Daily Thrifty Tips - October 15, 2008

We are running low on recipe entries for the recipe newsletter. Do you have any Halloween recipes to share? Or, do you have any inexpensive recipes that are staples in your household? Submit them here:

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

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Share a Tip (You could win $25!)
• Share a Photo (You could win $25!)
• Have a Question? Submit a request...
• Link to ThriftyFun.com
• View Active Topics!

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

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

Use Wine As a Sign of Wedding Unity

Instead of a unity candle, my son had a wine ceremony. Carafes of red wine and white wine were poured into an empty carafe, then the mixture was poured into a goblet from which they both drank. I heard a lot of people talking afterwards about how unique and different that was.

By Trixie from Turbotville, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34056225.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Photo: Shadows Relaxing On Vacation

Relaxing on a family vacation.

By Klbash from St. Charles, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28271152.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Halloween Yard Decorations

Cost: $0!

Time: 2+ hours total

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33242134.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Chloe (Pekapom)

Chloe is 2.5 years old. She is a Pekapom (half Pekingese, half Pomeranian). I had just started dating a new girlfriend, and one night we went to a place that was kind of like a farmers market/flea market. In the parking lot on our way in a lady approached us with this 6 week old darling puppy and we couldn't say no. I am no longer dating the woman but we are best of friends and jokingly, share custody of "our little girl", Chloe.

She just loves to chase and be chased. That puts such a smile on her little face. As with any dog, she loves it and gets so excited when she sees me getting her leash. She knows she is going for a walk with her daddy.

The pic is after a long day of fun and adventure.

Better late than never, tomorrow (9-24-08) is her big day. She is getting spayed.

By Alexander from Belair, MD

Editor's Note: We didn't get this posted right away due to the number of pet photos we have been receiving lately. Better late than never!

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21606539.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• 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
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Collect Shower Water For Plants

I use a 4 quart ice cream pail to catch the cool water while waiting for the water to get hot to take my shower. I usually have a full pail and use this water to water my plants.

By Mary from Badaxe, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51107756.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use a 2 Liter Bottle to Store Birdseed

I have just discovered how easy it is to fill my outdoor bird feeder by pouring it out of a large plastic 2 liter soft drink bottle. I had a friend save me one and when I bought my bird seed this time, I used the top of a smaller plastic drink bottle, cut off to use as a funnel, and poured the birdseed into the large bottle. I have now collected enough large plastic bottles to put the whole bag of birdseed in. Now there is no mess and the birdseed is kept fresh.

By Barbara from Evington, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22462973.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

American Dagger Moths Can Be Toxic

Beware of hairy yellow caterpillars with black spikes. They are American dagger moths that have have toxic properties when hairs are touched. One slight brush sent me to the ER with significant hives, elevated blood pressure, facial flushing, and chills.

I did some online research and learned that pets who innocently consume the caterpillars can also become ill enough to seek a vet's care. I am still afflicted with hives after three days and am dosing with Benedryl. One helpful hint is applying ice directly on hives and it has helped when topical cortisone and oral medications have fallen short relieving the itching.

You can Google search a photo and info about American Dagger moth and other toxic hairy caterpillars all over the US. I also found many other home remedies for hives.

• http://bugguide.net/node/view/505

By Kathy from Western PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84271056.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Stock Up on OTC Medications

Time to stock up on OTC (over the counter) medications for flu season. Nothing's worse than being sick and having to go out to the store for these things you will probably need anyway before the years end, other than running out of TP and having to be the one to go buy it.

By Melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25658392.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use Your Pet as a Halloween Prop

This year we got a puppy so he'll be going trick or treating with our 12 year old daughter. Good opportunity for puppy to meet all the neighbors. Our daughter is going dressed up as a football player and the puppy will be her football! We found all of my daughter's items at Goodwill and I bought some brown and white felt to make puppy into a "football." Just a football shape draped over his back and noosed around his neck and back legs. Should be cute!

By Camille from Lakeville MN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81531317.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tips For A Frugal Halloween

I don't get a whole lot of kids at my house for Halloween but rest assured I am fully prepared! :) There are a few things you can do to save money on candy:

• Purchase discounted candy the night of Halloween (usually after dinner the stores put candy on sale) or when Halloween is officially over. Candy keeps a long time so you can usually hold onto it till the following year.
• Buy one gigantic bag of candy at a discount store instead of getting lots of small bags of different items. I usually get a HUGE bag of mixed candy for about $4 and I can make a lot of goodie bags with this.
• Look around your house to see if you have any candy or chocolate. Last year I realized I had some wrapped chocolate pieces I didn't eat, as well as some extra candy that was given to me at one time. I just took it out and used them to add to make extra goodie bags. My husband also had bought some chewing gum he disliked so I told him to hand it over and I put the wrapped individual pieces in goodie bags :)
• If you are having a kiddie Halloween party at your house, forget about candy bags as I am sure the kids will get enough by trick or treating! Make candy apples and/or cupcakes as a treat instead.
• Sometimes I get teenagers trick or treating coming to my door, so one year I decided to put together Bath and Body gift bags for any teen who wanted one instead of candy. I collected some pretty awesome funky bath and body stuff, put about 5 items in a paper bag (example:mini body lotion, mini shower gel, mini mud mask, Tea light and nail polish). These bags did not cost me anything as they were all freebies I had received. The teens loved them though some did still want the candy. :)

By Lisa from Halifax

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82101053.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Weddings Are Too Expensive for Just One Day

My fiancee and I had been together for a year when I asked him why he had not proposed. His reply was that, "Weddings are too expensive for just one day". Ahh, true love. Because neither of us came from money, we did not have to worry about the whole thing getting out of hand.

He finally did propose, and the first thing I looked at were rings. I am a simple, rural girl from a rural Nebraska town, so I suggested a cubic zirconia ring set for the engagement and wedding. My ring cost just $35.00, including the cost of shipping. I told him that we could worry about a "real" ring several years down the road as an anniversary present. I get many compliments on my ring, and many people want to ask if it is real. I tell them the truth, that no it is not real.

Maybe someday, when he and I are out of our 20's the perfect diamond ring set will come along. But until then, I am happy with the ring I have, as is he, and the fact that it is a great example of how I did not have to "spend so much money for just one day" makes our engagement and wedding planning that much simpler!

By Jenni from Lincoln, NE

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44401984.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use Magnetic Tape to Discourage Woodpeckers

Do you have problems with a woodpecker rat-a-tat-tat-ing on the side of your house? Or birds in your garden eating up your tomatoes, or the big black birds taking over?

The film inside the videos or cassette tapes can be used to scare them away....for a while anyway. Cut the film into long lengths, 6 feet or so, and tie a knot at one end. Put the long streamer where it will blow in the breeze, and swoosh the birds fly away. The light flickers on this film, and it moves with the slightest breeze.

A friend paid a lot of money to an exterminator to stop a woodpecker from making holes in the side of her house. Well, the woodpecker was back again the next fall! She put several of those "pom-pom-shakers", that the kids have at football games on the side of her house. Used Duct tape to secure them.

The woodpecker has not returned this year. But the funny thing is, he moved to another house in the same neighborhood. They can hear him rat-a-tat-tat-ing away. Y'all are so smart with these ideas.

Barb in Tennessee

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28462760.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Refill Bottled Drinks With Juice and Water

I used to buy Snapples and other bottled drinks when I was at work or school, but it got expensive and I was worried about all the bottles I was wasting. So I saved the bottles, washed them out, fill them a third with juice and pop them in the freezer. The next day I fill them to the top with water. Mmm, flavored water, frugal, and it stays cold. :) The ice will melt quickly.

By Heather from Los Angeles

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98265473.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Halloween Punch With Ice "Hand"

For Halloween, my grandson wanted to have a party. So I went to Walmart and got one gallon of red fruit drink and one gallon of green out of the cooler section. I poured the red in plastic gloves and froze them. When I made the punch, I poured the green into a bowl then put the red hand in to float. The kids loved it.

By Jenny from Gadsden, Alabama

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10314418.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Plastic Milk Jug Skeleton

How do you make skeletons from gallon milk jugs?

Jeanie from Portland

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf140429.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What Is Cavaner's Seasoning

Could you tell me what Cavander's seasoning is? We don't have it in Australia. Can you recommend a substitute.

Heather from Adelaide, Australia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43516829.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Salvage Grocery Stores Near Mocksville, NC

I want to know where the nearest Salvage/Dented grocery stores are. I am in Mocksville, NC. Thanks.

Dot

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73216746.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Driveway Sealant On Vinyl Garage Door

I managed to get driveway sealant on my new vinyl garage doors. I tried a commercial tar remover and it left a yellow smudge. Is it possible to remove the sealant without leaving the smudge. Thank You.

Michael from Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60532300.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Using Sand Dune Sand In Fish Tank

Can I use sand from local sand dunes for my fish tank?

Chris from DHS, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81653645.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crafts Using Glass Tiles

I have square, clear glass tiles with etched/frosted Celtic circles. The glass is not thick. I would love to do art project with them. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Marie from NYC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76280213.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Washing Dreadlocks

My son has very long dreads and every time he washes his hair they smell very bad. What can he shampoo them with?

Lily

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59125654.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Filling Cracks In Floor Tiles

I have several ceramic floor tiles that have fine cracks and some pieces of the surface chipped off. Is there a material that I could use to fill these cracks and dents. I would like to be able to add a color to attempt to match the tile. Thanks for any advice.

Merlene from Acton, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95884358.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Triple Crochet Shell Baby Afghan

I am looking for a pattern or kit for a triple crochet shell baby afghan. I bought a kit many years ago but now can't find a kit or pattern. Can anyone help me? The shells sit on top of each other so a circle is formed.

Sandra from Red Creek, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19650959.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Musty Smelling Sink Drain

What can I do to get rid of a musty smell coming from the sink drain?

Stephen from Penns Creek, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80262329.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Compost With Pet Waste

How do you make compost from cat and dog manure?

John from Concho, AZ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90408584.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dishwasher Making A Humming Noise

I have a constant humming noise coming from the dishwasher. Any way to correct this problem other than by turning it off? Thanks!

Dick from Hanover, NH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34246332.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Foggy Headlamps Clear

How do I make foggy headlamps clear?

Patty from Marco Island, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17083189.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Your Own Soda

There's an article about saving money on 'soda pop' also about making your own 'coke'. I couldn't find the 'how to's'. Please tell me how? Thank you.

N

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24045731.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Puppy Chews On Everything

I got a dog for Christmas from my ex boyfriend and I love it a lot. Its so cute but my parents want to get rid of it because he chews up everything and its something different everyday. I don't know how to stop it and I don't want to get rid of him at all. What can I do to make him stop chewing on stuff? Please help!

Sara from Gravette

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33597787.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Using Aloe Vera For Hair Regrowth

How can I use aloe vera plant for my hair? It is falling out and I want to help it regrow.

Mohini

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22365896.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning Urine On Berber Carpet

How do you clean urine on Berber carpet?

Prinny from Raphine, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35631931.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Reviews Of Garmin GSPMAP 60CSX

Does anyone know anything about the Garmin GSPMAP 60CSX. This is a navigational device similar to the Nextar and Tomtoms but it is much more elaborate. What I want to know is can this be used in Europe. I know there are some that you can buy maps for and I'm wondering if anyone knows if this is one of them. I'm looking for someone who has one that knows for sure about them.

jho from Chassell

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72159674.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Trimming Amaryllis Leaves

When do you cut the leaves of amaryllis bulbs that stay outside year round? I know you cut the flower stalks about 2 in. above the base once they have bloomed, but what about the leaves?

Also, what is good for grasshoppers. I used seven dust but it has been raining too much for repeat applications. Also what is good for brownish spots and aphids? Thanks for any help.

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Martha from Ridgeway, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56375319.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dog With Mast Tumors Still Itches

Patches itches and has or had skin cancer.He had surgery to remove mast cell tumors a month ago and is now on hydroxyzine pamoate, and antihistamine, three times a day. The vet said she wants to do more surgery because a couple margins weren't all clean but we can't afford a second time. He still seems to be scratching frequently though less violently.

I'm not sure if it's allergies to food, fleas, or the mast cell tumors (mast cells produce histamine in allergic reactions). He's always been an itchy dog but now I'm worried it might be something else.

He eats Iam's dog food, gets a "Program" flea prevention tablet once a month, and bathes with "Magic Coat Plus Advanced Formula" every couple months. Any guidance or recommendations on what we can do to reduce the itching or deal with the skin cancer is appreciated. We can't leave him home alone without his 'cone' on. I am hoping to try the yogurt idea and flax seed oil too, that were mentioned in previous posts.

Lisa from Seatte, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66303694.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Blood In Dog's Urine After Having Puppies

My dog Baby had puppies 3 weeks and 5 days ago. She had blood in her urine but it stopped for about a week. It has started again. Its scary cause I can not lose my baby! What could it be? She has lost a lot of energy and is still at a low weight. My boy Jacob gets 3 cups less and he is big and happy.

Ashley

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26646846.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Do I Add Water When Freezing Carrots?

Do you need to add liquid when freezing carrots?

Pat from Gunnison, UT

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74484014.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Using Plastic Stretch Cord

How can I tie off clear stretch cord? It keeps slipping out. I am trying to make a bracelet with the stretch cord. I have tried burning it, and gluing it.

Sarah from Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76756641.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Frost Damaged Jalepeno Peppers

We had 6 jalepeno plants that were doing really good well. We had some very cold unexpected weather last night and this morning everything was dead. So we took off tons of jalepenos that covered the plants. They are all kind of soft, from the frost I guess. I'm wondering if they would still be ok to chop and freeze for stews and soups and stuff? Are they safe to eat still? Can we get sick?

Natalie from Utah

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55521409.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Condiment Recipes

Where can I find recipes for homemade equivalents of foods like condiments, salad dressings and freeze-dried soup mixes?

Jennifer from Brick, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35824206.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Label Residue On Bottles

I have lots of empty medicine bottles. I like to use them for all kinds of things like salad dressing in a lunch box, toothpick holder for purse, etc. The one problem I have it getting all the sticky stuff off of the bottle after I remove the label. I take the label off and soak the bottle in water, I've used Goo Gone, tried scrapping gently with a knife but the outside is still sticky. Is there a good way to remove the residue?

Grandma B from Coshocton, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18350213.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What Is Biological Washing Powder?

I watch "How Clean is Your House" every day on BBC America. Their tips are fantastic and rarely require commercial cleaning products. They make baking soda, vinegar, dish washing liquid and borax do just about everything. My question is this: they frequently use "biological washing powder". I'm thinking that they might mean Biz, because they've mentioned enzymes, but I'm not sure. Can anyone translate this for me? Thanks!

Polly from Cedar Springs, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39650356.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Chinese Beetles In House

How do you keep Chinese beetles out of the house?

Jerry from Dekalb, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67107024.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tomato Paste In A Tube

Where can I find the tomato paste in a tube? Rosie uses it on her TV show, but never says anything about it. Thanks.

Hope from Charleston, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16458935.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning Marble

I have a white marble table top and it has both stains from food and marks from coffee cups and placemats. How do I remove them? Also, need to know a safe inexpensive way to polish the marble.

Sandra from Brooklyn, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf890224.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Buying Lighted Wine Bottles

Where can I find Wine bottles with lights in them?

Jackie from Ontario, Oregon

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64798087.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

My Family Doesn't Clean

I am quite frustrated and becoming depressed about the messiness of my home. My husband helps out very little and actually makes more mess than he ever helps with. My son, age 7, just messes. I wanted him to clean his bedroom and was going to pay him $5 to clean it up, which he seemed excited about, but all he did was drag out puzzles and leave pieces all over instead of clean. I don't think my husband has ever cleaned a stove top off or much else for that matter. If I try to get him to clean, he says, why? Who is coming to visit?

Sandy from Stoughton, WI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69116080.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Headlight Is Fogged Up

On my Honda Civic my passenger headlight has fogged up and I would like to know how to polish it back to normal. I think water got in somehow and caused a hair line crack in the headlight. If you have any suggestion, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Brian from Burlington, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97832345.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What is Hamburger Helper?

I read many recipes which mention Hamburger Helper. We don't have it here in Australia, and often there are things mentioned which I have no idea as to what they mean. Could you tell me what this is please? I've had Bisquick answered, so now I'm trying this one.

Thank you in advance,
Leah from Down Under

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90897926.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Saving Money on Baby Food

Tips for Saving Money on Baby Food. Post you ideas below.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44673435.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Halloween Party Ideas

What are you're favorite Halloween Party Ideas? Please post them below.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf418555.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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