Vol. 8, Num. 55, March 19, 2009 (Read It Online) My Frugal Life Blogs We made some improvements to the MyFrugalLife.com. The biggest chnage is it's now more difficult for spammers to post their ads which should make reading the site more enjoyable. The other change we have made is we added a spellchecker and updated the text editor. You can check out My Frugal Life and the improvements at: You can create your own blog by logging into your ThriftyFun account and clicking on the My Frugal Life image. Log into your account here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/account.ldml?account_nav=home Here are the Saving Money On... topics we are working on for Friday. Do you have any advice to share? Saving Money on Bicycles Saving Money on Board Games Saving Money on Cleaning Contact Lenses Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
Spuds is a 10 year old Boxer/Pit mix that my son gave him to me to house break at 6 weeks old and I have had him ever since. I love him very much. He is one of my 4-legged kids. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57943138.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print The sunsets over the Red River in central Louisiana are absolutely gorgeous. This photo was taken from my deck through the bare trees. However, the trees have started to bud out and soon I will be looking at the sunset through the beautiful leaves. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93485702.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I make these yarn keepers from empty 2 litter bottles Your yarn stays clean and tangle free. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73566340.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print This is a simple way to make an apron from 1 yard of 45 inch wide fabric. The apron tie become a drawstring which you pull through the top of the apron thus gathering it up. The size becomes adjustable. these aprons are fun to make and so easy. They make nice gifts as Mother's Day is coming soon. I've made them for our church fair and they sold quickly. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66488969.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Lemons as an Alternative to Easter Eggs My grandchildren don't care for eggs, but they love lemonade and lemon cookies. Rather than waste eggs, I decorate lemons and hide them for an "Easter Lemon" hunt. This will work with limes and oranges also. When all (or enough) of them are found, we make a big pitcher of lemonade, make lemon cookies together and enjoy the 'fruits' of our labor. Materials
Doggypaddler From San Antonio, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80907516.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | 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!
Joke: Husband Remembers Anniversary My husband was bragging one day about remembering birthdates of all the family. I said "If you're so smart, when is our anniversary?" He hesitated and looked unsure. Then turned to me and said "I know, once a year!" Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59789667.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Carpet Stains and Burns When I have carpet issues, I first use some Dawn detergent on a microfiber cleaning cloth. When that does not work, I get out my acrylic craft paint, some q-tips and dot the paint over the stain until it matches the carpet. Use minimal paint and work slowly. With carpet burns, you may have to take manicuring scissors and cut out some of the burned/frayed fibers; then paint. Use blow dryer to dry. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95592905.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Dishwasher Detergent as a Replacement for Soft Scrub Instead of buying "Soft Scrub" for your cleaning where you need bleach, buy liquid dishwasher soap. It has bleach and works great. The best part is that you get 3-4 times more for the same price as the Soft Scrub and it goes farther. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14585889.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Make Your Own Bra Strap Holders Have you seen the mini-infomercials for the round plastic bra strap holders to allow you to convert your bra for inward-facing t-shirt straps - so that your bra doesn't show? I hate that. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47148267.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Digestive Problems for Manx Cats This is a solution to Manx diarrhea and their digestive problems. This is very common with the Breed. Many vets do not see a Manx in their practice and when they do they are not certain how to deal with it. They are known to have bowel problems and it stems from their shortened vertebrae. They can be sensitive to some foods and do not recommend giving them milk. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62552565.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reviving Your Limp Celery and Carrots I had some celery in my fridge which had gone really soft and limp. I was complaining about it to a friend (since it was almost an entire stalk!) and he told me that the celery was just dehydrated and it was easy to get it back to its original state. Just cut the bottom of the stalk, then use a pitcher or vase, fill with water and put your celery in. Within a few days it will be crisp again! This can also be done with carrots (bottom part at the bottom of the pitcher). Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23684800.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Here is the absolute best paint brush cleaner recipe known to man: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65556326.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Small Bow Tie Pasta for Picky Eaters Children are greatly affected by "shapes" of their food. The smaller bow tie pasta is great way to encourage them to eat. Get creative and serve food in different sizes and shapes for those picky eaters! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67232885.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print A great family bonding activity, is for each family member (or pairs) to make a board game. I taught school for over 30 years and had my students, (grades: 2, 3, 4, and 9) make their own board games, complete with cards. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71529722.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Brown Bag Bananas And Store In The Fridge When buying bananas, buy the green ones. Put them in the fridge in a brown paper bag. Make sure you take them apart one by one. No need to buy green bags, this works much better and adds the shelf life. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11613978.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print
Heartworm Medication Recommendations I am looking for recommendations for heartworm medication for my dogs. I would also like one that prevents ticks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75776985.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I live alone, but when I cook I make recipes for a family, then put portions into small 1 or 2 cup containers and put them in the freezer. Then I take them out when I want them. However, often when I do, they are freezer burnt and I have to toss them! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15209991.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Grass in Sunny Areas Not Growing Well I need help getting my sunny Florida grass green. The shaded area of my lawn is doing well and sunny area around the pool just does not grow well. Thanks for the help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30523310.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Stains from Tissue Paper on Sweater I unpacked my suitcase to learn my mousse had leaked through and got a green piece of tissue paper wet on my cream-colored sweater (70% cotton 30% nylon). Now I have green spots all over one of my favorite sweaters. I tried tide and bleach and it helped somewhat but still looks bad. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69709813.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas My daughter is getting married on July 4. Her reception is on the balcony of a restaurant overlooking the Gulf. The table chairs are wrought iron. Do you have any ideas for decorating for the reception? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29890319.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Knitting a Sweater Without a Knitting Board I have finally found a pattern (online) for a very simple knitted boat-neck pullover sweater. The problem is that it is done on a knitting board, and I have never used one. I would prefer using the regular two needle method. I'm sure this can be done, but I don't know how. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73982270.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I left my Hummingbird vine in tact over the winter. When should I cut off the dead remains to get it ready to reseed itself for Spring? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58611388.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing Herbs in a Container Garden I am interested in growing herbs in a 14-20 inch pot on my deck this summer. Is it possible to grow them in a pot or will they spread too much for that type of gardening? What herbs would be best for container gardening? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28037363.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Does anyone have a pattern to make fleece stockings? Not Christmas ones. Thank You for any and all help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36874870.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Inexpensive Finger Food Recipes I am looking for quick inexpensive recipes for finger foods for my niece's wedding. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17090612.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print My best friend has a 3 month old grandson who sometimes has trouble going to the bathroom. I remember when my kids were small we mixed Karo syrup in water and gave it to them. But I can't remember what the mixture was. Can you help? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88474200.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I need to make a mobile of my child's life to date. For example, 2003 turned 1, started to walk, etc. up to age 6. Does anyone have any creative ideas on the actual mobile? I was thinking of hanging photos off colored string attached to a coat hanger. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37563891.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Inexpensive Gifts for Cheerleaders As the assistant coach for the cheer team at the local high school, I am trying to find an inexpensive gift I can give to the seniors on the squad. We have 9 seniors this year! Last year, we found some small teddy bears at the local drug store that had cheer uniforms on in the school colors. If you can believe it, we only paid about $2 apiece for those. I am looking for any ideas you have to share with me. Thank you so much! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40805555.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Board Game Themed Table Decorations I volunteered to decorate one of the tables for dinner at a church activity. Every idea is different and I chose board games. I will use a Twister mat for the tablecloth and different board games for placemats. I plan on covering the table with plastic so if something gets spilled it won't ruin them. But I would like to do something tall for the middle and I can't think of anything. I am looking for an idea. Any help would be great! Thanks Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54356627.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I've used consomme, but I'm looking for a less expensive substitute. I've tried substituting beef broth, but it's just not the same. Consomme seems to be thicker, like maybe having gelatin in it. Has anyone successfully substituted something in place of consomme in recipes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88916460.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I have just bought a potted outdoor plant and was told its a Galansia or Galanzia. i live on an island in the Mediterranean where its very hot in the summer and reasonably cold in the winter. I tried to get as close as possible with the hardiness zone equivalent in the US. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33576705.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I took a trip to Oregon and went through an area that had lavender farms. I am in love with the fragrance! I have tried to grow it in South Texas but I guess it's too warm! Is it possible to plant seeds now and expect a harvest? Rosemary grows a lot here and it seems to be the same type of plant. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86080525.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Planting Marigolds for a Science Fair Project I like marigolds and I'm planting one for my science fair project. I don't know what to do though! Can someone please give me some helpful hints? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57788946.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Diabetic Buttermilk Rusks Recipe I am looking for a diabetic buttermilk rusk recipe. Can anyone help? I have a friend that is a diabetic and she is desperately looking for diabetic rusks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93125360.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I was wondering if anyone might know what breed of dog this is. I got him a couple of months ago and have done lots of research to try and figure out what breed he is but no luck! He is about 12 weeks old. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39262604.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Preventing Snails in the Garden Is there anything I can do now (Spring) that will prevent my garden and whole backyard from getting creepy snails? I know a few tips on getting rid of them but I would prefer preventing them from visiting altogether. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23825525.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Does anyone know how much Norman Rockwell dolls are worth? I have 2 that are at least 20 years old and still in the box. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21156885.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Pattern for Square Velour Bags I have been looking for Velour bags for my daughter's best friend's baby shower favors. My girl has decided to give out China luncheon plates with 18K gold rim, as a thank you. We will write information in the middle of the plate with gold pen. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30729612.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I have a problem with prickly, thorny shrubs invading my garden. I live in Massachusetts. I just looked at my garden this afternoon and found one already! Its roots are very deep. How do I get rid of these invaders? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46551845.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Colloidal Silver for Dog's Ear Infection How do you use the Colloidal Silver for dog ear infections? Is it giving by mouth or a drop in the ear? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72098714.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Varathane Finish is Still Tacky I used oil based stain on an area of a coffee table that I had used water based verathane on. The stain has stayed tacky, what should I do? Thank you for any help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56928843.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I need fresh fun ideas on a birthday party held at a park for my 10-year old. She is a girl but there will be boys and girls there. Her father does not want to spend much money and we have to consider food and party favors in this whole party package. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40644072.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print I have a red Popsicle stain on my white carpet. It has been there a little over a month. I have tried bleach and peroxide. Any suggestions would be great! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64233412.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making a Blanket With a Knifty Knitter I would like to find a pattern for making a baby blanket with the Knifty Knitter loom. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98072626.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print We need Plans to Make Airplanes from Coke Cans. Actually any plans to make anything from Coke Cans. My friend owns a Bar so we can even get the long Beer cans if needed. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf361241.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print
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:
Educational Craft Kits Recalled by FloraCraft Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: The surface coating on the educational kit's wires can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33211844.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Nordstrom Recalls Girl's Shoes Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: Surface paint on the outer sole of these shoes contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45223697.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print State Farm Recalls Good Neigh Bears Due to Choking Hazard Hazard: The eyes on these bears can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47602272.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cannondale Recalls Road Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard Hazard: The bicycles fail to meet the federal safety standard for bicycles. Spoke protector discs, required on bicycles to prevent the bicycle chain from interfering or suddenly stopping the wheel, are missing from these bicycles. This poses a fall hazard to the rider. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15116078.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print
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