January 7, 2005

Nature's ThermometersEver wonder what the temperature is?

 

ThriftyFun News January 7, 2005 - Head Start On Tax TimeOnline version of the ThriftyFun News. Head Start On Tax Time. Volume Seven, Number 2 January 7, 2005

 

Uses For Old RefrigeratorsTips and ideas for using an old refrigerator. Post your ideas.

 

Saving Tissue PaperDon't toss all that gift tissue paper out, iron it and reuse it again! By Syd

 

Make Pantyhose LastWhen I open a new package, I put the pantyhose immediately in the freezer overnight which sets the mesh and resists snags and tears. When removed and warmed to room temperature, I spray the pantyhose lightly with hairspray.

 

Make Your Flavored CoffeesInternational Coffee, Cafe Francais flavor, has had me hooked for years. I have often wondered what combination of ingredients would most closely taste like the real thing. Does anyone happen to know how to replicate this coffee? Thanks, and Happy New year! Mary in Wildwood

 

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone For A Good Cause!"The HopeLine phone recycling program is an exclusive program that uses wireless services and equipment to assist victims in emergency domestic violence situations."

 

Stock Up on Whole ChickensBuy whole chickens when they go on sale and stock up on them. The chickens can be cut up for pieces, roasted whole, eaten and then the carcasses used for stock, or you can grind your own fresh chicken meat, and make cooked chicken for casseroles, all for much less than when you buy already cut up or processed chicken! By Suzanne

 

Make An Omelette with LeftoversAn omelette is a great way to use up bits of leftovers-any cooked vegetables, meats and cheeses can be tucked inside. By Linda

 

Beware of Icy and Snow Covered Tree LimbsWe just had a pretty bad ice storm here in Indiana. PLEASE remind your kids not to stand under trees as these falling limbs can cause serious injury! :) By Aeromama

 

Make Your Own Cold CreamThis is a good inexpensive moisturizer:

 

5 x 8 inch Index Cards For RecipesThese are great for copying a recipe and printing it. If you don't like it pitch it out! If you have it in hand, you may be more likely to try it rather than save it to your computer, and forget about it. By Syd

 

Start Working On Your Taxes EarlyIf you think you may be getting a tax refund this year, start working on your taxes now. Use your year-end paycheck stubs for income and taxes withheld; start adding up medical bills; start adding up charitable contributions.

 

Put Dirty Pans And Casserole Dishes Back In The OvenWhen I take a baked dish out of the oven, I put the contents in another container, put cold water in the pan, and put it back in the hot (turned off) oven to soak. It is then very easy to scrub. Aunt Sharon from Texas

 

Saving the Plastic Rings on Plastic Milk CartonsI use the rings for sorting socks for the laundry. I keep a small tupperware dish on a shelf above the clothes hamper. And then before tossing the socks in the basket I place a ring around them. Then before washing I remove them and put them back into the dish. It saves on a lot of socks getting lost. By Jacensgramma

 

Organizing Check Registers By YearEnd your check register with the end of the year and start a new one for the new year. That way you can pack the check registers away with each year's tax paperwork. By Beverly in TN

 

Make Note Of Your Yearly MileageWrite down the mileage on your vehicle on Jan. 1 of each year, then if you can count mileage on your income tax, you will have this record. Use your check register for the year to write it on and you have a permanent record. By Beverly in TN

 

Save Records For Amended ReturnsKeep all receipts for medical expenses, charity donations, real estate taxes, etc. and file with your tax forms even if you don't itemize that year. You have 3 years to file an amended tax return and it will be much harder to locate the information years later. By Cheryl from Missouri

 

Keep Boots or Sneakers In Your TrunkLadies, be sure to carry a pair of boots or sneakers in your trunk in case you should breakdown. Dress shoes are not good for walking in an emergency situation. An old warm coat and gloves left in the trunk is also handy to have.

 

Night BlindnessAvoid bumping into the furniture when you step into a dark room. Wait a minute or so to let your eyes adjust to the dark.

 

Display Vintage Costume JewelryShadowboxes can be purchased at craft stores, like Michael's. Attach your pretty vintage costume jewelry to the backer board and display it on the wall so you can enjoy it! By Syd

 

Recuperating From Abdominal SurgeryFor those of you that want to get those abdominal muscles tighten and may be recuperating from an abdominal surgery: Sit straight in a chair with coaster and use your heels to push back and forth, you will tighten your thighs, legs, and abdominal muscles without causing discomfort.

 

Practice Reading With Your ChildrenPractice reading with your child everyday. If you read one page, she reads one page, the story goes quicker, you and she can discuss the story as it goes. By Linda

 

Looking For Home Makeover Advice For My Mom?My mother's home needs a serious makeover. However, the funds are limited and she really doesn't know how to go about getting it done. She's the best mom in the world and I'd like to surprise her with home improvement quest. To whom ever it may concern, please send me information on how to start the process. Thanks! SC Sheila from Florida

 

Encouraging A Blind Cat To Be More Active?Anyone have any tips on how to get a blind cat to be more active? I have a 2 1/2 year old overweight female cat who has been blind since birth and was declawed by a previous owner before I took her in. She was already overweight and has only lost about half a pound since last year.

 

Keeping Fountains Free of Water Deposits?I have several indoor water fountains. It is not practical to use distilled water because I go through a couple gallons a day. Is there any way to keep these clean, free of water deposits, short of tearing them down and scrubbing them every week.. Thanks! Debby

 

Ink on Light Colored Suede Jacket?I need help. I just received a Light Colored Suede jacket for Christmas, 1st time wearing it was yesterday and a co-worker got blue ink stains on it. I have tried the Hairspray idea that a lot of people stated would work, it didn't for me. What else can I do before having to take it to a cleaner. I am just really afraid to take it to a cleaner because there are so many horror stories from them ruining items. Can anyone help please? Stacy

 

Is Replacing The Springs On a Sofa Worth It?I have a not-so-old (5 years) but clearly not-so-good-quality sofa on which the springs have lost their tautness. These are low quality S-springs. Is it worth getting the sofa "resprung"? Anybody know how much that tends to cost (3-seater) - as much as buying a new set of furniture? Apart from the springs it's in great shape, and there is a matching loveseat which has no problems at all, so it's a bit of a shame to have to junk the whole set on account of the one set of springs. Thanks ever so much. Adrienne from DC

 

Dried Food off Suede Shoes?I have a pair of suede shoes and after coming home from the family Xmas party, noticed what looks like spilled lasagne and am now just looking to clean them, HELP

 

How to Get Peace Lily to Bloom?Need info on how to get my peace lily to bloom. mariew

 

Can I Remove Pine Sap From Suede?My father has a nice suede jacket that he recently got some pine sap on while cutting down our Christmas tree. Is there any way to remove it? Any suggestions would be most helpful. Michelle from Michigan

 

Cleaning Built Up Wax off a Table?Could you please tell me how I can clean off built up wax on a table? jenny from wisconsin

 

Looking For Advice On Vacuum Sealer Bags?I bought a new vacuum sealer to store and freeze meats and leftovers, but after I cut the bags, I have a hard time opening the two layers of the bag. I got so frustrated the last time I just threw the bag away and went to the store and bought freezer bags. I'd really like to use the vacuum sealer, though.

 

Planning A February 14th Birthday Party For A Two Year Old Boy?My two year old's birthday is Feb 14 and I am stumped. He is a typical boy and I have my hands full so whatever I do has to be quick and easy, but cool and flashy. Thanks, Donna from New York