Daily Thrifty Tips - August 27, 2007

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was very busy, I am working on moving into the new house. We also found a kitten in our backyard but fortunately was able to find the owner.

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.

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

Craft Organizer For Earrings

A craft organizer makes an excellent holder for your earrings. I have four that I keep in my bathroom and take earrings off before I remove makeup at night. Works great!

By Elaine from Belle Plaine, Iowa

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23896188.tip.html

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

Pin Cushions from Recycled Quilt

Don't throw away your old quilts; recycle them. Create pretty, heart-shaped pin cushions. You can add lace, buttons, etc. to decorate them. These would be great to sell at bazaars or craft shows. The one pictured has potpourri in the center covered with a lace medallion.

Approximate Time Less than 30 minutes

Supplies:

• Old quilt
• Sewing machine or needle & thread
• scrap of fabric for backing
• buttons
• lace

Instructions:

By Angela from Wilkesboro, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76876132.tip.html

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

Meeko (Grey Tabby)

Meeko is 3 years old we think. She was adopted from the Humane Society of Utah.

Meeko likes to bug the dog, catch birds, and hang out on her throne.

Please adopt a cat and save a life.

By Melissa from Salt Lake City, Utah

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79719654.tip.html

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

The Morning Luster of a Crimson Beauty (Hibiscus)

This plant has decorated my backyard deck so beautifully this summer and has become a conversation piece when guests arrive.

This is a Dinner Plate Hibiscus which is so vibrant in color; the buds are so dark in crimson color and very large; the foliage is green and lush and to enjoy this plant this summer has been amazing to see the transformation of the large bud into the large crimson beauty.

I have photographed these blooms all summer; the photos will be framed and enjoyed for years to come.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41320703.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!

Babysitting for Grieving Friends

I was raised to pay my respects when a death had occurred in a friend's family. We brought prepared food and beverages for the grieving family to give them more time to be with family and friends. I recently talked to someone who said she took foods only occasionally to the grieving families. What she mostly did was babysit for the family members who had small children, as it was very much appreciated as well.

By Terri H. from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61456548.tip.html

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

Keeping Track Of Mail-In Refunds

Here's a good way to keep track of mail-in refunds. Keep a notebook with a list of all your refunds. Use a simple column system with the following headings: Name, Refund Address and Phone Number, Date Submitted, Refund Offer, and Date Received. You can check each refund off as it arrives. If you don't receive your refund after 4 months, send the company an email or call their toll-free number.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99334174.tip.html

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

Always Live Beneath Your Means

Always live beneath your means. Sociologically it has been proven that people who are at the top of a lower income group are more satisfied than those at the bottom of an upper! But also remember Shakespeare's advice to wear "garments costly as your purse can buy" because you want to make a good impression out in the world! (But they don't have to know HOW you finagled those costly garments, do they?)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles. CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65067041.tip.html

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

Watering the Garden in a Heat Wave

In this intense heat wave we are experiencing, (100 degrees F+) I have saved my garden produce from sunburn and kept the plants green by covering them with old bedsheets, tablecloths, etc. (or anything else that is lightweight) The tomatoes especially have done well. I am picking some of the prettiest tomatoes of the season...We are having a few clouds today with a 20% chance of rain, so I removed the sheets for the first time in almost two weeks, but will replace them if the high temps continue. Water daily, but don't use the overhead sprinklers, just drench the base of the plants with water from the hose.

I also covered my pepper plants to keep them from sunburn. I am sure that Arkansas is not the only place suffering from the heat.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18929555.tip.html

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

Other Uses for Pierced Earrings

If you don't have pierced ears, and have pieced earrings, use the earrings for pins on scarfs, collars or for emergencies, as a lost button.

By Janice from Arab, AL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30755465.tip.html

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

Windshield Washer Fluid to Clean Glass

For cleaning mirrors and glass, I use windshield washer fluid and fill my spray bottle. It does the same job as the expensive glass cleaner at a fraction of the price.

By Kelly from Largo, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92899450.tip.html

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

Homemade Bath and Beauty Recipes

Buttermilk Bath

• 1/4 cup dry buttermilk (or dry milk)
• 1/4 cup Nonfat Dry Milk
• 1 Tbsp. Cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp. essential oil of your choice, depending on your mood. (lavender is relaxing)

Directions for use: Pour 1/4 of the buttermilk bath powder in tub as you add hot water .

(makes 1/2 cup, enough for 2 baths)

Herbal Milk Bath

• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Dry Milk Powder
• 2 tsp. of your Favorite Herbs

Directions for use: Add 1/cup of mixture to hot bath water

(makes 2 cups, enough for 4 baths)

Do It Yourself Bath Salts

• 1 cup Epsom salt
• 1 cup Sea salt
• 1/2 cup Baking soda
• Fragrance optional, 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. essential or Fragrance Oils as desired

Store in a large zip-lock bag

Directions for use: Use about 1/3 cup per bath

Bubble Milk Bath

• 1 cup Powdered Milk or powdered buttermilk
• 1/2 cup Oatmeal
• 1 cup Baking Soda
• 4 Tbsp. Corn Starch
• 2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
• 1/4 cup Handcrafted Soap(cut in chunks)
• Optional, fragrance with 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. essential or Fragrance Oil as desired

Directions for use: Use 1/4 cup per bath, add to running hot water.

Cleansing Body Polish

• 1/2 cup fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup Jojoba Oil or other body oils(olive oil works fine)
• 1/4 cup handcrafted soap( finely grated)
• 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. essential or Fragrance Oil

This scrub acts as a cleanser, scrub and moisturizer all in one.

Directions for use: Use this in the shower on dry skin(otherwise the salt melts instead of scrubs). Rub and scrub anywhere you need to exfoliate and moisturize. Bath Bombs

• 4 Tbsp. Citric Acid
• 4 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 3 Tbsp. Monoi de Tahiti Oil (or you can use any other emollient oil like coconut or Almond Oil, )
• 1/4 tsp. Fragrance Oil or essential oil (Eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary is an uplifting blend, great for head colds)

These are fragile so carefully package each bomb in its own cellophane bag or in a closed container to keep fresh.

Directions for use: To use, drop one bomb into warm bath water to release fragrance and oils. A little bit of heaven right in your bath tub!

Vinegar Hair Rinse

• 1/2 tsp. of vinegar
• 1 cup of water

By Mythi from Silverdale WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36188044.tip.html

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

Making Cooking Oils for Gifts

Great gifts to give to teachers, hostess, family members. Take tall glass bottles and add oils and put in herbs and let set so oil takes in the herb flavor. Tie raffia and cloth bow on top with manila gift tag with type of oil, like Rosemary olive oil.

By Carol from Massachusetts

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33017858.tip.html

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

Painting Mint Tins

I have a question about using mint tins for crafts. Do you have to prep the tins before you paint or decoupage? If so, what kind of preparation is necessary?

Barbara from Hoffman, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78461591.tip.html

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

Styling Strawberry Blonde Hair

I'm going into high school and I want my hair to be different but funky and good looking. I have strawberry blonde hair and I want to know what color of low lights or unnatural color (like pink, purple, etc.) would be compatible with my hair color. I don't want to damage my hair, and I don't want to continually die my hair because of roots. Is there a type of dye that lasts for quite a while but fades evenly?

Cortley from Pendleton, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97780740.tip.html

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

Scratched Mirror

Something was used that has scratched my 6x4 ft bathroom mirror! Is there anything I can use make it less noticeable. It looks like the glass is easy to leave a mark on. Is there such a thing as soft glass?

Anbsmommy from Spanaway, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65541591.tip.html

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

Portable Dishwasher Suggestions

I will soon be shopping for a dishwasher. My kitchen is small and cupboard space is limited. I will probably need to purchase a portable model. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a make and model? Thank You.

Cindy from Lorain, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66312803.tip.html

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

Styling Advice for Wavy Hair

My hair is long and wavy. Though people say I have beautiful hair bur I personally am not satisfied with it. It needs daily shampooing. It is unmanageable also. Because of its curly effect I cannot make a pony which I like the most. Can anyone suggest some good and easy styles for me? I have a round wheatish face with big and black eyes.

Sanjana from Gaziabad

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65238376.tip.html

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

Is 13 Too Young to Have a Boyfriend?

My daughter asked if she could have a boyfriend today. It worried me that she will start things early. She is 13 and I'm not sure if she's ready. Any opinions?

Diana from Grainger, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16372185.tip.html

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

Need Suggestion for Portable Dishwasher

I will soon be shopping for a dishwasher. My kitchen is small and cupboard space is limited. I will probably need to purchase a portable model. Does anyone have any suggestions as to a make and model? Thank You.

Cindy from Lorain, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33074535.tip.html

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

Buying a Hair Frizzer

Where can I find a hair frizzer?

Gerda from Rustenburg

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76722670.tip.html

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

Help with Binding in the Sewing Machine Pressure Foot

My problem is a new Singer simple sewing machine that binds up in the presser foot when I'm sewing. I have oiled the machine using WD40 because we can't find sewing machine oil around here, but I'm still having the problem. Can anyone help! Thanks.

Denise Warner from McRae, GA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14761966.tip.html

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

Ideas for Nut Free Lunch Snacks

My 1st grader likes taking his own lunch. His school is a "nut free zone", so no peanut butter and jelly. It's amazing how many products have traces of peanuts in them. I'm looking for ideas for his lunch, fruit, veggies and cheese are what he usually takes.

Donna from Brandenburg, KY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39586505.tip.html

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

Looking for a Candy Called "Frenchies"

When I was a kid in the '50's and '60's, I loved a penny candy called Frenchies. It was a little rectangle of nougat (half pink, half white) with bits of red, green, and yellow jellied candies in it. Does anyone know if they are still being made, and where I can get them? These are not the white jelly nougats currently being made by Brachs. Thanks for any help!

Joan from Chesapeake, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87376994.tip.html

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

Removing Ring From Wool Left By Hot Coffee Mug

I put a cup of hot coffee down on our newly upholstered ottoman. It left a ring (more like an indentation). The fabric is wool. Could anyone tell me how to remove the ring?

BJ from Calgary, Alberta

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93824167.tip.html

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

Removing Pet Stains from Berber Carpet

I have pet urine stains on my beige berber carpet from when my dog was a puppy. I have tried cleaner after cleaner and the spots disappear when I clean the carpet, but a week later they come back through. What can I do to get rid of these stains for good, short of replacing the carpet!

shortyvl2005 from Kentucky

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49660638.tip.html

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

What Breed is My Dog? Husky?

I just got this pup. He is 3 months old. Just wondering what breed he is and if he looks like a Siberian Husky or German Shepherd or maybe something else. What do you guys think? I have other photos I can send as well that show him entirely!

Jeff from Grand Rapids, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42083669.tip.html

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

Red Dye on Khaki Jeans

I have khaki pants and red socks. (You can see it coming, right!) The socks went through washer and dryer attached to the pants. Is there a way to get that kind of stain out?

Thanks!
Karen from Portland, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37102108.tip.html

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

Removing Marker From a Basketball

How do you remove marker from a basketball?

Ryan from Bribane

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68423504.tip.html

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

Uses for Prescription Bottles

Anyone have any ideas of what to do with old prescription bottles? I have been saving them for a long time. I want to use them for something useful or crafty, but haven't thought of anything yet. I have lots of different sizes.

Irene from Ft Lauderdale, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000596.tip.html

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

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

Saving Money on Buttons

Tips for saving money on buttons from the ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf789540.tip.html

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

Freezing Potatoes

Cooked potatoes make the best candidates for freezing. Raw potatoes can be frozen with mixed results, but may develop a watery or grainy texture during freezing. If freezing casseroles or dishes containing unbaked potatoes, it's best to omit them during freezing and add them in fresh later. Cooked potatoes are excellent candidates for freezing and reheating.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000995.tip.html

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

Getting Rid of Fruit Flies

Tips for getting rid of those pesky fruit flies as posted from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own solutions here.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000317.tip.html

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