Daily Thrifty Tips - February 11, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 29, February 11, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! If you are looking for some last minute Valentine's Day ideas be sure the Valentine's Day section on ThriftyFun: http://www.thriftyfun.com/Valentine's%20Day_1110.html If you don't find what you are looking for, feel free to post a Valentine's Day request here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml This Friday's Saving Money on Newsletter is about Saving Money on Baby Clothes, do you have any tips to share? Submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf324929.tip.html 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. Today's newsletter contains: Today's Photos: Key To My Heart Craft: Doily Heart Basket Tole (Sheltie) Today's Tips: What Goes Around Comes Around Egg Carton Bells Enjoy a Peaceful Ride Home Remembering to Blow Out Candles Freeze Leftover Coke for Ice Add Baby Oil to Hand Lotion for Extra Moisturizing Put Plastic On Top of the Refrigerator Valentine's Gift the School's Secretary Heart Shaped Meat Loaf Joke of the Day New Requests: Looking for Baby Shower Ideas? Getting Rid Of Opossums Removing Ink from Leather Foxgloves Coming Up from Seeds Heater Made with Terracotta Pots Red Velvet Cupcakes for Valentine's Saving My Broken Cactus Spiegel Deferred Billing Code Hardware to Hang Wooden Curtain Rods Cedar vs. Cypress Mulch as a Bug Repellent Using Dried Fruit Instead of Fresh or Frozen Berries Bathroom Cabinet Door Won't Stay Closed Cleaning Metal Parts on a Shower Door Alternatives to Wheat Flour Using Corn in a Homemade Heat Pack Puppy Ate a Sock McCall's Patterns Never Fit Entenmann's Old Pineapple Cheesecake Spending Money on Things You Don't Need Hockey Puck 'Ring Bearer' Pillow Printable Coupons Keeping Meat that Defrosted Claudia 'Silverplate' Service for Eight Recalculating Recipe Ingredients Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Hairspray for Fine Hair Removing Wax Finish from Hardwood Floors More Reading: Valentine's Dinner For Two Craft: Fabric Based Art Card Tips for Singles on Valentine's Day 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: Key To My Heart This year's Valentine's Day gifts for the men in my life is a take-off on my Bottle Cap Sun idea. I stained a simple, inexpensive round plaque and used two coats of varnish. I affixed a heart (cut from the copper flashing I have in the garage) to the plaque with copper nails. And I used a screw to attach an interesting key to my wooden Valentine. I used a dab of brass-colored acrylic on the head of the stainless steel screw. If I can do it, you know it's got to be easy! By Laura from Long Beach, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44299173.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Doily Heart Basket These darling little baskets are so quick and inexpensive to make that you'll want to make several for family and friends. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52678911.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tole (Sheltie) Tole is a 16 year old Sheltie. Tole was a rescue dog from Nevada. We brought him to Wisconsin and now he's the perfect pal and a total snowdog! He thinks it's fun to tap dance on my feet, and he likes to watch me cook. When I was very ill this winter, he stood guard outside my bedroom until I could come out! By Shelli from Onalaska, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92396328.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contests: 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! Today's Tips: What Goes Around Comes Around One day a few years back I had an abundance of bottles, glasswear and other kitchen items. Rather than throw them in the garbage, I placed all items in a few boxes, wrote big signs that read FREE and placed them on the road beside my driveway. Over the course of the day, all items had been taken. Another time it was books that I had placed by the road. I blessed others with items I had no further use for. Now what goes around comes around. One day I was telling my husband I needed to go to the hardware store to purchase some flower pots for my indoor and outdoor plants. Later that same evening, while going for a walk in the neighbourhood with the family, sure enough, a sign that said FREE was on the side of the road. You got it, all kinds of flower pots and such. I got just what I needed when I needed it. Bless others and you too are blessed. By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45495662.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Egg Carton Bells I just got back last night from a weekend of fun and games with my 5 year old granddaughter, Megan. We all know how little kids love to give presents to grown ups. She gave me some bells that she had made from a recycled paper egg carton. You just cut out the little cups and paint. She also offered to let me borrow her extra tooth brush so I wouldn't have to walk all the way downstairs where my tooth brush was kept. By MartyD from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89470772.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Enjoy a Peaceful Ride Home Anyone who has to pick up their kids or grandkids from a childcare situation after work knows that the ride home can sometimes be filled with whining and complaining as the kids are tired and hungry. I have eliminated that problem with my little grandson by always bringing one special toy or book with me when I go to get him. He is very happy to see what came along for the ride and now spends the short ride home busy in play or looking at pictures. It's a much more pleasant ride home. By Marie from West Dundee, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56076942.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Remembering to Blow Out Candles This tip has to do with safety. I have done this tip for years. I like to burn candles occasionally, but I am fearful that I will forget about them burning and leave the house. Most always, if I am going to leave the house, I will take my car. So, at the time I light the candle, I place my car keys next to the candle. This way if I want my keys, I will find them sitting right next to candle, and that will in turn remind me to extinguish the candle. Source: My own idea By Shirley from Southwest Michigan Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46391811.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Freeze Leftover Coke for Ice My husband drinks a lot of coke but most of the time he leaves about a cup full. I use to throw it away but now I put it in a small container with a lid and put it in the freezer. I use this frozen coke instead of ice. So no more wasted coke and no more watered down drink. Source: You can give me the credit. By Nancy Mc from Peabody, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93776938.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Add Baby Oil to Hand Lotion for Extra Moisturizing Make your hand and body lotion work better! When you are putting hand cream on, add a little baby oil. I use the gel. Just a little, mix it up well before you put it on your hands. The oil keeps the lotion on your hands longer and keeps you SO moisturized! Try it! You'll like it! By Paula from GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85784406.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Put Plastic On Top of the Refrigerator I admit cleaning the fridge is not high on my list but after I'm done cleaning the outside, I take strips of plastic wrap and place it on top of the fridge. Voila! Next time? Just replace. By Keeper from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65105972.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Valentine's Gift the School's Secretary I am taking terracotta pots and painting them or finding ones painted already. I figure, since secretaries need pens and pencils, I am gonna add styrofoam covered in moss. On the pens and pencils, I am gonna wrap them in green pipecleaners and add a silk flower at the top of each and fill the bottom with Hershey Kisses and make a secretaries bouquet. For the card, I was thinking something clever like "Pencil me in for a Happy Valentines Day!" All you need is: 1 terracotta pot painted already or paint yourself 1 pkg. pens 1 pkg. pencils silk roses from dollar store green pipe cleaners Hershey Kisses By Kim from Milan, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50224643.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Heart Shaped Meat Loaf For Valentine's Day, I make a heart shaped meat loaf. You can add ketchup or any tomato based sauce that you prefer on top. If you have a heart shaped cake pan you can use that or just shape the meat yourself. By Diane from Paradise PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77485921.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Jones came into the office an hour late for the third time in one week and found the boss waiting for him. "What's the story this time, Jones?" he asked sarcastically. "Let's hear a good excuse for a change." Jones sighed, "Everything went wrong this morning, Boss. The wife decided to drive me to the station. She got ready in ten minutes, but then the drawbridge got stuck. Rather than let you down, I swam across the river -- look, my suit's still damp -- ran out to the airport, got a ride on Mr. Thompson's helicopter, landed on top of Radio City Music Hall, and was carried here piggyback by one of the Rockettes." "You'll have to do better than that, Jones," said the boss, obviously disappointed. "No woman can get ready in ten minutes." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Looking for Baby Shower Ideas? I am throwing my daughter a baby shower. I need ideas for foods to be served and the theme of the party. Can you please give me inexpensive ideas? I am on a budget. Pam Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf874409.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid Of Opossums We have opossums in our roof, and we don't know how to get rid of them. Can you please advise, because we can't sleep at night? Wala S. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53751160.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Ink from Leather How do I remove ink from leather? Cindy from Chester, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf508696.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Foxgloves Coming Up from Seeds I had Foxglove blooming for the first time last year. They dropped seed and all kinds of new plants came up in the fall but then were frozen off. Does this mean that I will not have any come up from seed this spring? I know they are normally a biennial but want to know if the plants will come up. Hardiness Zone: 5b Elaine from Iowa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74553798.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Heater Made with Terracotta Pots I saw a great idea on the web for a heater made out of several terracotta flower pots nested inside of each other, upside down, over a candle in a glass. Apparently, the heat is caught in the terracotta and then radiates out. I can almost figure out how to nest the pots, etc. But the one I saw had a steel tripod to hold up the pots over the candle - Any idea how I could something like that? Pam from Los Angeles Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17941623.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Red Velvet Cupcakes for Valentine's I am looking for a simple Red Velvet Cake recipe that I can use to make Valentine's cupcakes. Vickie from Montebello, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31648057.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving My Broken Cactus My cactus fell over and broke where the orange mark is (I was moving it a bit). It didn't completely get severed. Is there any way I can save it from dying? I've had it since it was 4in., it's now about 24in. big. Please help. This happened Jan. 30, 2008. Thanks Fran. Fran from Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66227167.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spiegel Deferred Billing Code I need the new Spiegel Deferred Billing until 2008 Code. Sharon from Fort Mill, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf595727.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hardware to Hang Wooden Curtain Rods We have been given 2 beautiful wooden curtain rods, but that's it - no other hardware to secure it above the windows! Do any of you have ideas on a cradle of sorts to rest the rods in that would be secured to the wall? Kelly Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50293376.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cedar vs. Cypress Mulch as a Bug Repellent We have 2 dogs that love to run and play in the yard. We are trying to keep the yard clear of fleas and ticks as best we can. We are putting mulch all around in the backyard and I wondered if Cypress mulch is just as efficient of a bug repellent as the Cedar. Barb from PSJ, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70686519.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Dried Fruit Instead of Fresh or Frozen Berries I have some dried fruit (blueberries and cranberries) that I would like to use in recipes that call for fresh or frozen berries. Would these work if I soaked them in hot water for a short time? If so, for how long? Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71720523.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bathroom Cabinet Door Won't Stay Closed My bathroom cabinet door won't stay closed. The hardware is there. It doesn't seem to catch any longer. I am repair challenged but can't afford to hire someone to fix this. How can I fix it? Linda from NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56300917.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cleaning Metal Parts on a Shower Door How do you clean the metal parts of shower doors that have build up and discoloration? Bonnie from STL, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35528061.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Alternatives to Wheat Flour Does anyone have any suggestions for alternatives to wheat flour in muffin and cake recipes? I'd like to use rice bran and oat bran and perhaps soy flour, but I'm not sure of the quantities to use. Is there a tried and true recipe I could follow? Thank you very much in advance. Virginia from Canberra, Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91774220.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Corn in a Homemade Heat Pack What type of corn do you use in a heat pack? Deej from Phoenix, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46386955.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Puppy Ate a Sock I am watching a Golden puppy who ate a sock at 5pm. She pooped at 5:30 and at 8 but no sock. Please help. What should we watch out for? She seems fine. She is napping as we speak. Jennifer from New York Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51186512.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print McCall's Patterns Never Fit I've always had a problem with McCall's patterns fitting me. So, I've been reading up about it on PatternReview.com. (Pattern Review Board) and also talking to the ladies that work in my local JoAnn Fabrics and in the fabric area of Walmart. Everyone says the same thing, "McCall's patterns NEVER fit!" I've read it's because McCall's patterns have 'lots of ease'. Has this been true for you too, or am I losing my mind? Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69877611.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Entenmann's Old Pineapple Cheesecake You probably will think I'm nuts, but I enjoyed the taste of the pineapple cheesecake made by Entenmann's back in the 70's. They changed their recipe in the 90's, and I don't care for the taste now. Does anyone out there know how they made that cheesecake back in the 70's? I don't think it was made with cream cheese. The pineapple was at the bottom of the cheesecake and the crust was graham cracker. I am sure of that much. Any help would be appreciated. I wrote to Entenmann's. They told me the new owners changed the recipe and could not help me. Tyara from Hendersonville, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23574949.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spending Money on Things You Don't Need What do you do when you get the urge to go out and spend money for things you really don't need? I'm not usually like this, but we've been snowed in for a week and now I want to go to Disneyland! Aargh! Coreen from Rupert, ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31581675.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hockey Puck 'Ring Bearer' Pillow My fiance and I are getting married and we thought that it would be neat to have the ring bearer carry a hockey puck pillow. If anyone knows where I could find a pattern or has easy instructions for a beginner. Jaime from Rochester, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84210784.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Printable Coupons Like everyone, I am trying to cut corners on groceries. I use "hotcoupondeals. com". But does anyone know of any other credible sites? I am looking for printable coupons for Cascade Complete dish washing liquid, Omni under sink water filter, CLR, Neutrogena face soap, Tyson chicken products, Scott's toilet paper, Behr paint, Kilz, or Home Depot purchases. Or anything else handy. Thanks! Jen from Hastings, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf562481.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keeping Meat that Defrosted My freezer door was left open over night for about 9 hours. I have thrown out seafood, pork and poultry but would like to know if I can save both beef steaks and lamb steaks and bacon which was still cold and some packs still icy. Maltpac from Western Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41058245.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Claudia 'Silverplate' Service for Eight I have a complete service for eight of CLAUDIA Silverplate. Does anyone know who the original manufacturer was, the value of what I have? It is in excellent condition. I would also like to know the age of the service. I found this at at a flea market over 30 years ago! Starlyn from Conyers, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15192646.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recalculating Recipe Ingredients Does anyone know how to recalculate recipe ingredients? For example, I have a recipe for classic beef pot roast. The recipe is for a 3# roast, but mine is 4.5#. How can I change the other ingredients to get the same results? Thanks! Jaye from Fort Myers, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68344662.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce I am trying to find a good and easy Bread Pudding with the vanilla sauce that goes over it. I can't seem to be able to find a good and easy one. Please help. I would like a creamy sauce to go over it. I've had it in restaurants that were delicious, but when I make it, it just isn't right. We don't like raisins though. Can any of you readers please help? My husband loves it Kay from Clyde Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87919667.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hairspray for Fine Hair I need a good hairspray and one that doesn't cost much. I have fine hair. Any suggestions! thank you Mindy Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60991844.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Wax Finish from Hardwood Floors How do I safely remove wax and polish from a no wax hardwood floor? Joseph from Valrico, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11109224.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 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: Valentine's Dinner For Two By Debra Frick When was the last time that you used your wedding china? Still packed in the garage? Yeah, well now is the time to pull out that china and make a wonderful fancy dinner for that man of yours. Don't have wedding china? With a quick trip to the thrift store, you will be in like Flynn. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13258730.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Fabric Based Art Card Create a miniature piece of art for trade, home decorating, or use as a decorative gift tag. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32666883.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tips for Singles on Valentine's Day I really just wanted an opinion of other users on here: What do you do to keep from feeling lonely on Valentine's day (or as I like to call it, Single Awareness Day)? It's one of those days where I don't want to go out or anything so I don't have to see everyone else getting things from their sweethearts. I'm still single and I try to keep my chin up but it's hard, especially on days like this. Any opinions you'd like to share? Thanks much! Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62444069.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.