Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 77, March 22, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Lots of new tips and 15 new requests today. This Friday's TF
News will be about Spring Gardening Tips, if you have any advice,
please submit it.
We are currently publishing tips from about 10 days ago, so if
haven't seen your tips posted, you should soon.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Enter The Photo Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Enter The Tip Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- In Memory of Little Bit (Chihuahua)
- Seamus (Cocker Spaniel)
Today's Tips:
- Tear-free Homemade Bubble Solution
- Wife vs. Season Tickets
- Sharing Recipes - Include Your Notes
- Putting Curtains on the Rod
- Saving Notes Written In Telephone Books and Department Store Catalogs
- Cheap Candle Snuffer
- Removing Make Up Stains and Scuffs
- "Faux" Hamburger
- Refrigerator Seals
- Storing Plastic Grocery Bags
- Save Money Cooling Your Home
- Stoneware Pizza Pan For Cookies
- Small Flower Willow Herb For Prostate Health
- Preventing and Treating Cataracts
- Large Print Labels On Prescription Bottles
- Carry ATM Deposit Envelopes In Your Car
- Reducing Weight of Large Pots
- Special Traveling Vest
- Saving Money on Utilites
- Samples
- Try Before You Buy
- Research Before Shopping
New Requests:
- Saving Money on a Limo, Tux and Flowers For Prom
- Purple Candle Wax out of Tablercloth
- Dry Erase Marker On Metal Door Frame?
- Pit Bull Puppy That Bites
- Dying Blue Jeans
- Parade Float Ideas For a Credit Union
- Removing a Burn Mark From Carpet
- Cleaning an Antique Crystal Decanter
- How to Help My Husband Change His Eating Habits?
- Decor for Easter Day Church Event
- Musty Smelling Dolls in Boxes
- April Fools Costume Party
- Problems Posting Feedback
- Color Advice For a Kitchen With Dark Blue Counters
- Wedding Etiquette and Setting Up a Budget
More Reading:
- Get Rid Of Your Financial Worries
- 10 Reasons Why Your Cat Loves You
- Easy Lasagna Casserole
- Backing Up Your Data in Windows XP
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
No sponsor today. Advertising information available at:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/advertising.html
Today's Photo Contest Entries
In Memory of Little Bit (Chihuahua)
(Submitted 3-13-2005) Yesterday I had some pictures taken to submit to the photo contest showing off my little family of joys. Today tragically we lost Little Bit. I wondered if I should or should not still enter the pictures, I am going ahead in memory of Little Bit. She may be gone, but her memory will live on. This is Little Bit, who won the hearts of anyone who was around her. A joy to all.
The second picture is Dad, Rush, and Little Bit. Don't let the picture decieve you, neither was ferocious, just both going after a snack Mom was holding over their head. LOL
Third picture is Mom, Sugar Bits, the Black Chihuahua, then Dad, Rush, and of course our precious Little Bit, may God's Angels be loving her as much as I did.
By Edie
View Photos and Post Feedback: Click Here
Seamus (Cocker Spaniel)
Here is Seamus, our baby. A full bred Cocker Spaniel he is the joy of our lives. He is 4 months old today and quite in love with the camera.
By Gardencraft
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Tear-free Homemade Bubble Solution
Dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar into 2 cups warm water. Slowly add 1 cup tear-free baby shampoo. Stir well but gently. This is GREAT for kids birthday parties and for the younger kids that can't play with the big brother's and sister's bubble solution!
By ~Kayla~ "homeschoolin_mum"
Post Feedback: Click Here
Wife vs. Season Tickets
Sara was reading a newspaper while her husband was engrossed in a magazine. Suddenly she burst out laughing.
"Listen to this," she said. "There's a classified ad where a guy is offering to swap his wife for a season ticket to the stadium."
"Hmmm," her husband said, not looking up from his magazine.
Teasing him, Sara said, "Would you swap me for a season ticket?"
"Absolutely not," he said.
"How sweet, " Sara said. "Tell me why not."
"Season's more than half over," he said.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Sharing Recipes - Include Your Notes
When you're sharing a recipe with others, PLEASE remember to add "cook's notes" to the recipe if preparation might be unusual. You will be appreciated greatly if your notes are added. For example, I have just finished making a recipe called "Minnesota Apple Cake" that I got several years ago from a Minnesota paper. Although I have been baking for more than 50 years, this recipe's preparation was very unusual (to me) and after popping it into the oven, I have no idea what I will end up with.
Part of the prep was to combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of oil in a separate bowl. Directions said "pour into egg mixture ..." that mix did not pour because it was like sludge sliding down out of the bowl. And later in the preparation, I was to "pour the batter" ...
I had to scoop out the batter it was so thick and no way did it spread. In fact, I was so disgusted that I turned the mixer bowl upside down on the counter to see if it would move, and it didn't! Now, this creation may turn out to be one of the finest cakes I have ever made, but I'm not banking on it right now! A simple notation or two by the originator would have saved me a lot of worry!
By Ronsan
Editor's Note: This was added some days back. I hope that Ronsan will let us know how the cake turned out.
View Article: Click Here
Putting Curtains on the Rod
I have always struggled with getting curtains and drapes on to the rod, then I put a snap clothespin on the end of the rod and voila, the curtains/drapes no longer slide off as you are trying to put them on the brackets.
By Cheaperthancheap
Post Feedback: Click Here
Saving Notes Written In Telephone Books and Department Store Catalogs
Telephone books and department store catalogs are recyclable but many times we hang onto them because of information we have written in them. By using a blank sheet of paper taped to the very back inside page of the book/catalog, the sheet can be moved to the new book or catalog and reused. Then the older book/catalog can be pitched in the recycling bins.
By Ronsan
Post Feedback: Click Here
Cheap Candle Snuffer
It is better to snuff out a candle then to blow it out (the embers can flare out) but I did not want to buy a candle snuffer. I took an empty Progresso soup can and it works great, even over bigger candles.
By Cheaperthancheap
Editor's Note: You could also decorate the outside of the candle with contact paper.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Make Up Stains and Scuffs
This isn't a tip as much as a praise for a former tip.
I was recently cleaning out my light wood cabinet drawers in the bathroom and noticed black and red spots all over the bottom of the drawer from scuff marks, eyeliners, lipsticks, etc. Who doesn't have them?
First I tried using Windex to clean it out to no avail. Then I tried using a homemade general purpose cleaner of ammonia/alcohol/detergent with no success. I finally tried Pine-Sol and that didn't work either.
The most I could get was smearing if I rubbed *really* hard on the smudges... THEN! I remembered a tip on Thrifty I had read that somebody had posted to remove makeup with Avon's Skin-So-Soft oil, which I happen to have.
I poured about a teaspoon into the wooden drawer and wiped with a cotton ball and wouldn't you know it, it all came off with no fuss. In fact, as soon as the oil passed over the spots and I touched it, it seemed to just "lift" off the spots. I couldn't believe it. There was no smearing and no rubbing. Not only did it remove the makeup spots, it removed all the dirt smudges as well. My wood cabinet hasn't looked that new since the house was built!
Thanks so much to whoever posted this wonderful tip!
By Pookie
View Article: Click Here
"Faux" Hamburger
Fool your finicky eaters with low-fat ground turkey. The trick, add some browning sauce to mixture as you are frying it. It turns the turkey browner, more like hamburger (and doesn't change the clean taste at all!)
By Barb Fowler
Post Feedback: Click Here
Refrigerator Seals
You should check the seal on your refrigerator every so often. You can do this by closing the door on a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, it's time to replace the gaskets. You can buy these replacement kits from either an appliance dealer or a home repair center.
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
Storing Plastic Grocery Bags
here is tip is for all those plastic grocery bags we seem to accumulate. I save them because they are great for when I clean out the cat box , but didn't have a place to store them till I hit on the idea of using a empty tissue box. now I just stuff them in the empty box and store the box away on my laundry room shelf It holds a lot of bags and looks much neater, too.
By Mamaboo
Post Feedback: Click Here
Save Money Cooling Your Home
Tips for saving money cooling your home this summer. Post your ideas.
Keep Down Cooling Costs
Plant a Tree
One of the best ways to help your cooling costs this summer is to plant a tree! We have 3 large trees in our yard and they are not only beautiful but they also provide some very welcome shade, especially in the hot summer months. They say that by planting a tree you can reduce your cooling costs by 25%. For the best results place a leafy shade tree to the south and west and evergreen type trees to the north.
Keeping the House Cool
Another way to help keep cool this summer is to use ceiling and box fans to help circulate the air throughout the house. It's also an important thing to remember to make sure your attic is well ventilated, too.
Clean the Air Conditioner
Clean your central air conditioner by with a garden hose to help maintain it. Just remember to shut off the power at the fuse or breaker box first!
Your Fan Setting on the Air Conditioner
Set the fan on your central air conditioner to "on" instead of "auto" because it will circulate the air continuously that way and it will keep the temperature more even throughout the house. It will also help to dehumidify the house.
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
Stoneware Pizza Pan For Cookies
For even cookie baking, virtually never a burnt cookie and non-stick lift, use a stoneware pizza pan. Grease the pan before each use with a little cooking oil and your cookies, rolls, pizza, etc. will never stick. Everything I make on stoneware comes out just the way I hoped it would.
Maryanne
http://romantichomes.com.tripod.com/
Post Feedback: Click Here
Small Flower Willow Herb For Prostate Health
For men if you have trouble urinating or have burning, due to the prostate, drink about 2 to 3 cups of "small flower willow herb" or called "epilobium" with no known side effects. The cost is about $12 to $14 per month. You will see results in a day or 2. Look it up on the internet.
By Dean Auve'
Editor's Note: Make sure you have been examined by a doctor if you have these symptoms.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Preventing and Treating Cataracts
Tips for preventing and treating Cataracts. Post your ideas.
To prevent cataracts and cure them use "CAN-C Eyedrops". It works. Check the internet for this item.
By Dean Auve'
Post Feedback: Click Here
Large Print Labels On Prescription Bottles
Walgreen's now offers Large Print prescription labels at no extra cost. These would be a great safety feature if taking medicine without wearing your reading glasses. No medicine mix-ups.
By Cheryl from Missouri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Carry ATM Deposit Envelopes In Your Car
Carry some extra ATM envelopes in your glove box. If you need to make a deposit via the ATM (checks only, never cash!) you can fill out the envelope before you even get out of your car.
By Linda
Editor's Note: They are also nice to have if your bank tends to run out of envelopes after hours.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Reducing Weight of Large Pots
When filling huge flowerpots, reduce the weight and the amount of soil you need by filling the bottom with recycled styrofoam peanuts or even chunks of styrofoam. I get pieces when I need them from the dumpster behind a furniture and accessories store.
By Linda
Post Feedback: Click Here
Special Traveling Vest
Some friends of ours travel extensively. One day while at their home, she showed me something she'd sewed for their trip. It was a vest for her to wear with shorts and a t-shirt. It was cute, and appeared to be an average vest. But she showed me the inside and boy was I wrong!
Inside each side of her vest were different sizes of pockets, each with a zipper. She could carry her valuables (ex: jewelry, credit cards, cash, etc.) without anyone knowing at all. This was very cute and such a wise idea! I'd never heard of such an item before. I don't know where she got her idea from, but this could be made for either a male or female, child or adult.
By Terry H.
View Article: Click Here
Saving Money on Utilites
Tips for saving money on utilities. Post your ideas.
Wait until you have a full load of dishes or laundry to run the machine. You'll save water, detergent and energy costs.
By Cynthia Conley
Post Feedback: Click Here
Samples - Try Before You Buy
Try before you buy. I'm a great believer in samples!
By bren592
Post Feedback: Click Here
Research Before Shopping
Doing the homework before buying really pays off! Our church is replacing tables in the fellowship hall, and after selecting the brand, style and identifying number, I called all stores within a 30 miles radius to find out if they stock these, if they can order out for us, and ofcourse prices. I was really shocked at the disparity of price quotes. I was able to get the very best deal, the best service and exactly the model we want at a price way less than the others through a smaller company locally.
Because we are a church, and are supporting local business before heading to the big city some 30 miles away, they gave us an additional 10% off and offered to stock an additional 6 tables just in case we need them. How many tables are we talking about? Just a dozen. I let the telephone do the work and I am so very pleased I checked with every business I thought might even remotely carry these tables. It sure paid off handsomely for us!
By Ronsan
View Article: Click Here
Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
New Contest! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on March 31st.
Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
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
New Requests:
Saving Money on a Limo, Tux and Flowers For Prom
I'm a Junior in High school in NY state. (I don't have a date yet but I can take care of that). I need some real wicked money savers when paying for Limo rental, tux rental (w/ shoes), and corsage purchase. I'm really desperate here! So if you know any good places to buy any of these things or any strategies to saving money, let me know ASAP! My prom is on May 20th. I need the advice at least Four weeks in advance!
I plan on renting a 6 seat imo and car pooling with two other couples and splitting the cost with them. If i bring a girl from another school, I'll have to pay for her seat too! (Bringing someone from my school is pretty hard, because I've got nobody to go with) so far I think I can cover getting the couples. I still need a cheap place to rent it from! They are getting sold out as we speak!
David
Post Feedback: Click Here
Purple Candle Wax out of Tablercloth
How do I get Purple candle wax out of a purple tablecloth? Everyone says don't iron colored candle wax as it will set the stain. So what do I do?
Debbie Goetz
Post Feedback: Click Here
Dry Erase Marker On Metal Door Frame?
My roommates and I were playing one night and wrote on our metal door frame with varioous colors of dry erase markers. All but the green came off. Any ideas?
-MLR from Idaho
Post Feedback: Click Here
Pit Bull Puppy That Bites
I just got a pitbull puppy... he's 9 weeks old and he's getting a bit snappy with me. He shows a bit of aggression to everyone in my family... but mostly with me. He wont stop tryin to bite my feet When I walk in front of him.
So far he's learnt how to sit, come and stay. He is a very smart lil guy... but the biting is getting me a bit worried. His teeth are growing in and his bites are gettin harder.
If anyone has any tips on training this lil devil... please share with me. This is my first dog and i want to raise him well, so all your help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Harri From Toronto
Post Feedback: Click Here
Dying Blue Jeans
I was wondering if anyone has ever re-dyed blue jeans. I really dislike light blue jeans and was wondering if I could get some dark blue/indigo colored dye and use it.
Madison
Post Feedback: Click Here
Parade Float Ideas For a Credit Union
I work for a credit union and we have been invited to join a local parade. We're all searching for ideas to add to the float. We want the name of our company on the float and we want to involve the crowd. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
Kristalove
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing a Burn Mark From Carpet
My son is getting married soon and they have found an apartment but the bedroom carpet has an iron burn on it! Is there anything to get this out? The carpet fibers look black, the carpet is light colored.
Wiseinhimmer from Iowa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Cleaning an Antique Crystal Decanter
I have an antique crystal decanter with a narrow neck and there is some sort of stain, possibly soap scum, that I can't remove. I have tried white vinegar soaking, long bottle brushes, etc. but the stain doesn't come out.
Can anyone help?
Carmen
Post Feedback: Click Here
How to Help My Husband Change His Eating Habits?
I have tried numerous times to get my hubby to give up sodas, change his eating habits. His cholesterol, blood pressue and weight are getting higher. He is on medication but the problem is he doesn't care for chicken, fish, salads.
I have cleaned out the fridge, cabinets once before and started the American Heart diet cooking for him. I don't like to cook and he works from 3-11 at night. I pack his lunch. But he always migrates back to old habits. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get him to change his tastebuds to eat healthy?
Lisa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Decor for Easter Day Church Event
I need some decor tips for decorating an auditorium. It is a church event. Age group varies from 14-23 years old. I don't want it to be associated with bunnies or easter eggs. What else can I do? I thought of doing a collage, but not sure what to stick on it. I'm still thinking of the theme colors. I'm open to all suggestions. Do send me websites that you think will be helpful for as well.
Thanks!
Cherrie from S'pore
Post Feedback: Click Here
Musty Smelling Dolls in Boxes
I recently inherited some very pretty, mint condition dolls, however they and their boxes are incredibly musty smelling. How do I get rid of that smell?
Thanks!
Darci
Post Feedback: Click Here
April Fools Costume Party
Our church youth group is having a Costume Party on April Fools Day. I need some ideas for prizes, games, activities, etc. to complete the evening.
Thanks,
Kelly
Post Feedback: Click Here
Problems Posting Feedback
Please help, I have tried to give feedback to articles on this site, unlike other sites, your's doesn't have a submit button to click on when we are done. So I finish my feedback and it just disaprears! What am i doing wrong? Please help!
Trashcrafter in Ephrata WA
Post Feedback: Click Here
Color Advice For a Kitchen With Dark Blue Counters
I have recently bought a new home and I am finding it hard to match paint a paint color that I like with a dark blue counter top that that is currently in the home. My dining room and kitchen are connected and I plan to paint my dining room a beige color called Verbena Herbal Tea. I realy like this color and it goes with the rest of the colors I have selected for the house.
Unfortunately my blue countertop and white cupboards do not seem to fit in. Do you have any suggestions on what color I could use in the kitchen?
Sally P.E.I
Post Feedback: Click Here
Wedding Etiquette and Setting Up a Budget
I am getting married June of next year and am TRYING VERY HARD to get together a budget for my wedding which I am planning myself. I have been doing research after research and can't come up with one answer. My mother is going to be my maid of honor, but what about his mother? I have heard that you have to get the mother(s) dresses and such... is this an absolute necessity? I just can't find enough on the subject and would REALLY appreciate the help. Thanks much.
Ashley from Kentucky
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
No sponsor today. Advertising information available at:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/advertising.html
More Reading:
Get Rid Of Your Financial Worries
By Hifzur Rehman
Is it really possible to get rid of your financial worries for ever? Yes, it is!
There are only two simple secrets of keeping your financial house in order: (i) spend money wisely; and (ii) increase your source of income.
View Article: Click Here
10 Reasons Why Your Cat Loves You
By Larry Chamberlain
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you. Ten of the main reasons are listed below. Enjoy!
View Article: Click Here
Easy Lasagna Casserole
By LeAnn R. Ralph
Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish except for 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix well. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese on the top. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with garlic bread (or garlic breadsticks) and a salad. Yum!
View Article: Click Here
Backing Up Your Data in Windows XP
By Kara Glover
If you haven't backed up your important data at least to a CD, you should do so IMMEDIATELY! A computer, any computer, can crash at any time, whether it's a new computer, an old computer, a really expensive computer, or a cheapy.
View Article: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
More Stuff
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.
| 
