Identifying Bugs in House?
Hi - The picture with the bugs that dont move looks a lot like carpet beetles. These guys eat fabric. An infestation in our house that began when we were away for a month resulted in having a lot of the felt of the hammers of my beautiful piano eaten away to...
Never Buy Used Mattresses or Upholstered Furniture
Another item that shouldnt be purchased second-hand is a childs carseat. If it has been in an accident, it can have structural damage that can cause it to be unsafe even though you cannot see any evidence of damage. The cost of car seats is coming down - some...
The Great Room Swap
Hi, Sandi, I enjoyed your journey to Organized! One of the best things about the ThriftyFun community is our friendly helpfulness. Ive long enjoyed your posts and love seeing the familiar names on posts. So glad you are not letting your disabilities beat you...
Recycle Cake Pan For Storage
Hi, Sandi -- I enjoy your PBP posts! I use containers like this as giant saucers under a bunch of small plant pots. The plants can be watered easily and any extra water is kept off the table surface.
Feeding Hummingbirds?
For Marlene from Massachusetts (and anyone else whos interested): I dont use the store-bought nectar because Ive read that the preservatives in it can cause a fungus infection on the hummingbirds tongues that can interfere with feeding (as well as causing other...
Use Shoe Inserts to Make Crutches Comfortable
As an RN, Id like to gently remind anyone using crutches that the top of the crutch shouldnt contact the underarm, this can cause nerve damage in the arms because of the pressure of the weight of your body as you are using the crutches. Instead, pad the hand...
Place Line Dried Clothes In The Dryer To Soften Up
I dont mind the crispness of the line-dried clothes; I put mine in the dryer for 5 minutes or so (on heat) to zap any bugs that might have gotten into the clothes while they hung outside on the line.
Dryer Lint for Bird Nests
I recently read that dryer lint can contain some harmful particles that are irritating to birds bodies -- please dont leave it out for the birds to use!
Shampoo For Hard Water?
Hi, Sheila, I got this suggestion from ThriftyFun last year and I have used it satisfactorily ever since: Mix baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) into liquid shampoo (I use SunSilk anti-flat shampoo) to make a paste. Wet your hair very well, then scoop out about...
Sadie (Terrier Mix)
I have 2 litter mate sisters (terrier mixes = part Maltese or Bichon?) who were rescues. They are quite like Sadie, just more white, same expression on their faces and same sweet personalities! Thanks for sharing with us. Nancy in NC
Getting Urine Stains Out of White Fur?
Hi, After your dog has been groomed and the stains are gone, make it a habit to wipe her bottom with a baby wipe after she comes in from outdoors. (We wipe our dogs feet too. They spend time on the furniture and the bed with us). Nancy in NC
5th Grade Assignment: Build Simple Machine?
I have a little machine that I made. It is a paper clip bent into a crank handle, with the narrow end spread open a little to fit into the hole of a music cassette. It is used to rewind the cassette when the player isnt available. You could help your 5th grader...
Retro Decor Ideas?
Hi - you could check your library for home decorating books, or (even better) look in a second-hand bookstore for the Better Homes & Gardens type home decorating manuals from that era. Or check Amazon or another used-book vendor. Sounds like a cool decorating...
Scruffy (Miniature Schnauzer)
I share your heartache. It would kill me if one of my dogs went missing. I suggest checking www.petfinder.com and looking under miniature schnauzer, or just under small dogs. He might have gotten lost again. A woman in our county got her missing dog back this...
Sort Recycling Directly Into Containers
May I suggest you check to see if you can deposit them in the plastic bags, because in our county, you cannot. You can still use the bags to take them to the recycling center; just empty the bags into the big bins. Nancy in NC
Hysterectomy Advice
?
Hi, Wacky, Im a nurse, and I have had a hyst (vaginally). I have 2 tips for you. The first is that I did well afterward because I made sure to really rest for the full 8 weeks. This is vital; otherwise, itll take up to a year for you to feel like yourself again...
Lick Your Fingers to Open Plastic Bags
Hi, If you cant safely wet your fingers, try breathing on the edge of the bag (like you would to fog your glasses before wiping them off). Immediately put your thumb tip and index fingertip on opposite sides of the breathed-on spot and rub the bag between them...
Thinking of Moving to Greeneville Tennessee?
Hi, thriftyboo, The best site I can suggest is www.city-data.com. You will need to register (but no problems from doing that). You can check on any city; lots of information is available (racial demographics, climate, economics, school systems, local radio...
USMC Cruise Book BLT 2/6 1962?
Hi, Woody, I know the frustration of looking for a book for a long time! So when you check out the Abebooks.com site, check out the Book Sleuth part, too. You can post your information and someone might just have what you are looking for. I havent ever seen...
Tiny Reddish Brown Bugs?
Hi, Joe58, Why not try putting the beanbags (and anything else which might be hosting the bugs) into ziplock bags. Press out all the air, and put the bags in your freezer. If you cant get them into the freezer, just seal the bags after pressing out the air...
Discouraging Door to Door Solicitors
?
Hi, lots of good ideas! I remember reading a while ago that solicitors know that weak-willed people who cant resist solicitations usually have no solicitors signs -- in fact, the solicitors make a point of trying to sell to those homeowners! Nancy in NC
Looking for Discontinued Target Patchwork Blanket?
Hi! in case you arent able to find another blanket, you could buy one (or 2) in a coordinating color and take the first one apart to use as trim on the other ones. Depending on how you did it, you might not need more than one extra (suppose you cut both blankets...
Tiny Black Bugs in the Yard?
Make up a spray of one part liquid dish detergent, 3 parts vinegar, and 6 parts hot water, and spray it all over the part of the yard where you will hold the party - spray the morning of the party. The buys have soft bodies and will be killed by the dish detergent...
Cat is Urinating in the Bathtub?
How about putting about an inch of cold water into the tub? good luck! Nancy in NC
How Do You Clean Baked On Food on a Pyrex Casserole Dish?
Although it isnt as green as baking soda or vinegar, I use a small amount of straight bleach for a burned-on area. First I remove as much as I can and then only add enough bleach to cover the spot.
In Need of a Snappy Business Name?
How about All Around the House Services (listing everything you can/will do) or Rent-a-Wife or Rent-a-Daughter?
Second Hand Smoke Hurts Pets
Hi, Deeli, Im an ex-smoker, too, and a nurse (which is why I quit) and I just want to give you a BIG pat on the back for quitting. Not smoking is really one of the best things anyone can do to improve/maintain their health. Its a hard thing to do, but it can...
No Shredder? Burn Your Personal Paperwork
Another way to handle this kind of paperwork is to soak it in a dishpan with very hot water into which youve dissolved some detergent. Let the papers soak, then remove them from the water, and wring them out (like you would a wet towel) and let the wad of paper...
Stickers Growing in the Grass?
If what you have is SAND BURRS, then you have a big problem -- Google sand burrs for suggestions from your state agricultural department (or call your cooperative extension service). As far as I know, the only real solution is to dig them up repeatedly or to...
How Do You Keep Hair Out of The Shower Drain?
Hi, Emily, These mesh hair-catchers do work! But how about brushing your hair really well before you get into the shower -- much less is likely to be shed that way. Good luck, Nancy in NC
What Kind of Snake is This?
Hi, Emily! just guessing, Id say a garter snake. I really dont think it is a poisonous snake, because they have triangular-shaped heads (wider at the sides than the neck is) and this seems to have a narrow head. Can you take the picture to your reference librarian...
Wintering a Container Garden?
Hi, Barbara! The main thing to remember in wintering-over plants is that they need to be dormant, so you need to decrease the amount of warmth, light, and water they get. I put mine on a big metal tray near a window in a cool upstairs room. I water minimally...
Moisturizer for Dog's Dry Skin?
Hi, Larry! Last spring our 2 little furry terriers had trouble with ticks, even though theyve been on Revolution every month for a couple of years. When I contacted 1800PETMEDS, they said that when a dog has dry skin, the medication doesnt spread from the application...
First Mammogram Tips?
Hi, Rose, The best tip I can suggest is to take your regular pain med (Tylenol, Advil, Aleve) an hour before your appointment. The best of these would be an anti-inflammatory like Advil or Aleve. Good luck, Nancy in NC
Recipes Using Cabbage?
This is similar to other BACON-FRIED CABBAGE recipes Ive read here, but its very easy (and SOOO good!) Slice a cabbace thinly, then chop into 1 1/2 pieces. Cook 2 strips of bacon until done and crisp; remove from pan and set aside on a paper towel to drain...
Photo of Growing Mint
Hi, Kathleen, Im just taking this feedback opportunity to let you know how much inspiration I get from your posts. I too love to garden, and I admire your creativity and hard work! Nancy in NC
Dead Rat in a Car's AC System?
Hi, Michael, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading about your country-club foray in the Chevy truck. Please let us know what your SIL had to say! You should consider writing for money! Nancy in NC
Gift Ideas for Your Boss?
You could always ask his wife whether hed appreciate a book (and on what subject), but make sure that it would be returnable if it isnt totally to his liking (that would mean not clipping the price from the inside of the cover, of course). Also, does he have...
Helping Elderly Parents?
If they have let you rearrange their kitchen to make things easier, they may be willing to let you de-clutter around their home (pack up and put away stuff if they dont want to get rid of it). Go through their medicine cabinet and get rid of outdated (and unsafe...
Recipes Using Turnips?
Turnips are a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. We love them mashed, along with an equal number of potatoes. This will be our contribution to the Thanksgiving dinner we have been invited to. Peel the turnips and the potatoes, cut them into cubes...
Places to Live After Retirement?
Heres another site to check out: www.city-data.com. You have to register, but it isnt a problem. On this site you can check out information on any locale, and go onto the various state forums to ask questions about living in that area. And dont rule out North...
Temporary Shelves Using Cinder Blocks?
Heres the idea we used in a clothes closet I wanted to turn completely (but not permanently) into shelves. We measured the area of the closet (length, etc) and the stuff I wanted to store. Then based on that, we decided on the height of the shelves. My husband...
Refill Bottled Drinks With Juice and Water
I do the same for icy-cold tap water. After getting several emails about bad chemicals leaching into water from re-used bottles, I checked with the JohnsHopkins Public Health Newsletter and read the column disclaiming this.
Advice for a Backyard Patio?
Hi, Amy! This is going to be a project that will give you pleasure for many years, so draw yourself some plans and give yourself time to decide where you want things to go. Do you really have to remove so many trees? You might wish you had them during the hot...
Recycled Gazebo
Hi, Cathy, This is beautiful and professional-looking. Id also love to have instructions and more pictures -- maybe you could write an explanatory article for ThriftyFun for all of us. I have a bunch of questions: how long did the project take? How did you...
Birthday Party Idea - Gifts for an Animal Shelter
Hi, KJ, as everyone else has said, this is a wonderful generous idea. It could be extended to gifts for a womens shelter or any other charity that depends on donations of items (as well as money) to help its clients. And how about gifts for the troops serving...
Information About Caldwell, Idaho?
Another good site to explore is city-data.com. You need to register for this site, but there isnt any hassle and I havent gotten any spam as a result (that I am aware of). Lots of information about every US state and many interesting forums to take part it...
Gracie the Cat
Hi-- can you describe this plant? How tall is it? what are the leaves like -- furry? rubbery? notched? Do the flowers have a scent? When do the flowers start to bloom on the plant, and how long in the season do they last? Have you ever seen a similar plant...
Managing a Self Storage Facility?
Target moving companies in your area; offer a coupon for a certain amount off the first months storage-area rent. If you have Welcome Wagon in your area, thats another source targeted at new move-ins. Realtors might also be willing to put coupons for your business...
Perennial Plant Suggestions?
There is a ground-cover called Asiatic (or Tri-Color) Jasmine which forms a thick mat with variegated leaves (and it flowers if it grows upright). It helps to choke out weeds, too.
My Frugal Life: Frugal in England
Hi, Borasic Lint: I loved reading about how you live. I too enjoy saving, reusing, using what money I have for things I cant get any other way. Im so glad there are so many of us! Please keep telling us about how you lead your Frugal Life. I wish we lived closer...
Repairing a Frayed Drawstring?
Hi, Steve: you can replace the drawstring with another one, either a sports shoelace (which will be pretty long) or some other type of cord -- just tie the new cord to the old cord, and pull the other end of the old cord, pulling the new cord in through the...
Recipes for Cupcakes from Around the World?
Hi, Stevi -- Im guessing that youd have to find CAKE recipes that you could adapt as cupcakes. There must be lots of those that you could google. good luck, Nancy in Florida
Vacation Spots From Virginia to Key West?
Sarasota Florida (on the Gulf Coast) has wonderful art galleries and shops (see St Armands Circle) and some great restaurants. It is right on US 41 (Tamiami Trail), which might be part of your route to the Keys. It is right on the Gulf. Beautiful! Please let...
Eyebrow Pencil Not Lasting All Day?
Hi, onesummer, I dont have a suggestion for you, but a request: could you (or someone) please tell me what brand of automatic pencil have you used, and where you bought it? I used to use Revlon pencils but cant find them any more; their automatic pencils seem...
Using Diluted Pancake Syrup As Hummingbird Food?
No! Please dont use anything but pure white table sugar. Dont add any red coloring -- it causes a fungal growth in the hummingbirds mouth and throat that is painful and interferes with normal feeding. Buy a bottle brush at the Dollar Tree, and use it just for...
Need A Name For A Tile And Grout Cleaning Company?
Hi, Adam, I wasnt sure -- is cleaning (tile and grout) what youll be doing, or are you installing tile and cleaning grout? I can come up with some ideas if I know. Thanks, Nancy in Florida
Vibrating Noise When I Flush The Toilet?
You could do a Google search (check water hammer, as well as air hammering) because the remedies will vary depending on the kind and location of your pipes.
Laundry Sock Bags?
Hi -- Im sure other stores besides Dollar Tree sell zippered mesh bags (three for $1 at DT), but thats where Ive gotten mine for the past few years. If you have a lot of socks per load, try the mesh laundry bags in their laundry/cleaning aisle. Nancy from Nokomis...
Organizing Tax Receipts
Hi -- I already use the steps youve detailed, and Ive got another one to suggest. In the pocket calendar that I use to keep track of deductible expenses, I have listed the miles from my house to the various doctors and healthcare facilities I use, so now I...
Uses for Tissue Boxes
Please let us know where this can be done -- Ive never heard anything about this! Thanks.
