Daily Thrifty Tips - March 31, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 63, March 31, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We have lots of new requests that were submitted over the weekend. Be sure to look them over to see if you have any advice to offer. If you are looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem, feel free to submit a request here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml 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: Perky Bra Purses Craft: Chair Pad For School Nanuk (Siberian Husky) Today's Tips: Rub Softener Sheet For Static Cling Problems Have Confidence To Face The World Get Sale Calendars For The Pictures What Religion is Your Bra? - A Joke Triple The Life Of Bar Soap Use a Vinyl Coupon Sorter for Receipts Tissue Boxes for Plastic Bags Keeping Track of Logins, Websites and Phone Numbers First Apartment Gift Give Each Child Their Own Color Dishes Joke of the Day New Requests: Bleached White Shirt Is Now Yellow Uses for Pizza Boxes Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car Cat Urine on Leather Sofa Dealing With Thin Eyelashes Musty Smell on Boots Reupholstering Wooden Armchairs Getting a Mohawk to Stand Up Instructions for a Beaded Angel Burnt Food on Glass Cookware Reusing Leftover Soap Pieces Eye Glasses Are Too Tight What is a springform pan? Bulk Firefighter Charms For Wedding Favors Inexpensive Hall To Rent In Miami Lakes Area? Looking For Tamale Pie Recipe Saving Money On Bread Growing Hair Back Quickly After Chemo Looking For Recipe For Chinese Orange Rice Bromeliad Flower Is Leaning How Do You Start Grapefruit Seeds? How Can I Tell if My Dog is a Pit Bull? How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last? What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Walls? More Reading: Saving Money on Eggs Learning the "Lingo" - Making Sense of Seed Packet Terms How Do I Care for an Orchid? 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: Perky Bra Purses By Claire Bush Most of us have a not-quite-right bra or two loitering in our lingerie drawer. Now you can turn that scrap of fabric and lace into a fun purse that's sure to be an attention-getter! Materials 1 bra - underwire and padded styles work best Scissors, glue gun or needle and thread and embellishments (think buttons, rhinestones, sequins, appliques, ribbon, rick-rack, pom-poms, tassels, etc.) Velcro for closure (You can find packages of pre-cut velcro at the dollar store) Instructions Fold cups into each other. Trim away sides and back of bra, leaving straps attached to cups. Glue or carefully sew cups together. Choose a theme or color palette. For the black bra in the picture, I used white, black and red sequin appliqués and hearts, then finished the look by looping a red tassel. The blue bra's color theme was inspired by the cheerful "Acapulco" patch I glued inside. The multi-colored bra was finished with pink and green trim and rhinestones to match. Trim straps to equal length and glue together to form a loop, then embellish around the glued parts to hide any seams. You can also remove straps and use ribbon, jewelry chain, a narrow belt or even an old tie as a strap. When you are satisfied with your new purse, carefully place a piece of Velcro on both sides of the inside top of the cups. Voila! Instant party tote or special gift. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29444183.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Chair Pad For School My daughter complained about how hard the chairs were at school and requested I make a cushion for her. I warned her she might get picked on for having a seat cushion. She said she didn't care. She picked the fabric and I made it. Now her classmates fight over it when she's not in the room. By Ellen from Ontario Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51602966.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Nanuk (Siberian Husky) Nanuk is an 11 month old Siberian Husky. I got her on CraigsList People were moving and could not take her. Some people took her and brought her back. She was too much trouble. I took her the day after they brought her back. She does get into a lot of trouble. She used to "counter surf" and steal anything she could that was there. We also caught her walking on the counters one night. She is very mischievous. Plays with yarn and tears up balls of it into shreds. Loves to run and play in the snow. I took this picture today, March 1st. It's snowing where I live in New England. She loves to run. She runs like a deer and how high she jumps is amazing! She's as graceful as a deer when she jumps. She is quite vocal and howls a lot if she doesn't get her own way or wants to go out. It's really funny. By Margaret from Dudlley, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28141080.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: Rub Softener Sheet For Static Cling Problems Ever get to work and have your pant leg sticking to your panty hose? Or your skirt clinging to your panty hose? Keep one fabric softener sheet in your car and one in your desk to eliminate that extremely annoying problem. Gently glide the sheet down your panty hose and the static cling goes away. Much cheaper and easier to store than a can of Static Cling. By Wendy from Jacksonville, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65845783.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Have Confidence To Face The World I guess this could be called a 'confidence in myself' tip. Like probably nearly all women, I tend to worry about appearance before I leave the house. I stand in front of the long bathroom mirror and agonize over things like: "Does the color of this shirt look good with the pants", "Are the pants too long?", "Does my hair look a mess?" well, you know the sort of thing! I've been doing this not just once, but several times over. Now I've decided that this is both time wasting and unproductive and am training myself to go and look ONCE only. The shirt is fine, the pants are fine, my hair is fine. I'm confident enough to face the world and not to worry that others may be looking and making critical remarks (which they are probably not doing at all anyway!) By Ellie from Melbourne, Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32029996.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Get Sale Calendars For The Pictures Calendars are expensive, but some have very beautiful pictures in them. I wait until January and they instantly become half price, then choose one or two that I like for the beautiful pictures in them. I purchase very inexpensive picture frames (some even from local dollar stores) and cut out the best pictures and frame them myself for some very unique one of a kind art. Also if you wait until March, I find if any stores (like cards or book stores) will mark there calendars down to $1.00 each. Just remember that when you do wait until March, you're limited with what's left, fewer choices. By Jo from Avenel, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15440021.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What Religion is Your Bra? - A Joke A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy 's and shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife." "What type of bra?" asked the clerk "Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type?" "Look around" said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from." Relieved, the man asked about the types. The saleslady replied: "There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?" Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them. The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple. . . The Catholic type supports the masses; The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen; The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright; and The Baptist type makes mountains out of mole hills." Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why, but couldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed! (A) Almost Boobs... (B) Barely there... (C) Can't Complain... (D) Dang!... (DD) Double dang!... (E) Enormous!... (F) Fake... (G) Get a Reduction... (H) Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!... They forgot the German bra, Holtzemfromfloppen (I think I need the first three bras, think they make a multi bra?) By Imaqt1962 from Illinois Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17523517.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Triple The Life Of Bar Soap Buy the 8-bar package of soap, remove individual bar wrappings and place bars in an open (mesh if available) container and let set for a minimum of 30 days. You won't have a shower that looks like a 'bubble bath', but will still lather, get you clean and the bar will not dissolve down the drain as before. (the container area will have the scent of the bar soap, if your container will hold more bars, the better) By Cajun62234 from Collinsville, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33622477.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use a Vinyl Coupon Sorter for Receipts I have a vinyl coupon sorter that is divided into categories (Grocery, Target, etc. and family members names and receipts awaiting reimbursement or rebates) Each time I purchase an item, I place the receipt in the corresponding file. Be sure to get into the regular habit of doing this or your file will cause you more aggravation than it is worth! When I need to make a return or request a price adjustment the receipt is available. About once a month, I empty the receipts in an envelope and save for about a month before shredding. Occasionally, I'll get to the grocery store without my coupons. When I get home, I match up my coupons with the receipt and have them redeemed the next time I am at the store. I recently had a $20 price adjustment made on an I-POD Shuffle I had purchased for my daughters birthday. I took the receipt to the customer service area and asked for the adjustment. It netted me $20. YEA! At Christmas I sort gift receipts by families and keep the file with me as we celebrate in the event someone needs to make an exchange or return. I also tape receipts to the lid of the gift box when shipping items to friends and family out of state. Organization is the key to saving money! By Diana from Prospect, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56183755.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tissue Boxes for Plastic Bags I have a great overflow of plastic grocery bags, which I like to keep under each sink in the house to use for various things, for example in the kitchen I use them to dispose of peels from veggies or any other item I want dispose of when I am cooking or cleaning up the kitchen In the bath areas I keep them under the sinks to use for numerous things. I often have my grand babies overnight, and the plastic bags are handy to put wet and dirty diapers in and dispose. We used a number of Kleenex tissues this Winter and I tend to buy the ones that are decorative, instead of tossing them out when empty I stuff the plastic grocery bags in each empty tissue box and have a great storage box for the plastic grocery bags. Now they are hidden in a decorative tissue box and so easy to pull one out when needed. By Bobbie from Rockwall Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89570798.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keeping Track of Logins, Websites and Phone Numbers I use a spiral notebook to keep tips, website addresses or phone numbers for companies I might use at gift buying time by the computer. I also write my passwords for different logins on the back cover. It is quick and I don't need to memorize all the different logins. By Kat from Coatesville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16207131.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print First Apartment Gift When my son moved into his first apartment, my gift to him was a box full of things he would need, but not necessarily think of getting. Simple things like napkins, paper towels, dish and laundry detergent, scouring pads, pot holders - all the little things you need - is a great help. Not only does it save the person a little money, but helps them get their new life off to a good start. By Marie from West Dundee, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44661153.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Give Each Child Their Own Color Dishes I got tired of getting after my 4 kids when they wouldn't pick up after themselves in the kitchen, so found a company that sold unbreakable dishes. I bought each child their own set (a Mug, a small Plate and a Bowl) They all matched, but in 4 different colors. Each child had their very OWN color! They were responsible for rinsing their own dishes each time they used them, then putting them away. The cool thing was, you could tell at a glance (by the color) who had not cleaned up after themselves. No more blaming it on another child! By Cyinda from Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55667420.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Bleached White Shirt Is Now Yellow My husband's white t-shirts have turned yellow from using bleach. How can I get them white again? Karen from Dallas, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf178359.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Uses for Pizza Boxes My sister family and mine have to order 4 to 6 pizzas every time we want pizza to feed our large families, we would like to know if anyone has any ideas on what we can do with the pizza boxes (besides throw them away)? We welcome any ideas you may have. Thanks Christy from Fulton, MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72763242.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Homemade Powdered Coffee Creamer Is there any way of making your own powdered coffee creamer? If so would it be cheaper to make your own? We use at least 2 large containers of the store bought stuff every week so we are trying to find a way to make it cheaper. Any ideas would be great. Thanks Christy from Fulton, MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23570283.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid Of Odors In A Car I recently bought a used car, the only problem I have with it is the smell. The previous owner spilled transmission fluid in the back floorboard. He also smoked in the car and the car has an underlaying musty smell. I have shampooed the floors and seats, with Lysol but I can't get rid of any of the smells. Does anyone have any other ideas? Thanks Christy from Fulton, MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16336317.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cat Urine on Leather Sofa Any suggestions on how to get a cat urine smell out of a leather couch with cushions that are stuffed with down feathers? Thanks. octoberbabye from Bradenton, Fl USA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf389523.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dealing With Thin Eyelashes I am interested in helping my very thin eyelashes in a healthy way, if possible. I would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks. JK from Rifle, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64639534.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Musty Smell on Boots HELP! I have just been given some faux fur lined suede boots by a friend. They are so lovely, but they have been in a cupboard that was a bit damp. It is not causing any problems to the actual boots, except they smell a bit musty. Has anyone any solution to how to make them smell a bit fresher please? Many thanks. Monique from Somerset, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66744170.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reupholstering Wooden Armchairs I have dining armchairs with cushion on the back and bottom and I need to reupholster them. I want to do them myself, but don't know where to begin. I've come across tons of instructions for seats that the cushion can lift off, but not for the armchair. I can't see the tacks, staples, or nails. The wood frame doesn't allow me to see anything, the wood frame goes all the way around and has no visible nails. I don't know where to start. HELP! Jessme from Phoenix, Arizona Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66624934.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting a Mohawk to Stand Up If you have shoulder length thick hair, how long would a Mohawk stand up? Karissa from Louisville, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf754120.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Instructions for a Beaded Angel I'm hoping someone can help me find instructions for an angel. It is made from beads and bangles on wire shaped into an angel. I was wondering if someone may have the pattern or where I may be able to get it? The angel had a bead for the head and wire was shaped into wings and had beads/bangles on it for body. It was aprox. 8-10 inches tall. This was shown on a craft/hobby shown on TV and I didn't get the email for the pattern. Thank you for any help. Susan Susan from Kenton, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19224536.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Burnt Food on Glass Cookware Does anybody know how to easily remove baked on stains from my clear Pyrex bake ware? I soak and scrub to no avail. We have well water, so I prefer solutions that work with that. Thanks - all replies appreciated! Cathy from Delaware Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58269827.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reusing Leftover Soap Pieces What do you do with those little small pieces of leftover soap? Can they be used to make liquid soap? We usually just let them melt away to nothing. Onesummer Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf415429.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Eye Glasses Are Too Tight I have new eye glasses, and have had the ear pieces adjusted but they are still too tight. Can someone tell me a way to loosen them or some sort of padding for the ear part? Amy from Evansdale, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96980041.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What is a springform pan? What is a springform pan? Helena from Georgia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72605652.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bulk Firefighter Charms For Wedding Favors My son is getting married next year. Both the bride and groom are firefighters and we are having a firefighter wedding. I am looking for firefighter charms to add to the wedding favors with ribbon. I have looked on the internet and I keep getting the expensive charms. I want something I can purchase in bulk because there is approximately 200 people invited to the wedding. Denise from Middletown, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74947223.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Inexpensive Hall To Rent In Miami Lakes Area? Does anyone know of a cheap hall to have a reception in the Miami or Miami Lakes area? I know that government halls are cheap but I can't seem to find any. We only want to spend about $3,000 to $4,000 on the whole wedding. Is this possible? Kelly from Miami Lakes, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81220924.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking For Tamale Pie Recipe I need a recipe for Tamale Pie. I know it contains beef, corn, salsa and cornbread as a topping but I haven't found one with those ingredients Maria from Columbus, Oh Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35243923.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money On Bread Tips for saving money on bread. Post your ideas. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf607968.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing Hair Back Quickly After Chemo I have recently had to have chemo, which caused me to lose all of my hair. Does anyone know of any tricks on how to get your hair to grow back faster? Connie from Smithville, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57789335.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking For Recipe For Chinese Orange Rice I love all of your recipes and would like to thank you for your time and energy that goes into these. I am looking for a recipe from a local Chinese restaurant. It is called Orange Rice (here) but I do not know the true name. It consists of a mixture of rice, sugar, orange, and (???). All of this is placed inside a hollowed-out orange half. Anyone familiar with this? Thanks. Betty from Ocala, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91577325.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bromeliad Flower Is Leaning I have a Bromeliad with a Red Flower in the center. It is growing great. My question is: The flower in the center is leaning to one side. Is this normal or I am suppose to stake it up straight? This plant is kept inside. Sure hope you have an answer for me. Thank You. Hardiness Zone: 9a Janice from Jax., FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23028387.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Do You Start Grapefruit Seeds? Do you start grapefruit seeds in water or in soil? SJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35408848.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Can I Tell if My Dog is a Pit Bull? Is my dog a full pit bull or a pit bull mix? Janessa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80975407.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Long Do Hard Boiled Eggs Last? How long do hard-boiled eggs last when they're refrigerated in their shells? Thanks. Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21058629.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Walls? My kitchen cabinets are Maple Champagne with a Chocolate glaze and my counters are a brown and tan granite. I just ordered a new dinette set in a dark wood to pick up on the chocolate glaze. I am having a problem on what color to paint my wall in. They are currently Navajo white (Off White) and it is too blah. I want the kitchen to feel warmer and inviting. Help me choose a color. Fanny from NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39436050.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: Saving Money on Eggs Tips for saving money on eggs as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf832167.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Learning the "Lingo" - Making Sense of Seed Packet Terms Starting plants from seed is an economical and rewarding way to garden. However, if you don't understand the meanings behind garden-specific terms like "hardy" and "tender" or "resistant" and "tolerant", you could end up with some disappointing results down the road. There is set of standardized terms on seed packets, but here are some definitions to the terms you are most likely see. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38793734.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Do I Care for an Orchid? Question: Does anyone know how to care for orchids? I got one as a gift a couple of days ago. It's beautiful, dark pink flowers, and it almost reaches my waist. I just don't know how to care for it. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22588897.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.