|
|
|
Vol. 8, Num. 99, May 20, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any camping or summer recreation tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Be sure to share them on one of the contest pages. If you like searching with google you might also like searching our site with Google. We have an updated version of our search page here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/search_results.ldml Contest winners are picked by you so be sure to give a "thumbs up" to entries that you like. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Craft: Garden Bench from a Broken Table We had a glass table in the garden and one day it shattered. So we came up with this solution for recycling it. We used left over wood planks and even the last of the stain we had for the deck. Here is what we came up with. A two seater chair for the deck! With a wide enough arm to place a drink or plate. Its comfy too! By Diva53d from Foymount, Ontario Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10014772.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
We encountered a baby raccoon with it's eye's closed still on our acreage peeking out of a hole in one of our trees. Luckily, we got a couple of good pictures before mama woke up, heard the cries and pulled him/her back into the hole! By jahummell from Shellsburg, IA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84015323.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Howard is an 8 month old toy Yorkie. I received an antique bird cage for Valentines Day so my husband took me to a pet expo. instead of a bird, we found Howard! He loves to play with his two brothers, Poo Bear and Houston (cat), then he sleeps! Howard sleeps in the bird cage. He is so small his crate is that bird cage. How odd is that? He is our baby boy! By Daina from Houston, TX Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50924149.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Here's an interesting picture of a large oak tree struck by lightning on our property April 25th. Free firewood! By kandomom from Leavenworth KS Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91301655.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
I have been a staunch couponer for years. One year, I kept the money I that I saved and was able to buy a new washer and dryer at the end of the year. Two to five dollars a week at the grocery store adds up. Once when my local market doubled, I saved $98 on a $300 food order. With three teens in the house at the time, the free food fed the empty legs the boys seem to have. If you get a large coupon for product that you don't usually use, keep it for food baskets that churches and schools usually gather near Thanksgiving or Christmas. By Becky from Addison, AL Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf866348.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
To make your candles burn longer, simply place them in the freezer for a few hours before you use them. This means there will be less dripping too. By Lorimay from Perth Western Australia Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78400083.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
I learned a neat trick for cleaning coffee pots or tea pots. Fill with crushed ice (you can put ice cubes in a bread bag and hammer them until crushed), quite a bit of salt, and a lemon slice. Swish it around several times and rinse out. If the pot is stained, you'll need to let it sit longer and then use a large brush to clean. Works great! By LovingLynden from Lynden, WA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001020.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
I sprinkle a little Epsom salts to my bathwater to prevent soap scum. The soap seems to float on the top of the water rather than becoming a scummy ring, then goes down the drain. I found this out after using the salts to help sore muscles. It seems that ever so little of the salts in the water helps prevent the scum. By Megan8 from Colliers, WV Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf599017.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
If your dog hates a bath like mine do, I give them a sponge bath. Fill the sink with water and wet them with their own face cloths. Soap them up and rinse them off. Towel dry them and they are now clean once again. We also have a doggy wash where you wash your car. They have 2 big sinks and hoses. They work the same as a car wash. You put 6 dollars in and then soap them up rinse them off and blow them dry. Little expensive but it works great. By Linda from Hamilton, Ontario Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48086088.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Save Manuals for Tools and Appliances Don't throw those manuals away! There have been a lot of posts here at ThriftyFun from people asking for manuals. When you buy any product, don't throw the manual away. Keep a large folder strictly for manuals. If you give an item away or sell it, be sure to include the manual, the person who receives the item will greatly appreciate it. If an item has to be thrown away, keep the manual, someone else might need it. By Amuck from Fairview Heights, IL Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf820705.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Donate Usable Yard Sale Leftovers Most of us "thrifty people" have yard sales occasionally. We usually have in the contents of our sale, items that we no longer use or want. After a sale there are always items that didn't sell. Let's all remember the less fortunate and donate our leftover items. Most community churches will accept donations to help victims of fire, flood, etc. Speaking as a tornado victim, I know firsthand how the smallest things, such as toys for a child, or clothing for the elderly are appreciated. When a family loses everything, there will be not one item that goes to waste. By vguy from Earle, AR Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78648650.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Product Review: Riddex Plug-in Repeller Product: Riddex Plug-in Pest Repeller Cost: $29.95 for 2 I got 2 of these and plugged them in, one above the dogs' dishes and one above the kitchen counter. I never saw any difference in the number of bugs crawling around. After about 2 months, I went to unplug the one above the dogs' dishes and it went flying! The back of the unit itself was covered in roaches! I had my husband unplug the other one, and it had the same story! I called the Riddex company and they refused to give me a refund, but told me they would send me two new ones! What, do they think I'm nuts? I told them where they could shove their Riddex's and the bugs that they attract instead of repelling! In no uncertain terms either! By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74538816.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Removing Sharpie From Clothing I have Sharpie stains on my clothes. How do I remove them? I have tried all kinds of stain removers. The stain is on a new night gown. Thanks for the help in advance. By juneybug from AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf633664.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: My son has a pimpley rash on his scalp. It looks like red pimples all around his hair line. He is 12 going on 13 and going through puberty. What is it? And how do you get rid of it? Going to the doctors is the total last resort as our deductible is high. I would like to treat it at home if I can naturally. By wacky camper Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20729986.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: My daughter is turning 13 in December and I am trying to come up with great party ideas to throw at her. I always let them choose their party themes, but this year she doesn't know what to do. She's kind of shy and gets embarrassed easily. I want to come up with some cool ideas, since she can't have a pool party, like her sister. It's hard to come up with party ideas for her, because her birthday is so close to Christmas. It's in the winter so it's usually too cold to do much outside. She wants to be seen as a teen, but she still wants to be a kid too. It's not going to be a coed party. Any ideas would be great! Thanks. By 2greatgirls from St. Leonard, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf817353.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Removing Sharpie from Closet Doors My sister wrote on my closet doors a few months ago with a bunch of different colored sharpies. I've tried rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and the magic eraser and the sharpie is faded but still very noticeable. What would be a good way to get off the sharpie without taking the paint off my doors? By Lyss831 from DE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70509650.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: My daughter will be turning 11 on June 18th and we are thinking of getting a room at the Holiday Inn and having a few friends stay. We were thinking of having a luau theme. I need some ideas for activities, music, etc.. By tess255 from concordia, ks Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf996742.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Where do I keep a praying mantis sac? I keep it on a towel in a bug tent. Is that okay? How do I raise them? I have two egg sacs. How many praying mantis will I have? By nature_lover11 from Las Vegas, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24284324.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Does anyone know of a good mosquito repellent? I like homemade ones, I have tried all kinds and used citronella candles. I have put Skin So Soft on my skin but those darn mosquitoes always seem to seek me out. I love sitting on the back deck with my friends and it seems not many of them get bit, just me. It is so aggravating. Any help would be greatly appreciated. By Virginia Pride from Evington, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf115181.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Nail Polish on Leather Furniture Does anyone know of a way to get nail polish off of leather furniture? My son dumped a whole bottle on the couch. By kjsbigsis from Charleston, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf496617.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Do any of these "credit repair" companies actually work? By HUDSON121 from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94437844.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I used Lime Away because it was on sale instead of the usual. It stained all of the polished faucets in my house black-purple. My stainless steel kitchen sink is now black too. Please help. By HUDSON121 from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22694024.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Bleach Stains on White Countertop I just ruined my white counter tops with Westley's bleach white! Nothing works, there are mustard yellow stains everywhere? Please help. By HUDSON121 from Frisco, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23428098.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Has anyone been to a nice campground in Saskatchewan lately? We usually go to La Ronge but I would like to try something new. We like quiet, secluded campgrounds. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks. By mamasita from Saskatchewan Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33181105.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Cleaning and Organizing My House My house is a "pit". How do you ever get everything cleaned and organized? I need a lot of help to get this done. I am putting up a modular this year and must get this all done this summer. I work full-time and have a husband who is no help at all. I cannot hire someone to do it. Thanks all. By burkec1 from Iowa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75942209.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Inexpensive Laptop Recommendations I need a new laptop and I only have $600.00 to spend. What do you recommend? By marigny12 from New Orleans Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14069317.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do you build your own wine rack? By micharnott from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99726978.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Planning a Small Town Class Reunion I graduated with 27 classmates and it is time for a 20 year class reunion. Does anyone have ideas to make a small town class reunion fun? There are only 4 of us that do not live within a 25 mile radius of our high school. So, most people know each other and keep in touch. I was thinking we could do it at the high school's homecoming, be in the parade and watch the game on Friday. Saturday we could have a pot luck lunch at the community center (which is free and nice). Saturday night we could have an optional dinner at a restaurant in a local town that does larger groups. It has a nice buffet and a full bar. I am thinking the football game and potluck would be family-oriented while the Sat. night dinner would be for classmates and spouses only. We did the pot luck and dinner out at our 10 year reunion. Does anyone have good ideas for things the kids could do before, during and after the potluck to keep them busy? I do not have children and am at kind of a loss. Also, would it be too much to have the class get together for dinner Friday night before the game AND Saturday night as well? Or should Friday night just be an optional thing, mainly for those coming from out of town or families who do not want to cook at home before the game. Let me know! By amy1989 from St. Paul, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31966483.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Diesel Odor in Water Softener Tank How do you remove diesel smell from a water softener tank? By granger from Carnduff, Sask. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36875050.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I paid a company to fix cracks, clean, seal, and paint my driveway and carport about 12 months ago. The company went bankrupt, my driveway and carport are peeling in chunks. What in the world can I do to make it look better or whom should I contact to try to remedy this? I know it has to be completely scraped off or something needs to be used to fill and smooth the surface. I wish I had just stained it myself but I did not know how to fill the cracks. Please help. By marmar from Orlando, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86710849.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Yellow Streaks on Curtains After Washing I bought off-white curtains and washed them per the instructions. They came out with yellow streaks. How can I get rid of them? By angiej93 from MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84171850.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Deleting Photos in Yahoo My Photos How can I delete pictures from Yahoo My Photos? By frugalelf from Bridgton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35068628.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Does anyone know where I can buy Eskinol Papaya Toner? I have been looking all over the internet with no luck. I live in the United States. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! By metroplex Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34591089.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Weight Gain After a Hysterectomy I have Adenomyosis that has been getting worse over the years. My doctor told me I needed a Hysterectomy. I am fine with that. I am terrified that I am going to gain a ton of weight on top of my already heavy frame. Do you gain a ton of weight with a Hysterectomy? What are some ways to avoid the weight gain? I do not want to be in pain anymore, but do not want to be as big as a house either. I have no room for more added weight. By wacky camper from Westland, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13765754.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Rain Water is Leaking into Van My mini van leaks on the passenger side from under the dash board. Does anyone know where the rain could be coming in from? I have a bucket under there that collects the rain water, but when it pours I have a full bucket. I need to fix it but don't know where to look. By sbrighenti from CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61806605.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Rotten Fish Smell in the House I recently cooked some bad fish, not knowing it was bad. When I cut into it the smell of ammonia came streaming out. Now I cannot get that smell out of the house. I have tried candles, a bowl of vinegar, and Lysol spray. It is getting less prominent but I can still smell it after leaving the house for awhile them coming back in. By Brandi_79 from HI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34652057.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Information About an Old Sewing Machine My friend has an old sewing machine from 1941 with warranty and purchase receipt. Where would I find info on it? It's an Enterprise D. By sissy7575 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74481617.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Stains on a Dooney and Bourke Purse How do I remove stains from a Dooney and Bourke purse? It is a yellow stain. By normswife from Jacksonville, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44844603.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Any suggestions on how to get massage oil out of sheets? By CandaceK from Scottsdale, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45798062.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Cleaning a Dooney & Bourke Purse On a recent airplane trip my neighbor spilled his soda, which splattered my brown leather Dooney and Bourke purse. What can I use to clean off the 30+ spots on this purse? By Lynn W from Dallas, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf639396.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Preservatives for Homemade Laundry Detergent I am working on a green laundry detergent recipe to sell to consumers. I want to do my part in saving this planet. I understand that soap nuts with a few other natural ingredients works great for what I am trying to do but the liquid version of it has to be used within 3 to 4 days. Do you have any recipes or suggestions on what to use for preservatives to make it have a longer shelf life? Nakia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33090242.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How Long Can Puppy Have Undiagnosed Parvo? I recently sold a puppy from my litter, and the buyer has come back 6 weeks later saying that the puppy has been diagnosed with Parvo. He took the dog at 8 weeks promising me that he would have it vaccinated within the next few days. It was foolish of me to take his word. All 6 of the remaining puppies are healthy and they had their injections. I'm being told the pup was doing poorly with loose stool from the day they took it. It had been taken to the vets for this and was given antibiotics and supposedly had been put on a drip. They told me today that the dog has been at the vets for 3 weeks now and has only just been diagnosed with having Parvo and is having to be put to sleep. Can anyone tell me if this is possible that the pup could have been alive for 3 weeks without the right treatment and as my other pups have all had a clean bill of health from the vets when they where taken for their injections. I have spoken to my vet who sees my adult dogs on a regular basis for check ups and who vaccinated half the pups for me. They are pretty sure the pup couldn't have had Parvo when it left my company with all the other pups having been fit and well at the time his pup left. I am beside myself that these people didn't bring the pup back to me so that I could get it sorted and give them their money back. Its not the money but the health of the animal that is the most important thing to me. By papes1980 from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50401550.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It:
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:
Green Baby Facts: Raising a Healthy Baby and Planet Together When I was a mother to be, there was not a whole lot of choices out there for anything that was green. We had glass bottles and cloth diapers which are two big green choices but most mothers readily jumped on the Pampers bandwagon because they were easy and convenient. Back then, we did not think about what was happening to those diapers when they left our babies bottoms. Now we know they are helping destroy our planet by overfilling our landfills and they will be with us for many, many years to come. Here are some easy suggestions on how to have a green baby and not make the same mistakes that we did for the sake of convenience.
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61733585.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It:
|
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
