Smoke Smell on Belongings After a House Fire?
After my husband and I had a fire in our apartment building, we used Kids N Pets Stain and Odor Remover. It safely and effectively removed all of the smoke smell, even from my antique chenille bedspread. Ive also used it on cat urine stains. It works wonders...
When Are You Being Too Frugal?
I absolutely agree with everything, except: You deny yourself even the tiniest of treats that would be good for you emotionally.... I dont understand the concept of splurging as a necessity. Why would I pay four dollars for a cup of coffee when I can make it...
My Frugal Life: First Time On My Own
Dont be wary of the food aisle, just be smart. My Dollar Tree has Starkist tuna pouches, olive oil, roasted red peppers, all natural sweet potato chips, unsalted roasted cashews, old fashioned oatmeal, jarred fruit, green tea, Italian dressing and more. I only...
Wall and Refrigerator Colors for a 50s Vintage Look Kitchen?
I just moved into a 1927 Craftsman style bungalow. The kitchen was redone in the 1950s. It has white cabinets, black and white checkered flooring and bright yellow tiles that go halfway up the walls. The walls were painted a matching bright yellow. I collect...
Planning a Wedding Reception For Under $2000?
Our reception hall was free, my father in law worked there. Find a friend or relative who works somewhere with a big open space. Maybe a park, school or library. Find a deal. Do you know someone that owns a restaurant or catering company? Call around to mom...
My Frugal Life: Out Of Sugar?
I live in a medium size city. The apartment complex I live in is very anonymous and full of temporary residents. My favorite neighbors were three Canadian college students. One day they knocked on the door and asked to borrow a 13x9 baking pan. Later they brought...
Just Jack (Miniature Pincher)
This story brought tears to my eyes. Sometimes the things we think we need are not the things that are right for us. You already had two big dogs, but Jack was meant to join the family. Kudos to you for rescuing him!
Use Sock on Water Bottle
I also carry reusable bottles and Ive been wrapping a dish cloth around them. This idea is so much better and will make use of all the orphaned socks Ive been saving! Thank you.
Finding An Inexpensive, Basic Cell Phone Plan?
Net10 is 10 cents a minute and phones start at $10. You can buy them at Walmart, 7-11, Kroger, Dollar General. I just bought one for my 66 year old mom. She loves it. $30 gives her 300 minutes to use over two months. Hope this helps.
Taco Salad Tray Perfect for Feeding Cats
I also save compartmented plastic dishes and use them to feed all the unfortunate cats that get dumped at my apartment complex. That way I dont have to worry about washing bowls that may be infected with a feline disease and risk my cat and dogs health. (Yes...
Secret Pal Gifts for Seventh Grade Girl?
Since the object is to be thrifty... go to a thrift store. Does the girl envy the cool kids with the name brand clothes? Pick up cheap Gap, Abercrombie, and Old Navy clothes. Is she funky with a unique personality? Pick up a vintage purse, sweater or jacket...
Renting Out a Vintage Pinball Machine?
My husband is the manager of a business that buys/sells used cds, video games, DVDs, etc. They have an old arcade machine that a neighbor set up on a commission basis. He gets 80% of the take and the business gets 20%. Perhaps look to other businesses like...
Pull Your Coupons Off Products Before Checkout
I am a cashier in in big box grocery store. I regularly ring up orders of 100 items or more. In my store, we are expected to scan a certain number of items per hour. I cannot afford to inspect every item for a coupon as this slows down my time. My time affects...
Advice for Vacationing in Chicago?
Navy Pier is a glorified mall, but do ride their ferris wheel - it gives you a great view of the shore and Lake Michigan. I say Giordanos has the best pizza - try the deep dish! Also check out Berghoff Brewery and Restaurant. They have great German food, beer...
Lock 'n Lock Storage Containers
I bought some knock off lock and lock containers at Dollar Tree and have found them just as effective as the pricey ones.
Alternatives to GladWare for Brown Bagging?
Go to your local thrift store. They have lots of reusable containers at very reasonable prices. I recently shared a purchase of a bunch of real Tupperware with my mother-in-law. They were 50 cents to $1.00 a piece. How do you lose your gladware? Do your kids...
Leaving Cat Alone While on Vacation?
How would you like it if you were used to having companionship 16 hours a day and then only had it for an hour or two a week? When my husband and I go on vacation (and we havent in 3 years due to finances) we have one of his brothers stay at our house. If we...
Store Detergent in Name Brand Box
Ive fed my husband vegetarian sausage and ground beef and not told him what it was. Ive put as little as 1/8 of a pound of chicken or beef in a casserole when he insists that he needs 1/2 pound of meat per meal. I used to sneak him diet pop and sugar free koolaid...
Managing Time as a Working Woman?
A crockpot is a great idea and so is cooking ahead and freezing meals. Also, cut up your vegetables and prepare your starch (potato or rice or bread) the night before if you can. When its time to make the meal you only have to cook the veg and meat and heat...
Uses for Ben and Jerry's Mini Spoons
These little bitty spoons (they give them with samples in grocery stores, cafes, etc.) are also great for lunch boxes. I use one to spread stuff on crackers, to eat pasta salad made with small pasta like alphabets or orzo, to eat pudding cups, or to slowly...
Save Those Pennies
The store manager of my $100 million dollar a year big box store told me a couple years ago that he picks up a penny if he sees it. Last year I kept track of the money I picked up. I found $181 and change. Not bad for just the effort of bending down to pick...
Cat Meows Every Morning?
Kamilah Marie (9 year old Maine Coon mix) likes to wake me up from a sound sleep at 3 or 4 in the morning. Why? So I can pet her. Shell get right in my face and *chirrup* at me. When I startle awake shell roll around on the bed to signal that she wants to be...
Recipes Using Potatoes?
Boil redskin or Yukon gold potatoes until fork tender. Drain. Grease a cookie sheet or sheet pan with olive oil or vegetable oil. Place the potatoes on the pan. Smash them down with a potato masher. Drizzle with more oil, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, etc. Bake...
Check Receipt Before Leaving Store
As a cashier, I always make the same comments on these kinds of posts... Yes, watch as items are being rung up. If you notice something scan incorrectly say, Im sorry, that dish soap was supposed to be 97 cents. Dont say, You total (curse word) moron. I cant...
Substitute for Boone's Farm Apple Wine?
Since Boones now makes Blue Hawaiian, Fuzzy Navel and Sangria flavors I wonder what the recipe is? Depending on the recipe I would say water, apple juice, white grape juice, orange juice, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
Eliminating Leftovers and Food Waste
When my husband and I started dating 10 years ago, he informed me that his mom never made him eat leftovers. I said that wouldnt fly with me because I can only cook for 5 people. After several hungry nights watching me happily eat leftover soup, casserole, chili...
Wedding Reception Party on Anniversary?
My husband and I married 5/27/05 at the courthouse with just parents, one grandmother and our siblings in attendance. We did get fully dressed up: he in a new suit and me in a white dress, tiara and heels. We didnt have a reception until October 05. We both...
Cabbage, Rice and Beef Casserole Recipe?
This is a recipe I recently posted on my blog. Stuffed Cabbage Casserole 2 cups grated cabbage (or cole slaw mix) 1/2 pound ground beef, pork or turkey 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup rice, cooked In large skillet or medium...
Recycling Used Cat Litter?
In my town, the pooper scooper laws claim that dog and cat waste is unhygienic and contaminates soil and water. Thats funny. My dad always used our dogs manure to fertilize our garden. Some people thought that was gross, but is cow manure any grosser? We know...
Cat Puts Things in Water Dish?
Try changing it several times a day. Would you like to drink from a glass of water that had sat out for a day or two and collected dust, dander, loose fur, bugs, etc.? You dont need a lot of water if its a shallow bowl. If you are gone a lot use a big shallow...
Say "No" to Pizza Delivery
Just say no to buying pizza. I use hillbillyhousewife.coms pizza crust recipe. I roll a single crust into two very thin crusts. I top both with tomato sauce I season with Italian seasoning, garlic, onion powder and pepper. One gets pepperoni and cheese. The...
Soup Savvy
Are you saying that you serve the canned soup but replace the broth with your own? Or that you dump out all the soup and tell her the stuff in the pot is canned when it is yours? Either way youre wasting something. If you are just pouring out the broth from...
Use a Hotdog Bun for PB&J
My husband is lost when I am not home to cook for him. One day when I was working he was all proud of himself because he made a jelly burger for lunch (jelly on a hamburger bun). I use hotdog buns for PB&J, philly cheesesteaks, garlic bread, sub sandwiches...
Dodge Caravan's Electric Windows Stopped Working?
My husband and I have a 1989 Crown Victoria. Every once in a while if you put the drivers side window all the way down it wont come back up. I looked for a solution online and found a surprising one. Slam the door as hard as you can. I know it sounds crazy...
Walmart Getting Rid Of Crafts Department?
The Walmart I work at (N. Indiana) still has a large fabric department, but two new stores that have opened nearby do not. The reason? Theft. Last year our fabric and craft department had a 19% loss. Anything over 1% is bad. I think these dishonest crafters...
Websites That Sell Really Cheap Books?
I use bookmooch.com. You list books you want to give away and get points for the books you list. Then you use your points to mooch books from other people.
Retro Clothing for Larger Sizes?
igigi.com has some very pretty retro style items but they are very expensive.
Plan a Backyard Campout
This is how my husband and I are spending the Labor Day holiday. Instead of our own backyard, we are camping in his moms backyard. She lives out in the country on 2 acres and has a basketball hoop, firepit, BBQ grill, etc. We used to camp at KOA, but Moms yard...
Tinkerbell the Cat
We also have a wild cat that is now an apartment dweller. She came to us at 9 months old after I had been in a car accident and was house bound for 3 months. How I needed her then and still need her now 7 years later! I say shes my best friend (after dear hubby...
Bringing Mayo For Your Lunch?
I put the mayo on the lunch meat then lay some lettuce or cheese on top. The lettuce/cheese acts as a barrier so the bread doesnt get soggy.
Brooke (Jackobosador)
Our designer breed is a Border Rat (Border Collie and Rat Terrier). Mixed breeds are the best in my book. Give Brooke hugs for me. She looks like an angel.
Ask Wal-Mart to Match the Price
These are the rules at the Wal-Mart I work at. Bring your own ad. The other store must be within a 50 mile radius. We do not match Aldi, Save a Lot, Big Lots, etc. because they are closeout, discount, house brand only stores. We do not match buy one get one...
Recycled Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
The light in my apartments stove hood blows out about every six weeks. Now I can use those blown bulbs for a Christmas gift. Thank you!
Camping Trip Beef Stroganoff
Where do you buy canned meatballs? Or do you can them yourself at home? Thanks for the info!
Decorating Ideas For A "Pizza" Cookie?
I would spread the cookie base with cream cheese and honey or fruit cream cheese and top with strawberry or raspberry preserves. Then use sliced strawberries for pepperoni, sliced kiwi (minus the middle part with the seeds) for green peppers and thinly sliced...
Frugal Wedding Gift Ideas?
I like to make food themed baskets for wedding gifts. Buy a nice colander (like a red enamel one). Inside it place a box of spaghetti, a gourmet pasta sauce, a shaker of parmesan, a nice kitchen towel and a wooden spoon. Wrap with clear basket wrap and tie...
Making A Purse Out Of A Dog Food Bag?
If the bag is made of two layers (paper on the outside, waxed paper on the inside) I would separate the two layers and discard the inside layer. Then use clear Contact paper to laminate the paper. Now look on ThriftyFun or Google for a pattern using Capri Sun...
One Fish Fishcakes
What size pan do you put the mayonnaise bread in? A loaf pan, a 9x9 square? Does it bake up like bread or is it more biscuit-like? My husband and I love fish and dont eat it enough. I will definitely give this recipe a try. Thanks.
Tuna Salad without Mayo?
I like tuna with really chunky fresh salsa, pepper, onion flakes and parsley. It sounds kind of weird, but its wonderful. I like to use tortilla chips to scoop this up, but you could put it on bread, pita, tortilla, crackers, etc.
Fixing Leftovers Instead Of Throwing Them Out
Ive rinsed breading off of chicken and pork chops, rinsed seasoning off of vegetables, saved buttered toast for bread crumbs, added broth to casseroles to make soups, etc. If I can think if a way to reuse or repurpose a leftover or a screw up, Ill do it. Food...
My Frugal Life: Cut Any Corner You Can
You mention pulses twice in your post. Please explain as that is not a term I am familiar with. I would love to go car-free. I do not drive, but my husband does. He drives me to work, then drives himself to work and then comes to get me at night. Unfortunately...
Uses for Faux Fur Coats?
A local animal shelter could use them as blankets/surrogate moms for baby animals, injured animals, sick animals, etc. They should be able to give you a receipt of your donation so you could claim it on your taxes while doing something great for an animal in...
PeeWee (Green Iguana)
What a beautiful lizard. I love the bands on his tail. How sweet he looks cuddled up with his bear friend. I had a rabbit who liked watching the Cartoon Network. My cat, Kamilah, loves watching any show about dinosaurs. Perhaps she was a T Rex in another life...
Recipe For Frito Lay Like Bean Dip?
I make my own bean dip like this: I can (15 oz) refried beans 2 T sour cream 2 T (or to taste) canned tomatoes with green chilies 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese chopped jalapenos (from jar or dried) to taste salt and pepper to taste Warm up in microwave...
Uses for CD Containers?
I use them for salad, veggies, pretzels, etc for my lunchbox. I think the containers are great because the lid screws on.
Repairing Scratched DVDs
All the used music stores in my area will buff CDs. Some do it for a small fee, one does it for free. Call some music stores in your area to see who offers CD repair.
Where To Find Earth Shoes?
If you mean the brand name Earth Shoes, they sell them at Wal-Mart. They are not really my taste, but Ive bought some anyway because they are so darned comfy.
Save Magnets From Memo Pads
I also take promotional magnets at supermarket demos, takeout restaurants, etc. You can cut them up or cover them.
Locations For Angel Food Ministries In Illinois?
Below is the link for all of Illinois. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/states.asp?state=IL Arcola First Baptist Churchs phone number is 217-268-4837. Hope this helps.
Frugal Nickleback Band Memorabilia?
Ask at local music stores. Not chain stores but indy stores. Get to know the people that work there, get to know the manager or owner. They might be willing to give you posters, tshirts, keychains, standees, etc. If they are of artists you dont like, you could...
Peanut Butter For CD Scratches
Why would you waste food to buff a CD? In my town there is a used music store that will buff two CDs a day for free.
Pet Toy From Old Socks
Just make sure your pet is not distructive with their toys. I had a friend who used to give his chow chow old socks to chew on. All was fine until Boo Boo unraveled a sock and had half of it stuck down his throat. I was there and pulled it out. Chris was too...
Use Flat Sheets Over Comforter
I use a clear shower curtain liner to cover the bed. Not only does Kamilah the kitty shed a lot, she pees on the bed when she see a cat, skunk, person, dust mote, leaf, etc. out of the window or when we go on vacation or work late several nights in a week. I...
Beverage Tips For Weddings
Even though my husband and I are not opposed to alcohol, we did not serve it at our wedding reception. (This was 2 years ago when we were 28 years old.) We served iced tea, coffee, water and what I call church punch - 7-up, fruit punch and sherbet. No one complained...
Saving Money on Books
I use bookmooch.com to get free books. Its free to join. Just list some books you want to give away. You get points for the books you list and can use those points to mooch a book from someone else. You also get points when someone mooches a book from you. I...
Online Paperback Swap
Also try bookmooch.com. Its free to join. Ive been mooching for about a year. I use this site to get books that Id like to add to my personal library and for books that the public library doesnt carry or are always checked out. I buy books at Goodwill, yard...
Rich Hummus Recipe?
It could have been garbanzo and Great Northern beans. I made some of this a couple weeks ago and it was white, whereas garbanzos alone make it beige. Try using equal amounts of both beans (cooked and cooled or canned, drained)about a cup each, a couple pinches...
All Unescorted Children . . .
I have a pin that says all unattended children will be given espresso and a free kitten. I wear it at work!
Products Being Thrown in the Garbage
Ive worked for several major retailers over the years. All of them threw stuff away with alarming regularity. Videos, video games, VCRs, books, magazines, greeting cards, calendars, fabric, notions, scissors, food, furniture, clothing, etc. I know dumpster...
Making Eggs in the Microwave?
I mix one or two eggs with a little milk in a small bowl. I like Corelle. Its almost non-stick. I cook for about 30 seconds, stir and cook 30 more seconds or until done. I like to use these microwaved eggs for breakfast sandwiches on bagels or english muffins...
Can Dogs Spread Disease?
Most diseases are not tranmittable from animal to human. If your dog or cat has rabies or e coli, I would hope that you knew they were sick and would seek medical attention for them as well as yourself. This post particularly worries me as the poster is in...
How much rent can I afford?
Ive see the equation as 40% to 50% of your net income is for rent. 25%-30% should go to other bills (electricity, gas, insurance, food) and the rest is fun money. But I have known rental places to base income on your gross and assume you can pay more for rent...
Meatloaf in Muffin Tins
I make meat loaf with about a pound of ground beef, two slices of white bread (torn into small pieces) and all the spices and seasonings. Then I pat it into a 9 inch glass pie plate. It bakes in 20 or 30 minutes at 350*. This is perfect for 2 or 3 people.
Stocking Up on Groceries?
Persnickety Paula: I freeze eggs with great results. I break one into a small container (2 ounces?) and stir it very gently. When I have a couple eggs frozen solid, I take them out of the containers and place them in a ziptop baggie. They are great in baked...
Sweat Odor on Faux Fur?
I cant say for sure that any of these will work, but they are worth trying. Put the coat in a paper bag. Fill another bag with kitty litter. Put the bag with the coat in the bag with the kitty litter. Place in the sun for several days. Spray the coat with a...
Acrylic Overlay and Natural Nails?
I used silk wraps and acrylic liquid on my nails for a year and a half, because I didnt think my own long nails would survive my new job. I was a slave to repairing them. I quit doing that in October. After several weeks of breakage, my new nails are growing...
Mamma, Diva and Cotton (Cats)
These are three gorgeous kitties! They look like a painting. Much love and hugs to them.
Arthritic Fingers?
Buy the stretchy gloves that are sold in the theraputic section of your local drug store or big box store. Wear them at night. During the day wear the gloves that have the hard splint in them. If you cant afford these, cut tube socks to accommodate your level...
Shortening the Sleeves on a Robe?
Buy a wide satin blanket binding or even a wide fleece blanket binding and sew it on. It will look like a decorative trim. You might even want to add it to the bottom hem of your robe to continue the theme. You can find blanket binding by the zippers in fabric...
Fruit Fly Trap
Put it in a wine bottle. (You could use any bottle with a long neck.). The fruit flies get in but they cant get out!
Spareribs With Coke?
I have used Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Faygo Rock n Rye. I have also used the diet versions of all these and it made no difference. I usually soak my ribs for several hours in a mix of the pop, chopped garlic, salt, freshly ground pepper and whatever else I feel...
Safe Popcorn for Someone With Diverticulitis?
I love the Fit and Active Cheddar Rice Cake Snacks from Aldi. They taste just like cheese popcorn!
Teaching a Dog To Swim?
My husband and I have a Rat Terrier/Border Collie. At two years old she still absolutely hates water. My husband gives her a bath and tries to get her to swim and float in the tub. She acts like she is undergoing the most horrible, terrifying torture. While...
Recipes Using Potato Flakes?
If you are using them as a side dish, dice up one small potato, boil and mash. Make the potato flakes according to directions and add the mashed potato. The real potato will make the instant taste better. Use cream, real butter, cream cheese or cottage cheese...
Freebies from Hotels, Restaurants, Etc.
I save all those condiment packets in a big ziptop bag in the fridge. When Michael and I go camping, we have plenty for burgers, dogs and can also combine stuff for marinades. I save travel size toiletries for work use or stocking stuffers. (Local food banks...
If You Are Overcharged at WalMart
I work at Walmart so I am well aware of this policy. Just keep a couple of things in mind when shopping there (or any Big Box Store). Alot of our shelves are stocked and tagged by vendors (pop, bread, chips, candy, magazines) so the mistakes that they make...
Sandwich Wraps Recipes?
Here are some ideas that I use in my husbands lunches. Ill modify them to make them healthier: pizza wraps: spread the middle of a tortilla with pizza or spaghetti sauce (or tomato sauce with Italian seasoning), add veggies, fresh or sauteed (mushrooms, onions...
Recipes Using Canned "Cream Of" Soups?
Easy KFC Copycat Gravy 1 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup 1 1 ounce packet turkey gravy 1 1 ounce packet brown gravy 1 (to 1 1/2) cups water freshly ground pepper Combine first four ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat until...
Cloth to Use as Padding for Bras?
If you dont want to buy the premade/cut bra pads sold in the notions department, use quilt batting. You could buy high- or low-loft, acrylic or cotton.
Poll: Do you have a guilty pleasure or something you splurge on?
Ill drop $4.00 on a caramel latte, but I only buy things at Goodwill that are 75% off. I spend about $10 a month on supplies (silk wraps and acrylic gel) to apply to my nails so they stay long. But it takes me about 2 - 3 hours a week total to do them. Time...
Spreadable Cheese Recipe (Like Kaukauna)?
Ive never had that brand of spreadable cheese, but here is a recipe for one that my mom gave me... 2 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened 2 cups sharp or extra sharp cheddar, shredded 1 T each pimento, chopped green pepper and diced green onion 2 T worcestershire...
Can I Use Baby Food Jars For Candles?
I save all my glass jars (spaghetti sauce, nacho cheese, baby food, etc.). I use them in the fridge, freezer and microwave. Ive only had one glass spaghetti sauce jar crack and that was in the freezer. I think the chicken broth I had in it was still a little...
Homemade Hat Pins?
I see hat pins at local antique stores, flea markets and craft shows. They are usually $1-3 each. Or seach on ebay or shopgoodwill.com.....
Salad Bar Savings
My husband and I go camping at a KOA with a supermarket within walking distance. We walk over there in the morning and get lunch and dinner ingredients. We get chopped veggies, shredded cheese, dressing for dipping, vinaigrette for marinades, precooked chicken...
