Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 185 August 1 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have picked the winners for the photo contest. The winners were selected from photos submitted from June 1st to July 15th. First of all, I would like to say that picking the winners was a nightmare! We received so many wonderful entries that this was very, very difficult. Thank you so much to everyone that submitted photos. It was a lot of fun publishing these and I hope everyone enjoyed seeing them. The winners are:
Best Pet Photo:
Gus In The Flowers
Best Party Tip, Craft Recipe or Craft Tip with Photo:
Frugal Rubber Duck Baby Shower Idea and Ornament Made from a Recycled CD
Best Gardening Tip with Photo:
Homemade Garden Trellis
Best Home Improvement or Decorating Tip with Photo:
Fish Theme Bathroom
Best Wedding Tip with Photo:
Saving Money on Your Wedding Cake
Best of the Rest:
Male Ruby-Throat Hummingbird
You can see a list of the selections we made and read a little more about the decisions we made here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf957528.tip.html
You can view listing of the winning images here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/Contest%20Winners_2001.html
We have a new photo contest going on right now! To see the type of photos we are looking for visit the link below:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
That's it for today. We will announce the winners of the Tip Contests in tomorrow's newsletter.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
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Today's Tips:
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Today's Photos
Abigail's Bad Hair Day
This is Abigail she is 9 months old and having a bad hair day today!
By Kelly
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Beaded Choker and Bracelet
By Kelli Mahoney A simple choker and bracelet can look great for adults or children, and they don't need to be too complicated to make, either.
Choker:
- Hemp or Jute
- Jewelry Clasp
- Teardrop shaped bead
- Small glass bead (seed bead)
- Jewelry Wire (any gauge you are comfortable working with)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
Directions:
Cut a 3 inch piece of wire. One inch from the edge of the wire, use a small
utensil like a toothpick to shape a small circle in the wire. Do it again next to the circle so that you form a figure 8. Then put on the small seed bead on the wire and pull the end of the wire back up and twist the wire so that the bead is in the center of a circle. String the larger bead onto the longer part of the wire with the wider end resting on the figure 8. Take the remainder part of the wire that you used for the figure 8 and the seed bead, and tuck it into the larger bead. It does not need to come out the other end of the larger bead, and if it does, trim the wire.
Take the wire that you strung the larger bead on and turn it around the toothpick three to four times, then cut off the remainder of wire. This will give you the loop to string the necklace through, so before cutting the wire, make sure the loop is big enough to get the bead onto a necklace or to string your jute through.
In the picture I wanted to give it a natural look. If you want to do this rather than put the bead on a metal chain, you measure your neck and cut a piece of jute or hemp 4 inches longer than your measurement. Take your clasp and tie a knot around the loop of the clasp. Double knot the hemp and put a drop of glue on the knot. Put the Do the same for the other part of the clasp. I like the hook and eye clasp with this type of project. Once the glue dries, you can trim the hemp close to the knot.
For the bracelet:
- Seed beads - colors of your choice
- Trumpet beads - colors of your choice
- Straight pins (buy them in the jewelry section - they aren't as pointy)
- Thread (beading thread works best)
- Larger beads (any shape)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Wire cutters
Directions:
Create the dangles first. Take a pin and put on a seed bead. Then put on the larger bead. Then turn the top part of the pin around a toothpick (you may want pliers to help you here depending on the strength of the pin). Create 4 to 5 dangles. Cut a piece of thread 4 inches longer than your wrist measurement. Tie one end to the clasp. Double knot the string and put a drop of glue on the knot. Then begin stringing beads.
Use a pattern of beading. For my bracelet, I used two seed beads, a trumpet bead, two seed beads, and a dangle. Then I went back to two seed beads, a trumpet bead, two seed beads, and a dangle. I measured it so the dangles would be placed evenly around. Continue beading until the beads are a little wider than your wrist. Then tie the string to the other part of the clasp, and put glue on the knot. Once the glue dries, you can trim the string closer to the knot. Then, enjoy!
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Paper Lantern
By Kelli Mahoney These are great for children's parties. You can even have you kids help you. They can be hung or you can put a light inside them to see how they brighten up a room!
Ingredients:
- Colorful gift bag
- Scissors
- Flat Craft Sticks
Optional:
- Paint
- Stickers
- Yarn
- Pictures
- Etc.
Directions
 Cut the bottom out of the gift bag. Then decorate the bag by coloring,
painting, putting stickers or gluing ribbon on. The possibilities are endless here. I cut out a rectangle toward the middle and used a craft punch to punch out some stars along the bottom. Do not cut anywhere within 1/4" from the edges, as you will be using this space.
Cut the craft sticks to the width of the bag. You will need at least 4. Glue the sticks across the folded sides of the inside of the bag. This will help keep the bag open.
Cut 1/4" slits in the corners of the bag (along the creases). Fold the paper over to make the edges smooth and glue them down.
You can use wire, string, or ribbon to hang the lanterns if you want. Just punch holes toward the top of the bag and string the wire, string, or ribbon through. You can then glue or stick on your final embellishments.
Keep embellishments light. Also, because you are using paper, candles are discouraged.
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Oscar The Cat
Oscar
This is my cat Oscar. He is about 10 years old. He is a domestic shorthair cat. I got him after I lost my other cat in a house fire. I got him from the shelter in jan. 1996 The day before he was going to be put down.
Oscar likes to take over my computer, then when I want a turn he boots me off the internet. Lol
Tip: If your cat won't move while youre dusting, use his tail as a duster.
By PATRICIA
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Today's Tips
Washing Fruits and Vegetables
Tips for washing fruits and vegetables. Post your ideas.
To clean veggies and fruits from store or after harvest, put in a clean basin or sink with 1/4 cup vinegar and tablespoon of salt and it will draw out dirt and bugs. It helps clean off the wax film sprayed on by commercial growers, and helps clean off any pesticides that may be on them. I let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse with clear water.
By Dee
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Getting Rid of Small Items at a Yard Sale
When having a yard sale in order to get rid of all those little items that you don't want to pack up after the sale, choose a desirable item that is worth about $5 to $10.00 place into a box with the little items you want to get rid of (that might not sell on their own). Then price the box $1 to $3.00 more than what the one item would be. So, if you want $7.00 for that one item, price the box at 8.00 or 9.00 and you will be sure to sell it. It worked for me.
By RoseMary B.
Editor's Note: Another good thing you can do is bag up small items and toys and sell the bags.
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Crabapples for Pest Control
We recently bought a house sight unseen, we later found out that there was an infestation of cock roaches, and termites. We bought everything on the market for the cockroaches. My grandmother told me to cut some crabapples in half and put a half of the crabapple where I had seen the roaches, well I did not believe that it would work, well it did! We no longer have the roaches or the termites! Be careful the crabapples are poisonous to animals and humans! I hope that this helps you all.
By jamie
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Dealing with Burned (Burnt) Pans
I know two tips for burnt pans. The first one is to boil rhubarb in the pan - it works! The second is to boil a small amount of bio washing powder in the burnt pan - it also works!
By Deb
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Yard Sale Spending - Useful Items vs. Wasteful Spending
By Sharon Shearer
Buying at Yard sales is fun, but think about the following tips before you make that purchase.
(1) Is it something that I'll use later? Excellent items for re-use are small baskets or containers in good condition which can be reused for gift giving. Never pay over $1-2. Gift wrap by the roll is often sold, as well as cards and good ribbon. Often gift wrap is sold that has never been or barely used. Pay no more than 50 cents to a dollar a roll and think of the money you'll save when it is needed. I keep on hand at least 10 or more rolls for different occasions as well as gift bags I have found. Buying "off season" items such as Christmas decorations is wise spending. A bag of ornaments you'd pay $1 for would cost ten times that much if buying at a store. Other wise buys are specially designed coffee mugs and tins. Re-use the mugs to make candles or use these to hold candy for a gift. Don't pay more than 50 cents to a Dollar for these.
(2) Think before buying appliances--make sure they work of course and try to find out how long they've had them. I've purchased mixers that have lasted for years. Also ask yourself if you have the space to put them. Before we bought our new computer I picked up a few printers, scanners and the people said they worked. The thing to remember, if they don't have everything they need to run them they are a worthless buy. I lost money and cluttered a corner of the living room and eventually gave them away. Now that's WASTEFUL SPENDING!
(3) Make yourself a list of upcoming gifts to be purchased and thing that persons that person likes or collects. This will help with future buying.
(4) GRANDMAS: I heard it straight from the HORSES MOUTH: New Moms don't want yard sale clothes for their new babies, and our taste is different than theirs. Don't waste money. This avoids hurt feelings and frustration. This is something I REALLY had to WORK AT!
(5) When purchasing Household items or personal care items, good things to look for are: partially used bottles of lotions, shampoos and cleaning supplies. They sell cheap and come in handy for a backup supply. Picture frames, silver pieces, and nice bowls or platters are good purchases. When purchasing makeup be careful about buying used items. Mascara is definitely out! But you can find other good makeup and colognes cheap.
(6) Wise purchases are something you REALLY have a need for and you get at a really good prices. Occasionally you will stumble on them, and it's hard to pass on a REALLY good buy, in this case. The photo I have included shows a small roll-top desk and chair I found for $10.00 at a yard sale. It needs some restaining but the folks were kind enough to deliver it and I'd had an empty corner in my kitchen for years and it is useful because I store important papers and bills in it, safely now rather than the basket I kept cluttered up holding them all.
Spending wisely yard sales are a good means of buying things you'd ordinarily buy anyway, except at much higher prices. You know the old saying, "One man's TRASH is another man's TREASURE." Be a smart yard sale shopper!
By Sharon Shearer
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Save Money on Kleenex
Tissues in the small square boxes are convenient but a bit more expensive than the regular long boxes of tissue. So I have learned you can buy the larger box of tissues take about 1/3 of the tissues off of the top of the stack (I buy the pop up tissues) Fold them in half, open the smaller box and slide in the bundle of tissues, a tiny piece of tape will hold it shut until the next refill. I also have some of the plastic tissue holders and just throw the boxes away and slide the bundle of tissues up in the holder. This works great as long as it is left sit in one place.
By Carol
By Harlean from Arkansas
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Keeping Chrome Clean
To keep chrome furniture shiny and from not having to clean it as often, use wax paper. Rub wax paper over chrome to keep shiny and keeps the dust away longer. Also rub bathroom mirrors down with wax paper and they do not get foggy, even with the hottest water.
By Kristi Hoggatt
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Keeping Nails Clean When Gardening
I love to garden! Before I start, I run my fingernails across a bar of soap lightly. When I am done in the yard, I wash my hands with a nail brush and my nails are clean because the soap was under my nails. It works great!
By Italian Noni
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends August 31, 2005
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New Requests
Well Water Stains
We have well water out here at the farm and I am constantly having to rewash items of clothing that have gotten those awful rust stains on them. I have been using baking soda in the first cycle, and it has cut down on some of the rewashing, but not all.
Most of the things we wash are cotton shirts and my husbands work pants (jeans or khakis). Also, the kids clothing (mostly cotton or poly-cotton blends) is getting a lot of abuse. Is there any way to stop this cycle and restore my clothing? It is such a waste to have to keep rewashing things. I have lost more clothes to this water than to anything I can think of. Please help.
Thanks!
Missy in Seguin, TX
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How Much Should a German Shepard Weight?
My father has two beautiful German Shepards named Buck and Lady, but I think they weigh too much. Buck weighs 150 lbs and Lady weighs 110 lbs. They both appear to be big boned, but I feel they should weigh less. They are very well behaved, but they don't get any exercise. They are either in the house or chained up outside. What is the ideal weight for both?
Diane
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Growing Hydrangea from a Cutting or Slip
I have a friend who has a beautiful blue hydrangea. Last year I had a bloom cut from it and tried to get it to root but it did not take. Any advice on how to get this to grow for me?
Thanks.
Leona from Newfoundland
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Non-TV Theme Ideas
I have a 2 year old boy and a 4 year old girl for whom I am planning a combined birthday party. Their guests are the same so I thought I would just do the party together this year. Neither of them really watch a lot of TV but they do have some similar interests (not many).
Their party will be outdoor and it will be September 3, 2005. There will be kids in age range of newborn to 5. I need ideas for party theme, and goodie bags. I was thinking about going to the dollar store to get a pail and shovel for each of them and put a couple of goodies in them for them as their party favor.
I was also thinking they could paint outside or make t-shirts, I can get t-shirts for $3.00 each. Please help, what kind of a theme can I incorporate these things into and still stay on the small budget?
Jennifer
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Cleaning a Linoleum Floor
I am looking for tips on cleaning a dirty linoleum floor that has not been washed properly in a long time. I am doing cleaning for a townhouse complex and am curious if anyone has any ideas for getting trapped on dirt (sitting in the tiny pits in the linoleum) and stains out of the floor. The floor still looks dirty after being washed. There were a few guys living in this place and the dirt was lining the baseboards. I solved the baseboard issue but I would like to get the floor cleaner looking.
Erin
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Stuck Drawers
I have a pretty dressing table that is fairly old. Several of the drawers are stuck shut. They have not been painted shut but are stuck because they got damp/wet. I know I need to apply wax to them or sand them once I get them open. But how do I get them open? The dressing table has a back to it and there is wood between each of the drawers so I can't pull one out and see into the bottom drawer. Any suggestions?
Ann
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Prego Spaghetti Receipe
I was wondering if anyone has a copycat receipe for Prego spaghetti sauce.
only1jennifer
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How to Make Tater Tots from Scratch
Anyone have a recipe on how to make tater tots from beginning to end? My husband would like me to make them instead of buying. Thank you.
RoseMary B
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Cooking Frozen Meat in a Crockpot
Does frozen meat need to be thawed before placing in the crockpot?
LINDA FROM CA.
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Pub Vomiting
I have a black pug. From time to time she vomits her food. Not often. Is there anything out there my pug can eat that won't upset here already upset stomach.
Jane
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Glass Lamp Etching
I have a pretty Hurricane lamp with the bottom Night Lite glass shade and the top a regular glass shade. The thin line is fading and chipping off a bit and I love this lamp and would like to figure out a way to perhaps remove the pencil painted line (as I probably won't be able to match the color) and reinsert a new line close to the original color. Does someone perhaps know of a way I can preserve my cherished lamp with a near original look? Thanks so much.
Sheila from Tucson
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Lonely Daschund
I am the proud owner of a miniture red Daschund, female, Name: Brandy Alexis. I have noticed that she has lost some of her enthusiasm, she spends a better part of the day by herself (i.e. work) could it be that she is lonely? And if so, what would be a good companion for her?
Thanks
Brandy's Mum (Hollyann)
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Wax on Dryer With Clothes on It
I spilled hot wax on my dryer and my clothes what can I do?
Arlene
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Rotisserie Chicken on a Barbeque
I have an oven stuffer chicken in my fridge. I want to rotisserie it on my barbeque. It's so big I'm afriaid it won't cook through. Any ideas? Should I pre cook?
Valery
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Removing Mothball Smell From Wool
Is there an effective way to get moth ball smell out of wool clothing or is it there forever? I have sent it to the cleaners and that did not help one bit. I love these wool blazers and would really like to use them again.
3mblee
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Where Can I Buy Pink Colored Contact Paper
I need to buy hot pink contact paper to cover items for a dorm room. Any suggestions?
Piggye
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Water Absorbing Snakes
My garage door leaks on one end during rain storms. Can anyone tell me how to make those water snakes that absorb water, then will dry out to be used again? What material would be used for the tube, and what would be used for filler?
Terri from PA
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Horse Flies
Every summer close to the end of July and begining of August we are bombarded by horse flies when we want to enjoy the outdoors. We do not live on or near a farm. We do not have livestock. We are puzzled and would like to ask if you have some home remedies for getting rid of the flies. They are mean and bite. If we kill one, then fifteen comes to its funeral! Thanks for all your help.
Tina Kesler, OH
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Cleaning a Dooney & Burke Purse
Is any one familiar with cleaning a Dooney and Burke purse. I know they are leather so do I use a leather cleaner? Any suggestions?
michelle86
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Making Crafts with Tiles
In the house we used to live in, the builder obviously forgot a whole box of white tiles that had been used around the bathtub. I am guessing there are 25 or more individual tiles in the box. I had planned to put my kids hand prints on them and use as backsplash, well, now my kids hands are too big!
Does anyone have suggestions for the tiles? I'd like to paint them and do something with my kids. They are ages 7, 5, and 2. I am not familiar with different types of paints to use either, so any help would be appreciated.
Lisa
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Stain From Plastic Bag on Linoleum Floor
I am desperately trying to remove a stain from my kitchen linoleum floor. I had a supermarket plastic bag containing nectarines (that were mouldy and waiting to be taken back) on the floor and when I picked it up a couple of days later, the words and colour from the carrier bag had imprinted onto the floor, I think as a result of the juice from the nectarines that had leaked into the bag. I've scrubbed, bleached, erased and used methylated spirit and nothing works! Please help!
Fiona from Bristol
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Surprise Birthday Ideas
My boyfriend, Steven's 16th birthday is coming up and I want to give him a great surprise party. There will be about 20 people there and I don't want a "theme party" just a cool dance kinda thing. Does anyone have any ideas on anything fun we can do? It will be around December 20th! Thanks so much!
Toni from West Virginia
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Toilet Paper Advice For Septic Tanks
We just bought a 1970's fixer upper with a septic tank, we are new to this and have been putting toilet paper for septic's down it. Is this a mistake?
Thanks,
TJ
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Kilz Spots on Floor
Does anyone know how to get Kilz off of the good tile and laminate floor? I treated the bad wood but I got some on the good floors and it doesn't seem to come off with anything that I have tried so far.
Paula
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Making Vacuum Sealer Bags
How do I cut a straight line to make bags using the foodsaver roll or any other vacuum bag roll? I have the roll cutter in the machine, but don't want to have to swap rolls in and out every time I need a different size.
Holly
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I Can't Pay Off My Credit Cards
I'm new to this site and I've read the other posts on this subject but still can't find help. I'm 26, disabled and only receive a monthly income of 777.00. Before, (when I was stupid with money) I racked up a lot of charges and now I am in debt for about $4,000. I am having a lot of trouble paying even the minimum payment after bills, rent, food, etc. I don't have it.
The interest rates are at 27-29% on 2 credit cards. I get calls constantly but feel so bad that I don't answer anymore. I don't know what to do. I have tried to get state services for rent but still pay 400.00. I have no help from family or friends.
Is there a way that I can eliminate the interest charges altogether and only pay what I charged? I was told I had to have at least 9 months of minimum payments on time for them to even consider lowering the interest rate. The cards I do get approved for in the mail never have a low rate for balance transfers and I supposed the limit wouldn't be the amount I owe.
Thank you for your help and responses in advance,
Stacey from Texas
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