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Hello,
We have two new photo contest entries today. You can find them towards the top of this newsletter. We also have 12 new requests.
For this Friday's ThriftyFun News the topic will be Evaluating Monthly Expenses. If you have any tips or advice to share on this topic feel free to submit them on the contest form:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
I had 5 pairs of my children's old jeans and were beyond repair. So I cut them into 8 x 4 squares and some were 8 x 4 rectangles. I arranged them as I desired. Using 1/2-inch seam allowance and with right sides together.
Sew the squares to each other forming one row. Then sew rows to each other.
With right sides together, I used an dark blue flat sheet as the back of the quilt.
Sew the front to the back (like a pillow case). Leave an opening for turning the right way. Then I sewed the last edge together.
And I have a quilt that will last a life time to pass on to my children's children. From jeans that my kids once wore.
By Tracey
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Meet Sasha! - Australian Heeler/Lab
She is nine months old. Sasha is an Australian Heeler/Lab. My adult children "adopted" her at a shelter. She entertains her "brother and Sister", they are adults cats by mimicking their every move. Sasha is as sweet as can be! She absolutely loves her box of stuffed toys! She has terrific visiting manners! As her "grandparents", we can't wait for her to come and visit! Yes, she can bring her "parents"!
- Sandy and Charlie
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. Here are some ideas to get your started:
You can enter the photo contest here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Enhance Your Negotiating Ability
My mother is often attributed as the Kung-Fu Queen of Negotiation. She bargains with an ease and serenity that only true masters possess. An analysis of my mother's skill has presented the following five tips that will enhance your negotiating ability in a way you never thought was possible:
1. No means No!
The primary rule of thumb for a good negotiator is the most basic. Learn to say no. . Let me help you. First, go find a mirror. Hey! Stop admiring yourself and pay attention! Now, say 'No.' Easy huh? Practice this daily and it will roll off your tongue in a couple of days, just like a cat coughs up furballs. Learning to say no is a skill made for the strong and honest. When you don't like the item being sold or the price it's being sold at, say no and walk away.
2. It's all about the look
Never, ever be so desperate that you have to do the 'Puppy Face' look to get what you want. It gets you nowhere and makes you look pathetic. Frankly, you will come across as childish and immature. Instead, keep a stern look because this is what shows strength. It means that you are not about to waver; when you want a bargain, you want it.
3. Weight Balance
Comparison is perhaps one of the best tricks to use when bargaining. Without any hesitation, make sure you tell the salesperson that he can do much better than what he's offering because you've seen similar items for much reasonable prices. Of course, make sure you give examples and do a little price research because a salesperson surely does his.
4. Trading Friends
Friends are fantastic, especially when you can get bargains on their behalf. To illustrate this, let's say that you were buying a piece of jewelry. With absolute subtlety, tell the salesperson that this store is a marvel and that your friends would like (not love) to see it (do not show extreme signs of excitement here, only be slightly enthusiastic). Afterward, tell the salesperson that your friends would be pleased (not ecstatic) and that you may recommend it to them. Hopefully, the salesperson will get the hint and offer you a bargain. Knowing that you'll give him future business, he'll be sure to give you a deal.
5. Do you dare to Question me?
Drown the salesperson with questions. This is your money, you worked hard for it and you have every right to interrogate him course. Make sure you ask questions pertaining to where the object is manufactured, how it is made, who sells it to them, whether child labor was involved, what the company's reputation is, and of course if refund arrangements can be made. The point of this is to make the salesperson sweat under the sun, which is you. For that reason, some of the best questions are those that involve what the object cannot do for you. For instance, if you are buying a car, you may choose to ask the car salesman if it has the Onstar system, which you love, installed in the car. Consequently, he may say no and then change the topic. However, you, being on your feet, should stop him and disappointedly repeat, 'So you don't have the system installed?' Knowing that the uninstalled system, of which you love so much, may hinder your desire to buy the car, he or she will be more eager to give you a bargain.
And that's it! Well I have some more...but we'll stop for now. This, my dear consumers, is your money. You worked hard for it. The extra money you save can be donated and used by someone in dire need, it can go towards educational funds for yourself or your children, or it can be used for grocery, furniture, or clothes shopping. Never even remotely think that salespersons care for your plans.
Remember, Caveat Emptor, buyer beware: follow these five bullets of negotiation to show those merchants of sale that if they can't give you the deal, you simply won't buy their product.
By Alison (17 yrs)
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When hulling strawberries, use a sturdy plastic straw. Push the straw up from the bottom of the strawberry through the top. It takes out the hull and the leaves fall off also. A paper straw will not do the job. You will need to use a plastic one but it is a real time saver, especially if you do a lot of berries for jams, jellies or company shortcake.
By Betty
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When freezing leftover sauces or any liquid I always freeze them in the smallest round or square containers I can. Then I set them on the counter just enough to thaw around the edges so they will slip out into a ziplock bag. Then I date them.
By Vicki
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What are some ways to reuse rubber gloves that are past their prime? Post your ideas.
Don't throw away your rubber gloves that get holes in the fingers. Cut them in strips from the wrist part down to the fingers and use them for rubber bands. They're study and don't break. I use them on everything from computer CD holder to keep categories in the holder separated to holding toothpaste, brush, floss etc. togethere while traveling.
By Betty
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Add Oatmeal to Homemade Cookies
When making homemade cookies always add 1/2 cup dry oatmeal. Your cookies will not spread all over the pan and they will be delicious!
By carol
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When I am shopping at a store that I know I will be making a purchase (grocery shopping) and not just browsing, I fill out most of my check information in the car as well as adding the info to my check register. Then when I am checking out, I can watch the prices being rung up and make sure the sale prices are correct. I don't need to do any check writing until the total comes up so I'm not holding up the line by watching the numbers instead of filling out the check.
By Ann4
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Tips for saving money on books. Post your ideas!
My whole family just loves to read. Currently, I probably have about three thousand books here at home. Those were purchased in my "stupid money mode".
Now, I have stopped all magazine subscriptions, because they are available at the library, along with most books. The only books I buy now are from garage or library sales where I pay fifty cents or less.
By Gloria Hussar
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Tips for saving money on dish soap. Post your ideas!
Using Foaming Hand Pumps for Dish Soap
Use any gentle foaming hand pump and add water to the fill line add dish detergent and just squirt about 5 times or so and your dish detergent will last forever, thus saving you lots of money.
By Karen P in TN
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Tips and ideas for cleaning brass. Post your ideas.
Cleaning Brass
To clean brass, use equal amounts of Coca-Cola and ammonia (Pepsi won't work). Mix contents in a glass bowl, dip a soft cloth into solution and wipe the brass article to remove tarnish. Rinse and wipe dry.
By Linda
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Here are some uses for old or unmatched socks. Post your ideas below!
Sock Dust Rag
Use the sock as a dust rag, you can slide the sock on your hand and clean your house right up! It is great for furniture, in the kitchen and in the bathroom too!
By Crystal
Another Use For Old Socks
Cut off the cuff of sock and turn inside out. Sew across bottom and turn right side out. Slip over your Crisco oil or other vegetable oil bottle in your cabinets and keeps from getting oily spots in your cabinets.
By Georgia
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Tie a Ribbon Around Your Wrist
If you have a problem remembering something, tie a ribbon around your wrist and write down what you are trying to remember. Then when you look on your wrist, there it is plain as day!
By Karen P in TN
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I always make Ortega taco sauce last twice as long, by taking 1/2 of the sauce and pouring it into another empty bottle and adding tomato sauce to each container. My family cannot tell the difference and the taste does not change. We go through a lot of sauce here.
By Karen P in TN
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The best time to mop your kitchen is late at night when everyone has gone to bed. This way you will not have any foot prints left by your kids or husband.
By Karen P in TN
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Near the holiday times, I save a few aluminum pie plates large and small (or ask a friend for some). I wash and dry these well and fill them with different types of candies, etc., to give to special people. One advantage is you never have to worry about having a plate returned and silver is a holiday color!
By Linda
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What are your tips for reusing plastic grocery bags?
Instead of tossing those annoying plastic bags from Wal-Mart, I use them to line small wastebaskets thru the house. They are perfect "pooper scoopers". Also, they do a good job as packing material when shipping a box of items. Another thing I use them for is to throw vegetable peelings on them as I peel, then just roll up the bag, and no mess!
By Gloria
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Pinesol As A Cat Pee Deterrent
I had a problem with our cats wetting in places other than their litter box. I found out if I wash the floor with PineSol they would stay away from that spot. They soon went back to the box where they were suppose to be using.
By Connie
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Just cooked potatoes? Don't throw the water down the drain. Here are some tips and ideas for reusing it. Post your ideas.
After boiling potatoes, set aside the water to cool. After it is cool - use it to water your houseplants. They love it.
By angel
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Instead of buying stain remover as I used to, I put straight liquid detergent in a spray bottle and pre-treat with it. It has even gotten out stains that were set in from items obtained at garage sales and such. I haven't encountered any stain I couldn't get out with it.
By angel
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I don't know about any of you but for me the holidays are so busy it is almost impossible to get everything done. Well, the holidays are now over. Through the course of the season, we may experience a broken but fixable ornament (or two) or you get a brainstorm of a gift you might want to make for next year.
When storing your holiday stuff, have a separate box for ideas and items that might need repair. When you find some time just go to the box and fix away. Also, it helps to remember that special gift and help prepare it in the spring and summer months. It helps me organize. Happy New Year!
By luckylange
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Doing Less Laundry - Reusing Towels Used for Hair
Doing Less Laundry - Reusing Towels Used for Hair We reuse the towel we dry our hair on by hanging it over the shower rod to dry. After all, our hair is clean and this saves wear and tear on the towels and expense laundering them.
By Linda
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When I am in a "baking mood", I prepare several extra pie crusts for freezing. I put a piece of waxed paper or paper from a cereal bag (works wonderfully for so many uses) between the layers so they don't stick. When company comes or our family gets in the mood for dessert, it is simple to make the filling and have a great dessert.
By Linda
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Tips for saving money on fabric softener. Post your ideas below.
Less Fabric Softener
When drying clothes in my dryer, I only add half the usual amount of fabric softener to the washer. Since the dryer softens clothes anyway, that amount is fine. Saves money!
By Linda
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This saves money on store-bought popsicles.
In bowl mix:
Add 1 very hot cup of water and mix well.
Put in 2 quart pitcher and add cold water to fill pitcher (or less water if you want sweeter popsicles).
Pour into popsicle molds and freeze.
P.S. For cherry popsicles I buy cherry kool-aid and cherry jello or whatever flavors you want you can do the same thing for.
By Becky
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Tip Contest
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New Contest! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on January 15th.
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New Requests:
Around the World Quilt Done In 8 Hours
Many years ago, one of the womens magazine published an article with instructions for a quilt. It was a "Trip Around the World " quilt made in 8 hours. My daughter made it for her Home Ec. class and it turned out nice, but over the years I lost (or accidently threw away) the magazine. Does anyone have these instructions that they could email me?
Thank You,
Mary from Louisiana
forgetfulfreda@yahoo.com
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Troubleshooting Electrical Outlet
We bought an older home and the gfci circuit in our bathroom did not work. I quickly replaced the circuit with a new gfci and added an extension. All seemed fine-green indicator light was on etc. However at some point the outlet did not work.
Thought to trace the wiring and was sure it went to a kitchen switch? Well it seemed as thought we had to have a switch turned on for the outlet to work. BUT we were wrong because one night before we went to sleep the outlet was active but when we got up and before we turned anything on (i.e. hair dryer etc.) the outlet was out?
So we started turning switches on and off to discover none of them had any impact. It is a mystery to us today to have an unreliable circuit (on and off) in our house we are nervous. Please advise any additional troubleshooting tips. Thanks.
- Brandon
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Linoleum Floor Stained By Foam Backed Rugs
Again, when we bought our home we didn't notice it right away before until it was too late. They had put foamed backed rugs on the linoleum floor which turn the areas a orangish yellow color. Is there anyway to remove these stains? We tried everything we could think of. Please, if anyone can help let me know. The kitchen and dining area is all linoleum. I can't afford to replace it all right now. So, am hoping someone has an idea. Thanks to all!
LilHoneyBrat from MN
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Tub Stained From Non-skid Strips
When we bought our home the tub had dark stains in it from them having those non-skid strips applied to it. Is there anyone that can tell me how to remove these stains? I have tried soft scrub and ajax, as well as comet and bleach and had no luck. I tried them all separately and didn't mix them with anything but water. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks to everyone!
LilHoneyBrat from MN
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I need some suggestions for storing fabric. I have a nice sized room for storage but now it's a mess and is very overwhelming.
Janet
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How do I move a blind cat to a new house?
My 14 year old Siamese cat was just diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy. He seems to be about 50% blind and we are moving from New York to Florida in 6 months. I imagine by then his blindness will be more acute. My concern is two fold. One being that he and his life long companion, a 15 year old Burmese, will be traveling by van to the mid south with a one night stay in a pet friendly motel and then onto a new home. All websites say not to move furniture or the blind animal's food bowl and I have to laugh as I am moving this poor little cat's entire world. Any advice for a healthy and smooth transition for traveling and for when we arrive at our new home?
Karen
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Getting Rid Of Creeping Charlie Without Killing My Grass
My yard is full of a 'weed' called Creeping Charlie! Any idea how to get rid of it, without killing all of the grass? HELP!
Cathy
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Getting Rid of Black Widow Spiders
Last summer, I had black widows all over my yard. Most of them were female, and they built there little web underneath the ring all over my easy set up pool. Just a few days ago, my kids were playing in the sandbox and one was crawling beside my son. I thought they would be hiding since it's January and colder. I have a 2 year old and a 5 year old and will have a baby by next spring, so I am terrified of what they can do to my kids. Does anybody know what to do to get rid of them? I was hoping to find a way without chemicals, since I'm afraid it wouldn't be good for my family. Thank for anyone's suggestions! - Candy
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Can you recommend a good oven cleaner and a cleaner for badly darkened stainless cookware?
Thanks,
Ron
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Making My Laminated Flooring Shiny Again
I have a laminated flooring that was installed about 5 years ago. My problem is that when I clean the floor with the suggested cleaning liquid by the manufacturer, or now the new clorex or swifter cleaners that I have also tried, the floor retains a dull film that I can't remove back to my shiny floor. Has anyone else experienced this problem and found a remedy for it? Could it possibly be a hard water problem?
Ruth, Jackson, Michigan
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I have two finches and I was told that as long as you don't put a nest in the cage they won't lay eggs. Well, mine did, and she layed them in the food tray. So, I just added another food tray so I didn't disturb the eggs. But, I only saw them sit on the eggs a few times. I'm not watching constantly but, when do they sit on them? Or are these eggs going to not hatch? Please help. I have made some calls to pet stores and I was told to throw the eggs out. Well, I can't! They are only about a week old. Any information I would greatly appreciate! Thank you,
LilHoneyBrat form Minnesota
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I need help taking off ink that busted in the pocket and got all over my leather jacket. It's really bad. Can you please help me. Thanks.
Sabrina
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More Reading:
4 Ways to Pay Off Holiday Debts
By Gary Foreman
Depending on which poll you use, Americans spent somewhere between $700 and $1,100 on Christmas gifts last year. For a good many shoppers, most of that spending went on their credit cards. And, if history is any indicator, those bills won't be paid off until May or June.
View Article: Click Here
Choosing a Tax Return Preparer
By irs.gov
Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. But if you pay someone to prepare your tax return, choose that preparer wisely, advises the IRS. Taxpayers are legally responsible for whats on their returnseven if prepared by someone else.
View Article: Click Here
Find the Right New Year's Resolution to Get into Your Best Shape Ever!
By Diana Keuilian
Five easy resolutions to make you lean in 2005!
Yep, it is that time of year again! Time to moan and groan about the weight we gained over the holidays as we resolve to lose it all in the New Year! If memories of failed New Year's resolutions are haunting you, it is time you found the right resolution for 2005.
View Article: Click Here
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By Joseph Raglione (Guest Post)
01/12/2005
Hello from Canada!
Here is a great tip for stopping itchy feet or itchy anything else on your body.
Use Arm and Hammer antiperspirant. The invisible and unscented original version will kill foot itch completely.
No more itching, ever. It changes the Ph balance.
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