Daily Thrifty Tips - January 5, 2009

We are finally caught up with this newsletter! Thank you everyone for your patience and we apologize for the flurry of past issues in your email box. Since each newsletter contains requests and tips, we fealt it was important that all the newsletter got sent.

Also, a quick note about crafts and contest payouts, we are working on those today. So if you are expecting a check or paypal payment, you should receive it this week.

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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: Magazine Photo Bedspread

I made a very pretty bedspread with pictures I saved from magazines a friend gave me. I used iron on paper and muslin cloth cut into 12 inch squares. Hope you can see how I did it, thanks.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Homemade Spice Cabinet

I needed somewhere to keep my spices, they took up too much space in my cabinet. My husband used some wood we had and built a frame. He then added shelves and a door. Now I have a spice cabinet. I really like this and it's so convenient. No more hunting spices, they are all in one place.

By my-secret from Clairton, PA

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TRR for Toilet Bowl Stains

These are before and after pictures of my toilet bowl. I am so proud. I used TRR and green scrub pad and, like magic, the stains are gone! The ring in the toilet had been there for at least 2 years, that is how long I have lived here!

By Theresa from Wahiawa, HI

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Sampson The Cat

This is Sampson, he is almost 12 years old. He is a polydactal that means he has extra toes. Sampson has 8 toes on each from paw. He was my cat Misty's baby.

Sampson loves to climb his cat tree. One of his favorite things to do is play basketball with those milk rings. I started tossing them on the bed and then he started jumping up and slapping them across the bed. I have had a lot of cats through my lifetime but, he is the only one that has ever played like that. Sampson can jump staight up in the air and he will be about four feet in the air. That is amazing to me.

By Robin from Bonham, TX

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Reusing Containers for Portable Laundry Supplies

We sold our 3 bedroom home and moved into a 2 bedroom apartment. I'm now using the laundromat in the complex. Every Friday when I did my wash, I had to carry not only the laundry basket but heavy bottles of laundry detergents as well.

Now I found a use for the coffee creamer bottles that I so frugally saved. I'm saving a third bottle to hold my liquid fabric softener. I also saved the old caps from the bottles so I can measure the amount in each washing machine.

I just have to make sure that I refill the bottles when they run low.

By MCW from Lewiston, NY

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Beware Using Glitter When Refinishing Counter Tops

I refinished my counter tops with granite spray and enviro and thought it would be a good idea to use glitter to resemble granite. What a disaster! The glitter stood straight up, made bumps all over the counters. I haven't tried sanding them, but plan to do that soon. If that doesn't work, I will try to pour another layer of the enviro over the counters.

By Becky from Chesterland Ohio

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Extinguish Candle Into Melted Wax

Do not blow out a candle flame. Bend the wick into the melted wax. The flame will go out and you wont get that awful smoking. To bend the wick, I used an uncooked spaghetti noodle. Be sure to lift it back out while still warm, so it's ready to light for your next use.

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

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Beauty Tips for Using Contouring Powder

I have found that using contouring powder as part of your make-up routine is tricky and can often look very obvious. The solution is to make sure your face completely dry after applying moisturizer, then apply the contouring powder first, followed by your mineral powder foundation. This will soften and hide any obvious blunders. A little extra swirling with a clean foundation brush will help blend it in much better. You can use the same idea for blush, which for us women is one of the most common misapplications!

By Pattie from Bridgton

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Saving Your Raises

I recently got my annual raise and have been putting it into savings. If i don't use it, it's like i never got it! A friend of mine read somewhere (not sure where) that a person has been living on the same salary for 10 years by doing this! So yes, it can be done!

By Donna from Northlake, TX

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Use Christmas Tree Topper Bows for Winter Wedding

I found tree topper bows at Michael's that were 70% off! These will serve as our pew bows for a "winter" wedding in 3 weeks.

By Carol L. from Morrisville, NC

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Thrifty Doll Outfits

I'm an adult doll hobbyist, and I've learned that there's hundreds of dolls that have never had patterns made for them, whether she's a Timey Tell from the late 60s, or a Disney Little Princess on shelves now. While I love to sew, I also love to find new things for my dolls at second-hand venues - yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets.

It always amazes me how many dressed teddy bears I find out on a second-hand hunt - usually for less than a dollar! And if you can size your doll by sight (or with a small seamstress tape measure), you have a great source for complete, cheap doll outfits! Often even the shoes fit! Make sure the bear's outfit is removable - some bears clothes' are their bodies ! - and if it looks to be about right, you may only have to add a back closure or a bit of tailoring.

Check for stands and props, too. And if you don't want the now-nude bear, remove all the loose threads and donate him to your favorite thrift store or charity. It's a win all around !

Source: This is original, as far as I know, but I've mentioned it on my website,:

• Somewhere That's Green

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Computer Tips for Seniors

For our senior citizens. This is for those of us with brain fog and using computers. I keep an address book to keep up with passwords and sign in info. It stays right in a drawer or by the computer. Buy printer paper when it is on sale. I also use photo paper from the dollar tree. My cousin showed me that printing on notebook paper works out good. I use calligraphy ink for refills. I have a chair with arms on it I have been known to fall asleep.

By Bozomom from Eastern NC

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Use Wax for a Shiny Vinyl Floor

If you have vinyl floors and wish to make them look new and very-very shiny, as well as giving them protection and easier to wipe clean, do the following:

Get a small bucket with some warm water, a little white vinegar, a couple rags and a box of SOS Brillo Pads. Any brand Brillo Pad can be used. One section at a time, wet floor and then scrub with Brillo Pad. Make sure not to miss any spots. This will remove old wax, scuffs and dirt. Wipe up all soap residue from Brillo Pads.

Next dampen a small rag with water, wring out. Squirt on Future Floor Wax, spread evenly over floor with rag. Let dry. I put a fan blowing on the area to hurry the drying process. I also open windows to let out fumes from wax.

When wax is dry, add another layer and let dry. Add one more layer and let dry.

I have lived in apartments that had vinyl from the 1940's and using this process, have had people think the floor was wet, it was so shiny. It actually has depth, like glass or water. Back in the early 70's, a woman with 11 children put this recipe into the local newspaper. She said it made her life so much easier and her floors looked shiny and new all the time. It made weekly clean up and spills a snap. She added 6 or 7 coats of wax. I used this many coats of wax on that old 1940's floor and it looked like a new vinyl job. When I moved into this old place, the floor was dark from many years of neglect. Every mark and scratch disappeared after the treatment.

It is the small microscopic scratches or scuffs that make floors difficult to clean as the dirt seeps into the cracks and the floor never really looks clean. I also do this to new vinyl floors as well to protect them and give them a long and shiny life.

By Trisha from West Vancouver, BC

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Thrifty Homemade Dog Toys

I am unemployed and even when I had a job, we wasted a lot of money on pet toys our lab/pointer destroyed in a few minutes. Cheap toy ideas (please supervise your pet during play) can be right (almost) in your garbage.

Take an empty tissue box (cut off the plastic liner around the opening if there is one) and stick some small treats (food) inside. The dog will rip up the cardboard and play with this 'busy box' you can then throw away.

Get a paper lunch bag and stick some treats inside (I used bits of left over cheese or meat). Close the top and toss to your dog.

By Di from Vermont

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Buying Colored Kitchen Items To Keep Kosher

For anyone who keeps kosher, figuring out which dishes and utensils to use with which category of food can be difficult. Typically, though, people tend to use red for meat and fowl, blue for dairy, and green or white for "parve" (things that are neither meat nor dairy, including fish, eggs, grains, vegetables, and fruits). I've found lots of appropriately colored plates, utensils, and even cookware by searching online (such as at cookware.com and alljudaica.com).

What's harder are storage containers. But right now is a great time to stock up. Buy red plastic containers and green plastic containers now, while they're everywhere and on post-Christmas sale! Sam's Club, Wal-Mart, Target, and many other stores will have red and green items at amazingly low rates. Blue things can wait until you find some you like at a good price.

By Chayil from Chicago, IL

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Roast Your Turkey In A Paper Bag

Roasting the Turkey in a clean big paper bag for the moistest turkey ever. Clean and dress turkey as usual. Take the paper bag, use a coating of oil inside the bag enough to place the turkey onto then place the turkey inside and close the bag up. Put on a rack and tuck inside the pan to roast as usual. Even if you use a pop up pin, check the turkey 20 minutes before time ends. Check the turkey for color you like. Check the drumstick, if it moves up and down, this is the doneness check.

If you like, you can remove the bag easy and let it brown even more or even remove the juices. It makes really a lot, no basting needed at all. The turkey is brown and very tender and lots of broth for the gravy.

This was passed to me over 15 years ago by a family friend. I want to share so many will enjoy the turkey the way we do every year. It leaves me time to prep other things and make cookies last minute. I love it, you will too!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All.

Source: A family friend told me years ago.

By Linda C. from Weymouth, Mass

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Use A Cookie Scoop And Parchment Paper For Cookies

Save yourself a lot of work by using a cookie scoop and parchment paper when baking cookies. Many recipes call for the dough to be rolled into balls or drop by tablespoon. Using a cookie scoop gives you nice uniform cookies with ease. I always used parchment paper on my cookie sheets, also. Save on parchment paper by using it more then once. This also saves time in cleanup.

Have a Merry Christmas!!

• http://www.embroideryandsewingsupplies.com

By Cheryl from Ohio

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Getting Rid of "New Dresser" Smell

How do you get rid of "new dresser" smell?

Ting from San Jose, CA

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Washing Machine Not Spinning During Wash Cycle

My Maytag washing machine, model#sav405daww, doesn't spin on any wash cycle. The pulley on the motor turns and the belt is intact. All of the other cycles work including agitate.

SKWolf from Imperial

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Making Powdered Coffee Flavors

I am searching for information about flavoring powders to be used in coffee drink dry mixes. Thank you.

Alex

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Sealer Recommendations for Faux Granite Counters

Can anyone offer advice about which sealer is the best choice for the faux granite counters. Previous posts have mentioned Envirotex, Parks, Varathane, Poly etc. I'm afraid of the epoxys, but want a durable, professional result. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Debbie from Suwanee, Ga

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Dirty Water Stains on Microfiber Cushions

after cleaning my taupe microfiber couch, I stood the cushions up to dry. As a result, it left blackish areas at the front of the cushions,back and front. I know this was a result of the dirty water pooling at the bottom. They were too wet from using the wrong method. Some of this could be from oil from dog hair, as I bought it from a friend who never brushed his Rottie or his sofa. Please help.

Aggie from Riverview,fl

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Loading Songs onto an iPod Nano

I got an iPod Nano for Christmas and I haven't a clue about how to download songs from the internet. Can somebody walk me through it? In case you need to know, my computer has a 1.10 GHz processor with 512 MB of Ram and I'm running Windows XP, version 2002, Service Pack 2 with a Dial Up modem. Hopefully the dial-up won't be a problem! The Nano supposedly comes with 8 Gigs of total space. Thank you in advance for your help!

Cyinda from near Seattle

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Straightening Permed Hair

I just got a perm two days ago. She left perm solution on way too long (30-35 mins). My hair looks awful, dry, frizzy, with no curls! I could just cry. I want to straighten it back but am afraid it will fall out. Is there anything I can do without ruining it further? Please help, I can stand this bush of hair!

Avrianna from TN

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Crocheted Pop Can Top Pot Hot Pad

I am looking for a crochet pattern for a hot pad using the rings from the top of pop cans. I have made them before but it has been a long time ago and I have forgotten how to lay them out to interlock.

Beth from Fort Deposit, AL

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Mop Recommendations for Polished Board Floors

I have just bought a home with polished boards and I don't know what is the best thing to clean them with. I have tried most of the current 'flashy' mops - except for the Swiffer. I am currently 'mopless' but unsure what is the best type to purchase. Please help! Thanks.

kjp from Melbourne, Australia

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How Can I Tell If I Have a Pure Bred Puppy?

I bought a pup and I was told she is a pure bred Amstaf but I'm not sure. How do I find out?

Crystal from Adelaide, South Australia

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Advice for Exercising and Dieting

I have a 6 month old baby and can't really afford or find any time to go to the gym. So I was wondering if anyone knows of any good workouts and diet routines that would fit into a busy schedule. I am a single mother of 2 working most of the time and I really want to lose 25 lbs.

But being in such a hurry all the time I can't find time to workout and I always grab a quick bite to eat. So if anybody had any good ideas on a good diet on what to eat and what not to eat. And on good exercising to tone the body. Thanks for your help.

Michelle

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Agency Recommendations for Adopting Overseas

We are looking to adopt overseas and we are looking for information on agencies people have used. It's overwhelming and any help would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Mindy

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Painting a Linoleum Floor

I am thinking of painting a floor that is covered with linoleum? What do you think?

Kim from La Mesa, CA

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Frugal Anti-Fugal Humidifier Solution

I am looking for a frugal anti-fungal humidifier solution.

Char

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Using a Gutter Rake

Has anyone ever used a gutter rake and does it work?

Marcy from Ball Ground, GA

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What Breed is My Dog?

I don't know his breed, can anyone help me? The people I got him from said he was a lab/shepherd but I am not sure.

Brian from Dayton, Ohio

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Can You Reuse Potting Soil?

What do you do with your potting soil when you re-pot a plant? Do you reuse it or discard it? It seems wasteful to throw it out, surely you can keep using it?

Laura from Gillespie, IL

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Repairing a Glider Chair

I picked up a lovely glider chair from the street, but the seat support is broken. There are 3 curved springs with a square of white cloth (looks like linen) on top. They are stapled into the wood, but some of the staples fell off and so did the springs. Any idea about how to fix it will help. Thanks.

yyhuang from LA, California

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Fruit Dip Using Cream Cheese

I would love to have a recipe for fruit dip, one that uses cream cheese. All will be appreciated. Thanks and may God bless you in the New Year.

Debra from Hampton, Tenn

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Summer Sausage Recipe without Preservatives

I would like a summer sausage recipe without preservatives in it. No tender quick, MSG or other nitrates. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks so much.

Becki from Seymour, Missouri

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Holding Up Liberty Spikes

I want to get some liberty spikes about 3 inches and was just wondering what would be the best stuff to use to keep it all up?

Newman from Britain

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Shelf Life of Baking Chocolate

How long can you keep baking morsels and dipping chocolate on the shelf at your house? I have some but I am not sure if I should use it. Thanks

Beth from Warsaw, IN

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Does Fixing a Cat Help With Behavior?

Our 7 month old unfixed male cat is constantly wandering around the house looking for trouble. He is also very talkative! Is this just a normal phase? He has not started to spray, yet. Will having him neutered solve the bulk of this problem. He's driving us crazy!

O.B. from St. Louis, MO

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Wedding reception Ideas

I need help with wedding reception ideas.

Esther from Mobile, AL

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Lawnmower Not Getting Gas

My new lawn mower is not getting any gas. The spark plug is clean. What should I do to get it started? I only used it once.

David from Berlin, NJ

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Length of a Wedding Slideshow

How long should a wedding reception slideshow last?

Rocky from Alvarado, TX

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Fake Pie Crust Recipe

I am looking for a recipe for a fake pie crust that looks real.

Lori from Maryland

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Freezing Cooked Salmon

Can I freeze cooked salmon?

Alan from Plymouth, UK

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Easy, Inexpensive and Quick Recipes

I am looking for quick, easy, inexpensive dinner ideas.

Shelly from Perry, FL

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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge

I need an easy recipe for peanut butter fudge. Thank you! Love that fudge!

Nelliemary

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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

A Green Guide to Hair Dyes
By Ellen Brown

Most commercial hair dyes contain ridiculously toxic chemicals. Many contain additives (often unregulated) that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and a host of other serious health problems. So why are people willing assume the risk? Because the truth of the matter is, these products work great and many people are simply unaware that safer alternatives exist. No hair dye is worth dying for. Here are some tips for safer hair coloring.

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