Daily Thrifty Tips - November 7, 2008

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Craft: Have Kids Draw Quilt Squares

When I learn of a new grandchild to be born, it's tradition for me to make the expected one a baby quilt. I like to embroider, so I try to find pictures or transfers that I can put on a quilt-block and embroider. Recently, my 4 year old grandson drew a picture of himself and me, and I got to thinking that it would be a very nice picture for his little brother or sister that is expected in the spring. I am going to ask him and his 7 year old brother to draw a couple more pictures for me, and transfer them to quilt-blocks for the new baby.

Here is the picture that Steven drew for me; I will post a picture of the quilt when I get it finished. (Notice the blue hair? Steven knows that blue is my favorite color, hehehe!)

By Carole from Locust Fork, Alabama

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Craft Project: Baby Sweater Set

Approximate Time: about 4 days

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Pencil Lead Containers For Storage

This would be perfect for recycling, too. I was cleaning out some desk stuff and found these. They are perfect for toothpicks, paper clips, hair pins and safety pins.

You could also keep straight pins, needles, buttons, beads, and other craft supplies in it.

You can keep baby aspirin (clearly marked!!), emery boards you cut in half, nail tips (not the curved kind, these are pretty narrow), eyelashes and more.

For camping, there are matches, bandages, just the right amount of spices for the trip, and other little things you always need but don't want the bulk or the weight.

Now it's your turn everyone, to add to the list!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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Roxy (African Pygmy Hedgehog)

Roxy is an African Pygmy Hedgehog and is 6 months old. I got her from a breeder. She likes to hide in my sweater.

By Shawn from Seattle, WA

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Garden: Angel Trumpet Bush

This is a angel trumpet bush, it blooms from July to here it is in late October. Don't know how long it will bloom. Last year it was in late November. The smell from this plant is wonderful. The plant, if eaten, is highly poisonous. So you need to keep kids and pets away.

By Madeline from Jacksonville, AL

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Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs Gift Idea (Under $10)

A thrifty hostess gift for the holiday season can be started at Thanksgiving to be ready for the December holidays.

Buy nice clear glass bowls or wide mouth clear glass vases at dollar store or thrift stores. Layer glass pebbles on the bottom. I use a mix of shimmery colored and shimmery clear glass pebbles. If you know the holiday color scheme of your hostess, you can choose colored pebbles to compliment the color scheme.

Place 3 or more (depends on size of bowl or wide mouth vase) Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs on the glass pebbles. Fill with water, just to the bottom of the bulbs. Keep watered and in a sunny place. Bulbs will root in the water and bloom in time for the holidays. Tie a ribbon with a holiday bow on the bowl or vase before gifting.

Remind the hostess that when the fragrant blooms are finished to plant the bulbs in the garden--they will bloom the next year! .

By OGeorgie from Yachats, OR

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Turn Shower Off When Lathering

Get wet first when showering, and then turn the shower off. Clean body all over, and turn the shower back on to rinse and remove soap. I use a lot less water this way.

By Gwyneth from Plant City

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Kmart Offering Layaway Plans For Christmas

Everyone is talking about how to afford the holidays. Kmart has been running commercials about layaway. They have an eight week program with payments every two. The fee is $5 and the down payment is 10% of the total merchandise. This is a great way to save for Christmas if you can not do it alone.

• http://www.kmart.com/

By Savings Assistant from Georgia

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Turn Greeting Cards into Postcards

To recycle cards and save trees, I turn cards I receive into postcards and re use them. Usually people only write on the inside page so I cut off the front page with the picture on it and then write my own message or greeting on the blank back page along with the address and it is now a postcard. I always get asked where I find such fun postcards and with the price of cards being $2-4 and postage being cheaper for a postcard I save quite a bit each time I send a postcard greeting!

By Kate from Chicago, Illinois

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Send Halloween Candy to the Troops

Too much candy left from Halloween? My kids came up with an idea to swap their favorites with each other. They keep half and we send the other half to our troops. We have a niece in boot camp and our school sends shoe boxes overseas. They save all the hard candy that won't melt and donate to a worthy cause. It's a great lesson in sharing and compassion.

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

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Laundering White Uniform Pants

I need to wear white uniform pants each day. Having them remain white and virtually wrinkle free, is a challenge. Regular Chlorine bleach bothers my breathing, I NEVER use it.

When washing the poly/cotton blend uniform pants, I add 1/2 cup baking soda to my liquid laundry detergent. I use dryer balls in the dry cycle. I pull the pants out of the dryer while still damp, and hang immediately on plastic pants hangers. Walla! Less dryer time and no ironing save electricity. The baking soda leaves them very clean and bright.

By Apeters from Northampton, PA

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Microwave Dinner for One

This isn't exactly a recipe but I like to make my own microwave dinners.

I boil a packet of mini carrots, fry a panful of onions, mushrooms, peppers, etc. Flash freeze each vegetable in ice cube containers. Put into separate Rubbermaid boxes and keep in the freezer.

When I want a meal, I take a few cubes of each vegetable onto a microwave plate and microwave for a few minutes, then add whatever cold meat or fish I have on hand.

I cook salmon, tilapia, etc. and flash freeze these and put them in containers in the freezer. I also buy already roasted chickens or turkey breasts (from Sweetbay), cut them into portions and again flash freeze and put into containers.

A quick and easy meal without daily preparation.

By Gwyneth from Plant City, FL

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Use Cookie Cutters as Decorating Stencils

If you are as bad as I am at decorating cookies, try using a cookie cutter as a "stencil". Choose a glass/cup/mug that is wider across than your holiday shaped cookie cutter. Use the glass to cut your dough into circular cookies. Once baked and cooled, place your holiday cookie cutter on top of the cookie and put icing inside the cutter. When it firms up, lift the cookie cutter off and your cookie will be decorated perfectly.

By Amy Lyn from Colorado

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Use What You Have: Mac and Cheese Without a Pan or Colander

This happened to me and my friend while camping and thought I would pass it along. We had decided to go camping and packed everything we thought we would be needing only to discover when we went to make macaroni and cheese for dinner the first night, we had no pan to cook the macaroni in and no colander to strain said macaroni.

I came up with the bright idea to boil up the necessary water in our high sided frying pan and this worked beautifully, the macaroni cooked to perfection. Next came the problem of straining said macaroni as we had no colander to do this with and unfortunately no lid for the frying pan to use for draining.

Then came my next brilliant idea, I used the basket from our coffee pot (the one used to put the grounds in). I took two bowls, the basket from the coffee pot and a large spoon, might also help having one that is slotted but we had to make due with what we had on hand. I spooned out enough macaroni to fit in the coffee pot basket and held it over one bowl and let it drain and then dumped the macaroni into the other bowl and repeated the process until all the macaroni was drained. This didn't take but a few minutes and then I just put the macaroni back in the frying pan and finished cooking it according to the package directions.

Needless to say the mac and cheese was perfect and no one would have known that it had been prepared in a frying pan. We didn't even have a matching lid for the frying pan and thus weren't able to cover and simmer according to the directions but I just lowered the heat anyway and it cooked to perfection.
Thus when all else fails, look around and see what you have on hand and make due with what you have.

By Melody from White City, OR

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Use Recycled Gatorade Bottles in Packed Lunches

I finally found a reusable plastic bottle that you can pack in a lunch that won't leak. I washed our used Gatorade bottles by hand and filled them with water. (My son adds powdered drink mix.) You can tip them any which way and they don't leak. I checked the Gatorade website and they assured us the plastic will not leach into the beverage. If you put the bottles in the dishwasher the heat will shrink the bottle and the seal won't be tight enough to work, so be sure to wash them by hand.

By Lindainthekitchen from Weirton, WV

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Looking for Christmas Stencils

I am looking in the stores for Christmas stencils. Delta or Plaid in a page format. Nothing elaborate. For example bells, stars, candy canes, angels, etc. Maybe I'm shopping too early.

Patricia from Stoney Creek, Ont, CA

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Changing the Texture of Cooked Oatmeal

I like the flavor of oatmeal and its health benefits, but I'm picky when it comes to textures and can't eat it prepared the traditional way with water. Does anyone have another way of cooking oatmeal so its texture is different?

Kim from WI

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"Glitter" Themed Christmas Parade Float Ideas

I need ideas for a Christmas parade float. The theme is "Glitter". We are a Medical clinic. Please help. Thanks!

Brandi from Corinth, MS

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"Shining the Light on Christmas" Parade Float Ideas

I work for my local animal shelter and we need help figuring out how to decorate a Christmas parade float with the theme that is picked out and incorporating the dogs and cats. Our Christmas parade theme is "Shining the Light on Christmas". Any ideas on how we can make this float?

Ginger from Cleveland, MS

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Paperwork Drying Out Hands

I've been doing a lot of volunteering at a clinic and find my hands are becoming very dry from handling paperwork. Lotioning up before going in isn't helping much. Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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"Texas Christmas" Parade Float Ideas

Our Christmas parade is going to be a "Texas Christmas". I am trying to find ideas that will not cost a lot to do for a float in the parade. Does anyone have any ideas?

Shannon from Texas

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What is Bio-Venting?

What is bio-venting?

Vera from Singapore

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APR Rates After Closing a Credit Card

I'm thinking about closing a credit card account because the creditor does not want to lower my APR. I've had the card almost 2 year and pay on time faithfully. But if I cancel will the APR continually accumulate on the balance or would it be whatever is left at the time of cancellation? Also, the credit card is through my bank. Do you think they'll make me close out my checking accounts with them?

Tantanisha from Sanford, FL

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Crocheted Men's Peaked Hat Pattern

Does anyone have a knitting or crocheting pattern for a man's peaked hat? I don't mean a baseball cap I mean what I might call a bargeman's hat with a peak. I have tried shops and the internet but patterns there tend to be for ladies and I need a man's pattern because my man has a large head!

Mary from UK

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Making a Fabric Shoe Holder

When I was little, an elderly neighbor lady sewed a shoe holder for my brother and I. It was a large rectangle of fabric with pockets sewn on for the shoes, it hung on a door. Would anyone have directions or a pattern to share. I would like to make one for my boys. Thanks.

Julie from Federal Dam, MN

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Rabbit Litter Pans

What is best for rabbit litter pans? I use paper towels to soak up the pee that comes through although I clean them every morning. Then on top of that I put some newspaper and then shredded newspaper and hay on the end. I have four rabbits, 2 pair of a buck and a doe.

Donna from Alabama

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Bar of Soap Down the Toilet

My sweet autistic daughter put a bar of soap down the toilet. I tried getting it out but it went further back. Now every time we have to go to the bathroom we have to plunge the toilet because it gets real high. What do I use to dissolve this problem? I need ideas please.

Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA

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Caption for Pictures of Children

This is from an eight picture collage of my two children. One is dressed as a Rapunzle, and the other as Carmen Miranda. The box for the caption is so little, so I need a short caption to tie in the whimsical and imaginary side to this. The daughter who is Rapunzel has short curly hair in reality, so to see her with long hair was great! Please help!

Lauren E from Atlanta, Ga

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Blue Stains Showing Up on Washed Clothing

I have blue stains on light clothing washed with Tide and Downy. These are pieces I wear regularly and am a bit devastated at the thought that they seem ruined. Is there any way to remove these stains? They are not white. One is yellow, one lime green and one peach. Will Biz or Clorox 2 work? Please advise.

Leonette

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Using Kenmore Sewing Machine Feet on Brother CS60001

I have a Kenmore sewing machine and I would like to know if the snap on feet would also fit on the Brother CS6000i. Waiting to hear from you.

Patricia from Stoney Creek, Ont, CA

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Clear White Rope Christmas Lights

I cannot find the clear white rope Christmas lights for the glass blocks. Can someone from Canada tell me where I might find some? Thank you.

bellaluna from Canada

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Recipes for Electric Deep Fryer

I am looking for recipes for an electric deep fryer (ie. chicken, fried mushrooms, potato chips, donuts).

Linda

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Cider Vs. White Vinegar

Are cider and white vinegar interchangeable, such as using in foods?

Kathy from Sioux City, Iowa

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Clearing Out Computer's Memory

My computer is low on memory and is very slow. Can anyone tell me how to clean it off? There are a lot of things on here I don't use. Thank you.

Peggy from Canastota, NY

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Parade Float Ideas: Two Hands Holding the World

I need some ideas on how to build a float with two hands holding a world with the world turning.

Bonnie from Cadiz, KY

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Repairing a Dog Halter

I have a dog halter that I've had for 2 hours now and my 7 month puppy chewed through it! I want to repair it but do not know what would be the best thing to use. It is not a hard mesh but a soft woven cord. The ends are a scissor type cut not shredded. Anyone have any suggestions?

Jan from Cincinnati, OH

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Washing Produce (Fruits and Vegetables)

What can I use to clean fruits and vegetables?

Nancy from Tucson, AZ

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"Heaven" Themed Christmas Parade Float

Our girls club at church is putting a float in our town's Christmas parade, and would like to do a Heaven theme. We're thinking lots of white, people dressed like angels, and then maybe a staircase with Jesus sitting at the top with a scepter and angels around him. Any other ideas or ways to pull this off?

Kate from Alberta, Canada

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Lipstick Stains on Clothing

I tried to get lipstick out of my clothes with dish soap and laundry soap but it didn't work. Help!

Rita from Pinckney, MI

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Cleaning Crayon Out of a Dryer

How do I get crayon out of the dryer?

Sheila from Long Island, NY

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Pet Urine Stains On Hardwood Floors

How do I remove pet urine stains from my hardwood floor?

Lisa from Rockford

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Tape Adhesive on Carpet

How do you remove double back tape that stays on the carpet?

Janneba from Sunset, TX

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Does My Puppy Have Parvo?

Can a puppy who's been vaccinated for Parvo still get it? My 18 week old beagle/basset mix has had diarrhea and been throwing up. He has been a lot less hyper than normal but we have had all of his shots done. I'm wondering if maybe he's just sick, this is the 3rd day of his diarrhea. We did recently change his food and he is still eating and drinking fine though. Normally he is very playful and hyper but lately you have to make him play. I am very worried!

Kaity from Woodstock, GA

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Musty Smell In Front Load Washer

Does anyone know how to get the musty smell out of a front loading washing machine? I have tried cleaning the rubber seals, bleach, vinegar etc., and nothing is working. I am also leaving the door propped open.

Darlene from Wisconsin

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Latex Paint on Jogging Pants

I have latex white paint on bottom of my black jogging pants. What can remove the paint?

Margaret

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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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Cutting Back Perennials In The Fall
By Ellen Brown

Cleaning up the garden in the fall can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to cutting back perennials. Should you leave them alone or cut them back as soon as they fade? The answer, of course, depends on the plant.

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OKK Trading Recalls Toy TVs Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: Surface coating on the toy television could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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Toy Xylophones Recalled by King Import Warehouse Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: Surface paint on the toy xylophone contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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Sherwin-Williams Co. Recalls Krylon UV Fabric Protector Due to Respiratory Hazard

Hazard: Overexposure to fumes, vapor or spray mist from the product can pose a serious respiratory hazard to consumers.

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PC Notebook Computer Batteries Recalled Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

Hazard: These lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

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