April 21, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - April 21, 2009


Vol. 8, Num. 78, April 21, 2009 (Read It Online)

We are getting a little low on recipe submissions for the recipes newsletter. Do you have a recipe to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to share it here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Are you looking for a recipe? Feel free to submit a request for a recipe here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml?email_source= newsletter

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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:

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 Project: Canvas Bag Project

This is a really simple project that requires no real pattern and once you feel comfortable, you can just cut freehand and "eyeball-it"

CanvasBag238x300.jpg

Craft Project: Canvas Bag Project

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


Wildlife: Garden Spider Photo

Scared the heck out of me, too! This is a Black and Yellow Garden spider, a common spider found in gardens, I've been told. I have been gardening for 25 years and never came across this amazing spider. Of course when I first spotted it I had no idea if it was poisonous, so I was indeed scared. But that didn't stop me from getting my camera!

Afterward, I browsed the internet and found out they are not poisonous (few are). They help with pest control, they lay thousands of eggs in early fall and then die! I certainly admired this specimen, but I was not looking forward to a thousand more in my garden come next Spring. I like getting down and dirty in my garden, and I just pictured me screaming out every time one might run across my hand! They never did return. It was a sight to see, though. The web was a woven masterpiece!

By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ

Wildlife: Garden Spider Photo

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


Pugsley (Pekingnese)

Pugsley is a 10 year old pekingnese. My sister-in-law gave him to us 4 years ago. He likes to play ball with kids. He is very good with children and funny.

By Beth from Ft. Blackmore, VA

Pugsley (Pekingnese)

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


Craft Project: Recycled Flower Vase

A recycled flower vase is made from reusing an empty pickle jar. It is very simple to make by taking the most ordinary item, a pickle jar, and turning it into something beautiful with a little bit of paint, time and flowers.

Craft Project: Recycled Flower Vase

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


Puffy and Squirt (Kittens)

Puffy and Squirt 6 month old mixed breed kittens. Born under my bed. They like to chase each other through the house. This looks like a 2 headed cat, but no, just Puffy and Squirt. They are so sweet but can be devils too.

By Barb from Rothbury, Mi

Puffy and Squirt (Kittens)

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


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:

Use Baking Powder for Smudges on Stainless Steel

To clean smudge marks off stainless steel appliances, make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub over the spots. Then wipe the appliance down with plain water, and dry.

By DAISY MAY from Coconut Creek, FL

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


Patch Kids Pants With Shirt Sleeves

Save the fabric when you turn a winter long-sleeved shirt into a summer short-sleeved shirt and use this fabric to patch the knees or add length to kids pants. The shirt can then be worn with the pants as a cute matching set! This tip works great for kids, but can also be used for adult clothes as well.

By Frugal Mom

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


Freebie: Tomato Seeds

Get a free pack of tomato seeds when you enter info located on the bottom of any Campbell's Soup can. Your request will also help Campbell's donate seeds to communities and schools through the National FFA organization. Expires 6/21/09.

By Lynda (crabby) from Kearny, NJ

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


Clear Candy Tubes for Small Toy Storage

Here is a great way to organize and re-cycle while doing so. Those long clear tubes that candy (i.e. M & M's) come in provide great storage for small toy pieces and can make them more readily available for your child's play time. They're perfect for the small Legos; store them by color, shape, size - whatever works for you. It makes those Lego projects so much easier to construct without having to dig through piles of all the different pieces.

Also another perfect example of what can be stored in them is the myriad Polly Pockets clothing and accessories. Those pieces turn up everywhere after my granddaughter leaves. Now I'm teaching both her and her brother, how much easier it is to enjoy their toys, if they take a few minutes to store them for the next time they come over.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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


Burp Cloths for Infants

I bought $1.00 receiving blankets at the dollar store, and some terry cloth on sale at the fabric store. I made 4 burping cloths out of one receiving blanket. If you have a serger you can put them together in a snap. If you don't have a serger, sew them together inside out and then put them right side out and sew along the edges. They are tough, very absorbent, wash well, and they can double as changing pads in your diaper bag.

By kmcb59 from Leavenworth, WA

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


Life Lessons Graduation Gift Idea

Our 17 year old daughter, Kara, is graduating from high school in a few months. She will be attending college about 5 hours away from home. I wanted to present her with a gift that will have meaning long after she moves into the dorm.

I have asked family, friends, teachers (including her kindergarten teacher), pastors, youth ministers, employers, camp counselors, etc. to write her a Life Lesson letter which will be placed in a binder and presented to her on Graduation day. I sent out 102 requests and have only had one person say no.

I have asked that each letter provide Kara with some tid-bit of wisdom that will assist her in making the right choices as she begins this new journey. Some of the letters I have received back are quite lengthy, while others are just a few sentences. But so far, all have provided encouragement and valuable insights, for a young lady about to embark on a such a new and exciting phase of life.

I created a "Form Letter", which I mailed and e-mailed to anyone who has been influential in Kara's life detailing my plan. I also provided a list of topics and a sample letter to jump start people's creativity. Topics included such themes as purity, integrity, study habits, friendship, faith, punctuality, creativity, etc. As this project is a secret. I made sure that everyone was aware of that too!

Each letter will be printed on high quality card stock and placed in a sheet protector and placed in a binder. I may sort the letters by topic or by friends, family, etc--depending on what is received. I may have a brass nameplate created and adhere to the front of the binder as well. You could also use a scrapbook for the letters and decorate each page as the theme of the letter dictates.

We plan on hosting a brunch prior to the graduation ceremony and the book will be available for the guests to view at that time. I know this Book will be cherished for many years to come and will be a tangible gift of how much she is loved and will provide her wisdom and guidance as she encounters problems and challenges in the future.

Source: Focus on the Family broadcast several years ago

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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


Teeth Whitening Kits from the Dollar Store

I am so excited to share this Thrifty tip with everyone! Do you use those expensive teeth whitening kits? Here's a very inexpensive tip to maintain your very white "pearly whites". The Dollar Tree carries teeth whitening kits, and they work! The directions state that you use the product for five minutes. I did that at first. Now, I leave the product on my teeth for thirty minutes, (with no adverse effects as I can see or feel) daily or every other day, and my tooth whiteness is maintained!

The kit even comes with a very effective tray which holds the product to your teeth - no slipping around in your mouth, etc. In fact, I like the tray so much, I've used it with the expensive whiteners as well.

By Carla from Greensboro, NC

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


Keep Food Scraps Away from Raccoons

Never leave food scraps in a fire pit or in an uncovered garbage can. Use care with your compost pile to cover all your food scraps so the food doesn't attract nasty animals like raccoons and skunks. Raccoons often carry rabies and can be surprisingly bold. Sometimes they aren't even afraid of humans!

We had to get rid of our bird feeder because it was attracting raccoons! The fruit trees in my neighbors yard were also attracting raccoons. A raccoon came into their fenced yard and attacked their dog! The raccoon latched on, and held on for dear life. My neighbor got the raccoon off her beloved pet, but it was a REAL struggle! The dog survived but she was lucky she didn't get bitten herself in the process! This was a fairly large dog. I'd hate to think what a raccoon would do to a small dog or even a child!

Also, it's not true that raccoons only come out at night. We have one that hangs out behind our yard during the day. It's so bold that when you throw rocks at it, it just stands it's ground, and boldly stares at you!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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


Grate Orange Rind Before Eating

Before I eat an orange, or use the juice of a lemon, I always grate the rind off, and keep frozen in a container. Then when a recipe calls for either, I always have some zest on hand. Handy to have to whip up a special salad dressing, too!

By Pergammano from Galiano, B.C.

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


Freeze Berries on a Baking Pan

We are blessed to have a raspberry and blackberry patch. I love to freeze the berries, that I do not sell to our local co-op, and have them for use all winter long. I have found that the berries keep better and do not stick together in a big lump by first spraying a baking pan with cooking spray, then place the berries single layer on the pan, and freeze until firm. Then I carefully scoop them off and put in plastic freezer bags.

Source: This idea is my own and comes simply by years of trying other methods.

By Goatlady from Vermont

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


Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

An old farmer in Georgia had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back, fixed up nice; picnic tables, horseshoe courts, basketball court, etc. The pond was properly shaped and fixed up for swimming when it was built.

One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond, as he had not been there for a while, and look it over. As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he came closer he saw it was a bunch of young women skinny dipping in his pond.

He made the women aware of his presence and they all went to the deep end of the pond. One of the women shouted to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"

The old man replied, "I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim naked or make you get out of the pond naked."

"I'm just here to feed the alligators."

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

New Requests:

Frozen Snickers Ice Cream Cake Recipe

I would like the recipe for Snickers Ice Cream Cake. I have found lots of ideas for Snickers, but no recipe for this. I had it at a luncheon and it was great. Thanks.

By cybergrannie from FL

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


House Sparrows Taking Over Bluebird Houses

Does anyone have some suggestions on how to keep sparrows from taking over bluebird houses, after the bluebirds have nested?

By garden nut from Richland County, WI

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


Keeping Snow Peas Off the Ground

Does anyone have any ideas on how I can keep my snow peas off the ground in my garden?

By Sharon49 from PA

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


Treating a Dog's Ear Infection Without Antibiotics

I'm looking for a natural cure for ear infections in my two dogs.

By JuneBug31 from Ontario, Canada

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


Removing Tree Sap from Clothing

What is the best way to remove pine pitch from a jacket?

By Spring55

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


Getting Rid of Fleas

How can I get rid of fleas on my animals and in my house without spending a lot of money?

By Cowgrlblues from Navarre, FL

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


Pattern for a Bean Bag Chair

I am looking for a free bean bag chair pattern to download.

Sam

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


First Holy Communion Speech Ideas

I'm looking for ideas for a First Holy Communion speech for a 7 yr old to deliver. I would also like ideas for some FHC games.

By Stefrian from Toronto, Canada

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


Removing Ink from a Photo

How did I remove gel ink from a semi-glossy photo?

By Carolinebk from Cathedral City, CA

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


Craft Uses For Empty Wine Bottles

I drink a glass of wine every evening with my meal for my health. I've accumulated many wine bottles and was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how I could use these empty bottles.

By Eth0301 from Warren, AR

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


Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

I have been trying really hard to find a good and tasty recipe for cream of mushroom soup. I have found many and when I tried them they didn't taste that great. I'm looking because my grandmother is sick and just got home from the hospital. It is her favorite, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

By Katdevilmaniac from Whippany, NJ

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


Cleaning a Can Opener

I have a hand held can opener that has some gunk on it. How do I clean it?

By Lynda from Kearny, NJ

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


Ice Machine in Refrigerator is Leaking Water

I have a GE side by side refrigerator with an ice maker. It has worked fine since I got it, however now it seems like something is clogged. I keep getting water on the floor and it seems to be coming from the back. I did clean the hole on the bottom of the freezer with baking soda and hot water like the book suggested, but it didn't do anything. Now, I turn on the water for a bit until it makes ice then shut the water off. As a result I can't use the water dispenser. Any ideas? Thanks.

By Geri from McAdoo, PA

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


Wedding and Reception Locations in Baltimore, MD

I am looking for an inexpensive location for ceremony and reception for a June wedding. The wedding budget is about $1000.

By Belinsbaby from Baltimore, MD

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


Bubbles in Veneer

I put a plant on my oak dinning table and it left water marks and lifted the veneer up to a bulge. Any suggestions for how to level the bulge?

By Emccurry from Ruskin, FL

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


Deodorant Reviews

I need a dependable underarm deodorant.

By Fatso

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


Laminator Plus Solution Reviews

Does the Laminator Plus System help prevent smudge marks and footprints all over your floor? I just bought some of the cleaner. My floors are brand new laminate floors and I have footprints everywhere! I am a little hesitate to put this cleaner on my brand new floors.

By Colleen from Allegany, NY

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


Removing a Hem Line From Jeans

I have a pair of nice dress jeans that I had to hem. I would now like to take out the hem because they shrunk a bit. There is definite 'faded' line at the edge. What's a trick to get rid of the line so the fade line doesn't show?

By Kljohn from Crawford, CO

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


12 Year Old Girls Birthday Party Ideas

I'm hosting my daughter's 12th birthday party, but I don't know what to do. What should the girls do at the party? I want something low-cost but fun. Thanks!

By Laurah05

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


Crocheted "Baby in a Blanket" Puppet Pattern

I would sure love to find a crocheted pattern for this or a similar baby puppet in a blanket. Please, help me if you can. I would also like small crocheted baby doll patterns, so we can use them for service projects. Thank you so much for your replies.

By FirstCobber from Ephrata, WA

Crocheted "Baby in a Blanket" Puppet Pattern

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


Planting Crops on Earth Day

Is Earth Day considered an excellent day to plant crops?

By Suzyspinkmoon from Clinton, TN

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


"A Mystery and Miracle" Christmas Play

I am looking for a Christmas play called "A Mystery and Miracle". Can anyone help me please?

By JRDC from Perth, Scotland

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


Customized Wood Products Business

I am trying to start a business in customized wood products. Does anyone have any ideas how to start this because I have very little money.

By Moe66 from Eastpointe, MI

Customized Wood Products Business

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


Dog Won't Let New People in the House

My dog will not let any new person in my house. Is there anything I can do to stop this? It almost seems like no one other than our household is allowed in the house. He even knocked my 8 yr old son over while outside when he was just trying to come in the house and almost attacked his 8 yr old friend. He jumped on him and put claw marks on his chest.

We can put him in his crate when someone comes over but he will continue to bark and growl the whole time someone is here. He is so bad sometimes we feel like trying to contact the dog whisperer! My fiance has threatened to get rid of him while I'm at work if something does not change soon. I'm not the type of person to give up but we have tried a lot of different things. Treats are not an option as he will take food off a plate or the table if you walk away. (I actually have another post up of the same dog asking his breed.)

By honey_angel135 from Danville, PA

Dog Won't Let New People in the House

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


Previously House Trained Dog Has Started Peeing in House

My 11 month old Maltese who has been toilet trained for months now has just started peeing inside in the evening. He is also doing it when he gets excited to see people. Does anyone know why this is and how to stop it?

By Jazzmyn from Timaru, New Zealand

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


What Breed is My Dog?

Can anyone help me determine what type of dog I have? He's the brown and white dog in the picture. When I adopted him I was told he was pit bull, rottweiler, and terrier. He has a curly Q for a tail, weighs about 60 lbs and is only 8 months old.

He has thick fore legs and large paws, black and pink spots on his belly, and doesn't have black on his tongue. He is very hyperactive, very protective, and has a loud bark only when he hears people at the door or a strange sound. But his growl when he is playing actually sounds like a baby bear cub, hence his name Bear.

His coat is a very soft coat medium length and does not shed much. He stands as high as my 4 yr old boxer as seen in the picture. He also has a lot of loose skin in his neck area, and kinda has the look of the pit bull eyes (I don't think there is any pit in him though). I'd like to get a DNA test done but that's very expensive so I thought I would try this first. Thank you.

By honey_angel135 from Danville, PA

What Breed is My Dog?

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


Dirty Refrigerator Handles

I have a GE refrigerator and the handles are turning orange. They said to use a cleaner called Hot Melt which cannot be found anywhere. Can you give me the name of a cleaner to clean them?

Jo Ann

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


Information About an Antique Chair

I would like information on this antique chai. Is it French, Italian or something else? Do you think it is an original, made in the 20's or 30's? I have spent numerous hours on the internet and have been to antique stores and no one can give me any information. Help please!

By Dee from Baton Rouge, LA

Information About an Antique Chair

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


Storing Roasted Red Peppers

I have a bunch of red bell peppers that I want to roast. After I roast them what type of liquid do I use to store them in the fridge?

By Soyzicks from HI

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


What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog? He is a little over a year old and about 15 lbs. with super green/gold eyes. Any ideas?

By Bgentry from Las Vegas

What Breed is My Dog?

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | 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:

Recycle, Get Organized and Save Money
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Did you know that you're throwing your money away - literally? Every day people throw out product packaging and then turn around and purchase boxes, bins, and caddies to organize their homes. Instead, reuse the things that you're about to throw away, things that will fill landfills otherwise, and use them to save money and organize your home.

Recycle,  Get Organized and Save Money

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


Interactive

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Feedback

No feedback yet. Click here to post feedback.

Related

Post Feedback

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Be the first to post feedback!

Feedback:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: