ThriftyFun Logo
Home   Find   Ask   Share   Answer   Join   Index   Login  
 
 User Login:  Username:    Password:      Forgot It?  | Join ThriftyFun!

 - Beauty
 - Budget and Finance
 - Cleaning
 - Consumer Advice
 - Craft Projects
 - Craft Tips
 - Food Tips
 - Garage Sales
 - Gardening
 - Gifts
 - Green Living
 - Home Improvement
 - Organizing
 - Parenting
 - Parties
 - Pest Control
 - Pets
 - Product Reviews
 - Recipes
 - Repair
 - Weddings for Less

RSS Feed
About Us
Media
Advertising
Contact Us
Privacy Statement
Disclaimer

Daily Thrifty Tips - September 19, 2006

1x1
Date: 09/19/2006 Topic: Newsletter Archives > Daily Thrifty Tips  
1x1
Post Feedback | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Print (With Feedback) | Rate: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Bookmark and Share

Volume Five, Number 179, September 19, 2006
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

We have two new polls today:

How many vehicles does your household have?

Post Your Answer:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59893332.tip.html

And...

Will you avoid buying bagged spinach even after the recall is over?

Post Your Answer:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40793276.tip.html

Also, our Travel Guide Contest is ending at the end of this month. We will give away a $100 prize for the best travel guide we receive and 5 $20 gas cards to the runners up. Enter at the link below.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_travel.ldml

Thanks for reading,

Susan

Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

New Requests:

More Reading:

Today's Sponsors

Eversave

Sign up for Eversave and receive saving alerts from the nations leading brands via email and local coupons.

More Information:
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1461549-10313907

Today's Photos

Kokoa Girl in the Flowers

Kokoa Girl is a 4 year old American Pit Bull Terrier. Kokoa Girl came to our home, only for a visit, when she was 8 weeks only. She has been with us ever since!

She has a passion for gardening. We have to be very careful in our yard, never know when your gonna fall in one of her holes.

What would I do without my loyal and protective dog? Every day "Kokoa Girl" guards me and the house while my husband is gone by keeping her sharp eye out the front window. Everyday she barks all day to warn off those dangerous elements which could invade our home like joggers (*gasp*), and people on bicycles (*shudder*), and even more dreaded monsters...like garbage trucks and school buses (*oh, the horror!*).

Yes, I am so lucky to have a dog like her. What would I do without Kokoa Girl? At the end of the day her only expectation from us is her kong filled with what else? Peanut butter!

By Diana Harder from Newark, NY

Kokoa Girl in the Flowers

Post Feedback: Click Here

Cat Proofing the Sewing Room

Some of us don't like our kitty to help us sew. Mine has fairly long hair and will immediately lie down on any piece of fabric I lay down. Since I heat with wood, I needed a way for the air to circulate to my sewing room and yet keep Mr. Kiki out. So, I hung a piece of garden lattice on hinges with a simple screen door lock toward the top so I can reach it from both sides, and added a nice silk flower trim!

By Busybee1952 from White Cloud, MI

Catproofing for the Sewing Room

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dakota Helping Grandma with the Cookies

This is my grandson helping Grandma make cookies. His name is Dakota and he is 5. A really big help and the apple of Grandma's eye.

By dameemag from Rothbury, MI

Helping grandma make cookies

Post Feedback: Click Here

Contests!

The above 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

Be Careful Using Spray N Wash Dual Power

Just a heads-up I wanted to pass on to other readers. If you use Spray N Wash Dual Power stain remover for your clothes, don't apply it to the stain and then leave it sit for a long period of time! I had several of my son's shirts that I applied it to, then let sit for a day or two, and it "bleached" them. For example, he had an orange shirt that now has lighter orange patches on it. I ruined about three shirts that way, and of course, some were more expensive brand name shirts (which I RARELY buy, go figure!). In all fairness, I have to say it removed the stains pretty well, but unfortunately, the color too! So don't make the same mistake I did.

By Lisa from Kenosha, WI


Post Feedback: Click Here

Homemade Bed Topper

This decorating tip is to create a mattress topper to revive an old mattress or for use as sofa bed support mattress or even as a floor mat when a house guest visits.

Collect or purchase new low cost bed pillows, standard or queen size; fiber filled ones usually run $2.00 each or use old ones you already have that have gone flat. Collect enough, approximately 9-15 pillows. Stitch together sides and ends in a vertical manner, much like a quilt is prepared. You have now created a topper! Cover with a bed sheet when in use and store in a plastic comforter bag.

Much less expense and just as comfy as a faux feather bed topper!

If you have a pampered pet, this would make an awesome bed for them as well. Just scale it down in size and cover with their favorite blanket. Sweet dreams!!

By Pat from Fort Myers, FL


Post Feedback: Click Here

Corn Flour To Clean Greasy Pots

To clean greasy pots try throwing some corn flour, or any other flour and rub it. The grease will glue to the flour and get dry. After that, just wash it normally.

By Zeldamuller from Sao Paulo - Brazil

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dryer Sheets For Your Wedding Day

A tip for the big day! Remember to bring fabric softener sheets along with you to remove animal hair from your clothing, dresses and suits for the wedding party AND to also take static cling out of the formal gowns and suits that will be worn.

No one has to worry about static cling then, not even the mothers of the bride and groom that also want to look their utmost best for their child's special day.

By Paula Jo Carr from Mebane, NC

Post Feedback: Click Here

Lower Your Heating Bills With A Corn Furnace

A very interesting article appeared in my city's newspaper about a couple who, after installing a corn furnace in their home, had their heating bills drop from about $600.00 a month for gas heat to about $160.00 a month for burning corn. The type of corn used is shelled corn, the same as what livestock would eat. This type of corn is comparatively inexpensive, and this type of furnace uses the same ductwork as a fossil fuel furnace. Also, leftover corn at the end of the heating season can be fed to the birds and other wildlife, so none goes to waste. Several other benefits of burning corn for fuel are mentioned in this article.

There are some cons of this heating method. The initial expense of installing a corn furnace is several thousand dollars. Also, there is a little bit of maintenance work required to keep this furnace operating all season. In addition, there is the issue of where to store the corn after delivery, which sounds like it is delivered by the ton.

Unfortunately, I live too close to a metropolitan area and have too little land on which to store corn for this type of heating. However, I thought all the Thrifty Fun readers in rural areas (or in the Corn Belt) might be interested in this idea.

You can read this article at:

www.post-gazette.com/pg/06242/717227-30.stm

Also, the above article mentions a national expert on using corn for residential heating at The Pennsylvania State University who has a website devoted to burning corn for heating. His website is:

burncorn.cas.psu.edu

(do not use a "www" before the word burncorn)

Hope this is helpful to some of my fellow Thrifty Fun readers!

Tori

Post Feedback: Click Here

Cascade 2in1 ActionPacs Reviews

Product: Cascade 2in1 ActionPacs Reviews

Manufacturer: Cascade

Review: Cascade 2 in One Dawn dishwasher tabs are the best I ever used. I have had seven dishwashers in my married years.

By Sharon L Martin from Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

I Haven't Bought Crumbs in Years

I have a zip type bag in my freezer that I put in the ends of loaves of bread that go uneaten, stale bread, the crumbs at the bottom of corn flakes or other non sweetened cereals bags, broken crackers, etc. When I have the time, I run them through my food processor, and then return the bag of crumbs to the freezer for the next recipe that calls for them. I haven't bought crumbs in years.

By Brigitte from Israel

Post Feedback: Click Here

Using Crockpot To Prep Meals

We cook up hamburger in the crockpot with onions and freeze to use at a later date. We do up the hamburger with taco seasoning mix and freeze as well. It's fast and quick when you want dinner in a hurry.

By Cindy from Fountain Hills, AZ

Post Feedback: Click Here

Credit Cards and New College Students

Credit card companies fall over themselves to offer credit to new college students. If you have a child heading off to college, be sure to warn them about this because they can quickly amass high interest credit card debt that could haunt them, and you, for years to come.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Apple and Dell Laptop Battery Recalls

Apple and Dell have had to recalled a large number of potentially unsafe laptop batteries. If your laptop was purchased within the last couple of years you may be entitled to a new battery for your laptop.

Dell Battery Exchange Website:
https://www.dellbatteryprogram.com/

Apple Battery Exchange Website:
https://support.apple.com/ibook_powerbook/batteryexchange/

Post Feedback: Click Here

Less Toothpaste Means Big Savings

If you put toothpaste on only 1/2 of your toothbrush, it will last twice as long.

By Bill from TX

Editor's Note: I would add to that... Brushing and flossing your teeth also means big savings on dental bills.

Post Feedback: Click Here

View Active Topics!

Syndication Spotlight

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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

New Requests

Dog With a Yeast Allergy

My 3 year Yorkie had a skin test and was diagnosed with yeast allergy. Her skin and ears are extremely pink (almost red) My vet put her on Sporonax 100mg and Vanectyl P which is Prednisone. I am not happy with her having all these medications in her. She is not food allergic, I was feeding her Natural Balance Duck and Potato and have now switched her to a canned food without grains. This has been going on for a long time without much results and much money spent. She becomes lethargic on the medications. I am at my wits end and very depressed over all of this, in addition to feeling so bad for my little 12 pound dog. Can anyone out there maybe help me in my situation. Would also like to home cook for her so need a good recipe. Also she is itchy especially on her paws.

Gloria from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

Removing Hairspray from Wooden Doors

How do you get hairspray off wooden doors?

Leo from Saint Louis, MO

Post Feedback: Click Here

First Mammogram Tips

I am due up for my first mammogram and I am dreading it. Anyone have any tips for overcoming the fear and pain involved? Can you take pain medicine before hand? Do they keep you in the vise grip for long? How long does the procedure last? Any tips will be much appreciated.

Amy from USA

Post Feedback: Click Here

How Can I Tell If Dishes Are Food Safe?

Is there a way to know if some dishes that I bought are food safe? They have stickers that say "QC Q32" and "QC Q35." Those are the only identifying marks, other that that they are made in China. I purchased some of them at Marshall's and some at Ross.

Jo from Sonoma County, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Woven Duct Tape Wallet

Does anyone know how to make a woven wallet out of duck tape?

Sarah from Greeley, CO

Post Feedback: Click Here

"Building Team Spirit" Float Ideas

I need ideas for how to build a float with theme "Building Team Spirit". Any suggestions?

Awhash from Kendallville, IN

Post Feedback: Click Here

Hydrangea Won't Bloom

I bought and planted two Hydrangeas of the same type side by side 3 or 4 years ago. One has beautiful blooms every year and the other has never made a flower. I do not understand as they get the same sun, shade, rain, etc. Any idea what is happening here?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Thanks,
Betty from Slate Hill, NY

Post Feedback: Click Here

Where Can I Buy CleaRx By DVM?

I would like to thank you for your kind reply regarding my dog's yeast allergies. You mentioned to get CleaRX DVM for her ears. Where can I buy this as I have been calling around and nobody seems to know about this product.

If you can be so kind as to tell me where I can obtain this and how to use it I would be most indebted to you. She is now on antibiotics and do you think I should use this even with the medication. Thank you for you kind reply.

Gloria from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

Removing Creases From "No Wrinkle" Pants

How can I get the creases out of "no wrinkle" pants that were let out to make them larger?

Dee

Post Feedback: Click Here

Fear Factor Themed Party

I want to have a fear factor party for boys indoors. Any ideas?

Olamae from Columbus, Ohio

Post Feedback: Click Here

Removing Permanent Marker

I recently was trying to wave a permanent marker to get it to work, and it splattered all over my skin and computer screen. I know it can only take time to remove it from my skin, but how do I remove it from my computer screen?

Catherine

Post Feedback: Click Here

Halloween Float Ideas

I am in charge of a float from our church in the community halloween parade. I have NO clue what to do. Any ideas?

Songbird from Wapakoneta, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

Removing Wallpaper

I have some wallpaper borders to remove from walls and when i try to just peel it off it leaves alot of paper residue. Anyone know how to remove this without taking the paint off the wall?

Thanks!
Wendy from VA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Burnt Stainless Steel Pan

I left my stainless steel saucepan sitting on the stove after the water had boiled out. It now has black marks on the bottom of the pan. They look similar to tarnish stains on silver. Does anyone know how to get rid of these?

susanne_917 from Houston, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you get rid of hard water stains?

How do you get rid of hard water stains?

Sherri from Kansas City, MO

Post Feedback: Click Here

Craft Uses for Old Jeans

I am looking for craft projects using old denim jeans.

Randi from Vacaville, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Lion Costume

Does anyone have an idea for making a lion costume?

Kimmiek from Louisville, OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

How Often Should I Clean My Carpets?

I have moved in to a town home with new carpet and I have a little dog and 2 kids. I am wondering how often is it safe to clean my carpets? I own my own machine.

Sandra from West Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

Squirrels Eating From Bird Feeders

How do I keep squirrels from climbing my patio door screen to reach bird feeders? I know we could move the feeders, but then we wouldn't be able to watch the birds. These maddening little rodents are urinating on my glass door!

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Sue from Yorktown, VA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Baby Shower Centerpiece Ideas

I'm having difficulty coming up with centerpieces for a baby shower. We want something that at the end of the shower 1 guest per table can take home. Most sites suggest things like diaper cakes and balloons and such... we don't feel that's a good take home gift. Please help.

Millie from Ontario, Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

Kitten Not Using The Litter Box

Three days ago I found an approximately 10 week old tabby mix kitten in my garage. She is doing great except for the litter box part. I have set her in the box and helped her scratch around a little to get her used to it, but we still take her outside and she will go. This morning she pooped in the floor. We don't mind taking her outside but my family and I are rarely home during the day and sometimes evening. We do have a 4 year old tabby but the two cats are doing good together, they already have separate eating spaces and they each have their own litter box. We just want the kitten to learn how to use the litter box so we don't have to come home to "accidents" all over the house. If you can help that would be greatly appreciated.

Abbey from Chattanooga, TN

Post Feedback: Click Here

Cracks Above Door Jambs

What do cracks in the wall over door jambs or on walls mean?

Linda from PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Stew and Soup Canning Recipes

Does anyone have anyone have any canning recipes or site(s) that have canning recipes on them? When I do a search it's just too much to look through. I am specifically looking for stew and soup recipes.

Thank you,
Mindy from Oregon

Post Feedback: Click Here

Fleas on a Kitten

What can I use to get rid of fleas on a 7 week old kitten?

Yuki from Stockton, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Can club soda get a stain out of a polyester dress?

Can club soda get a stain out of a polyester dress?

Channel from Little Rock, AR

Post Feedback: Click Here

Tar Stain on Polyester

How do you get tar out of 100% polyester?

Karrye from Lancaster, PA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Cleaning Spray Paint Off of My Garage Door

I am looking for ways to clean spray paint off of my Garage door.

Jason from Bowling Green, KY

Post Feedback: Click Here

Frozen Corn Tastes Too Sweet

I recently froze some fresh corn. It is cut off the cob. I followed the recipe, but it is too sweet when cooked. My request is, can someone tell me what to do to make it less sweet tasting?

Cheryl Wallace from Irvine, KY

Post Feedback: Click Here

What is T.S.P.?

What is T.S.P. and where can I get it? Would it work for cleaning mold, mildew and dirt off of aluminum siding?

Debra from Newton, NJ

Post Feedback: Click Here

Woven Gum Wrapper Purse

Does anyone know how to make a woven purse out of gum wrappers or a woven wallet out of duck tape?

Sarah from Greeley, CO

Post Feedback: Click Here

Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here

Today's Sponsors

Eversave

Sign up for Eversave and receive saving alerts from the nations leading brands via email and local coupons.

More Information:
http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1461549-10313907

More Reading

Hershey Bar Cupcakes

OK - I'm letting out a secret family recipe that kids and adults love, Hershey Bar Cupcakes

Make yellow cupcakes from a mix (or make your own), divide up one package of Hershey Bars (the multi pack - I think there are 6 full size bars in a pack.) between the amount of cupcakes you made.

When the cupcakes come out of the oven, IMMEDIATELY top with Hershey bars and put back in the oven to melt (turn the oven off first). Now, they can be eaten gooey, as is, or put in fridge for a crunchy top. WE love these!

By Carol from Lancaster

Read More: Click Here

Leasing or Buying - Which Is for Me?
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Purchasing a new vehicle can be quite a tedious task requiring much research in order to profit. From researching makes of vehicles to loan rates, the information can be overwhelming. How then can one best decide if leasing or buying is the right decision? Take this questionnaire to find out.

Can I handle the idea that I will pay on a car continuously without ever owning anything?

Most people find the answer to this to be the decision maker. Can you live with the idea that you are paying on something that isn't yours? If your answer is no, then leasing is not for you regardless of any other promising factors it offers. Leasing is renting. Although there are options to buy the car, most leases end without anything left to show for the years of payment.

Do I like trade in my new cars as soon as the loans are paid in full, therefore, constantly making payments and always driving new cars?

Anyone answering yes should seriously consider leasing a vehicle. By purchasing a new vehicle and then using the trade-in to finance another new vehicle as soon as the loan is paid, you are doing something similar to leasing. However, with a lease you may be able to drive the new vehicles more often, turning over leases quicker than paying off car loans.

Do I pack on the miles?

If driving is something you do in abundance, then reconsider leasing. Most leases carry hefty penalties for going over a set mileage. Anyone with a long work commute or frequent long trips should approach the lease with caution.

Do I have money to put down on the new car?

If a trade-in or down payment isn't available, purchasing a new car can be near impossible. Leasing allows a person to drive away in a new vehicle with a lesser down payment. Along the same lines, if the monthly payments on a new car are too steep, then leasing offers payments that are almost half the amount of the loan payments. How? Because the lessee is only paying the depreciation of the car's value over the course of the lease. In other words, you only pay for the value lost on the car in that period of years. Along those lines, ask yourself this:

Do I put "excessive wear" on my car?

Stained carpets, dents, paint chips, these are all considered "excessive wear." Have this term clearly defined in your lease papers because it all lessens the value of your car at the end of the lease. Less value means higher penalties at the close of the lease. If you purchase the car, you have the same problems trading it in on a newer vehicle down the road.

Do I buy a car to build equity?

Most car loans are too high to build significant equity quickly. Interest is paid first, so if the vehicle is traded in before the loan is paid, there often isn't enough equity accumulated to justify the value of the car. For instance, a $24,000 truck can be traded in for its value of $12,000 four years into the loan. The value of the trade then pays off the balance of the loan leaving the car owner to break even. After four years of hefty payments, the former owner is left where he started.

Read More: Click Here

Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips

Interactive

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe

(1x1 graphic )
Previous: ThriftyFun Recipes - September 19, 2006 ThriftyFun Next: Poll: Will you avoid buying bagged spinach even after the recall is over?
(1x1 graphic )
1x1
1x1
 Feedback
1x1
1x1
1x1

No Feedback Yet

Be the first to post feedback! Click here to post feedback.

1x1
1x1
 Post Feedback:
1x1
1x1
1x1

Login using the form on the top of the page to post feedback (if you are a registered user). If you have not yet registered, click here to do so. It's FREE!.

1x1
(1x1 graphic )

© 1997-2009 ThriftyFun.com - Design by Cumuli Design
Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer. If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.