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Using My Collection Of Wine Corks For Decorating - finished wine and cork decor on top of a black cabinet

Using My Collection Of Wine Corks For DecoratingI have a collection of wine corks that I to use as decor in my home. I have seen in various stores wine corks used as decorations, but often they are too pricey for me. With a thrift store wooden box I will recreate the look of those pricey store decor items.

Making a Strawberry Planter from a Laundry Basket - planted basket sitting on stoop

Making a Strawberry Planter from a Laundry BasketEven if you purchase everything new, this is not an expensive project. I found the laundry basket at the curb, got the potting soil and burlap on sale, and traded plants with a neighbor.

Making A Patriotic Flag With Left Over Wood - flag decoration leaning against house on porch or deck

Making A Patriotic Flag With Left Over WoodWe do a lot of projects using wood. We do not waste even the smallest pieces. For this project I wanted to make a patriotic flag for my porch. This is a simple project and can be used year around. Here is how!

Increasing Humidity for Newly Potted Houseplants - plastic bag over a houseplant being held up by two skewers

Increasing Humidity for Newly Potted HouseplantsTo increase humidity, you can use a plastic bag and skewer. The skewer is used to hold the bag up without touching the leaves. If the plastic touches the leaves, it could cause damage to the plant. The plant was being propagated in water and moved into soil. To help the transition into soil, I placed the plant under a plastic bag for up to 2 weeks to increase humidity.

Champagne Cork Crochet Hook Savers - several hook and cork assemblies

Champagne Cork Crochet Hook SaversTo prevent dropped crochet hooks from rolling under furniture, getting lost in seat cushions, or even under the bucket seats in a car, drill a small hole in a champagne cork with your wine bottle opener and stick the end of a crochet hook in it. When it drops it stays in place.

Faux Tea-Dyed Paper Using Pattern Paper - close with fancy paper clip

Faux Tea-Dyed Paper Using Pattern PaperSometimes I want a vintage-looking page without actually dyeing the paper. I have used sewing pattern paper to achieve this result. For now I will be using this small journal to glue my water color art and hold a few recipes.

Pest Control

Plastic Bottle Fruit Fly Trap - finished trap with a floating fly

Plastic Bottle Fruit Fly TrapWe have tried many things to get rid of fruit flies in our home, and this is hands down the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way. One of the most important things in order to catch them is the bait you put out. Fruit flies can be more attracted to some things more than others.

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.

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.

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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.

Mosquito on someone's hand.

Mosquito Repellent RecipesMosquitoes are a problem in many regions. This page contains mosquito repellent recipes.

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.

More Pest Control

4th 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.

Star Straw - star straw in a drink glass

Star StrawIf you're hosting a Fourth of July party, this would be a cute touch to add to your straws!

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.

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!

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.

finished wreath

4th of July Mesh WreathI saw the rolls of mesh at the craft store and wanted to try making a wreath for the 4th of July. I love how it turned out!

More 4th of July

Summer Fun for Kids

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.

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?

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.

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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.

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.

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

Father's Day

Father's Day Handprint Keepsake Card - finished card

Father's Day Handprint Keepsake CardFather's Day is right around the corner. This would be a cute craft for your child to do for Father's Day.

Dressed Up Pen Holder for
Father's Day - pens inside the can

Dressed Up Pen Holder for Father's DayI found a roll of DC-fix self-adhesive vinyl cover stacked in the back of a drawer. It had a blue and yellow tartan pattern, with small red dots. I thought of using this for a Father's Day gift. I decided to make a pen holder, using an old tin can. The tin can was dressed up to look as if it was wearing a formal shirt and tie.

Bowtie Pasta Father's Day Card - finished card

Bowtie Pasta Father's Day CardThis is a quick and fun Father's Day card made on the cheap! Use scraps of paper to make a collared shirt, topped with a bowtie made with painted farfalle pasta. My craft paper here has pineapples on one side because my dad has a super loud pineapple shirt he's secretly in love with (and won't wear out of the house)!

Homemade Father's Day Gifts, A child holding a homemade card that says "I love Daddy".

Homemade Father's Day GiftsThis is a guide for homemade Father's Day gifts. Every parent appreciates a thoughtful homemade gift for Father's Day. Homemade crafts are a great way to show Dad you care.

Father's Day Money Holder Card

How to Make a Father's Day Shirt and Tie Money Holder CardThis is the perfect card for the father who has everything or an older parent. The pocket on the shirt makes a handy money holder. This is a guide about how to make a Father's Day shirt and tie money holder card.

Dad's Neckties Card - finished card

Dad's Neckties CardThis is a super thrifty DIY card for Father's Day. With a few bends, you can turn a paperclip into an adorable little wire hanger that holds Dad's beautifully patterned neckties, which are made from paper scraps.

More Father's Day

Gardening Tips and Advice

Using Flower Trays As Seedling Planters - seedlings in multipack nursery trays

Using Flower Trays As Seedling PlantersAt your garden center they often have discarded flower trays and pots that are free for the asking.These trays are great for seed starting for all season long plantings. They have sections that are perfect for keeping them separate, without extra cost.

Starting Tomatoes in Coffee Cans

Starting Tomatoes in Coffee CansWhen starting tomato plants, I cut the bottom off of an empty Folger's coffee can. Then I poke some drain holes in the lid, put the lid on, and turn the can upside down. I fill the new pot with soil and plant my tomatoes. When they are ready to go into the garden I just take the lid off the bottom and the plant slides right out.

Use a Plastic Plate Instead of Flower Pot Saucers - potted plant sitting on a blue plastic plate

Use a Plastic Plate Instead of Flower Pot SaucersAre your looking for a budget friendly alternative to pot saucers? Think plastic kid's plate! I recently was gifted this Castanospermum australe "Lucky Bean Plant". The cheapest saucers from Home Depot were 80 cents (very thin plastic) to $2.68 (still somewhat thin plastic) so I held off on purchasing a saucer.

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Thrifty Vertical Planter Wall - asymmetrical arrangement

Thrifty Vertical Planter WallI was inspired by the beautiful succulent decor walls at my local malls and stores. I wanted my own mini version in my backyard. However, upon research I found that vertical planters are so expensive!

Robin's Nest

Robin's NestOur spring cleaning and repairs were temporarily interrupted when we discovered two robins making a nest outside our back door. They found our light fixture to be the perfect place. They got all sorts of material to make the base of the nest, including some shredded pieces of tarp that my son missed when cleaning up.

Use Spray Paint to Have a Choice in Planter Colors - closeup of pots

Use Spray Paint to Have a Choice in Planter ColorsI love pastels! The one problem I have is I cannot find planters in pastel colors. I can find white ones that sometimes work. While out looking for inexpensive planters I found the size and price that I loved. One problem, the color only came in black! Here's how I transformed them to more of a shabby chic look, just by using spray paint.

More Gardening Tips and Advice

Videos

Someone laying down roofing tar paper.

Removing Roof Tar from Skin with Olive OilRoof tar and other sticky substances can be gently removed from skin by using regular olive oil from the kitchen. Learn how to do it in this short video.

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 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 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.

A mantle pennant made in Halloween patterned fabric.

Halloween Mantel PennantsDress up a boring fireplace mantle with this decorative pennant made from Halloween themed fabric triangles. Learn how to make it in this short video.

A small jar of butterscotch pudding.

Butterscotch PuddingCreamy butterscotch pudding is easy to make at home with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Learn how to make it in this short video.

Recent

Making hat and beard.

Yarn Santa OrnamentSanta can be imaged in inexpensive, yarn ornament. You will need just a few supplies, and you can make a lasting Christmas tree decoration with young crafters.

I Love Lilies - closeup of a light pink lily in the background and a much darker reddish pink in the foreground

I Love LiliesI love lilies! Every year when they are marked down at the end of the season (bulbs) I buy some. Often the package shows a variety of colors leaving me not knowing what color would come out after planting. Much to my surprise, there were 2 of my favorite colors! I get to enjoy them in bloom for up to a week before they fade.

Kid Toy Rattle Drum - both rattle drums finished

Kid Toy Rattle DrumThe kids are enjoying music right now. Here is a rattle toy drum (twist straw to play) - we made this in two versions - one with a metal jar cap and one with a ribbon cardboard roll.

Ice cubes made in a metal muffin tin.

Use Muffin Tins to Make Large Ice CubesWhen larger than normal ice cubes are in order, using muffin tins can make the size you need. They will last longer in a pitcher, beverage cooler or punch bowl.

Daisy at Dusk - roadside daisy at dusk

Daisy at DuskWhile not traditionally a garden flower due to its nature to grow wild along the countryside, the daisy is a beautiful and simple beauty. The sky was splendid on this evening so I laid down in the grass to capture this photo.

Nifty Storage Idea for Scarves and Belts

Use Shower Curtain Rings to Store Scarves and BeltsShower curtain rings can be used on a hanger in your clothes closet to store scarves and belts. It saves space and makes it easy to find the scarf you are looking for.

Questions

Fix for Hair Dye Disaster

Fix for Hair Dye DisasterI'm a natural golden blonde. I dyed my hair a very light blonde (permanent hair box dye) in February and my roots are gray, yuck (I'm 40), so I found myself dyeing it every 3 weeks. This past week I got tired of the bright yellow and wanted a honey color. It was brown within 30 seconds and then became greenish through the week. I dyed it last night and it's grayish/gold/blue.

Yard Machine by MTD Won't StartI have a Yard Machine (MTD) from around 2003, that won't start. When I turn it over, it spins, but won't fire. I cleaned up the carburetor, changed the fuel and oil, and changed the spark plug, but it's still doing the same thing. Any suggestions?

Home Care Business Name IdeasI was trying to come up with a name for my non-medical home care business. I would like it to have something catchy, but not too long. I would like it to make someone feel comfortable and at home as well.

What Breed Is My Chihuahua Mixed With? - brown Chi wearing an orange jacket

What Breed Is My Chihuahua Mixed With?I adopted Boba from the Humane Society and he looks handsome and cute. My only concern is when I adopted him he was 6.06 lbs and 12 weeks old. I was told he was a Chihuahua mix. They did not have the history of his past or what breeds his parents are? When I did my research I got to know he is a deer head Chihuahua, but I don't know what Boba can be mixed with?

Finding Agencies to Help After a House FireI was the owner of a mobile home and my trailer caught on fire. I did not have insurance and I lost everything. Due to this the Red Cross did help me, but I still need help. What else can I do?

11 Week Old Kitten Is Nursing on PeopleI have an 11 week old kitten and he is suckling. When he does it, it is mostly when he is tired. During the day he doesn't do it as much, but at night he keeps on. I have to cover my shirt with my blanket and that's the only way for getting him to stop. Any ideas on how to get him to stop? When I got him I was told he was 6 weeks old but he was really only 5 weeks.

Browse

A repair man fixing a leaky roof.

Finding Home Repair Help for Low Income Families

A man performing roof repairs.

Getting Financial Assistance for Roof...

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

Finding Plumbing Repair Assistance for...

Dental tools in open mouth

Getting Dental Work w/o Insurance

Three vintage appliances in white.

Buying Second Hand Appliances

Cleaning Tub

Cleaning Yellow Bleach Stains in a Plastic...

Buy now pay later button on a computer keyboard.

Buy Now, Pay Later Websites

A professional cleaner with his cleaning supplies.

Setting Rates for Cleaning Services

Close up of a roof being installed

Finding Roof Repair Assistance for Seniors

Brown squirrel eating

Keeping Squirrels from Digging in Plants

A man cutting down a tree.

Selling Trees on Your Land for Lumber

Itching from a bug bite.

Identifying Little Black Biting Bugs

cigarette odors in a car

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors from a Car

Electric Smoke Detector

Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop Beeping

Roof with damaged shingles.

Roof Repair for Low Income Homeowners

A photo of a real estate sign.

Real Estate Business Name Ideas

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

Homemade Weed Killer Recipes

Refrigerator

Refrigerator's Ice Maker Not Making Ice

Weeds Between Bricks

Preventing and Killing Weeds Between Bricks

Weeds Between Pavers

Removing Weeds Between Pavers

A woman in pain wearing dentures.

Remedies for Pain from Wearing Dentures

Making a Mosquito Trap

Making a Mosquito Trap

A bunch of ants on a white background.

Identifying Small Black Bugs

Kitten

Treating a Kitten with Eye Discharge

Ant Hill in Forest

Getting Rid of Ant Hills

Cat laying on the hood of a car.

Homemade Cat Repellents

Dog on Homemade Pet Bed

Homemade Pet Beds

Ants on the wall of a house.

Homemade Ant Killer Recipes

bug spray

Identifying Flying Insects

Man tinkering with a riding mower.

Troubleshooting a Riding Lawn Mower That Won't Start

Dishwasher

Dishwasher Won't Drain

A gopher in the ground.

Getting Rid of Gophers

growing a cherry tree from a pit.

Starting a Cherry Tree from a Pit

Work Clothing

Removing Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Odors From Clothing

Someone mopping a floor.

How Much Does House Cleaning Cost?

bug next to a penny

Getting Rid of Tiny Biting Black Bugs

A woman looking at her medical bills.

New Era Medicare Supplemental Insurance...

An ink pen in a blue leather purse.

How to Remove Ink from Leather

Flying ant on a white background.

Getting Rid of Flying Ants

Electrician Working on Circuit Breakers

Troubleshooting Circuit Breaker Problems

Cleaning shiny counter top with a cloth

Restoring the Shine on a Formica Countertop

multicolored flowerbed on a lawn

Preventing Weeds in Flower Beds

Toilet bowl

Removing Toilet Bowl Stains

A textured popcorn ceiling

Cleaning a Textured (Popcorn) Ceiling

backyard swimming pool

Tiny Orange Biting Bugs Near Pool

Furniture Dents from Carpet

Removing Furniture Dents from Carpet

New Dentures

Wearing New Dentures

Cigarette Smoke Odors

Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors From a...

A birthday cake with a 13 topper.

13th Birthday Party Ideas for Girls

Patchy unhealthy lawn.

Homemade Lawn Fertilizer Recipes

cleaning walls

Removing Soot from Walls and Ceiling

Man With Toothache

Home Remedies For Toothache

Rodent Trap

Rodent Odor in Walls and Vents

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies, Fruit Fly on Apple

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies

Mold on Walls

How to Clean Mold on Painted Walls and Ceiling

photo of ants eating a scrap of onion

Getting Rid of Ants in the Kitchen

Clearing a Clogged Bathtub Drain, Pulling Hair From Clogged Drain

Clearing a Clogged Bathtub Drain

A blue above ground swimming pool.

Cleaning an Above Ground Pool

open washing machine

Spin Cycle Not Working on Washer

Sink drain with water running into sink.

Clearing a Clogged Kitchen Sink Drain

Bug Bites

Getting Rid of Invisible Biting Bugs

Tiny black bugs next to a penny for scale.

Tiny Black Bugs in the Kitchen

Keeping Slugs Off Hostas

Keeping Slugs Off Hostas

Scuffed Vinyl Flooring

Removing Scuffs from Vinyl Floors

Man Removing Wax From Laminate Flooring

Removing Floor Wax From Laminate Flooring

50th Anniversary Gift Box

50th Anniversary Gift Ideas

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