Daily Thrifty Tips - October 31, 2006

Free Firefox Web Browser

"The award-winning, free Web browser is better than ever. Browse the Web with confidence - Firefox protects you from viruses, spyware and pop-ups. Enjoy improvements to performance, ease of use and privacy. It's easy to import your favorites and settings and get started. Download Firefox now and get the most out of the Web." You can download Firefox with or without the Google Toolbar, both versions are free.

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65884370.tip.html

Perfect for Tricker or Treating in the dark with young ones and a fantastic craft for the family to make. A illuminated that glows with its grinning face.

Materials needed:

• mini flashlight
• mini pumpkin
• carving knife
• Tape
• Elmers glue
• 1 inch wire

Approximate expense: $3.00 if you already have the knife and flashlight.

Instructions:

1. Hollow out the mini pumpkin like you would a big one by cutting out the top and scraping the insides out.

2. Cut in a jack o' lantern face.

3. Cut a hole in the bottom.

4. Now wrap the tape around the flashlight just under the light if you turn it on up at the top by the lense tape right under it. Wrap enough tape on so the flash light fits into the pumpkin snuggly.

5. Put the flashlight in and glue along the rim of the pumpkin inside and out so it attaches the pumpkin to the tape. the tape not only allows the pumpkin to fit on your flashlight but makes it so you can save the condition of your flashlight for later use.

6. Now poke two holes one on the pumpkin shell and one on the lid with the stem.

7. Insert the wire through the holes and connecting the two ends together so the lid won't fall off.

8. Wait until the glue drys and then you're done. Turn on your flashlight and watch your lantern glow.

By Gloria from Bryson Hesperia, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Supplies:

• Empty paper egg carton
• ex-acto knife or scissors
• Hot glue or white glue
• Orange Paint
• Sharpie Permanent marker
• Brown or green Pipe Cleaner, tissue paper or brown paper bag

Directions:

Cut two cups off the empty paper egg carton. Be sure that they are straight so when you put the two cups together they are flush with each other. Glue the two pieces together to make an egg shape. Paint the outside of the cups orange and let dry.

When completely dry you can draw on the face of the jack-o-lantern with the permanent marker. For the stem you can poke a hole in the top and feed either a pipe cleaner, a rolled up piece of tissue paper or a piece of brown paper bag into the hole. I used a piece of rolled up paper bag on mine. First I crumpled it up to make it soft, then rolled it. Once in the hole I shaped it so it curved.

These would be good as place setting table decorations or just put a few of them around the house.

Post Feedback: Click Here

"Gibrien Sullivan" a/k/a Gibbie is 5 years old and is a Toy Poodle. I got Gibbie from a friend's sister. He was a "just for you" gift after I had battled breast cancer.

He loves to play ball and also ride in the car. Gibbie goes with me sometimes to my job. He does pet therapy with my elderly patient. He is my constant companion and I love him very much.

By Heidi from Dartmouth, MA

Post Feedback: Click Here

• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

The above 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! New Contest Started!
• Frugal Travel Guides
  Submit a Frugal Travel Guide

Daily cleaning of hardwood floors can be a challenge, especially if you have pets. The best tool I have found for daily maintenance of my hardwood floors is a good vacuum cleaner. Mine has a low setting made for flat floors and it works well for pet hair, dust and paw prints. Make sure you let muddy paw prints dry before trying to vacuum.

Read more advice about cleaning your hardwood floors below.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Wipe your curtain rod with a piece of wax paper. Your hangers will slide more easily.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your sticky ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

By LRP from LOWELL, MASS

If you're baking for the holidays and the recipe calls for molasses, corn syrup, or another thick, sticky ingredient, spray the measuring cup with cooking spray first and it will slide right out.

By Camilla

Post Feedback: Click Here

When flying, you are not allowed to take drinks through security. However, those that are purchased after going through security are allowed to be taken onto the plane with you, but they are quite expensive. You are allowed to take an empty water or soda bottle through security with you, simply fill it at the water fountain later and "voila" , you have a free bottle of water to get you to your destination, or buy a cheaper large bottle and divide it among your friends or family into their empty bottles!

By Roy from Illinois

Post Feedback: Click Here

You don't have to go without your prescription medications if you can't afford them! When I was broke, I got my drugs gratis! The drug companies actually have programs in which they GIVE AWAY their products. Contact the manufacturer about applying for their program (there are some restrictions.)

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have an expensive silk flower swag that I had made for my bedroom almost 10 years ago. The greenery on it was looking pretty sad and had lots of dust on it. I hated to toss it out and could not figure how to clean it. I did not want to buy the stuff you purchase at the craft shop for cleaning such items so I came up with an idea.

I took the swag and hung it on my fence out back for about 2 weeks. During that time, it has rained a lot. The temperature has been cool so there was not much sun to fade it out. I went and purchased several bunches of new silk flowers to replace some of the colors in the swag. I lucked out and found these flowers at a flea market for a $1 per bunch. I paid a total of $7 for the flowers. A few days ago, I went outside and checked on the swag and the whole arrangement looked so clean and pretty! I took it in and removed the colors of silk flowers I did not want and replaced them with the new ones.

For a grand total of $7, my swag looks brand new!

By cookiepom from Owensboro, KY

Post Feedback: Click Here

A while back, I asked if anyone had a tip on making homemade dishwasher detergent. I got the reply to use 1/8 cup bleach, to dissolve the grease, using no soap at all and 1/8 cup vinegar in the rinse cycle to alleviate the lime deposits and get streak free dishes and glasses. WOW, WOW, WOW, did it ever work. I will forever use this recipe. Thanks ever so much.

By Jamish from Ransom, Kansas

Editor's Note: Make sure you add the vinegar at the rinse cycle, as described in the tip, and not when you add the bleach or it will create a horrible gas.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Our favorite pizza sauce is an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce (with salt) sprinkled with basil and oregano or some Italian herb mixture.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
http://webby.com/humor

I would like to know the length of time canned food can be stored? Is it the date on the can or can you keep it longer. I understand it is no longer any good when the can bulges or leaks, etc.

Thanks,
Billie from Sharpsburg, GA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My red converse shoes have gotten color-faded. How can I fix this? Only the red part is color-faded.

Bigge C from Houstone, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have foil wrapped kitchen cabinets, I am using dishwashing liquid to clean the surface as suggested by supplier, but i can still see the finger marks whatever I do. It is a new kitchen installed last year. I would appreciate if you can suggest some gentle products that does not reduce the cabinet's shine.

Farhana from Brighton

Post Feedback: Click Here

My black car has tons of speckles of house paint on it. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until months after the fact. I'm ashamed to say that I don't wash my car that often. I have tried a rubbing compound (turtle wax) and it definitely didn't work. Any suggestions?

Dani from Del Rio, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

My toilet drips into the bowl constantly. How do I fix it?

Tom from Clearwater, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

I just found a massive hole in the fitted sheet of one of my favorite sets of bed linens. It can be used for rags or something, but I would like to use the top sheet for something else besides cleaning rags or curtains or extra pillow cases. I have no children, so kiddie crafts aren't what I am looking for. :) Suggestions?

Kathleen from Mississippi

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have a neighbor that lives directly behind me who planted three weeping willow trees at the bottom of his yard. The trees are about 20 feet apart from each other. One in each corner and one in the middle forming a row. There is sewer drain for the septic tanks and drainage from rain within 10 feet of the trees that runs in between the yards. Our average lot size in the neighborhood is less than a half acre.

The first owner planted them as saplings about 3 years ago. They have grown extremely fast and I have had several people tell me that these trees will be a huge problem down the road. I explained that to the person who bought the house almost 2 years ago and he just laughed and said it wouldn't be his problem because he would not be living there when it became a problem. My neighbor just sold his house this week. Unfortunately, I like where I live and do not want to move for a very long time. What should I do?

Please answer this request so I can share it with the new neighbors if the trees will more than likely be a problem down the road. Especially assuming several neighbors have finished basements.

Eric from Fishers, IN

Post Feedback: Click Here

I mistakingly put 2 black crayons into my dishwasher. Now the inside of the dishwasher and the dishes have a black waxy film on them. Does anyone have any ideas on how to clean this?

Moey from Avon, MA

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you remove black printer ink from clothing?

Lisa from Novato CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

What can large cardboard egg flats be used for?

Paula Jo Carr from Mebane, NC

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for directions on how to use a tide stain pen to decorate denim.

Thanks,
Randi from Vacaville, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My son's 3rd birthday is in December and he is infatuated with guitars and all musical instruments in general. Does anyone have any ideas for a 3 year old guitar/music birthday party?

Lori from Alexandria, VA

Post Feedback: Click Here

My ex-husband has been diagnosed with lymphoid brain cancer. He fell ill October 2nd this year and we have been told that he has 6 to 12 months to live. He will have to go to assisted living and will never return to his home. Could anyone please help with ideas on Christmas gifts for him? He is only 57, and when he was well, he loved gardening, reading, watching TV and walking. Now he cannot read at all, as he has very little memory and finds it very difficult to concentrate.

Our younger daughter has started giving him "lessons" by making him repeat the days of the week, the months of the year and our children's names. She has also started him on reading children's books. We would like to make the most of the little time he still has to make him comfortable and happy and create happy memories for the children. The children are 28, 27 and 21.

Initially, he said that he does not want to see me. However, he has now told the children that he wants to talk to me to make arrangements so that I can take the cats to see him, as he is missing them so much. I plan to make arrangements for him to visit my home to see the cats, as they will probably run for dear life if I take them to the care facility.

Thank you! Kind regards

Willem from South Africa

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have the pattern for making a robe from towels. It was very popular in the 60's. Thanks!

Karen from Winona, WV

Post Feedback: Click Here

I stored some cut up cheese chunks in a vacuum sealed bag for a week. There were droplets of water inside the bag in a few places (minimal). Do you suggest I place a paper towel in with the cheese chunks to prevent mold from building up due to excessive humidity? How much paper?

Thanks, (...and thanks to Harlean for her help with other queries.)

Holly from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I seem to have good luck with mums. Do you think I should take cuttings from existing bushes (need season suggestion and ideas) or just buy a new and improved variety at the nursery (need variety suggestions). Rain is irregular. I use a sprinkler and hand water. We have hot summers (low 100's) and it gets to below freezing during part of the winter. Sometimes it doesn't snow, but we get a lot of ice storms.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Holly from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for 11th birthday ideas.

Nellebumbrown from England

Post Feedback: Click Here

My Mom inherited a poinsettia when her Aunt passed away this summer. It's huge and in a big pot. Aunt Doris kept it on a screened porch year 'round. My Mom has had it sitting on her deck that is on the southwest side of her home.
It's very lush, and green.

She needs to know if and when it needs to be taken inside and any special care instructions for this winter and care tips for it in general. Thanks so much in advance!

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Sharon from Benton, AR

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone have information about using geranium oil for the treatment of shingles? I misplaced my information about using geranium oil and another type of oil for relieving the pain of shingles. I would appreciate any help. I know two people who are suffering from this and would like to pass on this information.

Thank you,
Mike from NE Pennsylvania

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for information on radiant heating. How warm does it get? How cost effective is it and can you heat a home in the mountains comfortably?

Donna from Charlotte

Post Feedback: Click Here

How can I make 40 gallons of tea with loose tea?

Jane from Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

Where can I find used burlap sacks in the US to use for crafts?

CVC from Princeton, MN

Post Feedback: Click Here

Hello and thank you in advance. I have fibromyalgia. I work in 2 jobs that I really enjoy but are physically taxing. I work with autistic students as a one on one. I find myself having to restrain a student or running after him often. I am so sore at the end of the day I am not functioning at my home properly. I am also a nurse doctors assistant at night. I am disorganized naturally so that is also a problem. I have just taken all day just to clean my bathroom. I have to take breaks. I can't afford a cleaning lady. Does anyone have any suggestions? I live alone in a 1 floor condo with my dog. i know there must be fibro support groups out there but I don't know of any.

Sandy from Baltimore

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone know how to remove hair dye stain from clothing? I recently was coloring my hair in the bathroom and the clothes were hanging in there to dry. I have recently had shoulder surgery and can only reach with one hand, so it was quite awkward and foolish of me to do it myself. If anyone has suggestions please let me know.

Thanks
Wyla from Houston, Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you clean washable suede?

Debby from Byron. IL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Can anyone suggest a solution for cleaning bathroom linoleum? We moved into a rental house that had a leaky toilet (now replaced) and have pee stains all around it. We have tried everything we could think of but the stain has gone into the texture it looks like. Would appreciate any help you can give. Can't afford to replace it at this time.

Thank you so much,
patsAZ from Arizona

Post Feedback: Click Here

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:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe