Saving Money on Blush
I use a powder puff (the small ones that fit in a compact) to apply powder blush. It gives better control and is less wasteful. With a brush, a lot of it just ends up in the air!
Can My PC Remember My ThriftyFun Login Information?
I keep a list of all my user ids and passwords in a Word document on my computer.
Using Kilz on Nicotine Stained Walls?
I agree that you should wash the walls. As a former smoker, the best thing to clean with is ammonia. Be sure to open a window or two while youre using this. Mix up a fairly strong solution (1 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of hot water). Use a sponge mop to clean...
Elevating a Dish Above the Microwave Turntable?
You should be able to remove the turntable. Then youll need to cover the little post in the middle. Try something wide & shallow - maybe a smaller casserole dish or a glass pie plate or shallow soup bowl. This will cover up the part that turns and give you...
Wedding Locations in Central Mississippi?
Try contacting Mynelle Gardens (on Clinton Blvd. in Jackson) or the Ag Museum (on Lakeland Drive). Im not sure the Ag Museum has outdoor weddings, but they have an adorable little chapel. Mynelle Gardens is a very popular spot for outdoor weddings.
Reheating Pancakes?
I do this at Christmas when the whole family is here. Cook them ahead of time and put them either in the refrigerator (or the freezer if its more than a couple of days ahead). To reheat a lot of them at once, put in a casserole dish with a cover - or any pan...
Adjusting Liquid in Bread Machine Recipe?
If youre trying to reduce 3/4 cup by 1/8 cup, do this: Measure out 1/2 cup, then add 2 tablespoons. This will give you the exact measurement you need. (1/4 cup is equal to 4 tablespoons, so 1/8 cup is 2 tablespoons)
Adding Ingredients to Bread Machine?
You can add ingredients as long as the machine is still kneading the dough. Once it stops for the rising process, its too late.
Hanging a Blow Dryer?
If it has a hook or a loop on the end, you can hang it on a cup hook, or one of those Command hooks.
Cat Friendly Furniture?
Are you concerned with cat hair on the furniture or your cats scratching the furniture? If its cat hair, you can always get furniture approximately the same color as the cats. The only problem is that if you dont see the cat hair, you wont clean it and someone...
Removing Film from Mason Jars?
They probably have what is called etching. Its usually caused by washing in the dishwasher - usually from soft water & too much detergent. This will not come off. So you either have to live with it or buy new jars. Sorry.
Alternative to Swiffer Sweeper?
I bought what looks like an old-fashioned dust mop at Home Depot. It cost about $15, but you can take the head off and wash it in the machine. Its made of microfiber, so it really collects pet hair very well.
Cooking Spray Residue on Skillet?
If the skillet doesnt have a non-stick surface, you can use a Brillo or SOS pad.
Fixing a Sagging Couch?
Try putting a piece of fairly thick plywood (3/4 inch) under the cushions. Use a solid piece that covers the full length of the sofa.
Paint Color for Beige Sofas?
Beautiful sofas! I would paint the walls a darker shade of the color you have now. Or perhaps a medium tan or beige - a few shades darker than the sofas.
Framing an Old Wall Mirror?
Use regular wood moulding - there are lots of designs to choose from. Paint it with gloss or semi-gloss paint. That will make it washable. Mount it with construction adhesive.
Water Spots on Bathroom Fixtures?
I tried everything, then suddenly one day I thought about trying steel wool (SOS or Brillo). It worked great!
Replacement for Ironing Board Pad?
Use one or more layers of old towels to achieve the thickness you need.
Complimentary Color for Gold in a Painting?
What about white? It would show up well without competing with the silver and gold.
Staining Floors to Coordinate With Knotty Pine Walls?
I would use a darker shade - maybe pick up the color of one of the knots. Isnt knotty pine kind of light colored?
Homemade Solution for Removing Hair Products from Hair?
Baking soda is what you need. The easiest way to use it is to put about a teaspoon of baking soda in the palm of your hand, then add your shampoo. Shampoo and rinse as usual. Dont use this too often or it will dry out your hair - no more than once a week.
Uses for Old Coffee Cups?
Use one in your bathroom for toothbrushes - prettier and easier to use than those that have holes too small for todays brushes. Also useful for make-up brushes & nail files. Pen & pencil cup, obviously. The handles make mugs easier to eat from - soup, chili...
Dyeing Carpet?
Before you attempt something that big, go out and buy a can of Spot Shot - dark blue can with an orange top - in the carpet cleaning dept. of Wal Mart, grocery store, Home Depot, or the like. Its a miraculous carpet stain remover. I havent found anything it...
What is this Plant?
I think its called Persian Shield. Look that up and see if it looks like your plant.
Painting Kitchen Cabinets to Coordinate with Green-Yellow Walls?
I think your idea of chocolate brown would be beautiful. Heres what I did to change my cabinets from golden oak to chocolate brown - it was way easier than paint. Sand the cabinets lightly - then wipe on a dark brown stain. Once its dry, use wipe-on polyurethane...
Pouring Paint Without the Mess?
You can buy a pouring spout that fits on a gallon can at Home Depot for under $2.
Removing Acrylic Paint from Carpet?
Go to Home Depot and buy a small can of Goof Off. Dont get Goo Gone - it doesnt work as well on paint. It smells horrible (like gasoline or something), but it works great to remove dried paint. Put some on a small rag (use an old one) and rub the paint gently...
Peeling Fingernails?
If you polish your nails, stop! Mine were peeling terribly when I was using colored polish. I switched to clear polish. They still peeled, but it wasnt as noticeable. Then I stopped using polish altogether. They havent peeled since.
Reducing Dust Bunnies?
I have the same problem. Ive noticed that its not as bad right now because the kitties are putting on their winter coats & not shedding as much. I wish I had a solution for you - other than brushing the animals frequently and running a dust mop or swiffer over...
Removing Nicotine Stains from Vinyl Wallpaper?
Try a solution of ammonia and water. About 1/2 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water. I used to smoke myself, so I know that it might not take off all the stains, but it should get most of them.
Determining Fee for Making Couch Cushion Covers?
I recently made 4 very large cushions for a friends chairs - these cushions were actually the seat & back that went in a wooden frame. She paid me $100 - that did not include the fabric she had already bought. I was only going to charge her $80 ($20 per cushion...
Italian Olive Oil House Dressing?
I dont have a recipe, but I found a dressing by Kraft that is very good and pretty cheap. Its Light House Italian. Kraft dressings are very reasonably priced.
T-Shaped Clothes Line Clip for Hangers?
Ive never seen those. I just use a clothespin - upside down - to secure a hanger to the line.
Exterior Paint Color to Coordinate with Maroon Iron Roof?
Another good option would be some shade of gray.
Prepare Food in Advance for Holiday Meals
I take it a step farther - go ahead and cook & mash those potatoes before you refrigerate. Then all you have to do is re-heat them.
Moles Tearing Up My Yard?
I agree with Ann - you need to get rid of the grubs. It worked in my yard. I dont remember the name of the insecticide that I used, but it was in granular form.
Repairing Scratches on Black Shoe Heels?
Try black acrylic craft paint. It would be easier to apply that the spray paint for plastic. It might not last as long, but its really cheap. You can apply as often as necessary.
Cleaning a Shower Head?
Use straight white vinegar to soak the shower head. Then you dont have to worry about chemicals
Litterbox Problems With an Older Cat?
I agree that you should take her to the vet. If they dont find anything wrong with her, try putting one of those puppy training pads next to the litter box where she pees. That will make it much easier to clean up after her.
Making Vegetable Soup?
I make vegetable-beef soup in my crockpot. If you dont want the meat in it, just leave it out and add a few more vegetables. Vegetable Beef Soup 1 lb. stew meat 1 14&frac;-ounce can tomatoes 2 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced 2 medium onions, diced 2...
White Spots on Clothing After Washing?
It might not be bleach. If she uses powdered detergent, it can leave little spots of undissolved detergent. Try rubbing the spot with a wet cloth - if its detergent, it will come off. If thats the case, just put the shirt back in the washer and run in through...
Treating Plantar Warts?
Dr. Scholls makes a wart remover specifically for plantar warts. It consists of a small medicated disk and a larger, doughnut type pad. You put a new one on every other day. I used it and it took about a week to get rid of the wart. I dont remember exactly...
Color Ideas for Brown and White Bedroom?
I saw a picture that used chocolate brown, pale sage green and small accents of fire-engine red. I would have never thought to add the red, but it was beautiful!
Using RIT Dye in a Washing Machine?
I agree that there are probably 2 things wrong. 1. You need more dye in the washer because there is probably more water there - even on the lowest setting than 1 box or bottle of dye requires. 2. The dye doesnt stay in the washer long enough. To correct this...
Helping My Husband Match His Clothing?
Is there a reason that you cant pick them out for him? Maybe the night before, you could put the shirt and pants together on a hook on the closet door.
Uses for Cooling Racks
Whenever I put a casserole dish without a cover in the refrigerator, I put a cooling rack over it. That way, I can stack another dish or other item on top of it. This also comes in handy when you need to transport dishes that dont have covers.
Simple Apple Crisp?
Apple Crisp 2 cans apple pie filling 1 cup flour 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup oatmeal 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans Grease a 9-in. square baking dish. Pour in apple pie filling. Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter. Sprinkle...
Creative Ideas for Covering a Sectional Couch?
The easiest way to cover the cushions is to wrap them in fabric like a gift box. You can use large safety pins to fasten the fabric on the bottom of the cushions. Then just flip them over and put them back on the sofa.
Add Shelf to Side of Cupboard
I use those same shelves in other places. In my upper cabinets, I put my larger plates under the shelf and the smaller ones on top. I dont have to move small plates to get to the big ones. In my closet, I have a few shelves that are great for shoes, but there...
Planting My First Garden?
Go to this website. It will give you a lot of information about what varieties to plant for your area. http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/ Basically, you need a patch of soil, plants or seeds, water, and sunshine. I, like kffrmw88, built a bed from...
Eating Pole Beans Left on the Vine Over Winter?
Or, you could save them until the weather is warm and plant them.
Planting In Cinderblocks
Wow - theres somebody else like me out there! I do the exact same thing. Check out my gardens.
Home Kitchen Certification?
I would start by calling your state Health Department. If they arent the ones to handle this, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Recipe for a Small One Layer Cake?
This is the recipe I use when I want a small cake. It makes one layer. You could add chocolate, spices, or fruit to change the flavor. Its very simple to make. Dinette Cake 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk 1/3 cup shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon...
Make Your Own Pet Carrier
Fantastic idea! Even though I have a large pet carrier, its very difficult to get the cat in. I usually turn in up on the end and drop the cat in from the top. Ive also had problems with the vet trying to get the cat out of the carrier. Theyve had to disassemble...
Why is My Cat Stealing My Socks?
I had a cat that did the same thing, usually with dish towels, but if there wasnt one handy, he would drag any type of fabric around the house. One winter morning, I reached for my bathrobe at the end of the bed, but it wasnt there. After searching, I found...
Make Your Own Take Along Coffee Packs
Thanks for this great idea. I can use this when I go out of town and stay in a hotel. They always have a small coffeemaker and furnish coffee in those filter packs - but they never give you enough for more than one pot. I usually take along some filters and...
Cleaning Jewelry?
Try this: Mix 1 part ammonia with 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Put in your jewelry, swish it around for a few seconds, and rinse. As soon as the jewelry goes into the solution, you will be able to see the dirt and grime bubbling out. You might need to use an old...
Absorb Extra Heat With a Tea Kettle
I think this is a fabulous idea. I have to make potato salad tomorrow - Ill certainly give this a try.
Number of Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats?
I have 3 cats and I use 2 litter boxes. Works fine, I only scoop them out about every 2 to 3 days.
Storage Solutions for a Small Car?
Maybe you could find those shoe pockets at a dollar store and just cut off the size you need (2 or 3 of the pockets). Im not sure how you would hang them from the dash, though.
Making Hair Wavy?
If your hair is all one length, the top isnt wavy because the weight of your hair is pulling it down. You could get the top part layered - the shorter sections would be more likely to be wavy.
What Type of Doctor to See for Muscle Spasms?
Start with your family doctor. I had bad muscle spasms in my neck. My family doctor prescribed muscle relaxers and sent me to physical therapy for a few visits. That did the trick. If you family doctor thinks you need a specialist, he/she should be able to...
Will Cotton Poly Sheets Make Good Cleaning Rags?
I dont think they would soak up spills very well, but they should be fine for cleaning and scrubbing. Jean
Diminishing the Look of Highlights as They Grow Out?
Color your hair with one of the semi-permanent solutions. They wash out gradually over about 4 to 6 weeks. Choose a shade that matches your natural color. It wont change your natural color, but will make the highlights blend in. Its very simple to do it yourself...
Adding Color to a Wall of Windows?
Paint that wall a different color to make it an accent wall, maybe a shade or two darker than the other walls.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors?
Clean your hardwood floors with water. I bought a mop with a wide head and a microfiber cover. I wet the cover, wring it out, put it on the mop and clean my hardwood floors with water only. I carry a spray bottle of water with me as I go. When the mop appears...
Reviews of E-Cloths?
I had not heard of E Cloths, but I looked it up. They are simply microfiber cloths. I buy a package of 8 cloths in the automotive department of Wal Mart for $5. And yes, they do work with just water. I use them to clean mirrors and windows. Just keep in mind...
Think Outside the Bird: Ideas for Cranberry...
Mix one can of jellied cranberry sauce and one bottle of chili sauce. Pour the mixture over frozen meatballs in your crockpot. Cook until the meatballs thaw and get hot. Delicious!!
What Can I Use for Dusting Instead of Spays?
I spray my dust cloth with a very light mist of water. It really helps to pick up the dust instead of just moving it around. If youre wanting something to clean and shine, there are homemade recipes using olive oil and lemon juice.
Buying Mineral Makeup?
I use the mineral makeup made by Maybelline. I buy mine at Wal Mart for about $10. To make it last longer and go on more evenly, I mix it half & half with loose face powder. I apply it to my face with a small powder puff. This keeps the powder from falling...
Crustless Pecan Topped Pumpkin Pie Recipe?
Look for sweet potato casserole recipes. Thats what this sounds like to me. Are you sure it was pumpkin? If so, you can probably substitute pumpkin for the sweet potatoes in the recipe.
Clothing Dye Stained Washer Drum?
Run a washer full of hot water, detergent, and a cup of chlorine bleach. Do not put in any clothes. The dye packages usually tell you to do this right after dying something. Its possible that all the dye wont come out if its been awhile since you dyed your...
Tomato Cage As Outdoor Christmas Tree
I did something similar, but I covered the tomato cages with artificial garlands to make them look more like real trees. Then I added lights & ornaments.
Left-Right Christmas Gift Exchange
That sounds like so much fun! Im going to suggest this to my friend who has an ornament swap party every year.
Keeping Cats Out of the Christmas Tree?
I have 3 cats. Two of them just sniff the tree, chew on the branches a little and end up sleeping under it. The 3rd one, however, is a totally different story. Lizzie is 3 years old and climbs the tree every chance she gets! Sometimes she flattens out a spot...
Spoiled Milk Odor in Car?
First, take the floor mats out of the car. If they will fit, put them in your washing machine and wash with regular laundry detergent in warm water. I was able to fit mine in without folding. They dont move around much when the washer agitates, but they still...
Suggestions for Sewing Curtains Using a Stretchy Fabric?
Do you have a scrap of that fabric that you can do a little test on? If so, sew a hem in it, then wash and dry it. Lots of times, fabrics will stretch and pucker when you sew them, but once they are washed and dried, they come out fine. This happens to me when...
My Frugal Life: Resolutions for 2011
Do you keep the instruction manuals for all your gadgets? If so, try taping or stapling the receipt inside the front cover of the manual. That has made it easy for me to find a receipt when I need it.
What to Do About a Tooth Sensitive to Hot and Cold?
When I had this problem several years ago, it was because my gums were receding slightly, exposing a very sensitive area at the top of the tooth. I used a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and that helped a lot. Eventually, my dentist put in gum line fillings...
How Do I Get Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor in the House?
The only things you havent mentioned cleaning are things like light fixtures, ceiling fans, window blinds, cabinets. If you havent already, you can clean all these with any good household cleaner or use a mixture of 1/2 cup ammonia in a gallon of warm water...
Odorless Pain Cream?
Aspercreme doesnt smell. Ben Gay makes one called Vanishing Scent or Vanishing Odor - it smells like regular Ben Gay, but after a few minutes, the smell disappears.
Removing Oil and Odors from Work Clothing?
A couple of options to try: 1. Borax is supposed to be a good deodorizer for laundry. 2. Sams Club sells a product called Odo-Ban (I think Ive seen it in Home Depot, too.). Buy the gallon jug, not the spray bottle. The gallon is concentrated. There are instructions...
How Do I Get My Hair Color Back to Its Natural Color?
You could keep it colored with a semi-permanent dark color (the kind that gradually washes out in about 28 shampoos). As the color gradually fades, you will be able to tell how far the silver has grown out. If it still has a long way to go, color it again. Once...
How Can I Tell If I Have Body Odor?
Since its hard to smell your actual body, try smelling your clothes when you undress. If your clothes smell bad after youve worn them for awhile, then you probably have body odor.
What is This Plant?
Its called Dead Nettle. I personally consider it a weed, my yard is covered with it.
Water Game Birthday Party for a 5 Year Old?
Set up a couple of sprinklers and let the kids run through them. I still remember this from when I was little, a long time ago!
Getting Rid of a Blister?
It sounds like it might be a corn. Those little corn pads really work great.
My House Smells Like Cigarette Smoke?
The type of cigarettes that he smokes could make a difference. My brother smokes full strength menthol - much stronger odor than the ultra light non-menthol ones that I smoke. A couple of things you can try to cut down on the odor: 1. Get a small air purifier...
Removing Dog Poop Stains from Carpet?
Try a product called Spot Shot. You can buy it at Walmart, Home Depot and probably some grocery stores. It comes in a dark blue can or I think they sell it in a spray bottle now. I never found any carpet stain that it couldnt remove. I used it to clean mystery...
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas?
I used white subway tiles. Although my colors are totally different from yours, this might work for you, too. I figured that if I ever decided to change the colors of the walls, cabinets, countertops, etc., the white tiles would still work. I bought the tiles...
Kitchen Flooring Advice?
My personal choice is sheet vinyl. Thats what I have now. Its very easy to clean, soft on the feet, and it comes in many colors and patterns. The one I have looks like ceramic tile. I had ceramic tile in another house. It was cold and while the tile itself...
Best Cat Litter for Controlling Odor?
I have 2 litter boxes in my utility room. I use Tidy Cat scoopable litter. Every time I scoop, I take a wet rag, spray a little household cleaner on it and wipe down the edges of the litter box. You would be surprised how much urine collects there. Another...
Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans?
Check out the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium. Its been a long time since my last visit, so I couldnt tell you the cost of these things. Look online for coupons.
Cleaning Wood Floors?
When my wood floors arent terribly dirty, I damp mop them with just plain water. When they need a little more cleaning than that, I buy Bruce hardwood floor cleaner at Home Depot, spray an area of the floor and damp mop. The Bruce cleaner comes out as a fine...
Brewing Coffee Without a Coffee Maker?
Is your broken coffeemaker a drip machine? If so, put the filter & coffee in the basket as usual. Sit the basket over the glass carafe and pour boiling water through it. Youll have to do it slowly so the basket wont over fill. If its one of those makers that...
Removing Duct Tape Residue on Gutters?
If Goo Gone doesnt work, try some Goof Off. Its a similar product, but in my opinion it is stronger than Goo Gone and works faster.
All of My Flowers are Dying?
I dont know about a virus, but I have a bed in the front of my house that wont grow anything - pansies, marigolds, begonias - nothing! I finally found out that theres a fungus in the soil that is virtually impossible to get rid of. Anything I planted would...
"0" Button Not Working on Microwave Touch Pad?
Just subtract 1 second from the time you want to enter. For example, if you want to cook something for 3 minutes, enter 2:59.
Determining the Value of a 1940s Tableware Set?
I just discovered that replacements can also help identify a pattern, if its not printed on the bottom. Theres a place on the website called Identify My Pattern (or something like that). You take a picture of the item and email it to them. I used this to identify...
Cleaning a Black Ceramic Top Stove?
Scrub those burn rings with baking soda and a blue Scotch Brite pad. Be sure its the blue, non-scratch one and not the green one. If there is a heavy build-up, you can scrape most of it off with a single-edged razor, like the ones you use to scrape paint off...
Finishing OSB as Wallboard?
You could just paint the OSB. The paint would hide the different colored chips and give the walls a nice textured look. My friend built a small outbuilding in her backyard, using OSB as the flooring. She painted it dark brown - it sort of looks like leather...
Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color Advice?
The first thing that came to my mind was to paint the cabinets the same golden yellow as the walls, but without the faux finish. If you think that might be too bright, use one of the lighter colors on the same color strip. You can find really pretty knobs and...
Simple Halloween Costumes for an Office Group?
Take an older T-shirt or sweatshirt and paint a large letter P on the front. Then use black or dark gray make-up (eyeliner, eye shadow, eye pencil, anything really dark) under and around one eye. You are a Black-eyed Pea!
Removing a Grease Spot from Light Carpet?
Try Spot Shot. You can get it at Wal Mart, Home Depot, etc. I havent found a carpet stain yet that it didnt remove.
Cleaning Gold Jewelry?
Mix one part ammonia and one part hydrogen peroxide. Swish the jewelry in the solution for a few seconds, then rinse with clear water. This can be used on real gold, costume jewelry and jewelry with hard gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc...
Keeping Appliances Clean
Great minds think alike! I do these things too. Its nice to know Im not the only one who cleans the cords!
Cleaning Gold Jewelry?
Mix one part ammonia and one part hydrogen peroxide. Swish the jewelry in the solution for a few seconds, then rinse with clear water. This can be used on real gold, costume jewelry and jewelry with hard gemstones (diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, etc...
Removing Gray Stains on Bathroom Tiles?
You didnt say what material your tiles were made of - vinyl or ceramic? If your tiles are vinyl, I can tell you this: I had gray splotches on the vinyl flooring in my kitchen when I bought my house. I didnt worry about it since I planned to replace the floor...
Using Recycled Newspaper Cat Litter as a Plant Mulch?
That sounds like a great idea to me. Assuming, of course, that the only ingredient in the cat litter is newspaper.
Using Bisquick?
Bisquick is a combination of flour, leavening (baking powder, baking soda & salt), and fat. Besides biscuits, it make great pancakes and waffles. There are usually several recipes printed on the box. Do an internet search for Bisquick recipes and youll find...
Chirping Smoke Detector?
I had a similar problem with a carbon monoxide detector. I went to the website for that brand and searched for data on my model. Turns out, they have a limited life of about 7 years. I had to replace it. This could be the same problem with your smoke detector...
Use Lemon Juice in Recipes?
The lemon juice acts with the baking soda to make the bread rise. You dont want to leave this out. But it doesnt matter whether you use fresh or bottled.
Removing Packaging Wrinkles from Crushed Voile Curtains?
Yes, you can wash them, but they will lose their wrinkles best if you put them in the dryer after they are washed. If you dont have a dryer, it wont hurt to iron them. Just use a lower heat and some steam. The crushed effect wont iron out.
Cleaning Closet Wire Shelving?
Try this and see if it works for you. Mix up a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part ammonia in a spray bottle. Take the shelves outside, lay them flat and spray liberally with the ammonia solution. Wait 10 minutes or so and hose them off.
Flowers or Flock of Geese? (Western New York)
The name of that plant is Gooseneck Loosestrife - very appropriately named!
Cleaning Stained Shower Doors?
Try a steel wool soap pad (SOS, Brillo, etc.) It wont scratch the glass like you think it might and it really cuts through soap scum.
Getting Rid of Moles?
I had a bad mole problem a few years ago. After reading that the moles were after grubs in the lawn, I treated the yard for grubs and havent had moles since. I bought the grub treatment at Home Depot. Its granular and you spread it like you would fertilizer...
