Daily Thrifty Tips - April 21, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 78, April 21, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! This week's Saving Money On... newsletter will have three topics. Do you have any tips to share about any of the following topics? Saving Money on Tofu Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31882990.tip.html Saving Money on Rice Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84763909.tip.html Saving Money on Broccoli Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42561626.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 Project: Rigatoni Reindeer Ornament or Pin Be Creative When Scrapbooking Photo: Red Hot Tamales Jazzie (Pitbull Mix) Max (Boxer) Today's Tips: Reuse Bags For Thrifty Cat Clean-Up Switch To Dollar Stores For Shopping Use Fabric Softener Sheets as a Deodorizer Use Pool Chlorine To Kill Mold Dye Old Jeans To Look New Hair Conditioner For Clogged Pipes Use a Bread Closure as a Guitar Pick Replace Snaps With Velcro Use Ammonia as an Oven Cleaner Hang Notes on Metal Doors with Magnets Joke of the Day New Requests: Protecting Your Hair During The Summer Free Safe Movie Viewing Site Will Wheat Germ Help You Lose Weight? Covering Exposed Foundation Walls Advice For Pruning Trumpet Vines Graduation Gift Ideas for My Niece Are Dog Parks Safe for My Puppy? Lawn Mower Carburetor Leaks Gas Finding Toys for Tiny Dogs Bamboo Invading Our Yard Is Store Bought Shredded Mulch Safe In The Garden? Balancing Bills On One Salary Deleting Favorites From Homepage Removing A Stain From Cement Stopping Nasal Drainage Spring Theme For Church Tea Party Table Looking For Salmon Dip Recipe Stopping A Rabbit From Chewing Adult With Severe Fear Of Dentists Recipes For "Coffee Can" Desserts College Graduation Party Decorations Killing Grass in Rock Ground Cover Sink Isn't Draining Removing Paint On Cabinets Planning a Masquerade Ball 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: Rigatoni Reindeer Ornament or Pin This is a good craft for the kiddies. They will need a little help with the hot glue gun, or you could substitute thick Tacky Glue. They can make it to hang on the tree or as a lapel pin. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56353175.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Be Creative When Scrapbooking When scrapbooking, use your creativity. In this example, I cut the photo I was referring to in my journaling into several long strips. It was my sister's house which was finally being finished. I wrote "The pieces are finally coming together". It added some fun whimsy to the page and everyone thought it was clever! By Lynne from Sharon, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53253308.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Photo: Red Hot Tamales Co-Founders of the Majestic Madams Queen Council in Springfield, IL (Maureen Martin, Marilyn Mancini and Char Mathes) Illinois State Fair Duchess of Tejas and Queen Mum Char of the Red Hot Tamales. Red Hat Society The Red Hot Tamales PJ party. Queen Mum Char singing and dancing By Char from Springfield, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62514116.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Jazzie (Pitbull Mix) Jazzie is 3-4 years old. She is pit bull and some other mix. We got her from the pound about 2 or 3 years ago. She likes to run, run and bark . She is the sweetest dog you could ask for. By Rachel from Port Orchard, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85656572.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Max (Boxer) Max is an 11 week old Boxer. This month, he was saving lives as I help him. He likes to listen to MC Hammer and dance to his music. He likes to boogie and is a champion at boxing. By Dominic from St. Catharines Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67460431.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: Reuse Bags For Thrifty Cat Clean-Up I have this "thing" where I like to reuse anything that's headed for the trash in another way at least one more time (yes, I probably border on obsessive-compulsive). However, in the long run, this practice does save money. As far as cat clean-up is concerned, I choose to reuse empty bags from pasta, cookies and other snack foods, coffee filters, etc. to collect what the cat leaves in her litter box each day. Since I refuse to pay for something that is just going to end up in the trash, I will not purchase bags for this purpose. It feels good to reuse the bags before tossing. By Marie from West Dundee, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62358925.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Switch To Dollar Stores For Shopping To save money shopping, purchase your incidentals at Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Big Lots. You'll be surprised at how much money you'll save by buying shampoos and cleansers. Most of their snacks are quite good, also Giant Eagle's bread is cheaper than Wal-Mart. I used to do all my shopping at Wal-Mart, but now I split it up amongst these stores to save 75 dollars in groceries. That is, of course, if these stores are located within close proximity because of the ever increasing gas prices. By Kelli from Patton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48898482.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Fabric Softener Sheets as a Deodorizer To give the garbage can in the kitchen a fresh smell, tape a fabric softener sheet to the lid. Also tuck a fabric softener sheet in the toilet roll hole to freshen the bathroom. Source: From Canada AM TV. A guest was giving some green living ideas. By Sheila from Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15748363.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Pool Chlorine To Kill Mold When my basement flooded, I had mold which made me sick. I used liquid Pool Chemicals in a field sprayer to wash everything in the basement. It killed the mold and washed right down. This was safe, didn't need any breathing equipment. I'm sure this can be used on our roofs here in the NW. By Barb from Corvallis, Oregon Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24671952.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dye Old Jeans To Look New We have 5 daughters. As a result, a lot of clothes get passed down as hand me downs. The younger ones complain about the jeans already being faded out. If they are still decent jeans, I don't want to buy more. So, what I do is Rit dye them back. One box of dye will do several pairs of jeans or jean cut offs. By April from NW Missouri Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23561515.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hair Conditioner For Clogged Pipes For small drain clogs, I accidentally found that a few globs of hair conditioner will get the water flowing. It seems to coat whatever is down there (ugh). Running hot water over the conditioner is helpful. I use up the tubes that come with my hair color kits this way. This is not for monster clogs, that's best left to a plumber. But I have good results about 70% of the time. By Babara from Park Ridge, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39414998.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use a Bread Closure as a Guitar Pick If you can't find a guitar pick, you can instead use one of those small square plastic tabs they use to close bread. My ex used one all the time. He wasn't good for much, but he sure could play that Les Paul. By CDR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44586071.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Replace Snaps With Velcro My little one kept breaking out from the snaps on the pants. I had a hard time trying to find a way to beat it. Well, I did! Here is just a simple way to save a break out on your child or someone else. I went to Wal-Mart and bought some velcro, the little rounds ones. I place them over the snaps, in back of the snap that close to the body. It washes fine. I have not have to replace them once and Tyler is happy again. By Cheryl from Fayetteville, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35243000.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Ammonia as an Oven Cleaner To clean an oven, fill a glass baking dish with ammonia and place in a cold oven overnight. The next morning, remove ammonia and wipe down sides with wet cloth. The fumes from the ammonia will have cut through the grease and come off with ease. Source: My husband's Grandmother. By Debbie from Hampton, Tennessee Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32538927.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hang Notes on Metal Doors with Magnets I have a steel front door so when I want to remember something, I'll stick the note on the door with a magnet. This way when I leave, I can't help but see the note and remember! I just leave several magnets attached to the door in case I need them. Many new homes have metal front and back doors as they cost much less than wood or fiberglass, but this really comes in handy for those of us who live in mobile homes! By Cyinda from Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72251549.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day The little boy was caught swearing by his teacher. "Jeffrey," she said, "you shouldn't use that kind of language. Where did you hear it?" "My daddy said it," he responded. "Well, that doesn't matter," she explained, "you don't know what it means." "I do, too," Jeffrey corrected. "It means the car won't start." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Protecting Your Hair During The Summer Summer is just around the corner and I live in Florida. So you can guess what that means...yes...The BEACH! Just wondering if anybody has advice and tips on how to protect my hair and keep it beautiful during this time of SUMMER FUN! Aliesha Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87455071.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Free Safe Movie Viewing Site Does anyone know of a free, SAFE site where I can watch full length movies online? I don't want to do anything else but WATCH! I want adventure, comedy, action stuff. Innocent, clean stuff. I would be most grateful for any suggestions. Cettina from Malta, Europe Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39874486.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Will Wheat Germ Help You Lose Weight? I am wanting to know if wheat germ will cause you to lose weight? I thought I overheard an uncle saying he put it on everything and he was so much thinner than the last time I had seen him. Theresa from Smithfield, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27378912.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Covering Exposed Foundation Walls I would like to do something with our foundation. We live in a ranch style house, built into a hill. The unsightly full, cement basement foundation is exposed on the south side. Foundation on front of house is no problem. The two ends also have more cement exposed than I like. What can I do to make it look nice? We built the modular 12 years ago and should have brought the siding down then but back then, I thought it would look like too much siding. Now it's too late. The original is faded and nothing new would match. We can't afford to reside the whole house. We had a brick ledge poured when the foundation was made as originally I thought it would look nice to brick it but I think that would be too much brick. Any suggestions? I've tried planting things along the south side but nothing seems to work. One year I planned sunflowers but they all fell over several times throughout the growing season due to assorted weather. They weren't a permanent solution anyway. For two summers, I have been trying trumpet vines but they are not working either. DH thought to attach lattice all over, but I think that would look like overkill, too. I thought of trellis' but I don't think that would cover enough and then what about the sides? Maybe someone else has solved this problem before. I'd like to hear and even see some pictures. Thanks. Arlinn from New York Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41093355.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Advice For Pruning Trumpet Vines I need advice on pruning Trumpet Vines (Humming Bird Vines). I have already cut the vine back to about an inch or two above ground, after it's first year of growth, last fall and mulched it. We had excessive snow this past winter. Will it come back, or have I killed it? I thought it was like my clematis, which I cut down each year. Hardiness Zone: 5b L Mac from Milwaukee, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16795988.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Graduation Gift Ideas for My Niece My niece will be graduating from college in a few weeks. What could I give her for a present? Over the years I have given her many picture frames, keepsake boxes, photo albums, journals, and address books. I don't think she wants any more of those. She has all the luggage and cosmetics cases she'll ever need. She uses her cell phone for a travel clock. Would a crucifix be appropriate? She wears one all the time. She also likes to travel(in the US). Is there something I could get her for that? I don't travel, I don't know what travelers use. Thanks for any suggestions. Peanut from Virginia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69487297.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Are Dog Parks Safe for My Puppy? I am wondering if dog parks are safe for my puppy. Should I wait until a certain age to take her? She is 3 months old. I want to socialize her, however I am wondering where to start. I have her enrolled in a puppy training class. I just want to know your opinions on the next step. Janessa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43404549.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Lawn Mower Carburetor Leaks Gas My lawn mower is Craftsman 2 in one, Mulcher/Bagger, 3.5HP 20 Inch Cut. Model #: 917-383270 S/N: 068726. I cleaned the carb and reassembled it. Then the mower started and I let it run for about 10 minutes. But after I stopped it, I found a lot gas flowed out from the air filter area. I guess the reason is that I did not reassembled the float and needle correctly. I don't know how to make it good. I need help. Thanks. Jerry Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81959377.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Finding Toys for Tiny Dogs Both my mother and my best friend have tiny dogs. They have a hard time finding toys for these small dogs. Anyone have any suggestions? Linda V. from Spokane, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66369018.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bamboo Invading Our Yard Help. I need to get rid of, and keep away bamboo. It just keeps coming up. My neighbor has it and it comes into my space. Char from Edgewood, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93256454.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Is Store Bought Shredded Mulch Safe In The Garden? Is store bought shredded mulch safe to put down in a veggie garden to help control weeds? Hardiness Zone: 7a Haley from Centreville, Md Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95306188.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Balancing Bills On One Salary If I want to begin living on one salary and I have 2 car payments, insurance and rent, how do I do so? Terry from Tulsa, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52262246.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Deleting Favorites From Homepage How do I delete favorites off my homepage? I have too long a list. plowboy1 from Hawthorne, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87481583.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing A Stain From Cement I had a holder handmade in Africa which I used to put a plant in and set it on the cement in front of the fireplace. It was too full of water and ran onto the cement and the color bled onto the cement. I tried to clean it off with oxi-clean but it left a stain. Is there something I can use to clean cement? Rosem from Tinley Park, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94802146.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Stopping Nasal Drainage Whats a good 'otc' drug to dry up drainage? Kelsi Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40737468.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spring Theme For Church Tea Party Table I will be attending a mother/daughter tea next month. Different ladies will be responsible for decorating a table. My daughters and I will be decorating a table for 8, and I am looking for some easy and Spring type ideas. My plan is to use my formal china, which has pink, blue and purple flowers and go from there. We need a theme of some kind. This is a church event, though we don't have to necessarily stick to a religious theme. Thanks for the input! Kathy from Ellerslie, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11351741.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking For Salmon Dip Recipe I am looking for a recipe for salmon dip. nanna 816 from Cap Heights, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45719137.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Stopping A Rabbit From Chewing Does anyone have tips on how to stop a house rabbit from chewing everything in sight? Maybe there is a smell they don't like? Thanks for any help. Christine from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91787813.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Adult With Severe Fear Of Dentists My son, who will be 40 years old tomorrow, has an intense phobia with dentists. He was abused as a child by an idiot dentist. He cannot overcome the fear. Although I sympathize, it is embarrassing to have to accompany him, when he has a dental appointment. I would like to know if anyone has overcome this fear without the expense of a therapist. Also, he has gone to one, who did nothing to help. The new dentist he has seems very qualified, but doesn't like to use nitrous oxide, although she can. He almost fainted during his last appointment, but she did manage to check his teeth after having given him oxygen, which I thought was the most intelligent thing to do. I know that she is the most qualified dentist around here, but I want him to be able to go to appointments without me. Thanks for any help! Kentucky-lass from Rome City, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81721357.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recipes For "Coffee Can" Desserts Greetings all, This is my first posting here. Does anyone know some good but simple dessert recipes to bake in a COFFEE CAN? Marygrace from Cranston, RI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72148152.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print College Graduation Party Decorations Looking for some inexpensive decorations for a college graduation party. Gary Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40066367.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Killing Grass in Rock Ground Cover I want to get rid of grass growing around rocks in trees. I don't want to use Round up, due to some flowers that are very close by. What can I use? God Bless Hardiness Zone: 6a Shonda from Grand Rivers, Ky Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97601835.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sink Isn't Draining I have a 5/8 hp disposal in a single bowl sink, that won't clear out. Water accumulates in the sink, and when I turn on the disposal, it clears out almost all of the water, but won't allow water to pass down the drain without turning it on. Any suggestions? Danny from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83325934.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Paint On Cabinets I just painted kitchen, but some of the paint is on my cabinets. What should I use to remove the paint? Just around the outer part of the cabinets. LaVerne from Upper Marlboro, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65435203.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Planning a Masquerade Ball I need to plan a masquerade party for about 30 girls from the age of 16-18 and all of their parents (about 60)! What are some decorating ideas and food ideas? Thanks. Tiffany from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf822380.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 Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.