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Hello,
I hope everyone had a nice weekend and was able to stay relatively cool. It was about 95 degrees F here in the Northwest, I know it was much hotter in other places.
We have the first travel guide for Wisconsin in the More Reading section.
Here are the results to last week's poll:
Are you concerned about Global Warming?
Yes (107) 73% No (40) 27%
Here's the new poll:
How hot is it where you live?
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
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Today's Photos
| Decorating Lamp Shades to Look Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy looking lamp shades are a fun way to celebrate the great outdoors from the comfort of your easy chair! The fringe at the bottom is from a popular mega center and is hand stitched on to secure it. I save my junk mail and trim it for deco hole punches, like you see hanging down the shade. They are tiny leaves that I carefully strung and then crocheted a chain stitch to make the cord which could be used for any number of things - like gift wrap. The 2 bigger leaves, I found in my craft stuff and tied them to a plain cord by their stems. There's another crocheted cord that's harder to see that I handcut the small pink suede flowers by hand then strung on cord and crocheted. There's also a piece of green glass junk jewelry clipped to the top that was once part of a pair of clip on earrings. The stamps I used came from a dollar store and were like a foam stamp pad and the paint is rubber stamp ink pads of various colors. The leaf/berries at the top with stems is another dollar store find and was intended for use with a candle. The possiblities are endless when you decorate with nature!
By melody_yesterday from Sedalia Missouri Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tucker (Maine Coon Mix) and Keifer (Alley Cat)
Tucker is a 2 year old Maine Coon mix and Keifer is a 1+ year old slinky little alley cat I got both of them from a No Kill rescue called Tuxedo Junction. I got them about a year and a half ago, when I got online looking at Maine Coons on PetFinder. I saw Tucker's picture and fell in love. Tucker loves to play in the water, steal our keys, candy, camera, etc. He also loves to nap in the sink. Tucker has taught Keifer how to open doors, and we have had to invest in childproof locks for all the doors. I will come home from work, and all the drawers and cabinet doors will be opened in the kitchen, and the cats will be curled up asleep inside one of them. Tucker loves to "talk" and will call Keifer or Bo (our Lab mix puppy) when he wants to play.
By Jennifer from Round Rock, TX Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Daddy's Hat
Daddy lost my hat, so I took his.
By Meredith from Colorado Springs, CO Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Today's Tips
| Recycling School Supplies
I redecorate my son's discarded binders and barely used notebooks. Then, I use them for journals, collecting recipes, etc. It's fun to decorate the books by gluing on flower photos from gardening catalogs, ribbon, paint, and stickers. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Frugal Life - Thoughtful Living
Not frugal, it is too uptight a word. The word I like to use is thoughtful. Every time I save money, I smile because I have purchased quality.
I started a frugal life because I married a military man and money was short. Homemade bread, pies and cinnamon rolls and delicious meat meals sparingly stretched to make two meals out of a pound of hamburger. Leftovers made awesome soups. My husband can cook too, so he would slip in a tasty dish part of the time. The longer we are married, the more he cooks. We can save money and enjoy the meals just as much. Always tasty, always enjoyable. Bev Sobkowich from Chilliwack Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Using Coupons Before They Expire
When using coupons, I organize them by month not the item. For instance, all my January coupons are in the December area of a coupon saver and my February Coupons are in the January, March coupons are in February, etc. Check your dates and then put in a month ahead. You won't have another expired coupon. Works for me. Hope it works for you. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Other Uses for Coffee Filters
Use for coffee filters, other than making coffee. Party BowlsI used coffee filters at my daughters sleepover birthday party. I made the girls popcorn and wrote each girls name on the filter and filled it with popcorn and they didn't get mixed up and I knew exactly who hadn't picked up their trash! ha haBy Tawnda Splatter ShieldUse coffee filters as a splatter shield over dishes in the microwave.By imaqt1962 For CleaningI ran out of paper towels and needed to finish the task I was doing. I had large coffee filters I bought by mistake (needed small for coffee pot.) They did the job very well, didn't come apart like paper towels.By ME More IdeasIf you've ever purchased the wrong size coffee filters and wondered what on earth you could do with them, try this: Use a coffee filter or two to wash windows. Because they are lint-free and absorbent, they work better than paper towels. Another idea, before placing soil in a clay or plastic flowerpot, place a paper coffee filter on the bottom of the pot to prevent the soil from escaping through the drain hole.By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX Post your ideas below. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Watchband Links
Have you ever bought a watch with a stainless steel bracelet (like a diver's watch) then realized that the band was so huge you could fit it around your ankle? If you are like me, you probably have tons of screwdrivers and sharp, pointy objects, but you don't want to damage your knife points and the screwdrivers (even the tiny ones) are much too big for such a job. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| If You Are Overcharged at WalMart
For Wal-Mart shoppers, here is a tip if you were not aware of it. When you go shopping make sure you look at the price tag, compare the name, ounces, anything else that is pertinent to the item. Make sure when you check out that the price rings up the same, if it doesn't here is the big tip. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Stains from the Toilet Bowl
Do you have those hard to clean stains in your toilet bowl? Try taking a small piece of red brick and rubbing the area, you will be amazed at the results. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Septic Tank Cleaner
If you live in a rural area, chances are you have a septic tank. Septic tanks depend on the action of bacteria to break down solids. You can prevent sludge buildup and keep bacteria working hard for you by using this formula once a month.
Mix thoroughly, pour into the toilet bowl, and flush. By Francene from Bremerton, WA Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Wrinkles from Clothes That Sat Too Long
If you forget your laundry in the dryer and find it is extemely wrinkled, try misting each piece lightly with water in a spray bottle. The wrinkles will smooth right out. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Keeping Cherries and Blueberries
I put my fresh from the grocery store blueberries and cherries into separate Freshvac containers from Target. These containers have little dials on the top with the calendar number date (1 - 30) as reminders. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Better Heat Distribution for Your Stock Pot
I like to cook large batches of stews, chili, soup, etc. to eat, freeze, or give to friends. For this I use a large stock pot. When I decided to buy one years ago (stainless steel; I'll settle for nothing less) I discovered they were all very expensive or very thin. So I bought a thin one for $15 (on sale), went by a scrap yard and picked up a piece of scrap 1/4 inch aluminum large enough to cover the entire pan bottom ($3 or $4), and cut it down to fit. Then I'd just sit the aluminum on the burner and sit the pot on it. This helps greatly to dissipate the heat evenly under the pot, thus avoiding hot spots and burnt food without spending a fortune for a thick-bottom pot. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
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New Requests
| Sea Shells Mosaic
How can I put a copy of seashells onto my formica bathroom sink. I want to mosaic it but I am not that great of an artist I am. I do have black and white drawings. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Urine on a Suede Couch
We are in the midst of potty training my 4 year old son. He had an accident on our brand new suede coach TWICE!! The first one was not bad and I cleaned it quickly afterwards and disinfected without a problem. No smells. This time is really bad! He fell asleep on the couch and really soaked up the cushion and backing. I did the same as before but I still smell the urine. Will dry cleaning take out the smell? Or any other suggestions that are quick. I don't want to let it set for too long or it will never come out. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tiki Torches Won't Light
We have tiki torches that I bought last year and never used. We filled the 'tanks' with lamp oil as per directions and let them soak, but can't get the things to light! I was so disappointed. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Clothes Develop a Musty Smell if They Get Damp
I have read a lot about mildew smell when washing clothes. I think mine may be a little different, or maybe not. Hopefully someone can tell me what is wrong. When I wash my clothes, they smell very fresh and clean, its when I get them out of the dryer that they lose that smell, and have no smell at all. Then, when we are ready to use the towels they have that musty mildew smell, and when my husband wears his works clothes and sweats it produces the same smell. I don't understand why they go into the dryer smelling nice and come out smelling funky! They are completely dry when I take them out so it's not from them sitting or anything. Hopefully someone out there may be able to tell me what is wrong. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Lipstick Stains on Clothing
I am trying to get lipstick out of white clothes that was washed and put in dryer. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Amtrak Vacation Tips
I am looking for advice on an Amtrak vacation for 2 sons and parents. I would like to see the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Glacier National Park. Any advice is appreciated as I have No Amtrak Experience or National park experience. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Light Summer Meals
I am looking for some quick and easy, low cost, light summer meals. My husband works nights and needs something easy to eat. I hate cooking and since I am home in the summers, it falls to me to put dinners together. Fall and winter dinners are easy, it's the summer ones that are hard. Last might we had taco bell. Any ideas besides tacos?! Thanks a bunch! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Craft Ideas for Elderly Shut-ins
I am looking for directions or patterns for sewing for elderly shut-ins. Such things as bags for walkers and wheelchairs. Also, lap robes or anything else you might think would be useful to them. I would appreciate your imput. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning a Coach Purse
How can I clean my black and white Coach purse without there product? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Problems Growing Peppers
I usually have great success growing peppers. This year the plants have not grown at all since I planted them (2 months ago). The leaves have black edges on them and are curled sideways. I do rotate my crops and do not understand what is going on. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Softening Hard Sugar
I have a 4 lb. bag of sugar I took camping with us. I only used a small amount from it and it became hard from being out in the moisture. Does anyone know what to do to bring it back to its natural granulated state? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fast Growing Trees
We recently had to cut down a 30 year old willow tree with a 4 foot stump radius that I had planted for shade. It has left a big "hole" in my front yard; as the other side is smaller and has 3 tall maples and a large blue spruce. It was on the northwest side so it blocked the sun until it went down. I need to do something before fall and don't know what to do. We are not allowed to burn the stump which we were originally going to do and replant something. We get very bad winds here and would like to plant something that will survive the winters and grow quickly. I don't have too much space with that huge stump. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Carpet Odors
How do you clean a carpet to remove "old" odors? What product should I use? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Can my outfit be saved?
Can my outfit be saved? I spilled bleach doing laundry and some of it dripped into the laundry basket on dark clothes. It got on a brand new outfit in places I can't "decorate" to cover. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Stains on Lace
I need to know the best way to remove stains from lovely lace. The stain looks like it has set but I do not know what it is. My item was found at an estate auction and I want to get it looking good again without harming it. Thanks so much for any help. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dog With a Hurt Toenail
My neighbors dog was jumping down off of something and its toenail snagged. It has been slightley pulled out and is bleeding. They do not have the money to take her to a vet. The dog does not want anybody touching it and will not walk on it or put it down. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Boat Friendly Recipes
I frequently have guests over for extended (3-4 hour) boating "parties". Anyone have any suggestions for boat friendly recipes for heavy hors d'oeuvres I could take along? Thanks so much for your help! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Getting Rid of Blackbirds
I would like to know if any members know how I can get rid of Blackbirds. I have 2 feeders and they caused all my Pretty Songbirds to leave. I do have 2 pair of Morning Doves that are not afraid of the Blackbirds. All these Blackbirds do is eat up the seed and fight amongst themselves. I have tried not to put seed out, but they still hang around. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Uses for a Small Styrofoam Ice Chests
I receive medication in a small styrofoam ice chest. What I would like to know is there a way I can create something out of these so they could be useful? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Ink on Carpet
My dog chewed up a red ink pen and got it all over my livingroom carpet. I have no idea how to get it out. I don't want to use goo gone because you have to dab it... and this is way beyond dabbing. It's scattered all over the floor. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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More Reading
| Organizing Your Closet
Tips to help you organize your closet. Organize Your ClosetRaise the closet pole up high but under the top shelf. Depending on the size of your closet, one side could be for the short items and the other for the long. Purchase ready-made book case type storage units (Lowe's) and put it on one side, I used two side-by-side and made an extra shelf for each one. You can store a lot of your sweaters, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, etc. on the shelves, much like they stack them in retail stores. There is storage room near the floor - to store shoes on the floor.Read More: Click Here |
| Organize Your Closet for Less
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh The key to a happy closet is organization, but sometimes that price of that organization doesn't make you happy. Shelving systems and organizers are available in home improvement stores around the country, but there are alternatives to these often pricey organizers. Read More: Click Here |
Travel Tips for South Central Wisconsin - Frugal Travel Guide
Travel Destination:South Central WisconsinCountry:United StatesFree Things to Do:I grew up in south central Wisconsin and still live here. It is a great part of God's Country, with generally nice weather. There are many fun things to do in this area which I hope you will want to find out about.Read More: Click Here |
| Freezing Ginger
By Ellen Brown Selecting High-Quality Roots:Look for roots that are that are plump and unbroken. Skin should be pliable and not dry or shriveled. Young ginger will have a soft, pinkish-colored skin and a slightly more intense flavor than older roots.Read More: Click Here |
Blanching Vegetables
The Purpose Behind BlanchingAll vegetables contain naturally occurring enzymes. In some vegetables, unless these enzymes are deactivated with heat before the vegetable is frozen, the enzymes will continue to break down and age them even at freezing temperatures. Blanching destroys these enzymes and helps preserve the vegetables flavor, color and texture during storage, as well as slowing down nutrient loss. If frozen without being blanched, some vegetables tend to soften and lose their flavor after a period of storage.Read More: Click Here |
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