February 10, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - February 10, 2009


Vol. 8, Num. 28, February 10, 2009 (Read It Online)

ThriftyFun has a sister site call My Frugal Life. It's a place where ThriftyFun users can blog about saving money. We have some great regular posters who generously share their insights. Stop by from time to time to read or post your own blog entries about saving money.

For recent My Frugal Life posts visit:
http://www.myfrugallife.com/posts.html

Contest winners for last week will be announce tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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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:

Craft: 3D Valentine Scene

This is a way to recycle clear plastic packaging. I created a 3D "love" scene to fit under the plastic packaging. glued it down on mat board, then embellished it with all sorts of odds and ends. I then created an easel on the back so it can be displayed for Valentine's Day. This was fun to create, any theme can be used, not just holidays.

By Kathy from Sunny Florida

3D Valentine Scene

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Store Glue and Fabric Paint Upside Down

I store my fabric paint in a cardboard box from some pretzels. Keep the bottles stored upside down and they will be ready when you are. If they get clogged, use a paper clip to unclog the tube. Never waste a drop. I empty the last bit onto a plate and let me preschooler paint with a brush. She mixes her own colors and loves it!

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

Store Glue And Fabric Paint Upside Down

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Craft Project: Love Note

Make a pretty love note and display it using memo or note holder this Valentine.

Love Note

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Cleo (Domestic Shorthair)

Cleo is a 2 year old domestic shorthair cat. She was adopted from the PAWS in Philadelphia in August of 2008 along with Moocher and Leo. Cleo isn't a very active cat - she's in a tie with Fuzzy for being "most sedentary". She does so love to sit on my husband's lap, though.

We're not actually sure how old Cleo is. It seems that when PAWS accepted the surrender (along with Leo), they didn't get much information. She is also declawed, but thankfully spayed. She's a pretty girl, but she makes sure that if you touch her, it's on her own terms!

By Jackie from Feasterville, PA

Cleo (Domestic Shorthair)

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Buddy (Chipin)

Buddy is a 3 year old Chipin we got when our neighbors dog had puppies and gave us one.

He likes to play and catch objects and he loves to jump most of all. He loves everyone and all dogs he has met.

By jklovsdogs from Lafayette

Buddy (Chipin)

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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:

Pledge Cleans a Lot More Than Your Wood Furniture

If you look on the back of your Pledge bottle, you will see that Pledge not only polishes your wood, but is also great for cleaning stainless steel, leather, granite and marble. I love it, especially for my stainless steel appliances and leather couches. I've tried at least 5 different expensive stainless steel cleaners and pledge outshines them all!

It gently cleans to leave a brilliant shine that resists fingerprints. I also use it on my leather couches and it works better than any of the expensive leather cleaners I used to use. Plus, as an added bonus, I have a lot more space in my cleaning cabinet now that 3 cleaners have been replace by 1. A win win win all around!

By Christi from Lake Worth

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Go Through Coupons Before Entering the Store

I always go through my coupons before I enter the grocery. I pick up those items first and then I can spend the rest of my time looking for the best price on the items I don't have coupons for.

By Paula F. from Columbus, Ohio

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Homemade Green Laundry Detergent

Ingredients

  • 13 cups hot tap water
  • 4 Tbsp. Arm and Hammer washing soda(not baking soda)
  • 2 Tbsp Borax
  • 1 oz. castile soap
  • a few drops essential oil (optional)

Directions

Pour hot water in a empty milk bottle or a detergent bottle. Then add all ingredients and shake to mix. 1/2 cup for small load, 1 cup for large load.

Source: I saw this in a FarmShow magazine. It was made by a Sister of St. Francis at their convent in Little Falls, MN. It should cost about 5 cents per load.

By Jan from Springfield, MN

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Fresh Start for a Badly Overdrawn Checking Account

My Mom has Alzheimer's and my sister and I started taking over her finances and discovered she was overdrawn nearly $600.00. We went to the bank and were told that as a last resort only, our bank offers a "fresh start". This allows them to take out so much per month for six months, but zeroed out her account, so that when her check went in it was not eaten up with that negative balance and fees. I don't know if all banks offer this, or if you have to have a direct deposit set up (which I think most people do) in order to do this or what all the rules are, but it is interest free with her bank.

If there is no other alternative and you are in dire straits, ask your bank if they have something like this in place. I can see why they wouldn't advertise this, but in today's economy, so many people are behind.

Source: Discovered this yesterday from a very helpful bank employee.

By Karen from Union, SC

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Rice Remedy for an Upset Stomach

A very good idea for an upset stomach. Boil a 1/2 cup of rice with 2 cups water until done. Drain off liquid, let it cool and drink it.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Use Your CrockPot to Heat a Rice Pillow

I needed a way to heat up a rice bag I made for my sore neck. Alas, I don't use a microwave so my Hubby suggested using a crock pot to heat it up. Boy does that work great and you don't need to worry about burning the fabric or rice. True you need to plan ahead, maybe even use two crock pots. Just thought I would share this idea.

By Viki from Abbeville, AL

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Make Your Own Storage Pantry for Buying in Bulk

Buy yourself a tall $30 bookcase then, using two L-brackets, secure the top of your bookcase or shelves to the studs in the kitchen or garage wall. Next, simply wedge a spring rod inside the shelf about 1 inch from the top and fold a bedsheet, a piece of fabric or hang a curtain that matches your room's decor over the rod. These spring-rods are sold at Walmart, Home Depot and IKEA.

Spring-rods come in many sizes and the length can be adjusted in one of 2 ways depending on the type you buy. One type gets larger and smaller simply by turning half of the rod clockwise or counter-clockwise. Another type uses a screwdriver to turn a screw at the base of a spring to adjust the size. Spring-rods come in white or gold and cost from $2 to about $8. You can thread the spring-rod through the hem of a sheet (after removing several inches of stitching at either side of the hem) or simply fold your fabric over the rod so the fabric covers the whole bookcase and you can't see your food.

The least expensive bookcases come in a box and you need to assemble them yourselves. They usually come in white, black and a fake woodgrain. My favorite place to buy them is a liquidation store like "Big Lots" or Thrift Stores because that's where you'll get the best prices. Be sure to look around, they go on sale often at Target and K-mart and every store has different prices. I recently bought a set 72 inches high by 4 feet wide brand new for only $30, these were melamine over particleboard.

If you want real wood, you'll need to paint or stain them for easy cleaning. If they need painted, I suggest you paint them to match your walls. You'll wonder how you ever lived without this extra storage space!

Source: When I was younger, I raised 4 kids and didn't have enough cabinets to store all our food when we bought a tiny house. Against one bare wall in our kitchen, I simply put in a row of matching shelves and hung curtains on each to hide the messy food. Costco, here we come!

* A note: Sometimes it's cheaper to buy shelves made for garage use instead of home use.

By Cyinda

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Use Bread to Absorb Meatloaf Grease

I have found that one way to prevent meat loaf fats from settling on the bottom of your loaf pan is to place a piece of bread on the bottom. The meat loaf is not only easier to remove, but once the bread is removed your loaf is a little less fat-laden.

By Snoonie from Baltimore, MD

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Use a Spoon to Peel Eggs

An easy way I have found to peel hard boiled eggs, is with a teaspoon. Hard boil your eggs whatever way that works for you. I crack the shells then use the spoon to peel the eggs. The freshness of the eggs will determine how easy they peel. The fresher the egg, the harder to peel. I dip my spoon in water or spray Pam on the spoon if the eggs are harder to peel.

By Sweetie from Green Cove Springs, FL

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Make And Freeze Batches Of Waffles

I purchased an inexpensive box of waffle mix and spent a couple hours making the whole box of waffles. Once the waffles have cooled, I place them into freezer bags and pop into the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast. A lot less expensive than the pre-packaged waffles! I rinse the freezer bags out, turn them inside out to dry and then they are ready to used the next time.

I keep my cereal bags for freezing, too. The wax paper empty cereal bags work great for wrapping items to freeze. Since I have already paid for the cereal wax bag, it is always put to good use. I also open the bags up and use them to cover items I reheat in the microwave.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Deciding to take up jogging, the middle-aged man was astounded by the wide selection of jogging shoes available at the local sports shoe store.

While trying on a basic pair of jogging shoe, he noticed a minor feature and asked the clerk about it.

"What's this little pocket thing here on the side for?"

"Oh, that's to carry spare change so you can call your wife to come pick you up when you've jogged too far."

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

New Requests:

Craft Uses For Juice Pouches

I have found several cool projects for juice pouches where you cut from the bottom. Unfortunately, I've been cutting the tops off and rinsing the pouches for storage. Now I have a bunch of decapitated juice pouches and want to know how I can use them. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Gail from Charlotte, NC

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Removing Color Transfer Stains

If one color from a material has run onto another, how do I remove the color stains?

Kimberly from India

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Turning Bar Soap Into Powder

I tried making clothes detergent using a bar of Ivory soap, Borax and washing soda. The recipe said to put pieces of the bar soap into a food processor and process until I get a powder. I never got a powder just tiny balls. How do I get the powder consistency?

Beth from Texas

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Houseplants Dried Up After Getting Too Cold

I live in the midwest and went on a 2-week vacation. When I returned my furnace wasn't working, so it was pretty darn cold in the house (40's). My peace plant plus other plants I have were all dried up, but he soil was still moist from neighbor watering my plants.

I clipped them down hoping the plant will start growing again. I think it will, because the roots didn't freeze and the stems are still a healthy green. Did I do the right thing in clipping them back? What else can I do to help plant growth? Thanks for any information.

Marsha from Norfolk, NE

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Advice On Painting Kitchen With Green Countertops

I have Dark green Corian countertops with a white inlay and oak cabinets. A gray slate laminate floor with new stainless appliances. My walls are currently a white with dark green rag roll finish. I want to update walls with a more neutral color. I am tired of the green countertops but hubby won't let me replace. Help!

Donna from Toledo, OH

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Making Rice Pudding with 1% Milk

I made rice pudding recently but used 1% milk and it did not turn out particularly creamy. Could it be the milk? Must I use whole milk for it to be creamy? I think I got the recipe from this site.

Rose from Malvern, PA

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Non-Sudsing Ammonia

Where can I find non-sudsing household ammonia?

Jessie from West Point, MS

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Reusing Postage Stamps

I just received a package from an individual on ebay that I purchased. The stamps are dated Oct 31, 08 and Dec 11, 08. Does this mean that these stamps were reused? Is this illegal and if so, how do I report and to whom?

Bellez

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Helping Child Get Ready in the Morning

My seven year old daughter hates mornings! My DH and I battle with her everyday just to get up and eat breakfast. She goes to bed by 8PM every night and gets up at 6:45, so she is getting a good chunk of sleep. However, when she wakes she complains about the cereal she picked out, the clothes she picked out and that her stomach hurts. I have taken her to the doctor and there is nothing wrong with her.

She usually doesn't know where her shoes, backpack or coat is. I purchased a basket just for her stuff so she would know where to look but she won't put anything in it. I'm usually late for work and then angry when I get there. Any ideas on how to make the morning go smoother? I'm out of ideas. Thanks!

Melissa from Arizona

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Amaryllis Bulb Has No Stalk

My amaryllis bulb is just sprouting leaves, but no stalk. Is that normal?

Sara from Chevy Chase, MD

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Vomit Odor on Evening Dress

Can someone please tell me how to get rid off a vomit smell from an evening dress?

Raven

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Weaning a Child Off a Pacifier

How can you wean a 2 1/2 yr. old off the pacifier when you have tried everything that you can think of?

Dawn from Jay, Maine

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Cats Attitudes Have Changed

I have two female cats, Polly and Ally. I got Polly when she was a kitten at a animal shelter knowing that she was a wild cat, and I got Ally about 3 months after I got Polly. I got Ally from a friend who couldn't have pets in his home. Polly is now 2 yrs old and Ally is about 5 yrs old. Polly and Ally have always been good cats around my boyfriend and Polly would even crawl up in bed with us and sleep in between us.

My boyfriend went away for 4 months to Alaska and when he came back both Ally and Polly changed dramatically. Ally loves my boyfriend but hates me. She won't come near me anymore and will growl or even hiss at me if I try and pick her up or pet her. And Polly all of a sudden started hissing at my boyfriend every single time he goes near her or even looks at her but she is so lovey dovey with me.
What gives?

Wynny from Portland, OR

Cats Attitudes Have Changed

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Ornaments Made from Baby Juice Jars

I saw an ornament at a craft fair that was made out of baby juice jars that looked like they were melted a little and pressed together. Before they melted and pressed it together, they had placed a picture of a snowman or whatever on the inside. Does anyone know how to melt the jars and press them flat like that?

Katrena from Ripley, Tennessee

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed do you think my dog is?

Mike from UK

What Breed is My Dog?

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Terra Cotta Floor with Dark Green Countertop

I was shown a very dark green, almost black countertop but I am unsure about it. My floor has terracotta type tiles and it was painted sort of a rust color . I've asked the contractor to bring me some ideas for the backsplash to see what he thinks could bring that color countertop and the tiles together. My cabinets are sort of a cognac or chestnut color.

Does anyone think that a dark green granite countertop sounds strange in a kitchen with the colors I've described? I realize that I shouldn't look at the colors like I'm matching an outfit and I've always matched things, sometimes to the point of boredom. I need some opinions. Thanks so much.


kimble67 from Jersey City, NJ

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Feeding Cat People Foods

We adopted a kitten from the shelter. She is now 6 mos old. She loves apples, pears, oranges, carrots and especially yogurt. We do not feed her from the table but if we have any of the above items she goes crazy and we let her have just a little. Could any of the items be harmful? Thank you.

Nicky from Lake Havasu City, AZ

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Homemade Products for People With Allergies

My son is allergic to the shampoos and underarm deodorants he has been using. Does anyone know of hypoallergenic shampoos and or deoderants? If you know a homemade formula for these items, I'd also be interested.

Cora from Arkansas

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Chrome on Shower Door is Discolored

I have a chrome and glass shower door. The glass is fine but the chrome frame is slowly developing black streaks on the inside, growing downward toward the shower floor. I thought it might be mildew but bleach and other cleaners have no effect on it.

Also, mildew is unlikely on a metal surface and the streaks seem to be becoming almost part of the surface itself, as if the chrome finish is changing chemically somehow. Help! Any ideas on what I have and what to do?

Ted from McHenry, IL

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Cooking Oil on Leather Boot

How do I remove a cooking oil stain from my leather boot?

Keith from UK

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Dog Urine Stain On Leather Couch

How do you get dog urine out of a leather couch?

Angelia from Blanchard, OK

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Red Dye on Cream Microfiber Couch

How can I remove red dye from my cream colored microfiber couch? My friend slept on my couch and her red shirt left a stain on my light cream colored couch. I tried soap and water, which didn't work. Next, I tried rubbing alcohol, which faded the red out a little but not much. Any suggestions? The cushions cannot me removed.

Roxanne from CT

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Removing Nail Glue from Skin

How do you get nail glue off of your hand?

Joseph

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Wedding and Reception Locations in Maryland

Where can I find a nice place to have a wedding ceremony and reception in the same area/place for a price of $1000 to $2000 in Maryland or DC?

Shenise from Hyattsville, MD

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Yellow Stains on Cotton Fabric

How can I remove set-in yellow stains from white cotton fabric?

Sherri from New Palestine, IN

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Paint Color Ideas

I just painted my living room Tiffany blue and brown and I want to paint the kitchen a sage moss green color. The bathroom is off the kitchen. What color can I match with the sage green and the blue?

Yvonne from Chicago

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Planning a Wedding on a $6000 Budget

My fiance and I are trying to plan a cheap wedding in NJ. Realistically, we want everything to cost around $6000. Any help?

Tai from Morris County, NJ

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What Breed is My Dog?

What kind of dog might he be? He is a German Shepard mix but with what?

Cassie from E-town

What Breed is My Dog?

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Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business

My boyfriend and I would like to start a household cleaning business, any ideas on any names for it?

Melanie from Kennesaw, GA

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Ideas For A High School Track Banquet

I am organizing a banquet for a boys and girls high school indoor track team. Any ideas for centerpieces?

Debbie from CT

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Remedies for Heel Spurs

I have a heel spur that is giving me a lot of grief in my left foot. I've read to encase the foot in apple cider vinegar and plastic wrap overnight, it will go away. I've tried using a bread bag, but every time I need to get up during the night, it's noisy and wakes my dh. It is also very uncomfortable. Any suggestions?

Please bear in mind that I live in Australia and many proprietary brands, and even some herbs and remedies may not be available here. Thank you for your time and trouble.

Leonie from Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia

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Gnats on Plants

I have had house plants that I bring inside in the winter for years, but this year I seem to have an infestation of gnats that are in the soil. From what I have read from others in ThriftyFun I think they are fungus gnats. I have tried the insecticidal soap and the sticky strips but nothing seems to work. They seem to be in all of my plants. Any suggestions of anything else to try?

Debbie from Potomac Falls, VA

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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:

Saving Money on Entertainment

The first thing you should do is set up a budget for entertainment. Determine how much you can afford to spend each month on entertainment so that you don't spend money that is needed for other areas of your budget, like bills, food and other essentials. Be sure to factor in monthly entertainment fees, like cable TV, when creating your budget.

Take a Trip to the Zoo

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