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Thrifty Tip Contest
(September 25 - October 1, 2010)

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Duration	Entries
September 25 - October 1, 2010	70

Article: Ten More Questions You Always Wanted to Ask a Blind Person

Lelia Jo Cordell
Diamond Feedback Medal for All Time! 1,394 Feedbacks

October 1, 2010

October is "Meet the Blind Month." In honor of it, here's the follow-up to my original "Ten Questions You Always Wanted to Ask a Blind Person."

Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 76

Tip: Make Hats from Leftover Fleece

September 29, 2010

After altering 3 pairs of fleece pants for my mother-in-law, I was left with 3 pairs of pant leg bottoms (about 7 inches each). I made these hats from them. The pom-poms are made from left over yarn I had.

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Tip: Sharing Information On Social Networking Sites

(Guest)
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 846 Posts

September 27, 2010

I know lots of people who absolutely love Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. There are lots of good things about these networks, but my caution about these particular social networks is to be careful of what and how much personal information you publish on them!

Comment Was this helpful? 21

Add Baking Powder to Cake MixWhen using boxed cake mixes, add a half to a level teaspoon of baking powder. Being taught this by my grandmother has been a blessing. We don't always check the date on the box and as the box sits on the shelves, it loses it's strength.

3 Comments Comment

Ammonia to Keep Pests Out of GarbageRecently someone asked about keeping pets/animals from tearing open garbage bags. I don't have that problem now, but I learned this trick from my mother years ago. Before tying off your garbage bag, pour a dab of ammonia in the bag.

4 Comments Comment

Cleaning Ziptop Plastic BagsWashing those snack, sandwich, quart, and gallon plastic zippy freezer bags in the sink can make you wonder if the effort is really worth saving that money, but I have stumbled upon an easy way to continue being economical and "Green!"

8 Comments Comment

Coconut Oil for FingernailsThis woman who was selling stuff for nails at the mall once grabbed my hand and put this oil stuff on my nails and it helped them immensely. I didn't buy it, but this other oil, coconut oil does the same thing.

Cut Fabric Softener Sheets in HalfI have found that you can cut fabric softener sheets in quarters and they'll work just as well, last longer, and best of all cost less!

Keeping Ice Cubes from Melting TogetherWhen storing ice cubes in a bag, try using a paper sack instead of plastic. The ice cubes won't stick together, because the paper absorbs the extra moisture.

Protect Keyboard with Saran WrapSince I work from home on my computer and also use it for emailing friends, etc., I often find myself eating in front of it as well. Recently I became concerned that I might spill something on the keyboard of my laptop and ruin it.

1 Comment Comment

Reuse Foil Box For Leftover Wrapping PaperReuse tin foil boxes to store small amounts of leftover wrapping paper. Wax paper boxes can also be used for this purpose.

2 Comments Comment

Reuse Margarine Tub as Sprinkle ContainerA new use for reusing margarine tubs. Get out your trusty old hole punch for this one; after washing the tub and lid, punch a few holes along the rim of the lid to make a sprinkle container.

5 Comments Comment

Store China in Ziplock BagsStore the good china in zip-lock bags. It prevents scratching and assures that they are clean when you want to use them.

Uses for Petroleum JellyRub petroleum jelly around the neck of a new bottle of nail polish to keep the cap from sticking.

Air Dry Jeans To Prevent ShrinkingTo keep tight jeans from getting tighter by keeping them out of the dryer, spread them out to dry flat or stretch between two coated hangers.

Ask Stores for Packaging MaterialsWhen I decided to start doing some internet business, I was appalled at the cost of shipping materials and packaging. One day I was shopping my favorite Dollar Store and they were unpacking newly arrived goods. The boxes were small, manageable, and were filled with peanuts and bubble wrap.

3 Comments Comment

Buff Stains from Wood FurnitureVery fine steel wool or sand paper (1000 grit) can be used in many ways. If you have real wood furniture and experience a water stain or a burn, etc. First sand the surface with the sand paper (very little pressure is needed) until the stain is no longer visible.

Change Shoe Color with Cream PolishI needed a pair of comfortable black shoes to work in. I already had a pair in my closet that were suitable, but they were the wrong color and had a couple of stains on them I just couldn't get out. I decided to try some black cream shoe polish.

1 Comment Comment

Check Craigslist for Used Fitness EquipmentWant the fitness benefits of gym membership but not the cost? Check Craigslist for a second hand version of the equipment you want. Sooner or later it will likely show up.

Give Child's Artwork as a GiftThis year for Christmas, I am planning to send my mother several pieces of artwork my children have created during the school year. First off, I have too many to count, and secondly, my mother will cherish and keep them safe!

1 Comment Comment

Joke: LeftoversIt's a little too little to save, and a little too much to dump . . .

1 Comment Comment

Keep Extra Bags in Bottom of GarbageI keep a roll of trash can liners in the bottom of the can. When I take the full one out to throw it away, the roll in the bottom of the can is right there. No searching or looking elsewhere for the roll.

Marinate New Veggies In Leftover Pickle JuiceI recently got a huge jar of pickles for under a dollar due to overstocking. My aunt always did this with her pickle juice, and I plan to do the same: Once all of the pickles have been eaten from your jar, save the pickle juice.

3 Comments Comment

Muffin Tin to Hold Taco ShellsTaco Night? Turn your muffin tin upside down and place the shells in between the cups. They will stand erect and let your guests fill them up! I have gone to the Dollar store and purchased small muffin tins, once for each member of the family.

3 Comments Comment

Old Fashioned Dish ScrubberI love the idea of having a dish scrubber patterned after the old ones the women made in frontier days; just laying it around for decoration would be great in and of itself.

2 Comments Comment

Removing Rust From ToolsRemove rust from garden tools with steel wool dipped in kerosene or turpentine. Then oil the tools lightly to prevent the rust from forming again.

3 Comments Comment

Add Cream Cheese to Spicy Cheese DipWe recently bought some white cheese dip from a Mexican restaurant. It was too hot and spicy for all of us, so I took a about 3 ounces of cream cheese, melted it, and added it to the dip. Perfect!

1 Comment Comment

Charcoal to Fight OdorsInstead of buying baking soda to absorb odors in your refrigerator and freezer, try charcoal! I put a couple of pieces in each.

5 Comments Comment

Dice Whole Canned Tomatoes For RecipesCans of whole tomatoes and whole plum tomatoes were on sale at a store I went to recently. Not diced, stewed, or crushed, just whole. Given the price, I bought quite a few. Wouldn't you know it, every recipe I wanted to try called for diced.

3 Comments Comment

Elevating Bowls For Larger DogsOur Great Dane pup was at the age and height at which we needed to elevate his food and water bowls. We found an ideal one for him (it even had a shelf for his "toys"!) at a used furniture store and set it up for him.Lo and behold, he got thirsty and dove right in. Kinda. He eventually got used to it, but this photo always makes me laugh!

3 Comments Comment

How to Make a Parade Float SkirtHere is a tip for creating a great skirt for your holiday parade float! Holiday parades are a source of great excitement for children and adults, not to mention a great frugal way to advertise for your business. This tip will make it look quite professional.

pills

Product Review: Zegerid OTCI was astounded to find that at $10.00 a pill, I could not afford the Nexium! I had tried everything else OTC and could not find the relief that Nexium provided, until I took advantage of a new store display for Zegerid.

2 Comments Comment

Removing Burned on Food from PansIf you have burned on gunk in a pan, soak the pan or burner ring in dishwasher detergent. Just put some in the pan, add hot water, and let sit for a few hours or overnight. Stuff will come right off.

Research Before Shopping Estate SalesIt is often the case at estate sales and garage sales that those hosting the sale overlook some hidden treasure in their inventory. Go to a jeweler or a pawn shop and see if the proprietor would teach you some fundamentals.

1 Comment Comment

Save Soap Scraps for ChildrenI have always saved soap scraps and wondered what to do with them. So when I had my son, I figured that because all children love to try to wash themselves in the bath, these little soap slivers are the right size for their hands. It works out great!

Storing Onions?After previous problems with some moldy onions, because they touched in storage, this year we used several old pairs of tights. Pop one onion in, right down to the toe, then tie a knot above it.

3 Answers Answer

Taking Laundry Detergent To The LaundromatIf you use a commercial laundry and don't want to add to your burden by carrying a box of detergent, measure the amount required for one load into plastic bags. When you are ready to go, so are they.

1 Comment Comment

Use Comet To Clean Ceramic CooktopsWe have all done it, taken our eye off the milk, the sugar, the boiling veggies, etc. and ended up with horrible, hard to remove burns on the ceramic cook top. The commercial cleaners are expensive.

1 Comment Comment

Use Envelope Backs For ScrapbooksJunk mail just got useful! Since I starting scrapbooking, I began saving colored, large backs of envelopes from my junk mail. It is great for backgrounds. I have also used these "scraps" for card-making.

1 Comment Comment

Use Wallpaper as Wrapping PaperUse leftover wallpaper for wrapping paper for gifts. You can also use the leftover wallpaper for drawing paper for children's art projects as well.

Green streaks in blond hair.

Washable Markers For Temporary Hair StreaksColored streaks in hair seems to be the "in" thing. My child and the neighbors have used this thrifty method. You take as much hair as you want to color and lay it on a piece of white paper, then simply color with washable markers.

5 Comments Comment

Backpacks for StorageI found that all the old school backpacks can be put to use as storage for under the bed and in corners of bookcases and such. They look nice and they can hold a number of things in them.

Clean Aluminum with VinegarRemove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

1 Comment Comment

Dog with an orange Halloween print scarf.

Convert Human Bandanna to Fit DogInstead of spending a fortune on doggie scarves, buy bandannas for humans and cut them diagonally. Either cut the diagonal with pinking shears or cut with regular scissors and hem.

Free Nesting Material for BirdsProvide nesting material for songbirds - for free! Make a basket out of wire. I recommend a smaller mesh than chicken wire - half-inch "hardware cloth" works well. Include a mesh lid to keep the contents from blowing away. What are the contents?

3 Comments Comment

Haircuts at HomeSave money by cutting children's hair at home. Toddlers usually only need a trim. Remember, practice makes perfect.

Keep Food On Separate SidesWhen cooking, making sandwiches, etc, my boyfriend and I had different tastes. I always put "his" dish, sandwich, brown bag lunch, etc, on the left side of the counter, table, or fridge, and "mine" on the right.

Keep Your Social Security Number PrivateThose of us who have Medicare cards know our social security numbers are on them. I had always wondered about that, since it is not a good idea to carry your social security card with you.

1 Comment Comment

Making Quick Curtains With SheetsWhen I have a sheet that is too nice to use in dog kennels, I make it into a double sided small window curtain. If you have a smaller window in your home, garage, or office, this idea would be perfect since you don't need a large amount of material.

1 Comment Comment

Protecting Skin From Metal DiscolorationIf your skin is turning greenish-black from the metal of a watch, you can protect your skin from it by painting the backside of the watch with clear nail polish or cut corn pads to fit the size of the back and stick them on.

Removing Mothball OdorTo remove mothball odor from an old trunk use cheap coffee. Just put it in a nylon that you tie or just sprinkle into the trunk. I did this to a 1800 trunk that even smelled up glassware. It really works.

4 Comments Comment

Securing Kitchen Garbage BagsTired of having the trash bag pull off the rim of the can when you toss something a bit heavy in the can? Take a piece of elastic from the sewing basket and make a large "rubber band."

1 Comment Comment

Steam Clean Your MicrowaveSome time ago I heard that microwaving your moist dishcloth for 2 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave) will sanitize it. I have begun doing that every evening following dinner dishes, but there is an added bonus.

2 Comments Comment

Use Plates In Oven For Heating FoodIf you need to heat something up in the oven, but can't find a flat pan, here's what you can do. Take an ovenproof plate or saucer and put a piece of aluminum foil on the plate.

Use Thrift Store Dishes At PartiesWhen you go to a meeting that requires you bring food, shop at the thrift store or Goodwill for platters. You can usually get them for a buck. Then when you bring your baked item, use it for that one time.

1 Comment Comment

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar on CarpetGet old, dark stains out of your light-colored carpet once and for all. Pour, don't sprinkle, apple cider vinegar all over stain. Immediately after, drown puddle of vinegar with a mound of baking soda; it should be fizzing.

1 Comment Comment

Vinegar Soap Mixture For Gnats

Vinegar Soap Mixture For GnatsThis tip came from desperation. We had an infestation of gnats while we were off for the weekend. The house was thick with them. After the chemical sprays that didn't work forced us out of the house, I turned to Google.

1 Comment Comment

Dryer Sheet to Freshen Line Dried ClothesIf you line dry your clothes, you can still use dryer sheets to freshen your clothes or towels. Remove them from the line and place them and a dryer sheet in a large bag or basket with a lid.

1 Comment Comment

Extinguishing Kitchen Fires These fires can become very dangerous and can get out of control quickly. A fire extinguisher is very helpful in situations such as this, but a simple remedy can save your home.

2 Comments Comment

Freeze Glue SticksGet tired of the stringies when using your glue gun? I keep my glue sticks in a plastic shoe box in the freezer. This really reduces the stringies when working on a project.

1 Comment Comment

Hiding Bathroom Garbage DiscreetlyUse empty tissue paper rolls as a secure way of disposing of things you don't want exposed in the trash, such as used feminine products. Sometimes in the rural area I live, dogs turn garbage cans over and tear open bags.

4 Comments Comment

Ideas for Barbecue LeftoversIt's the day after your backyard bash and you're staring at a fridge-full of leftovers.

girl with kittens

Line Litter Box with Parchment PaperWe have 2 very young kittens. Rocky and Rosie are 6 weeks old now. They are really good at using their litter box already. Because there are two tiny kittens running around, the chore must be done very quickly.

1 Comment Comment

Make Your Own Reflective Ironing Board CoverPlace aluminum foil under the ironing board cover. The foil heats up faster and cuts your time in half.

2 Comments Comment

Closeup of bottle with tag.

Perfume Gift TagsMy girls were creating little foam crafts the other day that had a loop around them. I saw them put one on an old bottle of cologne that was sitting on a shelf. I thought what a cute way to present a present of cologne.

Removing Build Up from Tea Kettle?Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight.

4 Answers Answer

Take Store Cleaning Wipe to Sanitize CarAs I walk into the grocery store, I always grab the free sanitizing wipes for the shopping cart handle. On the way out of the store, I grab another to wipe down my car door handles, the steering wheel, gear shift, and my children's cars seats.

7 Comments Comment

Use a Spray Or Mister Bottle for Cooking OilsSave lots of money by simply putting your own oil into a mister bottle, and using it to spray on pans and waffle irons, instead of paying for the canned stuff! Far cheaper and healthier for you!

Use Balloon Weight as a Chip ClipWhere we live, Mylar balloons are sold with a plastic clip attached to the end of the ribbon. I love this because each time my kids receive one, I get another (free!) chip clip.

1 Comment Comment

Use Sales Ads at a Competing StoreIf there are several good deals/sales at different stores, and you don't want to drive all over town, check to see if one of the stores will honor the other ads.

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