Daily Thrifty Tips - February 7, 2008

Tomorrow's Saving Money On.. newsletter is about Saving Money on Cookies. Do you have any tips to share?

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

Memory Wall For Soldier On Deployment

My son is in the US Navy. Since he is missed when on deployment. I have a full wall devoted to him, named "David's Wall" These are my most recent additions to it, taken somewhere at sea. The wall also has any Navy item I find and souvenirs like his first plane ticket stub, group photo from boot camp, etc.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17675306.tip.html

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

Wendy (Japanese Chin)

Wendy is 3 1/2 months old and is a Japanese Chin. We got her 2 weeks ago, because my husband was sad from losing our 20 year old friend/pet 6 months ago

She likes to chew on toes and fingers. She makes you laugh! This photo was with her sweater on...she's only 3 lbs and a tad chilly

By Ceil from Tavares, Fl

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54431968.tip.html

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

Craft: Romantic Stationery

Add a romantic touch to stationery and envelopes you already have, using paper doilies.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28866241.tip.html

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

Valentine's Button Box

Here's a gift I made for a friend for this Valentine's Day.

I purchased an inexpensive box from the craft store and painted it with salmon pink acrylic paint. To give it a "whitewashed" look, I lightly brushed some off-white acrylic paint over the pink and sprayed with gloss to seal it.

I glued felt on the inside bottom and shirt buttons in a heart shape on top (my friend is cute as a button after all). :)

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57838476.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!

Save Empty Spice Jars And Buy Bulk

The next time you empty an herb or spice jar, don't throw it away. You can refill it at your local health or natural food store since most have big jars of bulk dried herbs. You can buy just a little baggie full for about a quarter. Most of the cost of grocery store herbs and spices are the name brand, advertising, packaging and shipping. You'll be amazed how much you'll save.

By Dotsy from Steamboat Springs, CO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64964941.tip.html

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

Shop Other Thrift Store Before Goodwill

I was just reading the comments on the "Saving Money On Jeans" post, and I agree with the poster who said that Goodwill is getting "expensive"! There was a bigger, nicer Goodwill building built here in my city a few years ago, but on recent trips there, I've noticed that the prices are rather high (at least for a thrift store, in my opinion). My best friend used to work for them, and said that they often get brand new merchandise donated to them from Target and other stores. However, there are at least two other different thrift stores here in my city, and I know that at least one of them also gets donations from Target, and they have much lower prices.

Once I bought a Target item from Goodwill, only to find it about $1.25 cheaper at Salvation Army! So my tip is to check out all the thrift stores in your area and compare prices. You might find some of the same items there, and get them cheaper than you would at Goodwill. I do still shop at Goodwill, but after I've looked at the other thrift stores first!

By Lisa from Kenosha, WI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67649065.tip.html

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

Add Your Own Glitter To Valentine's Cards

When buying cards for Valentine's Day or other special occasions, the really pretty ones with the glitter usually cost more than the ones without glitter. I decided to start purchasing the plain, but pretty cards, that don't have glitter and add the glitter myself using glitter paint. It can be purchased at any craft store for under $2.00. Simply squeeze some of the paint onto various areas of the card and set aside to dry. When dry, they sparkle and the glitter doesn't come off like it does on the cards you buy that already have the glitter on them. One bottle of glitter paint will decorate many, many cards.

Source: I've been doing this for years.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71812669.tip.html

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

Use a Dryer Sheet For an Emergency Pet Bath

If you are expecting people over and, about 5 minutes before they arrive, you notice that your dog or cat is not the best it has ever smelled. So what do you do when there is not enough time for a bath, take a dryer sheet and rub it all over your dog or cat. It's like a waterless bath and it usually last for a couple hours at the most:)

By Selena from El Paso, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77092968.tip.html

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

Half The Meat in Hamburger Helper for Kids and Friends

Although I'm not usually crazy about Hamburger Helper, I sometimes use it when I know I'm going to have my kid's friends over for dinner. Feeding teenaged boys can break the bank so I use two boxes of mix to only one pound of meat. The kids hardly notice there is less meat and the dinner goes twice as far.

By Sharon from Bonita Springs, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59838718.tip.html

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

Use Glow in the Dark Paint on Knobs and Light Switches

I recently purchased a bottle of glow-in-the-dark paint. It's the type in the "squirt out bottle" sold at Walmart. I squirted dots of this paint on my door knobs and light switches. This way I can easily find my way to door when I turn out my lights!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32491770.tip.html

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

Use Baby Wipes For Cleaning Shoes

I was looking for a way to clean my 12 year old daughters shoes. We all know how expensive shoes can be and I didn't want to risk washing them in the machine. A friend told me to try baby wipes, it worked like a charm. Just a couple of swipes, and the leather looked new. From that point forward, I have kept a jar of wipes around, (even though there isn't any babies in the house), and I use them to do quick wipes on a lot of things. We also use them for the couch, eye makeup remover, and simple wipe downs of the bathroom. I buy the large refill bags and sometimes cut them in half. I also keep them in my car for those messy moments all moms have.

By Annie from Mpls., MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96602264.tip.html

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

Keeping Side Mirrors Clear of Ice

If you have those big rearview mirrors on your car or truck and you know an ice storm is coming, here's a cheap trick to keep them clean. Take two plastic grocery bags (one for each mirror) and two rubber bands and put the bags around the mirrors and secure them with the rubber band. It does not look great but it sure helps in the morning when it comes to cleaning the ice off the car or truck cause those mirrors are free and clear of ice!

By Debradj from Illinois

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf979264.tip.html

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

PatternReview.com Sewing Website

A wonderful web site for those who love to sew: For all you who love to sew, beginners to advanced, this web site and forum is just the ticket. You can look up any questions you may have about sewing. Plus, they have posts from professional designers and bridal gown makers that give you their tips and tricks of the trade. You can join for free (like I did) or pay a tiny bit and receive all kids of discounts and goodies. What a find! It's a wonderful and fun site for anyone who sews!

• http://sewing.patternreview.com/

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36734325.tip.html

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

Sponge Hearts

This is a quick and easy valentine gift. I took a sponge and cut it into a heart shape (you can do any shape you like). Then I took different color acrylic paints and put them on to one side of the sponge. Next I dabbed it onto a sheet of paper. I did this many times with different colors. Let that dry. Then I took some pictures of our family and glued them on. It comes out looking really good!

By Olivia from Boston, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44312855.tip.html

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

Garlic Marinade for Shrimp on the Grill

Does anyone have a good marinade for garlic shrimp on the grill?

Amy from Fort Wayne, IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49612501.tip.html

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

African Violet's Leaves are Turning Yellow

I recently repotted an African Violet from the small plastic container it was purchased in to a ceramic 'African Violet pot' (two pieces, the top is the pot which absorbs water by direct contact with water kept in the bottom).

I used African Violet soil and am keeping the water level high enough to touch the 'pot' part. The bottom row of leaves are turning yellow and then brown. Please advise on what I need to do to fix this yellowing leaf problem.

E.W. from NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39337367.tip.html

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

Making a Mosaic Back Splash

I am getting ready to remodel the kitchen and want a creative back splash for behind the stove. My thought was to use old advertising magnets and broken beige tile in a mosaic. Since I am disabled and need to mostly sit, I was wondering if I can use a white waterproof backer board and do this? I would also like to say it will totally be without a pattern and just freehand. Any help would be appreciated!

Lori from Marion, AR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36702657.tip.html

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

Is My Puppy Getting enough Exercise?

I got a puppy that is a pit bull mix about a month ago. The dad was full pit, the mom was about 1/2 pit and the rest mutt. She is a hyper little dog and is about 3 1/2-4 months old. She is fairly well behaved and doesn't really chew on furniture too much, but terrorizes the cats.

She has a yard she can run around in all day while I am at work, which is usually about 6 hrs a day, and she is out there for probably 3-4 hrs total on my days off. I try and walk her every other day, sometimes it is only 2-3 times a week though. When we do walk, we walk a mile to a mile and a half.

I have not owned a dog in close to 6 yrs, not since our 3 legged golden retriever died, and when I did, we lived on an acre of land so there was no need to walk the dog. But now I'm in the city and don't have that luxury. Plus we usually had multiple dogs so they could exercise with each other all day. But at least I have a nice fenced yard.

So my question is, is her being outside with a yard this many hours a day and me walking her a couple of times a week enough exercise for her? Thanks for your opinions.

Is This Enough Exercise? from Visalia, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53729570.tip.html

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

Looking for Princess Diana Dolls

I am looking for two dolls made by the Franklin Mint. One is called 'Sophistication' and the other one is called 'Enchantment'. Anyone who might know where I can find one or both please let me know.

Rose from Glen Burnie, MD

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42212820.tip.html

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

Wedding Party Wearing Jeans, Dress Shirts and Boots

Would it be tacky if my wedding party wore blue jeans, a dress shirt and boots. While I am in my wedding dress and boots, my groom will be wearing blue jeans boots and a white pearl snap shirt?

Jennifer from Gladewater, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68258149.tip.html

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

Cancer Awareness Rubber Wristband

My mother has just fought a successful battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma(cancer) and I would like to wear a rubber wristband and ribbon to honor her and to raise awareness.

Does anybody know where I can find them, preferably for free because I'm really short on money. The cancer center didn't have them in the right color(lime green) and they said the American Cancer Society doesn't provide them.

Peanut from Hampton Roads, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24697098.tip.html

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

Removing a Burn Mark From Carpet

How can I repair burn marks on carpets?

Karen from Swiftwater, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf323507.tip.html

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

Removing Candle Wax from a Brass Candelabra

How do I remove candle wax from my 9 hand brass candelabra?

Charline from Freehold, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79408583.tip.html

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

Male Cat Urine Seems to Smell Stronger

Is it just me or does male cat urine smell much worse than females? We have had Rosie for almost 2 yrs. Never had an issue with the litter box before, but since getting the male, have noticed my home smells like a cat house. I clean the litter each day, but this does not help as just one pee in the litter and the smell is overpowering.

He does not like to bury his mess, but rather likes to scratch the walls behind the litter box. I have tried baking soda, no luck. I read earlier to try coal for the BBQ. Next shopping trip.

Is there a possibility this could be a cat issue that must be look at by the vet?

Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62322832.tip.html

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

Are Raised Beds Better for a Vegetable Garden?

My late husband was the vegetable gardener, he passed away last yr. My daughter tried to do some in his honor but it didn't work out. I would like to try again with a few that we enjoy, like tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, etc. I have seen on TV people doing raised gardens. Is this a better way to do them and what needs to be done. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ruth from Ontario, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31637664.tip.html

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

Thinking of Getting a Malamute

I am thinking of getting a Malamute. I have a 2yr old German Shepard at the moment and want to know if they would work together. Also what can I expect from a malaute? good and bad...

Diane from Kent, UK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68056328.tip.html

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

Recipe for Rice Pudding

I am looking for a recipe for rice pudding.

Terry from New York

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17751529.tip.html

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

Repaying Cigna for Disability Overpayment

My husband received his retroactive back pay from Social Security. He was supposed to forward it to Cigna, as repayment for overpayment of long term disability received from Cigna.

We were losing our home so we kept the money and paid our mortgages and bills instead of giving it back to Cigna. What can we expect the consequences from Cigna to be?

Brenda from Nashville, TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76525060.tip.html

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

Substitutions for Canned Tomatoes

What can I use to substitute canned tomatoes when making things like beef stew, gumbo or spaghetti? My kids do not like tomatoes and I was wondering can I just substitute with canned tomato sauce?

Onesummer

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40448735.tip.html

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

Removing Pet Odor from Carpet

How do I remove pet odor from carpet?

Kathryn from Palm Bay, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41516286.tip.html

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

Keeping Chickens Out of Flower Beds

Does anyone know how to keep chickens out of flower beds? They are destroying the mulch?

Rolayne from Beasley, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf546277.tip.html

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

Making a Mini Green House

They have advertised a mini kind of green house that is tiny enough to sit on your kitchen cab. It has a bottom where you put seeds and an expanding top if your plants do actually grow. Takes up so little room and can grow tomatoes.

Again at the movie The Legend, he had something close to my idea. Does anyone have any ideas how I could take some odds and ends and make my own? Thanks so much. This is a dandy of a question.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Gizzygal from SW KS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28396535.tip.html

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

Husband Has Smelly Feet

I think my husband's feet stink because they are yellow and have such larger callouses, even after he takes a shower. If he gets rid of this dead skin, shouldn't it go away? Please HELP.

Angie from Burleson, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11902766.tip.html

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

Using RIT Dye In A Washing Machine

How do you use Rit dye in a front loader washer?

Tudi from Lilliwaup

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf261823.tip.html

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

Lestoil Ate Through Plastic Bottle

Why would Lestoil eat through the plastic bottle?

Shirley from Pataskala, Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30195448.tip.html

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

Purchasing a Steam Cleaner

I am not a very good housekeeper, but I have seen a steam clean machine in action and I think having one would help me clean my house faster and more efficiently than I do now. Does anyone have frugal ideas on which one I could get and whether this is a worthwhile thing to pursue.

My friend that owns one has a much different household than I have, many dogs and lots of family, verses one dog and me. I know I can't hold things or have a unit that I would have to press a button to keep the steam coming out. I have arthritis in the fingers and Fibromyalgia.

I have just got to get this place cleaned up, honestly it is a mess and I don't like it. I have been on Target's website and they have a 1500watt one that is the least expensive I have found.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76069575.tip.html

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

Unsubscribing from Freecycle

How do I unsubscribe from Freecycle. The email has too many in one day.

Thomas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87405437.tip.html

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

Free 'Food and Family' Magazine Subscription

How do I subscribe for a FREE subscription to the FOOD and FAMILY magazine?

Rita from Wichita, KS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94957808.tip.html

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

Caring For Bamboo

How should I care for a bamboo houseplant? Hardiness Zone: 9a Tamara from Eureka, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58663179.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