Plan Meals Around Sale Items
I go through the ads, see what is on sale that week, and stock up (like boneless chicken breast for 1.79lb). Then after going through the ads, I make my meal plan for the week ahead with the meat, veggies, etc. on sale. I couldnt afford to do it any other way...
Freezing Dry Goods
Never had problems in my old house but in this one I started finding bugs right away. I put all my pasta, flour, sugar, nuts, breadcrumbs all that kind of stuff in my freezer. I wiped down the pantry with vinegar added bay leaves and cotton balls with peppermint...
What to Do with 10 Pounds of Ground Beef?
This sounds like a great idea. Although I always buy my ground beef in bulk I never thought to cook it ahead of time before dividing and freezing and getting that great beef broth. Will definitely try this next time.
Adding up the Savings at the Grocery Store
I use to use coupons a lot but have found the stores here dont seem to double coupons like where I use to live. I now depend more on sales and loss leaders as Rhonda mentioned and I try more store brands. I was amazed at how good some of Walmarts store brand...
Coffee Stains in Corelle Cups?
I found Mr Clean Magic erasers work great. I also used one with a long handled wooden spoon to clean the inside of my husbands thermos. Wow couldnt believe how bad it was and I clean it every night.
Shabby Chic Bedroom Decorating
This is adorable! Makes we wish my girls were little ones again. I like the idea of little bugs for a boys room! You are very creative.
Cleaning Swiffer Dusters
I too have started washing the hand held swiffer duster (not the floor swiffer) I just put a little Dawn detergent on it and swish it in about an inch of warm water in my sink. It is amazing the dirt/dust that comes off. I then place it on a towel separate...
Use a Dresser as a Planter
Google dresser made into a planter I saw some real cute ideas! Would have never thought to do this but I love it!
Organizing Magazines in the Bathroom
When I was growing up my dad (who was a carpenter) made a wooden magazine rack and attached it to the side of the vanity with screws. It was very handy and always kept the bathroom neat and uncluttered. I am sure you could just as easy attach one to the wall...
Remedy for Too Much Perfume
Not everyone is trying to cover up body odor with perfume. In fact I think most who dont care enough to shower everyday could care less about perfume or aftershave. I personally love to walk by someone who smells wonderful it can literally make my day! But...
Zesty Fried Green Tomatoes
Dip in beaten eggs and then seasoned bread crumbs then fried in bacon grease (back in the old days LOL) or Virgin Olive Oil is what I do them in now. Yum! I miss my garden this year and would love to taste this old time favorite.
Start Your Day With a List
My husband jokes that I make lists of my lists! I love lists!! I always have a list for everyday, for the week and for the month! I make out my list for the month of things I want to accomplish from there every week I make a list and pick things from the monthly...
Keeping Pests Out Of The Pantry
I toss bay leaves on shelves also and cotton balls with mint extract on them. I also put dry goods in my freezer for 48 hours when I bring them home and some things I dont use often just leave in the freezer till I need them.
Repairing Carpet Dents?
I think it sometimes depends on the carpet before I moved I was able to use my iron ~ I placed a dish towel over the dent and then my iron and blasted it with steam I then toke a spoon to help fluff up the fibers it looked great! When i moved to my new home...
Prefilling Coffee Filters
I am wondering about coffee grounds that might stick to the bottom of the filter and then you would have grounds in your coffee. I am not a coffee drinker but my husband is and I just prepare it the night before. As far as losing flavor? I have no idea but...
Organize Grocery Coupons By Aisle
I just moved so am not familiar with the store layouts at all but as I make my grocery list I group things such as meat, veggies, dairy. I put a star next to an item I have a coupon for and paperclip the coupons to my list it doesnt make it a whole lot easier...
Uses for Egg Shells?
I am confused as one poster says save egg shells for snails as they eat them for the calcium and the other is saying scatter them to keep the snails away. I want to get rid of the snails so if I scatter egg shells will it attract them to eat the shells or keep...
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser For The Kitchen
To Linda, I just read someone in another thread about Magic erasers say she uses them on her windows and it leaves them streak free. I have not tired it yet but since nothing else works I am going to give it a go!
Use Magic Eraser for Streak Free Glass
Had to laugh as I was just checking the box today to see just what is in them that is so magical. I have never tried them on windows but you can be sure I am going to! I have tried everything for my windows and nothing seems to work so I am crossing my fingers...
Saving Money on Packed Lunches
Having worked as a lunch school aide for k - 4th grade for 14 years I can tell you kids throw out a ton of stuff. Packing a full sandwich, cookies, fruit, maybe some carrots and a drink, chances are your little one is not going to eat all this, even if they...
Fabric Envelopes for a "Cash Only" Budget System
If you click on the more of my projects link you will see she sells them. As a thrifty person little to expensive for me but if you are crafty google fabric envelopes and it will give you all sorts of sites to show you how to make them.
Keeping Bugs Out of Plastic Food Containers?
When I moved to the house we are in now I suddenly was faced with bugs in my pantry. I use the freezer method freezing everything possible - rice, oatmeal, pasta, flour, sugar, etc. Every couple of months I take everything out of my pantry wipe it down well...
Donate School Clothes to the Schools
I see some others have suggested it also but I will repeat to say that when I worked in the elementary schools the nurse needed clothing all the time. Not just for accidents, but if some child spilled soup or juice all over their clothes or that sort of thing...
Coloring Popcorn?
I remember my mom buying the colored popcorn kernels and when you popped it just the hulls were colored ~ pretty but not really what we were expecting.
Ask Butcher To Make Sale Roasts Into Ground Beef
Being as I use to work in a meat dept. you should ask them to run something through the machine first before putting your meat in. The first thing coming out of the machine will not be what you bought(could be pork, could be lunch meat from the deli grinding...
Use Christmas Lights Year Round
In my neighbor hood also you get fined having lights up after the holiday but I think if they were color coordinated with the holiday (red valentines, green St. Pats) it might be okay. Love all these ideas!
Save the Peach Juice from Canned Peaches
Yum! I want to go out and buy peaches just so I can try this! I buy the Snapple peach ice tea all the time but hate the fact it has so many calories. This might be a good alternative. Thanks!
Banana Splits for Valentine's Day
What a great memory/tradition for your kids. My husband would never go for this but me bring it on. lol
Toilet Keeps Clogging?
We had just moved into our new home and found the same problem in our second bathroom. Every day we were plunging it out. My husband did everything to try and find the problem even taking the toilet off and looking for problems. We ended up calling a plumber...
Ceiling Fan Facelift
Wow great idea! Was just looking at mine the other day thinking how much I hate the way it looks but you know some paint just might do the trick! Thanks for the idea!
Take Pictures on the First and Last Day of School
My kids are now grown and out of college but I always took a picture of them the very first day of school every year - starting with preschool right through till there last day of sr. high. I have a picture also of them getting off the bus from kindergarten...
Use Plastic Grocery Bags for Packing Material
I have used plastic bags for packing for some time now. It is the cheapest way to do it, lightweight and works great. I pack and send cookies several times a year and send care packages to my daughter in college. The bags are easy to get into corners of boxes...
Shop Once a Week
Since I no longer have the use of a car during the week I have become a weekend shopper. I have to fit all my errands into the weekend. I have found that I spend less money since I now sit down with the ads, plan meals for the week and make a list for each...
Paper Or Plastic Bags?
I have thought about using the cloth bags but find I have so many uses for the plastic and paper bags. I do a lot of ebaying and use the plastic bags for packing and the paper ones for wrapping the boxes for shipping. I also use the plastic ones for lining...
Use Pine Needles for Mulch
Pine needle mulch is great. My brother actually owns a landscaping business and sells/ uses pine needle mulch for all his customers.
Check Freecycle Before You Buy
I think it might depends on who is in charge of your local freecycle. In our group you have to wait a certain length of time after joining before asking for something and if you get too greedy and ask for a bunch of stuff you will be kindly reminded it is a...
Plan Ahead When Shopping
Your right about the BOGOs (buy one get one free) I use to work in a grocery store and they would sometimes jack the price so you werent really saving as much as you thought. Also, usually this is only on brand names and if you are into buying the store brand...
Remember To RSVP To Invitations
I always RSVP but besides it being polite there are reasons for this people! The last invite I got was to a bridal shower where the bride to be had personalized engraved favors for each of the ladies. If you came but hadt RSVPd you didnt get a favor. These...
Salad Bar Garden Bed
I love this! Having a bad back and bad knees my first thought was no bending! Wish I had room for one!
Pierogie Recipes?
My mom always made them from scratch and filled them with either mashed potatoes and cheese, prunes (yes prunes, they were delicious!) or well rinsed and drained sauerkraut. She use to fry up a huge pan of bacon till crisp and then fry thin sliced onions in...
Packing Kids For Multi Day Trips
Okay so the first thing I thought of when reading this is if he is going on a mission trip mismatched clothes are not going to matter! They have bigger issues to deal with. My second thought was any teen would be embarrassed by this and dont the clothes get...
Filters for a 4-Cup Coffee Pot?
I have a 4-cup coffee maker also and found filters at Walmart you have to search but they usually always have them.
Chicken Lays Green Eggs?
Why do your chickens lay green eggs? For green eggs and ham of course! :) Sorry couldnt help it that is the first thing that popped into my head when I read this. But I found it interesting to read that some chickens do lay green and blue and yellow eggs!
Ripening Green Tomatoes Inside
Dont forget though with those green tomatoes you can make green tomato relish and my families all time favorite Fried green tomatoes ~ they like those almost more than the red ones!
Importance of Using a Potty Chair When Potty Training
Growing up we always had a small step stool to elevate our feet. To this day my kids and I still use a small bench. The only problem is my kids found it difficult when they went to college to get use to not having it! same with when on vacation. If you have...
I Saw a White Deer?
Yup when I lived in new york my parents had deer in the back yard all the time and once they had a white one. They are for real!
A Dollar a Year for Birthdays
My mother in law always did this. With 5 sons, 5 daughters in law and then the grandkids and great grandkids it was just easier for her. We always knew what we were getting and unless she got the years wrong (which happened once or twice lol) you knew how much...
Hershey Kiss Letter?
This doesnt call for a letter but thought it might help you. they are called stress bags I use to send them to my girls when in college. A Gift of Stress Relief! Its a small plastic lace bag (Ill use a piece of lace material instead for a prettier touch) and...
Removing Bio Gel Nails?
I would strongly suggest you have them professionally removed. I had nails professionally done for a wedding but afterward had too much trouble working with them on. I decided to take them off myself and nearly destroyed my natural nails. Over a year later...
Hanging Outdoor Christmas Lights?
On my old house I used the special clips but they were a pain to put up and take down every year. When I moved into my new house the previous owner had hooks along the roof. Its great they stay up all year long and it is so easy to attach the lights. If you...
Bake Christmas Cookies in Stages
I do a lot of baking for other people and this is the way I always do it. I will make up to 6 different kinds of cookie dough one day and get most of the mess out of the way. The next day I spend baking them, and the third day if I have made cut outs decorating...
Change the Batteries in Your Programmable Thermostat
Thank You for the info never knew there was a battery in there!
Chop and Store Whole Bag of Nuts
I do this too. I store pecans, almonds, walnuts and cashews all chopped up and ready to go on the shelf in my freezer. When I first open the bag I will chop all of them and then put in the freezer to keep fresher till needed. Saves having to drag out the food...
Give the New Jammies the Night Before
We also had this tradition.They were allowed to open one gift Christmas Eve and is was always new, freshly washed, pjs :) Christmas morning pictures looked so nice and of course the picture Christmas eve with putting out the milk and cookies for Santa!
Artificial Wreath and Garland Storage
This is a great idea. I have so many of those bags. I hold onto them but never know what to do with them.
Downsize the Saved Magazines
I subscribe to one magazine that my daughter also really likes so instead of ruining the magazine by tearing out what i want what I started doing is when I find something I really want I scan it into my computer. I then give the whole magazine to my daughter...
Stock Up On Sale Christmas Candy
I do the same when buying Halloween candy. I buy Hershey mini bars, chocolate kisses and peanut butter cups. I use all three in recipes. The bars get chopped for chocolate chip cookies or magic cookie bars. The kisses go on peanut butter blossom cookies and...
Recycle Christmas Deer in the Garden
I love this idea! I wish I had a green thumb to do that. When the lights go out on my deer I just rewire them. Not hard to do at all. Just buy a set of lights with white wiring an use zip ties to keep them in place.
Share Your Customer Service Experiences
I have often sent reviews to yelp - good and bad - and the companies do read these. We had a terrible experience with a moving company and I wrote a review on Yelp. The next day the manager called us asking how he could make amends. I had a wonderful experience...
Lengthen Jeans With Contrasting Fabric
When I first read this I thought nope dont like the idea and then I looked at the picture. These are adorable!! What a great way to extend the life of her jeans.
Use Extra Earrings as Push Pins
Once when I was younger we were out of town for a wedding and my dad had forgotten his tie tack. Used one of my post pearl earrings. I dont know do guys still use tie tacks?
Automatic Refills at Walgreens
I dont have a Walgreens real close to me but Target also will do auto refills and if your prescription has no more refills left they will call the doctors office for you. My mom uses Target in another state and i know she has been able to get a list of all...
Sterilize Toothbrushes in the Dish Washer
You put them in with dirty dishes? Hmm I dont like the sound of that at all, sorry. I would rather put them in boiling water or even the microwave(although I have never tried that) to kill germs.
Use Dawn Dish Soap as a Stain Remover
Just had to write and say that Dawn works wonders! I have been trying to get urine stains out of the area rug around my toilet for over 2 years now ~ Clorox, Shout, RIT stain remover, vinegar, nothing worked. I thought today I would try one more time when I...
Keep Paint Samples to Coordinate Home Purchases
This is a great idea! I am in the process of painting all the rooms in the house and that is a great idea for when I go to look for linens and such! Thnks for sharing
Use Seasonal Napkins in CD Cases for Coasters
Cute idea but the only problem I see is since the case is plastic it wont absorb any sweat coming from the beverage container placed on it.
Sunless Tanning Cream Stain on Carpet?
My daughter just recently got some sunless tanning cream all over my cream colored bath towels. I squirted the stains with dawn dish detergent, rubbed it in and then poured a little hydrogen peroxide on the stains and then washed as usual. All the stains came...
How to Grow Dazzling Dahlias
My husband laughs at my lack of a green thumb although I am constantly trying since we moved to CA. Last year I planted Dahlias for the very first time and they were absolutely beautiful and so easy to grow. They are now one of my all time favorites.
Place Line Dried Clothes In The Dryer To Soften Up
I think bryguy might have meant if the clothes are dried inside? There are several things I like to hang dry instead of putting in the dryer but my HOA wont allow clothes lines so I have a drying rack inside that I use.
Decorative Cake Pan Stepping Stones
I love this idea but what kind of paint do you use so that you can leave them outside and possibly walk on them as stepping stones?
Travel with Medications in Original Containers
Thanks for the info! I always put my meds in a daily container when traveling ~ never gave a thought to all the problems mentioned that could occur. MY husband is leaving on a trip tomorrow and you can be sure NOW I will make sure they are in their original...
Cleaning Windows That Are Difficult to Reach?
The people using the Windex outdoor window cleaner that you use with your hose ~ do you have hard water? I tried the Windex outdoor cleaner that was on a pole (which didnt reach my second story windows even with an extension pole) and it streaked worse than...
Make Your Own Panty Liners
This is not something I would do but I have a few comments on this one to Beckster944. The heel of a sock can get worn much earlier than the top or rest of a sock so there could still be plenty of good material to use. Second to Katie A., my mom used to tell...
Scenery: Casa Loma Gardens (Toronto, Canada)
Beautiful, brings back memories, we visited there while on our honeymoon over 30 years ago.
Alternate Uses for Dental Floss
Oh may I really thought that was a misprint about reusing used dental floss and you just meant you were thinking of different ways to use floss when using it for your teeth until I reread it and realized I had read it right the first time. Reusing dental floss...
Preparing Interior Glossy Finish Walls for Painting?
Thank you all for the advice I started first as I said above to sand and it did nothing I then bought TSP I think it is called not the cleaner but the deglosser, it was like using water. I bought the concentrate, sprayed it on full strength and it did nothing...
What is this Plant?
I tried Google and came up with Lavatera rosea. You could google plants with pink flowers look at the images and that should help you.
How to Detangle a Necklace
I found if you gentle rub the chain between your fingers it helps loosen the chain so you can detangle it.
Purchase Generic Over the Counter Medications
I think some can be interchangeable but I have found generic vitamins really upset my stomach where as the name brand did not. I was told that the main ingredients are the same but the fillers may be different and that is what was upsetting my stomach. Curious...
White Film On Dishes?
I never had problems till we moved and we have hard water now. My dishes and silverware were a mess. I started using Lemi shine. Works great. Found it the cheapest at Walmart.
Add Info To Your Photos
Yes please it is so important. When my mother in law died we found the bottom drawer of her large dresser stuffed with pictures. and 99% were not marked. It is a shame because my husband and daughter are both in to genealogy and my mother in law loved to take...
Relieving Tension Headaches?
I have suffered with headaches and migraines every since hitting puberty. Never had headaches when I was pregnant so I assumed it was all hormonal. Now after a hysterectomy I still suffer from headaches but a different kind. My chiropractor told me to take...
Furniture Dents in Carpet?
I think it depends on the carpet. I am a little OCD :) so when I was moving out of my last home I went around and removed all the dents from the rugs after all the furniture was out. I tried the ice cube method but it didnt work. I used the steam iron method...
Wrap Gifts in Old Shirts
Sorry I dont get it. What is the purpose of buying an old shirt to wrap a gift if you are cutting it up? Isnt just as cheap to buy wrapping paper? and how do you secure it? I dont mean to be mean I guess I just dont get it. :(
Donate Care Packages For Christmas
In regards to the shoe boxes. At one time I was in charge of the mission group at our church and each Christmas we would fill shoe boxes for a local womans shelter. Anyway I started early and asked dept stores and shoe stores to save them for me. They were...
Avoid Getting Distracted by Interesting Websites
What I do is similar as that I have a bookmark option so I save it there and go back later when I have more time.
Reuse Dryer Sheets In Different Ways
Some great ideas here I never would have thought of. I like the idea of putting them in dresser drawers before using them in the dryer. Maybe its just me but I tried dusting with them once but seemed to think they were too linty.
Gift Bags for Seniors
I think this is a wonderful idea but dont forget sometimes seniors get overwhelmed with generous people at Christmas time and get forgotten the rest of the year. How about having some done ahead of time to pass out on birthdays(Maybe find out ahead of time...
Cosmetic Surgery For Walls
I just love this idea! I wish I had some walls in my laundry room that I could do this too! I think you did an awesome job ~ love the clothesline, the dog, the cats, the plants the whole thing! Just great!!
Scenery: Winter Wonderland
Gorgeous picture. I always love to see the trees covered in snow I think it is just breathtaking.
Frugal Hair Rinse
Will it leave my hair smelling like vinegar? and can you use it on colored hair without it stripping the color?
Make Your Own Toilet Seat Protectors
Did I miss a step here? When using the tissue paper are you cutting a hole before folding up? I am a big one on germs also and have found that you can also buy toilet seat covers in little packets like Kleenex where you find the travel size products. I always...
Going Public After Cosmetic Surgery (For...
Just have to add my two cents and say awesome! I too live in an area with HOA which wouldnt allow this but maybe my patio wall in the back. :) Wish you lived near me Id hire you!
Watch For Conflicting Medical Information
Unfortunately there are nurses like that around. My friend has been telling me of the nightmare she has been having with one of the nurses in her doctors office who is not very gentle and asking questions only the doctor should be asking. She told the doctor...
Squeezing the Last Out of a Tube
For toothpaste I just use the handle of my toothbrush! For other things I tend to cut them open it is amazing what is left inside! I will take the top half that has been cut off and place it over the bottom to keep the lotion or whatever from drying out. For...
Divide Paper Towels in Half
I just might try this! I have discovered lately after always buying the cheapest brand that they arent always that economical. The last time I was shopping they were out of the cheap ones so I bought one roll of a more expensive kind and have since found that...
Removing Stickers from Plastic?
Soak in the hottest water possible that is safe for the plastic and it will peel off. For the residue either use peanut butter rubbed in and rinsed off or sometimes I use the sticky side of packing tape going over it the sticky tape will pull the glue up. Also...
Oster Kitchen Center Pasta Maker Manual?
This is about the best I can do for you http://kitchen.manualsonline.com/search.html?q=oster+kitchen+center+pasta+maker&submit.x=53&submit.y=15 It is not a manual but they may be able to help you. I didnt have the model number they needed. If you havent already...
How Can I Organize My Reusable Plastic Bags?
If I understand your question you are looking for storage for baggies (food storage bags) not grocery bags? My husband eats a bagel every morning for breakfast so I always go to the local deli and order 3 dozen at a time. I put 3-4 in a bag, then double bag...
White Flowering Plant for a Cat Memorial?
You may want to check out this website http://stellasyard.com/white-perennial-flowers.htm
Reusing Tins
When I use to live in snow country I used an empty large popcorn tin for holding ice melt. The can had a pretty winter scene and I didnt have to look at the ugly bag. I also use one to store my very precious Christmas angel tree top. I was afraid of it getting...
Hide Your Child's Easter Basket
Aw, this brought back memories ~ as a kid my parents always hid our baskets and my husband and I in turn hid our girls baskets when they were little. Since we knew where they were hid we always had the camera ready for some priceless pictures of finding their...
Buy Used Books Instead Of New
A great place is paperbackswap.com. I found this when looking for books on my daughters college reading list.
How Can I Make a Fabric Covered Cardboard Picture Frame?
Google making a frame of cardboard and fabric there are all sorts of sites on how to do this.
Keeping Rabbits Out of the Garden?
As the woman at the garden shop told me not much stops them but a fence. I have heard marigolds will deter them ~ they ate mine. I was also told bone meal, or coyote urine will work but has to be replenished when it rains or when your sprinklers go on as is...
Template for Making Wanted Dead or Alive Posters?
If you put template for dead or alive poster in your search you will find several ~ at least I did.
Pruning Back a Clematis?
Not sure if you are asking if cutting them down will harm them or cutting them down early. Not everyone does but cutting them down will not harm them at all. I have one I cut down every fall and it comes up more beautiful every summer. As far as if it is too...
Pruning Back a Clematis?
Just found this it may help you some. http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58697697.tip.html
Cleaning Shower Curtain Liners
I throw mine in the washer on gentle with a few hand towels and a little bleach. Stick in the dryer on air for just maybe 5 minutes and then hang back up. Look brand new!
Combining a Baby Shower and Wedding Reception?
I just goggled combined baby shower and wedding receptions and got quite a few sites so you may want to try that. From what I read though they suggest in cases like this to have the baby shower after the baby is born. I would suggest with such little money...
Plantar Wart Coming Back?
I have gotten rid of a wart with duct tape and apple cider vinegar after the doctor supposedly froze it off. Take a small piece of cotton ball soak in the vinegar, place over wart and tape down with duct tape. I have also used just the duct tape and it worked...
Praying Mantis
Nice close up picture! I was in my garden a few months ago when I came across a little baby one. Of course leaving him undisturbed I took a picture of him and then went about my gardening forgetting all about him. Imagine my surprise when gardening in the same...
Why Store Plastic Bags?
Many people use the plastic bags for used kitty litter and for when taking their dogs for walks. I send my out of town daughter care packages often and I use plastic bags for packing instead of tissue paper, newspaper or what ever. She then uses the bags when...
Replace Lights On Christmas Wire Deer
I didnt think of this till I had given one of mine away. I was so disheartened as I love the lit deer and had finally gotten a pair, then one wouldnt work anymore and I got rid of it. When the second one went and I couldnt find them in the store anymore (the...
Attach Pull Tab To Driver's License
Awesome idea! I am always struggling to get my drivers license out of that stupid slot! Holding up the line trying harder and harder to get it out. I am going to try this for sure!
Keeping the Monsters Away with Vanilla Spray
She never said it was her original idea what she said was ..one day I filled a spray bottle up with water and added a little vanilla.... I also raised kids in the 80s and had very little time to read magazines. I think it is a very cute idea.
Tiny Red Dot Bugs?
Sounds like maybe chiggers. If you Google how to get rid of chiggers you will find several helpful sites. Good luck!
Use New Perfume Bottle for Other Liquids
Love this idea! I would like to carry one in my purse of mouthwash - much cheaper than the breath sprays you buy. Ill have to see if I can find some!
