Daily Thrifty Tips - March 23, 2009

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We've added a new feature to ThriftyFun. Now when you post a tip, photo or request while you are logged in, it links your name to your ThriftyFun profile. Feedback has always had this feature, but tips had not. If you haven't already, take a moment to create a profile on ThriftyFun. You can do so here:

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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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Gardening: Spring Crocus Blooms

Spring Has Sprung! "Crocus"

By Laura from Parsippany, NJ

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Craft: Aluminum Foil Sculptures

Making aluminum Foil sculptures; children love making these sculptures and you can add more fun by encouraging them to make up a story using their efforts. The possibilities are endless.

Instructions for a figure: Using a square of foil, tear two slits one third down the foil which will be the arms and head, then one slit one third up which will be the two legs. Scrunch the middle part which will be the body then the legs arms and head into shape.

Instructions for animal/dog: Same again except two slits at the bottom for the two legs and the tail.

WARNING! This can be addictive, I happen to know!

By Isobel from Scotland

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Craft Project: Coffee Can Marble Painting

This is a craft my 2 year old loves to make. She loves to shake up the marble in the coffee can and then take the lid off to discover her masterpiece. She also likes to watch herself shake the can in the mirror. So cute!

Supplies:

• Recycled coffee can
• Paint
• Marble
• Paper

Instructions:

Cut a circle of paper to fit in the bottom of a recycled coffee can.

Place the paper in the coffee can, roll the marble in desired paint color, and drop the marble in the can.

Add the lid to the coffee can and shake it up!

Remove the lid and repeat with other colors if desired.

Remove paper and allow to dry. Do several circles of paper!

Hang individual pieces of paper to display, or attach to a string to keep them all together. This is a fun way to paint for even the youngest artists!

By Jayme from Harrisonburg, VA

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Si (Arabian/Quarter Horse)

Si (registered name: Saida Luiba) is a 31 year old (Born May 2nd, 1977) Arabian/Quarter Horse. Si has been in my family since I was just 4 years old (I'm 21 now). This May she will be turning 32 years old! Her favorite activity is having my daughter, Lilly, love and pet her.

The whole family still enjoys riding her. Her age doesn't slow her down a bit! It was a dream come true to move to a small acreage where I could finally bring her home again (she's been boarded for several years). Si is very special to us- I will never find another one like her!

By Stacey from Dorr, MI

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Tinker (Chipin)

Tinker is a 4 1/2 month old Chipin that I got in November. I had admired a friends pop last summer, and when the last litter arrived, I was on top of the list! Tinker likes to jump, chew, tug-of-war with rope toys, run, jump and jump. Did I mention she likes to jump? Oh and as the pic shows, she likes to lick!

2 years ago, after the loss of a beloved 10 year old Pomeranian that was our son's pet, I never thought that I could or would ever have an attachment to a dog again. Until this little one came into our life, all that changed, for the better! She has captured my heart!

By JD from New Smyrna Beach

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Homemade Cream of Corn

Ingredients

• can of whole kernel corn
• chunk of butter
• 1 Tbsp. corn starch
• 1/4 cup milk
• medium onion
• 1 tsp. sugar

Directions

Drain most, not all, of the liquid from a can of corn and pour corn in blender. Add butter, corn starch, milk, onion and sugar. Blend on chop so it is not pulverized.

Cook on stove top in non stick skilled until onion is done and corn is thickened or cook in oven. Tastes like fresh cream style corn.

By Iva from Porter, TX

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Use Dental Floss to Hang Plastic Easter Eggs

We like to hang up plastic Easter eggs on our trees outside. We found the best string to use was dental floss. It really withstands the weather well!

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

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Carry an Empty Water Bottle Through Airport Security

Since we are not allowed to bring liquids on the plane, when I travel I carry an empty water bottle. After passing through security I fill the bottle with water from the fountain, therefore, I have water to drink on the plane.

By Walter from Chapel Hill, NC

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Trade Spaces for an Inexpensive Getaway

You can have an inexpensive getaway weekend or mini vacation just by trading spaces with a friend or family member. For example, my brother lives in the city and I live in the country about 45 miles away. If he is going out of town, he lets me know and then I can go spend the weekend in his apartment and experience city life. It is so much fun just to sleep in his bed; sit on his back deck with a cup coffee, etc.

Although my daughter lives in the same town as I, I enjoy staying at her house while she is gone because she has satellite TV, a whirlpool bathtub, and an in ground pool, and I get to enjoy it all for free!

By Margaret from Carrollton, GA

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New Uses for Similar Sized Items

I've noticed that there are a lot of same-size things around the house that can be reused.

I discovered a round plastic container that came with a roll of electrical tape and found that it fits perfectly on a can of cat food. Yesterday, I noticed a clear plastic thingie (who knows where it came from) with two small holes in it and put it into my bathroom sink drain, which had lost its stopper. It was a perfect fit also.

What comes with something, or what something comes in, is often a standard size that helps me store or cover something else of that size.

By Jill from Just Outside DC

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Insulate Windows With Bubblewrap Year Round

A great way to insulate windows in the winter and summer, is to use Bubblewrap. It not only insulates, but it still lets light in. It won't grow mold, and can be washed. I put it inside my windows. You can hang it up with just a few tacks or push-pins.

By JLS

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Reuse Tulle as a Scrubber

I save all the round pieces of tulle from weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, etc. and use them when I am rinsing off my dishes. Many times the dishes need a little extra scrubbing power before they go in the dishwasher. Instead of spending money on the sponges with the scrubber side I use the tulle to serve the same purpose. Once they start to tear you can discard them without seeing your money go in the trash as well.

I have also gone to the fabric store and bought a small amount of heavier tulle for mere pennies to use on the more difficult, dried on, dishes and pans. The tulle does not scratch your Teflon, and with the many colors tulle comes in you can color code its use ability.

By Rebecca from Mechanicsburg, PA

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Carry Emergency Kit in Your Car

My friend was stranded in her car last evening when she went to use her cell phone it was dead. She told me she was so thankful she had listened to her Dad's advice which I decided to pass along to you for yourself or someone you care about.

These are must haves for your car: A blanket, flashlight, gallon of unopened spring water, antifreeze, an extra quart of oil and jumper cables. You need to know where your spare is, and MAKE sure you have a jack. Of course there's other items like a first aid kit, flares, and reflective triangle.

Use a moving crate to keep all your goods in. The new dry gas will get you about 20 miles, expensive but worth it if you are stuck without gas! Hope I have helped someone!

Oh and one more thing, she learned last evening; have a cell phone charger in your car. If your cell phone is working, there is a Road side assistance 800# on the back of your TX driver's license. I would hope all states offer that.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Keep Pencils from Rolling Off Your Desk

I like to put a rubber band on the tips of my pencils, right under the eraser to keep them from rolling off the table or desk. The same works for pens, too.

By Robyn F. from Hampton, TN

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Add Vanilla to Cola

I love diet vanilla coke zero and when it is on sale I buy it a lot. I have type 2 diabetes and I drink a lot of diet colas, water doesn't do it for have queasy tummy all the time. This week, I didn't have much money. So I told hubby to get the cheapest diet cola, which he did. I buy the good vanilla extract. I smelled it one day and fell in love with it. The good stuff is worth a bit more money but has a better vanilla smell and taste. I took the vanilla and put just a drop or two in a glass and then added the soda. It was good! Even hubby liked it. Now I know the vanilla extract has sugar in it, that is why I just use a drop or two. If you both love vanilla and cola, try it.

By Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA

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Getting Every Bit of Thick Canned Goods

When cooking with a heavy paste (like tomato) or cream soups, I will open up the can then get a lid with a little larger bottom than what I'm trying to open of the paste can, turn the can upside down on the lid and open paste can. The paste will come out fast and the can will be clean. Nothing left in the can to scrape out. No waste.

By Joan from Allentown, PA

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What do Dameraians Look Like?

Do Dameraians look like Poms? I have two that have the color or a Weiener dog but everything else points to Pom. It could of been breed to another Pom. They have the curly tail, short ears, short nose, and are very fuzzy.

By David

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Buying Plants from Gardener's Choice

Has anyone bought any of the Giant Tree Tomatoes, from Gardener's Choice? I bought 3 of what I thought were plants, but they sent me seeds instead. I would not have wasted that much money on seeds, if I had known.

By Sharon from Vian, OK

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Bleach Residue on Drinking Glasses

What would remove bleach residue from drinking glasses?

By Jason from Jeanerette, LA

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Removing Egg from Concrete

How do you get egg off of concrete?

By Pat from Coplay, PA

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Paint Color Advice

We just broke down the wall that separates our kitchen and our living room. So we now have something like an open concept. The living room is small but long. We want to paint the entrance of our home going up the stairs and the living room and the kitchen all different colors.

Our furniture is chocolate brown, our kitchen cabinets are cherry and our kitchen counters are black marble with very little cream. We were looking to paint the entrance a rusty color and the living room maybe a dark brown just to make it cozy but it might be too dark. But regarding the kitchen we are so confused. Please help with any colors to use.

Mireille from Toronto, ON

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Substituting With Self Rising Flour

If a recipes calls for flour, baking powder, and soda can I use self rising flour instead? If I can, how would I measure it to be the same?

By Laura

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Getting Green Dye Out of Clothes

Someone gave me a green shirt that I did not know was dyed. I washed it with colored cloths, did not realize until after I dried it that the dye from the shirt got on some of my cloths. Does anybody have suggestions of how I can get the dye out of my cloths?

By Vickie from Louisiana

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ALDI Food Brands

We have a new grocery chain in our area. The prices are very good, for instance eggs for 49 cents a dozen. However, the brand names of canned goods and such are not familiar to me. Does anyone shop at ALDI? And can you suggest which brands compare to the House-Brands at the other grocery chains? Thanks.

By Barbara from East Tennessee

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Octogon Soap Wrapper Dishes

We have some dishes fro my father's great grandmother. She got them from saving Octogon soap wrappers. I cannot find anthing about the dishes. I was wondering if anyone out there has some information on them? They are a blue willow pattern. Thanks.

Sue from PA

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Substitute for Boone's Farm Apple Wine

Has anyone found a substitute for Boone's Farm Apple wine to use in recipes for cooking?

BoatingBuddy from Minneapolis

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Flattening Milk Jug With a Clothes Iron

I recently read on this site about using an iron to flatten milk jugs. Could someone tell me more details on how to do that? What temperature iron, what covering on the plastic, etc.?

Polly from Turtle Creek, PA

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Moldy Smell in Tupperware

I have a Tupperware bread keeper that I love. Unfortunately I left a partial loaf of homemade bread in it too long and now it smells like moldy yeast. The store-bought loaf I put in it I had to throw away because it tasted the same way. What can I use to get that smell out? Thank you!

Jane from Bonifay, FL

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Aggressive Pit Bull Puppy

I have a 9 week old pit bull puppy that does not get along with other dogs. She growls and tries to fight. What do I do? Help!

Hila from Van Nuys, CA

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Boost vs MetroPcs

I am looking for information about which of these cellphone services is better, Boost or MetroPcs.

Tina from OC, CA

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Repairing a Vinyl Bean Bag

We have a vinyl bean bag that has a couple of tears in it thanks to a new puppy. I have taped over the holes with duct tape but the tape keeps coming off around the edges and it looks really ugly. Does anyone know how I can repair a hole in vinyl?

Kathy from Parker, CO

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Decorating with Food at a Party

I am looking for ideas for how to decorate with food for a first birthday party?

Sonia from California

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Burnt Bean Soup

I made a huge pot of bean soup and burnt it. It has a horrible taste now. Is there any remedy? Thanks.

Debby from Maryland

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Using Butter Instead of Whipped Butter

Can I use ordinary butter instead of whipped butter in a recipe?

Carlotta from Coquitlam, BC

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Growing Grass on Bald Spots

Grass seed is too expensive, but I have bald spots in my lawn. What can I do that won't cost me any money?

Hardiness Zone: 8b


Dawn from Dunwoody, GA

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Cleaning Ink Out of a Dryer

Is it safe to use alcohol in your dryer to get pen ink stains out?

Kristen from Winston Salem, NC

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How to Get Cooked-On Grease off Pans?

What really works to clean cooked on grease off pans? It seems like I have tried everything, cream of tarter/vinegar, baking soda/vinegar, baking soda/water, Dawn and Ajax. Right now my house smells of vinegar so bad my chest burns from breathing it. Please help! Kacie from Magnolia, TX

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My Finch Has Laid Some Eggs

I have a female and male Zebra finch. They have laid 4 eggs in the food dish and 1 on the bottom of the cage. They sat on them for about a week and then quit sitting on them. My husband noticed yesterday that there was 2 more eggs, and today there was another one in the dish.

We are wondering what to do because we think that the ones that were there at first might be no good, but we do not know which ones where just laid. Can you help us by telling us what we should do. Thanks.

Donna from Barrie, Ontario

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Cleaning Grout

What is the best way to clean grout?

Tom from Edison, NJ

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Getting Rid of Mildew Smell in Home

The water line behind my stand up shower leaked between the walls and now it smells like mildew really bad. The entire house smells that way when it's all closed up. I took the fiberglass/plastic panel out to replace a leaky valve. I also let it dry out for a week. I sprayed it all down with Tilex/Bleach and water. But that hasn't fixed anything. What can I do to get that smell out?

David from Louisville, KY

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Information About an Antique Cabinet

Would anyone know anything about this antique? The possible age and value?

Terry from Pittsburgh, PA

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Finding Out the Value of a Print

I'm trying to get an approximate value on this antique print of "Daybreak" by Robert Parish. It looks like an original frame. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Terry from Pittsburgh, PA

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Using Coffee Grounds for Kerosene Odors

When using coffee grounds to get rid of kerosene or gas smell, do you use ground coffee or used coffee grounds?. Many thanks.

John from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

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Neighbor's Chickens Coming in Yard

How do I keep the neighbor's chickens from destroying everything that I have left. The grass, bulbs, and slope ground cover are already gone.

Sheryl from Hood River, OR

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Dyed Blonde Hair Turning Yellow

I have been dying my hair blonde for awhile now. Lately it has been turning very brassy, orange/yellow. What can I use to get rid of it and make it a nice color?

wacky camper

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South Beach Diet Recipes

I am on the South Beach diet. I am losing weight. I am getting tired of eating eggs and chicken. I don't even like eggs that much. I am looking for some breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas that are easy and don't include eggs and fish. I like chicken, but not seafood. Thank you.

wacky camper

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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

Health and Beauty for Less
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Beauty Products

I was once under the belief that generic products weren't as good as brand names. I was wrong. In the days when soap was boring and bland, brands like Bath and Body Works were a refreshing break from the normal. Now, almost every brand has followed through with similar products from foaming pump soaps to body washes. The store brands follow through with the same fragrances and textures at cheaper prices. Often, the store brands skip the additives as well, making for an even better product at less of a price.

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Saving Money on Bicycles

Tips and advice for saving money on a bicycle as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

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