Daily Thrifty Tips - March 31, 2006

Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free

When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more:

http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html

Home on the Blind River, Louisiana

By Laurie Bianchetti from Prairieville, LA

Post Feedback: Click Here

A handmade paper address book made of fine paper and a lovely greeting card. Perfect for your address book or to give to a friend.

View Project and Photos: Click Here

Buffy Delight is a 1 and a half year old Chow/Rottie. She is a puppy from one of our other dogs.

She plays with her tennis balls and squeaky toys, and when all else fails, she chases her tail.

She is very silly and entertaining! She reminds us a lot of Odie from the Garfield comic strip.

By Beverly from Alvarado, Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

Here is an old window pane I decorated. The cards are from our children.

I bought the legs, antiqued the window and put a piece of plastic on top.

By Mary Palmer from LeRoy

Post Feedback: Click Here

I like to have a case for my cell phone so it doesn't knock around in my purse. I got an old carved leather cigarette case in a thrift shop for $1, which just fits the phone,. It's quite stylish and I have gotten compliments on it! And there's the added benefit that it doesn't LOOK like a cell phone, so it's a hidden security feature of sorts.

By Pam from L.A., CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Help with finding the party:

Make banners, invitations and signs to show directions to the party on your computer. Make them colorful.

Decorating:

Suspend balloons from trees and shrubs going into the house and throughout the house along with twisted ribbons. Use silk flower arrangements to decorate the tables and the double decker cake. Large plants can be decorated with wind chimes, homemade. Wrap the punchbowl with wired ribbon around the top! Party on!

By Bev from Chilliwack BC

Post Feedback: Click Here

When planning your wedding, plan to use colors of silk flowers and accessories that you can later use in decorating your new home.

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: Click Here

When leaving a picture or tip here at ThriftyFun make sure you come back to see if any comments were made. I read so many comments and wonder if anyone is aware of them besides the people posting. Go back and look. You might be surprised.

By kittyhassparkle from Tacoma, WA

Editor's Note: We try to notify each person when their tip is posted, you can also sign up for "Send me Responses" for your tip or photo.

Post Feedback: Click Here

I had a friend who was a really good hairdresser and she gave me several tips for hair care.

1) Make sure you get your hair really wet for the first shampoo. Most people don't get as effective a shampoo unless the hair is thoroughly wet.

2) Scrub your fingernails with soap and a nail brush before you get into the shower, otherwise it is like using your hair for a fingernail brush! Yuck!

3) You really only need a dime sized amount of shampoo to do a thorough job..

4) Every two to three weeks, wash your hair with a different shampoo, it will perk it up nicely!

I have used these tips for years and I always get compliments on my hair now.

By Mandy from Redmond, Wa

Post Feedback: Click Here

To keep video boxes looking brand new. This tip is great if you still buy videos. Some movies aren't on DVD's yet, so once in a while I still purchase old movies this way. I have done this for years.

Everytime I purchased a video. I open the plastic from the bottom where the tape would come out. Open it with a sharp knife, glide the knife in between the case and the video to make a clean cut of the plastic. Then I would pull just that part off. Then get tape and tape from the plastic and pull the tape to the inside of the box (case) to make sure it is tight and secure. Do this all the way around the box (case) it will look unopened except from the bottom.

I also label them with our address labels. label our DVD's as well. Then your cases look brand new for many many years to come and they get returned when borrowed. :)

By Karen In Summerville, SC from South Carolina

Post Feedback: Click Here

Here is a game you can play with your dogs. This will help them from getting bored and also keep them mentally sharp. Hide popcorn, or small treats in a room and then let the dogs find them. My dogs love this game.

By Kelly from Eureka, MO

Post Feedback: Click Here

Choose a sweet fast growing corn, 1 or 2 varieties. Make a large square area to plant the corn in. Do not plant in rows but in lines to fill up the square and put 3 seeds in each hole. Fertilize for the first two months to get it started and make sure it is well watered. Shake the tassels as you walk between the plants so the kernels will fill out. The best corn you have ever had!

By Bev from Chilliwack

Post Feedback: Click Here

For those of us who are afraid to use the nail clippers on our pets, I've discovered that using a dremel sanding tool is quick and easy. The noise is minimal and you can sand both sides of the nail before aiming toward the quick. It's also chargeable so there's no cord to get in the way.

My old dog is almost 18 and he doesn't mind this nearly as much as the clippers. I can always sand just a little one week and the next head for more if I feel brave.

By Ceil from Tavares, Fl.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Submit Your Tips and Photos!

Tip Contest!

To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Photo Contest!

To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml

Contests are now weekly. We'll pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week.

Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!

Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor

Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html

I have a lilac bush that has never bloomed. I have had it for 10 years, it gets green leaves and that is all. I have cut it back as I was told to do but still don't get any blooms. Please reply with anything you think may help.

I am in zone 6

Thank-you,
JMS

Post Feedback: Click Here

I can't remember the name of this old horror/sci-fi movie. There was a young boy that discovers some aliens or monsters living in a cave that control people by inserting a needle into the back of their necks. He goes home and thinks its a dream, until he sees the little puncture wound on his dads neck, too. Sound familiar?

Thanks!
Metermouse from California

Post Feedback: Click Here

Any ideas on how to make centerpieces for kids birthday parties?

Dixie35481 from Alabama

Post Feedback: Click Here

I let my brother in law use my van and he bought shrimp. He put it in a cooler and the water spilled on my carpet now my van smells like rotten seafood. Can anyone help?

Crystal from Ohio

Post Feedback: Click Here

My two boys put stickers (bumper-type stickers) on their bedroom door and I would like to remove them without damaging the finished wood. The stickers have been on the door for at least 25 years. Does anyone have any ideas?

Brenda from Knoxville, TN

Post Feedback: Click Here

What causes hostas to be half chewed up by mid August and how can I prevent this happening this year?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Mimtess from Windsor, Ont.

Post Feedback: Click Here

What is the best solution to replace an old home with the 12" celing tile used in the 70's? It is an old home and we want to restore it to the original victorian design. It has the original plaster and then wood strips that the tile are stapled to.

LTZ from Columbus, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

My washer is about 8 years old. Recently it has started to smell AFTER I wash a load of clothes. It smells very bad, almost like cat urine, but no cats can get to it. I've tried running hot water and strong bleach through it, no effect at all. Once I was away for 2 weeks, it seemed to be gone when I got home (but came back later) so maybe water is holding up somewhere?

You've been such a big help before. Any suggestions on this one?

Jeneene from Cincinnati, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have ideas how to clean a mattress? My puppy left a few urine stains. I'm actually selling the mattress, so I need it to look its best.

Jessica from Roseville, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My aunt lives in West Texas. I am wondering what flower she can plant in an old child's wagon,it is in full sun. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Karent from Brownwood, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I would like to hang a wreath outside on my stone chimney. Can anyone tell me what nail or screw would go through stone? I was sold some masonry nails, but they just bounced right off (and onto my now sore thumb).

Thanks for your help!
Joynchocolate from Lancaster, PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

If anyone can tell me how to make a small loom I would really be grateful. Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thank you in advance!
Kathy from Missouri

Post Feedback: Click Here

They say to give your dog half a clove of garlic in there food daily for fleas. Will this work for ticks also? I am having a big problem with them!

Donna from Jacksonville, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

I bought a (non electric) water dispenser, which I cleaned with an antiseptic (pine oil type/chlorinated xylenol). I rinsed it many times (with and without soap) and now the taste of the antiseptic won't go away. The water can not be used! Any advice on how to get rid of that disinfectant taste?

Thanx,
Nuppo from Seattle, WA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I need suggestions on how to plump up or smooth out the lumps and "ditches" on my pillow top mattress. It was an expensive mattress and we turned it frequently but I am still embarrassed by the way it looks during the day. No matter what kind of comforter or bedspread I use the bumps and dips still show.

Challey

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have several pairs of new leather clogs/mules that I bought on line. Is there a way I can stretch them myself, or do I have to take them to a shoemaker? I want to wear socks with some of them and could use a little extra room. Thanks for your help.

Lady Claire from Buffalo, NY

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for ideas for wedding favors, novel ideas, and ofcourse, within the bride's budget. I know your readers have great experience in sharing their novel ideas.

Thanks,
Nancy from Denham Springs, LA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Reunion.com Find Old High School Friends at Reunion.com

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/reunion.lasso

Create this luxurious accessory for a fraction of the cost of a store-bought scarf. Trimmed with silk flowers or beads, the end result is sheer bliss.

Read More: Click Here

When my brother and I were little, we developed some pretty severe allergies -- including allergies to animal dander. Forced to give up the family dog, we asked our allergist if we could ever have another pet.

Read More: Click Here

Breed Description: The Chihuahua breed is divided into two varieties of differing coat lengths-one with a short coat and the other with a long coat. This small breed has a short, pointed muzzle and dainty feet. They are known for their loyalty and devotion and despite their tiny stature, their suspicious nature makes them good watch dogs. Chihuahuas are very loyal and devoted to their owners.

Read More: Click Here

Here's a lovely gift that will ensure sweet dreams all winter long.

Read More: Click Here

Frugal for Life hosted a Festival of Frugality. This posts contains links to lots of interesting tips: http://frugalforlife.blogspot.com/2006/03/16-festival-of-frugality.html

Read More: Click Here

Breed Description: Easy to recognize with their bold spotted coats, this is a muscular and athletic breed with a quiet, patience demeanor. The Dalmatian's courage and alertness makes it suitable for work both as a guide dog and a guard dog.

Read More: Click Here

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

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

Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.

Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.

Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.