Daily Thrifty Tips - May 29, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 105, May 29, 2008 (Read It Online) Here are the Saving Money On... topics for tomorrow. Do you have any advice to share? Saving Money on Celery Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43239634.tip.html Saving Money on Potatoes Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31657664.tip.html 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: Craft: Use Fabric Scraps To Make Bedspread Craft Project: Doll Plastic Bag Holder Dorina (Mini Pinscher/Chihuahua Craft: Painted Coaster Tiles Craft Project: Recycled "Wave" Petunia Baskets Today's Tips: Be a Workamper to Cut Camping Costs Traveling Frugally Reuse Paper Wrapping From Toilet Tissue Link: Backyard Safari For Kids Use Microfiber Cloth on Tiles After Showering Cleaning Lovebugs Off a Car and Windshield Try a Flat Iron Steak Frugal Tips For Grocery Shopping Making Curtain Valances From Table Napkins Pack Baked Goods in Layers of Baggies Joke of the Day New Requests: Transplanting Bulbs Repairing Cigarette Burns on a Silk Dress Lightening the Color of Polyester Removing Paint Stripper Spots On Vinyl Siding What Breed Is My Dog? Removing Odor From China Cabinet Searching For Matching Chair Slipcover Using Water Crystals For Rooting Plants Aveeno Sunless Tanner Removing T-shirt Dye From Skin Curling Lucky Bamboo Plant Using Marigolds To Repel Mosquitoes Rust Stains On Vintage Fabric Cat Litter Mat Reviews Milia Around the Eyes Making Domino Racks Installing Drawer Sliders Making A Sugar Cube Corsage Trouble With an Above Ground Pool Rooting Lilac Bushes Saving Money on Potatoes More Reading: Many Uses For Dishtowels Kent Mango Leaves Are Browning 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: Use Fabric Scraps To Make Bedspread I have been using old scraps of fabric to make the yoyos for this kingsize bedspread. It was a pass time while traveling and while watching TV in the evening. I found old clothing and fabric scraps at yard sales and remnants at the fabric store. I won third place with the bedspread at the Texas State Fair three years ago. All of this was hand stitched. I have since made two more. By Vicki from Garland Texas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40393960.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft Project: Doll Plastic Bag Holder Take an old doll and recycle into a cute plastic bag holder. Approximate Time: One Hour Supplies: Doll Scrap material 12 inches of elastic One plastic ring or a piece of string or yarn Instructions: To the doll dress hem, add enough material to make the length from the shoulder of the doll to the new hem twenty-seven inches long. (I do not remove the doll legs.) Three inches from the bottom hem, add one inch of seam binding. This is where you can really get creative by making your own contrasting binding. Sometimes I put the seam binding on the outside, other times on the inside. Insert the elastic. To the head of the doll (generally they have a hat), hand sew a round plastic ring or add a piece of yarn to hang the doll. have the dolls on several doors in the house. It makes it so easy to always have a plastic bag when you need one. I have been able to find dolls with themes to give to match my friends hobbies and personalities. We all know the joy in making is as much fun as the giving. By Tedebear from San Jose CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16378810.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dorina (Mini Pinscher/Chihuahua Dorina is a 2 year old mini pinscher/chihuahua. I got her from my wife's aunt. She likes just roaming around our house and jumping on my lap. And if there's any insect around, expect her barking on it. She underwent caesarian and gave birth to a long coated puppy last Feb 9, a very cute one (see below the pic) By Audi from Philippines Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17670589.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Painted Coaster Tiles I'm a rubber stamper/scrapper. This is a photo of a set of coaster tiles that I make for gifts and to sell. They're hand stamped and painted. By Kathleen, aka StampinGran from Old Fort, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98489342.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft Project: Recycled "Wave" Petunia Baskets I bought my mom a basket of those Wave petunias. After I potted them, she said she hated to throw away that shocking pink plastic basket they came in. I got to thinking that they would make cute silk flower arrangements. You could use these to decorate tables for a bridal shower or garden club party and use them as door prizes. I also made a patriotic one with the terra cotta colored pots. You could use this for a BBQ or even a grave decoration for a veteran. Just drive a stake though the plastic to hold it down. Approximate Time: 20 minutes Supplies: Pink "Wave" petunia baskets or other baskets annuals come in. Spanish Moss Small silk flower picks Decorative bird or fairy figurine Ribbon, trims Hot Glue Instructions: Wash and dry the baskets. Remove the handle and cover it with coordinating ribbon. Attach ribbon with hot glue. Then attach handle to sides of basket. Cut flowers to desired height. If you will be using the baskets as table decorations outside, add a few stones to weight the baskets down. Pull off a piece of moss and wrap around flower stem. Add hot glue to the bottom of flower/moss. Place flower/moss in one section of basket. Repeat until all sections are filled. Add fairy, bird, butterfly, or flag. By Cindy from Waynesburg, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22609698.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: Be a Workamper to Cut Camping Costs A fun way to cut your vacation costs is to be a workamper. What that means is that you go to a campground and help them with whatever they need help with. In exchange, they let you stay and use the park for free. They may need someone to mow the grass, paint buildings, play music to entertain the campers, design a new brochure, or lots of other things. You make a deal with the manager about what you can do that he needs to have done. It varies, but typically, you exchange about one or two day's work for one week's stay in the campground. Of course, if you have more people staying and using the facilities, then you'd probably be expected to put in more time helping than if it is just one person. This usually works best if you have a month or longer, but some parks welcome workampers who stay just a few days. Besides cutting your vacation costs, if you help at a State Park or somewhere similar, you are also rewarded with the good feeling of doing good. It can also be a good way for kids to learn about nature, geography, and the history of the area where the park is located, all while having fun. http://www.work-for-rvers-and-campers.com By Coleen from Alaska Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89209920.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Traveling Frugally When traveling to your destination, where ever it might be: Do lots of research before going, easy to do on internet. Stay off the beaten path, always use maps. Don't fall for the tourist trap stuff (way too expensive). Don't eat at the name brand places, eat at the local hangouts and eat the way the natives do (they know where to eat out cheaply). When you are traveling, you have lots of unplanned expenses to be prepared for like flat tires, breakdowns, etc., as they do happen, most likely when you're least expecting it. So be prepared. By Terri from NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79752568.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reuse Paper Wrapping From Toilet Tissue If you purchase toilet paper that is individually wrapped, don't throw the paper away! Stack and store until it's time to take your pooch for a walk. Just tuck a sheet in a plastic bag and when Fido is finished doing his duty use the paper to scoop away the poo! (Kind of fitting, huh?) I also use the sheets to wrap up sanitary napkins before throwing in the trash. Not a pleasant image, but they sure are thrifty :) By Carol from Landisville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35207838.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Link: Backyard Safari For Kids Here is a fun activity for kids age 4-10. It is a Backyard Safari. Teach your kids all about the creatures in your backyard or local park. This web page has color pics, you can print out the page and take it with you. http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Your-Kids-on-a-Backyard-Safari I hope parents and teachers will find it helpful. The above is a free site with no ads. Chuck R. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75916093.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Microfiber Cloth on Tiles After Showering After showering, wipe the tiles and glass down with a "Magic Cloth" (microfiber) and you will never need to use cleaners or scrub your shower again. By Muzza from Yarrawonga, Vic., Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85466770.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cleaning Lovebugs Off a Car and Windshield Are those lovebug guts on your car driving you insane? Well, don't let them ruin your paint. Use a fabric softener to wipe them off your car. They're easy and cheap to use. By Tammy from Fort Mccoy, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77073252.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Try a Flat Iron Steak If you haven't tried a Flat Iron Steak, it's an economical cut of beef and you should try it. I can buy a $7.00 steak, $5.00 if you have a Kroger's card and feed three adults. What they call Flat Iron Steak at Wal-Mart isn't the real deal. Krogers is the only store around here that I know for sure carries them, but I'm sure there are other stores in other areas that do. Make sure the meat is at room temperature and season your favorite way. Cook on a grill, moderate heat, for about 9-10 minutes per side. Don't flip it back and forth, just cook one side and then the other. Let rest 5 minutes and then slice diagonally; very important. Most of the time, you'll have a very flavorful, tender steak. I've found I can count on it being more tender than Sirloin or Rib Eye. You can cook it in a heavy, lightly greased skillet, but I haven't tried that. Check this cut of meat out on the Internet for additional information and recipes. Source: My daughter-in-law that lives in Kansas told me about it and she does cook it in a skillet. By Emma from N. Richland Hills, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13652247.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Frugal Tips For Grocery Shopping After making a trip to the grocery store and seeing the continued escalation of food prices, I thought this would be a good time to remind all of us, me included of tips for saving money! I ALWAYS make a list and stick to it! While making my list, I go clip the coupons for items on my list and put them in a envelope to carry with me. I buy almost all store brands, unless I have a coupon on a national brand that brings the price lower then the store brand. Look at the unit price on the items you are buying, sometimes it is not less expensive to buy a larger package or can. I do not go to the store if I have not had breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of day I am running other errands. I am growing my own fresh herbs. The local farmer's market is now open. If you have one in your area, call some friends and carpool together for really fresh produce at (usually better prices), you still have to know your prices. Also, shopping with a friend or two lets you share larger purchases and split the amount. When checking out at the grocery store, ask the checker to wait if your cart isn't unloaded, so you can watch the prices as they scan. The store I shop at will give you one item free, is it scans incorrectly. Buy reduced bakery products and freeze them as soon as you get home. I have also purchased some reduced meat if it still looks and smells good. I rinse the meat when I get home and package for the freezer if I am not using that day. If you can do it, shop once a month or at least every two weeks, this really does save me money. Clean out the refrigerator, before shopping and use up what you have. I purchased some of the green bags advertised on TV at the local Bed Bath and Beyond store, so I did not have to pay shipping. They really work at giving my produce a longer storage life! Source: These are tips I have collected and read about through the years from many sources, magazine articles, friends, family, and the internet plus several of my own! By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18753456.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Curtain Valances From Table Napkins I thought of this cute idea for a kitchen or bathroom valance. I am using dinner cloth napkins and will fold them into triangle shapes and simply put them over any rod to make a great valance. I found some with a little fringe. Love the idea! Try it! It will be good to fold over and iron a crease for the rod and then tack in place with a stitch or two-or use iron-on hem tape. A triangular shape valance, easy and cool! By Diann from Staten Island, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72111384.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Pack Baked Goods in Layers of Baggies My fingers find plastic wrap nearly impossible to handle. When I am giving a gift of brownies or fudge, I like to give it in an inexpensive container that can be used again. I have found that when taking a bag of these to people I owe a little kindness too or to those not feeling well, the one on the bottom tends to meld with the inside of the lid. To prevent this, I cut the zipper part off a ziploc baggy. Then I open the baggy, cut it in half, put one piece on the bottom and one on the top. This adds no flavoring nor moisture to the confection I made as often happens if you use an oil or spray and it is easily removed. By Susan from WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95014616.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Psychiatrist: I see you're over a month late for your appointment. Don't you know that nervous disorders require prompt and regular attention? What's your excuse? Patient: I was just following your orders, Doc. Psychiatrist: Following my orders? What are you talking about? I gave you no such order. Patient: You told me to avoid people who irritate me. Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Transplanting Bulbs I have tulips that are blooming at my grandmother house. We are selling the house. Can I take the bulbs now? And how do I do this? Hardiness Zone: 6a Lynette from Chelsea, Michigan Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31010245.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Repairing Cigarette Burns on a Silk Dress I have cigarette burns in my absolute favorite silk dress. Does anybody know how silk can be repaired? Aoife Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97873175.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Lightening the Color of Polyester I have a bright pink dress made of polyester, and it is so bright. I would like to lighten the color quite a bit to a much lighter pink. What do I do? Melody from Savannah Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34793526.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Paint Stripper Spots On Vinyl Siding How do I remove paint stripper spots from vinyl siding? Sheri Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43496817.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What Breed Is My Dog? A female puppy wandered up into our yard yesterday. She has decided to stay, which is fine by me but I would like to know how old she might be and what breed she is. We have an idea on the breed but we want some other opinions to feel sure. Thanks for your help. Courtney from Clover, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53670049.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Odor From China Cabinet I have a china cabinet that we bought used about 25 years ago. I have tried Murphy's, baking soda, air fresheners, etc but nothing seems to help. The cabinet has a smell inside of it and the crystal and china has the same smell plus an oily coating on it when I take it out. Any suggestions? GayLynn from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19903608.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Searching For Matching Chair Slipcover I recently found a dining chair slipcover at a thrift store that I would love to have one more of. The tag lists the brand as Waverly Garden Room. It is a cream color with fruit design and trimmed in green. I've done every creative search online I can think of but have had no luck as of yet. Any ideas? Thanks! Kelly from Maryland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99785354.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Water Crystals For Rooting Plants Has anyone ever used water crystals? Can it be used for rooting plant cuttings? I'd like to try it with rose cutting. Has anyone ever tried it, did it work? Hardiness Zone: 7a Gina from Ozone Park, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29530969.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Aveeno Sunless Tanner Has anyone tried the new Aveeno Sunless Tanner that has three shades in one bottle? Lisa from Kansas City Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86633578.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing T-shirt Dye From Skin How do I get T-shirt dye off my hands? Marissa from Grafton, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45155758.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Curling Lucky Bamboo Plant I read a post on this website concerning the process of "curling" the lucky bamboo plant. I have one now that I am trying to work with. In a small vase, the plant sits inside a cardboard box; I cut out one whole side of the box. About 3 or 4 feet from the box is my light source, which is actually a "plant bulb". I started this process only a few days ago, so there is no reason to see any development, but am I doing this right? Or should I just cut out a small portion of one side of a box? Mark from Ocala, Florida Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16984527.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Marigolds To Repel Mosquitoes I have been hearing that marigolds help with mosquitoes but I have also seen at least 3 different kinds of them. Can you please let me know which kind you use? They are eating my little 3yr old up. I will try anything to get rid of them. Thanks hope to here from you soon. Michelle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84776156.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Rust Stains On Vintage Fabric I have several vintage tablecloth linens, dresser scarves etc that have rust like stains on them. I don't know how to treat them without hurting the material. Any advise? Thanks Barb from Crystal City, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51269423.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cat Litter Mat Reviews I am looking for a recommendation on a litter mat that actually helps reduce the amount of tracked litter. Any ideas appreciated. Melissa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91891857.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Milia Around the Eyes How do you get rid of milia (small white bumps) around the eyes? Debby from Edmond, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59745857.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Domino Racks How do you make domino racks out of plastic canvas and yarn? Marilyn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52409662.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Installing Drawer Sliders I am trying to repair a kitchen drawer. It needs new slides. I just got done repairing so nicely and when I went to insert the drawer, it wouldn't fit with the new slides. I wanted to use side slides, not the middle thing that is in there now. And yes, I remembered the "measure twice, cut once rule", although I didn't cut anything. Any hints as to how to accomplish this and keep my sanity and salvation? Can I use side slides or am I stuck with the middle thing (pardon the technical terms). Can't afford new cupboards, What I would spend on new cupboards will buy a couple of tanks of gas. : ) Mrsmendlebright from Kearney, NE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52759213.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making A Sugar Cube Corsage I am looking for a sugar cube corsage. Does anyone have instructions or know if a florist could make one? I would like to get my niece one for her birthday in June. Thanks. Dawn Dawn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34761408.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Trouble With an Above Ground Pool I started my above ground pool, put it on filter and water comes out discharge pipe. I put it on backwash and it puts dirt back into pool. What is my problem? James from Inman, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84077540.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Rooting Lilac Bushes Please tell me how to root lilac bushes. Connie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000915.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on Potatoes Tips and ideas for saving money on Potatoes. Post your ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31657664.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | 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: Many Uses For Dishtowels By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh Dish or kitchen towels are cute and inexpensive. Add their versatility and they become a very popular item to have around the house. The next time you spy a pack of them on the clearance rack or in the discount store, stock up and create some interesting uses for these inexpensive beauties. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82626437.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Kent Mango Leaves Are Browning Question: I have a Kent mango and the leaves are browning. Does anyone know what is causing this? Please see photos. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52002196.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.