Daily Thrifty Tips - October 6, 2006

Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Every year, I make all my grandchildren's costumes. I use plain sweats in bright colors without any logo's on them. Hanes is a good one to use. I have fabric left over from past Halloween crafts that I use. Once the heat bond cloth is in place, I iron pieces to the sweat shirt or pants, then use fabric paints to personalize them.

I use glow-in-the-dark paints so they can be seen at night. I make them as bright and glittery as possible, as the kids seem to love them that way. Once they are worn at Halloween, the kids use them for Winter pajamas. I make them and send them a month in advance, so they can enjoy the costume before Halloween.

By Ragteller from Tofield, Alberta Canada

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Lake Moultrie Sunset! This is a picture of the Sunset when we went camping. It is at Camp Moultrie, a Boy Scout Camp. The Scouts had a wonderful day of fun and then to end the wonderful day was this beautiful sunset that I took a picture of.

By Karen Calvert from Summerville, SC

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Cassie is my 4 year old Calico. I got her from my daughter for my B-day 4 yrs ago.

She likes to chase birds and bring mice in to play (ewwww!!) OH and drink from all the bird baths!

She will come in every morning and tap on my cheek to wake me just seconds before the alarm goes off.

By Laurie from Michigan

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I use a juicer daily to give my body the nutrition it needs/deserves which leavers me with a lot of extra pulp/fiber that I didn't know what to do with at the end of the day. I hated throwing it away so I bury it in my organic garden and it helps my vegetables grow better than ever! Happy Gardening.

By Dawn Csernai from Austin, TX

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To take (only) 1 coffee filter out for your coffee maker, do as I did. If they are in a box or a bag, simply turn the filters upside down in their package. I get 1 filter at a time. Sure does help instead of taking 2 or 3 apart.

By Sherry Hampton from Valdosta, Georgia

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When looking into highchairs for babies, think about alternative options. If you already have a dining room table you may not need a typical high chair. There are many options on the market for booster seats/high chairs to go. Most fold flat or close to it for storage and are easy to set up and clean. They are a lot cheaper to buy than a regular high chair too.

By lifewithmadman from Little Rock AR

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A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?" he hissed at the parrot...

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The same kind of people that would name a Rottweiler, Jesus."

By Terri from NV

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I spoke to my banker at the credit union today. He mentioned how things are changing, they no longer add on to existing loans. Loans now are only granted with electronic items such as computers and TV's, furniture, hard items. (things banks can repossess)

My banker also mentioned that in the last year only 5 (yes FIVE) Visa credit cards have been issued, they are doing away with doing away with those. They still do cars but it is tougher than previously.

Also he stated a Bank of America employee told him that; Bank of America does not do auto loans in the office. The Bank of America now refers customers to BOA.com. He said the cost of paperwork and all those forms are the cause of the cutting back on loans. He said it is hard. He had a couple who both have high paying jobs call in to add on to loan to redo the yard and he had to say NO even with their perfect scores.

I think these changes reflect the trying to cut people back from living beyond their means. I live in Missouri and banks may differ from state to state.

Maybe rethink next time we have that hot little credit or debit card out. I try to use CASH for purchases and write what I spend my cash on. This has helped my budget.

By Annie from Hallsville, MO

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My kitchen gets very hot in the summer due to a large kitchen window. Even with the shades closed and slanted downward, and the ceiling fan running nonstop, I could not block the sun's rays from coming in. I purchased a $6 car sun blocker from Walmart and cut them to fit my window measurements. I taped them to the window with scotch tape and voila! No more sun! My kitchen was no longer hot and I did not have the run the air conditioner as much.

By Amylucille from Fremont, Ohio

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All your dishes don't need to match. Just pick a color scheme - so that they will go together. My everyday plates are along the lines of bright blue and white - which is quite common -so I can pick up occasional small plates, bowls of varying patterns easily and they look nice next to each other! They call that the shabby chic look!

By Pam from L.A., CA

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Forgot to put the check (or other item) in the envelope before sealing it? Instead of tearing it open, use scissors to cut a THIN strip off one narrow end. You can insert the forgotten item, and then use cellophane tape to close the envelope back up before mailing. And since the tape is on the narrow end, it won't interfere with the envelope being opened by the recipient.

By zballoongirl

Reopening a sealed envelope after you forgot to put something in it. Put the envelope in the freezer for a couple hours and then try to loosen up the flap without damaging it. (maybe with a flat knife)

By Mary Ann Kieffer from Lawrence, KS

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We drink a lot of coffee. I use three pound coffee cans. I save the plastic lid. You will need 3 three pound cans. Cut the bottom out of the first can, cut the bottom and top out of the second can. Then take all three cans and electrical tape them into a long tube. After taping them all together, use your favorite Con-tac paper to cover the whole thing.

You can use this as a toilet paper holder for bathrooms. It works great for cabins with not a lot of storage. Also, I have one in all three bathrooms for storing toilet paper. It works well for small children who are always yelling for more paper. They can get their own. Seniors like this idea because they don't always have storage spaces. It works for both single and double rolls. Just fill it up when you clean the bathroom. No more toilet paper sitting on the back of the toilet or sink.

By Diane from Milwaukee, Wi

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I am planning a volleyball/soccer sports banquet. Any ideas on how to decorate the tables? I would like to incorporate an actual net as the table cloth but do not know quite how to pull it all together. Any suggestions?

Debbie From Gainesville, Florida

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My best friend Brigette has gone through a lot this year, what with her mum and her best friend dyeing and becoming an orphan. It's sad but true. This Sunday is her 18th birthday and I wanted to give her something spectacular to show her that all of her friends are still here and still love and care about her.

I have everything planed out, the only problem is that I have no idea where to have the party at. I was going to use a field, but that required a permit which costed over 300 dollars. My friends and I don't have even close to that much.

I was just wondering if someone knew of a place somewhere near Silver Spring Maryland that we could have her party at. This really means a lot to me, and it would show Brigette that she's not alone.

Katrina from Takoma Park Maryland

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How do you get fabric softener stains out of a colored blouse?

Tammy from Indianapolis, IN

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I just rescued a baby kitten for some reason she is coughing like she has a hairball but she's doing it too often to be a hairball. Do you have any home remedy suggestions to stop the coughing?

Holly and Kenya from Pevely, MO

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How do you clean baseball caps? The problem is sweat and dirt stains. The cap is wool. Standard baseball cap construction.

Tommy from Lockport, IL

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I dropped mayonnaise on brand new suede (nubuck) shoes. How do I clean it off? I tried hard eraser and a suede brush. Help!

Dianne From Harrisburg, PA

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I'm having a 13th birthday party with boys and girls. It's going to be a hollaween party theme in my front yard and its going to be a costume party. I have no ideas what games to play.

Don't Worry Bout It from Memphis

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I've read all through and got a lot of good tips. But my heart is hurting because I don't see a fix for marshmallow on microfiber. It has turned black and there are 3 spots! I tried everything. I thought it was gum which from what I read is just as bad. If I use an ice cube and it doesn't work then I still have to ruin my couch with peanut butter by getting the oil stain.

Does anyone have any other fix for this?

Lisa from Trenton, NJ

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How would you take kerosene smell out of your basement floor, which is cement?

JS from Saulnierville Nova Scotia

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Fall is officially here and with it comes a list of important seasonal chores to keep gardeners busy. No matter what zone you garden in, getting fall chores done can depend a lot on the weather. Some zones will get hit hard with rain and other zones will dry out. Just about all zones will end up with cooler temperatures and (hopefully) calmer weather as we transition into November. For those of you in cooler zones, here's wishing you an Indian Summer!

October's Checklist

• Plant or transplant shade trees & shrubs, ground covers and vines: Cooler temperatures and adequate rain make fall ideal for planting most trees, shrubs, ground covers and vines. Fall is also a less busy time for most gardeners.

• Divide and transplant perennials.

• Sow perennial or annual seeds that need stratifying. Certain seeds need a cold period to make them ready to for germinating once spring weather arrives. Sow them at or just before the first frost at a depth slightly deeper than you would in the spring. Protect the sides of the beds with boards or barriers to keep seeds from washing away with fall rains.

• Plant spring bulbs: It's not too late to plant spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils and crocus. Plant them right up until the ground freezes.

• Pot bulbs for winter forcing: If you plan on forcing bulbs indoors this winter, this is a good month to pot them up and begin chilling them.

• Dig up tender bulbs, let cure and store for winter.

• Take perennial cuttings and continue to collect and dry seeds for next season.

• Prune shade trees, vines and perennials.

• Fertilize lawn: Continue to mow your lawn as long as grass keeps growing, but set your lawnmower blades high. Fertilize the lawn for the final time after the last mowing.

• Clean up and compost garden debris: Fall is a wonderful time to start a compost pile with yard waste and garden debris. Turn over already established compost piles. Leave some plant debris in the garden to add winter interest and provide protection for insects and birds.

• Rake leaves: Start to rake up leaves. Till them under, compost them or use them as a winter protection for tender plants.

• Protect vegetables and flowers from frost: Stay alert for frost advisories and be prepared to protect vegetables and fall blooming flowers from cold damage. Keep row covers, sheets or portable cold frames at the ready.

• Overwinter potted plants indoors: Place cold sensitive plants in protected areas or indoors for their dormant period.

• Mulch for winter protection: After the ground freezes, add winter mulch around perennials, trees and shrubs as needed.

• Wrap smooth bark trees: Wrap smooth bark trees like maples with tree tape to prevent cold damage.

• Water as needed: Evergreens need at least 1 inch of water until the first frost. So do new transplants, shrubs and flowers. As established deciduous trees lose their leaves, they usually need less water, but if your area has seen a drier than normal summer and early fall, keep watering them until it freezes.

• Keep up with weeds. Most continue to grow until the ground freezers. The more you remove this fall, the fewer you will have to battle in the spring.

• Clean and store garden tools: Clean tools with soap and water and use steel wool to remove rust. Oil moving parts, drain fuel and sharpen the blades of motorized lawn and garden equipment. Hang up long-handled tools and store hand-held tools, blade side down, in a pail filled with a mix of sand and motor oil.

• Clean and store empty pots and containers: Wash out empty pots with warm water and a stiff bristled brush. Smaller pots can be washed and sanitized in the dishwasher (without detergent) providing they are made of a durable material. Pots made from ceramic or terra cotta should not be left outdoors over winter as they may freeze and crack.

• Stock up on bird seeds and clean and prepare feeders for winter season.

• Repair fences, trellises and store garden accessories.

• Prepare ponds and outdoor water features for winter.

• Cover or store firewood indoors for winter.

• Harvest fall vegetables and herbs: Take in remaining green tomatoes for ripening indoors. Harvest and freeze herbs.

• Get your soil tested. Contact your county extension agency for directions on how to collect samples and where to send them for testing.

• Start the clock on Christmas cacti and Poinsettias: Move to cooler temperatures (50-60ºF) and start monitoring photoperiod (13 hours of complete darkness for Christmas Cacti and 15 hours for Poinsettia). Remember that street lights, car lights and indoor lights can disrupt this sensitive period.

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I am painting my kitchen. What color would you suggest? The cupboards are teak color and the counter is country blue. I have seen several samples at Benjamin Moore, but can't decide. Please Help.

Dawn from Canada

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How do I remove wax crayon marks from the surface of a leather sofa?

Lilly from Burlington Ontario

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How do you get kerosene out of household carpeting? How do you get rid of the smell? It was a big spill probably 1-5 gallons.

Kristy from NH

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Does anyone know how to download AOL's Slingo Express Public -- the free version? I do not use AOL, but I was told I could play even if I do not have AOL. I would like to try this game since I have heard such good feedback. Is it possible to play it if you do not have AOL? I went to AOL's site and followed the instructions but had no luck. I also tried Slingo's site, again without success. Thank you.

Mike from NE, PA

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How do I get my 3 month old rottweiler puppy to stop digging up my flower beds?

Heather from South Africa

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I am looking for an affordable training facility where they take your dog and train them and then bring them back to you after they are trained? Where can i go to find this type of facility? I have tried everything with my dog. He's so sweet but stubborn as a rock. Please let me know.

Thanks,
Lisa from New Jersey

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How do I remove dried hairspray from a leather jacket?

PJ from San Jose, CA

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I planted potatoes in pots on my balcony. They are now over a metre and a half high but have not bloomed. There are 5 plants, only one has had 3 blooms. I planted them in July. They just won't stop growing. Is there a problem?

sishuba

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What causes linen to shrink?

Domino from Canada

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I'm looking for a very simple and easy spinach squares recipe.

Thanks!
D. from Yellow Springs, Ohio

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Our lawn is full of dandelion, clover and what I believe it is creeping charlie. What can I use that is homeade that will help to get rid of these without killing the grass?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Midge from Buffalo, NY

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I have permanent black marker on computer monitor screen. What is the best thing to use to clean it off?

Susan from Buffalo, NY

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My dog can't close his mouth. What do I do?

Kellsey from Texada, BC

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Is there a way to tell if the potato I purchase at a grocery store is good to eat? I ask because I recently purchased a red skinned potato that was green just underneath the skin and it wasn't that good.

ba rok

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How do you remove lipstick stains from drinking glasses and cups?

Irene from Kent, WA

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I have a dehydrator that I haven't really figured out yet. Does anyone have any tried and true recipes they wouldn't mind sharing? I would love to get snack type recipes to make for our 5 kids and anything else you'd care to share.

Thank you,
Betty from VA

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What is the old fashioned game (from 1970-73) called that you use two 5-7 foot bamboo sticks and jump in and out. 2 people hold the sticks close to the ground and clap them together in a rhythm. Similar to chinese jump rope I think.

Cindy from Lake Wales, FL

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My highly french polished table has gained a 'bloom' from a heated object. How can I remove the bloom?

Pam from UK

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What are some American Eagle discount codes?

Joe from Maryland

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How much Pork BBQ do I need to serve 100 people?

Tina from Harrisonville, PA

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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:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Let's face it, air pollution isn't the first thing we think of when we see plants struggling in the garden, especially for those of us living in less densely populated areas, Still, like people, plants need access to clean air in order to grow and maintain their health. Scientists have recognized that air pollution can cause damage to commercial food crops since the 1960s. Today, as the growing population of the world continues to manufacture goods and produce waste, scientists are beginning to understand just how serious that damage can be and how widespread it is. If some of your plants are struggling but you can't seem to figure out why, air pollution could be the problem

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