Daily Thrifty Tips - September 12, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in the path of Hurricane Ike. I hope everyone can find a safe place to weather the storm.

Yesterday, we mentioned that we were mentioned in the recent issue of Reader's Digest. You can read the article on their website here:

http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/hochman-family-cuts-spending/article99718.html

If you haven't read the article, I recommend it. Thank you to David Hochman, the author, for giving us such a favorable mention in his article.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Use Space Above Cabinet For Display

My kitchen cabinets don't set against the ceiling so I use this space to display my ginger jar collection, or I will put a flower swag on top and let the flowers hang down.

By Susan from Morristown, TN

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Oliver (Chocolate Lab)

Oliver is a 2 and a half year old Chocolate Lab. My husband surprised me with Oliver in May of 2006.

He likes to swim in a pool, go for walks, play hide and seek, and loves going for car rides. He is the warden and my husband and I are the prisoners. He tells us when to wake up, eat, walk, play and go to bed.

By Dee from Stuart, FL

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Craft Project: Easy Clay Pot Topiary

This quick and easy clay pot craft uses a green pom-pom and fake flowers to make a decorative topiary bush. A great kids craft that can also make a cute addition to any Barbie/Bratz home or dollhouse.

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Garden: Raised Veggie Garden On Deck

Here is my husband's "veggie garden on the deck", built entirely from recycled pallets. Isn't he clever, we are growing lettuce, cabbage, onions, carrots and spinach!

By Jen from VIC, Australia

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Garden: Devilish Tomato

I went to my garden to pick tomatoes, and found this little devil in my garden.

By Pinokeeo from Salem, OR

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Plumerias - The Hawaiian Lei Flower

Plumerias are fun and easy to grow!

Known as the Hawaiian Lei Flower, they can be both fragrant and beautiful.

Look around as you drive or walk in your neighborhood - if you spot a plumeria tree or bush, politely knock on the door and ask if you could have a cutting. Never cut without permission.

Plumerias require well draining soil and can not get frost at all.

They grow easily from cuttings.

If you live in an area where it freezes, you can just bring the plant inside for winter.

When there are lots of blooms on your plumeria, you CRAFTY THRIFTY FUN-ERIANS can enjoy stringing them into fragrant, beautiful leis.

The top picture shows my favorite plumie that gave me a seed pod two years in a row!

By Nancycorinne from Los Angeles, CA

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Dog Joke

An older, tired-looking Dalmatian dog wandered into my yard the other day.  I could tell from his collar, veterinarian tags and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. 

He calmly came over to me wagging his tail. I gave him a few pats on his head.  He then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up on my leather couch and fell asleep. 

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. 

The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot on the couch and again slept for about 2 hours. This continued off and on for several weeks. 

Curious, one day I pinned a note to his collar reading: 'I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.' 

The next day the dog arrived again for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: 'He lives in a home with 6 children, 2 under the age of 3 - he's trying to catch up on his sleep.  Can I come with him tomorrow?'

Sent in by Nikki

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Make A Birthday Calendar To Take Shopping

Do you ever get to the store and wonder who has a birthday this month ? I have found to take a calendar with plastic cover works great. Inside the plastic, slip in the word BIRTHDAY so you can see at a glance what the calendar is for. Look at the month and, at a glance, you will see who all you need to buy a card, gift, etc., for. This way you will never think why did I not remember to pick up something for (name) birthday this month. You also might like to include anniversaries too

By Jodi from Texas

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Small Savings Add Up

I just talked to a friend who was complaining that she has to come up with $1000 every October and she has nothing saved up. I asked her if she could save $19.25 on a weekly basis. She said she could, if she cut out her morning coffee and took her own to work, and if she also skipped eating lunch out one day a week. I told her if she did that each week for a year, she would have her $1000. Actually if she put it in the back, she would have a little more with interest. So, tomorrow she is going to schedule $19.25 to come directly out of each paycheck and go to her Credit Union Account.

This would be a great way to save for Christmas, property tax, propane bills, vacation or other recurring yearly expenses.

Source: Myself and my calculator.

By April from NW Missouri

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Keep Track of Your Water Intake

Don't bother printing a copy of the water intake chart, here's a better way!

Place 8 pennies on the window ledge over your sink (or someplace you see them all day if you have no window). Every time you drink a glass of water, move a penny to another place like on the other side of the window ledge. When you have them all moved,your 8 glasses of water for the day are drank! Start over the next day!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Mo

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Hang Shirts Directly From Washer

I save time and money in the laundry room THIS way.

When I take my clothes from the washer I hang almost all of the shirts on hangers, button the top bottom on button-downs, straighten the collars, tug on the sleeves, pull and smooth etc. From there, I either hang them on over-the-door hooks or on the wash line if the day is nice (even the shower rod is good if there aren't too many hangers to weigh the rod). When dry, they can be put straight into each person's closet. I also pay attention to the direction clothes are hung in each closet and hang the wet shirts accordingly so I don't have to re-hang them later.

If some shirts still need to be ironed (as some will), the ironing process is easier because you already smoothed out the collars etc. This saves money on my electric bill by not taxing the dryer, the clothes last longer because they have not given a piece of "themselves" up to the lint trap, the threat of shrinkage is lessened AND I don't have to fold! Jeans etc. can be done the same way but may still need a dryer for a few minutes afterwards for wrinkles. I also love this because I never face the fear of excessively wrinkled clothes from leaving them in the dryer long after it has stopped running. (Beware though, teenagers have been known to leave their clothes on the hooks in the laundry room and they may begin to dress in there! lol).

By Brenda from Deltona, FL

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Recipe For A Green Lawn With No Mosquitoes

I wanted to share our secret to a natural, non-poisonous, yard healthy recipe for getting rid of mosquitoes and making your lawn green.

Mix Equal parts of:

• Listerine
• Flat Coors beer
• Epson salts

Source: This was a recipe given to me by a fellow Floridian

By Katherine from Wellborn, Florida

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Personalized Glass Baking Pans

Never lose a pan at a pot luck dinner again. This was a BIG hit among friends and family last Christmas. I gave everyone 9x13 inch baking pans that had their name etched into the bottom of the pan.

First, find a font on the computer that you like. Print it out almost as large as the full bottom of the glass pan. Thicker letters look great. When you print it, print it backwards, like you would for an iron-on transfer. Take a piece of contact paper, smooth it on to the outside bottom of the pan, tape the font paper over the contact paper. Use an X-acto knife to cut out the letters of the font. Make sure you press hard enough to cut through the paper and the contact paper under it. Then, pick out the contact paper letters. You will be left with a perfect stencil on the bottom of your pan. Remove the extra paper. Use Glass Etching Acid (available for under $5 at any hobby store). Paint it on, let it sit for 4 minutes, and wash it off.

I etched over 50 pans last Christmas with total cost of each gift less than $8.00. Pyrex does not etch well. Look for glass pans that do not have a lot of trademarks or writing on the bottom. Anchor-Hocking sells a 9x13 inch at Walmart for under $6.50. It etches beautifully. The Anchor-Hocking set of 3 pans has too much writing on the bottom to etch well.

Source: My Friend Jennifer was playing with Glass Etching Acid. She came up with the idea to do pans

By Amateur Parent from Plano, Texas

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Use a Boot Tray to Bring Plants Inside

It will soon be time to bring plants in side for the northern gardeners. A boot tray makes an excellent floor for your plants to drain on. They are inexpensive and will protect your furniture or floors.

Source: An online newsletter

By Elaine from Iowa

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Freeze Lunch Sandwiches In Advance

Freeze a week's worth of lunchmeat sandwiches for your children on Sunday night. Place in ziplock bags or plastic sandwich containers. Freeze and take out the next day right before your children leave for school. Pack in lunches. Sandwiches stay fresh longer, and taste great.

By Kerry from Flat Rock, MI

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Tires for Raised Beds

If you can get hold of some old car tyres, stack them up (whatever height is comfortable for you). They make great raised beds for flowers or vegetables. You can fill them part way up with old used compost and top up with new for economy. Great if you have trouble bending or kneeling.

Source: I found the idea in a gardening magazine years ago

By Jan from Grantham. UK

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Prenatal Vitamins For Hair Growth

I would like to try prenatal vitamins to make my hair grow. But I am not sure which vitamin I am actually looking for. Can anyone help?

Nichola from England

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Mardi Gras Themed Snack Foods

I know this is very early to ask but in Feb we are on a food committee for a organization that has older people and the theme is Mardi Gras. I need ideas for what would be appropriated. It just has to be snack food as it is served after the meeting which is usually 9:00 so something light that would pertain to the theme.

Lavonne from Wisc Rapids

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Sports Team Themed Christmas Gifts

I want to make most all of my Christmas gifts myself. I am looking for crochet, sewing or knitting patterns that have something to do with the following: NY Yankees, NY Giants, or Dallas Cowboys. Or any other craft ideas! Thanks in advance.

Linda from Lower Adirondack Mtns, NY

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Baby's First Christmas Ornament

I have 5 new babies that were born to friends and family this year and I want to make a special "1st Christmas" ornament for all of them. There are 4 boys and 1 girl. Any ideas? I'm fairly crafty and willing to try any type of craft.

Amy from Murfreesboro, TN

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Storage In Small Bathroom

How can I add storage space to a small powder room with a pedestal sink? I need something pretty to store toilet tissue and cleaning products in.

Onesummer

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Care Instructions For Painted Furniture

Can I set drinks on a painted dining room table? I just bought a dining room table and chairs with a painted black surface. There were no care instructions except it said to clean with furniture polish. I wanted to know if I can set drinks on the table or will it leave a watermark? I tried to contact the manufacturer to ask with no luck.

Tami from Buena Park, CA

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Monkey Bread Using Butterscotch Pudding

I am looking for a Monkey Bread recipe using ice cream and butterscotch pudding.

Wanda from Clear Lake, SD

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Foot Odor On Couch

How do you get foot odor out of a couch? My in-laws were staying with us, and they had the stinkiest feet. They slept on my couch and now I can't get it out. What should I do?

Ashley from MO

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Sugar Free Jello Freezer Jam

How do I make freezer jam with sugar free Jello?

Wanda from Illinois

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Listing Business Services Online

I have a small business, but I don't have enough customers. I want to post my services online. What do I have to do?

Joel

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Hardwood Flooring Color Ideas

I just bought a house, the kitchen has light oak cabinets and a cream colored laminate counter top. The walls are beige colored too. What color of hardwood floor should I get?

P from Cleveland, OH

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Remedies For Shin Splints

What is the best thing to do for shin splints? I run cross country 7 days a week, and I have a meet in 3 or 4 days. My shins hurt really bad. I've been icing them with frozen peas, it helps but is there anything else out there? Please help soon!

Scott from Missouri Valley, IA

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What Breed Is My Dog?

I would love to know what breed my dog might be. The shelter said she was just a lab, but I think she's mixed. Just curious really.

Heather from Bradenton, FL

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Cleaning Permanent Marker off Walls

My renter's little boy wrote with permanent marker all over the walls. It has been about a month and I'm now finding out about it. Is there something extremely good I can use to get it off?

Faith from Nortonville, KY

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"Midnight In Paris" Themed Homecoming Dance

I am in charge of this years homecoming dance decorations for Lutheran East High and the theme this year is "Midnight in Paris". I need some help with decorating. I am on a tight budget and I need some ideas about some nice but reasonably priced decorations. Help!

Angela from Cleveland Heights, Ohio

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Grandma Brown's Baked Beans

Who sells Grandma Brown's baked beans on Long Island?

Marie

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Baking Large Quiche

Can I bake a quiche in a 13x9x2 pan? I want to make one for around 20 people.

dgarcia from San Francisco, CA

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Baby Formula Stains on Microfiber

How do I get formula spit up out of my microfiber sofa?

Danielle from Louisville, KY

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How Much Garlic Should I Use To Prevent Fleas?

I read that putting garlic oil in dog food prevents fleas. My dog eats dry food, so I unpeeled a clove of garlic, cut a little piece off, and put it in the middle of her kibble. She ate it with no problem. What I'd like to know is how much garlic should she ingest a day?

Debby from San Diego, CA

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Canning Recipes For Tomato Salsa

I have an over abundance of tomatoes and was wanting to make salsa. I am looking for an easy, not too spicy recipe to make and then can. I appreciate any ideas. Thanks.

Anne-Marie from Rushville, Indiana

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Recipe For Beer Yeast

I need a starter recipe for Beer Yeast for making bread.

Bill from Clinton, MO

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Looking For Carolina Herrera Wedding Gown

I am looking for a Carolina Herrera 2004 wedding gown, style number 32514. Please help! Any info is greatly appreciated.

Alex from Pensacola, FL

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Calculating Costs for a Large Wedding

I have a nephew, that's getting married next month. His new bride wants a large wedding, with four bride-maids. How much would the wedding cost?

Jerry from Oscoda, MI

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Crocheted Bed Doll Patterns

I am looking for Crocheted Bed Doll patterns. I hope someone can help.

Laurie from Portland, OR

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Recipe For Frozen Pudding Pops

Does anyone have a recipe for frozen pudding pops?

Debra from Hampton, Tenn

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Tips To Find Inexpensive Body Work

We have a car that has a good sized dent in it from a hit and run driver. We are going to have to pay for the repair out of our own pocket. Does anyone have any tips for getting body work done as inexpensively as possible?

Am from Hebron, IN

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Cleaning and Shining Hardwood Floors

Does anyone know how to clean and shine wooden floors that have NO sealant on them? We live in a house that's almost 60 years old and can't afford to refinish the floors ourselves. Also, we don't have the physical strength to do so.

I did try the mineral oil trick and it worked! The floors seemed revitalized, but I should have cleaned them first, but didn't know how. Now I'd like to start over. After I clean them, I'd like to seal it in, if anyone can help me with a recipe or product. Tried Orange Glow (completely un-worthwhile), Murphy's Soap (did absolutely nothing), products from TV and hardware store, with no luck. Thank you!

Smoochie

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Reviving An Orchid Plant

How can I revive a sickly Orchid plant. I have an orchid plant that is now browning, the stem looks dead and some of the leaves are now yellowing. but the roots look okay. Anyone have good tips for orchid care before mine dies?

JoAnn from Saginaw, MI

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Will Mineral Powder Cover Blemishes?

I have dreadful skin and need full coverage foundation. Does anyone know if mineral powder would give me good coverage and cover acne scars and pigmentation marks? Thanks.

Laura from England

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Bulk Christmas Ornaments

Where can I find plain Christmas ornaments in bulk so I can paint them? I definitely want balls, but will also like to have others.

Megan from Bailey, NC

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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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My Frugal Life: 106 Ways To Save In The Kitchen - Part 2

36. Try to use resealable and reusable containers instead of foil, Saran wrap and such.

37. I make my own "convenience items" such as hamburger helper and cookie mix when times are slow. I then store away. Then when needed and its busy, we get those out and just add the last remaining ingredients (wet ingredients) and cook or bake.
38. Remember kitchen items make great gifts (cookies, cakes, spiced tea mixes) for teachers, delivery people.

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Fall Prevention For Spring Garden Problems
By Ellen Brown

When it comes to lawn and garden problems, prevention is the best cure. Fall affords gardeners a great opportunity to set the tone for next year's growing season by way of soil preparation and cleanup. By putting in just a little bit of extra effort this fall, you spare yourself a whole lot less work and worry next spring.



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