Daily Thrifty Tips - January 19, 2009

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. There has been a dramatic expansion of the peanut butter recall. Here's a list of products by Kellogg that are being recalled:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28719699/

So far, it sounds like brand name peanut butter sold in jars, directlly to consumers is safe. But peanut butter used in cookies, crackers or sold commecially could contain salmonella. Here's a good general article about the outbreak:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28695782/

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Garden: Clematis

Don't be afraid to try Clematis. I didn't have to do much other than fertilize once in a while. This was in semi-shade and moist ground. Enjoy

By Joan from Union, KY

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Craft Project: Dripping Paint Glass Jar

This cute craft uses watered-down paint to create a dripping pattern. Depending on the colors you choose, the results can look like marble, tie-dye, dripping paint and much more. Great as a gift itself, or filled with bath salts/oils or other non-food items.

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Lilly (Himalayan)

Lilly is 6 years old and a Himalayan. I adopted Lilly from a shelter two years ago. She was very sick with crystals in her urine and she was covered with lice. She was so sad!

She loves to jump and run! She is so happy now! Just look at her now! Lilly lived in a small cage for over about 3 years because no one bothered to find out what her problems were! Poor little girl!

By Judy from Murray, UT

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Use Over The Door Organizers For Crafts

Keep your craft room organized with this over-the-door hanger made for shoes. It's perfect for keeping sharp things up high away from small hands. It also separates items nicely, and this one is clear so I can easily see where my items are located. It also saves a lot of space and is a less expensive version than a piece of furniture.

By Ci Ci from Yakima, WA

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Jazzmine (Pit Bull)

Jazzmine is 3-4 months old and a pit bull. I got him from a good friend that's sells and takes great care of puppies.

He likes to swim and jog with me, also play with his brothers. This pit is the most loving family dog with kids and adults. He will just keep licking you and liking you for attention, he is so funny. Great family member!

By Elsie from Port Orange, FL

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Prepare Your Garden Soil With Early Additions

Start preparing the soil by digging in leaves, coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings, leftover vegetables from dinner, hay or straw and anything else you would normally put in a compost bin. It will start decomposing and enrich the soil by planting time. This will also attract earthworms. If your kids have birds, rabbits or guinea pigs, you could add their droppings (herbivores only). Water in, and if you live in a dry area, cover with hay or straw to keep in moisture.

By Leslie from Mesquite, Tx

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Rent House in Neighborhood Before Buying

Before buying a new house in a new area, first rent a home for a few months in the vicinity you're planning on living. Allow yourself a period of time to see how the area is for you. See what's around the neighborhood if it really is the area for you and your family. Find out if there are local dairies or pig farms. These could be smelly, and interrupt those summer time backyard cookouts. Flies could also be a factor. Find out what was there at one time on the ground where your new dream house is located. If it was a wash or a quarry, could there later be sifting soil, erosion, washouts, sinkholes? How's the flood zones in that area? It's better to do this, than to rush into purchasing a new home and regret it later, for some reason or another.

By Terri from NV

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Use Shoe Boxes to Organize Manuals

I never know what do with items like Product Instruction booklets, extra cable cords, and CD inserts. I found a solution. Instead of buying the pricey plastic boxes, I use shoe boxes. I load items from each category into the shoebox, label them and put them at the top of my coat closet.

I keep Instruction Manuals in larger tennis shoe boxes, cable cords and the like in a smaller shoe box. I have custom sized boxes. They stack well and since they're items we rarely use but always have to keep around they're not taking up valuable kitchen or entertainment center space.

Source: Just something I do!

By Ashley D from Greenwood, AR

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Buy Jewelry for Valentines Day Right After Christmas

Planning to give a loved one jewelry for Valentine's day, seek out, say, a heart shaped necklace, pearls, or diamond earrings during the Christmas sales. They are usually cheaper and you have a wider selection to choose from. This will leave you more time as Love Day approaches to plan a romantic dinner to go with it.

By Trace from Wartburg, TN

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Sewing Buttons on Your Sewing Machine

This is a sewing tip. I have a special foot for my sewing machine for sewing on buttons. I love it because it's such a time saver. Anyway my tip is this: before I sew the button on, I lay a flat toothpick on top of the button and hold it there until I lower my presser foot. I sew over the toothpick so that when I wear the item the button doesn't "pucker" the fabric. It makes the button just loose enough to prevent the puckering.

PS: You may need to hold the toothpick still while sewing the button on.

By Judy from Birmingham, AL

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Uses for Clear Rope Lighting

After the holidays, buy clear rope lighting on sale at 75% off! Rope lighting works great when attached under a bar, cabinet or bed in the home. It looks like the bottom of the bar, bed or cabinet is glowing!

If you do craft fairs or run a business of any kind, buy rope lighting to show off your wares. It's great for your window and in-store displays! You can turn the lights to "flow" where they blink like water running, or just keep them on. I got 20 feet for only $4 last year, and the year before at my local hardware store. I also picked up some solar (Xmas) lighting at Target (for 75% off) I use all of these year-round!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Thrifty Shower Curtain Repair

We have two brother cats, and for some reason, they gleefully enjoyed shredding our admittedly cheap plastic/vinyl shower curtains. They'd jump on them with their claws out and slide down, fun to watch until you need to bathe and keep water off the floor.

Shortly before I solved the problem - by wrapping the curtain over the bar like a bunting as soon as each bath was over - I noted a few small rips in the Dollar Tree one we had up. For some reason, I opened our medical supply drawer - and my fingers found surgical tape from last year's adventures in medicine. With nothing else to lose - and no spare curtains - I patched the tears with strips of surgical tape.

And it worked ! Our current curtain's been up a record four weeks, and the tape is holding up well. Regular packing tape peeled off within a week from the moisture, but this repair is holding. Surgical tape is available pretty much wherever gauze and bandages are sold.

By Dorrie from Norman OK

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Start Planning for Valentine's Day Now

Not too early to start saving on the Valentine date or dinner. Here are some tips I would like to share. You can prepare your own dinner by starting your shopping now and buying the meat and side dishes when you see them on sale.

Freeze and then thaw to prepare on the 14th. Also look for wonderful desserts reduced and freeze to thaw. I purchased a premium box of chocolates on sale for 75% off at the drugstore in the Christmas clearance. I froze them and will thaw the morning of the 14th.

If you want to go out, try to have your romantic dinner at lunch, this will save you $$$$$, also you will not have the long wait for a table at lunch time.

The early movie is a great way to save money if you can take in the afternoon showing. If you want to watch a romantic movie at home, start looking on eBay now and bid on your favorite movie, so you will have it for the 14th. Our local Walmart has a Redbox to rent movies from for a $1.00, Krogers also has a movie rental for a $1.00.

If you have cards to mail, shop at one of your local dollar stores for nice cards at 2 for a $1.00. We have a Dollar General and another dollar store close, if you buy early there is a good selection to pick from.

If you are having dinner at home and want flowers, the best prices can be found at the grocery store and Walmart on cut flowers. To save on a sexy nightie, again look now at the sales, Kohl's has some great sales on end of season nighties, bras, and panties not to mention other department stores that are also offering coupons for extra % off on clearance items.

Source: These are things I do each year to save. Hope this helps you, too.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Stay Warm With Ginger Apple Cider

Staying warm without cranking up the thermostat: I heat a mug of apple cider with a 1/2 tsp. of ground ginger in it. This definitely warms me from the inside! It's yummy too :D

Source: Just me trying not to be cold all the time!

By Emily from RI

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Use Cream of Chicken Soup to Thicken Broth

When making chicken and noodles, I use a can of cream of chicken soup to the broth. I also use cream of chicken soup in my dressing, chicken and dumplings, anything using the chicken broth. It make it have body and thickening. I used this very often and my family and friends want to know what my secret is.

Hope it will help.

By Pat from Harlem, GA

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When Will My Puppy Stop Growing?

I have a beautiful Siberian husky/German shepherd mix named Tippy. I was just wondering at what age will she stop growing. She is 9 and a half months old. Thanks.

Pam

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Marks on Vinyl from Rug Backing

How do you clean a vinyl floor that has a mark left from a rubber backed rug?

Barbara from Manassas, VA

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Relief for Itchy Ears

My ears have been itching for 5 years now. It drives me, but especially my husband nuts. I went to different doctors and all of them told me that I have an eczema in my ear, but I am sure I am sore from scratching. When I sneeze it gets worse. I feel a pressure in my ear, which causes the itch.

One doctor told me that I have a deformation inside my nose which inhibits the equalization of pressure in my ear, but there is nothing I can do about it. I also have a permanent noise in my ear which doesn't bother me, but maybe those symptoms are related. I am really desperate for help.

Christina from MI

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Using Baby Wipes on a Couch

Will the color come off of my cream sofa if I use baby wipes on it?

Lindsey

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Longshoreman Jobs in Florida

I am looking for a longshoreman job here in Jacksonville, FL. Can anyone give me tips to find one?

Raymond

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40th Anniversary Party Ideas

I need inexpensive ideas for a 40th anniversary in December. I am working on a very tight budget for about 100 guest.

W. from NJ

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Making a Barbie Sized Toilet

I'm wanting to make a Barbie size toilet (that looks real) with every day items.

Susan from Lower Nicola, BC

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Dishwasher Overflowing into Sink

The little drain on my sink is spewing water when the dishwasher drains. I just replaced my garbage disposal. Any idea what the problem is?

bfagenstrom from Auburn

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Resolving Delinquent Accounts on a Credit Report

How do you work out a settlement with an old (6 yrs) outstanding account on your credit report? I disputed this account via Equifax and they keep advising me this account is active. Equifax told me that the account is active because the date of last activity is Dec 2008. I tried to explain to Equifax that that is the date I requested a copy of the credit report. I really don't understand, so I just decided to try to work out a settlement.

This account has been turned over to a collection agency who is very demanding and unhelpful. I called them to see if I could work out a settlement but they refused. My home loan officer advised that collection agencies normally work out settlements on accounts that are 6 years old. Do you have any advice?

Onesummer

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Getting Replacement DTV Converter Coupons

Does anyone know the secret to receiving my 2 DTV Coupons for the upcoming digital changeover this February 2009? I initially received my 2 coupons; but they expired before I could purchase the converters (late September 2008), so the company de-activated them. I have emailed the company twice since then for replacements but I am getting nowhere. They tell me "the coupons are NOT replaceable". Time is running out. Any suggestions?

Earthly Angel Mom from Brandenburg, KY

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Timer Control Switch for George Foreman Grill #GR38SIL

I am looking for the timer control switch for model #GR38SIL, serial
#1626, for George Foreman Grill.

Steve

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Lyrics for "Ava Maria" Hymn

I love the hymn "Ava Maria". However, I have seen so many different lyrics to this hymn. It is on Wynonna Judd's Christmas album, I believe its the "A Classic Christmas" album. Although I am no country music fan, she sings this hymn (and others) beautifully. She sings "Ava Maria" in Latin. Could anyone tell me where I can find the lyrics, in both English and Latin? Thanks!

Alleen from Rome City, IN

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Removing Water Spots on Dishes

How do you remove water and soap stains from glass dishes that have been washed in the dishwasher?

Jessica from Zanesville, OH

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Product Testing Websites

Does anyone know of any REAL sites for product testing? The sites I went to want you to pick an offer and order things and do a lot of surveys.

Sherry

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Homemade Boraxo Recipe

I want to find the old Boraxo, but it appears that no one makes it. The Boraxo now is less powerful. Does anyone know how to make a similar product using borax and another ingredient? Thank you.

Dave from Concord, Calif.

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Reviews of "Tough As Tile" Product

Has anyone used the "Tough As Tile" product to refinish a bathtub? I am curious of the results. Thanks!

Jen from PA

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Keeping Slipcovers on Sofa

I recently put slip covers on my sofas. How do I keep them from slipping or getting messy after sitting on the sofas? It's a pain to adjust them every time someone sits on them. Many Thanks!

Geri from Apopka, FL

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Charcoal Stains on a Rug

How do you remove charcoal stains from a rug?

Rubina from Glastonbury, CT

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Paint Stains on a Cotton T-shirt

How do you remove paint stains from a cotton t-shirt?

Rubina from Glastonbury, CT

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Gleaning Clubs in Georgia

I noticed an article about getting free foods. Where can I find Gleaning clubs in Georgia?

Rhonda from Jonesboro, GA

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Making a Valentine's Scrapbook

I'm making a Valentine's scrapbook for my boyfriend. We have been together for about 2 years now and I want to make it really special. Does anyone have any ideas? Does anybody have any good Valentines sayings or jokes that I can us in it? I am also going to but some photos of us in it. Anyone got some special things I can do with pictures?

Aliesha

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Replacing Paneling With Sheetrock

I want to remove wall paneling that does not have drywall behind it. When I go back to the sheetrock will I have to have all new door and window frames? What about the electrical boxes, will they still fit?

Donna from El Campo, Texas

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Repairing Scratched Pans

What do you do for scratched pans? I don't want to throw them away, I do not know what to do.

Debra from Canby, Oregon

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Dealing with Facial Hair

I went to get my facial hair lasered and because it costs so much ($160 per visit) I only went 3 times, thinking that would help my problem. But no, now since I've stopped I have MORE hair then what I went in with! I have side burns and I am not liking that at all! I have to shave now, my chin (which I call my chinables), my upper lip, and under my chin.

I'm only 39 and have been doing this for about 2 years now. I'm so disgusted with all this hair, that I shave secretively so noone knows, I hope no one knows! Any words of advise out there from you ladies? I know you'll think its a hormonal thing, but I had that all checked and I'm fine. Everything is right where it should be, so now what? Summer is coming and I don't want the five o'clock shadow! Help!

Shannon from Fort Erie

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Pen Marks on Leather

How do you clean pen marks off of leather?

Pjereta from NJ

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Removing Old Contact Paper from Windows

How do I remove contact paper from windows that have has been on over 5 years?

Catina from Heidelberg, Mississippi

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Protecting Plants as They Start to Grow

What is the best stuff to make or buy so that my seeds don't get fungus or get tamped down and croak when they start to grow? This would be for wisteria, crape myrtles, apples and some ornamental grass. Thanks, I love this site.

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Jane from Baltimore, Md

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Making Mapquest Directions Fit on Index Cards

Could someone please tell me how to reduce the size of Mapquest directions? I want to make the spacing between lines "normal" and make it a smaller font? Ideally I would like to be able to print the directions on 3x5 or 4x6 index cards so I don't have the torture of re-entering all the info ad infinitum! Thank you.

Jane from Baltimore, MD

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Ideas for Boyfriend's 25th Birthday

My boyfriend is turning 25. We have been living together for almost 3 years and have never celebrated any birthdays or holidays without other family parties. We don't drink and just really want to make this night remembered for him. We don't have any spare money and the birthday is in April '09.

I just need something to mark a quarter of his life gone in a good way. I want to invite all his friends and honestly I don't think I can in my small apartment. I just need some ideas from others. We live in Winnipeg. Manitoba is nearby so we can do a lot on a very small budget.

Amber from Winnipeg, Mb

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Slow Cooker Recipes

I just got a 3 quart slow cooker. I am looking for recipes for simple soups, stews and casseroles and any other recipes for a slow cooker. Thanks so very much.

Irene from Nova Scotia, Canada

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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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Saving Money on Tickets

Volunteer!

Volunteer for a worthy 501(c)(3) year round, many charitable organizations sponsor very cool (and very fun) fundraisers that you'll be invited to. You can also volunteer at the event.

Volunteer for one of your local theatre companies. Surely you have some unique talent they will happily take advantage of =D

Volunteer as an usher; you'll see concerts, plays, and other events that others only dream of attending. And oftentimes, you get backstage access.

By luvmygingerkids

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