April 25, 2008

Daily Thrifty Tips - April 25, 2008


Vol. 7, Num. 82, April 25, 2008 (Read It Online)

We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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:

Today's Tips:

New Requests:

More Reading:

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:

Craft Project: Layered Look T-Shirt/Blouse

Want to update your tops? Grab your husband's old T-shirts that you are now using for rags!

Layered Look T-Shirt/Blouse

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


Craft Project: Crocheted Pocket Tissue Holder

This is a crochet holder for the pocket size packages of tissues. Handy for purse, pocket, or to keep in the car. Make great stocking stuffer gifts or secret pal gifts.

Crocheted Pocket Tissue Holder

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


Henry (Min Pin)

Henry is a 5 month old Min Pin. My 2 year Jack Russel Terrier was hit and killed by a car on March 13th. I was so devastated I could not stop crying. My daughter brought home Henry two days later, it was love at first sight. No one would keep Henry because he is so nervous and kept returning him back to his owner.

Henry loves his bright red vinyl squeaky bone. Since Henry has trust issues, he waits until my husband goes to bed at night, gets off the couch and walks around the house from room to room and inspects everything. It is so cute.

Henry and I fill an empty void for each other. He is less than 4 pounds and is frightened of many things, however he is getting braver. I miss my baby who was hit by a car but Henry has been so sweet by cuddling closely as a reminder I am loved.

By Susan from Columbus, OH

Henry (Min Pin)

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


Money Plant Flowers

Money plant is a wonderful perennial to share with friends and family. Beautiful purple flowers in the spring. Silver "money" seeds bear in the summer. They are great for giving or let them fall and reseed for beauty next year. Plant perennials for little effort but lots of color.

By Kelly from Atlanta, Ga

Money Plant Flowers

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


Craft: Terra Cotta Garden Birdbath

You can choose what size terra cotta pots and trays you want to use. Glue them together with clear caulking, let dry at least 24 hours. Whitewash with thinned out white acrylic paint. Let dry about an hour, then paint what ever you want on it, or just blend paints, that is also nice. I liked the leaves and frogs on mine. It is really whatever you like. Let it dry 24 hours then spray with sealer. You really should let it dry 24 hours then spray again and let dry another 24 hours. Fill and watch the birds play in it.

By Sheri from Stockton, CA

Terra Cotta Garden Birdbath

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


Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Tired Of Getting Phone Books?

Last week, they delivered another round of telephone directories on my doorstep. I don't even have a home phone anymore and I can get any number I need on the Internet. So I just recycle them directly into my bin. The phone books, in my opinion, are just a big waste of paper.

My friend just sent me this way to stop receiving phone books, so I guess I'm the only one. Hope this can help other like minded people out there.

There is a way people can opt out of receiving phone books dropped off at their door.

* For Verizon, you can call (800) 888-8448, then push 2.

* For Dex, you can call (877) 243-8339, and then push 2.

By Jess in Oregon

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


Friendship Gift Basket for a Faraway Friend

This is an idea I came up with for a friend, it could cost under $10 depending where you get your items. It would be best for a close friend who does not live in the same city as you do! You can also do it for a partner who is away for a long period of time. Just attach a list like this one below to explain each item.

  • Seeds: (you can get 3-4 packs at the dollar store for $1) "For our growing friendship"
  • Chocolate: "For when you need comfort"
  • Scented Candle: "For light in times of darkness"
  • Coffee Card: (with one or two coffees worth on it)"For that never ending work day!"
  • Calling Card: (you can get these for as little as $2 in a corner store or $5 online) - "For when you need to talk"
  • A small teddy bear: "For times when you need a hug"
Ending note: We may be living apart but I am always with you in spirit.

By Lisa from Halifax

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


Making a Heat Register Cover

Using a flap from a cardboard box, cut it to fit over your furnace register. On one side of the flap, place two strips of magnetic craft tape. Place the flap onto the register with the tape side down. If properly sized, it should work nicely. I would suggest that you place the tape on the longest sides of the flap.

I designed this tip to fill the need.

By Norma L. from Pataskala, Ohio

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


Yeast For A Dry Skin Facial

For dry skin the following facial is both economical but it also works great and is safe to have around. Take a package of DRY YEAST and mix with enough water to make a thick paste. Rub on face, let dry for 20-30 minutes and rinse. You won't believe how soft your complexion is!

Source: Picked up this idea when I attended cosmotology school in the 70's.

By Debra from HAMPTON

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


Decorating with Pine Cones

Collect pine cones from your yard or nearby park or woods. Dry out and place mounds of them in garage sale bowls around your home. They are simple and beautiful. For Christmas, I add a few dabs of white paint around the edges. The plain ones look fine all year through; especially on a coffee table. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil.

By Barbara C. from Park Ridge

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


Uses for Disinfectant Wipe Containers

Disinfectant Wipe Containers for Yarn Storage: Have you ever gone to wipe your shopping cart off with those disinfectant wipes but found the container was empty. When this happens to me, I take the empty container to the nearest cashier and let them know the container is empty (so they can replace it). Then I ask if I can keep the empty container for storing my yarn. These containers are just the right size to put a whole skein or ball of yarn in to stop your frisky cat from attacking your yarn when you knit or crochet! Just dump out the remaining alcohol and let dry. Then simply put the skein (or ball) of yarn into the container and thread the end of the yarn through the cross-cut opening at the top. Then you can knit or crochet away!

There's even enough room to store your crochet hook or double sided knitting needles in there with your yarn. And even if you don't have a cat, these containers are a great way to transport your yarn with you if you're like me and like to knit while your hubby drives on trips or to take on vacations, camping and such. The container protects your yarn from dirt, debris and tangling.

Anyone have any other ideas of ways to use these containers cause I have a bunch?

By Cyinda from Seattle

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


Using Organic Cat Litter as Compost and Mulch

Have you ever thought of using your old cat litter as mulch for your flower beds? It may sound disgusting, but yesterday I went to a pet store that sells organic and biodegradable cat litters. Here's a run-down on the ones they sell that clump:

  • S' WHEAT SCOOP brand is made from WHEAT
  • CAT COUNTRY ELITE brand is made from WHEAT GRASS
  • P-POD brand is made from PEA-PODS with a mint scent (mint is in the catnip family - it's supposed to calm down stressed cats and cats with litterbox issues
  • VET BASIS brand is made from LAVENDER SCENTED CORN (also to calm a cat down that has issues with using his litterbox)
  • WORLDS BEST brand is made from CORN*
  • FELINE PINE brand is made from PINE NEEDLES*
*These last two are specially made for cats with "litter box problems" or litter box "rage"

Each of the above litters has a different price range.

I bought the one made from wheat grass because it's supposed to have excellent odor control. It cost under $6 for 8 pounds. Most of the ones made from food can also be flushed. I plan on composting my litter before I use it as mulch (even though you don't have to) to help purify it a bit. If you are also interested in using a cat litter that's actually good for the environment, phone some of the pet stores in your area and see what natural based litters they carry or google any that I mentioned above.

Source: If you live in Washington State, the store that sells natural pet products is called Mud Bay Granary.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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


Vinca as a Groundcover

I have found Periwinkle (vinca) to be a plant that will live almost under any condition in California. I couldn't get anything to grow in a border along my shady sidewalk and I decided to try vinca. My parents bought a house in 1946 that had a bank of vinca already there. It is in a semi shady spot and my Dad never watered it the whole summer, year after year. (I own the house now and the plants are still in great condition.)

I transplanted some out here by the roots and almost none of it died. It is flourishing in the hot sun and shade. We have a well that dries up in the summer if we aren't careful and it uses little water.

We are on 22 acres of oak woodland and the many deer and gophers don't bother it.

  • It will cover up unsightly areas.
  • It tolerates California frost.
  • The only time it acts less favorably than some of my other plants, is that if it is in a clay pot it dries out.
  • I have to trim it back several times a year.
  • It stays green year round.
  • It can grow low or to a height of 3 feet or more.
  • I have it everywhere!
By Rae from Templeton, CA

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


Recycled Mesh Bird Feeders From Onion Bags

Another use for the 'mesh onion bags' is for putting peanuts in and hanging on trees or the eaves of your home. I have been doing this for years and enjoy watching the chickadees and woodpeckers as they cling to the bags and eat away at the peanuts (unsalted of course). The mesh should be the smaller holes but are just as easy to find as the other. Tie a loose knot and put any type of hanger through the knot. This may be used over and over again.

By Willi from Calgary, Canada

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


Prepare Veggies For Use After Shopping

After you buy fresh produce, try to wash, peel, chop and freeze them in plastic zipper bags as soon as possible. REMEMBER to store all the peels and trimming together in another zipper bag and freeze, until enough in quantity. Put all the peels/trims in a stockpot with lots of water, a few garlic cloves, an inch of ginger, some herbs, some spices like cloves, cinnamon etc., cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for an hour or two. Cool and strain stock. Either bottle it or freeze as icecubes.

Advantages:

  1. Veggies ready to use and no wastage by rotting in the corner of the fridge shelf.
  2. Homemade preservative-free aromatic vegetable stock has more nutrients and flavour than plain water. Use as-is with some seasoning as soup, or use in stews, soups etc. for more oomph!

By DIPTI from IRVING, TX

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


Storing Bagged Salad Mixes

To keep the bagged salads fresher longer after opening, put a folded up paper towel on top of the salad. Then fold the bag closed. Put a closure on it(such as spring type clothes pin) then store in zipper type baggie.

By Rosemary from Ludlow Falls Ohio

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

New Requests:

Will My Puppy Survive Parvo?

I found out today that unfortunately my 6 month old chihuahua has Parvo. I've been crying all day. We could not hospitalize him because it would be $700. So we have him at home trying to give him water and Pedia Light to help him. I really hope he gets better. Each day we will have to take him to the vet. clinic to have I.V.'s. But i am still afraid that it will not be as effective as him staying there.

I just hope he will be ok. My grandmother has had many dogs die from this terrible disease including her most recent one that passed over the weekend. I am wondering what his chances are. Also, I am wondering if I should clean everything inside and outside now, or when he gets better. By the way, my dog's name is Chewy.

Mercedes from Killeen, Texas

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


Looking For Egg Replacer In Alberta Area

Do you have a list of the stores that carry egg replacer in the Calgary, Alberta area?

Joan from Calgary, AB

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


Glasses Are Cloudy From Dishwasher

Does anyone know how to get clear glasses after using a dishwasher? They always end up cloudy. I've tried vinegar with poor results.

Diane from PA

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


Making Iced Tea At Home

I usually buy the Lipton blue label sweetened iced tea when I go to the store. I would like to be able to make it at home so I could save money. I want the taste to be the same as this tea when I make it or make it taste like when I get it in restaurants when its freshly brewed. When I make tea it does not taste this good. What do I need to do to make it taste freshly brewed? Do I need to buy an iced tea maker? Any suggestions would help. Thank you.

April from Henderson, NV

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


Planting Strawberry Plants

I'd like to grow strawberries this year, so I bought four different types (one is a June bearer and the other three are ever bearing). I bought four plants of each type, so I have 16 total plants. I can't seem to find any information on how much fruit that will yield. I'd like some advice on whether I have bought too many plants or too small an amount of plants.

All four of my family members enjoy fresh strawberries. If there's enough after fresh eating, I'd gladly freeze some for smoothies for later months and would even consider canning some jam. If someone would let me know if I've planted enough plants or if I should go buy more, I would so appreciate it. Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Tina from Ashland, OR

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


How Long Should My Mohawk Be?

I want to put my hair in a mohawk but I have to leave 3 inches on the sides. How long should I put my hawk?

Mushroom from Payette

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


Removing Dried Wax From Couch

How do you get dried wax off a couch?

Sally from Olathe, KS

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


Ideas For Saving Old Greeting Cards

I've collected all my greeting cards since the 1980's (more than 1000). What should I do with them? I want to keep them.

Angie from Cedar Park

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


Looking For An Alternative To Palm Pilot

My hand held Palm (Tungsten E2) died on me yesterday and I lost all my data. I went to purchase another one and everyone keeps saying the hand held palms are being discontinued. However, they are still $200 and I do not want to spend this much on an item that is being discontinued.

I only used it for storing my different passwords to get on websites and to store other personal information. Is there another gadget similar to this one around?

Onesummer

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


Recipe Similar To Walmart Deli's Broccoli Salad

I love the broccoli salad that I get from the Walmart deli. Does anyone know the recipe?

Christina from Paducah, KY

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


What is "Zep Cleaner"?

I found an antifreeze jug with a written note on it that said "Zep Cleaner". Can you tell me any thing about this stuff? I thought it was anti freeze and I put it in my radiator (about 1/2 gal or less). Will this stuff foam when it gets hot? Will this cause problems if left in for a short time?

Monty

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


Should I Reuse Gift Tissue Paper?

Is it considered tacky to reuse gift tissue paper when its wrinkled? Just curious.

Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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


Can I Plant A Veggie Garden In A Metal Washing Tub?

I would really like to have a small veggie garden but my yard is laid out in a way that there is really no place to put it. Is it possible to do one in a large metal washing tub? I appreciate any ideas!

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Carol from Landisville, PA

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


Removing 'White Out' From A Check

How do I get white out off a check? Someone signed my check thinking it was hers then she whited out.

Dial from Arizona

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


Has Anyone Tried 'Miracle Noodles'?

I am contemplating purchasing some noodles called Miracle Noodles. I want to know if anyone has used these before and what do they think of them. You have to order them. They are pure fiber and calorie and cholesterol free.

Bonnye from Southern Pines, N.C

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


Looking For Discount Craft Supplies Websites

I am looking for websites similar to Oriental Trading that sell discount craft supplies. I am trying to find some projects for my boys to do over the summer break. Thank you.

Stacy from El Paso, IL

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


Looking For Reception Hall In Conway, SC

Needing help to find a cheap but elegant wedding reception hall in Conway, SC. The wedding is on June 7, 2008. Yes, I know it's soon, but we didn't even know our hall was canceled until yesterday. Actually the hall was canceled a couple of weeks ago. Imagine if we had showed up for the reception.

We have a caterer and place for the ceremony, we just need a reception site. We would prefer an inside area with AC. It's a bit much to ask but I'm from the west coast, so I don't know anything about the area. Please help. Any recommendation would be appreciated. Di from Washington

Di from Lakewood, WA

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


Looking To Buy An Iced Tea Maker

I'm looking to buy an iced tea maker. Any product reviews, including the quantity of tea that they make, would be appreciated!

Maryeileen from Brooklyn OH

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


Recipe For Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Cookies

Does anyone have a recipe for Kashi Oatmeal dark chocolate cookies? I can't figure it out because their ingredient list is long and some of the ingredients are hard to find. I love these because they are so healthy and I can have them for breakfast, but they are EXPENSIVE!

Carol from Landisville, PA

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


Ideas For Restraining Goats

I don't know how many of our readers are of the rural persuasion but I need some suggestions. I need to completely restrain African pygmy and Boer goats for hoof trimming and medication applications. Any suggestions that would work for both sizes of goats and be very inexpensive? I am unable to handle them alone just by tying them up. They have too much maneuvering room! Thanks to all.

Cheryl from Yellville, Arkansas

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


How Do You Preserve Dog Treats?

I love cooking treats for my dog but have no idea how to make them last longer than a couple of days. Some will last in the refrigerator for a few days or up to a couple of weeks. Luckily others will go in the freezer.

How do the dog treat bakeries make everything last for months in boxes and foil packets? They say no preservatives but is this true? Does anyone know? I'm getting tired of making them all the time but also like to know what goes into my dog's food!

Tracey from SA

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


Removing Dried Paint From Roller Blinds

How do I get dried matte paint off roller blinds?

Amanda from UK

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


Skin Is Darker Under Breasts

I have read the many, many posts regarding a rash under heavy breasts, I have also have that problem. I am in the process of trying some of you guys suggestions, but my skin has darkened under that area. Any suggestions on how I can clear this up. I have a friend who suggested Cocoa Butter or Shea Butter. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks and have a good rest of your week

Punkin from NYC

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


Pattern For Crocheted Infant Vest

Does any one know where I can find a baby girl vest pattern size 12 month to crochet? I'm trying to find a western type vest.

Sandra from Goldendale, WA

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


Ideas For Wedding Appetizer Menu

I am planning a wedding and am trying to create a menu of appetizers. Currently I have shrimp cocktail and a fruit tray with cheese. This is going to be at a wine vineyard at 2pm on Oct 4, a Saturday afternoon.

I need ideas. Thank you!

Ashley from Michigan

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


Caring for a Baby Mole

My cats brought a baby mole (I think) home tonight. It's probably not going to survive the night, but if it does, what next? It's wrapped in a sock on a heating pad. It's about the size of the end of your pinkie finger Help!

Margaret

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


Saving Money on Apple Sauce

Tips for Saving Money on Apple Sauce. Post your ideas below.

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


Saving Money on Yogurt

Tips and advice for Saving Money on Yogurt. Feel free to post your ideas.

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


Saving Money on Tofu

Tips for saving money on Tofu.

Tofu Links on ThriftyFun

Post your ideas below.

Saving Money On Tofu

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


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

More Reading:

The Eco-Scoop On Dog Poop
By Ellen Brown

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the current U.S. dog population tops out somewhere near 80 million. When you consider that a musher with an average-sized kennel of 20 sled dogs generates more than 2 tons of dog feces annually*, the waste generated by 80 million dogs must equal a Mount Everest-sized pile of manure. Doggie dung is harmless, even useful, if disposed of properly. If not, it creates health-related risks for humans and problems for the environment.

The Eco-Scoop On Dog Poop

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


Homemade Seed Tapes
By Ellen Brown

Once winter turns the corner toward spring, it seems like garden tasks can stack up quickly. One technique that is a real time (and money) saver during planting is using seeds tapes. Although most seed companies carry ready-made tapes, you're left stuck with using whatever seeds choices they offer. Follow these six easy steps and make your own.

Homemade Seed Tapes

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


Interactive

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

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

Feedback

No feedback yet. Click here to post feedback.

Related

Post Feedback

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Be the first to post feedback!

Feedback:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: