Using Online Accelerated Reading Tests?
Schools pay a large sum of money for access to The Accelerated Reader Program. The tests can only be taken at school or, in some cases, a public library. Teachers want their students to take the test at school because otherwise they dont know if the student...
Sharing Living Expenses With Boyfriend?
He is using you. What has he offered you? Focus on finding a new job and getting out of this situation.
Finding a Site for Accelerated Reading Tests?
You can only take the tests at school or sometimes at libraries during summer reading programs. The teachers dont want the tests taken at home because they dont know who is answering the questions.
Keeping Stray Cats Out of Your Yard?
Ask the animal shelter in your area for traps. Lure the cats in with cat food and then take them to the shelter. Stray animals spread disease. Your neighbor is aggravating the problem by feeding them. Feeding is easy. Is she willing to adopt them and take them...
Using Online Accelerated Reading Tests?
You can only log in at school. Like other tests, the teachers want some control of the test environment.
Advice for First Time Home Buyers?
Here is a Florida perspective: Does the house have east/west exposure? If so, expect your front door to bake or your backyard to sizzle depending upon the time of day. North/south exposure is better in a hot climate. Is there any wood on your dwelling? Virtually...
Advice for First Time Home Buyers?
I forgot: Find out where your water pipes are. Did some fool plant an oak tree where the roots would eventually get into your pipes? It will cost six to seven thousand dollars to remove a large oak tree and re-lay your water pipes. There is a neighborhood near...
My Frugal Life: Focused On Frugality
In the U.S. it is only required that the hen spend part of the day outside. Theyve added the label barn-roaming to more accurately designate hens that are allowed more ground to roam, but not outdoors.
My Frugal Life: Penny Wise or Pound Foolish
Oh, this is too funny. How about the people who suggest you use old pantyhose to strain food? Yuck!
Easy No Fat Dessert
I tried this with a can of strawberry pie filling and it was delicious. Very moist and a pretty pink color. You can put fat free whipped cream on top.
My Frugal Life: Living in a "Post-Consumer Age"
I guess a good question to ask before a purchase is do I want to be owned by this item? Because everything we buy represents time and effort on our part. Not just the time it took to earn the money to buy it, but it has to be stored and kept in shape and used...
Is AARP Membership Worth the Investment?
I havent joined. I already get discounts for hotels through AAA but there are even cheaper deals on line and in coupon books. I used to read my dads Modern Maturity magazine which has some good articles, but I feel they are out of sync with most post 50s people...
AM/FM Radio Reviews?
I have heard that the Davidson radios are the best, I think they are only available online- but I am content with my Sony. Dont waste money on radios from BigLots though. Twice now I have bought defective electronics there. Never again.
After Christmas Eco-Savings
Just want to mention that if you are a teacher or librarian you can make beautiful bookmarks out of recycled Christmas cards. Cut off the picture part, then cut it into thirds, lengthwise. Dont worry about cutting through the printed message. They are beautiful...
One Size Doesn't Always Fit All
I loved your post. People who are insecure in their choices feel threatened by those who have made different choices. I think that attitude includes everything under the sun, not just frugal living. Frugal living is different for everyone. It means making the...
My Frugal Life: Economics of Menopause
I notice you live in Canada. How about those of us who live in Florida? I am saving money now in November, but summer is something else. My a/c rep told me not to set my thermostat lower than 76 if I want my a/c system to last. Also, first I read that hot flashes...
My Frugal Life: Triage Casual Spending
I feel the same way! I had fallen into a rut of shopping as entertainment. I told myself that I was shopping at thrift stores and outlets and the grocery store so I was being reasonably frugal. Well, shopping is like calories. If you eat enough of the diet...
Hoarding: Too Much Stuff
My mother is a hoarder. She had a lipstick that was over 20 years old. It was a very unflattering color. I asked her why she didnt ditch it and she said, It isnt used up. I know it isnt the best color so I only wear it when Im going to some place unimportant...
Hoarding: Too Much Stuff
I posted earlier about the mom who hoards stuff at her assisted living apartment. Thankfully, the family got a call from management saying it had to be cleared out. She was using the shower rod to hang clothes and not bathing. So we went in and bagged a ton...
My Frugal Life: Rebuilding Our House
You deserve a nice home after all you went through over the years. Wow, I could never equal your endurance!
My Frugal Life: Me And The Bee
Taking care of my baby fine hair was torture until I had it cut short in a precision style- Dorothy Hamill style. Now I never need more than a blow dryer and a curling iron in the morning. I cant stand the smell of hair spray so I never use it. Plus when I...
My Frugal Life: Reusing Plastic Grocery Bags
I scoop the solids out of the cats litter box into the bag to dump it. We get the flushable litter. I flush the contents, then throw the bag away. Before that I was dragging the whole box outside or to the bathroom to dispose of cat feces. The bags are much...
My Frugal Life: Car Free
It is really hard to be car free in the suburbs with no bus transportation. Here in Florida, there are very few walking (or triking) communities. I wish it were different. We would be a healthier and greener society.
Buying Clothes You Will Wear
Oh, I mostly buy neutrals in pants and skirts. I love colorful tops, including red. I agree that all neutrals would be boring! My point is that if you own neutral bottoms, it is easy to match your tops to your pants and skirts. I remember when it was popular...
My Frugal Life: Living The Lifestyle
I love to hear comeback stories, but am I to assume that you did all that by selling cupcakes? Or did you go home and make cupcakes rather than buying the expensive $3.00 ones? I am not sure what the lesson is here?
Nail Fungus Remedies?
Ive had it for six years and pretty much gave up because I am not going to damage my liver to get rid of the fungus. I tried all the home remedies over the years to no avail. It does improve the appearance of the nail to use Vicks vaporrub though. However, I...
Product Review: The Diet Solution Program
Although it doesnt address this particular diet, I recommend the site quackwatch.com. It explains the faulty reasoning behind many health claims. I also wrote to the author of the site when I was concerned about a news article that stated that microwave popcorn...
Product Review: The Diet Solution Program
One more thing about Diet Solution. If you look for reviews of the diet on the web they turn out to be advertisements masked as reviews. (Maybe there are objective reviews out there and I just didnt find them). I would guess that this is true of many product...
Video And Link: Depression Era Cooking With Clara
I love Clara, made her spinach omelet yesterday. This is so easy and fast. Because her recipes only have a few ingredients it is easy to cut them down for one or two people if you dont cook for a big family. I added some shaved parmesan cheese and Adobo seasoning...
Save Lunch Money Instead of Eating Out
Id like to add that it takes will power to drive through a fast food line and not get the unhealthy choices. I think if Ive had a stressful morning at work, I will be tempted by those cheap McDonalds apple pies and the yummy fries. If I have packed my own lunch...
Inexpensive Diet Recipes?
My best diet meal is to season a fish filet (orange roughy, mahi mahi, or wild Alaskan salmon are favorites) with Adobo seasoning and Garam Masala and grill on my George Foreman grill. I have steam in the bag veggies on the side. This is a quick healthy meal...
Inexpensive Diet Recipes?
Nuts in small amounts are great too. Almonds are filling and very good for you. In between meals, simple snacks are best: a piece of fruit or a handful of almonds or string cheese. I am also avoiding foods with ingredients my great-grandparents would not have...
Starting a Tanning Salon?
Come over from the dark side and dont start a business that can lead to your customers developing skin cancer. Tanning beds are the devils creation! There is no reason to pay to damage your skin. All sun tans are skin damage so there is no such thing as a healthy...
Think Outside the Box When Job Hunting
If you can afford to, volunteer services often turn into employment. Also, I visited many area employers as part of a career seminar for high school teachers. They all said they were mainly interested in hiring responsible people who could sort out their own...
Dr. Bronners Magic Soap
I used his liquid as a shampoo and it totally stripped my hair. My hair has never felt like hay before. I fixed it with conditioner but I dont think it makes a good shampoo.
Product Review: Zenni Optical
To the person who wasnt sure about size: Go to a store and try on glasses. When you find the ones you like, jot down the measurements which are printed inside the glass frames. The bridge of the nose measurement is very important. Too narrow and the glasses...
Reviews of AAA Auto Club?
I am AAA Plus. I would never be without it. If you break down on a road at night, they will stay with on the phone until they are sure you are safe. They are an incredible service.
Product Review: 39 Dollar Glasses
The only problem is the bridge of my nose is sensitive and the glasses have to fit just right. I usually try on many pairs before I settle on one that looks nice and doesnt make my nose hurt. I like to buy from a big discount optical center that offers coupons...
Favorite Tips from ThriftyFun
The favorite tip I found at this site is an easy way to make ice tea. Just put a few tea bags in a half gallon of water and place it in the fridge. I always thought I had to make the tea with hot water, then refrigerate.
Simon (Standard Dachshund)
I had no trouble housebreaking my doxie either. She still pulls on the leash during walks though. If anyone has any tips for that please share!
Cooking Half a Turkey?
You might consider using cooking bags. They have the instructions and will keep the turkey moist.
Classic Christmas Books
I just want to add two to your list: December by Eve Bunting (about a boy and his mother who live in cardboard box on a city street. They prove themselves worthy of a better future when they share the little they have with an old woman). The Rag Coat by Lauren...
Old Fashioned School Salad Dressing?
At my school in Florida they just spooned on salad dressing- the kind that comes in a jar that looks like a mayonnaise jar. They sell it next to the mayo in the grocery store. Unlike mayo it has a sweet taste. I hated the stuff and never touched a school salad...
Choosing Where To Be Frugal
I am responding to post about the school that used a pencil donation to buy a coffeemaker. (One dollar? Even the cute pencils I sell at the school book fairs dont cost that much! Those must have been extremely adorable pencils!). I am a teacher/librarian who...
Bake Cookie Dough as Bars in Toaster Oven
I got a toaster oven for $7.00 at the Salvation Army. This is a great idea of yours to save energy. I will try it. Here is a toaster oven recipe: Cut up enough raw potatoes to make a single layer in an 8 inch square pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally...
Grilled Chicken and Vegetables Packets
Thanks, I am always looking for economical healthy recipes for one- and this sounds great!
Pimple Marks on My Face?
A dermatologist can help even the surface of your skin. Insurance wont cover the cost though since it is a cosmetic procedure. You also have to find a dermatolgist who does cosmetic procedures. There are no products you can buy that will fill in scars.
Banana and Cocoa Mush
OK, we love this recipe, but have made a few modifications. I add a heaping tablespoon of Hersheys cocoa per banana. (One banana per serving.) This makes it very dark and chocolatey. I added 1/8 cup pecan pieces per banana. I topped the concoction with Fat...
Baking Soda for Exfoliating Mask
Dab some baking soda inside your wrist and make sure you arent allergic before putting it on your face. Baking soda makes my skin turn red, burn, and itch.
My Frugal Life: Recession? What Recession?
I remember all too well what it was like to make $425 per month during the recession of the 70s. It was hard for me to afford thrift store prices. or to buy enough ingredients to cook the most simple of meals from scratch. I remember there was an older woman...
My Frugal Life: Recession? What Recession?
Here is some advice that has helped me. You have heard of McDonalds and the McMuffin etc. Well, you have to have McNore in your menu. When someone infers that you are losing in the game of life because of your small house, your older car, your lack of gadgetry...
GT Xpress 101 Reviews?
The omelets taste like microwave omelets- dry and spongey on the edges. Most of the recipes are heavy on the carbs. The meat recipes can be done better on a tabletop grill that drains off the fat. Also, if you want to do a fast little cake for one such as they...
My Frugal Life: Stretching Dollars
There is a mentality that equates living small with failure. If you live in a small house- or even a medium size house- it is a starter home or a retirement home. Youre on your way in or your way out. I choose not to spend my life acquiring and taking care...
Saving Money on Pudding
I like to mix pudding mix with fat-free evaporated milk, more nutrition and a smoother texture.
Quick Ways to Lose Weight?
I agree that Dr. Gotts No Sugar No Flour diet is the greatest. You dont have to buy a thing because you can borrow the book at the library. Now I only eat sprouted grain bread. Shredded wheat and oatmeal are permissable cereals. Dates and figs can be used to...
Southern Indian Macaroni and Cheese
I tried this. It is good and different. You can also add other vegetables to vary the taste.
Healthy Snacks to Avoid Dieting Mistakes
I eat a handful of natural almonds each day. Aside from the health benefits, I read in a medical journal that ingesting raw almonds makes it hard for your hair to turn gray. I think this is true because at 56 I still have my original hair color. I figure almonds...
Healthy Snacks to Avoid Dieting Mistakes
I buy Laughing Cow cheese and whole grain Melba toast or crispbread to spread it on. I agree- portion control and spending the calories wisely is the best diet advice.
Dieting for People Over 40?
This is an old post, but I will answer because dieting is a perennial interest to many. I have tried many diets and all have strengths and weaknesses. Nutrisystem is effective at taking off 10 pounds, but I eventually got tired of the food and I like to be...
Home Organizing Tips Inspired by Don Aslett
Great tips! I especially like the one about the rinse bucket! Duh! Why didnt I think of that?
Ivory Vs. Zest Bar Soap?
This all depends on your skin. I am allergic to many of the perfumes that are in soaps. I cant use Ivory at all. The pharmacist recommended Dove for sensitive skin, but there is rose oil in the ingredients which irritates my skin. I can use Jergens, Neutrogena...
Recommendations for Cooking Pots and Pans?
Make sure what you buy is compatible with your stove top. Cast iron cookware and some kinds of other cookware cant be used with a ceramic cooktop.
Favorite Kitchen Gadgets?
My banana slicer, my tomato slicer, my tea bag squeezing tongs, my soymilk maker, good Calphalon pans, good German knife set.
Beneful Dry Dog Food?
I read in a vets advice column that you should not purchase a dog food that does not list meat as the first ingredient. The cheaper products will list corn first.
I Don't Want a Car Anymore
I heard New Yorkers are healthier than people who live in the country. I can believe it because they walk everywhere. I live in the country and people drive everywhere. They even drive a mower to cut their grass. I have to own a car, but I traded in my Ford...
Soy Milk Vs. 1% Milk?
For me soy milk is a matter of taste. It has a nut-like taste and milk, unless it is the whole fat version, is relatively bland. There is light soy milk to save on calories.
Product Review: Cetaphil DailyAdvanced Ultra Hydrating Lotion
Thats interesting. Im glad you found a product that worked well for your daughter!
Use Q-Tips To Get Every Bit Of Foundation
Q-Tips are great for applying eye shadow and lip gloss too. You can use them to gently dab antibiotic ointment on a wound. But what I use them most often for is cleaning between the keys on computer keyboards.
Review Of Dog Arthritis Treatments?
The only think that has helped my dog and me with our joint problems is glucosomine chondroitin. I buy the pet chewables for him and the human chewables for me. The improvement for both of us is dramatic.
Simple Bookmark
As a former librarian who needed to provide inexpensive bookmarks to many children, I have a few ideas. Cut off the front picture of old greeting cards. Cut them into bookmark width strips. These are very colorful. It doesnt matter if there are words on the...
Lanced Boil Has Not Gone Away?
You need to go to a dermatologist and get checked for MRSA pronto. DO NOT WAIT. The clinic doctor who treated my daughters pus filled infection didnt recognize MRSA and we lost time using a prescribed antibiotic ointment that this infection is resistant to...
What to do with Leftover Yellow Cake?
In a glass bowl or serving container, spread a layer of vanilla pudding, a layer of yellow cake cut into cubes, a layer of cut fruit, berries, or pie filling. repeat layers. Top with whipped cream. Or mix a small carton of whipped topping with a small carton...
Towels That Recommend "Avoid Contact With Skin Treatment Products"?
I bought a vacuum cleaner with a warning notice that said, avoid contact with the electric cord. Wash hands if you touch it. Do not let children or pets touch the cord. They werent referring to getting a shock by chewing on the cord, they meant touching the...
My Frugal Life: The Best Type Of Car
My college-age daughter and I both own Ford Focuses. They are great little cars and easy on the gas. I will never own an SUV again- not even a smaller one, such as an Escape.
Preparing For The SAT
Some high schools offer a free SAT prep class. Also, many colleges accept ACT scores as a substitute. My daughter performed best on the ACT so those were the scores she submitted. Just a thought.
Tips for Singles on Valentine's Day
If I think about it at all, it is to count my blessings. To me being single is like a being a kid on a Saturday morning with no school. It means freedom, and mastery over my own time and energy, and environment. I have not met the man I would exchange all those...
My Frugal Life: Frugality Includes Our Cars
I had a small SUV. I got sucked into the whole, the car has to be bigger in case you are hit by another car way of thinking. Whoever has the biggest barge on the road wins. Now I have a plain jane Ford Focus. I love it. Especially when it is time to fill the...
Product Review For Colonix?
I would read what quack.com has to say about such products. This sounds very Kevin Trudeau to me.
What Causes Oily Skin?
I think it is just heredity. Some people have oily skin, some normal, some dry. I bet most people have combination skin.
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
Thank you for all of the feedback. The soonest I can apply for federal aid is January 2008. Although I am a single mom, I make $58,000 as a teacher with over 20 years experience, and there are only two of us in the house. This isnt a high income for the cost...
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
She has a great- though low-paid- job now that ties in with what she wants to do as a career. I am going to pay for her first semester in the dorm even if she attends the university that is only about 45 min. away to give her the experience of living away from...
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
Another thing to think about-- you can borrow to pay for college if needed, but you CANT borrow to pay for retirement. I would not recommend cashing in any retirement savings to pay for a childs college. I agree- even if the spirit is willing I might not be...
How Should I Pay For My Child's College?
Here is an update: My daughter was excepted at the University of Florida. It has become a prestigious college and difficult to get into college, but attending means we have to come up with room and board. We wrote for a ton of scholarships. If you apply for...
Silverfish in Books?
Hi, I am a former librarian. We always checked out classroom book sets in plastic boxes because cardboard boxes are acidic and can expedite the yellowing and aging of the books as well as attract silverfish. Plastic boxes are better, or if that is too expensive...
Quick Weight Loss Tips?
I am responding to drinking water. Do not force yourself to drink water when you are not thirsty and drinking more water makes you feel ill. You can cause an electrolyte imbalance and pass out. Also, any food or beverage with a water content is hydrating. There...
Quick Weight Loss Tips?
OK, but if we are both crossing the desert, and the only beverages in our canteens are ice tea and beer, pass them to me. I think Ill have a much better survival rate!
Quick Weight Loss Tips?
The tragic case of Terry Schiavo has hopefully led to an increased awareness of the dangers of eating disorders. However, there is evidence that the antioxidants in tea- and not just green tea- are healthful.
ELF Cosmetics Reviews?
I generally stick to some tried and true cosmetic companies, i.e., Revlon, Cover Girl, Neutragena because of my sensitive skin. I do use ELFs clear mascara. I like it because I dont have to worry about those dark blobs showing up on the skin around my eyes...
Lady (Pomeranian)
I think some poms are bigger than others even if that is not the standard for the breed. My pom is 12 or 13 pounds. His body frame is bigger than the teacup sized poms. He would not be a healthy boy at 3-7 pounds.
Easy Stir Fry Recipes?
Ive heard that the secret to stir fry is to cut all the ingredients to be the same size so that it cooks at the same rate. Also, it cant be too big for those chopsticks!
