Volume Six, Number 13, January 18, 2007
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Today's featured request is a post on My Frugal Life.
I'm burning out. I have a 17 month old. In the past year my husband and I have gotten married, bought a house, and gone to Hawaii. I work 37.5 hours a week with a 40 minute commute each day. I have no energy at night to make dinner, clean or play with my daughter. We are drifting deeper and deeper into debt. With a new home comes new expenses; paint, lawn mower, new lights for kitchen, etc. I very much want to be able to either work part time or not work at all. My problem is that I am not good at any one thing. I am very good at office work, typing, etc. But there isn't really anything I could do to work from home. I am afraid for my sanity and my health. If I have to do this much longer I really think that I will go crazy.
You can post feedback here:
http://www.myfrugallife.com/post92493681_kgmom.html
Your ThriftyFun login works for posting at My Frugal Life.
I also wanted to mention a couple changes at ThriftyFun that some of you may have already noticed. The first is we now require people to login to post requests. We had to do this because the form was getting spammed.
Second, we have changed the format of ThriftyFun News (our weekly frugal newsletter). It's now called "Saving Money On..." and every week we focus on saving money on a specific product or service. This weeks issue is about Saving Money on Napkins. If you have any tips to share on that submit, feel free to submit them here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf514971.tip.html
If you aren not currently a subscriber to the TF News (Saving Money On...), you can subscribe here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/account.ldml?account_nav=newsletter
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Today's Photos
| Taking Outdoor Portrait Photos
A great background and lighting makes a big difference in how your portrait photo turns out. I love taking photos outdoors because there are so many scenes to choose from and the lighting changes depending on the time of day.
By Toni from Florida
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Heart Wreath Door Decoration
Invite visitors with a welcoming wreath, made especially for Valentine's Day.
View This Craft: Click Here
|
| Scruffy the Cat
Scruffy is 2 years old. She likes to chase a laser pointer and has a Z shaped tail.
By Pam from Elkhart, IN
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Snowmen Painted Rock
This is a rock i found outside my house, its a great shape. I just used ordinary craft paint, using a scruffy brush is the best and my finger for blending. When done painting spray it with Krylon crystal clear coating, it will last forever. No pattern was used, just imagination.
By Judy Barr from Lanark, Ontario. Canada
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Contests!
The above 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
Laundry Stain Remover Recipe
Laundry Spot Remover
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup laundry detergent (liquid)
- 1/2 cup ammonia
- 1/2 cup water
- spray bottle
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on grease or food spots, or on dirty collars and cuffs, then wash the garment as usual.
By Marie from West Dundee, IL
Laundry Stain Remover
Ingredients
- 1 part dishwashing liquid (I like Dawn)
- 1 part ammonia
- 1 part water
Directions
Mix all together and fill spray bottle for all types of laundry stains.
One part in this case means one third of whatever measure you're using. For instance:
- 1 c. dish liquid
- 1 c. ammonia
- 1 c. water
By Tori
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Make Your Own Diaper Wipes
No more chemical-laden, expensive store bought wipes.
Ingredients
- Number 6 Tupperware (or whatever similiar product in your store)
- Bounty paper towels (cheapo ones work, but not great)
- baby wash (or pet shampoo for the pets)
- body oil (sesame oil is the lightest and best)
- baking soda.
Directions
Using a serrated knife, cut the roll of towels in half. In the Tupperware, mix about 2/3 cups of warm water, about two tablespoons of baby wash (you decide if you need less, more makes everything sticky) and a tablespoon of oils and 1/2 a tablespoon of baking soda. Mix until the soda disappears. Now, take the towels and rip the cardboard inner sleeve out, it unwinds. Also, this is probably the hardest part. Set the towel in the warm water mix, the middle of the towels will be prepped to pull since you pulled out the inner tube. Put the lid on the receptacle, turn it upside down and allow the water to soak into the towels for a few minutes. If it doesn't soak all the way, pour a touch more water on the top of the towels.
The recipe isn't in concrete, depending on who or what it's for, you can amend it. I would not recommend essential oils for babies because of irritation. This is great to wipe off puppy paws and keep in the car for sticky fingers. Just pull the towels from the center and re-use the receptacle over and over!
By Everett's Momma from Asheville, NC
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Finding Cheap Plants
The best way to get cheap plants is from fellow gardeners. Ask your neighbor if you can have a start or take a cutting of one of their plants. Start exchanging plants with family members. Next, you will want to check out your local farmer's market. They sell plants at reasonable prices and are always willing to offer helpful advice about how to care for the plants they sell. Plants you acquire locally will be better adapted to growing in your climate.
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Calendar Wall Art
For beautiful wall art on a budget, I use my old calendars and save my favorite pictures to hang up. You can start a file of favorite pictures and rotate them, and even frame them if you wish.
By Karen from Big Rapids,MI
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Make Plant Markers Out Of Milk Jugs
Plant labels can be expensive to buy and often don't last more than once season. So, this year I am making my own. I am cutting squares out of my clear plastic milk jugs, and writing the plant or seed name on the squares, along with the date planted. Then, using an ice pick, I am poking 3 holes (in a vertical line) about 1 and 1/2 inches apart in the square. Then, I am inserting my stick, weaving it through the holes to hold it. (with only 2 holes, the plastic square label part slides down, the 3rd hole seems to prevent this) The "sticks" are a piece of stiff galvanized fence wire that I cut to a 12 inch length, bought for about $2.00 at the hardware store in the scrap pile. It should probably make about 25 label holders. Good way to recycle empty milk jugs. I can reuse my "sticks" again next year.
By April from Plattsburg, MO
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
Inexpensive Prom Dresses
Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops, Ebay...
Prom can cost a fortune but it doesn't have to. You can find nice prom dresses at thrift stores, consignment shops, and department store clearance racks.
You could even try your luck at buying a dress online. You can find good deals on sites like eBay, but if the dress doesn't fit, you are out of luck.
Look into whether your local school or church has a dress swap. Ask your older cousins, sisters, or friends. Since many fancy dresses are only worn once, they make great hand-me-downs.
By ThriftyFun
Wedding Stores
In need of inexpensive prom or winter formal dresses? Go to wedding stores, check the clearance rack and the samples rack (usually favoring the smaller sizes) - checking both the most casual bridal dresses AND the bridesmaid dresses.
In addition, you can check your local garment district (L.A. has one downtown), thrift stores, consignment stores and the local newspapers - and stores selling quinceniera dresses (a 15th birthday party in some cultures).
By Lydia in CA
Macy's Clearance Rack
I got my dress at Macy's for $18 on clearance. It had a small rip in seam, I sewed it and it looked great. (Original price of dress-$280) Try to find big places like Macy's that have clearance sections and you can get some real bargains!
By Misty
Advertise
Put an ad in your local paper. Many social organizations require formal dresses for meetings. Members don't know where to get rid of them if there are no local places to sell them. Indicate size. You now have a pipeline to someone of the same size who uses them.
By the Oracle
Freel free to post your ideas below.
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
| Homemade Door Screen
I use a "screen" made up of two lacey curtain panels sewn together, hooked on my open front door, so I can have air, and also privacy. You might think about something like that for your child's room, if you like to keep their doors just open enough to keep an eye on them.
By pamphyila from Los Angeles
Post Feedback: Click Here
|
View Active Topics!
|
Syndication Spotlight
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/
More Information:
http://webby.com/humor |
New Requests
| Removing Tomato Sauce Stains
How to get tomato sauce out of a white jacket? I just got a white winter jacket for Christmas and have just recently acquired a huge stain all over it from someone throwing tomato sauce from a lunch kit on it. i don't believe I can use bleach because it will take away the weather proofing. what works, or what should i do?
James
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Free Stuff for Babies
I am about to be a new mom and i need to know if it is any where I can get free things for my baby?
Melissa from Gadsden, AL
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Pet Odors on Carpet
Please somebody help due to not wanting to see dogs put to sleep we have acquired 7 dogs that people have dump out on road or have moved off and left to die. My hubby and I are both disabled and the dogs have all decided to start using the bathroom inside and they all know how to go out their doggie door and now I need to try to get the smell out of carpet to try to get them to going outside.
Please help.
ANITA from PRATTVILLE, AL
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Ink on Wool
Just got ink on and ruined husband's new wool suit. Is there anything that can be done? The dry cleaners were not optomistic. Can it be dyed? Any ideas at all?
Suzette from SC
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Halloween Wedding Tips
My fiance and I are in love with Halloween. So, naturally, having a Halloween wedding was our first wish. We're planning on having a Masquerade ball, costume party for the reception. I'd like some ideas. My wedding colors are black, silver, and red. I'd like it to be elegant (this is a wedding, after all) but still fun and festive.
Thanks!
Marandanance
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Kitchen Paint Color Advice
I need help with a paint color for my kitchen. My cabinets are white with silver and crystal hardware. I have stainless steal appliances. Countertops are white with flecks of grey and quarts crystals. And floors are dark hardwood. It opens up to the living room - which has browns and blues and celery. TIA!
Renee from New York, NY
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Does anyone still use the old mop and bucket?
Does anyone still use the old mop and bucket to mop your floors? I got tired of dragging the bucket of water around while mopping and I bought me a Swiffer Wet Mop. Works great but the pads are very expensive. Any ideas on what I could use instead of buying the replacement pads? There is no holes on top of the Swiffer Mop that can hold anything.
Onesummer from GA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Homemade Thermos
What are some good insulators for a homemade thermos that will keep 300ml of soup warm for 4 hours?
Katie from Miami
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Drought, Heat and Cold Tolerant Plants
We had nasty below freezing weather this week. I am thinking we are going to have to replace some shrubbery and decorative perennials. I have decided to use drought, heat and cold tolerant plants that don't have a bad spreading habit. Short of hiring a professional, do you have any suggestions. We have blazing sunlight and deep shade.
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cheap Teeth Whitening
I am a college student without any money and i was wondering if anyone knew of any inexpensive ways I could whiten my teeth at home, without spending money on whitening solutions. I don't need them whitened a whole lot, just a shade or two would be great. Thanks!
Kaytee from Greenville, SC
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Origami Flowers
Long ago and far away (when I was in college), a guy that I was dating gave me an origami flower (it was 3D and had a 3D pyramid in the center - I think there were 4 or 6 3D petals). Does anyone know how to make this flower or other 3D origami flowers?
Thanks!
Heather from CT
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Thank You Gift Ideas
I have a big "O" birthday coming up in Feb. Okay, I'll be 70! My adult children are giving me an afternoon party, it won't be a big deal just a nice gathering of family and some friends.
However, I'd like some ideas on a gift to give each of my kids (four of them, one daughter, 3 sons,) just to say thank you for all the good things you've meant to me in life.
As I'm a pensioner on a low income, it can't be anything wildly costly even though I would like to do that. I am USELESS at crafts, so it can't be a homemade. Any ides would be appreciated.
Ellie from Melbourne, Australia
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Adjusting Sewing Machine Tension
I need some help with my new small sewing machine my mum bought me for Christmas. I'm having trouble with the tension in the bottom bobbin. How can I get the right tension when there is no guide for the thread to even out on the bobbin when you start a new one, I just use my finger? As when I was sewing the bottom of the material had small loops and the bobbin thread was not taking up in sections. I've tightened the tension guide for the top one but that doesn't seem to help. Can anyone help me please as I dont wont to give it up and loss interest? I hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Lambchop from Western Australia
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Skunk Smell From House
In July '06 a skunk sprayed under our house. The house still smells 5 months later. I am at my wits end. Can anyone help me? I have boarded up the holes where the skunk came in. They could not survive this long. Is it possible they are dead? The smell is not from rotting vermin. It is a fresh smell, sometimes stronger than other times.
Nuala from San Francisco, CA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Refinishing Hardwood Floors
We recently purchased our home. It has hardwood floors in the kitchen and hallways but hasn't been treated in years. I'm not sure if I need to sand it or not. Any tips?
Misty from Connellsville, PA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Senior Citizens Prom
I am putting on a senior citizens prom, and I don't know what the theme should be. Got any ideas?
Brieanna from Tillamook, OR
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Minwax Stain on Clothing
I have Minwax oil base stain on off white pants. the stain is not heavy duty but you can see it. What will remove it?
Joyce
Jpcasino17@aol.com thr816882
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Dog Is Afraid of Everything
A month ago, my boyfriend and I adopted a two year old beagle/chihuahua mix, Cooper, from the Animal Rescue Foundation. We love him to pieces, but he is scared of everything.
We thought that surely after the first month he would adjust a little, but I have seen hardly any improvement. He is scared of squeaky toys and paper (Christmas sent him hiding behind the couch, and Monopoly money had him running to the closet); he is scared of startling noises, and when I put on my coat; he is scared of being approached from people who are standing, and he is scared of any quick movements.
He recognizes his name, but has no response aside from looking in my direction - I can never coax him to walk toward me. I have rescued an abused dog before, but never one that acted like Cooper.
Cooper will sit on my lap for an endless amount of time as long as I'm still, but as soon as I stand up and set him in the floor, he gets scared and hides under the bed in the other room. If I shut the bedroom door and don't allow him in, he gets so scared, he pees on the floor. If I don't physically remove him from underneath the bed, he stays there all day long.
Also, when we ran the blender in the kitchen, he was so scared he actually pooped all the way to the back bedroom closet.
It makes me sad that no matter how much love, compassion, or space that we give him, he still will not trust us. It breaks my heart to not receive love from my baby. Please, someone help me and Cooper.
Courtney from Tulsa, OK
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cat Urine Odors
How can you get cat urine smell out of a garage? I have tried numerous products but nothing seems to work.
Tori from Huntingdon
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Summer Activities for Teachers
I am a school teacher, so during the summer and Christmas vacation I have a lot of spare time. When I have spare time, I tend to like to go shopping. I am looking for some ideas on other things I can do besides shop when I feel like just getting out of the house for a while. I don't want to get a part time job because I don't want to be tied down, and most part time work requires working evenings and I want to be home then. I'm not really worried about making more money, I'm just concerned about spending less.
Sometimes I go to the library but that gets boring after a while. I tried window shopping but I still bought a few things (oops) so that didn't work. I just want to replace my shopping habit with new activities that get me out of the house and that I can pursue at my leisure. Any ideas?
Allison from TN
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Window Glue Stains
I need help removing window glue from black polyester pants.
Thanks,
Seetalsidhu from Brampton, Ont.
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Keep Face Soap From Becoming Mushy
What is the best way to store face soap so it doesn't get mushy and also collect bacteria that you would then be putting on your face?
Mandi from Erie
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fun Express Coupon Code
Does anyone have a coupon code for Fun Express (owned by Oriental Trading but they don't take Oriental Trading coupons) for a discount and or free shipping? Thank you.
Elisa from Los Angeles, CA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Downloading Instrumental Music
I need to find instrumental music that I can download for my Sunday School class. I thought maybe karaoke music might do. Are there any sites that do this? I don't want to buy a CD or anything pre-made. I have specific songs we are trying to learn and we don't always have music.
Thanks in advance!!
Brenda from PTC, GA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Paint Stains from Clothing
Does anyone know how to remove gloss paint stain from Denim jeans?
Chris from UK
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Travel Tips for Savannah, GA
My husband and I will be visiting Savannah, GA at the end of March and would like to know of some neat and inexpensive things to do. We would like to splurge and eat at Lady & Sons restaurant.
Brenda from Williamsburg, MI
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Soften Stale Bread
How do you soften stale bread?
Joseph from N. Chelmsford, MA
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Coins
I lived in Mississippi when Katrina hit. I lost most everything. I had a five gallon jug filled 3/4 way up with change I was saving for the grandkids to share when it was full. The problem the, surge water stayed in the jug for a while and when it was dumped it had molded bad. I have tried pouring coke on it and let it sit and tried using a cleaner. Nothing will work to clean the money. Any suggestions to clean without a lot of scrubbing? It's about $120 in pennies and nickels. Thanks for any help.
Barbara from Wiggins, MS
Post Feedback: Click Here |
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
More Reading
Solutions for Slippery Sidewalks
By Ellen BrownWinter weather can quickly make sidewalks and footpaths difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to navigate. Over the years, several effective and economical deicing products have been developed to give us a safer foothold. Once the ice melts, however, these products can end up damaging our lawns and polluting our waterways.
Read More: Click Here |
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
|
