Daily Thrifty Tips - March 24, 2008

I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend! Be sure to the check out the article about Making Seed-Starting Pots From Newspaper in the More Reading section today. We published it in last week's Happy Garden Newsletter. If you aren't already a subscriber to the Happy Garden, you can subscribe here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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.

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Craft Project: Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging

My mom's vintage circle skirt paired up with two of my old fringed T's that were destined for the ragbag. This was a fun project! Not long ago, there was another ThriftyFun post similar with the cloth in the embroidery hoop for a little life to a bare wall. This print was so awesome I couldn't resist making it into an "eye catcher" to add some PUNCH to my wall!

Mom was so thrifty, a lot of her other circle skirts were made into big dish towels or pillow cases. This one she made into a dust cover for a coat of mine. The fringe was recycled from T-shirts I fringed but were too stained to deal with. All 3 layers of cloth were a very tight fit in the hoop, it almost didn't fit! I threaded a few beads onto thinner pieces of fringe and added a little green and purple sequin trim and each end has a purple star.

I made the braid from one strip of t shirt cloth (not sure where the "how to" is right now - I checked Instructables, eHow and wikiHow) and glued it to the outside of the hoop, using school glue. The little bit of extra fabric is secured in the back (for now) with shipping tape. As long as it's holding, I have no problem with it!

My mom had great taste in clothes. By melody_yesterday

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Craft Project: Easy Display Board

The finished result is kind of like an easel. The one in the picture is a mini version, made with a gift box, but you can make any size just by using a larger box and larger clothespins.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Supplies

• cardboard box
• ruler
• pencil
• scissors
• wrapping paper
• cellophane tape
• two clothespins
• glue

Instructions

1. Tape the cardboard box closed. On one end of the box, draw a straight line, diagonally, from one corner to the other. Repeat this process on the opposite end of the box, making sure both diagonal lines are going in the same direction.
2. Cut the box along your lines. Remove any extra flaps. Your finished piece will look like a triangle when viewed from the side.
3. Cover your easel shape with wrapping paper. Use tape to keep the paper in place.
4. Glue one side of two clothespins to the top of the easel, and space them evenly. I used mini craft clothespins for the one I made because my box was small. Allow the glue to dry.
5. Depending on the size you make, you can use it to hold reminder notes, recipes, photos, or paper while you draw or write.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Craft: Gourd Angels

Pick your gourds, wash in dish soap and bleach, let dry, about an hour. Pick which colors of acrylic paint you want to use on the dress, and skin tone for the face and you are ready to paint. When you are finished painting, set aside and let dry, I always let them dry overnight just to be sure.

The next step is the bow for the wings, choose a ribbon that has wire in it, and is a good color to go with the dress on the angel. Make sure the ribbon is long enough for a double bow. Move the ribbon around until you have it like wings, that you are happy with. Spray with a high gloss sealer. These are beautiful for Christmas or Valentines Day.

By Sheri from Stockton, CA

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Scenery: Fog Nesting in El Moro Canyon

My 16 year old son took this photo during a recent hike in El Moro Canyon.

El Moro Canyon is in Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County.

• Crystal Cove State Park: El Moro Canyon Road Trail

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Hannah (Samoyed/Golden Retriever) and Kona (Golden Retriever)

Hannah is 5 and is a Samoyed/Golden Retriever, Kona is 2 and is a Golden Retriever. Both beauties are rescued from animal shelters, using Petfinder.com. We adopted Hannah when she was 6 months old, and we adopted Kona when she was 1 1/2 years old.

Hannah loves walks, rides, chasing squirrels and eating tapioca pudding. Kona LOVES to play ball, and just being around humans! She, too, loves eating tapioca pudding! They are definitely lovers to us humans, they make our house a home!

By Shirley from Southwestern Michigan

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Washable Place Mats for Dog Dishes

I keep a poly/cotton washable place mat under my dogs bowl to keep the floor clean where she eats and drinks. She tends to flick food out of her bowl when she eats, this way I can wash the place mat and replace it with a clean one instead of scrubbing the floor around the dog bowl all the time. You can usually find washable place mats in a dollar store.

Source: I had seen doggie place mats with rubber backing in the store and knew that the rubber backing would deteriorate over time so I decided to use a regular washable place mat instead. I guess it is my own idea.

By Luv to Cook from NC

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Product Review - Aptera Electric Car

Product: Electric Vehicles.

Model: The Aptera

Cost: $30,000

Looking at this vehicle on the Web has given me hope for life on Earth. http://www.aptera.com

I am thinking of sending my five hundred dollar reservation fee and waiting for my turn to own one of these marvelous little electric wonders.

By Joseph from Laval West, Laval, Quebec, Canada.

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Setting Colors in Clothing So They Don't Bleed

My daughters were cheerleaders for 12 years and here is what we did to protect their clothing:

Fill washing machine 1/2 full with COLD water, and add 1 Quart of clear vinegar. Agitate for about 30 seconds, then add clothing and agitate for about 2 minutes (long enough to thoroughly mix all together). Turn off 'Timer' and let set for 10 minutes. Repeat on/off method for about 5 times. Set timer to 'ON' and let it run it's full cycle.

Colors should be set and not bleed. (if vinegar isn't available, use 1 cup of table salt. This works just as well)

By Cajun62234 from Collinsville, IL

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Removing Coffee Stains from the Rim of Coffee Cups

Coffee stains on the inside of the rim of your coffee cups? Turn them upside down in 1/2 inch of half and half white vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes and then wash as usual.

By Charlie from San Antonio, TX

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Vegetable Oil to Restore a Wooden Table

I tried something recently that I wanted to share. I may have gotten the tip here or perhaps it was somewhere else online. Anyway, if you've got a worn wooden tabletop that you want to restore, just use vegetable oil!

Our oak kitchen table wasn't looking too good. Too many times of wiping off had worn the finish in areas and it also looked dull. I just cleaned it real good first using a micro-fiber cloth and then poured a little vegetable oil in several places directly on the table. I wiped it over the table completely and as evenly as I could get with a paper towel. I then let it set on the table for a while and then wiped it down with more paper towels.

It worked like magic. It's as though the table top got refinished. You can't see the worn spots anymore. Also it has a very nice sheen. I plan to do it to our oak end table as well. Give it a try. It's easy and sure is frugal!

By Debbie52 from IL

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Celebrate Easter All Year Long (Joke)

Several years ago, our pastor commented on the notable amount of parishioners celebrating Easter at our church that Sunday.

He remarked, "The turnout today is quite impressive. I will, however, be more impressed with those who choose to come to church NEXT Sunday."

He is a wise man indeed.

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Buy Each Child Their Own Colored Towel

Do less wash, buy each child a towel in their own color. When my 4 kids were growing up, I had a problem with them just throwing their bath towels onto the bathroom floor. I remedied this by buying each child their OWN towel in their own color. The rule was that they were each responsible for their own towel. They had to use the SAME towel all week long. I'd wash them all every Saturday. If I saw a towel on the floor, I knew who it belonged to. This not only stopped me from yelling about it, it also taught them to take care of their belongings. Believe me, you'll do whole lot less wash!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Grind Coffee Beans As You Need Them

Just discovered the best cuppa joe possible far as staying fresh. The secret? Buy your own coffee grinder (found mine, plus the coffee beans at Kroger). Do NOT grind the beans at the store. Whenever you want coffee, just measure out a small amount, depends on how strong you like your coffee, but about 1 1/3 Tbsp. works for me. Throw them in the grinder and pulsate for 10 to 13 seconds. Brew the coffee like normal. It will still taste like fresh 2 plus hours later, maybe longer I always get it drank up by then! I always hated the taste it got after about 45 minutes of sitting!

Only grind the beans up as you need them. If you ground them all in the store you'd just have the same effect you've been getting all along, not so fresh and really strong coffee. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to go to the pot and drink my fresh coffee after it has sat there a long time and not be wasting any more, pouring it down the drain. I refused to drink it after it had sat for any length of time past about 45 minutes. If only the restaurants would do this then we all wouldn't be grossed out with bad takeout coffee! So the secret is to just grind the little amount of beans as you need them. Wonderful coffee for me from now on!

Source: My carpenter told me this the other day!

By Lori from Marion AR

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Brown Sugar Substitute

Did you know that Brown Sugar is really only White Sugar with Molasses mixed in with it? I was so surprised when I found that out. I feel so clever when I mix my own batch of brown sugar for baking etc. It is so simple, saves storage space, and is much cheaper.

For 1 cup of brown sugar I add approximately 1 Tbsp of molasses. I add more or less molasses depending if I want the light brown sugar or the dark. No more worries now when I don't have enough brown sugar for that recipe. I never seem to run out of white sugar, but always of brown sugar.

Happy Baking!

By Sue from Calgary, Alberta

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Planting Dwarf Fruit Trees in Pots

Question:

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Oorah from Oceanside, Calif

Answer:

Almost any commercial potting soil should work just fine for growing dwarf fruit trees. Also, if you want to mix your own, just use a 1:1:1: ratio of sand, peat and vermiculite or perlite. You want the soil to be loose enough for adequate drainage, without being so loose that water runs right through the pot every time you water. Refresh the soil by replacing the top 2 inches of soil with fresh compost each spring.

As far as feeding, any plants confined to a container will need to be fed more frequently than those grown in the ground. Look for a fertilizer especially formulated for citrus trees or fruit trees to use from spring through mid summer. Start by feeding once every two weeks and adjust the frequently according to how the plant is responding. I always recommend using a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer at half strength to start with for plants in containers. Most people tend to overdo it, and in the case of fruit trees, too much fertilizer will give you lots of plant growth, but be detrimental to fruit production.

When watering, keep compost moist (not wet) during the active growing season. Do not allow the roots to stand in water. Check water daily to prevent the soil from drying out, and remember that the plants will require less water in the winter. Poke your fingers down through the top two inches of soil. It should always feel on the dry side of moist.

Over time, the overuse of fertilizers (or water containing soluble salts) may result in excess salt building up in the soil. A white crust on the soil or inside of the container is your indicator. Use a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer according to package directions and when in doubt, go light. To flush out excess salts, pour water slowly over the soil for several minutes until the water drains freely out of the bottom of the pot.

Good luck!

Ellen

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Dog Stinks After Being Washed

After washing her, within two days she stinks. It's just bad dog smell. She's been licking at her front toe nails until they bleed. The vet gave me spray but it's not helping. I don't know if this part of the cause of the smell. She doesn't lick her nails all the time just some time. Any ideas?

1kingpin from Miami, FL

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Organizing Curling Irons

I am interesting in hearing suggestions on how you gals organize your curling irons, flat irons and hair dryers. I am aware they make a holder, but my bathroom is very tiny and space is limited, so do you have any creative solutions for organizing all the appliances and dealing with the cords.

I read how extension cords and the like are wrapped but as a gal, these appliances get used daily, so the whole wrap, unwrap, rewrap, gets a little tedious...ideas anyone? Thank you ever so much!

All from SC

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Rock and Roll Birthday Party Ideas

My son is going to play rock & roll on his guitar for his party. Can you give me any ideas on how we can put on a rock in roll birthday party?

Gs Mamma from ,Goodyear, Az

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Easy Clothing Sewing Project

What is the easiest piece of clothing to start learning to sew with? This is all new to me and I need lots of help. Thanks and God bless

Debra from Hampton, TN

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Fixing Lock on Sliding Pocket Door

I have a sliding pocket door that leads to a bathroom. The small hook in the door that is supposed to lock the door has become bent, and is now not usable. I have tried using a hook and eye as a lock. However, the eye became bent when the door was pushed too far, and the metal slid into and damaged the door frame. Does anyone have ideas for locking this type of door?

Kasbal from PA

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Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

I was wondering how to clean pen off of a microfiber sectional.

Jason

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Color Stains out of Other Colored Clothes

My light blue cotton shirt has got red colored stains while washing. How can I remove the stains?

SUJATA

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Looking For Tulle To Make Nylon Net Scrubbers

I am wondering if anyone knows where you can buy the tulle on rolls to make the net scrubbers.

Connie

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Removing Red Soda Stain From White Carpet

How do I remove a set-in red soda stain from cream/white colored carpet? Any suggestions would help. Thanks.

Christina

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Growing Tomatoes In Black Plastic Bags

Another poster on here mentioned using black plastic bags as containers for growing tomatoes. I was wondering if anyone could elaborate on that method?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Tami from MO

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Looking For Information On Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Has anyone lived or been to Oshkosh, Wisconsin? What is the area like? Is it a good place to raise a family? What about surrounding area Omro or Neenah?

mom of 2

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Moving Without Selling Current House

My husband is considering a job in another state that pays a lot more then we are currently making. We live in Michigan. Houses are not really selling. We would be lucky to make what we owe. My question is has anyone else moved to another state and started completely over without selling their old house?

Is it really stressful? We have 2 boys and I really want to do it, just scared of getting stuck with 2 houses. The driveway on the Michigan house is cracked and a mess.

mom of 2

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Front Load Washer Not Spinning When Full

My Frigidaire front loader washer is not spinning when full. It spins ok if only a small amount of clothes are in it. We just replaced the belt, but it didn't help the problem. Should I just buy a new one or is this fixable?

Lori from Pleasanton, CA

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Removing Mold And Mildew On Polyester Shower Curtain

How can I remove mold and mildew from a polyester shower curtain?

mooks from Detroit, MI

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How Do You Sew A Shrug?

How do you sew a shrug?

butchieb from Nokomis, FL

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Removing Diesel From Block Paved Driveway

My grandson spilled some diesel on my newly laid block paved drive. I have tried hot soapy water but that has not worked. Can someone please tell me how to get it off?

Barbara

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Inexpensive Wedding Hall In Washington DC?

My daughter is getting married in August and we are in need of an inexpensive wedding hall. I'm trying to help her. But funds are really tight. We need a place that is clean, with a kitchen, tables and chairs, that will allows us to bring food, and that we can decorate the night before. Due to the fact that it's my job, and I have to decorate the church as well.

Juanamie from Washington, DC

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Game Warden Themed Birthday Party Ideas

My boyfriend will be celebrating his 40th birthday in a couple of weeks. I am looking for Game Warden theme party ideas. I have had little luck searching the net. I did find a couple of hunting websites, but would like to search for more. I am also looking for center piece ideas. Many thanks.

Sara

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Feeding Garden Worms

What can I feed my garden worms with? I need to fatten them up for fishing! Thanks

Eileen from Northern CA

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Painting Metal Shelves In Refrigerator

How would I prepare and paint the metal shelves in my refrigerator? I think they are aluminum, and they look all mottled. Other than that the fridge is in great condition.
Thanks.

octoberbabye from Bradenton, Fl USA

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Can You Freeze Basket Cheese?

Can you freeze basket cheese?

Enid from Southampton, NJ

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Fresh Smelling Towels

How do I remove foul smell from towel ? I want to add fresh smell to the towel.

Sukhwinder

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What color kitchen appliances should I get?

I am replacing several appliances in my kitchen. I have just purchased a beautiful cottage style kitchen table in black. I am wanting to incorporate black into the kitchen but not overdo it (with black). Currently, I have a medium shade of oak hard wood flooring, white cabinets and white appliances.

I am not fond of stainless appliances. Would it look best if I used all black appliances amongst the white cabinets or white appliances? I could really use some advice.

Lisa from Chapel Hill, NC

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Removing Acrylic Nails

I got nails about two weeks ago. They are not the whole fake nail, they are acrylic pink and whites and were put on with a paint of some sorts? Well, I want them off NOW but I am worried as to how to remove them hopefully virtually painless.

I have heard use acetone, but also I heard that can be damaging to your skin and potentially burn you. What is the most effective and painless way to remove this type of nail? HELP!

Megan from Lansing, MI

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Game Ideas for Birthday Party At McDonald's

I'm having a party at McDonald's for my 4 year old son. There's not really a theme, but the party favors are "Construction Pals". I need ideas for at least one game/activity that can be done at the tables.

Sherry from Oxford, MS

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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.

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Making Seed-Starting Pots From Newspaper
By Ellen Brown

If you are like most gardeners, you probably have a mound of plastic multi-pack containers growing in the basement or piling up behind the garage. You know, the dirty, crumpled flats right next to all of those gallon pots you plan to reuse. Sure, you may be able to reuse them once or twice, but when they eventually break down, most will end up in a landfill. Here is an old idea for inexpensive, do-it-yourself seed starting pots made from newspaper. When your seedlings are ready for the garden, just pop them in the ground-pot and all.

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