Daily Thrifty Tips - November 27, 2006

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The best crafts are those that make you smile, and this one will. It's a fun holiday party hat that's a cinch to make (bear not included).

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This is our second cat, Patton. We got him about a year ago from the Oregon Humane Society when they were at Petco. He was about 4 months old so we decided to keep his name. We call him the General!

Because he was so young when we got him, Patton is tolerant of my two boys (6 and 4). He cuddles with anyone indiscriminately at night. Unfortunately, he is a mighty hunter and we have come home to little "presents" both outside and inside the house.

We got this cat tower for our 10 year old cat, Desire. Patton has commendeered it ever since he arrived.

Jess in Portland, OR

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The Frugal Holistic

A Day at Your Favorite Spa: Your Own!
(Part 1 of 4 - Homemade Facials)

Most of us really need a day at the spa pampering ourselves. The everyday stresses that everyone feels can really get us down. But who can afford to spend that kind of money in this economy? So in this article, I propose to offer some suggestions on reducing stress in your life without the heavy price tag.

Why does a day at the spa cost so much? Most of what you are paying for is the designer products that they use. Did you know you can make your own spa products at home? Also, you are paying for the atmosphere which you can recreate right at home. Candlelight is soothing to the nerves and a soothing tape can take you far away in your dreams.

Facials

Facials are another place that spas charge the big bucks but with a few of my "fresh recipes" and a good friend to help you to apply, you can have a spa facial at a fraction of the cost. The first step to a great facial is to clean the skin well. You don't need expensive cleansers for this just a short trip to your local grocery store and you have all the ingredients for a natural skin cleanser.

Skin Cleanser (For all skin types)

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp. sunflower oil
• 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Facial Cleansing Gel (For all skin types)

Steam Your Face

The next step is to steam the face. Pour hot boiling water into a bowl and tent your head over the bowl. Dry herbs like peppermint or lavender can be added to the bowl for the rejuvenating properties (peppermint) or calming effect (lavender). Your next step is a face mask. Again, no need for expensive products, just a trip to the local grocery.

Herbal Facial Mask (Cleans and tightens pores)

• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp crumbled dried chamomile flowers
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh mint

Oatmeal Face Mask

• 1/2 cup of oatmeal
• 1 smashed avocado
• 1/3 cup of honey

Orange Yogurt Mask

• 1 tsp plain yogurt
• the juice of 1/4 of an orange

Peel-Off Mask Recipe

• 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold milk
• 1 egg white
• Vitamin E Oil (break open a capsule, or buy in a bottle)

Tip: The vitamin E is for moisture. If you prefer, you can use your favorite moisturizer on your face instead.

Prune Porridge

Pour 1/2 cup boiling water over 2 dried prunes in a bowl and leave until soft. Mash prunes. Use any leftover prune water in cooking about 1/2 cup oatmeal. Mix oatmeal with mashed prunes and enough honey to make a sticky mash that will adhere to the face. Apply while still warm (but not hot), leave 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water.

Toner For Your Face

Your last step is to apply a toner to your face. Then you will have a clean palette to apply your special makeup. Here are some great recipes for them.

Astringent

• 3 tsp. lemon extract
• Juice of one lime
• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

Citrus Astringent

• 1/2 thinly sliced lemon
• 1/2 thinly sliced orange
• 3/4 cup ethanol alcohol

Basic Toner

• 3 cups distilled water
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

Chamomile Astringent

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tbsp dried)
• 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers, crushed
• 4 cups water

By Debra Frick from Colorado Springs, CO

Editors Note: This is a four part article. Look for "Part 2 - Homemade Manicures and Pedicures" next week!

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I have a plain old Swiffer and I didn't want to pay for the cloths that go on it. I went to the Dollar store and got similar cloths. I used it and then turned it over and used the other side the next time. I save a lot of money this way.

By Nancy from Peabody, MA

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I keep this list inside my cookbook in case I am ever in a pinch for alternative ingredients.

Easy Substitutions

Cheese

• cream cheese: cottage cheese blended with butter or milk.
• ricotta cheese: cottage cheese.
• romano cheese: Parmesan cheese

Flour

• sifted all-purpose flour (1 cup): 1 cup less 2 Tbsp. unsifted all-purpose flour.
• sifted cake flour (1 cup): 1 cup less 2 Tbsp. sifted all-purpose flour.
• self rising flour (1 cup): 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Milk/Cream

• buttermilk (1 cup): 1 cup plain yogurt, or 1 Tbsp. lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup, let stand 5 minutes before using.
• heavy cream or half and half (1 cup): 7/8 cup whole milk plus 1 1/2 Tbsp. butter.
• sour cream (1 cup): 1 cup plain yogurt.
• whole milk (1 cup): 1 cup skim or non-fat milk plus 2 tablespoons butter or margarine.

Sugar

• confectioners' sugar (1 cup): 1/2 cup plus one Tbsp. granulated sugar.
• granulated sugar (1 cup): 1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar, or 1 cup packed light brown sugar, or 3/4 cup honey.
• brown sugar (1/2 cup): 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp. molasses.

Other

• lemon juice (1 Tbsp.): 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar.
• chopped apples (1 cup): 1 cup chopped pears plus 1 Tbsp. lemon juice.
• double-acting baking powder (1 tsp.): 1/4 tsp. cream of tartar plus 1/4 tsp. baking soda.
• dark corn syrup (1 cup): 3/4 cup light corn syrup plus 1/4 cup molasses.
• dry bread crumbs (1 cup): 3/4 cup cracker crumbs or 1 cup corn flake crumbs.
• unsweetened chocolate (1 oz.): 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder plus 1 Tbsp. butter.

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Here is the Christmas List Budget Worksheet I like to work off. I list the names of everyone I need to get gifts for, gift ideas and how much I am able to spend on gifts. Then, once I purchase a gift, I put a check next to the person's name and note what I paid for it. Once I have finished my shopping I can compare how much I spent with how much I had budgeted. You can download this Christmas list and print it out, it's in PDF format.

Download:

• Download Christmas List (PDF)

By Fisher at ThriftyFun

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You can get lots of medicines free! Go to Patient Assistance Programs and put in the name of your medicine. The site will direct you to the manufacturer and tell you how to apply. Their income standards are quite liberal. I have been getting meds from several manufacturers for several years. They are really good about it! It makes me feel a lot better about those manufacturers than I did before. Good luck!

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Why do companies offer large rebates on both high and low ticket items? As many as 40% of all rebates are never redeemed by the consumer. The redemption rate is even less during the holiday season. Redeem rebates quickly after buying a product to help insure that you won't forget to mail the rebate or won't be able to since you've lost the receipt. If you are buying gifts make sure that you can get the rebate and still give the gift to the recipient without destroying the box.

By ThriftyFun

Here's a printable rebate checklist that can be helpful in tracking your rebates. It's in PDF format.

Download: Rebate Checklist (PDF)

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I do this every year with the Thanksgiving leftovers. These freeze well and are a big hit.

Ingredients

• chopped turkey
• mashed potatoes
• cranberry sauce
• green bean casserole
• turkey gravy
• bread stuffing

Directions

Jess in Portland, OR

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Around our town, a lot of people have those big (5 to 7 inch) patriotic (or other colored) ribbon shaped magnets on their vehicles. I heard on the news that if the automobile owners don't take these magnets off their vehicles on a regular basis and clean both the magnetic side of the magnet and the area where the magnet had been, that the dirt from the roadway will scratch the vehicle's finish.

Also, if the magnet is on the vehicle for a long period of time, when the person goes to sell their vehicle, most likely taking the magnet off then, the area where the magnet was might be a darker color than the rest of the vehicle.

By Terri from NV

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Don't toss an unwanted artificial Christmas tree! Regardless of the reason, if it has realistic branches and will stand up, find a bare spot in your yard near a newly planted tiny tree, perhaps against a fence in the back yard. Dig a one foot hole for its trunk, fill with rocks and dirt, and enjoy it until the tiny new real tree matures!

Meantime, search for other artificial Christmas trees being tossed about this time of the year as they are replaced for "lighted ones" or fuller ones, or taller, thinner, or smaller ones. Most that you find can be trimmed, shaped with scissors and tin snips into temporary beauty for the fence row and give you an idea of what that little new tree and/or shrub might look like in a couple of years.

If you find only parts of a tree, use the tops and shape into temporary shrubs. They hold up well out door and look good, even to the most scrutinizing observer! After a time, you will be willing and ready to part with the artificial tree(s) and/or shrubs.

If you are lucky enough to have found or own a silk tree, it will withstand all sorts of weather abuse for that time! Even strong plastic needles survive, but not as long. Unless the artificial trees/shrubs are some weird color, or funky plastic big Bottle-bushy branches, you will fool even the squirrels and birds!

By using all you can find and need, you can fill out or design your own new landscape plan and goals. You cannot beat a visual aid like this! Next, after they begin to look a bit worn, use them as a temporary shade-row for the Summer Veggie Garden until the heat has passed. Then you can toss them for the City/County recyclers!

By Lynda from TX

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If you have kids in school - check out http://www.planetcdrom.com/ . PlantCDROM has lots of educational software for about $6 in shipping a piece - a very good deal. I like the language software - but they have all sorts of learning programs and games.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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For an awesome, fail proof flower bed, select a location for your flower bed, being careful to remember what you want to grow, with or without sun. My favorite flower beds are under trees, surrounded with blocks. ALWAYS, throw all left over foods in your beds, including coffee grounds, egg shells, vegetables, cooked or raw, tea bags, anything except meat and dairy.

Make it a habit to throw used paper towels and or napkins in flower beds along with your Sunday newspaper, shredded by hand. Over time, this will compost and make great black soil! It is not necessary to wait to plant flowers, they will grow and hide all the paper and food under them.

Remember, never forget to throw these in your flower beds forever! Makes a great soil with simply your garbage. Why pay for potting soil when this is better!

By Sharon from Lakeland, FL

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For one of my friends that I exchanged gifts with last year, I bought a Holiday Gift bag about the size of a small shopping bag, and picked up lots of little treasures from the dollar store like old classic movies on DVD, office gadgets for her computer area, etc. To hide them in the bag, I shredded the colorful newspaper inserts that are so plentiful this time of year, and stuffed them in and around the gifts. I just kept adding things until the big day.

By Harlean from Arkansas from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

More Information:
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How much coffee do i use for a 22 cup coffee maker?

Thanks,
Pam From Missouri

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I need to get a grease stain off my brown leather Balenciaga bag. Please help!

Radhi from Philadelphia

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I need natural cleaning solutions (homemade) for cleaning out a coffee urn. It is stained all brown and looks yucky.

Melody from White City, Oregon

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Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Tina from Delaware, Ohio

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How do I repair a small 3/16 inch round burn on formica?

Robert from Cumberland RI

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I know there was this question asked not too long ago but I didn't need it then. My daughter asked how to remove gas odor from interior spill. I told her I'd check with you all to see. Thanks.

Nancy from Ohio

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I spilled candle wax on my new wood kitchen table, please help.

Penny from PA

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Does anyone know of a home recipe to get rid of dark circles around eyes, otherwise known as raccoon eyes. I have used expensive creams to no avail.

Thanks,
Glenda from California

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A few months ago there was a "master" weekly (or maybe monthly) grocery list on this group that listed what items are on sale and which staples to stock up on when; using this plan, you can drastically reduce your grocery bill. Now, I cannot find the list on thriftyfun.com; anyone know where it is, or how to shopping this way? Thank you!

Glenda from River Falls, WI

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I would like to know how dwarf weeping willow trees are made? Can I make one myself?

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Do you prefer the original medicare plan, and also adding a supplement (referred to as Medi-gap) and a prescription plan (plan D), or do you prefer a type of plan called medicare advantage plan that incorporates all three in one (the medicare, the supplement, and prescriptions all in the same plan).

Thanks,
P.J. from Delaware

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I remember my mom cooking acorn squash in the microwave just by cutting one in half, dotting the inside with butter, sugar and cinnamon but I don't remember how long she cooked them for. Can anyone give me ideas of this.

Melody from White City, Oregon

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How do I use knifty knitter?

Bearbear from Collinsville, OK

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I'm the student council president at my school and I was wondering if anyone had any decorating ideas for a classic christmas themed semi formal dance.

Thanks,
J MAC from Courtice, Ontario

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Please tell me how to get liquid foundation out of carpet.

Maureen from England

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l recently made pumpkin pie using a mix. l read the instructions, threw the pies in the oven and took them out when they were cooked all the way through. When l woke up the next morning they had splits in the middle. What did l do wrong?

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How do you get rid of flies in the kitchen without using harmful substances?

Sandra from Johannesburg, RSA

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I would like recipes that uses dry cake mixes to make cookies, cakes, etc. I especially would like the ones using angle food cake mixes with the additions of one or two other ingredients. I would appreciate other uses for cranberry whole berry sauce used in making cookies, etc. as I was blessed with about a dozen cans of this. Are there sugar free cake mixes on the market? Thanks for any suggestions on these subjects.

Marifay from Brodhead, WI

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I have a Smith Corona SL500 electric typewriter that I haven't used since got computer. When turned on the lock light blinks. The manual is missing. Would any one have an idea how to fix or where can get manual? Thanks for any ideas.

a-frugal-lady from Lewiston, ME

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Is it financially practical to get a fishing license? We live about seven miles from the Snake River. The license costs $25.75 this coming year. We don't mind catching what other people call "trash fish." Carp are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Suckers are homely but so are lots of fish. I know how to prepare them to get rid of the excess water. I have even canned them which gives soft bones but is a little boring flavor-wise. If nothing else, they make fabulous fertilizer. Lots of people throw them up on the bank to die, and I could gather those up, too. We would probably eat fish a couple of times a week. What do you think?

Coreen from Rupert, ID

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I am looking for dry recipes to put in empty, small jelly and pickle jars to give as gifts such as flavored coffee creamers, seasonings, nothing too expensive.

Thanks,
Brenda from GA

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I just accidentally poured hot candle wax on my brother's formica dark green (pattern) counter top. We've tried hot soap and water and then we used a scrunge. I believe it looks scratched and a little discolored now and the shine is gone. I would welcome ANY suggestions. Do you think it's totally ruined? Hopeful!

Diane from St. Louis, MO

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I have a large collection of empty blue glass wine bottles. I'm looking for design ideas for reusing them. I love the cobalt blues and all the different shapes and sizes. Ideas?

Linda from Cookeville, TN

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How do I get the grease spots off my microwave oven window? I have over-the-range microwave, and grease often splatters on the window. Ordinary window cleaner does not work.

Vanet from Saugerties NY

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My bird has been weezing at times, fluffing his feathers, and sometimes standing on one leg. I've tried antibiotics, but he hasn't changed very much in his behavior, but has luckily stopped spending his time at the bottom of the cage. Does anyone know of any good home remedies or antibiotics that could help him?

Jade

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Any remedies for chickenpox for a 2 year old?

chilled_uziel from Wanganui, NZ

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I recently got a old Betty Crocker Gourmet Indoor Barbeque Grill from a garage sale. There were no instructions, and I was wondering if anyone knows how to use it? Do you put water in the part that is meant to catch the grease?

Sheila from South Dakota

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My Brownie Troop is in a holiday parade and the theme is "A Wish List for Santa". Does anyone have any ideas for a float?

Tamatha from Pevely, MO

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I had a dead skunk in a really big puddle on my property and the dog keeps getting in the water and she stinks. She always goes back to the spot and I can't fill in the puddle, it's way too big. How can I get the smell out of the water?

Carol from Ontario

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My son's cub scout troop is planning to be in our annual christmas parade and this will be their first year entering, our theme is "racing for christmas". Any ideas or suggestions on how to decorate a float?

happyscrappymom from M Wilkesboro, NC

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

We get so many requests about how to get rid of pests and invariably people say to use mothballs or were given this advice from exterminators. Mothballs are very toxic. They contain Napthalene which is highly poisonous. It does keep moths away and many other pests but is also bad for us, our pets (dogs, cats, and birds) and wildlife.

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