Daily Thrifty Tips - November 4, 2008

Today is voting day in the US. Be sure to take time to vote!

Here are the contest winners for last week.

Photo Contest Winner

Craft: Jade's Mending Jar
By Monique from Somerset, UK

This is a nice, clever and inexpensive gift.

Pet Contest Winner

Kitty Boy (Tuxedo Cat)
By NellieMary from West Virginia

This is a beautiful picture!

Tip Contest Winners

Save Money and Time With a Pressure Cooker
By Tim from Science Hill

Tim tells us about the time saving benefits of using a pressure cooker.

Halloween Popcorn Hand Party Favor
By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

This timely favor was both easy and cute.

Recipe Contest Winner

Easy, Lip-Smackin' Polish Sausage Dinner
By Linda from Eustis, FL

This extremely simple recipe makes a good staple for when you want to throw something together quickly. It's inexpensive, especially if you buy the ingredients on sale. The polish sausage freezes well so it's easy to keep on hand.

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

Craft Project: Holiday Leaf Cards

Let the kids create these easy, one-of-a-kind holiday leaf cards for family and friends.

Approximate Time: Less than 1 hour

Supplies:

• white paper
• autumn leaves
• acrylic paint
• paint brushes
• markers
• scissors
• newspapers

Instructions:

Fold a sheet of white paper in half. Cut to desired size of card or leave as is. Cover the work area with newspaper. Place a leaf vein side up on the newspaper and apply small amount of paint onto the leaf. (To create a multicolored effect, dab other colors onto the same leaf.) Carefully picking up the leaf, place it paint side down on the front of the card and press down on it to make a print (try a few test prints to figure out the right amount of paint.) Repeat with other leaves. When dry, write personal messages on the cards.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93350481.tip.html

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

Garden: Last Of Summer Sunflowers

Last of the summer sunflowers

By Sherry from Poulsbo WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45681194.tip.html

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

Craft: Beauty Travel Organizer

Don't you just hate it when you're trying to pack for a European cruise, and you don't know how keep your hair styling tools together. My DH had an old pair of jeans so I cut out two pieces of fabric and sewed a storage case for both my hot hair curling brush and curling iron. I sewed a seam down the middle of the bag so each tool had its own compartment.

By MCW from Lewiston, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82943569.tip.html

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

Using Empty Tape Dispensers

I finished up the tape in this dispenser today and my brain kicked into overdrive.

You can keep hemming tape, ribbon, lace, crochet thread, rickrack or just about anything linear and small/flat/round and keep it safe. Label the front or sides and either stack on a shelf, put in a drawer, or hang from a pegboard.

If you don't use that much tape, ask the local plumbers to keep them for you when they are done. Their plumbers tape is in the same dispenser. Once, I even found them at the local big box store for .25 each!

Anyone else have a great idea for these little gems?

By Sandra from Salem OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69739649.tip.html

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

Paige (Lab Mix) After Surgery

Paige is 2 1/2 years old and is a Lab mix. She is our rescue that we adopted this summer!

Paige has a scar on one of her back legs because she had to have surgery right after we got her. She had a loose knee that would pop out when ever she ran, requiring her to run on three legs. It's been three months since her surgery, and while she'll never be a super active dog, she can now run and walk on four legs.

She loves to go outside! And she loves to step on your feet! We could not ask for a better dog! She leaves rule of the house to the cats, as she has finally figured out that they are in control! Instead she focuses on playing catch, giving kisses, eating and sleeping!

By Laurel, Lewis, Aiden and Avery from Port Orchard, WA

Paige's Previous Pet Entry

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33280644.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!

Recycle Carpet to Create Flowerbed

Recycle that old carpet, and shrink the landfills. Cut the carpet in to any shape, you want your flower bed to be. Lay the carpet face down, and cover with mulch. You use less mulch and it last for years and years. When you are ready to plant, cut a X and plant.This is not organic for your vegetable garden.

Source: A friend told me this, years ago.

By Laura from Spartangurg, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72244161.tip.html

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

Place Lit Candles Away from Drafts

When placing candles in your home, if you're going to be just using them for decorative purposes, and not burning them; any place is fine. But if you're going to be burning candles, pay attention to things like vents for heating and cooling.

A draft from a vent can change the direction of your candle's flame quickly. Anything sitting too close by, can quickly be ignited without your knowledge, like a curtain, a blanket or a newspaper, etc. laying near by. Never leave a candle unattended. If you're going to leave the room, blow it out. It can always be re-lit when you return. Better to be safe, than sorry.

Source: Senseless fires are caused each year, we hear about them on the TV news or other media.

By Terri H. from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30071695.tip.html

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

Baking Soda for Facial Scrub

Baking soda makes a fantastic facial scrub! Just mix around a teaspoon of baking soda with a little dab of mild liquid soap, and a drop or two of water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water. Your face will be soft and glowing. I used to spend around $25 on micro-dermabrasion scrubs for generally the same result.

By Janet R. from Rossville, GA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23059139.tip.html

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

Election Signs = Garage Sale Signs!

The election is almost over (thank heavens!) and I am thinking about all those campaign yard signs all over the place! After the election is over, you can pick some up and set them aside to use for your garage sales next summer. Just paint over them, using permanent paint that doesn't run in the rain. You can use them year after year. It's nice to re-use something and nice to help un-clutter our neighborhoods now that the election is over!

By Holly from Golden, CO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42277867.tip.html

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

"Leave No Trace" Cub Scout Parade Theme

Leave No Trace for the Parade! Our Cub Scout Pack decided we would use the scout motto, and collect bottles and cans from the crowd along the parade route. The scouts decorated wagons with a recycle theme. Almost every single person that we collected from, commented on what a great idea it was! Great lesson for the scouts too!

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92407137.tip.html

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

Pre-Treating Greasy Stains

I've found the best way to remove any greasy stain (including shirt collars) is to put a little dishwashing liquid (Joy, Dawn, etc.) on the stain, and rub it in. Then dip the spot in as hot water as is appropriate for the fabric and rub again. Toss it in the washer and you will be pleased at the outcome!

By Sarahruth from Newland, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81227747.tip.html

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

Using Magnet for Laundry Reminders

I have a favorite magnet, that's really eye catching, that I use it in my laundry room. I usually use liquid fabric softener, so if I need to put dryer sheets in a specific load of laundry, I put the magnet on the washer as a "reminder". It works every time!

The same could be used in the kitchen on the oven door, to remind you of items being stored in the oven, that need to be removed before your next baking project.

By Terri H. from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32954195.tip.html

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

Use Vinegar and Dish Soap for Fruit Flies

To get rid of fruit flies I pour apple cider vinegar with a couple drops of dish detergent into a small container. Then set it where you see the flies, and they will be gone in no time.

By Susie from Norfolk, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15581687.tip.html

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

Subtract Savings First

It seems the more I made the more I spent, until I decided to try a special way to save money.

Each month, when I get paid, I subtract an amount of money that I am going to try to save. Once it is subtracted in my register, it seems like it is not there but it really is should a serious emergency arise. I try to make it an amount that is pushing my saving limit.

At the end of the month, I have to decide what to do with it. I either save it or purchase something that is really needed such as tires. In times past, I would just go out and charge tires on my credit card and hope that I could pay it off at the end of the month. This way, with a little patience, I will have the money in hand before I buy tires.

I also got a small raise this year. I am going to do the "invisible" thing with my meager raise as well and by the end of the year, I should have a little something.

Good luck in our new financially challenge world! With a little effort, you can avoid the pinch and pain of our economy.

By Paula from GA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91392086.tip.html

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

Gak Recipe

Mix 1 cup of white glue (ex: Elmers) with 1 cup liquid starch. Add food coloring to get the color you want.

It will be gooey and fun to play with. Store in an air tight container.

By Shirley from Henderson, NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66734025.tip.html

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

Homemade Skin Moisturizer Recipe

I would like to make my own skin moisturizer. I would like to make it with lanolin and other products that I can buy in the health food store. I use a natural moisturizer that I add a few drops of essential oils to boost the aroma. It is good, and works well. What I want to make is a body butter that will work with sensitive skin, and help with winter chapping. I was hoping to find good recipes and be able to make and give it for the holidays. Thanks.

Barbara from Hopewell, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80651540.tip.html

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

Agenda Calendar for a Blackberry

My boys and I seem to have a busy schedule. I recently needed a new cellphone so I bit the bullet and upgraded to a blackberry. In the past I have tried free agenda calendars for my PC. One day I went to log on and it had all disappeared.

Does anyone know a really good agenda calendar that would work well to synchronize with a blackberry? If I can find one, then I will not need to enter the events every year. They would just continue on. If I have to pay something for it I don't mind as long as it is quite easy to use and won't disappear. Thanks so much for your help.

Laurel from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95353762.tip.html

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

Baking Soda and Vinegar Stained Table

I was making a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for cleaning and of course it bubbled over. I had a really deep bowl, but it still bubbled over the sides onto my tablecloth. Not realizing what this would do to my oak table underneath I never looked at it.

About a week later I was changing my tablecloth and was horrified to see the finish all bubbly and black from where the stuff bubbled over. I tried wiping it with a dish cloth and soap and got quite a bit off but am still left with a dark smudge. Can anyone help me get rid of that?

Judy

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52518143.tip.html

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

Puppy Has Gel-like, Bloody Stool

My 12 week old puppy has stool with a gel-like look and blood in it. Can you tell me what that is and the cause?

Gigi from Oberlin, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35977032.tip.html

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

Making Tree Party Decorations

How can I build a tree for a party prop? I am throwing a "rock fantasy" themed party for my daughter who is gonna be 13. She wants it to be like an enchanted forest with faeries and stuff but "dark". Her colors are black and purple. I have a few ideas but I need a lot of help on how to get started. We want to build trees with eco-friendly materials of course. Please help.

Jae

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43359693.tip.html

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

Keeping Collar Up on Faux Fur Jacket

I purchased a 60's faux fur Leopard coat on Ebay and the collar won't stay up. Does anyone know what I can do to reinforce this limp collar so that it stays up on it's own? Any advice will help. Thanks

Guglietta from Canadice, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78191833.tip.html

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

Mozzarella Cheese Stick Recipe

I was wondering if anyone could help me find a good recipe for mozzarella cheese sticks or cheddar cheese balls. I have tried many recipes and they just don't seem to turn out right.

Tiffany from Keokuk, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74271837.tip.html

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

Plastic Bottle Melted in Dishwasher

How do I remove a melted plastic water bottle from the bottom of a dishwasher?

ang from Toledo

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18661086.tip.html

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

Sticky Residue on Steam Iron

How do I get sticky residue off a steam iron?

Gail

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14256510.tip.html

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

Campbell's Soup Kids Valance

I am looking for a Campbell's Soup Kids valance to put above my kitchen sink. What store can I find one or can I go on line to get them? Or do they even have such a thing? Thank you.

Gwen

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67296439.tip.html

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

Growing a Banana Plant in Texas

We were given a small banana tree when the neighbors were minimizing their stand. It isn't doing too well right now. Considering the weather, the fact it was not re-planted for a few days, and that it was planted in the shade. I'd like to purchase one that is correct for this climate and start again in the spring. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 8a


Holly from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23115669.tip.html

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

Thick Noodles for Soup

I am looking for a thick noodle to add to chicken noodle soup. I've had it at restaurants; it's like a thick fettuccine noodle. Any ideas?

Nancy from Palatine, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83524921.tip.html

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

No Money for Christmas Gifts

I am a very young disabled woman, 44 and I am on SSI, there is just no extra money at the end of the month. No matter how I work and rework the budget it just isn't there, short of moving to the slums I have no extra. I have a newly married son who is 23 and his wife, I want to be able to give them something for Christmas but I have no money and Christmas is so commercialized. I know they do not expect anything because of my situation but if anyone could give me some ideas I would really appreciate it. I love them so much and just want to share the holiday with them somehow.

Dana from West Sacramento, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31316441.tip.html

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

Discount Grocery Store Near Pearland, TX

I am looking for a discount grocery store (scratch and dent )near Pearland, TX. I know there must be some in Houston but that is 30 miles and to far for me to drive. I need to find one close to Pearland, Alvin or Friendswood, TX. Does anyone know of any in these areas? Thank you.

Dusty Ann from Pearland, Texas

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34034251.tip.html

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

Puppy Cries all the Time

I have 2 wk old pit bull puppies. The mother had 12 pups and one cries all the time. She is fat and healthy. I don't know what to do for her, help!

Tina from Columbus, Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86558020.tip.html

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

Keeping Dogs Off Furniture

I have 3 miniature schnauzers. I need to try to teach them to stay off the furniture. I hate it but do you have a solution? What have you done? They still have one chair that is theirs. Have any of you tried the Scat Mat? Or if you have any suggestions I"ll be grateful forever! Right now, I'm putting newspapers on the couches. It seems to be working but it's so ugly. Thank you.

Karen from Charleston, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39116969.tip.html

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

Diaper Cake Using Disposable Diapers

How do you make a "diaper cake" out of disposable diapers? I am hosting a baby shower and would like to make one if it is not too complicated. Thanks in advance.

Barbara from Kingsport, TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82253301.tip.html

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

Calgary Flames Cross Stitch Pattern

I am still looking for a free cross stitch or plastic canvas pattern for the NHL team the Calgary Flames. Thanks.

PICO from ST PAUL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20816191.tip.html

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

Dryer Won't Spin

How do I make the clothes dryer spin. It was working fine, it still gets HOT but won't spin. Please help.

StillLazy from Arizona

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18649127.tip.html

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

Gift for Someone Who's Had Hip Replaced

I have a good friend who just had her hip replaced. What could I do for her to pass the time while she is recuperating? I was thinking of a gift box, food etc. Her daughters clean for her. Does any one have any unusual suggestions? Something to brighten her spirits. Maybe something that is not food. Thanks so much. I appreciate any suggestions.

Nelliemary from West Virginia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50065144.tip.html

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

Getting Rid Of Sofa Odors

I just received a sofa and chair from my mom that she purchased at an estate sale. It has an unknown odor to it and stains. I am most concerned with getting out the odors, it's quite bad. My mom said she shampooed it, I also tried using an upholstery cleaner. Can you please give me some more suggestions? I do own a steam cleaner. What kind of cleaner would you suggest?

Shelli from Tacoma, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71907653.tip.html

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

Burning Bush Losing Its Leaves

Half of my burning bushes have lost their leaves and look dead but they are not. What can I do? I take care of them for a lady and she is upset about this. This is their 2nd year and they are still green, they did not change colors. I have a row of about 20. Thanks.

J. Wilson

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72106738.tip.html

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

Kidsline - Over the Moon Pattern

I am searching for a discontinued wall border and pillow for my new grandson's room. It is made by Kidsline and it is the Over the Moon pattern. Does anyone know where I can get it? I have checked with Kidsline and they don't have any left in their stock.

Teresa from Henderson, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf385400.tip.html

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

Getting Paint Off Glass

I have these two side tables that have these little glass patterns on them, but the paint is chipping off. How do you remove the paint without scratching the glass?

Sharon from Queens, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40773473.tip.html

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

Finding Effective Acne Treatments

I've been breaking out a lot lately and I've tried so many things, yet none of it seems to work. If it does, it'll work for a few weeks up to a month before I start breaking out again, and not lightly either. I've tried Neutrogena scrub, Morning Burst, soap, foam wash etc. (along with other brands of course). The last thing I tried was Neutrogena soap which has been drying out my skin and not stopping the breakouts.

I'm not sure how to choose a matching treatment or any home remedies to try before I go off and buy a 60 dollar treatment that may or may not work. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do or where I can get some extra help (without going to a dermatologist Dx)? Thank you!

Jay

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10360458.tip.html

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

Discolored Apartment Water

Our water in our apartment complex has a pinkish/orangeish color to it when it dries on a surface like the shower curtain or under shampoo bottles in the shower or in the dish drainer. Any ideas what that is?

I would guess iron but when I lived with my mom, I never had this problem before. Is this a bad thing? Also, does anyone know how to get rid of it? It happens in the bathroom on the sink, toilet, shower, and on the kitchen sink.

Dana from Omaha, NE

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12337615.tip.html

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

Diabetic Recipes

I am looking for sugar-free and diabetic recipes.

Trudy from Queensbury, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14546946.tip.html

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

Sugar Free Pancake Syrup

I am looking for sugar free or low sugar pancake syrups, preferably in different flavors.


PamBur02 from Pennsylvania

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25820922.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

Easy Computer Christmas Gifts
By Debra Frick

Why not try something different for Christmas this year? Why not make this your very own make it yourself Christmas. There are several different things that you can make on your computer that will be lasting gifts for your friends and family, and they will know that you took the time to really give of yourself. I am going to try and include gifts that an adult can make and gifts that children with a little computer knowledge can make by themselves. With times what they are and believe me I know times are tough, these could be wonderful gifts that will teach more about the true meaning of Christmas. If you get started now, you should be able to complete these in now time at all and have the satisfaction of knowing that your ready for Christmas early.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15757204.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 as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44673435.tip.html

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