Daily Thrifty Tips - January 13, 2009

Here are the contest winners for last week! We had a tough time picking just one photo entry and one recipe so we gave two extra prizes.

Pet Contest Winner

The Best Of Friends: Steven and Connor (Conure Parrot)
By Carole from Locust Fork, AL

What an adorable picture!

Photo Contest Winners

Cutting PVC: What Would Susan Do?
By Sandra from Salem, OR

This was a really good tip. Susan would have liked it.

Craft: Gingerbread Houses
By Janet from Long Island NY

This is a really neat tradition that doesn't cost a lot of money.

Tip Contest Winners

Invest In The Proper Snow Removal Equipment
By Joyce from Benson MN

Joyce shares a well written primer on how she deals with snow.

Number One Thrifty Tip: Pay Off Your House
By Coreen from Rupert, ID

Coreen writes: "So many of us are living from paycheck to paycheck, paying interest on everything we "buy" and buying stuff we don't need." In the US, and perhaps around the world, buying items with credit has become too big a part of our culture. While it may make the economy look rosy for a while, it's not sustainable.

Recipe Contest Winners

Double Stuffed Meat Loaf
By Sandy from Graettinger

This is an interesting take on meatloaf.

Peanut Chicken Curry
By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

Raymonde shares another wonderful recipe.

Thank you to everyone that took time to share something!

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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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: Plastic Canvas Birdhouse

It is a bird house for the small tissue box made in plastic canvas. I made the patten from doing the large birdhouse. It makes a nice gift to make.

By Mary from Cornwall, Ontario

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Craft: Drapery Rod for a Changable Headboard

I used a wooden drapery rod to make a holder for fabric or a quilt or bedspread to use as a headboard. It is cheap, fast, and can be changed quickly. Just be sure to use lightweight fabrics, or put a support in the center of the pole for heavy items. You can make it as high or as low as you like. This is now my favorite headboard.

By Susan from Mulberry, Fl

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Scenery: Tired of the Snow

Tired of the snow.

By Janski from Manistee, MI

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Panda Bear (Japanese Chin)

Panda Bear is 13 years and a "Japanese Chin". I got Panda's Mom, Skoshi and Dad, Typhoon as a Christmas gift in 1992. Skoshi had 2 litters and Panda came from the 2nd, in 1995. Though they're not a well known breed, they should be. I've had Chihuahuas and Poodles as well as several large dogs in my long lifetime. I much prefer a lapdog. Chins are extremely comical, loyal and ask nothing but to be loved.

Panda's favorite trick is looking cute! Loves car rides and wakes me in the morning by walking up my chest and sitting til I wake up. Thank goodness she only weighs 5lbs. She loves to go outside only to turn right around and come back in for a treat. We used to watch Animal Planet faithfully however her very limited eyesight now makes it impossible. She still gives "high fives", shakes with her paw. Her fake cough! is the best trick. She coughs til you pat her on the back.

Panda and I share the same home and I can't tell you in words the constant joy (her breed) she's been in my sometimes trying life.

By Keeper from NC

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Craft Project: Pomander Ball

These are great gifts and certainly lift your spirit with the clove/orange aroma. When dried, these can be hung or kept in closet/drawer for an amazing fragrance. Cost of 10 pomanders is about $10.00 (bag of oranges: $4-$5, Cloves: $3-$4, Orris root: $2)

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• Tip Contest
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• 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
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Use Fabric Softener in the Dryer

Instead of buying expensive dryer sheets, place a small amount of liquid fabric softener on a clean rag, and place it in the dryer with the wet clothes. Fabric softener is really not very good to put in your washing machine anyway. Clothes come out soft, sweet smelling, and without static cling, and will use much less softener.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Use Shampoo to Wash Wool

I've been a weaver, spinner and dyer of wool for years. One of the tricks I learned, was that because wool is hair, you can use hair products to clean it. When you wash your wool hats or sweaters, wash them with shampoo. In the rinse water use a tiny bit of conditioner as a "fabric softener." Just be sure to rinse all the conditioner out of your garment when you're done. You'll have wool that's softer than ever before and it won't get that winter static either.

By JLS

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Link: Sell Your Old Books Online at Cash4Books.net

Here's a website, two of my friends have used to sell books, where they pay you for the books they want. You go to the website and enter the ISBN number of the book (like UPC). It tells you if they can use it or not. They pay higher than you might make if you'd sold them at a yard or garage sale. They pay by PayPal and even pay the shipping charges. Have any books laying around, just gathering dust?

• http://www.cash4books.net

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Restore Paint Brushes With Vinegar

When you have allowed your paint brushes to harden with paint on them, you can easily soften them by placing them in hot vinegar until paint loosens and the wash them in hot soapy water.

By Sandy A. from Graettinger, IA

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Frugal Foot Massage

Need a foot rub? My feet often hurt during the day. I stumbled on the idea of buying an inexpensive rubber door mat, the kind with the raised rubber nubs on it, which cost me about 3 dollars at the Dollar Store. I keep it rolled up by my reading chair, and when the urge strikes, unroll it and step barefoot on the raised nub surface, massaging my tired feet. It feels wonderful and really wakes my feet up. Sometimes I leave the mat out all day and just walk in place barefoot on it during the day for a quick, invigorating pick-me-up. Now I don't know what I'd do without it! Perhaps this will work for others as it does for me - I hope so!

By Cathy S from Millsboro DE

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Craft: Cereal Box Purse

Did you know you can make a purse from a cereal box? Very easy, cover box with any fabric, sew handles or straps on each side as long as you want them.

By Kathleen from Dothan Al

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Soak Your Dog's Feet in the Bathtub

I have a dog that constantly chews on her feet, causing a problem with discoloration and yeast. I was getting frustrated using the sprays on her paws from the doctor. I found a better solution by having her stand in a bathtub filled with epsom salts and baking soda (roughly a 4:1 solution) while giving her a bath. Make sure your pet does not try to drink the bath water, as the epsom salts can cause stomach upset. I do this once every week or so, and the problem cleared up greatly. No more having to fight with her to use the sprays anymore.

By Amy from Cincinnati, Ohio

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Mix Sugar and Plain Cereal

To save money on cereal for my kids, I mix plain Corn Flakes half 'n' half with Frosted Flakes in a large plastic container with a pour out top. This way both cereals go farther and the kids aren't eating too much sugar at one sitting.

By Cheri from Grand Forks, ND

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Sprinkle Potatoes With Sugar While Frying

Lightly sprinkle with sugar when frying fresh peeled potatoes to get a nice crust on them.

Source: From a former boss in the Dept. of Agriculture.

By BJ from Mid Missouri

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Keep Butter from Burning

To keep butter from burning, add a little oil to the pan. You will have the butter flavor but no smoking or burning.

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

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Crown Royal Bag Quilt

Do you have any words of wisdom as I approach the task of making my first Crown Royal quilt? Do the bags need to be stabilized? Do you have a pattern that you like to use that you would be willing to share? I am good at following directions, but not so great at coming up with the idea.

Sue

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Selling Home Baked Goods

My extended family raves over my baked goods and tells me I should sell them at craft fairs. Any advice on selling baked goods? What kinds of baked goods would tempt you to buy them instead of making your own? Chris from Williamstown, NJ

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Caulk Not Sticking to Fiberglass Shower

We have recently had a new fiberglass shower surround installed and we are having a hard time getting the caulk to stick. When it is applied it looks great, but after a shower or two it starts to ripple and comes off. Any suggestions for preparing the fiberglass before reapplying the caulk?

Kathy from Champlin, MN

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Donating Used Stuffed Animals

I have a lot of stuffed animals my grandchildren do not play with and would like to donate them to some needy children in my area. Anyone know where I can donate these?

Ron from Warrington, PA

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Mattress is Sinking in the Middle

My mattress is sinking a little in the middle and I don't have money at this time to buy another one. I heard that the egg crate pillow topper will assist and make sleeping on the mattress more comfortable. Is this true? Please share your advice. Thanks.

Onesummer

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Dry, White Spots on Skin

I have these white, dry looking spots on my arms and I'm starting to get them on my stomach too. I've had them for about 2 years. What should I do to make them go away?

Sarah from Fairhope, AL

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Wax on a North Face Jacket

I splashed hot wax on my North Face fleece. It landed mostly on the nylon part. What do I do?

Audra from Lake City

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Recipes Using Dried Pinto Beans

I have a 2lb bag of pinto beans and need some good recipes I can make with it. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Janice from IL

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Starting a Bent N Dent Grocery Store

I am looking to start a bent and dent store in Camp Verd, AZ. Does anyone have any advice on how to get started?

Sue from Camp Verde, AZ

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Boiling Partially Frozen, Raw Chicken Breasts

Is it safe to boil partially frozen raw chicken breasts?

Kristan from Raymore, MO

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Christy's Seafarin' Salad Recipe

Kudos for the Roumelade recipe from Christie's, my all time favorite restaurant. I have been looking for Christie's "Seafarin' Salad" recipe and would like to know if anyone has it. Also, I noticed a Christie's now open in Houston, and was wondering if this is the same family. Thanks!

Cathy from San Antonio, TX

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Recipes Using Shredded Wheat Crumbs

Does anyone know of a recipe that calls for the "leftovers" from a box of shredded wheat cereal? I hate throwing those crumbs away!

Cindy

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Using a Crockpot to Make Fudge

I started making fudge and am using a double boiler on my stove to melt the chocolate chips and butter. Does anyone use a crock pot or any other method for this? I am always looking for shortcuts! Thanks.

Monica from Northeast, PA

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Buying Something to Play Music

My soon to be 80 years old husband has a number of old time singers that he likes and I want to know what kind of equipment will play the music. It will have to be stand alone without the computer and I need to acquire the music. He likes Kitty Wells, Eddie Arnold, Hank Williams, Bing Crosby and Perry Como. I would like all to be fairly reasonable. I am hoping ThriftyFun can help. Thank you.

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Painting a Kitchen with Blue Countertops

I want to redo my kitchen. It was a theme of strawberries, I am tired of it. The wallpaper is coming down and I want to paint but don't know what color. I would like to get rid of my big table and chairs because you have to go around to go through the back door. My kitchen is small and there is very little room.

I have a small counter top in middle which I would like to get rid of and replace with a big island with chairs for seating. My cabinets are a dark walnut and they will stay. My countertop is baby blue in color and it will stay. My floor is white squares with tulip designs with blues and burgundy. The floor will stay for now. My appliances are stainless steel and black. I do not want to get rid of appliances. Help! I would love idea.

Liz from Meredosia, IL

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Crystallized Cat Urine

I have two adult cats, one about 13 and the other about six or seven. I have read lots about cats having difficulty urinating, urinating in odd places, etc. and crystals in their urine. During the past few months I have found small yellowish deposits which strike me as being what a mixture of water and brown sugar would look like after the water has evaporated.

I have found them in odd places. The oddest being under the kitchen cupboards, almost as if something (a cat perhaps) was standing on the counter and just sprayed. I am totally baffled. Could it be crystals and dried cat urine?

Don

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Removing Black Paint from Clothing

My daughter got black paint on her lilac winter jacket and it's a real mess. I tried the rubbing alcohol, the hand sanitizer and the Goo Off. Nothing is working. Please help. She also got some on her jeans and I have tried all of the above without any luck too.

Marion from Chicago, IL

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Discount Grocery Stores Near Philadelphia (19140)

Is there a discount/salvage supermarket in Philly (near 19140) besides Save-a-Lot?

Joseph from Philadelphia

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Easy Cracker Recipes

I am looking for easy recipes to make crackers. I don't need anything fancy.

Lawrence from Grand Rapids, MI

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Event Reminder System

I was using Red Envelope for an event reminder, but they stopped sending notices. Does anyone have a system that works? One that reminds 2 weeks and 3 days before the event?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Training a Husky for Sledding

How do we train a Siberian Husky for sledding? What types of commands and strategies do we use for this activity?

Pasca Bianca from Ordea, Romania

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Recipe for White Wine and Meat

I am not a wine expert but as a gift I received a bottle of Chardonnay and Zenfedel wines. Is the old saying white wine goes with white meat still apply? If this is true I am in need of a casserole recipe that will feed 5 people and I have on hand some pork tenderloin. Would that be considered white meat or would it have to be chicken etc.? I need the recipe for a dinner at our house just before the new year or soon after. Thanks in advance.

BJ

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Caring for a Suede Jacket

I received a hand-me-down suede jacket, how would I spruce it up? How do I waterproof it? What happens when it gets rained on? Any advice you extend would be appreciated. Thanks.

BJ

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Removing Glued on Photos

In the days before scrap booking I used Elmer's School paste on the corners of photos in an album. You don't need to remind me, I already know it was not the smartest thing I ever did. I now need to copy some of the photos. If I could get them apart I could copy and print them using my home scanner. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Please rack your brain for ideas. Thanks.

BJ

Update: The advice that worked best for me was to use fine dental floss and work it back and forth between photo and the page.

Thanks for the suggestion

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Substitute for Olive Oil

Everywhere I look for healthy diets and healthy fats its olive oil this and olive oil that. Well olive oil, even the smell of it, literally makes me ill. Is there any not too drastically expensive substitute for olive oil that has somewhat the same benefits?

Anna from Indiana

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Son's 16th Birthday Party Ideas

It's my son's 16th b-day at the end of March. We've talked about having a DJ and/or karaoke. Any ideas?

Charless from Indiana

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Green Themed Birthday Party

My daughter's 10th b-day is at the end of April. I'm not sure what games to play. She loves the color green. Any suggestions?

Charless from Indiana

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Making Muffin Tops Crunchy

I would like to know what Dunkin' Donuts or supermarkets use to make the top of their muffins so crunchy and yummy? It could be something as simple as sugar. I've tried without any success in getting that nice crunch.

Susan from Hemder, NY

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Food Sticking to Stainless Steel Skillet

I brought a 10' stainless steel skillet from Bed, Bath and Beyond for $25.99. Does anyone know why it sticks while I am frying in it? There's more batter stuck in the pan than on the fish when I'm done. Please help.

Onesummer

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Identifying Purity of Silver Plater

I found a silver fruit plater at a carboot. I know that pure silver is marked 925 but can any one tell me what S431 means. I am nearly one hundred percent sure it is silver but I am not sure how pure.

Diana

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Preventing Fleas from Moving With You

I am moving and don't want to take any fleas with me. How can I prevent this?

Julie from Chesterfield, MI

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Growing Amaryllis in Texas

I live in San Antonio, TX but I do not know my zone. Can amaryllis thrive in the yard? It gets hot here in the summer. Could I plant them under a crape myrtle? Is special soil required? Thank you.

Augusta

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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

Fun Snow Toys and Games
By Debra Frick

Well we had our first snowfalls the last couple of days here in the Rockies and, though enough did not fall to make a snowman, my grandkids wanted to go and play our in the snow. Snow toys can be expensive especially now around Christmas. We have found that there are a lot of toys that you can make yourself or that you have lying around that can be used to play in the snow.

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Saving Money on Heating Costs

Advice for saving money on heating costs from the ThriftyFun community.

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