Daily Thrifty Tips - October 18, 2007

We need your holiday tips! With Halloween coming and Thanksgiving right around the corner, now is a great time to share you favorite holiday tips and recipes. Feel free to submit them on one of the contest forms.

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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Mini Canvas Tote Bags

Buy mini canvas tote bags (or larger). Next decorate them with any embellishments you like. (lace, fringe, beaded trim, pom-poms, fancy ribbons). Your choices are only limited by your imagination. Hope you like them!

By Judy in Alabama

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Mr. Kitty Keeping His Cool!

This summer was hot and dry, but Mr. Kitty found a way to keep his cool!

By Kelly from Loganville, GA

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Craft: Carved Foam Pumpkins

These are our current crop of pumpkins. Each year, my husband adds eight to the collection.

1. We purchase your carvable pumpkins at Michaels. Remember they have the 40% off coupons! Sometimes they are on sale.
2. Free patterns and stencils are on-line at many sites. Just google free pumpkin patterns. We generally gets a pattern book at Michaels. It includes all the tools you will need.
3. Use a push pin to punch the pattern onto the carvable pumpkin.
4. After carving the pumpkin, trace around a quarter coin on the bottom back of the pumpkin and cut a hole for the light.
5. The dollar store carries the single bulb light with the cord. They are for the porcelain Christmas houses.
6. We use a timer to display the pumpkins in the morning for the commuters and the evening.
7. Each pumpkin is stored in an individual box throughout the year. It may seem like a lot of money invested, but you only carve once and many of our pumpkins are over ten years old.

Tedebear

Editor's Note: Here is a previous article about Tedebear's Pumpkin Collection.

• Pumpkin Carving Collection

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Hand Sanitizer For All Purpose Cleaning

I have discovered an amazing new cleaning product. It cleans that awful overspray hair spray in the bathroom that gets everywhere like a breeze. It shines chrome like you wouldn't believe. It shines appliances. Cleans mirrors sparkling. You wouldn't believe how well it cleans my glasses. I even use it on the inside of my car. It is HAND SANITIZER!

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

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Use Sheets For Quilt Backing

I just recently learned to quilt and for the backing of the quilt, I used a king size sheet for my queen sized bed. I wanted a solid color and didn't want to spend $4 a yard when I could get a sheet at Walmart for $5 and get the color I wanted. I then tied it and put a binding on it and my quilt was done.

My DD did a twin quilt the same way with a double sheet. I think the only way you would have to use actual "bolt material" is if you did a quilt larger than a King, because a King flat sheet has a little over an inch of folded over material.

By Dahart from Durango, CO

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Help Your Teenager Narrow the Career Search

Part-time jobs, job-shadowing, volunteering and internships all help teens decide whether or not a career they have in mind is the path they want to follow. Encourage your kids to get involved in some way with whatever fields are of interest. It will help them make a more informed decision about the academic route they want to take after high school.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Peg Board for Kitchen Organization

After moving into a rented house with a narrow kitchen, I needed a place to store my many gadgets, strainers, etc. that wouldn't fit in the cabinets. One wall had space, so I hung a large square of pegboard, covered with adhesive paper in a coordinating pattern. Then, where I needed a hook, I punched through and, voila! (My husband said that if something had a hole, it was likely to be hung in the kitchen!)

Be sure to anchor the screws used for hanging the pegboard, as it becomes very heavy. I did the same back of the stove, cutting it to fit the available space. It brightened up the room and cost very little and little damage to the walls. (I used blue and white checked design; restful and cheerful!)

By CayC from Green Cove Springs, FL

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Add Your Own Sticker To Address Labels

When mailing items, if you're using plain white address labels, you can stick onto either side of the address label your own choice of small or tiny decorative stickers. Each time you mail, your address labels can be different, instead of ordering the address labels with the same design on them all.

By Terri H. from NV

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Saving School Paperwork

I know how precious and special looking back on my children's school work really is. Every day, when we empty his backpack, the 7 year old and I put all his work into a box. Since I check his school work/homework each evening by initialing and dating it, it's easy to sort through and pick the best of each month to save.

Even saving 1 paper per week of the school year for looking at in the future would be less than 36 pages. Take those to the local copy shop and have them laminated. That way, you don't have to worry about them being ruined in storage. Mark a manila envelope (just large enough for the largest kept piece) with name and grade (include the name of the school and the teachers involved as well) and pop them all safely inside. You can either store on a closet shelf or in a box that will hold all 12 years.

It's a wonderful thing to allow the new first grader to look over their parent's first grade work!

By Kelly from Monongah, West Virginia

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One Place For All Your Paperwork

After trying every type of organization system possible for a house with four people, I have found the best solution. I put a big basket on the kitchen island, where everything seems to land. Every single piece of paper goes into it - it doesn't matter if it is junk mail, a check, important papers - I mean EVERYTHING. Once a week or so, I go through the basket and sort things out. In the interim, there is one place to find everything: no rummaging through separate piles of papers, no worrying about someone picking up your papers and moving them, etc.. I wish I had thought of this a long time ago, it would have saved me a lot of aggravation!

By Eileen from Chicago

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Lemon and Yeast Facial Recipe

I have a great skin care tip that you can make at home, and it seems to work well for all skin types. Mix a little active dry yeast and a little fresh lemon juice to make a paste. Spread it on your face and neck, let dry for about 15 minutes and rinse off. You can spot treat blemishes with this mixture overnight as well. This is the best facial I've ever used and by far the cheapest! I've become really interested in home-made skin care recipes like this one and have posted some on my free website www.fruitfacial.net. Come by and visit my site for more frugal natural skin care tips!

By Heidi from San Diego, CA

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How to Get HD Shows on Your HDTV

There is a nice article in the Dallas Morning News. It tells about how to get it. Easy reading. Mentions antennas, cable, satellite, dish, TIVO, etc. It sounds complicated when I re-read it, but this article is very simple and straightforward. Worth printing out when Feb. 2009 comes and broadcast TV changes.

• http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/columnists/jrossman/stories/DN-p2techadviser_05bus.ART.State.Edition1.35b1e85.html

By Holly from Richardson, TX

Editor's Note: Here is an article about HDTV that was previously posted on ThriftyFun:

• Watching HDTV For Free

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Shopping at Stores that are Closing

A new Super Target store unofficially opened here Wednesday (soft opening). The same day they had a wall to wall sell out of display items at the Target that was closing down. Everything that they didn't want to move to the other store was reduced. TV's were 75% off! They did not advertise this. So, remember to get your bargains at the closing store.

By aTexasDarling from Longview, TX

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Hiking Themed Birthday Party

I'm throwing a hiking themed birthday party (for adults) and would love some creative and inexpensive ideas for party favors. Thanks for your ideas!

HikingGirl from Baltimore, MD

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Shag Rag Rug

I need instructions for Shag Rag Rug,(not Braided or sewn).

Mary from St Clair, MI

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Fastnachts Recipe

We have always looked forward to getting Fastnachts at a local bakery on Fat Tuesday only. Unfortunately they closed. These light potato donuts with the sweet light creme filling were worth waiting for, on that one day. Does anyone know how to make them at home?

Sharon from Cherry Hill, NJ

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Crazy Glue on Dashboard

How do I remove Crazy Glue droplets from dash of car? Thank my 4 yr. old son for this request!

Lisa from , Terryville, CT

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Whirly Gig from Bleach Bottles

Looking for pattern to make Whirley Gig from bleach bottles.

Faye from Nova Scotia, Canada

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Homemade American Food for Japanese Mother in Law

My future mother in law is coming to America for the first time. I want to cook her something nice for dinner but this is the problem.. She hates garlic, nothing spicy or with spices and she hates bland food. What do I make? I want to impress her but i can't come up with anything. She's from Japan, but wants home-made American food.

Kayla

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

I was recently diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. After a couple of years of testing, medicines. multivitamins, diet, nothing worked. I do not want to sleep my life away! I am only 45yrs old with a vibrant family! I want to be apart of that! Does anyone with this illness have any ideas that help them get through the day? I also have a full-time job that consists of shift work. Please help me gain my energy back!

K.P. from Inverary, ON

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Making Lamps with Material

I'm looking for some help on making lamps from material. I recently saw them at a craft show. I thought I had it figured out but I'm wrong. They used an electric candle light. like the welcome lights you see in the windows of houses. I know they attached the candle base on a block, wrapped material around the bottom about half way up the candle. I thought they used fiber fill to make the material look puffy. I tried fiber fill but it made it look lop sided so that didn't work for me. Does any one have any idea how they're made?

Connie from Windsor, PA

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Balsamic Vinegar Stain on Upholstery

I have a balsamic vinegar stain on light gray upholstery in my car. What should I use to clean it up?

David from Phoenixville, PA

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Lamb Curry and Shrimp Fried Rice

I am looking for recipes for Ground Lamb with Curry (Indian dish) and Shrimp Thai Fried Rice.

Bridget from AZ

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Child Size Lab Coat

I bought a clown costume for my 3 old but she wants nothing to do with it. She wants to be a doctor. I have everything but the lab coat. Where do I get a lab coat that size (3 yrs) or how can I make it? Thank you in advance.

B from CA

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Graduation Cake Ideas

I need a unique idea for a college graduation cake. One idea I am considering is a graduation hat cake. My daughters graduation isn't till May of 08, but since I am planning on making and decorating the cake myself, I am planning to make some practice runs at it. Her degree is in higher math, so theres not a lot there that I can use for inspiration. Any ideas?

April from Missouri

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Trick or Treat Gifts Instead of Candy

We get a lot of trick or treaters in my subdivision. I'd like to give them something other than candy, which they get plenty of elsewhere. I want it to be something they'll like. Does anyone have an idea or something they've done before that pleased the little ones?

Kelly from Dallas

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Where to Get Last Minute Baby Items

We are having a baby girl any day now and we are looking for some last minute baby stuff such as clothes. We are also interested if anyone has any baby clothes hangers. Thank you!

Mrs. Cebuhar from Moline, IL

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Inexpensive Christmas Craft Ideas for Cub Scouts

I'm looking for easy inexpensive idea's for a cub scout troop. The holidays are coming up fast and every year I end up spending a lot of money for the kids to make crafts for their parents. I'd appreciate any ideas; like bird house patterns or just any ideas.

We also have a raffle to raise money to buy Christmas presents for needy children. The kids really have a good time picking out toys for other kids. I usually pick out the outfits myself. Does anyone have any good raffle or fund raiser ideas without trying to sell anything. Raffle tickets are alright but I'm at a loss for items to raffle. Thank you

Chas

Editor's Note: Sorry for the delay on publishing this Chas.

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Wax on Wicker Table

How can I clean wax off of my table which has a wicker type table top. It's red wax that seems to have stained the dark blond wicker color. It's not too noticeable to other peoples eyes though. I scraped a lot off, but there's wax in the grooves i just couldn't reach.

Heather from Grand Rapids, Minnesota

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Picking up the Tab at Lunch

I just need a little input on what's proper! I'm meeting my 3 adult daughters for lunch in the near future and 2 of them live close by and one lives out of town. It's a treat for all of us to be in the same place at one time. My granddaughter will be included in this get together. She's 15 and belongs to one of my daughters that lives close by. I was wondering am I responsible for the whole luncheon? In the past I'm always the one that pays. I haven't been employed since January and my husband doesn't mind picking up the tab for us. My daughters are not his children and I feel somewhat awkward about him paying. The fact that it's just expected of me to pay really bothers me. Advice needed!


"PayUpMom" from TN

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Rag Rugs

I went to a craft show and a lady had fixed rugs. She cut small squares, folded them and sewed them them together. I looked on the web for rag rugs, but couldn't find this kind. She lives around Marshville, Mo.

Kathleen from Springfield, MO

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Housetrain Pit Bull Puppy

How do you house train a Pit Bull puppy?

h.viveros1 from Monroe, NC

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Stain on Silk Dress

I got a stain on a silk dress. I don't know what it was but it was sticky and was blue in color with glitter in it. I washed the dress but it left a dark stain.

Sonya from Ireland

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Nicotine Stains on Painting

How do I clean a painting that has nicotine staining?

Dianne from Norton, MA

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Water Mark on a Cherry Table

How do you remove a week old water mark from a high polished cherry table?

LP from Annapolis, MD

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How Do You Make Game Boards With Cards?

How do you make real game boards with cards?

Ryan from Ireland

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Ideas For Reusing Small Tea Tins

I received a variety of teas in small tea tins for Christmas last year. I enjoyed the tea tremendously, now I have 8-10 small tins that I would like to "recycle" into a craft item.

Any suggestions?

JOSE from Tennessee

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How to Make Bread Bowls For Soup

What type bowls do you use to bake them in. I want to try making the bread bowls where you take off the tops after they bake and add soups, etc. But I don't know what type bowls or pans to use in order that they come up real high. Does anyone know what I would use to bake them in to achieve that? Thanks.

Julie from Greeneville, TN

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Recipe For Cherry Goody

I grew up making and eating something called CHERRY GOODY. Even our school cafeteria made it...does anyone have a recipe?
Thank you.

Lisa from Belmont, OH

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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

Albert's Recalls Halloween Skull Pails Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Antioch Publishing Recalls Additional Bookmarks Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Cross Stitch Tips for Beginners

Advice for cross stitch beginners from the ThriftyFun community. <

By Thriftmeg

Post your ideas below.

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Frugal Costume Ideas

Halloween is Coming! Here are some inexpensive costume ideas and a recipe for face paint. Hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween.

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