it brings back a lot of memories, and like Martha would say-Thats a good thing.
Recycling Furniture Cushions to Go With Your...
Hi, Im a big fan of HGTV and they said if youre making outdoor cushions, use shower curtains. The material in shower curtains is made to withstand moisture. Just thought you would like to know. Joanie
Sausage Breakfast Burritos
Robin, thanks for this recipe. My daughter works and she is always looking for recipes like this. So Im off to Alabama for the -2-holidays with your recipe. HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE IN THRIFTY FUN..JOANIE
Smears on Windows After Cleaning?
Jean, First buy some microfiber towels, rinse and wring them out in hot water-NOTHING ELSE- start wiping down your windows--rinse and wring every so often--do your stainless steel appliances and anything else you can find--the best tip I ever received...when...
German Waffles
Robin, I bought a Belgian Waffle maker and years ago I knew a lady who made Belgian Waffle cookies - like an eggy, kind of firm - would this German Waffle be like this. I have been forever trying to find that recipe. Its like a flavor of a thick pizzelle. Thank...
Homemade Laundry Detergent Without Borax?
Does anyone know where to find Arm&Hammer Washing Soda in Louisiana. Walmart doesnt carry it. Thanks, bdon1
Use an Old Phone Book for Paint Mess
NEVER-throw away a phone book. When you get a new phone book , put the old one in a plastic bag to keep it clean and put it in the trunk of your car..you will be glad you did...bdon1
Can't Find Washing Soda?
Ace Hardware will order for you-I just ordered washing soda and fels naptha bar soap. it will be shipped to the hardware and you pick it up. I would have never thought to check out a hardware store for this. I just learned this online. Joanie
Use a Gridded Stabilizer When Quilting
Ardis, Im good following until I get to--fold on the lines at the squares edges--then Im lost. I truly would like to do your way of easy quilting. I have to make six quilts by Christmas and would like more info...thank you, bdon1
Easy Two Colored Quilt
Ardis, thank you so much for that tip. I think I can do that. Joanie
Starting Where I Left Off on Thrifty Tips?
Dear Valleyrimgirl, Thank you very much for your directions. I followed them very well. Im not what you would call a COMPUTER WHIZ so I need very easy directions. It worked the first time for me. Ill bet you helped a lot of people. Thanks again, JOANIE
Starting Where I Left Off on Thrifty Tips?
SUSAN FROM THRIFTYFUN, Thank you for responding to my request so quickly. JOANIE
Sweetening Plain Oatmeal
THIS IS GOOD! Make 1 cup of oatmeal, add as much cinnamon as you like, add as much brown sugar as you like,( I use 2 tsp.) mix- then add 2 heaping tablespoons of applesauce ( use natural-no sugar) mix, eat and enjoy, it tastes like something good, doesnt taste...