Deter Sugar Ants From Coming Inside
I just read in todays paper that these ants are called Caribbean crazy ants or hairy crazy ants. Theyve been around at least since the 1800s. They are very small and when one is killed, it gives off a chemical that attracts many others. So killing them can...
Determining the Value of Old Records?
Search old vinyl records prices and youll find websites that appraise records. Moneymusic.com is just one. Most have some free info. Also, you might check with your public library to see if they can get you a copy of a good price guide on loan.
GDTYL - Gotta Drive, Text Ya Later
Its called distracted driving, and it is selfish, stupid, and exceedingly dangerous. But people who dont pay attention to their driving are also not going to pay attention to safety tips and warnings. Every day you see drivers on the road eating, drinking, talking...
Value from Alternate Classic Brands
What a trip down memory lane. I remember intimate cologne from the 60s, when it was very popular. I especially liked the bath powder. Not to nitpick, but my memory is that it was made by Revlon, an American company. Thanks for the nostalgic moment.
Bleach Discolored My Silver Bracelet?
Please dont use toothpaste on your jewelry. I know it sounds like a good, economical thing to do, but toothpaste is abrasive. It will scratch the surface and your jewelry will never be pretty and shiny again. Use professional jewelry cleaner. Its not expensive...
Using Bleach in a Small Wading Pool?
There was a recent medical study on eczema in children that showed that adding a teaspoon of household bleach to their bath water reduced their eczema. They think some eczema is caused by airborne staph bacteria. Just a little would seem best. You can always...
Cleaning Diamonds at Home?
Diamonds are as hard as gems get, so vinegar or soap and water work just fine on loose stones. What you have to be careful with is the metal on the ring. Best thing is to go to Walmart or your favorite jeweler and get the proper jewelry cleaner (for either...
POA Rights and Responsibilities?
You might talk to a bank officer at your moms bank.They have more experience with POAs over their accounts, and they can advise you. Sometimes professional advice is the thriftiest way to go.
Social Security Disability Laws in Virginia?
You really need to ask your local Social Security office about this. You dont say if you are disabled or working or whether you have a disabled child. The SSA people will help you get the money youre entitled to.
Controlling Ants with 20Mule Team Borax?
I hope I dont sound cranky about this. I think 20 Mule Team Borax is a great, natural cleaner but it is toxic. Ask the ants and roaches. Dials website and box say to not use it around children or pets. Box says Caution. Eye irritant. May be harmful if swallowed...
Peaches (Cat) And The Sandhill Crane
I wonder if theyre the non-migratory kind of crane or if theyre wintering in Florida from the International Crane Foundation in central Wisconsin. These birds are precious, and its fun to know that you have pairs - they usually mate for life and it would be...
What Temperature Water Do I Use to Remove a Chocolate Clothing Stain?
Twenty Mule Team Borax and Arm and Hammer Washing Soda boxes say warm water. Best results, let soak overnight. They have a good website.
Removing Metallic Taste from Stainless Steel Thermos?
I have the same problem with a stainless steel thermos, and it is a stainless steel taste, not plastic or rubber. Im hoping someone posts a good solution.
Home Remedy for Flies?
You and your ranching neighbors need spiders and spiderwebs. Years ago I read of a woman who bought a farm with a horse barn, and the first thing she did was clean out the barn, removing all the spiders and spiderwebs. She immediately had a terrible fly and...
Shopping with Children
I knew a young mother years ago who would take the toy or whatever the child was fussing over, hand it to a clerk, and say, This lady (man) is going to hold this and keep it safe until were done shopping. The clerk understood, and by the time they were out...
Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL)...
Ive had 3 burn out in the past few years, and I think I bought them at dollar-type stores. They were in lamps that were not overused. I think I got some clunkers, and will buy known brand names from now on.
Remedy for Itchy Skin?
Look into new research on eczema. Doctors have found that staph germs in the air sometimes cause skin problems. If you soak your feet in a very mild bleach solution, 1 tablespoon in a gallon of water, for a few minutes a day, it might help the itching. If it...
Having Hard Wired Telephone for Power Outages
I love my landline phone, but if AT&T and big business have their way, landlines may become extinct soon. State by state, theyre trying to increase the cost of a landline and get rid of small phone companies that often provide rural landline service. If you...
Treating Restless Leg Syndrome?
Please check out peoplespharmacy.com. Search restless leg syndrome. Some people are helped by a dozen tart cherries and juice every day. Cherries also help the pain of gout. The website is run by a pair of excellent pharmacists who understand that doctors dont...
Homemade Disinfectant Spray Cleaner
Nice website at 20muleteamlaundry.com. The company lists all precautions to take. Also offers a free Dial newsletter with coupons.
Where Can I Buy Paint to Use in a Microwave?
Search paint to use in a microwave and check out the Yahoo answers. There are 2 websites listed that have the paint, one uapinc and the other applianceaccessories. Ive never heard of this before, but I guess if you use the proper paint and apply it correctly...
Smocked Gingham Pillow Pattern?
If you search how to smock gingham youll find free, basic instructions for a pillow on ehow.com and other sites.
Eating After Getting New Dentures?
Walgreens sells benzocaine, an oral anesthetic for tooth and gum pain. It comes in a small eyedrop-size bottle, and you just need a drop or two. Helps sore gums a lot. It takes about 6 weeks for the gums to heal enough to be able to eat comfortably, and even...
Replacement Battery for Fossil Wrist Watch?
You can find directions on the internet for changing Fossil watch batteries, but I think youd be better off having it done. I know, jewelers charge a lot. Maybe you can find an experienced repair person who charges less. Maybe a Batteries Plus store would know...
Cross Stitch School Bus Patterns?
I googled cross stitch free patterns school bus, and got one you can easily find.
Somasin For Toenail Fungus?
Check out peoplespharmacy.com. Its run by 2 pharmacists who know what theyre doing. Search for toenail fungus. They have lots of home remedies and people post what works and what doesnt. Ive found some very good info there that I found nowhere else.
Non Dairy Condensed Milk Recipe?
I think you can use any nut to make butter, just like making your own peanut butter. Add a little water to make it liquid. You can also make milk from oatmeal or potatoes. Also see Lils Dietary Shop website in Chicago. They sell Vances DariFree dry powder, makes...
Replacement Parts for Welbilt Bread Machine?
I have to laugh because I accidentally threw out the paddle from my Oster breadmaker about a month ago. I was mad at myself, almost bought another machine at Goodwill. But now my bread is better than it ever was before. I now knead the dough by hand, in the...
Child Support and SSDI?
Check out the Social Security Administration website. Search for SSI Income Reporting. Its a long list, says child support has to be reported as income if you have a disabled child.
The Eco-Scoop On Dog Poop
Thanks for this info. Im tempted to print it out and post it in my yard next to the street, where I find the occasional doggie present from unthinking neighbors.
Cheer Up Your Winter Window
I really like Susans photo. She obviously had a really green thumb. I havent tried planting these in dirt. They grow hair-like roots that trail into the water, so I guess you could plant them. Eventually the heel of the celery gets used up as food for the plant...
Thrifty Fabric for Sewing Clothing
The Sound of Music recycling tip - you remember Capt. Von Trapp had new curtains made for Marias room and she used the old ones to make play clothes for the kids.
Teaching Puppy Not to Chew on Things?
Hes adorable. I can see he could easily be spoiled because hes so cute. Id give him a chewie toy to play with, the kind you put kibble in and the dog will keep busy for hours getting the kibble out. It will keep him from being bored, which is a main reason...
Measuring Marshmallow Creme for Fudge Recipe?
Uh oh. A pint a pound (16 ounces) refers to water. Marshmallows and marshmallow creme have a lot of air in then, so you cant use the pint-a-pound rule. I think the pint in your recipe means 2 cups of marshmallow creme. Three jars sounds like an awful lot.
Keeping Driveway Clear of Plowed Snow?
Oh boy. I live on a corner, and every time the plow came around the corner, he filled my driveway with up to 3 feet of snow. I was shoveling up to 5 times a day. I finally asked for a professional opinion and help from the village. Now the snowplow drivers...
Drying Fruit in a Slow Cooker?
Do you mean slow cooker? I googled drying fruit in slow cooker and came up with nothing. I thought you had to have some moisture in a slow cooker or the food would burn and stick to the bottom. Microwave, perhaps? Dehydrating food is interesting. Please clarify...
My Mother is Nagging Me About My Weight?
People here have given you some really good advice. Maybe you can print out all these replies and show them to mom. Shes not the only one whos got opinions!
Burn Marks on Acrylic and Wool Skirt?
Acrylic is a form of plastic, so youve melted your skirt. Theres no way to undo that, so Id cover the burned part with applique, embroidery or another fabric.
Discounts for People 55 and Over?
Walgreens pays for my AARP membership (often the card required for senior discounts anywhere). They now have that offer on the back of your Walgreens receipt if you spend more than $20, I think it is. I renewed my AARP membership through Walgreens last month...
Make a Habit of Returning Cart
I know you mean well. But. Some stores hire kids just to go get those carts, so dont put them out of a job. And Walmart doesnt pay very much - theyre not going to lower prices if they have 1 or 2 fewer employees. Any savings will go to the Home Office.
Print at Your Local Library
You are so right about this. I would probably print out half of what I see on the internet if my printer was working. It needs a new toner cartridge and Im too cheap to buy one until I really need it. I think you have to use your home printer once a week or...
Preparing for Tough Financial Times
And remember to give when you can. If you give with an open heart, it will come back to you. I was given a frozen turkey I then gave to a local church recently and when I opened my mail, I had a $5 off coupon from Walgreens. Life is not a balance sheet, its...
Fuzzy Insoles for Shoes?
Keep your rear end warm, and your feet will stay warm too. A nurse told me theres a long artery running down your leg to your foot. Keep that blood flow warm and your feet will stay warm. I sit on a microwavable cushion in the winter - ah, that feels good.
My Frugal Holiday: Homemade Gift Ideas
A calendar with the whole familys birthdays and anniversaries on it. A kit for the car, with wipes, rubber gloves, reflector, scraper, etc. Emergency kit for home, with flashlight, batteries, blanket, pillow, little radio, candles, matches. Personal repair...
Retirement Planning Tips
Coreen, you always have good, practical advice. I hope it reaches someone who really needs it.
Tips For Raking Up Fallen Leaves
This is good motivation for me to get out there soon with the rake. Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think there must be some basic rules of leaf etiquette. For example -- Rule #1: if you get shade from your neighbors trees in the summertime, dont complain...
What Is This Plant? (Wandering Jew)
Its gorgeous. Send a close-up photo and Im sure someone will id it for you.
Plant Grass Seed After the Snow Flies
Wish Id thought of this. Its genius. As long as all the little creatures out there that are tunneling under the snow dont eat the seeds.
Link: Free Trees And Plants
What an interesting website. I hope they are up-to-date on what states allow within their borders. Ash trees (which I see this website does not offer) are not allowed across state borders in many places because of the voracious emerald ash borer that is detroying...
Free Internet Access?
If you google free internet access providers, it shows that as of now, Sept. 2008, Net Zero is about the only internet provider that offers free access in Sarasota, FL.
Use Fabric Made from Bamboo
Thanks for your post. I like to try sewing and knitting with new fabrics and yarns, but havent tried bamboo or hemp yet. They both sound like excellent fabrics for busy days and traveling.
Saving Money on Windows
I admire anyone who can install their own windows, but if I bought new windows, Id ask if installing them yourself would wipe out the warranty. Often they have to be professionally installed for the warranty to be valid.
Saving Money on Your Cellphone
If you have kids, you probably need cell phones to stay in touch. Thats life today. But Im keeping my landline phone. If someone steals my cellphone or I lose it, there goes my personal info and schedule and whatnot. Nobodys going to break into my house and...
Pre-Washing Quilt Squares?
If you let all those pieces soak in the bathtub in hot water for a couple hours, would that do it?
Keeping Small Space Organized and Clutter Free
Im watching my money this month by making a list of all my income and expenses for the next 4 weeks. I write down everything I spend, rounded up to the nearest dollar, and check it every few days to make sure Im on track. When I buy groceries, I try to buy...
Information From "Quilt In A Day" Book?
Remember your local public library. If they dont have the book you need, they can probably find it for you through their inter-library system.
Ideas For Small Quilting Projects?
I really like the ideas everyone posted. As the weather starts to get cooler, Im getting into the quilting mood.
My Frugal Husband's Straw Hat
Great story, great photo. I like the duct tape too. He couldve gone witha nice clear tape, but I like his choice of the traditional gray.
Manual For Welbilt (ABM3000) Bread Machine?
Good for you, making your own bread. Its the best. There are also previous posts on Thriftyfun for bread machine manuals online.
Use Cream Cheese as a Topping
Clever, thrifty idea. I especially like where your idea came from - out of desparity. I love it.
Substitute For Plastic Garbage Bags?
I admire people who try hard to go green (I try hard too), but I wonder a little about the big fuss over cotton canvas bags. Growing cotton, unless its grown organically, is very chemically intense - pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, plus all the gasoline...
Growing A Vegetable Garden In Pots
Thanks. Youve inspired me to get out some old clay pots and plant some spinach and lettuce when the weather gets cooler.
Product Review: Ikea's Foldable Drying Rack (ANTONIUS)
Air-drying clothes is such a good idea. Dryers save time, but theyre hard on fabrics, and they can heat-set stains. I have space to string a plastic clothesline overhead in the house (I just take it down when Im done) and I also have a 2-diameter 10-foot pole...
Colorful Caterpillar
His name must be Curly. I just watched The Talk of the Town, starring Cary Grant, last night on tv. Hes a theater owner who partners with a little boy who has a dancing caterpillar named Curly. Its a good, old-fashioned family movie with a nice, surprise ending...
Link: SynthaSite.com
Harlean, you are one of the most creative posters on Thriftyfun.com, and I always read your stuff because youre always Up To Something Good.
Alternate Liquid for Colonoscopy
Thanks for this tip. I have dear friends who have to have colonoscopies every few years, and this may make it easier for both of them.
Homemade Tool for "Hard to Reach" Places
What a great idea. Thank you, Barbara. Now I can re-hook that curtain hook onto the curtain rod without standing on a chair.
Support Your Daycare Provider
You are so right. Its incredible to me that we dont have subsidized day care for all children in this country. And it is shameful that pre-school teachers barely make a living wage.
Chickie (Ameraucana/EE Chicken)
She is adorable. I had a white chicken like Chickie as a pet when I was about 5, and I loved her dearly.
Warning Notice About Exchangeable Propane Tanks
This is apparently true. I heard this warning on tv a few weeks ago. If you see green around the tanks valve, tell the store manager and buy somewhere else.
Craft: Turning Your Squares When Quilting
Very pretty quilt. Do tell us how you did it. Are they squares that are appliqued on a solid sheet?
Use Fabric Scraps to Make Bedspread
Wow. Sures looks like a first-place quilt to me. If you got 3rd place, the other two must have been absolutely out of this world.
Dealing With A Picky Eater?
Youre not far from Dearborn. You might call the University of Michigan there or at Ann Arbor and get an appointment with a pediatrician at their university hospitals. Once you get a diagnosis, you and your son can learn to handle it together.
Scenery: Utah Lake
Thank you so much. Its getting gloomier here by the minute, with heavy rain forecast for tonight and tomorrow, and I needed something sunny and beautiful to cheer me up. Thank you for your beautiful photo.
Getting Back Into Nursing Job After a Long Absence?
I have a similar problem in a different career area. Im thinking of working through temporary agencies for a while until I feel Im up-to-date. I also think we need a mentor - someone to tell us what we need to do to catch up and what opportunities are available...
Lifelock Has Some Problems
Thanks for the info. Interesting to know that people can do this for themselves. We dont need Lifelock. I wish states would issue people numbers instead of using our SS numbers for everything. Bank and doctors and hospitals all use that SS number and we all...
Looking for a Fabric Supplier?
You might try stamping the white knit fabric with little sayings, like Im a big boy now or Im all boy. Or a smiley face on the front of the pants, a puppy-dogs rear-end on the back.
What's So Great About a Digital Camera?
Also, if you have a digital camera, it can pay for itself. You can send photos to websites like Thriftyfun.com, enter their photo contest, and maybe win cash.
Beware of Products You Don't Need
Kelly Ann, you have hit the nail on the head. We all see and hear hundreds of commercials and ads every day, and theyre so tempting. They make life seem so wonderful if only we buy their products. I read Thriftyfun.com almost every day, and that keeps my head...
Bread Machine Stopped Working?
This is probably too late for you - I checked my Oster manual, and the French bread setting is for 3 hours and 50 minutes. The first 18 minutes it kneads, then it rises the first time for 40 minutes, so your machine is not working right. Troubleshooting possibilities...
Dealing With An Aging Pet?
I know how you feel. Its hard. With my two little dogs, I was lucky because they each died of old age in their sleep, and we could see it coming. With your dog, I think as long as he is doing reasonably well and is not in constant pain, Id try to be optimistic...
Preparing for Thunderstorm and...
We had a tornado in January in SE Wisconsin this year. No one was killed, thank goodness, but several homes were totally destroyed and it made people much more aware of severe weather. Dont forget important papers - deeds, insurance papers, medical records...
Fuel Gauge Reminder
91 Ford van - no arrow, but its a good idea. I also wish theyd put a little indoor thermometer inside the car. I once put a magnetic one on the dashboard, and when I went through emissions inspection, the inspector somehow got the idea my engine was overheating...
Cleaning Cloudy Aquarium Glass?
You might try CLR. Its supposed to be environmentally friendly and its available at lots of places, Walgreens, etc.
Uses for Disinfectant Wipe Containers
Thank you for a very good idea. I keep a perpetual crochet project with me - size 0 needles and size 30 crochet thread. I keep it in a small plastic bag and Ive already lost 2 needles that slipped out. A container is obviously what I should be using.
Henry (Min Pin)
Henry, youve got perfect timing. You showed up just in time. Good dog! And youre adorable too.
Looking For Discount Craft Supplies Websites?
Teachers know almost everything. Why not ask your sons teachers for some good websites - the boys can learn and have age-appropriate fun at the same time.
