Daily Thrifty Tips - March 26, 2007

Robbie and Peanut (Poodle and Terrier)

In the photo, Robbie is 10 months and Peanut is 16 years. Robbie is a Poodle and Peanut is a Terrier. Robbie was given to me in 2006 when he was about 6 months old. The family had too many dogs, and had to let at least one go. Robbie was the last one they had acquired, and that is the reason he was given to me.

Peanut was 8 1/2 years old when I got her in February, 2000. The people who had her were the second owners and were living in a travel trailer, so she was tied to a dog house, outside in the rain. They advertised her on a board at the animal shelter. My friend saw it and called me. My dog had been hit by a car and killed in December. We went to see her, and I couldn't resist.

Robbie likes to chase balls, and go for walks. He also loves his toys. Peanut used to chase anything that I would throw. Recently, she hurt her hip and has slowed down due to that and age. She still likes to go for walks. Peanut has been one of the most feisty dogs that I have ever owned. Even now, she is certain that she can whip any dog that crosses her. When she gets mad, her eyes flash. She understands nearly everything that I tell her to do. She has been an amazing little dog, and I dread the time that she goes to doggy heaven.

Robbie has been difficult to train due to having no training before I got him. He is learning, though, and is a sweetheart. I call him VELCRO because he is stuck to the back of my legs, every step I take. He loves most people. When my friend, or my son, comes over, he is immediately on their lap, staring into their faces.

By Barbara from Oroville, CA

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Country Garden Decor

My husband and I are always looking for ways to decorate our country home yard. A recent project is an old wood chair that we found for free at a yard sale and a $2 old wash basin.

We whitewashed it and removed the seat. Took the basin and drilled holes in the bottom, for a planter. Too sweet!! Added some real grapevine growing in our yard to the chair for a finishing touch. I can also decorate it for the different seasons and holidays.

By Tracie from Mexico, NY

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Glitter Eggs

This is a quick and easy project you can make using bits and pieces of items you probably already have around the house. You can finish several, as described below, and hang them on a tree, or finish several without ribbons and flowers and use them to add to a table centerpiece or fill a bowl to set out as decoration.

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It Takes a Village . . .

You've heard the saying "It takes a village to raise a child"? Well at my house, it takes the whole family to crack open a coconut! (Kitty Nala and I were taking the picture!)

By Michawn from Morgan Hill, CA

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Hoagie Sampler (Photo)

Looks good enough to eat! This is a hoagie sampler I made for a customer.

By Chris from N.E. PA

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Pinch Dead Blooms

Pinch off dead blooms from flowering plants. It will help keep your plants flowering longer. If blooms or leaves have fallen onto the soil they should also be removed.

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Linoleum Instead Of Shelf Paper

Use linoleum leftovers to line your sink base cabinet and oven drawer for easier cleanup. You can even use linoleum pieces in cabinets instead of shelf paper so spills can be cleaned up easily.

By Sallyd from Pottsville, PA

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Paper Towel Holders For Ribbons

First of all, I would like to thank all of the Thrifty Fun readers who have taken the time to leave such wonderful feedback on my craft projects. It's a great feeling when people like what you do.

Here is my craft tip: Save or collect (from yard sales) old paper towel holders, either the counter stand kind or the hang-on-the-wall kind, and use them to store your ribbons for both crafting and wrapping. Not all ribbon spools will fit, but a lot will, and it's a great way to keep track of the ribbon you have.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Split Trash Pickup With Neighbor

In my township, residents must pay a private hauler for trash pickup service. It costs about $90 per quarter, that's $360 per year! My neighbor and I decided to split the fee and share the service. He lives alone and doesn't have as much trash as our family, so each week he brings his trash and recyclables to our curb for pickup. Our savings: $180 per year.

By Christine Schuyler from Hatfield, PA

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Shop Thrift Stores For Easter Decorations

The thrift shops come to the rescue for Easter, too! I got a lovely wicker bunny basket and filled it with multicolored plastic eggs to put at the front door. And I have found great deal on decorative eggs and bunnies and other Easter decorations, the sort I would like to buy from specialty stores, but never can afford.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Homemade Wasp Traps

I thought someone might want this tip since it's getting that time of year again. Wasps can be a pain, literally, to have around! It's not difficult to create a trap to help control them, however. Here are plans for a wasp trap that has worked for many people to reduce the number of wasps in and around the yard.

WARNING: Be sure to place your wasp trap away from any areas where you will be using the yard. Don't have one within 20 feet of your picnic table or children's play areas.

The simplest wasp trap can be made from a two or three liter pop bottle. Cut the bottle right under the funnel so that you have two pieces. After baiting the trap, you will fit the funnel shaped top piece into the bottom piece. The bait can be tied onto the pop bottle opening. Make three or four holes around the top edges where the fitted pieces meet, from which to attach string for a hanger. Don't tie these on too tightly because you will need to take the trap apart frequently to add new bait and remove dead wasps. Add water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the container part of the trap. A little vinegar added to the water is reported to repel honey bees from visiting the wasp trap. The water should not come to the level of the opening of the funnel shaped insert. Put a bit of Vaseline or cooking oil around the top of the funnel so that the insects will lose their footing when they are investigating the wasp trap.

What sort of bait works well in a wasp trap? It actually makes a difference what time of year it is. In the early spring, wasps will be seeking protein foods because they will be making nests and laying eggs. Some good choices for protein baits are hamburger and lunch meat. Partially cook the hamburger so that it is easier to tie onto the trap. An advantage to setting a wasp trap in the early spring or even late winter is that you may catch a queen. If you can catch and kill a queen, the rest of the wasps will go elsewhere to make a nest. Later on in the summer, sweet foods work well as bait. You might try floating a bit of root beer or other sweet liquid on the water in the trap in a small lid. Fruit pieces work well, too, but it helps if they are cut so that the juicy smell is evident. Mashed grapes are very desirable to wasps.

Place the wasp trap away from human activity and about four feet above the ground. The trap works best at about 85 degrees F. so you may have to move it into the shade on a hot afternoon or into the sun on a cool morning. The theory behind these traps is interesting. The wasp will fly down into the wasp trap to get the bait, but will not be able to find its way out. It will fly around inside until it wears itself out, at which time it will fall into the water. The detergent in the water breaks down the surface tension of the water, making it stick to the wasp's body instead of beading up around it. Since the wasp breathes through it's body, it will drown. Many wasps are likely to visit these wasp traps, which means you will need to empty them regularly. If you don't, the bodies of wasps will create islands on which the new wasps can rest without drowning. You will need to replenish the bait every few days, too, for best results.

When you empty the trap, you need to be careful. If any living wasps escape, they may return to the nest and let the others know they are in danger. If this happens, wasps can become aggressive. They may even swarm. The same thing can happen if the dead wasps' bodies are crushed. The bodies release a chemical which can be smelled by the rest of the colony. It is probably a good idea to bury the dead wasp bodies. (Be particularly careful if it is a colony of hornets you are trying to control! It is probably wisest to have a professional exterminator take care of them.)

Wasps are beneficial insects. They are useful around gardens because they prey on garden pest insects. However, when they make their nests too close to the house, they become pests themselves. Many people are allergic to wasp stings and can die if stung. In fact, death from insect stings is not uncommon. Making a wasp trap is one way to keep them under control without having to use toxic chemicals.

By Kathy from Huntsville, AL

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Petroleum Jelly For Soft Feet

Having wonderfully soft feet is easy. Simply coat both feet at night with a generous amount of petroleum jelly and slip on a pair of white cotton socks! In the morning, your feet will feel brand new!

By Veronica from Sedalia, MO

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Biscuit Warming Tip

To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

By Sandie from Cape Coral, FL

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Plastic Card Holder Ideas

I'm looking for ideas for a holder for my ID, credit cards, etc. i really don't care about instructions for a tri-fold because i don't carry cash. I just carry plastic. Most of them are clubs cards like Air-miles, Esso Extra, PetroPoints, Video store membership cards, debit card, ID, that sort of thing. I can't find anything retail that really JUST holds plastic or i can't find anything I like... So, now I'm looking for ideas to create a holder, with individual spots for each card. whether it be made by Duct tape or tetra packs or anything.

Any ideas?

Kevin from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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Tips for Growing Sunflowers

I've a question. I'm interested in growing sunflowers in my front porch of my house but do not have any knowledge of growing sunflowers.

I understand that sunflower is an annual thing. I'm staying in Malaysia, summer all year round. Do I start with seeds? Do I have a "time" to harvest/seeding?

I saw a sunflower plant, the height is about 4 feet tall at a nursery today. If I buy that plant back. How long will the flower bloom? And what shall I do after that?

Fern from Kuala Lumpur (KL), Malaysia

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Drum Shade Chandelier

I like the look of the big drum shades used as chandeliers over a dining table, but don't have much money and actually haven't seen any in stores. Couldn't a regular table lamp drum shade be modified to hang as a pendant/chandelier?

Cindya

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Expiration Dates on Canned Goods

Sometimes my MIL gets food from food pantries. One recent 'trip' has a can of red peppers from Turkey with the date of 09/02 on it. She and my DH thinks the can is safe since it is not bulging out. I think quite differently, due to being the daughter of nurses... LOL!

I just want to know if it's safe or not.

Theresa from Cleburne, TX

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Using Pledge on Shower Doors

Is Pledge furniture polish OK to use on glass shower doors?

Ronald from Stanton, CA

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Feeding a 180 Pound Dog

How much wet and dry dog food to feed to 180 pound dog?

Cathy from Woodbridge, VA

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Dallas / Ft. Worth Travel Tips

What can we do in Dallas Ft. Worth on vacation? For free or cheap. We've been to the stockyards, I'm sure well go again, but anything else any cool drives? Is there anything the area is famous for, like a mom and pop restaurant, something that a town is known for?

Thanks for your info.
Elba from Onalaska, WI

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Puerto Rico Travel Tips

What can we do in Puerto Rico while on vacation?

Cheap Traveler from Onalaska, WI

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Lingerie Bridal Shower Invitations

I am looking for tips on how to make my own lingerie invitation.

Georgia from AR

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Maintaining a Compost Pile in the Winter

I want to start a compost pile but am not sure how it is cared for over winter. Is there any special things I must do? I have Fibromyalgia and I don't do cold weather well, so if it must be worked in winter I may have to pass on this idea. Any help would be appreciated.

BTW: I love this site! I have learned so many wonderful things. God bless each and every one!

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Okscooter1 from Locust Grove, Oklahoma

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Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe

Years ago, I had written and made many times a recipe for a "Pineapple Cheesecake", the recipe came from a bag of Gold Medal Flour. The base of the cake was actually a cake batter made from scratch with the chunks of pineapples placed into the batter, it used cream cheese with some of the pineapple juice.

If anyone has this recipe, I would greatly appreciate a copy of it, I have moved several times over the years and in the moves lost this really tasty cheesecake.

Hope someone out there can help.

Thanks so much,
Nancylee from Southeastern, Massachusetts

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Child Support Payments and Social Security

My children's father owes me about $50000 in back child support payments. He just won a social security disability case and will get a lump sum. I was told that no one can make him pay child support with his lump sum. Can anyone tell me how I can make him pay?

Pam from Georgia

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Sunburst Window Treatment

I am in need of instructions for making a sunburst window treatment to fit into an arched window top. I know it's gathered around the half circle of the arch and in the bottom center the excess fabric is gathered into a rosette.

Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Making Mineral Makeup

I'm desperate! Does anyone have, or know where to obtain recipes for making mineral makeup? Any information provided would be greatly appreciated!

Thumper

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Sesame Seed Chicken

Can any one help me with a recipe for sesame seed chicken. I had it and loved it. Now i want to make it.

Thank you all,
Joanne from Swoyersville, PA

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Removing Water Marks from Wood Furniture

How do I remove water marks from wood furniture?

Linda from Penryn, CA

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Buying a Bed

I am in the market for a new bed and with so many to choose from, I am overwhelmed! What brand of bed is a dream to sleep on? I have tried out a few beds and those that are solid foam smell too strongly for my allergies. I like the pillow-top kind. What would you get if money was no object.

Paula from GA

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A Nice Green Lawn on a Budget

I am on a very limited budget. How can I get a nice green lawn. I've planted grass seed, but it never seems to grow, but the weeds sure do. The location is hot and sunny. If there aren't weeds growing there, then it is hard baked earth. Any suggestions would be helpful. My zone is 4.

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Amelia from SD

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NutriSystem Reviews

Has anyone tried NutriSystem? A few of my friends swear by it, but it seems expensive, especially if you still have to cook separately for your family. I have ordered some NutriSystem stuff from EBAY to try it out. I do like the idea that it makes it easy to plan meals and the high protein/low glycemic index might really work. I lost 30 pounds last summer from using the Dance Dance Revolution program on our Playstation 2. That was definitely worth the investment. I would still like to lose 5-10 pounds.

SusannL from St. Cloud, FL

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Open Concept Kitchen

I am really struggling with choosing a paint colour for my open concept kitchen. I have light maple cabinets with black molding and black appliances. The counter top is pictured however it is much darker looking than the picture shows. As well, the grey looking colour in the counter top almost appears blue when you look at it.

The kitchen is on an interior wall of a townhome so it doesn't get much natural light. The colour of the attached living room is irrelevant as I am in the process of painting that also and am open to any suggestions on a theme as a whole. I am replacing the furniture so my options are endless.

Nikki from Ontario, Canada

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How To Avoid Tax Time Problems

Are you looking for ways to avoid the last-minute rush for doing your taxes? Here are some stress-relieving ideas to help you.

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Uses for Old Watches

Here are some creative ideas for reusing old and broken watches from our ThriftyFun community. Post your own uses below.

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Ready for That Home Audit?
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Ready for an audit? This one actually will put money back in your pocket rather than take it away. It might be time for your home to have an energy audit. Energy audits evaluate where your energy dollars go and what upgrades will allow you to save annually on fuel consumption. In order to have any home's energy usage audited, information about the structure, size, appliances (large and small), and other details are needed.

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Strategies for Gardening On Slopes
By Ellen Brown

Not everyone has the luxury of gardening on perfectly flat terrain. In areas where houses are constructed to take advantage of stunning views, homeowners are often left with the challenge of gardening or landscaping on steep sloping lots. If this sounds like you, here are some strategies for gardening on slopes.

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Volunteer Tax Return Preparation

Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services? In addition to tax preparation, many also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.

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Free Tax Help For The Military

If you, or your spouse, are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free assistance with the preparation and filing of your federal tax return. The U.S. Armed Forces participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. The Armed Forces Tax Council oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide, and serves as the main conduit for outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. The AFTC consists of tax program coordinators for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard.

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