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Hello,
A quick note about our publishing schedule over the holiday weekend. Tomorrow we will have an abbreviated version of the Daily. As usual we won't publish on Sunday but we also won't be publishing any newsletters on the Fourth of July. We will still be activating new requests on Sunday and Monday so feel free to drop by the website and ask your questions or respond to them.
For people in the US, have a great Independence Day weekend.
Susan
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Today's Photos
Reupholstering a Dining Chair
By Shauna Smith Duty
Turn your old chairs, or even thrift store finds, into custom dining room furniture. With some unique fabric, any chair that has a removable seat can become new again. The best part of knowing how to reupholster dining chairs is that you can change out the fabric whenever you change your décor. You can also use the same upholstery fabric for cornice boards or curtains, wall covering, throw pillows for an adjacent room, or to cover accessories like lamps and storage bins.
What you'll need:
Depending on the state your dining chairs are in when you start your project, they may need to be glued for stabilizing, sanded and painted, and they could also need end caps on the legs to keep them from damaging hardwood or tile flooring. Reupholstering is the last step of refurbishing dining chairs.
Remove the seat by taking out screws from the hardware beneath the seat (see photo). If the wood of the seat is in bad repair, use the old wood as a template to cut a new seat from plywood. With a screwdriver, remove any staples, nails, or tacks that hold the upholstery in place. Discard the old fabric and staples. If the batting or foam cushion is decaying, be prepared to replace it at this time. Batting or foam can be purchased at large fabric stores or craft stores.
Using the seat bottom as a template by laying it on the wrong side of the upholstery fabric, cut around the seat, leaving about 4 all the way around. The extra fabric will be wrapped beneath the seat. Now you're ready to reupholster.
Layer the wooden seat, the batting or foam, then the fabric (right side up). Turn this layered pile over so that the board is up. You may want to place the pile on the floor and press on the center of the board with one knee. Stretch the fabric around to the back of the board, and then staple it. Staple the four corners first. Then pull with even pressure and staple the remaining fabric to the board. For rounded corners, do not cut the fabric. Fold it under itself, like a dart, and double staple it. Once the fabric is secure and stretched to a tension that you like, trim excess fabric. Replace the seat bottom onto the chair with the original or replacement hardware.
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Lulu is her name. She is 3 yrs old and is an American bulldog. I recieved the dog from my friend 1 yr ago. She likes to play outside with kids and go to the park and on walks. It's more like she walks me.
By Billee
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Last year I found it hard to make a costume for my daughter Savannah. So I gathered together some of my oldest son clothing. I dressed her like a Tom Boy. Take a look.
By Maria Lozano
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My son Elijah and his pet bull frog Fred. I thought about the princess looking for a prince, but whoever thought about a prince looking for a princess.
By cynthia deloney
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Today's Tips
Money Saving Tip: Hold Onto Your Change
When making purchases, use only paper bills. The change you receive goes into a jar and eventually gets rolled and deposited into a vacation fund or christmas account at your bank. Watch you savings grow!
By Beth Daley
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For a cheap way to say I Love You to someone special, take an eraser and write a special message such as I Love You with maybe a heart or something on the bathroom mirror. When that special someone takes a shower, the steam will cause just your message to stand out!
By Debbie Rhodes
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For caged birds, when refilling their food bowls, don't throw the old seed away. Usually there are many unused seeds in the bowl. Instead take 2 containers of the old seed outside on a mildly windy day and pour the seed from one container to the next. The wind will blow away the used seeds (because they are so light) and all you will have left are good seeds. No more waste!
By Christine Griffith
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I have found that using silicone mats for baking is the best. However, these sheets aren't the easiest things to store when you are done with them. So my solution to this dilemma was to use an empty paper towel roll and roll the silicone sheet up and stuff it inside. I find that way I can simply slip it into a drawer or cupboard.
By Tania Henderson
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I have 2 homes 1500 miles apart and while traveling from one to the other I pack all the frozen food in a box and shipped it on the baggage compartment of the airplane. I saved $50 dollars in food that I am now using at my other home.
By Sylvia Belle
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Tips for transplanting seedlings. Post your ideas.
When to Transplanting Seedlings
This year I decided to get over my fears of starting plants from seeds. In the past I had no luck transferring the seedlings outside so I decided to think like an adolescent plant.
One thing I discovered is that if you transplant the seedlings on an overcast day in the late afternoon, gently soak the soil around them after planting, gently tamp around their base after soaking, they adjust much better to their new surroundings. They would rather not have you fussing around them in front of other plants but they need to know that you are there.
By Bekkicat
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Organizing Your Craft and Sewing Supplies
Easy to See Craft Supply Organization
Keep craft supplies organized in clear containers.
By jwilson
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Using Disposable Diapers In The Garden
Disposable nappies (diapers), yep those things that millions and millions of are disposed of in rubbish bins all over the world every day, can be used in your garden. Remove the plastic outer and other unwanted 'bits', (or just use the "cleanish" ones), and put it in a bucket of water. It expands quite an enormous amount and then can used as an additive to potting mix or when planting something in the garden. It holds the moisture and saves heaps of landfill. I have tried this with the 'grandbabies' nappies and it does work.
By Trish
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Buy those dollar store picture frames, and download un-copyrighted pictures from the internet for expensive looking prints!
By Christine Griffith
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Save time and money on healthy brown rice by buying just the plain natural long grain rice. Cook the whole package at once. I cook about 3 pounds at a time. Cook until within 10 minutes of being done, drain and cool and package in individual freezer bags. When rice is needed for a meal thaw out a bag and cook in chicken (or other) broth with herbs and seasonings for ten minutes for a healthy, thrifty, and very tasty side dish!
By BRENDA RILEY
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Tips for saving money on laundry soap. Post your ideas.
Using Less
The best money saving tip is never fill the soap powder cup full or to the line they give you in the package. If you use 3/4 of what they say to use it will clean just as well.
By Aurelia Casson
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Tips for planting bulbs. Post your ideas.
Planting BulbsKnowing Where Your Bulbs Are Planted
Depending on your location, you may plant many different bulbs at different times of the year. To avoid planting a bulb in a spot where there is already a bulb use popsicle sticks to mark the locations of the bulbs when you plant them. I use colored sticks so I know which flowers I planted and where in the garden.
By Susan Fredge
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If you have student loans which you cannot consolidate and they are at a high interest rate, compounding daily, then search for a credit card that will allow you to transfer balances at a low fixed interest rate for the life of the balance. You will be able to pay down your debt after a certain period of time.
By Christy Maldonado
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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!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends July 15, 2005
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New Requests
Removing Hairspray Build Up on Walls
I have a small bathroom with the wall behind me getting a good coating of hair spray everyday when I get ready. The wall is a light yellow and the spots are showing up WAY too clearly! How do I remove this without ruining the paint?
Thanks,
Paula in GA
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Permenent Marker Stain From Clothing
How do you get a sharpie permanent marker stain out of a 100% cotton polo shirt? Can anyone help?
Carla
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I would like to know tips for storing lettuce.
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The Best Time To Shop Clearance Sales
I read about shopping when clothes and other items are on clearance, but when is the best time to shop summer clearance? Winter clearance? I just bought a new home and our budget is tight, so any where I can save money, I'll try. Please post your tried and true ideas.
Regina
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Storing 5 Gallon Plastic Buckets
Does anyone know of a FOOLPROOF way to treat 5 gallon plastic buckets before stacking and storing them so they will come apart easily when I need one. I like to keep a few around but getting one released from the other is a major problem.
Seagrape
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Can someone tell me how to build a raised flower bed (around a tree) with rocks? How do I keep the rocks secure? I don't want the soil falling out from between the rocks and I certainly don't want the rocks falling down! Is there a substance that will 'glue' the rocks together and fill in the spaces between them?
Sherry
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Removing Tape From a Woven Fabric Seat
I want to remove old tape of a 60's baby blue floral, shiny and dull, woven fabric seat of a chair. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Cynthia
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I would like to know tips for storing fenugreek leaves (along with stems, no roots).
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Does anyone have any experience with planting a limb (or stem) of a wisteria that was trimmed off of a vine? It has no root system. I am experimenting, and so far after 4 days using Miracle-Gro soil, the three twigs are still living.
Joan
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Can anyone suggest the very, very best carpet cleaner for a van (that has been destroyed by children) for six years, other than having a commercial detail cleaning?
Joan
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Older Versions of Corel Print House
I'm looking for an older version of Corel Print House. Also, it MUST CONTAIN "Corels Family & Friends" calendar & event Reminder.
I tried everywhere,ebay, corel and many other sites. I know that Corel Print House Magic Deluxe has "Family & Friends", Photo House 3 and Print House 2.
I bought this program years ago but no longer have the disc. It's installed on my older computer but I would need the disc to install it into my newer machine.
I installed the Corel Print House on my older computer using the original disc (that I no longer have) but I didn't copy that disc to the computer at the time.
I have no "setup" or "install" programs in theProgram Files/ Print House files. I'm trying to get (buy?) a copy of the original from some one who might have it.
Does anyone know how I might be able to get this program?
Glass
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I got my cell phone signed with a black sharpie and now the signature is starting to fade. Do you know of anything I can put over it so it wont fade or scratch off? I was thinking clear nail polish, but I am not sure.
Thanks,
Nicole
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I clean several houses and all of them have garden tubs (large bath tubs) with jets. The jets are alwyas yucky with mildew, I assume. Do you have any fast tips on cleaning these things?
Thanks!
poteet76
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Decorating Advice for Seafoam Green Carpet
I'm moving into an apartment where I cannot change the carpeting. It is in good shape, but the color is a seafoam green. The bedroom is a blank slate, but I do not know what color to use with the green on the carpet. It is very hard to match with all of the olives and sages that are so popular now. I am just at a loss of what to do with this unpopular color.
Kara from Illinois
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I bought some zuccinni plants this year and put them in a sunny place in the garden and they get plenty of water. The problem is, everytime they get a yellow flower on them - it lasts a few days and then drops off - I get no zuccinni! Does anyone know what I am doing wrong? I bought 3 plants and have planted them very close together.
Wanda in Nebraska
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Installing Flooring on Particle Board
I moved into a house which I am buying. I am living alone except for my critters and recently it has been a challenge. A section of square, pre-glued linoleum came loose from the dining room floor. Then several more loosened and came up. Underneath the flooring appears to be particle board?! It has pieces of sawdust material, and when I swept it, the pieces kept loosening.
What do I do? The flooring pieces say not to put them on top of particle board. The rest of my house has lovely wooden flooring but not this section of the house. Can something be painted over it to seal it and then linoleum or indoor outdoor carpeting put in it? I cannot afford to have a new floor. Advice please?
Thanks so much!
Michele
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Cool Summertime Cooking!
By Cyndi Roberts
Summertime--and the living is easy! But the kitchen is hot!! It's time for some cool cooking recipes and tips!
1. Cook outdoors. When you have some time, perhaps on the weekend, grill up several entrees at once. Then freeze and you have your main dishes ready for the next week.
To help you out, here is a marinade recipe that I use for the "cheap" cuts of beef and pork:
Just whisk it all together and pour over your meat. Let sit in fridge, turning occasionally, for a couple of hours.
2. Use your crockpot. You don't have to make a complicated recipe. If you are short of time in the mornings, just put a whole chicken in the crock, salt and pepper, cover and cook on low all day. When it's suppertime, all you have to do is add a salad and you're done!
3. Learn to use your leftovers. The chicken leftover from your crockpot can be chopped and made into a casserole that can be warmed up in the microwave:
Mix 1 1/2 to 2 cups chopped chicken with some chopped onion, a can of cream of mushroom soup, a can of cream of celery soup and about 1 1/2 cups of cooked macaroni. Pour into a casserole dish, top with cheese and heat in microwave until heated through.
4. Cook in the cool of the morning. If your family just has to have that fried chicken, why not do it in the morning and warm it up at suppertime?
5. Stop by the deli--I know this is not the most frugal idea, but if you pick up a main dish, all you have to add is a couple of sides when you get home. And it's still cheaper than taking the family out!
"Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love." --Craig Claiborne
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Controlling Weeds Organically
By Ellen Brown
A garden filled with weeds will yield about half as much as a weed-free garden of the same size. In fact, one of the most common causes of a failed garden is letting weeds get the jump on your plants. Organic gardening doesn't attempt to eradicate weeds, just control (manage) them. Here are some guidelines to make sure you retain the upper hand.
Understand Your Opponent
Like plants, weeds come in annual, biennial and perennial varieties. To control them effectively, you need to be able to identify them visually and understand their life cycles.
Annual weeds (e.g. Pigweed, Lamb's Quarter's and Ragweed) are best pulled out or cut off at the surface before they flower and set seed. They won't re-sprout, so let their roots decompose in the soil.
Biennial weeds (e.g. Common Burdock, Mullein, Queen Ann's Lace) can be effectively controlled by cutting off their flower stalks or by digging them out in their entirety.
Perennial Weeds (e.g. Bindweed, Canada Thistle, Dock, Quack Grass) are the toughest to control once established. They can reproduce by roots, bulbs, runners or seed. Pre sprout them by digging out as many as possible and letting the soil rest a week or two until new sprouts appear. Dig those out and then plant. Don't try to kill weeds by tilling them under or chopping them into tiny bits-you'll only find them sprouting all over!
Prevention is the Best Medicine
You can't stop wind from blowing weed seeds into your garden or birds from dropping them from overhead. Nevertheless, you can employ a number of tools to keep them to a minimum.
Solarize Your Soil
Prepare your soil for planting, water it well and cover it with dark plastic. After four weeks, the sun's heat (as hot as 160ºF) will have killed any weed seeds and harmful microorganisms residing in the top few inches of the soil. Let the soil dry before planting and avoid disturbing it to prevent deeper lying seeds from reaching the top.
Avoid Imports
Weeds can be imported to your garden from the soil of plants received as gifts, a rotten veggie tossed off to the side or as part of compost or fertilizer (especially horse manure). Before adding compost, mulch or new soil to your garden, pot some to test it for weed sprouts.
Plant Through Plastic
This is great for smaller gardens. Prepare soil for planting, water it thoroughly and cover it with dark plastic. Make small slits in the plastic to plant your seeds. The plastic will keep weeds from sprouting, though it may be more difficult to add compost or soil amendments later if necessary.
Space Plants Appropriately
Spacing plants correctly allows crops to naturally shade the soil and prevents weeds from sprouting. The leaf tips of mature plants will just touch each other if spaced appropriately.
Mulch Like a Maniac
Once your plants are a few inches tall, weed thoroughly then mulch. Weed control is just one of the many benefits of mulching; it holds in moisture, adds nutrients to the soil, improves soil structure, prevents soil-borne diseases, encourages worms, prevents run-off and keeps flowers and veggies clean!
Get Down and Dirty
Pulling weeds by hand is still one of the most effective methods of weed control. Try to remove weeds before they set seed. Moist soil makes them easier to remove. If the tops are seedy or you're unsure of the weeds lifecycle (annual, perennial, etc.) don't compost them, bury them away from your garden.
Control Weeds with Water
Underground and drip irrigation systems deliver water only to the plants you're trying to cultivate. This minimizes the amount of moisture water-competing weeds have access to.
Plant Cover Crops
Planting cover crops (grains, clovers or legumes) over the winter will protect your soil from erosion, enrich it with nutrients and inhibit weed growth all at the same time. Cover crops planted during the growing season act as mulch around fruit trees, shrubs and perennial vegetables. Consult with your local extension agent or garden supply store to find out what types of cover crops work best for your climate and soil.
A Word About Organic Herbicides
Soap and vinegar based herbicides are available commercially, but read the labels carefully because many are not safe for food gardens. These herbicides are usually non-selective and can damage both crops and weeds if used incorrectly.
© 2005 ThriftyFun
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