Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 180 July 26 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have 18 new requests today, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. If anyone has any topic suggestions for future issues of the ThriftyFun News, please send them in.
Suggest a Topic:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
MyBudgetPlanner
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning
software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
Today's Photos
Sunrise from My Porch
This is a breathtaking view of the sunrise on July 4th 2005 from my front porch.
By Joyce
Post Feedback: Click Here
All About Felix--A Tribute to a Dear Buddy
Felix was spoiled rotten. He was jealous of the computer, did not like for me to read a newspaper, or go to bed. He would attack me and then run and hide. He was fastened on a leash and chain when I let him outside. He would give you five, shake your hand and sit up and beg, and he would lay down when I told him to (mostly if he was going to anyway--you know how independent cats are.)
He thought he was a dog. He loved to watch the deer out the window and was constantly watching the birds at the feeder. He was all black except for about 8 white hairs on his neck and 2 in his left ear. He was a cool cat--he had been tattooed (for identification).
In August 2004, we had to have Felix put to sleep because he bit me with only one tooth and poisoned me with a bacteria that hospitalized me for five weeks and four days, having to have penicillin IVs every 4 hours and another antibiotic IV every 8 hours the entire time.
I miss him so much, but I don't want this to happen to anyone else, especially my dear sweet great-granddaughter, Morrigan Rosanna, who has had two open heart surgeries before age one, now two and 1/2, and is doing great, thanks to God and all the prayers for her.
He had his own screen name and profile:
- Member Name: FelixtheCat22
- Location: South of Wheeling WV USA
- Marital Status: Single
- Hobbies: Sleeping, eating, and gardening (but not much, I dig, fertilize and water)
- Computers: Made it myself, a typewriter, a TV hotwired to rabbit ears, 2 catfood cans with string. A mouse? what mouse? (burp!) 'scuse me.
- Occupation: retired (What else? after what they done to me!)
- Personal Quote: Let sleeping dogs lie.
By Allena F Dulaney
Post Feedback: Click Here
Nylon Stuffed Pillow
By Shauna Smith Duty Wait! Don't throw away the stockings with the runs in them. Hold on to those socks that allow your big toe to peek out and shout "hello". These seemingly useless articles can add a touch of elegant décor to your home. Please don't hang them on the lampshade. Here's a better idea.
What you'll need:
- 10"x10" Squares of Fabric (to match your décor)
- Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread
- Notions (lace, trim, buttons, charms, etc.)
- Clean, Used Hose and Socks
- Scissors
Directions:
Place two squares of 10"x10" fabric together and sew seams on three sides. The fabric should be wrong side out when you sew it. If you have some bulky socks in your used hose and socks collection, cut them into strips. Clip the corners of the fabric diagonally, to the seam, then turn the pillow case right side out. Use a pencil or crochet needle to press the corners out fully.
Stuff the pillow with used socks and hose until it is bulging. The stuffing will settle, so fill the pillow as much as possible. Turn inward 1/2" of the fabric on the open end, then stitch the pillowcase closed. Sew notions onto the finished pillow for embellishment. These small pillows add a designer touch to sofas, chairs, beds, benches, and even outdoor furniture. And they're classier than a pair of nylons hanging from the lampshade.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Pillow Case Skirt
By Stella Rivet Supplies:
- Beginning sewing skills
- Pillow case/cases
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Zipper or elastic
Instructions:
For a skirt with zipper:
- Find a pillow case with fabric you like.
- Cut the end that is sewn together.
- Cut from the end that does not have a hem to the length you would like leaving a little extra for the top hem
- Cut down the seam enough for zipper to fit in.
- Make a hem at the top of the skirt and where the zipper will be placed.
- Sew zipper in.
- Now you may want to make some darts in the front and back of the skirt to make it more form fitting.
- To make darts fold in a small amount of fabric at the top of the skirt and sew about one inch down at an angle making a triagle (tapering off).
For a skirt with elastic:
Make a large hem leaving a hole to insert the elastic through. Cut elastic to proper length so it goes around your waist snugly with a tiny bit extra.
Put a safety pin on each end of the elastic attach one end though the skirt near the hole. Use the other one to feed elastic all the way through the hem. When it has made it all the way through remove the safety pin attached to the skirt and safety pin the two ends together. Now sew the two ends together. Sew the hole in the hem once you have tried on the skirt and have determent that the elastic is not to tight or lose.
I understand that this may not fit every one but with a few adjustments it can fit anyone. I wear size 9 in pants and I used one regular sized pillow case. It could possibly fit a few sizes larger as well. To fit smaller sizes you will need to take it in a bit or just use a elastic. For Larger sizes you may want to find two or more pillow cases with matching, complimentary or totally different fabrics depending on what you like. Cut the ends out of the pillow cases and cut down one side on each pillow case and sew them together and take in as needed or use a elastic.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Jeans Skirt with Ruffle
By Stella Rivet
Cut jeans on the inseam all the way around.
Cut jeans to the length you prefer it is always better to cut less at first and cut it shorter after you try it on.
Sew two parts of the front part on the legs together, then sew the back two parts of the legs together. You will want to sew in a straight line rather than following the shape of the fabric. After you have sewn it together try it on and make sure you do not have to make any adjustments. If everything is okay then cut off the excess fabric inside the skirt.
Now fold up quarter inch of fabric from the bottom and sew a hem.
Cut long strips of jean fabric about 2 inches wide. You will need to sew a few long strips together, this needs to be much longer that the diameter of the bottom of the skirt. You will use this for the ruffle.
Start at one end of the long strip and place it on the inside of the skirt about a half inch in.
Sew about one inch then fold over part of the strip and sew over the fold continue to do this for all the way around the bottom of the skirt. You do not have to make this uniform, just fold over when you want to. I always folded when I hit the seam from sewing parts of the strip together so it would be hidden.
I kept the end of the ruffle with out a hem, to prevent it from fraying too much I sewed a straight stitch all the way around the bottom.
Editor's Note: The distressed look is very popular with young folks. This skirt definitely has that distressed look and is a fun and easy project for your budding clothes designers.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Princess Sable! (Chihuahua/Rat Terrier)
This is our 4 yr old Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix, Sable. Can you tell she is spoiled? She loves dressing up and cuddling with us. She is our pride and joy!
By Carol from Iowa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Today's Tips
Can't Paint the Apartment?
If you're renting an apartment and can't paint the walls the color you wish, but want to dress up your rooms, accessorize with big, colorful pictures for the walls, some snazzy throw pillows, and bold colored furniture. Remember also, that colored lamp shades and colored light bulbs can help change the room from blah to better!
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Keeping Cool
Water is an ideal drink to cool your body. If choosing other drinks, when perspiring, consider the caffeine and sugar content. The sugar draws fluids away from the muscles where it's needed, plus adds calories.
You can regain fluids also, by eating these foods: lettuce, pears, tomatoes, corn, apples, oranges, green beans and bananas. Dress in light-weight and light clothing to stay cooler, as this type of clothing reflects the heat and sunlight. If you must be out in extreme heat, wear a hat, sunscreen and let someone know where you'll be and when you'll be home.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Marina Prices for Fuel
If you have a boat, remember to gas up on the road, before getting to your destination, as marina gas prices are much higher. Same thing for snacks and drinks to have out on your boat, grocery store prices will be cheaper than convenience store or bait shop/marina prices.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Growing Peppers from Seeds
I recently tried planting seeds from a green pepper, and lo and behold, IT WORKED! I have sproutlings. I will let you know if they produce. :)
By Aeromama
Post Feedback: Click Here
Travelling With Jewelry
I always remove my watch, rings and earrings when I go to bed. So as not to lose these valuable item, I slip my rings on to my watch band and close the clasp. Excellent tip when traveling.
The holes on a leather strap watch band are the perfect place to set in your pierced earrings.
The following day you waste no time looking for your jewelry.
Trips are smooth sailing when you stayed organized.
By Aunt Rose
Post Feedback: Click Here
Mini Tool Kit for Glasses
If you wear eye-glasses or sunglasses, you might want to consider purchasing a mini tool kit, just so you can keep the mini screwdriver in your purse or wallet for emergencies, in case you were to have a loose screw on your eye-glasses.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Fine Wire For Crafts
When doing a craft that uses short lengths of fine wire and you happen to run out, you can use the wire in the twist ties.
Hold twelve strips with a pliers over the sink and light the end with a match. When it burns to the pliers, let them fall into the sink, the rest burns off.
With a kleenex wipe the wires to remove any residue. Your good to go.
This was my idea when making miniatures flowers for my doll house and I ran out of wire in mid winter and I did not want to go out.
By Aunt Rose
Post Feedback: Click Here
Cleaning Hands After Gardening
Tips for cleaning your hands, post your ideas.
An easy way to clean up outside, AND use up soap slivers is to put them in a knee-hi or stocking and tie it near the end of your hose or spigot.
The soap goes through-no problem, and doesn't have to sit and make a slimy mess anywhere!
By Elizabeth K
Post Feedback: Click Here
Have a Bee Friendly Garden
If you must use pesticides, do so in the late evening when most bees have finished collecting nectar and pollen for the day. Try to use pesticides that are safe to bees. Bees pollinate fruits and veggies. If you have no bees, then you'll have no fresh fruits and veggies.
Make your property bee-friendly. Bees like these plants: calendula, shasta daisy, coneflower, vetch, geraniums, catnip, oregano, rosemary, lilac, mock orange, crabapple, wisteria, snapdragon, just to name a few.
By Terri
Post Feedback: Click Here
Keeping Track of Pillow Cases
When folding pillow cases and you want to make sure you have the set. Fold the set together so when you go to change both are right there and no searching.
By Karen
Post Feedback: Click Here
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends August 31, 2005
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
Bosch Washing Machine Smell
I have a Bosch washing machine and it's started to smell and make the wash smell after it's washed it of 'nappies'. I have cleaned all the rubber bits around the drum and the soap drawer. I have tried using different soaps, I don't use conditioner. I have run it on it's own with a bit of bleach and whilst that works for a day or two the bad smell comes back very quickly. Any ideas?
Deb
Post Feedback: Click Here
Cuisinart Food Processor Manuals
I am looking for a .com site to find a copy of a Cuisinart 11 Food Processor. Hopefully ,i can then download it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Mary Palmer from IL
Post Feedback: Click Here
Blood on White T-shirt
My son got blood all over his favorite white t-shirt and it has writing on the front so cannot use regular bleach on it. Any suggestions would be appreciated?
Thanks in advance,
Grammar
Post Feedback: Click Here
Home Work Made EZ Reviews
Has anyone ever tried the "work from home" thing? I've checked out a company called Home Work Made EZ. It just sounds too good to be true. I am wondering if anyone has tried it.
Let me know,
Liz from Ontario
Post Feedback: Click Here
Dryer Sheets for Flies on Dogs?
Can static dryer sheets be used to help control flies on my dog's ears?
Christi
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Dog Urine Stain from Carpet
I am trying to get dog urine stains off my beige carpet without spending alot of money. Please help.
Thanks,
Rosie
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Mildew Smell From Carpet
I live in a two bedroom apartment and my water heater broke over the weekend and my a/c went out as well. The maintenance man came out and used a dry vac to suck up the water but since there wasn't any air conditioning for two and a half days the apartment now smells like mildew and mold. Any solutions?
Sarah
Post Feedback: Click Here
Getting Rid of Mice
We live in a double wide trailer that we moved in a little over a year ago. We have had trouble with mice this year and I sealed up the holes under the sinks and cabinets. We've caught many in traps.
Lately, I've been hearing one (I guess it is just one!) scratching or biting in the air/heating vents. I am scared that they are tearing up what's underneath to get in. Can they get in the walls of a mobile home? Because I can hear scratching there as well. Frustrated. What can I do?
Jessica E.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Chip Bag Purses
I'm looking for instructions on how to make chip bag and candy wrapper purses. Can someone please help me?
Sharon Johnson
Post Feedback: Click Here
Go-Go Boots For a Dance Team
I am the new sponsor/coach for the dance team at the high school where I teach. The girls on the team are interested in doing a routine to "These Boots Were Made for Walking" and they are all pumped up about buying go-go boots. However, the boots will be expensive, about $40, and I don't want to ask parents to pay that much.
So, I am looking for a pattern for covers that could go over their white dance shoes to resemble go-go boots. I've seen a few boot tops online for $10-12, but they just don't look very good because they are all bunchy and wrinkled. I was wondering if anyone knows where I can find a sewing pattern to make boot covers that would have a smoother look. I would appreciate any advice you can give me!
Allison
Post Feedback: Click Here
12th Birthday Ideas
I really need help. I am trying to plan my 12th birthday, but I am clueless! I want to invite my friends who are older then me and I want it to be fun for everyone. If anyone has any ideas please tell me because I am really clueless and my birthday is in august!
Callie
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for Animals to Make from CDs
I am looking for animals made out of cds. I do the fish and am working on trying the butterfly. I have made mobiles. Does anyone know of any other ideas? Ellisrmd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Work From Home
I am wondering where I can find legitimate work from home opportunities. All I can find are work at home scams. I know there has to be legitimate jobs out there. I quit my job of 5 years to be a full time stay at home mom. I want to work from home.
Janice from Wisconsin
Post Feedback: Click Here
German Girl Coming To Canada
I am 14. Our neighbor is German and her 14 year old relative is coming here from germany to see Canada and to learn english. She'll be here for 3 weeks and we don't even speak each other's languages. I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on what to do? I can't wait, she's coming in 1 week! I bet it will be interesting!
Kristi
Post Feedback: Click Here
How can I get my laundry to smell good?
I can't get my clothes to smell good after I wash them. I buy really nice smelling detergent and liquid fabric softner, but after they come out of the dryer, they don't smell like anything.
My friend's laundry always smells good and smells good for days.
Thanks,
Jodi from CA
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ants on Porch
I have ants on my front and back porches. I have sprayed ant killer that I bought at Wal-Mart but the ants keep coming back. Please help.
TARVA
Post Feedback: Click Here
Nursing Home Gifts
I love elderly people. If there are any here I would like some help on what you like. I'm thinking of visiting the nursing home next to our food bank and baking cookies and making cards. I'm 14 and crafty.
Thanks for any ideas,
Kristi
Post Feedback: Click Here
Warner, Coordinates, page 17, Pattern #7213411
I am looking for a discontinued wallpaper by Warner, book name Coordinates, page 17, pattern 7213411. American Blinds doesn't have it. Any suggestions?
Kath921
Post Feedback: Click Here
Burnt Pans
The other day, when i was cooking dinner, I burnt it so bad, I ended up burning the inside of the pan. It's a "Chefs All Clad" pans, so, it was fairly easy to get the food of, but the pan is still burnt. Anyone have any hints to cleaning it so it could look some what silver again?
Thanks,
Jeffrey
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
MyBudgetPlanner
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning
software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
More Reading:
Inexpensive Butterfly Garden
Q: I would love to have a butterfly garden with perennials. I live in an area that received mostly direct sunlight. I would also like to do this very inexpensively. I would love to read some ideas.
Thanks!
Mindy
A: Mindy,
A butterfly garden with perennials can be created inexpensively-especially starting the perennials from seeds indoors or seeking out cuttings from friends and neighbors. It's important to remember that not all butterflies are attracted to the same types of trees, shrubs and plants. Before planting anything, check with your local county extension agency, library or the regional section of a nearby bookstore to find out which types of butterflies are native to your area. Make sure the site you select receives 5-6 hours of sun daily and provides the butterflies with some type of wind break (tall plants, a trellis, the side of a building, trees, etc.) Provide a place to sun bask (flat, light-colored rocks work well) and a source of mineral water (like a pie tin filled with wet sand).
You'll need to provide host plants for the larvae (caterpillars) and nectar plants for the adults (butterflies) all season long. A diverse mix of trees, shrubs and native and cultivated plants works best. Also, consider offering small pieces of fruit to supplement their diet. Here are examples of perennials that have successfully attracted butterflies:
Aster, Azalea, Bee Balm, Butterfly Bush, Butterfly Weed, Cover, Cone Flower, Coreopsis, Daisies, Dianthus, Goldenrod, Ironwood, Joe-Pye Weed, Lavender, Lilac, Lupine, Milkweed, Mint, Passion Flower, Pincushion Flower, Sage, Salvia, Sunflower, Thistle, Tickseed, Verbena, Violet, Yarrow.
- Ellen Brown
Editor's Note: You may also be interested by this article by Ellen Brown: Create a Butterfly Garden
Read users feedback below...
Read More: 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.
| 
