Ticks?
I am a believer in Avon Skin So Soft Bath Oil. Ticks do not like it. I buy it in the large container and refill my little spray container with it. During the summer months, I spray a little in my hand and rub it on my legs, arms and around my waist every morning...
WD-40 For Frozen Locks
I washed the car the other day and used WD-40 to remove a lot of tar that was splattered on the drivers side. It made the job so easy.
Make Your Own Spaceship or Submarine
We can put broken electronics on a pad at the county convenience site and they are picked up for recycling. I have an old TV and video player beside my treadmill and I watch a movie while I walk. The time flies by and makes the walk more enjoyable.
Cleaning a Plastic Bathtub and Shower?
After taking a shower or tub bath, if you wipe down the walls and bathtub with a towel, you wont have mold and mildew or soap scum. Hang up the towel to dry and use it again the next time for wiping down the shower walls, etc. It only takes a couple of minutes...
Recipes Using Canned Pork?
Occasionally, we will have fried Spam. I slice it and batter each slice in flour and fry until brown and crisp on each side.
Squirrels In Garbage Cans?
Go to Walmart and get some bungee cords. Hook the cord to the garbage can handles and over the lid to hold it down so an animal cant get the lid off.
Secure Your Truck Load
This is an old post but still a great idea. We have had our net in the back of our truck, which is out in the weather, 19 years now. It is beginning to show some wear where it is attached to the pipes but it still works good as new. I wish every truck and trailer...
Secure Your Truck Load
With the use of bungee cords, this net can easily be used to cover a large load or it can be rolled out just a little to cover one small item that might blow out the back of your truck.
Secure Your Truck Load
Polly, Im glad you asked that question. My husband used wood screws and screwed them through the net and into the pipes using his electric drill. He placed a washer between each screw head and the net. The screws are about 7 inches apart. I took a picture to...
Secure Your Truck Load
Litter blowing out of truck beds is a problem everywhere. Another way to secure the load is to put your loose items in a trash container and secure the top with a bungee cord. The lid will not blow off and the empty container will not blow out if the lid is...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
We have pine trees in our yard and picking up the pine cones is so easy with the use of this bag holder. With my reach extender and bag on the bag holder, I can fill a big trash bag with pine cones in just a few minutes. I take them down in the woods and empty...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
I helped my neighbor pick up pine cones in his yard. We made a contest out of it to see who could fill a bag first. Of course, I won as I am an old pro at using this bag holder. He was amazed at how easy it was and how quickly we picked up all those pine cones...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
The vinyl tubing is not necessary so skip step number one. All you need is the aluminum rod and clamps to make this bag holder. That makes the bag holder much easier to make and lighter in weight. It is very strong and weighs less than 5 ounces. Cost is approximately...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
I found a large dog food bag on the roadside, while picking up litter. When I got back home with all the other litter, I decided to try the food bag on my bag holder and see if it would work for picking up pine cones. It worked just great so its going to be...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
Its surprising how much roadside litter you can stuff into a grocery bag. I like putting two bags on my bag holder. I put trash in one and the recyclables in the other. I love my bag holder.
Make Your Own Bag Holder
The tubing, listed above in materials needed for making this bag holder, is not necessary. The only materials needed for making the bag holder are the aluminum rod and the 4 clamps. It is still strong without the tubing and not having to put the rod in the...
Make Your Own Bag Holder
You can skip the tubing in making this bag holder. The materials needed are just the rod and the clamps. I have been using one thats is made without the tubing and it works just as well and decreases the weight to 4 1/2 ounces.
Make Your Own Bag Holder
If you are concerned about the environment and notice that litter is a big problem, an ugly sight, these are some web sites that are inspiring. www.roadtrashwarriors.org/about.htm www.citizensagainstlitter.org/ www.litterheroes.co.uk/
Make Your Own Bag Holder
I posted feedback on 6-9-08 that in the instructions for making this bag holder for picking up litter, you can leave off the tubing. When I posted that comment, I had only been using the bag holder without the tubing for a short while. I had no proof that it...
Cleaning Textured Bathtub Floor?
Comet is what I have used for many years. Great for cleaning the tub and sink. Its made in the USA and distributed by The Spic and Span company. Website: www.cometcleanser.com
Keeping Track Of The Grocery Bill When Shopping
This is a great idea and so easy. I am going to try this. Yesterday we went to Food Lion to pick up one of those plastic lounge chairs and while there we picked up a couple other items that were on sale. Forgot to use the MVP card and was charged full price...
Free Rice Vocabulary Builder Website
I have had that website under my favorites for a long time and play with it when I get bored on the Internet. Its fun and educational for adults and children. I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to build their vocabulary.
Using A Ladder On The Roof Without Crushing Gutters
I want to see pictures. Click on upload an image below your comment and give it time to load. When you see the picture, you have it and it will post when you click on the green post sign below your comment. It takes several seconds for the picture to load.
Recycled Can for Filling Freezer Bags
I used the tin can, with top and bottom lid removed, when freezing corn. It made it so much easier to put the corn into the zip lock bag.
Recycled Can for Filling Freezer Bags
Its corn freezing time again and they say a picture is worth a thousand words so Im sharing a picture of how the can works for filling a zip lock bag. This size can does not hold quite a quart so when the can gets full, I just raise it up a little so I can...
Recycled Can for Filling Freezer Bags
Preparing corn for freezing is a messy job. I enjoy putting up butter beans much better.
Recycled Can for Filling Freezer Bags
Thanks everybody. I hope you enjoy your can as much as I have enjoyed mine.
Wash and Freeze Your Apple Harvest
Last fall, I prepared apples for pies and froze several packages. When I wanted to make an apple pie, all I had left to do was prepare the crust. I used my last pack this weekend and the pie was delicious. We plan to go to the mountains soon and get some more...
The Bikes From Misfit Island
Such a good example of stretching the dollar. There may be many homes this Christmas that do the same. Thanks for sharing this story.
Banana Candy
Im going to try this. I believe I would love it. To check and see, Ill start with using just one banana and add sugar until I can make a roll of dough with it.
Banana Candy
I have been wanting to try this recipe and did today. I used just 1/2 of a small banana and about 15 heaping tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar. It took a lot of sugar to make it into a dough that I could handle. After making the log, I put it in the freezer...
Banana Candy
I have been wanting to try this recipe. I used just 1/2 of a small banana and about 15 heaping tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar. It took a lot of sugar to make it into a dough that I could handle. After making the log, I put it in the freezer until it got...
Macaroni and Spam
We dont eat Spam very often but when we do, it is a treat. I slice it and batter the slices in flour and fry it until brown and crispy on the outside. Delicious.
Homemade Facial Scrubs?
Scrubbing your face every night with baby shampoo will clean oily skin and help get rid of blackheads.
Getting Rid of Used Cooking Oil?
I would never put oil down my drain pipes. When it hits those cold pipes, it sticks and can cause major drainage problems. Most restaurants have an outside container for collecting cooking oil and it is picked up and recycled. If you are getting rid of a lot...
Reusable Grocery Bags vs. Trashcan Liners?
I know plastic bags are a big problem as trash on the roadside, getting into the water streams and washing into the ocean yet, I think they are the best thing that was ever invented and I would hate to see them not in use. I love my free plastic bags. I have...
Reusable Grocery Bags vs. Trashcan Liners?
To me, recycling is very important and I recycle everything that our county convenient site will take which leaves the two of us with very little trash to dispose of. To be able to take out the trash most every day, I use a couple of plastic grocery bags. I...
What is This Cookie?
I would say Vanilla Wafers like you use in a banana pudding. They are small plain round flat cookies that come packaged in boxes of about 90 to the box.
Will Cantaloupe Ripen in the Fridge?
I purchased a ripe cantaloupe and one not so ripe to cut later. I placed the not so ripe cantaloupe in a big brown paper bag and kept it in the house where it was cool. I cut it a week later and it was delicious and very sweet.
Ideas for Environmental Club Activities?
Picking up litter is always good when you want to make a difference in the environment. If you live in the city any litter that gets into the drainage systems goes directly into a creek or river. Keeping it off the streets will help to keep the lakes, steams...
Backyard Vegetable Garden
That is a neat looking garden. Shows you have done some work in it too. Good job.
Repairing Hinges on Sunglasses?
If you have lost a screw, you can use the wire in a bread tie to thread through the hole and hold the glasses in place until you can get them repaired. Strip the paper from the wire on the bread tie.
Making Crispy Fried Chicken?
This is the way I was taught to fry chicken. Prepare chicken by pattiing each piece dry with a paper towel then sprinkle a little salt and pepper on each piece. I place flour in a container with a tight lid and shake the chicken pieces in the flour to coat...
Craft Ideas For Used T-shirts?
Check with some mechanics in your area. They could probably use them for grease rags, wiping their hands etc.
Do Not Use Plastic Shopping Bags
This is a very interesting and informative video. It should also create some litter awareness. I believe thats how a lot of plastic bags and other debris like bottle caps and electric wire plugs, as mentioned in the video, are getting into our waters. Litter...
Freeze Water Containers for Emergencies
Our freezer is begining to get a lot of open space as we have used the vegetables frozen last summer. Ive started washing out milk jugs and fillling them with water to fill the empty spaces in the freezer. The jugs of ice will come in handy for cooling corn...
Sticky Rice Recipe?
Add more water. My recipe calls for 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. I put 2 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil and turn it down between medium and low and cook slowly about 15 minutes with lid on. The less water you have the dryer the rice will be so...
Place Reminder Sticky Notes on Your Steering Wheel
I would be lost without being able to write myself a note and stick it on the bathroom mirror, coffee pot, refrigerator, or steering wheel of the vehicle. I used to buy sticky notes but found that cutting up envelopes received in the mail also works well. The...
Sort Recycling Directly Into Containers
Good for you! Once you get used to recycling, you will not want to put it in the trash. Its just the right thing to do. Thank you for caring.
Shred Personal Information into the Garbage
I do the same. I take the scissors and cut up the paper and put it in with my food scraps which I collect in a plastic grocery bag inside a one gallon ice cream bucket with a lid on it. It also helps absorb some of the moisture.. I dont think anyone would want...
Empty Can to Hold Utensils When Cooking
I made a big pot of soup this week and after stirring it with my long handle wooden spoon, I looked for a place to set the spoon down. This tip popped into my mind and I reached over to the sink and grabbed the tomato can. It worked perfectly. Holding the can...
Empty Can to Hold Utensils When Cooking
I never thought about doing this. I think it will work great for me especially when making a big pot of soup. The tomato can sitting on the stove will be perfect to hold the long handle wooden spoon I use to keep the soup stirred. Thank you for this tip. You...
Artemis the Cat
Love that picture. So cute! Looks like you are playing with her and shes fixing to pounce on something.
Use Plastic Wrap to Remove Sticky Labels
I will surely try that method for removing stubborn labels that will not come off using the hair dryer method. Whenever I purchase a plastic container or anything that has a label stuck to it, I use the hairdrayer to heat the label and it will usually pull...
Trash Cans for Moving Food
Clean trash cans are great for hauling most anything. Secure the lid with a bungee cord and you can haul it in the back of your truck and not worry about your stuff getting wet or blowing out.
Uses for Old Shoes?
I have seen potted plants in old work boots and it was cute. I wish I had a pair of my daddys old worn out work boots he wore farming.
Organizing Debit Card Receipts?
I posted this tip a while back and was advised that it could be dangerous so I had it deleted. I am showing it again as I have actually seen these used in a restaurant within a foot of the public. I can see how it could be dangerous though especially if you...
Freezing Canned Corned Beef?
I have made corned beef hash from canned corned beef and froze the left overs. Used a few weeks later for another meal and it was just as good as it was when fresh.
Use Plastic Hooks for Grocery Bags
Thats a good idea and the hooks probably do not get in the way if you happen to need to use a tall kitchen trash bag.
Solutions for Dry Hands?
For Christmas, years ago, I received a Remington Paraffin Wax Heat Treatment System. When my hands get dry, I pull out the wax machine and use it for several days especially during the winter months. If it ever stops working, Ill be purchasing another one.
Frugal Cooking for Two Recipes?
I freeze my leftovers to have for a later meal. One of my favorites is Salmon Cakes. 1 can Salmon 14.75oz. ( I use Royal Pink brand) 1 egg Saltine crackers crumbled. About 3/4 of sleeve from box of Zesta crackers. With a fork, mix egg with Salmon and add enough...
Stopping Drafts In Your Home
Plastic over glass really makes a difference when it is cold outside. We have a piece of heavy clear plastic, hung with 4 small strips of Velcro, over our sliding glass door that goes out onto our screened in porch. Even though the glass is insulated and there...
Unclogging a Shower Drain?
I used the method that has been posted several times on Thriftyfun for unstopping a toilet. Pour Dawn dish detergent down the drain and let it sit a few minutes. Then pour boiling water down drain. Afterwards, I used the plunger and it unstopped the drain immediately...
Clearing a Sluggish Sink?
Pour some Dawn dish detergent in the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. Follow it with a kettle of hot water and use the plunger. Put your finger in the air vent or plug the hole so the plunger can get suction. Works for me!!
Tips For Opening Jars
I also have a problem opening jars. Usually, I can get something under the edge of the top and pry it up enough to loosen the vacuum seal. Once thats done, the top comes off easily. A good tool for this is a paint can opener. I keep one in my kitchen drawer...
How Do You Freeze Lemons?
I buy lemons by the bag, juice all of them and put a tablespoon of lemon juice in each ice tray slot and freeze. Then I pour the frozen cubes in a zip lock bag and keep them handy in the refrigerator freezer. During the winter months, I drink hot tea with lemon...
Favorite Tips from ThriftyFun
I have learned so much since I have been reading ThriftyFun, my favorite web site. A tip I use most every day was posted by wbuck341 on 4-2-05. It tells you how to get the air out of a zip lock bag before closing it. Insert the product in the bag and close...
Keeping Pantyhose From Running?
I have a pair of cotton gloves that I use just for putting on my pantyhose. Also keeping your toenails short and manicured will help save the foot part.
Store Water for Possible Power Outage
If the power does not go out, you can pour the water into the washing machine next time you do a load. I fill jugs with water and put them in the laundry room. Most of the time, we do not lose electricity but like you, I like to be prepared.
Reuse T-shirts for Hand Rags
When my husbands undershirts start wearing under the arms, I replace them and take the old ones and cut straight across under the arm. They make great dust rags and also work well on my swiffer mop. When dusting and the rag needs changing, I just turn it wrong...
Never Store Plastic Containers in the Oven
For a quick cleanup in the kitchen, when unexpected company is coming or I just need the space, I rinse my dishes and place them in a pan and put them in the oven out of sight. However when I do this, I either put a piece of tape over the oven control knob...
Recipes With 5 or Less Ingredients?
This is a potato recipe thats quick and easy to fix for the 2 of us. 2 red potatoes 1/2 of a large onion salt & pepper to taste pats of butter grated sharp chedder cheese Wash the potatoes. Do not peel. Slice into a microwave dish that has a cover. Slice the...
Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
After 50 years of cooking for my husband and my family, I have just learned how to boil eggs so the shells will come off easily. Learned this from my daughter-in-law. She makes beautiful delicious deviled eggs. Cover eggs with water. Add a little salt to water...
Outdoor Easter Egg Hunt
So cute. I can remember the fun I had as a kid hunting Easter eggs. I never won a prize for getting the most as I ate them as fast as I found them. When I was reading your post, my mouth got to watering. I love candy Easter eggs. This is the only time of the...
Activities to Overcome Boredom?
I pick up litter while out walking. I walk the road in my community about once a week and this keeps it looking nice. With my reach extender, I can grab a cigarette butt and put it in the bag and not even break my stride. To me, thats fun! Picking up litter...
Motivating Myself to Clean and Organize?
Im 70 years old and feel the same way about house cleaning however, I have found for me the hardest part is getting started. I need to get off this computer now and and get busy.
Does Baking Soda Damage Tooth Enamel?
I grew up using baking soda to brush my teeth. Even now, I occasionally use it to whiten my teeth and remove tea and coffee stains.
Have Fun While Cleaning With Music
MP3 player also makes time slip by fast when you are in the garden picking butterbeans. I put mine on the radio setting last summer and it was a big help.
Coffee Filters Lose Their Shape?
I have a tupperware container for coffee and one for the filters that also came with a measuring spoon that has a rubber tip on the end of the spoon handle. The spoon fits in the top of the container for storage. Ive had this set for many, many years. A plastic...
How Do You Play with These Wooden Rings?
My brother and I used to play this game. Ours were wooden also and we thumped them with our finger to shoot them across the board and knock other Carroms into the pockets. Cant remember the rules but it was a lot of fun. Seems like the red ones knocked in were...
Use a Post-It to Clean a Keyboard
A cheap disposabale paint brush also makes a good dusting tool. I keep one handy for dusting the keys on my keyboard.
Use Fan to Defrost Freezer
A fan is a big help and speeds the defrosting. If you have an electrolux canister style vacuum cleaner, you can put the hose on the blower end and blow warm air on the ice. I did this the other day and in just a few minutes I was able to slip a sheet of plastic...
Freezing Eggs
When I make Angel Food Cake, I use the egg whites and freeze the yolks in ice cube trays, as you mentioned, then put them in a ziploc freezer bag. The egg yolks are delicious poached. I just drop them frozen in boiling water and simmer until done. Takes just...
Get Exercise With a Walk Behind Mower
We also use a walk behind mower and I agree, its good exercise. I try to walk for 30 minutes every day. During the hot summer months after it cools off at the end of the day, I walk my circle around the back yard. It takes me one minute to complete the circle...
Recycling Old Clothes for Crafts
In our county, at the Convenience Center for household trash and recycling, there is a container for textiles. They take all kinds of clean fabric and rags. The good clothing is donated for a good cause and the other is sent overseas. When our daughter went...
Uses for Leftover Biscuits?
Freeze and have biscuits for another meal. Place frozen biscuits on baking pan and put it in a cold oven. Turn oven on with temperature control set at 450 degrees. Heat for 10 minutes. If heating just a few, a toaster oven works fine. They taste like fresh...
Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
I saw on Thrifty Fun that you can freeze egg yolks so after making the cake, I put each yolk into a section of an ice tray and froze them. After frozen, I put them in a ziplock bag. To test them for cooking, I took out 2 and placed them in the refrigerator...
Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
Frozen eggs yolks are also good poached. Let them thaw and then drop them into some simmering water for a couple of minutes. Delicious.
Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
For a delicious icing for this cake see the recipe posted today. http://www.thriftyfun.com/Gluten-Free-Strawberry-Delight.html
