April 16, 2007

Daily Thrifty Tips - April 16, 2007


Volume Six, Number 74, April 16, 2007 (Read It Online)

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Tax day is tomorrow for our US readers (April 17th). Here's a couple pages for people who have waited until the last minute...

Need More Time To File Your Taxes?

Tips For Last-Minute Filers

Here are the contest winners for tips published the week before last...

Tip Contest Winners

Rope Dresser Handles
Ariela from FL

Check For Library Fines Before Moving
By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

Photo Contest Winner

Easter Cross Craft Project
By Starchild in VT from Lamoille County, VT

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something.

Be sure to check out the "How To Use ThriftyFun Effectively" article by Debra Frick in the More Reading section.

Here's a link to the page we set up with all of the pet products that have been recalled due to contaminated gluten, for those who may have missed it last week:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/pet_food_recall.html

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:

Recycled Tin Man

Here's a cute Tin Man made from recycled food cans.

Recycled Tin Man

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Welcome to the World Ayden

This is our newest grandbaby, born March 26, 2007. His name is Ayden Kristopher.

He has already met his cousin Tresaun whom ya'all met last July and is now 8 months old. Can ya tell I'm a proud grandma?

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

Editors Note: Here is Tresaun

Welcome to the World, Tresaun

Welcome to the World Ayden

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Onesie Cake

One of my best friends is expecting a little girl next month. We are throwing a surprise shower lunch for her at work and I thought that a "onesie cake" would be adorable for the table.

Instead of just diapers, I put a ring of onesies around the outside of each layer of diapers and wrapped each ring with lavender ribbon. Little Gracie's new nursery is decorated in shades of lilac and rose using a butterfly theme. I thought that this "cake" fits her theme fairly well!

By Carrie from Herkimer, New York

Onesie Cake

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Jazz (Yorkshire Terrier)

Jazz is an 8 year old Yorkie. I got him from the local animal shelter.

Jazz loves to sit and cuddle. He also likes to take walks. I adore him.

By Diane from Elmira, NY

Jazz (Yorkshire Terrier)

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Precious (Shih Tzu/Poodle)

Precious is 6 months old, her birthday is 9-22-2006. She is a Shih-tzu/Poodle. I got her on 11-13-2006.

She loves to go outside and take long walks. She is such a butter ball. She loves walking down the road with her sassy clothes on. She doesn't mind bows being put in her hair either. She loves riding in the car, and sticking her head out the window. She loves her ball.

She has clothes that she wears. She has a play boy bunny jacket that zips up.

By Leighann from Shenandoah, VA.

Pecious (Shih Tzu/Poodle)

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Tigger (Red Tabby Cat)

Tigger is a 4 year old Red Tabby. I got her from the Houston SPCA. She was the runt of the litter.

She likes to jump into a warm basket of items just out of the dryer. Also, lay on the patio watching the birds and Squirrels.

Tigger loves to lay on my fabric as I am cutting the backing for my quilts. She has to sample each one. After I finish my quilts, I put them where she can't get to them. Well, the jokes on me. She found my charity quilts.

By Karen Batt from Houston, TX

Tigger (Red Tabby)

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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:

Earth Day Website

Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd so this is a great time to teach kids about conservation, recycling and other green topics. Here is a government website that has some wonderful information for kids and adults.

http://earthday.gov/

I'm hoping to have a discussion with my young boys and decide together on something that we can do to help the planet. One I have already started is to bring my own bags to the supermarket instead of using paper OR plastic.

Jess in Portland, OR

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Chew Food For Weight Loss

Need a weight loss tip? Well, I've got a winning tip right here. When eating your food, you should chew every bite 50 times. This way, your jaw gets tired and it sends a signal to your brain saying "I ate enough!" Happy weightloss.:P

By Jessamyn from Honolulu, HI

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Old Fashioned Stocking Up

I'm reading an old Agatha Christie book and the old lady in it had generous "stores" down in the pantry. It's a good, old-fashioned idea, although rather than bags of sugar and preserves, mine run to pasta, spaghetti sauce, beans and, in the bathroom, shampoo, conditioner and lotions.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Add Coffee To Chocolate Cake Mix

When making a chocolate boxed cake mix, use brewed coffee as half the liquid required. It will give your cake a much richer taste.

By Sherry from WA

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Product Review: Half.com

I'm thinking a website is kind of a product, so I wanted to let people who want to save money about my experience with half.com. This is a site where you can purchase books, CD's, and DVD's for (usually) below half of what your would pay elsewhere. They have so many new items that I have been able to purchase many inexpensive gifts for friends and family without leaving the house. You can find deals on virtually any subject. It hurts nothing to at least look. You could save yourself both time and money.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Volunteer At Church Thrift Shops

Many times if you volunteer at a church run thrift shop, you can get the items in the shop for 1/2 price. Plus you can get first pick of the incoming items before it gets put out for the customers to buy. You can get some very nice designer items at thrift shops.

By Diane from Pembroke Pines, FL

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Always Park In The Same Lane

Do you forget where you park when shopping? If so, make it a habit to always park on the same parking lane, regardless of the store. For example, I always park on the lane in front of the left side entrance of any store. If I have to park farther down from the entrance, that just means I get more exercise! You might choose to always park on the "B" aisle, or the first aisle in the lot. It will save you worry about where you need to go when leaving the store, especially if it is dark outside.

By BBB from Greenville, AL

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Holiday Candy Wreath

Shape a wire hanger into a circle. Using candies wrapped in twisted paper ends, purchase appropriate colors for holiday such as white/red peppermints for Christmas. Tie string on one end of candy and then tie that end onto hanger, pushing candies in different directions and very close together to make wreath full. Tie ribbon bow on top of wreath covering hanger hook, you can use hook to hang on door. Use ribbon to tie a pair of school scissors on hook dangle from middle. Go back and snip off any string that shows on wreath. Hang from hook on door. When guests come or go during the holiday, have them snip a piece of candy off wreath for a treat. This is a great group craft as everyone arrives with different candy colors and it's more economical to share than to buy all the different colors you might like in your wreath.

By Tracey from Thomasville

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Use Lattice To Hide Painting Line

Ever messed with a painting job, especially a noticeable one? Well, I am not a painter. In my front lobby, I painted a lovely deep grey blue but when I came around one of the corners, I realized that living room wall was much too hard to paint, because of high ceilings. So this is what I did:

1 half of the wall is dark grey and the other half is eggshell so I bought a piece of lattice from the hardware store, the kind you use outside against your home or back porch. I painted it white, measured the width I wanted and secured to the wall with the appropriate long nails. I positioned the lattice to cover the centre of the two colours of paint and also decorated the lattice with dried flowers and pieces of dried leaves. I then placed one of my famous dried flowered hats onto the lattice.

It looks wonderful, creative also. This gives a look so far from the every ordinary look of front lobbies or entrances to your home. I know you're going to love it. Good luck

By Janet from Toronto

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Recycled Magazine Holders

Make your own magazine holders from empty cereal or cracker boxes. Measure up 4 inches from the bottom. Place a mark at 4 inches. Draw a line from the 4 inch mark to the top of the box. (Will be at an angle.) Do this to both sides. Cut off marked part. Presto, you have a magazine holder, paper organizer, etc. You can cover with wrapping paper, unused wallpaper to coordinate with a room decor or your kids can decorate kraft paper. It is a simple craft and fun to decorate.

By Rockinr from Pittsburgh, PA

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Removing Labels With Lighter Fluid

Lighter fluid is great for removing sticky labels and tape residue, even on leather! It costs far less than "goo removers" (about $1.50 a bottle that will last for ages) and doesn't leave that horrible petroleum smell. Use it with an old soft t-shirt (or similar soft, lint-free material) to clean CD's/DVD's. I have rescued scratched CD's with this method; just remember to clean from the inside towards the outer rim in straight lines.

By Denise from FL

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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:

The Bottom of a Diaper Bag

What is the cardboard-like material in the bottom of a diaper bag to keep it from falling over called?

Christi from Kaufman, Texas

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Name of a Country Song

This is not a tip or a recipe but I'm hoping that we have some country music fans in the group who can help me with a song. This song has been going around in my head all day and I can't for the life of me figure out who sings it.

It starts out: "It's that feeling that someone is standing behind me (and/but) I turn around and there's no one there..." Does anyone know the name of this song or who sings it?

Thanks a bunch, it's driving me crazy!

Barbara from Hoffman, IL

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Fundraising for a Cadet Corp

What is the best way to fundraise for a Cadet Corp with parents that are not very active in the corp?

Seahag from CA

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Knifty Knitter Group In Altoona, PA

I am looking for a knifty knitter group in my area, Altoona, PA.

Drenda from Altoona, PA

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Handy Stitch Handheld Sewing Machine Reviews

Has anyone purchased a Handy Stitch Sewing Machine and had good results? I only do a little mending and I didn't want to spend the money on a regular sewing machine. I also don't have the space so I thought the handheld one would be better.

Caramel1 from NJ

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Great Places to Rent a Cabin

My husband and I have our 20th wedding anniversary coming up. We would like to get away for 4-5 days somewhere here in the United States. We were thinking maybe a cabin or somewhere all inclusive. Do you have any ideas or know of somewhere in your area that might be a great place to go?

Thank you.
Stacy from El Paso, IL

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Getting Parents Involved With Our Cadet Corp

I am the Cadet Liaison for my daughter's Cadet Corp and parent involvement is sadly lacking. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the parents more involved? I would like it to be more than just a drop off point...

Cadet Liaison Mom from Canada

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What Would You Call a Bichon Frise and Pomeranian Mix?

Does anyone know what you would call a mix breed of a Bichon Frise and a Pomeranian. And is it even possible to breed these 2?

Ronda from Gravette, AR

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Bernese Mountain Dog Not Eating

I have a Bernese Mountain Dog and sometimes he eats his food fine but some times he will not eat for days. I was wondering if it is the fact he has to be tied up a lot of the time.

Justin from Wingham, Ont

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Dachshund Behavior Problems

I have an 8 month old mini-dachshund who still cannot be trusted for very long in the house without urinating somewhere. I have crate trained her, but she still has submissive/excited urination as well as urination done "on purpose" when she is mad at me. Yesterday she actually came up to me and peed on my foot. What does this behavior mean? I have a part time job and give a lot of attention to my 4 year old son. She also bites him sometimes during "play" and hurts him. I scold her for this, but then she pees on my foot or something. I'm at the end of my rope with her, what do I do?

Erin

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Pruning Rosemary

How can I prune the top and/or roots of a potted rosemary so I don't need to transplant it to a pot I can't lift?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Jane from Sturgeon Bay, Wi

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Good Mechanics in Dallas, TX

How can I find a good mechanic in Dallas, TX?

Jerry from Malvern, AR

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Foliage Accent Palm Turning Brown

I have a foliage accent palm that is turning brown on me. Any ideas on how to help it recover? We put Miracle Grow on it when we first bought it, but haven't since. It's in the area with enough light, and receives adequate water.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Thiftymomof2 from Pasadena, MD

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Houseplant: Gardenia

I bought a gardenia plant which had several buds on it. I've watered it as the person in the nursery suggested. It;s still alive after about 4-5 months but the buds just dried up. There are new leaves which are a lush dark green color but look very dry. I've checked for bugs and there are none. Does anyone have any advice and/or suggestions? Thanks for any help.

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Mairmie from Edmonton. AB

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Making Mint Tea From Fresh Mint

I have mint growing in my yard and would like to know how to make tea with it. Do I dry the mint first and if so how do I do that? Also, should it be used full strength or mixed with regular tea?

Thanks,
Donna from Dayton Ohio

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30th Birthday Party Theme Ideas

I'm turning 30 in the summer and looking for really unique party themes. I'm having the party at hall and there's approximately 50 people including kids. I was thinking of a Burlesque theme, but that may be too risque for some guests. Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Haermoni from Vancouver

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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:

How To Use ThriftyFun Effectively
By Debra Frick

We all love ThriftyFun, right? Lots of times I have thought, "WOW, I would never have thought about that", "What a cute idea" or "What a great tip". I vow that this is something I am not going to forget. And then I promptly forget what it was about. So I came up with these ideas of how to save the information that I need. ThriftyFun really is your best resource for many great ideas. They have thousands of tips that have been sent in from around the world.

How To Use ThriftyFun Effectively

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How To Check On Your Tax Refund

If you already filed your federal tax return and are due a refund, you have several options for checking on the status of your refund.

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Tips For Last-Minute Filers

With the tax filing deadline close at hand (today!), the IRS offers some tips for those still working on their paper tax forms:

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Keeping Good Records

Here are some tips from the IRS about keeping good records.

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What To Do If You Receive An Irs Notice

It's a moment many taxpayers dread. A letter arrives from the IRS - and it's not a refund check. Don't panic; many of these letters can be dealt with simply and painlessly.

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Amending Your Tax Return

Oops! You've discovered an error after your tax return has been filed. What should you do? You may need to amend your return. The IRS usually corrects math errors or requests missing forms -- such as W-2s or schedules. In these instances, do not amend your return. However, you should file an amended return if any of the following were reported incorrectly:

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How Long Should It Take To Get Your Tax Refund?

Are you expecting a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year? If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued about six to eight weeks after the IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund is issued in about half that time - even faster if you choose direct deposit.

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Need More Time To File Your Taxes?

If you can't meet the April filing deadline (Midnight, April 17th this year) to file your tax return, you can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the IRS.

Need More Time To File Your Taxes?

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Repairing a Leaky Water Hose

Tips on repairing a leaky garden hose.

Repairing a Leaky Water Hose

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