|
|
|
Hello,
In the More Reading section will find some requests that Ellen Brown has provided answers to. She tackles Green Living and Gardening Questions that readers submit. Visit the the link below to ask here a question:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
We also have 17 new requests today, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
We received quite a bit of feedback from people who are having hard time viewing our newsletter. We are working to fix any problems.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
Today's Photos
Tiger is a Orange Tabby. I'm guessing he is about a year old. Someone dropped him off at the park behind my house. We tried to find his owners for over a month before deciding that we were going to keep him no matter what. I'm allergic to him, but I wash my hands ever time I touch him and that somewhat helps. He loves to hide behind the furniture/corners and jump out on us and my big dogs! He also loves to knock the alphabet magnets off my fridge and zing them around on the kitchen floor when we are trying to sleep! His favorite toy is a piece of paper that I shape into a ball!
By Donna J.
Tiger lives with Rebel, Cuda, Sammy and Molly Donna's other pets.
Post Feedback: Click Here
More Rebel (German Rottweiler)
This is my sweetie Rebel. She is a 9 year old German Rottweiler. She loves to play with her stuffed animals (she doesn't chew them up anymore). She keeps all the squirrels out of the backyard too! She loves to eat all my tomatoes in my veggie garden. She just pulls them off the plant and eats them. I've had very few this year!
By Donna J.
Rebel lives with Tiger, Cuda, Sammy and Molly Donna's other pets.
Post Feedback: Click Here
This is a photo of my sweet new Granddaughter, Karleigh Brooke and her Aunt Heather. My camera goes with me everytime I babysit. Wouldn't take a million dollars for these precious moments I'll always be able to remember.
By Sharon,Ky
Post Feedback: Click Here
Today's Tips
Editable Printable Seed Packets
http://www.alenkasprintables.com/seed_packets.shtml
I found this site where you can print out seed packets. Thought it would be a great way to share your seeds.
By Pam
Post Feedback: Click Here
I've done this for a number of years and due to our recent national disasters, it has seemed even more important (especially considering the cost of gas!)
EVERY Sunday I subscribe to 2 copies of our local newspaper. Usually they are filled with little "booklets" of manufacturer's coupons. Now I have 2 sets.
I cut out EVERY coupon - even those I won't personally use.
I have made envelopes to categorize the coupons and I promptly sort them into their envelopes.
Once or twice a week I select a different grocery store, drug store, or discount "super" store. I take a roll of tape and several envelopes of sorted coupons. I go up and down the aisles taping the coupons to the products they discount. (I do highlight any coupon that requires the shopper to buy two items to get the coupon redeemed). In about 10 minutes I can attach 20 coupons since they are selectively sorted.
In the beginning I always told the store manager what I was doing and EVERY SINGLE ONE was thrilled - since it might entice a "borderline" customer to go ahead and try to product.
Since several of our stores double and triple manufacturer's coupons, I'm able to "give away" about $200 worth of coupons per week. It helps families on a budget (especially the disposable diaper coupons and breakfast cereals) and makes me feel so good - which I suppose is actually quite selfish. But it's what I can do to help our national economy. Try it once - you might just get hooked! (TIP) One little piece of tape at the top of the coupon is best to not block the UPC code!
By Barbara Calfee
Post Feedback: Click Here
All buy material big enough to make a big circle, front and back, with solid color material. Allowing neck hole, arm holes & a way of putting it on. Sew or mark a big "M" on the front. Stuff the costume so it would fill out or balloon out. Could wear black or white tights. Go as M&M's candies! This would be cute as a bunch, all different colors.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
When planting new flowers in previously used planters, pots or buckets. Rinse out and wash thoroughly, to remove any salt residue or disease any previous plant might have had.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Gathering Seeds from Your Flowers
It's about that time of year that your flowers in your garden will be dropping their seeds. Gather some, package them, label them, with directions on how to care for them. Give them as gifts to friends. This might entice them to swap their flower seeds for yours. You could also tuck a pkt. of your flower seeds into a get well card for a sick friend or use as a stocking stuffer for another gardener or tuck into a bridal shower card, along with your gift.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends October 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests
I would like to make a totebag for my daughter-in-law out of an old Doors Album cover. I would prefer to use a cover and cloth stitched method over the grommet constructed method but would be appreciative of any tutorials or directions for either style.
Thank-you much
Bartender0062
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am looking for an inexpensive way to store all my daughters books. She is 2, loves books and has SO MANY! At first, I used a jumbo diaper box, but since she has accumulated more, it is overflowing and she can't see what books she has. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Heather
Post Feedback: Click Here
Can anyone give me recipes for vegetables? I only eat potatoes and corn doused in butter and salt. I try to sneak peas in casseroles when I make them. But I would like to try some new things. I really hate the taste of most veggies, but I want to eat healthier and set a good example for my daughter. She won't eat them either.
Thanks for your help!
Jessiworm
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a Large Toilet Paper Holder
I use to own an extra toilet paper holder with hung down below the original roll. It was metal and it attached to the original and hung down by a welded on wire. I purchased it at Wal-Mart, but they no longer carry it. Have any of you seen what I'm talking about at a store or website?
I hope I explained it clearly.
Thanks,
lillseester from Iowa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Using Images On The Net As Background (desktop) Images
When I see a pic I like on the net. I right click it and set as background (wallpaper). My question is sometimes the pic is out of focus and not a sharp image. Does anyone know how to fix this? I am computer illiterate so I'm asking to please be specific in directions.
Thanks
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a 5 year old son who wants to be a mummy for Halloween and the only cotumes I've seen didn't look like a real mummy. Does anyone have any ideas how to make one? I love making his costumes, I'm just stuck on this one.
Thanks
Chas
Post Feedback: Click Here
I would like to know if anyone out there has tips on cleaning dried in milk stains from foam a mattress? My kid likes to drink milk form his bottle when he sleeps and I often find a wet patch of milk on the mattress. it has happened many times and now the bedroom is starting to smell because of this problem. help!
Sam from Germany
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a peanut butter stain on a white cotton t-shirt, that I can not get out. If there's any help, I would greatly appreciate it.
Also, my daughther got a rusty water stain on a white cotton shirt as well. My Shout or Clorox Stain Out really didn't help.
Thank you ahead of time.
Aleta from MI
Post Feedback: Click Here
We have received a lot of negative feedback about front loading washers. We are currently in the market for a new washer and dryer and we are trying to decide which brand to buy. The front loading washers are supposed to be very efficient but I wanted to see if anyone had any postive feedback about a particular brand? Feel free to share negative feedback or brands to avoid as well. They are so expensive, I would hate to buy a lemon.
Thank you,
Susan at ThriftyFun
Post Feedback: Click Here
Keeping Dogs from Jumping Fence
What is the best way to keep a dog from jumping a fence? My dogs are tough. They even have the underground fence and still jump the fence. I love my boys but get so frustrated. My neighbors lab is the same way (they are brothers). Brandy
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a very large cattail palm in my home. It has scale and I can't seem to get control of it. I have been using warm soapy water and rubbing the leaves and stems once a month to remove the scale but it keeps coming back. I also used rubbing alcohol but turned some of the leaves yellow so I would like another alternative.
Can you help me?
Joan Barber
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am looking for some neat ideas to make a list for a scavenger hunt this weekend. We are having a large party with adults and kids of all ages and are going to try to do a "go to people you know" neighborhood hunt. I have looked up scavenger hunts on the net and many of them you have to pay for and the free ones haven't helped much. Any ideas are helpful.
Tawnda
Post Feedback: Click Here
Thank you in advance for your helpful responses. I have hairspray embedded on my bathroom lenoleum. Does anyone have any ideas of what to use to get this off? I've tried the Swiffer Wet Jet, Mr. Clean and vinegar, nothing is working.
Thanks,
Brandi
Post Feedback: Click Here
Gardening In Lacy Bloomers Sign
Remember those garden decorations from a few years ago of a lady bending over, showing lacy bloomers? I'm looking for a free pattern or at least a picture of one.
Thanks,
Annie from NY
Post Feedback: Click Here
Babysitters Rules vs. Grandma's Rights
I am in a predicament that I really need advice on. I babysit my 6 month old Granddaughter and her brother (age 6) who is home-schooled. I don't agree with the home schooling situation but he is my grandson by marriage and therefore I try to keep my opinion to myself. 6 hour days can get long when a child gets bored of his own toys and I often bring games or toys to play with him for a change of normal routine.
Last week I was told in no uncertain terms that NO MORE TOYS were to be brought, the excuse being lack of space to keep them. I take them home and keep them in my car to avoid conflict. I do not feel that I am wrong and have the right to bring them as long as I don't leave them. As if this was not discouraging enough,their mother (my Daughter-in-law) now INSISTS that I not rock the baby to sleep at naptime. Maybe I'm just too opinionated, but I feel that I have the right to make the call on that, since I am with them 5 days a week to save them the high cost of Daycare.
We have actually had words over these issues and even though they are small ones, it puts my son in the middle and adds stress to an already OVERLOADED Dad who does more than his share of cooking, cleaning, laundry and childcare. This really has me tore up and for his sake I feel that maybe I don't need to be the caregiver as I cannot cope with her attitude towards my methods of dealing with the children. My head tells me to get out of the picture but my HEART tells me to stay for my Grandchildren's sake.
I would appreciate advice, but please, this involves my family, and is an extremely sensitive issue. If I am wrong I am woman enough to admit I am and correct the problem. How should I handle the situation?
Sharon,Ky
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
More Reading:
Painting Rocks
By Monica Resinger
Painting rocks is something my kids and I occasionally enjoy. We get a lot of our ideas from the 'Painting on Rocks' books, however, this is not necessary.
Read More: Click Here
Q: I am disabled and on medicaid and hence have no dollars to spend on my garden. Many of my neighbours have lilac bushes and I'm sure a request for some part of their bushes for rooting or transplanting would meet with generous approval.
What part(s) of these bushes should I ask for? How do I go about rooting them? Is it too late for this year Also, there are several mature but small (about 3 feet high) bushes that I may be able to transplant. Again, is this the wrong time of year?
If I can transplant these bushes - beyond digging them up - what immediate care will they need?
Thank you so very much for any help you can give me!
Suz Long Island NY
Read More: Click Here
Q: If I use hot water to kill my weeds, will it kill my other flowers around the weeds? I am only pouring the hot water on the weeds. How long will it take to kill the weeds.
Thank you,
Beverly Dickerson
Read More: Click Here
Q: I have 3 apple trees in my backyard. Are apples good for the mulch pile? There are a lot of apples that fall on the ground and rot before I get to them.
Thank you!
pakjc
Read More: Click Here
Saving Electricity in the Winter
Q: I would like a information on what I can do to save money on electricity during the winter. I live in a condo and face the south east. I get lots of sun, therefore heat during the day. I asked a contractor about wrapping my water, heater he said that my heater is so new it is already insulated enough. Does it really save to turn off the water heater? Won't it just have that much more work to do when i turn it back on?
Thank you,
Sandy
Read More: Click Here
Q: We are going through the garden and pulling flowers for seed collection, but we still have the petals. We have marigolds, sunflowers, daisys and more. We would like to make some potpouri. Can you make it out of these flowers, as I assume one can? I think that there are other things to add as well.
If I can't make pot-pouri from them, what else could be made?
Laura - NH
Read More: Click Here
Q: A friend brought us peaches from a tree in his yard and these are the sweetest, juiciest peaches I've ever had! I saved some pits but now don't have any idea how to plant them. I would appreciate any help in telling me how or even if I can plant them. We have peach trees but they were bought as trees, as was his. I have no idea what kind of peaches they are and neither does he... the tree is about 5 years old.
Thank you for any help!
Linda
Read More: Click Here
Q: My new neighbors just cut down 3 pine trees that were on the border of my property. I kept my compost pile there. There was just enough sun and shade for good breakdown and it was nicely hidden. Well to say the least, we are exposed to the world now. And I am not too happy I might add.
All our privacy from neighbors behind us is gone. And we get to see the back of their lovely shed now. Any ideas on how to nicely disguise my compost? It's breaking down so nicely I don't want to take it to the recycling center for someone else to collect. I put hard work into that pile.
Is there an additive to help it break down faster? I know there is supposed to be something you can add to make it breakdown faster but I don't know what it is.
Thanks,
Val
Read More: Click Here
Buying an Environmentally Friendly Boat
Q: I am moving down near the water and I would like to buy a boat, ideally a motor boat. I was wondering if there is an eco-friendly way to go about this. Are their eco-friendly boats with motors? Any info or tips would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Stan
Read More: Click Here
Starting a Hibiscus from a Cutting
Q: Is there a way to start a hibiscus from a cutting?
Thanks,
Annette
Read More: Click Here
Q: How difficult is it to grow escarole?
Cookwie
Read More: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
More Stuff
Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.
Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.
Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
