Daily Thrifty Tips - April 22, 2008

Happy Earth Day! It seems this year more businesses are taking note of it which is always good news. Here are the Contest Winners for last week. It was tough to choose so few winners, so we did 3 tip winners instead of 2. I wish we could give our more!

Photo Contest Winner

Craft: Paper Bag Baskets
By Babbie from CA

Tip Contest Winners

Too Many Toys?
By Sharon from Ravenna, KY

Reducing Spring Weather Damage
By April from NW Missouri

Imaginative and Frugal Toys
By Carol from Landisville, PA

Recipe Contest Winner

Vegetarian Ethiopian Feast
By Lisa from Halifax

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something!

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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Craft Project: Fabric Wreath

This wreath is inexpensive to make (I made mine for under $10!) but will be a treasured gift for many years. It can be made to fit any decor, personality, or holiday.

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Praying Mantis Is Good In The Garden

If you see any of these guys in your garden, do not shoo them away or kill them. These are called Praying Mantis and they will kill all of those pesky grasshoppers that eat up your veggies and leaves.

By Karen from Tinley Park, IL

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Craft: Coffee Filter Butterfly Magnets

These are cute little magnets that are a blast for the kids to make-- they love spraying their artwork with water and watching the colors soften and blend.

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Nikita The Cat

Nikita is 5 years and 10 months old. She was a gift from my son when I moved into my first apartment alone, in December 2003.

She loves to chase a string with fringe attached to it. She also likes my 2 year old grand-daughter to chase her and she almost lets her catch her then she jumps just out of her reach.

Nikita runs the show at my house. She is the best companion a grand-mother could want.

By Cynthia from Portland, OR

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Lucky (Siberian Husky/American Eskimo)

Lucky is a 2 1/2 year old Siberian Husky/American Eskimo mix. We got Lucky from a woman getting a divorce. She had 2 twin girls and a very large Shepherd and did not have enough room for Lucky. We were fortunate enough to inherit her 1 year ago last November!

Lucky is a BIG snuggler! She loves to fetch (balls mostly and sticks). She will run and run and run! She loves to play "chase" with my 4 year old.
They run in circles around the house!

Lucky may not be the smartest dog in the world but she is the sweetest, most loyal and loveable baby!

By Cary from Dayton, OH

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• Tip Contest
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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

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Save Those Bread Bags!

Never toss those bags when you've finished a loaf of bread. They are great for storing home baked goods either to freeze or store in your cupboard - saves on using and washing your plastic containers - less time spent and water used.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Movie Theatre Helps With Prom Question

I work at a movie theatre and we were allowed to dress up for the movie Prom Night. I brought my boyfriend to see the movie in the biggest theatre on the busiest night. I asked one of the managers to make a little 'announcement' before the movie started, having her ask my boyfriend to stand up in front of everyone and asked him to prom for me while everyone was watching! It's a cute/embarrassing idea and you don't have to work there to get them to do it!

Source: Rave Motion Pictures managers and me!

By taylorelaine88 from Cincinnati, OH

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Potty Training Dance

My granddaughter was VERY hard to potty train until I saw a "Nanny" type TV show that showed the mom, dad or sitter doing a special dance with the child every time they went potty. I made up a very simple dance and told her I had a special dance we would do every time she used the pot. Well, this intrigued her more than candy or toy bribes ever had! Make sure it's something simple with a catchy tune that they can easily learn. Mine went something like "We do the potty dance, we do the potty dance, we kick one foot up, then the other foot up, then we turn around, and WHOOO!" (and on Whooo, we jump up with our hands up in the air!) You do this with your little one while holding both of their hands (like in ring around the rosy). and I'll guarantee you, They'll feel SOOO special that they have their very OWN dance that they'll continue to want to use the potty again and again! (We made up a different dance for #2) The potty dance takes less than one minute of your time, but BOY-OH-BOY it sure does motivate them!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Avoid Buying Gas On Weekends Or Holidays

When buying gas, always make sure you purchase it a couple of days before the weekend, or before a major holiday. That's when the big shots raise the prices; over the weekend when we have to run errands or during a holiday, when we travel to see our loved ones

By Tammi from Patton

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Shop In Spring For Fall Wedding

For a fall wedding and reception ,I began looking very early for flowers, etc. in fall colors and have gotten some great deals, saving lots of money for other things.

By Sandy from Texas

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What To Look For At Garage Sales

When I go to garage sales, I always look for certain things first. I look for tools in good shape, vases of all sizes, pretty pieces of mismatched china, and anything copper or silver. These items always come in handy. I use a beautiful china saucer for a soap dish. The extra dishware is great for potlucks or bake sales, I don't worry about getting the item back. Some tools, and the copper and silver can be great finds. I love polishing them up to see what treasure I got.

By Barbara from Park Ridge, IL

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Kill Weeds With Black Plastic

To rid your flower bed of all the weeds and wild onions that come up in the spring, simply put black plastic over the ground for about 2 days and then remove it and rake up the dead weeds. It is now ready for planting your flowers. If you prefer, you can also leave plastic and cut circles through it to put plants in. Then no worry over weeds in the summer.

By Debra from Hampton

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Use Bubble Bath to Refill Soap Dispensers

I buy large containers of bubble bath or shampoo at the dollar store and use these to refill my soap dispensers in my bathroom. In the past I used watered-down dish soap, but this made my hands dry, so I switched to Bubble bath or Shampoo as they don't dry my hands out. It cost much less than buying liquid soap refills and helps me save money. Every penny counts!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Walmart Matches Competitor's Ads

Saving money shopping with ads and on gas/time too. Don't run around to the various stores to buy sale items. Walmart does not advertise this - but if you take the competitors flyer and place the flyer with the sale item - Walmart will give you the same price for the exact same brand. Some Walmarts limit you to stores in a 50 mile radius. No one believes me when I tell them to do this until they try. You don't have to say a word - just put the ad on the counter with the item. I often wonder if they train their employees not to respond as not to spread the word because cashiers never say a word to me, they just look at the ad and adjust the price. Note this does not apply to coupons - only to ads placed in flyers. Saves you on gas and time too - no running around town for the better deal!

By Tracey from Thomasville, GA

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Use Cupcake Liners For Freezing Individual Meatloaf

When making my meatloaf recipes, I often use cupcake liners in a cupcake pan to make individual servings. These can be frozen for future use. Select what you want and bake them in a toaster over. Like 350 degrees F for 20 minutes if thawed, longer for frozen. This is great for a small family, or busy folks.

Source: Kraft Food

By Sandi from Hampton, CT

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Adding Sugar To Powdered Drinks

When making powdered drinks where you have to add your own sugar; take the sugar and some of the water and heat on stove or in microwave until the sugar dissolves. Finish as usual.

Source: My mom did this so I must give credit to her.

By Rosemary from Ludlow Falls, Ohio

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Anyone Have Tips for Thrush?

I apologize for not being here daily, but I've been quite ill with Thrush in my throat and now I'm trying to get rid of it by eating only vegetables, salads without sugar in the dressing, High protein, (which I think is beef), and fresh fruit. I'm told that I can eat nothing with flour and/or sugar in it because this feeds the thrush.

I've also been advised to rinse my mouth and throat with vinegar in water, or salt and water. and once I've licked this problem, I'll toss my toothbrush even though it's new. Don't want to take the chance of the germs being on the brush. If anyone has any other suggestions of how to treat this thing, I'd dearly love to have them. I have days when I can barely walk any great distance because of losing the strength and stamina needed. I also have days when I just don't feel up to being on the computer, so I hope y'all will be patient with me for the time being until I am feeling like a human being again.

By Connie from Cotter, AR

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Decor With A Vintage Camera Theme

After getting a hold of a couple vintage cameras, I've fallen in love. Now I'd like my new living room to resemble an old film studio. I'm going to hang photos (black and white/sepia) on the walls and put the cameras up on shelves. I also thought about painting some small boxes to look worn, and label them things like, "flash bulbs" and "film" etc.

I was wondering if anyone could come up with any other ideas for decor. Since its pretty unique, I can't just run to the store and buy stuff. It's all going to have to be made.

Natasha from Illinois

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Removing Dog Poop Stains From Carpet

Do steam cleaners take out dog poop stains? I have a beige carpet and my dog pooped everywhere. How do I get those stains out? A steam cleaner?

Mike from Ft. Riley, KS

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Making Silk Flower Petal Soap

I went to a Tea Room awhile back and used their restroom and when I washed my hands they had this dish with silk flower petals in it that had scented soap that coated them. You used one petal to wash your hands, that was all you needed.

Can anyone please tell me how they made these silk soap petals. I would really like to know how to do this.

Kay from Clyde, TX

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Painting A Microwave

I was trying to paint my white microwave to black. I used the appliance epoxy spray paint. However everything is turned black and I can't see any numbers on the microwave. What do I do now?

Piapia from Los Angeles, CA

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Looking For Second Hand Shops In Lakenheath, England

My daughter will soon be moving to Lakenheath, (near Cambridge) England. We were wondering if thrift shops, second hand stores, used book shops etc. are called any thing different there.

It might seem a bit odd to ask this, but she adores these places and is really fretting over not being able to get her "fix". (I know, I know -google it). But I thought I'd try our overseas friends first, and if anyone has names of actual shops in/around there, GREAT!

doodles

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Which Acne Products Should I Use?

Should I use Oxy Daily Wash and Cetaphil together and BP after washing with these 2? Or should I just use Cetaphil and BP or Stridex?

Thot

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Recipes For Muffin Top Pans

I am looking for recipes for muffin top cooking pans?

Judy from Clinton, MA

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Looking For Information About "Alstroermia" Plant

I am interested in planting perennials this year and have found a beautiful plant called "Alstroemria". Can anyone provide me with info on this flowering plant and whether it can be planted in my zone in central Louisiana. As well as upkeep and so forth.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Removing Musty Smell From Vehicle Carpet

What can I use to get rid of a musty smell out of my carpet in the trunk of my van?

Jude from Saltville, VA

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Keeping Track of Receipts for Taxes

What receipts should I keep for taxes?

Charmaine from Redwood City, CA

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Getting Rid Of Rag Weed

How do I get rid of rag weed in my yard? It spreads by both roots and seed. I pull one up and two replace it, hoe it and same thing.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Frances from Tarzan, TX

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Nail Polisher Remover Stain on Tile

I am epileptic and had a seizure in the bathroom. When I did I knocked over a bottle of nail polish remover and it left a stain on the bathroom floor. It isn't a ceramic floor or a vinyl floor. Just a regular tile floor.

I have tried everything to get it off. Javex, oxy clean included. Could you give me a suggestion as to what I could do to to bring up the stain? Thank you I would very much appreciate it.

Lori from Oshawa, Ontario

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Make Your Own Catalytic Effusion Lamp

Where can I purchase the metal section (thrifty-wise!) to make my own catalytic effusion lamp? The instructions for how to make one are on Ebay but the lady selling the kit is a bit too high priced for me. There has to be another source, but where?

Patty from Orlando, FL

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When Should I Plant Tomatoes?

I live in NJ. What is a good time to plant tomatoes? Once there grown how do I keep the chipmunks from eating them?

Gary from NJ

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Varnishing Wooden Planters

What type of varnish would I use to weatherproof wooden planters etc for the outdoors?

lindasue41 from Hartley, Iowa

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Dog Getting Parvo Shot After Having Parvo

How soon after having Parvo can my dog get a Parvo shot? And will it do any good?

Fawn from Bonifay, FL

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Pattern For A Cockatiel Flight Suit

Does anyone have a pattern for a cockatiel flight suit

Anna from Owls Head, Maine

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Reviews Of Oreck Cordless Iron

Has anyone purchased a cordless clothes iron recently? My ancient cordless Westbend has been repaired several times but is on its last legs, I'm afraid. I'm considering the Oreck or the Panasonic cordless brands. The Panasonic is a little less pricey than the Oreck and has good reviews; but I couldn't find any reviews at all on the Oreck. Any opinions on them (or on any other cordless irons) out there?

Lynn from Chico, CA

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Big "Ball" Shaped Lollipop Molds

I am looking for big 3-D lollipop molds. I have been searching all over my town and all over the net for some 3-D Lollipop molds. I've found bunches of flat lollipop molds, but I need the actual "ball" shape.

The only molds I can find are 1 and 1/2 inches around at biggest. Like a Tootsie Pop. I need something a little bigger than that, for those huge swirled ball lollipops.

The only molds I can find for this are super expensive professional molds that sell for $40 each. Does anyone know where to find these molds for a reasonable cost or something else that would work?

Aysha from Boise, Idaho

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Looking For Power Cord For Betty Crocker Indoor Grill

I have an old Betty Crocker Gourmet Indoor Grill. I love it. But somehow after Hurricane Rita, and trying to move I lost my power cord. I really would like to find a new one. I cannot find this grill anywhere on the net, which is telling me a lot. Can anyone help?

Margene

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Spray Painting Plastic Lawn Furniture

Is it ok to spray paint plastic lawn/patio furniture? I have a basic plastic set (chairs and a table), but the plain white is boring, so I want to spray paint them in a color so they look cuter in my backyard.

Sarah from Moline, IL

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Stains Appearing On Washed Sweatshirts

I've encountered mysterious white stains on several sweat shirts. These sweatshirts are off white in color so these stains are not very noticeable, but they are quite annoying. I use Tide with a blue cap and Ultra Downy softener, and Shout.

This only occurs with off white colored sweatshirts. I have washed other colors with no problems. I wash all my colors on the cold cycle. Is there any way to get these stains off? I never use bleach on anything so it cannot be bleach, right? I never had a problem with Downy Ultra, this started happening only recently.

Andrew from Ann Arbor, MI

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Plastic Religious Banks

When I was little, lots of my friends had plastic banks that looked like Bibles or praying hands. Do they still make these? Does anybody know where I can get them?

Peanut from Virginia

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Praying Hands and Holy Cross Pillow Cases

I am looking for the praying hands and holy cross pillow cases to embroider? They are on the Michael's website but are not carried in the Michael's store here. I would prefer a chain store rather than a mail-order site, postage is outrageous nowadays!

Peanut from Virginia

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Make Your Own Scented Lotion

My favorite fragrance is now available only in a spray. I hate spray colognes. I find them to be wasteful (I think this is the idea--so we'll buy more) and hard to control. Usually completely overpowering and impossible to wash off!

Anyway, I really like scented lotions and was hoping that I could figure out how to make my own using spray cologne. Googling has produced only recipes with fragrance oils, not cologne. Has anyone done this? Any ideas? Thanks much!

Rita from Kansas City

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Making Sea Shell Jewelry

I want to begin making jewelry from sea shells. Do I have to prepare the shells in any way before working with them? I collected these shells off the beach.

BettyCL from Detroit, MI

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Saving Money on Wine

Tips and advice for Saving Money on Wine. Post your ideas below.

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Saving Money on Peanut Butter

Tips for saving money on Saving Money on Peanut Butter. Feel free to post your ideas below.

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Saving Money on Ice Cream

Tips for saving money on ice cream. Post your ideas below.

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Saving Money on Broccoli

Tips and ideas for saving money on broccoli. Post your ideas below.

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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

Saving Money on Vegetables

Tips and ideas for saving money on vegetables.

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Gardening at a Rental House

Question:

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