Daily Thrifty Tips - May 27, 2008

I hope everyone in the US had a wonderful holiday weekend. We have two new topics for the Saving Money On... Newsletter. Do you have any tips to share?

Saving Money on Celery
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Saving Money on Potatoes
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Also, here are the contest winners for last week. There were a lot of deserving entries so we gave out 3 prizes for tips. We could have easily given out more. Thank you to everyone who submitted so many wonderful tips and ideas.

Photo Contest Winner

Tissue Rose
By Diana from Highland,Michigan
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95294331.tip.html

Tip Contest Winners

Easy Grow Potatoes In Boxes
By Sarah from Berrien Springs, MI
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74299930.tip.html

When Moving, Set Up Beds First
By Linda S. from Arlington, TX
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18637188.tip.html

Experimental Decorating With What You Have
By Pamphyila from L.A., CA
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21555279.tip.html

Recipe Contest Winner

Crispy Refried Black Bean Tostadas
By Wallace from Little Rock, AR
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42835497.tip.html

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: Craft Foam Purses

These little purses are made from craft foam. You could make other shapes than the ones I used. A fun summer craft idea to make for the girls.

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Garden: Pansies

I just love pansies.

By imama2many

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King (Pit Bull?)

King is 3 months old. I think he is a pit bull. I got him 2 months ago.

By Shaheem from Syracuse, NY

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Merlin (Black Longhair)

My cat's name is Merlin. He is 7 1/2 months old and a black longhair. We got him on Halloween last year.

He likes to chase and play with anything that moves. Merlin is very playful, affection, and purrs very loudly. We have another cat about the same age named Morgaine.

By crazyliblady from Pittsburg, KS

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Tomato "Fence" For Support

We used a used cattle panel down the middle of our tomato row. Plant recommended distance and vine in as they grow and tie as needed. You can grow way more tomatoes in a lot less space than cages.

By Lynn from South Texas

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• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

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

• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Take a "Go/Weekend/Travel" Toiletry Bag

If you're known to often just take off for a few days at the last minute but are not organized, this is a really cool bag to have on hand ready to go. Has all the basics. Beats shuffling around your things to put this all together at the last minute. Keep it in your travel bag and all you'll have to do is pack some clothes!

If you don't have samples of shampoo, lotion and body wash on hand, consider filling up film cannisters or small containers found at the dollar store with what you have at home. I usually collect all kinds of samples in advance to put kits like this together.

If you are going on a plane, consider storing these items in a ziplock bag so you can carry it on board. Check international/national regulations for liquid restrictions.

Female Traveler

• Travel size deodorant
• Eyes Lips Face (http://www.eyeslipsface.com/) all over colour stick (good for lips, eyes AND cheeks!)
• Mascara
• Travel toothbrush/paste
• sample packs of shampoo, body wash amd conditioner and lotion (or fill up small containers)
• Lip Balm
• Travel size contact lens solution (if using)
• Also any vitamins or regular pills you use, store and label
• Disposable Razor
• Tampon or sanitary pad
• Travel sewing kit / mini lint roller
• Pain Reliever (sample size)
• Nail File / Mini Clippers
• Vial of your favourite scent/perfume (you can get one from perfume stores or make one yourself with your existing perfume, just wash vials which stored other perfumes and put yours in!)

Male Traveler

• Disposable razor
• Small tube of Aveeno hand/body cream (good for face too because it's usually unscented and for sensitive skin!)
• Sample packs of 2-1 shampoo conditioner (or fill your own bottles/cannisters)
• Sample packs of Body Wash (or fill your own, they have body wash available now for hair and body! Check your local pharmacy)
• Travel size deodorant
• Travel size shaving cream
• Lip Balm
• Nail Clippers
• Vitamins or pills stored and labeled (film cannisters can be good for this)
• Travel sewing kit/Mini lint roller
• Pain Reliever (sample size or a few stored)
• Vial of your favourite cologne (you can get one from perfume stores or make one yourself with your existing perfume, just wash vials which stored other perfumes and put yours in!)

Other items you could add: Anti Bacterial Hand Sanitizer, Sunblock, Powdered Laundry Detergent, Birth Control (or similar), Hair Elastics or clips, Band Aids, disposable pair of underwear, mini hear spray or gel....

HAPPY TRAVELS!

By Lisa from Halifax NS

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Add Shade Screens to Block Summer Sun

We put up shade screens on the sunny side of the house and I couldn't be more pleased. Should have done it sooner! Already saving money on airconditioning bills.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Remove Sleeves to Make Summer Blouses

Recently, I saw a lovely blouse on a lady. I complimented her on it. She replied, "Thank You, I bought this along with several other blouses, at a sale, all having long sleeves, I took them home, cut the sleeves off and made me all summer time blouses." She most likely saved a lot of money by doing this.

By Terri from NV

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Sponge Walls for a Dramatic Effect When Painting

Create a great new look for any room when painting. Use a clean kitchen sponge and dip into any shade of paint. It can be lighter or darker for a dramatic effect. Either sponge on the whole wall or any place; top near ceiling or along any part of the wall. Be creative! You can even use a gold or silver paint dabbed around! Have fun!

By Diann from Staten Island, NY

Editor's Note: Here is a post with more specific instructions on sponge painting. If you are very happy with how your walls turned out, be sure to post some photos!

• Faux Painting Finishes (Sponge Painting)

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Use Plastic Coffee Can Lids for Pet Dishes

I have started using the plastic tops from coffee cans for pet dishes. The animals love them because their food is very accessible and I like them because they are very easy to wash. My Yorkie really prefers them because she can transport the food to other parts of the house very easily in her mouth and eat in privacy. The best part of all is that this type of dish is THRIFTY.

By Toni V. from San Antonio, TX

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Use Cooking Spray Instead of WD-40

When bothered by squeaky or rusty hinges, you probably have the quick cure right in your kitchen. Any cooking spray will work just fine, and most of us have a can of that on hand.

Source: I discovered this all on my own. I had a cupboard door that was driving me crazy, and didn't have any WD-40.

By Ann from La Fayette, GA

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Trim Your Own Hair Between Haircuts

Even if you are too chicken to try to cut your own hair, you might start by TRIMMING it. I just took the sharpest scissors I have to the front bottom ends of my hair framing my face, which had gotten a little scraggly. A little clip on my freshly washed and dried hair on the ends and suddenly my hair looked much better! And it will get me through until my next haircut. Just make sure your cuts are straight. If that scares you, twist the ends and clip them off that way. Twisting is supposed to work for trimming bangs, too.

Source: My experience and inspiration from a long-ago fashion magazine article.

By pamphyila from L.A.

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Use Salt To Extend The Life Of Nylons

I have lived and worked in Las Vegas for over 20 years. My job (jobs) require that I wear nylons. I wear two pairs for the extra support on my legs (and to hide varicose veins and cellulite). I soak my nylons in warm water with soap and add a tablespoon of table salt to the water. I let soak at least 1-2 hours, then I dry them on delicate or hung over the shower curtain rod. The salt is a natural preservative and it toughens up the nylon! Most of my co-workers have switched from Danskins ($12 a pair) to Leggs/Hanes ($2-$4 a pair) and they will last just as long, and look more natural then the Danskins!

By Sonja from Las Vegas, NV

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Removing Tar From The Dryer

To get tar out of dryer walls, use mayonnaise. Rub mayonnaise on, let sit for 15 minutes then wipe off with a bit of elbow grease. It's the only one that worked for me.

By Lori from Lancaster, PA

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Grandma's Cookie Jar Poem

Grandma's Cookie Jar

When I went to visit Grandma
I was always thrilled
For I knew she kept
A cookie jar well-filled.

Quickly I removed my wraps
And Grandma led the way
Into a pungent kitchen
With treasures on display.

Peanut butter cookies,
Gumdrops tart and sweet,
Macaroons and gingersnaps
And brownies for a treat.

With a glass of buttermilk
I tasted everything,
Grandma looking on at me
As though I were a king.

I love to visit Grandma,
It's a trip I most enjoy
Though manhood's now replaced
That eager little boy.

by Bernice Peers

Source: From "Ideals Family Cookbook". I found this set at our local Flea Market. Lucky me!

By Mary from Cocoa, FL

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Frozen Fruit For Summer

Cut a whole, cored, pineapple into long sticks. Lay flat and put in freezer. When totally frozen, put in bag to store in freezer. When you make iced tea, take a frozen stick and put in the iced tea. It becomes a stir stick, sweetener, and adds flavor.

Frozen green grapes: Take off stem, wash, dry completely and put on cookie sheet in freezer. When frozen, store in plastic bag. On a hot day, there is nothing better than to pop a frozen green grape to quench your thirst.

Source: Friend told me about grapes. I tried the frozen pineapple.

By KAE from M, Ohio

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Place Wet Towel Around a Cake Pan for Flatter Cakes

Cut old towel the height of the cake pan and length of the circumference or perimeter of the pan. If the towel is thin, make it twice the height and fold in in half lengthwise. Before putting the cake batter in the pan, wet the towel strip and put it around the outside of the cake pan, pinning it in place with straight pins or safety pins. It will keep the edges from cooking sooner than the center and result in a flatter cake top for decorating.

Source: Cake decorating class taken in Lakewood, CA in the 1970's.

By Har'et from Lakewood, CA

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Fruitless Pear Trees Not Budding

We planted two fruitless pear trees last fall. They have not started budding yet this spring. They are still alive as the limbs are still green. Is the not budding from it being too cold this spring and they haven't had a chance to bud? I would like to know if there is anything I can do to help them along or if they will most likely be a loss. Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Mary from West Fargo, ND

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Looking For Deluxe EZ Bow Maker Instructions

My wife has lost the directions to her Deluxe EZBows bow maker. Does anyone have this information available either printed or on line?

Jerry

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Finding a Dog a New Home

I am searching for help with my dog that has been diagnosed with heart worms. Evidently he had not been on prevention. I have started him on his treatments, he has 2 left. I cannot afford to continue as I ended up having surgery (no insurance) and am not able to get around. I advertised locally for a family to take possession
of my Sheltie in return for his vet expenses - to date have no response. Any suggestions?

Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Keeping Dogs out of Flowerbeds

What can I use to stop my daughter's dog from digging up my flowers? Please help, I'm at wit's end.

Carrie from Toronto, Ontario

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Spiegel Discount Code

Does anyone have discount or shipping codes for Spiegel?

Dhea from Texas

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Lighten Your Hair with Lemon Juice

Is it okay to use lemon juice from concentrate to lighten hair?

Lida from Tacoma, WA

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Looking for Vase, Brown with Green Stripes

Hi! I'm hoping someone on here can help me as I have run out of options. I bought this vase in 2006 and am looking for another one exactly like it. I have looked everywhere from Goodwill, to Ebay to Craigs list and beyond. Does anyone know where I can find one? It is dark brown with light green stripes running throughout it.

Sarah

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Uses for Old Trophies

I have lots of trophies, most of them from bowling. Where can I dispose them?

JoAnn from Minnesota

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Remove Unwanted Odor from Any Room or Vehicle

We bought a used minivan this winter and it was great. But now that it's getting warmer we can smell a bad odor, kind of like wet dog. What can we do to remove the stench? Thanks so much! Leslie from Fanwood, NJ

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Saving Money on Celery

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

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Will Cutting Flowers Affect Next Year's Growth?

If I use my tulips as cut flowers for a vase, will this affect the next year's flowering?

Sheila from Ontario, Canada

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Cleaning Oriental Rugs

I have several oriental rugs that need cleaning. Does anyone know the best way to achieve this?

Amy from Granite Bay, CA

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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

Splurge and Save on Shoes
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Want a great way to save money while shopping? Buy expensive shoes. Sound crazy? It makes more sense than you think.

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Using Leftover Pork Roast

Here are tips for using leftover pork roast from ThriftyFun community.

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Your Lawn: When, How Much and How Often To Water
By Ellen Brown

Your lawn requires more water to maintain than any other part of your garden. Its overall health depends on how much water it receives. So how do you know how much to water and how often? Here are the basics to watering your lawn.

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