Repairing a Clear Glass Fish?
I hv found that the best glue here is super glue. but epoxy might also work. Or you cd file down the broken glass edge of the fish fin!
Use Shower Curtain Rings as Hangers
If you can find them, the old fashioned metal ones are much sturdier.
Remedy for Fine Perspiration?
After some research it seems you can gingerly use regular anti-perspirant on your face it you dont find it too irritating - There are also anti-perspiriants made especially for the face - Like SweatStop.
Brightening Up a Room With Dark Walls and Furnishings?
Brighten it up with light accents - framed etchings/prints, black and white drawings, posters, etc. (think of a blue willow plate with its contrast). You also might put in light shiny things -brass, glass - use a large mirror & have light/white curtains.
Thrifty Advice for Teen Starting Out on Own?
Get cleaning supplies at the dollar store! Learn to cook - beans are very in expensive & nutritious. Also eat cheese, eggs, less meat.
Repairing a Bleach Spot on Blue Polo Sweater?
Is the sweater cotton? then you can use a colored marker to match & color in the bleach spot(s) if they are not too big. On wool or acrylic use a permanent marker (black will do for small spots on navy.)
Creating a Temporary Door To Divide Apartment?
You could create a slide sort of cover from a length of dry wall - or build a door out of plywood and mount on hinges. If the curtains were very heavy and even lined, they would give you privacy - mount a small rug on the door & then use a screen to cover the...
Value of Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary...
Dictionaries were put out in large quantities, so, like Bibles - they often do not have great value - & this is damaged. However, as an unabridged dictionary, it might have some value as a reference & even as a collectible - but dont get your hopes up!
Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping?
It shouldnt trip the circuit by itself! WE have 2 circuits in our 50s-era apartment, and have discovered that we cant run the AC unit in the dining area & the microwave at the same time! So we have to turn off the AC unit when we microwave - but we only used...
Refinishing a Bathtub
Our apt. maintenance people just sprayed the tub with some sort of white paint! Has to be re-done every so often - but you would be surprised at how well it worked!
My Frugal Life: Living Life to the Fullest
As a senior (you can be one as early as 55!) you will find that there are many benefits in terms of classes & activities at low or no cost available to you. Check out what is offered locally. When I can get across town, I have gone to the Santa Monica Emeritus...
Eliminating Wild Strawberries in Lawn?
Do you really want to get rid of wild strawberries? They are so delicious. Whole grass lawns are so yesterday. See if you can accommodate the strawberries plants.
Removing Paint Stains from Spandex?
The best way to get rid of paint spatter is to try to carefully scrape off the paint from the spandex, trying to avoid snagging the fabric. The mud should soften if you soak it in water.
Information on Power of Attorney?
I am hardly an attorney - but it would seem that this circumstance - your fathers father becoming less competent is the precise reason powers of attorney are given - no? I would think that if the man in question has been deemed to have Alzheimers, he would...
Remedy for Oily Hair?
How much product are you putting on your hair? It may be too much! You can cleanse your hair & scalp by adding baking soda to your shampoo. Besides using dusting powder or baby powder for dry shampoo - there are also now wonderful dry shampoos out on the market...
Crafting a Fun Frugal Life
There is also SO much information on thee internet on how to do crarfts (& patterns, too). I also get craft materials from thrift stores - & have picked up knitting needles, crochet hooks & yarns - very inexpensively. I have also then knitted hats/scarves/mitts...
Getting Rid of Ants?
We had ants in an old apartment of ours & read that spraying them & their trails with soap would keep them down & it did work.
Reducing the Discoloration of Scars?
There are scar-removing ointments on sale at the drug store today - one is merderma & I have tried a generic scar cream I bought at the dollar tree. Try them to bleach out your scar....
Repairing a Ceramic Bunny?
You can easily glue the piece back on the figurine using ordinary household cement. (Dont use white glue for this).
Value of Brass Key Victorian Doll?
Dont think this is a Victorian doll. Perhaps a doll in Victorian dress? Look on the doll for a makers mark; they usually are found on the body just below the neck. If it is Victorian, it will probably be German & have a German makers mark & the head will be...
Band Instruments At Pawn Shops
I have bought recorders on eBay - offbrands that I had researched & gotten a good deal on - & a concertina at a thrift shop (very cheap but I had to fix it). I also have a clarinet I picked up, but, as the music teacher says above - those instruments have to...
Determining the Value of an Encyclopedia Set?
Its my understanding that encylopedias per se are not worth any money - perhaps the child books would fetch a bit - but dont count on it. The best you can probably do is to donate it to a school, library or thrift shop & then take the deduction for the donation...
Car Smells After Being Flooded?
I would spray it with spray disinfectant to try to catch any moldiness - but really - if it was rehabbed, the smell should be the responsibility of whoever did it.
Homemade Wrinkle Reducer?
From info I took from thriftyfun - I have made a wrinkle spray with 1/2 fabric softener to 1/2 water - the proportions are the same in any spray bottle. It should be sprayed and then you smooth out the wrinkles in the cloth with your hand. It may get damp - but...
DIY Stone Effect for Plastic Garden Tubs?
There is a spray paint that has a stone finish - just spray & there you are. Or you could paint with a darker paint, then spatter with lighter (thats a theatrical stone technique...)
Children's Crafts Relating to Scotland?
Why dont you have them design their own clan plaids & maybe even a clan shield with a motto & emblem? (For ex. The plaid of the Smith clan with an emblem of an anvil (relating to Smith) etc., & the motto Dare to be Great)
My Frugal Life: Beware of Sales!
I have gotten nice things on sale - $30 items down to $10 or even $7 - Just try things on.
Thrifty Facial Moisturizer?
I like Olay Brand, there are also generics of that to try. I mix & match my moisturizers, depending upon weather, etc. Try out free samples @ dept. stores & online. Also try cheap(er) no-name moisturizers from places like T.J. Maxx, your drug store. I just...
My Frugal Life: Frugal Forever
For years I have collected bones (chicken, turkey) to make soup stock, using vinegar. You can put them in a bag in the freezer until you get enough, or get around to making soup! Makes great stock!
Using Expired Cocoa Powder?
I agree about the expiration dates! They are very elastic & the stated ones are just a buy date to cover the manufacturer. Taste the cocoa to see if its rancid - which I doubt. Even if it has dried milk in it, that can last for a good while. I would take it...
My Frugal Life: Saving Money is Fun
I have stayed in my 1 bedroom apartment for more than 20 years! Its rent-controlled & I find that I cant find a similar deal or a better one, so I stay! I agree - not having sized up - we dont have to size down!
Refurbishing a Once White Christmas Tree?
You could try to re-flock the tree by spraying with one of those artificial snow aerosol cans & the inside areas perhaps could be touched up with white paint, fabric paint? Before you spray?
Organizing an Apartment
I read a book on decorating years ago that talked about storage in an NYC apartment & this wisdom stuck with me. Use every space you can. So I store yarn in my hassock & slip boxes under my easy chair & have gone UP with my home office with a $30 Desk set up...
Educate Yourself and Others
I applaud your education campaign! What a rational way to communicate the reality of the situation & defuse if for everybody!
Discount Satellite TV and Internet for Senior Citizens?
They did have discounts on converter boxes when TV went digital; maybe there are still discounts out there. Or the converter boxes themselves are not really expensive, & would be the cheapest way to go.
Sharpening Hand Held Can Openers?
I do know that you can sharpen scissors by cutting sand paper. Perhaps the same would help for a can opener.
Nearly Free Wall Art
Look at Junkmarket Style on the net & other craft sites & you will get lots of ideas for inexpensive wall decor! (Fyi - I just bought a framed bird print at a thrift store on sale for .50 cents.)
Education Resources for Children with Dyslexia and Autism?
My husband works in special ed & he has told me that many textbook publishers offer audio to accompany their textbooks. If the school isnt helpful, try contacting the textbooks publisher. If the books are in public domain (as many classics are) you can download...
My Frugal Life: Price Hike
Luckily for us, in our neighborhood there is actually a truck that comes around & gathers up the lost carts & returns them to the stores! So all one has to do is put the cart up front & off it goes! Note: There are reasonable shopping carts for consumers that...
Finding Peace in the Valley
What a story! I remind myself in our little apartment, that some people downsize on purpose & not just because a house is too expensive! Hubby & I went to the movies yesterday on a gift coupon we had received & what a treat! It made the movie that much more...
My Frugal Life: I Love Eating Out!
Yes, restaurants can be great places to learn about different cuisines, & then take those ideas home. I dont think simple Chinese cooking is too difficult, just get soy sauce & stir fry! (& other Chinese sauces, like Oyster sauce, are available at my 99Cent...
Preventing Sooty Residue from Candles?
Yes, if you use soy -based candles or other better types, rather than the ones from the dollar store (alas!) there wont be soot! They soy-based candles are now available in major brands at drug and grocery stores.
Garden Accents: How to Add Charm Without...
I have filled in bare spots in the strip of garden next to my apartment by using rounded stones I picked up at the sea shore & grouping them & using some garden statues & plaques from the dollar store. There are all somewhat damaged, so they wont get stolen...
Santa Parade Float Ideas?
When my husband & I play Santa & Mrs. Claus we sometimes make our entrance in a horse & carriage (its there for rides for the kids). So I would suggest getting a carriage! If there is no horse, perhaps you could get a group of people dressed as elves to pull...
Repairing a Mobile Home Cheaply?
My girlfriend has a trailer, and it had to be regularly caulked, like a tin can! She did it herself, so it can be done diy. I saw that spray caulk on TV where they use a screen door for the bottom of a boat & thought that that would be great for mobile home...
My Frugal Life: Planning Ahead
You are so organized! My husband & I eat up all of our leftovers in stir-fries &/or soups. Anything can be tossed into a soup! Be creative. No need to let anything go bad. I have long been a fan of Wetn Wild lipstick & concealer here in the U.S. - very inexpensive...
My Frugal Life: Saving Money When Shopping
Luckily for us, hubby found that the grocery stores near my job on Sunday afternoons have significant markdowns from the week before. He stocks up on meat & fish, among other things & our freezer is almost always full. (He also gets the fresh bakery products...
Find Treasures At Thrift Stores
Oh, I am so cheap that I look for the leather jackets/purses & other treasures not under glass! Sometimes real leather is mistaken for vinyl & then you really get a good deal! (You can smell leather!) I have found several very nice black leather jackets of...
Stretching Your Retirement Dollars
Sadly, I have a senior neighbor who wont take advantage of the senior center just a block or 2 away - with its hot lunch program & lots of support & activities.
My Frugal Life: Shop Smart
One trend out here in So. Calif. in Good will is that there are regularly new items from Target. I have bought $35 dresses for $6-7 & Hubby has picked up household things . Oh, they had new Hanes underwear a few times, too & at one place, lots of new shoes...
Shop Thrift Stores for Off Season Clothes
I have bought winter/rain clothes in the middle of summer heat for peanuts. One stylish vinyl raincoat was on the dollar rack & I landed a London Fog trench coat for under $10. Also, in the heat, I found duckshoe boots with leather tops for $7. They all will...
Of Misers and Motherhood
I submitted a manuscript of my frugal book to a book agent in NYC in the 80s, but no one was interested in talking about frugality then!
Repairing a Sofa Sleeper Frame?
Depending upon how & where the bend is, you can probably straighten it out yourself by very gently hammering the frame straight. Or perhaps you can find a general handyman to do it. If the frame is broken - then it becomes a whole other repair matter.
Repairing a Sofa Sleeper Frame?
Depending upon how & where the bend is, you can probably straighten it out yourself by very gently hammering the frame straight. Or perhaps you can find a general handyman to do it. If the frame is broken - then it becomes a whole other repair matter.
Agencies That Provide Christmas and Thanksgiving Help?
The Marines have a Toys for Tots program at Xmas - & many churches also have giveaways you can inquire about (all the church offices). Turkeys are very cheap at Thanksgiving & there are often 2 for 1 deals - perhaps you can get someone to buy turkeys on that...
Cleaning a Trombone?
You can clean the outside with any brass cleaner - just be careful not to get it in the works. If you really want to play it - I would recommend taking it into an instrument repairman to make sure its all playable. If you are brave, there are instructions you...
Bequest Craft Supplies In Your Will
After my mother died, she also left LOTS of craft materials from her craft classes. My sister & I donated them all to the local Girl Scouts, who were delighted to get them & use them in their summer camps!
Bequest Craft Supplies In Your Will
After my mother died, she also left lots of craft materials from her craft classes. My sister & I donated them all to the local Girl Scouts, who were delighted to get them & use them in their summer camps!
Suggestions for Altering Clothing?
The most obvious way of altering clothing is to take in the side seams. Put on the garment inside out & then pin the cloth to the desired fit, you then sew along the pins on a sewing machine (although I have done it by hand occasionally). My mother took in...
Redecorating on a Tight Budget?
You can always make brick & board bookcases, that it, use the barn wood for the shelves & support them with bricks or cement or glass blocks. This might look very nice at the side of a fireplace. By my lights, you are doing a lot of redecorating! I understand...
Smartphone Knowledge
I get many of these features on the phone I got free with my ATT phone contract, few cost me extra.
My Frugal Life: The Danger of Preparing a Budget
I try to save on everything, all of the time. Its a game, kaching! just saved so much. You can get free Starbucks coffees via freebie sites online, as a treat. (There was just a 2 for 1 at a Barnes & Noble location.)Learn to make your own lattes, etc. its not...
Coloring a Faded Jeans Hemline?
I have used ball point pens with a dark blue color as close as I could get (& sometimes I also added some black.) Then apply some rubbing alcohol or inexpensive cologne/body spray to blend the ink into the fabric. Do this until the hem is back to the original...
Simple Craft Ideas for Senior Citizens?
P.S. A few more ideas - wrap string/yarn/raffia around bottles or jars to make lamp bases, or cans to make pencil holders. Shellac river rocks - the smaller ones with small printed mottos, or larger ones to use as doorstops. - You can also decoupage designs...
Simple Craft Ideas for Senior Citizens?
My late mother ran a senior citizens craft program for years - & let me share some pointers I heard from her. They love to make something they can give as a present. And crafts that can be done in 1 or 2 sessions. Making Christmas ornaments with styrofoam bases...
My Frugal Life: Every Which Way to Save
Thanks for the tax comments - I have used free/cheap online tax services for my Federal taxes & then filed my state taxes manually, as that isnt free online (also filed for an extension electronically in the last minute). Havent used the volunteers, though...
Cleaning Leather Furniture?
I would fill in the scrapes with same color shoe polish & wax. Then perhaps the whole thing needs some leather balm.
Financial Assistance for Roof Repair for Seniors?
Check with the Department of Aging - & any senior citizen groups that you can find in your mothers home state to look for programs that fiz up homes for seniors free or at very little cost - I think Habitat for Humanity may do that, too - so check with them...
My Frugal Life: Thrifty is a Wonderful Thing
Dont forget all the freebie sites! There are lots of things for kids on them - I just saw a download of a Dr. Seuss Activity Book - There are also samples of dog/cat food - cosmetics & lotions - bags & all sorts of things. I have so many toothpaste samples...
Refinishing an Old End Table
What a nice & fancy job! I just sand out imperfections & touch up the finish - If I sand, I use an oil finish - either Watkins - or, I have even used just baby oil! Very easy! (but I always perfer the wood itself.)
Wait For Insurance to Pay on Medical Bills
I had a medical emergency that should have been covered by my insurance company - but the hospital wanted the money from ME! Kept on sending them copies of authorizations, etc. until we finally found out that the MD hadnt filed the proper paperwork. At that...
