Daily Thrifty Tips - February 15, 2006

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These bead were made from recycled CDs. When you make them, they are a bit stinky so use a well ventilated area or a mask.

Do be careful - They get hot!

I hope the piccies show you all you need to know. But here are some instructions to help I hope.

1. Heat CD over heat-gun.

2. Cut CDs into small strips wide or narrow (about a 1 cms or 1/2 inch works best)

3. Hold one end in pliers and othe end in needle nose pliers over heat gun.

4. As they begin to become soft and wobbly, roll up the end held in the needle nose pliers (Like a swiss roll or paperbead. Do Not Touch as they are Hot!)

5. Heat the end over heat gun and press hard with pliers or worksurface top to end the bead and so nothing is sticking up.

It takes a bit of trial and error to get them right but that's the basic idea. Anyway have fun. DON'T INHALE THE FUMES! BEWARE BECAUSE THEY DO GET HOT!

If you discover an idea to modify the making or something please let me know! HAVE FUN!- Cathy :o)

By Cath Alksnis from Bradford West Yorkshire

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Shae is a 3 year old Cocker Spaniel.

I adopted her from a cocker spaniel rescue shelter when she was one year old. She loves to run and to chase balls.

She obeys very well and loves to please everyone.

By Joanna from Searcy, AR

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Miles is a 1 year old cat. He was born at my home, and was the pick of the litter.

He loves to watch me on the computer, and loves to play hide and seek in baskets, For most though, He is quite the lazy boy!

By Paige from Sweet Home, Oregon

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When your children are ready to go out and play in the snow a great way to keep them warm is to have them wear their pajamas. The ones with the feet in them and the long zipper up the front. My 10 year old daughter came up with this idea and it has worked great for keeping her feet warm and dry.

By Perri Baulig from Keymar, MD

Editor's Note: I assume Perri means to wear them under winter clothing.

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If your washing machine does not have an alarm that sounds when it is finished, set the kitchen timer after starting the wash load to remind yourself it is done. How many times have we found a load of wet clothes in our washing machine that has set there all day? The dryer usually beeps but not the washer. Once you get in the practice, it is very very helpful!

By Diana

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When you're thinking about a major purchase make yourself a list and stick to it. It's too easy to be caught up in the moment and buy before you really think about something first. Don't let anyone push you by intimidation. If you are not 100% sure, you can always think on it and often will end up with a better deal.

By Nancy Kashdin from Elmira

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Need to get pet hair off of anything? Forget costly rolls of sticky tape. Use rubber dishwashing gloves. Spritz with some water, anti-static spray or fabric freshener and just wipe the fur away. Keep one in your car, suitcase and at work. They work great on both clothing and furniture.

By Lisa from Helana, MT

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Spend Cash, Save Change

I always spend less money if I use cash instead of my debit card or check book.

An excellent tip that I have used for years is so easy. When I shop, I always use money. When my change back consists of loose change, I always throw it in the bottom of my purse, instead of placing it back in my change compartment. At the end of the week, I empty all the change I've collected for that week in my change jar at home. I don't touch it till it's filled. Then I go to the bank with the change and deposit it into savings. It's always amazing how much I've saved by a simple task.

By Kathy

Shop with Budgeted Amount of Cash

Leave your debit/credit cards at home when you go shopping. Take only the amount of cash you need, or have budgeted to spend. If you have any left at the end of your shopping trip, put it in a jar at home to save up for a special treat.

By Susan from Mount Vernon, WA

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Since I am a retired military Reservist I can go to the VA and can get my Meds $8 per prescription per month and seeing the doctor at $15 for each visit. Most veterans with a honorable discharge can do this. A great savings. In fact I got my flu shot for free at the VA. I have State Insurance too so I got double insurance since I am a retired State employee.

By Frank Winter from Fulton, MO

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When shopping use coupons. Sometimes you will find out that generic are a better deal than the name brand with a coupon, sometimes not. Also check out the food at dollar stores but check to see that it isn't out of date and it is a good deal.

By Sylvia from Pittsburgh, PA

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When using a craft product (such as a cigar box) and there is a price sticker on it, use a hair dryer to help remove it. It comes off easier and leaves no sticky residue.

By Bambi Peters from Hudson, NY 12534

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When you have a large family creating gift baskets are a wonderful way to give everyone a gift without breaking the bank. Making your own gift baskets is easy and economical. Each one you create can be individualized in any way you want. If you are really on a tight budget and want to present an impressive gift to someone, a homemade gift basket is the way to go. Something that is hand selected and put together by you often means more to the recipient.

Buy numerous items on clearance racks, dollar sales, etc. Keep them stored where you can easily get to them when a gift is needed. After the holidays is a great time to find deals for items for the following years gifts. There are several different things you can use as your "basket" to hold all the goodies... wicker baskets, large plastic bowls, large decorator platters, decorated bags, etc. I have used large plastic containers in a red or green color. After the gifts are all removed it serves as a popcorn bowl, fruit bowl, mixing bowl, etc. I have used wicker baskets which can double as a small trash can or a planter. Plates or platters will have another use afterwards. The list can be endless.

Here are some ideas of items I have put in my Christmas baskets: Hot chocolate mix packets, candies, coffee mugs, embroidered fingertip towels, calendars (full size and pocket), decorative and scented candles, flavored coffees, flavored coffee creamers, ornaments for the tree, coloring books and crayons (when the family has smaller children), bubble bath, flavored crackers, mints, potpourri, decorative knic knacs, coasters, pot-holders, dishtowels, dishcloths, incense, decorative containers for cooking oil or dish-soap, decorative soaps, ink pens, pencils, gifts in a jar items, note pads, the list goes on and on. Useful everyday items can be great fillers.

Bags to put the gift basket in are another item that you can get a good deal on after the holidays. Christmas and Easter seem to be the best after holiday sales for this item. They can also be found at some of the dollar stores. There are decorated ones and plain ones, some that shrink to fit with a little heat from a blow dryer. Simply tie them closed with a pretty ribbon (which can be found on those holiday clearance racks, too).

Of course, gift baskets can be used for a number of events. Just adjust the items to the event. For example, you have a wedding shower to go to and the new bride is setting up housekeeping for the first time. What fun! A laundry basket filled with measuring cups, spoons, can opener, spatulas, wooden spoons, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, plastic zipper bags, dishcloths, dishtowels, maybe a duplicate of a particular item you have found indispensable in your home, etc. And then there's the baby shower. a diaper bag filled with powder, lotions, baby wipes, disposable diapers, rattles, bottles, etc, etc.

When you put a gift basket together, let your imagination be your guide. Have fun doing it!

You decide how much you want to spend on a basket. If you collect items all through the year, it is much easier on your wallet come time to make up the gift.

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In January fabric was 80% off. I have made jazz pants for many girls for 80 cents each. It's been very fun.

By Diane from Toledo OH

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Does anyone have any good uses for recycling junk mail and paper? I would like to try making homemade paper and would like instructions.

Jen from Palmyra, PA

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I am looking for some recipes for homemade biscuits and scones?

Thanks,
Geri from Mt. Vernon, MO

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Do you have any ideas on using old CDs?

Angie from WI

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I am having problems with lint in my washing machine. My old machine had a lint trap, this new one does not. when I pull out my laundry it's covered in lint. The clothing I dry isn't a problem, it'll come off in the dryer, but the shirts that I hang to dry aren't even wearable. I have to rewash them. I separate my wash, and I don't overload the machine. What do i need to do?

Kimberly from Oklahoma

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I bought a pie from Marie Callender's and everyone loved the pie crust. I'm wondering if anyone can find a recipe that is as good as that one? It might be an oil or combination of shortening and oil?

Jana from NV

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Back in the late 60's or early 70's I used to make dolls from Ivory soap bottles. The heads and hands were vinyl and you actually made clothes. The dolls were Mr. and Mrs. Claus that we made the most. The clothes were made from velvet, with whatever accessories you wanted to add. Also, I had a pattern for a Betsy Ross door stop doll and it was made from a 2 liter soda pop bottle. has anyone heard of these? I would love to get the patterns again to make for my granddaughters.

Jo from Decaturville, TN

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I need ideas for the Cub Scouts Blue and Gold banquet table centerpieces. Any help?

Foofy from Cranberry Township, PA

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Has anyone tried those places on line where you get paid to do surveys? Are they on the up-and-up, or are they a scam like the old envelope-stuffing one?

Mom2fur from Long Island, NY

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My son is turning 15. He wants a teenager party with some thing to do with anime, video games and such. I need ideas on entertainment for teenagers. I am afraid my ideas are too dorky and will ruin his party. Please help keep me from embarrassing both him and myself.

Beachers from West Covina, CA

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I have an old linoleum floor that is definitely showing its age (yellowing with age, dull luster). Does anyone have ideas on how to restore it to at least a shadow of its former self? It seems as though a deep cleaning would clean some of the yellowing since much of it is ground-in dirt, but everything I try, professional, bleach or vinegar, has produced minimal results. And there is no shine to it. We will eventually be moving and the new owners will probably gut the kitchen, so we don't want to invest in a new floor only to have it ripped up by the new owners.

Thanks,
Mpfickling from Pittsfield, MA

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My wife filled the car with gas today, but held the dispense handle open prior to getting it in to the tank neck. Thus, gas all over her coat, pants, shoes, and all. How do we wash out the odor of the gas from her clothes?

John and Irina from Venice, NY

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Does anyone know how to make a tea cozy with the knifty knitter looms? Any help would be appreciated.

Stardiva from Canada

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My husband accidentally left the the refrigerator door partially open. Do I throw all food away? I found this out at 6 am and we went to bed at 11 pm last night. I really need advice on this please.

Thank you,
Annie from Hallsville, MO

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