Where Can I Buy Red Curtain Rods?
Id recommend spray paint for metal rods instead of latex paint, because latex may not adhere to the slick surface and would eventually peel off. Letex would likely be fine for a wooden rod that has texture to take the paint better, but spray paint is oil based...
Useful Gift Ideas For Boyfriend?
I suggest a bucket filled with car-wash goodies like microfiber cloths, sponges, cleaning spray, air fresheners for the car, tire cleaner, etc. (check your dollar store!), and fill in with some of his favorite treats (candy, chips). You might also include a...
Gift Ideas for School from Former Graduating Class?
What about a nice outdoor bench and a couple of bushes to make campus look nicer?
Painting Brass?
Yes, you can paint brass with spray paint. If you have concerns re: the paint not sticking, you can spray it with a primer first, and then add your color.
What Do I Make With Leftover Steak?
Chop into small pieces and heat in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil, salsa, and taco seasonings (chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin). Use to make quesadillas!
Candle Wick Very Thin and Flame Struggling?
Ive read that you can use the warmer plate of a coffee maker to warm a candle and spread the scent. This could save you $ from having to buy a separate candle warmer and still provide the same effect.
Purse Organizer for Switching Purses?
You might use a zippered makeup bag to hold your essentials. Sometimes you can get them free with certain cosmetic purchases, or you could also watch garage sales or thrift stores.
Inexpensive Effusion Lamp Oil Online?
Here is a link to an effusion oil recipe, plus where to buy the oils, from Christys Thrifty Decorating blog: http://christys-thriftydecorating.blogspot.com/2007/11/effusion-lamps.html This will tell you all you need to know!
Stamped Tile Coasters
These are a lot of fun to make and are great for wedding and housewarming gifts. When you buy your tiles, make sure they are not glazed porcelain tiles, these may be inexpensive, but your ink wont set and water will smudge it.
Ways to Make Christmas Less Lonely and More Fun?
Make cocoa or cider, pile into the car, and drive around at night looking at Christmas lights. Volunteer at the Salvation Army or go visit at nursing homes. There are likely lots of elderly people without families who would love seeing some kids or teenagers...
Frugal Pet Shampoo?
Weve used Vicks Vapo-Rub on cats (rub it into their fur down to the skin) for fleas with good success. After youve coated your pet, wash her with Dawn dish soap or a pet shampoo. Fleas may be getting into your home through cracks around the doors or windows...
Wedding Cocktail Reception on a Tight Budget?
I also catered my own wedding reception from Sams Club. I recommend putting your hot food on the table last so that guests wont load up their plates with the more expensive food first. This strategy worked well for both my and my good friends wedding. My food...
Deodorant Build-up?
I use Mean Green on the underarms of my husbands shirts and it helps with deodorant buildup. However, I have only tried this with white shirts. The spray recommends you test it on an inconspicuous area first if you are in doubt about it discoloring something...
Inexpensive Western Wedding Decorations?
Royal blue bandannas would be an inexpensive and Western themed way to pick up your colors. You could use them as napkins for your reception BBQ, underneath mason jars with flowers or dried wheat inside on your tables, or you could even string a line of rope...
What Breed is My Puppy?
I believe your puppy does indeed have some pit bull in his heritage, and possibly some boxer also. Search for pictures of pit bulls online to help you figure things out. My best advice is to also be aware of the training, dominance, and discipline issues related...
Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Colors?
What feel are you going for? Right now the trend is maple, and oak is often criticized for being typically 80s or 90s. Really, you should go with whichever one you prefer, though, because both have their fans and their strong points. For an elegant, warm, up...
Lamp Shade Ideas?
I recovered a vintage shade just last weekend. Drum shades (perfect cylinders with no slope on the sides) are the easiest to do. First, remove any trim from the top or bottom edge and take off any existing fabric if possible. Then, measure around your shade...
Making Centerpieces Using Shoes and Flowers?
Cut floral foam to fit in the shoe and arrange silk flowers in the foam as you like. Use Spanish moss, easter grass, or colored shredded paper to cover the foam. If you have to use real flowers, buy the glass tubes to hold water for the stems and secure the...
Using Frozen Meatballs?
If they arent frozen in sauce, you can put them in a sauce made of chili sauce (tomato based) and grape jelly, and simmer on low to make a really tasty cocktail meatball. Thats how I used mine from my wedding. Theyre good with a stroganoff-type sauce over noodles...
Ideas for a Black, White and Red Wedding?
I dont know of any ready-made items, but I strongly suggest having a primarily black and white wedding with red flowers (roses seem a natural choice) as others suggested, and using the damask as accents, because its a big print that can be overwhelming in large...
Clothing That Makes You Look Slimmer?
Try to find a tunic top that has a bottom hem that hits you below your widest area. Dont go for a really baggy shirt -- you want it to skim over your body, not be a tent! If you are large-busted, do not pick anything that is empire waisted (has a band or sometimes...
Making a Fake Campfire?
Id try to find a small, quiet fan, and tape flames made of red, orange, and even some blue tissue paper in various heights to the screen on the front. When the fan is on, the flames will rise and dance. Use Christmas lights or battery operated votive candles...
Cleaning and Organizing My House?
I strongly recommend FlyLady.net for tips on how to maximize your cleaning and organizing in 15 minute spurts. Dont overwhelm yourself with tasks: save mopping and vacuuming for one session, and do laundry another, for example. When you work full time, big...
Teach Young Children to Use the Computer
Great idea to give kids an early start on learning and technology! There are lots of free educational resources on the computer that kids can enjoy, and many that you can also print and use for free, like flash cards, worksheets, puzzles, etc. Just be sure...
Gift Ideas for Children in Another Country?
You can find a variety of teaching tools like alphabet flashcards and letter magnets for just $1/ea. at Dollar Tree. These would help them when learning English and they could play games with them, too. The Eric Carle book series is amazing for beginning readers...
Paying Debt to Improve Your Credit Score?
You were given bad advice. You should certainly pay off your debt, because not doing so will hurt you in the long run. However, if youve defaulted on a credit card debt and want to settle the account, be prepared to pay the agreed-upon amount immediately because...
Baby is Not Crawling?
Babies dont all crawl at the same rate, and boys tend to trail girls developmentally anyway. Id research a bit online about whats developmentally appropriate before you worry yourself too much, because theres a range of ages for when crawling is appropriate...
Massage Oil Stains on Sheets?
You need something to dissolve the grease. Try spraying them down with Mean Green (its approved as a laundry pre-treatment) and let them sit, then wash in warm water with a strong detergent.
What Breed is My Dog?
I agree with the others that shes a chihuahua/Pomeranian mix. The tail curling over her back is a Pomeranian trait, and so is the shorter snout.
Software to Try Paint Colors?
Yes, there is a way to use your own photos to test out paint colors online. Behr Paints website has an option called Paint Your Place, where you can paint your own digital pictures of your rooms with their paint colors, and subscription is free! http://www...
Advice for Changing Careers?
You might also contact hospice care to see if they have needs for volunteers. If you do go back to school and are considering a long-term degree, Id suggest a Masters in counseling or a Masters in Social Work (so you could be a geriatric therapist, maybe through...
Winter Wonderland Themed Birthday Party?
Local elementary schools might let you cut out snowflakes with their die cut machine for free if you call ahead, ask nicely and explain what its for, and volunteer to bring your own paper. Id use a mix of white, baby blue, royal blue, and even vellum if you...
Wedding Dress Favor
I bet a tiny piece of tulle at the neckline to serve as a veil would be really cute, too.
Making Shirts Longer?
For your solid colored tops, Id find some patterned fabric (something that doesnt have to be matched - no stripes or plaid - think paisley, floral, etc), and sew on a wide band at the bottom with matching cuffs at the ends of the sleeves to tie it in. You can...
Jungle Themed Afghan?
Hi Karen, Im not much of a crocheter myself, but I did find these free patterns that might be worth a look: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/afghans.php In my head, it seems like you could perhaps chain several identical lengths of single crochet...
Planning a Birthday on a Tight Budget?
If your child is dead-set on having a birthday party with a cartoon characters theme, keep to your budget by using solid colored paper plates, napkins, and cups from the dollar store, and then just buy the paper tablecloth and a grocery cake in that theme (or...
Cowgirl Themed Birthday Party?
Another fun and inexpensive game would be pin the tail on the pony. I like the idea of a horseshoe toss, too. Try calling a feed store to see if they have any empty horse feed sacks that you could use like posters (especially if theres a picture of a horse...
Mother-of-the-Groom Dress Ideas?
Go for a solid melon color with most of the decoration above the waist and especially around the face if possible, to draw the eye upwards and emphasize this area instead of potential problem areas. Im thinking some type of dress (or very fancy pantsuit with...
Dried Latex Paint on Carpet?
How big of a spill? Whenever I have a drip or two, I just let it dry -- wiping makes the smear worse and then snip out individual carpet fibers with my nail scissors.
What Breed is My Dog?
They may be pure pit, but I wonder if theres perhaps some boxer in them, too. I say that because they dont seem stocky enough to be all pit, but they might also be skinny from malnourishment.
Tree Birthday Cake?
You can bake a sheet cake in a 9x13 pan, let it cool, and then trim it into the shape of a triangle. Use a piece of trimmed-off cake cut into a square to make the trunk, or use a chocolate snack cake. Frost the whole thing green. You can use coconut to simulate...
Changing Easter Bunnies into Christmas Bunnies?
You could wrap small boxes to look like presents and hot glue them in the bunnies paws.
Storing Large Kitchen Utensils?
I keep my large kitchen tools/utensils in a cookie jar minus the lid, right next to my stovetop. Other people on this site have used flower pots painted to match kitchen decor and decorated coffee cans for the same purpose. Be thrifty and be creative!
Personalized Gift Business Name Ideas?
The Gilded Pen Love Notes Sealed with a Kiss Words of Wisdom Rhyme n Rhetoric
Cream Of Turkey and Rice Soup Recipe?
Hi Sue, I found this recipe by Jordanna Novak on Allrecipes.com -- it has a 4.5 star rating and people really seem to like it :-) Turkey Wild Rice Soup 3 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed chicken broth 2 cups water 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions 1/2 cup uncooked...
Gift Ideas For Bridal Party?
I bought my bridesmaids a jewelry set to wear and a tote bag (just $5!) embroidered with their monogram. I paid about $25 each and used the bag as the gift wrap with tissue paper poking out of the top.
Printing Your Own Wedding Programs?
eBay has many print-your-own program covers if you like this style of program. I chose it because it matched my wedding theme and saved me money because the outside was pre-printed in color -- MUCH cheaper than the cost of colored ink cartridges to print the...
Trim Ideas for a Burgundy Room?
I agree with other posters suggestions to use pure white paint. I have a deep red fireplace wall in my formal living room that I painted that color, and the mantel, trim, and fireplace surround look gorgeous painted white. Cream might be okay, but to me, it...
Christmas Float Ideas: "Christmas' Past"?
I love msburnys idea! Why not make a faux jukebox (use cardboard boxes for the base and cover with colored paper, then run Christmas lights through holes poked holes from the inside), and have Santa bopping and jiving right beside it along with the girls in...
Using Tissue Paper To Update A Lamp
Please post a picture! Sounds like a great way to update decor or repurpose a garage sale or thrift store find!
Bar Bee Cups
Mmm, my mom used to make these for me! Sometimes she would press two biscuit dough rounds together and use jumbo muffin tins for even larger bar bee cups. A yummy variation is to substitute taco seasoning and red enchilada sauce for the barbecue sauce for a...
What Breed Is My Dog?
I vote yellow lab also, although with those blue eyes, I wouldnt rule out weimeraner.
Options For Temperamental Dog?
Smaller dogs can tend to be more territorial and have a personality that makes up for their size, depending on the breeds involved. Definitely seek out obedience training in your area -- PetsMart offers it, too, but I think a fee is involved.
Identifying Strange Plant In Garden?
I Googled your description and found this link describing an orange, horn-shaped fungus called (i)Mutinus elegans(/i), or Elegant Stinkhorn. Check it out and see if the pictures match your find: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17049
Help with 4 Year Old Behavior?
Please, please dont be so quick to jump to the conclusion that this child has bipolar disorder; four is a (i)very(/i) young age to be diagnosed with a mood disorder of that magnitude. Your granddaughters behavior could be due to developmental reasons (the strong...
Making Homemade Door Wreaths?
Homemade wreaths are loads of fun to make and way cheaper than storebought ones! I make mine with silk and dried flowers so they last longer, usually on a grapevine wreath base (although you can also use straw or foam). The number of bunches of florals and...
Choose The Frugal Tips That Fit Your Lifestyle
I dont mind the word frugal and Im not even 30 yet, so its definitely not because Im a relic of the old days. I think people associate their feelings with money too much sometimes and think that being thrifty or frugal is equal to deprivation, and to me, the...
Suggestions For Cheap, Frozen Fish?
My husband and I like tilapia filets. We buy them frozen w/o breading, and I bake them in a foil packet with butter and Cajun seasoning. Also good with lemon pepper or any kind of grilling seasoning recommended for fish. They have a mild flavor and are very...
Making Simple, Quick Twine Plant Hangers?
You might be able to crochet a simple chain stitch into a hoop just smaller than the top rim of the pot (so the pot wouldnt fall out), and then chain 3-4 additional arms to space evenly and knot at the top and hang by. If you dont crochet, you might try the...
Buying a Wedding Dress on eBay
I bought my wedding dress on eBay too (see uploaded pic of the actual gown). I paid $56 (that includes shipping!) for a brand new with tags gown, and when I received it, the original price was marked $700! I got lucky and found a woman who buys sample gowns...
Food For Small Wedding Reception?
I catered my own heavy hors douevres wedding reception for 65 in Oct 07 using frozen heat-and-eat appetizers, fruit, and veggie trays from Sams Club, along with wedding cake and nonalcoholic punch. Presented on trays borrowed from family and in a few rented...
Making a Silk Bridal Bouquet
I love fresh flowers, but I chose to create my own bouquets/corsages/boutonnieres using silk flowers instead for my own wedding in Oct. 07 for convenience, cost, and looks. The majority of my fall flowers were purchased at Dollar Tree in mid to late summer...
Inexpensive Bridesmaid Dresses?
I used www.keepmeinstitches.biz for my bridesmaids dresses. I chose chocolate brown satin cocktail-length dresses with a shawl that looked nearly identical to the Davids Bridal version for $80 (including shipping). My bridesmaids paid for their own dresses...
Saving Money on Weddings
We had a gorgeous outdoor wedding for $3,200. So howd we do it? First off, our guest list was small -- 65 people. Because we had a color theme (autumn) instead of just 2-3 set-in-stone color choices, we were able to use a variety of options and this flexibility...
Coloring Bridesmaids Shoes
My bridesmaid dresses were chocolate brown and cocktail length, so I just asked them to wear a high heeled black sandal and left it at that. Even though their feet were very visible, no one remarked that they had on different styles of shoes or felt that the...
Creating a Budget for My Wedding?
I highly suggest visiting www.weddingplanningwiz.com and clicking on Wedding Budget. They have an Excel spreadsheet you can download for FREE that takes into account your desired budget, guest list, etc., and spreads out your $ to show you about how much to...
Low-Cost Wedding Decorations
I got the bulk of my fall wedding flowers and decorations from Dollar Tree. I also got a ringbearer pillow that my mom recovered to match my theme and monogram stickers that I used as envelope seals on my DIY invitations. You can find lots of ceremony and reception...
How I Went Broke Saving Money
I use coupons mostly for name brand items that were picky about, like cat food, toilet paper, kitty litter, and toiletries. I try to limit our groceries to generics and find coupons for the few name-brand foods that we do eat. I also wont waste my time on a...
Wedding Cake for a Morning Wedding?
I know this is a late posting, but I wanted to add my two cents worth for others who might be in this situation! If you want a traditional wedding cake, carrot cake might be a nice accompaniment to coffee and other brunch-style foods. Or, you might consider...
When is right time to have children?
My husband and I are 27 year old and married almost 2 years. Weve decided to wait until we are 30 to start trying for a child and want 2 kids. People tease me about how Ill be an old mommy one day, but I do NOT think 30 is old, and this is the right choice...
Make Your Own Wedding Invitations
I used a Gartner Studios kit from Michaels that had a handmade paper base embedded with dried flowers (I had a fall wedding theme) topped with a vellum layer, held together with a ribbon. I changed out the ivory ribbon that came with the set for red, and used...
Printed Wedding Invitations?
I printed both my wedding invitations as well as my programs, and bought a kit for each. I recommend this option because you can tweak the wording and font to your liking and personalize with ribbon, colored paper, etc. You could save even more by tracking...
Should I Paint My Walls Red and/or Black?
I agree that one accent wall would be a better idea than an entire room of black or red. Keep your other walls neutral with a khaki or cream color -- it would coordinate beautifully with your black and red accents, and dont forget some green plants, too! In...
Cutting Wedding Costs: Find a Wedding Dress for Less
I purchased my wedding dress on eBay for $56 (including shipping) from a highly rated seller and when it arrived, it still had tags on it with an original price of $700! I measured myself beforehand and made sure to choose a style that would be easy to alter...
