Daily Thrifty Tips - March 20, 2007

Inuki (Husky/German Shepherd)

Inuki is 10 years old and is a Husky/German Shepherd mix. We bought her when she was a puppy.

She likes swimming, hunting, walking next to me, when I'm on my bike. She has a really nice personality. And she has her own will, which makes her not very easy, but still special.

By Holly from United Kingdom

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25603551.tip.html

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

Plastic Bag Hooked Rug

We get plastic bags from all of our stores when we shop so I decided to put them to use. I found my hook rug canvas and cut my bags in 4 inch by 1 inch strips to make a plastic bag rug. They are soft and good for by the door and when they get dirty, just hose them off. Your only cost is the hook rug canvas. You can make them any size you want.

By Barb Grow from Rothbury, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32710164.tip.html

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

• 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!

Fast Food Boxes For Moving

A pal recently asked if we had any moving boxes they could have. I told her that any time we need any boxes for storage, etc., that we usually head for one of the nearest fast food restaurants and get their strong sturdy boxes that frozen french fries come in. Even if they're 'broken down', a person can tape them up with duct tape or packing tape easily. One might also check at grocery stores, etc. Purchasing boxes from moving companies or office supply stores can be very costly.

By Terri H. from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10959506.tip.html

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

Make Frozen Lasagna Taste Homemade

This is a tip I thought I would share since I did this over the week-end and my dinner guests loved the lasagna dinner. They all thought it was homemade! Little did they know, I purchased the Stoffers large frozen lasagna when it was on sale at my favorite store, always at a fair price at my local Wal-mart.

I use a "real" pan that my frozen lasagna will fit in which I spray with store brand nonstick spray. Next I spread the bottom of the pan with about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of store brand spaghetti sauce. I place the frozen lasagna on top of the sauce, then I generously add some shredded Italian cheese, again store brand, about 1 and 1/2 cups, then I add some more of the bottled spaghetti sauce, I would guess about another 1 and 1/2 cups. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake according to the directions on the box. Serve with a nice salad and lots of garlic bread. Enjoy!

This is so easy to put together, and everyone thinks I have spent all day in the kitchen preparing a homemade meal.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15572075.tip.html

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

Button and Bobby Pin

I saw an easy way to decorate your hairdo, put a button (or 2) on a bobby pin to hold back hair at the front!

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28516092.tip.html

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

Use Wildflowers in Bridal Bouquets

Is there a local wildflower you can add to your wedding flowers? At my wedding back East, we gathered wild Queen Anne's Lace, which was lovely with the roses we bought for small nosegays on the tables (and less than the baby's breath they sold.) On the West Coast, they sell Queen Anne's Lace, I have discovered! (and goldenrod!) Go figure...

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44346638.tip.html

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

Tabletop Terrarium

Make a tabletop terrarium from those odds and ends that tend to accumulate and clutter your cupboards. Use a shallow basket, lined with a plastic bag and filled with potting soil, and choose what small plants you want to work with and pot a couple of them in the soil. Turn a goblet or extra clear clean candle holder over the top. You might like to try to reuse a glass candy jar with a lid and put a small plant inside. Arrange the containers in the basket to suit yourself. Add a rock or a piece of pretty glass or driftwood or even a figurine, if you like. You might like to try a votive candle in stemware. You could also garden a few herbs this way!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55374878.tip.html

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

Planting Tomatoes In Jugs

It will soon be time to plant tomato plants. After the soil has been prepared to planting, and you have your tomato plant or plants ready to put into the soil, do this. Take a 1 gallon plastic milk or juice jug, poke or cut a small hole near one corner (be sure to save the cap). Plant your tomato plant or plants (1 jug per plant), bury the jug with the hole toward the plant/s, up to the neck beside the plant/s, and fill with water. Put cap on jug. Before planting both the tomato plant/s and jug/s, make sure you plant after the last frost. If another frost is suspected, cover both plant/s and jug/s to protect against freezing. Planting the jug/s filled with water cuts down on the daily watering. Be sure to check the jug/s for a refill of water.

By Connie from Oden, Arkansas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60514324.tip.html

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

Product Review: Keurig Coffee Maker - My K-cup

Product Review: Keurig Coffee Maker - My K-cup

Cost: $14.95

I always held off from purchasing one of those single cup coffee makers because the coffee pods and cups are so expensive. I recently came across Keurig's line which start at $100 (2 Starbucks drinks a week at $4 each for 3 months) and have an optional attachment called My-K-cup.

Instead of buying their coffee, I just grind my own in the beginning of the week, fill the special basket and get the exact same results without the cost. You can find these baskets on their site and some other mega sites, all for around the same price.

http://www.keurig.com/index.asp

By Jannifer from NH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76711488.tip.html

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

Homemade Checkers

You can make your own checkers game by saving plastic milk bottle caps. You need two different colors, 12 checkers for each player. If all your bottle caps are the same color, color the top of half the caps with permanent marker. Then make a game board using a square piece of card board. Use a ruler to measure and draw squares with a marker. A checker board is 8 by 8 squares of alternating colors, the same as a chess board.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88087947.tip.html

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

Ham Leftovers

Here are some ways to make use of ham leftovers:

• ham and cheese omelets
• ham and cheese sandwiches
• split pea soup
• ham and bean soup
• ham and eggs
• pot pies or quiche

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98651711.tip.html

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

Bleach Stain on a Countertop

Is there any way to get rid of a bleach stain out of an orange countertop?

Becky

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf117276.tip.html

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

Dog With a Yeast Allergy

Has anybody heard of apple cider vinegar to rinse a small dog that has skin itch due to yeast allergy. Also recipes, for homecooking for a small yorkie that has this problem. I was told that broccoli is not good for her. Does anyone know anything about this?

Thank for your reply,
Gloria from Montreal

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12089518.tip.html

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

Neutral Colors for My Kitchen

I am about to paint my kitchen and connected family room and can't decide on a color. Everything in the kitchen is white (trim, cabinets, appliances) but the countertops are a beige-like color. The built-in bookshelves in the family room and all trim is white. I tend to like more neutral colors. Help me find a color! Thanks

Jennifer from Indiana

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23288507.tip.html

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

Training a Dog To Use a Dog Door

I have a 12 year old poodle we just put in a doggy door and she will not use it. If I raise the flap she will come in or go out but will not push it open herself. I have tried pulling her with a leash and also coaching her with food. Please, any suggestions?

Vicki from Lubbock, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23761625.tip.html

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

Mallard Duck Layed Eggs

Mallard ducks have laid 2 eggs but the female and male both just left them there. What do I do?

Chris

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf270562.tip.html

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

Painting a Room to Look Bigger

Do I paint a small room with one wall darker or a different color to make the room look bigger?

Wendy from Drumheller, Alberta, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30486591.tip.html

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

Mold In a Washing Machine's Detergent Dispenser

How do I prevent mold from growing in my washing machine detergent dispenser. I clean it about every 2 weeks but it is still there and there are spots that I just can't get to.

Mary Ellen from Hazlet, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31225475.tip.html

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

Cleaning My Labs Ears

My black lab has dirty ears! She does not have mites or an infection, just lots of dirt. Does anyone know any good ideas to get her ears clean and keep them clean?

April from North Henderson, Illinois

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31806735.tip.html

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

Japanese Theme Room

I'm 13 and I want a Japanese style room but I have a small room. Red and blacks would darken my small room. How should I decorate my room?

Jessica

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33689557.tip.html

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

Buying a Koolaid Purse

I am in desperate need of a koolaid purse. I'm looking to purchase a green, or turqoiuse, 3x5x2 bag. I'm willing to pay anything under $30. If you can know where I can get one, let me know.

Thanks =)
Tabby from Ontario Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf356249.tip.html

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

Restoring Yellowed Laminate Furniture

How can I restore old "white" laminate furniture that has turned yellow?

Matt from Palm Beach, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37755495.tip.html

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

Adding Color to My Kitchen Walls

I want to add color to my kitchen walls that will make it up-to-date. The cabinets are light oak, countertops are butcher block color, windows have wood trim and the floor is ceramic tile... white with streaks of different shades of grey to blue-grey. Upholstered chairs are a weave of dark blue, light blue and nutmeg. This kitchen opens into a family room with a full brick wall fireplace, dark green carpeting and a large rust sectional couch. The picture was taken in natural light on a somewhat cloudy day.

Chris from New York

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39243146.tip.html

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

Hanging Curtains Without Buying Curtain Rods

I am trying to do some decorating on a tight budget. Does anyone have some ideas for hanging curtains that does not involve buying curtain rods?

Tammy from Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46570335.tip.html

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

Cat Spray Under My House

A cat has gotten under my house and sprayed. I dont have a cat.
The odor is awful in my kitchen and living room. How do I get rid
of the smell?

Lori from Nashville, Tennessee

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52072616.tip.html

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

Uses For Baby Food Jars

Does anyone have any ideas for reusing baby food jars? I hate to throw them away, I figure someone has a use for them.

Grandma B from Coshocton, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf686925.tip.html

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

Refrigerator and Freezer Advice

I am in the process of planning a major remodel of my home. I am working on my kitchen plans now. I can't decide which style of refrigerator to choose. I've always had the basic top door freezer/bottom door cold fresh food style. Some folks prefer the side-by-sides, others the split upper doors with a pull out bottom freezer drawer. Has anyone out there had the opportunity to use two or three of the styles in the past few years? I would like to hear some candid commentary on what they like and hate and why.

What is convenient and what is a pain in the neck? I'm also considering trading a nice big chest deep freeze for an upright model. It would save some floor space for me but are they as handy as a chest freezer, or is it vice versa?
Also, what brands are reliable these days? It used to be Maytag, but maybe not anymore! I'm hoping to hear lots of opinions and tips. I think the folks who post here are the smartest (and nicest) on the planet!

Grandma Margie from Central Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77240541.tip.html

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

Cleaning Leather Clothing

How do you clean leather? I have some older leather jackets and chaps that have mold on them. Is there any way to get them clean?

April from North Henderson, Illinois

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77912861.tip.html

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

Honey Maid Graham Cracker Chocolate Cake Recipe

There used to be a recipe for chocolate cake on the Honey Maid Graham Cracker crumb box. I think it included a mocha frosting. I would love to have the recipe, if anyone knows of this.

SusannL from Florida

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78005144.tip.html

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

Hunter Green

I want to redecorate my kitchen using paint. I have a hunter green counter. The cabinets are currently white with white/brass hardware. The floor is also hunter green vinyl tile. I want to replace the floor and paint the cabinets and walls. The counter must stay. The room borders the living dining area which is half charcoal floral wallpaper and painted jade/spruce green. I sent a photo of the ajoining wall colors. It came out a little darker than it actually is. All suggestions are welcome.

Sam from New York

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80409112.tip.html

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

Hair Dye on Clothing

I need to know how to remove hair dye from clothing? Could someone please help me?

gmm369

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88101954.tip.html

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

Slipcover for a Dual Reclining Sofa

I just bought a new sofa and I am having a really hard time trying to find a slip cover for it. The sofa is the kind that reclines on either side (dual reclining). I do not own a sewing machine and have never sewn from a pattern before, so that is not an option for me. I called the sofa manufacturer and they do not make them or know of anyone who does. If anyone has any leads I would appreciate it very much! Thanks a bunch.

BonBon from Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94570984.tip.html

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

Sale Of Your Home

If you have a gain from the sale or exchange of your main home, you may be able to exclude from income all or part of the gain.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68697087.tip.html

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

Claiming The Child And Dependent Care Credit

If you paid someone to care for a child under age 13 or a qualifying spouse or dependent so you could work or look for work, you may be able to reduce your tax by claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return. To qualify, your spouse, children over the age of 13, and other dependents must be physically or mentally incapable of self-care.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76834605.tip.html

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

The Debt Elimination Dilemma
By Terry Rigg

The total American consumer debt reached $2.4 trillion in 2006.

There are literally hundreds of ways to eliminate your debt. You can't turn on the TV, listen to the radio, open a newspaper or click on a web page link without hearing or seeing the latest miracle method to get you out of debt.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80367105.tip.html

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

Uses for Frozen Juice Concentrate Lids

Hate to throw out the metal disks that come from the ends of frozen juice concentrate "tubes"? They're such a nice heavy-duty metal with no sharp edges. Here are some recycling ideas from our creative ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas below.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf970223.tip.html

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