Daily Thrifty Tips - March 13, 2009

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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 Project: Eggshell Mosaic Easter Eggs

If you're looking for a fun craft that all the family can do at Easter, then why not try decorating some eggs with eggshell mosaic. All you need to do is to save some eggshells after cooking, paint them and break the segments into lots of little pieces to make your mosaic designs. Arrange your finished eggs to display in your home or give away as presents to family and friends.

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Craft: Basket Lampshades

I want to share a photo of one of my projects from several years ago. I found a great wicker basket with a fluted edge and it had a handle on it. I kept looking at this basket and flipped it over and decided to cut off the handles and make it into a lampshade for a lamp I had.

I spruced up the paint and drilled a hole in the bottom, then painted a wooden drawer pull white to hold the "shade" on the lamp. As you can see, I used fabric that goes with the bedding to make a "hatband" and used some eyelet fabric and fashioned a "flower" for the hat as well. I think it definitely makes a great lampshade! How about you?

Inspiration: All me. Just saw something that would make the lamp look very special!

By Southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Scenery: Winter Creek Bed

A creek at a camp I went to that I thought was pretty and just took a picture of.

By Sammi from Elizabeth, PA

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Buffy (Chihuahua Mix)

This is Buffy she is a Chihuahua mix. She weighed not even 1 pound when I got her (rescued owner didn't want her and her brother because they were mixed breed). We have had her for 3 years now.

We got Buffy because she is a mix breed and her owner didn't want her. Two little puppies under 6 weeks old, left outside in a garbage dump, with no food. My hubby's brother took them home where they ate cat food till I got them! They were so tiny!

Buffy loves to sleep, and eat, and snuggle! She is our baby! Although she didn't even weigh a pound when we got her, she now weighs over 40 pounds! She is a little fatty!

By Ginai from Atlanta, GA

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Gardening: Butterfly Garden Art

Here is a butterfly garden sculpture I got in Ashville, NC last summer.

By kflocey from Gladwin, MI

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Making Old Tissue Paper Look Like New

While making gift bags for the local nursing home, I realized I had a lot of tissue paper from events past. All the pretty colors and patterns, I couldn't bear to throw it away so I flattened it out and decided to iron it. Worked like a charm.

Take 3 sheets of tissue paper put them together put iron on polyester with a tad of steam. Iron on both sides. The one in the middle will be perfect too. Fold it accordion style and bingo: recycled tissue. When you think of how much of this stuff goes to the land fill every year, this is a good way to recycle.

By snake_dancer from RGV, TX

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US Postage To Increase On May 11, 2009

Just for your information:

On May 11, 2009, postage stamps will increase again. First class to 44 cents, as well as others.

By cajun62234 from Collinsville

Editor's Note: Here is the official notification from USPS if you wish to know more information.

• Postal Service Mailing Services Prices to Change on May 11

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Use the Sun to Dry Dishes

I have a portable dishwasher, and just the other day, I had this idea of letting the sun dry the dishes instead of using the energy it takes for the dry cycle. I am turning the washer around so the sun that comes in through the window can dry them.

Not sure why I didn't think of it before. I can wash them in the morning and turn it around to the window before leaving for school. I'll pay attention to my electric bill to see if it really does help.

By Brandi from Cameron, Missouri

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Keep Your Move Organized

When I moved a few years ago, I stumbled upon a system that kept me sane before, during and after the move. When packing a box, put a large pad of lined paper next to it. As I wrapped and put things in the box, I wrote down precisely what I had packed. When the box was full, I put the piece of paper on the very top of the items before I sealed the box.

I also packed absolute necessities separately, particularly kitchen items, so I'd have easy access to them right up until they went on the truck. This box was labeled "necessities," of course. When unloading the truck, I was immediately able to tell where each box went and what was in it. I do suggest packing the more important, but not absolutely necessary, items into each box last so they're easier to get to once you're moved it but not unpacked.

By Polly from Cedar Springs, MI

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A Squirrely Situation: Keeping Squirrels Out

We weren't aware of the tenacity of squirrels when they are trying to get into your home looking for food until we bought a cottage on a lake. My father-in-law told us to always leave the toilet lid down when we were away to keep the squirrels out. Yeah, right, I thought. Then we returned one weekend to find a squirrel which had drowned in one of the toilets. They get into those little roof pipes which connect to the toilets, come down, and then scamper about destroying everything in their way trying to get out again.

We also had nests built in our free-standing steel fireplace on two different occasions. They were trapped in there and we didn't discover them until we opened the lid to insert wood for a fire. Good thing we had the door closed. We added a wire screen over the top of the chimney to prevent another intruder. Our neighbors had one which destroyed the window grids in their kitchen trying to escape. Hope this will be of some use to you wise readers.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Use Bandannas for Cloth Napkins

For a cute, country touch to your dinner table, use colorful bandannas for napkins. We used to use a roll of paper towels, instead of paper napkins, but then I discovered how inexpensive bandannas are, when purchased through online websites. Buy the heavy-use ones by the dozen, they're less than 50 cents apiece that way!

The 20 inch ones are more than large enough for every contingency. I have a toddler, so I can say this with complete confidence. They're also a wonderful way to decorate with seasonal colors, since they come in every color of the rainbow. Bandannas, as napkins, are kind to the earth, too; a great "green" alternative to paper towels, or the disposable kind!

Source: I came up with this one on my own, after reading about the carbon footprint of these kinds of paper products. Also, from reading about the toxins in them. (Plus, paper towels and napkins are getting spendy!)

By Leopardstripes from Boise, ID

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Pack Messy Lunch Items In Plastic Bags

When packing anything in your lunch container that might leak or spill (liquids, etc.), put the items in those plastic bags we all get from the produce section of our local grocery store. On more than one occasion, I have come across a messy disaster in my lunch box due to something spilling or leaking and all but ruining my lunch. In the event of any mess, it should be contained within the plastic bag, and your other items can be saved, cleaned up and the rest of the mess contained and thrown away. This has saved me on more than one occasion.

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Use Straws as Coffee Stir Sticks

I buy unopened bags of straws to use as coffee and hot cocoa stir sticks. I pick them up at yard sales, party outlet stores or thrift stores cheap! I cut them in half, or thirds, if I get the extra long ones. They are cheaper than the regular stir sticks, thicker around for people with arthritis for easier holding, and totally easier to wash for reuse. I have saved tons of money on doing this as I have several coffee and cocoa drinkers in the house.

Note: If you have matching coffee cups, no one loses his or her cup if you use different colored straws or different length ones. And, I have yet to melt one in a hot liquid. They hold up nicely.

By Brenda from Tupelo, MS

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Color Seeds With Flour for Planting

When you are about to sow your vegtable or flower seeds, you will find that he colour of the very small seeds, blend in with the colour of the earth. My tip is to mix the seeds with a little baking flour. You will then sow the seeds evenly in the dark soil. The result being even rows, and not over seeded.

By Dunno from Malvern, UK

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Polish for Laminate Countertops

I am looking for a polish for laminate countertops.

Mick

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International Night Dinner Party

We are planning a dinner party for 10 adults. Our theme is International Night. Each couple will bring an ethnic main dish to share. I'm looking for a game or anything to get people talking that is somehow related to the theme. Not all the guests know each other. Thanks.

Marlene from Billerica, MA

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Losing 20 lbs. in Two Months

My friends asked me to join them on a trip to Egypt in 2 months. My problem is that I need to lose 20 pounds by then. I should start a diet, but which one? I googled some diets but I didn't find one that I really like. Which one do you follow? I'd appreciate it if you`d leave some information about the diet you specify. Thanks.

Kelly

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Washer Doesn't Spin Properly Using Cold Rinse Cycle

Why would my front load washer only have a successful final spin with warm water? If I do a cold rinse it always comes back as an unbalanced load.

Kim from Glens Falls, NY

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Bubbles When Sealing Countertops

I am sealing the countertops but there are lots of bubbles and it is dry already. How can I fix it?

Brenda from Hillsborough, NJ

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Neighbor Dumps Dirty Cat Litter in Alley

I just bought a home and have discovered a neighbor dumps dirty cat litter box in the alley way. We love animals and we walk our dogs and we drive in this alley. I am really concerned about health issues and hate to start trouble already with the neighbors. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks.

Dawn from Hanover, PA

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Lining Unfinished Wood Window Boxes

I just bought some wooden window boxes and the liners from my old ones don't fit. They are unfinished wood. Any suggestions of what I should put in them before I plant?

Joy from Buffalo, NY

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Diluting Blood Meal

I have a 5 lb plastic bag of blood meal that sat under a drip and the bag filled with water. I sure don't want to throw it away, but not sure how much to dilute it. Any suggestions on how much water to mix it with?

Lena from Fort Worth, Texas

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Inexpensive Styrofoam Beanbag Filling

Where is the best and cheapest place to buy the styrofoam "beads" like the ones in a beanbag chair?

Kathy from Manitowoc, WI

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Tub Drain Rocker Arm Fell Into the Drain

My son unscrewed the bath tub drain cap and it came off. I tried to save the rocker arm but it went down and disappeared in the drain. Could anyone tell me please what to do?

Ali from Vancouver

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Cat Repellent Spray

I know there is a spray that you spray around your house where you don't want dogs to go. Is there also a spray to keep cats away? There are tons of cats around my house and you can smell cats when you leave the house.

Jamish from Tribune, KS

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Undoing a Childproof Lock on a Microwave

I accidentally childproof locked a second-hand Panasonic 1100 watt microwave. Does anyone know what buttons I have to press to unlock it?

Leslie from Metairie, LA

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Having a Mohawk With Curly Hair

I have wanted a Mohawk for some time now, but my mom gets in the way. She's worried I wouldn't look good with one. I have really thick, really curly, brown hair. On a white girl it's unique, but to me it's getting old. Would a Mohawk or Chelsea-Hawk look good on me? What about any other short hairstyle?

Liz from Florida

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What Breed is My Dog?

I was wondering if anyone knows what breed this puppy is?

Jovie from Kennewick

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Too Much Exercise for a Puppy

I am in the military and go on road marches a lot. I have a 3 month old boxer. Would taking him on a 6 mile walk in 1 and 1/2 hours be too much? What about when he gets older?

Adam from Georgia

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Hanging Curtains Over Wooden Blinds

I just installed new 2 in. wooden blinds. The blinds stick out 4" from the wall; therefore I need a curtain rod that extends out from the wall more than 4". The curtain rods are not deep enough to cover the blinds. Where can I find simple curtain rods that are 5-6 in. in depth?

Mary

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Using Goof Off on a Dryer Drum

Can you use Goof Off in the dryer drum?

Marianne from MA

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Fundraising Ideas for a Relay for Life Team

I am looking for some simple, inexpensive fundraising ideas for our Relay for Life team. Something to raise money before hand and at our tent the night of the relay.

Alice from Fort Smith, AR

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Making a Sugar Glider Bag

Does anyone know how to make a sugar glider bag?

Jimmie from Linwood, NC

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Paint Colors for Bathroom with Harvest Yellow Fixtures

We are renting an apartment, it has a harvest yellow/gold tub and sink. We can't paint and the walls are white. What colors will go with harvest yellow/gold? I was looking at maybe an orange or a dark blue.

Angela from Lancaster, PA

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Using Magic Jack

Does the computer have to be on for the phone to work when using Magic Jack?

Polly

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Stirring Tips for Cooking in a Skillet

When I stir liquids in my shallow waterless cookware skillets, I find that there is more accidental splashing on to the stove top than with the other brand of pots I previously used. Any stirring suggestions? Thanks.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Buying Dinner Rolls in Bulk

My daughter's wedding reception is May 16, 2009. Where can I find dinner rolls, enough to feed 200-250 people for the reception?

Patsy from Kansas City, MO

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Homemade Dog Repellent

I want to make a homemade, cheap dog repellent. Something I can put on outside plants to keep my dogs away. I need help fast!

Lee from Cape Cod, MA

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Stainless Steel Vs. Plastic Trash Cans

Do you prefer a stainless steel trash can or plastic? I purchased a stainless steel trash can ($60) and I love it. However, I find it hard to clean the inside of the can around the lid between the crevices. I have the kind that you step on and the lid rise. Which do you prefer because I heard that plastic hold odors?

Onesummer

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Games for Garden Club President's Tea

Our community garden club is planning a President's Tea. Does anyone have any ideas on easy fun games we could play where members would win small prizes?

Gen from Hull, MA

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Extra Skin After Dog's Cherry Eye is Removed

My chihuahua has had his cherry eye removed but he still has the skin all in the corner of his eye. The nurse said it was just swelling, is this normal?

Heidi

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Painting a Logo on a Hard Hat

I am trying to paint a logo on a hard hat for my daughter's boyfriend. I've tried Krylon for plastic, model car paint, auto touch up paint, and paint markers. I've tried cleaning it with alcohol first and sanding the surface. Nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any other ideas? I sure could use the help. Thank you.

Donna

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Cleaning a Formal Dress at Home

How can I clean a white pageant dress at home? It has stains on it and is laced at the bottom?

Cheryl from Glade Hill, VA

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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

Pot of Gold Irish Supper

Most folks celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Corn beef and Cabbage meal. Even on sale, Corned Beef can be very expensive if you are feeding a lot of people. Also Corned Beef can be tricky to cook if you are a first time cook.

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Pure Fishing Recalls Children's Fishing Games Due to Violation of Ban on Lead in Paint

Hazard: The label on the fishing rod contains a surface coating containing high levels of lead in violation of the ban on lead in paint.

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Valero Marketing & Supply Co. Announce Recall to Inspect Propane Gas; Can Pose Fire and Burn Hazard

Hazard: An odorant is added to propane to help alert customers to a propane gas leak, but this propane might not have the recommended level of odorant. Failure to detect leaking gas can present a fire, explosion or thermal burn hazard to consumers.

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Seattle Cotton Works Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard

Hazard: The sweatshirts have a drawstring through the hood that can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, the CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.

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Gardening On a Dime
By Tawra Kellam

People are often surprised to find out that even though I'm a cookbook author I went to school for Horticulture. (I never wanted to be a writer. I wanted to own an herb farm.) Growing your own plants can not only save you lots of money on your grocery bill, but a nice landscape can improve the value of your home. If you're creative, you can have a great garden with very little cost. Here are some of my favorite tips to get you started:

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