Daily Thrifty Tips - March 11, 2009

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Kitchen Cleaning With Loofah's

I've discovered a wonderful way to clean your dishes, sink, pots and pans. It's a loofa! Also spelled loufa, loufah, etc. I grow my own, which is easy to do, but they can also be purchased on the internet, ebay and some "natural" stores. I find a piece about 5 inches long works great. After use just throw them into the dishwasher to have them cleaned and sterilized!

By Marilyn from Colfax, LA

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Family: Josh Saying Goodbye

This is a picture of my Grandson Josh sadly watching Daddy and Sissy going to work and school.

By Sandy from Harwood Heights, IL

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Gardening: Wintering Plants

I always try to winter over some of my yard plants. It doesn't always work, but I'm happy when it does.

From kflocey of Gladwin, MI

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MunchkinII and SweetPea (Toy Fox Terrier)

MunchkinII and SweetPea are 14 week old Toy Fox Terriers. After our Munchkin died, I searched online for months, and found these Toy Fox Terriers from a Mennonite Farm.

Oh Boy! These girls are athletic! They love to bark at our older Beagle, (he loves barking back.) These girls run, and zoom all over the house. They are tiny, and they zoom, zoom, zoom everywhere. I am not ready to leave the house with them in the house by themselves. They have many, many fur toys to play with.

Sweet Pea loves me true. She wants on my lap. MunchkinII wants Daddy. Sweet Pea sits on my lap and barks at everybody. MunchkinII likes to eat.

You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine, when skies are gray, you make me happy, you make me happy, Oh Sunshine, don't take my Sunshine Away!

By Carol L. from South Bend

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Craft Project: 3D Snowflakes

These beautiful snowflakes can be whipped up in a matter of minutes. They are so quick and easy to make, you will want to fill every window or hang from every ceiling!

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Treat Job Hunting as a Job

When job hunting, treat it like a full time job. Spend 40 hours a week dedicated to finding a job, whether the time involves resume building, searching online, developing cover letters, or beating the pavement.

By Emily from RI

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Use Old Socks for Packing

I was needing to pack some highly breakable items they are very sentimental to me and I didn't want them to break while I have to store them. I didn't have bubble wrap or newspaper but I did have a million old socks so I decided to use them for my packaging.

What I did was take an old tube sock and a teacup. I held the teacup like I was going to drink out of it and I just slipped it into the sock pushing it all the way down to the toe, the part that was left over I just shoved into the cup, I suppose I could have wrapped it back over itself also. With the saucer part it slipped right into the sock and I folded it under when I put the plate in the box. I'm going to use more socks this way I have a lot of them that lost their mate or one has a hole in it and no one wants to mend it. Plus it saved me from having to go buy bubble wrap and saved myself some dough.

By Amberina from Oregon

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Use an "Old" Slipper for Waxing Floors

This is a cleaning tip with funny story! I was preparing to wax my floor the "old fashioned way" as my mom always did, on my hands and knees, when I remembered a pair of plush slippers that my daughter just threw out due to a crack along the bottom of them. Since I didn't have the waxing mop that this product called for, I just slipped my hand into the slipper and turned it upside down on my hand and used the top portion of her slippers!

I really felt like a genius until I slipped out of my new slippers into shoes to get the mail and upon my return, accidentally grabbed and used my new slippers to finish the waxing job!

Guess I need to change my name from AHA to HAHA! Keep Smiling!

Source: This could ONLY come from MY MIND! ;)

By AHA! from Sterling, PA

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Give Kids an "Alternative" to Taking Medication

For those children who refuse to take medicine, do what I did. Tell them they can take the medicine by spoon, or you will go to the Pharmacy and get the suppository formula. You may be threatened by them with calling 911, but that little mouth will pop open voluntarily. The funny part is when they reach teen-age, then you get some REALLY nasty looks but they take the medicine. (no pun intended) No more begging or pleading; victory for the parent!

By Cajun62234 from Collinsville

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Scrapbooking Children's School Projects

As our children grow, we save a lot of the "odd" things they make at school, church, etc. In scrapbooking, it is impossible to include most of those items. You don't want to toss it, "Timmy made it" for me. So do the next best thing and then you can scrapbook it and "scrap it"; too!

Take a clear photo of the item, place it in your scrapbook and journal the details, then toss the item. If you think your child might want to see it one last time, ask if they do first. Otherwise, you have the memory but not the box of stuff you have nothing else you can use it for.

By Robin from Dover, FL

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Use a Shoe Holder to Organize Photographs

I bought a shoe holder that I could hang on the back of my office door and instead of putting shoes in it, I use it to organize my photographs. I can find any picture that I'm looking for within a minute or two.

From the shoe holder, I take the pictures and put them in photo albums. The shoe holder can be used to store all sorts of things, not just photographs. Store office supplies like scissors, stapler, pens, pencils, white out, etc. Bathroom supplies like door brushes, combs, extra soap, toothpaste, make-up, etc.

It really has cleared off my desk and made it much easier to find things.

By CaroleeRose from Madison. Alabama

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Use Scrubbing Bubbles to Remove Ink from Dryer

I looked on this site to find an answer to remove ink from a dryer drum. Many said to use fingernail polish remover, too many fumes for me. I tried some hairspray and that was too messy and also stunk. I then tried Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber and it did not stink. It took the ink off so easy. Do wear rubber gloves. Wipe it down with a wet cloth when done. It was so easy. I had it cleaned within 45 minutes.

Thank you for your suggestions.

Hope this one helps.

Kat from Ohio

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Use Your Potato Ricer to Remove Moisture from Spinach

If a recipe calls for frozen spinach with the water squeezed out, I have a great and easy way to do this. No more do you need to waste valuable paper towels and make a mess. I use my potato ricer. Just put the thawed spinach in the potato ricer and clamp down the top portion and squeeze. With one or two squeezes, the spinach is completely dry and ready for your recipe.

Source: I got this tip from a friend of mine a long time ago when we were both personal chefs.

By Kathy from Sylvania, OH

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Take Vitamins Right Before Bed

Do you get an upset stomach when taking vitamins? I am currently taking calcium, a multi-vitamin, and biotin. For some reason I would get sick to my stomach. I tried taking them with food, and without food and nothing seemed to work. One day, I totally forgot to take them during the day and took them right before bed. This time it didn't make me feel sick! Now I take my vitamins right before I got to bed and I don't get an upset stomach. BUT you have to go to bed right after taking them; if you wait even 5 minutes, you will feel sick. Hope this helps anyone who has trouble taking vitamins like me.

By Clara711 from Whittier, CA

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Vomit Stains on Hardwood Floors

I have an older cat who vomits often on our hardwood floors. Sometimes we do not find these "gifts" until the next day. Is there a way to remove the stains that have soaked into the wood? I've tried a hairdryer, baking soda and currently have toothpaste sitting on them. Any ideas are very welcome!

Nancy from Ocean, NJ

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Reoccurring BV Infections

I have had reoccurring BV infections. The medication (Flagy) prescribed by the doctor isn't working. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on what should I do? Please help.

Felicia from GA

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Cigarette Burn on a Fabric Truck Seat

How do you repair a cigarette burn on a fabric truck seat?

Cajunangel from Shreveport, LA

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Softer Homemade Bread

How do I get the inside of my homemade bread softer? The outside crust is great, but I wish my bread would be much softer. Thanks!

Linda from Eustis, FL

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20th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas

My siblings and I are planning to give our parents a surprise 20th wedding anniversary celebration. I would like any ideas that anyone may have.

Anisha from MD

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Roots in Sewer Lines

How do I know if I have roots in my sewers?

Nora from Canada

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Defective Dooney and Bourke Purse

If you have a Dooney and Bourke purse and the leather is pulling apart, will they replace it?

Tracie from Latham, IL

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Dealing with Adult Children at Home

I am under a lot of stress at my house right now. I have a son-in-law, his girlfriend and their 7 month old baby living here. They refuse to take any of my suggestions to heart in caring for the baby. It is driving me nuts and I am at my wits end. Any ideas on how to de-stress my life while they are here?

Liz from FL

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Ideas for Crafts Kits

I am trying to start a business this year, making craft kits. My business name is going to be Kayleez Kreationz, and the kits will be sewing patterns, doll clothes, magnets, pins, ornaments, simple crochet projects and more. There will also be kits to make vests. I am in the state capital of Salem OR, so I was thinking of Capital In-Vest-ments!

I also want to have a line of craft supplies that come in bags with hang tags, etc. I thought of "Just Finish It" but that will never be pronounced right. So, I am depending on all my TF folks to come up with all kinds of creative and fun ideas! Thanks for all the help.

Sandi from Salem, OR

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Activities for Assisted Living Home

I'm an Activities Director at a small assisted living home. I'm always looking for new ideas of interactive crafts, games, stories, and other stuff for my residents to do. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Jessie from Mauston, WI

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Homemade Automatic Shower Cleaner Refills

I have a popular automatic shower cleaner.Does anyone have a suggestion on what I can fill it with so I don't have to buy the expensive refills and will still get my shower clean.

Debbie from Murray, KY

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Homemade Mineral Salt Rock Deodorant

Does anyone have a homemade recipe for the natural, organic, mineral salt rock deodorant? I'd like to make this myself, but without the sodium alum which is still a version of aluminum. It's just not as "bad" as the aluminum chlorohydrate. Is it possible? I'm just over the OTC chemical sticks! Thanks bunches!

Jane from Baltimore, MD

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Craft Ideas Using Foamies Material

I am looking for creative ideas made from Foamies material like frogs, cd, etc..

Beverly from Parkersburg, WV

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Keeping Peacocks Out of the Garden

How can I keep guineas and peacocks out of the flower beds and vegetable gardens? Without hurting the birds. Thanks.

Meanma from Derby, KS

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Buying Stop the Itch

Where can I buy "Stop the Itch"?

Charles

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Getting Disability for Sarcoidosis

Can I get disability for a living condition called Sarcoidosis?

Trevis from Merritt Island, FL

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Seedlings Keep Dying

When I plant my seeds they grow thin and spindly to about an inch and a half then fall over and die. Any idea why?

Dave from UK

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Resurfacing an Acrylic Kitchen Sink

I have a Thermocast Rochester High Gloss White Cast Acrylic single bowl kitchen sink. Its worthless! It can't stand up to anything. The outer edge is fine, the troubles are in the bowl part, the bottom and sides. I need to resurface it somehow. Any ideas? Will anything bond to this well enough to stay put?

Anna from VA

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Shiny Spots on Wood Table

I recently removed white heat marks on my dining room table, after reading the suggestions on this website. First, I tried using the mayo and baking soda, with lots of elbow grease! It removed most of the white spots, but now the spots are super shiny! It almost looks like that part of the table has been polished.

I ended up trying the wax paper, towel, and iron which removed the rest of the spots without any problem at all. I wish I had tried it first! Is there anyway to remove the shiny spots and return them to the original finish?

Melissa from Knoxville, TN

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Learning to Knit

I want to learn to knit. I don't know anything about it. Can someone give me really easy instructions? Thank you.

Jamish from Tribune, KS

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Clothes Dryer Isn't Heating Properly

How do you repair a dryer that isn't heating properly?

Nora from Grand Rapids, MI

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Caring for a 5 Week Old Puppy

I have a pit bull/mastiff puppy that is about 5 weeks old. The breeder told me she was 8 weeks, but its clear that she's not. He said that they had to get rid of all the puppies or they would be put down. I just want to know what I should do with her to help her grow healthy. She cries most of the day, even when she's eating and drinking. I really need some advice on this.

Lori from Thermopolis, WY

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Cleaning Stained Bathroom Tile Grout

How do I clean grout in the bathroom? The grout lines between the tiles is going black. I don't want to keep using bleach.

Cate from Pt. Charlotte, FL

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Keeping Dogs from Digging

My dog Sammy likes digging holes in our backyard and he won't stop. We have about thirty holes in our backyard now. Any advice on how to get him to stop?

Priscilla from Seattle

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Painting Formica Counter Tops

Can I paint my formica countertop?

Jan from Doyle, TN

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Pop Bottle Bird Feeder

How do you keep the bird seed from falling out of a pop bottle bird feeder?

Leona from KS

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Can You Reuse Potting Soil?

Do you have to use new potting soil every year when potting flowers? I usually do, but I didn't know if it was really necessary or not. Thanks!

Melissa from Charlotte, NC

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Removing Gum From a Dryer

How do you remove chewing gum from the dryer?

Colin

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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

My Frugal Life: Stay Out of Stores

Being organized has saved me a lot of money. By the same token, when I am disorganized, I spend more than I should. A budget and a grocery list are my best tools, but there is a third that is almost as important. It is staying out of the stores.

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Tribute to My Mom
By Robin

When I think of my mother, the first thing to come to mind is, believe it or not, food! Crazy as it may sound, you have to understand that my mom was a top notch cook during my childhood years. She enjoyed making meals for her family so much and went to a lot of trouble to make sure that we were not only well fed, but that our meal times were an enjoyable experience. She taught me many things about homemaking and most of that has been about cooking.

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