March 31, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - March 30, 2009


Vol. 8, Num. 62, March 30, 2009 (Read It Online)

New Recipe Page!

We have updated the recipe submission form with some additional fields. If you have a tried and tested recipe to share with the ThriftyFun readers, feel free to submit it on the new recipe contest page here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_recipes.ldml

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The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

Joke of the Day

New Requests:

More Reading:

Today's Sponsor:

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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Today's Photos:

Craft: Frugal Party Vases

We needed some cute vases for a baby shower, but funds were running low. So, I bought some Monetta Luxury cream wafer cookies, $1.00 a can at The Dollar Tree. I removed the cookies (and served them at the baby shower). I covered each can with a large size yellow napkin from Wal-mart (also $1). They fit great. No cutting involved.

I used a glue stick on the edge to secure the napkin. Then I hot glued a styrofoam ball inside each one to stick the flowers in. I added ribbon, rose buds, sequins, tulle and teardrop pearl beads. I attached them with a hot glue gun to the outside. I filled each one with bright green paper grass and pulled it up so it stuck out of the top about 2 inches. To some of the others, I added pink flowers inside them. They were a big hit at the shower and added wonderful touch. I added them to the guest tables and the Mommy and Daddy to be table. Everyone loved them. They were so easy to make.

You could really decorate these for any occasion. I am keeping them to do something for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have a huge sit down dinner at my house for these holidays.

By Tammy from Herrin, IL

Craft: Frugal Party Vases

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Decorating: Ceiling Fan Facelift

Giving Your Ceiling Fan a "Facelift" with Paint. My family is currently working on a house to get it ready for sale. We have gone room to room cleaning and doing updates as we go. We had a ceiling fan in one room that was totally out of place. We decided, rather than going to the expense of buying another fan, to take the fan blades off and give them several coats of paint.

We sanded the blades well on both sides and painted both with white paint. We also added a ceiling medallion to add more white with the brass fan. As you can see with the "before and after" shots that it made a huge difference. It doesn't even look like the same fan at all. (Sorry that one half of the fan is larger than the other side. It really is the same fan). I plan to do the same thing with fans in my house as well.

Source: Me: Trying to make changes and be FRUGAL at the same time. My Mother would be so proud of all of us being so frugal.

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

Decorating: Ceiling Fan Facelift

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Craft Project: Cotton Ball Lamb Basket

Recycle an empty box or plastic container to create this little lamb basket.

Craft Project: Cotton Ball Lamb Basket

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Sara (Chow Mix?)

Sara is a One and a half year old dog. I'm not sure what breed she is. She looks like a chow and...? I got Sara while stopping at a yard sale in a somewhat bad area, when I got out of the car, I heard a puppy crying.

I saw a man carrying Sara, he had her little legs bent, and he had a gun over his shoulder. All I could do was ask the guy "What are you doing" (I'm like that, explains me often being in trouble but all is well.) He said "I'm gonna kill this dog, I warned her enough." All I could do was tell the man "Let me have her." He said yes and when he let the puppy go, she ran directly to me and I swear she was smiling.

Wow, was my family surprised to see this pretty little girl come up the driveway with me. At first sight they thought she looked more a bear cub than a dog.

My little boy named this dog Sara. He named her for Sara from the Bible because he didn't want Sara to ever look back. Sara blesses our family and we love her very much. Sara always welcomes us with a hug. Sara loves to love. I find it so amazing that animals give far more than they ever take.

By Maryjo from Salem, WV

Sara (Chow Mix?)

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Riley (Puggle)

Riley is a 2 year old puggle (half pug, half beagle). After being married about 6 months, we realized we needed an addition to the family, we weren't ready for a baby at the time so we added a puppy!

She likes to steal toilet paper and run around the house with it. She enjoys barking at the mail person. She loves playing with other dogs. She loves attention (negative or positive). She is mischievous and naughty but sweet and loving. She keeps us on our toes and makes life interesting.

By Amy from Wheaton, IL

Riley (Puggle)

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Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Repair Vacuum Cleaners Instead of Replacing

I replace inexpensive ($100) bagless vacuum cleaners about every 3 years, figuring that I have saved that value in disposable bags. But, when my latest vacuum lost its power, thrift overcame expensive habits.

Looking closely at the mechanics of my machine, I made a simple discovery. My vacuum cleaner's inner workings were filthy, although I had maintained it according to the manual! Suddenly a light bulb went on.

I spread newspaper in the kitchen for disassembling removable parts. Spraying the paper with a fine mist of water prevented dust from drifting throughout the house. (Keep the sprayer nearby to keep dust down.)

Hoses, tubes, the dirt receptacle and filter covers were presprayed in the sink, then power washed in the dishwasher with the heater turned off. Meanwhile, I used a soft brush to loosen caked dust from accessible areas around tubes and vents.

I turned the machine upside down to cut matted long hair and thread from the beater bar, only to discover the area behind was choked off. Filters were cleaned by beating on the floor, then wiped with a damp microfiber. (There was a dustpan full in my HEPA filter, alone!) Finally, I washed the entire case with oil soap and water. After. I rested with a cup of tea to let the pieces dry before reassembling everything.

The reward for about 2 hours of work? 1. A new looking vacuum cleaner that works like it IS new. 2. Cash savings of at least $100. 3. The house smells fresh and clean when I vacuum, no more vacuum cleaner odor!

For real thrift, there is a good chance that similarly detailing a thrift store vacuum cleaner will net you the same fine results - around here, such vacuums sell for $10!

By MikiStewart from Wyoming

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Ask for Makeup Samples

I have been feeling a little guilty about spending money on make up with my husband losing his job recently, but I was talking to one of the sales people at my local Ulta and she said do not hesitate to ask for samples and try before I buy. This is a great idea, after all I would not buy a dress without trying it on. Also, take advantage of coupons in your Sunday newspaper for make up items.

Another thing to consider expensive is not always better. I do my research and compare products by searching the internet. I have found some great buys for far less money by doing my research first. Be careful where you buy and make sure they have a return policy on make up. Keep your proof of purchase in a envelope until you know the product works for you. Walgreens and CVS are very good about exchanging make up.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Emergency Bag for Electrical Outages

Instead of trying to look in all areas for your emergency candles during a power failure, have a few stored in a bag with a lighter and flashlight. Hang your bag in the utility room or other out of the way spot. Then no more hunting, just retrieve your emergency bag and have light.

Candle holders in a emergency are hard to find. Save a few baby formula cans, cut a hole in the lid and push the candle through. All the hot wax is inside the can.

Source: This is my own idea after having to search a few drawers with a baby in tow during a black out.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Uses for Clothespins

There are lots of uses for clothes pins! I have a hard time holding little nails still while I am getting ready to hammer them in the wall. Then I found about a great little tip - I hold the nail in place with a wooden spring type clothes pin.

Besides using as clip chips, I also hot glued a couple inside my cabinet to hold my rubber gloves. They also can hold small objects together while waiting for glue to dry. And hold curtains back in a pinch (you could even glue cute buttons on the front as a decorative touch).

By Carol from Landisville, PA

Editor's Note: What are some of your favorite uses for wooden clothespins? Post them here!

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Refill Mouthwash Squirt Bottles

Do you want to use mouthwash, but find it too strong? I purchased a little purse-size squirt bottle from the dollar store, used a little funnel and filled the small bottle. Now I just open my mouth, give myself 3-4 minty squirts, and my mouth feels refreshed!

By Derryl from Ontario, Canada

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Be Aware of Driving Laws in Different States

I spoke with someone who received a traffic ticket. In his home state of New York, drivers stop when the bus stops on the same side of the street as the motorist. In Georgia, all traffic stops when a school bus stops. I strongly advise motorists to go to Motor Vehicle or online to get a copy of the driver's manual when driving in another state. None of us need a bill these days, certainly not for something we can avoid. Many of our friends, family, and co-workers are moving to another state. Please be advised that the driving laws differ from state to state. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

By Gwen from Atlanta, GA

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Use Paint Brush for Cleaning Pleated Shade

When cleaning pleated lampshades or slatted windows or doors, I use a paint brush. It is really easy to get in the corners where the dust collects the most.

By ditzy46 from Nahunta, GA

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Satisfy Wild Rabbits With a Swiss Chard Patch

Love the Easter Bunny, but not in your garden? If you plant a patch of Swiss Chard away from your garden, bunny rabbits will be thrilled and content to eat the Swiss Chard rather than your garden. Make it a good size patch, if possible, as you want the rabbits (wild only) to have plenty of Swiss Chard to last as long as possible.

Do not feed domestic rabbits Swiss Chard or lettuce for that matter, as it will give them diarrhea and they will die. Wild rabbits are use to eating this type of foliage and don't get sick. Growing up on a rabbit farm, it was important that wild rabbit's not be hanging around the domestic rabbit's as they could bring disease. My father would always plant a field of Swiss Chard, way down in the north forty, so all the critters would be happy. Wild rabbit's stayed away from our gardens, close to the house, as well.

By Suzy from Clinton, TN

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Save Dog Fluff for the Birds

At this time of year, your dog will be starting to shed its winter coat. Save all the 'fluff' and hair you remove and put it in hedges or wherever is handiest. The birds love it for lining their nests! Alternatively, if you have lots, stuff it into one of these fatty ball containers and hang by your bird table.

Source: We've always done this, although the idea of using a container came from a bird seed catalog.

By Skinnyjinny from Scotland

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Oil on UGG Boots

I spilled oil on my Ugg boots. I tried water and then tried baby powder. Neither worked. Someone said try chalk. I rubbed the chalk on the spot and it is completely gone.

By Robin from CT

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white."

The little girl thought about this revelation for while and then said, "You must have been REALLY wicked to turn ALL of grandma's hairs white!"

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

New Requests:

Reheating Lasagna

How long do you heat a medium tin of homemade frozen lasagna that has already been cooked. At what temperature? Also should it be covered or uncovered?

By Jo from Buffalo, NY

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What Breed is My Dog?

Does anyone have any ideas to the breed of my dog? She's 7 months and weighs 55 pounds. We think she has some chow in her due to her sisters purple tongue. Thanks!

By Kasey

What Breed is My Dog?

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Crocheting a T-shirt Round Rug

I would like instructions for crocheting a t-shirt round rug.

By Dee

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Pruning a Crepe Myrtle Tree

I planted a crepe myrtle tree 4 feet from my house. It's 4 yrs. old now. Should I be worried the roots will do damage to the foundation of my house? It has grown higher than the roof line. How much should I cut back? It has never been pruned. Thanks. jholtie

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Dried Potato for Making a Dolls Face

Does anyone remember the dolls made out of real potatoes, and if you do can, you tell me how they're made.

By Sherry from Deming, New Mexico

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Ideas for Baby's 1st Birthday Party

I would like some tips for a birthday party for a 1 year old baby girl.

By Pam

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Removing Scratches on a Microfiber Couch

One of my dogs scratched the microfiber fabric on the couch. Is there anyway to fix it?

By Rorieh from Seattle, WA

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Gnats on Houseplants

How do I get rid of gnats on house plants?

By Monicaclancy from Harlingen, TX

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Painting Laminate Countertops

I have seen and read how to paint over laminate counter tops. I loved the colors that were used. They were more of the earth tones or neutral colors. I need to know how much paint I need to buy or can I use acrylic paint from a craft store? Can you add some metallic flakes and where do you find it at? Please help.

By Janab9970 from Maiden, NC

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Plants That Repel Snakes

Is there any plants I can plant that repels snakes?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

By Bennett from Vincennes, IN

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Mayonnaise for Dandruff

I have been using hair relaxers since I once young. However, now I am going natural and getting my hair straightened every two weeks. One question: Does the mayonnaise treatment help with dandruff? My hair is growing but the dandruff is ridiculous. Please help. Due to my hair going back to the natural state I do not want to wash in between my appointments. DB

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Preventing Rust from Forming on Floor Vents

How can you prevent rust from forming on new floor vent covers?

By Buckdoe

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TGI Friday's Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe

I'm searching for Friday's recipe for broccoli cheese soup. Can anyone help me? Thanks.

By Shaya from Pennsylvania

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Tiny Brown Flying Insects

I have tiny brown hard bodied bugs with a body and then a head attached. It has front antennae. They die underneath grates on top of kitchen stove and I've found them on front living room window sill. They must fly, because they land on me and crawl. Don't bite. I have seen them on top of refrigerator, dead. I've seen a few flying insects but don't think they're fruit flies, so they must be these brown bugs flying. Help!

By Elyag from Rochester, NY

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Adding a Bike Rack to a Pop-up Trailer

How do you make a bicycle rack for a pop-up trailer?

By Pblackstock from Temple, TX

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Fluff on New Towels

Every time I buy new towels (they cost me $30 each) when I wash them before we use them they are just full of fluff and it takes me ages to get it off! Why oh why?

By REEZIE from AUSTRALIA

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Painting Drawer Pulls

What type of paint to should I use to give my drawer pulls a new look?

By Cherylarthur from Coeur d Alene, ID

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Dust From Dogs

Like the name says: I have 6 bad dogs. My house gets so dusty! I'm not sure if it's the pet dander that causes it. After dusting, I see the build up of dust on everything by the very next day. Any advice or do I just need to hire a doggie maid? =)

Thanks.

By 6 bad dogs from Texas

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Dog Hair as a Deer Repellent

I have seen that human hair can be used as a deer repellent, I was wondering if dog hair can also be used. I have a German Shepherd that sheds a lot. I could use her hair if that would also work. Also , what about lavender plants, is that successful as well in a vegetable garden? Thanks you. I am a 1st year gardener so I hope to learn a lot from this site, lots of good info.

Hardiness Zone: 8b

By Moekelly24 from caryville, florida

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Repairing Tears on Microsuede Furniture

How do I repair tears in my microsuede couch? I can't find anything on the web other than some goop which magically bonds to all fabrics.

By Amginnc from Sanford, NC

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Substituting Normal Oats for Quick Oats in Baking Recipes

Can I use ordinary rolled oats in a baking recipe (muffins) instead of quick oats? And if I can, do I use the same amount that is being asked for in the recipe? Seems like every time I read a recipe there is something that I either don't have or I have the ingredient but not the exact type the recipe is asking for, like quick oats as opposed to ordinary oats.

By Avalon99 from Coquitlam, BC

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Daisy Maker Instructions

I am looking for instructions on use of a Daisy Maker or where a new one can be purchased.

By Rosina from Stillwater, OK

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Earthworms in My House

After a big rain I found 20 or so earthworms inside my house in different rooms, including my garage, is this strange or what?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

By Joeltw69 from Oklahoma City, OK

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Coconut Cream Eggs

I am looking for a recipe to make homemade coconut cream eggs using powder milk. Can anyone please help? Thanks mec11

By Mec11 from McAdoo, PA

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Paint Colors That Go With Brazilian Cherry

I am picking out paint colors for my open floor plan home. I am thinking I'll do a tan throughout the common areas with some accent walls in the family room, kitchen and dining room. My kitchen and dining rooms have cherry cabinets and Brazilian cherry floors. What color would work with them? Should I lean towards a certain tan for my common area color? I.E. one with more green in it, etc? What colors would look good as accent wall colors with the tan?

By sonali33 from Ohio

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50th Anniversary Centerpiece Ideas

I am planning a 50th wedding Anniversary for parents. Money is tight for everyone so we decided to have a family get together at restaurant. My parents think that my brother is taking them out to eat and well the rest of us will already be there. I want to make a nice centerpiece for the table but am on budget sort of speak. Does anyone have any good ideas for me?

By Jenwoodard from Columbus, GA

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Who Actually Needs Our Social Security Number?

Although many places will ask for your social security number, you don't have to give it out, such as the phone company or gas and electric company, and hospitals. Does anybody know where one can find a list of those times when you absolutely need to give it out?

By Lynn from Albany, NY

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Softening Powdered Sugar

I bought bulk powdered sugar and stored it in plastic containers. Now it is hard and difficult to use. Can I use a piece of bread to soften it like I do with brown sugar? Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks in advance!

By Scrappinmom30 from Ohio

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Postal Station Parade Float Ideas

I need ideas for a parade float for a wellness/weight loss clinic and yoga studio. The parade theme is the town celebrating 100 years as a postal station.

By tkabatoff from Sundre, AB

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Tree Recommendations for Shade

The sun beats all day on our outside garage wall, the inside garage wall being attached to the house. It can get to 100 degrees in the summer in the garage. I'd like to stop the sun starting with the great outdoors. The brick sunny garage wall is next to a very slender side yard walkway. Anything we grow needs to be up against the sunny garage wall.

I was thinking about Sky Needle Holly, but they may not be tall enough. The instructions said 6 to 10 feet tall. Considering the soil, 6 feet or less is what we'd get.Any suggestions? DH purchased an attic fan (not installed yet) so the garage can vent into the attic, but I'd like to do more.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Today's Sponsor:

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

More Reading:

Save Money and Shop Natural
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

With today's push to "go green" it's not a bad idea to try some natural products in the home rather than chemical products. Even more motivating is the cost of the natural products versus the man-made ones. Try some natural remedies for all of your problems, from health to hygiene, and see if it saves a bit.

Save Money and Shop Natural

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