Blocking Needlepoint?
Check out the tutorial here: http://needlepoint.about.com/od/blockingandfinishing/ss/BlockingNP.htm
Male Dogs and Territorial Behavior?
With the huge overload of unwanted dogs, especially pits and pit mixes. Why are you looking to breed? Have your dog neutered asap before he is unable to stop this unwanted behavior and develops other negative traits as well.
Mixed Breeds and Hybrid Dogs?
All mixed dogs are mutts. Particular mixes are in fashion right now (like Yorkie/chi and the GoldenDoodle) but they are not recognized as a separate breed.
Outdoor Movie Night
Im dying to do this! We have a hill in our yard that makes a natural amphitheater. Now if only I had a projector!
Unplug For a While
During a financial crunch years ago, we cut back our cable to antenna service (only the main networks). It was hard at first and I do occasionally miss some of the home and garden channels. But I hardly watch any TV now as the offerings on the main networks...
Displaying Horse Competition Ribbons?
Does the room have windows? If so, you could use them as curtains. Shorter ones across the top as a valance. And then the longer ones halfway up the window like a cafe style curtain.
Removing Greasy Buildup on Kitchen Cabinets?
I use Sun and Earth cleaner in my kitchen. Its all natural (citrus oils) so you dont have to worry about it getting on surfaces where food is prepared. It is excellent at cutting through grease and it smells like fresh juicy oranges!
Wildlife: Butterfly Kisses
What a lucky and beautiful shot! And a lovely memory for you and your granddaughter.
Explaining Medical Procedures to Children
I have always thought it is better to prepare a child for a potentially scary experience. Just springing it on them seems cruel and a guarantee of problems. I also emphasized that the doctors are doing things to help you and would never hurt you if they could...
Website for Determining Your Best Career Choice?
Dont be discouraged! Try googling free career aptitude tests. Use it as a tool to see what kinds of jobs you might be interested in. Most students dont have a real idea of what kinds of jobs are available so it cant hurt to look around, right?
Making Cushions for a Kitchen Nook?
I have one of those full body pillows as a cushion on top of an old trunk. I just made a large pillow case in a fabric that matched the decor in that room. Perhaps that would be a quick and cheap solution for your bench?
Link: Live Eagle Cam (Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Virginia)
Thanks for the Heads Up! Ive been waiting for things to start up this year but havent had a chance to check for the last week or so.
Dental Work Done Without Insurance?
Search on Google for a dentist in your area that offers a sliding scale. They will ask you for some financial information and then charge you a scaled down payment based on your income.
Ideas for Community Service Activities?
I second redhatterb. Call around to local non profits and see if anyone has a saturday project that your group would be right for. Or go door to door collecting non perishable food for a local food pantry. Be sure to stay in groups and have a driver who can...
Treating a Bug Bite on Your Eye Lid?
Use ice in a washcloth to help take down swelling and itch. Take some Benadryl to help also.
Selling Used Wedding Decorations?
Check on Yahoo!Groups for a yard sale group in your area. I belong to one that covers my county called GC Yard sale. You post your item with the price you would like.
Preventing Mold Growth in Stored Cooler?
Thanks Everyone! Im going to try some of your suggestions. This was one of those plug in coolers that we bought when my hubby was driving over the road. It has come in handy now that he is off the road at several parties to hold extra salads and such that need...
Keep Child's Quotes In A Journal
My son once told me Mom, you are warmer than underwear. I hope I never forget that for as long as I live. Ive kept a little quiet moments book for both my kids to share with them as they get older. They both (my 13 and my 16 year old) love to hear the funny...
Making Decorative Columns for a Stage?
Carpet tubes or PVC pipe. If you need to have the capital and base of the column, I suggest using varying sizes of boxes stacked together and then fastened to the tube. You can also use Styrofoam or cushion foam if you dont need to put anything on top of the...
My Frugal Life: Still Frugal
Dont feel that this is a bad thing. What is good for your pocketbook is often good for the Earth as well. So you are being thrifty and green as well. Happy Earth Day!
Finding Groups That Send Care Packages to Troops?
I dont have anything to add as far as organizations that help support troops, but I just wanted to say bless you for looking out for those that serve under you. I hope that if my child is someday serving in the armed forces they have someone as compassionate...
What Breed is My Dog?
I dont know about the breed either, but I think she must be mixed with adorable!
Finding a Lost Cat?
Dont give up looking! I just heard about a local family who found their pug, who had gotten loose before the bad weather. A group trapping feral cats to have them fixed actually caught him in one of their traps after several weeks! He was hungry and dehydrated...
Budgie Behavior?
Budgies, like any creature, can go through times of moodiness. Be patient, gentle and loving with your budgie and hopefully the mood will improve. Robyn Fed has some good ideas and links as well. Is your bird aggressive to everyone, or just you? And have you...
Helping a Teen Choose a Balanced Diet?
What a caring sister you are! Many kids go through picky phases and pre-teens and teens are notorious for making poor eating choices. Certainly you should keep an eye out that she is eating something and taking a multivitamin would be a great way to back up...
Homemade Neti Pot
Be careful that the straight saline solution doesnt dry out your sinus membranes too much. Most prepackaged solutions also contain a buffer to prevent drying. Drying will cause those membranes to become inflamed with will lead to feeling congested even though...
Birthday Cupcake and Candle for Each Child
A friend also mentioned that it is a great way to keep kids from spreading germs to each other during cold and flu season.
Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas for Pre-Teens?
How about a personalized journal? You can make one using recycled paper (google for instructions) and then cover it with pictures of their current interests, fav colors, etc. Or a totebag or hand bag. Or on a smaller scale, a bag to hold electronics (phones...
Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas For Children?
Expand his horizons, get something without a character on it! Craft stores sell easy building kits for children. Make a birdhouse or a race car together. What about paints, playdough, or other childhood favorites. Or what was your favorite book as a child? Get...
Leroy (Golden Retriever/Chow)
What an adorable doggie! It looks like he has abundant character. Bless you for taking him into your home.
Dog With HGE is Always Tired?
I would find another vet who can see him right away. Poor little guy, I hope he feels better soon.
Create a Wedding Bouquet from Your Love Notes
What a lovely idea! I think I can use this for my parents 50th anniversary as well. My mom has a shoebox full of little notes and drawings my dad had created over the years. Thanks!
Packing Kids For Multi Day Trips
My sons Scout troop has been using this tip for years. It is a good way to make sure they pack enough clothes and the zip bags keep things from getting damp. Closing the dirty clothes in the next days bag helps keep down odor inside the sleeping tent. Plus...
Juju (Sun Conure)
She is rather charming, thanks! We deal with her issues but it would have been better for everyone if her former owners had taken the time to find out about the challenges of owning a bird. They arent just a pretty decoration. Still, now she has a healthy home...
Agencies That Assist With Stray Animals?
Try contacting local 4-H groups. The kids are always in need of community service projects and may offer to run a supply drive for you. They can also help spread the word that you have animals for adoption.
Recycling Window Curtain Packaging?
I have used them to organize scarves and stockings in my dresser. Also for keeping holiday linens like napkins or doilies dust free in storage.
Cleaning Microfiber to Get Rid of Head Lice?
We had head lice in our house a few years back. We just vacuumed the furniture everyday (at first) and then every few days and so on until my daughters problem was cleared up. Plus she was banned from sitting on the couch until then. PoorbutProud is right that...
Balancing Life's Demands?
Everyone has given such great ideas, but I just wanted to chime in with my support. Hang in there! I remember when my daughter was born and I was at home with her all day. I felt like I could feel my brain cells dying from lack of use. Definitely get out there...
Very Thirsty at Night?
Make sure you are getting enough to drink during the day. I get thirsty at night because that is when I have time to pay attention to my bodys signals. During the day Im so busy I dont have time to pay attention.
Ease Your Christmas Grocery Budget
Brilliant idea! I started doing something similar a few years back, stocking up on non-perishables late in the summer and making sure I had plenty of pantry basics on hand well before the holidays. So much nicer to not be worrying about running out of toilet...
Inexpensive "Blues Clues" Decorating Ideas?
Look online or at the dollar store for some cute Blues Clues coloring pages. Either you or your child (or both) can color them. You can purchase inexpensive mats(if you want) or just frame in inexpensive frames. Hey it might be cute if you colored the pictures...
Frugal Fourth of July Activities
This sounds like so much fun! I wish I was at your fourth of July celebration! Now I cant wait until next year to try out some of these ideas.
Gracie (Domestic Shorthair)
What a great photo! You really captured the complete look of cat. And lucky you to have such a lovely girl in your life.
Making Your Own Desiccant Packets for Closet Dehumidifier?
If you can find the clay based litter, it does work in a panty hose leg or any other cloth sack. You can dry it out by putting it in the oven on a low temp for a bit until dry if the weather does not allow for drying outside. I wouldnt try that with the other...
Shampoo for Ring Around the Collar
Thanks for the tip! My husbands work shirts get a horrible ring and nothing has worked on them. Im going to try this today!
How Much Vinegar for Dogs?
Who has determined that white vinegar is bad to consume? It is sold as a grocery and Ive been eating it for years in salad dressings, as marinades, etc. Just curious to know the facts.
Green Food Ideas?
How about good ole LIMES. You could serve limeade garnished with fresh lime or use a bowl of limes as a table decoration. Or key lime pie(dyed green) If you are set on using food coloring, start with a little then add a drop at a time until desired color. You...
Car Seat Smells Moldy?
Try spraying lightly (do not saturate) with white vinegar. It may take a few applications but that should get rid of the moldy smell and the vinegar smell will fade after a day or so. If all else fails, try febreeze or a similar store brand. While I hate to...
Saving Money on Movie Rentals
We joined Netflix. For about 15 dollars a month we get 2 movies at a time, unlimited. It takes a day or two between when we mail the viewed movies back and when we get the new ones. Sometimes we have to wait a bit for the newest releases but they have a large...
Organizing Ideas from Magazines in a Filing Cabinet
If you dont have a file drawer, you can use a binder system. Either one binder with tabs or , if you are like me, one binder for each category. I use an old notebook my child had scribbled in and tape the smaller articles inside. Larger pages or templates I...
House Training a Schnoodle Puppy?
I hate to say it but you should invest in a Vet visit. If your puppy is peeing uncontrolably it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. If their is a problem, then you and the Vet can work together to solve it and stop stressing out yourself and your wee...
Clean Out Clutter
Try the group Freecycle. Dedicated to keeping things out of landfills, you can use this group to find new homes for items that you cant bear to just throw out. Ive freecycled everything from a couch to a box of pieces from a broken mirror. Check them out at...
Milk Odors in Memory Foam?
I use Febreze for those really tough odors. I bought a small size bottle years ago and I only use it on impossible odors. It really does work.
Preventing Food from Staining Bowls?
Rinse out the bowls with Cold water first. Then use warm, soapy water to clean.
Inexpensive Crafts for Kids?
Check out http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/ They have lots of great ideas that are usually inexpensive and use things you have around the house.
Blueberry Juice Recipe?
Try what I do to keep my kids in healthy juice. Spend a little bit more for the 100% juice and then dilute it at home with water to taste. I usually use a 1:1 ratio, 1 part juice to 1 part water. I get a healthier alternative to sugar filled juice drinks and...
Rag Rug from Recycled Fleece Clothing
This is brilliant! Id love to know how you started this project.
I Eat Too Much - Tips for Eating Less?
When eating at home, I find getting up from the table right away when done eating a reasonable amount of food helps to curb the just one more bite problem. Two other things. If you are having a dessert, have a small portion right after the meal. It satisfies...
Build-Up on Shower Curtains?
When it starts to get gross, I throw it in the washer with a few not-so-good towels. Cleans up great just be careful taking it out of the washer. Sometimes the folds of the curtain retain water. Transport it back to the bathroom in a plastic tub or basket and...
Melted Plastic on a Frying Pan?
Try putting the pan in the freezer. Once it is cold enough to make the plastic brittle, you may be able to crack or peel the plastic off.
Garden Themed Ideas for Girl Scout Daisy Troop?
Try www.familyfun.com This site has a load of cute and easy crafts for kids!
Enhance a Child's Learning Without a Tutor
Look for old girl/boy scout manuals at library or yard sales. They have great ideas on a wide variety of topics. Even if your child is not a scout they can use the book to suggest subjects they might like to learn more about. One of my favorite memories as...
Incorporating Pets Into Christmas Cards Photos?
How about, I told you Frankinsense, not Frank and Beans!
Recommendations for New Cookware?
I second the recommendation for the Wolfgang Puck stainless steel. I love it and wonder why anyone went to Teflon after using my stainless set for almost 2 years. It is easy to clean and a dream to cook in.
Having a Large Wedding on a Budget?
If you really like the floating candle idea, try using a grouping of interesting glassware to float your candles in. You can pick up glassware in a variety of heights and shapes at fleamarkets, yard sales, etc. Place a group of three together on a mirror tile...
Chihuahua Puppy Nips?
Dont worry, all puppies go through this phase. It is part of their natural developement. When he gets in a nippy mood, stop paying attention to him. Walk away or go still and dont look at him. Or try substituting a toy that he can chew on instead of your hand...
Planning 100th Birthday Party?
Look for ideas by googling 100th day celebrations. Many schools celebrate the 100th day of school. You may be able to find ideas that you can adapt. For example, the kids made mini posters displaying 100 of something (jelly beans, noodles, cotton balls) Maybe...
Changing Easter Bunnies into Christmas Bunnies?
Depends on the pastel. A lot of pastels are in right now. Pair them with something metallic or glittery like Pink and Gold, Blue and Silver, Use Snowflakes or icicles instead of the traditional red and green colors. Instead of trying to paint over the pastel...
Reviews of Snoring Aids?
I agree with AuntyC. Anyone with a serious snoring problem should be evaluated for sleep apnea. My Husband snored so badly that the bed would vibrate and he would thrash around periodically because he was actually struggling to breathe. When he was evaluated...
Ideas for Unused Christmas Gifts?
Saving them for birthdays is a good idea if the gift is appropriate. Otherwise, the extended family needs to make a decision for the future. Many adults do stop exchanging gifts or they change the way they give gifts. I have friends whos families do a gift...
Recommendations for Cooking Pots and Pans?
I have a set of Wolfgang Puck stainless steel that my sister gave me for Christmas a few years ago and I love it! I dont know why people drifted from stainless to the teflon coated cookware, the stainless is fantastic and sticks less than my old teflon coated...
Walmart Getting Rid Of Crafts Department?
Thats good to know. Soon I wont have any reason to visit WalMart. That is so frustrating. I cant imagine where Ill get fabrics at a reasonable price and a reasonable distance now.
What Is Nutella?
It is a delicious spread, good on just about anything! Ive done things as fancy as layering it in baked pound cake with fruit and as simple as spreading it on saltines. It is great between sugar cookies (think Chocolate Milanos) and to dip pretzels in. Your...
Thrifty Christmas Gifts For Large Family?
We started a new tradition for the adults in our family. We donate money to a charity that is meaningful to us that year in everyones names. For example, last year we made a donation to the Cancer society after my husbands grandmother and a dear family friend...
Jake (Miniature Beagle)
What a cutie! He makes me want to stop and play fetch with him. Such beautiful eyes!
Crafts Using Pine Cones and Gourds?
If he has an abundance, he may want to think about donating some to a local scout group or classroom. Leaders and teachers are always grateful for supplies to use for the kids. Plus they might like him to come in and talk to the kids about his years as a farmer...
Barbie Themed Birthday Party?
For my daughters Barbie party, we had the guests come wearing fancy dresses, decorated premade crowns we made from pop bottles, played pin the crown on the Barbie(My husband made a large picture of Barbie and i made tin foil crownd that they had to stick on...
Locations to Host an Engagement Party?
Does your town have a community center? Or a historical society headquarters? Those can be inexpensive venues for a party.
Suede Damaged From Cleaning?
Try using a soft brush, like a baby brush or soft toothbrush, on the area to restore the knap to the suede.
Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests
According to my grandfather in law, a long time flower farmer, squirrels will stay away from daffodils as well. He advised me to plant them after I complained that the squirrels had eaten all my tulip bulbs.
Convert An Old Dresser Into A Bathroom Sink...
This looks Great! What a creative use for an old piece of furniture!
Serve Cupcakes For Birthdays
When my kids were small we did the same. For example, one year my son was all about Barney, we had a small cake with a Barney picture on it for the adults and green and purple cupcakes for the kids. We let the birthday boy blow out the candles on his cake and...
Making Coated Eyeglass Lenses Last Longer?
One thing I learned from working for an eye dr. was to be sure to rinse the lenses first, wash with mild soap and water, then dry gently with a lint free cloth. The rinsing is the most important part as it removes any particles that would scratch the finish...
Ivan (Abyssinian)
Hes so cute! Ive always wanted and Abssynian too. Now we have too many allergies to have kitties. I just have to enjoy them through the pictures here at thrifty fun. Pretty thrifty too, as I save on food and vet bills. And I dont have to clean litter boxes...
Recycled Gazebo
That is absolutely brilliant! What a clever idea and how dedicated of you to plan and execute such a complex and interesting structure. Congratulations!
Party on a Penny
Small crafts make a great activity at a party. Even something as simple as a construction paper cutout that the kids can decorate with markers, stickers, stamps, etc can be fun and created to suit your partys theme. We made princess crowns out of recycled soda...
Dog Had Dislocated Jaw?
Poor puppy! Even after the joint is relocated, there can be a lot of swelling and residual pain. Did the vet give you any anti-inflamatories? Can he eat soft foods at all? You might try boiled ground hamburger or ground turkey and rice with broth. Thats what...
Instructional DVD For Making A Rag Rug?
Look at Instructable.com. They have great instructions with lots of pictures and sometimes videos.
Product Review: Cereal On The Go
I saw these, or something similar, a while back. I didnt pick them up and when I went back to the store they had disappeared. I thought theyd be great for those after-school, pre-activity snacks and a lot healthier than a run to the drive-through. You could...
Cat Keeps Bringing Me Her Kittens?
Poor baby, nine kittens(or even 6) are a lot to look after, especially if mama is just a kitten herself. My sister just had a similar happy event with her kitten having kittens (just 4 thankfully). Im going to agree with other posts that she probably needs...
If You Can't Recycle It, Freecycle It
We have been freecycle members for a few years now and Love it! It is a great feeling to help someone out and keep stuff out of the landfill. We have given and recieved furniture, coupons for local stores, landscaping supplies, and most recently a practically...
