Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 162, October 25, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have three new Halloween articles in the More Reading section and a bunch of new requests. This weekend's TF News is going to be about Holiday Travel. If you have any Holiday Travel tips please send them in.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Yearly Mammogram
- Internet Point Programs
- Inexpensive Christmas Gifts With Tin Cans
- Use Jar Lids To Keep Your Cupboards Clean
- Removing Old, Painted Wallpaper
- Dryer Lint as a Fire Starter
- Taming A Snake To Keep Out Drafts
- Cure for an Energy Slump
- Love Those Carbs?
- Easy Polar Fleece Poncho
- Nice Shower Set for a Guy
- Marinaded Frozen Chicken Breasts
- Cat Joke
- Thrifty Toy Blocks, Soap Boxes
- Making Cat Scratching Area
New Requests:
- Removing Mothball Smell From Wool
- How Do You Clean Tap Residue Off Windows
- Removing Mothball Smell From Clothes and Coats
- Counter Top Refinishing
- Selling the Jewelry I Make
- Cheap but Nice Christmas Gifts
- Cap Pattern Instructions
- Smoke and Dog Odors
- Termites on Books and Cartons
More Reading:
- Creative Costumes for Halloween
- Have a Fun, Frugal Halloween!
- Cardboard Box Costumes
- Patterns for Plus Size Children
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If you are looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem,
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Today's Sponsor
Today's Tips
Yearly Mammogram
Dear Thrifty Friends and All of Those that you Love. Here is a tip from the heart and from a recent experience.
Being a retired registered nurse I realize the importance of having (among other things) a yearly mammogram. Every year I have one. Well my last one showed some calcified density changes. I was told that this could be because of age changes but to be on the safe side that I should have another one in 6 months. And so in 6 months I had another mammogram which showed that the calcifications had increased and clustered. I then spoke to the radiologist who suggested that I should have a breast biopsy as 80% of the time the changes are age related but 20% of the time it is breast cancer. I then immediately had a consultation with a breast surgeon. She explained what the biopsy would entail and answered the few questions I had, few I say as I was so stunned that I really didn't have much time at that moment to think about many questions. I think I was in shock.
Arrangements were made to have the biopsy and the report came back showing that I had DCIS. That stands for ductile carcinoma in situ and means that the cancer was confined to the breast ducts and was non-invasive. As my surgeon said to me, "if you're going to have breast cancer, this is the type to have as it's treatable and curable". I then went to surgery and had a lumpectomy and the results came back showing the the margins were not clear. Clear margins are necessary to have a curable area. And so I had to go back to surgery and have a re-excision of the same surgical procedure and yes, my margins came back clear.
After a few weeks of healing I had to go to radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks and I started taking tamoxifen which I will continue taking for a total of 5 years. I am very thankful that I had a knowledgeable radiologist, a great breast surgeon and oncologist as well as a great team in the radiation department. I had always done a monthly manual exam of my breasts, had a yearly manual exam by my physician and a yearly mammogram. My breast surgeon told me that since the tumor was so small that it would probably take about 5 more years to feel it if I had not been fortunate to have the mammogram pick it up. By then it may have become invasive and I would not have been so lucky.
Yesterday I went for my follow up to my breast surgeon and got a clean bill of health. I no longer have breast cancer and am a survivor but only because of being disciplined to have a yearly mammogram and because the results of the mammogram were implemented.
Please, please, please I encourage each and every one of you females to make sure you treat yourself well and have a mammogram each and every year. It will not only be a gift to you but to your family. Men also can and do get breast cancer but percentage wise less than women.
I hope this information that I have shared with you will help you all and this is my gift to you today.
By joesgirl
View Article: Click Here
Internet Point Programs
I do various points programs on the Internet, where, for reading ads, one can get points, accumulate them, and get free gift cards/certificates! When I get up in the morning, I have a set schedule where I go down my list of points programs and do them daily and diligently.
When I get enough points accumulated, I cash them in for free gift cards and use these for Christmas gifts! I've put out NO cash for these, just my time!
By Nora
View Article: Click Here
Inexpensive Christmas Gifts With Tin Cans
For inexpensive Christmas gifts, I've started saving tin cans, from 13 oz. cans of coffee, large pears/peaches cans, etc. I wash them out well and use them to put homemade candies/cookies in for gifts.
I decorate the tin cans by buying pretty Christmas fabric (get several different kinds, usually at Wal-mart). Cut out the decorations and glue on the cans. Then I put a coat of Mod Podge over it and cover well. I make candy and cookies and put in the containers. I make "lids" out of circles of matching fabric and tie a colored ribbon around the can. They make really neat gifts!
By Nora
View Article: Click Here
Use Jar Lids To Keep Your Cupboards Clean
Use old peanut butter lids to set in the cabinet under containers of sticky stuff - like honey or molasses jars - to catch the little drips that always seem to drip down the sides and make a mess. It's much easier to run the lids through the dishwasher every now and then than to have to scrub the sticky mess out of your cupboards!
By Tina Hayes
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Removing Old, Painted Wallpaper
Wallpaper is typically removed by wetting it down or steaming it. But the water won't penetrate if the papered wall has been painted. Remedy this by scratching through the paint with very coarse sandpaper or a wire brush; slashing a grid of cuts into the surface with a utility knife; dragging an old hacksaw blade sideways across the walls; or using a wallpaper scratcher made for the purpose and available at hardware stores.
Before scraping off old wallpaper, spray it with a solution of hot water and about a tenth as much clear (distilled) vinegar. Use a plant mister with a big, comfortable squeeze handle.
By joesgirl
View Article: Click Here
Dryer Lint as a Fire Starter
Dryer lint is an expensive commodity. It represents the life being worn from your clothes by the action and heat of the dryer. You can put this lint to use if you have a wood stove. The soft batts of lint ignite quickly and help set kindling ablaze.
By joesgirl
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Taming A Snake To Keep Out Drafts
Drafts from under doors or windows can be blocked by laying a handmade "snake" across the crack. Make a tube out of material or use a knee sock or several socks sewn together. Stuff the sock with any bulky material, and then sew up the open end.
You can get really fancy and make a snake that is very effective for outside doors. Do this by sewing 1-inch pieces of Velcro tape at 12 to 18-inch intervals. Finally, attach the snake to the door with the Velcro so that it hangs down over the crack. The Velcro will keep the snake at the base of the door no matter how many times it's opened.
By joesgirl
View Article: Click Here
Cure for an Energy Slump
Energy slump? Try this: Rub your earlobes. That's right, rub your earlobes between your thumb and index finger for 15 seconds or more to wake up your entire nervous system. Why? Because acupuncture research has discovered that our energy lines run through our earlobes.
By Patty
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Love Those Carbs?
Love to eat carbs? Do you want to block calories from being absorbed by those carbs causing you to gain weight? Try this: Studies have shown that a plant compound from white kidney beans, such as Phase 2, can actually block up to 75% of starches passing through the digestive tract without being absorbed by your body. This plant compound binds to alpha-amylase temporarily stopping it from breaking down and absorbing starch.
By Patty
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Easy Polar Fleece Poncho
This would be very easy to make for a child or an adult. Buy one yard of fabric for an adult, a smaller amount for a child. Cut fabric into one large diamond shape. Carefully cut a hole in the center of the diamond for the head to go through. Punch holes with the tip of scissors evenly around neck edge and slip stitch around with a contrasting or matching color of yarn. You can fringe the edge around the bottom or crochet around the edge with a slip stitch or fancier stitch if desired.
By Debra in Colorado
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Nice Shower Set for a Guy
You will need:
- one large bath sheet (a very large towel)
- 1 large piece of heat bond Velcro or the sewable kind if you sew
- 1 soap on a rope
- 1 bottle of his favorite cologne
Take the large bath sheet and put the Velcro on the edge as if you were wrapping the towel around your waist. Now you have a hands free towel. Wrap the soap on a rope and the bottle of cologne inside the towel and fold to make a square. Tie with raffia and a card.
By Debra in Colorado
View Article: Click Here
Marinaded Frozen Chicken Breasts
When I buy "on-sale" chicken breasts to freeze, I add marinade, which could be Italian dressing, leftover wine and seasonings or beer or salsa, to the bag. They will be frozen in. That way they marinate before they freeze and while they are thawing and are ready to cook as soon as I thaw them. I mark the bags with the type of marinade so I don't thaw teriyaki when I want to cook Italian food!
By Linda
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Cat Joke
A kindly woman sees a couple of stray cats sitting in her yard. Feeling sorry for them she fixes a bowl of food, opens the back door, and with the food in her hands calls to the cats. One cat looks at the other cat and says, "She's looking at us -- you know anybody named Kitty?"
By Patty
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Thrifty Toy Blocks, Soap Boxes
Make toy blocks out of soap boxes. They are fun for kids to stack up and you can collect a lot of different ones and fill them with paper and tape them shut. For the really creative, you can cover them with paper and tape and put the alphabet or the child's name on the blocks.
By Racer
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Making Cat Scratching Area
Making a cat scratching area is easy if you use an old bath mat and tie it around an old log or a cinderblock or brick. These make good door holders too! They love to scratch on these. Also, cats love those ladders that have large areas to step on, I used one as a cat climber, they love them too!
By robyn
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Other Active Topics
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In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on October 31st.
Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests:
Removing Mothball Smell From Wool
How do you remove Mothball smell from woolen sweaters?
Harriet
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How Do You Clean Tap Residue Off Windows
Any ideas on how to get mailing tape residue off windows? As you know, Florida had 4 hurricanes this fall, many of us criss cross tape across window panes to keep window glass from flying if window is broken. Because this lasted for 6-7 weeks the sun has baked the tape onto windows, I can't get it off. Thanks for any help
Audrey
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Removing Mothball Smell From Clothes and Coats
I would like to know how to get the mothball smell out of clothes and coats? HELP!
Debbles from Lancaster
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Counter Top Refinishing
We are trying to update our home on a budget. The kitchen has white counter tops, but a green edge around it. I am trying to get rid of the green in my kitchen. I can not afford to have it professional done. Does anybody have any ideas on how I can change the color myself?
Linda from Texas
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Selling the Jewelry I Make
I am starting to make jewelry. So far, I am only making it for friends and family, but I would like to know how to sell it for a profit. I am only 13, so I only have weekends and nights to make my jewelry. Many friends and family members have encouraged me to sell my jewelry. Some have suggested Ebay or consignment shops, but I still am not sure of what I should do. Please tell me what you think I should do.
Thanks, Brittany
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Cap Pattern instructions
I would like to find crochet instructions for a cap that is pointed at the top. Seems to be made in triangles and then joined together. thanks.
Elles from AR
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Cheap but Nice Christmas Gifts
I am lookin for ideas of cheap but nice Christmas gifts, besides making them.
-Jan in NC
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Smoke and Dog Odors
We recently bought a house and the previous owner left us a couch and recliner. The furniture has smoke, and dog odor that wont come out. We tried upholstery cleaner, and odor neutralizer sprays. None of this worked. Any suggestions? - Julie
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Termites on Books and Cartons
How do we get rid of termites on some household items like books and paper cartons. Please give us tips. MacD
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your request here: Click Here
More Reading:
Creative Costumes for Halloween
By Amanda Formaro
As the years have come and gone, parents and children have become
more and more creative in selecting costumes, from the adorable to
the unusual. Here are a few to choose from!
View Article: Click Here
Have a Fun, Frugal Halloween!
By Cyndi Roberts
For children (and the young at heart!) Halloween seems to be even more fun than Christmas. Maybe it's because they get to dress up and pretend to be the character of their dreams--or maybe it's just all the treats!
Post Feedback: Click Here
Cardboard Box Costumes
By Amanda Formaro
Some adorable costumes have come to light using little more than a cardboard
box, some paint, and lots of imagination. Here are several ideas to choose from.
Happy Halloween!
View Article: Click Here
Patterns for Plus Size Children
By Sarah J Doyle
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and
clothing that fit THEIR "larger than average" measurements.
Sadly, neither ready made clothing nor commercial patterns
address the real issue of children's measurements.
After interviewing countless dozens of mothers, grandmothers,
and sewing professionals who are trying to get clothing and
patterns to fit plus size children properly, the stories all
echo each other and the disappointment is the same for all.
The same frustration was repeated to me by a friend who has a
9 year old daughter with a 36" chest, 34" tummy and 38" hips.
The pattern size that came closest to the chest, tummy and hip
measurement was a 16 Plus, which didn't fit anywhere else!
We all know that an extra chubby 9 year old would not be as tall
as a 16 year old, nor have arms or shoulders the size of a 16
year old.
Sarah J Doyle, a pattern maker, author and instructor for over
30 years is introducing a line of clothing patterns for plus
size children, PSC Patterns, that will be designed and made from
REAL measurements of REAL plus size and overweight children.
If you would like to have your plus size child or grandchild's
measurements included in the pattern sizing in order that the
patterns will fit the child for size as well as for age, we'd
like to invite you to complete and return the "measurement chart"
at http://PlusSizeChildren.com/measure.htm. Statistics have
indicated that nearly nine million American children are
categorized as "overweight". Overweight children want "trendy"
clothes that fit properly and will also flatter their figure
and we want to do what we can to help.
Something to think about when buying a pattern and fabric for
clothing for a plus size child is what the "appearance" of the
finished garment will look like. For example:
** Dresses with several rows of elastic sewn at the waistline
will appear to thicken the waist and shorten the height, while
semi-fitted dresses with vertical line designs and A-line skirts
will give a thinner and taller appearance.
** Solid colors and vertical lines will heighten the body, while
contrasting colors in tops and skirts, as well as big bold
prints will shorten it.
** Waists seem to expand with wide or conspicuous belts or
buckles.
** Hips will seem to increase in girth with tight or full skirts.
The A-lines or princess style skirts will create a more slimming
appearance.
View Article: Click Here
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