Daily Thrifty Tips - June 17, 2008

We hope all of our midwestern readers are safe from the floods. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been displaced or otherwise affected.

Here are the contest winners for last week. There were lots of deserving entries.

Photo Contest Winner

Sharon's Hanging Garden
By Sharon from Fairview, NC

Tips Contest Winners

Ways To Save Money While RV-ing
By April from NW Missouri

Make Your Own Dog Ramps (Steps)
By Artlady from Edmond, OK

Editor's Note: For the above submission Artlady has also posted addition instructions and photos in the feedback forum. Be sure to check it out if you are interested in more detail about this project.

Recipe Contest Winner

Food Processor Homemade Noodles
By Rossington_Rybel from Reedsville, Ohio

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Change Drab Photos to Black and White

A tip for turning your colorless pictures into a work of art. Turn that boring picture into a work of art by changing it into "black and white" format in any of photo editing software. I used Microsoft Digital Image Suite 2006 on this picture. It was a very grey over-cast day. I got home and changed the format to black and white and wow!!

By Karen from Tinley Park, IL

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Repurpose a Computer Desk as a Potting Bench

I was given a computer desk but already had 3! My boyfriend did some adjustments and weather proofing and it is now a "potters bench" secured to my shed. A great place to store gardening items and stand to pot plants.

By Linda from Bellevue, N.E

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Save Water - Build a Path!

If you have a spot in your yard that is hard to reach with water, or you simply want to save on your water bill or conserve, build a path!

I have an area in my yard that my sprinklers can't reach, and it's a pain to drag the garden hose to. So I elected to build a path! It's a great way to also keep weeds from taking over a patch of dirt, and paths can create a nice cottage look.

Paths can be built of brick or other hard material. I was able to get lots of used brick from a neighbor! Even older bricks are OK, as they add character to the space.

When you're ready to get started, simply do an internet search or search the library for a book on detailed instructions. Basically, you need to prepare a proper base first, but after that the design is up to you!

By Ci Ci from Yakima, WA

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Pixie (Dachshund Mix?)

Pixie is 5 1/2 months old. We are unsure of her breed but think part Dachshund? We got her from a lady walking in Walmart looking for puppy food. She saw our 2 year old and told us of the puppy she wanted to get rid of because she didn't have time for her. She thought Dakota would make her a wonderful owner

She likes to hide everything! She takes shoes, toys, socks, anything she can find and hides in the yard. She also loves chasing Dakota on his battery powered four wheeler. Dakota has made her a wonderful 2 legged friend. You can tell she loves him!

By Lisa from Waynesville, NC

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Craft Project: Origami LED Light Embellishments
By Stella Rivét

This is a great way to embellish your lights at anytime of the year. These do take some time but if you get the whole family working on them, they can make nice decorations for your summer parties. Because they are paper, keep them out of the rain.

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• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

VCR Doesn't Work With TV Converter

This is just a comment about the new Digital TV converter boxes. They're inconvenient for recording. To record using a RCA DTA800 converter box, you have to go to the unit and with your hand, change the channel. Suppose you want to record ABC TV at 7 pm, and then CBS at 8 pm and then NBC at 8:30 pm. You'd have to walk up to your converter box and manually switch TV channels 3 times that evening, at 7, 8 and 8:30 pm. At best, the TV converter box is as useful as your memory and the ability to be in the same room when you want to record.

The following is from RCA about the converter box:

"VCR's work differently with the digital box. When recording a program you will ALWAYS program your VCR to record on Channel 3 (the channel the switch on the back of the digital box is set to.) Then set the digital box to the channel you actually want to record and leave the digital box on.

For example: You want to record something on channel 12 at 2:00

You program your VCR to record from channel 3 at 2:00 and the use the channel selector on the digital box remote to set the TV to channel 12.

There are 2 inherent limitations in using your VCR with the digital box because of this:

1) You can not watch one channel while recording another, at all.

2) If you want to timer record two programs at different times on different channels then somebody will have to be there in between the two programs to change the channel on the digital box."

Source: RCA Assistance.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

Editor's Note: This is only for people who are using an analog TV and receiving broadcast television. Cable and satellite users and anyone who has purchased a television since May 25, 2007 should not be affected.

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Extending Mascara

If you use water-based mascara (as opposed to water-proof), add a couple of drops of water to it when it gets near the end, or if it gets too dry. Close the top and shake the container, then use the brush to kind of stir it around. You should be able to get several more applications from the container now. This also works for water-based liquid eyeliner that has become too dry.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Make Catnip Toys from Socks

Our cats shred the store bought toys we have given them. So we decided to try out making a thriftier version. I use the old mismatched socks we end up with on the folding table. I put approximately 1/4 cup of dried catnip into an old sock and then knot the top (nylon socks work best). This is hours of fun out of something that would have ended up being a dust cloth. And when they shred it- Oh well! It was practically free.

By Angi from Spokane, WA

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Combine Errands to Save Gas

To cut down on driving, keep a list of all the errands you need to run. Don't make a trip until you can combine at least a couple errands.

By R.J. from Dearborn, MI

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Tips For Living Green

Here are my tips for living green:

• When using ice in drinks, instead of tossing them out, you can place them in the animal water bowl or use to water plants.
• When using paper at home on the computer and it didn't quite print correctly, save and use other side for scrape paper or non professional charts etc.
• The only paper product that I use is for computer and toilet paper. No paper towels, napkins or hand wipes. Use rags, cloth napkins and face cloths. Also no paper plates or cups for picnics, use plastic cleanable, reusable items.
• When mowing the lawn, have a large bin to place clippings in for fertilizer for the following year.
• Use a full house humidifier to save on heat.
• Use dishwasher only when full. In between, run the rinse cycle.
• Have energy saving appliances such as fridge, washer and dryer.
• Buy spring water and have the cooler as well as a pump. The pump is used to fill containers of water for gallon drinks to place in fridge. So not to use up already refrigerated water (saves energy)
• Do the yard watering during the evening so sun doesn't drink it up as you are watering and have to use more water.
• Reuse holiday cards (Christmas, Easter, birthday etc.) for the kids to make their own cards. (Words as well as pictures) can also be used to decorate scrapbooks.
• I had my daughter use what was left of her school notebook for her private phonebook.
• In cooking spaghetti, I try to make it so I'll be making a meal using spaghetti salad further in the week, so I can save on fuel in cooking by cooking for both at once.
• Unplug any item that doesn't need to be on at all times; ex: toaster.
• Fans help circulate air conditioned air. They don't have to run constantly and cuts down the air conditioner from having to run as often.
• You can use an old white sheet from a bed that's been up sized for a child at the beach (I say white because it reflects the light from the sun).
• When showering, use cool water instead of warm or hot and limit the time to 15 to 20 minutes.
• When brushing teeth, fill a cup with water instead of running the water the whole time brushing. Then also take any pills necessary at this same time with that water.

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Run Stairs During Commercial Breaks

I get at least 10 minutes of workout during commercial breaks when I watch my favorite TV shows that span for an hour or more. All I do is run up and down the stairs till the commercial is over. I also have my glass of water handy beside my chair so I don't have to go to the fridge and end up grabbing a snack instead.

By NY from Upper Darby, PA

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Ask For Discounts On Clearance Items

I save money on things at big name stores by looking through the clearance items and mark downs and then approaching an assistant manager or floor manager about a further discount. You would be amazed at how often they just want to get rid of something. I have purchased a beautiful TV stand for $10.00 that was originally $79.00. A child's desk that was $115.00 for $15.00. A basketball backboard with the tall stand that was regular $150.00+ for $40.00. Of course you have to be really nice about it but 7 times out of 10, they have discounted it for me. It also take a little extra time but I going during the week in the AM when the stores are less busy to look for bargains for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, etc.

By Evey from ManvelL, TX

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Keeping Your Identity Safe

Tips to keep your identity safe:

1. Do not sign the back of your credit card, instead put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED"
2. When writing checks for credit card payments DO NOT write in the entire account number on the memo line. Record ONLY The last 4 digits of the account number.
3. Checks: Do NOT put your home phone number or SS# on your checks. Use a PO box for the address if you have it.
4. Copy the contents of your billfold and keep in a safe place. If your billfold is stolen you have the credit card account information AND the toll free number to report the theft. Take a copy of this with you when you travel and lock in the hotel safe in the event of a theft.
5. If you experience a theft:

• File a police report as soon as possible
• Cancel all cards immediatley
• Report to national credit agencies (Experian 1-888-397-3742), Equifax (1-800525-6285) and Trans Union (1-800-680-7289) and report the theft.
6. Report the theft to the Social Secrity FRAUD line 1-800-269-0271
7. When traveling keep a PHOTOCOPY of your PASSPORT in a safe place in the event it is stolen.

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Take Your Forgotten Coupons to Customer Service

Here is an additional way to use your coupons:

Have you ever not purchased an item you needed because you had left the coupon at home, necessitating a trip back to the store at a later date? OR worse yet, paid full price, grumbling all the while?

Well, STOP that and instead, purchase the product BUT retain your receipt. Retrieve the coupon and head for the customer service desk the next time you are in the store!

Our local Kroger's credits the coupon back to me when I present it (and the receipt) in a reasonable time frame at the customer service desk. I have even had coupons for which I no longer have the receipt credited back to me. This is great when your DH forgets the coupons (Or thinks it is beneath him! LOL)

I would bet that other stores have a similar policy.

In addition, always retain your receipts for a reasonable amount of time (3-4 weeks) and ask for a price refund on clothing or house ware items that come on sale. Our youngest recently purchased a Webkins and it came on sale the next day for $1 cheaper. You guessed it, our 10 year old DD was at the register requesting her price adjustment! Start them off young for a life time of frugal living!

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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A Salad Bar at Outdoor Parties

There's just some things that you have always done and forget that it could be a tip to someone else!

About 20 years ago, I was looking through a catalog where it had a plastic 'Salad Bar' you could use for outdoor BBQ's, Birthday Parties etc. to keep your chilled food cold. It looked like a child's pool with ice in it instead of water. I think it was around the price of $24.99. I figured I could save money and just buy a child's pool and use it for my 'Salad Bar'.

I buy the one you have to blow up and it's only the 1 ring type. I just bought one the other day at Wal-Mart for $2.67 for an upcoming family get-together. My girlfriend thought it was a brilliant idea and I'm thinking 'I thought everyone knew that'! I decorate mine like the restaurants do and keep it full of ice.

You can get tons of ideas looking through catalogs.

By Laurie from NV

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Suggestions For Cheap, Frozen Fish

What is a good, cheap, frozen type of fish to bake? I like the fish sticks, etc. with breading, but you don't get much fish with them. In Missouri, we don't get a lot of fresh fish, except catfish and I don't care for it. It is too fishy! Thanks!

Carol from Anderson, MO

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Natural Sleep Solutions

I often have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. What can I do to help get more rest? I've tried hot baths, warm tea and flipping the mattress. Please help. I am looking for natural sleep solutions.

DCHOCLATE from Atlanta, GA

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Alternatives To Baby Oil For Dry Skin

I have dry but smooth skin. What can I use besides baby oil to keep more moisture?

DCHOCLATE from ATLANTA, GA

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Cleaning Your Curling Iron

Does anyone have any ideas on cleaning curling irons? Mine work fine, but have dried hairspray and setting lotion on them. They look terrible. Just wondering if there is a way to clean them.
Thanks

Vicki from Texas

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Removing Black Mold From Grout

I have serious black mold in the grout between the tiles over my bathtub/shower. All the mold removal tips I can find depend on gravity, like letting bleach or other concoctions soak in over time. How can I do this? I'm hoping it can be accomplished without my arms falling off.

Thanks! Jamjar

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Is Borax Safe To Use Around Children?

Is Borax safe to use around children? My poor kitty has been infested with fleas, as well as my home! I have searched and searched about carpet remedies for fleas and have found a lot on Borax, but with differing results about the use around kids. I have a 4 year old. Is Borax safe to put all over the carpets with him?

Jennifer from Jonesboro, AR

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Making a Hat From a Bra

I am looking for instructions for making a bra hat and purse.

Janette from Wilkesboro, NC

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Removing Wall Paper Glue

I have removed the wall paper border, but the adhesive remained. Any idea's of how to remove, or can you just paint over it? Thank You

Dorothy from Madison, WI

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Going Green Without Going Broke
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

While global warming and resource depletion is justifiably concerning, so is the cost of fixing it. There are so many energy efficient ideas, but the average family isn't replacing their car or changing their heating system just yet. While many of us want to "go green", we simply can't afford the green products right now. With a little creativity, there can many ways to go green affordably. Look at these ideas.

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