|
|
|
Hello,
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We have a lot of new requests today, please look them over. We also have a nice article by Ellen Brown about PreCycling in the More Reading section. Only a couple more days to enter the tip and photo contests. Hope all of our readers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida are safe after Katrina.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Lots of great art supplies at DickBlick.com
http://www.thriftyfun.com/thriftylinks/tf241337_tfl.html
Today's Photos
What do you get when you hand four bandanas to a crafty kid with her own sense of style? The result just might be this very cute two piece bandana halter top and skirt. The little set is not quite no-sew, but the few stitches that you take are so simple that it's hardly sewing at all.
It looks especially cute in traditional bandana paisley print in bright tropical colors. Try mixing and matching colors for the bandana top - bright fuchsia with lime green or yellow? Red and blue? Black and red?
Materials
Instructions
For the top:
1. Fold two of the bandanas in half diagonally.
2. Holding them up to your body to adjust measurements right, position triangle's point about 4 inches below each shoulder.
3. Tie the two bottom points together at the front even with the breastbone.
4. Fold down the triangle point on one side to the inside of the top. Using the needle and thread, tack the point of the triangle down to form a 'channel' to run the ribbon through.
5. Repeat with other side of bandana shirt.
6. Cut ribbon to 1 yard lengths. Run 1 piece through the channel formed by sewing the bandana points down, bringing the ends together at the top. Knot ribbon together just above the fabric to keep ribbon in place.
7. To wear: tie remaining to ends of triangles together at center of back. Tie ribbon together at back of neck.
Variations:
You can also experiment without different ways of tying the bandana.
For a little girl, use just one bandana. Fold into a triangle and tie the two long points at the back. Fold down the top of the triangle, tack in place with a couple of stitches and run a ribbon through the channel to tie at the back of the neck.
Again, using just one bandana, lay the bandana flat. Fold two opposite points in diagonally to meet in the middle. Slip bandana lengthwise through a belt buckle ring to secure the center. Tie remaining two points together at the middle of the back. Spread 'cups' to cover chest area.
For the skirt:
1. With right sides facing, put remaining bandanas together. Measure down about six inches from the top of each side and mark.
2. Sew seam from marking to approximately 6 inches from bottom of bandana.
3. To wear: slip on and tie at each side of hip.
Post Feedback: Click Here
I just have to send this picture that my Sister sent me. Two of her Cats had kittens and they took them and put them into the trunk of an old Caddy sitting in the yard. Aren't they beautiful! And they all sleep together. I am glad I live too far away to get one LOL.
By Fran
Post Feedback: Click Here
T-Shirt Blanket: Seven Steps to Preserving Cotton-Embossed Memories
As I was getting ready for college, I realized two things: one, I had too many t-shirts. Two, I loathed parting with said T-shirts. Here's how to keep those well-worn memories fun and useful.
So there you are, commemorate life events without donating or throwing out your past.
By Sarah Hale
Post Feedback: Click Here
Rooting in water is one of the best ways to start a plant - just take a few snips from a plant that you love, being sure to include a growth node or two. Strip off any leaves that will be beneath the level of water in the glass, then place the stem end into water in a clear glass container. Stand it in a sunny window, and within a week or so, you'll see the roots beginning to grow.
From the time that I was little, there was nearly always a cutting from a plant sitting in a glass in a sunny window in my grandmother's kitchen. I continue the tradition when I can, but my own tastes run to using the glasses and jars that I find in my shopping travels. Beautiful glasses are so very inexpensive, and lend themselves to creating lovely things. I seldom can pass up an unusual piece of crystal. The shape of this glass is unique, but the garden idea can be used with any wide mouthed bowl glass, or even a large brandy snifter.
The peace and serenity of an Oriental garden are equal parts color, living plants and the natural stone. Even the structures that are placed in the garden are in keeping with nature - sandstone or natural wood, in lines that harmonize with the graceful shapes of garden plants. The materials used for the cuttings planter are simple to find and easy to assemble.
Materials
Instructions:
1. Wash and rinse glass well.
2. Dump river rocks or aquarium gravel in a sieve or colander and wash well under running water.
3. Fill glass with rocks to just below the rim of the glass. If using a brandy snifter, fill to just below where the glass begins to bell inward.
4. Strip any leaves on bottom 2-3 inches of cuttings. If desired, dip ends of stems in purchased rooting mix.
5. Carefully insert the ends of the stems into the rocks, nudging stones aside with fingertip if necessary.
6. Arrange benches, pagodas or other decorations on surface of rocks.
7. Fill glass with water to just below the level of the rocks. Tap water works just fine. Distilled water is 'dead' water - while it's pure and free of any contaminants, it also has no nutrients in it. If desired, you can mix rooting mixture according to package directions and substitute for the water.
Caring for your planter: Simply top up the water any time that the surface of the rocks is dry.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Kokoa Girl (Pitbull) "Prettier than a Black-Eyed Susie"
This is a photo we would like to enter of our Kokoa Girl. Our baby just celebrated her 3rd birthday and is "Prettier than a Black-Eyed Susie"! Besides her beauty she has a personality that would melt your heart for sure. Visitors are often intimidated when entering our driveway to see this 70 lb. Pitbull standing so magestic with her chest puffed as our great protector. It only takes seconds for our guest to realize that Kokoa Girl has a squeeky toy in her mouth wanting someone to play with her. Her love is so unconditional and has been by far our most lovable 4- legged animal. One of favorite things to do besides her daily walk is to stop at the local ice cream parlor for her scoop (or two) of vanilla.
Please consider her as a contender..
By Diana Harder
Post Feedback: Click Here
Today's Tips
My recipe for clothing wrinkle remover is amazing! It saves energy, time (less ironing or using the sprinkle-with-water-then-throw-in-the-dryer method), money and embarrassment! When I bought aerosol wrinkle remover, it worked great, well worth the price, I thought. I noticed an alcohol smell. When my name-brand product ran out, I tried mixing rubbing alcohol 50/50 with water in a fine-mist spray bottle. It works really well on most wrinkles. (Not the ironed-in kind--sorry!).
Spray the wrinkles, smooth out the fabric, let dry. It dries quickly. It works better if you're NOT wearing the garment, but you can carry a tiny spray bottle with you for emergencies. Great for travel! Of course, always test an inconspicuous area first.
By Elizabeth Cardell
Post Feedback: Click Here
Use canning rings to make round egg patties for egg sandwiches. Just put a canning jar ring on your skillet, add the egg contents inside the ring and cook until the egg has solidified. Apply a little cooking oil to the ring to prevent sticking. Eggs will fit perfectly in between small hamburger buns, bagels, or English muffins.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Friends and Family Mailing Lists
Consider setting up an email discussion list to help stay in touch with friends and family. Assuming your family members are computer literate, it can be a great way to post announcements and stay in touch with family members all over the world. Two popular, free, discussion list services are: Yahoo Groups http://www.yahoogroups.com and Google Groups http://www.groups.google.com.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Dressing Kids in Matching Outfits
Because of our work schedules, my husband usually gets our 2 year old son dressed in the morning. He's a wonderful father, but heaven help him, he cannot put matching outfits together very well! To make things easier, I made up a set of hangers with the days of the week on them. On Sundays, I go through my son's closet and put outfits together, then hang one on each "day of the week" hanger. On weeknights, I take out the outfit for the next day and hang it on a hook that's next to our son's changing table. That way, my husband has an outfit all set to go in the morning, and I can rest assured that my son won't be going out in public looking like he chose his outfit himself!
By Lisa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Here are a couple of ways to create your own waterproof stick matches for camping trips. Melt a small amount of paraffin wax in a double boiler and dip your the match head in the melted wax, then let dry. Or, coat the match head with clear nail polish.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Packaging Homemade Goodies as Holiday Gifts
Look for Tins for Christmas Goodies
Here's my tip for homemade Christmas gift ideas. I do a lot of baking during the holidays and give the goodies as gifts. My tip is to search out yard sales/garage sales now (in summer) for tins to put the goodies in. It sure beats paying top dollar in December!
By Karen in NH
Post Feedback: Click Here
Need to clean that nasty microwave? Don't waste your money on those expensive towelettes, simply place a mug of water inside the microwave, heat for around 1 to 2 minutes, carefully remove the mug and easily wipe the inside of the microwave clean as a whistle.
from ~Harm0ny~
By Harm0ny
Post Feedback: Click Here
Tips to help you prevent freezer burn. Post your ideas.
Cutting Down on Freezer Burn
Save all the thin plastic bags that you bring home with produce in them. Then, when you freeze chicken or meat in ziplock bags, first put them in a produce bag and push out as much air as possible. Insert into your ziplock and seal it. This will serve two purposes. It will cut down on freezer burn, and it keeps the ziplock clean and reusable for additional freezing. Plus, you can put several packages into one ziplock.
By Harlean from Arkansas
Harlean has some great craft recipes available at this link:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/columnists/harlean.html
Post Feedback: Click Here
If you run out of fireplace matches, long matches that are useful or starting fires or lighting pilot lights, use a long piece of spaghetti. Just light the spaghetti and use it as a match. Also works for lighting candles that have wicks that are tough to reach (like birthday candles).
Post Feedback: Click Here
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends August 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests
I recently read that shallots have the most antioxidants of all members of the onion family. Can these be diced and sauteed like regular onions? Put in casseroles? How quickly do they burn? By Holly
Post Feedback: Click Here
4 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas
I am hosting a party for my 4 year old daughter. it is only a little tea party but I am stuck on ideas for party games. The party guests range from 2 years old to 5 years old so the games can't be too hard. There will be boys and girls at the party.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern
I am looking for a crochet pattern for a shell stich baby afghan. It was originally sold in kit form at Lee Wards. The baby is due in early December! Please advise if you know where I can obtain a copy of the pattern. I have tried several pattern sites with no results.
Chris Olsen
Post Feedback: Click Here
Is there a way to discourage squirrels from feasting in my garden? They have eaten every apple on my three trees.
Diane
Post Feedback: Click Here
I left the windows on my cars open, and of course it started to pour that night. To say the least, with heat and humidity I have an awful moldy, mildew smell in it. I have vaccumed the car, and tried to air them out, but there is still this awful scent. Any help would be much appreciated.
Kim
Post Feedback: Click Here
Some clothing (cotton, polyester) were left outside in a bag. When I opened the bag the clothing was damp and spots of mold had formed all over them. Do you have a rememdy for getting the mold stains out.
Diana, London, Ontario
Post Feedback: Click Here
Transplanting a Weeping Cherry Tree
I have a weeping cherry tree that was transplanted from the front of my house to the back yard 2 or 3 years ago. I would like to bring it back to the front and was wondering when would be a good time to move it or would it be wise not to do so?
Thank you.
Bee
Post Feedback: Click Here
About 3 years ago I brought a rug with a rubber back for my linoleum kitchen floor. I have now noticed that the tile has turned yellow. How can I remove it?
Thanks,
Gail from Kentucky
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have been doing paper napkin crafts on glass for about 4 years off and on since A.C. Moore (a local craft store) came to Maine. I was just wondering what I could use other than using Mod Podge to put the nakins on the glass. Is there any other glue that you can put on glass? I tried Mod Podge glue but it leaves the paper bumpy and you can see the glue.
Thanks,
Elise26
Post Feedback: Click Here
I'm a student council member at my school and we have chosen the '70s as a theme for our homecoming. I am in charge of finding ideas for things for us to do while at the dinner, entertainment and so on for all of us (who will be dressed formally). We have a low budget though, and a somewhat tough crowd. I would appreciate any ideas. Thank you!
Elizabeth
Post Feedback: Click Here
My car seats are red leather. I have a 1/2 inch blue ink stain on my back seat. How can I clean it off?
Michelle
Post Feedback: Click Here
After a party one of the garbage bags leaked and now the garage smells like old garbage! Help!
Thanks,
Kim from IL
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am a 16 and girl and I will be moving into a room upstairs. I don't know what colours to paint it and color to carpet it. It's a medium sized room and looks north so it doesn't get much light although, it's not too dark. I really like the color pink but I don't no weather to go for a hot pink or pastel pink. I want a color that's warm, inviting and pretty but not too girlish. Any advice?
Thanks,
sunshine123
Post Feedback: Click Here
I'm looking for a recipe for pear sauce, made like apple sauce.
Thank you,
Kay in IL.
Post Feedback: Click Here
A recipe I have calls for 100g/4oz of flour and 50g/2oz of butter.. How much flour and butter is that?
poopsey
Post Feedback: Click Here
Does anyone know how to get grass to grow over oil spots? The people who lived in our house before must have parked their car on the grass and their car dripped oil. There are 3 areas, each about 16 inches. I've tried covering with potting soil and reseeding. Grass grows, but dies within the month.
Irene
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Supports From Fruit Trees
I planted 3 fruit trees this past spring and I want to know when would be the right time to remove the supports that came with the trees. My trees look healthy, but have not grown a leaf since I planted. Are the supports keeping the trees from growing?
Susan
Post Feedback: Click Here
Can anyone tell me how to remove the sticky stuff that is left behind when an applique is removed?
sewingmamma
Post Feedback: Click Here
Perspiration Odor On Work Shirts
I am curioius how to get the perspiration smell out of my husband's cotton T-shirts. He works outside and they are soaked from perspiration and I can't get smell out. I tried baking soda, but it didn't helpl. Any ideas or advice?
Kim from SC
Post Feedback: Click Here
It is our first summer in our new house (it's a townhouse). Recently there have been tiny, brown, flying insects around the house. They don't bite and would go unnoticeable if not for the white walls. They are getting to be annoying on the walls. Is there a way to find out what they are and whether they are harmful to humans or wood work and if so, how do i get rid of them? Note: they don't bleed when squashed.
Thanks,
Jack
Post Feedback: Click Here
I hope someone can help me. About 3 days ago my son and I went and got groceries and he brought the groceries in but he did not bring in the milk. So yesterday I am going to lunch with a friend from work, still had no clue this was in my car, when I got home after wondering what the stink was I opened the trunk and there it is. The gallon had exploded and rotten milk was all over my trunk. My car stinks so bad. I tried spraying carpet cleaner and I have an air freshener but the smell is not budging.
Thanks in advance,
Tammy
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have recently purchased a green 100% cotton skirt. The skirt is gorgeous however it has only been worn once, as I have washed it and when it came out the wash and dried, I found white water marks all over it. Please can some tell me how I might be able to get them out as I am desperate to wear it again.
Many thanks for your help
Cara from Gosport (England)
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am looking for information or adresses of where to get free items without paying postage and handling.
Jan, NC
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am in the process of completing the striping of my old wood floors and have sanded them down to the bare wood. Can anyone help me with the easiest and most effective way to refinish them? Should I look for a stain and then a poly coat to seal them? I know that a latex coat of both is efficient these days. Can anyone describe the process?
Thanks,
Brian in Montana
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Odor From Dresser Drawers
I have an old dresser in great condition. Except for the odor of the drawers which gets in the clothes. I've tried fabric softner sheet, potpourri pouches, etc. Any suggestions on how to eliminate odors from wooden drawers?
R. Sharp in MO
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a lot of old plastic floppy disk cases that snap close. They are the plastic ones that are 5.5" that you can sit on a shelf or stack. I need some ideas for what to do with them. I already know about giving them away free on Craig's List. Before that, I wanted to try to to find some ideas here.
Thanks,
Carrie
Post Feedback: Click Here
We have an outlet in our kitchen that we have used actively. The other day while popping some popcorn the outlet threw, sounding like the breaker going off, however when I got to the box nothing was thrown and now this outlet doesn't work. Any ideas?
Stephanie from BC
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a chocolate brown fiberglass bathtub (we built in the 70's, what can I say). The tub seems to show every water spot and I was told to wax it. Has anyone every done this, what kind of wax do I use and how often?
Thanks,
Pico
Post Feedback: Click Here
I am in desperate need of any advice given to me in getting rid of fleas in apartment and on two cats. Pulling up the carpeting is not an option here and the building I live next door to is abandoned and the yard is atrocious.
Aisha from Virginia
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have marks on my linoleum flooring caused by those felt circles that are supposed to prevent furniture from scuffing the floor. They now appear to have caused permanent yellow lines on my linoleum flooring. Any ideas?
Johanna
Post Feedback: Click Here
How do you remove an old motor oil stain from a car carpet?
Thanks,
Deb from NE
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Nail Polish from Clothing
I would like to know how I can get nail polish out of clothing?
karmelkrn
Post Feedback: Click Here
Curtain Color For Burgundy Carpet
I have a burgundy carpet and light cream walls. I just don't know what colour curtains to buy that will go with the room. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Portugueza
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Lots of great art supplies at DickBlick.com
http://www.thriftyfun.com/thriftylinks/tf241337_tfl.html
More Reading:
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:
Read More: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
More Stuff
Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.
Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.
Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
