Daily Thrifty Tips - April 24, 2006

Coupons for Brand Name Items

Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso

I wanted to make a centerpiece for the island in my kitchen since I rarely use it for anything else other than placing my keys, wallet and other little things on it when I come home in the evenings. I love candles and the beach so I decided to do a seashore candle center piece.

I simply got a bamboo rug mat, a beaded table place mat and put that on top of the counter. Then I took a large glass bowl, filled the bottom with sand, placed some shells in it with a tea-light candle in the middle and then scattered a few large flat glass marble around on the counter. It is simply gorgeous to look at when it's lit up in the evenings.

By David from Alabama

Post Feedback: Click Here

Here's a belt that is sure to impress your crafty friends. It's a belt made out of Monopoly money and vinyl.

View photos and instructions: Click Here

But is a 5 year old half Boston/half Pug, that's why he's a Bug. My husband bought him for me when he was just a tiny puppy.

He loves to play with his green ball! Bug is the sweetest guy around. He loves everybody, and if he thinks anybody is hurting me (even though they're playing) he brings them a toy to distract them.

He's the reason my online name is Bugpugmom!

By Bugpugmom from Florida

Post Feedback: Click Here

"Hi, My name is Tracey and I am a Save-o-holic"

"Helllllllllllllllloooooooooooo Tracey"

I honestly don't know where or how to begin telling everyone how I save money, because it's natural for me. It's an everything day thing. I love to teach others how to save. Saving money is a "rush" for me. Even other peoples money. It's the thrill of the hunt.

No, I don't purchase anything if it's not on sale or I don't have a coupon. Shopping takes me a couple hours to do but it's worth every penny. I saved 89.50 last week. I only paid 35.81. That's more then 40.00 per hour of savings. More than I make at work per hour. I do stock up, but only if it's an extra sale.

Big Ticket Items

Let me tell you a few things I do to save money on big ticket items. When shopping for stoves. refrigerators, microwaves and appliances. I look online and in ads and print out or take in the ad to Sears. Sears will match and beat the competitors price by 10%. I purchased two dishwashers, 1 stove top, 1 built-in double oven and 1 refrigerator. I found the ads online and printed them out brought them into Sears and they beat the price by 10%. As a bonus, because my order was so large they delivered it for free. I live in the middle of no where, so that charge alone would have been a lot.

The model numbers have to be the same. In my dishwashers case, the model numbers didn't match so I told the saleslady that "it's ok, I will just go to the other store" Smiling all the time. She said "I can give you a much better model for a better price". I rock!

Teaching Kids About The Power Bill

I took my four children outside to the electric meter and showed them the dial spinning around and around and around... it was spinning as fast as lighting. Then I said "Go into the house and turn off the things that we are not using, then come back outside and look. I showed them the electric bill. The dial slowed down to a much more manageable speed. They now are more observant of what is plugged in and what lights are on.

Saving Money on Meals

Read more at the linke below...

Tracey from Michigan

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

Read the Rest: Click Here

Pieces of old 70's hard-case plastic luggage make really good instrument cases for those instruments which come without them! I have my old Marxophone (a zither-like thing) in one.

By Pam from L.A., CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

To extend the life of your washing machine and have less maintenance on it, set the machine to the longest and hottest wash cycle. Do not add any clothes or detergent. Instead, pour an entire gallon of white vinegar into the tub at the beginning and allow the machine to go through its entire cycle. If you do this routinely, you will extend the life of your washing machine because vinegar removes scum and hard-water buildup.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

Below is an unadvertised 25% off discount code to use online at www.jcpenney.com.

After you have everything in your shopping bag, click "yes" under "discounts", then enter code: LPOTSW12 in the "promotional code" box.

This offer is only good on regular-priced items and ends April 29, 2006.

By Marnita from Cumming GA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Instead of buying plant markers go to your hardware store and ask for a bundle of shims. These are very inexpensive wooden slats and have plenty of room to use a permanent marker to write the name of the plant.

By Connie from Ballwin Missouri

Post Feedback: Click Here

I've just started using Dove Cleansing Cloths. But they are expensive. And I can't afford to just buy them when ever I run out. So what I do is reuse them until there is no more soap. I can get 3-4 uses before I throw them away. It's saves me money.

By Joelygirl from Cerses, Ca

Post Feedback: Click Here

Do you have guys (big or little) with bad aim when it comes to the toilet? Well take advantage of their natural instinct to hit at a target of any kind.

Drain the water out of the bowl and allow it to dry or pat dry. With a waterproof paint, draw and paint a tiny but enticing object on the bottom - or anywhere you would appreciate them actually aiming. Some ideas are a frog, a fly, a goldfish - anything one might find in water. Refill the bowl and let the fun begin!

Each time they step up to the commode to take care of business, they will compulsively try to hit your target! You will be amazed at the reduction in misses when they have something to hit!

By Tripleb from Greenville, AL

Post Feedback: Click Here

When you encounter a "dud" recipe that is not to your families' liking, always try to look for ways to use those ingredients in another manner - your grocery budget will thank you! "Deconstructing" the finished product is always preferable to just pitching the offending food.

Recently, I tried a new recipe that had chicken breasts, spinach and nutmeg. My husband didn't care for it at all, but I always listen to his comments about why he didn't like the food. He felt the chicken was too bland so I took out the remaining cooked chicken and will use it in chicken salad or a chicken casserole. His primary dislike centered upon the spinach that had quite a bit of nutmeg in it.

I incorporated half the remaining spinach (finely chopped) into a subsequent chicken and mushroom pilaf - he never tasted the offending spinach and yet it made the rice dish much more colorful and appealing. The remaining spinach was frozen to use in the next large batch of minestrone soup I make. And yes, the recipe ended up in the wastebasket, but none of the food went to waste.

By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri

Post Feedback: Click Here

My husband always says I have 2 dishwashers, one on the end of each wrist.

By Barb from Hardwick, Vt

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have wanted to see Hawaii for many years, but my health is falling apart and I could never stand the hours of sightseeing. So this year, we are having Hawaii at home!

At least once a week during the summer, we'll try a new Hawaiian recipe, make a craft that looks like it would fit, or invite people over in their tropical print outfits for dessert and conversation. I'm eagerly looking forward to this.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

Post Feedback: Click Here

Submit Your Tips and Photos!

Tip Contest!

To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Photo Contest!

To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml

Contests are now weekly. We'll pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week.

Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!

Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor

Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html

I have lilac bush a friend gave me. I planted it 9 years ago and it has never bloomed. Please help. I don't know what to do.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Cheryl Hubbard from Missouri

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have three (3) Plumeria or Frangipani, two I brought back from Hawaii and the other I rescued from a neighbor's trash. None of them have ever bloomed. There are some in the neighborhood and they are in bloom now. I fertilized with "red" dynamite and still nothing happened to them. What can I do to help them?

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Christy P from Jupiter, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have a dining room table (oval) that we traded someone for, but I lost the leaves due to water and smoke damage in a fire (DH didn't want to try to salvage them!) It is from 1981 with a formica top veneer and the leaves had "hooks" on them to connect it. Looks like the manufacturer is "Cohor?" I think the model # is stamped next to the mark. Does anyone know of an inexpensive place to find replacement leaves? It originally had two, but just one would suffice since we only have the 6 chairs. Thank you!

camo_angels from Willamina, OR

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a home remedy to get rid of worms in my animals can anyone help? They look like little pieces of white rice.

Cherylynn from Iowa

Post Feedback: Click Here

I know you all talked about Zote soap, and I bought it. Now I need washing soda and assume I can find an Arm & Hammer brand in the laundry aisle? I also need Borax, I have 20 Mule Team on hand, is that what I need?

Thanks a lot!

freedombelle2001 from Oceanside, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Why do people (kids and teens as well as adults) wear their PJ's out in public? I see them in Walmart as well as the Mall! I told my husband about this and he said "no way, your mistaken, that has to be just a style of pants." Well it wasn't long and he saw it also. Now we see it everywhere! I asked my coworkers if they do this and that looked as if I were asking a silly question. They said "of coarse they do, who wants to change back into clothes once they decide they want a snack after a shower, so they go to the store as they are" What a surprise. My mom would... well i'll just say my kids would get a scolding! BUT, I see them wearing PJ's anytime... day or night. Anyone else?

Ariela from FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Need to know how to clean stainless steel fronts of kitchen appliances. I know to go with the grain, but what do I use? A commercial product or homemade?

B. Roberts from Olympia, WA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have been searching on the net and haven't been able to find a pattern for a knitted hat with cat ears. Could somebody please help. I'm sort of new at knitting so a simple pattern would be ideal?

Stefi from Sydney, NSW

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have a suggestion of what I can add to a white can of paint to add color to it. Preferably something from around the house? Any color but white, I would prefer yellow or blue.

Thanks a bunch,
Karen from Winona, WV

Post Feedback: Click Here

My Dachshund is losing hair only on her ears. What could be the problem?

Valerie from Columbia South Carolina

Post Feedback: Click Here

Our bathtub is no longer getting clean when I scrub it. There are chips in the finish and rusty areas. Replacing it is out of the question for financial and design reasons. (There is beautiful matching ceramic tile surrounding the entire tub, even the ceiling!) It is about 20 years old, an American Standard brand in light blue.

Any recommendations about tub refinishing? I would prefer to have this professionally done, but have no idea about cost or durability. Thanks to all.

Askliz from Michigan

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am trying to find new and exciting things to do on Bring Your Children to Work Day. Any and all ideas will be greatly appreciated. In other words, HELP!

Ralph from Brooklyn, NY

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have any help for buying an ice cream maker? Has anyone had a good one or a bad one? I'm tired of trying to read up on them.

Thanks,
Trish from Cotageville, SC

Post Feedback: Click Here

A few friends and I are attending an 80's rock concert in June. We ordered some band iron ons for t shirts and were planning to decorate the shirts with tassels and beads (such was the style in the 80's) but I can't seem to find any pictures or ideas on the web for this! Does anyone know where I can find them?

Jaymzeecat from Worcester, MA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for ideas on how to inexpensively start a flower / grass and shrub garden. I have a very small budget for this and am new to the area so I don't have the resources for cuttings and other transfer plants.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Thank you,
Teacherandmom from Redmond, OR

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am new to this but I have a prom dress that I wore to my senior prom and am using it for another prom. My mother mailed it to me and the bottom half is now wrinkled. I don't wanna pay to get it cleaned just for them to remove the wrinkles. The dress is polyester nylon and acetate. It says professional spot clean only and no direct heat or steam. How can I just touch it up and remove the wrinkles without having to pay an arm and a leg? Please someone help me. Thank you!

Brittyv from Honolulu, Hawaii

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have a long haired Chow dog who has two 6 week old puppies. My dog is covered in ticks. How go i get rid of the ticks that is also safe for the puppies.

Christi from Cottonwood, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My daughter wrote all over herself with a ballpoint pen and I don't know what to use to get it off. Please help.

Kasey from Hebron, MD

Post Feedback: Click Here

I keep getting slugs on my carpet overnight and they are leaving trails. How do i get rid of them, the slugs that is?

Annie from Newcastle, Australia

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you remove lip gloss spots from clothing. The items went through the dryer and now I can't seem to remove the spots.

Sandra from Perris, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Coupons for Brand Name Items

Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso

You don't need to be a professional to help your pet keep their teeth in good shape! With a little patience, brushing your dog or cat's teeth can be a breeze!

Read More: Click Here

Breed Description: Also called the Bobtail, Old English Sheepdogs are strong, compact, muscular dogs with an immensely shaggy coat that covers their entire body. Originally developed from drover's dogs, this breed has a loud, distinctive sounding bark, which he uses to announce any occurrences he deems peculiar. This breed is known for being good with children, is faithful and easily trained, but needs plenty of room for exercise.

Read More: Click Here

Breed Description: The Pug has a square, compact body, strong muscular legs, a tightly curled tail and a flat, wrinkled face that bears a sweet expression and looks as though it's covered by soot. This is a loyal, affectionate, breed that can be clown-like in its antics and tends to get along well with both people and other family pets.

Read More: Click Here

Breed Description: The Kuvasz is large, solidly-built herding dog with a wedge-shaped head, large black nose and a wavy, white coat. This breed combines strength and speed with a noble demeanor and was developed specifically to guard flocks of sheep, not herd them. Naturally wary of strangers, the Kuvasz is always fiercely loyal and devoted to his flock-whether people or other animals.

Read More: Click Here

The Humane Society of Atlantic County will be hosting it's 10th Annual Sick Bay Benefit Dinner Dance & Chinese Auction. The Sick Bay Benefit is the HSAC's biggest event of the year! 21+, Cash Bar, $25 per person, tables of ten are available. Join other supporters of the HSAC, Saturday, May 20th, 7-11pm, at the Omni Restaurant in Galloway, New Jersey. For tickets or more info, call (609) 348-8033. All proceeds go toward the care of sick or injured animals and upgrade of medical equipment.

More Information

Website:
http://www.humanesocietyac.org/

Read More: Click Here

It's not always possible to bring your pet with you when you go on vacation. Sure, there are pet-friendly hotels out there, but you often have to be in the room with your pet at all times. SO unless your idea of a fun vacation is sitting in a hotel room with your dog, you may need to consider leaving the furry family members at home.

Read More: Click Here

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:

Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.

Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.

Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.