A Mother's Day Surprise for a New Grandma
Recently, I read where a film star and his wife, each received a blue baby bottle for a gift. This was telling them they were going to soon be Grandparents of a baby boy. I thought this was a very touching gesture!
Helping a Friend Deal With Adversity?
A gift certificate for something that she uses, such as a haircut, hair style, massage, pedicure, manicure. Just anything to take her mind off of her problems, if only for a little while, would be a nice gesture. A gift certificate for a nice restaurant for...
Fun, Frugal Mother's Day Ideas For Mom and Teens?
About your teenagers getting bored easily, remind them all that dear Mom does for them & that Mothers Day is just that, HER Day. Make it as special as you can. Shell appreciate your effort & the chance to be pampered! I like the picnic idea, at the grocery...
Saving Money on Tires
Buying tires in a junkyard in the Midwest or back East might be fine, but for those living in the West, think hard on buying your tires from a junkyard. Take into consideration how the desert sun dry rots alot of items such as tires, wood, etc. No amount of...
Use an Old Freezer as a Pantry
great idea!!! Most people would have culled it, with it not in working order and would have missed out on the great, inexpensive cabinet or storage unit.
Real Appliances for the Kids
Sorry to just be getting back to you on this. I dont know what brand name of waffle iron my sister bought for my niece, but the vacuum, if I remember correctly was a small upright DustDevil.
Pajama Birthday Party for 7 Year Olds?
Bring out some old clothes of yours, old purses, anything they can play dress up with. Make up their take home loot bags with things you might have at your house, already. Like pkgs. of microwave popcorn, individually wrapped fruit rollups or snack cakes, all...
Keeping Fruit From Turning Brown?
When making guacamole put the avocado seed back in the dish after youve finished preparing it. This will keep it a pretty green color.
Buy Asian Spices and Products at an Asian Market
I was told recently that if I went to an Asian jewelery store, that Id get much cheaper prices on items than in an American jewelery store.
Color Coded Garbage Cans
Ive heard of using the color coded trash cans for storing winter clothes. Just remember whos is in what color can.
Easy Food Ideas for 70 People?
Make up a big bowl of pimento cheese spread, maybe another bowl but with chicken or tuna salad. Have a variety of dinner rolls, so everyone can fix their own. Fix a big bowl of fruit salad. 5 Cup Ambrosia is really simple (1 c. each of mini marshmallows, pineapple...
Covering Existing Embroidery On a Shirt?
My Mom very gently takes the stitching of the embroidered emblem off her shirts, tote bags, etc.
Check the Date When Buying Dairy
Ive found my cottage cheese pushed to the back of the fridge a few times, out of date by then. I used to toss it in the trash, but after a while, what I do now is, pour it in a colander and rinse the soured liquids off, drain well and use in cottage cheese...
Keep a Funnel in the Bathroom
I keep a funnel in my bathroom, as well as one in my kitchen, and one in my laundry room. This saves time on wasted trips to other rooms. Hubby keeps several sizes of funnels, in his workshop. We just get the cheapies from the dollar store, they work well.
Unusual Oriental Coleslaw
You can also add sesame seeds to this (toasted or not). Ive made this before but not exactly like you do. I like the ziploc bag technique!! Clever. This salad ALWAYS goes well at potlucks & family gatherings.
Sewing Tough Fabrics?
I used fishing line to repair a broken clasp on the front of my bra. Its still holding!!!
Cheap Entertainment (aka Thrifty Fun!)
An ex-neighbor of mine, once a week would load up her kids & go to McDonalds for a cheap meal & play time. Shed take along a book & watch the kids. She said it was one of the most inexpensive things that she & the kids could do, while her hubby was at work...
Saving Money on Clothes When Dieting
My friend and I have been doing this. We cant see any use in going out and buying new wardrobes at the mall or where ever, as were not, yet, to our desired weight goal. So if we to lose more weight & cant wear something that wed paid a buck or 2 for, no big...
Homemade Drinkable Yogurt
Ive been making my own drinkable yogurts now, for several years. Id much rather drink them than to sit and eat em. There are times when I want a smoothie, then I use the blender & use milk, yogurt, frozen fruit chunks & maybe some extract, very seldom any sweetener...
Just Moved - Birthday Ideas For a Lonely Boy?
Send emails to all of his friends and family members back home & request they all send him birthday cards. Maybe some will also send gift cards to places so he can do some shopping. Maybe a trip to Chuck E. Cheeses, where other kids might be. You could either...
Tips Jar Gift for a Hairdresser - "Moving Out On Your Own" Gift
Great gift ideas for your friend!! Shell love them.
Moving Into an Apartment With a Friend - Tips and Advice?
Ive moved only twice. But only once did I do this. When packing your belongings and any new items, be sure to write in big letters, whats inside the boxes. Itll make unpacking SO MUCH easier!!! Unless money is not a problem, watch your spending, budget wisely...
Recipe Ideas that Are Easy To Transport?
My friend baked a ham and took ham slices, cheese slices, and a loaf of bread to an elderly neighbor when his wife passed away. She said he really appreciated it. She said shes done that since then again for him, just to know hes eating. As she knows women...
Homemade Diet Slushy
Thanks for your idea on this. Just because were on diets (lifestyle changes), we still crave those sweets and goodies others get to have. This will really hit the spot!! Thanks!!
Benefits of Fish Oil Vitamins
Some friends of ours, has a pit bull. A few months back, they had to take their pit, Piglet to the vet for dry, itchy skin. The vet recommended giving her 3-4 Fish Oil caplets a day. Piglet LOVES these pills!! All our friends have to do is yell Fish Pills or...
Grocery Book Deals?
Watch out on buying those coupon booklets. I was reading where someone bought some from some place like grocery connection or something like that and it was a big ripoff. Id hate for you or anyone to spend your hard earned money just to fill some rip off artists...
Sunday Dinner Ideas?
How about making a big bowl of tuna salad? You could serve a big scoop of tuna salad on salad greens & decorate around the tuna scoop with pieces of various other colorful raw veggies. Have baskets of different varieties of crackers & dinner rolls to pass with...
Cottonmouth Snakes (Water Moccasin) in my Bathtub?
It depends on if you have a septic system or a sewer. It might have traveled thru the sewer lines and came thru your tub or toilet. Were not sure about cottonmouth snakes, but copperhead snakes travel in pairs. If I were you, call an exterminator or someone...
Walgreen's Monthly Easy Saver Rebate
A friend tuned me in on this. I try to do this every month. If you purchase the item with a coupon, that usually covers any tax that you pay so basically, youre getting these items for free! This is a great way to try a product, if you dont like it for some...
Decorating With Throw Rugs
Years ago, when I was growing up, my Mom came home with a big woven item made with bamboo grasses, made in a circular design. We hung it on the wall in our hallway for a while. Sometimes when our round kitchen table wasnt in use, wed lay it on there. It was...
Strawberry Breakfast Salsa
sounds great! Thanks for sharing your recipe! This would be good over cottage cheese, or over ice cream.
Give a Recipe as a Gift
Great idea! This could be hung either in your kitchen, pantry or given as a gift for any occasion or even for a bridal shower.
Creative Piggy Banks Ideas
This is all well and good, but be sure to let immediate family members in on your secret, in case something happens, youre not the only one in on the secret. I know for a fact that when my great grandparents passed on, my parents started going thru my great...
Wedding With a $10,000 Budget?
I didnt have $10,000. to spend on my wedding. We had a nice but small wedding. Id bought my dress off a discount rack in a bridal shop, but didnt want a floor length, so I opted for Mother-in-Laws dress. It was a beautiful cream colored dress & suited my budget...
Simple Crafts for a Church Bazaar?
Bake several desserts to take to be sold either in pieces or as a whole. Are you good at making wreaths? Do you have access to pinecones? My sister sent me a pinecone wreath she made. How about fixing grabbags for Moms to buy for their kids birthday parties...
Simple Crafts for a Church Bazaar?
I hope I can make this so youll understand. A few years ago, I bought a Scissors Holder. The lady had taken a nice & pretty potholder. Turned it where one corner was at the top & folded the 2 sides in. For each side, she sewed a few stitches as you would if...
Someting to Carry a Puppy In?
Being a puppy, still, I think the best place for him, would be locked in a bathroom at home, while youre out visiting, etc. In the bathroom, accidents could be easily wiped up, if need be. The person(s) youre visiting might not appreciate a new puppy being...
Stains From Public Washing Machine?
I was going to suggest 2 items to use on this, one was Goop hand cleaner and the other was Lest-Oil liquid cleaner. I see everyone had the same idea on the Goop. Also, Ive used a dollar store pine cleaner on my husbands work clothes, it worked better than the...
70th Birthday Party in Las Vegas?
You didnt state when the birthday is, I hope Im not too late on this. When in Vegas, go to the Ethel Ms Chocolate Factory for the FREE tour of their factory. You get to see how they make their world famous delicious chocolates & at the end of the tour, everyone...
Recycling Wrapping Paper and Greeting Cards
Shred old or previously used gift wrap & use for New Years Eve confetti or for filler in gift bags, gift baskets or Easter baskets.
Keep Gloves Handy in the Garden
If you were to scrape your fingernails down a dry bar of soap before going out to work in your flower, fruit or veggie garden. Then when you get finished and go to wash up, no dirt under your fingernails. The soap will keep the dirt out & will wash away, when...
Gift Ideas for School Staff?
My sister works at a hospital. One year for Christmas, she made several batches of praline ice cream topping that she gave as gifts. Placed in a pretty jar or bottle with a pretty ribbon. Could do the same with flavored vinegar or homemade breakfast syrup, jams...
Day Old Baked Goods
If you were to pour pudding and or pie filling over day old cake or pastries. Add a dollop of Cool Whip or scoop of ice cream, maybe a drizzle of chocolate syrup....the possibilities are endless. No one would ever suspect youd raided the day old pastry or cake...
Avoiding Bee Stings?
An old boss of mine, was working outside a few years back. Hed gotten a can of Pepsi during a break. Not finishing the drink before starting back to work, later he came back for the remainder of the Pepsi, only to realize AFTER hed turned it up and went to...
Salted Vs. Unsalted Butter
When watching your sodium intake, you should really read those nutrition labels for canned soups!! Theyre loaded. Also, unless a can of veggies states unsalted or no salt added, you can rinse them in a colander with water before preparing them.
Body Fitness Before Surgery
I hope your surgery goes well. Well miss you & your great posts. I, too, joined a gym to get back some energy after radiation treatment.
Foot Care?
I have a pal, who swears by the product called Kerasal. You can find it any grocery or drug store. Hope this helps.
Uses for Leftover Salad
A couple of weeks ago, I made a spaghetti salad, that we quickly grew tired of. I ended up serving it over a lettuce salad, topping it off with croutons & another kind of dressing. It went over so well, weve had it a couple of times.
Tulle and Lights Wedding Decor
Beautiful!!! Youre very lucky to have been able to borrow all the lights. Otherwise, that would have cost you a bundle!! Congratulations to the happy couple!
Charities To Help Someone Whose House Burned Down?
Check with some of your local churches. They can help with used furniture, clothing, food.
German Chocolate Upside Down Cake
Hi, sorry on just getting back to you on this. You could probably serve either which way youd like. Ive not made it, but thought it sounded really good.
Asian Beef and Noodles
Thanks, Robin, for posting this!! I used to make this dish years ago and had lost my recipe. We really like this! Terri
Getting Rid of Small Items at a Yard Sale
A thrift store that I volunteered at for a while, had so many coffee cups that they ended up putting plant clipping in them & they sold quite fast, this way. Another thing they did was sell bags of stuffed animals (something else they had lots of) for $2.00...
Scents for the Home
a few whole cloves & some orange peel in a pan of water on the stove also smells so nice! Its nice to have something simmering in a pan such as what you suggested or what I did, while showing your home to future buyers.
Your Own Single Serve Crystal Light
Me, too, Melissa! Something that Ive been after the makers of Crystal Light to do is make a variety pack of the flavors. Where we dont have to buy a full canister to try a new flavor, only to find out that we wish we hadnt. Maybe if enough of us write them...
Gift Ideas For a Business Partner?
The others all have suggested wonderful ideas, but what Im going to say is a massage. Dont get me wrong. Men have them all the time. Id never given one for a gift, till my friend gave me one for my birthday. I was hooked within the first few minutes. I go, now...
Make Your Own Fruit or Pudding Cups
We keep our fruit cups in the freezer, they can help keep the rest of the lunch cool & by lunch time, theyre thawed and cool to eat. (when bowling the fruits up, just allow a little room for expansion.) Gelatin cups can, also, be frozen.
Healthy Beverages?
I drink water for the most part. I do grow tired of it just plain. When out dining, I ask for lemon or lime slices for my water. At home, Ill put either, lemon, lime, or an orange slice squeezed in each glass of water. I, also, like iced tea. Ive always liked...
Looking for Freebies?
I like these: http://www.startsampling.com http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/GimmeFreebies/
Saving Money on Diet Foods
Watch for sales & by using coupons. Do rebates if there is any on the product. Also, what a friend may like, you might not. Try a diet product yourself, instead of taking someones opinion of it, first. As like anything else, try a sample size to see if you...
Wedding Gift For Son?
We got married in November, right after Thanksgiving. We had 2 great bridal showers & got everything!! But the one gift that stands out in my mind, above everything else, was a beautiful Christmas wreath centerpiece arrangement complete with hurricane globe...
Giving Gift Cards
Ive been buying gift cards for my neices and nephew for gift giving occasions for the past 3-4 years now. My taste in clothes or colognes are not theirs, so its better for them to purchase them, themselves. Rather than me picking them out and them not liking...
What Can I Cook With Boston Butts?
Go ahead and pull this meat off the bone, put in freezer containers or Grab-It bowls. Pour some BBQ sauce on it. Freeze (in personal size or ready for a big meal) till ready for some quick meals. Sure wish I could take some of them off your hands for you, I...
Baking a Moist Ham
Ive heard that this wont work with Diet Coke, it has to be regular Coke. We had a family friend years ago, who used a can of regular Coke to make a great BBQ sauce for grilled chickens.
Consignment Shop Sack Sales
For other great buys, dont forget about shopping the Church rummage sales in your area, or the next time youre in the city, check our their sales. Church rummage sales proceeds benefit their missionaries. Extremely cheap prices on nice items, some are brand...
Sweet Peas and Rosemary
Beautiful!!!! Also, such a way with words, have you ever thought of writing for a living???
Shopping For Meat By The Seasons
My suggestion isnt on meats, but check your local grocerys refrigerated mark down section after holidays for their Pillsbury holiday design ready to bake cookies (before holiday, theyre $2.xx-$3.xx, After holiday they were .25 cents a can (my most recent great...
How Many Meals?
if wanting to cut back on the amount of meat, say if a recipe calls for 2 lb. hamburger, just use 1 1/2 lbs. & toss in a can of black beans. This can be done with a goulash, hamburger helper, stew, soups. A can of beans is a lot cheaper than meat these days...
Reusing Paper?
Ive heard of using the store flyers that come in your newspapers, as well as the Sunday comics as unique giftwrap. Also, when my hubby was working for another company, they switched out all their letterhead stationary, envelopes, address labels, etc. & tossed...
Shake and Bake Chicken?
Hi, Id say you need to spray some non-stick cooking spray to the foil before putting the chicken on it. Best of luck!
Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
Sounds wonderful!! I love slaw. I always try to keep a bowl of it in the fridge in the Summertime. Its something cool & quick to prepare. Can be served with the fanciest of dishes or with sandwiches. Slaws usually go well at potlucks, too!
Cheap Recipes For Australians
Our canned tuna (170g) is the one that runs us anywhere from .33 to .79 cents a can, depending on the grocery store. The larger size tuna is much more, cant tell you the price as its cheaper for me to buy several of the smaller sizes than those. About what...
Black Bass Recipes?
Fried is the only way, Ive ever had bass. mmmmmm! Congratulations on your catch!!
Bakeless Bake Sale Ideas?
How about Dirt Cups? In styrofoam cups, alternate layers of chocolate pudding & layers of finely crushed Oreo chocolate sandwich cookies, with gummy worms dangling out over the sides of the cups. Can decorate top with a cute plastic flower or cute edible flower...
"Ghoul-Ade" For Halloween
Im pretty sure this is the recipe for the black Kool-Aid my Sister served from the black cauldron at her Halloween party, with dry ice, so it would steam (look like it was cooking).
Mushrooms, Lily Pads and More
Those are pretty, thanks for sharing and for the memories of my grandparents farm.
We have a Mouse!
Mice can come into the cleanest of homes. They come in for all different reasons (ex.: looking for food, wanting out of the cold, wanting out of the heat). Where there is a hole, they can come in. But also consider that where there is a hole for a mouse to...
Low Cal and No Sugar Jello Salad
Im not sure. Several of my family members have either topped with or put mayo in the jello salads. Im from Kentucky, with Scottish, English & Irish descent.
Cranberry 7 Up Freeze
Sounds great!! Thanks for the recipe. Sounds like a great idea for when Im wanting something cool & icy in the hot summertime!!
Sugar Free Fruit Salad
Hi, sorry, to just be getting back on this. But I used the instant kind, thats the only kind I buy.
Cake for Wild Birds in Winter Months
Crisco and lard are basically the same stuff. Yes, use the Crisco. My mom used to make about the same recipe for the wild birds but not using the peanut butter, by using the grease where shed fried meats. It all works.
Impromptu Italian Skillet Casserole
Weve tried using ground turkey meat in different dishes for years. Weve decided that we prefer the ground turkey roll sausage better in every dish, whether it be meatloaf, hamburger skillet dishes, or even tacos, etc. Your recipe they posted sounds like it...
I Can't Find Legit Freebies?
You can go to http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/GimmeFreebies/ & join the group to receive a list of freebies in your email, that you & other members post when you find them. Were all out to help each other.
Inexpensive Wide Shoes?
I recently found some x-wide shoes at SAS shoe store. Theyre some of the most comfortable shoes Ive ever worn & made in the U.S., as well. Not cheap, but excellent quality!!! I, too, asked about where to go for x-wide shoes, I was sure glad Id asked!!
Baking for the Troops?
I was looking to see if this had been posted or not, but a great candy bar to send over to our troops would be Hersheys Zero candy bar. These are considered to be the construction workers candy bar. They dont melt in the heat, & can even withstand sitting on...
Baking for the Troops?
Also, I talked to a gal whose hubby was stationed over in Iraq. Her grandmother baked and wanted to send him a loaf of her banana bread. Against her better judgment, she did and by the time he got it, it was all moldy. After cutting away all the mold, he was...
Dry Cuticles and Dry Lips From Wearing Disposable Gloves and Masks?
About your lips, do you drink your daily 8 glasses of water? If not, this could be the reason. Neosporin has out a lip ointment, thats really good. Also, I sometimes use a tea tree oil lip balm (got it at a health food store). Both work well.
Wormy Gelatin (Halloween Recipe)
If I were to make this, instead of putting in the gummy worms, put in a few black plastic spiders in it or some of those small bouncing balls that look like eyeballs. This would be cute in the orange jello, especially for a party. Could also do with a bright...
Adding Tea Tree Oil to Hand Soap?
Alberto Vo5 has a Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner out on the market. Ive found them both at Walmart and at Family Dollar store. Some of the bottles currently have coupons attached to the bottles, for .25 cents off 1 bottle, & it doesnt expire till 6/30...
A New Kind of Vegetable Peeler
Sorry, ladies, I didnt keep the card that the veggie peeler came on. It doesnt have a brand name on it anywhere. But I do remember the kitchen shop that I got it from, its called Kitchen Collections. I liked this peeler so well that I went back and bought a...
Gifts for Coworkers?
Just a thought as I was reading some of the posts on here, candles might not be a good gift for some people. I have one friend whose husband is allergic to anything with a scent. She cant bring in any flowers, unless silk or green plants. She cant bring in...
Freeing Up Drawer Space With a Hanging Organizer
I bought one of these hanging racks recently to hang in my spare closet. I put beach towels, beach shoes & everything that wed need to take with us to the pool, minus the swim noodles. This way, if my husband is helping to gather the items, NOW he knows where...
Float Ideas for a Women's Gym?
At one of our towns parades, a local gym had a float. Theyd covered a big box (refrigerator size) with solid wrapping paper, had a kooky looking Dr. This was his time machine. In one side, send in an overweight lady, & out the other side send out a shapely...
Unshrinking Rayon?
Im pretty sure that once youve shrunk this type of material, its shrunk for life, same with wool. When it says to handwash, it means it. I have had some luck with machine washing on the delicate cycle some items that said dry clean only, but I dont dry them...
Cottage Cheese Dip
Great idea!! This would be cheaper & better for you than buying several bottles of ranch dressing for veggie trays, crackers, etc., especially now that the holidays are here. Thanks!
Christmas Gift: Deer Repellent
Just so you know, the word deer goes for a single deer or a whole herd of deer. No S on the end of it.
Recipes Using Infant Cereal?
I was thinking something more like filler for a meatloaf or meatballs. Good luck, whatever way you choose.
Quick Holiday Appetizer
Thanks, Ive never heard of your recipe before, sounds great and ever soooo easy!! Ive not been in the best health, in recent years & to prepare much of anything has just worn me out. We have a friend whos forever having having get togethers at her house. For...
