January 12, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - January 12, 2010


Vol. 8, Num. 7, January 12, 2010 (Read It Online)

We hope everyone had a nice weekend.

We are still working on a back log of contest contenders. We will announce the winners for last week tomorrow, which will be on schedule. The winners for late December and the beginning of this year will be announce later this week. Thank you for your patience!

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.

Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

Joke of the Day

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:

Family: Layla Doesn't Like Messy Hands

This is Layla (my grandaughter). She just turned one year old on November 23rd. She does not like for her hands to be "messy". She did not want to eat her Birthday Cake, she wanted someone to clean her hands off! Her daddy swiped icing on her mouth, she did not do it.

By Faye from Pink Hill, NC

Layla Doesn't Like Messy Hands

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Craft Project: Handmade Baby Carrier Cover

Fleece cover to stretch over the carrier. The flap comes down over the baby's head to keep the wind of of it's face.

Handmade Baby Carrier Cover

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Craft: Crown Royal Pillow

I made a pillow using Crown Royal bags. I couldn't find any cool patterns online that utilized the unique Crown Royal signature logo, so my mother and I designed our own pillow. I would love some feedback. Thanks.

By smokey84 from Charleston, SC

Crown Royal Pillow

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Atlas (German Shepard)

This is Atlas: Holding the World (Atlas). He is 6 months (June 20, 2008) and a German Shepherd. I got him from a breeder at 13 weeks old.

He likes Schutzhund, Herding, Rally, and Conformation. He's a cool pup!

By Tiffany from Statesboro, GA

Atlas (German Shepard)

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use A Mini Binder For Organizing Recipes

I try to plan dinners in advance by choosing recipes and listing needed ingredients on a shopping list. The shopping list is always written on a sticky note and attached to a first insert (card stock) of my mini binder (7x4.5 inches) which is always with me in my purse.

I attach the sticky note to a handle of a shopping cart at a grocery store. I put the recipes I am shopping for in the same binder in Ziploc sandwich bags. The recipes stay in the binder till I have time to prepare it. The protector gives some durability to the magazine clippings and also protects from the kitchen grease when I am actually cooking (I attach the Ziploc bag with a recipe to my refrigerator with a magnet).

By Elena from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Use A Mini Binder For Organizing Recipes

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


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:

Watch School Closures for Discarded Treasures

The elementary school across the street from my home was closing its doors due to a new school was built in another location. The teachers had to clean out their classrooms. So, one evening, I was over at the playground with my girls and noticed a very large dumpster. In it was 2 wooden bookshelves, a wooden TV cart, a heavy duty plastic rolling shelves that I just COULD NOT leave behind! (along with other items, a cute little lamp with a "energy efficient light bulb, an unopened bag of markers, new pencils, new crayons, plastic containers and bins, etc.) Anyway, I sanded the wooden pieces and spray painted them! You would never be able to tell they were "trash" treasures now!

April from Demorest, GA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use Oil Filter Remover for Big Jar Lids

I bought a gallon jar of pickles, but had to wait for my husband to come home to open the jar. My hands just weren't large enough to get a good grip on the lid. Next shopping trip he bought something that is made to loosen oil filters from cars. He found it in the automobile department. It works great on large jar lids, so I no longer have to wait for him to open jars for me!

By Kathryn from Virginia

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Scented Sleepy Time Pal for Kids

Do you have a hard time getting your child into bed for the night? Then you need a "sleepy time pal". All you do is buy any stuffed animal (that has no metal zippers, eyes, or parts). With a seam ripper, open up it's belly and insert a muslin bag that you've filled with lavender flowers (or any potpourri).

Sew the animal's belly back up with matching thread with the bag towards the "skin" and near the seam. Then right before you're child goes to bed, just microwave this specially stuffed animal for only 30 seconds and the scent of the lavender flowers will waft up through it's fur. This is sure to delight any child and make bedtime more fun!

Note: Lavender flowers can usually be bought where they sell bulk teas and spices.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Getting Kids To Reuse Towels

Everyone that has kids, has lots of laundry! I've got four myself. The kids never wanted to pick up their towels and re-use them. I had to get tricky. I now take the towels they use and hang them over other laundry baskets to dry (only takes a day and I usually layer them), then I fold them up and put them back in the closet, like they've just been laundered! Yep, I have to use the laundromat, so it saves me lots and towels make big loads. They still haven't caught on.

Source: Source is from one tired mom with lots of laundry!

By Christie from Turlock, CA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Apartment Hunting Tips

When I search for a new apartment I keep the following things I want in mind:

1. Opt for no corner units as you are heating and cooling 2 walls instead of one and there is no wind-break on corner units. Try choosing a unit in the middle of the building.

2. Most apartments only have windows, patio doors on one side of the unit (unless of course you choose a corner unit); so by choosing a unit that does not face the West and is in the middle of the building (especially in the summer) you do not get the direct heat of the afternoon sun; therefore helping save on your A/C (electric) bill.

Another plus to this is you can enjoy your patio much more by sitting in the shade and not the direct sun. And if you have plants, you will not have to water them as often, therefore saving on your water bill. Last but not least, if your parking spot is directly in front of your apartment, your car will be shaded usually by 5:00 or 6:00 (I am on central time) so should you have to go somewhere, it will not take your car's A/C near as long to cool the inside.

By Donna from Roanoke, TX

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Refillable Optical Lens Cleaner Bottles

While at WalMart today, a friend wanted some spray lens cleaner for his glasses. There were two sizes available and he picked the large. The lady behind the counter told him that if you buy the small one you can take it to any WalMart optical department and they will refill it free.

Source: A local message board.

By Terri from NV

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Straw Hat Repair With Hot Glue

I wear a straw hat when outside to protect my eyes and face. I walk a mile every day, as well as, work in my garden, and flower beds. Instead of buying a new one when my hat has gotten torn in places, I fixed it with hot glue. The hat works like a new one and saves money.

By Kathleen W. from Dothan, AL

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Thrifty Liquid Dishwashing Dispensing

I have a tip to help save on dish washing liquid and to look pretty at the same time. I went to the Dollar store and bought a decorative oil dispenser. I use less liquid and it looks pretty on the sink.

By Pat from Valley Grove, WV

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use ConTact Paper For Patterns

If you're like me, you probably have a few patterns that you use over and over, til they fall apart. I solved the problem by using clear contact paper. Cut pattern apart. Place contact paper with backing side UP. Peel enough of backing off to place pattern piece on it. CAREFULLY place pattern piece on contact paper. Can be either side up, sometimes I cover both sides, if it's a real favorite!! Patterns will last a long time, and won't rip or wear out so fast.

By Craftynanny from Hartwick, NY

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Cooking While Your Kitchen is Being Built

We are building a home and we haven't completed our kitchen. This has been a challenge with the cold weather as I have no oven. My indoor cooking consists of a microwave. You have to be pretty organized to complete a hot meal.

We have moved our gas grill onto porch (right by front door with the cold). It also has a gas burner. I use the burner during day while light out and make a big pot of soup sometimes. Almost anything you can cook in an oven, you can do on the gas grill. What we do is put bricks (leftover from building fireplace) on the grill and put food in dish on bricks.

Last night we had chicken thighs in bake pan with marinade, with roasted potatoes. Yum! Another tip is sink. I won't have a sink for a bit and I kept going out to motor home to wash dishes. We put in a $30 laundry sink where the sink will go and I will use it for gardening when I get a "real" sink.

Source: My smart husband.

By Sherri from Lyle, WA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Max dies and leaves Sadie with a total of $20,000 to her name.

After everything is done at the funeral home and cemetery, she tells her closest friend that she has no money left.

The friend says, "How can that be? You told me you still had $20,000 left just after Max died. How could you be broke?"

The widow says, "Well, the funeral cost me $5,000. And of course, I made a donation to the temple, so that was another $5,000. The rest went for the memorial stone."

The friend says, "$10,000 for the memorial stone?

Vayismere! How big is it?"

"Three carats."

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

New Requests:

Flying Bugs on Houseplants

How can I enjoy my house plants without those pesky little flies? I don't want to spray anything on the plants because I'm afraid it may harm them, but the bugs are driving me crazy! Any suggestions? Please help!

Serena from Austin, TX

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Home Remedies for Acne

I use honey daily on my face. I have oily skin. I am looking for some homemade recipes to get rid of pimples, scars and black heads.

Shans

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Bissell Little Green Machine Reviews

How effective is the Bissell Little Green Machine Model: 1400D on upholstery and carpet that has not been cleaned in a long time.

Christine from Halifax, NS

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


George Foreman Jr. Rotisserie Manual

I am looking for instructions for a Baby George Foreman Rotisserie.

Nanette

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Selling Pine Cones

Where can I sell my pine cones? I live in Canada in British Columbia in the Okanagan. I have access to a lot of pine cones and want to start selling them in their natural state. Can you help suggest any place that buys them. Thanks so much!

Sue

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Planning a Driving Trip

Starting at New Orleans, LA, driving to the Grand Canyon, to Vegas, to Los Angeles, and then back to New Orleans. Can this be done, with sightseeing, with a 2 week schedule? I want to see and do everything possible. This is actually my honeymoon! Thanks.

Nolasandy from Kenner, LA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Removing Wheel on MTV Riding Lawn Mower

We have an MTV Riding Lawn Mower and my husband has been trying to take off the back wheel. He removed the bolt and tried to pull it off. It wouldn't come off, so he sprayed it with WD40. No luck,so he bought a puller and he said all it was doing was bending stuff. Can you tell me what the problem is and how he can get it off safely without tearing something up on it. We would be so grateful. Blessings to all of you and thank you.

Kay from Clyde, Tx

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Ezekiel Bread Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for the Ezekiel Bread, like you buy at the Health Food Store? My husband is on a No Sugar, No Flour diet and this bread is very expensive to buy. I would appreciate any help from you. Thanks.

Wanda from Clio, MI

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Wedding and Reception Locations in New Orleans, LA

I'm looking for somewhere to do a wedding ceremony and a reception (cocktail, buffet, or whatever) for 100 people in New Orleans this June. It doesn't matter if it's all in one place or two locations. I have a max budget of $4000 for everything. Any suggestions?

Stephanie from St. Louis, MO

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Washing a Down Jacket

We have been gifted a small sized 75% down jacket, for a petite person. I fixed the zipper, and now we have to find a new owner! So, since we now have a nice little down jacket, how can I launder it safely? The label says "dry clean only" but I do not permit dry cleaning chemicals to touch my skin, much less the unsuspecting new owner.

Its shell is rip stop black nylon, and who knows what is the composition of the 75% down inside. How can I launder this jacket and have it come out of the washer and dryer in tip top shape? Thank you all ahead of time!

Jane from Baltimore, Maryland

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Repairing Wood Paneling

I have one room in my house that is all paneling. Every wall is floor to ceiling. At first I really liked it, but it is mostly a spare room and when my outdoor chain link fence fell, I kept my big, completely outdoor dogs in that room as I did the repairs. Needless to say the beautiful wood paneling is now scratched and nicked and hideously damaged in more than one spot from my dogs jumping up on the door, window sill, etc.

Most of it could possibly be sanded out, but there are multiple deep grooves and it would be a lot of sanding. I had planned on covering or replacing it anyway, but now I don't know how to go about it. Should I just rip it down or should I sand it and paint it? I know nothing about this kind of home improvement, but I don't have the money to pay someone who does. Any advice would be appreciated!

Corie from Nashville

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Getting Rid of Dog Eye Stains

How do you get rid of eye stains on dogs? Are there home remedies that actually work, that are safe?

Cathy from Roseville, CA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Decorating a Shared Bedroom

We need ideas on how to decorate a room that is going to be shared by a boy and a girl. Our son is 3 1/2 and is in to sports and our daughter is almost 1 and we're doing a princess theme. Unfortunately we just moved into a house that is smaller than our other house and they are having to share a room. I'm wanting to paint it in a way that matches both of their themes! Any ideas? We are on a budget too!

Tonya from TN

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Recommendations for Inexpensive Digital Camera

What type of digital camera do you recommend? I would like an inexpensive, very easy to operate camera, that comes with all the software I would need. I would be using it to post photos on ThriftyFun and other sites. It doesn't need to hold loads of pictures either. Just a good picture and value for my dollar. Something I can pick up at Wal-Mart?

Dede from Macon, MO

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Bugs on Plants That Were Brought Inside

I have brought plants inside for the winter and have little tiny brownish colored bugs all over a new sprout. They fall from the windowsill to the counter and they are getting really aggravating. I have tried wiping them off with a wet paper towel but they just come back. I have also tried spraying them and the whole plant with a mixture of water/dawn dish liquid. Any suggestions?

Amanda from NC

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Hanging Holly Under Windows

I noticed this year a lot of people had a flat piece of holly with a red bow in the center placed on their windowsills on the outside of the home. I would like to do this next year and was wondering how to keep it in place.

Amanda from NC

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Getting Kids to Sleep Through the Night

I have 3 year old twins that have recently started waking up during the middle of the night, off and on for 2 or more hours. I'm exhausted, and so is my husband. Please share any tips you have to help them stay asleep!

Michelle

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Reusing Pasta Water

Is it safe to re-used water that pasta has been cooked in? Say I'm cooking pasta for dinner when my roommate comes home and is going to the same. Can I drain water from my pasta into another pot and have her re-use it?

Michelle

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Cabinet Front Has Turned White

The dark wood kitchen cabinet front above the microwave has an area that has turned white. What caused this? Steam? How do I clean it?

Irene from Oshkosh, WI

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Finnish Wedding Cake Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for Finnish Wedding Cake? It is a very moist yellow cake and it has fruit in between the layers and on top of the cake it is piled with different fruits (strawberries, grapes, bananas, oranges, etc.) in a centerpiece arrangement.

justhelpingout from Chassell

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Fudge Came Out Gritty

I always made the Never Fail Fudge on the back of the marshmallow fluff container. They changed the recipe and my fudge came out gritty. Any ideas or recipes for smooth easy fudge?

Kelly from NH

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


12 Year Old Learning to Use a Sewing Machine

My 12 year old daughter is interested in a sewing machine. She has never used one, nor have I for that matter. If I purchase a cheap model, can she learn how to use it by following directions that come with the machine and of course patterns? Just a thought for Christmas next year. Thanks.

Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Homemade Bird Toys

I want to find how I can make my own bird toys and to make the Happy Hut. I am a senior and can't afford to buy new ones. Thanks.

Marcia from Spokane, WA

Homemade Bird Toys

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Male Cat Nurses Itself to Sleep

I know this is very odd but I'm at my wits end. My 9 month old male cat who is been neutered "nurses" himself at night. He seems to do this every night in my bed and he has to be touching me. To me it seems to be a form of self pleasure for him. I know this is a bad topic but if anyone can help me I would be grateful. I love my cat very much and want him to be healthy. I also have his sister but have not noticed any odd behaviors from her. Why does he do this? And should I be worried?

Julie from Greenwood, SC

Male Cat Nurses Itself to Sleep

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Organizing a Charity Dog Walk

I would really like to devote some time to launching a charity dog walk this summer or fall. It would benefit a wonderful organization in my area, which provides no-questions-asked reduced price spay/neuter services. Sometimes they even drop their price to $10 per pet, and they take a deeper loss just to get more pets fixed. Any advice on where to start with something like this (plus prizes, locations, etc.) would be greatly appreciated!

Stacey from Dorr, MI

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Selling Plywood Yard Art

Is plywood yard art a big seller and are there many people doing it?

Anatole

Selling Plywood Yard Art

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Protecting Hardwood Floor from Cat Pee

Is there something I can put under a rug to keep cat pee from getting on the hardwood floor? When I have gone on vacations, my cats pee on the rugs, beds or what ever they find that is fabric. Their way of saying they don't like me leaving. I was hoping someone might know what I can put under the rugs to prevent cat pee from going on my hardwood floor.

Stacy from Simi Valley, CA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Knifty Knitter Dog Sweater Patterns

I make lots of hats and scarves, and love them. Especially the hats, they are really fun. I want to know how to make sweaters for my two chihuahuas if anyone has a pattern.

Ginger

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Games to Use for Homeschooling

I'd like to get some of the games like Diner Dash and such for my kids to use as part of their homeschooling. I was wondering if anyone knew what I could use them as subject-wise. Math, Economics, etc. Their a little young now but I like to play them too! Thanks in advance for all your help.

Jessica

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Spam Emails Being Sent from My Account

It looks like someone has been using my acct to send spam. I keep getting failure notices for mail (spam) that I didn't send. How do I stop this? Thanks.

Angela

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Coat Hanger Yarn Cat

Does anyone have a pattern to a yarn kitten or cat pattern made with a clothes hanger? It is made like the poodle dog.

Martha from Smithdale, MS

Coat Hanger Yarn Cat

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Using Silicone Bakeware

I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with the silicone bakeware. I had a loaf pan given to me, but with no instructions. Do you have to grease it at all? Does the food you bake come out easily or break into pieces? I'd kinda like to get a muffin tin if they would come out OK. I would appreciate any info!

Barb from Liberal, MO

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | 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

More Reading:

Enhance a Child's Learning Without a Tutor
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Tutors can cost $20 or more per hour, but often with younger students it's the mindset of learning that can add to their educational success. At home, try to piggy-back on what information is delivered in school. It's important to create the idea that learning is continuous, and a little more practice at home can make a world of difference in understanding.

Enhance a Child's Learning without a Tutor

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Saving Money on Cleaning Products

Tips for saving money on cleaning products as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your ideas below.

Saving Money on Cleaning Products

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Interactive

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

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

Feedback

No feedback yet. Click here to post feedback.

Related

Post Feedback

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Be the first to post feedback!

Feedback:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: