Daily Thrifty Tips - October 11, 2007

There are more recalls in the More Reading section. Be sure to look them over.

Tomorrow's Saving Money On newsletter is about Saving Money on Drapes, Blinds and Window Treatments. Do you any tips to share? Please submit them here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Filly On A Foggy Morning

This picture was taken looking out my kitchen window on a foggy morning. It is a picture of our 3 year old filly in our front paddock with the sun rising and the fog around her! What a beautiful sight!

By Patti from Arthur, Ontario

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Max And Mya (Daschund)

Max (4) and Mya (3) are both dashhunds. I bought both of them about August 2007. For fun, they love running outside, and wrestling with each other. Love at first sight for these two!

By Sabrina from Edmeston, NY

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Craft: Creative Halloween Pumpkin

Think outside the box when crafting pumpkins. Note: this one is a fake pumpkin which lasts forever

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Source for Old-Fashioned Cards and Ecards

Want to send nice old-fashioned cards - either e-cards or paper ones? Go to <A href="http://www.doverpublishing.com">http://www.doverpublishing.com</a>. Right now they have great Halloween images! They also have great images on their sample site. I think I am going to print one up for my front door!

By pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Toothpaste for Cleaning

Toothpaste is great for scuff marks, marker on flooring, brush marks on skidoo or on the visor of helmets even when someone bumps your car and leaves some of their paint on yours. You can take a small amount about the size of a nickel and rub lightly. Toothpaste contains pumice and is gentle enough, therefore its is safe. You'll be pleasantly surprised as long as it isn't deep scratches it will make it look like new again.

By Molly Maid from Newfoundland, Canada

Editor's Note: Plain white toothpaste is the best for cleaning rather than the gel type.

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Halloween Costume: Ghoulteacher

For Halloween one year, I bought the ugliest dress I could find at the thrift store. It was a black sheath dress with yellow, white and gold shear collar and it was sleeveless. I wore black pantyhose and glued spiders and ants on the hose and dress. I had a fake rat that I pinned to my shoulder and my face was greened along with my arms and hands. I brushed out my hair with my head upside down and sprayed with the freeze type hairspray. I colored it with streaks of green. I was a Ghoulteacher.

I made up a pledge like we used to do in school, with a few words changed. Here goes: "I pledge a lesion to all zombies of the United Stiffs of America. And to the reincarnated for where they lie, one zombie underground, invisible with livers and just ice for all." I was thinking of just eyes too for a variation. Anyway, that is my version. I sometimes say it to myself at different functions that I go to. It's silly. By the way, people were actually afraid of me. I got just the effect I wanted from my costume.

By Maggie from Oak Lawn, IL

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Tips for Stretching Cereal

Here's my tip for "stretching" breakfast cereal and chocolate milk.

For breakfast cereal, I try and stretch out the "good stuff" with some more healthy stuff. For instance, I buy a box or bag of Fruity Pebble-type cereal. Once I put this into our rubbermaid type cereal container, I put in some Rice Krispies-type cereal. I "stretch" this by adding up to 50% of the more healthy option and mix well. I also do this with Kix cereal and Cocoa Pebbles-type. The kids haven't complained so far and I just made a box of their "good stuff" go a little bit farther.

As for the milk - I just think there is too much added sugar in pre-made chocolate milk. After the kids and hubby drink some, I just add in regular white milk and dilute it. They never know!

By Denise from Nebraska

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Use One Book Or Magazine For Weekly Menu Planning

I have quite a collection of cookbooks and cooking magazines. I love to look through them for menu ideas. Just recently, I decided that I would use just one book or magazine in planning the menu for the following week. I use a different one each week. It is much easier to find the recipe for the meals I have chosen, and I am finally USING the cookbooks and magazines rather than just looking through them. This is also a time saver when planning meals as it helps me focus on one book rather than paging through numerous books.

By glowgirl

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Keep Dirty Dishes Off Your Counter Until Wash Time

Catch those stray dishes between washes and keep your sink clean. I used a dish basin under my sink to catch the occasional plate/bowl/spoon between wash time. This way your sink and counters stay uncluttered and the dishes are ready for you the next time the dishwasher is empty or you have a sink full of suds.

By Kayla from Kuna, Idaho

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Make Hand Cream As A Gift

A very inexpensive hand cream can be made with this recipe. I never buy any other kind anymore since I have made this. All items can be bought at the $1 store. Mix together with electric mixer, the following.

• 1 - 15 oz. bottle baby lotion
• 1 - 8 oz. jar of petroleum jelly
• 2 - 8 oz. jars of vitamin E cream

By Elaine from Iowa

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One Cake, Two Desserts

The next time you trim a cake either to layer or to make a special character for a child's birthday, save the "trimmings". Use these to make a second dessert by placing cake trimmings in a bowl, then topping them with whipped cream or ice cream and fruit.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Grocery Shopping Tips To Save Money

My grocery shopping is always a chore. We used to spend two to three hundred dollars a week for a family of five. I resolved to cut that back now that I have only one kid at home. I only go grocery shopping every two weeks. I go online to see the specials at the local grocery stores to decide which one I will shop at this week. I plan my list around their sales and my coupons. The best thing I discovered is the printable shopping list that the online sites provide. Then I divide the list into categories by sections of the store. Fruit/vegs, meat/lunches, cans/boxes, frozen/other, and dairy/bread. I then make sure I have all my coupons ready to look at if I have any questions once I find the product. If I plan ahead, I can get in and out in less than a hour and save up to 50% on my total shopping.

But, the best way to save money is to bring cash. I bring $100 with me and know that I can't spend more than that. I keep track of the cost of each item -rounded to the next dollar- as I put them in the cart. My 4 year old has even learned to check the price of anything he wants me to buy. If my total gets close to the $100 and I am not finished, I take out all extra items I have picked up, and stick to the essentials. I have saved sooo much money. My husband thinks I am crazy, but I love to see how much I can save. I usually need to go to the small market near my house in between the big shopping trips, but I only spend about $30 or so. I hope this helps someone else. Believe me, I don't miss all the junk food, chips, and processed foods I used to buy.

By Carrielee from New Hampshire

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Use Nail Polish to Fix Zippers

You know those zippers you have (usually on jeans) that just don't want to stay up no matter what? Paint the zipper teeth with clear nail polish. You may need to apply a couple of coats depending on how loose the zipper is, and reapply when it starts to fall again!

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Substitute for Saffron

Has anyone found a decent substitute for saffron threads? They are quite expensive. When I have splurge and purchase this item, I've been disappointed because it's been on the shelf too long. A lot of recipes indicate that it's possible to substitute with turmeric. I find that turmeric gives an off flavor that is a bit too intense for delicately flavored recipes.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Best Window Cleaning Solution

What is the best cleaning solution for windows?

Carol Mayo from Sun City, AZ

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Tips for Organizing and Cleaning Basement

I need help cleaning out my basement. Any tips on how to get started and motivated? My roommate seems to store everything down there and when I go to remove something he insists that he needs it. I am tired of the junk and unused things. I want to make the basement into a family room.

Amy from Evansdale, IA

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Making Homemade Necklace Hangers

I am looking for suggestions on home made necklace hangers. I had found some ideas on ThriftyFun, but now can't find them again.

CalaLily from Alexandria, VA

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Suggestions for Painting Laminate Cabinets

I would like to paint my laminate cabinets. They are a beige/yellow color and I don't mind having a textured look and a little darker. Any suggestions?

Lynn from Orlando, FL

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Looking For Information About Self Adhesive Glass Block Decorations

I am still having trouble finding out about self adhesive (wallies?)or other cut outs to put on lighted glass blocks. Once I place it on the block, do I need to spray something over it to help it stay? Someone who has knowledge of this please email me.

Thanks,
Christina from Alabama

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Dove Bar Soap Flaky Scalp Remedy

I read a tip, on another site, about using DOVE BAR SOAP [and ONLY DOVE in the bar form] as a remedy to clear up a flaky scalp, instead of shampoo products. Any thoughts or experiences on this out there?

Amy from Walnut Creek, CA

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Cleaning Football Pants With Built-in Pads

My two sons play football. The team got new pants this year with built in pads. In the past, I have had the best luck getting out the grass and mud by pre-soaking them. With the new pants, the pads float, so the dirtiest parts (the knees) aren't in the water. Any suggestions on how to keep the pants submerged?

Becky from Coralville, IA

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Oklahoma Sooners Afghan Throw

I am looking for a crochet pattern for an afghan or throw with OU on it, for the Oklahoma Sooners. Anyone know where I might find a pattern, or anyone have one? I've searched the internet and in stores, gonna go check out the library next. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Melissa from Bokchito, Oklahoma

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Seattle Birthday Party Ideas

Want to throw a surprise 30th birthday party for my sister in Seattle. (I'm living in S.F. Bay area.) Looking for great cakes, eats, events, location, etc. for Nov. 16 weekend. Please help.

Deb from Seattle, WA

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Draping Fabric in a Gazebo for a Wedding

Planning a wedding with ceremony taking place in gazebo. Want to drape fabric in gazebo but am not sure if I should drape the entire thing or partial. It is shapped like an octagon and has a beautiful garden around it. Should I drape ceiling and columns only, drape just the back three sides like a backdrop or drape the entire thing in a sheer see through fabric? Also it will still be daylight during the ceremony. Any suggestions would be greatly apprceiated.

M from Cherry Hill, NJ

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Simple Wine Recipe

Anyone have a simple wine making recipe? We have many grapes.


Barb from CA

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Question About Yard Craft Material

At a roadside flower/craft store, I have recently seen some yard craft. They were snowmen and Christmas trees that you normally see cut out of plywood. But these were cut out of some type of white high density foamboard or thin plastic sheets that were very sturdy and the white color was clear through the material? I checked at a big hardware store and they had no idea what I was referring to. Does anyone know what non-wood material this is that you now can use to cut out yard craft and do not have to paint? And maybe where you can find it? Any help would be appreciated because I just cannot figure it out.

dani740 from Southern Ohio

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Pirate Costume Idea

I'm attending a pirate theme murder mystery dinner for Halloween and need some frugal ideas to go as a, well, pirate. There are already those who are going all the way with Capt. Bluebeard, etc... I just want to be an ordinary (cheap) swabby.

Jax from Portland, OR

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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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ConAgra Foods Offers Consumer Advisory Regarding Banquet Pot Pies

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 2007--ConAgra Foods today announced that it was contacted by state health officials regarding Banquet Turkey and Chicken Pot Pies. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), ConAgra Foods is advising consumers to not eat these products while the USDA and ConAgra Foods look into these concerns.

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Kahoot Products Inc. Recalls Cub Scouts Totem Badges Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Starbucks Recalls Children's Plastic Cups Due to Choking and Laceration Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Fluorescent Ceiling Light Fixtures Sold Exclusively at Home Depot Recalled by Lithonia Lighting Due to Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Toshiba Recalls AC Adapters sold with Portable DVD Players Due to Burn Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Christmas Tree Shops Recalls Glitter Candles Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Yarn Covered Coat Hangers

How do you make yard covered coat hangers? Tips from the ThriftyFun community.

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