Daily Thrifty Tips - August 19, 2008

We are a little shorthanded this week so contest winners will be announced on Thursday instead of today. Sorry for the delay.

Do you have any tips for new college students? Feel free to post them on one of the contest pages.

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

Precious (Shepherd/Husky)

Precious is a 12 year old Shepherd/Husky and who knows what. She was an abandoned puppy. I got her the weekend after I had to put my beloved pet poodle to sleep. A young boy at the grocery store was crying that they had to leave her. I am a sucker for pets and feel for this fur ball.

Precious is everything that I didn't want in a dog; she sheds, she's big but she loves us and protects us. What would I do without her.

She loves her toys and knows them all by name. This is a picture of her with "chickie." She use to run with my husband while he was marathon training but when both had to have knee surgery, they were sidelined.

This is her "Gene Simmons Kiss" toy and that is the way she carries it around the house. We call her "Kiss Dog."

By ggmsmolly from Katy, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24216825.tip.html

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

Craft: Keepsake Box

Supplies:

• Small unfinished wooden box with a picture frame lid
• Sandpaper
• Acrylic paint
• Rubber stamps and stencil
• Rubber sticker letters
• Acrylic sealer spray
• Picture

Directions:

Lightly sand the box. Put design on with rubber stamps and stencil. Paint as needed. Put on rubber sticker letters. When done, finish with acrylic sealer spray or paint. Add your picture.

By Crafty Billie from Stockton, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57736141.tip.html

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

Animals and Plants Together

Animals and plants together, make for a welcoming and appealing flower garden. I get a lot of comments.

By Wanda from Climax, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67279433.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!

Get Your Cash Back at a Store

Did you ever notice how much money you spend when using your Debit Card to get cash out of an ATM that is not affiliated with your bank? I was stunned when my last statement came and the fees associated with using ATM's. Anywhere from $2.25 to $3.00 to use the service. It can literally come to a big chunk of change by the end of the year! Now, I just go to Walgreen's, Dominick's Finer Foods, or any major store and even if you just purchase a pack of gum, you can request cash back. The Walgreen's here in Chi-Town will give you up to $100.00 cash back. Your will need to enter your pin, but when you figure the amount you can save, its worth it. I look forward to my next statement where there is no fees for cash back.

By Louise Snyder from Chicago, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79622862.tip.html

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

Cover Image With Cheesecloth for an Oil Painting Look

For inexpensive artwork that looks like an oil painting, you can use a picture from an old calendar (or similar paper stock) by gluing it to poster board or cardboard and then lay a piece of cheese cloth over the picture. Next step is to brush on a thin coat of shellac over the cheese cloth. Once dry, cut the board and cheese cloth to fit the size of the picture. Place in a frame proper for the size. Bet you can find a frame in a dollar store or at a garage sale on the cheap ;-)

Source: Can't remember where I read this craft tip but it works great :-)

By Deeli from Richland, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46286272.tip.html

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

Get Pet Meds Through Your Pharmacy

If your pet is on medication sometimes it's cheaper to get the medication through your people pharmacy. I had a dog on phenobarbital and it was loads cheaper getting it at my local pharmacy. My vet was more than happy to call the pharmacy and get it there. I saved money and he had a happy customer. Shop around and maybe you can find it cheaper than at your regular pharmacy.

By DEBRADJ from ILLINOIS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62347672.tip.html

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

Use Bathwater for Cleaning

I take a warm bath every night and I hate wasting the water. I leave it in the tub and add bleach. Then I use this to clean bathroom floors, soak any plastic that has been discolored, freshen mops, sponges, even stained towels. I find I am getting a lot done with this new idea.

By Linda from Rochester, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95564071.tip.html

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

Vacuum With Pantyhose for Retrieving Small Items

I'm not sure where I heard this from but, I thought it was a good idea.

When you lose something very small like an earring, or even a contact this should work. Take some panty hose and place it on the attachment nozzle from your vacuum so that when you turn the vacuum on and gently go over the spot you think your item may be. the pantyhose will stop it.

By Emmy from Elsmere, KY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33391030.tip.html

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

WalMart's Back To School Fashion Show

If your local Walmart store announces a "Back to School Fashion Show". Check into getting your children into the Fashion Show catwalk lineup. A friend's children recently participated in one. Walmart gave each child the clothing and props they used as a gift for walking their 'catwalk' in the show. Each child came away with a new back to school outfit, new pair of shoes and a backpack!! Plus, their parents received a store discount on any back to school clothing purchased on that day, after the Fashion Show!

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26902183.tip.html

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

Catsitting: A Joke

There was once a middle-aged bachelor named Bob who was in a new relationship with a special lady friend. He liked her very much, but there was one drawback; her huge, spoiled, spiteful cat. The cat seemed to always be glaring at him, as if it knew that Bob hated cats.

One weekend, Bob's lady friend was going out of town, and she needed someone to care for the cat in her absence. Bob volunteered, although he dreaded the job. After the cat was dropped off at his home and the lady had driven away, Bob tried to make the best of the situation. Perhaps he and the cat could become friends during their time together. He reached down sweetly and stroked the cat's head. The cat flew into a frenzy, biting and scratching at him, hissing and spitting!

Bob could take no more. He shoved the growling cat into its carrier. Wrapping his bleeding hand, he told his roommate Ralph that he was going to take the cat out into the country and dump it. "I'll tell her it ran away!" he said with joy, confident that the cat problem would soon be at an end. About 20 minutes later, Bob returned, relieved that the task was done. He said to Ralph, "I drove that cat way down the road. It won't be back!"

But a few minutes later there was a scratching and scrabbling at the door. Ralph opened the door and in bolted the cat, straight for Bob. It bit and clawed and scratched and hissed. Again Bob threw it into the carrier, much more roughly this time. As he dabbed at his bloodied brow he said, "I must not have taken it far enough. I'll try again." About 45 minutes later Bob returned, looking flustered but relieved. "I took it way out into the country. There is no way it can find its way back this time!"

But a few minutes later there was a scratching and scrabbling at the door. Ralph opened the door and in bolted the cat, right for Bob. It tore at his hair and growled and shredded his good work shirt into ribbons. This time Bob gave it a good shake before he crammed it into the carrier. "I can't believe it found its way back! I took it miles away! This time I will take it so far that it can never, ever, ever find its way back!"

Three hours passed. Ralph was beginning to get worried about his friend. Suddenly there was a scratching and scrabbling at the door. Ralph opened the door and in sauntered the cat. It hopped up onto the table and began grooming itself, purring all the while. For three more hours, Ralph waited anxiously for Bob to return. Suddenly the phone rang.

"Hello?" Ralph answered.

"Uh, this is Bob. Hey, did that cat come back?"

"Yeah it did! It's sitting right here, just as happy as you please!" Ralph replied.

Bob sighed before he said, "Well, put it on the phone, will ya? I need help finding my way back."

By Shawna from Paris, TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53514985.tip.html

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

Freezing Produce In Paper Bags

I learned this freezing method from a friend who puts up produce from a very large garden every year. She freezes Okra, green beans, bell peppers, zucchini and yellow squash, Purple hull peas, and more this way. Use brown paper lunch bags.

Take three bags, open and insert one inside the other for a triple thick bag. Wash your veggies, and lay on a towel to dry. When dry, prepare appropriately: snap the beans, shell the peas, slice the squash, etc. Put them into the prepared paper bags. Then fold down the tops and either clip them or staple them. Label and date the bags with a sharpie, and put them in the freezer.

They will not freeze together into a lump, and very little, if any, frost will accumulate in the bag. Also, no freezer burn. Blanching is not necessary. I have even started transferring the frozen veggies that I buy from the store to the paper bags. They keep better. You can open a bag and use what you need, then re-fold and re-staple the bag.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25719721.tip.html

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

Trick to Placing Lids on Mayo Jar

If you have trouble getting lids back on mayo jars, etc., turn lid counterclockwise a few times and it should drop right in the groove then turn clockwise to close. Works for me every time. :)

By Betty from Painesville, Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79660640.tip.html

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

If You Can't Recycle It, Freecycle It

I am very dedicated to recycling everything that I possibly can. It is now just my husband and myself, however, we have two extra large recycling bins and one small bin. There are times when all three are completely full. So as you can see, I take recycling very seriously. Take the time to sort your papers and plastic at least and keep them out of landfills.

I have recently joined several "freecycle" groups near my hometown. These groups give you the opportunity to offer items from your home that you gift to someone who wants or needs it. It can be anything as long as it is not truly trash! We have gifted a vacuum cleaner, tote bags, kitchen plaques, craft items, and two like new gym equipment pieces, just to name a few. There is absolutely no money involved! It must be free. It is very easy to join a group near your hometown too. Go to freecycle.org and find a group near you.

It is more blessed to give than to receive!

Think about it.

Source: freecycle.org

By Lee from Jesup, GA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98587836.tip.html

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

Getting Rid of Ants

How do I get rid of house ants?

Terri from Leesburg, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf678114.tip.html

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

Keeping Gnats Away From Dog

We go to the lake a lot in the summer and the gnats just drive our boxer crazy. I've tried different things on him but it doesn't seem to work. If any one can give any suggestions, I would sure appreciate it. Thank you.

Pat from Churubusco, IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf169860.tip.html

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

Saving School Papers

I am in need of some ideas for what to do with my daughter's school papers that she brings home.

Bonita from Lula, Ga

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf212868.tip.html

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

Lipstick Stains on Clothing

How do I remove lipstick stains from a load of clothes that have been washed and dried?

Evie from Kingstree, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf314894.tip.html

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

Substitute For Plastic Garbage Bags

I have on and off used plastic or paper bags at the grocery store. I am trying to go "green" little by little. What I used to do and trying to stop is I would take the plastic bag and insert the paper bag for our garbage pails. Is there an alternative to not using these plastic bags at all for garbage?

I am also purchasing those "green bags" little by little - they are inexpensive but I would reuse them but not for garbage of course. I actually saw a video that was very eye opening about plastic bags, it really changed my views. What would any of you say is a good alternative? (In this video it says something to the fact that recycling plastic actually cost more than making it? I also bought a plastic sippy cup at a Natural Health food store - it actually had directions to only wash with vinegar and baking soda - so that's how I wash most of my plastic containers now - why not?

Ann from MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13448423.tip.html

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

Bugs Feeding on My Hibiscus

Some type of bug is chewing big holes in the leaves of my hibiscus plants. I have seen a few white flies, but I don't think that they are the culprit. This morning I saw the bug but have no idea what it is. It looks like a tiny mosquito. It has wings and maybe a green or yellow middle section. They fly very fast and about 5 to 10 were on some of the leaves. Please help. Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Donna from Lafayette, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80976641.tip.html

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

Saving Money on Your Grocery Bill

I would like some ideas on how to save on my groceries at the store. The way prices are going up and up, I need to save all I can. Thanks ahead for the tips.

Teresa from Richlands, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf770864.tip.html

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

Crown Royal Bag Quilt

I want basic instructions on making a quilt out of crown royal bags small and big. Can you help me?

Wanda

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79817899.tip.html

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

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Roll Recipe

I am looking for a recipe for a pumpkin roll with a cream cheese filling. I bought one at a bake sale and my family loved it. Thank you in advance

Debi from Upstate New York

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82477642.tip.html

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

Tar on Microfiber

How do I get tar off of my microfiber group set? I am that 1 person who can't have a spot! Please help.

Mary

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47159130.tip.html

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

French Vanilla Coffee Creamer Recipe

I'm looking for recipes for homemade vanilla coffee creamer.

Jenni from Ponca City, OK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35537771.tip.html

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

Ideas To Get Help Paying Vet Bills

My boyfriend and I adopted our 3 month old puppy Isabel, June 7, 2008. We were told the following Wednesday, that one of the puppies in her litter had Parvo and that she should be tested. She tested positive. Though she did recover, treatment cost over $1300. While that put a financial strain on us, that wasn't the end. After recovering from the Parvo, she came down with pneumonia and that treatment has cost us an additional $450+.

We've taken out some loans but the problem is that my boyfriend and I are both students and are only working part-time to pay for other bills (car, our medical bills, school, etc.). If we don't get help, we'll be behind on other bills. We've searched for organizations that can help but most are for future treatments. Does anyone know of any organizations or perhaps even individuals who can help us? We love our puppy and have tried to do what's best for her.

Diana from Dallas, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46509756.tip.html

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

Home Remedy For Foot Calluses

I have calluses/corns in many areas on the soles of both my feet. I am looking for a home remedy to cure me of this problem and to prevent further calluses.

Michael

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf337974.tip.html

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

Canning Tomato Juice

I am looking for tomato juice canning recipes.

Rob from Fort Wright, KY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf439951.tip.html

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

Kitchen Paint Color Advice

What color should I paint my kitchen? My units are ivory with a very dark counter top. The floor is timber in a light color.

Eileen from Cork, Ireland

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf342905.tip.html

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

Burn Mark on Countertop

I need to remove burn mark on work top. Can you help?

William

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf227224.tip.html

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

Something Eating My Hibiscus

What is eating my hibiscus buds during the night? Avril from Malaga, Spain

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72171223.tip.html

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

Homemade Aloe Vera Juice

My son is 25 and he has Chrohn's disease. I have many aloe vera plants, do you have a recipe I can use that will not bring on diarrhea? Thank you so much.

Mary

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf314242.tip.html

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

Getting Rid Of Nut Grass

Does anybody out there have a home remedy solution for nut grass? Thanks.

MaryAnn from Parma Heights, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51731788.tip.html

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

Hole Punch for Vertical Blind Slats

I am looking for an oblong hole punch for a vertical blind slat.

Bob from Agoura, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67978066.tip.html

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

Making Home Fragrance Oils

I have a question about making your own fragrance oils for Lampe Berger. I followed the recipe many people posted using 90% isopropyl alcohol and essential oil. The mixture smells strongly like alcohol, not much like the scent I added. I do not want to add too much oil because people warned against this (lamp smokes). Is this how it is supposed to smell before I burn it?

Susanna

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf224807.tip.html

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

Linoleum Floor Stained By Foam Backed Rugs

I need to remove yellow stains from foam backed rugs on vinyl flooring. Help!

N.M.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf686415.tip.html

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

Removing Glue from Glass

How can I remove nail glue from glass?

Ashley from London

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45091517.tip.html

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

Sunscreen Stains on Clothing

Can someone please help me with orange sunscreen stains on clothing? I'm finding the stains after washing. They don't appear until the clothing has been washed. I called Coppertone and they said it's the Avobenzone reacting with iron levels in our water. I don't understand why this hasn't been a problem in the past.

I've tried Oxyclean, Biz and now I'm going to try The Works like someone suggested. I'm ruining clothing left and right. The Blue Lizard Sensitive stuff works but my son breaks out from it so he can't use it. Plus it's a pain to apply and EVERYTHING sticks to it. I did just order some Trigger Spray Coppertone, the Coppertone people said it's one that doesn't have the Avobenzone. Anyone else having this issue this year and not in the past?

Chantel from MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf325054.tip.html

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

Looking for Buy Now, Pay Later Sites

Are there any companies like bigappleoutlet(dot)com where you order and pay after your stuff is shipped?

Sherry

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf419810.tip.html

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

Selling On Craigslist

How do I place items on Craigslist that I want to sell?

Charles

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78750078.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

Saving Money with Sheets
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

It's nearly time for white sales to begin. While these sales offer us great deals on linens, they offer so much more for the more creative consumer. By far, bed sheets are the most valuable item on sale this month. There's so much more than can be done with them than putting them on a bed.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71127309.tip.html

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