Very Few Iris Blooms?
I also think that they may just be over-crowded. I also had a problem one time with white grubs eating the rhizomes, it weakens the plant and it wont bloom. I thinned them out, threw away any with grubs in them, or any soft rhizomes, and replanted them. Because...
Neglected Clear Glass Shower Enclosure?
I use a product called The Works that I buy at the Family Dollar Store. It cuts through rust, lime, and calcium deposits. But, I have to warn you, that it is strong. You must use it in a well ventilated area....open windows, run fans, whatever, to get some...
Cover Image With Cheesecloth for an Oil Painting Look
What a wonderful, cheap, and frugal idea! Now I wish I had saved all of those calendar pictures that I had cut out and didnt know what to do with them! Thank you for sharing the idea. Paula
I Love Dandelions!
And to think, some people spend so much money to buy poisons to kill these perky, yellow flowers!
Re-fluffing Pillows?
I bought a pillow from JC Penney that is a solid foam material. It was expensive, but I just love my pillow! It hasnt gone flat at all, like the polyester filled pillows often do.
Denim Placemats
About 10 years ago our ladies church group made this type of place mat to give as doorprizes at our luncheon; they were a huge hit. We used recycled denim jeans to make the placemats and cut off the pockets from the jeans to apply to the mat. If your sewing...
Garage Sale Finds?
I always check the free boxes at garage sales and I found a cast iron griddle for free because it was rusty. I couldnt believe it was free and asked just to be sure! I took it home, scrubbed it with a scouring pad, then oiled it with vegetable oil, and it was...
Maintenance Free Ground Cover?
Are you planning to remove the weeds first? It takes a long time for ground cover to squeeze out the weeds, and even then you will always have some grasses growing out of it somewhere! I have a ground cover called snow on the mountain that is trying to take...
Name Ideas For Cocker Spaniel?
My cockers name was Dusty, but I should have named her Kirby or Hoover, she ate everything off the floor constantly! I think that it is nice not to rush naming your pet because after you spend some time with them a name may just jump into your head. My Norwich...
Well Water Tastes Bad?
I bought a Brita water pitcher that has a filter. My water is very hard, full of rust, smells and tastes bad. The Brita pitcher really works. Unfortunately, the filters are expensive to replace every three months or so. But, buying bottled water is much more...
Replacing Carpet In Home With Lots Of Dogs?
Is it really important for you to have carpet at all? Why not take up the old carpet, clean the floor really well, and then paint the subfloor? I used a good quality floor and porch paint and painted a wood floor and it was very durable and easy to clean. Then...
Painting Over Brown Bag Wallpaper?
Nicole, is there a glossy finish on the wallpaper? Many paints have a hard time adhering to a high gloss finish. I would think that if you use a quality primer first, and then paint over it, that you would have good results. I painted over black, vinyl wallpaper...
What Are You Doing to Pinch Pennies?
It is late June and it is still cold here at night; I watch television at night with my coat on, if I have to, just to not turn on the heat. I am on a budget plan for my heating fuel, but I will never get the winter heat bill paid off if I only add to it with...
Link: How Many Hours of Work to Fill Your Tank
Gas is $4.24 a gallon where I live, and according to the calculator I have to work 7.4 hours!
Going Green Without Going Broke
I agree about making your own, homemade cleaners. I have asthma and find that all the store bought stuff is too strong with all the fumes and odors. I clean now with my own homemade cleaner of amonia, water, rubbing alcohol, and a small squirk of dishsoap. When...
Three Tier Garden Container
I love it! What a wonderful idea for people that only have a small yard, or a patio, to decorate with. Thank you for sharing your cute idea.
Water Down Dish Detergent To Save Money
I bought a pump type bottle and filled it with my dishsoap. Now I only pump once, get plenty of soap, and dont waste it.
House Decorating Advice?
If you like an aged look you should try the paint technique of rag rolling. You remove the wallpaper, and wash-wash-wash those walls to make sure they are clean. Then, paint the first coat of paint on. Once dry you apply a second coat of paint mixed with glaze...
Removing Rodent Urine Smell on Outdoor Furniture Cushions?
Are your cushions washable at all? I have used a spray bottle filled with vinegar to wet the cushions thoroughly, and then I hosed them off and hung them over my clothes line to dry in the sun. The smell came out, but unfortunately, they also chewed my cushions...
Tired Of Getting Phone Books?
I use old phone books when I am using a craft glue stick while making cards. I lay the paper onto a page of the phone book, use the glue stick, and any glue that goes over the edge of my paper goes onto the page, I then tear out the page and throw it away.
Camouflaging A Scar When Wearing A Skirt?
When I was a child and had surgery on both legs, the doctor used a new technique that was supposed to heal quicker, instead of two straight scars I have two S shaped scars about four inches long. I would tell the other kids, when they asked about them, that...
Balancing Bills On One Salary?
Terry, you should get a piece of paper and all of your monthly bills out. Write down each bill: rent, car payment, car insurance (if you pay every six months divide it by six to find out what it will be each month), electric, heat, water, sewer, cable, cell...
Looking For Salmon Dip Recipe?
Averys Smoked Salmon Dip 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked 1 3-ounce cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons sour cream 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons horseradish 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Mix softened...
Inexpensive Landscape Fabric?
I agree with the post to use newspaper; at the newspaper that I work at we give our old papers away for free (most people use them for their new puppies). I used a clear plastic (paint) drop cloth once and had covered it with mulch but weeds actually grew under...
Tips For Frugal Home Decor
Very good ideas, Michelle! My favorite tip is to use sheets for fabric to make curtains, cover furniture, and make pillows from. You get much more yardage from sheets and it doesnt cost as much as fabric from a bolt, and, often you can get sheets from yard...
Is Cooking From Scratch Still Financially Beneficial For Small Families?
I think that cooking from scratch is the only way to cook! I cant believe the prices for all that premade, frozen stuff that just doesnt taste quite right. I menu plan with the grocery sale paper right in front of me, I buy the sale items that I need and I...
Problems Getting Pregnant?
Leslie, when you say that you do not have a menstrual cycle like a normal woman are you stating that you do not have a cycle at all, or that you have a cycle but not every 28 days? My menstrual cycles were always irregular, from the time I was 12 years old...
Soap Holder Purse
So cute! Some pastel cloths could be used for making some of these for baby showers. Thank you for sharing the idea!
Shark At The Atlanta Aquarium
I was visiting Georgia in April of this year and my mom and dad took me to the aquarium; it was a beautiful place and I would recommend it to anyone- young and old alike!
Controlling "Snow on the Mountain" Ground Cover?
I have Snow on the Mountain too, and as far as I am concerned, it is an invasive plant. To get rid of it totally, you need to use Round Up repeatedly; it just keeps coming back! I have used a shovel and have dug clumps of it out; pulling it out seems to leave...
How deep do peonies have to be planted?
I have never tried to grow peonies in flower pots; but, I do have them in my landscaping borders. They like to be planted very shallow, if you plant them too deep they will not flower. I make sure the soil is dug up very well, I take my hand and make a shallow...
Hiding a Bright Paint Color?
Ann, how about a paint treatment to go over the orange paint? Sponge painting is a quick way to cover paint and tone it down a bit. I have also done rag rolling and that covers the base color with a top coat that minimizes a bright paint color; unfortunately...
Flat Ground Cover?
My favorite ground cover is Mother of Thyme. It forms a dense mat of green, is very low to the ground, is hardy enough to be walked on, and it smells good too! As Beth suggested, Ajuga is a nice ground cover too. It spreads quickly and is hardy; even when my...
Banana Spice Cookies
Thank you, Robin! I needed a recipe to use up some bananas and didnt want the same ole banana bread!
Start Holiday Crafts Now
I look for baskets all summer long at all the garage and yard sales; I have even spray painted some of the baskets to freshen them up a little. At Christmas time, I fill the baskets with dollar store items, wrap in shrink wrap and a nice bow and I have a very...
Dog Scratching But I Don't See Any Fleas?
My terrier, Ruby, has a food allergy to artificial colors. For example, dog treats that are colored red to be meat type treats. Any dog food that has red dye in it causes her to itch terribly. I only feed her Lamb and Rice formula food (the cheapest stuff from...
Grilled Cheese Shortcut
Great idea, thank you. It saves me the calories of using butter and frying in a pan!
Bucket from an Empty Juice Bottle
Very creative, April! Your little girl must just love this; and, it is a nice memory for her to look back on once she is grown up. I still remember my shoe box doll car and my oatmeal box cradle that my dad had made for me when I was about three years old!
Finding a Blessing from a Disaster
Such a positive attitude, Coreen! May God bless you with a quick recovery.
Strawberry Pot Side Table
Chanon, you are so very creative; what a cute idea! Thank you for sharing it.
Lavender Walls?
What other colors do you have in the room? I had a room that had lavender walls and I used my bedspread to find a color for the carpet. I even took the bedspread right to the carpet store! I picked out a sage green carpet and it looked wonderful, very cottage...
Recycling Old Boards for Home Decor
Very cute, Sandy! You have a wonderful talent. Have you ever sold your items at craft fairs, I bet they would be big sellers. Love the chickens!
Think Before You Toss An Old Blanket Or Quilt
I have a quilt that has been in use for 26 years now. It started as a blanket that I covered with sheets that I had sewn for a duvet cover. When that started to wear out, I made a patchwork cover from old shirts and covered it over again; I used floss to tie...
Money Saving Tips?
Find pleasure in the simpler things in life; take walks in the local park or ride your bikes if you have some. Go to the public library and ask about any free programs that they may be aware of, my library in the last town I lived in had things like free movie...
Free Post Cards?
Judy, I need help understanding a little better. Do you want people to write a postcard from their area and send it to you? Or, are you asking if they have any extra postcards and want to get rid of them, that they box them up and send them off? If you want...
Paper Towel Holders For Ribbons
What a great idea, Marie, thank you! I really dont like how all my ribbon spools lay in a drawer and I have to search through them when crafting; with your idea they will all be in sight for quick choosing!
Country Garden Decor
Very cute, Tracie. I would love to see another picture later in the season after you have the chair outside and your flowers growing in the basin; I bet it will look beautiful in your garden.
Creating a Cozy and Beautiful Backyard?
Are the pavers removable? You could take out just a few pavers and then plant some small herbs or colorful flowers. I think that Mother of Thyme would look nice in a few spots, it is a low growing ground cover that can take being walked on; and, it smells nice...
Goody Bag Gift?
There is a site www.alenkasprintables.com that has downloadable items that you can make. For example, they have little pockets that you print off and then put in a tea bag or a hot cocoa pouch. There is also a pouch that you can print off that holds a microwave...
Using a Footboard as a Headboard?
How about a porch post bought from the home improvement center? They look a little decorative; one post, cut in half, and then stained to match your footboard, then attach to the bottom legs of the footboard. You could drill out holes into the porch post sections...
Suave Green Apple Shampoo for Urine Odors
I am going to have to try the Green Apple Shampoo, hope I can find it at the Dollar store. I will have to also try the paper towels for cleaning; I have always used cloth rags and then wash them in the machine with bleach both in the wash and the rinse. Think...
Hunter Green?
Hi Sam, are you sure that you want to go through all the work of painting your cabinets? I recently painted all of my kitchen cabinets and it was a lot of work; not to mention the time that my kitchen was all torn apart! Maybe if you just paint the walls you...
"Pinch a Penny Till It Screams" Reviews?
Thank you for your responses; I think that the library should always be the first choice and like kimmcg suggested using the inter-library loan system would be a very good solution, IF anyone in the whole system has the book you are looking for! I used the...
Organizing Tupperware in Your Cupboard
I only buy the cheap Gladware, from the Dollar store, because my husband loves to melt my Tupperware in the microwave. I have a deep drawer that I keep my Gladware containers in, I put all the lids onto the containers and then stack them in the drawer; that...
Uses For Baby Food Jars?
Starchild, making items out of recycle-ables IS recycling! It all counts! Unfortunately, there are not recycling facilities in every area of every state. I live in a very rural, low populated area and we are not offered recycling with our trash pick-up, nor...
Felt as a Dusting Cloth
Valery, what a wonderful tip! I always see felt for sale at garage sales in with boxes of fabric, Ill make sure not to pass it up anymore.
Multifunction (All-In-One) Printer Reviews?
I have an hp psc 2410xi photosmart all-in-one; printer, fax, scanner, and copier. I really like it and have never had a problem with it. Ink cartridges (one color and one black) run about $28 to $32 at Walmart. I like it because I am not very computer literate...
What is this plant? (Hens & Chicks, Sempervivum Tectorum)
I, too, have always called it Hens and Chicks. When I Googled, I found the latin name: Sempervivum Tectorum...I would much rather ask at the local greenhouse for Hens and Chicks, much easier for me to say. They are a succulent, evergreen perinnial, and they...
Improving My Front Yard?
My sister-in-law had her front yard done, and it requires very little maintenance. She used river rock (not sure if it is available in Florida?) as mulch for her beds. I think if you were to put a curved edge along the left side of the concrete, remove the...
Avoiding the Temptation to Spend
When ever I find something that I just think I have to have, I think about how many hours I have to work to earn the money to buy it. I can usually talk myself out of a foolish purchase. But, if I still think I really, really have to have it, I go home and...
Seymore (Devon Rex)
Jillian, Seymore is beautiful. I have never in my life seen a Devon Rex; he looks so exotic. I just love cats, ALL CATS, they have such incredible personalities. Your little furbaby has the most beautiful eyes!
Crafts That Sell?
Peggy, I think that it may be possible that it would depend on the area in which you live in. My friend and I have sold items at craft shows for a number of years and we changed things every year. Our big sellers were painted, dried gourds; they were painted...
Changing Outdoor Cats Bathroom Habits?
Bobbi, I made a spot that was special just for Kitty. I got a landscape timber, cut it into four pieces, used wood screws to hold them together to form a wood frame, placed the box on the ground and filled with nice, clean sand. I took my cat there once, I...
Beauty Bath Bar
I have made Christmas gifts using a similar idea. I cut out designs from old Christmas cards and use white glue to attach the design to the bar of soap, then dip it in wax. I wish that I were talented enough to paint designs!
Bubble Bottles for Wedding Favors?
There is a site that I know of that sells wedding items; it is www.orientaltrading.com. I have seen the bubble bottles but I am not sure if they are empty or filled with bubble solution.
Family Reunion Centerpieces?
How about a questionnaire about each sibling with information about when they were born, place of birth, schools attended, marriage, children, favorite color, favorite memories, and print it out on nice stationary and frame it to place on each table. That is...
Should I Put Area Rugs on Carpet?
I had carpeting in my last house and I put a large braided rug down in the center of the very large family room to place my furniture grouping around. I liked the way it looked and I never changed it out. When we decided to sell the house I and got new carpeting...
Is Cat Mint the same as Catnip?
I had catmint for years at my old house and I just loved it. My cat never went near it, she liked to lay amongst the daisies and catch grasshoppers! The catmint that I had was nepita something, something. It had lovely purple flowers in the spring and they...
Buying Water Pitchers?
Oriental Trading has party supplies for a very reasonable price; their web address is www.orientaltrading.com
Soda Cracker Bars
Hi Mikki, you would line the bottom of the cookie sheet with whole crackers. The butter and brown sugar are cooked so when it cools you will not be able to cut them apart, rather, the candy will break apart into pieces. You can break larger pieces into very...
Yarn And Thread Scraps For Birds
I agree with the post from Diamondee about making sure that all threads and yarns are cut into short pieces. While at the Pastors house one spring day, I found a bird all tangled in fishing line that was used to hang some outdoor item that was long gone. The...
14 Days of Valentine
My friend told me that he had heard that men spend an average of $100 on Valentines gifts and that women spend an average of $50 on Valentines gifts. I think that is outrageous! I think your idea is very sweet and also very financially conscientious. I hope...
Frost Damage on Mint?
I can tell you that gardening in Michigan is very different from Texas; we already have eight inches of snow and my herb garden is covered in fluffy white! I harvest mint as soon as the leaves are big enough, and before flowering has occurred. One thing I have...
Pickled Wash Oak Cabinets?
Hi there, Niner from East Hanover! My first question would be....what colors do you like? With such light colored cabinetry you could paint your kitchen any color that you like! My suggestion would be to use an inspiration piece, if you have favorite curtains...
Crushing Pills for Dogs?
I tried the peanut butter on my Norwich Terrier and found that she sure did like the peanut butter, but would still manage to spit out the pill. I now take a small piece of cellophane wrapped cheese slice and I mush the cheese around the pill into a little...
Uses for Tissue Boxes
I dont know if craft stores still sell paper twist or not, but I used a boutique tissue box as the base and wove the paper twist into a basket, lined it with fabric, made a handle covered with paper twist, and had very cute and inexpensive gift baskets.
Super Oatmeal Cookies
Hmmm, I dont have any applesauce in the cupboard...what could I substitute for it?
Jar Snowman
So very cute! My friend made these, sold them at craft shows, and they were very popular. The one I received for a gift has a hole in the top of the hat (the fabric stops at the raffia) so that I can burn a candle inside.
Uses for Tissue Boxes
Sorry, imaqt1962, I sold them at craft shows and then gifted the rest of them at Christmas time!
Bee-safe Soda Cover
Jodi, I will share this with my brother who is highly allergic to bee stings. Thanks!
Strategies for Saving Money on Heat
Very good tips, Chuck! I wear long underwear and wool socks indoors; I am always nice and comfortable. My place of work is also cold so I wear long underwear to work too. At night, when watching tv and it is cold we have afghans to cover with.
Ribbon Bookmarks
I am an avid reader and I just love bookmarks. Thank you for sharing your idea, Pam.
Herbie (Pharoah Hound/Terrier Mix)
Jenn, that is one contented little dog! Enjoy your life with your little furbaby.
Snowman Themed Party?
Search on the Thriftyfun site for Cute Peanut Butter Snowman Treats for a cute little snowman snack. Also, have you thought about the little snowmen made from tube socks? They are either stuffed with fiberfill or I have seen them filled with dry beans.
Rusty Roast Pan?
I use steel wool on rusty spots, then I immediately dry the pan; if you let it sit in a dish drain it will just rust again. I rub vegetable oil on the spots to keep them from rusting again. I got a cast iron griddle out of the free box at a garage sale because...
Decorating Cinder Block Walls?
How about sticky backed velcro? Though, I too, have used the 3M products and think they are really great!
Preparing Sunflower Seeds?
I just love sunflowers; and since I started feeding the birds sunflower seeds in their feeders, I havent had to plant any seeds anywhere because the birds do it for me! I leave the plant in the fall and it dries naturally and the birds pick at it all winter...
Cutting Things Out?
With practice, Pam, you will get better, I promise! Eileen is correct about moving the paper around while holding your scissors steady when cutting. Also, dont completely snip all the way and close the scissors completely, it makes a little jagged edge, stop...
