Daily Thirfty Tips - June 27, 2008

Do you have any Fourth of July crafts, tips, recipes or party ideas to share with the ThriftyFun community? Be sure to submit them over the weekend so we can publish before the holiday.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Fourth of July T-Shirts

My boys and I love this time of year because we love to make things for July 4th. This is what we did last year. We made stars and stripes shirts.

I bought white t-shirts from my local craft store, red and blue fabric paint, and a t-shirt cardboard. I used some wide masking tape to lay straight down and left a space in between for the white part for the stripe. We stamped with blue paint onto the star image (I made a sponge stamp) and stamped the stars across the top of the shirt. The we painted the red stripes for the flag. You'll need to let it dry a day before you wear it. Then take the masking tape off. The cardboard t-shirt template is to use inside the t-shirt so the paint doesn't seep through the back.The boys ended up wearing these for July 4th. Now, I am thinking of something to do for this year.

By Bonnie from Norman, OK

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Craft: Shell Wreath with Candle Holder

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K.C. and Rusty (Cats)

K.C. is 1 year old and and Rusty is 7 years old. (K.C. stands for Kitty Cat, of course). We found K.C. in a tree in our yard when she was just a kitten. Rusty was in a litter from a neighbor.

You can tell what these cats liked to do. They loved to sleep all cuddled up with each other. We, unfortunately, don't have Rusty any more. He just disappeared one day. He was beautiful. Everyone kept telling us someone probably took him because he was so pretty. He was the strangest but yet, most lovable cat we have ever owned.

By Artlady from Edmond

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Craft Project: Recycled Message Board

This will keep your whole family organized! Using recycled materials, you can create a beautiful message board to display in your entry way.

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Garden: Honeysuckle In Bloom

The honeysuckle is just at its peak right now, so I thought you might enjoy this close-up image. The one-inch blossoms are literally covering the branches of our two bushes, which have grown to about 10 feet in height.

By Coreen

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Plant Onions at the End of Gardening Rows

When planting your seed rows, plant a few onions on each end of the row so you can tell where the rows of slow germinating seeds are. By the time the onions are ready to pull, the seeds will have sprouted.

By Laurie from Fairbanks, AK

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Fourth of July Water Balloon Game

This is a great game for the 4th if July. All you need is 2 towels, 4 people and some water balloons! 2 people hold on th the short ends of a towel and place the water balloon in the middle. They fling it up in the air and let the other 2 people catch it in their towel. It's lots of fun! it is kinda hard for the younger people but adults need games too, right! If you have a net you could use it to make the water balloon go over! Trust me it is LOTS of fun!

By Amber from Pomona, MO

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Identifying Your Bike in Case of Theft

To identify your bike in the event of a theft, put a picture of it along with your name/address in either the handle bars or where the seat post goes. When it is found you have perfect identification.

By Fred from Michigan

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Summer Fun: Take A Walk

This morning, I had to take my van in for a tune up. Instead of having my husband meet me there and drive me home, I decided to walk home with my two boys (8 and 5). It was about 15 blocks through a suburban neighborhood and a beautiful sunny summer morning.

At first, the boys complained. "My feet hurt", "How much farther?", "Are we ever going to get there?". But after a few minutes, they got caught up in all the flowers and wildlife we saw. They would say hi to people watering their lawns and talked about the garage sales that were just getting set up. I deliberately took the smaller roads rather than the busy ones.

We had a chance to talk about what we saw. Passing by some 4th of July colored balloons led to a conversation about the holiday and what the United States means. We walked past a section of road being repaved and we watched the backhoe tearing up the asphalt and the roller driving by. We discussed whether the black and white creature in the shadows was a cat or a raccoon or a skunk.

We arrived home, pleasantly tired but also filled with energy to start the day. So if your kids are bored, take a walk to the store, or the park or just around your neighborhood. Friday mornings are especially good because it is a big garage sale day. You could even make it a tradition to take some pocket money and see what you bring back.

Jess in Oregon

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Link: Best and Worst Cookout Foods

Summer is almost here, and that means outdoor parties and cookouts with friends and family. If you're trying to eat healthier, it can seem hard to find good choices at the picnic table.

Here's an interesting article with the calories for cookout foods:

• Best and Worst Cookout Foods

Thanks to Linda for sending this in.

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Cocoa Bean Mulch Can Be Toxic to Dogs

Pet owners should avoid use of cocoa bean mulch in landscaping around dogs with indiscriminate eating habits.

• http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_publicationscocoa

Source: From the ASPCA

By Sherry from Silverdale WA

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Cleaning a Greasy Oscillating Fan

I use a small, oscillating fan in my kitchen and it seems that overtime the cover gathers a greasy film with dust attached! To quickly and safely clean this off, I unplug the fan and remove the cover. I take the cover outside and spray it with FUME FREE oven cleaner. After it sets for a few minutes I then spray it off with the water hose. It takes every bit of the grease and dust off without me having to scrub.

By Tanya from Winchester, TN

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Garden: Vintage Wooden Toolbox Planter

Trend Summer 2008: Take something old and make it new! This vintage wooden toolbox (a $2 yard sale find) now holds pretty flowers instead of ordinary old tools.

(Note: Holes were drilled for drainage and the sides lined with plastic to protect the wood)

By Lisa from Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Make Your Own Irrigation for Saplings

We planted starter trees from an online nursery this year and I wanted to share our experience as to how to keep them watered well without irrigation. I planted trees as to nursery instructions but it said to keep them watered well through summer, well this meant carrying five gallon buckets on our tailgate a few times a week as we have no irrigation. I came up with a better and greener way. I went to the local scrapyard and asked them for some used tires, (they will give them to you as they have to pay to have them hauled off). I bought 5 bales of pine straw and saved my plastic soda bottles. I dug a small hole next to roots for the mouth of the bottle, put tire around tree, and inserted bottle full of water upside down in hole. Then I covered the remaining area inside tire with pinestraw. The trees are doing much better and I managed to keep 15 tires and 15 plastic bottles out of landfill. Oh I also cut some boxes up and layed them under the pine straw to keep weeds down so I feel like I'm doing something for the earth and my back at the same time. Thanks for letting me share.

By Denise from McRae, GA

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Reducing the Amount of Plastic We Use

As we all know, the amount of plastics produced, purchased and ultimately discarded is vast. In one house alone the number of platic items used in virtually every aspect of home living is astronomical. Many plastics are bad for people's health, as well as being bad for the environment during production, and after the fact in the form of litter. It seems almost impossible to avoid plastics, but do people here have any input on how one might go about reducing the amount of plastic that comes into a home?

Michael from NB Canada

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Older Cat Acting Like a Tyrant

My cat is spraying and beating everyone up, how can I stop it? He's about 13 and always been a gentle man, now he's a tyrant. He bit my partner and drew blood, he even beat up the other kitties. I've taken him to the vet, sprayed everything with natures miracle. I think it's because the strays in the area come over. We try to chase them away but they always come back.

I can't imagine having to put him down for this, but he's affecting the happiness of everyone around him. Now all the cats have to stay outside. He's taught this behavior to another one of our other babies.. The strays are spraying, I'm gonna have to wear a gas mask to go outside soon... It's toxic.

Nanet from Los Angeles, Ca

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14 Month Old Does Not Want to Stop Nursing

My 14 month old son does not want to stop nursing. I really need to go back to work. He nurses with the gusto of a newborn, every 3-4 hours plus some table food. Please don't say to take a feeding that he isn't interested in and try to eliminate that one because he's interested in all of them. My husband has been less than helpful in trying to let me out of the house and give him a bottle, mostly because he works a lot of hours. If I can't give him a bottle, then no one can watch him and that makes going to work kind of impossible. Feeling stuck.

Pamela from IL

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Poulan Pro Push Mower Won't Start

I have a Poulan Pro Push Mower. I tried to get it to start and it wouldn't. I checked the spark plug and it was bad so I changed it. I filled it up with gas and it has oil. What else could make it not start?

James from Portageville, MO

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Soda Bottle Waterer

Does anyone know how to make a waterer from a soda bottle?

Sindy from WY

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Buying Colron Ring Remover

Where would I buy the Colron Ring Remover? My daughter spilled nail polish remover on my wood table. I am trying the mayo and ashes, but I wanted a back up plan in case that didn't work.

Kristal from Keller, TX

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Blood Stain On Wedding Dress

I have a dilemma. It is Monday. My daughter is getting married on Saturday. I somehow got what appears to be two tiny spots of blood (possibly from a pin prick) on my dress. The dress is a mint green (100% polyester). Any suggestions on how to get these spots out without marking the dress?

Beverly from , Pottsville, PA

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Heinz 57 Stain on Linoleum

I can't get a stain off linoleum floor from Heinz 57, it left a yellow stain. I tried cleaning with all purpose cleaner with bleach and it did not work.

Annettemace from Waxahachie, TX

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Blood on Nylon Fabric

How to remove dried wood from nylon fabric? I attempted to fix a couple of wooden chairs at my SFO's home. She could not locate the proper tools for me to repair the chairs and I had to use a little ingenuity. This involved wood glue and a screw driver. I needed a hammer and improvised, thus the wood glue removal request. I got the glue on the back of my nylon like jogging pants.

What would be the best method of washing or removing dried wood glue from the pants?

BS Yarg

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Painting Over Brown Bag Wallpaper

I am repairing a wall that has been brown bag wallpapered and the brown bags are different shades of brown. Can I paint over this and just have textured wallpaper?

Nicole from Memphis, TN

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Cascade with Dawn Dishwasher Tablets Alternative

I've been using Cascade with Dawn dishwasher tablets. They work great but are just too expensive. I have tried several liquids and powders but they don't get my dishes clean. Any recommendations? I use plain white vinegar in the rinse-aid receptacle.

Colleen from Ohio

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Flecks for Painted Countertops

Where can I buy flecks to sprinkle on my newly painted counter tops?

Bernadette from Butler, PA

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Daycare Name Ideas

Can some help with a daycare name for new business?

LaToya from Dallas, TX

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Prunes Falling Before They Are Ripe

Why the prunes fall off the tree every year before they are ripped. I do everything I was told to do but nothing helps. Opening it, spraying it, etc., I think I'll cut it this fall unfortunately.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Mike from Mercier Qc., Canada

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All Day Care for Oil Skin

I have a oily skin and I have acne scars on my face. Please help me out as am going to be engaged in a month or so. I also have a sensitive skin so i just want homemade recipes. Please answer me in detail about a whole day care for it and also how much required for applying for my skin type. Will be anxiously waiting...

Saira from Lahore, Pakistan

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Surgical Spirit vs. Isopropyl Alcohol for Lamp Diffusers

What is the difference between surgical spirit and isopropyl alcohol being used in catalytic lamp diffusers?

Constance from Texas

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Buying Borax in the Philippines

Where I can buy borax in the Philippines?

Alinodora

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Grocery Bags vs. Garbage Bags

Are plastic grocery bags and garbage bags made from the same type of plastic? If you are required by local ordinances to use plastic bags to dispose of your trash, is there any environmental advantage to using store-bought garbage bags, vs. plastic grocery bags? I know there are bio-friendly garbage bags available, but they are outside of our budget range right now.

Thanks!

Ree from Sarasota, FL

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Strawberries in an Earthbox

How do I transplant strawberries from my earthbox? Do i need to buy another box? A man once told me not to use the first year runners, if so should I just snip them off?

Vonda

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Cleaning Stubborn Shower Doors

I have tried everything listed here to clean my shower door and glass walls. The house is only 4 years old and the glass was fine a few months ago. Now it is spotty, hazy and looks scummy. When you feel the inside it seems smooth. Has anyone else had this problem? The glass says it is safety glass. HELP!

Julie from Rockvale, TN

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Remedies for Stretch Marks

I couple of years ago I was over weight. Out of the blue it all fell right off. I haven't gained it back due to diet and exercise. But I still have horrible stretch marks on the upper portion of my legs. Its nothing really bad but is embarrassing to wear bathing suits and shorts. Is there a way I can get rid or reduce them? Thanks.

Aliesha from Florida

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Trouble Painting Laminate Counter Top

My counter tops are painted Malaya Red, and I am using Helsman oil based satin polyurethane. When I apply the coat it is beautiful and even, but when it dries it looks like I missed spots. I have sanded (220) twice now and I am wandering if it needs more coats or maybe if it is the depth of the color. Looking at the counters they are great but if you look at an angle that is when you see the uneven look of the poly. Any help would be great!

Donna from Charleston, SC

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Mold in a Camping Trailer

I have a 98 Jayco that I stored outside and didn't use for two seasons. This weekend found it loaded with mold and several spots where it leaked Apparently the middle seam on the roof leaked as well as the corners Also the molding pulled away on the corner by the tail light probably from ice. I think the caulk gave way under the roof moulding. We cleaned the mildew on the inside canvas with Lysol but it still is stained and looks bad.

I really like the camper and have taken good care of it until now. Even thought of trading it for a hard side because of this problem. Any help would be appreciated. I have it opened up in the garage now and plan to pull the molding if I can figure out how it goes together. I can't keep it in the garage forever.

George from North Ridgeville, Ohio

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Removing Pet Urine Smell From Carpet

I am going insane with the odor in my house. Vinegar doesn't work and I clean my carpets with a carpet cleaner using Tide in it and nothing seems to be doing anything. When I moved in to my condo, my partner had NOT trained her dog and she constantly peed in our house on our dark carpeting. I'm not worried about any spots being seen, it's a dark carpet but even with cleaning EVERY SPOT we managed to find, my house still stinks.

I don't know what to do anymore, I can't stand it. I've put down baking soda for hours and then vacuumed it up, used odor removers, tons of Febreeze and I don't know what to do next. I can't really afford a specialist at this point, more really because she's still not 100% house broken and I'd be afraid to spend hundreds of dollars only to have to do it again in less than a month. Basically, I'm thinking I'm going to have to remove the carpet, put down new padding but I don't even know how to do that. I need help please. I'm desperate here.

If I end up having to put down new padding, is it expensive? Easy to do? Are there any other methods to remove the odors? The carpets are dark red. I'm trying to stay away from chemicals but if it comes down to it, I can kennel the dogs over night and clean it up that way. Help! Thank you in advance.

Trisha from DC

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Making a Quilt With Men's Ties

Does anyone out there in crafty-quilty land know the directions to make a quilt out of old neckties? I had heard from someone long ago that there is a way without all the cutting, its a special way to fold it and make a cool design. Thanks for any info!

Jan from Buckeye, AZ

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Remedy for Flies and Gnats on Horses

What can I use to keep flies off my horses. I can't use commercial sprays and wipes as they make my eyes red and swollen.

Betty

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Venting a Dryer Inside

What are the dangers of venting an electric dryer indoors?

Kathy from OH

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25th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

Looking for 25th wedding anniversary ideas for somewhat informal party. It will be hosted at our house versus facility. Looking for some creative and fun decorating and/or party favor ideas. Thanks!

Sharon from MO

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Oily Scalp Tips

Does anyone know how to manage healthy hair for those with an oily scalp? i read that to help maintain healthy hair, you should skip washing it one or two days. I can't accomplish this because my hair literally starts to grease up the next morning! How can i help this? Are there any secret tips without help from a doctor that can keep my hair healthy and less greasy?

GoldenBelle

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Tomato Plant Leaves Turning Black

In my greenhouse last year my tomatoes leaves went black and crispy. Now I have noticed the same is beginning to happen again. How can I stop this before I lose my plants? Would I need to disinfect the greenhouse?

A Northwood

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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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Avoiding Sunburn, Sunscreen and Sun Protection
By Susan Sanders-Kinzel

Planning ahead is the best way to prevent sunburn. As soon as your skin starts feeling hot, you could be burning. Make sure to bring lots of protection for yourself and your children. Sunburns tend to get worse as time goes on so if it looks slightly pink, it may be turn red later.

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Keeping Things Tidy Beneath The Birdfeeder
By Ellen Brown

Feeding wild birds is a popular pastime-especially with gardeners. Yet, according to research done by the Wild Birds Feeding Industry (WBFI), one of the top reasons people decide never to start feeding wild birds (or decide they are going to stop feeding them), is because of the mess that accumulates under the feeders. Here are some ways to enjoy feeding the wild birds in your garden, while still keeping things neat and tidy beneath the birdfeeder.

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