Daily Thrifty Tips - June 22, 2007

We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Here's today's featured request...

Recipes Using Chicken Quarters

What is a good way (besides grilling) to use chicken leg quarters? They are so cheap when bought in bulk, but I need something different to do with them.

Cheri from Garland, TX

Post Feedback Here...

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Share a Tip (You could win $25!)
• Share a Photo (You could win $25!)
• Have a Question? Submit a request...
• Link to ThriftyFun.com
• View Active Topics!

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Drying Center in a Guest Room

Although we have a clothesline, stuff hanging on it always smells dusty even though it is located by a paved alley over green grass. So I don't use it. I converted our spare bedroom into the laundry drying room. I went to The Container Store and bought their largest indoor collapsible dryer ($50), I have been happily using it ever since (see the photo, it's not available via their website). Although not mentioned on their web site, the stores will stock them until they run out. However, you don't have to use this particular unit. You could set up a collapsible drying rack or two in any spare unused room and do the same thing.

My house has a tiny excuse for a laundry room in the hallway to the garage, which is more like a mini-niche with the washer on one side, the dryer on the other and inches to spare between the machines and the wall. DH put up rods from which to hang clothing over the units, but you run the risk of getting slapped in the face by a wet shirt or undergarment if you're not careful. I like the guest room idea better. When we have overnight visitors, I'll fold up the drying rack and tuck it into the master bath.

Should have done it years ago but didn't think of it 'til the last time I popped into the store for inspiration.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42094972.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Kayla And Lakota (Golden Lab/German Shepard)

Kayla (the black one) and Lakota (named after the Lakota tribe in the Dakota's) are 1 year old sisters. They are a Golden Lab and German Shep mix. We went to North Dakota last year to visit our son and his wife before he got deployed. We had told them we hoped to find a Shep. mix while we were up there. My daughter-in-law was reading the ads in the paper and said German Shep mix puppies for sale, $35.00 each. We called and drove 30 miles to take a peek. I couldn't decide on which puppy to get so my husband told me I could have both :)

Believe it or not, they love to chase rocks! Kayla is a great third basedog and Lakota in a wonderful outfielder! They can be sound asleep until they hear us picking up a rock! they take their places at the end of the driveway and wait for a rock (pebble) to be tossed so they can 'fetch' it. They love peanut butter! I can start singing the song: 'A peanut sat on a railroad track, it's heart was in a flutter, down the track came a choo choo train, choo choo peanut butter' and they are laying, sitting, shaking, begging all at the same time, not knowing what I'm going to ask them to do :)

We have 4 dogs altogether. Each a blessing. My brother has commented that when he dies he wants to come back as one of our dogs. Now that's a compliment!

By Laurie from Pahrump, NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77938533.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Grow a Living Clubhouse

Do your kids want a clubhouse this summer but you would rather have a garden? Well, here is a solution to both your problems. Grow a living clubhouse your children will love to play in. Here, I will give you step by step instructions for growing your clubhouse and two different ideas on what to use. These can be grown next to sod to give your kids a soft area to sit or can be grown near a bare patch in the lawn.

First, decide where you would like to grow your clubhouse. As I said earlier, you can grow this next to sod so your children can play on the grass. Dig a flower bed in a C shape (two semi circles) in the area you have chosen. You will want the inside circumference to be about 4 ft wide to be able to comfortably accommodate 3 children. You will want the outside circumference to be at least 2 feet wide. If growing this next to sod, you will want to use an edging material to keep the grass out of your flower bed.

Next, turn over and prepare your soil for your plants. Next to the edging of what will be the back of your semi-circle flower bed, plant sunflower seeds or plants close together. I need to stress that you need to plant these as close together as you can. Remember, the stems will get to be about 3 inches in diameter so judge from there. In front of these, you can plant as many annuals as you would like. I would plant flowers that you won't have a problem with the kids picking as I am sure you will get lots of"I love you" bouquets from your flower garden. Water well. When the sunflowers reach about 5 feet tall, gently pull all of them together in the center and loosely tie with an old pair of panty house. Now your kids will have a natural teepee to play in and you will have the joy of something beautiful and unusual in your yard. If you decided to do this on a bare patch of ground, you can always but in some old carpet or a tarp for your kids to play on. This is also a seasonal clubhouse so at the end of the season you can pull it all out and compost it.

A more permanent structure can be made with a few different components. For this club house, you will need four pieces of rebar about four feet long, eight pieces of three quarter inch PVC pipe and four PVC connectors for the corner pieces. These have 2 connections that go out at angles and one that goes down. Length of the PVC pipe depends on how tall and wide you want your structure.

First dig a square band for a flowerbed, making sure that you leave room in the center for your children to play. With a shovel, dig small holes to bury the rebar two feet into the ground at the four corners of your structure. You will be building an upside down box with your PVC pipe. Slide each support pipe over the rebar and add a connection to the top, and then add your roof pipes to the connectors making a box shape.

Next, you will cover this with garden netting that can be bought at your local garden center or Home Depot. Tie down your garden netting with wire or string. Plant perennials vines in your beds that will grow up and over your garden structure. As the vines grow, tie them up with string or yarn. Fast growing vines like honeysuckle or morning glory will have your garden clubhouse covered in no time. Also if you make your structure tall and skinny, this could be used to house a garden bench to provide a nice shady spot for reading or just enjoying your back yard.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58345015.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Miniature Soap Bible

This is a great project for Vacation Bible School. Fun for the little ones. It is a Bible made from a bar of Ivory Soap.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50978756.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Oust Air Freshener for Pen Stains

If you have children or grandkids, this tip will come in very handy for you all. If your little ones have taken a pen or marker and marked on their clothes or your couch, have the thing to take out that nasty stain. It works great, use the Oust air spray and spray on the pen or marker, get it soaked. Then take a cloth and wash the area with a little soap and water until it's all gone and then let dry. Goodbye pen stains.

by Roxie from Deloraine, Manitoba

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32770577.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Easy To Reach Food Storage

I am a disabled senior citizen who gets around most of the time in a motorized chair. Because of the chair and shoulder problems, I had to store certain frequently used foods in easily reachable containers. I bought plastic 1/2 gallon drink containers, rectangular in shape (rounded corners), with handles. I put them in cabinet above my microwave because these were the most used items. I kept in that cabinet; my coffee, oatmeal, instant potatoes, and instant milk.

I did not decorate the containers because I could see through them easily. I put them on the shelf with the handles towards the front so all I had to do was reach up to grab the handle, and put them back by putting the edge on shelf and pushing them back using the handle. Sure made life a lot easier for me.

By Linda from Bloomington, Illinois

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16616845.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Household Aphid Pest Control

• Carnation Nonfat Dry Milk: Mix Carnation Milk Mix with water according to instructions on the box. Fill a trigger spray bottle with the solution. The aphids get stuck in the milky residue as it dries on the plants
• Real Lemon: Mix 4 tsp. Real Lemon Juice and two cups water in a trigger spray bottle. Spray the mixture on plant leaves being attacked by aphids. The lemonoids in the lemon oil kill the aphids.
• Tang: Mix 4 tsp. Tang drink mix and two cups of water in a 16 oz. trigger spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the plant leaves being attacked by aphids. The lemonoids in the mix kill the aphids.
• Tabasco Sauce: Mix two tsp. of Tabasco sauce, two tsp. garlic powder, one tsp. Ivory Liquid Dishwashing Soap and 2 cups water. Fill a 16 oz trigger spray bottle with mixture and coat the leaves of the plant with the solution. This will repel the aphids.

By Mythi from Silverdale WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14715520.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Plastic Plates For Camping

To save money and the environment, I purchased "picnic" plates from the Dollar Tree. They are made of thin plastic, making them easy/light to pack. This is much cheaper than using foam or paper. I also purchased two plastic dish pans to be used to wash them at the campsite. Just heat a little of water, use one for washing and the other to rinse. When packing, these fit nicely in the bottom of a tote and the dishes can then be stacked inside.

By Lisa from Clarksburg, WV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10704382.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Post Phone Number on Garage Sale Signs

When having a yard or garage sale, it helps to list a phone number with your advertising in case folks need directions, etc. It is a good idea to temporarily change the recording on your cell phone voicemail or answering machine to a recording of driving directions so you won't have to answer the phone every few minutes. Your potential customers will get good directions from the recording and other callers can still leave a message!

By Maggie from East Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37015950.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Fast and Easy Puddings for Camping

Throw in an extra empty water or milk jug, a box of instant pudding and milk. Empty your pudding mix and milk in the jug and SHAKE it to mix. We've even made Banana pudding while camping.A pitcher with a lid will actually make it easier to access.Funny the ideas you can come up with when you don't have the luxuries of home.

By Sharon from Ravenna, KY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92195895.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Used Cat Litter In Mole Holes

If you have holes in your lawn from moles and chipmunks, put used cat litter (from box) down the holes This will solve the problem. I do this and it works

By Kathy from Eaton Twp.(Grafton) Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22824395.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Easy Summer Snacks for Kids

• Frozen grapes: place grapes on tray and put in freezer and serve

• Crackers and apples

• Yogurt Fruit Snack: Slice up any types of fruits you like: bananas, apples, strawberries, any type of berries, bing cherries. Add low fat vanilla or plain yogurt. Mix and let sit in the fridge until chilled. If you use cherries and strawberries, it turns the yogurt pink.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41814752.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Paint Bucket Liners

Handy paint bucket or paint cup liners can be made from plastic shopping bags. Just place the bag in the container and cut to size with scissors (make sure the bag overlaps the outside rim of the container about an inch). Use masking tape to attach the bag to the outside of the container. Clean up just involves throwing the liner away.

By Gary

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf483233.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cutting Meat

Let your cooked meat set for 5 minutes before cutting so the juice will not run out of meat.

By Susan

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf538818.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Organizing Your Linens

To keep my sheets and pillow cases organized together as sets, I fold pillow cases of the same set, separate, then put all into last folded pillow case. Put set of folded pillow cases into the flat folded sheet with the folded fitted sheet. When you need the set of sheets, all are together as one, and the pillow cases can be taken out by the amount needed for the pillows.

Sometimes I use 4 pillows, sometimes 2, all are together. Makes for saving time, and no searching, or lost pillow case. Saves time, and keeps linens all organized for the kids to make their own beds also. Saves time for the fast cup of coffee. Happy Day.

By Diane from Allentown, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf509587.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Burning Bush Won't Turn Red

Why won't my burning bush turn red?

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Dick from forest Lake, MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95647725.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Finishing Raw Carpet Edges

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to finish off the edges of cut pieces of carpet? I purchased some carpet ends of industrial type carpet (not very plush, but will stand up to heavy use). I've cut this up into pieces that will fit into my boat, but the edges are raw and unfinished. Also, every time I vacuum them, a little more of the edges fall off/unravel. I've thought about sewing something around the edges, but I'm not sure if my sewing machine will handle the thickness, and the only thing I can find to sew around it is white, and my carpet is blue. I'd appreciate any suggestions! Thanks for your help.

Georgie from NH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78216880.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Deodorant Reviews

What is a good deodorant or antiperspirant for sweating armpits. My sister has tried every thing and nothing has worked.

Aisha from Norwich, CT

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37535543.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making a Cover for an Outdoor Grill

I am trying to find directions for making a cover for my outdoor grill. It is the one with a burner on one end and a small tray for holding other things. It is kept in the garage, but it is still getting nasty with dust, etc. while not in use. Any help would be appreciated.

Shirely from Grand Bay, Alabama

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86978353.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Help With My Grocery Budget

It seems like our grocery bill (family of 2) is growing out of control. We shop off a list and get only what is needed, generic mostly, and also split our time between the surplus store, farm market, discount stores and our regular grocery. We've also gotten into a great habit of eating our leftovers and not wasting. However, it all adds up at the check out line!

Do any of you have a suggestion for looking at this problem differently? Right now we look at the receipts and spend the time justifying why each item was needed. We need a way to take down the total costs, but need a flexible budget in case legitimate "needs" do pop up. Does anyone have a budget that works like this?

Kelly from NH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15508058.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Kleenex on Clothing

How do you remove kleenex that was washed in with colored clothes? Now it is all over them.

Faye B. from Wynne, AR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42940343.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Buying Starch in Mississauga, Ontario

I live in Mississauga, Ontario and have been trying to find starch that is available in a pump bottle instead of the aerosol can. Can anyone tell me where I can purchase it and if there is a brand name that I should look for?

The urgency is because my daughter is going to Sea Cadet camp and on the kit list it says starch in a pump bottle not aerosol. She is leaving on June 30th.

Thanks to anyone who replies.

Darlene from Mississauga, Ontario

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27950157.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Buying Organic Clothing

I have a strange request. My father just discovered after years of a terrible rash that he is allergic to everything that is used in clothing, ie. the formaldehyde used in permanent press and most dyes. His doctors have all suggested switching to completely organic cotton clothing. However, such clothing is almost impossible to find... Does anyone out there know where I can find completely natural, organic, formaldehyde-free cotton clothing? No one wants him to go naked!

Beth from MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35763464.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning Vinyl Boat Cushions

Is there anything that removes yellow tree stains from the vinyl on boat cushions? I have tried bleach, Magic eraser, mineral spirits, and high strength marine cleaner. I'm out of ideas!

Robin from Granby, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93598707.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dill Pickles with Garlic

I need a recipe for jar dill pickles with garlc cloves.

Melanie from Oklahoma

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31018338.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Envelope Stuffing Companies

Is there any legitimate envelope stuffing company out there?

Tony

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33336666.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Jell-o Strawberry Pie Recipe

I need a recipe for fresh strawberry pie made with some strawberry Jell-O sugar, and cornstarch.

Diana from Willow Creek, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32156057.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning a Gotz "Cookie" Baby Doll

I just purchased a used Gotz "Cookie" Baby Doll. I have heard these soft bodied dolls could be cleaned in the washing machine. Is this true? Has anyone tried this technique? Would appreciate feedback before I try!

Marie from Eastern PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68142982.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Statute of Limitations for Excise Taxes

Does anyone have an idea of the statute of limitations the department of revenue has on collecting excise taxes, or do the even have a limit on how far back they can go? I am being hit with excise taxes from 2003 (4 years ago) for purchasing cigarettes online.

IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51350515.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Spot Cleaner for Carpet

I have relatively new light colored carpet that still looks like new in most places. What is a good product to use to just spot clean without cleaning the whole carpet? I have Simple Green, but I am afraid it is too harsh.

Thanks,
Sandy from Kenner, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10615088.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Recipes Using Chicken Quarters

What is a good way (besides grilling) to use chicken leg quarters? They are so cheap when bought in bulk, but I need something different to do with them.

Cheri from Garland, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97728272.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

13th Birthday Party Ideas

My daughter's turning 13 and I don't know what to do! She turns 13 on Friday, July 13th. She wants to take a couple of friends to Six flags or water country. I'm skeptical on this because, well... big park, lots of people - 1 adult... plus the money.

My thought was to have her have 5 friends sleepover (as usual), plan for a pool party that night and next day (as usual) but then surprise her with a limo and dinner Friday night, then come home to freaky, scary movies that they all love to watch! (since it is Friday the 13th!). Downfall, I know the limo and dinner will cost a quite a bit of money too.

Any other idea's? Always open to suggestions.

Dmom from MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf817353.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Paint Stains from Dried Clothing

My children got some paint on their clothing at Vacation Bible School. One was 95% cotton and 5% spandex. The other is 100% cotton. I don't know what kind of paint it is. The paint did come off easily when they washed their hands. I have already washed and dried both of them. Any suggestions?

Hadley from Clinton, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf385111.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How to Grow Bulbs

What are your tips for growing and saving money on bulbs? Please post them below.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf251723.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml