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4th of July Ideas

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Succulent Planter Gift - finished planter

Succulent Planter GiftThe school year is coming to an end. This is a nice gift for a teacher, neighbor, co-worker, friend, or anyone special. It is homemade and inexpensive.

Flea on White

Use Ammonia to Kill FleasAmmonia applied to carpets where your dogs and cats sleep can be effective in killing fleas. Be sure to let animals out while you do this. This is a guide about use ammonia to kill fleas.

Yarn and Nail Wall-Hanging Vase - hang on wall

Yarn and Nail Wall-Hanging VaseI made this wall-hanging flower vase out of a wooden cutting board that was a bit too banged up to use in the kitchen any longer. I painted mine. I created a mason jar template and traced it with some wire nails, wrapped yarn around the nails, then filled the jar with flowers.

Mini Wooden Clothespin Easel - with Post-it pad

Mini Wooden Clothespin EaselThis is the perfect easel to hold your Post-it notes or Polaroid photos. This cute little wooden easel is made from clothespins. You can also fit small artwork or 4 x 6 photos on it too. Options include painting or decorating, but I like the natural wood look.

Cinnamon Donut Chips - bake thicker slices longer if needed

Cinnamon Donut Chips RecipeThis guide contains a cinnamon donut chips recipe. Sprinkle thin sliced, stale donuts, with cinnamon sugar, and toast in the oven for a delicious chip to have with tea or coffee or as a snack anytime.

A Big Bug? No a Hummingbird!

A Big Bug? No a Hummingbird!I was sitting outside hand feeding my favorite squirrel. This usually keeps her out of my bird-feeder when I heard this thump and felt something hit the side of my leg. Looking down I thought, WOW, what a huge bug. I reached down to pick it up and throw it into the grass when I realized it was a hummingbird.

Summer Fun for Kids

A woman reading books in the summer.

Starting a Summer Book Club and Book SwapKeep your kids entertained and reading over the summer by organizing a book club and book swap. Consider one for yourself as well. This is a guide about starting a summer book club and book swap.

Almost Free Boredom Busters

Almost Free Boredom BustersIn June the kids aren't bored yet; the thrill of summer vacation is still upon them. However, August is another story. With movie prices at $6 or higher and gas soaring in its price per gallon, how can you keep the kids busy and your budget happy?

Summer Fun Box

Summer Fun BoxSchool is almost out! A great surprise gift idea for elementary-aged children, grandchildren, or nieces and nephews is a 'Summer of Fun' surprise package. Try to think of all the things you loved as a child.

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Yo-Yo

Attend Free Summer Community EventsThis weekend, we attended Celebrate Hillsboro, an annual summer event provided by the businesses and city of Hillsboro, Oregon.

A child blowing bubbles

Summertime Activities for Your ChildrenFrugal living is nothing new to us as I was raised in a family of 11 kids and many foster children. We may have struggled because money was tight, but we never seemed to lack for fun things to do and there was always something going on that held our attention.

Fishing in a mountain lake.

Summer Crafts and Activities for Kids (and...If I do not make plans to keep my son busy this summer, he will be perfectly content to waste his days watching TV and playing with his DS. So I plan to set up a daily schedule for him.

More Summer Fun for Kids

Gardening Tips and Advice

Grow a Rose Cutting in a Potato cutting in a small potato

Grow a Rose Cutting in a PotatoIf you have a rosebush that's doing well and want to grow more from it, or give some as a gift, it's a good idea to propagate a cutting from that bush inside of a potato. Potatoes have a good amount of moisture and nutrients for a new cutting to develop from.

Shop Specifically For Plant Bargains - closeup of phlox flower

Shop Specifically For Plant BargainsA Tightwad Grows Flowers: Someone said I was so tight, I squeaked when I walked. So tight, I squeezed a nickel til the buffalo bellowed. Say what they will, when it comes to buying flowers, being miserly certainly has it's advantages.

Planting Seed in the Garden - man using the planting stick in the garden

Planting Seed in the GardenThis is a new version of a pipe for planting seed in the garden. The old version of my idea was posted last year on May 3rd.

Tomato Plants Not Blooming

Tomato Plants Not BloomingThis is a guide about tomato plants not blooming. It can be mystifying that your tomato plants seem so healthy but are not blooming.

Save Soil if Planting Succulents - two planted pots

Save Soil if Planting SucculentsSucculents have shallow roots and do not require much soil. You can fill a giant pot with other items like cartons, planters, containers, etc. to save soil.

Euonymus As Foundation Planting - 1 year's growth

Euonymus As Foundation PlantingI did a previous post on using Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety as a foundation planting. My last picture in the post left you looking at some tiny Euonymus plants I had rooted. It also showed a dead Bermuda lawn. (I killed it).

More Gardening Tips and Advice

Pest Control

Horses with fly nets to keep the horse flies off their heads.

Getting Rid of Horse FliesHorse flies can be a menace to have around. This is a guide about getting rid of horse flies.

Protecting Tomatoes

Protecting Tomatoes from BirdsThis is a guide about protecting tomatoes from birds. Eventually most gardeners become tired of sharing their tomatoes with the local bird population.

Tiny Ants

Getting Rid of Tiny AntsBoth borax powder and diatomaceous earth can be effective in deterring ants. This is a guide about getting rid of tiny ants.

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Whole and sliced Hedge Apples (Maclura pomifera) also known as Osage Oranges against a white background

Using Hedge Apples to Repel SpidersThis is a guide about using hedge apples to repel spiders. Hedge apples have a long standing reputation as a spider repellent.

Carpenter bee drilling into wood.

Getting Rid of Carpenter BeesCarpenter bees will attack the wood trim and porches around your home making holes and tunnels for nesting. This is a guide about getting rid of carpenter bees.

Carpenter Bee Trap

How to Make a Carpenter Bee TrapCarpenter bees can destroy the wood in your home. Use this simple trick to capture carpenter bees. This is a guide about making a carpenter bee trap.

More Pest Control

4th of July

car license plate painted as stylized American flag

Car Tag (License Plate) FlagMake an American flag from an old car tag. Spray paint the tag (license plate) using either red or white. That way you will only have to paint one set of stripes. Let dry. Paint on your blue background for stars, let dry. Paint on your other colored stripes, let dry.

An American flag showing the stars and stripes.

U.S. Flag EtiquetteCelebrate Independence Day, display your U.S. flag using the proper flag etiquette.

Ft. Vancouver

Fireworks at Fort VancouverMy family and I visited Fort Vancouver for their annual Fourth of July fireworks display. It is a very large park located in Vancouver, Washington, with historic and archeological exhibits and information.

Salad served in Uncle Sam hat.

Uncle Sam's Salad BowlI picked up this Uncle Sam hat in the dollar store. They had matching ice buckets, so it dawned on me that putting the two items together would make a nice presentation for the Fourth of July!

Red, white, and blue Lantern

Americana LanternGive your old lantern a new look for your Memorial Day Celebration. This was an old rusty lantern that I gave new life to with an Americana Theme for Memorial Day and can be used as well for 4th of July.

Saving Money on Fireworks

Saving Money on FireworksWith the 4th of July (U.S. Independence Day) coming soon, here are ideas for saving money on fireworks or fireworks display shows as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own advice here.

More 4th of July

Videos

A tray of peanut butter cookies.

Flourless Peanut Butter CookiesThese easy peanut butter cookies are entirely gluten-free. Learn how to make them in this short video.

A stuffed red lobster with a black eye patch covering where an eye is missing.

Stuffed Animal Eye PatchIf you have a beloved stuffed animal that loses an eye, an eye patch might be the best solution. Learn how in this short video.

A foil lid being used as an impromptu spoon.

Making a Lid SpoonEver been stuck without a spoon when eating an individual serving of applesauce, pudding or yogurt? Just use the lid as a spoon! Learn how to make one in this short video.

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Teak furniture on a deck outdoors.

Refinishing Teak Outdoor FurnitureTeak is a common material for outdoor furniture because it is long lasting if cared for correctly. Learn how to do it in this short video.

A serving of peach crumble topped with ice cream.

Peach CrumblePeach crumble is a classic summertime dessert, especially if you are lucky enough to have ripe fresh peaches. Learn how to make it in this short video.

A tent pole elastic that has been repaired.

How to Fix a Tent PoleMany tent poles are attached with elastic, which can break with rough usage. Learn how to fix it in this short video.

Recent

Grey slip on women's shoes, one upside down.

How to Keep Shoe Soles CleanShoes go everywhere so the soles can become dirty very quickly. Clean soles will track in less dirt and will help the shoe look presentable longer. This is a guide about how to keep shoe soles clean.

Dough balls on a tray.

How to Let Dough Rise in Warm SunIf you are baking bread on a warm sunny day, use that heat to rise your dough. This is a guide about how to let dough rise in warm sun.

A black and white photo of a child holding a lollipop.

Theories for a Frugal LifeLiving within my means has been ingrained in me my whole life, as is living a green life, meaning being nice to Mother Nature. I find when I share my theories with people, there are two schools of reactions. One is the person looking at me like I have three heads and webbed feet. This is sadly the usual reaction. The other rare reaction is a look of pure relief that there is a kindred soul out there.

Scrambled Eggs on plate with lettuce and tomato

Herbed Greek Yogurt Scrambled EggsI love adding Greek yogurt to many of my foods for the additional probiotics and protein. Adding it to eggs is a great way to substitute any milk or cream you might generally have in it. The result is fluffy yet firm, good for you eggs! I used marjoram here, you can use any herb you like.

Laminate kitchen counter.

How to Fix a White Heat Mark on Faux MarbleFaux marble is not as rugged as the real thing and heat damage is a common complaint. This guide contains advice on how to fix a white heat mark on faux marble.

Pork & Beans Upgrade on plate

Pork & Beans UpgradeIn every kitchen, it's always a challenge for moms to make new things out of the old or common ones. You have to think of some things that are appealing to every family member especially the kids. So here's one recipe upgrade I personally made at home for both hubby and kiddo.

Questions

Locating the Source of an Odor in My HomeAs I get halfway up my staircase I notice an odor. To the left is the master bedroom and to the right is a linen closet and bathroom. About three weeks ago which is around the time I noticed it, my neighbor text me while I was at work and said there were about 10 turkey buzzards on my roof.

Feeding a Gold Fish Dry Dog FoodI have dried dog pellets food can I crush some to feed my gold fish

Invisible Bugs Biting Me at NightWe moved into a new place in Santa Barbara California. Within days I began getting badly bitten by something invisible at night and I never feel the bites just the itchy huge mounds on my skin.

Finding the Cause of Pinkish Orange Stains on Laundry - very large light spot on t-shirt

Finding the Cause of Pinkish Orange Stains on LaundryWhat is causing these pinkish orange spots? The clothes did not have them before they went into the washer and dryer. I don't use bleach or fabric softener. It happens randomly every once in a while and ruins my clothes. This shirt was only worn once and is now garbage.

Making Spaghetti for 300How many kilos of spaghetti would you need to make for 300 persons?

Solution for Waxing SideburnsSo I stupidly waxed my side burns because they looked ugly to me and I'm scared that it looks bad now as it is growing back. Will the hair be thicker? It feels hairier; is there a reason why?

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A repair man fixing a leaky roof.

Finding Home Repair Help for Low Income Families

A man with a nail gun performing roof repairs.

Getting Financial Assistance for Roof...

Buy Now Pay Later Websites

Buy Now, Pay Later Websites

Man scratching his head.

Getting Rid of Fleas in Human Hair

Electric Smoke Detector

Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop Beeping

Disposing of Old Gasoline, Red gas can.

Cleaning Gasoline from Car Carpet

Old leather Couch with missing button

Repairing a Leather Couch

A woman getting dental work done.

Getting Dental Work w/o Insurance

Cigarette Smoke Odors

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors From a...

A man cutting down a tree.

Selling Trees on Your Land for Lumber

Close up of a roof being installed

Finding Roof Repair Assistance for Seniors

Hardwood Floor

Cleaning Pet Urine Odor From Hardwood Floors

Itching from a bug bite.

Identifying Little Black Biting Bugs

Making a Mosquito Trap

Making a Mosquito Trap

Musty Smell in the Basement

Getting Rid of a Musty Smell in the Basement

Young woman dyeing her hair.

Removing Hair Dye from Wood

A blue above ground swimming pool.

Cleaning an Above Ground Pool

A birthday cake with the number 11 on it.

11th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

13th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

13th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

A dog laying on a hardwood floor.

Removing Pet Urine Stains from Hardwood Floors

Roof with damaged shingles.

Roof Repair for Low Income Homeowners

An ink pen in a blue leather purse.

How to Remove Ink from Leather

An antique porcelain tub

Cleaning Porcelain Bathtubs

Couch with urine odors.

Removing Urine Odors from a Couch

A woman in pain wearing dentures.

Remedies for Pain from Wearing Dentures

Picture of a red striped shirt in a washer.

Removing Dye Transfers from Clothing

50th birthday party numbered candles on a cake

Unique 50th Birthday Party Ideas

Hummingbird perched on a feeder.

Keeping Ants Out of the Hummingbird Feeder

Homemade Cat Repellents

Homemade Cat Repellents

Clearing a Clogged Bathtub Drain, Pulling Hair From Clogged Drain

Clearing a Clogged Bathtub Drain

growing a cherry tree from a pit.

Starting a Cherry Tree from a Pit

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

Rust stains around tub faucet.

Removing Rust Stains from a Bathtub

Patio Swing

Replacing the Canopy on a Patio Swing

cigarette odors in a car

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors from a Car

Iron-On Patch

Removing Iron-On Labels and Patches

A photo of an old, gold trophy.

Recycling Old Trophies

Man tinkering with a riding mower.

Troubleshooting a Riding Lawn Mower That Won't Start

50th Anniversary Gift Box

50th Anniversary Gift Ideas

A wood table.

Fixing a Wood Table With a Nail Polish Remover Stain

Kitten

Treating a Kitten with Eye Discharge

Ant Hill in Forest

Getting Rid of Ant Hills

Daycare

Slogan Ideas for a Daycare

Work Clothing

Removing Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Odors From Clothing

13 year old gift ideas

12th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

Kenmore Refrigerator

Kenmore Refrigerator Not Cooling

bug spray

Identifying Flying Insects

kitchen sink

Unclogging a Garbage Disposal

Painting Walls

Painting Walls in a Mobile Home

Woman Having Tooth Pulled

Eating After Having Teeth Pulled

10th Birthday Cake.

10th Birthday Party Ideas

Dog laying on beige carpet next to a vacuum

Cleaning Urine Odors from Carpet

cat

Remedies for Worms in Cats

Brown squirrel eating

Keeping Squirrels from Digging in Plants

Ice Maker Manual

Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working

Electrician Working on Circuit Breakers

Troubleshooting Circuit Breaker Problems

Eyeglasses That Need Repair

Repairing Scratched Eyeglasses

White Heat Stain on Wood Table

Removing White Heat Stains from a Wood Table

Puppy scratching.

Keeping Flies Off Your Dog

Woman Cleaning Bathtub

Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub

pressure washing concrete

Removing Sap from Concrete

Getting Rid of Fleas in Bedding. Upclose photo of a flea.

Getting Rid of Fleas Naturally

Toilet bowl

Removing Toilet Bowl Stains

An overweight dog.

Homemade Weight Loss Dog Food Recipes

Faucet running in a kitchen that uses well water.

Removing Sulfur Smell from a Well Water System

Musty Smelling Carpet

Cleaning Musty Smelling Carpets

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