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Recycled Plastic Bottle Christmas Balls - finished balls hanging on a lighted piece of garland

Recycled Plastic Bottle Christmas BallsI'm pretty late with Christmas decorations this time. There is no time to buy new Christmas balls, travel time takes longer than shopping so I'd rather spend it making an alternative holiday tree ornament.

Cash Trees As Gifts - money folded as a tree in a gift box

Cash Trees As GiftsI decided to give cash gifts rather than gift cards.

Faux Wax Drip Jar Candle Holders - finished jar with candle inside and jute around the top

Faux Wax Drip Jar Candle HoldersThis is a technique I have perfected over the years making glass bottle decorations. Many people will add food color to glue, pour it in a glass jar, and bake it in the oven. This effect looks like a colored glass jar. I decided to take it a step further and create a faux wax drip jar using food coloring and glue. This is so easy to make and it looks great when you add a tea light to the jar.

Recycled Christmas Card Coasters - decoupaged card front coasters

Recycled Christmas Card CoastersI like to make Christmas coasters from recycled greeting cards. Cut the front off of a Christmas card and with Mod Podge paste it to the front of a 4 X 4 white tile. On the back paste a piece of sheet cork cut to fit. It takes about an hour to complete the coaster including drying time.

Rainbow Unicorn Ornament - ornament hanging on the tree

Rainbow Unicorn OrnamentHere's a trending animal this year, unicorns. Of course my daughter was a unicorn for Halloween (one of her outfits.) With the left over colorful tulle I had, I was able to make this really simple unicorn ornament.

Personalized Felt Ornaments - large and small felt ornaments on the tree

Personalized Felt OrnamentsMaking personalized felt ornaments was really fun and most of all really thrifty versus buying Christmas ornaments. You can make a bunch for your tree and probably enough to make as gifts! Let me share with you all some of the ornaments I made.

Christmas

Hang Wreath with Ribbon

Hang Wreath with RibbonHere is my do it yourself on how to hang a wreath with ribbon and no nails in your door! It is also really quick, taking only about 15 minutes. This is perfect if your door does not have enough clearance for a wreath hanger (applies to me), or you don't want to purchase a wreath hanger.

Christmas Wreath

Making a Christmas WreathThis is a page about making a Christmas wreath. Rather than buying your Christmas wreath this year try making one. It can become a family tradition and they also make a thoughtful gift. Let your imagination go and create a unique wreath for this year and beyond.

Quick and Sentimental Ornaments - clear plastic ornament with beads inside hanging on the tree

Quick and Sentimental OrnamentsHere is a quick tip on how to make sentimental ornaments. Have your child select any "special" to them items and place inside clear plastic ornament. Add year to the back of the ornament for memories.

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Fabric Wrapping Paper - variety of gifts wrapped in red stretch velvet with green bows

Fabric Wrapping PaperFabric is a great reusable wrapping paper solution. It is a sustainable and thrifty gift wrap choice. You have to spend a little more up front, but as long as you get most of the wrapping fabric back, you can continue to reuse it for years to come.

Photo of Santa picking up a cookie.

10+ Santa Claus TraditionsSanta Claus is an fun part of the many families Christmas celebrations. This page has several different traditions that people people have shared.

A Christmas present with a red ribbon.

Save Time, Money And Aggravation During the HolidaysAre you old-fashioned like me and still like to go to the store to see and feel the gift you are selecting? Do you still enjoy the process and thrill of finding that special gift, wrapping it, and giving it?

Videos

Three Christmas tree treat holders made from felt.

Felt Christmas Tree Treat HoldersCreate these cute decorated tree shaped treat holders from felt. Learn how to make them in this short video.

Felt Antique Christmas Baubles

Felt Antique Christmas BaublesLet your kids decorate their own felt Christmas tree with these cute antique inspired felt baubles. Learn how to make them in this short video.

Paper Doily Christmas Tree

Paper Doily Christmas TreeLacy paper doilies are glued in layers to create this delicate snowy tree. Learn how to make it in this short video.

Nightmare Before Christmas Yarn Wreath

Nightmare Before Christmas Yarn WreathI love the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas and I wanted to have some Halloween decorations that I could use year after year, this is what I came up with.

Felt Christmas Tree With Ornaments

Felt Christmas Tree With OrnamentsA felt Christmas tree is a cute decoration and perfect for the little ones in your life. Learn how to make your own in this step by step video.

Felt Christmas Light Garland

Felt Christmas Light GarlandThis cute kids' craft uses felt to make a safe garland of brightly colored Christmas light bulbs on a string. Learn how to make the garland in this short video.

Recent

A loaf of quick bread.

Quick Bread RecipesAlthough delicious anytime, the holidays seem to be the perfect time to bake a variety of quick breads for family and to give as gifts. There are numerous recipes to try, both sweet and savory. This page contains an assortment of quick bread recipes.

Christmas Tree Decor Sign - tree sign standing next to a Merry Christmas sign

Making a Christmas Tree Decor SignThe lacy white tree on this piece of Christmas decor is made from a paper doily. Learn who to recreate this craft using the instructions and photos contained on this page.

Happy Bow Wreath - finished wreath hanging on the door

Making a Happy Holidays Bow WreathMake a simple, quick, inexpensive bow wreath using a Styrofoam wreath form and lots of gift bows. The instructions can be found on this page.

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Steak, potatoes and Egg in the middle

Steak and Egg HashHere is a hearty breakfast treat you can make with your leftover meats. I used beef steak here, but you can use any type of meat and it will turn out great. This is a one skillet meal for one person. Just multiply and use a bigger skillet to serve more people.

Meringues in bowl

One Minute Microwave MeringuesSuper simple and incredibly fast way to make a bowl full of scrumptious meringues that you can munch or mix with fruit and other toppings for a very fast dessert!

Kids' Cutout Paper Wreath - ready to hang

Making a Kids' Cutout Paper WreathCut the center from a paper plate, paint it green, and then add fun toy and holiday magazine images, plus stickers, beads, or anything else you might have in your craft stash. The result is a unique kid friendly holiday project to use as decoration.

Questions

Getting Raccoons Out of the HouseWe just bought a house that has been empty for a long time and found that there's a family of raccoons living inside of it. How do I get rid of the raccoons? I'm very concerned because I have two dogs that I'm afraid could be harmed.

Advice to Help Quit Biting NailsI've been biting my nails since as far back as I can remember, and I have no control over it. I used to get infected nails all the time and the doctors wouldn't help. I was young and my parents had to physically pull my fingers from my mouth because all I did was bite them. I'm now 18 and everyone I know asks me to get my nails done, but I can't because they are so short.

Using a Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Without the RemoteCan my pre-lit Balsam Hill Christmas tree work without the remote? Can I just somehow plug it into the wall and not worry about color changing and bypass the remote some? If so how? I lost mine and can't afford to order/buy one and I am stuck with a pretty tree with no lights.

Value of a Set of Canadian Centennial EncyclopediasI have a complete set of Canadian 1967 Centennial encyclopedias in excellent condition. What would it be worth and what is the best way to market the set?

Value of a J. Misa Porcelain Doll - doll in a box

Value of a J. Misa Porcelain DollI don't know what her name is or how old she is or even what she's worth. There are no numbers or dates on the box. She's never been opened.

What Breed Is My Cat? - mostly white cat with some gray

What Breed Is My Cat?I rescued Olly at three weeks old, since then his coat has thickened and gotten a lot longer. He has bright green eyes, a long body and long ears. Any ideas?

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Man looking at a broken light on an Artificial Christmas Tree.

Pre-lit Christmas Tree Lights Not WorkingYou plug the tree in but not all the lights are shining. This can be a frustrating situation, especially if the tree is only 2-3 years old. Often, a Christmas light tester is the easiest way to locate the problem area. This page is about pre-lit Christmas tree lights not working.

A repair man fixing a leaky roof.

Finding Home Repair Help for Low Income FamiliesThere are times when household repairs just can not wait until you have the money to complete the project. This page is about finding home repair help for low income families.

Buy now pay later button on a computer keyboard.

Buy Now, Pay Later WebsitesBuy now, pay later websites offer an alternative to shopping using a credit or debit card. This is a page about buy now, pay later websites.

Roof with damaged shingles.

Roof Repair for Low Income HomeownersLow income homeowners often can not afford the cost of roof repairs. Searching for agencies or organizations that might help with the costs may be their only solution. This is a page about roof repair for low income homeowners.

Close up of a roof being installed

Finding Roof Repair Assistance for SeniorsMany senior citizens are living on fixed incomes that often are insufficient to meet the maintenance needs of their homes. This is a page about finding roof repair assistance for seniors.

Man sitting on couch looking through phone book in flooded room with water up past his ankles

Finding Plumbing Repair Assistance for...This is a page about finding plumbing repair assistance for low income homeowners. Having working plumbing is a necessity. However, some families can not afford the cost of hiring a tradesperson to make the necessary repairs.

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Making Fudge

Fixing Fudge That Didn't SetThis is a page about fixing fudge that didn't set. Sometimes fudge just doesn't set. Short of using it for a syrup or spread, you may want to try to fix it and successfully get it to set.

hands holding a wrapped gift

12 Days of Christmas Gift IdeasThis is a page about 12 days of Christmas gift ideas. Planning a special Christmas gift giving event based on the old Christmas song can be lots of fun.

Cleaning Laminate Flooring, Red dry mop cleaning laminate floors

Cleaning Laminate FlooringLaminate floors can easily get water damaged. Knowing how to clean your laminate flooring, can keep it looking new for many years. This is a page on cleaning laminate flooring.

A variety of bagels.

Freezing BagelsThis page is about freezing bagels. When you have more bagels than you can use right away, the freezer is a good place to store them.

A man performing roof repairs.

Getting Financial Assistance for Roof...When your roof is starting to fail it is important to get it fixed as soon as possible. This page is about getting financial assistance for roof repairs.

Buy Now, Pay Later Catalogs

Buy Now, Pay Later CatalogsLots of buy now pay later websites have catalogs picturing their merchandise, that you can receive in the mail. This is a page about buy now, pay later catalogs.

Keeping Your Windshield Free of Snow and Ice, Man Cleaning Snow and Ice off of Windshield

Keeping Your Windshield Free of Snow and IceDuring the winter it can be a real chore to get all the snow and ice off your windshield before heading out in the morning. This is a page about keeping your windshield free of snow and ice.

A man cutting down a tree.

Selling Trees on Your Land for LumberIf you own acres or even a larger residential lot you may have trees that you would like to have removed and be able to sell for the lumber. This is a page about selling trees on your land for lumber.

Present for Grown Child

Buying Presents for Grown ChildrenThis is a page about buying presents for grown children. As our children get older it can become more difficult to decide on a gift for birthdays and holidays.

Dental tools in open mouth

Getting Dental Work w/o InsuranceFor the many people without dental insurance, there are sometimes affordable ways to get the needed work done. This is a page about getting dental work done without insurance.

Glider chair with ottoman.

Finding Glider Chair Replacement CushionsMany glider chairs have fabric upholstered cushions that may need to be replaced long before the chair itself. This is a page about finding glider chair replacement cushions.

Snow Covered Truck

Troubleshooting Truck Heater ProblemsWhen your vehicle's heater is not blowing hot air, you need to figure out why not. This page is about troubleshooting truck heater problems.

Electric Smoke Detector

Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop BeepingIt can drive you to distraction, the constant unexplainable beeping of an electric smoke detector. Often it just needs the battery replaced but it may be a signal that it needs greater attention. This is a page about troubleshooting ideas when an electric smoke detector won't stop beeping.

Oatmeal cocolate chip cookie on baking sheet

Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies...Reproducing your favorite store bought cookies at home can save you money. This page is about Kashi oatmeal dark chocolate chip cookies (copycat).

Two wood dressers.

Organizations That Help Low Income Families Get Free FurnitureBuying furniture is an expensive undertaking. Families struggling on low incomes often are unable to buy or replace their furniture without some type of assistance. This is a page about organizations that assist low income families get free furniture.

Front Loading Washer

Buying a Front Loading Washer With Reversible...This is a page about buying a front load washer with reversible door. When installing washer you may need to change the direction the loading door opens, so it is nice to buy one that makes that possible.

A laptop being used by a person.

Buy Now Pay Later Websites for LaptopsThis is a page about buy now pay later websites for laptops. If the cost of a new laptop is not within their budget some consumers look for pay later options.

Ants herding aphids on a tree branch.

Keeping Ants Off Trees and ShrubsThis page is about keeping ants off trees and shrubs. These insects are responsible for farming aphids on many garden plants and trees.

Christmas Cactus on Table

Give Coffee to a Christmas CactusThis is a page about giving coffee to a Christmas cactus. Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee.

Peanut butter fudge made with cake frosting and peanut butter.

Cake Frosting Fudge RecipesThis page contains cake frosting fudge recipes. A quick and easy way to make fudge begins with a tub of cake frosting.

Wire-Edged Ribbon Bow

Making a Wire-Edged Ribbon BowFashioning your own accessories or package adornments can be fun with this stiffened ribbon. This is a page about making a wire-edged ribbon bow.

Old Oil Lamp

Disposing of Lamp Oil ProperlyThe type of oil used in your lamp and the local recycling and waste regulations will help determine the best way to dispose of the oil. This is a page about disposing of lamp oil properly.

A burnt stainless steel pot.

Burnt Milk in a Stainless Steel PotVinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice can all be used to clean stainless steel pots with burned on milk. This is a page about burnt milk in a stainless steel pot.

Veterinarian taking a blood sample from a cat.

Finding a Veterinarian That Accepts PaymentsIt is very stressful to have a pet in need of veterinary treatment and not have the cash for the visit. Finding a practice that will accept payments can be difficult. This is a page about finding a veterinarian that accepts payments.

Office Door Christmas Decoration

Christmas Decorating Ideas for Office DoorThis page contains Christmas decorating ideas for your office door. When you are working in an office, it's fun to add some seasonal decor to your door.

Removing Smoke Odor After a House FireSmoke damage can be very difficult to remove even from a small house or kitchen fire. This is a page about removing smoke odors after a house fire.

a smart girl reading

Using Online Accelerated Reading TestsAccelerated reading tests allow children to read grade level appropriate books, take tests on content, and receive feedback. This is a page about free online accelerated reading tests.

Chocolate fudge with nuts on a white plate on red plaid tablecloth.

Preventing Grainy FudgeThis is a page about preventing grainy fudge. Homemade fudge is a delicious treat. However, on occasion rather that the smooth creamy texture you were hoping for it turns out grainy.

Marshmallows

Substituting Marshmallows and...This is a page about substituting marshmallows and marshmallow creme. Finding the right amount of this cream to use in place of marshmallows, or vice versa, may be easier than you think.

Inside of Empty new home.

Rates for Cleaning New Construction HomesThis is a page about rates for cleaning new construction homes. Cleaning businesses often focus on specific types of cleaning jobs, such as private homes, businesses, or new construction.

A man using his laptop to shop.

Websites That Don't Require a Credit CardThis is a page about websites that don't require a credit card. Some consumers, for various reasons, don't have a credit card to use for their internet shopping. With some perseverance they can find a few sites that might work for their needs.

man slipping on ice

Removing Ice on Sidewalks and DrivewaysThis is a page about removing ice on sidewalks and driveways. Ice on sidewalks and driveways can be hazardous.

Dog Standing on Carpet

Preventing a Dog From Peeing on Carpet and RugsPreventing a dog from peeing on the carpet, especially repeat performances, can be a frustrating process, but there are solutions to this problem. This is a page about preventing a dog from peeing on carpet and rugs.

Black mold on a bathroom ceiling.

How Do I Remove Black Mold on the Ceiling?This is a page about removing black mold on the ceiling. Black mold can be difficult to get rid of anywhere in the home, but the ceiling can be one of the most challenging.

Wood with a screw in it.

Fixing a Loose Screw in WoodThis is a page about fixing a loose screw in wood. When a screw comes loose in wood, it can be difficult to get it to stay in again. There are ways to fill the hole and get the screw to hold in the wood again.

Toilet

Preventing Mineral Deposits in a ToiletMineral deposits in the toilet not only create an unsightly ring in the bowl, they can also cause problems if they disrupt normal flow of water into and out of the tank. This is a page about preventing mineral deposits in a toilet.

A man repairing a washing machine.

GE Washer Drains But Won't SpinIf your washing machine is draining but not spinning, you may need to call a repair person out to fix it. A GE washer that drains but won't spin is a problem you can try to fix on your own but it may be difficult.

Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine Not StitchingThis is a page about sewing machine not stitching. Sometimes you can troubleshoot and make the needed repairs to your sewing machine.

Kids sitting and listening to their preschool teacher.

Name Ideas for a PreschoolThis page contains name ideas for a preschool. Choose an easy to remember name for your business.

gravel driveway

Inexpensive Alternatives to Paving a DrivewayThis page is about inexpensive alternatives to paving a driveway. Paving a driveway can cost more than you can afford.

Savings Bond

Cashing a Deceased Parent's Savings BondsIf the owner of a government savings bond dies without naming a beneficiary, there are specific steps that need to be taken for a relative to cash them in. This is a page about cashing a deceased parent's savings bonds.

Itching from a bug bite.

Identifying Little Black Biting BugsIdentifying biting bugs is the first step in trying to eliminate them from your home or to repel them when outdoors. This is a page about identifying little black biting bugs.

Group of adult friends blowing up balloons.

Pantyhose Reindeer Balloon GameIt is always fun to find a new game to play at a Christmas party. This is a page about pantyhose reindeer balloon game.

Ford Ranger

Ford Ranger Heater Not WorkingIf your truck's heater is not working, your defroster usually doesn't work either. This page is about Ford ranger heater not working.

Well water running a in a sink.

Removing Rust from Well WaterWell water can contain rust. Not only does rust in your water make the water reddish, unappetizing, and possibly bad tasting it can also stain laundry and other items. This is a page about removing rust from well water.

Brown leather reclining sofa.

Slipcovers for Reclining CouchesFinding slipcovers for your reclining couch may be difficult. This is a page about slipcovers for reclining couches.

Prescription Sunglasses

Removing the Tint from Prescription SunglassesThis page is about removing the tint from prescription sunglasses. Sometimes the tint color of your glasses is not the way you want it.

Building an Awning

Building an AwningMaking an awning can help protect a deck, window or doorway from sun and weather. This page is about building an awning.

Finding Free Furniture

Finding Free FurnitureIf you need to furnish your home or apartment inexpensively, it doesn't get any better than finding free furniture. This is a page about finding free furniture.

Men's Crocheted Skull-Cap

How to Make a Men's Crocheted Skull-CapA tightly fitted hat is an easy pattern to crochet, and will keep a young man warm and stylish. This is a page about making a men's crocheted skull-cap.

A pair of eyeglasses on an open laptop.

Removing Anti-Reflective Coating from GlassesWhen the reflective coating on your eye glasses is damaged you may need to remove it. This is a page about removing anti-reflective coating from glasses.

Tiny black bugs next to a penny for scale.

Tiny Black Bugs in the KitchenThe key to getting rid of tiny black bugs on kitchen floor is first identifying what they are. Check out what has worked for others in this page.

Rodent Trap

Rodent Odor in Walls and VentsOnce mice have been in residence in a house they can die in the walls and heating system, making them difficult to find. This page is about rodent odor in walls and vents.

Recipes Using Leftover Ham, Spiral sliced ham.

Freezing Leftover HamThis is a page about freezing leftover ham. Don't let any leftover ham go to waste. Freezing ham is a great way to preserve it to use in casserole, soups, and other dishes.

Blue Bow

Finding an EZ Bow Maker Instruction ManualThis page is about finding an EZ Bow Maker instruction manual. Sometimes we need some help locating replacement instructions.

Softening Granulated Sugar

Softening Granulated SugarWhen sugar gets hard, there are ways to make it useful. This page is about softening granulated sugar.

Elderly man receiving a birthday gift

Nursing Home Gift IdeasThis page contains nursing home gift ideas. It is nice to give your friends and loved ones of all ages useful gifts.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Receiving Social Security Survivor BenefitsIf a spouse or parent dies, you may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. This is a page about receiving Social Security survivor benefits.

Finding a Lost Relative, Genealogy Study

Finding a Lost RelativeWhether you are trying to locate a relative you have never met or attempting to reconnect with some one you have lost track of, finding a lost relative can be a daunting task. This is a page to finding a lost relative.

Multimeter

Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit ProblemsWhen the breaker is not tripped, but your circuit is not working, it can be a serious problem. It may be best to consult an electrician. This page is about troubleshooting electrical circuit problems.

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