Daily Thrifty Tips - November 25, 2008

Here are the contest winners for last week. There were so many wonderful entries that we gave out three tip winners this week. Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something.

Photo Contest Winner

Craft: Pinecone Bird
By Ginok from Wayne, OK

Ginok puts together this cute craft using items around the house.

Pet Contest Winner

Pierre (Dalmatian Mix)
By Neka from TX

Pierre is adorable, whether he grows into is big ears or not.

Tip Contest Winners

Stay Home for the Holidays to Save Money
By Anita from Temecula, CA

This is a neat idea. if you can't travel this holiday season, send a video in your place.

Use Photos as Gift Tags at Christmas
By Connie H. from Smithville

A fun way to use your printer to make photo gift tags.

Getting More POP Out of Your Popcorn
By Tim from Science Hil, KY

Tim gives us advice for getting every kernal to pop.

Recipe Contest Winner

Polenta Lasagna
By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

Raymonde shares an interesting lasagna recipe that utilizes polenta.

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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Craft: Pantry Turkey Collage

This was a kindergarten project that my son had this year. My older son remembered doing it a few years before and wanted to do another one. Before we knew it, the whole family was making one. It was very fun and I think they turned out nicely.

I ransacked my spice cabinet and pantry for any interestingly shaped or colored items. Then, we used white glue to stick them down. You could use it directly out of the bottle but I watered it down slightly and used paintbrushes to get it in just the right spots.Be careful, this is a messy one and the spices can get a little overpowering if the kids use too heavy a hand. When you are finished with one section, just tap off the excess. We started tapping directly into the garbage after awhile.

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Craft Project: Beautiful Fall Thanksgiving Wreath

Welcome your guests to a Thanksgiving meal with a homemade wreath for the season. You can make your own and then you can reuse it year after year.

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In Memory of Baby Ninja (Pug)

Baby Ninja was 7 years old and a pug. We got him on October 14, 2001. He liked to do anything we do. He was the best dog, he will be severely missed. We love you baby, Mom.

By Stacey from Crosby, MN

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Craft Project: Thanksgiving Indian and Pilgrim

This is a charming craft for kids to make for Thanksgiving or for you to make to place at their place setting.

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Craft Project: Apple Turkey Table Favor

This is something special for the Thanksgiving table. Make one for each place setting. The kids can help with this project.

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Craft Project: Mini Pumpkin Turkeys

After Halloween, I didn't want to throw away the mini pumpkin bats that I posted on this site. So, we removed the bat wings, eyes, and ears and re-painted them brown. Add a few feathers and a head and now you have a festive Thanksgiving decoration.

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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!

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Adopt a Family During the Holiday Season

During the holiday season, adopt a family and deliver a basket of food for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. Share your good fortune with others, if possible in some way. If doesn't matter if it's big or small. Good deeds mean a lot. One day you could be on the other end of that line, and know exactly what I mean. My husband and I aren't rich by any means. We are better off than many other people, and it feels right to do so.

By Melodie D. from Lancaster, PA

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Dress Kids in the Same Color When in Crowd

When my children were young, I used to dress them in the same color clothing anytime we would plan to be out in a large crowd. We all know how little ones can get excited at theme parks or even in a crowded mall and almost disappear before our eyes. It's so much easier to keep track of them when they're all wearing the same color clothing. With the holidays coming up and lots to be done, it's easy for us, and our children to become distracted. This tip may help relieve some of the holiday stress, while keeping our kids a little safer.

By Laurie from Tennessee

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Fix The Date When Changing Digital Camera Batteries

When changing the battery in your digital camera, be sure to check the date your camera thinks it now is. This never occurred to me and now all the pictures on my computer from my July vacation read that the pictures were taken sometime in September!

By Lynn from Albany, NY

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Freeze Whipping Cream In Ice Cube Trays

When I buy whipping cream, I buy it on sale. Then I pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen I put the cubes in ziplock bags in the freezer. A cube is about 2 Tablespoons. It's great when you only need a couple tablespoons in a recipe.

By Linda A. from CT

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Extend Your Dryers Life

Wash the lint catcher in your dryer in hot water with an old tooth brush every 4 to 6 months. You will be surprised how much of a build up you get from it. Also, it can lower your power bill and extend the life of your dryer. It also will prevent fires.

Source: My sister.

By Sandy from Nova Scotia, Canada

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Use Hamburger Spatula to Make Gravy

When I make homemade gravy, I use a hamburger spatula. If you start to get lumps you can mash them with the turner. It works every time.

By Afollowill from Kansas City, MO

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Reuse Old Telephone Books

To reuse old telepone books, take off the front cover and use them like hot pads for keeping hot pans from touching the surface of your counter. The pages are available and they are good for protecting fine crystal when laid in the bottom of your sink. They will even polish the glass to a good shine. Sometimes it will clean without soap! Just add vinegar and you have a no streak shine. The pages are soft enough to be used for wiping the remaining grease out of nonstick frying pans.

By Tim from Science Hill

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Cleaning Stuffed Animals

Stuffed Animals can be nice, but do get dusty. Years ago when my kids were small and had stuffed animals, I received this tip on an easy way to clean them & it works great. I since have passed this on for my kids to clean the grandkid's animals. Place the animal in a paper bag, add corn meal, and shake the bag for a minute or so. Let stand for several hours. Brush the corn meal off. This absorbs the oils and grease. Repeat if necessary.

Source: Tip: Received from a friend.

By Carolyn from Floral Park, NY

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Cleaning a Smooth Top Stove

I find it best to use baking soda on a smooth top stove. To clean burnt crust off, let baking soda stand a few minutes, and then wipe off with warm cloth.

By Sheila from Wisconsin

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Use Every Bit of Turkey

During Thanksgiving time is the best time to buy turkeys because they are so cheap, about $7-8 (turkey breast alone is sold for that price). I have an extra little freezer in another room and I fill it with turkeys that i have bought (about 10) during the thanksgiving sales. I let them defrost a bit and I chop them up into smaller manageable sizes for uses throughout the year. The bones do not get discarded until I have cooked them in a crock pot for about 8-10 hours making my own inexpensive turkey broth.

With the buying of my own whole turkey, I get lots of cuts of turkey, broth and smaller bits of turkey that i combine into other foods like 1 pot dinners, soups or the filling out of other recipes (because the piece are too small for a meal on their own). I spend a bit more for the turkey sales but i save in the long run throughout the year in buying turkey.

By soyzick from Chinatown, HI

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Halve a Turkey for Later

I realize that prices in everything have gone through the roof but if you can buy an additional turkey while prices are relatively reduced for the upcoming Thanksgiving, it will be to your advantage later on. Have the butcher cut your turkey in half (lengthwise) and when you get it home wrap each half in freezer paper and you will have the beginnings of two meals in case the weather gets bad and you can't get out to shop. Mix up your favorite stuffing, pop it in the oven and enjoy another feast. Happy eating!

By Sewingmamma from Pittsburgh PA

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Gentle Facial Scrub

For a gentle, effective facial scrub, I combine a hypo-allergenic mild skin lotion with a half teaspoon of cornmeal. Add a bit of water, and gently massage your face. Rinse off and you are left with a healthy glow.

By Mrs Dee from Canada

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Prepare Mashed Potatoes The Day Before

When having guests for dinner, be it a holiday or not, we always peel, cook and mash the potatoes the day before the dinner. We put them in either a microwave or oven safe dish, cover and refrigerate. Taking it out in time to heat for the dinner saves SO much rush and trouble to get the potatoes done at the same time as everything else.

By huggybear2 from Zeeland, Michigan

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Craft Project: Edible Turkey

Simple, but cute, this edible turkey craft is sure to please the turkey enthusiasts as we celebrate Thanksgiving.

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Broken Egg Shells to Deter Snails

Sprinkle broken eggshells around your strawberry plants to deter snails.

By Mrsburgo from Newcastle NSW

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Stress Causing Dog to Throw Up Bile

My dog lately has been going off and getting into other peoples garbage. When she returns she vomits up some food she has ingested. To curb this problem we no longer allow her outside unless we are with her. She is 9 years old and until recently she would never leave our yard. The problem now is that she is intermittently vomiting up bile. It does not happen everyday.

I believe her behavior is because our youngest daughter is a freshman in college and away from home for the first time in the dog's life. The dog is very active and playful and nothing else is different. Should we be concerned, what can we do?

Shay from Ewing NJ

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Can You Get Sick from Thrift Store Items

With a lot of people using thrift stores, how "safe" are the donations? Can you "catch" anything from what you buy?

Kathy from Coatesville, PA

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Mikata's Japanese Restaurant Style Salad Dressing

I am desperately looking for a recipe for the salad dressing they serve in Mikata's Japanese Restaurants. I've found several copycat Japanese salad dressing recipes, but they are pinkish/orange in color (similar to the shrimp sauce). Does anyone know how to make the white salad dressing?

Monica from Dothan, AL

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog? She was abandoned at 3 weeks old to a rescue organization so we don't really know either side. We think German Shepherd crossed with? She weighs about 60 lbs. Thanks.

Gourmet Baker from Nor Cal

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Lemon Trees Fruit is Being Eaten

I have a 3 year old lemon tree. It flowered beautifully and fruit formed. Now all the fruit seems to have been eaten and part of the branch has died. It is planted in clay soil, with goo run off and is watered regularly in hot weather.

Sue

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Discounts for People 55 and Over

I am looking for discounts for people age 55 and over. Any suggestions? Please!

Holly from Richardson

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Bread from Bread Machine is Small

I have just got a bread machine and put in a mix and baked the bread. It was fine except for two problems. My loaf was only about 4 1/2 inches long. Is this normal?

The second question is, is there anyway to make the bread in the machine without having a big hole in the bread from the mixer part? Thanks so much. I will be anxiously waiting your most valuable answers!

Nolasandy from Kenner, LA

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Making a Bag Out of a Hoodie

How can you make a bag out of a hoodie?

Cheryl from Hessel, MI

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Removing Wood Glue on Tiles

There is wood glue on the tiles, courtesy of a handy husband. The glue has set solid. I have tried to scrape it off without much success. Is there anything that will dissolve it?

M.H. from WA

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Using Petroleum Jelly as a Moisturizer

I cannot spend too much on face moisturizer, and I want to keep my face soft to put on foundation. Can you put petroleum jelly on your face to moisturize it? I do not know if I want to do this because I think it may cause clogged pores. What do you think?

Mary from Chicago

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What is Liquid Starch?

What is liquid starch? My niece wants to make silly putty and it requires it.

Nalia from Providence, RI

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Instruction Manual for George Foreman Grill #GR36VT

I need an instruction manual for a George Foreman grill #GR36VT.

Scott

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Resetting a Dishwashers Diagnostic Codes

I need reset the diagnostic codes for a Whirlpool dishwasher Model DU1145XTPB1.

Jeff from Severna Park, MD

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Using Heat to Patina a Copper Back Splash

I want a copper back splash. I have been online for a week to try and get some answers. I need to know how to burn the copper and bring those colors out. I think they call it patina. All I have found is chemical ways and I do not want to mess with that. I want to burn it, get it the way I like it and then seal it. I hope someone out there can help me. Thanks a lot have a great day.

Connie from Colt, Arkansas

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Downloading Music for an MP3 Player

What are the best sites to download music and videos for an MP3?

Joseph from Boulder, CO

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Homemade Cleaner for Glass Stove Top

What is the best cleaner (homemade if possible) to clean a glass cook top on an electric stove? Mine is less then three years old but has a couple of nasty looking places due to heat and contact with pans.

Debbie from Alabama

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Food Ideas for 16th Birthday Party

I am looking for food ideas (other then pizza) for a girls 16th birthday party. It's going to be held at an indoor pool. There will be about 6 to 8 teenagers and some adults. Any ideas on activities would be appreciated too.

Hilda from Hagerstown, MD

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Dog Ate Couch Arm

My Doberman ate the arm of my Berkline wallaway couch. There are two chambers to the arm, the one closest to the back of the couch is fine. How can I repair it myself?

Leslie from Stafford, VA

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Clearing a Sluggish Sink

How do you clear a sluggish sink?

Larry from Elgin, IL

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Patterns for Crocheted Dolls Clothes

I would like to make a crocheted dress for my 13 in. doll and I lost the pattern that the doll came with. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or pattern links? Also I'm looking for doll patterns for a 10 in. doll. Thank you.

Kelly from Medina, Ohio

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Looking for 2004 Avon Christmas Tree Pins

I would like to purchase (3) three Avon 2004 Collectible Christmas Tree Pins. Does anyone know where I can purchase these? Thank you in advance.

Yvonne from El Paso, Texas

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Cake Made with Sour Cream and Peaches

I am looking for cake made with white cake mix, sour cream, creme cheese, and peaches.

Amelia from Oak Grove, Louisiana

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Children's Pamper Party Ideas

I'm planning a pamper party for my 12 year old daughter and was wondering if you could tell me some ideas for it, like nail sets, etc. Thank you.

Millie

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Using Gray Paint as Primer

Can I use gray paint as primer under red paint. I need to know this fast, as I am about ready to paint. Thank you.

Toebeanie from Warrensburg, MO

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Removing Water Marks from Wood Furniture

I have water marks on wood furniture and wonder how best to remove them? Thanks.

Donna

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Amaryllis Not Blooming

I grew an amaryllis indoors but it did not bloom. I followed the vague directions, but only the green leaves sprouted. The leaves are large and still growing. Can anyone give me any tips to force it to bloom? Thank you.

Mike from NE PA

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Removing Black Heel Marks

Ever get those black heel marks on your kitchen floor? Here is a cheaper version of the Magic Eraser. Just use an ordinary eraser and wipe off black marks. No more spending money for the high cost of a magic eraser when you can purchase an eraser for 10 cents. Works for me all the time!

By Carolyn from Floral Park, NY

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Nanaimo Bar Recipe

I'm a Canadian, but live in the US. I used to buy Lemon and Orange Nanaimo bars that I just loved. Would anyone have a recipe for these very good bars? Thanks.

Huguette

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Bringing a Hibiscus Plants Indoors for the Winter

I brought in a double hibiscus tree for the winter. It is still blooming but the leaves are turning yellow and it is dropping some buds. What am I doing wrong or how do I stop this? Anne H.

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Christmas Craft Ideas for Kindergartners

Does anyone have any Christmas ideas for kindergarten students to make? I would like it to be something they can use to decorate their house with and as a gift for their Mom. Thanks for any help and if you have pictures that would be wonderful.

Sue G. from Davison, MI

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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

Burning Healthier Candles
By Ellen Brown

Candles are wonderfully therapeutic and burning them can provide you with a increased sense of health and well-being. Not only do they provide us with an ambient source of light, but if scented they can also provide us with all of the benefits of aromatherapy while in the comfort of our own home. Unfortunately, not all candles burn equally. In fact the very additives that make them burn slowly, look pretty, and smell pleasant, can be harmful to your health.

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Saving Money on Thanksgiving

Tips and ideas for saving money on making Thanksgiving dinner.

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