February 29, 2008

Daily Thrifty Tips - February 29, 2008


Vol. 7, Num. 43, February 29, 2008 (Read It Online)

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Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

Joke of the Day

New Requests:

More Reading:

Today's Sponsor:

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

Today's Photos:

Spring Bird Headband

This is a very simple craft indeed. Great for little girls who love nature and easy for anyone to create! Be sure to supervise little ones (there are sharp wires on the craft birds).

Spring Bird Headband

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Navosta, TX Scenery

Navasota, Texas ... Sunday afternoons at their best.

By Michelle from Houston, TX

Navasota, Texas

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Valentine's Box

This is a Valentines Mailbox that I made for my neighbor girl. They had a contest at school and she won second place with it.

I just glued white material onto a box and then glued lace material over that. Then I glued on ribbon, beads and other lace. The hearts were decorated with lace and beads and glued to back of box. I inserted her photo in a smaller heart inside the middle large one.

By Lula from Norman, AR


Valentine's Box

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Beautiful Baby

Beautiful baby!

By Cory from Tempe, AZ

Beautiful Baby

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Audrey (Terrier Mix) In The Water

When we moved to Hawaii, Audrey came along (of course). We lived there for about 2 years. Here is her first experience with water and swimming, when we went kayaking in Kaneohe Bay on Oahu. She used her tail like an above-the-water rudder, very cute!

If you're considering a new four-legged family member, please adopt. At http://www.petfinder.com, you can find everything from hamsters to horses, and all of them are looking for forever homes. By Laura from Long Beach, CA

Editor's Note: Here are some previous entries about Audrey:

Audrey (Terrier Mix) In The Water

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Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Use Loose Leaf Paper In Your Printer

Here is a great tip that I came up with out of "desperation": I love to peruse craft websites and print out free directions for ones I want to do later. Well, one day I went to print out a couple and found I was out of printer paper - Bummer! But, I found that loose leaf paper worked just as well, plus it has the holes, so now I can put my collection in a 3 ring binder! Now I always print my crafts and recipes on loose leaf paper - CHEAP AND HANDY! :)

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Educational Customizable Game Shows

Found a great web site for teachers. Templates of many popular game shows (example Who Wants to Be a Millionaire) that you could add your own questions.

  • http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/vocab/ppt-vocab.html
  • By Gary from NJ

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    Prevent Pet Food From Sticking To The Bowl

    Spray some non-stick cooking spray (I prefer the kind with olive oil) in the bowl before you put the cat food or dog food in. Not only is the oil good for your cat's or dog's skin and coat, it makes cleaning the food bowl easier when they're done eating.

    By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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    Making Your Own Dress Form

    For those of you who sew, you all know how much it would help if you had your own dress form. (To get the correct fit on my garments, I'm always trying-on my sewing projects inside-out, and getting stuck with pins while trying to look in the mirror while pining behind my back at the same time!) But Dress Forms are expensive! They can cost from $119 to $600 and even more. Here's a site that shows you 4 different ways to make your own dress form:

    http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/showdigest.pl?id=1017

    If you want "the REAL thing", here's a super cheap pre-made dress form: (only $119)

    http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp03900-1325.html

    By Cyinda from near Seattle

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    Using Tea Tree Oil for Cleaning

    Using 2 cups of water and several drops of pure tea tree oil will clean dirt off windowsills, and clean mostly anything wooden. Also use tea tree oil, diluted with water and sprayed on a child's hair, keeps the lice away. I have done this. It has a strong smell but we finally got rid of the lice problem a couple years ago. Also apple cider vinegar works too. I use it to comb the stupid things out. Thank God we have not had that problem for a long time. KNOCK ON WOOD it stays that way.

    Source: Tips collected from other groups.

    By Randa from San Marcos TX

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    Fiber Snacks

    If you're like me, nightly nibbles are hard to resist when watching evening TV. To eliminate the negative feelings I was having about all the fat in most snack foods, I have started snacking on whole grain cereals. With granola, flakes, squares, and "O's", you still get the variety. You end up "sneaking" more than enough fiber into your diet. In the long run, it ends up cheaper than regular snack food. As most of us know, you do not have to buy name brands every time.

    By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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    Finding and Organizing Recipes from Websites

    I really enjoy the layout for ThriftyFun's recipes and tips. It's very easy and convenient. I babysit my granddaughter on a daily basis so I don't have the time I would like on the internet or even to read my E-mail. So here is what I do.

    When I open your daily tips at the end of the week I simply print out what interests me. I put it into a folder and take it to my daughter's home the next week. I read over more thoroughly and divide into tips and recipes I would like to try. The ones that get a good review get mounted on a recipe card and put into a box. The rest get tossed. This way I have a recipe box that I know all the family likes and don't have all kinds of recipe books cluttering up my precious space, Although I love to read recipe books as one of my hobbies, it's just not practical to have tons of recipe books in my kitchen.

    By Katherine from Forest Lake, MN

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    Cook Hard Boiled Eggs in the Rice Cooker

    Hard boil eggs at the same time you are cooking rice! Prepare rice in rice cooker as usual, then wash the outside of your eggs (I wouldn't do more than 3 in a 3 cup batch of rice). Then lay the eggs on their sides in the middle of the rice in the cooker. Start the rice cooker, when the rice is done so is the hard boiled egg. Then you can use the egg for your meal or stick in the fridge for later use.

    By Stella from Manchester, WA

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    Caring For Your Butcher Block

    Minimize stains and cover scratches by rubbing mineral oil on surfaces. Mineral oil is odor-free and nontoxic.

    Source: **Thanks To Recipe Goldmine**

    By Randa from San Marcos TX

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    Newspaper Pots

    I take a large Foldgers coffee can and put a folded sheet of newspaper over the top, I then take a smaller coffee can and gently push the paper inside to form the pot, making sure that the sides are folded in as I go along. Be careful when pushing it in as the bottom will tear if you push too hard on the can.

    By Amy from Evansdale, IA

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    Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

    A young woman visiting her new doctor for the first time found herself alone in a small waiting room. She began undressing nervously, preparing herself for the upcoming examination. Just as she draped the last of her garments over the back of a chair, a light rap sounded on the door and the doctor walked in.

    Coming to an abrupt halt, he looked his patient up and down carefully.

    "Miss Jones," he said, "it seems quite obvious that until today you have never had an eye exam."

    Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

    New Requests:

    'Chocolate Covered' Themed Birthday Party

    I'm turning 11 on March 14 and this is my first birthday party. My theme is 'Chocolate Covered'. It will be a sleepover where we melt chocolate and cover strawberries, peanuts, pretzels and other stuff. I don't know what games to play that would go along with the theme. I don't want to have a lame party. Can you please reply with some fun games I can do. Please post replies by Friday, March 13, 2008.

    Alicia from Middleburg Hts., OH

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    Inexpensive Summer Travel Ideas

    My husband and I are looking for an inexpensive trip in June or July. In Florida it gets so hot that camping probably isn't such a good idea (we originally were planning on meeting another couple in the mountains of NC, but they've backed out on us already). Do you have any suggestions of places to go that aren't super expensive but have fun things to do/see?

    Meg from Gainesville, FL

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    Using Rings on Rod Pocket Curtains

    I went curtain shopping yesterday and the girl at Bed Bath and Beyond told me that you can use any rod pocket curtains and put them on the rings instead. Has anyone done this? I thought maybe it might look weird because you'd see where the rod is suppose to go in the curtain.

    Priscilla from Zwolle

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    Making Your Own Frozen Meals

    My family really likes eating the frozen pre-packaged meals like Voila! or some of those Banquet meals found in the frozen aisle. Often times I have thought that I could make them on my own at home (frozen chicken, pasta, and vegetables), but I always get stuck on the sauce. Does anyone have ideas/recipes for what kind of sauces/seasonings I could pair with those ingredients? I'm not looking for marinara or obvious pasta sauces, but something like what you'd find in those frozen meals. Thanks!

    Kathy from South Dakota

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    Traveling Across Canada on a Budget

    My husband and I would like to take a trip across Canada. We are seniors and our budget is limited. Does anyone have any cost saving ideas? We are not sure if train, car, or trailer would be the best idea. What about Hotels? Any ideas would be appreciated.

    Sheila from Ontario

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    Recipe for Fabric Softener

    Recently there was a recipe for laundry fabric softener on the site. I lost it. I also wanted to know how much to use per load. Thanks.

    Bonnie from Lawrence, KS

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    Painting Plastic Shower Enclosure

    I want to paint our plastic shower enclosure. What do I need to do and what kind of paint is needed.

    kberv from Abilene, KS

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    Information on Machine Quilting

    I make my own curtains and other accessories. I would like to make machine quilts. I would like information on types of machines available and how they work. Also, information on quilting frames and how they work in conjunction with the quilting machine.

    Roxrex from Elberton, GA

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    Church Fundraiser Reunion Dinner

    My church is having a fundraiser reunion dinner. The theme is 'Grow the Church'. Any suggestions on table decor?

    Lenise Eidson from Belton, TX

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    Recipe for Won Ton Soup

    I saw a recipe for won ton soup and lost it after I bought the supplies. It had chicken broth, soya sauce, ginger, won ton wraps, ground turkey or chicken, fresh basil torn and green onions. I am a diabetic, so am trying to lose weight.

    Susan from Hamilton, Ont

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    Getting Rid of Silverfish

    I need a cheap way to kill silverfish and moths. Anything that eats holes in my clothes while in the wardrobe or chest of drawer

    Brian from Australia

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    Inexpensive Greenhouse Shelving

    I am looking for cheap greenhouse shelving. Any ideas?

    Doreen from Pine Plains, NY

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    Slipcover for a Wing Chair

    Does anyone know where I can buy a slipcover for my wing chair that does NOT have a T-shaped cushion? The chair is made by PA House and has a square cushion.

    Dee from Amherst, NY

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    Inexpensive, Pet Friendly Weekend Getaway in NJ

    I would like to go on a family vacation. Because my dog is a Pug, we really can't fly, or drive for long periods of time. I live in Central NJ and if anyone can give me advice on a weekend getaway (2 to 3 days), that is not too expensive please let me know. It is hard to find pet friendly places that don't cost a arm and a leg!
    Thank you!

    Kayla

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    Maternity Brides Maid Dress

    I have 2 bridesmaids from Japan who have never worn dresses and my maid of honor will be 8 1/2 months pregnant at the time of my wedding in May. I understand you can take pretty much any dress and make it fit to her body but she feels uncomfortable unless it is a maternity dress. SO- I have been looking and looking to stores, outlets, websites but I can't find a dress for a reasonable price.

    I will be paying for all 3 dresses. That is my gift to them. Can anyone please help me? I need cheap places to get 3 dresses that match, one in maternity. And yes, I have been looking at empire dresses. I would ideally like to pay less than $100 per dress. Thank you

    Kayla from NJ

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    Getting Rid of Moths

    I need a cheap way to kill moths. Anything that eats holes in my clothes while in the wardrobe or chest of drawer

    Brian from Australia

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    Environmentally Friendly Way to Get Rid of Grass

    I need some advices for making a grass-free environment, it's for business purposes. We need to keep the soil but without any grass growing on it. We have been using round up for quite a long time but only killed the grass after each application, and it comes back soon after rain. So, is there any organic, non-chemical, cheap and environment friendly way I can get rid of all of the grass for a really long period ?

    Hardiness Zone: 11

    chphoea from Surabaya, Indonesia

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    Removing Crazy Glue Gel From Hands

    How can I get Instant Krazy Glue Gel off my hand? It dried on the palm of my hand and is rough. I tried dish soap and water, and then WD-40. But the crustiness on my skin still remains.

    david91304 from Van Nuys, CA

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    Daschund With Back Problems

    I have a Daschund who is 4 and has started having back problems. She has gone to the vet and is on anti-inflammatory meds. She will walk but is a little wobbly and the hair sticks out where she is swollen. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions

    Amanda from Ruskin, FL

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    Traveling to Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore

    We will be traveling to the Badlands SD, Mount Rushmore and then on to Yellowstone National Park this summer. Anyone been to these places and have any suggestions for area, things we MUST SEE, Things we MUST DO? Cheap or free would be best but not necessary.

    Also any other hints suggestions and things to avoid would be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling with our 13yo son and no other children, keep that in mind. Thanks in advance for your help!

    Denise from Ohio

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    Easy Diabetic Recipes

    I need some easy diabetes recipes, I just found out I have type 2. I hate cooked tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, and celery. I would like some easy recipes for brunch and supper. I am going to the classes in April and trying to cut back on sugar and carbs and giving up on a lot of good food but doing it. I am overweight. I am working on that, I got a dog to walk. I found out it is inherited.

    Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA

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    Using Removable Caulk

    Has anyone used 'removable' caulk? Did you have any problem removing the caulk, when it was time to remove it? Thanks

    Sharon from Southern Illinois

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    Recipes for Macaroni Pasts Dishes

    I am looking for macaroni dishes, macaroni salads, etc. Nice spring time meals.

    Colleen from Oklahoma City, OK

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    Stopping a Toilet Tank From Sweating

    How can I stop a toilet tank from sweating? I have a towel on the floor now.

    Sandy from Mountain View, AR

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    Slippery Wood Floors

    I just moved in to my new home but I have a problem. The hard wood floors are super slick! They are the original floors and great when you wear rubber soled shoes but we have a house rule of no shoes in the house.

    Seeing as how the house is rented, how (besides resorting to sanding the floors) can we give our floors more grip. I found some nice half area rugs (the old display ones for the store) at the goodwill in Bakersfield and was wondering how can I keep them from slipping out from under us?

    Marisa from Santa Maria, California

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    Today's Sponsor:

    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

    More Reading:

    My Frugal Life: Cut Any Corner You Can

    I'm frugal because I just don't like throwing my money around! Not that I have a lot, being a single parent and not having a well paid job. There is also a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I can do most things in a cheaper way. I like to try to be as 'green' as possible too.

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