Daily Thrifty Tips - July 21, 2008

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We have two new Saving Money On... topics this week. Do you have any advice to share?

Saving Money on an Apartment

With all the problems with getting a mortgage these days, we are looking for tips and advice for saving money when renting an apartment. Do you have any tips to share? Feel free to post them below.

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Saving Money on Tomatoes

Do you have any tips for saving money on tomatoes. Feel free to post them below.

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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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Rosie The Cat

Rosie is about 6 years old. She was a friend's cat and they could no longer care for her. Both my daughter and I wanted her, yet it took a lot of convincing on our part for hubby to agree.

She loves to chase the dog around the house for fun and exercise. Each morning when I get up, Rosie will jump up on the bathroom sink and sit there while I take my shower. She won't leave until I am done.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Use The Sprinkler To Cool Off Dogs And Kids

Whee! Have a hot dog or children? Start the sprinkler and add dog or kids the combination can be magical and super entertaining to observe and it's cheap!

By Jackie from Bear, Delaware

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Let The Garden Take Care Of Itself

I have found that the more I work a garden, the less yield I get.

For the first time in my life I am working less on my garden, and spending more time simply enjoying it. Perhaps it is possible to overwork a garden, as I am working less on it, and the garden is proving to be a success.

By Maryjo from Salem, WV

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Craft: Ninja Mitts

I got this off thread bangers, they called them ninja mitts! My kids LOVE them. Basically you cut the sleeves off a old shirt add your own pizazz and fit them to your arm. Very simple, I made these in like 30 minutes but my kids still play with them! It's kinda like when you buy them the expensive toy and they play with the box!

By Amber from Pomona, Missouri

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Craft Project: Soap Fish

This is a vintage pattern that was originally made with an oval bar of Sweetheart Soap. Since Sweetheart Soap is no more, you will have to improvise. The soap that I have used for this pattern was found at the Dollar Tree Store. The fish in the picture at the right is sitting on the box that the soap came in.

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Use Olive Oil To Remove Sap/Pitch

My dog had stepped in a big pile of sap/pitch and it covered her whole left back foot. I read somewhere where butter would help. I tried a stick of butter and it was working but not as quickly as I would have like. I then tried Olive Oil and I rubbed it in her paw between the pads and it literally melted away. She had sticks and rocks embedded in between her pads. Poor girl. Make sure when you do this, it is either in a bath tub or out side. Also another helpful hint would be to wash the area off with Dawn liquid dish soap. It will take away the oily greasy mess. :o) Hope this helps someone!

By Barbie from Wenatchee, WA

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Product Review: Folex

I have found a great product at Wal-Mart it is called Folex, it gets out stains, grease, marker, pet and more. It is a great product, but most people have never heard of it. I found it when I was looking for stain remover got it and have used it ever since.

By Sheri from Stockton, CA

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Use a Bathroom Rug to Move Furniture

Recently I needed to switch furniture in two rooms in my house. I have beautiful hardwood floors that are 57 years old and was afraid of scratching them. The furniture I needed to move (by myself) was heavy, big pieces and cumbersome. I thought about getting some of those mover thingies you put under the legs to move things but I didn't trust them to not scratch the floors.

On the day I started moving the small stuff, I was doing laundry. My bathroom rugs (non-skid back, fluffy top) were sitting on the floor by the washer and I had a light bulb moment! I took the rugs into one room and turned them upside down. I put a small table on top and slide the table into the next room. NO marks on the floor! I have a 5' sideboard which is super heavy and I managed to move that on top of a rug BY MYSELF!

So next time you need to move some furniture over hardwood floors just grab a bathroom rug!

By Teri from Long Beach, CA

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Garden: Place Used Fabric Softener Sheets Over Drainage Hole

Gardening is my stress reliever as well as a way to share with friends. I find myself frequently potting cuttings off plants that need to be separated to share with others. A problem I have experienced is finding something to keep the soil in the pot and not running out the drain holes in the bottom. Now I recycle my fabric softener sheets by placing them in the bottom of the pots. They let excess water run out but leave the soil intact. Coffee filters may also be used, but I'm thinking most homes go through more dryer sheets than coffee filters.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Digital Camera Memory Card Identification

Camera memory cards can be misplaced easily or stolen. To insure return of a memory card, a person can make a computer business card with pertinent information regarding their name, address, phone number, email address, etc. A statement - "If this memory card is found, please return to the owner listed on this sign" should be included on the ID sign. When the memory card contents are deleted, a picture of the ID sign is made and kept on the memory card until the memory card contents are deleted again. The sign font should be large enough so a person who might find the misplaced memory card inserts into a computer, the memory card ID information can be read and the memory card can be returned to the rightful owner.

Source: My daughter found a digital camera card memory card; she took it home and inserted it in the computer; family photos were on the memory card plus a picture with two boys holding a sign with a phone number on it; she called the phone number and was able to locate the owner of the memory card. When she relayed this story to me I thought that a memory card ID could be made by memory card owners to protect their precious memories.

By Jose from Tennessee

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Joke: New Airline Rules

Attendant: "Welcome aboard, sir. May I see your ticket?"

Passenger: "Sure."

Attendant: "You're in seat 12B. That will be $5, please!"

Passenger: "What for?"

Attendant: "For telling you where to sit."

Passenger: "But I already knew where to sit."

Attendant: "Nevertheless, we are now charging a seat locator fee of $5. It's the airline's new policy."

Passenger: "That's the craziest thing I ever heard. I won't pay it."

Attendant: "Sir, do you want a seat on this flight, or not?"

Passenger: "Yes, yes. All right, I'll pay. But the airline is going to hear about this."

Attendant: "Thank you. My goodness, your carry-on bag looks heavy. Would you like me to stow it in the overhead compartment for you?"

Passenger: "That would be swell, thanks."

Attendant: "No problem. Up we go, and done! That will be $10, please."

Passenger: "What?"

Attendant: "The airline now charges a $10 carry-on assistance fee."

Passenger: "This is extortion. I won't stand for it."

Attendant: "Actually, you're right, you can't stand. You need to sit, and fasten your seat belt. We're about to push back from the gate. But, first I need that $10."

Passenger: "No way!"

Attendant: "Sir, if you don't comply, I will be forced to call the air marshal. And you really don't want me to do that."

Passenger: "Why not? Is he going to shoot me?"

Attendant: "No, but there's a $50 air-marshal hailing fee."

Passenger: "Oh, all right, here, take the $10. I can't believe this."

Attendant: "Thank you for your cooperation, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Passenger: "Yes. It's stuffy in here, and my overhead fan doesn't seem to work. Can you fix it?"

Attendant: "Your overhead fan is not broken, sir. Just insert two quarters into the overhead coin slot for the first five minutes."

Passenger: "The airline is charging me for cabin air?"

Attendant: "Of course not, sir. Stagnant cabin air is provided free of charge. It's the circulating air that costs 50 cents."

Passenger: "I don't have any quarters. Can you make change for a dollar?"

Attendant: "Certainly, sir! Here you go!"

Passenger: "But you've given me only three quarters for my dollar."

Attendant: "Yes, there's a change making fee of 25 cents."

Passenger: "For cryin' out loud. All I have left is a lousy quarter? What the heck can I do with this?"

Attendant: "Hang onto it. You'll need it later for the lavatory."

By imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Make Car Travel Fun for Kids with Surprise Toys

Before starting any vacation or car-travel, go to a good $1 store and pick out 5 small quite toys for each child. Then give these to them one at a time throughout the trip instead off buying trinkets at each stop along the way. This will not only keep your children occupied, but will save you all kinds of money. You can even use these toys as "bribery", as in "If you keep your voices down and don't fight with your sister for the next hour, I have a new toy for you.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Add Rice Flour To Your Baking

For an interesting grainy texture, substitute 1/4 - 1/2 cup of rice flour for the wheat flour in a biscuit, scone, or cookie recipe. It is also delicious. People will wonder how you did this!

Rice flour can also entirely replace wheat flour in baking. Chamberlains has some of the best brownies I've ever tasted and they are made of rice flour. You get a dark intense chocolate when you use it.

I buy rice flour at Publix.

By SusannL from St. Cloud, FL

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Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

Cupcakes can be messy for little ones when they are trying to remove the cake from the paper. Instead of using the paper liners, put flat bottom type ice cream cones into the muffin pan. Mix up the cake batter and pour into the cones, filling about 2/3 full and bake according to directions for the cake batter you are using. Top with your favorite icing and sprinkles and you have a portable feast for birthday parties, class parties, picnics, etc. The kids like them and you will enjoy the ease of cleanup.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Sterilize Your Sponge in the Microwave

Cleaning kitchen sponges? Soak the sponge in water and microwave for a couple of minutes. The heat will kill any bacteria. Use a tong to remove sponge. It will be VERY HOT.

Source: I just thought of this myself, as the microwave gets very hot.

By Robin from Gothenburg, Sweden Editor's Note: The University of Florida Researchers recommends making sure the sponge is very wet and microwave it for 2 minutes. Never walk away from the microwave during this time, just in case of a fire.

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Harvesting Herbs For Cooking

How do I harvest these herbs: mint, basil, parsley, rosemary, dill and chives? I do not know if I should just tear off leaves or cut off the stalks/stems. I want the basil etc for cooking but I want the plant to keep producing. They are on my patio in pots. Thanks ever so much.

Pattie from Seattle, WA

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Rugs Made From Polyester Squares

I went to a craft sale and they had home sewn rugs made from polyester material. The material was cut in small squares and sewed in rows, but I don't recall how they sewed it together. The craft show was in Seymour, Mo. Any help would be great!

Kathleen from Springfield, Mo.

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Recipe For Diabetic Angel Food Cake

I need a diabetic Angel food cake recipe. Can anyone help me?

Jay from Laurel, Delaware

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Scotch Tape Removed Color From Leather Couch

I removed a piece of scotch tape from a leather sofa, it took the color off where the tape was. How do I return the brown shade to the area where the tape was?

klh

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Is My Bird Egg Close To Hatching?

Does a wild bird egg thump and shake a few days before it hatches?

Johnathan from Morehead City, NC

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Identifying A Houseplant

I am trying to ID a houseplant. It is a small multi branched, round leaf plant about 4 in. high. All of the branches radiate from center point. It looks like a handful of green lollipops. Any ideas?

Jenny from Baltimore, MD

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Recipes To Use Pantry Items

After being trapped at my camper for a week while my car was in the shop, I've decided to really stock up the pantry! Does anyone have recipes for meals, snacks or desserts that can be made totally (or mostly) from the pantry with shelf stable ingredients?

Ray from Cleveland, Ohio

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Color Choices for a Bathroom Vanity

I have painted my small bathroom "Fall Leaf" from Valspar and love it. My shower curtain is chocolate brown the trim is off white and the tile is off white also. I am going to redo the cabinets and vanity but I am stuck. Should I go with a light counter top and dark vanity or a dark counter top and a light vanity?

Anna from Arkansas

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Using Original Pictures For Decoupage

Why can't I use the original picture instead of making a copy to decoupage to a table?

Jean from Wisconsin

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Stopping Bleeding of a Dog's Nail

How do I stop bleeding from a toe nail clipped too short on my dog?

Terry from Kelowna, BC

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Making The Original Diaper Cake

Do you know how to make the original 3 tier cake where you wrap Styrofoam with baby blankets and pin baby items onto each layer decorating the cake. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Donna

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Making Old Marble Shine

I have marble tiles in my bathroom, and those in the shower have lost their shine. How can I clean and restore them so that they match the shiny tiles in the rest of the bathroom? I suspect that hard water was the cause of the problem, but cleaning them gently has not resulted in bringing them to their original appearance.

Jennifer from Stamford, CT

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Uses for DVD Cases

Any ideas for alternate uses for DVD cases?

Erin from Atlanta, GA

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Refreshing a Cutting Mat

Does anyone have tip to refresh a self-healing cutting mat? I was cutting quite a few strips for my first quilt project and I can feel ridges on it. I really didn't get any instructions with on the care and feeding of mat. Hope someone can help.

Karen from Winona, WV

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Building a Small Pond and Waterfall

I would like to put a small pond and waterfall in my yard. I would love to hear of your tips, ideas, success or defeats. Thrifty ideas are so welcome! Where do you shop in Washington State for pond items? Thanks in advance for replies.

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Lori C. from Ephrata, WA

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Making Birthday Corsages

Does anyone remember the birthday corsages that were made in the 50's and 60's? For example, 16 years old, would be made as a candy corsage for 'sweet sixteen'. Each year would have a different theme. If you remember and have the ideas, I would appreciate them.



PJ from Forked River, NJ

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Easy Felt Santa Ornament

Does anyone have an easy felt Santa ornament pattern and directions? If you have any other patterns they would be very appreciated. Thank you so much!

Kathy M. from Mira Loma CA.

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Orioles No Longer Visiting Feeder

I have been feeding about four Baltimore Orioles since spring and now my feeder has sat untouched for days. I was re-filling it every other day as they were literally waiting in line to feed, now it looks like they've moved on. I'm kind of disappointed as they really brightened up my backyard. Is this typical?

Mary M. from Wilmington, IL

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Help with 4 Year Old Behavior

I have a 4 year old granddaughter that seems as sweet as pie, until she get angry. She hits, bites, and just yesterday, scratched and pinched me in the arms. When she is in a bad mood - watch out. One minute she is cute and the next minute - terrible. When I babysit for her alone she is wonderful. The minute her parents walk in, she starts acting up. If I visit her at her house, she sometimes won't look at me until she is ready. Her preschool said that sometimes she interacts with the kids, and sometimes she does not. Sometimes she will just watch and stare. I find her personality very bizarre. One time she said that she was going to zip off my head. Is there anything to worry about at this age?

Joan from Springfield, MA

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Saving Money on Tomatoes

Do you have any tips for saving money on tomatoes. Feel free to post them below.

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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

Save Money on Packing Materials
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

As I packed my latest my latest USPS shipment, it occurred to me how much money I spend on packing materials. They eat into my sales profit, and they're creating landfill chaos. Both my frugal and my environmental consciences spoke up and motivated me to create some alternative packing materials.

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Saving Money on Fishing

What are your tips for saving money on fishing and all the necessary gear? Here are some ideas suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

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Saving Money on Pizza

Frozen, carry out or homemade: here are your tips for saving money on pizza as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Have we missed anything? Feel free to post your favorite tips below.

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