Daily Thrifty Tips - July 14, 2008

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We were shorthanded last week and didn't have a chance to pick Contest Winners so the below winners are for tips published two week's ago. We'll publish winners for last week's tips tomorrow.

Photo Contest Winner

Wildlife: Blue Heron and Fish
By Grayce from Fort Pierce, FL

Scenery and Wildlife pictures don't often win the contest but we sure love having them submitted. This particular picture gets the prize because it's both stunning and has a nice tip and story about capturing the image.

Tip Contest Winners

Happy Birthday USA Cupcakes
By Marie from Idaho Falls, Idaho

We love hearing about family holiday traditions! This post also included a baking tip for making moist cupcakes.

Naturally Refurbishing Woodh
By Dianne from Wilsonville, OR

Diane shares an inexpensive method for refinising wood using tea and furniture oil.

Recipes Contest Winner

Runza: The Original Hot Pocket
By Scott E. from Chicago

A nice recipe for making a "hot pocket" like dinner but you get to control what ingredients go in. They also freeze well, making this a nice "cook ahead" recipe.

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something. If you have a tip or photo to share, feel free to share it on one of the contest pages.

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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Ellie (Labrador Retriever)

Ellie is a 2 year old Labrador Retriever (American Line.)

We got her from an avid Bird Hunter in Ft Wayne, IN. We brought her home in August of 2006.

Ellie will play incessantly if you let her. She'll drop the ball on your feet a thousand times until you throw it. She's a tireless swimmer, as well: truly a dog bred for hunting (which I don't do, unfortunately!).

My wife and I have no kids and constantly dote over her like a child. She sleeps with us, eats better than most children do, it's funny. She is incredibly sweet and social and loves children. Very smart too: we have an autistic nephew and Ellie is very attentive and protective of him.

By Jeff from Geneva, IL

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Craft: Rock Painting

Find a rock that you would like to paint on. Wash it in warm soapy waster and let dry. Use acrylic paints to paint your rock. Let dry completely! Lastly, use acrylic finish spray to seal and weather proof your project.

Have fun with your craft.

By Crafty Billie from Stockton, CA

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Garden: Purple Rhododendron

Pretty purple rhodie I found while taking a walk.

By Sherry from Silverdale, WA

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Brooke (Jackobosador)

Do you have a mixed breed dog? Create some family fun by making up a name for your "designer breed." Brooke, our terrier mix, looks to us like a Jackabosador (part Jack Russell terrier, part Boston terrier, and part Labrador). Get the whole family involved in creating your doggie breed, and once you've decided on a name, make up a certificate so your dog has "papers." The dog will seem more like a family member, and the kids will see the special qualities of YOUR family pet. By Patty from Pennsylvania

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Emergency Pie Pan

I think I've gone over the top for myself on this tip, but I'm sharing anyway. I forgot to buy a pie pan when I was at the market, but promised my hubby that I would make him a sweet potato pie today. What to do?

Well I made my own pie pan by shaping several pieces of aluminum foil over a small stoneware bowl until it was firm enough to hold the pie. I don't know if anyone else has tried this, but it worked great for me, and I may have a hard time making myself buy that pyrex pie pan now (ha ha). If anyone tries this please post how it has worked for you.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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• Photo Contest
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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
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Check Out Your Local State or County Fairs

Each and every year we go to the MN State Fair on opening day. This is already a thrifty move, as there are so many deals that day (otherwise known as Thrifty Thursday). We always make sure to visit the Education Building, where we gather no less than 200 free pencils, pens, rulers, and other school supplies. I have not needed to purchase pencils for back to school in 6 years now. Plus, the kids and I have a blast seeing who can gather the most. They look forward to doing this from the minute we get home from the last fair until the next one.

They always hand out free fabric bags too, which work great for shopping bags for when you have to buy the rest of your supplies, or for carrying books and such as well. I don't think I have ever come home with less than 20 of them in a single year, so it is always well worth it to us.

By Freemommy from Shakopee, MN

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A Remedy for a Toothache

For a really painful toothache, dip a piece of cotton in vanilla and put it in the tooth, within 10 to 15 minutes you won't even know you had a toothache. Get to the dentist anyway.

Source: Hand me down from Grandma, she knew everything.

By Kathy from Omaha, NE

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Use Old Silverware For Curtain Tiebacks

I wanted some unusual tie-backs for my curtains. I like old oak furniture and countryish stuff. So I had the idea to take 2 beautiful old silverplated spoons that I owned and I bent them back into a U shape. I then drilled through the spoons into the window trim & had a beautiful and unique tie-back set. The spoons also made me think of my grandmother - before doing this, the spoons just sat in an old chest and were never used. Larger soup spoons can be used for bigger windows. Also, make sure before you bend the spoons which side of the spoon you want displayed. Some of my very old spoons have interesting "bowls" on them and that is the part I like to show. Usually I like the engraved or decorated handles to show.

By Janet from Brant Rock, MA

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Garage Sale: Label Boxes by Price

When organizing I always find things to sell in my annual garage sale. I put these items in boxes labeled by price ($1, $5, etc.) This saves a lot of time later when I actually price the items just before the sale.

By Erin from Jackson, MS

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Reusing Moving Boxes for Frequent Moves

If you know that you are going to be moving again shortly, or if you expect to relocate frequently, you might appreciate this tip from my military wife former mother-in-law, Mary Jo (who is now in a nursing home. I submit her ideas with admiration and as a tribute to her genius at efficiency matters)

She would line the open edges of moving boxes with clear tape so that the actual edges were wrapped cleanly around with tape - one long strip folded around would do it for each side. Then, when the box was fully packed (same items in same boxes each time for added efficiency) she would simply bring the top of the box together (taped edges would then be next to each other) and run a strip of masking tape down the middle, right on top of the tape-covered edges. When time to open the box, the masking tape would peel neatly off the top, leaving the clear-taped edges of the box intact for the next use. No tape rips on cardboard. I don't know if the military has a different system now or not, but I have used this idea for every day purposes before. I hope it will be of help to someone.

By Cathy S from Delaware

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Keeping Hydrangea Blooms for Months of Enjoyment

Keep hydrangea bloom colors bright for months of enjoyment. I have some wonderful hydrangeas that would bloom for several weeks then the blooms would dry on the branch and the colors would fade. But several years back I came up with an idea that prolongs my hydrangea blooms for months.

What I did was buy some TRANSPARENT florist's spray paint and LIGHTLY sprayed the blooms after they dried on the branch. And, because the Florist's Paint is transparent they continued to look like they were in full bloom with a very REAL LOOKING color all the way through September.

You can buy a can of Florist's Spray paint at any craft store (for under $5) where they sell dried or silk flowers. (It comes in a spray can or a pump spray) Don't be tempted to use regular spray paint as the blooms won't look real. If you can't find the Florist's Spray Paint that's made especially for dried, silk and real flowers then you can simply buy a clear spray paint that has an Ultra Violet filter in it. This clear U.V. paint won't actually color your hydrangea blooms but it will stop the colors from fading quickly.

You can make spraying your dried hydrangea heads easier by masking them off. Simply make a template out of a paper plate: Cut a slit from the outside to the center of the plate (Like you are cutting out a tiny sliver of pie) then cut a small hole in the center of the paper plate that's about an inch round. Then you simply tuck the flower's head into the front of the paper plate and it will protect the rest of the bush from being sprayed with color. If you don't have a paper plate a simple piece of printer paper or junk mail will also do the trick. I guarantee if you spray your hydrangea flowers lightly with transparent florist paint, you'll get months of enjoyment from them while they continue to look "Just Like New" even though they may have finished blooming weeks ago and they look TOTALLY real!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Logins, Passwords and Security Questions

I use my computer constantly and have for many years. Along the way, I've joined many, many sites, forums, etc. with user names and passwords. I use the same for most, but there are those that require something a little different and mine won't work. There are also security questions at times, too, and being from a legal field for many years, I tend to think of the future and what would happen if someone needed to access my info.

I keep a long 4 inch x 6 inch file card box with each of those places on a card. I include the web site address, my user name, password, security question, answer, the email address I used, etc. It helps me a lot, since I'm never sure if I've signed up for an account on a site I haven't used in a long while. Friends have adopted this idea, too, after trying notebooks and other list keepers.

By Robin from Dover, FL

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Freeze Your Panty Hose

When you buy new pantyhose, if you will put them into the freezer for 24 hours, before using them, they will last a lot longer.

Source: This was passed on to me by my mother.

By Gracie Pie from Astor, FL

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Cleaning Lace and Delicate Fabrics

If you have delicate fabrics or lace, which through soiling need washing. Place them in a medium size microwave safe bowl of water, to which you have added your detergent. Place the bowl and contents into the microwave with the timer set for 5 minute intervals on medium.

Check the contents each 5 minutes to see if the contents are cleaned, being mindful that the water and material will be very hot. I suggest that you keep a plastic salad server spoon to hand, to lift the fabric from the water to check. When ready rinse and dry flat and away from direct sunlight.

Source: I make lace and this is my own idea for cleaning it.

By Yvonne S. from Lincolnshire UK

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Using a Grill Wok to Cook French Fries

I have a grill wok that is made to grill veggies, but sometimes my family would prefer the less healthy side dishes. I put frozen french fries in the grill wok and cook them while I am grilling hamburgers. They taste great with a smokey flavor. Added benefit, I did not heat up my kitchen.

By Leslie from Brandon, MS

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Wheelchair Tips and Advice

A friend of mine was diagnosed with MS and is in a wheelchair most of his days. He hasn't yet gotten his car adapted but knows about the hand controls for the foot pedals. He has been looking into other adaptations and options to others.

Today I told him about tin can stilts like little kids make to play with because he has lost the use of one leg but says if he were a little taller, his backside could reach the driver seat and he could get the rest of the way into the car. Meanwhile I remembered the coffee can stilts so sent a .jpg to jog his memory and a note.

I would like input regarding others experience using wheelchairs. I found videos on youtube that demonstrate amazing capabilities by people getting in and out of cars and their wheelchairs too!

I also was looking around to find ideas or patterns for cozies or caddies to use with them. Anything you could add as a matter of experience would be great and I will email it all to him!

I know it must be very hard to learn to live most of life in a wheelchair and have been thinking, if something happened to me or I was suddenly ill and lost the use of my limbs - what would I do?

melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Olympic Theme Party

I am planning a 08-08-08 adult Birthday party and I am looking for fun food and games ideas. It is a backyard/cocktail party with a possible Olympic theme since they start on that day. Any ideas?

Denise from Milwaukee,WI

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Food Sticking to Cast Iron

I have two cast iron skillets. I do not use them often, but when I do everything sticks to them no matter what it is or even if I cook something with oil or grease in it. Bacon sticks to them for heaven's sake! Please, how do I stop this from happening? Thank You!

Debbie from Garden City, MI

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My Pool Turned Green

I woke up one morning to find my pool completely green. I tried 16oz of super shock (only calls for 3 3/4 oz) its still green. Can anyone help me?

Nene from Keeseville, NY

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Burning Bush Changing Color Early

My burning bush is changing color too early in the season. What is wrong with it?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Beth from Portland, Maine

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Body Oil Stains on Linens

Does anyone know how to get body oils out of sheets and towels? My husband has very oily skin and the oils seems to set in our white sheets and towels. I have tried soaking and bleach to no avail. They still have a noticeable yellow cast to them. I don't want to change sheets twice a week or buy dark towels. His latex pillow is also a nightmare! I would appreciate any help, thanks!

Nancy from Michigan

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Soapmaking Recipes

Are there any soap makers out there that want to share a few recipes?

Sabrina from Council, N.C.

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Fixing a Blow Up Pool

How can I repair a hole in my daugher's blow up pool? There is a hole about the size of a quarter in the top ring and we tried duct tape, it just comes right off. Any frugal ways to fix? Thank You in advance!

Janice from Illinois

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Strawberry Plant for an Aerogarden

What type of strawberry plant is sweet, plentiful and easy to grow in an indoor Aerogarden which uses hydroponics technology? I live in NYC and keep the Aerogarden on my window sill. I don't have a balcony. Its company, Aerogrow chose/created the variety, "Sweet Rubies," for their Aerogarden but they were discontinued due to the difficulty in transporting them and I can't find a nursery that sells them. Would the small, "little French" variety, Woodlands be a good alternative? Any others? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Beth from NYC

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Travel Tips for Gulf Shores, AL

Can anyone give me information about the Alabama, Gulf Shores? When does the off season start, would Oct. be a good time to vacation there? That's when we plan on going. I did find out about some of the hot spots to visit and everything so far sounds really great on Frommers.com but I'd like more information.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Gayle from St. Louis

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Canvas Angel Pattern

I am looking for the pattern for a plastic canvas angel that is 3D. I would like both the small (about 4in tall) and the large (about 10in tall). This is for my mom.

Thanks
Mary from Cooleemee, NC

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Dog Foods for a Dog With Allergies

I have a 6 month old Shih Tzu. He is very itchy. I have tried giving him 1/2 a benadryl 2 times a day, but it doesn't work. My vet said it could be a possible food allergy. I just switched him to Nature's Recipe Lamb and Rice puppy. Is this a good food or should I feed him something else. TIA

Dee from KY

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Selling Crafts With Characters on Them

I am looking for information about whether it is illegal to use fabrics such as Winnie the Pooh, Clifford, and such character prints to make and sell dresses, tote bags, etc.

Mary from Cooleemee, NC

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Ladybug Themed Party

I am searching for ideas to celebrate my daughters one year adoption. The theme I am using is "ladybugs". She is 15 months old and was adopted domestically at birth. I want to also create some special traditions.

Thanks,
Tina from Kentucky

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Flies Around a Pool

We went to an outdoor poolside BBQ. Outside at 5 PM, flies (not normally present) were attracted to the BBQ and all over the table. Any suggestions? This went on from dusk to early evening.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Trash Bag Poodles

Does anyone remember how to make the poodles from trashbags and hangers that wer popular in the 60's or 70's? Any help will be appreciated.

Thank You,
Anita from Indianapolis, Indiana

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Pool Theme Birthday Cake

I am making a birthday cake with a pool theme. On the top will be a pool (of course) with a beach ball and sour ring candy for a floaty and maybe a pool noodle. However, around the pool is giving me a bit of trouble. Do you have any suggestions on what I could put next to the pool that will be easy to do with icing? Grass, maybe a towel or two. I need your help! The cake is for a little boy turning 6.

Thanks so much!

April from Demorest, GA

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Raw Silk Soap Recipe

Does anyone have a basic soap making recipe, using raw silk?

Sabrina from Council, N.C.

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What is this plant?

I found it in the greenhouse, now it is growing in a half a gallon container outside. Rosettes are about 2" in diameter.

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Frank from Glenmoore, PA

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Travel Themed Centerpices

Please suggest a craft project to be made with children for a centerpiece for a fundraising event with a travel theme, "A Child's Passport to the Future." Thank you!

Kelly

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My Cat Pees Everywhere

Our cat has a tendency to pee on our furniture, blankets and even clothes we leave on the ground. She gets bullied by our other 3 cats, we try to control that. Funny thing is she will go and poop in the litter box, but sometimes she'll pee in it. We think the reason she's doing this is because she feels threatened. We were thinking about giving her away, finding a better home for her, but that would just break out hearts. Does anybody know any methods we could use to make her stop. She is fixed and so are the other 3.

Another thing, she doesn't do it secretively. The other day my dad was sitting on his recliner, watching TV and she went up on the couch and started peeing on it!

Advice would be nice.

Thanks,
Victoria from Monterey,CA

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Sickly Honeysuckle Plant

Can anyone help me with my poor plant?

By Tammy

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Hydrangea Won't Bloom

Why won't my hydrangea bloom?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Sandee from Falcon, MO

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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

Simple Tips to Save Electricity
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

With the end of many states' electric rate freezes, the cost of electricity is rising at an alarming rate. Even if you're still protected under a frozen rate, it's not a bad idea to alter habits now. With a few simple changes each day, electric usage can be lowered throughout the year.

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What To Do With Finished Compost
By Ellen Brown

The recipe for making compost is simple. Start with some greens, add in as many browns, toss in a handful of dirt, and moisten with water. Stir occasionally and let cook for a few months to a few years, depending on the temperature of the pile. So, how do you know when your compost is finished? And what, exactly, should you do with it when it's done? Read on to find out.

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