Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 246 October, 14 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Be sure to check out the link to this week's TF News in the More Reading section. We published a bunch of great Halloween ideas in this week's TF News.
I have a birthday party for one of my grandchildren to attend tomorrow so the next issue will be published on Monday.
Have a great weekend,
Susan
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Today's Photos
Sammy (Cocker Spaniel)
This is our boy Sammy. We adopted him at the pound a few weeks ago. He is a 5 1/2 year old cocker spaniel and we just had him neutered. He is very well behaved and very fun to have around. Here is a picture of him and our little miniature cocker spaniel I entered before named Star - they get along great!
By Connie
Here's a separate entry for Star:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61435648.tip.html
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Genger Hall (Pitbull)
My baby girl's name is Genger. She is three months old and is a pitbull. My brother raises pitbulls and my son wanted one so my brother brought her and a couple of others over. She chose us and we chose her. She was 6 weeks old. Miss Genger loves to go outside and go to shopping.
By Trinity Hall
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Renewal of Wedding Vows on the Beach in St. Thomas
We had been the witnesses of wedding of our friend's on the beach of Meagan's Bay in St. Thomas when the minister turned around and offered a renewal of our vows ceremony to mark our 40th year of marriage! It was one of the most beautiful and magical moments in our lives!
By Fred and Lucy Budarz
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Today's Tips
Yuletide Logs
Ingredients
- 1 box ice cream salt
- 2 lb. copper sulfate
- 1 gal. water
- Old newspapers
Directions
Use large metal bucket and stir the mixture thoroughly with a stick. Roll newspapers into logs (not too thick) and tie each end of roll with cord. Stand them endwise in solution and let stand for 3-4 days, rotating rolls to make sure they are well soaked throughout. Put them on a rack to dry, rotating to make sure they are thoroughly dry.
On Christmas, put them on fire and watch them as they put out the most beautiful, lasting glow.
By Terri
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Recycling Litre Soft Drink Bottles
This is on Woman's Day site for recycling plastic litre soft drink bottles:
By Nancy M
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Quick Scented Liquid for Strong Cooking Odors
By Rela Ann Quick! The visitors are coming! Oh no, I just cooked that strong smelling recipe I got from my Mom! Oh double no - I ran out of scented liquid!
Ingredients:
- Water, 1/2 cup
- Vanilla liquid, a few drops
- Banana essense, a few drops
- Simmer bowl and candle
Method/Instructions:
Easy! Place a few drops (5-10) to 1/2 cup water. Pur mixture on the simmer bowl and light it up ... and ain't that delicious!
When used together with open windows, you'll get that strong smell out in no time at all and get that sweet smelling fragrance without an emergency trip to Walmart!
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Full Blooming Roses
Mash up birth control pills and put them in the soil with your rose bushes. Amazing results and plenty of full blooms to come.
By Susan Merry
Editor's Note: Because birth control pills are so expensive, rose fertilizer might be a lot cheaper. Although if you no longer need the birth control and have some pills left over, it might be a good way to give your roses a boost.
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Repairing the Garage Wall Joke
A friend who usually takes a bus to work over-slept one morning and decided to drive. As he opened the garage door he saw that the rear wall - the one his wife smashed when she stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake - had not been repaired.
My friend, a man of his word who expects the same virtue in others, strode back into the house and telephoned the carpenter. "You said that you would have it fixed by noon yesterday," he stormed. "Let me ask you one question," said the carpenter quietly. "Did your wife drive the car in the afternoon?"
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The Benefits of Home Baking
By baking your own pastries, cakes, pies, cookies, etc., instead of purchasing them already pre-made in your grocer's bakery, you're saving yourself and your family all the cholesterol, sugars, that these bakeries don't hold back on, that you might lighten when you prepare these same items in your kitchen. Yes, the pre-made baked goods might sometimes be the cheapest way to go, but at the same time, it's better to eat right now, than to have bad health later on.
By Terri from Pahrump, NV
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Keep Your Whole House Smelling Sweet
(Especially closets, bathrooms, garage, laundry room, etc.) I keep approximately one half cup of baking soda in a container (box, baby food jar or bowl) with holes punched in top of container when needed, and put them around the house. After 3 months I refill them and use the old soda in trash can, garbage disposal, washing clothes, or down the drains.
By Sharon - Belair, MD
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Make Your Own Fire Pit Starters
Get a jar that closes with a rubber seal. Put in corks from wine bottles, etc, then fill the rest of the way with denatured alcohol. Be careful not to put in too many corks, since they expand as they absorb the alcohol.
Turn the jar upside-down. The corks on the top will now be on the bottom and totally immersed in the alcohol.
When you want to start a fire in your fire pit, turn the jar right side-up, take a cork that is now on the top--you'll only need one--and use it to start the fire. You'll need to be careful not to set the jar close to the fire, since the alcohol, like all lighter fluids, is extremely flammable.
A container of denatured alcohol lasts forever. The corks are basically free, and you'll be stunned at how great these work.
By Susan P
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Hang-gliding in Arkansas Joke
In Arkansas, you don't see too many people hang-gliding.
Bubba decided to save up and get a hang glider. He takes it to the highest mountain, and after struggling to the top, he gets ready to take flight. He takes off running and reaches the edge. Into the wind he goes!
Meanwhile, Maw and Paw Hicks were sittin' on the porch swing talkin' bout the good ol' days. When Maw spots the biggest bird she ever seen!
"Look at the size of that there bird, Paw!" she exclaims.
Paw raises up, "Git my gun, Maw."
She runs into the house, brings out his pump shotgun. He takes careful aim. BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! The monster size bird continues to sail silently over the tree tops.
"I think ya missed him, Paw." she says.
"Yeah, " he replies, "but at least he let go of Bubba!"
By Terri from Pahrump, NV
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ThriftyFun.com Reviews
Reviews and feedback about ThriftyFun.com
Thank you ThriftyFun Members!
I thought I was frugal before, but WHOA MOMMA!, I was just scratching the surface. Thanks to all my fellow ThriftyFun Members I am now saving a ton of money and making my own laundry detergent, dish detergent, all purpose cleaner, disinfectant, shower gel, liquid soap, abrasive cleaner and fabric refresher (febreeze). I have been making my own fabric softener for years. I'm going to try making shampoo soon, too.
My husband was very skeptical of the cleaning abilities of something I made at home, but has come around and likes and even prefers my homemade products. They work equal or better than anything I could buy in the store.
This website is terrific!
Terry Lynn
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit:
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Photo Contest!
To enter, visit:
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Contest ends October 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests
CD Crafts
What kind of crafts can you make with old cds that you no longer want? I would like to make crafts with these. Thanks for your help.
Deb from NE
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Using 0% Credit Cards To Pay Off Other Loans
Has anyone tried this? I am thinking of using one of my credit card offers of 0% for 15 months (though I plan on paying it off in 12 months) in order to put $15,000 down toward a HELOC loan currently at almost 7% interest.
I would continue to pay the same monthly payment on my HELOC loan minus the amount I will be paying on my $15,000 15-month interest free loan.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Runningshoes from Oakland,CA
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I Can't Find Legit Freebies
I am looking for free samples and free stuff but it seems like everyone wants a credit card or you have surveys to fill out and then you don't even get the samples. Please help.
B.A. from Lexington Park, MD
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Using Olive Oil as Fuel for Oil Lamps?
I have read somewhere that olive oil is a safe, inexpensive and non-toxic substitute for lamp oil. I tried to use it in one of my oil lamps, but it didn't work. The wick burnt, smoked and went out.
Does anyone know if a special lamp or wick is required to use olive oil?
Terry Lynn from Toronto, Ontario
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Homemade Wood Pellets
I was wondering if anyone knew if you could make homemade pellets out of newspaper that you could use in a wood pellet stove. We just purchased one, and we always have a lot of newspapers around because my boys do a route. I didn't know if you could possibly burn them somehow in the pellet stove. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Lynn from Cohocton, N.Y.
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Asking My Mom To Let Me Shave
My name is Katie and I am 14 years old. I am a freshman in high school, and I dont shave. I would really like to but I am just too afraid to ask my mom. I am so embarresd by it and I need your adivce. I was wondering if I should just start (buy my own razors and go for it) or if i should just ask my mom.
I am still afraid to. I have started high school and it seems that all I can think about is hiding my legs and avoiding showing them at all (because at our school we have a uniform skirt). Leg shaving is a very common subject for girls my age to talk about (except me). All my friends talk about shaving and when they do I pretend to go bathroom or do something else. Imagine spending all of your time hiding or covering up your ugly, dark hairy legs. That is how I feel all the time. Please help.
Katie (14) from Cincinnati, OH
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Spiegel Deferred Billing Code
Does anyone have the lastest deferred billing code for Spiegel?
Mark from Phoenix, AZ
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Santa's Magic Key Poem
I would like the poem for Santa's Magic Key. Does anyone have it?
Srhp69 from Higgins, TX
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What Does "Owl's Grease" Mean
Does anyone know just what the meaning is of "owls grease"? I just can't find it anyplace. Could it be something to do with wisdom and the grease to keep it going? Undying affection of anyone who can tell me.
mimamakitty
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Moldy Odor In a Thermos
My son left a new stainless steel thermos in a friends car for several days with a small amount of hot chocolate in it. I cleaned out the mold by soaking with bleach but some odor still remains. How do I get out the remaining moldy odor?
Kim from Canada
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Parade Float Ideas For a Gym
I need some ideas for a Christmas parade float. I work at a gym. Any suggestions?
Katie from McComb, Mississippi
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Feeling Lightheaded
I have been very lightheaded as well as having sinus pain, pressure and headaches for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Being lightheaded is my biggest complaint. My doctor seems to think it is from allergies even though I dont have any other allergy or cold symptoms. The meds he has given me include an antiobiotic, zyrtec, nasacort and sudafed which so far have not helped. He wants me to have a CAT scan. Can anyone out there relate to what I'm going through?
Donna from Wilmington, DE
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I Have The Worst Luck Washing Walls!
I read a few of the tips on washing walls but still had a question or two. Can I use a mixture of water with either bleach or sunlight dish soap? How much should I use? I have the worst luck washing walls! My mother used to use Tide. Her walls were fine, but I am thinking I used too much Tide? I tried the mop idea before too, but it left a worse mess than I had in the first place. :-( I really don't like the idea of ammonia either. Any advice would be helpful.
Lori from Kentville, Nova Scotia
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Knights Float Ideas
I need an idea for a float for homecoming. We are the knights and it's for the senior class. Some of the guys in my class want to build a tank but we have no idea how to relate that to our school and our class. Any ideas?
Anna from Waldorf, MD
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Roasting Chestnuts
What recipe do you use to 'roast' chestnuts? I want another alternative to the 'open fire' (there's a song that refers to roasting chestnuts on an open fire) method. :-)
MrsJean from USA
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Buying Coal In New Jersey
I am looking to buy coal in bulk. I have a coal bin that holds 2+ tons and the since the last year, the company I used to that use to deliverer to me is out of business. Now I have to buy it by the bag which is too expensive. Does anyone know of any any local distibutors?
Chuck from South Jersey
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More Reading:
Sweet (Pudding) Memories
By Marcia Passos Duffy Part of the pleasure of eating pudding (aside from its yummy taste) is the warm & fuzzy memories it stirs up for those of us who ate it (sometimes by the gallons) as children.
For me, the best pudding memory comes from my grandmother's Portuguese rice pudding, warm right off the stove, topped with cinnamon. The sweetest part was scraping the bottom of the pot for those pearly rice granules, slightly caramelized; she always obliged and even scooped some up for herself, winking at me like it was our own special secret.
My mother made a different sort of pudding, with roots in Brazil where she grew up called Mingau de Milho: a hearty cornmeal pudding we often ate for breakfast. She always tucked away in one of the bowls a small cinnamon stick; finding it was like getting a wishbone, filled with good luck.
Making pudding from scratch is so easy it's a shame to use any of those pre-made mixes from a box. This is the real deal - and worth the extra time it may take to prepare for a rich and wonderful taste - and for the memories.
Note: You can use any kind of milk but these recipes were prepared with whole raw milk for the best taste!
Vovo's Rice Pudding (Note: "Vovo" is Portuguese for 'grandmother')
The secret to creamy rice pudding, my grandmother always said, is the rice. She always used short or medium grain rice in this recipe.
- 4 1/2 c. water
- zest of 1 large lemon (cut in long thin strips)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 c short or medium grain rice
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups scalding hot milk (whole milk)
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
In large pan bring water, salt and lemon zest to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and steep lemon zest for 10 minutes. You can remove the lemon zest, but I like to keep them in for extra flavor.
Bring water to a rolling boil again and add rice. Adjust heat to a low simmer. Cook rice in a simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes until all water is absorbed. Add 1 cup of the hot milk and stir very gently until all milk is absorbed. Continue to add the milk, 1 cup at a time, each time stirring gently. When adding the last cup of milk mix in sugar, butter, egg yolks and &frac; teaspoon of cinnamon. Cover, and with low heat, cook for 15- 20 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to make sure pudding is not burning at the bottom of the pan.
You'll know when the pudding is done when it is very creamy. My grandmother's test for doneness was to put a wooden spoon in the center of the pan. If it stands up without falling over it's done!
Pour pudding into individual bowls. The traditional Portuguese way to decorate rice pudding is to use ground cinnamon to create various designs such as grids or swirls. You can also get creative and use a doily as a template and sprinkle cinnamon on top to create a design through the holes. Serve warm or chilled.
Serves 4-6
Mingau de Milho - Cornmeal Pudding
- 5 cups of whole milk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves (about 5 or 6 individual cloves)
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
Pour cold milk into large pan; add cornmeal, cloves, and cinnamon. Stir well while cold to dissolve cornmeal completely. Turn on heat to low and add honey; allow to simmer, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Allow to simmer 5-7 minutes until pudding become thick. Pour into large bowls (one bowl will inevitably get the cinnamon stick!)
Best served warm, but can be chilled.
Serves 4-6
Plain (And Not So Plain) Vanilla Pudding
I make this simple vanilla pudding recipe quite a bit for my kids. It's almost as easy to make as boxed instant pudding. While its wonderful plain, you can jazz it up by adding fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches or mandarin oranges. For toppings try some chopped toasted walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds. I like to top it with a mixture of sour cream and maple syrup with a dusting of ground nutmeg. For chocolate pudding mix in 1-2 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate (more if you want it more chocolate-ty)
- 4 cups fresh whole raw milk (for the best taste!)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1-2 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate (optional)
Gently heat 3 cups of the milk in a large pan. Stir in the sugar and salt.
In a small bowl combine 1 cup of milk and the cornstarch. Set aside. When milk is very hot (do not boil) add the cornstarch mixture and sugar. Continue to cook and stir constantly until the pudding is very thick. Once thick, continue to cook 3-4 minutes more, stirring constantly. If making chocolate pudding add bittersweet chocolate and stir well until dissolved. Cool and add vanilla.
Makes 4-6 servings
About the author: Marcia Passos Duffy is a freelance writer & the publisher of The Heart of New England free weekly online magazine (www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com), which celebrates the unique character of Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont. Subscribe today to her free online newsletter for more recipes, contests, insider travel stories & more! Send a blank email to heartofnewengland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Pumpkin Pots
By Shauna Smith Duty Pumpkin pots add personality and charm to Halloween and Thanksgiving décor. If you make them in September, you can add soil and seeds so they will be overflowing with fragrant herbs, just in time for holiday cooking. They can also hold candy, napkins and silverware, or a candle. Used as a gift for dinner guests, they can be incorporated into a table setting.
What you'll need:
- Small terra cotta pots and saucers (varying sizes)
- Acrylic paints in orange, black, brown, green, white, and red
- Paintbrushes, both thick and fine bristled
- Spray varnish or clear spray paint to seal the finished pot
Paint the pots and saucers solid orange. Use 3-5 coats for rich, consistent coverage. While the pots and saucers are drying, sketch some designs for faces onto paper (see photo for samples). You can make the faces resemble family members. Use family photos for ideas. Once you're comfortable with your design, pencil it onto the pots.
With fine brushes, paint your face design black. Use white for teeth and accents on the eyes. Add stripes in brown paint to make the pot resemble a pumpkin. Also paint vines and green leaves in place of hair, above the faces. Eyelashes, freckles, lips, moles, and other quirky accents give the pots personality. When the pots are finished and have dried, spray two coats of varnish or clear spray paint on the outside of the pots and the entire surface of the saucers.
If you want your project to be useful in the winter, paint jack-o-lantern faces on one side and snowman faces on the opposite side. When Thanksgiving is over, simply turn your pots around and continue to display them through the winter months.
Read More: Click Here
ThriftyFun News - Halloween Issue - October 14, 2005
ThriftyFun News - Halloween Issue
Volume Seven, Number 36 October 14, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Today's issue contains Halloween ideas. We have lots of great costume ideas and tips. We also have some photo entries at the bottom. Just click the link to view the photos online.
We are donating three dollars to the American Red Cross for every Halloween or Fall Decor photo contest entry we receive before the 25th of this month. So far we have had a lot of great entries. Feel free to submit your photo and description at the link below.
Enter The Photo Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Enter The Tip Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
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This newsletter contains:
Tips:
Photos:
Today's Sponsors
MyBudgetPlanner
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning
software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Contest ends October 31, 2005
Tips
Pumpkin Carving Tips
Halloween is right around the corner. This page contains some Jack O'Lantern carving tips and resources. Feel free to post your own tips.
Halloween is right around the corner. This page contains some Jack O'Lantern carving tips and resources. Feel free to post your own tips.
* Cut the hole in the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top. It makes it easier to deal with the candle.
* Sprinkle cinnamon in your pumpkin for a great smell.
* If you make a mistake carving, use a toothpick to reattach pieces.
* Create elaborate designs by carving with a pattern.
Find some great patterns online at jack-o-lantern.com. http://www.jack-o-lantern.com/
* You may want to consider painting or drawing a face on your pumpkin. Then you can can eat the pumpkin after Halloween.
* Be sure to compost your pumpkin after Halloween.
* Save the seeds and bake them for a delicious snack.
Pumpkin Seed Baking Instructions:
They are quick, easy, healthy and delicious.
1. Preheat oven to 350 F
2. Rinse seeds until they are clean.
3. Let the seeds dry
4. Coat a baking sheet with vegetable oil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Once cooked, you can eat the seeds with the shell on or off. Sprinkle salt or other seasoning on the seeds before baking, if desired. For saltier seeds, boil the seeds in salt water for 5 to 10 minutes before baking.
When carving out your jack-o-lanterns, carve a section straight across the bottom then clean out as much seeds and flesh as possible. This serves several purposes, the pumpkin sits straight, the lid does not shrink and collapse and you just lift the pumpkin up to light your candle. Roast the seeds after rinsing and if you have small pumpkins boil the flesh and mash for pumpkin goodies such as pies, cakes, cookies or bread.
By LuAnn from lancaster, Ohio
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Making Masks and Halloween Costumes
My children love to create their own costume's mask for Halloween. I buy foam craft sheets, self sticking cut outs, glitter and glue. Any items in the craft area or around the house works.
They cut the shape and decorate I attach it with elastic string and dress them according to what they choose. Cats get black sweats and a piece of Boa or felt rolled into a tail. It is fun for them and it is cost effective for me.
Left over craft stuff is great for birthday party activities and crafts through out the year. Memories last a lifetime!
By Melissa from Baytown, Texas
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Autumn or Halloween Party Table Decor
For a festive touch at your next Halloween or autumn party, hollow out some mini pumpkins, then fill them with dips, salsa, etc. You could also hollow out a good sized pumpkin, line with foil or plastic wrap, and put chips in it (or any other food you want to serve in a creative way)! I've done this in years past and my guests always commented on what a cute idea it was.
By Lisa from WI
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Pumpkin Pots
By Shauna Smith Duty Pumpkin pots add personality and charm to Halloween and Thanksgiving décor. If you make them in September, you can add soil and seeds so they will be overflowing with fragrant herbs, just in time for holiday cooking. They can also hold candy, napkins and silverware, or a candle. Used as a gift for dinner guests, they can be incorporated into a table setting.
What you'll need:
- Small terra cotta pots and saucers (varying sizes)
- Acrylic paints in orange, black, brown, green, white, and red
- Paintbrushes, both thick and fine bristled
- Spray varnish or clear spray paint to seal the finished pot
Paint the pots and saucers solid orange. Use 3-5 coats for rich, consistent coverage. While the pots and saucers are drying, sketch some designs for faces onto paper (see photo for samples). You can make the faces resemble family members. Use family photos for ideas. Once you're comfortable with your design, pencil it onto the pots.
With fine brushes, paint your face design black. Use white for teeth and accents on the eyes. Add stripes in brown paint to make the pot resemble a pumpkin. Also paint vines and green leaves in place of hair, above the faces. Eyelashes, freckles, lips, moles, and other quirky accents give the pots personality. When the pots are finished and have dried, spray two coats of varnish or clear spray paint on the outside of the pots and the entire surface of the saucers.
If you want your project to be useful in the winter, paint jack-o-lantern faces on one side and snowman faces on the opposite side. When Thanksgiving is over, simply turn your pots around and continue to display them through the winter months.
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Easy Ghost Costume
For a last minute costume idea, dont forget the good old plain white sheet Ghost costume. Cut 2 holes for the eyes and gather the neckline with a couple of safety pins.
By Kim from Howell. NJ
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Face Painting Ideas for Costumes
Do an internet seach for face painting ideas. Last year I found a great fleece lion costume for $5 and found a site for face painting and simply copied it using cheap walmart facepaint. It looked great!
By Kim from Howell
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Trick or Treating Bag
A white pillow case (or any old one will do) works really well for trick or treating. It holds lots of candy, won't tear and can be seen by motorists when most costumes are dark. They can be decorated to look more festive. For shorter children, they could be cut down shorter or folded inward to half the size.
By Candy from Hector, MN
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Washing Detergent Costume
Six Halloween costumes to come up with yearly and wanting to never repeat one was quite a challenge. One of the cutest and EASIEST was a box of detergent that was overflowing with suds.
Buy the biggest cardboard box of detergent available and when it's empty cut out both ends. At the top, punch a hole on either side of the front and back. Then run one long length of yarn or ribbon through, from front to back on each side. Have your child step into the box and pull it most of the way to the armpit, but not tightly against them. That's the only "fitting" they have to do so they like that!
If it was uncomfortable on them, cut a curved piece of box away on the sides to give the arms more room. Using cotton batting, hot glue big globs of it around the top, on the inside. Pull it so it will hang over the top and use hot glue around the outside of the top to secure the batting in place. Use lots of batting to look like soap suds.
When it's time to wear the costume tie it at the shoulders, bobby-pin a big glob of batting to the hair and work a couple smaller pieces into the laces of sneakers. A white half mask could be worn or white face paint used to complete the outfit but my little one didn't have either and it was still a hit.
By Nonie from Berkeley Springs, WV
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Make Your Own Halloween Costumes
Tips and Ideas for Making Your Own Halloween Costumes. Post Your Ideas.
Don't waste a lot of money on a Halloween costume when they are so easy to make. Old lace curtains can be the base for a princess or a bride. Staple or hot glue.
One piece blanket sleepers or a set of sweat pants and matching hoodie are great for animal costumes. This year my friend's child wants to be a hamster. I surely prefer that to something bloody and gory. Brown or tan sweats, little ears of felt pinned or stitched on the hood, and a similar tail attached to her bottom, a few whiskers with a make-up pencil...voila. Look in magazines and books, and improvise from their improvisation.
One year my teen went as a pencil. We were cruising around Wal-Mart and she spotted a pencil yellow sweatshirt, and then we found athletic shirts in that same color. I cut out the letters "No. 2 PENCIL" from stickyback felt and she stuck them on the shirt.
A strip of pink fun foam around her head was the eraser. She wore black tights. It was fun to make, very original and except for the sweatshirt, shorts and tights, which she can wear again, cost about $1.00!
By Linda from Vista, CA
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Keeping the Jack O' Lantern Fresh
Carved jack-o-lanterns only last a little while. You can extend the life of the lil'Critter by taping (double sided tape) black construction paper cut into eyes/nose/mouth shapes until just a day or two before Halloween. When ready to carve, just remove, and have fun : )
By Doggy from SA TX
Skip the Mask and Use Makeup Instead
Skip the mask this Halloween and use makeup instead. Masks are hot and uncomfortable and they limit kids vision. They also really scare the little kids. Use your cosmetics or Halloween make-up and everyone will be more comfortable and safer!
By Linda L from Vista, CA
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Turtle Costume for a Baby
Trying to find an inexpensive costume for a 7 month old can be hard. I had this idea to make our son Nathan a turtle costume.
For his shell, I used an old bicycle helmet and painted a turtle shell pattern on top using craft paint. The helmet straps fit under his arms and fastened on his chest. The groove of the helmet fit his back and shoulders perfectly! He was able to move about and crawl around (looking just like a little turtle) with no problem.
After Halloween, he wore the sweatshirt and pants for a number of months and we actually have kept the helmet incase we need an extra. In the photos attached, you'll see him receiving his prize for the best costume!
By Lisa Grummer
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Flower Garden Costume
I needed a fast and inexpensive Halloween costume and my daughter wanted to be a 'flower garden'. So off to the thrift store we went, where we bought a green adult size M sweatshirt, which I cut at the sleeves. And some green stretch pants.
Then we loaded up on all the plastic vines, flowers, garlands, wreaths, etc we could find. I think I spent $10. I sewed the flowers onto the sweatshirt by hand. I am no seamstress, I just used a big yarn needle and yarn.
To top it off we turned a flower wreath upside down and tied flowers all over the top. I then painted flowers on her cheeks! She was adorable and EVERYONE commented on what a great costume this was. It did probably take about 2 hours of stitching but I did it while watching t.v. and the end result was well worth the effort!
By Jennifer F.
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Halloween Planter from Detergent Lid
I made this planter out of an empty detergent lid. Just paint it and plant. You could use spray paint or I like to use model paint.
I used a sharpie to make the face of the jack-o-lantern.
Happy Halloween!
By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania
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Gold Digger and Sugar Daddy Costume
For the woman, wearing black pants and black sweater, using a 3 inch wide yellow ribbon, I made a "Miss America" type banner, and put sticky letters on it saying "GOLD DIGGER" and draped that over one shoulder and secured it over the opposite hip. Using some old flashy, big diamond-type pins, attached several to the sweater.
I spray painted a small fold-up camping shovel gold, added a flashy ribbon bow to the handle and glued some computer generated money to the shovel blade. Also carried and wore flashy jewelry.
For a couples team, I made two computer generated signs that I laminated, made holes in each sign and threaded some yarn through the holes to be worn as a placard over the shoulders by the man.
Decorated a small pail with computer generated money and glued that in and around the pail for the man to carry.
Also made some computer generated money that was taped randomly to both the man and woman's clothes.
Strutted ourselves, arm in arm around the circle for judging.
This was a first place winner in 2004.
By Syd from Dunkirk, MD
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