Daily Thrifty Tips - June 4, 2007

Volume Six, Number 108, June 4, 2007 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We had some server problems that caused the site to be down for a few hours yesterday, it seems to be behind us now. Here are the contest winners for the week before last. Tip Contest Winners Use A Projector to Make a Mural in a Child's Room By Kerry from Flat Rock, MI Start Holiday Crafts Now By Carol from Massachusetts Photo Contest Winner Nala (German Shepard) By Bonnie from Norman, OK Thank you to everyone that submitted a tip or photo. This week's Saving Money on Newsletter is about Saving Money on Computers. If you have any tips to share feel free to submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36284789.tip.html OR, if you would like your tip to be considered as a contest winner, you can submit it here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml?email_subject=computers 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. Today's newsletter contains: Today's Photos: Nature Stick Ornament Pumpkin (Maine Coon Mix) Today's Tips: Milk Jug Watering Tip Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers Adult Diapers For Makeshift Water Dam Premix Muffins The Night Before Hang Clothes Backward Negotiate For Lower Medical Treatments Full Freezers Work Better Using Google for Measurement Conversions Avoiding Fast Food Drive Throughs New Requests: Erasing Personal Information from a Shared Computer Getting Dogs to Sit Still for Nail Trimming Dinnerware for a Wedding Separating Plants in a Dish Garden Crocheted Bag Made From Grocery Bags Ring on a Corian Countertop Green Tomato Relish Uses for Plastic Protein Powder Jugs Smell on a Countertop Queen Sized Bedskirt Pattern Knorr Box Country Chicken Recipe Baby Stains on Clothing Bernat Crochet Book - Light N' Lacy #530127 Can carrots and zucchini successfully grow in the tropics? Being a Good Houseguest Lined Bootie Bag Go Diego Go Birthday Party Ideas Keeping Cats Out of Flower Beds Gasoline Smell on Shoes Cat Pee Smell on a Couch More Reading: FDA: Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful Chemical Saving Money on Video Games Today's Sponsor: 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 Today's Photos: Nature Stick Ornament Approximate Time: 30 minutes after collecting sticks View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27961185.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Pumpkin (Maine Coon Mix) Pumpkin is a mixed maine coon and something. Mama is a calico. He was born in the house 4-5 years ago. He likes to aggravate other cats, sleep and play with cat toys. Loves to be brushed. He is a mama's boy, follows me everywhere I go. Likes me to pet him and comb him. By Lou ANN from Bham, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42978992.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contests: 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! Today's Tips: Milk Jug Watering Tip Keep your garden hydrated with this easy (and green!) tip: Take a clean 1 gallon milk jug, poke a small hole in the bottom with a nail, fill it with water, and recap it. Set this next to your thirsty plant and watch it perk up a 'thank you!' This is also a great way to keep your garden watered when you need to be away for a few days. By Meredith from Raleigh, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18501842.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers The best way that I have found to organize craft items is to reuse things I already have. Why bother going to the craft store and buying expensive containers when you may have something similar at home? Glass jars from store bought sauces or baby food hold a multitude of odds and ends, an old spice carousal works great for beads and buttons, and clean empty childproof pill bottles are great for keeping young kids away from needles and other small items. Crystal Light canisters, coffee cans, oatmeal containers, and ice cream buckets are all great containers with lids that keep craft items neat and out of sight. All of these items can even look pretty set out on a craft table with the addition of some paint or decorative paper to cover up any store labels. By Tracey from Duluth, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37128997.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Adult Diapers For Makeshift Water Dam My basement has water leaking from the outside when there is heavy rain. We have invested in water damming by a "professional", as well as new gutters and roof for outside. When this first happened, right after moving here, we thought re-grading the soil around the house would make a difference. Wrong! Sometimes life keeps handing you lemons. Ah well, we now just deal with it as it happens. Some day we'll be able to have the foundation dug out, etc, but until then I have discovered a coping trick. Adult diapers! These babies absorb the water like crazy. So when the worst happens, I make a dam of the most absorbent diapers I can find! Soon all the water is gone into the diapers, and out they go. You have to buy the diapers when your kids are not with you, because the embarrassment factor is a real thing for them! I always watch for the diapers at Salvation Army or Goodwill, etc. Sometimes they can be found for as low as 3 dollars a package or less! At a regular store, you might have to pay 10 dollars or more. But even that is not too bad for the water they sop up. By Liz from Flint, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61713211.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Premix Muffins The Night Before My grandchildren and my husband love muffins for breakfast and as snacks. Sometimes mornings are very hectic at our house, so I have started premixing my muffins in the evening. I put all my dry ingredients in a large bowl and cover with saran. I then put all the wet and moist ingredients in a separate bowl or in my blender jar and put that in the refrigerator. The last thing I do is pregrease the muffin tins. I also double any recipe for muffins, so I can freeze part of them or give some to a friend or neighbor. In the morning, it is a simple matter to combine the wet and dry ingredients and measure into muffin tins, bake and enjoy. Take your muffin tins and put in the kitchen sink in warm soapy water, let them soak for easy clean up. By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41646014.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hang Clothes Backward When your closet is bursting at the seams and you just have to get rid of something but just can't decide what to part with, take all of your hanging clothes and hang them backwards, with the hook part facing you. Pick an amount of time, like a month, a season or a year, and the clothes that are still facing backwards, donate! You won't feel so bad because you know you haven't worn them. By J. Smith from Atlanta, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22854631.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Negotiate For Lower Medical Treatments It's a fact that non-insured patients pay more than insured ones, because insurance companies can negotiate for lower group prices. If you find yourself between insurance, or without insurance, try to negotiate for a cash-paying rate and pay upfront for a medical procedure, if you are able. That way you can save a lot on the overage(s). It's all business, and you would be surprised at what is subject to negotiation! By Pamphyila from Los Angeles Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61229537.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Full Freezers Work Better Keep your freezers full, even if it means filling them with jugs of frozen water. Full freezers recover quicker after doors are opened and shut. By Robin from Washington, IA Editor's Note: This is true. The folks over at Newton (Ask a Scientist) concur. Here's a recent answer to a question on this topic. The thermal mass of the food and especially water frozen in the freezer retains the cold when the door opens and the cold air is displaced by warm room air. If air is the only thing in there, it gets warm fast. Peter Faletra Ph.D Source: Newton: Ask a Scientist Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65940450.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Google for Measurement Conversions When I need to do a quick conversion, I look no further then my web browser and google.com. Simply enter the amount you wish to convert and what you would like to convert to in the search box. Example: Type "5 kilos to pounds" at the top of Google's search results. It gives you the conversion "5 kilograms = 11.0231131 pounds". Google.com By Fisher Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78137763.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Avoiding Fast Food Drive Throughs I carry a thermos (picnic kind) of kool-aid or Iced Tea with me when running errands or picking up kids and I pack cheap snacks from the dollar store. I have saved a lot of money not going to drive-throughs anymore. By Monika Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf591263.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Friends of ThriftyFun Dear Webby's Humor Letter Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/ More Information: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Erasing Personal Information from a Shared Computer How do erase all information stored on a hard drive? Our company computer is also used for personal use and I don't want all my bank and credit card info etc. to be available for the next person to be able to access. IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61280906.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Dogs to Sit Still for Nail Trimming I have 2 dogs that need their nails trimmed; I have dog nail clippers but neither one will hold still long enough! Any suggestions? Please don't say to take them to a vet or a grooming place! Healthaidefrog1959 from Montandon, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52406964.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dinnerware for a Wedding My daughter is getting married in October. She wants me to fix the food! I can handle that, but I don't know about how to make sure I have enough dinnerware, etc. How do I estimate all the serving stuff? Lynn from Kernersville, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31192190.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Separating Plants in a Dish Garden I received a lovely large dish garden. It has 8 different plants. When should I separate and repot? Hardiness Zone: 6a Thanks, have a great day. Peggy from Cortland, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75565370.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Crocheted Bag Made From Grocery Bags I saw a clip on the news about a lady that crocheted carrying bags for groceries etc. from used plastic Safeway bags. Would anyone know how this is done. Jane from Richmond, B.C. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80957376.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Ring on a Corian Countertop How can I get white ring out on my corian counter top? Tina Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45293022.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Green Tomato Relish Does anyone have the recipe for a green tomato relish like they serve a Catfish King or similar places? Thank you for your help, Jodi from Texas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70816843.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Uses for Plastic Protein Powder Jugs My son goes through two 1 gallon jugs of protein powder per week and I hate to toss the jugs. I know there should be some creative way to reuse them. I had thought about decorating them like stone cannisters but I don't have a clue how to do it. Any suggestions? I have a pic of the plain jane jug. De from Springhill, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74318545.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Smell on a Countertop My counter tops smell. I'm 15 and I asked my parents how to get rid of it and they couldn't smell it! But I can. If you bend down and sniff the counter tops the stench is right there and its only in one area. Mainly were we keep the flowers. I think it might be a left over smell from the flowers but no matter what I use to clean the counters it never goes away. Help please! Kristalyn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70690987.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Queen Sized Bedskirt Pattern I would like to make my own bedskirt for a Queen-size bed and am looking for a pattern. Can anyone help me? LParker from Olathe, KS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70249281.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Knorr Box Country Chicken Recipe I am looking for a recipe that used to be on the back of the Knorr Box (the one you would use to make spinach dip). It was called something like country chicken. It was great and I had saved the recipe but my computer died and they don't even have it on their site. Thanks in advance for any help. Angela from Painesville, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37713206.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Baby Stains on Clothing All my black shirts are being ruined from baby spit-up (and whatever else). These stains are the black on black type. Does anyone know how to fix it? I am supposed to wear black shirts so my baby can focus on my face better (he is visually impaired). The stains aren't a huge problem but it would be nice to look clean and well put together if someone stops by, etc. Thank you for your help! Starchild in VT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38869502.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bernat Crochet Book - Light N' Lacy #530127 I am looking for the Bernat crochet book Light N' Lacy #530127. It has a crochet poncho in it made from bernat matrix yarn. Norma from Cedaredge, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36572388.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Can carrots and zucchini successfully grow in the tropics? Can carrots and zucchini successfully grow in the tropics? Hardiness Zone: 9b Chrissy from Trinidad Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88836938.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Being a Good Houseguest My sister and I are soon going to my cousin's house to meet her and him for the first time and we are having a sleepover/visit thing for 4 days and I would like some tips for being a good guest and making a good impression! Thanks, Mackenzie from Millington, Tennessee Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51633879.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Lined Bootie Bag Does anyone know how to make a lined bootie bag? I have managed to make the outside (jeans portion) but can't figure out how to line it? Sandy from Lufkin,TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13788804.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Go Diego Go Birthday Party Ideas I am having a Go Diego Go Birthday Party for my son's 6th birthday. He has invited 25 children (he didn't want to leave any of his class mates out) so I am having it in a local gym. I am wondering if anybody has ANY ideas for this... maybe some suggestions for games, food, etc.? Mel from Nova Scotia, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96875787.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keeping Cats Out of Flower Beds How do I keep cats out of my flower beds? Our neighborhood is overrun with strays. Any fresh dirt is swarmed with cats! NASTY! Last summer I even had a 10 in planter that a cat did it's business in. How do I keep them out with minimal to no expense? Jody from WYOMING Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60749016.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Gasoline Smell on Shoes I stepped in gasoline while filling the car and want to know how to get the gas smell off the bottom of my shoes? Susan from Chicago Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14762633.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cat Pee Smell on a Couch I just moved into a new apartment, and my new roommate unfortunately bought a new couch about 3 months before we moved in together. Her old roommate had a cat that pee'd on it a few times, she thought she cleaned it. However ,we all know that cat urine smells do not come out. Unfortunately, the smells are unbearable in our new home, it is so horrible we don't even want to have company over. We have tried deep cleaning them with a machine, spraying unknown amounts of Febreeze on them, nothing seems to work. A day later, the smell is back. Can someone please give me some advice on how to get rid of this smell since throwing out the couches isn't exactly an option she is willing to make, as she is still paying for them. And she did purchase the 'Scotchguard' warranty, I don't suggest it to people who are looking for pet protection, as they only cover VISIBLE stains not odors. Thanking you in advance. Rebecca from Connecticut Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf855362.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Sponsor: 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: Click Here: http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html More Reading: FDA: Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful Chemical The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43603134.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on Video Games Here are some tips for saving money on video games. Feel free to share your ideas in the feedback forum below. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66696716.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.