Daily Thrifty Tips - July 24, 2008

The summer is flying by. Do you have any back to school tips to share with ThriftyFun readers? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages.

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: Trivet From Wine Corks

What to do with all those old wine corks?

I made mine into a trivet - perfect to put hot pots or plates on.

So simple and inexpensive - all you need besides the corks, is a wire clamp (2$ at home depot)

Put your corks in the middle and then just use a screw driver to tighten the wire clamp and voila - done!

By Julianna from Princeton, NJ

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Molly (Beagle Mix)

Molly is 5 ish. Our best guess is a Beagle Mix. She is a Great Pound Puppy! I sprung her from the pound in Florida, when she was around 3 months old.

She likes to be with us. She's our fur daughter.

By Katie from Davenport, WA

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Craft Project: Clay Pot Ballerina

This is a ballerina made from clay pots.

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Craft: Concert T-Shirt Pillows

What to do with all those old concert tees? You can't get rid of them - way too many groovy memories.

So I sewed them in to pillows, but left them in tee shirt shape. They are so comfy and the neck part fits right under your neck!

I used fun bright embroidery thread to make the colors on the shirt really pop!

By Julianna from Princeton, NJ

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Refurbished Easy Chair Using Latex Paint!

Turn a dirty old chair into a favorite EASILY with simple paint! I did this chair in an evening and it was terrible looking but the sturdy well built condition made it worth lugging home!

I am offering BEFORE and AFTER pics to show you what a little paint can fix!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Keep Your Swim Suit From Fading

To keep your swim suit from fading, go to your local pet store and purchase chlorine remover that you use for aquariums. Not only is it cheaper than purchasing chlorine remover for swim wear, but a little goes a long way and you may use a bucket of dechlorinated water several times before discarding. Also you have more than enough for your whole family to use.

By Debbie from Springboro, OH

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Renew Renuzit With Sea Salt And Lavender Oil

I bought a couple of Renuzit push up air fresheners for my bathroom and when they dried out, I renewed them by pouring some sea salt in the bottoms of the containers and adding several drops of lavender oil onto the sea salt. I gave the containers a slight shake to incorporate and it became an air freshener all over again that lasts for over a week! The scent of these now recycled air fresheners are actually a little more powerful than the original ones I initially bought from the store. I can recycle them every week or so for pennies by just adding a few drops of essential oils. Wow, this is great. Hope this tip proves helpful for you.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Ebay Buying Tips

What appears to be a bargain, may not be. I love eBay, in fact, I sell and buy on eBay. I have learned the hard way to not get into bidding wars. Do your research on the item or items you are interested in, decide ahead of time what you are willing to bid and stick with that amount. A couple times I have paid more then I wanted, just because I got caught up in the last minute bidding. Now, I do my homework on what a fair price is for the item I want and put my best bid in and leave it alone. If I do not win that item, there will eventually be another listed and I can try again. If you are selling items, always give a detailed description of your item, charge fair shipping and answer all questions sent to you before the auction ends. Take good quality pictures of your item and start at a low opening bid with no reserve. Have fun, and happy bidding.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Link: Hippopost For Free Postcards

Through http://www.hippopost.com, you can send 2 FREE customized postcards per day! Upload your own pix or use theirs.

What with the cost of postage, it's a DEAL.

By pamphyila

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"Bring Back" Souvenirs Purchased At Home

When going on a trip without your children, purchase gifts at home where you're familiar with the stores before you go so you can "bring" back "souvenirs" you know they'll enjoy. We have found that not only is it less expensive, but it is also frees you up from spending vacation time trying to find somewhere to find something the children will enjoy.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Maggots in the Garbage Can

During the summer with all the heat, those pesky (UGH) maggots seem to pop up in garbage cans especially when garbage bags leak sometimes. To solve this problem, put 3 or 4 moth balls in the garbage can. Always check to make sure they are in there after the trash has been picked up--if not, replenish. Your garbage men will appreciate this and your garbage cans won't smell bad either.

By Joanie from Praireville, La.

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Baby Wipe Containers and Cereal Boxes

I wanted to share what I have discovered to be a great organizer for anything from shoes, to toys, hats, crafts, papers, movies, etc.

I always buy the bulk boxes of baby wipes for my children. The boxes are perfect for stacking and making into storage cubbies when empty! I have some stacked four across and three rows high for shoes in my closet, and I have some stacked on a shelf in my coat closet to separate items like gloves, hats, and scarves.

Just remember before throwing anything out, what it could be used for. I also cut cereal boxes in half and use the bottoms to separate items in my junk drawer.
Just thought I'd share! :)

Aeowyn from Cinci

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Use Oatmeal for Bug Bites

Chiggers and mosquitoes have been really bad this year, and I seem to attract more than my fair share. I seem to be especially sensitive to them, and itch for days and days. I've tried hydrocortisone and benzocaine cream (Lanacane) with not much luck.

What finally worked was so simple, it was almost unbelievable. Oatmeal. Yes, regular oatmeal. Run a bath as usual, but sprinkle in a handful or two of oatmeal. As you soak, rub handfuls of the now-mushy oatmeal on bug bites as an added anti-itch remedy. This has the added benefit of being completely natural and chemical free.

Source: I remembered reading somewhere about the anti-itch properties of oatmeal, and I was desperate.

By Camilla from Atchison, KS

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Craft: Tile Art - Painting Tiles

I received some tiles as a free sample, they were about 2"x2". As you can see they were just plain white. I did a stencil painting on one and on the other I painted then added a pretty butterfly sticker. I had another that I decoupaged on but my mom loved and it's at her house. I bought a little gold easel from Walmart for .58 cents. The tiles were free, I already had paint, stencils, and stickers so all this craft cost me was the .58 cents for the easel.

By Christi from Paducah, KY

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Buy Graham Cracker Crumbs To Save

Graham Cracker Crumbs are an essential for lots of "quick baking". I used to buy the cheapest boxes of crackers, and pulverize them to get crumbs for my recipes. I found out today that the "crumbs" are cheaper then the whole crackers. Graham Cracker crumbs are in the flour and cake isle, while the whole Graham Crackers are in with the cookies.

There is a significant savings. Check it out.

By Christine from Sterling, VA

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Making A Monkey Baby Quilt

I am looking for a picture of a monkey, very basic to make a monkey quilt for new grandchild. Anyone have one?

Karen from Winona

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Making A Papasan Chair Cushion

How can I make a papasan chair cushion without putting a lot of money into it? I bought the frame at a Goodwill and found a way to make a cushion, but I just wondered if I could get some other ideas? Thanks!

SJ

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Drugstore Products For Damages Hair

I have blond, thin medium length hair that is very damaged. Do you know of any products like shampoo and conditioners for it? I would like products that I can purchase at the drugstore.

Natalia from Tampa, FL

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Getting A Hair Out Of Your Eye

Does anyone have any tips for getting something out of your eye that you can't see - like a long haired cats hair? I have gotten his hair in my eyes at times and I cannot remove it for hours because I can't find it. If I take a shower or wash my face, which isn't always convenient at the time, I can remove it. Otherwise it is really bothersome and uncomfortable.

Ann from MA

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Small White Bugs in Kitchen Cupboard

I have tiny white bugs in my kitchen cupboard. They look like sawdust at first, but then when I look closely they move.

Joanne from England

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Handling An Out Of Control Child With New Baby

I recently submitted a problem with my 4 year old grand daughter. I would like to thank each of you for your response. I can approach the discipline problem on my end, but how do I tell my daughter to discipline her daughter and that she should seek medical help for her.

Maybe she will grow out of it, but I seriously doubt it. My next issue is that my daughter is having her second child in Sept, and I am concerned with the 4 year old possibly having a tantrum when the baby is around. If she will hit adults, what could she do with the baby?

Joan from Springfield, MA

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Removing Milk Stains from Carpet

How do I get rid of milk stain and smell from a carpet?

Margie

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Clouding After Floors Were Refinished

I just had my floors refinished and there is a clouding along the cracks that must come from the wood filler. Can anyone tell me if this clouding might turn into a black moisture stain over the years? I intend to live in this house for many many years and want to be sure my floor refinisher is not committing a sin of omission. Thanks.

lestalk from Berkeley, CA

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Losing 5 Pounds In A Week

What is an easy way to lose about 5 pounds in a week?

Christie from Union, SC

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Dog Is Frightened Of Boyfriend

I think that my dog has been abused while I was out of town. He is very frightened by my boyfriend. He runs away and won't come to my boyfriend and every time my boyfriend touches him he pees on himself. What can I do to fix this behavior?

Dominique from Memphis, TN

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Ideas For Wedding Party Grand Entrance

My daughter is having a very small wedding (under a hundred guests) with a big reception. There is absolutely no room in the church for a receiving line. The reception is 2 hours later, and she wants to have the whole wedding party have a Grand Entrance. Any ideas?

Julie from Muskegon,MI

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Making Diapers For Marmoset Monkeys

I have to make clothes and diapers for Marmoset monkeys. Can anybody help me with patterns or measurements. If you have more than one size pattern, it will be highly appreciated. I go this request from a pet shop as well as private owners.

Marlene from Pretoira, South Africa

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Covering Up Hall Decorations For Wedding Reception

My daughter is getting married in early Sept. The reception is located at a VFW hall. There are a lot of pictures, flags etc. on the walls. My main concern is the wall behind the bridal table. Any tasteful and inexpensive ideas to cover them?

Julie from Muskegon, MI

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Decorating Ideas for a Jungle Themed Dance

We're having a jungle/safari themed dance. How should we decorate it?

TT92 from Ottawa, On

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Reviews Of Ebates.com

Has anyone used Ebates.com? It's an online company that pays a small percentage to you when you shop online through them. They listed about 900 stores. Any thoughts pro or con. Thanks!

Heather from Florida

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Pumpkin Plants Keep Dying

I planted pumpkin seeds for the first time. They were growing and had started bloom, then they just died. Any ideas of what might of happened? Thank you for any advise!

Hardiness Zone: 5a


Wynd from champaign, IL

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Cleaning Seashells

What is the best way to clean seashells for crafts and collecting?

Lewis and Laurel

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Low Budget Birthday Party Ideas

My 17th birthday is coming up and I don't know what to do. I don't have a job and my parents don't do anything for me. I need something low budget and fun to do for my birthday.

Katrina from Illinois

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Female Parakeet Laying Empty Eggs

My female parakeet lost her mate a little over a year ago. In the last couple of months she's been laying eggs which she'd never done before. The eggs are just empty shells. What could cause this behavior?

Margie from Tampa, FL

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Recipe for Deep Fried Tacos

Traveling some years ago in South Dakota we stopped at a small town tavern. Their special was a deep fried type of taco. Anyone have a recipe to make a deep fried taco?

Wynd from Champaign, Il

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Advice for Making Apple Pie

I need some advice on making apple pies. I never know which apples bake the best, and can never seem to remember what I used the time before either. Also the last time I made one it was very runny. Not sure if I used too many apples, or to much sugar. Even after sitting in the fridge for a day, it was very runny. Any ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Mary

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Looking for Simple Baby Quilt Pattern

Can someone please give me directions to make a simple baby quilt? I am also looking for toys made from cloth. I need a special gift for my soon to come niece. Thanks and god bless.

Debra from Hampton, TN

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Removing Nail Polish From Nylon

How do I get nail varnish out of a nylon tee shirt?

Julie

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Identifying Strange Plant In Garden

This morning I saw the strangest plant in my flower bed. At first I thought my daughter had stuck some carrot in the ground for an animal to munch on. Upon further inspection it appears to be some type of plant/growth. It is orange and seems to be hollow. There are three of them in a triangular shape. They look just like a carrot facing up. Any ideas what this could be? Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Diane from Fond du Lac, WI

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Can I Plant Crape Myrtles In The Summer?

I just received 4 crape myrtles and wondered if they would make it if I planted them now, in the middle of July? Our soil is somewhat hard, and they would be in a full sun area. Do you think I should wait until the fall, or plant them now?

Hardiness Zone: 8b


Shannon from Deville, Louisiana

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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: Curb Shopping

Being low income and depending upon curbside shopping before "city pick up days" arrive, I drive through my neighborhoods, rather than the main road, en route to ANY place. I keep a sharp eye open for whatever is being tossed that is:

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Link: Lowering Vet Bills

Veterinary bills can be a large part and often an unexpected part of any pet owners budget. Here's an article in the Chicago Tribune about lowering your vet bills.

Putting a Leash on Your Vet Bills

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