Daily Thrifty Tips - October 1, 2007

We have information about a meat recall in the More Reading section.

Here are the contest winners for the week before last.

Photo Contest Winner

Old Baby Gate For A Trellis
By Elaine from Iowa

Tip Contest Winners

Use Spray Glue And Fabric To Cover Worn Upholstery
By pamphyila from Los Angeles. CA

Fishing Line For Frugal Toilet Fix
By Marty from Houston, TX

Thank you to everyone that submitted something! Do you have any Halloween tips to share? Please submit them on a contest page. Also, do you have any pictures of past Halloween costumes that you made? We would love to see those as well.

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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Fabric Pumpkins

Here is a fun craft to make this fall. I made a ton of them last year, they are cheap and easy.

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Denver Botanical Garden

My daughter and her new friend! These photos were taken at the Denver Botanical Garden on 9/07 after a rain shower.

By Mary Lou from Abingdon, MD

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Puggles (Pug)

Puggles is 10 months old and a Pug, of course. My aunt's dog had a litter of puppies and Puggles was the only one left after everyone picked through them. She was 12 weeks old when I got her and we've loved her ever since. She is the best addition to our family we've ever had.

She loves to run laps around the house at top speed, my 5 year old son and her chase each other around the house, play with her toys

By LeAnn from Grandview

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Cousins at the Reunion

At a family reunion, I snapped this picture of my granddaughter, Kyla and grandson, Levi, who are cousins. The contented look on Kyla's face and Levi accepting her on his shoulders, touches all of our hearts. Our son moved his family here to the United States so his small children could grow up knowing their cousins. We are so blessed.

Eletha

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Wipe Down Your Car With Vinegar

Here is a quick and easy way to wash the car. The other day I decided to wash my car windows, which were looking pretty smeary. I used a bowl of vinegar and water about 3 cups water and one of vinegar. When I was through, I wiped off the hood which was looking pretty dusty - and dried it and before I knew it,I cleaned the entire car.

I was sure it would dry with smears, etc. but it didn't. It really looked pretty good. I have a compact car, so a larger car would probably need more water and vinegar. I was really pleased with the results - no hosing down - and only took about ten minutes. I will definitely do this again.

By Joan from Chesterfield MI

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Collect Water In Sink When Waiting For Hot

While waiting for hot water from your sink to get hot, place a milk jug under the faucet to collect water. Use this water to water plants, pets, etc. You'll be surprised with how much water you've collected.

By MOMOF1 from WILKESBORO, NC

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Trick Or Treat For Something Good With Unicef

With Halloween just around the corner, many kids are already thinking about costumes, parties, and of course, candy! As a parent, I worry about the materialism attached to holidays, both big and small and the effect it has on our children as they grow up. This year is the first year, my son is big enough to go trick or treating, and I was worried about how to counteract the "Give me more" message that Halloween seems to present. Luckily I was able to find a way for us to go trick or treating AND do something good for others.

Trick or Treat For UNICEF is a great way for kids of all ages to help other kids all around the world who need our help. You can get a free kit at:

• http://www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat

By Tracey from Hibbing, MN

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Go Ahead, Freeze Your Eggs

Eggs, (blended) can be kept in the freezer in an airtight container for up to four months. Here are some simple tips to help you freeze your eggs properly.

In the case of whole eggs, beat lightly before freezing. To freeze egg yolks, beat in either 1/8 teaspoon (0.5 mL) salt or 1 and a pinch teaspoons (7 mL) of sugar or corn syrup per cup (50 mL) egg yolks (about 4 yolks). For egg whites, you can freeze them as they are. For faster thawing and easier measuring, you can freeze eggs (after having followed the proper tips listed above) in an ice cube tray and then transfer them to a freezer container. It is important to note that although eggs can be frozen, they should not be frozen in their shell.

By Cinnamon from Williams Lake, BC

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Use Gift Bags For Cute Wall Art

My son loves Roy Rogers, and I've looked at prints and posters to decorate his room with, but most are a little pricey for a momma on a budget. While I was walking through the dollar store the other day, I noticed a gift bag that just happened to have a cute, good-sized tinted photo of Roy Rogers and Trigger, ONE ON EACH SIDE. I cut them out and framed them in dollar store frames. Two framed pics for $3.00--instead of $30.00.

So--look over those cheap but cute giftbags and grab your scissors! Butcher a bag!

By Gina J. from Colorado

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Remove Excess Grease From Pepperoni

When making homemade pizza, try this to have a much less fatty pepperoni. Whether it is sliced by yourself or bought that way, line the disks up on a folded paper towel in a microwave safe dish and cover with another layer of folded towel. Repeat this layering and toweling until you have the amount of pepperoni you need. Microwave it on low for 15 to 30 seconds (start out on the lower seconds to make sure it doesn't get crisp). Remove the toweling and the fat from your meat and then top your pizza ! So much better without the little pools of grease!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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How To Get Sparkling Eyes?

Combine 2-3 tsp. cucumber juice with 5-6 drops of Rosewater. Dip a cotton ball in this mixture and place on your eyes for 10 minutes to get rejuvenated and sparkling Eyes.

By Lyon from Bangalore

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Give Out One Coloring Page At A Time

At my son's daycare, they noticed that when they gave the kids a whole coloring book, they would color a little bit on lots of different pages, and then when someone got the book out again, they would not want to color in it because the pages were already used.

The adults started taking out pages and just giving the kids the individual sheets. They focus on just one picture, and the rest of the book does not go to waste.

I tried this at home with my little guy - and it works! He notices more of the details in the one picture we are working on, and the rest of the book is safe until another day.

Another bonus -the pages are already taken out and ready for me to hang when he is finished coloring them!

By Regina from Rochester, NY

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Let Your Friends Help You Find Bargains

My best frugal tip is to not impulse buy and to let your friends know what you are looking for. I recently wanted a new piece of exercise equipment for $150. I almost purchased it that day, but instead I waited. A few weeks later a friend called and found me a used one in excellent condition for $20!

By Sara from Southeast Missouri

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Fold Patterns To Correct Size

This is for people who sew. I buy those multiple size patterns for many of my granddaughter's garments. I cut out the pattern pieces to the largest size. Then I cut across the cutting line at several places around the pattern. Then I fold the pieces to the cutting line for the appropriate size. This enables me to use the pattern for several seasons and I can also use size 6 length with a size 5 garment as she is rather tall for her age. The patterns last longer and will do for more than one child.

By MartyD from Houston, TX

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Cleaning and Protecting Auto Paint from Love Bugs

I live in the New Orleans area. Across the south in the spring and fall, we are plagued with little flying insects called LOVE BUGS. They are all over your car and are the biggest mess. They have a high acidity level so if not removed promptly, they can actually take off the paint. This isn't just a quick rinse-off with a hose answer, as anyone living in these areas know.

My question is, has anyone found a good way to clean our cars to make sure the finish is protected?

Thanks,

Sandy from Kenner, LA

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Pattern for Crocheted or Knitted Dog Booties

Does anyone have a pattern for knitted or crocheted booties for a dog? Thank you

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Little Suzy's Zoo First Birthday Party Centerpieces

I've already started planning my 7 month old baby's first birthday party. Her theme is Little Suzy's Zoo and I've pretty much got most of the party favors, goody bags and decor figured out. I'm having trouble with what I should do for the centerpieces. Something cute, thrifty, and not too hard to put together is what I'm looking for. If you have any ideas for a cute centerpiece, please let me know. Thanks.

Jordyn's Mommy from Oahu, HI

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Items with Meanings for Goody Bags

Where could I find a site with different ideas about meaningful basket or goody bags? My daughter got one from her teacher one year that gum sticks that meant something, a peppermint something else. Each little thing she put in the bag had some kind of meaning. She said there were other ideas for holidays but i can't seem to find anything about gifts with meanings. Can anyone help?

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Looking for Christmastime Charity in Missouri

Could anyone tell me if they know of any Charities that help families in need with Christmas here in Missouri?

Stephanie from Holts Summit, MO

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Recipe for Gentle Skin Toner

Does anyone have a recipe for a gentle skin toner?

Thanks!

Norma from Ontario, Canada

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Recipes for a Diabetic Person

Looking for recipes of all kinds for a diabetic person. Thanks.

Janet from WI

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Refreshing Wood Veneer

Does anyone know if it is possible to refresh wood veneer? I have a lovely old table but the top has had much use over the years and the veneer looks terrible. The top has been varnished as well. Can I gently sand the top and then re-stain and re-varnish? Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Lisa from Greece

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How to Lighten Complexion

My complexion has become very dark since I started playing for my school's team in the sun.can anyone please tell me how to remove this dreadful tan and lighten my complexion?

Nabiha

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Swiffer, Shark or Swivel?

What do you find that really works on hardwoods and vinyl floors. I have to sweep mine 3 times a day (sticky stuff,etc) because of the little ones.

Robin from Marietta,GA

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Free Baby Bib Pattern With Sleeves

Would anyone know where I can get a free pattern to make a baby bib with sleeves?

Nicole from Canada

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Looking For Inexpensive Indoor Mini Lights

Anyone know where I can buy the indoor mini lights online for a cheap price. I need them for the glass blocks I am making and need quite a few strings.
Also for 8x8x4..would you suggest 35 lights or 50?

Carrie from Canada

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Low Calorie High Fiber Sandwich Bread Recipe

Does anyone have a low-calorie, high fiber sandwich bread recipe?

Marla from Missouri

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Copycat Recipe For Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Does anyone have a copycat recipe for Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal?

Marla from Missouri

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What is This Flower?

What is this? It is loaded with flies and butterflies constantly, and I mean loaded! Thanks. Linda

By Linda from Bellevue, NE

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Looking For a Recipe to Make Mirin

I am looking for a recipe to make mirin.

Antoinette Perry from Hi

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Looking For Nachos Recipe

Do you have a recipe for nachos?

Christa from Cleveland

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Health Advice For Fatty Liver

I recently was told that I have a fatty liver. I have never consumed alcohol, but have a similar condition as one who abuses drinking. I wondered if anyone else has been diagnosed with such and what you have found to work to reverse this condition? What foods are advisable to consume? Thank you for your help.

Carol from Laingsburg, MI

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What Not to Put In Compost Pile

I am starting a little compost pile, and I would like to know what NOT to put in it. I am using a kiddie wading pool for this. Thanks for any feedback.

Peggy from Chillicothe, OH

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Freezing Chicken Salad

Can you safely freeze and re-use chicken salad?

Lyla from Kentucky

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Looking For Manufacturers Stamp on Furniture

Hello! I need to know of any tell tale signs other than the stamping of a name on furniture that would let me know if it is worth anything? EG. dovetales, shape, carvings. If this is too vague, can you point me in a direction where I can look some info up on this? Thanks!

Mel from Allentown, PA

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Craft Ideas For Fur Fabric

Can anyone help? I have just been given generous amounts of fur fabric by a friend. So far i have made a large pencil case for my niece but that's all. Apart from making teddy bears with the fabric- has anyone got some creative ideas for what to do with it please?

Many thanks.

Monique from Somerset.UK

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Spirit Team Ideas For Singing Group

My singing group has started a "Spirit Team" and we need ideas to boost morale. i.e. poems about music, laughing, etc. also, some ideas for special nights...'Shocking Stockings", "Can It Night" for the food pantry. We need quick silly games or THEMES before we begin rehearsals.
Thanks so much.

JeanneFox from Englewood, FL.

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Wedding Reception Candle Centerpiece Ideas

Any centerpiece ideas for a reception with candles for cheap. I don't want to use flowers (maybe a few petals) but make it look elegant and expensive. Thank you.

Kayla

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Substitute For Powdered Milk

I ran out of powdered milk. What can I use for a substitute?

Ellenbess

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Recipe For Okra Cheese Rice Casserole

I am looking for a recipe for Okra/Cheese/Rice Casserole. I have one before that was made with tomatoes. Do you have any recipes similar to that?

Dee from Franklin, LA

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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

Ground Beef Recall Expanded Across U.S.

The Topps Meat Co. on Saturday expanded its recall of frozen hamburger patties to include 21.7 million pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria that sickened more than a dozen people in eight states.

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Creating Your Craft Room

Tips for creating a craft room from the ThriftyFun Community.

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