Daily Thrifty Tips - September 25, 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:

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

Beautiful sign of Fall.

By Surfsonge

Post Feedback: Click Here

A Monarch with it's wings open on the white flowers of the butterfly bush in the backyard. They visit from early July to as late as October on their way to Mexico. They cover a distance of 2,000 miles.

By Evelyn from McHenry, IL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dakota Star is a 1 year old Wolf/Husky. We are a wolf rescue and have a pack of 12. Dakota Star chose me when she was a cub by singing (howl) each time our eyes met. We sing to each other.

Dakota owns my heart.

By Jeanine from Welaka, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

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!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Contest Started!
• Frugal Travel Guides
  Submit a Frugal Travel Guide

A family had spent the day moving from their Iowa farmhouse into a brand new house in a nearby development. Very early the next morning, their 3 year old son ran into the parent's bedroom to wake them up. The mother dressed him and told him to go play in the yard.

About 30 minutes later, he came running back, "Mommy! Mommy!" he exclaimed, "Everybody has doorbells---and they ALL work!"

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: Click Here

This year I am having a Candyland birthday party As you can not find any items, this has to be made from all my ideas. This is what I am planning on doing:

Invitations can be found on the website by using the matching cards. Buy 4 different colors of plates and 4 different colors of napkins and cups, 2 table clothes (dollar tree).

For games, Candyland-life size by putting down construction paper for children to follow. Lollypop Forest is circles of styrofoam covered in colored saran wrap on dowels, also using styrofoam circles or small boxes turned inside out, wrapped in the colored saran wrap to make hard candies lying about.

For the shortcuts and bridges use paper grocery bags cut open and laid out between the spots. The gumdrops are colored bowls turned upside down and sprinkled with glitter, the candy canes are old wrapping paper tubes wrapped in red ribbon.

For the Licorice Castle, Candy Castle, even the Peanut Brittle House, use a box from a washer or refrigerator and cut it to look like a castle or house. Not only is it part of the game but young children can also play in it. The Molasses Swamp is the funniest part to make, take brown craft paper and crinkle it up.

On the Ice Cream Sea, use a bubble machine to make the bubbles, for the Gingerbread Plum Tree, use a tree already in your yard or a branch decorated with paper leaves and plums.

For the game cards, use pieces of construction paper glued to white paper with either one or two blocks on each.

By Randa from San Marcos TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

When making a budget, be sure to identify Discretionary and Mandatory expenses. Mandatory expenses are things like health insurance and rent that you cannot afford to do without. Discretionary expenses are things that aren't crucial to you or your families existence like a NetFlix subscription or eating out. When times get rough financially or when you want to save money for something, you can start by eliminating discretionary expenses from your monthly budget.

Post Feedback: Click Here

A tasty spread for sandwiches is cranberry sauce mixed with mayonnaise. It's especially nice on turkey sandwiches. You can start with half and half proportions, and adjust to taste.

By Marge from Saugerties, NY

Post Feedback: Click Here

Here is a really simple but handy tip. When your dish detergent is empty fill it halfway with water and put in a tsp of bleach. Replace cap and shake up. This is great for washing counters, tub, etc. If you want skip the bleach. Great all around cleaner with no fumes! Removes grease and leaves no buildup - I use it constantly!

By Carol from Lancaster, PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

An easy low fat snack is to cut up your favorite fruit(s) to be dipped into your favorite flavored fruit yogurt.

By LRP from LOWELL, MA.

Post Feedback: Click Here

You could use the press and seal wrap as shelf paper in the bedrooms or bathrooms and it wouldn't cost hardly anything and it would be easily removed and all you would have to do is throw it away when you are done.

By Jessie Humes from Pennsylvania

Post Feedback: Click Here

If you're carpooling with a co-worker and don't really have the funds, this week, for the gas, ask if they'd like you to bake for them. (that is, if you're good at it, if not, barter, if they'd like for something that you can do well.) Compensation in some way is better than doing without.

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: Click Here

I dread giving birthday party gifts as they can be very expensive and numerous! This year, my daughter took a card filled with various events, e.g., a free day at the YMCA, free day at the Recreational center, and free game of golf. These were all sporting activities for a boy. These "coupons" were pulled from a $1 fund raiser and put into an envelope with $8 fun money (the boy had just turned 8). His mother thanked me profusely for his all day gift package.

By Amylucille from Fremont, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

As a teenager without a lot of money, I made potholders that I wove with jersey loops. We also made candles with leftover candles and paraffin and poured them in orange juice cans or Pringles chip cans and added a drop of scent from the hobby store.

We made quilted pillows for decorations or ornaments with beads in styrofoam balls and straight pins. We made cookies, fudge, brownies and some jelly. Christmas not only looked good but tasted great!

Mary from Lawrence, KS

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

Post Feedback: Click Here

As pooper-scoopers are quite expensive, I found using a dust pan with a handle and a child's leaf rake (both items found in dollar stores) works really well. I now keep these by the front and back doors as well as the camper; and all for only $6 total.

By Betty from Slate Hill, NY

Post Feedback: Click Here

I was absolutely shocked at my electric bill this month, so I sat down and made a list of things I will do to see if I can get it down, this list is now posted on the refrigerator, so I can see it every day. Maybe we can all save by doing these things. Turn off lights we are not using: this is a no-brainer and certainly one of the easiest measures of all. It is the key step to achieving a conservation mind-set. Just flipping a switch stops the waste of power.

Cut back on the lights we do use: I'm the worst when it comes to turning on all of the lights in the room. We will be opting for lamps and task lighting instead of general room lighting whenever possible.

Adjust the thermostat: an air conditioner uses a tremendous amount of electricity when it runs, as does electric heat. During the hot months, we are committed to setting it at 78 degrees F and at 68 degrees F during the winter and leaving it there. As a rule of thumb, every degree you lower a thermostat's set temperature will save 3 percent of energy costs over a 24-hour period.

Maintain the refrigerator and freezer: because these appliances are the biggest energy users in our home, we need to make sure they are running at maximum efficiency. I checked, and sure enough, both were set to the highest setting, which makes them run nearly all the time. I set them back to reasonable levels, and I will be defrosting our standalone freezer this weekend. It is way past due, and that, too, makes it use more power.

Use the oven and stovetop less: there are many times that the microwave, slow cooker and toaster oven will work just as well for our meal preparation as the standard oven and stovetop. The smaller appliances use a great deal less energy.

Turn computers off: it used to be that computers would wear out prematurely if they were turned on and off routinely. But technology has improved to the point at which it makes no difference in the computer's longevity. So the best advice is to turn it off when it's not in use to save energy.

Run only full loads: I have fallen into the habit of running less than full loads in the washing machine and the dishwasher. But no more! I'm sure by being careful to wait for a full load, we'll be running those appliances half as often in the coming month.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
http://webby.com/humor

How do you get rid of gnats?

Sher from Columbus, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

My daughter turns 21 on 1 November, right in the middle of her graduate exams. She lives in an university residence in another city, 75 km from home. Money is tight, so I would appreciate ideas for her to celebrate the occasion with her university friends. Thank you!

Carol from South Africa

Post Feedback: Click Here

How to keep raccoons out of the trash?

Shirley from Huntsville, AL

Post Feedback: Click Here

My beautiful 50+ year old blue spruce is dying from the top. It's over 50 feet high and it's slowly turning brown and dead from the top down. Is this a natural death? It's about 10 feet from my neighbors' driveway and they use a lot of lawn and other chemicals and leave their trucks idling in the driveway. One of my lilac bushes nearby has already died, from the exhaust fumes, I suspect. Help, please.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Shirley from Kenosha County, WI

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am about to put in cherry laminate floors. I have browny red leather furniture and all the trim is a dark wood. What colour should I paint my walls. There isn't much natural light in the room.

Tanya from Ontario

Post Feedback: Click Here

This is my 2 and half month old PAPAYA. Please somebody tell me what kind of dog he is.

Thank you!
Kina from Tuggerah

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have the most magnificent Hyacinth Bean vine, complete with Beans now. How do I cook them, like Snow Peas? I know the leaves, flowers and beans are edible but when I sampled a flower, it had a PUNGENTLY raw bean flavor. Is there a way to tame that strong flavor? I'm thinking par-boil, but does anyone else eat them and have the secret cooking/seasoning technique to share? It's my first year to have them and I'm both impressed and AMAZED at them, and feel that if they TASTE as good cooked, I'll fill my fences with them!

Lynda from TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I need cheap reception and ceremony sites in Maryland and DC

Lisa from Upper Marlboro, MD

Post Feedback: Click Here

How can I get rid of fleas from my 1 year old cat and her 3 day old kittens?

Ashley

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have any experience with removing linoleum flooring from hardwood floors? My house was built in 1956. I do not know when the linoleum was laid over the hardwood floor or why they would do it. It is in just one hall way. From what I have read there is asbestos in vinyl flooring laid before 1983. It can be a danger in removing it. I have worn carpeting over the linoleum. I would love to have the hardwood floor exposed. Any comments are welcomed. Thanks.

Edith from CT

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you clean general overall dirt form a pre-owned coach signature fabric purse?

Maria from SO. NJ

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a Ronald McDonald and Fry Guy Halloween costume.

Stacey from Meyersdale, PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My new camel leather hand bag smells, how can I get rid of smell?

Rachel from UK

Post Feedback: Click Here

How can I remove wax build up on vinyl flooring?

Puzzled from Illinois

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do I get food vouchers to use the supermarket in England?

Sarita from London

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a recipe for Blackberry or Blueberry Kuchen. Its a German pastry my grandma always made and haven't been able to find one that is just like hers.

Thanks,
Vicki from Marshall Minnesota

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have a red nosed pit bull and she is about 9 months old. She was chewing on everything when we first got her so we used a crate. We slowly left her out for an hour at a time, and then all day. She was doing so good. Just the occasional piece of paper, and getting into the trash if we left it out. Now all of the sudden she is back to chewing, the couch, and I don't know how to make her stop. She has another dog to play with all day, so I don't think she is bored. Please help.

Thank you,
Shawna from Benton Harbor, Michigan

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am trying to find out how you hang paper bag wallpaper. And what exactly I need to do this.

Yvette from West Virginia

Post Feedback: Click Here

We just had a community sale. I am looking for group or organization that will come and take away all the boxed up "stuff" that was unsold - any suggestions?

Church Helper from Northeast IL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Can you put new balance tennis shoes in the washing machine?

Barbara from Portland, Oregon

Post Feedback: Click Here

We use our lake cabin all of June, July and Aug, with only day visits to open and close it in May and October. We've had it for 39 years and have NEVER used heat of any kind. However we now can't get NC insurance without a whole house heating system. What is the cheapest arrangement that would "pass muster"? The house is on a fabulous double lot and would be a definite tear-down if we sold it.

Allie from Albemarle NC

Post Feedback: Click Here

I recently purchased a queen/king size 100% cotton thermal blanket from Wal-mart. It is heavyweight and the price was reasonable -- under $20.00. The problem I am having is that it is shedding terribly. I have washed and dried it in the dryer two times, and have had it in the dryer on air fluff to try to get rid of the shedding. I have shaken it outside -- seems like I have tried everything I could do to solve this problem. In the past, I have purchased similar blankets and never have had a problem like this. I really do like the blanket and would prefer to keep it, except for this problem. Before I return it, I was hoping someone could offer some solution or is it hopeless as I think it is?

Thank you,
Mike from PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

A tip was posted some time ago on preventing fruit flies from attacking fruit. It said to put a container in the tree with the following mixture: 1 cup apple cider, 1 cup sugar and 1 banana peel. How often does this need to be replaced?

Willem from South Africa

Post Feedback: Click Here

Thank you in advance. I am working at school again with autistic children. We are having a picnic next friday. Does anyone have any SIMPLE ideas for dessert. I really don't want to cut sugar cookies. I found a recipe for watermelon cookies. Dying 3 colors of dough is a bit much?

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

Post Feedback: Click Here

Product: PUR 200 Advanced Filtering Water Cooler Reviews

Model: PUR 200

Manufacturer: PUR

Request: Does it work well? Is it easy to clean? Is the water well deep enough to hold the over-flo of water? Are the filters easy to install; and easy to find for purchase? Any major problems you can advise me of about this cooler?

Feeyah from Palmdale, California

Post Feedback: Click Here

Is there a way to store fresh fruit long term?

susanne_917 from Houston, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

This question is for angel figurine collectors. Does anyone know of collectors' websites where I could sell the following angel figurines: Seraphim Classics by Roman, Inc.; Heaven's Retired Angels by Tom Rubel; and the birthmonth Flower Angels by the Linda Grayson Collection? I don't want to sell them through eBay and doubt if I could get what they're worth for them at a yard sale. Thanks for any help!

Lynn Marler from Chico, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

We just bought an American Bulldog. She is almost 8 weeks old. We also have a 12 week old Boston Terrier. We have had the american bulldog for 3 nights now and she is still really timid and out of sorts. I was just wondering how long it will take for her to be more energetic.

Mitch from Calgary, AB

Post Feedback: Click Here

Every time I turn on my bathroom sink, it stinks like rotten eggs! (strong sewer smell). This does not happen anywhere else in the house. The kitchen sink, tub/shower, and washing machine do not stink at all, but the bathroom sink is just horrible when you turn on the water. Does anyone have any ideas why this would be and what to do about it? Thanks!

Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a bean recipe. If I were to name this recipe, I would call it ranch style beans, but not like the canned ranch style beans. These are slow cooked and have some sort of kielbasa sausage in them. (No other chunks that I could tell... haha) Wonderful flavor. I don't like most of the canned baked bean and related beans but we had these at a catored event recently and they were marvelous! Does anyone have anything similar?

Trisha from Albuquerque, NM

Post Feedback: Click Here

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:

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

I have discovered the secret of saving money feeding babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Well, I can't take the credit for it. My mom taught it to me many years ago but I didn't put it into practice until the first financial crisis we had when my husband was laid off.

Read More: Click Here

This simple but delicious recipe was started by my grandparents, and we all love it. They named it "Bunny Special" why I never asked, maybe someone can tell me! lol

Read More: Click Here

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

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

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe