Thrifty Tip Contest (July 31 - August 6, 2010) | ThriftyFun

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Thrifty Tip Contest
(July 31 - August 6, 2010)

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

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Duration	Entries
July 31 - August 6, 2010	62

Recycled Flower Brooch

August 3, 2010

I cut several cans using kitchen scissors, then used flowers die-cut by Sizzix to cut forms. I then mounted several layers to make this colorful brooch.

Comment Pin it! Like this photo? 19

Make A Thrifty Recycled Drink Container

Marty Dick
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 169 Posts

August 2, 2010

I took a large plastic mayonnaise jar and a bendy soda straw and voila! a car cup. DH drilled the holes in the plastic jar lid since he doesn't like me playing with his power toys.

Comment Pin it! Like this photo? 17

Cover Sliding Door With Trash Bags To Keep CoolKeep your house cooler by putting trash bags on sliding doors when it is hot and sunny outside. My sliding door lets a huge amount of sun and heat in in the morning. I use those large black yard waste trash bags to block the sun and heat. Painters tape will hold the bag.

11 Comments Comment

Crush Garlic Instead of MincingTo crush garlic quickly with little clean-up, place the garlic in a clean cereal bag liner and place on top of a flat, palm sized washed and bleached rock. Use another clean flat rock to crush the garlic.

1 Comment Comment

Distinguishing Real Leather From FakeThe other day, we were all talking about buying new furniture and about how to distinguish real leather from fake leather. I had never given it much thought as I am not interested in my furniture being leather although it does have it's benefits.

3 Comments Comment

Keep Saran Wrap From ClingingWhen tearing off food wrap film or saran wrap, pull the film back toward and allowing it to touch your body after tearing to keep it from clinging up. Then push the film forward to object to be wrapped so the side that touches your body doesn't touch the food to be wrapped.

1 Comment Comment

Keep Your Freezer Full To Save On ElectricityHere is a way to be green and prepare for an emergency at the same time. I rinse out 2 liter soda and juice bottles and fill them 2/3 full with clean water. I then lay them almost on their sides (without the lids on tight), leaning against something, in our large freezer.

1 Comment Comment

Plant Sale FundraiserTired of fundraisers selling useless and cheap items? When the schools ask for volunteers for fundraising, volunteer to start a flower fundraiser. Our local schools used to sell flowers in flats and baskets from a local nursery.

3 Comments Comment

Save Bags for Sack LunchesSave fast food bags that aren't grease soaked to take your lunch in on another day.

2 Comments Comment

Use Linseed Oil to Treat Garden HandlesRub the handles of of pitchforks and shovels once in awhile with a rag dipped in linseed oil and you'll find the shafts both last longer and are much more pleasant to use.

2 Comments Comment

Use Magic Eraser to Remove Stains from CounterMy tip is an alternative to bleach to clean stains on your counter top. Buy the "magic erasers" at the dollar store. They take off blackberry juice stains faster and easier than bleach and are much safer to use around kids and pets.

2 Comments Comment

Use Small Grocery Bags For Dog WasteSave those tiny plastic grocery bags that are too small to use for anything else. I keep my other plastic bags to use for trash containers. You can use the really little bags to pick up doggie messes in the park when walking your dog and no waste bags are available.

2 Comments Comment

Write Down Blessings To Change Your MoodWhen you're feeling sad or overwhelmed take a breather and sit down with pen and paper, set a timer for four or five minutes, and write down all the things you can think of that make you feel happy and relaxed.

9 Comments Comment

Charcoal Capsules for Bug BitesTake two charcoal capsules, split them, and put the powder into a small dish. Mix to a paste with a few drops of cold water, then spread onto the bite leave on for half an hour then wash off in tepid water.

1 Comment Comment

Check On Your Area's Recycling PoliciesIf you recycle, you may want to phone your city or municipality to ensure they will accept blue bags with recycling. They picked up blue bags at my previous home. In my current city, however, I've discovered I've been wasting my money on blue recycling bags.

Diatomaceous Earth For Bed BugsI know this is a creepy subject, but bed bugs are becoming rampant. There is a very save chemical called diatamaceous earth you put under all the legs of every bed and couch in your house so they call in it and die.

6 Comments Comment

Make Your Own Hair DetanglerFor hair detangler, fill a spray bottle with one third hair conditioner and two thirds water. Spray on hair and comb out. This not only detangles your hair, but also stretches your hair conditioner.

3 Comments Comment

Pringle Lid Coasters"Upcycled" Pringles plastic lids make perfect coasters for the right sized glass or cup. You can use plastic coffee can lids for larger cups.

3 Comments Comment

Protect Costume Jewelry with Clear Nail PolishCostume jewelry will look better and last longer if you coat it 2-3 times with clear fingernail polish before you wear it for the first time. Hang it on sides of a can or object covered with wax paper to dry.

Use Aluminum Pie Plates as Pet Dishes When CampingSave your aluminum pie plates and take along to feed and water your doggie when camping. You also can spray them with PAM, and cook things like scrambled eggs, etc., on top of the grill.

2 Comments Comment

Use an Exfoliating Glove For CleaningTo clean in between the faucet and knobs in the bathroom, use an exfoliating glove from the dollar store. It works great on the tub faucet and in the kitchen.

Using Milk Jugs in the Garden?I have a bad back and needed an easier, lighter way to water and feed my plants. I recycle my 1 gallon plastic milk jugs for my garden. I cut the top of the jug just wide enough to fit my hand in and punch four holes in the bottom of the jug.

1 Answer Answer

Water Azaleas with Pickle JuiceMy azalea bushes are 20 years old. Several years ago, I pruned them back severely, because they were getting very leggy and sparse. This spring they did not bloom for the first time in years. I found that they enjoyed an acid soil.

3 Comments Comment

Anti-Itch Spray RecipeTo take the itching out of bites to the skin after using the charcoal tip, make this spray up. Start with 30 ml. Witch Hazel. Add 20 drops lavender essential oil and 20 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix well together.

2 Comments Comment

Christmas Float Ideas: "What Christmas Means To Me"Last year, my boss asked if I could help her with her children's church choir parade entry. The theme was "What Christmas Means To Me". Simple theme, but one that has so many options.

Grow Your Own HerbsIt can be very expensive to buy herbs from the grocery store. The next time you need to buy a bunch for a recipe, purchase a potted herb plant from the home improvement store instead.

Kill Spiders with HairsprayKill spiders by spraying hair spray on them. Any kind will do; aerosol or the pump spray kind. We have all kinds of weird bugs in Houston, Texas, USA and including spiders we know as "jumping spiders" because they really do jump.

7 Comments Comment

Make Your Own Oil ClothTo turn almost any fabric into a substitute for oilcloth, cut clear contact paper to cover the fabric. Press out "bubbles". Set iron on lowest setting and place a thin pressing cloth on top of contact paper covered fabric.

2 Comments Comment

Prevent Identity TheftIf you're like us, chances are you know someone who's been taken for a ride by an identity thief. It's a bad ordeal, and when you're pinching pennies, it can be the last straw if someone invades your financial privacy. Here are a couple of things we do around our house.

4 Comments Comment

Replace Frequently Used CrayonsWhen we ran low in our crayon containers, the big boxes would provide the unusual colors, but the basics (red, blue, black pink, green, etc.) would get used more often. I would throw in a 24 count for the quickly used colors more often than the 64 count.

1 Comment Comment

Reusing Plastic Band-Aid BoxEver have one of those ideas that just falls into your lap? Well, this one literally did! I accidentally knocked my digital camera off the desk. It fell into the empty Band-aid box and, as it turns out, it fits perfectly!

3 Comments Comment

Use Candles As Car FreshenerI like the candle scent so much I am going to take a melon ball thing and take round things out of this scent, flatten them, and put them under the car seats where the dogs can't get at them.

3 Comments Comment

Use Leftover Egg for Beauty FacialGive yourself a free facial while you mix up a cake. After cracking the eggs, with your finger wipe out the last bit of egg remaining in the shells. Rub it all over your face. Leave on for 20 minutes, or so.

1 Comment Comment

Use Music for Cleaning MotivationMusic is a wonderful aid to motivate me to do household chores. When I'm just "not in the mood" for cleaning, dishes, laundry, etc. I pick the JUST RIGHT tune to get me going. It works for me and I have suggested it to my friends also.

6 Comments Comment

Use Onion Soup Mix for SeasoningKeep packages of French onion dip or onion soup mix in your pantry. For flavor enhancement, sprinkle a tablespoon into homemade macaroni and cheese, cooked vegetables, or add to meat when making meatloaf or hamburger patties.

3 Comments Comment

Use Wallpaper Samples for ScrapbookingHere's a money saving tip for all you scrapbookers out there. instead of buying those expensive scrapbook paper pads, get something for free and is earth friendly - wallpaper books!

2 Comments Comment

Bake Mini Cakes in Tuna CansI needed small cake pans, but didn't have any, so I grabbed some empty tuna cans. They are just the right size for mini cake pans.

2 Comments Comment

Contact Manufacturer For AssistanceI had the 1960's Betty Crocker loose leaf cook book. My son asked for a recipe and I pulled out the book, only to find the page missing. I looked on the Betty Crocker Internet site and it wasn't there, so I wrote to Betty Crocker.

4 Comments Comment

Cook Bacon In OvenCrisp, flat bacon. Can make a lot at one time. There is less mess and you can do other things while the bacon is in the oven. The bacon gets really crispy with the grease poured off and stays flat.

1 Comment Comment

Crafts that Reuse Tissue PaperI dislike seeing things thrown away without ever being used. We have thrown away large handfuls of gift tissue that comes in those gift bags and this is such a waste.

1 Comment Comment

Family Movie NightIt will soon be time to get one of our "Jaws" movies out and get out the squirt guns, beach blankets, some sea shells, and towels. When the shark comes on, the kids squirt one another, When someone says the word "shark" on the movie, the kids do a Da Da! - Da Da! - Da DA! - the theme of Jaws.

1 Comment Comment

Get Your Parrot to Try New FoodsAs one should, I try to offer my parrot new foods at least once per week. It doesn't need to be anything elaborate, just healthy. The problem that some parrot owners run into is that their bird won't try new foods.

1 Comment Comment

Getting Rid of Rollie Pollie Bugs?To get rid of green small grasshoppers and rolly-pollies, put habanero peppers or Jalapeno peppers into a blender, add water, liquefy it, and strain into a sprayer. No more bug problems.

1 Answer Answer

Make Doll House from Old BookcaseTo make a Barbie house, start with a small bookcase you might have that you no longer use. Use carpet remnants for the floor, or recycle an old rug. You can also use linoleum scraps to cover the floor of your doll house, or use the contact paper with the wood look.

7 Comments Comment

Removing Mildew from GarmentsTo remove mildew from laundry, add 1 cup Clorox Bleach and 1/2 cup of Cascade dishwasher detergent powder to 1 gallon warm water. Let soak, then launder as usual. This works best on items that has not been put in the dryer prior to treating.

2 Comments Comment

Rubbing Alcohol As Roach SprayKill roaches by spraying them with rubbing alcohol. I was sitting outside at night when I saw the beast and sprayed it; it died within minutes. Of course, I had to chase it first.

10 Comments Comment

Spray Paint to Update Car CarpetingAn auto detailer said that used car lots update old carpeting with plain old spray paint.

1 Comment Comment

Use LED Clock as Night LightIf you need a night light and don't have one, you can use an old LED clock. They use very little energy and are pretty bright. Also, you will always know what time it is.

Use Silverware Trays to Organize DrawersUse silverware sorter trays in the bathroom for make-up, toothbrushes, dental floss, etc. The trays are also useful for organizing in a sewing/craft area.

Asking For A RaiseSometimes asking for a raise is the right thing to do, so don't be discouraged from seeking one! In these post downturn days, it may seem a rather foolhardy proposition to look for a pay raise for a job some bosses may think you should just be grateful to have.

2 Comments Comment

Bathe Pets With Dawn to Kill Fleas

Bathe Pets With Dawn to Kill FleasOur kittens had fleas. There were only 10 weeks old and the spray I had was for 12 weeks and older so I knew I couldn't use it on them. I called the veterinarian near us and they said to use Dawn dish soap to bathe them in.

9 Comments Comment

Beetles In Grapevine Wreaths And BasketsI've made about 6-7 wreaths with no problem. I'm trying to get back to being creative, so I'm not a well experienced crafter at all. You probably know about what I'm going to write about already, but I didn't.

1 Comment Comment

Loaning Money to RelativesWhen you live frugally and your relatives see that you are out of debt, they may ask to borrow money. Here are some tips for a successful loan. By successful, I mean that you'll likely be repaid and your relationship will not suffer.

7 Comments Comment

Homemade napkin.

Make Cloth Napkins from RemnantsI love to have tons of dinner napkins, but I do not like the high price on them. I go to Walmart and look through their remnant bin for cheap materials. I just took a remnant home that cost 39 cents and made four dinner napkins out of it.

3 Comments Comment

Mnemonic For Good And Bad CholesterolDo you have trouble remembering which type of cholesterol is the "good cholesterol" and which is the bad? Here's a simple mnemonic that occurred to me:

1 Comment Comment

Provide Laundry "Shopping" Basket At Garage SaleWhen having a garage sale, set out a few empty laundry baskets for your shoppers to grab and fill up. Makes it much easier for them to shop and also, they will more than likely buy more because they have an easy way of carrying around they items.

Recycling Water HeatersOld hot water heaters bring in big bucks, especially the kind in cabinets. They are really just a huge container that holds water. Have them recycled, take them in the same as you would an aluminum can and get major bucks for them, in the hundreds of dollars I heard

2 Comments Comment

Reuse Cardboard From Tissue BoxOpen up the glued end of an empty large tissue box so it is now flat. Trim off the logo area. You can use the plain white area if you wish. Trim off ends and save them. You can get three tiny gift tags from the ends.

3 Comments Comment

Reuse Your Dehumidifier's WaterI've always hated to throw away the water I accumulate daily in my dehumidifier. I water outdoor plants with it. I'm sure my neighbors think I have a strange watering can, but I think this is the best way to recycle this free water.

3 Comments Comment

Substitute Lemonade Powder for Lemon JuiceIf you run out of lemon juice for a recipe, use reconstituted lemon powdered drink mix without sugar. Make sure it is well chilled and in an airtight container. Shake before using.

Use Clear Take Out Containers As GreenhouseI love collecting seeds to propagate. I have been most successful in sprouting even difficult seeds by creating my own tiny greenhouse. I could buy one, but I prefer to use what I find in my own recycle bin.

2 Comments Comment

Use Essential Oil in ShowerFor a spa-like atmosphere in the shower, place a few drops of essential oil on the wall of the shower or tub surround. Do this before turning the water on. It is a simple pleasure I appreciate.

1 Comment Comment

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