Cooking From Scratch
Thumbs up from me, too! :-) I make my own mixes up and store them in jars. I can my own veggies/fruits/meat. I can control what goes into them. Emulsifiers, flavor enhancers, dyes, they all turn me off. Food tastes like real food without it.
Putting an Artificial Tree in a Christmas Tree Stand
Do you mean stand them up by/around the stem of the tree? I have several artificial trees as I like to decorate! One broke a piece off of the base, I would like to put it in a regular stand that I have. Thanks! You may have helped me to keep the tree out of...
Plastic Dish Pans for Laundry
What a neat idea! I do laundry in the basement and put all socks, etc into one big basket. But that means that when the family digs in them they make a mess! Thanks for posting!
Save Money on Shaving
I read a tip on here this spring that stated when you are done shaving with your disposable razor rinse it and store in in a container with a little oil in it. I have mine in a plastic container with a lid that drink mix came in, and I use baby oil. It is tall...
Buying in Bulk
I find that to buy in bulk you really do have to see if you are saving money. Some bulk items do cost more than a smaller package per ounce. I like to have my pantry and freezer stocked. There are three of us so when I buy meats in bulk I separate it into three...
Being a Good Patient at the Doctor's Office
I agree with this article. So, I do not mean to sound bad, but can we add a few things for staff, too?When a patient enters the office and approaches the window to sign in, or to ask a question, please do not ignore us. Do not continue to talk to your coworkers...
Ground Moles?
We had mole tunnels all over the yard, and it didnt help my two dogs, when outside, would dig at the tunnels. We filled in the holes with dirt and purchased a bag of granules that was touted as killing grubs, ticks, fleas, etc. Right before a rain was coming...
Bread Machine Oatmeal Rolls
Most of my recipes call for a pack, a pack is over 2 teaspoons. (I buy in bulk.) I do have several other oatmeal bread recipes and they call for a bit more. Maybe the oatmeal takes a bit more to rise?
Ladder as Pots and Pans Organizer
I did the same thing, except after hanging it up my hubby used S hooks to hang my pots from. We moved from that house 8 years ago and since I did not have another ladder we ended up purchasing a hanging rack for this home. In all honesty, I prefer my homemade...
Homemade Bottled Iced Tea
I have been drinking more home brewed tea and less soda. I see the feedback on here about tea being a diuretic and how you should drink more water. I did some research and found that some bloggers DO post that it is, but the Mayo Clinic has this to say: It...
I Longed For A Simpler Lifestyle
Why the comments about this lady leaving her hubby with all the bills? A few years back I took an early retirement, my income went way down. My hubby encouraged it! I, like this lady, watch every penny, garden, and take care of our home. My husband loves the...
My Frugal Life - Buying Ingredients Has Saved Me Money
I do the same thing! :-) I make my own mixes for items such as muffins, pancakes, cake mixes, etc. Not only is it cheaper, it is SO much healthier!
Making Biscuits and Gravy With Bacon Grease?
Years ago on a camping trip I forgot to take flour and was unable to make gravy for DH. He went to a little store and although they didnt have flour they had bisquick. I used that instead of flour to make the gravy. It was awesome, and I have been making it...
Food for 2 Years for $5 a Week
I believe stocking the pantry for emergencies is a great idea! I do stock flour, too. I find that if I freeze it for a week, then vacuum seal it in glass jars it keeps without getting buggy. Same with rice. I prefer canning, and buying canned food items. I...
Cell Phones for Noting Ideas
Great tip! My phone has a note pad and before I go to the store I make my list on it. As I buy things on it, I delete them off of it. Easier than doing it by hand. :-)
Use Email As Your Online Cookbook
I, too, have done this for years. I have folders with different categories. (Bread, Diabetic and Healthy, Mixes, etc. After I use them and know it is something I will make over and over, then I print it out, or write it out.
Neighbors Added Onto Our Fence without Permission?
Did you have your land surveyed? Did he? That would be first, to prove his fence is actually on your land. Then I would talk to the city. Even in a small town like we live in we had to have a permit to put our fence up and we had to prove it was on our own...
Neighbors Added Onto Our Fence without Permission?
Sorry, Ann. Your facts are not right. You hear about them more simply because little dogs bites do not cause much damage. I own several rotts. Any pet can be dangerous if not trained properly.
How I Save Money By Keeping a Clean House
Some of this I do, some I dont. (You have a lot of spunk!) But I do keep a decent house. I always think of my home being MY 5 star hotel. I am retired, a bit of a homebody, and like having my home to where I enjoy being here. I have a clean comfortable bed...
Dealing With an Excess of Inherited Photographs
I guess you would consider me the family historian for my family. I would never give pics away to strangers. I do have a big tote that when family members come they can look through and take from. I also have disks of them scanned. I want to pass the history...
Automatic Dishwashers Save Water
So many times I have read articles that say that hand washing uses less water. I agree with this article, using my dishwasher certainly uses less water! I did make a mistake and purchased a huge bucket of dish washer packets from SAMS club. Not a good idea...
Make Extra Pancakes and Freeze
I lay out a piece of plastic wrap, lay one down, flip it, add another, flip, add one more, flip and wrap the excess plastic around it That way DH gets 3 small pancakes for breakfast to heat up, and they do not get freezer burned. (A cheap $1.00 roll of plastic...
Spending Too Much On Take Out Coffee?
I like to travel, be it long trips or short jaunts. And I like coffee. In the past I have purchased coffee on the road and I never really was impressed with it. I solved my problem by buying a coffee mug that plugs into a cigarette lighter and the coffee singles...
School Lunch Tips
My daughter takes her lunch. I try to pack what she wants, and I know she will eat. She loves pasta, a can will make two lunches. I have the squatty thermos that I preheat with boiling water, and after heating her pasta, empty the water and put it in. She says...
Save Money and Time With a Pressure Cooker
I used an aluminum pressure cooker that was handed down to me by my mother. When the handle broke and couldnt be replaced I purchased a new one. I use it, but I am not as happy with it as I was my old aluminum one was. My old one you simply put the weight on...
Making Foaming Soap at Home
Yes, it will work with the foaming dish soap too. I have a Dawn one I got with a coupon and have refilled it several times. I have been refilling my foaming soap dispensers for years. I dont buy hand soap, I usually just use a squirt of dish washing liquid...
Use Christmas Lights Year Round
I have clear icicle lights behind the valances in the bedroom and living room. Hmm, never thought about on top of the kitchen cabinets! Thanks!
Say "No" to Pizza Delivery
Due to health concerns we, too, had to say no to pizza deliveries! We have a bread machine and I use it to mix up a wheat crust in it. I buy Spaghetti sauce from Aldi, one jar will make several pizzas. I use lower fat cheese/meats on top. They sure taste better...
Frugal Tissue Dispenser
What a great idea! At our school the children are told to bring in several boxes of tissue each to donate to the school. But I think this would be great to use here at home.
Pinto Bean Pie
I have a cookbook that is over 110 years old and this recipe is in it. Glad to see the ingredient amounts as my old cookbook has sizes such as a piece of butter the size of a walnut. Back then you had no grocery on each street corner selling fruit all year...
Make Your Own Peanut Butter
I have always wanted to do this but just havent tried it. How long does it take? Do you have to stop the blender occasionally and work it down? DH and I love peanut butter but the price is so high now, plus there is so much additives, such as sugar and molasses...
Sausage Biscuit and Gravy Sandwich
A great idea! I have made my DH breakfast sandwiches using 2 small wheat pancakes as bread, and a dab of sugar free syrup as a condiment. It soaks in, then I put egg and sausage on it. But I never thought of gravy for the biscuit sandwiches. Thanks!
Healthy Snacks for Fishing Trips?
Peanut butter sandwiches. When my DH has to travel due to his job I pack him things that dont need refrigeration. Peanut butter sandwiches fit the bill perfectly!
Recycle Mattress Cover for Quilt Filling
Great idea. I have never used a mattress pad but my first quilt I ever made, I was a young girl of 17, I used an old Chenille bedspread in it. The top was simple double knit squares and I tacked it. I was filling my hope chest. 30+ years later my daughter used...
Homemade Powdered Apple Cider Mix?
Would it be possible to dehydrate apple cider using a fruit leather tray and a dehydrator? And pulverize it? I really dont have a clue, but if you ever find a way, please post it.
Drain Browned Ground Beef in a Colander
I drain and rinse mine, also. I am a home canner and when I do this before canning it there is very little fat in the jars, a lot healthier. I use empty coffee cans, etc to drain the fat into.
Recipes for a Burger and Fries Restaurant?
Consider offering healthy foods. Such as a Turkey burger on a wheat bun. Since hubby and I are diabetic and are eating healthier, we cannot go to restaurants. :-(
Frugal Cooking for Two Recipes?
Dh and I love dried beans. They are cheap, and if you cook them in a crock pot, easy to prepare. I made Black Eyed Peas for New Years. I put 6 cups water, a 1 pound package of dried black eyed peas, chopped up an onion and added it, along with a little chopped...
Canning Fresh Salsa?
If canned and stored properly, home canned items will last for years. Home canned salsa doesnt have preservatives that store bought has, and you can season it to taste.
Diabetic Cookie Recipes?
Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 stick butter, softened 1 stick butter substitute, softened (Like smart balance) 3/4 cup Splenda (Or Altern, Walmarts brand) 3/8 cup of Splenda Brown Sugar Blend 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 egg 2 cups Whole Wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda...
Glass Jars for Food Storage
Me too! I love doing this! I also use a vacuum sealer with a jar attachment to store things such as crackers, flour, etc in canning jars. It vacuum seals them closed, no bugs, and they dont go stale! I buy in bulk, and seal everything up. It keeps me from running...
Hang Dry Your Clothes
My electric bill has went WAY down since I rarely use the dryer. Our electric rates are sky high here. An added benefit is our clothing lasts so much longer, especially things with elastic in them, like bras and panties. I dont mind the towel feeling a little...
Reserving an RV Spot for a Travel Trailer?
Most camp sites that you can reserve online will tell you the length. For instance, our camper is 33 foot, and I allow 20 for our truck. So I check that the site has a minimum of 53 feet. Since we carry some equipment, such as our bikes, in the truck, I want...
Gift Mixes Using Splenda
How thoughtful of you! Are your loved ones on any other restriction? DH and I are diabetic,not only is sugar a no no to us, so is white flours.
Gift Mixes Using Splenda
How thoughtful! DH and I are both diabetics and would love to receive such a thoughtful item! We use Splenda without any type of ill effects. We also use Wheylow, wheat flour, etc to keep our carbs down. Again, that is so nice and considerate of you!
Re-read The Books You Have
I have numerous books that I love so much I will re-read them! I have a big box of them under my bed and occasionally I will slide it out from under it, remove a few, put a few back in. Some books I just didnt enjoy that much, they go into a give away box. But...
Make Your Own Deodorant
Why? Easy. :-) It works better for some of us. I used commercial deodorants for close to half a century. Expensive, cheap, you name it. But I could still smell what to me was offensive underarm odor soon after bathing and applying it. I read an article on making...
Store Empty Canning Jars Upside Down
I store mine upside down, too, Mary, (xintesas, well yeah, but they are easier to wash off!) I store my rings threaded on a clothing hanger that I have untwisted the top on, keeps them perfectly round. I hang the hanger from the rafters in the basement.
Balancing Thrifty And Fun
Thank you for sharing your down to earth soul warming story! I feel the same way. :-) Being thrifty and frugal is wonderful, as long as you treat yourself occasionally to something that makes your heart smile!
What is the Chemical Mix to Make Colored Flames?
I have never done this, but my sister did. She said they use a section of a copper pipe, with a section of garden hose around it. They throw it into the fire and say it burns green.
Prepping for Winter
Great tips! We get a lot of ice and snow in our area so we also keep a generator ready to go. We start it several times a month to make sure it is ready to go when ice brings down power lines in our rural town. Plus we keep our supply shelves stocked. Nothing...
Canned Apple Pie Filling
I am a home canner. I use Clearjel, which is made for use in canning. Corn starch is too iffy, I wont take the chance and use it.
Pressure Canning Pumpkin at Home?
Yes, but you can it in chunks, not pureed. Pressure it at the right pressure for your altitude. 90 minutes for quarts, 55 minutes for pints.
Home Safety Tips
Good tips, but crime keeps getting worse and worse. We live in a small town. My neighbor parks his truck in his driveway directly under a street light. He had one of those huge mounted tool boxes in it. Theives took it. Not sure how they did it so fast, because...
Make Your Own Bread Machine Mixes
I like doing this, too! It saves so much time. I have Muffin Mix in quart jars, I make up about half a dozen at a time. I also have several jars of Whole Wheat Pancake mix. Ready to add the wet ingredients when I am ready to bake! I havent did the bread mix...
How Do I Make Pancakes?
1 egg 3/4 cup milk 1 cup flour, all-purpose 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Beat egg with hand beater until fluffy; beat in remaining ingredients just until mixed. For thinner pancakes, stir in additional...
Shower Doors are White Instead of Clear?
At Dollar Tree they have mist and go, a daily shower spray. I have tried the expensive ones but they do not work as well as this one does. Spray it every day for a week, it should wipe off then.
Cleaning a Self Cleaning Oven By Hand?
Self cleaning or continuous clean? Years ago I had a continuous clean and you were not supposed to use anything on it. When we moved my new range had a self cleaning oven. I recently replaced my electric range with a gas stove. I purchased the gas stove used...
Storing Dry Goods to Avoid Weevils
I do the same thing! I have jars lined up with everything you can think of in them. Keeps them fresh and bug free, doesnt it? :-)
Is the Taste of Evaporated Milk Noticeable When Used in Cooking?
I make gravy with it, and love it. I also use it to make puddings, cakes, biscuits. I cannot taste it, nor can I smell it.
My Frugal Life: Adopted Angels
That is so sweet! In this day and age it seems most people are so self centered, how wonderful you care enough to do something for these little guys!
My Frugal Life: Economics of Menopause
As a woman who has suffered from hot flashes for years, I can relate to this. One time my husband complained to the doctor and the doctor said it was normal. I recall the horror on DHs face as he gasped It is normal to live in a meat locker?
Canning Chicken Rice Soup Safely?
This is probably not want you want to hear, but if you canned meat in a water bath canner, pitch it. Not safe. To my knowledge you are not supposed to can rice. I do a lot of canning. (Fruits, meats, veggies, you name it.) There are just a few things items...
Buy Them What They Want
I try to get for my family things that are not only wanted, but practical. My husband came up with an idea, and when I put it to my adult daughters, they thought it was an awesome idea, too. Instead of purchasing another trinket, we bought a hog from a farmer...
My Frugal Life: Influencing Grandchildren's Character
What an awesome post! In this day and age when everything seems to be give me, give me, give me and give me more this is a refreshing idea!
How Economical Is It To Pressure Can Food?
Yes, you can save a fortune using a pressure canner! Plus your food is fixed the way you want it. (Less sugar, salt, preservatives.) And you can open a jar of meat, a jar of potatoes, etc and have a meal in minutes! Ball Blue Book is an excellent source for...
My Frugal Life: Resolutions for 2011
Contact the place you purchased it ASAP. If I am not mistaken that little piece of paper will not void the warranty if not returned. I would call the company, tell them the serial number, model number, etc. I wouldnt give up yet.
Can I Freeze Bread in Original Packaging?
Some I freeze in the original bag, some I do not. If I am going to be using it soon I have left it in the bag. If not, I take the bread out and wrap 2 pieces, or one bun, and wrap them in plastic wrap then put them back. DH and I do OAM shopping, we stock up...
Chef Washer Overfills With Water?
I had a GE that did the same thing. The technician came and took off the top back part, the part that has the controls on it. Behind it was a little hose that had came undone. He put it back on, clamped it, and it was fixed. If the hose came off your machine...
Insulate Tube on CPAP Machine
Do you use a humidifier? My husband has sleep apea, he has never used the humidifier with his machine. I dont know why, he just never did. ( He has used a CPAP for close to 10 years now.) I know what you mean about a cold room. :-) He says it really helps him...
Cursor Problems With Dell Inspirion Laptop?
Is your mouse pad a big one? My new laptops mousepad is bigger than on my previous one. I find that if I do not hold my wrists up above it they will touch the pad and then, I have the same problem you have.
How Can You Save Money on Your Electric Bill?
I made window quilts for my windows, they are held up with a tension rod. I can raise them to let in light or a nice breeze, I can lower them to keep heat or cold out. I keep throws on the backs of the chairs so in the winter if we get cool in the house you...
Making Powdered Milk Taste Better
I use powdered milk in my homemade mixes, breads, etc. I had a jug mixed up to use in cooking in the fridge when I ran out of regular skim milk that the grandkids drink. One insisted on a glass of milk. So...I poured a glass from my mixed up powdered milk. To...
What Do I Use to Glue Sand Dollars on the Bathroom Walls?
I would probably glue a square of velcro on the back of the sand dollar with super glue, and the matching square on the wall. Would make them easy to take down and clean.
Chocolate Mug Cake
This also works with wheat flour and splenda. Oh, and if it looks like it is coming out of the mug in the microwave, its ok. :-) It raises way up out of the mug but goes back down when it comes out of the microwave.
Dishwasher Leaves Soap Scum on Dishes?
I had horrible scum on my dishes when I lived in an area that had hard water. I had to put vinegar in the rinse cycle. It worked fine. Eventually I had to have a water softener put in.
Canning How Tos?
There are online canning groups, one being canning2 on yahoo. If you join that they will help you, plus they have lots of recipes.
My Frugal Life: Disguising Generic Items
When my daughter was a teenager she insisted she had to have name brand steak sauce. I had a small bottle I purchased with a coupon. I then purchased generic and refilled this bottle. I did this for ages, until the lid on the real bottle broke. One day we were...
Removing Hard Water Stains from Toilet Bowl?
I had purchased some toilet bowl cleaner at the Dollar Tree. I had some hard water and rust stains in my toilet, the immediately disappeared! Since it did so well I decided to try it on my old cast iron tub that had spots. It cleaned it, too.
Above Ground Pool Has Very Cloudy Water?
Do you have a sand filter or paper filter? Is the filter clean? Do you use chlorine or non chlorine? We use Baquacil and they sell an item called flocculant that makes the small particles clump together to be filtered out. It cleared ours up. Ask your dealer...
Top Job Household Cleaner?
I havent seen it in years but after reading your post commercial song keeps playing in my head.Top job, top job, so clean and bright and fast.. :-)
Cigarette Receptacle for Repairmen
Good idea! When we had a party in the back yard to celebrate the return of my son from Iraq I used milk jugs. I put them by the back fence, filled them with a few inches of water. We are nonsmokers and I did not want the mess left behind. Afterward the lids...
Removing Stains from an Old Bathtub?
Our upstairs tub in a huge old porcelain tub. I had an ugly rust stain running down the front of it that was there when we purchased our home. One day I was cleaning the toilet with toilet cleaner liquid I purchased from the Dollar Tree store. I was amazed...
Getting Rid of Gnats in the House?
Poor but Proud hit the nail on the head. I put hedgeapples in last fall because I heard they run spiders off. But no one admitted they draw gnats, big time! I did research, came across the apple cider vinegar but it called for a dab of oil. It took about a...
Paper or Fabric? What Napkins Save the...
I have a drawer full of homemade napkins. I used left over material, sheets, etc to make them. Like Polly, they go into a load I am already doing. I hang my clothing out on the line, no cost to dry. And I love them. I dont like paper, I dont buy them.
Stains on a Cast Iron Tub?
I have an older house, it too has an old cast iron tub. It has rust stains down the inside, from a previous dripping faucet. I used the toilet bowl cleaner purchased at Dollar Tree on it. The stain is gone, it didnt hurt my tub any.
My Frugal Life: Thrifty Grandmas Stay With You Forever
I was never fortunate enough to have a loving grandmother like yours. I am now a grandmother myself, and I am caring for my grandchildren. I pray that someday they will have the same warm feelings for me that you have for yours. :-) Thank you for posting such...
Sausage Milk Gravy
I love homemade biscuits and gravy! Once on a camping trip I forgot to pack flour.(I had taken refrigerated biscuits for the trip.) My husband went up to the little campground store, they didnt have flour. But he came back with a list of what they did have...
When Should Girls Start Shaving Their Legs?
When the girls start to feel uncomfortable when other kids notice it. I raised two daughters. When they came to me and said they wanted to shave because of comments, they were old enough. Yes, I know you can tell kids about standing up to peers, etc. But I...
Removing Musty Smell from a Bed?
Are you able to air it out in the sunshine? Or open the windows to a room and leave it open? That should help. I have a Little Green Machine and I have steam cleaned my spare bed when grandkids had an accident before I got the the mattress cover with a vinegar...
Homemade Yellow Cake
I use wheat pastry flour in cakes, DH and I are diabetic. Thanks for posting how to make cake flour. I wonder if it will work with wheat pastry? I will have to try it. :-)
How I Quit Smoking
Awesome! I smoked for 30 years before I gave them up. I have been a non smoker for over 11 years now. One thing that I never knew is how bad it stinks! After I stopped I had went to visit some inlaws that are chain smokers. I gagged. :-(
Keeping Salt From Clumping
Great tip! Not only do I live in a humid area, I live on the edge of a small town. Which means mice occasionally come to call. I have learned to keep all my pantry staples in glass jars. :-) Flours in gallon pickle jars, etc. Keeps all my stuff clean and fresh...
Value of a Small British Royal Arms Plate?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieu_et_mon_droit I have no idea of the year but according to this it is from the UK.
Cutting Down One of Two Apple Trees?
Wish you were my neighbor! :-) Ask around, any home canner would be thrilled to come and pick them for you!
Sara's Easy Peanut Butter Cookies
This works well with Splenda, too. I make these a lot for DH and I.
Extending the Life of Razor Blades
I saw a tip, dont recall if it was on here, about dropping a few drops of baby oil on the blades after using. So I picked up a cheap bottle and after shaving drop a few drops of the baby oil on it. I have used a disposable razor for over 5 months, it really...
Removing Urine from Couch Cushions and Frame?
I have a small Bissel Little Green Machine that I use on upholstery. Maybe this would work on the foam? Or setting them out to air in the sunlight? Washing the wood down with vinegar? These are all guesses. I did have a grandchild urinate on the mattress once...
Using the Oven for Canning?
I am sure many people have tried this and feel it is safe. I am a big time canner and personally, I would never do it. I use a boiling water bath for items that can be water bathed safely, and I use a pressure canner for items that cannot be. I wont take a...
Be Prepared For An Emergency
If you dont over shop (stock up) how do you continue to eat? I understand that without power you would be in danger of losing food. A few years we were without power for a week. Without power, stores wont sell. (Although I thought that was foolish that stores...
Enlarging the Screen Display on a Laptop?
Hold down your control button. Click on a blank spot on the screen. Turn your wheel on your mouse upward. It will enlarge.
Safety of Canned Salsa?
Sometimes I have jars that spew a bit, too. If it is salsa, and the seal it tight, I let it sit in the kitchen for a few days to make sure it is really sealed. Then I take it on to the pantry. If it is meat, and there is a chance that fat is between the rim...
Blackberry Buckle
I had never heard of the term buckle as a name for food. :-) So I have learned something today! I have blackberries in my freezer and a husband who would absolutely love this! Thanks!
Prepare a Disaster Bin For Emergencies
I was really happy to see your post on keeping your pets safe! I have two pets and I, too, plan for their safety in emergencies. It is so sad to see on tv the homeless pets wondering streets when families evacuate and they get left behind.
Cleaning Your Shower?
The best stuff I have found is the cheapest. Daily Shower spray at Dollar Tree. I keep a squeegee in the bathroom, too. After I shower I wipe down the walls with the squeegee, then spray the tub/shower with the spray. I also take a cleaning cloth with me into...
Protecting your Camera
This also works for cell phones. When I am in the pool I put my cell phone in a snack size zipper baggie.
Using Artificial Light for Indoor Plants?
My mother, now deceased, had a green thumb. She could grow anything she wanted. I even recall her starting a rosebush from a cutting. I recall her placing a canning jar over it in the yard. It grew. In the winter my mom would carry all her plants in, and they...
Reuse Favorite T-shirts As A Quilt
Your mother did a great job! I make quilts and using the stretchy T shirts to make one is no easy job. It looks awesome!
