Daily Thrifty Tips - December 21, 2007

Today we have some more craft projects and great tips. This is the last issue before Christmas. This has been the best year ever for submissions of holiday tips and craft ideas and it's all because you! Thank you for taking time to submit your ideas and thank you for reading this newsletter!

Happy Holidays and have a very Merry Christmas!

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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Craft: Stocking Cap Ornament
By Harlean Greathouse

This is a recycled kids craft. The little ones can really get into this craft, and make something pretty to hang on the tree. Supplies are few.

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Birch Bird Feeder Or Candle Holder

This is not only a good gift idea for bird lovers (like me) but also for homebound/seniors that enjoy watching the birds.

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Decorated Christmas Card Envelope

I sent in my Christmas card envelope that I painted last year, so thought you might be interested in this year's. The card had a snowman with a string of lights and he had a cap in red, white and blue so I made the envelope to match, hope you enjoy.

By Phyllis from Roseburg, Oregon

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Tube Sock Snowman

To start the snowman's body, take the sock and make sure it is actually a "tube" sock (it should be straight with no bend for the heel and foot). Most socks have a smooth surface on the outside and a textured, rough, loop surface on the inside. If you prefer the snowman to have a textured body, turn the sock inside out.

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Tatted Snowflake

Tatting pattern booklets are available in the craft sections of stores. This snowflake is a simple one.

By Frances from Tarzan, TX

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Craft: Recycled Cookie Tin
By Debra Frick

Have you ever been to a yard sale or thrift store and seen a great tin and you knew it would be just the right size to fit that special present but the tin was decorated with advertising. Well I am going to give you some great directions on how to recycle that great tin into something you would be proud to give a gift in. Tins are great for giving gifts in as reusing them keeps them out of the landfill and they can be used year after year.

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Craft: Cheese Grater Holiday Display

How you can make a holiday display with just about anything.

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Lady (Border Collie/Blue Heeler) and Endo

Lady and Endo are both about 11 years old now. Lady is border collie/blue heeler mix. Endo is of so many, I cannot list them here. Both were rescued from horrid conditions. Lady in January 1998. Endo in July 1997.

Lady likes a good belly rub or massage. Considering her age and that she is blind, her loves are eating and napping. Endo, being the same age but not blind, still loves to play and always improving his catching skills, like treats. I love all my pets, all rescued from shelters. We have 3 but may consider one more in the future.

By Faye from Garland, TX

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Craft: Cute Tomato Cage Christmas Trees
By Debra Frick

Thought you were through with your tomato cages for the year? Think again! They can be turned into very cute Christmas Trees for your yard or your home. These beauties will light up your yard and are very affordable. So snatch up your tomato cages and come with me and let me show you how to put them to good use now until the tomatoes need them again in the spring.

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Thank You for Your Thoughts and Prayers

In June of this year my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She had surgery and chemotherapy. I posted on this site asking for help about prayer, angels, chemo problems, etc. You always came through with sound advice, encouragement, and prayers. Mom was so touched that complete strangers were so kind. And you held me together. I think at times I was almost insane from worry.

Mom got her final test results today. Her cancer is gone and her doctor said this type probably won't come back. She had good doctors and the newest treatments and drugs but I truly believe your well wishes and prayers were the real medicine. I will always remember your kindness. God Bless you all and Happy Holidays.

Joan from Chesapeake, VA

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Happiest Times Are Spent with the Ones You Love

During the holidays we try to get some time to spend with my husband's nephew and family. I buy something that the 2 girls ages 9 and 10 can make while the adults chat. Their mother makes homemade cookies to give us. This year I got sun catcher kits for 5 dollars and a mug with hot cocoa mix. The girls enjoyed painting and drinking the hot cocoa. I got the adults a game that we could play. This year was The redneck game by Jeff Foxworthy. Plenty of laughs and a evening of fun.

Last year I gave the girls packs of beads and string. They made bracelets and key chains. I try to spend $5-$10 each girl. The happiest times and wonderful memories are spent with the ones you love!

By Esther from Plainfield,Ohio

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Fabric for Gift Wrapping

I started this at Christmas time to reduce garbage, expensive gift wrapping costs and environmental waste.

I bought inexpensive holiday material (after Christmas they will be cheap) and simply sew it up along the sides and hem the top and it resembles various size "Santa's Sacks", which I used to put my children's gifts in! I would tie it with a wide ribbon, tie on a tag (also all reusable). Looks like Santa brought a lot of goodies!

You may also do this for birthdays with different material! Ho-ho-ho!

Source: Just thought it up.

By Be-Be Eyes from Sterling, Pa

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Living Simply Year Round

I know this isn't a "NUTS AND BOLTS" description of frugality but this is how I feel with the holidays approaching. The older I get the more I realize that living as simply as possible is not only frugal, but good for the spirit.

I need little material things to make me happy and have become naturally frugal-preserving the earth's resources, my finances and my sanity! It's an organic frugality.

Count your Blessings this Season everyone!

"If you realize that you have enough-you are truly rich". 33 v. Tao te Ching

Be-Be Eyes from Sterling, Pa

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Give Your Time As A Present

For those of you who don't have a lot of money this Christmas, OR, for those of you who really want to do something Super-Special for someone, TRY THIS: Coupons. Yes, Coupons... there's nothing better than a book of home made "Coupons".

Here's some ideas:
1 free oil change, 1 free brake job for your car, 1 free home cooked meal to go. 1 quiet bubblebath and back-rub. One day of hanging out with friends while I watch the kids, Three car washes, 4 hours of weeding or raking leaves in your yard. 3 days of dishwashing, One mop and wax the kitchen floor, Just use your imagination!

These gifts will cost you nothing, but they will be the receiver's favorite gifts, this I'll guarantee!

Cyinda from near Seattle

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Place Window Candles on Tuna Can "Risers"

I have found that the Christmas candles for the windows are too low with the new energysaving windowsills. I put a can of tuna fish under the candle to boost it up. You could use a taller can if you need it higher.

By Irene from Boston

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Buy Solid Color Wrapping Paper For Year Round Use

When you buy your Christmas wrapping paper, try to buy several rolls that are solid colors. Like Gold, Blue, Silver or Purple. Sometimes you can find a plaid, stripe or simple print. These rolls, will not only work for Christmas, but also will work great for birthdays, etc. The Silver and Gold wrapping paper will not only work great for Christmas, but if you have left over, it will work great for Weddings and Anniversaries too! If you buy Solid Red, you can use that later for Valentine's Day and with green, there's always Saint Patrick's day.

If you think about later uses for the wrapping paper and what colors/prints might also work for other occasions, you won't have to worry about having extra left over. When wrapping, I use the Santa, Snow Flake, and Christmas prints first. I leave the solid colors for last, this way if I have leftover, I can use these later in the year.

By Cyinda from Near Seattle

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Making Curlicues From Shredded Paper

To make curlicues out of shredded paper for Christmas presents; you take regular shredded paper and wrap it around a knitting needle, or larger bamboo skewer,(did you know that bamboo is the only really WATER PROOF wood) and spritz it lightly with a mister bottle, then place it in a warm place, or oven, to dry; this is another way to curl yarn for dolls hair.

Source: This has been taught by crafters for years, the technique can be used on almost any paper or yarn.

By Mary from Atascadero, CA

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Saving for Next Christmas

I noticed today at the grocery store we sell gift cards you can keep loading. Hey, everyone needs groceries! So I decided after Christmas I am going to get one and put $5 on it every payday, which is $10 a month, and by next Christmas there will be roughly $100 on it without me going broke because I did it this way, and a very wonderful gift for my mom! Now, this idea can be for most any store as they all seem to sell gift cards, and can be given to any recipient, so go ahead, plan one or two for next year.

By Linda from Bellevue, NE.

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Recycled Magazine Christmas Tree

Using an old magazine and some tea bag envelopes, you can make a very unique Christmas decoration.

By Orqudea from Porto, Portugal

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Guess What You Are Buying Me For Christmas?

This is only a tip if you consider getting something you'd like for Christmas, but someone else buys it. My youngest son is now 37. When he was about 10, I took the kids to do 'their' shopping for the family. Each one was allowed $5 per person. We were at Kmart looking through boxes of framed pictures. I found one of a tall ship. I had started collecting these ships, pictures, models, etc. We weren't looking for anyone in particular up to that point. I looked at my son and said, "Guess what you are buying me for Christmas?"

By knitter from Bloomington, Illinois

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Suggestions for Disposing of Dog Waste

Disposing of dog waste. Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Are You Sick of Getting Store Catalogs?

How many others out there think the number and frequency of all those glossy magazines over and over again IS SO WASTEFUL!? Some of the biggest offenders are Kohl's, Penney's, and the Bon Ton. If those companies would stop that practice, they could pass on the savings to us. Can anyone out there IMAGINE the cost of publishing and printing all those catalogs? I think it is a DISGRACE! Hey, but that is just me!

Bonnie from Martinsburg

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Color Suggestions for Counter Tops

What color counter tops would look nice? I am looking to replace the counter tops but keeping the cupboards white and I have white appliances and flooring . Hoping to warm the kitchen up a little.

Maria from Victoria, BC

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Recipes for Meat Pies

Does anyone have any really good meat pie recipes?

Mary Ann

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Do You Use Baking Powder With All Purpose Flour?

When a recipe calls for flour, but does not say all-purpose or self-rising, do you have to add baking powder to the recipe when you're just using all-purpose flour?

Donna from North Carolina

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Removing Dog Hair from Curtains

I need help in getting white dog hair off of my full-length navy blue curtains. My dog perches himself on the low front window ledge to watch the world go by, and therefore the curtains are COVERED with his hair. I've tried vacuuming, using a lint roller, and my son even put them into the dryer, and nothing happened except the curtains got an inch shorter. They are mostly cotton, didn't pay that much for them, but they serve a need to cover my large front windows. I purchased them at Wal-Mart.

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Peanut Butter Fudge Not Hardening

How can I salvage Peanut Butter Fudge that has not hardened?

Tammy from Salyersville

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Recipes for Peanut Butter and Coconut Cream Eggs

I am looking for a recipe for home made peanut butter eggs and also coconut cream eggs.

Angel from Newville, PA

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Removing Milk Stains from Leather Shoes

How do I get milk stain out of my favorite leather shoes?

Sven from Snowmass, CO

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Getting a Student Loan When on Disability

What do you do when nobody will give you a student loan without a co-signer. I live on disability and am trying to go back to school. I need a loan to pay for out of pocket expenses.

Karen from Cleveland, Ohio

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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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Christmas Is The Season Of Giving
By Debra Frick

Have you ever wondered at Christmas how you could make a difference in a world where so many are afraid to give? Well, I am going to give you some ways that you could really make a difference in someone's live this year for Christmas if you are willing to try. It will take some researching on your part to find out where you can volunteer but I promise you that this can make this Christmas the best you ever had.

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