Daily Thrifty Tips - November 14, 2008

My Frugal Life Essay Winners

Below are the winners of the My Frugal Life essay contest. The contest ended mid-summer so if you submitted your essay between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2008, your entry was eligible. Essays submitted after June 30, 2008 are eligible for the currently running contest. We are announcing these much later than intended, sorry for the delay. It takes a surprising amount of time for me and two other editors to re-read all the submissions and then come up with a list of the best. It's also very difficult to pick just 5, there are so many wonderful essays to choose from. We raised the number to 6 and there were surely more essays that were worthy.

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit an essay!

My Frugal Life: The One Dollar Dinner
Ellie from Melbourne Australia

My Frugal Life: My ORGANIZED Life
By Diana from Prospect, KY

My Frugal Life: Message In A Bottle
Laura from Long Beach, CA

My Frugal Life: Cut Any Corner You Can
Myrtle May from UK

My Frugal Life: How I Save Money By Keeping a Clean House
By Mom-from-Missouri

My Frugal Life: Frugal in England
Borasic Lint from England, UK

If you have a frugal story or frugal holiday tradition to share, feel free to submit it here:

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

The current contest ends December 31, 2008.

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 Project: Pilgrim Napkin Rings

Kids will enjoy making these fun photo napkin rings that can double as place cards.

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Repainting Kitchen Counters

I just finished painting my kitchen counter top with acrylic latex paint and polyurethene. It was a lot of fun and saved lots of money. I spent a total of $150.00!

Anyone can do it. Here's a picture before I finished the last section. So you can see the color I previously had. I might mention, my counterops were in good shape when I started this project. The hardest part is applying the poly coats afterwards.

I got the granite look I was wanting. Now I can save up for the real thing down the road.

I might mention, that you treat painted counter tops as you would any laminate top. Nothing hot, and you don't cut on it.

It will chip easier if you have kids around. All you'd have to do is sand it, paint it again and then the poly.

Update:

This is the finished look:

1. Clean with TSP.

2. Prime.

3. Apply accent colors one at a time and let dry.

4. I used water based poly /glossy. We lightly sanded in between, cleaned with damp rag. Dry and put on a layer of (non yellowing) poly until we got the look we wanted. Just make sure your counter is free of defects first.

My cabinets are Aristokraft Spice cabinets/ Oak with Spring Green Paint Color for those of you not able to find a paint color. This green is a blue hue, no yellow what so ever. I love it.

I might mention, I googled "refinishing laminate counter tops" to get the idea.

By Jean from Robards, KY

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Craft Project: Heart Tree Ornament

Three years ago, I made about 450 ornaments, hoping to sell them at the local Holiday show in Turner, OR. I think I still have oh...about 425 left! Not a great show and definitely my last.

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Craft: Milk Jug Ring Wreath

Recycled milk jug lids for a Christmas wreath ornament. Save the circle portion of your milk jugs. All you need are some pipecleaners and some ribbon. Simply wrap the pipecleaner around the lids and add some ribbon to hang your wreath. Cute and simple craft for school.

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

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Craft: Scarecrow Lady

This scarecrow lady is the result of my fall fever! She has gotten lots of complements from my neighbors and people just driving down the street.

By Robin from Bonham, TX

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Garden: Surprise Results

Breaking the rules of photography can capture some glorious surprise results. Like shooting into the sun when photographing your garden beauties.

By Gloria from Scottsville, NY

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• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• 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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Think of Others This Thanksgiving

During the holidays, things get hectic. For Thanksgiving, if you cannot volunteer to serve others, then take a plate to someone who is alone, or better yet invite them to dinner. Makes all the difference in the world.

By Georgetta from Waterloo, IA

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Links: Promotion Codes From Reader's Digest

For all those who are searching for promotion codes, the October issue of "Reader's Digest" lists websites to get promotion codes. They are:

• http://retailme.com/
• http://currentcodes.com/
• http://keycode.com/
• http://www.rather-be-shopping.com/

Source: Reader's Digest

By Polly from Cedar Springs, MI

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Turn Boxes Inside Out for Shipping

When I need to ship an item and do not have a box that isn't covered in color and writing (like a diaper box for example), I take the box apart at the seams. I then turn it inside out and hot glue it back together, with the brown side out. It is easier to read and keeps the postmaster happy!

By Marcie from Gray, Maine

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Product Review: ADVANAGE Wonder Cleaner Degreaser (Citrus)

shining windows and mirrors are a cinch now for me. I purchased a product called Advanage new citrus cleaner degreaser, from a door to door salesman. It's amazing! I mixed up a capful with 32 oz. of water as directed and used a cotton only t-shirt and the windows have NO streaks. A tough problem with the inside car windows and those got great,too. Believe me, I DIDN'T clean windows very often because they NEVER got streak free. This product actually works. Recently I used it on my fiberglass tub surround and tub floor. used it on a miracle sponge and WOW , so clean and no lines of dirt down the tub walls where other products just ran down and streaked. When this bottle (34 oz. of concentrate) is empty, believe me I'll order more.

Source:

• http://www.advanage.com/

By apeters from Northampton, PA

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M&M Candy Christian Poem

You can type out in colored fonts and attach to a goody bag.

Red is the color of the blood Jesus gave
To forgive our sins so we can be saved.

Brown is the color on the cross in which He died.

Orange is for joy when Jesus was alive.

Green reminds us of the new life we have been given.

Blue is the color of our home in heaven.

Yellow is the color of the sun in the sky.
Jesus, God's son, rules from on high.

The colors of the candies remind us of God's love, that we are forgiven and have a home up above.

Source: This came home from Triple C Nursery School in Quakertown, PA.

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

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Use Ammonia To Fix Musty Laundry

For musty smell, add 1 cup ammonia with laundry detergent and wash as usual.

WARNING: Do not use bleach with ammonia.

Mary

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Tips For Shaping Patties

Can we all share tips/shortcuts/techniques for shaping patties (of any kind)?

I grease a plastic bottle lid, shape the patty with it on a parchment paper.

Lakshmi from NJ

Editor's Note: Post your own tips here!

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Use Coffee Filters as Snack Holders

We use coffee filters for individual snack holders. They are cheaper than paper plates and soak up any grease. They work well for a movie night with popcorn. You can write fun messages or jokes on the bottom of the liner and when the snack is gone, they'll have something fun to read.

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

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Use a Hotdog Bun for PB&J

A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is much less messy on a hotdog bun. Try it and see if I'm right!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Mo

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Recipes Using Special K Cereal

I'm looking for recipes using Special K cereal. Thanks in advance.

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Inexpensive Chair Mat Ideas

I need a low cost solid chair mat for my home office, I can't afford the retail ones. Does anyone know if I could use Plexiglas or lumber? Help!

maryjoyful from Greenville, SC

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Pruning a Jasmine Plant

I fertilized a star Jasmine plant this July in regular fertilizer. I just brought it indoor because its too cold and rainy here until May. Some leaves are bright green, and the dark green ones are turning red. Some leaves are completely dark red. How do I prune the plant? Does it matter what I prune it with? Do I just pull off the non green leafs? Or cut off some branches? Should I re-fertilize with something else and when and with what?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Alicia from Federal Way, WA

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Removing Leg Wax From Couch

My daughter was using a waxing kit for her legs and it got all over the place. I can not get it off my couch. Any suggestions?

Tanya from Hanover

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Cleaning Burnt Calphalon Pans

How do I get rid of grease that's burned on the outside of my Calphalon skillets? I've tried SOS pads, but no success. Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Ellen from Holden, MO

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Making Mittens on a Knitting Loom

I am wanting to make adult and kids mittens with the knitting looms. Can anyone help me?

Tammy from Ramsey, Minnesota

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Jack Russel Ate a Baby Sock

My male 3.5 year old Jack Russell Terrier, approx 23 lbs, ate a baby sock about 4 days ago. Now he seems to be acting pretty normal, and he is having bowel movements regularly, but I'm not sure if he has passed then sock or not. I tried the peroxide within 10 minutes of him eating it, but he didn't vomit? So should I be concerned?

He is holding his food down and not vomiting, but after I took him for a run this afternoon he came in and drank some water. Unfortunately he jumped in my wife's lap and threw up water and saliva on her arm. This is the only time he has thrown up to my knowledge. Other than that, he seems to be interacting with my other Jack normally. He plays, runs, eats, sleeps, and poops all normal. It has been 4 days, should I be concerned?

Ben from Virginia

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Cleaner for Stainless Steel

I need a cleaner for stainless steel. Any suggestions of what to use and where to buy it?

Amelia

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Soaking Apples Before Freezing

How long do I have to soak apples in salt/water solution before freezing?

Tammy from Foreston, MN

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Glass Dust in Wine Bottles from Drilling

I am making wine bottle lights and when I drill the hole in the back it leaves a lot of dust in the bottle. I can't get all of the dust out. Any suggestions? I tried rinsing it out with warm soapy water, but I cannot get it all out. Now it is in there like paste. I'm going to have to start over on another bottle.

Roxanne

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Recipe for Cereal Snack Mix Using Honey

Recently I made a recipe from a box of either Crispix cereal or corn Chex. The recipe was on the side of the box. It called for honey, the cereal, nuts and pretzels. Does anyone have that recipe? Please!

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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TiVo is Stuck on One Channel

Does anyone know how to repair a TiVo unit that is stuck on one channel? Being the graceful one that I am, I dropped it while dusting! Thanks.

Mary from Henderson, NV

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Christmas Card Photo Caption Ideas

I need ideas for a caption for this years Christmas card. I cannot come up with a caption. Any ideas?

Rebecca from Gainesville, GA

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Recipes Using Turnips

I have a family Christmas coming up at the beginning of December and have been asked to bring turnips. The thing is I hate turnips and have no idea on how to cook them or whatever you do with turnips. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Ruth from Canada

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Tastefully Simple's Prickly Pear Drink Mix

I am looking for a copycat recipe for Tastefully Simple's Prickly Pear Drink Mix. It is very yummy, but expensive too.

Mommaof4 from IN

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Cleaning Recipe to Disinfect Dog Kennels

I volunteer with a human society. I have been using their mixture of bleach and water to clean and disinfect the dog crates and kennels. I personally do no use bleach in my home life, and would like to know if there is a recipe that I could make to disinfect the kennels.

Heidi from Salem, OH

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Dye Transfer on Corduroy Jacket

I had accidentally washed my cream corduroy jacket with a purple t-shirt. After the wash I figured out that my corduroy jacket were stained with purple spots. How do I get rid of them. I tried soaking it in bleach water but that didn't work. Please help.

Margerita from India, New Delhi

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Can I Afford a Wedding?

I am in Yuma, AZ. My fiance wants to get married near her family in TN. She has no income, and I am in the military as an E-3. Can I have a decent wedding? Or would we have to settle for a courthouse?

Abel from Lawerenceburg, TN

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Making a Mattress More Comfortable

Any tips for improving a new mattress? I thought I saw one on this site. We bought a new mattress set and I thought I did my homework but it is not comfortable and I'm ready to go out a get another one!

Marie from MA

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Cleaning Corroded Pennies

I found some old pennies that are all green and corroded. Does anyone know how to clean them up?

D.L. from Millbury, OH

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All-Mozzarella Lasagna Recipe

I need an all-mozzarella lasagna recipe for someone who won't eat ricotta or cottage cheese. Thanks.

Kay from New Haven, NY

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Urine Stains on a Mattress

What is the best product to get urine out of a mattress?

Jim from New York, NY

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Paint Suggestions for Tan, White and Gray Kitchen

I just got new solid surface counters in my kitchen. They are called travertine, lots of light tans and a little white and a little gray as well. My cabinets are white and my floor is a light gray tone. I am tired of trying to find a paint color that will match my counters. This being my first real home I need it to look really good. The counters are really pretty. A lot of you have already helped me with other things. Thanks a lot.

Connie from Colt, AR

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Watching Out of Season TV Shows

Anyone know of web sites where I can watch out of season TV programs? Free is even better! Trying to track down Dark Shadows and Moonlight.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Using Blank Place Cards

What can I make from 100 blank place cards. The front has a silver border around it. It is scored so it can be folded in half. The inside is blank, too. I've included a photo showing each side. I've thought of using them as Christmas gift tags, the silver trim would match lots of gift wrap. But there must be more I could do with them. Thanks for your help.

Gloria from Scottsville, NY

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Putting Photos on a Tie

How do you put pictures of grandkids on a tie?

Cassie

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How Long Can You Freeze Sauces?

How long can you freeze sauces in the freezer? Thanks.

Michael

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Albertson's Raw Vegetable Basil Salad

Albertson's has a raw vegetable salad in their deli that is wonderful. It is called Basil Vegetable Salad. I looked on their website and also called the store looking for the recipe. If anyone has it I would kindly appreciate receiving it. Thank you.

Barbara from Boerne, TX

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Fuzzy Insoles for Shoes

I can't find furry innersoles to put into my shoes. Can someone recommend an alternative to buying them? I work outside and even with thick wool socks and thick soles on my shoes I get cold feet.

Lorraine from Bristol, CT

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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

Five Easy Tips to Save $590 On Your Food Budget This Year

Don't Throw Your Money Away

Would you like to help the planet and save an easy $590 this year? It's not a gimmick. Many families can save an easy $590 without even having to give up their lattes from Starbucks, turn down the heat, or ride their bikes to work. All it takes is a little better menu planning.

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Winter Protection for Outdoor Potted Plants
By Ellen Brown

No one enjoys lugging tender potted perennials indoors and out each fall and spring, least of all your back. The good news is, if given the proper protection, many (although not all) potted plants can be left outdoors successfully over the winter. Here are a few different techniques for providing winter protection for your hardy outdoor potted plants.

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