Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 149, June 17, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Another busy day for requests, look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. We even have a casting call from a TV producer looking for the "Queen or King of Cheap". For more information visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf869921.tip.html
The Fourth of July is right around the corner, if you have any ideas or tips for the holiday, please submit them.
We also have another gardening article by Ellen Brown about Organic Gardening. You can read it at the link below:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf188549.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Making Ribbon Roses
By Marnie McCown-Guard
One of the easiest and most inexpensive craft project to add flair to your home or wardrobe is a simple ribbon rose. Ribbon roses can be made in any color and are perfect for adding elegance or fun as a brooch, pen top or barrette. A ribbon rose can even add panache to guest towels or throw pillows.
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Something Good to Do with a Dandelion
Take a picture of it. I took this picture with my digital camera. There is a macro function and finally you can do something good with dandelion.
By Michelle Poulin
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Brownie (Dachsund)
Brownie reading paper and falling asleep.
Gath
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Today's Tips
Tip for a Multi-Level Home
If you have a multi-level home put a small container near the stairs. Put items to go upstairs or downstairs in it so the next time you go up you can take it. It saves running up and down the stairs.
By Syd
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Organzing Your Closet
Tips to help you organize your closet. Post your ideas.
Raise the closet pole up high but under the top shelf. Depending on the size of your closet, one side could be for the short items and the other for the long. Purchase ready-made book case type storage units (Lowe's) and put it on one side, I used two side-by-side and made an extra shelf for each one. You can store a lot of your sweaters, T-shirts, shorts, jeans, etc. on the shelves, much like they stack them in retail stores. There is storage room near the floor - to store shoes on the floor.
Everything is neat and very visible. Use larger plastic storage boxes for out of season items and store on the top shelf. You will find that you have more dresser draw space and less hanging of blouse type items in the closet.
Closet organizing units sold tend to be expensive if you buy the whole unit!
Each situation will be different. Use your imagination.
By Syd
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Keeping Your Shoes Tied
Tips to help you keep your shoes tied. Post your ideas.
Trouble keeping shoelaces tied? Dampen them before tying. They will dry and tighten.
By Syd
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Mix Your Own Everyday Spices
Garlic salt and onion salt is nothing more than mixing some garlic powder and onion powder with salt. Much cheaper to make it yourself than buying small jars in the grocery store.
Other similar spices can also be made. Check it out.
By Syd
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Dry Erase Boar on the Refrigerator
Put a dry erase board on the refrigerator door for important dates so you will see it every time you open the 'fridge'.
This works well for the two of us, however, if you have many more family members, perhaps a calendar will work for you. I still list all appointments on my calendar in my office where I pay bills, etc.
Kind of like a safety net!
By Syd
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Testing Freshness of Baking Soda
If you can't remember when you bought your last box of baking soda to bake with. Pour a 1/2 teaspoon vinegar onto a dab of baking soda, if it bubbles, it's fresh.
By Terri
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Use For Leftover Meat Loaf
A pal told me when they have leftover meatloaf, they use it on nachos. They crumble up the meatloaf in small pieces & combine with sliced ripe olives, chopped tomatoes, hot cheddar cheese soup over tortilla chips, not for just snacks, but they make it a meal.
By Terri
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Covering Babyseats When You Park Your Car In The Sun
Keep a white towel in your car for covering the babyseat, steering wheel or front seat during hot sunny weather. That way no one gets burned. It really does make a difference. Always check babyseats to see if they are too hot for little ones. And don't forget the seat belts, too.
By Dee
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Iced Tea - Tips and Recipes
Tips and recipes for making iced tea. Post your ideas.
Koolaid and Iced Tea
Add a packet of unsweetened flavored drink mix (kool-aid) to a batch of iced tea for a great change. I love lemonade with tea. It makes a great tea cooler.
By Dee
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Uses for Ice Cube Trays
Ideas for using ice cube trays for something other than making ice. Post your ideas.
I purchased some extra ice cube trays for freezing things OTHER than water.
Freeze kool-aid, juices, leftover sauces. Just place in a labeled freezer bag after frozen, and they can be used one at a time.
I like frozen koolaid cubes in my lemonade. It gives it a great flavor.
By Dee
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Things To Consider When You Buy Something
At least it is for me! When I am thinking of buying something, I make myself stop long enough to consider the following questions:
1. Is this a planned expenditure or an impulse buy?
2. Am I able to put it to good use right now?
3. How often per year will I be able to use it?
4. Do I have the cash to pay for it right now without impacting anything else?
5. Where am I going to put it or store it at home?
Most of the time, I decide against the purchase after the first couple of questions but if I make it through all of them, I ask myself do I really need this and what else will I be giving up if I do purchase it?
I have found during the past couple of years that I am able to avoid almost all impulse spending in this manner and even most of the planned purchasing. The only thing that is multiplying and expanding is my savings account, and the elimination of any debt, which makes me very happy. This is the 8th month in a row where I had more money left at the end of the month than I had planned on at the beginning.
By ronsan
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Remedy for Stinky Shoes
Remedies for stinky shoes. Post your ideas.
I put baby powder in my shoes every day to keep them from smelling bad, this is especially great for work-out shoes that tend to smell bad from all the sweating.
By Crystal
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Saving Money on Magazines
Tips for finding cheap magazines. Post your ideas.
If your magazines are a one person read, find out if the library carries the ones you like and take some quiet time for yourself. Read them at the library for FREE.
By Syd
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Save Money on Dish Soap
Tips for saving money on dish soap. Post your ideas!
Sam's Club carries the Restaurant Grade ProForce dish detergent in the gallon size for $3.86 (as of 4/21/05). Much cheaper than the grocery store for smaller bottles.
By Syd
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Preventing Moldy Cheese in the Refrigerator
To keep cheese from molding, put a sugar cube in the cheese container. No more moldy cheese!
By Terri
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Uses for Old Coffee Cups
Ideas for reusing coffee cups for something other than drinking a beverage. Post your ideas.
They make excellent containers for a small plant to give as a token gift. Also, use them under the sink to store dish brush and scrubbies. On your desk they're great for pencils and pens. In your craft room to rest your bottles of tacky type glues tip down, so glue is in the tip when you want to use it.
By Syd
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Inexpensive Higher Education
Our state allows older citizens to attend higher education for $l0 a semester. This allows them to take classes to help with hobbies, learn new skills, etc. It saves a bundle. They audit the class but who cares when learning how to use software or increase hobby skills. I suspect other states do the same.
By Jill
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Another Use for Wrought Iron Plant Holders
In the dollar store there are foot high thin wrought iron plant holders, (to lean plants on) some have wire flowers on them, instead of putting them in a flower pot, I made small fences in my garden with them.
By Ginny
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Decorating With Throw Rugs
I bought a throw rug, with a picture on it, actually a wilderness scene, and hung it on my wall. It looks great and very colorful.
By Ginny
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Uses for Old Trophies
Even trophies that you won can lose their meaning as time passes. What are some ideas for reusing them?
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Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
Marble Slabs on Award Trophies
Many times after years have passed, old trophies are put in yard sales, or donated to thrift stores. The marble pieces can make nice paper weights when you glue on a decorative object.
Makes for a nice token gift!
By Syd
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
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Photo Contest!
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Contest ends July 15, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests:
Carpet Stain Remover - Tips and Recipes
Does anyone have a homemade solution to treat stains or spots on carpeting? I currently use an expensive product that works great, but would like an alternative. I have a light colored carpet with kids and cats! It is a nightmare to keep clean... (Wish I could afford new carpeting!)
Patt
Post your favorite recipes and ideas.
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Sweet 16 Birthday Ideas
I'm having a Sweet 16 birthday party in August with about 15 or less guests, mostly all girls. We are on a budget and I have no ideas. Please help,
Breanna from Michigan
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Herbal Remedies for Fleas
I would like to know if anyone has a receipe for a homemade herbal remedy for flea on cats and dogs. I do not want to use chemicals, and since I have quite a few cats. I thank you for any help you can give me. Also something for ticks would be nice.
Evelyn from GA
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"American Freedom" Float Ideas
I need any ideas please. This years theme for the Fourth of July Float is "American Freedom". We have a 20 foot float, so we have room to work with, just not a lot of money. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated, we really want to make it fun for the boys.
Thank you
Den Mother
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Perennial Sweet Peas Stopped Blooming
I planted perennial sweet peas 6 years ago. They were very beautiful and bloomed every year. But this year there's only one plant that came out. Does anyone know what could of happened?
jojogirl
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Decorating a Hall for My Birthday
Well I am having a 15th birthday party. It is going to be a dance in October. I need some advice on how to decorate the hall that i am going to have it in. What colors i should go with? I really like the baby colors lke baby blue, light pink and yellow. Any advice?
Macy
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Grease Stain on Cotton Shorts
Just recently as I was eating a quesadilla, grease spilled out of the end of the piece I was eating and spilled on my shorts. The shorts are 100% cotton. I washed them once and hang dried them and the stains are still there. Any ideas on the best method to remove the stain?
Thanks in advance,
Brandon
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Rotten Onion Smell Inside a Wooden Cupboard
There was a really bad odor from my kitchen and I couldn't find out where it was from. Until one day, I found out that I had some rotten onion inside the cupboard, under the stove.
The rotten onion was pretty disgusting, some liquid came out and it had a very intense odor. I immediately cleaned that up, wiped the inside of the cupboard with different types of detergent and cleaning fluid. I thought it was cleaned, but the smell stays.
I think some of the liquid from those rotten onions seeped through the wood, and that's why the smell stays.
Please give me some advice on how to get rid of that odor. Every time I opened the door of that cupboard, I felt that I was going to throw-up.
Single Guy
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Patterns For Yorki Clothes
I would like to know if anyone has a pattern for making yorki clothes. My daughter just got a yorki and she weighs 5.01 Lbs. I have checked out some of the clothes they sell, the price is insane! If any one can help me out I would like to make her some clothes for her puppy. Thanks.
As soon as I get my digital cam. Fixed I'll send you all a picture of her baby. Her name is Aruba!
Destiny
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Cat With Bad Diarrhea
We have a one year old cat that has severe diarrhea. The vet said there are no worms, but really didn't offer any good advice on how to cure her. Does anyone out there know of what I could give her to help? She poops all over the house, and I'm talking like 10 times a day! Thank you.
Cindy
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Siberian Husky/German Shepherd Dog Mix
What is the best environment for Siberian Husky and German Shepherd Dog Mixes?
Tia of Vacaville
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Remove Urine Odors From Mattresses
I need help getting out urine odors from my sisters mattress.
Nikki
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Protecting Backyard Wildlife From a Cat
I have a duck nesting in my backyard. There are about 7 eggs inside and they're due to hatch anytime now. The problem is the cat next door and the owners who refuse to do anything about it. We've patched the holes in the fences, bought cat repellent, set a cat trap loaned to us by our local animal control, and rigged some wire fencing along the top of some of the entry ways on the fence. I know cats can be very clever and unless I can sit in the yard 24/7, I fear the ducklings are doomed.
I read the suggestion about the balloons and you can bet I'm going to try that, but anymore suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Sandra
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Curry Smell In Apartment
I moved into an apartment. This apartment smells of curry. I was told the previous tentent cooked with it regulary. I would like to know how I can get rid of this smell. The landlord has repainted the apartment, cleaned the carpets but the smell is still here. Any suggustions would be greatly appricated,
Thanks :)
Deb
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Looking for a Queen or King of Cheap
Hi! I'm a producer for a new syndicated show hosted by a fresh, young celebrity who is looking for the thriftiest people in America that think they are the "Queen or King of Cheap!" I loved your advice and was just wondering whether you, or, someone you know has other creative ways of cutting corners or making a dollar stretch?
I came across your site while doing research for an upcoming show that I am working on currently. I love the site and the readership that you have. They are exactly the types of people that I am looking for this segment. The segment will be taping very soon, so I would like to be able to get a feel for the interest level from the readers of the site.
We want to hear your amazing stories and tell them on TV! Please email us details along with your contact information and a current photo ASAP to leshawn.mapp@tyratv.com!
Le'Shawn Mapp
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Clear Nail Polish Stain
I spilled clear nail polish (top coat) on a black cotton, GAP zip-up and I have no idea what to do or anyway to make the stain appear less visable?
Can anyone help?
Thank you,
Hayley
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Unusual 12th Birthday Ideas
I am having my birthday party and I want it to be something that is unusual, but I am up for any advice or ideas. I have a budget of around $100 or $200 for around 5-15 kids. I am going back to school right after my birthday so I want something that most of my friends, and that i can enjoy. Please respond as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Ashley
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Basset Hound With a Rash on Belly
My female bassett hound has developed a rash all over her belly. It is the first year she has ever had this. She is eating the same food and drinking the same water. All of a sudden she has red blotchin bumps on her belly and under her lit arms.
I took her to the vet and he said that he has had 10 other bassett hounds like this but failed to know the answer. He was going to call a dermatologist for pets but I have not heard a response. I live in the deep south and the heat is very hot. I have tried everything: calamine lotion, triple antibiotic and others....
Does anyone a home remedy that is affective.
Thanks and help please,
Dar
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Removing House Paint From a Car?
I parked to close to my garage wall and paint from the wood is on my car. The thinner layers i was able to rub off, but for the thicker layer I was wondering if there was an easy way to take the white paint off without taking of the tan car paint?
Tia
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Repairing Bathroom Tiles
I have two bathroom wall tiles that came off. How do I re-attach them and with what?
John Cook
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your request here: Click Here
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manage your finances? Now you don't need to. Budget Stretcher
premium offers everything you need to learn how to get the most
out of your money in one place with no ads or popups to deal
with. Learn more by clicking on the below link:
http://www.budgetstretcherpremium.com
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More Reading
Green Up Your Garden Organically
By Ellen Brown
An organic garden is a garden that works in cooperation with nature. It minimizes and replenishes the resources it consumes. It's a place where every aspect of the environment; gardener, plant, animal, insect, micro-organism, weather, season, etc., assumes an important role in achieving overall balance with the surrounding ecosystem.
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