Coffee Filter Art
I think this would be a great activity for the people at the retirement home where I work, as well as my grandchildren. Easy and pretty! Thanks for the idea!
Refurbishing Antique Dining Chairs
This chair is magnificent! I too recovered some antique chairs, although they werent cane seated. I did have to change out the wood seat and then cover them. But I have to say, they werent as pretty as this. You did a wonderful job!
DIY Yoga Mat Insoles
Brilliant idea! The only thing wrong with this idea is that I didnt think of it. I have a yoga mat to cut out right now...thanks!
Fuzz on Clothing from Towels?
Hi everyone! Thank you all so much for the suggestions. I started with the first one that was sent, the one using only fabric softener in cold water. It worked, the only thing that was left was a little that I used tape on. It saved my favorite shirt! WOOOHOOO...
Shopping with Less Money
It always seems so great that when push comes to shove, one can accomplish so much. You definitely have something to be proud about, and I would venture to say that someone who bought things to serve the same purposes as your neat little coffee niche at a cost...
Christmas Gifts: It's The Thought That Counts
Sandy, my impression is that he once understood things from a different perspective, but with age and wisdom he has come to understand what really matters in life. Many people live their lives not having to worry about money and receiving more elaborate presents...
Coffee Container for Collecting Dryer Lint
Good idea! Id like to do this but then empty it into the backyard so birds can use it to build their nests.
Recycling Plastic Bottles
I strongly agree with your concerns. I watched the video, and I was familiar with this, but I think many people arent, or they havent realized the impact humans are having and what we can do to change this. I watched a film on Netflix called Plastic Ocean, which...
An Ounce of Prevention
Yes, I have had a similar experience with someone close to me, and it is heartbreaking in many ways. The people I know were well-educated, wonderful people, but they didnt ever clean up anything. They were very active with other things, but they didnt take...
Crush Egg Shells With a Rolling Pin
Okay, as simple as this sounds, I hadnt thought of this, and it will be very useful for me, as my Weimeraner loves to eat the egg shells I put out for plants. Ive stopped putting them out because its such a problem to keep her out of them- Im always afraid...
Roses to Honor Your Mother on Mother's Day
Yes, that was a tradition in our home and in our church when I was young, also. A very nice one, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing this.
Picking Up Roadside Litter
I applaud you for your actions! This is constructive on so many levels. Obviously, its beneficial to your community, as things simply look better. But there is the fresh air aspect for you, the exercise aspect, the example you are setting for others, etc. Around...
Encyclopedia Side Table
What a cool idea! I just love it when people use their noggins to reinvent the wheel using what they have on hand. Thanks for the idea!
Soothing a Sore Throat
Yep, good advice; I eat original Lays potato chips. They are salty and go down easily and soothe all the way down.
Shredded Paper for Filling Gift Bags or...
Great idea. I use shredded paper for cat litter, also. I can change it often with no expense to me, and it has a positive impact on the environment. Even though its a small one, its a positive instead of a negative.
Too Much Cream Pushed out of Tube
Thats just what I thought. Maybe there is a step left out here or something? Just not following...
Free Yarn of Charity Project?
You could try your local Free Use online community. Also, most local newspapers run a kind of Community Happenings column, and will let you get the word out that this is for the benefit of others and youd like some help. This is usually a great way to help...
What Breed Is My Dog?
I have to agree that most people arent experts at identifying dog breeds. Also, many breeds are going to look alike until the puppy is older, AT LEAST 6 months or more. At that time more specific identifying characteristics are becoming distinctive. May seem...
Healthy Microwave Popcorn
Thanks for this tip! Didnt know how to do popcorn in microwave without using the pre-bagged stuff. Glad to know this and will start buying regular popcorn kernels now.
Unemployment Blues are "Green"
I cant say how much I admire your decision to find something constructive to do for yourselves while unemployed. I had that same experience 2 yrs. ago after a 3 mos. stay in the hospital. I couldnt work anymore and disability hadnt been approved yet. I was...
What Breed Is My Puppy?
Youll be able to tell more when the puppy is older, but she looks to me like she might have some Weimeraner in her. Shes very pretty!
Use Coffee or Tea for Gray Hair
This is an awesome and timely tip for me! I had lung cancer last year (never smoked) and had a lobe and a half removed from my left lung. I went through chemo and am just getting my hair back, and I just refuse to color my hair and expose myself to those harsh...
Gift Ideas for Boyfriend?
Some kind of art supplies sounds good to me. Im assuming he likes to create art, not just look at it? Something like a sketch book and charcoal pencils or whatever medium he likes to use. Maybe pay attention to whether he likes muted colors or bright and bold...
Painless Ways to Save
My husband and I are also on the lower end of the income totem pole, and are now nearing retirement age. Add to that the fact that for about the last 1 1/2 years I have been battling some health issues, and we had to make some drastic changes to stay afloat...
What Breed Is My Dog?
Definitely looks like a pit bull puppy. Very cute dog. Dont know what else could be in the dog. I once had a pit bull that looked like he had some yellow lab in him. I asked the vet, but he wasnt much help. He just said, He just looks like a great example of...
Paper Clip as Masking Tape Marker
I started using a milk jug cap, since we get so many and they are hard to reuse or recycle. Paper clips and bread wrappers are good ideas, too!
Egg Shell Uses
These are great ideas, and I would be interested in others if someone else has some ideas. Good topic. I do have to relate a problem that I had recently. I crushed my egg shells and placed them around my rose bushes. My dog kept making a beeline for them, and...
Selling Pop Can Tabs?
Check on earth911. com. You can just put in your city and it will give you information for recycling in your community.
Soda Bottle Fly Traps
Sounds brilliant. What about the lid to the soda bottle. Did you leave that on and cut a hole in it for the flies to get in, or did you just leave that off? I have done the same thing you did, and just like you, the homemade fly traps have not been working...
Uses for 250 Hot Pads?
Well, as a dog lover the first thing that comes to mind may bother you some, but they could be put together to form a mat for dogs. Also, you could use them as coasters, maybe needing something added to make them water resistant. Or, they are so colorful and...
Arm Covers From Cutoff Skinny Jeans
Way to reuse! A little thinking and you have come up with some great ways to put these things to good use instead of sending them to the landfill. I salute you. Every little bit helps!
Ideas for Reusing Old Christmas Cards?
I saw a neat idea that I plan to use next Christmas. They had cut all the cards in the pattern of a little dress and used it for garland. I plan to cut them in a bell shape instead. There is also an address that you can send them to for children to make new...
Cracked Porcelain Doll Costume
This idea rocks! Looks great and done on the cheap, too? Cant beat it. Thanks for sharing!
Getting the Most Celery for Your Money
I did realize this, but its good to be reminded of it. Thanks!
Keeping Cool in the Car
Great idea! I have tried this before when just sitting outside, but not in my car. Will have to try it tomorrow. Thanks!
Product Review: Voyager Solar Crank KA500 Radio
Good product review. With hurricane season upon us, this is very useful information. Thanks!
End of the Year Teacher Gift Ideas?
One other thing you might consider would be something they can use during the summer months, like a beach bag or beach towel, or even go in with someone else and put together a beach bag full of goodies - a towel, sunscreen, paperback book, even an expensive...
Use Washer for Cleaning Vegetables
Yes, I do this with mustard greens. I just make sure that I run the washer empty at least once before I load in the greens, and then when I feel that it is clean enough, I put them in and run them through. Works great! It takes a little time to clean the washer...
Cajun Pepper For Organic Pest Control
Is it Cayenne pepper you are using? Im from Louisiana, and thats the main pepper I can think of that you must be speaking of. I guess its the same thing, just referred to by a different name in different parts of the country. At any rate, sounds like a great...
Bottle Cap Screen Door
Ingenious! Theres a lady who makes welcome mats out of these plastic bottle caps, but I dont know how she attaches them or what she attaches them to. I save them and have plenty, but dont know what exactly to do with them. Thanks so much for the idea!
Reusing Dry Dog Food Bags?
Sew several bags together to make a sheet to go under a dogs bed clothes. Often animals lay on blankets that can get wet from the ground, etc. Just put this under the blankets and keep them dry.
Help Out Your Grocery List
Very well thought out advice. More and more of us are going to need to know how to stretch a dollar the best way we can, and these are good tips. Sweet touch, the cup of cocoa!
Keeping Cool on Car Trips
Amazing what we can think of in a time of necessity, isnt it? This is such a good example of how we all need to begin to use our noggins to cut down on costs, use what we have at hand or can get our hands on and still get the job done. Well done, mom!
Safe Bathing for Babies
What a great using what you have on hand idea! As a grandmother, I like this idea for taking care of a small child who needs an extra feeling of security while Grammy gives them a bath at my house. Thanks for sharing!
Potpourri Packing Peanuts Scent Jar
What a great idea! I hate getting fast food drinks in styrofoam just because I know they will be with us forever, so this would be something I could do to use those cups up. Way to go!
Determining the Value of a 1940s Tableware Set?
Go to www.replacements.com. If you cant find it immediately because you dont have much information, you can call them or download this picture for them to go by.
Recycle Bubble Wrap And Packing Materials
Kudos to you for thinking of your friend and for recycling the bubble wrap also. Another thing that I saw recently to pack with is empty soda bottles. Im sure it wont work for everything, but if it worked for some items it might be worth it to consider this...
Homemade Laundry Detergent
Thanks, Linda. This was the most helpful post yet. Very clear. Cant wait to try this.
Proper Disposal of Unwanted Things
Wow! Good to know about Office Depot and the dead batteries. Thanks for the tip!
Freeze Food Waste Until Garbage Day
This is a great idea, one that really cuts down on flies, etc. My mother-in-law puts her discarded food remains in milk cartons, the paper type (cardboard-like?) ones with the spout. She just fills it up and then tapes down the top so that it fits in the freezer...
Store Earrings in Ice Cube Trays
Cool idea. I have a friend whose hubby buys her Godiva chocolates every so often, and she saves the boxes for pretty little jewelry boxes. They have built in compartments and look so rich, with the beautiful gold wrapping. When they wear out, she just hints...
Glowsticks Instead Of Fireworks For The Fourth Of July
I agree with this idea- lots of fun for kids, parents and grandparents alike. I would like to add a note of caution- just last night our grown kids provided these for all of our grandkids to play with, and they all loved them. But later on that night several...
Staying Hydrated
I must agree about what using the plastic bottles does to our environment, but i admire your attempts to stay hydrated. One thing that helps me is the use of a pretty glass. Its just one simple special thing to do for yourself during the day. I have seen people...
Planting a Hyacinth?
Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out. This is exactly what I needed to know. Many grins!
One Birthday Cake for Two Birthdays
My daughter does this for her boy and girl twins. Last year one side was Cars theme and the other one was Tinkerbell. They both love this, just like your husband and granddaughter. Great picture, thanks for sharing this with everyone!
Rubber Wine Cork Eraser
Thanks for this tip! I dont drink wine, but the place that I work serves it. I have wondered what those could possibly be used for, and now I know!
Help Making Perfect Southern Fried Chicken?
My fried chicken is really good, by what my husband says, and hes painfully honest, so Id know if it wasnt. I start off by salting and peppering each piece of chicken separately. At the same time as you are preparing the chicken, you will be heating your cooking...
Getting Free Empty Shoe Boxes?
My daughter ran in a marathon to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. She had to raise a lot of money, so she had garage sales. We put it in the paper requesting anything anyone might want to donate for a garage sale, and let me tell you... we didnt have enough...
Make Box Building Blocks
Yes, this idea will work great for me, as my grandchildren always drink those Capri-Sun Roaring Waters drinks. As I was opening a box of them one day, my 3 year old grandson told me, Gwammy, this is weally just water with ingweediants added. Hell love these...
Get a Second Opinion For Dental Work
I had a similar experience, but it involved my childrens mouths. Twenty years ago, when my husband and I were busy raising children and having a hard time financially, a dentist in town offered to check out local children for free one Saturday. He looked at...
Uses for Fan Parts
WoooHooo! Thanks for sharing these great ideas. Imagine what all we could keep from going into the landfills if we gave more thought to reusing everyday items.
Make Your Own Panty Liners
Yes, this is what women used to do before disposables were invented. My suggestion to those who would be interested in this if it were not so time-consuming is to simply use the rags without sewing them up. And as for the sock-on-the-foot thing, one bleaching...
Selling Used Wedding Decorations?
Put them on ebay. Theyll probably be picked up right away. The picture is great and should help you sell them quickly. Good luck and Congrats!
My Frugal Life: Relearning "Waste Not, Want Not"
Well stated; you are so right, we cannot continue to squander our earths resources, our hard earned money or the time it takes to earn that money. We must be good, vigilant stewards in all areas of our lives.
Scenery: Minum River (Eastern Oregon)
Note to self- visit Oregon! Thanks for sharing this magnificent picture.
Finding Sponsor for Child on Cheer Squad?
When my daughters were in high school, 2 of them were on the dance team at the same time. I didnt work outside the home, so with 4 kids at home, this was a real strain. But my daughters took it on as a challenge and were able to raise the money to pay for the...
Antique Curtain Rod End
Wow, what a cool idea, and the fact that its handmade makes it all the more interesting. Thanks for sharing your find with everyone!
Roles for Children in a Wedding?
Wow! Thanks to all for the great ideas. I think the couple settled on having 2 ring bearers, the 4 year old boys. The 6 year old boy will carry a Bible down the aisle. Once again, thanks to all for the help!
Recycle TV Dinner Boxes for Organizing Mail
Cool idea! Just a suggestion - keep your decorations biodegradable so that even when its ready to make another set of storage boxes, the ones you have used will be easily degraded. Kudos to you for thinking thriftily and greenly!
Manual for Pillsbury Bread Machine #1016?
Ive gotten manuals off of ebay several times. Of course, the drawback to this is that you have to buy the manual. Good luck!
Use Address Book for New Neighborhood Directory
Yes, a great tip. It sounds like a good idea to do for a newcomer to the neighborhood, also!
Van Cargo Organizing
I think this is a great idea, and a neat way to recycle those store displays. Good thinking!
Is There a Difference Between the Rehearsal and Groom's Dinner?
Same here. Never heard of a grooms dinner. She is probably referring to the rehearsal dinner, which the grooms family is responsible for. This can be done any way you, your family and the couple want to do it. Some people choose to take everyone in the wedding...
Making Junk Mail Useful
I too save junk mail and reuse the blank space for everything. I make grocery lists, scrap paper stacks for beside my phone, daily lists, etc. My latest use for the influx of paper that comes into our home, including newspapers, finished crossword puzzle books...
How Many Hours Of Work Does It Cost?
Yes! I always tend to think how long I worked to buy that purse, etc. Also, I used to point out to my kids that the local doctor worked an hour and their dad worked an hour, but the difference in what they earned was very significant. I let them know that they...
Use It Up, Wear It Out, Fix It or Do Without
I agree with Deeli, youve done such a marvelous job of reusing all of your sofa, why not come up with a way to use that material? If nothing else, make a dog or cat pallet out of it. If theres an upholstery place in your town, maybe they could use the springs...
Soften Line Dried Towels With A Brush
Good idea! Stiff towels dont bother me as my mother always dried towels on the line when I was growing up. But they do bother my husband, he likes them soft and fluffy. Thanks for the idea! Jackie
Ask Hardware Store To Special Order Washing Soda
Yes, thanks, Joanie. i have wondered where you get those products. I always hear about them, but never see them. And by the way, greetings from Walker, LA!
Uses for Old Shoes?
Sometimes I take old shoes to the shoe repair place and have them resoled or fixed in whatever way they can. Then I either take them home or give them to the Veterans place around here that runs a resale shop. The planter idea is good, and Ive seen that done...
Refurbished Wedding Pen Holders
I love it when someone finds a new way to save on weddings! Kudos to you for recycling someones old stuff to be your new treasure. Smart and classy!
Ideas for Raising Money?
A few years back my daughter ran in a Honalulu marathon for arthritis. They had to raise a certain amount of money (sorry, dont remember the exact amount) in order to be sent to Hawaii to compete. We not only had a spaghetti dinner, we had everything donated...
Burnt Cookie Sheet?
Another thing to help out with this in the future is to cover the pan with aluminum foil before each use. I usually do this and theres little clean up.
Moses (Lab/Retriever)
What a great story! Thanks for sharing this with everyone. You should polish this up, lengthen it a little and send it to a pet magazine. Everyone loves a feel good story!
No Cruise Control, Not in the Rain
Thank you for this information. I think I had heard this a long time ago, but had forgotten about it and have been riding with my cruise on all the time. I wont make that mistake again!
Mississippi Mojo (Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog)
Yes, he really is beautiful. I love Catahoulas. Thanks for sharing your picture with us. Greetings from Walker, LA!
Selling Empty Prescription Bottles?
I too have been looking for a taker for my prescription bottles. I have about 6 per month, which adds up. I cant stand the idea of these going into the landfill, but pharmacies dont take them. I know you cant sell them, but isnt there somebody who can use a...
Wear Special Occasion Clothing Before the Event
Yes, this is a really good idea. When my daughter got married, I wore a deep blue dress with lacy see-through sleeves. I already had a white all-in-one shaper, so I figured why not use what I have, nobody will see what I have on underneath the dress anyway...
What Breed is My Dog?
Yes, she looks just like my pit bull, Rex. Sometimes we wonder if he has some yellow lab mixed in him though, because he has that sweet, smart demeanor of a lab and resembles one somewhat.
Use Contractor Tubs For Summer Party Food
Can you provide a picture of the contractor tubs? I too have no idea what that is. Sounds like a good idea, but would love to see what youre talking about. Thanks, Jackie
Teaching a Dog Not to Bark?
I agree with putting barking on command (Fluffy, Speak! Good dog! Treat) What happens is that you have now made this something that the dog looks to you for permission to do. Also, if the dog is rewarded for a behavior it is less likely to do it without a reward...
Paper Or Plastic Bags?
Okay, this is a real pet peeve of mine. I dont think many people know just how long it is predicted to take one plastic bag to degrade- its 75-100 yrs! So every time we put doggy poop in these bags, we are taking something completly organic (gross, but organic...
Dog is Having Fecal Incontinence?
Please take your dog to the veterinarian. I know lots of things can be taken care of with diet change, behavior modifcation, etc. But this doesnt sound like it will get better on its own. In fact, it will probably get worse, so the vet is the only way to go...
Removing Chewing Gum From Hair?
Yep, a third vote for peanut butter. You can also freeze the gum with ice and then just break off the hardened gum. It comes out really easily at that point. Good luck!
What Breed is My Dog?
He looks like a pure-bred Husky. Malamutes tend to have lighter frames than the Husky, your dog seeming very solid. I think hes a perfect Husky.
Garden: Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
Not only is he beautiful, your photography is wonderful, also. Thanks for sharing!
Recycled Laundry Detergent Boxes for...
This is such a cute idea, and you did such a beautiful job with this one! I like the idea of leaving the handle on for some things, but I think yours looks perfect for its purpose. When my daughter was in high school she made a note keeper out of one of the...
Recycled Laundry Detergent Boxes for...
Oh, and forgot to mention that I love the plastic bag in one for laundry room garbage! You could even use one without the garbage bag and then just throw the whole thing away, replacing it with the next empty box. The reason I suggest this is because chances...
Create a "Clean Up" CD
Thats not a bad idea. I tend to play games to get through cleaning, like washing 20 dishes on the commercials, picking up and putting away 20 things in each room before I have a cup of tea, etc. My daughter and I will phone each other and plan to talk again...
What Are the Lumps Behind the Seats in Solstice?
Thanks so much! Id never seen that before, and it puzzled me when I saw one over the weekend.
Refinishing a Bird Cage?
I recently read that you can check with paint distributors and find out which ones are safe for the consumer (i.e., you and your bird). They are making paints safer now, and this would keep your bird safe and save you money at the same time. You will probably...
Jobs for 14 Year Olds?
It really does depend on your area, because in my area you have to be 15 to get a work permit from school, and the employers are required to have that. Good luck!
Frugal Window Treatment
I love this idea! My friend made her curtains from her mom and grandmothers old aprons. They were very cute, quaint and such a conversation piece!
Use Less Than the Recommended Laundry Detergent
Yes, the lady who owns the laudrymat in our town told me not to use the recommended amount about 10 years ago. She said the same thing, the manufacturers just want us to have to buy more, but you can really use much less.
Don't Use Choke Chain as a Collar
This is so correct! Really, I believe that dogs can be trained without choke chains, instead, using positive reincorcement training. It just takes the patience of Job and lots of consistency. But youre right, they can be ridiculously dangerous.
Redecorating a Girl's Car Seat for a Boy
It looks great and kudos to you for using what you were given. You reused something that might not have been taken care of and might have even gone into a landfill somewhere, on top of saving your family money. You go girl!
Training a Dog to Stop Barking?
When I first heard this solution to barking, I thought they were crazy, but it really helps. Put barking on command. Work with your dog by rewarding a bark (or speak) with a tiny treat. Do this over and over until the dog knows what youre asking for when you...
Set Up a Kid Friendly Guest Room
I think thats a great idea. Simple but perfect for your young guest. I think Ill do the same for my grandchildren who are 5, 4 and 4. Ill use some variations, of course. Thanks for the idea!
Caring for a Praying Mantis?
Robyns link looks like it will have all you need. One other source you might ask is your county agent. They often have loads of info if you just call and ask.
Pitbull Protection Training?
Definitely go to a trainer for this. As a matter of fact, if you put something on command with a dog, you can control when they do it much more effectively. For instance, if you teach a dog to bark on command and they have learned that they should get a treat...
