Daily Thrifty Tips - December 29, 2006

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I wanted a chandelier over my diningroom table, but couldn't find any i liked enough for the price so I decided to hang a table lamp upside down over the table. Found this one at the thrift store and bought it for five bucks. It's glass hand blown into a wire cage with three little balls for feet that could be unscrewed off, which is how someone attached it to the ceiling. People don't even realize it's a table lamp until I tell them! I have experimented with many shades for many different looks and it is one of my prime spots for hanging Christmas ornaments.

By Sara from Rochester, NY

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This is my Grandson Jacob visiting Santa Claus.He is almost 3 months old.

By Jan from Springfield, Minn

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At the bay in Camp Lejeune, NC. At 1600, usually, the fog covers the bay and the sun sets just at the right moment to create the beauty that you see here. One of my best pictures yet.

By Freerick Pou from Camp Lejeune, NC

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Here's a photo of the angel statue in our front yard after a recent
snow. I was so pleased with the photo I added the perfect title of
"Snow Angel".

By Cheryl

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PuggyPoos is a two and a half year old Heinz 57 variety. Her mom was a stray who adopted us when she was about five weeks old. PuggyPoos is a kitten from the litter she had (when the vet said she was too young to get pregnant!)

PuggyPoos is a lizard chaser! She also loves to cuddle. But more than anything, she loves to sit on her window box enjoying the outside view, knowing she's safe inside.

This photo is of PuggyPoos when she was about three months old. She'd had a hard days play, which you can tell by the dirt on her nose! She's still just as fuzzy, lovable and looks the same when she sleeps.

By Pam from Glynn, LA

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Do you like the smell and taste of fresh baked cookies all the time but can't bake as often as you would like to ? Does your diet dictate to you that cookies shouldn't be the largest part of your daily food pyramid? Try this:

Go to the freezer section of your favorite grocery store and find the frozen cookie dough. (This is an especially good thing to do after the Holidays if you want to stock up on discounted Holiday cookie dough) Take a package or 2 home and freeze one. Open one pack and cut only 2 cookies or chunks of dough into quarters. Roll each quarter into a ball. You then bake these but watch them because you won't be baking them as directed (as directed was meant for the original sized cookie before it was quartered).

I like to use my little table top cookie oven for this because the baking sheet is very small and easily washed. You will trick your stomach into thinking that you are getting more cookie than what it really is getting!

The smell of fresh baked cookies drifting through the house with only 2 cookies! What a great way to watch your calorie intake when the Holidays make that so hard to do! Put the coffee on!!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Tomato Catsup

By Louise

Lemons and Salt

By Annie from Michie, TN

Flour, Salt and White Vinegar

By Aline

Toothpaste

By Joesgirl

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If you know someone who is constantly plagued with boils, use this to cure and continue to take it for prevention. Take one garlic pill per day and 1 tablespoon honey. Use the honey as a salve also.

By LZYGRANNY from NC

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If you do a lot of mailing, you can save on postage by purchasing stamps at below face value. H. Gitner Philatelists, Inc. (hgitner.com) offers up to an 11% discount on stamps. We saved about $40.00 on our stamps and got free shipping.

By Alexandra from Virginia

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Dry, tight coughs are the worst and they can lead to further bronchial problems. Loosen up that dry phlegm - yes, uck, so you can get rid of it - by breathing in steam deep into your lungs by inhaling the steam of a large cup of hot tea. (You can also take hot steamy baths, or steam your head over steaming hot water in a basin with a towel over your head.)

I think the tea route is the easiest - an old doctor of mine told me that there's a lot of fancy equipment that does pretty much the same thing. I even talked my husband into it and he had to begrudgingly agree that it worked! (You know how husbands are.)

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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My frugal life began when I married young against my parent's wishes. I dropped out of high school and made my way in life without a lot of help from anyone so learning to do without or making it myself became a life-long thing. When I think back to the things I learned most during the toughest financial times in my life, it was not about saving as in a Savings account, it was about going from paycheck to paycheck. I have 5 children and getting by was rather difficult at some times. My main challenge was raising five children and giving them some of what they wanted but also to teach them to be self sufficient. But I made it through and you can too. Some of my best tips I learned by accident, some by necessity. Sad as it may seem, this is a disposable society and I have learned to take advantage of that. Being dirt poor, and I mean only being able to afford the basic necessities, are a reality for many in this country. I always worked and sometimes worked 3 jobs in one day and had a husband who worked also but we could barely make it above the poverty line. That's my story and now on to how to get by.

First off, I learned to be a lifetime learner. Not having an education set me back many a time. Even though I knew I could do the job, without that piece of paper saying I could and could show, no employer would take me seriously. Now there were some people who let me show them but it was a rarity. So I learned how to crochet to make extra money. I took free classes at the library on everything from preserving food to home economy. I checked out books on saving money and how to weather proof my home to bring down the utility bills and how to do various jobs. The library and its resources became my best friend. Now we have the internet and what a wonderful resource it can be for learning. I have learned so much from just reading Thrifty fun on other people's ways of saving money. I also learned from many elderly folks who lived through the Depression, learning can be as simple as listening.

I also let it be known that if someone in my family or my friends had a bunch of junk they wanted to get rid of, I would take it. I never turned anything down so that people would be willing to give me what ever they had to get rid of. Once I took a whole box of bedspreads that someone had gotten from a dormitory, I made curtains out of some of them and swapped some of them and gave the rest to charity. I have also taken that junk and gone to the flea market and sold their stuff and made a little money that way.

Second, I learned to barter, whether it be for babysitting or for groceries. I would trade cleaning someone's house for babysitting or typing someone's report for groceries. I learned there were a lot of jobs out there that people hated to do and while they might not pay someone else to do them for them they often would be willing to barter that job. I bartered pre-school for my youngest daughter at the time by working in the home run pre-school. The teacher needed help and my daughter needed an education so it worked out well for all of us. I have bartered personal shopping, dog dropping pickup, typing services, working for a day as a receptionist answering phones, and swimming lessons for the things I needed. I have bartered car repairs with a backyard mechanic for cooking some meals for him. Try it, you will see that it works.

Third, I learned to be a trader. When one of my friends were getting rid of something I needed, most of the time I could trade for something that they needed. I started a clothes swapping group when my children were younger. I also used to trade food that I had bought on sale and in bulk for other things I needed like cigarettes (nasty habit, I know) and for other things that were needed. I knew many single mothers who were given clothes by friends that do not fit or were not their style, so we would get together and swap the leftovers. A church in our community also had what they called the Clothes Closet, and many of us would go there to get clothes for ourselves and our families. The cost was free, of course, and was fueled by donations but most of us donated clothes and household items to it when we could, so I consider that trading.

Fourth, I learned to dumpster dive. Now, don't turn up your nose, I have found everything from a classical guitar to a bed that I needed or could be fixed up a little to be traded for something else. People throw away things all the time that are still useful. Think about some of the things that have made it into your trash recently. Not good enough for a charity but really not bad enough to throw away.

I save buttons from junked clothing and nice lace for craft projects. Hand knitted sweaters from the thrift store get unraveled to make new things from the yarn. Recycled glass jars get made into candy jars at Christmas. These are easy things you can do to have the things you want. I take my friends leftover craft supplies and make things to sell at craft shows or the flea market it keeps my costs down. I love to read so I have always done book swaps with friends for myself and my children.

I buy in bulk and break up big packages into smaller ones. This saves me a lot on my meat purchases. I save jars and other packaging to repackage things such as macaroni and beans. I have found that in the Hispanic food section, I can buy alphabet noodles and stars and other specialty shapes for like .23 cents a package and I bring them home and dump them into one of my jars and use them for soup. I try and stretch every meal I have to make two, if not three, meals from any meat dish. I freeze my leftovers so we don't eat the same things too often and to save me time.

I keep a gift closet so I am prepared for most birthdays and holidays. By spreading out the cost of these over the whole year, I save a lot of money. I buy things at yard sales and thrift stores to make gift baskets. The dollar store is also one of my favorites for gift giving.

I shop thrift stores, garage sales, and church rummage sales for the things I need even now that I have a good job and my husband's business is going strong. I rarely even now feel the need to buy something new because I know I can usually find it for free (Freecycle) or I can find what I need in a thrift store.

If I could have one wish, it would be to have the resources to start another clothes closet for needy women and their kids. It would sure help those who need it, would teach the world about recycling the things we don't use and maybe this idea could spread.

That's my story and I hope it helps one of you out there.

Debra Frick from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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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Try keeping most of your sandwich making items in a plastic basket in your refrigerator. Not only does this save multiple trips to and from opening the door each time but your kids won't require much help at snacktime!

The same applies for home picnic items - all the condiments simply get toted to the patio in one swift trip!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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There are always little crumbs left when the cereal is finished. I save these crumbs in a zip top bag, crush them fine, and use them in cookie recipes. The crumbs also could be used in place of breadcrumbs in some recipes.

By AnnMel from Mountain Home, AR

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I reuse milk containers as garbage bins all over the house. Carefully cut top of milk carton leaving handle intact. Now you can use the handle to attach it to the door knob or any other hook you have around. This works great for food scraps or lint from the dryer!

By Denise from Mcrae, GA

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We no longer buy chemicals for our lawn. We learned through our cooperative extension office that using a mulching mower makes natural fertilizer. We've done this for a few years now , and the crab grass is gone! We have a very thick healthy lawn. We also sprinkle free used coffee grounds from Starbucks on it for a little extra fertilizer. I don't miss bagging those leaves! Any overage we rake and pile around the trees...they love this composting mulch.

By Alexandra from Virginia

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When building your home, if you're having a basement, you might want to consider having a drain in the floor. In case of a water leak while you're gone, your basement won't fill up, so no water damage.

By Terri from NV

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I have already submitted a hint about putting all your family's medical information into a new date book at this time of year. They are free at many stores. I put in say, bone density test on Oct. 2006, pneumonia shot on Feb. 18th, 2002. All your records can be kept together on the anniversary date and you can have a date book for each member.

Now I put down in the month of December the Christmas Decorations that I need or wish for, after I have seen exactly what I need. It makes it super easy to pick up just what I need. Also in next year's date book, for the months of October/November I have a list of what I am looking for, instead just trying to remember. Like bows, bags, boxes or strings of lights. I get enormous compliments on my Christmas cards, which I buy right after Christmas, and I write that down so I do not make a mistake and purchase more then I need.

One last thing is I always keep a separate date book as my check/debit register. It is so much easier to write down "CVS $30.00 On Dec. 13th" when I have my pocketbook open. It makes it so much easier to see how much and where the money is going. For instance if you always have a certain amount every Friday, you can look on those dates and see that you are making withdrawals to go out with "the girls". Thank you

By Heather from Boston, MA

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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/

More Information:
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How do I get the smell out of a stainless steel sink?

Raybay from West Orange, NJ

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What can I use to fill a homemade heat pack?

Lori from Ponca, NE

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What is the quickest, most economical way to completely get the set-in blood stains out of my cotton bedding? Dark purple sheets, cream covers, and white mattress pad.

Thank You,
JOEAGLE from Somerset, KY

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My kitchen has cherry cupboards,red brick backsplash...what color do I paint the walls?

Erin from Syracuse, NY

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How can I remove magic marker from my unfinished wood floor? I have tried everything from the Magic Eraser to WD40 with no luck. It's blue marker and a big mess and I am desperate before I have to sand down the floor and start over.

Deena from Newton Falls, OH

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How do you clean nicotine stains on vertical blinds?

Paul from Ocala, FL

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I need help removing price tag sticker glue from a leather wallet.

Angie from Elk River, MN

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Quite a mineral buildup in our toilet and drain. I have had our toilet off once before, and the lime or calcium deposits had blocked the actual drain hole in the floor by about 50%. What can I do to eliminate this blockage in an ongoing way, since the vinegar and baking soda, or chemicals in the toilet bowl itself will not reach that area? The snake will not work in the toilet - too sharp of a bend! New toilet? but then still will have the buildup

Brenda from Lethbridge Alberta, CA

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I need directions on making a bib holder for Seniors with small clothespins and ribbon.

Terri from Illinois

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How do I get nail polish remover of a leather couch?

Marilyn from Australia

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My dog goes to the bathroom in the front of my house on the cement steps and on the bushes and I can't get rid of the smell. I tried cleaning the steps with bleach but I think the smell is also in the bushes.

Kate from Boothwyn, PA

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I set a curfew of 3:30am on the weekends, and 12:00 on week nights for my 20 year old son who is attending Community college but living with us.. He thinks this is unfair. We don't have any major problems with him like drugs, gambling, drinking or in a gang. He has very good grades and works part time. He buys his own clothes and rarely eats at home. He doesn't contribute to the home, and keeps his room very untidy. Between work and college he is hardly home during the week. When he is home he stays in his room and doesn't socialize with the family. I don't know what to do about this. I have talked often to him about his attitude. He is like a stranger in my home.

Nell from SierrA. Vista, AZ

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I need help in organizing all my receipts. Should it be by the month or store?

Lauramac from Banning, CA

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I am having my daughter room painted and she put some paint on my cream microfiber sofa. How can I remove it?

Totsey from Chicago, IL

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My husband gave me a Red Lion Amaryllis as a pre-X-mas gift. It did bloom and 1 boom has died, at the lower end of that bloom there is a bulb thing. Are there seeds in it, are they fertle? There are 3 more blooms left. How can I get seeds from that Flower Bulb?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Thank you for any info you have,
Sherry from Valdosta, GA

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My daughter recently went to sleep with some Silly Putty which she managed to get imbedded into her new Christmas sweater. What can we do?

Yuvid1 from Lyons, CO

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What can I do to stop my sofa cushions from sinking?

RERE from SOMEWHERE, LA

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How do I remove tree sap from my hair?

Donna from PA

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I usually buy a frozen turkey for the holidays, both thanksgiving and christmas. I usually buy an off brand. Sometimes they are good, and sometimes not so good. What brand of frozen turkeys do you recommend? I think butterball are overrated.

Thanks,
P.J. from Delaware

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I have a Bissell Little Green. The pump has stopped working and cannot spray cleaner through the unit. It appears that the small motor is locked up. Are these motors replaceable and if so how much are the motors.

hmrclr

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Can you make laminate floors shine? Mine has a dull luster to them?

Linda from Cambridge, OH

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I am looking for a speech for my First Holy Communion. Any ideas?

Anushka from Inida

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Where do you purchase the oils to make my own Lampe Berge Fragrane. I bought some candle oil from a craft store and mixed it up, but is smells like burning alcohol. So I added more and now it will not burn.

Debby from Vinton, LA

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How can I get red stain from tissue paper that bled onto a vintage nylon type fabric dress?

Judy from Homewood, IL

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I have a lot of purses and need a way of organizing them without squishing them in a rubbermaid tote. I want to place them upright in some way so I can see each one. Any suggestions?

Kate from Maryland

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What can be used to remove smoke from clothing after house fire?

Brenda from Indiana

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How do I get spilt lavender nail polish out of dark blue jeans?

Toni from Billings, MT

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My daughter is 13, but very developed body-wise. We can discuss sex and boys very easily. She has strong moral values, and said she wants to be a virgin until marriage. Recently she told me there's a boy she likes at school. He gave her a teddy bear as a Christmas gift. I am concerned because the boy is 15, but in eight grade with her. He flunked two grades before. There is also an issue of him having a problem with the juevenile system last year. She talks with him on the phone and internet. I am not certain what to do about all this - the gift and the constant communication.

Nell from Sierra Vista, AZ

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I have booked a trip to Hawaii for my boyfriends 22nd birthday/college graduation gift. I have told him that I have a family reunion that week to ensure that he will have the time off of work. However, I cannot seem to think of a creative way to present the trip to him. It is going to be a total surprise but I want to have a clever way to tell him. Any suggestions?

Lyndsay from Columbia, MO

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How do I get an ink stain out of a washable - tan, suede jacket. I tried rubbing alcohol but now there is a mark left on it. Should I put it in the washer?

Lori from Saginaw, MI

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

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