Thrifty Tip Contest (April 17 - 23, 2010) | ThriftyFun

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Thrifty Tip Contest
(April 17 - 23, 2010)

This contest is over. See the winners and other entries below.

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Duration	Entries
April 17 - 23, 2010	53

Tip: Prevent Mold on Cheese with Vinegar

April 21, 2010

If you are like me and prefer to purchase a "chunk" of cheese instead of already shredded cheese, this tip is for you.

Comment Was this helpful? 81

Tip: Store Canned Beans Upside Down

Marty Dick
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 169 Posts

April 21, 2010

I'm sure you've had to deal with the beans on the bottom and juice/soup at the top. When you turn the can up to empty it, all the goodies are in the bottom. I store mine upside down so that all the beans settle in the top of the can and the soup is in the bottom.

Comment Was this helpful? 25

Automatic Refills at WalgreensI was constantly checking medicine bottles for refill dates. I discovered automatic refills at Walgreens. I set all of my husband's medications and mine on automatic refills and Walgreens e mails me when the prescriptions are ready.

3 Comments Comment

Grate Your Own CheeseWatch your prices on items such as cheese. In my area, I can buy a 16 oz. block of cheese far cheaper than I can buy an 8 oz.package of the same cheese grated. I take it home and grate it myself and save the difference.

3 Comments Comment

Removing Wallpaper Paste from a Wall?After spending three days using fabric softener, scrapers, vinegar and water to get wallpaper paste off of the dry wall, a lightbulb went off in my head. I got my bottle of Krudkutter and sprayed it on the glue full strength.

6 Answers Answer

Plastic tub shelter for cats.

Storage Container for Inexpensive Cat ShelterHaving several cats that needed a place to sleep that was their own, I adapted a Sterilite storage container into a little shelter for them.

6 Comments Comment

Use Cereal Liners in the KitchenRecycle your cereal box (bags) inserts. They come in very handy. Use them as freezer bags, storage bags, mini trash bags, or any other purpose that you would use a freezer or storage bag for. They are heavy duty, easy to see through, and best of all, they are FREE!

12 Comments Comment

Use Gmail for Multiple Email AddressesIf you have more than one e mail address, Gmail offers the option of having all email delivered to your Gmail address and it specifies which email address the email is coming from.

1 Comment Comment

Use Left Over Fries in StewI already had leftover pot roast to which I added cooked carrots and heated all in thinned leftover gravy. To this mixture, I added the cut up leftover french fries. Voila! The fries were just like regular potato pieces in the stew.

3 Comments Comment

Deter Ants with Fabric Softener SheetsAnt season is here and they seem to always show up in the kitchen or bathrooms. Instead of having to buy ant hotels, just use fabric softener sheets to insert in the window or door jams. This will keep ants away.

1 Comment Comment

Freeze Lemon Juice As Ice CubesSqueeze fresh lemons and put the juice in ice cube trays. Freeze them, and then store in a plastic bag in the freezer. Want a glass of ice water? Just throw a couple in a glass of water, and voila!

1 Comment Comment

Covering Sandbox

Keep Cats From Using a Sandbox as a Litter BoxTo keep the cats from using child's sandbox , lay a piece of orange construction netting over the sand. Put a weight on each end or staple netting to two fence post poles and roll it up like a scroll when not in use.

2 Comments Comment

Planting A Tree In A Small AreaWhen planting a tree in a limited area, I use a piece of PVC, the plastic tubing for water pipes. I put it in the ground where the small tree is to be planted and hammer in the ground, leaving at least 1 inch out on top.

2 Comments Comment

Recycle Plastic Bags as Weed BlockI worked in the yard this week, and realized a great way to use the bags that mulch or soil come in, is to cut them up and use them as weed blocking plastic.

2 Comments Comment

Spray Fabric Softener

Save Money on Fabric SoftenerI love the way my laundry feels and smells when using fabric softener but I never want to spend the money. So I purchased a plain spray bottle and fabric softener, filled it with fabric softener about 1/3 of the way up and the rest of way with water.

3 Comments Comment

Flowering spring trees

Spring Trees (Clayton, South Carolina)I'm finally convinced that Spring is here to stay.

2 Comments Comment

Store Coupons in CarI keep my coupons in the car. That way if I am doing errands and decide to shop, I always have my coupons. This has worked especially well for me with coupons from Bed Bath and Beyond, Joann's, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby.

4 Comments Comment

Styrofoam Egg Cartons for Ice CubesI saw the best tip on TV the other day; use your styrofoam egg cartons to make ice cubes. I usually buy eggs in the cardboard cartons, but occasionally I end up with the 18 pack styrofoam cartons (like now, I have 2 in my fridge).

14 Comments Comment

Use Screws Instead of NailsWhen building a deck or fence, use the appropriate size screws instead of nails. In doing so, you can easily remove and replace the boards without damaging either the posts or the post rails.

6 Comments Comment

Using File Cards For Organizing AddressesI use a 3x5 inch recipe/file box to alphabetically organize personal names, addresses, phone numbers and any other information. I use the tabbed dividers for keeping this in alphabetical order.

8 Comments Comment

Ask Cable Company About Special DealsIf you are not locked into a price for cable, check on a regular basis to see if the cable company is offering a special promotion. You would be surprised at the promotions that they have and sometimes it is only for 3 months but this savings can add up.

1 Comment Comment

Don't Leave Dog Unattended in Hot CarThere are so many times during hot weather when I see dogs left alone in cars while their owners go shopping. This is very upsetting to me. I don't understand the need for people to take their dogs with them while they shop.

3 Comments Comment

Expandable Ice Chest for Carry On LuggageWhen traveling consider a cooler/ ice chest on wheels with the expandable handle as your carry on luggage at the airport. When you arrive at your destination, you also have a cooler at your disposal.

2 Comments Comment

Fabric Storage and OrganizationI sew and sell purses, totes, and diaper bags. So I have a lot of fabrics on hand. I use the large plastic containers to store most of my fabrics for my "Crazy Quilt Purses".

1 Comment Comment

Keep Plants Insulated With Bubble WrapI use to garden in Coquille, OR. The weather really fluctuates. I grew veggies and herbs in those big black containers. I wrapped the outside of containers in bubble wrap-sealed with a glue gun. It maintained a more even temperature for the plants.

Making a Cover for an Outdoor GrillWith warm weather coming and lots of BBQ's, I found an old vinyl table cloth that no longer matches my color schemes. I folded it in half lengthwise, turned inside out, and stitched up both ends. I turned it back so the pretty side shows.

4 Comments Comment

Refill Foaming Hand SoapI absolutely love foaming soap for the bathroom. My husband loves it too. I discovered that the foam is caused by the dispenser. So I reuse the dispenser by putting something like Dawn liquid in it and add some water to it.

4 Comments Comment

Refill Liquid Containers in the SinkI keep my cooking oil in a reusable squirt bottle. Since I'm blind, the process of refilling it has sometimes resulted in quite a mess. In spite of this, I'd rather do for myself than ask for help.

5 Comments Comment

Use Ammonia for Carpet CleaningKeep carpet cleaning simple. I have a small steam vacuum. I have always had trouble rinsing out soap residue on carpet areas even when using very little soap in the cleaner. Recently I tried adding a little ammonia to the water instead of soap.

8 Comments Comment

Use Perfume Pages for SachetMy daughter has tons of fashion magazines with those glossy high-end perfume samples. Besides their obvious use, a quick, one-use product try, she found that saving them in baggies until ready to give them a whirl helps them last indefinitely.

2 Comments Comment

Bread Bags to Pack LunchBeing a farmer and rancher's wife, we are always looking for ways to save. In the summer months, the men are in the fields a lot, and take their lunch.

3 Comments Comment

Castor Beans for Mole ControlI have been bothered by moles routing through my garden eating my earthworms. I read that the castor bean was poisonous. I grow castor plants, so I put a dozen seeds in a run. The seeds were gone in a few days, and I haven't seen any signs of moles since.

2 Comments Comment

Denture Tablet for CleaningDenture tablets work wonders for cleaning glassware, ceramic type ware, and tile. Dissolve a couple of tablets into a sink of hot water and wash glasses sparkling clean. I drop one into the toilet bowl. It also works on the bathroom sink, bathtub, and tile.

1 Comment Comment

Different Cookies from Cake MixesThis afternoon, I spent less than 40 minutes making 3 batches of cookies, all using cake mix. I used all white cake mix, but you can use yellow or chocolate if you like depending on the type of cookies you want to make.

1 Comment Comment

Keeping Your Bathroom Mirror From Fogging UpWell I know everybody loves to have a hot shower or bath. And when you get out you like to look in the mirror, but you can't because it is all steamed up.

Plastic Coffee Can Yarn HolderSomeone wrote in that she rolls her yarn into a ball and puts it in a coffee can with a hole in the lid for the yarn to come up through. I tried that, but the edge of the plastic lid kept cutting the yarn. So I came up with a better method.

4 Comments Comment

Prevent a Smelly Washer With Powdered Dishwasher DetergentI have a great tip for making a smelly clothes washer smell fresh and clean, given to me by a Maytag repairman. Simply run dishwasher detergent powder, not liquid, through your machine with no clothing in it, about once or twice a month.

5 Comments Comment

Separating Bacon Strips Without TearingSeparating strips of bacon can be really bothersome. To make it easier, use a flat, flexible cake scraper. The strips will be easy to remove without tearing.

3 Comments Comment

Strawberry Container Seed StartersI use my strawberry container, or any type that has a clear top, to start my plants and veggies in. This acts as a mini green house for free. It keeps the moisture in and is able to get plenty of natural sun. This way you can get a head start on your gardening

Unclogging a Hot Glue Gun While CraftingIs your hot glue heated, working one minute, but then not coming out, "stuck" in the glue gun? Rotate the glue stick from the solid, sticking-out end a couple times for the hot glue gun to continue working again.

3 Comments Comment

Use Paint Can Opener For Opening JarsIf you have trouble opening new jars of food, such as pickles, jams, etc. because the lid is vacuum sealed, slide the curved edge of a paint can opener under the edge of the jar top and push down or twist slightly.

2 Comments Comment

Joke: Woman are AngelsWomen are angels. When we break a wing, we fly on our broom. We are flexible that way!

3 Comments Comment

Make Wire Hangers Into Scarf HangersScarves are all the rage now and I wear them almost daily. I have always had a scarf collection, but with the fashion, I like to keep them handy.

1 Comment Comment

Perk Up Leftover RiceWant to perk up leftover plain rice or Rice A Roni Pilaf rice? Combine the rice with partially defrosted stir fry vegetables and soy sauce (to your taste).

1 Comment Comment

Poke Straw Through Drink Seal To Prevent SpillsWhen I take my grandson to a fast food drive-in and order a kid's meal, I make sure no messes are made in my vehicle with drinks. Instead of peeling off the protective cover, I use a nail file to stab a little hole in it and insert the straw.

2 Comments Comment

Prevent Child From Sliding On High Chair SeatMy son had difficulty sitting up in his high chair without sliding down during meal times. I applied a piece of carpet tape on his chair seat and he never slid down again.

Recycle Buttons and Zippers From ClothingSave buttons and zippers from old clothes. Use buttons for updating clothes, pictures frames, etc. Be creative and save money, too.

2 Comments Comment

Recycled Planters From Old ShoesOur PTA president had us ask the school for a week to bring in old shoes for our green theme. Lots of the children brought shoes and the PTA bought soil and seeds.

4 Comments Comment

Storing Leftover Soda PopAlways store 2 litre bottles of soda, once opened, on their sides in the fridge. As long as there is enough soda in the bottle to cover the cap, the soda will keep its fizz.

2 Comments Comment

Use Aspirin In Laundry For Underarm StainsI've seen several requests recently regarding removing those ugly yellow sweat stains from clothing. I heard this tip this morning and thought it might help someone.

2 Comments Comment

Use Shampoo Instead of Soap In ShowerLast night I didn't have a bar of soap in the house. So what was I to do at 11 pm? I have several bottles of shampoos that I don't like to use on my hair. I buy the ones with conditioner, like Pantene with moisture renewal, it makes my hair oily.

3 Comments Comment

Vinegar Rinse for DogsMy Lab/Husky mix has thick hair. Once a month during the warm days, I will take plain vinegar and mix it to a sprayer (just like you were spraying your plants) and spray the dog.

When The Green Alternative Is Not The BestMy partner and I are currently completing a half built house. As we both have degrees in Environmental Studies, we were very keen to use the latest technologies, for instance; ground source heat and biomass to heat our home.

2 Comments Comment

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