Reusing Old, Broken Speakers
Who knew there were magnets in speakers? Good to know. And I like that you kept the speaker out of the landfill.
Non-Greasy Fried Fish
I make my own panko by crushing saltines in a plastic bag, then toasting in a frying pan with a little butter (or Smart Balance for less fat). I use it to top off dishes like home made mac and cheese and other casseroles that get baked. You get a nice crunchy...
Castor Bean Plants are Dangerous
Melmarr, You can get dozens of pics if you google it, but it looks like a cross between a pot plant and Russian hogweed if youve ever seen either of those. I grew up in Florida and its a wonder any of us kids ever survived because we had castor bean plants...
Making Pantry Soup
Thanks for the reminder of this easy and inexpensive meal. Every time you brown meat of any kind, put a little bit in the freezer. Then when you make your pantry soup, you can add the browned meat and add a little more protein and heartiness to the pot.
Growing Garlic
Weve had such a mild winter here in w. NY that my fall-planted bulbs sprouted in Nov. and have grown slowly all winter long. Weird year. Im looking forward to seeing how they do until harvest time, wondering if the early start will give them a jump on when...
Tape Roll Finger Drum
Ok, first, love the idea. Second, couldnt you use stronger paper to make it more durable, or would that mess with the sound? Three, and most important, how DO they sound? Also, love that you use the phrase, work a treat. ~gloria upstate NY
Easy Grow Potatoes In Boxes
For a great tutorial about growing potatoes in bushel baskets (or any container really), check out the blog The Art of Doing Stuff. Just type growing potatoes in the search box on the blog to find the right post. I did this last year with great success. I planted...
Dutch Bunny
Yikes! I should have mentioned that you must use an iron skillet. No melt-able parts. Or use an equivalent baking dish. So sorry. ~gloria
Dutch Bunny
Yikes! I should have mentioned that you must use an iron skillet. No melt-able parts. Or use an equivalent baking dish. So sorry. ~gloria
Dutch Bunny
Kaelle, Isnt it funny how there are so many names for this? Oooh, jam sounds wonderful. And yes, a more shallow dish or pan allows for the batter to puff up better. My iron skillet is just right, but a deep dish pie pan would probably work. But dont forget...
Making a Camera Ornament?
Thanks Cyinda, I hadnt thought about paper clay and fimo, I was thinking more along the lines of a soft sculpture, maybe out of felt. But I will definitely give the fimo some serious consideration. I have a pretty good supply of that. I think I would have to...
Use Masking Tape to Make Seed Tapes
You dont have to worry about lead in pencils. They are made with graphite now. But good idea anyway. gloria
Making a 3-D Whale?
If you dont mind a little mess, what about paper mache? You could use an inflated balloon for the shape, wrapping the pasty newspaper strips around it, then popping the balloon inside carefully when its dry. (You can get lots of paper mache recipes on the internet...
Trash Bag Bird Bath
I like this idea. Thanks for posting. Do you dig a little hollow first before you lay the plastic down? Seems like that would give it a bit of stability and a bit of depth. I do something similar by putting large rocks in the garden that have natural hollows...
Thrifty Bird Suet Cage Cover
Could you post a photo. Im having a hard time picturing this in my mind. Thanks.
Buying Bear's Britches Seeds?
I grow them, but Im not sure how to collect the seeds. I could try to save you some. contact me at cheesyflasouvenir AT yahoo.com
Bending Silverware for Crafts?
For my bent silverware that I glue onto glass butter dish (see on Thriftyfun), I simply used my hands to bend into the shape I wanted and that fit the top. More modern flatware can be harder to bend than the old silver stuff. Ive never used heat with any of...
Deer and Rabbit Deterrent
Im about ready to try anything. Last winter, a nest of bunnies holed up under the ladys mantle plant in my garden then proceeded to devour two large burning bushes. They started at the bottom where I couldnt see and completely girdled both bushes, killing them...
Useful Items From Tree Limbs
Just thought Id pass this on. You probably know that oleander is very poisonous. The flowers, leaves, stems, twigs, etc., eaten or the smoke from burning. I would not use oleander for craft projects or suggest to others to do so. Safety first. Yikes!! I sound...
Recycled Bedspread Rug
Ive tried this a couple times and cant seem to get it to lie flat. It wants to cup up. Do you have any suggestions to remedy this problem? Yours is beautiful.
Use a Pot as Hose Hanger
I love it. Inventive, useful. And whats wrong with a little exploding dumpster look, as suggested? Ive found some great stuff in dumpsters and saved it from the landfill. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think our creative friend should be proud to...
Using French Fries in Hashbrown Casserole?
Coll3, This seems like a long time and a high temp. to cook meat that is already browned. Do you mean for the meat to be completely cooked through before going into the oven or just a quick browning but still not cooked all the way? Thanks, ~gloria
Removing Black Mold from Window Sills?
Thanks everyone whos commented so far. Dee, what is the ratio of vinegar to water? Or do I spray it on undiluted? Do I have to rinse it off? Thank you, ~gloria
Removing Black Mold from Window Sills?
Thanks everyone whos commented so far. Dee, what is the ratio of vinegar to water? Or do I spray it on undiluted? Do I have to rinse it off? Thank you, ~gloria
Treating a Child with Constipation?
My twins pediatrician told us to put a tsp. of Karo syrup in their bottles when feeding formula. I did not use formula with iron, this will constipate even more. The Karo was a miracle for us. Natural and easy. Call your doc and ask if this is a good idea for...
Raised Beds Using Cardboard Boxes
Im going to try cardboard boxes, too. But I think I will reinforce them with bands of duct tape, or possibly metal strapping, at least two bands around each box. Growing season here in NY is very short, so I think they will hold up that long. Ill still do a...
Raised Beds Using Cardboard Boxes
This season, I will be using feed sacks and old wicker laundry baskets to plant potatoes. Got the idea from TheArtofDoingStuff.com who plants hers in bushel baskets. Anything will do, apparently, if the sides are high enough for continuous hilling-up. Also...
Squirrels vs. Container Garden Veggies?
I had the same prob. every year with squirrels and chipmunks in my container gardens, pots and even in the flower beds. They use to dig and eat my seeds as fast as I could plant them. Now I cover the area where the seeds are planted with a black plastic mesh...
What is This Plant?
I cant tell for sure without seeing the leaves better. But it could be pentsemon/pentsamon. Google and compare.
Spray for Flying Insects
Brilliant! Im always doing battle with some kind of bug in my old house. Lately its spiders on the ceiling where I cant reach them (and usually at bedtime, eewww). Do you think this would work with spiders? Im always afraid Ill knock them off the ceiling and...
Birdbath Visitors
Im a squirrel-watcher (might as well be, theyre going to eat all the bird seed anyway) and this is the best squirrel pic Ive ever seen. I love it. Great shot. Hope you get your rain...and some for us here in NY.
What is This Plant? (Giant Ragweed)
To Elaine, Youre right, the leaves are similar to the ones at the website you suggested, but my plant does not have purple stems and is much taller, less bushy than this one. Im not sure the plant in your photo would grow in NY, I think it was a southern grown...
What is This Plant? (Giant Ragweed)
To Blane, Where is around here? Maybe I could find a book on weeds of your area. Thanks for your reply. ~gloria
What is This Plant? (Giant Ragweed)
To burksandy, If I ever find out, Ill post a new photo with the name. Thanks, ~gloria
What is This Plant? (Giant Ragweed)
To Leslee, We had a royal battle with hogweed once and this is different. If you could see how the leaves of this plant form inside one another youd be able to see the difference. But yes, the shape of the leaves is similar but not the same. Thank you for the...
What is This Plant? (Giant Ragweed)
Ha!! Finally. I know what it is. I let this monster grow, but it never did bloom. I figured I could I.D. it by the flowers, but nada. Nothing. Just kept getting taller. As of clip time today, it was 6.5 feet tall. Yikes. A botany professor identified it for...
Crafts Using Styrofoam Trays?
I only use the white meat trays that are fairly clean to begin with--its impossible to have no meat juices on them, so I wash well w/ soap and hot water. Then my grandkids and I use them for home-made shrinky dink material. I usually end up experimenting w...
Crafts Using Styrofoam Trays?
To Arentwetho, Neat idea. My grandsons are into friendship bracelets right now and your idea would be great. We use the stretchy cord so they are easy to get on and off the wrist. I bet the punching process is part of the fun. radioflyer (aka ~gloria)
Morning Glory Vine
Robin, youre so right. One pack of seeds can last a lifetime. I always save lots of seeds from my vines to plant where I really want them, knowing that plenty will come up where I never expected. This particular vine had the largest leaves Id ever seen on a...
Keep Apron Stocked for Household Projects
Sandi, Great tip. Ive been doing this for years. Especially when I watch my grandkids. Since you cant take your eyes off little ones, I would keep all my essentials in the pockets of my aprons. No more having to run to this room or that, or wondering where...
Scenery: Storm Clouds
Looks like the kind of sky that could have inspired Van Gogh. Ive never seen clouds like this and Im an avid sky-watcher.
Squirrels Digging Up Potted Plants?
Ive been using a the same method for years with great success. I found a roll of plastic mesh at a garage sale many years ago--my husband says its used for keeping leaves out of gutters on the house. I cut it to fit whatever area I want to protect and simply...
Clean Veggies With Water and Vinegar
What did the article say about lettuce? That seems to be the culprit when you hear of someone getting sick. Wouldnt you need to open the lettuce head up to get the cleaner inside? Or maybe it would be best to do this wash on the individual leaves as you need...
Aggressive Opossum in My Yard?
You should call animal control for your town or county right away. It may be sick and could give rabies to your dog or you. They will probably set a humane trap for it overnight so they can examine it for illness.
Treating the Pain and Itching from a Yellow Jacket Sting?
Thanks all who have replied so far. Nothing has really worked yet. Im seeing doc tomorrow for unrelated matter and will ask her what she thinks. Hope she doesnt charge me twice. :>}
Wasp Sting Remedies Not Working?
To littlegamma, Thanks for your suggestion. Whats in the stuff? I dont take anything unless I know what it is and where it came from. Is there a description somewhere online? ~gloria
Shopping for Earth Friendly Shrinky Dinks?
I have used the white foam (Styrofoam?) trays that meat is packaged on at the grocery store as Shrinky-Dink material. If we have to buy our meat this way, might as well recycle the packaging and keep some of it out of the landfills. Wash thoroughly. Draw your...
Shopping for Earth Friendly Shrinky Dinks?
I have used the white foam (Styrofoam?) trays that meat is packaged on at the grocery store as Shrinky-Dink material. If we have to buy our meat this way, might as well recycle the packaging and keep some of it out of the landfills. Wash thoroughly. Draw your...
Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas?
Heres something Im going to make for my grandson. I think it would be good for boys OR girls if you add some details. Also good for lots of ages, again, just add details geared to the childs age you want to give it to. Hope you can open this link. If not, Google...
Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas?
Me again. I was thinking of your 9 year old with the super hero fort, but maybe hes too old for this kind of thing. My grands this age still like stuff like this. For older kids, what about books? Most libraries have used for sale.
Themed Stocking Stuffers
I like this idea. I would also put the real stocking somewhere conspicuously placed in the new stocking. Maybe even put a few small items in it, then place it in the new alternate stocking. I have always done a version of this at Easter, especially when my...
Last Minute Christmas Cookies
Love it! You are my kind of cook. Im always finding ways to add home-made touches to store bought foods. Many times for a lot cheaper than if I had made the recipe from scratch. Of course you have to watch out for all the additives in some packaged stuff. But...
Green Packaging
As a kid, we always received gifts from my grandparents that were packed in popcorn. It was many years before I realized that the popcorn was not one of the gifts. My mom never let on, didnt want to spoil our fun. Guess my grandparents were way ahead of the...
Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business?
How about A Clean Sweep? Or Maid To Order? Or The Tidy Team? Or Moms Cleaning Service. Everyone knows Mom does it best. Best wishes for your new business!
Saving Plastic Food Liners
Because of your concerns, Ill contact the makers of the original product and see what they have to say about the safety of using in the microwave. But in the mean time, Ill continue to use them, because after even 2 or 3 uses, they show little to no wear at...
Saving Plastic Food Liners
@jsham, Good idea! Normally, I dont like nuked baked potatoes. But maybe this will do the trick. Thanks for reading my tip.
Saving Plastic Food Liners
@Denise2003, Thanks for your comment, I agree. I usually keep them until they start to look used. Im sure we can use our own judgement on this. I think thats what being frugal is all about. Using our heads. :)
Daisy Oil For Bruises
Another good one is calendula oil. Very good for abrasions, chapped skin, dry skin, rough elbows. Can also be made into an ointment or cream. Calendula is easy to grow, is a beautiful flower, and re seeds itself easily.
Saving Plastic Food Liners
I wonder how they would work when preserving autumn leaves? Remember doing that between sheets of waxed paper and an old iron on low? Same concept I suppose. Ill try it with my grandkids next fall.
Craft Idea for Sentimental Bricks?
I have to ask, whats the story behind the bricks? How did you get them? Did they tear the school down? Ok, here are my suggestions: 1. Have you ever seen the cartoon with Ignatz and Crazy Cat? Just kidding, I would never recommend spousal abuse. But I have...
Cleaning Old Linoleum Flooring
I just bought a Swiffer WetJet hoping that would work on my old lino, but no such luck. My old floors is white (supposed to be) and to add insult to injury, has little decorative grooves and holes that capture grime and wont let go. Ive tried everything. I...
Surplus Potatoes?
You might try putting the parboiled potatoes on a cookie sheet with a bit of space between each potato. Place in freezer. After they are frozen, put them into large freezer bags or use a sealing machine if you have one, to take the air out of bag. Ive done...
Reuse Chair Back As Trellis
Thanks VB. My gardens do tend to be vintage and rustic in theme - shiny, new stuff just doesnt seem to fit into a cottage-type garden. Glad you liked this.
Drink Through A Straw To Help An Upset Stomach
My gastroenterologist has told me just the opposite. If youll notice, when you use a straw, the part of the straw above the surface of the drink is filled with air. You take that in before any liquid comes up the straw. My doc says never use a straw if you...
Craft Ideas Using Buttons
Button bracelets are easy to make. Just measure your wrist and use a piece of narrow elastic that youve sewn together at the ends. Sew each button on overlapping them slightly as you go around the elastic. This one is made of vintage buttons, some are Bakelite...
Creative Planters for Garden Focal Points
Thanks Jay. I like the hunt for quirky things as much as using them.
Creative Planters for Garden Focal Points
Thank you, Missysmom. Yes, Id love to use an old wheelbarrow. Unfortunately, we are still using it as a wheelbarrow. It will have to have no bottom at all before my husband gives it up. In the meantime, Ive found some other neat stuff. Photos to follow when...
Freeze Yogurt and Pudding For Popsicles
Thanks Robyn Fed. Adding regular yogurt might be best if children are having some. Save the ones that you added (Activia) yogurt for the grown-ups. I found the new cherry variety Activia goes especially well with the chocolate pudding.
Fresh Linen Drying On The Line
Yes, Creeker, I love the smell. If sunshine has a smell, that would be it.
Do Any Plants Smell Like Cat Urine?
Ive always thought that juniper bushes smell like cat pee. Do you have any of these nearby?
Hot-water Bottle Mouse Pad
Hey Robyn, nice story about your daughter. Funny, the things kids get attached to. And yes, I thought of the jar opener after I posted my tip about the mouse pad. Guess great minds think alike. Thanks for your comment and hope you voted for my idea. ~gloria
Grilled Provolone Instead Of Bacon In BLT
Rasta, glad you liked it and took the time to leave a comment. I always love it when someone tries my ideas and confirms that Im not crazy. Somewhere on ThriftyFun I have Bacon Alternative for cooking using olive oil and packaged Bacon Bits. Maybe you can do...
Grilled Provolone Instead Of Bacon In BLT
Frugal and Arent, you are so welcome. I think youll like it. Its kind of fun, too. Just be sure to use a really non-stick pan and cook slowly. Hey, Arent, Im a visual learner, and I appreciate lots of photos when I try something new. Figured other people might...
Grilled Provolone Instead Of Bacon In BLT
A2Sa, thanks. I think youll like it. Whats not to like, right? Its cheese!
Use A Flower Frog To Display Photos
Thanks, Deeli. Yep, little bit of spray paint to change the look.
Woven Rug from Recycled Insulation...
Gotta few questions. When you say insulation, do you mean the fiberglass stuff that you put in the walls and the attic? Isnt that stuff bad to get in your eyes, nose or on your hands? How did you clean the packaging first? Next question. I know how to make...
Turn a T-shirt Into a Nightgown
@linn.2009 Ha! I knew someone was going to say that. You cant see it in the photo, but the seashells are also glittery. Im not a glittery kind of girl. I had to admit I would never have worn it as it was. But couldnt bear to toss it. I suppose someone else...
Old Fashioned Flower Arrangement
Thanks, Stella. When we bought this house, I thought this green was way too much. But it seems to be growing on me. And Ive found so many things that look really good with this color. Think Ill keep it for a while.
Getting Rid of Foot Fungus?
Im willing to try all of these remedies. But no one said how long you need to do it before you see results. A little more info please :) Thank you kindly.
Flowers or Flock of Geese? (Western New York)
Hello Southern Saver, Thanks for naming my flowers. I thought it was some kind of loosestrife, but didnt go for the obvious. Haha. Yep, very appropriate. I love these when they are in bloom, but theyre VERY invasive and are hard to get rid of once they start...
Flowers or Flock of Geese? (Western New York)
Many thanks, Robyn. Yes, theyre really striking. I get a lot of comments from the walkers and joggers that go past my yard. :) ~gloria
Flowers or Flock of Geese? (Western New York)
Hi Rose, hi Aburn, Boy howdy, are you right about that! I tried everything to keep the little boogers under control but they always came back. Last fall I put down landscape fabric. So Im holding my breath to see if they stay put this spring. Thanks for your...
Cabinet Door Chalkboard
Photos Please! Would love to see it. Great idea. Ive been thinking of doing that too, but want to see how it turned out for a real person and not a photoshopped magazine picture. Know what I mean? :0)
Paper Flowers From Old Books
Hi Poor But Proud, thanks for your comments. Youre right, these can definitely be seasonal or find lots of holiday uses. I especially like using hymn books because there are traditional hymns for the different holidays. The glitter idea is great too.
Paper Flowers From Old Books
Connie, Thats why I love this website, what one person doesnt think of someone else will. It never occurred to me to make a copy. Probably because I have so many old books in sad shape that I keep for crafts like this. But obviously, not everyone does or you...
Gnarly Old Weeping Willow
Thanks Robyn, I love this old tree. I must admit, its the reason we bought this house (much to my husbands dismay). Unfortunately, it drops lots of twigs and branches every time we have the slightest breeze. And if it ever loses a big trunk, it will probably...
Old Door Knob Vase
@lluv2, Good ideas. Funny though, I was thinking I could also use the door knob to hold toothpicks. You know, sit it right next to a fancy plate of cheese cubes or some other snack. I like the door knob because it has a narrow opening that holds the tiny flowers...
Gnarly Old Weeping Willow
Sargeant, I used to know a formula for finding the age of trees, without resorting to chopping them down. However, willows are an exception since they ten to grow a lot faster than other trees. At least thats what Ive heard. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated...
No-Wilt Wildflowers
Jen and Readingiggits, Thank you for your comments. I appreciate and share your concerns. A little surprised at the amount of anger though. I know the laws, I respect and keep them. I guess I should have pointed out that I hike my own property, I have arthritis...
No-Wilt Wildflowers
Dear Jen and Readingiggits, Sorry youve been upset by my tip. I understand your concerns. I do know the laws, respect them and obey them. I would NEVER pick flowers on public land. I hike my own property--I have arthritis and cant walk very far. I should have...
No-Wilt Wildflowers
And now Im sorry for the double post. I kept getting error messages asking me to try again. So I did. And now we have two, though theyre not quite the same. Oh well. At least I got to explain myself. Twice. :)
Thimble Necklace
Thanks, Glimmer. And theres lots of different color combinations you could do. The person I got this idea from used pastel-colored pins that were sort of pearly translucent. Im more of a primary color person. I think she also used fewer pins and had them sticking...
Recycled Moroccan Windchime
Pretty cool. What did you use for the clapper in the middle of the chimes?
Baby Squirrel Returns (Madison, AL)
I too have a deck out my kitchen windows. The deck is attached to a gigantic weeping willow tree. Many families of squirrels live in this old tree and use the deck as their personal lounging area. They do the same thing, stretch out on the railings and take...
Heirloom Shadowboxes
My pleasure. Thanks for your kind words. Im working on another one. I have some other small items that I need to bring out of storage and enjoy.
My Frugal Life: Making-Do In Cuba
I grew up in Florida with some wonderful next door neighbors from Cuba. When things got very bad in that country, in the 50s, the father was forced to return to help other family members. He was never seen or heard from again. I feel so bad for his family, left...
Growing Oleander?
Yep, as frugalsunnie mentioned, its highly poisonous, especially when burned. Please get some good info on this.
Use Cereal Bags In Shipping
If you want to de-crumb or dry your cereal bag faster, use a blow dryer on cool setting. I do this with zip-loc bags that I wash out and use again, too. Good luck with your eBay selling. Id love to do that too, but it seems so complicated to me. And Ive had...
What To Do With Old Hankies
Old hankies would look nice used as a valance. Hang them over the rod so that one corner of each hankie points down. Over lap them slightly.
Quick Cheesy Egg On Toast
Definitely quicker to tear the cheese up. But cutting the slice into a round is a cinch. Just use the custard cup as a cookie cutter. Kids like this part. Press the inverted cup down onto the cheese and the 4 corners come right off - you can put the corner...
Wooden Bridge at Hillsborough River State...
Thanks, Robyn. I was standing on a tree limb that jutted out over the river. Camera in one hand, gripping onto the tree for dear life with the other. This river is home to lots of gators that probably love nothing better than to snap up unfortunate wildlife...
Animal Cracker Crafts
One more tip on this craft: You can also use Modge Podge as a sealer and to give your animals some shine. Off to the zoo today with the kiddos, wearing my animal cracker camel. :>)
Animal Cracker Crafts
Fletc3her, Ha! Funny. Youre right, they do sort of morph into one ambiguous animal w/o the details drawn on.
Animal Cracker Crafts
Hey, Goldiesmoon, great idea. Ive often thought they would make cool jewelry. I see earrings, ala, Shelley from Northern Exposure. She would wear animal cracker earrings. But definitely, necklaces would be easy. Not sure, but the eye hook might crack the surface...
Sewing to Salvage Stained Shirts
Really smart. Especially for kids that attract stains like a magnet. You can also apply a pocket from a complimenting piece of fabric to cover a stain. I do this on pants a lot when the stain is down the sides of the pants. Of course it depends on where the...
Zippered Plastic Bottle Container
Thanks Alicia, thanks Lewis. When I see these cool ideas online, I just have to try them to see how difficult they are. Ha. I never believe them when they say, this is so easy! This one was more time-consuming than difficult--sewing the zipper on, but not a...
Vintage Button Bracelet
Thank you, Robyn. I wear mine all the time and get lots of comments, so I figured Id share the idea here.
