April 25, 2007

Daily Thrifty Tips - April 25, 2007


Volume Six, Number 81, April 25, 2007 (Read It Online)

Here's today's featured request:

Fixing Squeaky Office Chairs

How can you fix squeaky office chairs?

Linda P from PA

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Susan

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Today's Photos:

Kids And Pumpkins

If growing pumpkins this season, grow them in a large container filled with compost, manure and fertile soil. Water them every day and once they are full grown and ready for harvest, take pics of your little ones with their pumpkins. You will treasure the memories forever.

By Lisa

Kids And Pumpkins

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Sparkle Organizer

The photo does not do this project justice, but it's an organizer that is very easy to make, uses materials you already have on hand, is very nice to look at, and best of all will help your kids keep their things in order.

Sparkle Organizer

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Brutus (Black Lab/Golden Retriever Mix)

My pet's name is Brutus and he is 12 years old. He is a black lab and golden retriever mix. We owned his father for 12 years. While traveling, Bud met Molly and it was love at first sight, lol. A short while later, Brutus and 7 siblings were born. Brute and his sister Sheba love to be outdoors and exploring the lake that is in our backyard. They swim, play ball, watch the wildlife in the trees, especially the squirrel that throws things at him. My babies' favorite treats are fresh apples. The vet said it was good for them, helps keep their teeth clean and good for digestion.

By Peggy from Cortland, OH

Brutus (Black Lab/Golden Retriever Mix)

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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:

Free Sites, Free Things, (Or Discounts) And Free Info

Borders Bookstore: Buy books you need (like student school books) or enjoy and receive $5.00 reward for every $150.00 spent. You are also are sent coupons and discounts and special days sales. All this when you sign up for a free Borders reward card.
http://www.BordersRewards.com

Eating Well (website): healthy info, as well as recipes.
http://www.eatingwell.com/

My Points (website): multiple products being sold, as well as info on others. With this site, just checking out these products and pressing the "Get Points" (red button) gets you 5 points which when you can use towards any purchase or, like I do, donate them to the Red Cross. It only costs me time. My daughter has received points and waited until she had enough points to receive the product for free.
http://www.mypoints.com/

P.S. I found out about other sites on My Points.

By LRP from LWL. MA

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Reuse Paint Canvas For Displaying Photos

Got an old paint canvas lying around? Perhaps from a botched painting attempt? Don't toss 'em! One great way to recycle these is this: Cover complete canvas with somewhat heavy material. Staple to the back of canvas. Hot glue ribbons in diagonal criss-crossing lines, attaching a decorative button where the ribbons intersect. This creates an extremely useful, not to mention attractive, memo/picture board!

By April from Albany, GA

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FDA Recalls By Email

Shortly after the pet food recalls started, I joined the FDA's recalls list. Since joining the list on April 1st, I've received 12 emails about pet food recalls, a few about human foods and supplements, and one about implantable medical devices. The emails are not overwhelming; I've received 24 total. The website to sign up for the free FDA-RECALLS-L is:

By Jeaninsc from North Charleston, SC

Editor's Note: This is a great resource and is how we keep informed of FDA press releases.

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Peel Potatoes With Your Microwave

All you need to do is to wash the potatoes, pierce them with a fork in several places, microwave for 10 minutes and then let cool. The skins will become wrinkled and you can then pull the skins right off under cold water. Your potatoes are now ready for cooking.

By Carolyn from E Northport NY

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Create Your Own Magnets

Have you ever bought a pretty and decorative magnet at a store? The prices on these can be pretty outrageous. I keep a package of 10 or 12 ct. regular round magnets, that I purchased at a craft store, inexpensively, on hand, at all times. Whenever you come across something that catches your eye, glue it to a magnet (or 2) and embellish as you choose. These you can keep for yourself, or give as gifts. No one will ever know you didn't pay lots of hard earned money for it.

By Terri H. from NV

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Moisturizing Techniques

It's been particularly dry this year and I have been slathering on the hand cream/face cream/lip balm!

Somehow I find that my skin reacts better when I vary the types of lotion/cream I use, so I switch off. Sometimes my hands just demand natural ingredients instead of their regular glycerin cream. I also follow a tip I learned long ago about layering moisturizers, put the lighter one on first and then layers of heavier cream. If you really want to seal it in, make the last layer petroleum jelly! (only at night, of course)

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Kool-aid Lemonade With Homemade Taste

I always use the Kool-aide brand lemonade that you add sugar to. Mix as usual but to each gallon (2 packages.) add the juice and pulp from 1 lemon. Then cut the peeling into small pieces and add also. You will have to increase the amount of sugar that you use according to your taste. I always add an extra cup for the 1 gallon. If you make it the day or night before, the flavor is even better. I get raves over my lemonade.

By Donna from Michael, IL

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Living With Dandelions Poem

Though we dug them out and sprayed 'em
And we mowed 'em into shreds
We were powerless to dissuade 'em
From filling up our beds
They doubled and quadrupled
And it was the cruellest thing
Oh, when it comes to weeds, I swear
The dandelion is king

Yes, we dumped on glycophosphate
But they came back anyway
So we poured the vinegar on straight
(The grass died right away)
We weren't stingy with the 2, 4-D
It hardly did a thing
For when it comes to weeds, indeed
The dandelion is king

They were impossible to beat
We reckoned we were foiled
Until we learned that we could eat
'em finely chopped and boiled
We sauted 'em and we fried 'em
And they added quite a zing
For when it comes to freebies, well
The dandelion is king

Now we gather them in bunches
As their tender leaves emerge
And they feature in our brunches
And we're mighty proud to serve
the weed that used to drive us wild
Yes, now we welcome Spring;
For when it comes to salad greens
The dandelion is king

By M. Whitsell from U.K.

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Squirrel Feeder

I love watching both the birds and squirrels in my yard and have found an easy way to keep the squirrels away from my bird feeders. I took an old board from the garage and hammered two nails into it. Then I got some of that dry corn from the hardware store, and put it on the nails. The squirrels love it! I also put apple and pear slices on it for the mockingbirds. Easy and very inexpensive!

By Thriftymomof2 from Pasadena, MD

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Plant Complementary Veggies Together

When planting tomatoes, plant okra in the spaces between. This saves space and the okra with it's broad leaves helps protect the tomatoes from sun scald. Also plant running beans or peas in between your corn. Saves having to stick them, saves space and they seem to compliment each other in growing. Corn needs to be up before you plant the peas/beans.

By Eula from Killeen, Texas

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Friends of ThriftyFun

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

More Information:
http://webby.com/humor

New Requests:

Painting Wicker Furniture

I have some dark green, weather-resistant "wicker" chairs that I would like to spray paint another color. Because of their protective coating I am wondering whether or not they can be painted, and with what type of paint? Thank you in advance for your input!

Jan from Louisville, KY

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Starting a Butterfly Garden

I'm wondering what I would need to start a butterfly garden with, also if anyone would have any seeds or plants to share for this garden.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Edwin from Ashland, KY

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Dealing With Someone With a BiPolar Disorder

I am looking for tips and advice for dealing with a family member with a BiPolar Disorder. It can be very difficult at times. Has anyone else had to deal with this? Any help would be appreciated.

Jan from Portland

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Setting the Dye When Making Tie-dye Clothing

Does anyone know the best way to keep the dye set after doing home Tie-dye t-shirts? I've heard something about salt and something about vinegar. Any other ideas? If using salt or vinegar, how do I use them?

Thanks for input!
Rebecca from IA

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Uses for Empty Milk Bags

Does anybody have any good ideas for reusing empty milk bags?

Joanne from Ottawa, ON Canada

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Selling Crafts and Craft Shows and Festivals

Does anyone know how I would find out who to contact about selling my crafts at craft shows or festivals in my local area?

Sandy from Bluff City, TN

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What Cleaning Products Do You Use?

I would love to know what brand cleaning products you all use in the kitchen and bathroom. For instance, what cuts grease and kills germs in the kitchen and is safe to use on metal, plastic (inside of refrigerator and microwave) and everything that most people have in their kitchen. Likewise in the bathroom, what cleans soap scum on tubs and still makes metal faucets shine? I am so tired of buying all of these items to check them out. What do you use?

Thanks a bunch,
Sandy from Metairie, LA

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Bird Feeder Suet Recipe

I need a recipe for bird feeder suet that will take the hot weather.

Kathy from El Dorado, AR

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Throwing a Pre-Prom Party

My daughter's prom is May 11. We are thinking of having a pre-prom party around our pool. We would invite all parents/anyone wishing to take pictures etc. and serve finger foods. The theme of prom is A Night in Paris. I'd like to think of something upbeat and fun to go along with their theme to set the mood and get things started... Any ideas?

Debbie from Oaktown, IN

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Recipes for a Dog With Allergies

Dog food recipes. My dog has bad allergies. I am not very talented at cooking. I would like easy to prepare foods for my dog. Thank you. I appreciate any help.

Lisa from Westland, MI

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How Old is My Dog in Human Years?

How old is my dog in human years, if he is 9 months old?

Kathy from Northridge, CA

How Old is My Dog in Human Years?

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Removing Incense Odor

How does one get rid of incense odor? We have a rental property where tenant used incense constantly with no cleaning. The smell is overpowering. Help!

K from Denver

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What is the sauce on big mac?

What is the sauce on a big mac?

Linnie from Iowa Park, Texas

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Fixing Squeaky Office Chairs

How can you fix squeaky office chairs?

Linda P from PA

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Uses for Hand Lotion

For what can I use old, thin hand lotion?

Cindy from Reading, PA

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Nail Polish Stains on Clothing

How do you get fingernail polish out of clothing?

Julie from Bloomington, IL

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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:

Coby Electronics Recalls Boomboxes Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Coby Electronics Recalls Boomboxes Due to Fire Hazard

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PreCycling: Saving Money While Reducing Waste
By Ellen Brown

Every week, the average American generates around 23 lbs of waste. A large portion of that comes from the packaging of products we buy. Research suggests that $1 out of every $11 that Americans spend on food goes toward packaging. Here are some staggering facts about packaging:

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A Guide to Non-Toxic Cleaning
By Ellen Brown

If you're like me, one trip down the cleaning products aisle at your local grocery store can leave your eyes burning, your head pounding and leave you gasping for fresh air. Making your own green cleaning supplies is not only better for your indoor and outdoor environment and your health; it can save you a bundle of money. On average, $20 dollars of commercial cleaners will cost you less than $5 to make.

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