Daily Thrifty Tips - December 16, 2008

Sorry for the delay in sending out newsletters. We should be caught up by Saturday.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Share a Tip (You could win $25!)
• Share a Photo (You could win $25!)
• Have a Question? Submit a request...
• Link to ThriftyFun.com
• View Active Topics!

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

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

Craft: Teddy Bear Rocking Chair

I built this little rocking chair for my last granddaughter Camden. This is her 1st birthday and I wanted her to have something special from MeMaw. I found the pattern online at:

• http://www.rockler.com

It's called Teddy Bear rocking Chair Plan. She is a very happy girl.

By kwhite from Thomasville, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98049537.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft Project: Santa Belly Ornament

Approximate Time: 15 minutes

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14704976.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Scenery: San Antonio Riverwalk

I recently attended a conference in San Antonio, Texas. It was my first trip to that city. We stayed in a hotel along the river walk. It was beautiful! I'm sharing one of my photos taken along the river walk.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33570960.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Jack and DC (Domestic Shorthair)

Jack is on your left, DC is on the right. They're both six months old. They are patio cats, domestic shorthairs. A stray cat we were feeding gave birth to them. They're brothers, born second (DC) and third (Jack) in the litter. Mom and Dad have their sister.

They like to shred shower curtains, climb into cabinets, purr on the good blankets, and chase anything that moves. They just loooove my sewing chair!

By Dorrie from Norman OK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35091304.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft Project: Christmas Candle Holder

This candle holder is made to look like a lamp

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38127983.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Personalized Hand Towels

Cheap and easy Christmas gift. Take a new hand towel and some scrap fabric. Sew the scrap fabric to the hand towel and you have a personalized gift. This came about because I was too cheap to buy a Thomas the train towel for my son. Now I can make one for everyone on my list using hand towels and bath towels and personalizing them to whatever "theme" each person is into or things they collect. Great for when you find towels on sale and only have a little bit of that special fabric.

By Jennifer from Riverview, Florida

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31931523.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• 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!

A Gallon of OJ for $1.50!

Why buy that "Sunny Dee" stuff that always has that fake flavor to it for relatively big bucks? I've discovered if you take a regular can of OJ concentrate, which I get at a local Aldi's (a Mecca for frugal food shoppers!) for $1.29, combine with a 10-cent packet of dollar store lemonade mix (do NOT use the orange drink stuff or you'll get that "Sunnie Dee" funny flavor) and 4 packs of sweetener or proportional amount of sugar and add a gallon of COLD water, you'll get a concoction that tastes a heck of a lot like "regular" real orange juice for a fraction of the cost.

Simple eh?

I also use a variant of this for what I call"Sourpuss Grape" drink: Use a half a container of 100% Concord Grape Juice Concentrate (Once again, about $1.39 at Aldi - love that store!), two packs of the 10-cent Dollar Store Lemonade Mix and seven sweetener packs in a gallon of cold water. Packs a nice tart punch and is a great thirst quencher in the summer! And, it's even cheaper than the "Orange J'aid" above. Oh yeah, both make good mixers for your favorite clear liquors... heh heh.

By CenoByte from Sylvan Beach

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61442872.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Be Ready For A Nighttime Power Outage

We just had an hour long power outage (unexpected as it is 9 pm on a cold winter night). I learned three things tonight that I want to share (common sense but we all know that is not the way it works, LOL)

1. Make sure you KNOW where the candles ARE! it is easy to think "oh sure, I know exactly where they are" (want to bet?) and, during the day or when there is power by flipping the switch, it is easy to find them. It is not so easy when there are no lights (and damn it is BLACK) in here!
2. Make sure if you have pets (cats especially) that candles are not a novelty when they are lit. I had 2 out of three tonight who were determined that they had to stick their noses into the flame (or thought that they should)
3. In a pinch, a small tin can makes a good candle snuffer (something else I DO HAVE, but couldn't find it)

Have a good night.

By Cinnamon from Williams Lake, BC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58499912.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wear Summer Clothes As Layers In The Winter

I am moving and things I want are "gally west and crooked" for now. It has been cold the last couple of days and even snowed some the night before last!

I was invited to a potluck as a good way to meet people of this small town which was good thinking on my neighbor's part! I decided to wear a sleeveless summer top under my winter clothes as added warmth! I realized that this item was going to be UNSEEN and plan on utilizing more of my sleeveless summer tops for added warmth on cold days!

I will get extra usage from the clothing which is a plus and if they are stained or a little bit raggedy, that also is a plus to get a little more wear out of them before they go into the ragbag! This would also go for socks which are mismatched or in bad shape - to wear them as a second pair under the better ones!

By melody_yesterday from Otterville MO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29428767.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crochet Wire Hanger Covers

I have a pattern for crocheting wire hanger covers.

The pattern is simple. Use two wire hangers tied together by the hook.

Use a size g-hook and WW yarn. Start by chaining 6. Turn, SC in each chain. Turn, continue until it is long enough to go completely around hanger and hook. Do not fasten off. You should have a piece about 2 in. by 28, or there about. Wrap around hanger and SC edges together. Fasten off. Weave in ends. Tye a pretty ribbon around base of hook.and on the top of the hanger where straps might go.These are very sturdy and thick and pretty. I always give a set for Xmas, and it is a good way to use those hangers. Make sure the hanger are plastic coated. so they won't rust. Have fun. These are great for craft fairs too.

By Carole from Henderson, NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30370785.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning the Outside of Your House With Bleach

I clean the outside of our house with bleach to remove dirt and mildew, it saves painting it. Use a bottle that hooks to the water hose, you may not need a bottle full of bleach. Get the bottle from a Hardware store or where they sell plants, Lowe's may have them.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90546608.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Advertise Yard Sales on Craigslist

While it's kinda late for this year, keep this in mind for your next yard sale - you can advertise your sale for free on Craigslist ! There's a whole category, "Garage Sale"; under 'For Sale', and that's what it's for ! Describe what we'll find - toys, clothes, tools, etc. - and your address, and the times of your sale. You can even add pictures if you have a photo host or website. You don't even have to join their site to add your listing.

Many folks check both their local papers and Craigslist.org for yard sale listings - so get yours out there, where us thrifty types can find you, for free !

By Dorrie from Norman OK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30204524.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Using Handi Wipes for Paper Towels

I hardly ever buy paper towels any more. Instead, I buy packages of handi wipes from the dollar store. I buy a package of 8-10 for a dollar. I can use them for all my cleaning and in the kitchen and they last a long time. I just rinse them out and reuse. This has saved me a lot of money.

By Kim from Franklin Park

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94995078.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Furnace Inspection

• Consider getting your furnace (HVAC) inspected by a professional
• Remove all combustible materials away from the furnace
• Change your furnace filters monthly

Fireplace

• Cap your chimney to keep out rodents and birds
• Contact a chimney sweep if your chimney hasn't been cleaned in awhile (especially important if you use your fireplace regularly, creosote builds up and becomes a fire hazard)
• Inspect your damper for proper opening/closing

Doors And Windows

• Inspect exterior doors and windows for cracks-seal
• Install weather stripping
• Replace cracked glass
• Cover windows with plastic to seal out cold air

Roof/Gutters/Downspouts

• Install extra insulation in attic if temperatures regularly fall below 32 degrees
• Check flashing to assure water cannot enter your home
• Clean debris out of gutters
• Clear debris away from downspouts-spray with a hose to flush out anything caught in the downspout

Foundation

• Rake away all leaves and vegetation
• Seal up entry points to keep small animals from entering the house or nesting under your foundation
• Inspect for pest infestation
• Secure crawlspace entrances

Equipment

• Drain gas from your lawn mower
• Winterize boat
• Tune-up or service snow blowers
• Replace rakes and/or snow shovels
• Purchase icemelt, sand or kitty litter

Smoke Detector/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Test to make sure they work
• Buy a fire extinguisher or replace yours if it is greater than 10 years old

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82267835.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Build Your Own Patio Cover

We built a nice patio cover with bamboo fencing, got it from Lowe's. I have potted plants under it. I planted morning glory and ivy vines at the corners. It is covered with pretty blue and pink blooms from spring time till the freeze comes. The vines comes back every spring. The neighbors ask how we did it and how I got the flowers to grow on it, I give them cuttings of the vines.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43103143.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crush Nuts With Your Feet

To crush nuts with no fuss and no clean up, I put the nuts in a heavy duty storage bag and stomp on them a few times. Does the trick quick and no mess! : )

Source: It's from my own lazy and creative right side of my brain. P.S. It's not a good idea to balance your check book this way.

By RuralAngel from Dover, DE

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97601809.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Make Roast Chicken Into Multiple Meals

I cook for two and the most bang for my buck has been roast chicken. On Sunday, when I have some extra time, I make this for dinner with the usual sides (mashed potatoes, salad, veggies). We eat what we want off of the roast chicken. After dinner, I strip the extra meat off. The extra chicken I use for casserole, chicken salad, chicken nachos, or anything else that uses pre-cooked chicken. Then, I throw the bones/scraps into my crock pot with some onions, carrots, salt, pepper, bay leaf or anything else I can find, cover with water and cook. When I wake up the next morning, I have homemade broth that I can use immediately for soup or freeze for a later use.

I have found this to be multiple meals in one. When cooking for a small crowd, I can't think of a more affordable diverse dish! Plus, my roast chicken always tastes better than the overly dried out rotisserie chickens you buy in the deli!

Source: I started doing this at the start of the year, what a great idea!

By Adrianne from Adrian, Michigan

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89995979.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dying a Sheepskin Coat

I have a brown canvas and sheepskin coat. The sheepskin is white and the canvas is brown. How do I go about dyeing the whole coat off-white? Is there a company that would do this for me? I would also be okay with just bleaching the entire coat. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

T

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15136505.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Odors in a Space Bag

What causes terrible odors in the Space Bag?

Wannetta from Pikesville, MD

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80515272.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Grease on Suede Boots

What takes grease off of suede boots?

Pilar from Brentwood, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92660889.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Gluing Paper to Wooden Candle Pedestals

I am making wooden candle pedestals. I am staining them and gluing words on them. But my glue shows through the paper that the words are written on. What can I use to attach them? Could I use the last coat of stain like a glue and stick the papers on right before it dries? Thanks in advance.

Linda from Hartley

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50111867.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Repairing a Pampered Chef Pan

Can you repair a Pampered Chef cooking pan? If so, how?

Gary from Decatur, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98501639.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Patterns to Use with Mattel Knitting Machine

I just got a Mattel knitting machine at an estate sale. I want to find cool patterns for making things with the tubes or circles that it makes. I have the general instructions, but want to know how to turn the pieces into afghans, scarves, and sweaters. Also can you make socks with it? I already tried Google and Ask but came up empty handed. Anything you have done that would help. Thanks!

Pghgirl40 from Pittsburgh

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98210130.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Hazelnut Creamer Recipe

Do you have a recipe for hazelnut creamer?

Joyce from Concord, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43597360.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Preventing Cabinet Doors from Warping

I am refacing my kitchen cabinets with solid alder slab doors. How do I prevent warping of the doors?

Adeline from Spruce Grove, Alberta

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85344853.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tear in a Nylon Winter Coat

My first grader has ripped a hole in his new nylon-covered winter coat. We just got it and need to make it last. The hole is on the back where it is very visible. The cloth is a nylon, backed with some sort of thin coating. How do I fix it?

Karen from LaPorte, IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41581078.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking for Foam Block Cubes

I am trying to get hold of 2.5x 2.5" cubed foam to make blocks for my grandkids to play with. The outside is made but I need 20 more foam squares to place inside. I can't afford the cost to buy them. Any ideas? Please hurry!

Carrie from Gresham, Oregon

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21625501.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Jr. High School Dance Theme Ideas

I am on the committee for my Junior High school's dance. We are having trouble deciding on a theme. We would appreciate your suggestions.

Gavriel

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47571582.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Repairing a Keystone 16 mm Projector

I am trying to locate someone to repair Keystone 16 mm projectors. Thanks.

Garry

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98065405.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crafts Using Men's Neckties

I am trying to find photos of a rug or quilt made from men's old ties. Will someone mail me a photo and an instruction book? I'm 77 and need a post retirement project. Thanks.

Bill

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34262581.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making Sawdust Pellets

What is the psi required to compress dry sawdust into pellets for my stove? Also, to what temperature should the sawdust be heated?

Rufas from Saskatchewan, Canada

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43237117.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Caption Ideas for Christmas Cards

I'm trying to find the perfect caption to use this on this year's Christmas Card. So far the only thing we can come up with is "Dear Santa, I can explain... (Let me explain...)" Any ideas?

Laura from NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47049369.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Stretching Ankle Boots

I am looking to stretch a pair of ankle boots that I have. Instead of buying an expensive stretch spray, does anyone know of a homemade solution?

Marie from FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36985641.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Knitted Necklace Pattern

I am looking for a pattern for a knitted necklace.

Marlene

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26699481.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Evening Out Skin Tone

I am an African woman with dark skin. My face is even darker than any other part of my body. Can anyone suggest some homemade products that will help even out my facial skin tone without bleaching. My skin is also very oily.

Dudu

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31194275.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What Kind of Doll is This?

Can anyone give me any information about this doll? So far I have not found any like it on some of the usual doll sites. Thank you!

Pattie from Maine

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68432435.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Black Ink on Gray Carpet

I had a bottle of black dye leak on my gray carpet. Unfortunately its in an apartment. and there are two large stain spots. I'm getting desperate, bleach seems like the next best thing. Any ideas of how to remove the stain?

Corrin

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11241391.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Selling Mature Pine Trees

I would like to sell my 20-30 full mature pine trees. Does anyone know of any company that would buy them?

Diana from Ocala, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64663818.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Acrylic Nails

How do I remove acrylic nails so I can have gel nails done? I'm getting ready to do a Brisa nail tech course and would like to redo my own nails with the gel. I've been wearing professionally done acrylic nails for the last year or so. I've tried the acetone but it doesn't work very well with professional acrylic nails. I know the best thing to do is to go to a professional to have them removed but with Christmas around the corner, funds are tight. Much thanks for any help.

Kelly

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf319663.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dog Losing Fur

My dog is constantly losing its fur. What can the problem be?

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86991190.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Romantic 30th Birthday Ideas

My wife's 30thbirthday is on Dec. 29th and I was planning to take her to Paris for the day but I have to work now. I am happy to do something on Dec. 28th all day and celebrate her birthday at 12 midnight or take her out on Monday evening.

I would like to do something romantic and personal. She is a vegetarian and doesn't eat fish. I have done the musical/theatre and dinner thing. Can anyone help with some new ideas?

Amar from London, UK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44957505.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Instructions For Paper Snowflakes

How do you make paper snowflakes?

Priya from Plainsboro, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf795077.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Nail Polish Remover Spilled on Table

Does anyone know how to get nail varnish remover out of an oak veneer table?

Susie from UK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf395870.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How to Get Rid of Snakes!

I had two snakes on my porch and one on the side of my house. I'm afraid that I may have a nest under my deck. How do I get rid of them without getting hurt? I'm really afraid of them! I live in Florida and the snakes were tan and thin.

Alison from Tamarac, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf795617.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crayon on Microfiber

How do I get black crayon out of my tan microfiber couch? My 2 year old decided to color all over it! Please help.

merrissap from Shirley, MA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53041893.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning Silver

What's the best effective way to clean old silver pieces?

John from Chicago, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf718288.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Diesel Fuel Smell from Clothing

How do I get the odor of diesel out of clothes? I have washed and air dried them but the smell is still there. Thank you for all your help.

Burn from Omak, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf316437.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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