Daily Thrifty Tips - November 5, 2007

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Thanksgiving falls early this year on the 22nd. If you are looking for Thanksgiving tips or recipes be sure to check out our Thanksgiving topic site here:

Here are the contest winenrs for the week before last...

Photo Contest Winner

Limit Your Shopping For A Frugal Wedding
By Randa from San Marcos, TX

Tip Contest Winners

Hand Sewing Tip - Wax Thread to Stop Knotting
By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

Sippy Cups For Hospital Stays
By Judy from Prescott, WI

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something!

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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Snazzy Jewelry Display

I needed a way to hang my jewelry up instead of having it all getting in a jumbled mess. I came up with the concoction with just a few simple things I had laying around the house. With this jewelry holder, you have easy access to viewing what jewelry you have along with a great way to insure pieces don't get lost or tangled!

Materials

• Plastic strainer or basket (with holes the correct size to hang earnings)
• Ribbon
• Binder Clips
• One Chopstick

Instructions

In order to hang this on the wall, you need to thread the ribbon through one side of the plastic basket and tie the two ends together with a bow. Be sure to leave enough slack so it will hang on the wall flat.

Now thread another piece of ribbon through the opposite side of the basket and with each end secure the chopstick in place with a binder clips, making sure each side is even to ensure the chopstick will hang straight.

You can add any extra details to make it beautiful: jewels, puffy paint, bows, etc. Hang it on the wall and stick your earrings through the holes in the bottom of the basket and hang your necklaces off the chopstick. Depending on the quality of your jewelry, you may want to remove one of the binder clips to slide on a necklace. With sturdy necklaces, you can simply loop them through itself on the chopstick, no need to remove the binder clip.

By Stella

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Involve Your Family In Your Wedding

Use you and your family's gifts and skills to save money and to make your day and your memories extra special:

• My brother in-law sang
• My God-mother sang
• I made the programs
• My husband's aunt did my make-up
• My cousin was our wedding photographer

This is the best way to share memories, having the ones you love involved.

By Priya from Milwaukee, WI

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Quilted Tote Bag

I make cakes, make quilts and now I decided to get into purses and totebags. I take the fabric and cut into squares, four squares any measure. I do the same thing with the inside lining. Sew the front and back together as well as the lining. Make the handles any length you like and sew it to the top of the purse or totebag.

You can add pockets in the inside or outside, simply cut a small square and stitch to the bag front or inside. You can also add embellishments and voila! Show it off as you wear your creation.

By Maria from Somerville, MA

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Marley (Yorkshire Terrier/Chihuahua)

This is my puppy, Marley, enjoying a fall day at the park. Marley is a 4.5 month old Yorkie/Chi Mix. With all the fun to be had, he managed to pause a moment for the camera. I love candid photos like this that capture personality! His ear quirks up like this when he's happy, and you can tell there's no other place he'd rather be than in the leaves at the park!

By Sarah from Lake Oswego, OR

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• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

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

• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Cocoa Jars for Christmas

Buy a nice jar with a lid, the dollar store is a great place to look. In the clean jar, fill three quarters of the way with cocoa mix. Add a layer of chocolate chips, then another layer of mini-marshmallows. Place lid on. Tie jar with a pretty ribbon with a candy cane tied into it. Very easy and inexpensive to make.

By Sherry from Silverdale

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Using Leaves For Mulching Tender Perennials

My husband and I have a lot of flower gardens in the summer. I have around 250 day lilies that I have collected, and am still collecting more. As the leaves are falling, we take a leaf blower and pick them up, which chops them. Then, since they are light, we use these as mulch around our day lilies and other plants to winterize them. They protect the roots of the plants and it is cheaper and not as heavy as mulch.

I also have two tulip beds with about 400 tulips in them and we do the same thing. Our other perennials, which are hardy, do not need mulching.

By Lil from Beaver Falls, PA

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Fake FTC E-Mail Carries Dangerous Virus

The Federal Trade Commission, which has declared war on Internet scams, warned consumers on Monday not to open a bogus e-mail that appears to come from its fraud department because it carries an attachment that can download a virus. The e-mail says it is from "frauddep@ftc.gov" and has the FTC's government seal.

But it was not issued by the agency and has attachments and links that will download a virus that could steal passwords and account numbers, the agency said.

"It's a treasure trove for identity theft," said David Torok of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "We're concerned. The virus that's attached to the e-mail is particularly virulent."

The agency, which is one of several government agencies investigating cyber fraud, did not know how many people had received the e-mail.

"We've received hundreds if not thousands of calls and complaints, this one may have had a large distribution," he said.

Recipients should forward the e-mail to spam@uce.gov, an FTC spam database used in investigations.

Nine percent of people surveyed in a poll conducted in August and September reported having had their identities stolen, Bari Abdul, a vice president at security software maker McAfee Inc, said at a cyber security conference on Oct 1.

By imaqt1962 from illinois

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Razor Blade for Caked On Kitchen Spills

I always keep a razor blade holder with a new single edge blade in it in my kitchen drawer. It is a great tool for cleaning ceramic stove top spills, caked on spills in the refrigerator or other stubborn spots. Just hold the blade at about a 30 degree angle so you don't scratch what you are working on. Draw the blade across just like you are scraping paint. Usually peels right off.

By Billie from Olympia, WA

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Buy Sale Baking Products Now For Next Year

Now is the time to buy baking products for the year. Stock up on cake and brownie mixes, nuts (esp. pecans, I buy several bags and put in the freezer) and chocolate chips (we eat chocolate chips right from the bag as a snack when you just need a little chocolate, or on ice cream) I usually buy about 10 cake mixes this time of year and use them throughout the year. Another thing is spices like cinnamon and real vanilla especially, which is really expensive, not on sale. Also, pumpkin which not only tastes good but is good for you.

Can anyone think of other things that are a bargain at this time?

By Tabbimama from MO

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Use Painters Tape For Straight Cuts

Today I was cutting some strips of fabric with my rotary cutter and a ruler. My ruler kept slipping, causing my cutting line to go crooked. This has happened to me so many times ! It drives me nuts! Then a lightbulb went off in my brain. My husband uses painters tape for a zillion things, so why not try taping each end of the ruler so it will stay in place while I am cutting. IT WORKED! Why hadn't I thought of this before?

I was able to re-use the tape for several cuts. It was still sticky even then. I was using a 2 inch metal ruler,but I'm sure it would work on plastic as well. I used the blue painters tape (2 inch wide )and taped some onto the ruler, leaving about 2 inches free to tape to my cutting board. I hope other sewers and quilters will find this tip a great help.

By Judy in Alabama

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Check For Mismarked Sizes At The Thrift Store

Just got a beautiful pair of like new red silk Stuart Weitzman designer ballerina-style flat shoes at a thrift shop for $1.99. When I researched it on the internet, they were worth at least $250! They had no wear at all, and I wondered about that until I saw that they were marked 8 1/2 and they fit me who usually wears 7 1/2 to 8. So they were too small for whoever bought them.

Just another reminder of watching the SIZES of things at resale/thrift shops. Often the marked size is inaccurate and that's why the item ends up there! (Mostly because they are too small for the marked size.)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Hairspray for Ink Stains

Permanent markers, ink, etc., will come out with hairspray. Just spray the area and blot with paper towel or soft cloth. Also, WD40 works wonders on this kind of thing. Use same as above, just spray and blot. Will not harm fabrics or leave residue. You can always use a little warm soapy water when the stain has been removed also.

By Tupelohoney17 from Menifee CA

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Facial Mask and Scrub

Yogurt Facial Mask

This is a beauty recipe for a facial mask. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients

• yogurt (any flavor)
• oatmeal (uncooked)
• Lemon Juice
• lemon peel
• salt
• sugar
• brown sugar
• juice from an orange
• vegetable oil

Directions

To Use:

Wet face to open up pores. Spread the mixture evenly onto your face. Sit until it becomes dry. If it takes really long, just wait 10 minutes. Wash off the mask and your face will be very smooth, minimizing acne and taking dead skin off.

This recipe is great because it's all natural and won't hurt anything. I usually follow this with a scrub, usually I will also use an all natural scrub. Fortunately, all it's ingredients were also in your mask so you will already have it.

Lemon Sugar Facial Scrub

Ingredients

• vegetable oil/olive oil
• brown sugar
• white sugar
• salt
• lemon juice
• food coloring (optional)

Directions

Tip: also can be used as bodyscrub and it is easily used out of a empty body wash bottle or jar

By Kimmy from O.C

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Meal Ideas For Top Teeth Being Removed

I hope someone can help. My daughter has to get all her top teeth removed tomorrow, due to Chemo and the need of long term use of steroids. She is 24 and petite.

I need some ideas for soft, healthy and appealing meals that also contain the essential food groups. I know of the protein meals and milk and banana smoothies etc. She is not big on milk but loves her steak, fish, chicken. I am looking for finger-food styles as she will not be able to eat vast amounts. She is turned off by the thought of baby-food style mush.

Can someone help her please?

Joycie from Australia

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Free Printable Budget Planner

I am looking for a (free) printable budget planner (or spreadsheet) that I can download (copy and paste my own info into).

imaqt1962 from illinois

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Where to Find George Foreman Grill Scrubbers

Find Foreman grill scrubbers.

B Mershon from Wichita, KS

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Recommendations For Small Hardwood Floor Cleaning Machine

Can anyone recommend a hardwood floor cleaning machine? I'm looking for a smaller type cleaner as I don't want to lug a heavy machine up and down two flights of steps.

By the way, my floors are oil stained and hard waxed, there is no poly on them.

I know I am not supposed to use water on the floors but I have a dog going through Chemotherapy and she has accidents when I am at work.

Thanks so much!

Jennifer from Northern Virginia

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Making an Inflatable Snow Globe

How do you make an inflatable snow globe?

J.R. from Hermitage, PA

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Why Is Laundry Detergent so Expensive?

I was wanting to know if laundry detergent is expensive where you live?
And what type do you use, and why is it so expensive?

Thanks,

Teresa from VA

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Stop Dog From Eating Out of Trash Cans

Help. My dog has been on a diet for almost a year. She is driving me nuts. She has been raiding the trash cans and finding things I know were in the trash. She is always hungry. This diet is because the vet said she was over weight. She has lost 4 pounds but then drives me nuts so I give her a treat every once in a while any ideas?

Sandy from Baltimore

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Anti-Spyware Reviews

My anti-spyware (TrendMicro) is no longer made as a stand alone. So now I have to go shopping. Any suggestions?

AVG was suggested as a good one, just the free part, but I am wondering if this is not a good idea because it obviously does not have all of the features.

I previously had McAfee, but trying to get it off my computer was a hassle and a half. Not only did I use the uninstall program button, I also had to hunt down certain information and delete it in the hard drive before I could get my computer to work. Phew! Never again!
My daughter uses my computer and after one of her visits, it always has spyware.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Erasing Personal Information from a Shared Computer

We are giving an old computer to a friend. What can we do to clear the memory of our personal information?

Donna from Columbus, OH

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Round Table Cloth Crochet Pattern

I am looking for a crochet table cloth pattern for a round table that is 42 inches in diameter. Can anyone help me out?

Ronnie Beadle from Rock Hill, SC

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Best Light Weight Steam Vacuum

Everyone seems to rave over the Dyson vacuum cleaners. I find it to be too expensive to ask for as a bridal shower gift. What light weight vacuums do you recommend for pet hair and steam? My floors are wood, carpet and tile. Please help!

Kayla

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Computer Registry Repair Software

Is there a computer Registry Repair Software you'd like to recommend?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Catalog of Items for $19.99 or Less

Does anyone know the name of the catalog that sells things for $19.99 and less?

Sylvon from Plantation, FL

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Food Christmas Gift Ideas

I am looking for help with Christmas presents. I have no money to spare for gifts for family. I work a part time job and my husband is disabled with no income at this point. I do have food stamps to use but what do you give an 18 year old or 25 year old-both boys. One is on his own and the other is in college. Or parents who have everything? Any suggestions would be welcome.

Karen from Port Clinton, OH

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Pie Dough Using Boiling Water

Does anyone have a recipe for pie dough using hot or boiling water? I had a recipe and then misplaced it. I could rework the dough and it still came out flaky.

Viki from Abbeville, Al

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Craft Ideas for Assisted Living Home

I work volunteer hours working an assisted living home trying to earn my silver award for Girl Scouts. We do crafts every other week or so and we do a craft usually for each holiday. We have done a Halloween craft but now I need ideas for a Thanksgiving craft that the residents could hang on their door. These crafts need to be not very complicated and not use expensive supplies. These people's hands are shaky and have trouble with gluing many parts together. They love to paint (they use the foam brushes for sponge painting) so painting is okay.

Kim from CA

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Boston Terrier with Bad Breath

I have a 5 month old Boston Terrier. He has the worst breath ever! I know it can't be tooth decay because he's so young. He also drinks his urine when he's in his kennel. Does anyone have any suggestions to help me with these problems? Thanks!

Hollie from Aliso Viejo, Ca

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Inexpensive Lucite Salt/Pepper Mills or Grinders

I am looking for about 2 dozen sets of Salt/Pepper Grinders at a "cheap" price. They need to be lucite and not glass. Thank you.

Sheri from Rathdrum, Idaho

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Where to Find Iron Shut Tea Bags

Does anyone know where to find Iron Shut Tea Bags?

Sheri from Rathdrum, Idaho

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Putting White Christmas Lights On a Live Tree

OK, Christmas is almost upon us. Can anyone tell me how to put white lights on live trees in the yard so that they look professionally done (not tackily thrown up there)? What is the easiest method/procedure? I would love any hints - I put up lights for Halloween and it was a total pain, so if there is an easier way, please share! Thank you in advance!

Tripleb from Greenville, AL

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Animals Under Mobile Home Skirting

This question is for anyone who has ever lived in a mobile home: What are your thrifty ideas to prevent wild animals like raccoons, etc. from making their home under your mobile home, or worse, getting into the insulation or ductwork from the underbelly? I have recently had to add vinyl skirting to a mobile home which had never had any before. My neighbors with skirting always seem to have animal issues, and I'd like to prevent any problems if possible. Please help and thanks for any advice!

Tori

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Planning a 13th Birthday Party

I'm turning 13 in only a few days, and I'm having a small party (3 boys,4 girls) but I don`t know how to entertain. I have a low budget and I don`t want it to be too kiddish. So far I have movies and a scavenger hunt. Hope people can help.

Christy

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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

How Can Santa Come If I Have No Money?

Every year, there are financial troubles around the holidays and this year will be no different. Christmastime can be hard for families, especially with young children, if funds are tight. Here are some ideas submitted by our ThriftyFun community. If you have any tips, please post them here.

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Pearl-like Bead Attachment Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold exclusively at Limited Too Stores

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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Toy Figures Recalled by Henry Gordy International 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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Toys "R" Us Recalls Elite Operations Toys 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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SimplyFun Recalls Ribbit Board Games Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

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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Keeping Paper Flat When Painting With Watercolors

Advice for keeping the paper flat when working with watercolors. Post your own tips here.

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