Daily Thrifty Tips - January 29, 2009

Everyday we are hearing about more job cuts in the news. With so many being laid off we thought it would be good to post some advice for people that are facing this difficult situation. If you have any advice for people who have recently lost their job, please share it on one of the contest forms.

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Purse Organizer for Switching Purses

This is a purse organizer that you can remove from your purse and insert it into another. It just forms in a circle inside your purse laying against the inside perimeter. Makes it very handy so that you don't have to remove articles from purse one by one.

By Elaine from Belle Plaine, Iowa

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Refurbishing Antique Dining Chairs

I have redone my antique dining chairs from caned seats to padded fabric seats without altering the cane part by cutting plywood seats that are slightly larger than the open area of the seats and adding thick blocks of wood with window hardware that turn to give a positive leverage under the wooden frame. I then cut foam padding and canvas and upholstered the plywood. I painted the canvas first. You could use any fabric of your choice. I varnish the canvas for wipe-ups.

By Donna from Newell, IA

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Craft Project: Denim Door Mat

This is a mat to put near the door. It will catch lots of outdoor dirt before it makes its way all over the house. This mat is made from recycled blue jeans, and makes use of very small scraps. You can make the base whatever size you want your mat to be.

Click Here to download the Denim Door Mat Instructions in PDF format.

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Otis (Pit Bull)

Otis is a 12 week old pit bull. I bought Otis on Dec. 4, 2008, from a couple I work with. I was a supportive friend from conception to birth. Naturally, I wanted one of the puppies. My baby boy looks just like his father, Otis Sr. He loves to play, snuggle and give kisses.

By Laura from Egypt, AR

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Craft: Mrs. Buttersworth Valentine

Valentine's craft made from a syrup bottle

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"I Love You" Scavenger Hunt

Last year for hubby's birthday, he was working nights and would be getting home at 4:30 AM. I took a bunch of scraps of paper (you could cut a bunch of hearts, and do this for valentines or any holiday, really). We each took turns writing what we love about daddy, "I love you because you play video games with me, give me the day off on Sundays by making us dinner, even if it is leftovers, make my coffee every morning, help with laundry, clean the bathrooms, etc."

The kids had "...help me get dressed, read to me, play wrestling with me, etc". They can come up with all kinds of stuff even at a young age. Then I took each one taped it in respective places, coffee pot one by coffee pot, laundry one by laundry, etc.

So when he came in he saw the first one. Then he said he got all excited when he opened the laundry room door. When he went to make my coffee, there was another, and he realized they were all over the house. So he started doing this fun little hunt by himself. He was thrilled.

We then took them all, had the kids glue them onto construction paper, made a little book for him, & signed their names. It also, helped me appreciate just how much he does for me and our family; even the little things, like taking the trash to the dump.

Twalkdogg

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Free Garage Sale Advertising Tips

Recycle a large clean white meat tray into an easy to read rummage sale sign. Use permanent markers or crayons to detail the wording. Staple or glue to stake and pound it into the ground or into a patio flowerpot.

Cost: FREE

P.S. It's amazing what balloons will do to a rummage sale sign to get attention! Get FREE ones at the bank and save a couple especially for your sale sign!

Source: my own thoughts about meat tray recycled into sale sign. Have seen balloons on sale signs causing me to go closer for a better look!

By melody_yesterday from Otterville MO

Editor's Note: Do you have any ways to advertise your garage sale without spending any money? Post them here.

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Vitamin B And Fish Oil for Shingles Relief

My friend's husband had the shingles in mid 2008. Having tried several prescriptions and home remedies for the pain, has found more relief with taking Vitamin B-12 capsules along with Fish Oil capsules, than with any other product(s). He suggested this to a lady friend, who's since tried the same supplements and has experienced pain relief, also.

By Terri H. from NV

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Separate Laundry Into 5 Piles

I always washed my towels by themselves and always wash small loads by separating my clothes into 5 piles: underwear, dark clothes, sweaters, bright clothes and towels. They smell fresh until I put them on.

Debbie from NY

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Review: Redbox for Cheap and Convenient Movies

If your family likes to rent DVDs, check your area for a Redbox. They are usually located at WalMart or a local grocery store. There is a website to check for locations. It only costs $1 a night and no late charges ever. If you want to keep it longer than 1 night it is just $1 each night you keep it. Current movies at a great bargain!

By Deb from Texas

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Use a Spaghetti Noodle to Light a Candle

When I want to light a candle that is pretty far down in a candle holder I use an uncooked spaghetti noodle. No more burnt fingers.

By Janette from Parkersburg,WV

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Ginger for Motion Sickness

For motion sickness when traveling, I suggest taking a small amount of ginger, about size of a small pea. I do this when I go shopping after a meal. If we go out to eat, I take some before we go, because I can get motion sickness in the car going back home.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Secure Draw String Before Washing

Before washing clothes which have a drawstring at the waist (or anywhere for that matter), stitch across it down the middle of the back. If you don't sew, a safety pin will do the trick. I had many of those drawstrings and cords to get pulled back into the opening, before I started doing this. I haven't had a problem since.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Festive Curtains from Sale Fabric

After Christmas Sales are fantastic this year. I got some sheer white fabric with green holly leaves and red berries, there is also some gold metallic thread running through it. It was 70% off. I used some fabric glue and whipped up some sheer winter curtains by folding the edges over and gluing the edges and folding them over. I folded the top edge over twice, leaving room for a long 40 inch bamboo pole that I cut from my yard. The pole slips through the second loop. I could use long and fairly straight twigs instead of bamboo.

By Christine from Dover, DE

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Prevent Food from Sticking

Like Sandy from NC, I also had a problem keeping soups, stews, etc. from sticking and burning on the bottom of pots.

Now, most of you will probably not remember the glass coffee pots which were popular in our area many years ago (long before drip coffee makers!). In order to use the glass pots the manufacturer included a wire bent into four or five points (similar to a star) to sit on the stove eye before putting the glass pot on to boil. I had the idea to bend a metal coat hanger into four points and place it under my cooking pots. I figured if the wire kept a glass pot from shattering but still boiled the coffee/water, it should cook food while keeping the pot from sitting directly on the heating element. It worked.

No more sticking food for me! The coat hanger did not cost me anything either. I do not remove the hanger portion, just let it "stick" out to the side as a sort of handle to place or remove it as needed. I use mine on a glass top stove so some of you may need to make your wire into five points to fit your stove eye and pot. Try it; it's a very frugal way to get out of a "sticky" situation!

Sorry, I do not remember the name of the manufacturer of the glass coffee pots which triggered this idea.

By Sherry from Floyd, VA

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Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe

I would like a recipe for vegetarian meatloaf. It should be rich in protein. By vegetarian I mean no meat, no fish, no eggs, and no chicken. I can use milk and milk products.

Little Princess from Brampton, ON

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Saving Money When Grocery Shopping

Would like to know some tips on saving while buying grocery. Also I am a vegetarian so any special tips on buying grocery for vegetarians?

Little Princess from Brampton

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"Cars" Themed 2nd Birthday

My son is going to be 2 on 2/15/2009 and I am at a loss for what to do for his party besides having the theme 'Cars'. He loves that movie! He will only have a few cousins there for kids, and their ages range from 8 months to 11. I'm looking for ideas that might be good for games for the kids, and ideas on how to make sure the adults are not bored either!

Amanda from Maine

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Tame Conditioning Rinse

I just ordered and received Tame conditioning rinse from a lady in New York. I'm almost scared to use it. It looks new but was wrapped in the box in newspaper so some print is on the bottle from the paper, black scuffs. Do they not make this product any longer? Would you use this if you were me? I paid a total of $16.00 including shipping. Please tell me what you think.

Melinda

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Where can I find Borax?

Where can I find Borax?

Daniela from Pasco, WA

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Reviews of Tide Free Laundry Soap

Has anyone used Tide Free laundry soap for sensitive skin? Or does anyone know of a better more budget friendly laundry soap for sensitive skin? We are on a very tight budget and I have heard Tide has the best laundry soap for sensitive skin! Thanks!

Lisa from Lebanon, IL

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Preserving Newspapers

I am looking for acid free paper (or anything else) to preserve newspaper. Any ideas or suggestions. Thank you.

Janet from Springfield, MA

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Re-Coating Painted Laminate Countertops

I did my bath counters and used Enviro. I have little hail marks and have to re-coat. What kind of sandpaper did you use? And can you add paint on top of the 1st coat before you do a 2nd coat, without sanding the whole thing? Help!

Sharon from Milwaukie, WI

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Painting a Vinyl Floor

Has anyone painted vinyl flooring? Would you share your steps?

ChristyE from Connecticut

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Cookbook Software or Template

I'm looking for free easy cookbook software which especially includes an explanation on how to print and easily collate the pages. I want to make a cookbook with recipes on both sides of the pages, printed at home. Also offer different size pages and binding choices. I haven't found any replies that are exactly what I need.

Jean from Illinois

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What Happens at a Doctor's Check-Up Appointment?

I am going for a check up with the doctor. It is a general checkup and I would like to know what it involves. I am feeling scared and I am a forty eight year old woman.

Little Princess from Toronto, Canada

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Surprise 30th Birthday Party

My sister is turning 30 this April and I wanted to throw a surprise party for her. She is my best friend and she deserves one especially with everything she's been through this past year. Can someone please help and give me some advice on to how to plan this. Much appreciated!

Stephanie from Trenton, NJ

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Getting Eyelashes to Grow

How can I naturally get my eye lashes to grow? I know tricks to apply when using makeup but I don't always like wearing makeup. Any suggestions?

RJW from Valdosta, GA

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Cowgirl Themed Birthday Party

I need some ideas on a cowgirl themed birthday in April, my daughter will be turning 8 yrs old. She loves horses. So far I am ordering those boot shaped mugs, I am going to spend a little more and get the glassware. I wanted to try and do t-shirts with horses on them but I can't find cute ones for under $9 each and with like 15+ girls it could get a bit over the budget.

What do you guys think about decorating dollar store pic frames? Maybe painting them ahead of time and letting them glue on jewels etc? I have a karaoke machine already, do they have a kids bop CD for karaoke? We have a lot of country but a lot of the girls probably like other music. I'd really appreciate any ideas. I love hearing what you all come up with. Thanks a lot!

Tracylynn from NY

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Clear Acrylic Tubing

I want to know how and where I can find acrylic clear plastic tubing for making high riser table centerpieces.

inquiry from Hoptown, KY

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Black Paint on Beige Carpet

My son spilled black paint on beige carpet. How do I clean it?

Jurnita from Stockton, CA

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Updating on Old Rock Fireplace

We tore the fireplace insert out and are going to replace it with the old wood-stove that I had in my childhood home. I am looking for ideas I am really into rustic, western, nature and just old decor in general. It is a rock fireplace and pretty large, any ideas for this space ? I have even thought about taking the shelves out of one or both side.

BluHeelerz from Seagrove

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White Satin Dress Has Yellowed

I have a white satin dress that is about 30 years old and very yellow. Is there anyway to make it white again so my daughter can wear it? Thank you.

oceanlvrs5 from Mesa, AZ

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What Breed is My Dog?

We got our "little angel" in September of 2008. At the time he was about 6 weeks old. We got him from Humane Society and they were not sure what he was. They said he could be Catahoula Leopard or a Aussie. I do know he has Catahoula in him but not sure on the rest. Can anyone help?

Animal Lover from IN

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Caramel Popcorn on Carpet

Can anyone tell me how to clean caramel popcorn out of carpet? Help.

Lynn from Jackson, MS

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Recipe Book for Jack's Power Juicer

I'm needing recipes for Jack's Power Juicer. I purchased one used and the recipe book was not with it. I thought someone could help me out without me purchasing recipe books. Thank you for your time.

T.S. from Pace, FL

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Scratch and Dent Stores Near Greensboro, NC

Are there still any Scratch and Dent grocery stores in existence? I live in NC, near Burlington in the Greensboro area.

Julie from Liberty, NC

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What Breed is My Dog?

Any idea which breed my two dogs could be? I'm just curious what your opinion might be! Thanks!

Heike from Devils Tower, WY

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Has Anyone Used DMSO?

Does anyone have any experience with DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide)? I have recently bought some and have been trying a little of it. I was wondered if anyone here has ever tried it and did it help or hurt? Thanks.

Christine from San Pedro

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Losing Inches from Your Waist

I would like to know of a quick way to lose inches from your waist.

littleprincess from Canada

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Replacement Plates for George Foreman #GRP90WG

We have a George Foreman Grill (GRP90WG) we love it and use it at least 4 times a week since we bought it. Two of the plates that we us the most are losing their finish and stick. Can we order and replace these plates, the Steak plate P/N22741 and the Grilling Plate P/N 22740? Thank you.

Sandra

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Online Tests Similar to Accelerated Reader Program

Children and students have access to a program at school called the Accelerated Reader Program where they test on books they've read for points. I was wondering if there are websites that have similar tests where children/students can test out at home on books they've read.

Carol from KY

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog? She is a 10 week old female. I see German Shepard but there is something else in her. I'm not sure what. Will her ears prop up?

Adam from Canton, Ohio

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Dirt on Cream Carpet

How do I get mud and sand out of a cream carpet?

Jenny

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Marks from Wear on a Leather Couch

Can you get a wear mark out of a leather couch?

Pattie from Meridian, MS

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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