Daily Thrifty Tips - December 13, 2006

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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This craft also has a PDF you can download.

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Amber's Make A Wish visit to Disney where she meets Stanley.

By Brenda Cline from Church Hill, TN

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Sandy is a yellow lab about 7 years old. She was a Christmas present for our kids in 1999. They say you shouldn't give pets as gifts, but this was the best present they ever received.

Sandy loves to play fetch. Anything that you will throw her she will go get it and give it back to you.

She is like a part of the family. She is so smart. Sandy's other favorite thing is to have something in her mouth all the time,, usually a sock. But anything will do if she can't find one.

By Debilou from Florence, MS

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A simple decorating idea. Select a round or square glass dish. Place as many crystal or silver candle holders as will fit (3 or 5) in the container. Place inexpensive glass ornaments (perhaps pair shaped from the Dollar store) around the candle holders -- all going in the same directions. Add red candles to the candle sticks (or the color of your choice), stick a little piece of evergreen or bush from your yard and berries to add color and you have a lovely centerpiece for your table.

By Mitzi from DeLand, FL

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Use a galvanized bucket or in this case I used a galvanized floral bucket used to display fresh flowers and paint a simple snowman on it with acrylic paints and then fill with wonderful artificial silk poinsettias and some artificial glitter or twizzle sticks for height and put in your entrance foyer.

By Connie from Ballwin, Missouri (Originally Published 12/09/2005)

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Add a little sparkle to your holidays with gift tags you can make in a jiffy. They can also be used as package tie-ons, or you can get your kids involved, let them make their own, and glue a craft stick to the back of each to make holiday puppets.

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By Terri H. from NV

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At ANY time of year it is easy to keep food warm when having a sit down dinner (party).

1. Simply purchase some medium sized-deep stainless bowls.

2. Put your different cooked foods in separate bowls.

3. Sit the bowls in a large electric frying pan. Pour water in around the bowls so they are now sitting in shallow water.

4. TURN THE PAN ON WARM to LOW HEAT so that your food items will stay hot during your meal with this makeshift "steam table".

Now you can all eat together instead of "the mom" having to reheat each plate. The food now has not cooled off sitting in the serving bowls on the dining table.

ENJOY YOUR MEAL WITHOUT THE STRESS.

By Paula Jo Carr from Mebane, NC

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If you are a messy painter like me and don't want to get paint in your hair, wear a thin shower cap like the ones they have in motels. Throw it away after you are done. If you are real messy, take a thin plastic sheet and cut a hole for your head and wear it like a poncho. Tape to make sleeves and trim to fit.

By Jan from Springfield, MN

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Over time, particles of dust, pieces of thread and other debris can buildup inside your sewing machine and cause it to run poorly. Remove the thread, bobbin and face plate and vacuum out the inside of your sewing machine periodically.

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In the past two months, I have been counting my calories and watching what I was eating, which alone saved me a ton of money along with an entire percentage of body fat.

However, I still had a bunch of food hanging around the kitchen that, with my new lifestyle, I would never consider eating again. Many of these things were unopened, some were not past their sell by date.

Rather than donating these items (as I instead donate my time and talent to select groups), I returned these items to the grocery store. Sure, I got some funny looks. But hey, in the past month I've returned $20 worth of food and put that money towards purchases that fit within my new lifestyle. That's about 10% of my monthly grocery budget!

My tip is to occasionally clean out your cabinets, and return the stuff you didn't eat, haven't eaten, or probably won't eat.

Shawnna Robert from Boston, MA

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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A good frugal gift idea is to mix three tablespoons all vegetable shortening and a package of Kool-Aid and microwave for one minute. Pour into small containers bought at novelty stores, place lids on containers and put in refrigerator overnight. Now you have homemade lip gloss. Great for all the girls! Any flavor Kool-Aid can be used.

By Pauline from Arcanum, OH

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For a thrifty gift this year, I decided to give pieces of my newly trimmed houseplants that I had rooted with a little poem attached. I ran into an issue finding decent priced pots to plant them in this non repotting time of year. So always looking for ways to recycle, I used some of my rinsed and delabeled aluminum cans in various sizes! Simply turn them on their side and with a metal bit on your drill poke a few drainholes about a quarter of the way up the can (Hence creating a retainer for water without drainage all over your counter). Put a coffee filter in the bottom, just like you would in the basket to make coffee and fill with your potting soil and water.

Viola! (-: attach a kitchey little poem about your "Friendship, Blessing, Love (Pick a theme that fits your receiver) Plant". This works great with plants that give off starts like a spider plant or creeping jasper. Dress up the can as needed, a pretty bag or glitter works great!

By Rebecca from Coos Bay, OR

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Free samples of different products, good while supplies last. The most current sample is: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color is an exclusive micro-diamond formula that guarantees brilliant, multi-faceted shine that lasts up to 10 days. Beautiful nail colors instantly bond to nails with a diamond hard protective coating that resists chipping. An incredibly shiny, flawless nail look that's perfect for both manicures and pedicures. (same as most internet freebies, do asap if interested.) They ask if you'd like to receive offers from them on other products.

http://www.vibevixen.com/fabfinds

By Terri H. from NV

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Prepare a pot of tea* using 6-8 tea bags; allow to steep 5-8 minutes. Add honey or sugar to taste (optional). Pour brewed tea into a pot; add 1/4 cup of red hots candies; simmer until red hot candies are melted (use more or less red hots to taste. Serve in a festive Christmas tea pot.

Serve warm with a candy cane or cinnamon stick as a stirrer. Serve tea with hot gingerbread or pumpkin roll.

*Celestial Seasonings Gingerbread Spice Holiday Herb Tea

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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The old saying goes "Pets are for life, not for Christmas". If you are planning on getting or giving a pet as a gift, make sure to take into account all the fees and time commitments that are associated with feeding, training and providing medical care for the pet.

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I recently found an inexpensive Chinese supplement, Chuan Xin Lian. It is touted to be somewhat anti-viral and boosts the immune system, (according to Chinese medicine). My husband and I used it with some success (plus goldenseal) during our last cold/flu/whatever bout. (You can find it on the web for less than $10).

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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If you refill your own printer cartridges, and you get the ink on your fingers, I just discovered that Awesome Cleaner that is sold in the Dollar Tree Stores in a spray bottle will clean your hands.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

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Will eucalyptus oil remove wallpaper glue left by paper, the top layer comes off but underneath is stubborn

Thanks,
Senga from Perth, WA

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I am having difficulty finding fabric stores that carry "travel knit", both in the garment district and online. Any ideas? The stores I have found it in usually have 1 bolt of 1 color - which I already have.

Nancy from New York, NY

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Can you freeze a soup with heavy cream?

Maria from Upstate NY

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How much marshmallow cream does it take to equal 2 cups of miniature marshmallows? I am making fudge.

Boomba from Wrightstown, WI

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I have a case of shingles. I went to the doctor and he gave me valtrex to take and said there is nothing else he can do. Are there any home remedies for the itching? This is the first time I ever got this and 2 other people at church have it that sit by me. Is it catchy, and if so for how long? Thanks for all of your help.

Linda from Hayward, WI

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My jack russell has been given amoxicillin 250mg capsules that he must take twice a day - can I open the capsule and give him the contents in his dog food or must I administer the entire capsule - outside shell also?

Betty from Rindge, NH

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Can I freeze an egg casserole?

Kathy from Michigan

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I am looking for a manual for a regal kitchen pro breadmaker k6769c, Can anyone help?

Sherri from vernon, BC

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Manufacturer: Graco

Request: I would like to know if Graco prodcts are good for the baby? Can you give other information on other brands on carseats, strollers, cribs, and etc. for the baby?

Natty from West Henrietta, NY

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I would like to go to a ballet for the first time. What type of clothing should be worn? Casual or dress?

Melissa from Idaho

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I read that you can give coffee and the grounds to plants. Does anyone have a list of plants that I can use coffee?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Dawn from Elmira, NY

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Does anyone know of a good way to clean gas stove top with the burner plates that are not removable?

Momtothree67 from Orleans, IN

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How do I make a complaint against Cingular wireless?

Carrie from Galveston, TX

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There are so many people telling me that peanut butter is GREAT for dogs. Are you saying that that isn't true?

Kassie from Robstown, TX

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I have whitewashed cabinets, pale yellow walls and white/gray countertops. What color wood flooring would look best? I want to play down the cabinets and am willing to paint walls too.

Barbara from Anchorage, AK

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I love pumpkin rolls but I would like to make a dessert similar to that only using chocolate. Does anyone have a recipe?

bsue from Coshocton, Ohio

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Is there a charity where you can bring your child to give a gift to a needy child? I want my child to understand how fortunate he and how important it is to help others.

Michele from Monroe, NJ

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I'm looking for information on German Shepherd cross Saluki dog breed, possibly a photo.

Thanks,
Tracy from UK

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Can I bake with jelly beans or how can I use them in cooking?

Jan from Rhinelander, WI

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What kind of commercial cleaner is best for laminate flooring?

Anne from Stearns, KY

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I am looking for a jacuzzi tub cleaner for American Standard fiberglass motorized jets.

Loretta from Carencro, LA

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I am on SSI single dad raising two boys. My son been going through several surgeries. I have no presents for Christmas due to putting money in gas for treatments follow ups. Please help me find a area in Maine where can get help.

Thanks you,
Mr. Brackett from Mattawamkeag, Maine

Please post charities that offer help during the holiday season in Maine.

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I lost the baking instructions for my Marie Callender's frozen pie crusts. How long do I cook them and at what temperature?

Marjorie Diane Gulum from Oviedo, FL

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Where can I buy pots for my houseplants? I have not been able to find them in stores, no matter the time of year, and the clerks I have asked look at me as though I am at worst, insane, or at best, completely unreasonable. Meanwhile, the roots of my pothos are growing out the bottom of its pot. I just want to buy a pot, preferably clay, but plastic is okay. Yes, I have looked online, and have found only fancy planters.

Please help!

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Barbara from St. Cloud, MN

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How do I remove enamel paint splashes from a corduroy shirt?

Keri from Johannesburg, South Africa

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I have a set of Nu Orleans china, made by Summerfield, from the 70's. It is an 8 piece setting with extra pieces, white with silver wheat leaves. Does anyone know about this china? Is it worth anything?.

Thank you,
Jodee from Mississippi

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I am trying to find the perfect dog for my family. We have lost our Giant Schnauzer of old age we adopted him from the animal shelter. He was going to be put to sleep that night. He had quirks but he was the best dog we ever had. My question is for a family that lives in west texas (very hot in the summer.) I am looking for a breed that will not be miserable in the summer and is a large to giant dog. And has the protectiveness and the loving nature for my family.

Tammy from ROTAN, TEXAS

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I'm searching for the post of the recipe for hot cocoa made with chocolate pudding but can't find it. Can anybody share their copy please?

Nellie from Franklin, IN

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I am looking for ideas for my dad's 70 birthday party.

JA from Orlando, FL

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The feathers are flying from my down jacket. Is there any way to stop this?

Tekab from New Jersey

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After a recent house fire, a family member found all the clothing and furniture worth salvaging reeked of smoke odor. This is much worse than cigarette odor, or stove fire odor and seems to creep out into a room. Does anyone have tips for removal of the odor, particularly from the wood furniture? Washing the clothing repeatedly has not worked, and even dry cleaning has not helped the bulkier items much. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

P.G. Ray from AL

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Once I attended a family reunion which wasn't as entertaining as it promised to be. Sitting with my aunt and my mother-in-law we found that we spent most of the early afternoon figuring out how everyone was related to us. After dinner one of us took out a pen and began to scribble a family tree onto the paper tablecloth. It was quite an extensive oak when we were finished, and we had many missing branches.

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