Daily Thrifty Tips - June 23, 2006

Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free

When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more:

http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html

Tussie and Skippy are 1 1/2 years old and are Jack Russells, girls from different litters. Both have wonderful loving personalities, I can't pick my favorite. We love them both. We purchased them from a breeder.

They love to go on daily walks, runs etc. with their Mom and cat friends. Tussy, the white and spotted one loves to bounce her ball all through the house. Skippy loves to have the cat chase her and then runs away as fast as she can.

I don't know which has the better personality as both are precious. They love to hang out with Mom and Dad and like to be where we are. They give us unlimited love and affection.

By NellieMary from West Virginia

Post Feedback: Click Here

Lucas (I lost him during the hurricane Rita evacuation last year but he's still in my heart.) Lucas was 6 years old when the picture was taken. He was an American Short Hair and Maine Coon.

A coworker obtained Lucas, and her husband didn't want to keep him. She told me if I didn't take him, she would dump him at the pound, so of course I took him in at 2 months old.

Lucas always wanted to be with me, no matter what I was doing. Lucas was my big baby boy, 23 lbs., and a lap kitty. Unfortunately, he didn't survive our evacuation. In the gridlock of Houston, my car died and Lucas succumbed 3 days later, to heat stroke he sustained during the evacuation. This is a picture of Lucas yawning.

By Lisa Butler from Seabrook, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

Cat tree too small? Our cats love to climb so we bought a floor to ceiling cat tree but found the shelves were to small for our cats to enjoy. So we took the seats of some dining chairs that we no longer were using and placed them by the tree to make the shelves a nice landing spot for naps. So if you have cats and used chairs, with brackets from the hardware store they can have some very nice places to take those afternoon naps.

By Kerri from Vero Beach

Post Feedback: Click Here

Tip Contest
To enter, visit: Submit a Tip or Recipe!

Photo Contest
To enter, visit: Submit a Photo!

The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week.

My Frugal Life
To enter, visit: Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Frugal Travel Guides
To enter, visit: Submit a Frugal Travel Guide

To clean an above the ground swimming pool or blowup type, take a plastic broom ($1.00 at a discount store) and "sweep" the debris on the bottom toward the skimmer. Then unhook the hose from the skimmer and suck up the trash from the bottom with the hose. It is much quicker and effective way to clean your pool than the vacuum.

By Michelle from Steele, MO

Post Feedback: Click Here

If you have a sticky zipper on a piece of clothing, try rubbing the zipper with a pencil. The graphite in the pencil should help lubricate the zipper. A bar of soap also can be effective.

By Fisher

Post Feedback: Click Here

Lately I have been frequenting hospitals with my youngest (he has epilepsy, and has done a lot of tests!) Besides making a binder up for all his medical information (in case I need to repeat incidents/dosages of meds), I have seen how much hospitals DISPOSE of things like plastic washing tubs, medical equipment (scalpels, arm wraps, med dosage) and food! So my advice is. . . don't be afraid to ask! The arm wraps were used on my son so that he couldn't bend his elbows and wouldn't pull sensors off (soft fabric with velcro). When I commented how nice they were to have (instead of holding him down and making the situation worse), they said I could keep them because once they are used, they have to throw them away! Case in point: look at all the things you bring home after having a baby!

After a four day stay, I came home with diapers, wipes, soap, food condiments (sugar, cream, salt pepper, straws, cereal boxes) the arm wraps, a large wash basin, a sippy cup (I was also told by the nurses it would have been thrown, and it was a Name Brand, not the disposable kind that I brought with me and washed out)! If it seems questionable, don't be afraid! In fact, I received a lot of compliments on my frugalness, especially when I came in with my own medicine syringe and they were happy to see that I wouldn't throw/waste things.

By Kelly from Willamina, OR

Post Feedback: Click Here

Zucchini is just making its appearance in home gardens. Here is a great way to fix it in a healthy way. There are no hard and fast rules about amounts in this recipe.

Cut Zucchini into bite size pieces (no need to peel it). Chop an onion or two. You may also add bell peppers, yellow squash, fresh corn, etc. if you like, be creative here.

Put all veggies into a ziplock bag, and add a little olive oil to the bag - about 1 teaspoon for each cup of veggies. Close the top and rotate until veggies are coated. Pour into a shallow roasting pan in a single layer. Add salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice. I like lemon pepper.

Roast in a 450 degrees F oven for about 30 minutes or until the veggies begin to brown. Stir occasionally. Or put them under the broiler and stir often to avoid burning. The browning gives them the good roasted flavor.

Post Feedback: Click Here

It's only important if it SHOWS. I just wore a heavily beaded dress to a gala. Now, I had gotten it from a local thrift shop. It was a steal; but I DID have to trim off the extra threads and hanging beads. (I know know what they mean by dripping with beads. . .) But because of the pattern of the fabric and the beading, IT DIDN'T SHOW and no one was the wiser. As far as anyone knew, it had always been that way. So check to see if you can somehow repair that thrift shop beaded finery. But, beware! Sometimes if it's finely beaded and lacking beads, it may not be worth the trouble.

By Pamphyila from L.A., CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

If you're planning to purchase furniture for your patio, consider not getting a glass topped table. They look thick, but they're also breakable. If someone were to lose their footing and fall upon it, it would be a horrible accident that might could have been prevented. A lovely wrought iron table would be better, for all concerned, or a hard vinyl table. It would be better to have a few bumps and bruises than to have scars all over your body from cuts from glass. A relative had a mishap with a glass patio table a few years back. She lost her footing in the dark and fell back, not realizing she was landing on the patio table.

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: Click Here

Yard Sales are on during the spring and summertime. Honestly, yard sales are truly a money saving thing for me. I am a person who finds treasure in somebody's trash.

Every year, I make sure I am informed of any place in our city who organizes a community wide yard sale. A few days before the scheduled yard sale, I make sure I list down what I really need to buy in an acceptable price range. For example, last Saturday, I started hunting down for a sleeping bag for our camping trip this summer, and my price range was from $3-$10. I stopped and checked few houses, when I finally found one sleeping bag which cost only $3. It was in good condition and apparently they sold it because it was too warm for them, which is indeed perfect for me.

Another reason why I love yard sales is because I know I can find good stuff that I can give as a gift to a family or friend for many different occasions. Example, I bought 2 Emergency/Working light for $1 each. The woman who sold it, said it was all brand new. His husband bought plenty of those lights and somehow did not manage to give them all to his friends as gifts. So, isn't that great? I can give this brand new emergency light to my brothers on their birthdays. One brother will celebrate his birthday on July 13. I can't wait for him to see it, coz I know he wanted to buy one before.

And lastly, babies and kids toys are common items in any yard sale. So, if you don't know how to pick and choose a good toy, then hire me. I found this toy drum set for my nephew (who says he wants to be a drummer boy). The lady who sold me the drums told me his kid outgrow most of his toys. She said the drum set was only opened on his 3rd birthday but he never had a chance to play with it since he has other toys to play with. And, guess what, I got it for $3. In store, I found out it was $25 for a set. My nephew will be turning 3 yrs old this July 25 and I am positive, he will enjoy my gift!

So the next time you see a yard sale sign, don't think of it as another man's trash. Rather, think of it as a money saving store. Who knows you might find an expensive treasure inside those dusty and crowded boxes!

By Janice from Boise, ID

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

Post Feedback: Click Here

When you feel like going shopping to buy yourself a treat; give yourself a homemade gift instead. Make a nice cup of tea, cook yourself something yummy, write a poem, plant seeds/seedlings, paint a picture, do your own nails, make a beaded bracelet, make a collage. It will save you money but fulfill your need for a treat.

By Kay from Tamarac,FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

This tip is especially useful when traveling and staying in a hotel. If you have wrinkled slacks but no iron, just put the slacks neatly over the towel bar in the bathroom while taking a shower. Be sure to close the bathroom door to trap as much steam as possible. The steam will help ease some of the wrinkles. It also helps to smooth them out with your hands while it is steamy.

By Fisher

Post Feedback: Click Here

When planning an outdoor party, it is always an issue of pests (bugs) flying into beverage pitchers. To control this problem, I hot glued some small metal spoons on two corners of a napkin (on the wrong side of the napkin); hot glue a pretty large button on the other corners of the napkin. When draped over the pitcher, the spoons lay flat and will not allow pests to get into the pitcher. You can also hot glue pretty buttons on the corners of the napkins or dishtowels to put over platters of food when serving outdoors.

I used a large bandana, a dishtowel and a napkin for this tip!

By WanJoy from Collierville, Tennessee

Post Feedback: Click Here

If you get a lipstick stain on your clothing, try pretreating it with cold cream or shortening. Then rub a little grease fighting dish detergent into it and launder as usual.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Frugal For Life

A great blog with posts about frugal living.

More Information:
http://www.frugalforlife.blogspot.com/

I have found that the plastic coffee containers you get are great for different uses. I have used them to transport transplanted plants as gifts, storing dry foods such as rice,pasta ect... I have one that I use only for my composting pile. I keep the lid on it and as I accumulate food scraps I just put them in the container and then when it is full take it out side. The snap on lids are great for placing under flower pots and I have also used them for children's snack plates. What other uses have people found for these great containers?

Jonnie from Owensboro, KY

Post Feedback: Click Here

My nails have gotten really yellow colored. Is this a sign of something and what can I do to whiten them up again?

nhilligas from Blue Hill, NE

Post Feedback: Click Here

I bought a dishwasher at Lowe's last year. For some reason, even when I put on the heated dry, I still have wet dishes. I mean cups and stuff that are hanging to where they should have dried. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can do? I am tired of having to dry dishes from the dishwasher. If I wanted to do that, I'd do them by hand. I paid over 300 dollars, and darn it, if I push that 'heated dry' button, I want those dishes dry as the Arizona sand in summer.

KLS8800 from Bladenboro, NC

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone know how to use liquid starch to cover your walls with fabric? We live in a mobile home.

Annmel from Mountain Home, AR

Post Feedback: Click Here

I seen dirty car wash water being used on other dirt but wonder if this could be used on plants to keep bugs off?

Kate from Camden, SC

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a natural pesticide to kill aphids and black mold on my fruit trees. Does anyone have a natural recipe for this?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Helene from Sarasota, Florida

Post Feedback: Click Here

Besides pulling out early in the season, what can I spray on Johnson Grass to get it out of my lawn? I've been told there is nothing I can do except pull it out (there is too much and it's too hard to pull). I've also been told to hand rub the blades with Roundup. What is your suggestion?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Bob H from Northern Utah

Post Feedback: Click Here

Our utility bills were hiked at the beginning of the new year and nearly 6 months into it I'm still not used to it. I know that there's only so much I can do with minimal usage and high prices, but each time I open an energy bill I'm just sick. I'm looking for your help on how we can reduce our utility bills as I've tried everything I can think of!

kellyanne77 from CT

Post Feedback: Click Here

Do you have any comments pro or con? I was thinking about buying a machine to make something with a low carb count similar to a snow cone or a frozen coffee drink. Or am I wasting my time?

Thanks,
Cookwie from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I don't know if anyone can help or not. Years ago, when fresh fruit and dip first became popular, I had a recipe for a dip that was made with, I think, vanilla pudding mix and Tang drink mix, but I'm not sure what else. Does anyone else remember this or have this recipe? At the time, it was like the only one out there, but of course, now there are so many, and I haven't been able to find this on any recipe website. Thanks!

Lisa from Pen Argyl, PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have a recipe for Pansy Jelly or Jam? How and when do you pick the flowers? Thank you.

Karaof4 from MN

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am so tired of moving the clutter off of my kitchen counters. It always seems to pile up. It's either mail or my purse, keys and all kinds of other stuff. My cleaning day is on Saturdays but what can I do to keep things organized during the week?

Ginger from Nashville, TN

Post Feedback: Click Here

Our Gameboy was stolen along with our games, some were old games, such as Mario Land, Donkey Kong and Tetris. We are trying to replace them. Any ides were to buy them new and at a good price. What we found were starting at $40.00. We are looking to spend a little less that.

Thank you,
Patg from Brooklyn

Post Feedback: Click Here

The leaves on my hibiscus are turning yellow. I have beautiful blooms. Does anyone know what I can do?

Thank you,

Tuey From Fort Collins, CO

Post Feedback: Click Here

My ink ran out on my free printer cartridges that came with my Dell computer. The prices on replacements are astronomical and all these coupon people want you to print coupons off on the websites. I can't see where that is saving anything but putting me in the hole. Has anyone found maybe a dirt cheap place to buy ONE cartridge from? It seems like they all think they have to sell them in 3's. I have a Dell Photo Printer 720.

Thanks for any help.

Loridawn1956 from AR

Post Feedback: Click Here

What is the meaning of a Rainbow Tea? My color is blue.

Glenise Rutherford from Newberry, South Carolina

Post Feedback: Click Here

New stems from my Calla Lilies can be pulled up from ground, as if they have been eaten just below ground surface. I don't know if it's caused by insect or if I have watered too much.

Hardiness Zone: 6b

msumom from Middle TN

Post Feedback: Click Here

I'm trying to find a formula for homemade daily shower cleaner. I've tried vinegar/water and jetdry/water, but they don't quite "cut" it. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
quarterhorsey2 from Kalispell, MT

Post Feedback: Click Here

Hello Ladies,

I want to dye my hair. In the past when I dye my hair I get a headache. I am getting older and I want to cover my gray. Please help. I want to know which hair color product that is out there that I can use that is gentle. Also, I get some shedding afterward.

Jacquelyn from Houston, Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

My mom runs an active senior program and needs fun, maybe even wacky, ideas for July 4. Such as a games, crafts, contests, etc. Any ideas would be helpful.

Patg from Brooklyn

Post Feedback: Click Here

Free Printable Coupons

Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 80 money-saving offers inside.

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso

Kristy writes: Hi Tawra and Jill! I need your help! . I've learned lots and I feel like I've come along way on my road to becoming a tightwad!

The problem is my husband. He's not a complete spendthrift, however, we have a lot to work on. Like if he goes to the grocery store with me. I go with a precise list of what we need and coupons to use. If he goes I end up buying much more than I had planned. He also gets so impatient that I'm not able to compare my coupons to the prices. I know the easy solution is to just not take him with me, but I don't really like that solution. I want him to understand why it's important to stick to the list, and why it's important for me to take a little extra time to compare the coupons I have with the prices.

Read More: Click Here

Selecting High-Quality Cabbage: Select freshly picked, solid heads that feel weighty for their size and have fresh leaves and good color. Heads should be tightly attached to their stems and not starting to separate. If harvesting your own cabbage, leave it in the ground as late in the fall as possible before the first frost. Frozen cabbage will be wilted when thawed, but can still be used for cooking.

Read More: Click Here

Someone recently told me that they were tired of being in debt and were ready to get their spending under control. But they were concerned about the fact that they still enjoyed spending money to pamper themselves. They were looking for inexpensive "luxury" ideas. I didn't necessarily have specific luxury ideas to suggest, but what I've found over the past several years is that my idea of what constitutes a luxury has changed greatly.

Read More: Click Here

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:

Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.

Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.

Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.