Daily Thrifty Tips - May 14, 2007

I hope all the Mom's reading had a wonderful Mother's Day. Be sure to take note of the new postage hike that takes place to day. Stamps now cost 41 cents, so you'll need to get some 2 cent stamps to use your old postage.

Here are the contest winners for the week before last. We received some great submissions, as usual, it was tough to pick the winners.

Tip Contest Winners

Our Marriage Tips
By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

Memory Jar For Mother's Day
By Tricia from Tucson, AZ

Photo Contest Winner

My Favorite Kitchen Corner
By Melanie from IL

Thanks 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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Bucket from an Empty Juice Bottle

As the mother of a toddler, I have 8 million empty apple juice bottles lying around. So instead of tossing them, I decided to "recycle" them. This particular bucket was made by cutting the top off the apple juice bottle with an X-Acto knife. I then wrapped fabric around the bottle, securing with a hot glue gun and attached trim on the rim. For the handle, I punched holes into the side and attached another ribbon. You can attached any type of decoration you want onto the front. My daughter loves taking this outside to put her "stuff" in.

By April from Albany, GA

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Make a Flower Collage

To make and expensive looking flower collage, take close-up photos of plants in the colors you want then enlarge them and use a spray-on photo glue to put them on acid-free matboard. Buy a frame to fit and you will have a creation that would have cost you over a hundred dollars at the store.

By Yvonne from St. Paul, TX

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Mini-Hats

These adorable little hats can be hung on the wall, added to wreaths, used as gift bag tie-ons, or as refrigerator magnets. You can also make a few to sell at a craft fair. They are easy to make and allow you to make use of all the bits and pieces of leftover craft materials you have lying around. The hats, themselves, are relatively inexpensive if you buy them at a craft store, but check yard sales for even cheaper ones. That's where I found mine.

Crafting Time: 30 - 45 minutes

Materials:

• small hats - straw or lace
• scraps of ribbon or pre-made bows
• small silk flowers and bits of baby's breath
• bits of lace fabric trim
• pieces of pre-strung beads
• craft glue or a glue gun
• magnetic tape (optional)

Directions

By Marie E. Cecchini from West Dundee, IL

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Sarafinnia the Cat

Sarafinnia is around 4 years old. This cat came to us about 3 summers ago. wild, scared, and hungry. She was always in our yard. So one day I put food out to feed her, and she let us touch her after about 2 days.

She warmed up to us very fast. She must have been someone's cat. She is house trained, neutered, and a wonderful addition to our home. My girls love her so much, we don't know how we got along without her.

For fun, she likes to catch barn mice, and sleep

By Tracy from MI

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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
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Go On a Money Diet

One thing we do when money is tight, say before pay day, is just go on a money diet and spend as little as humanly possible. It's a good habit to get into now and then, as it helps you curb the habit of spending just to amuse yourself!

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Finding a Blessing from a Disaster

Six weeks ago, I slipped on some melting snow and broke my leg but good! After emergency surgery with lots of pins and plates, I also had a two-day hospital stay. When we got the bill, we about croaked! It came to over $18,000! Then we found out about the extra equipment I was going to need for the next 12 weeks. Home Health Service was the first to chip in. They searched their storage and came up with a commode that I could keep! No charge. Since I can't put weight on that foot for at least eight weeks, that was a godsend. Then they found an older wheelchair for me. It's not in perfect condition, but it works. I have learned how to sweep and mop the floor sitting in that chair. They are not charging for the time I use it, because they found out we are low income. Unfortunately, that chair doesn't work for outside. Fortunately, a friend approached his church and they loaned us one at no charge for as long as necessary.

Yesterday, it came time to get out of the cast and into a removable boot. There's a nasty-looking wound still remaining. I don't heal very fast sometimes because I am diabetic. I will have to dress the wound every day. A new boot would cost $300. My friend Carol came to the rescue! Her son had one from a few years ago, and loaned it to me! Altogether, I think these items have saved over $1,000. The next thing I did was cancel the home health and therapy visits. I couldn't see anything they were doing for me that I couldn't do for myself, and at $130 per visit, I could skip that. The hospital got involved. They found out our income level by asking me, and have helped us approach the county for assistance. The county has an agreement with the hospitals and doctors in our area that they will pay the Medicaid rate, and then let the patient pay the county back. The Medicaid rate is less than half of what we were charged, so that knocked $9,000 off the bill. The orthopedic surgeon has hinted that he will write off whatever the county doesn't pick up.

I can't deny that this has been a financial disaster for us, but taking $10,000 off the total is wonderful! It has motivated me to try to earn more money so I can pay more off the bill faster. A total blessing all the way around.

Coreenhart from Rupert, ID

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Grilled Cheese Shortcut

Toast bread and place cheese in between toast. Place into microwave for 40 seconds. Variations: add condiments (mustard) or meat (ham) or veggie (tomato). Quick and easy.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Compost Instead of Buying Topsoil

It is Spring and I have been busy repotting and potting plants for the front of the house and the patio. I never buy the store-bought, chemically tainted top soil! I compost all year long. If you have not done this before, it is so easy and saves you money. I compost coffee grounds, all my veggie skins, egg shells, fruit skins, leaves, and trimmings from the yard. Do try not to compost the weeds from your yard. I even found out I can compost my paper bags. This encourages me to grow more. I don't grow many veggies, but do plant lots of flowers. My compost is readily available and does not cost me a penny.

If you have questions, you can learn how by going to this website:

• http://epa.gov/compost/

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Stop Your Dog From Chewing

Here is my tip for today. If your dog or puppy is chewing your home or your shoes for that matter anything, up. Try some all natural clove oil. Rub a bit of clove oil on and watch out. No more chewing

By Wendy Nan Rees from Los Angeles, CA
http://www.thewildliferadio.com

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Free Pedometer Online

I ordered this free issue of a magazine and with it came a free pedometer and the grocery coupon card I told you about. Health and Wellness - Free Issue and Digital Pedometer (US)

• http://healthandwellnessclub.com/

By micksgirl from Paducah, KY

Editor's Note: Please note, they do require that you cancel the membership or they will start billing you. Here's the terms from their website:

"Please send my FREE ISSUE and start my FREE 30-DAY TRIAL in the National Health and Wellness Club. I understand that at the end of my period I can continue my membership for only $1 month, or simply return my bill marked "cancel" and owe nothing. The issue of Today's Health & Wellness magazine is mine to keep FREE. 84% of each year's dues is for one year of Today's Health & Wellness magazine. Rate valid in the U.S. only."

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Cat Safe Yarn Tip

Our cat, Tweets is very clever at finding a ball of yarn and can spend late hours unraveling it from one end of our two-story house to another. Bury it under a sofa pillow? She'll dig it out. Even while I'm using it, making pet carrier 'blankies' for pet carriers for our humane society, she loves to snatch it! I finally found the solution! First off, I give her a small ball of yarn to play with. I upended a plastic waste basket with open slots in the sides and thread the yarn in use though a slot, where I can easily pull it out as I use it. Tweets is frustrated, but this method works out very well for me! The yarn is hidden and unaccessible to Tweets and I no longer have to chase down and rewind the yarn as I work!

By Janet from Conway, NH

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Post Office Rate Increase Takes Effect Today (May 14, 2007)

New postage rates go into effect on Monday, May 14, including a two-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail stamp to 41 cents. Post Offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also one and two-cent stamps for customers who still have a supply of 39-cent stamps.

There also is a new change where the shape of a package will be factored into the cost of shipping, not just the weight. This could have a big impact on folks who are selling on eBay so be sure to take note of the new guidelines.

The below charts provide examples of some of the new rates and fees:

In addition to the new domestic rates, changes will take effect May 14 for customers sending international mail. USPS has simplified its eight main international products into four: Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Mail International. New packaging will allow mailers to use the same Priority Mail and Express Mail packaging for shipping both within the United States and to other countries. For details of the International Mail changes, go to: http://www.usps.com/ratecase and select "New International Rates, Fees and Country Listing."

More Links:

• Domestic Rates & Fees Tables International Rates & Fees Tables

The Shape (Dimensions) of Your Packages Now Matters:

For example, if the contents of a First Class Mail large envelope are folded and placed in a letter-sized envelope, customers can reduce postage by as much as 39 cents per piece. If the contents of a First Class Mail package are laid out to fit into a large envelope, customers can save 33 cents per piece.

Shaped-based pricing, in effect, creates a more flexible rate system by giving mailers the opportunity to obtain lower rates if they find ways to configure their mail into shapes that reduce handling costs for the Postal Service and that helps to keep rates affordable for everyone.

With the new emphasis on shape in its pricing, the Postal Service is also reducing the additional ounce rate on May 14. As mail pieces become heavier, the new additional ounce price declines. For letters over one ounce, the new prices are actually lower than the current prices.

Breast Cancer Research Stamps

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Party for a Science Major

Any Ideas for a science major graduation party?

Mamaduke from Camden, New Jersey

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Sugar Exfoliator

I need to make a sugar exfoliator, using olive oil? I have dry skin and I want my face to look moisturized but not oily?

Jazmyn

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Sherbet-Orange Colored Walls

I have beautiful sherbet-orange walls in my bedroom, and I need new flooring. I can't afford hardwood, and I don't like laminate, so I have two choices: carpet or paint the underlying plywood. What color should I choose to complement my walls? Right now, the carpet is light blue and I HATE IT.

Thanks!
Stephanie from Anchorage, Alaska

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Are Alsatians and German Shepherds the same breed of dog?

Are Alsatians and German Shepherds the same breed of dog?

ONY from KENT, UK

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Taping HDTV Programs

This is an HD TV question. Sigh.

A few years ago, we purchased an "HD Ready" TV. We were told to buy an antenna that would receive signals. The antenna didn't help. Found out it needed a converter box. I haven't bought one as of yet, too expensive. When I do the conversion, I will have to time it for when my son visits because he has sufficient knowledge to do this.

If I hook this HD Ready living room TV up to a converter box and an HD antenna, would VCR tapes recorded from it still play in a regular TV's vcr in the kitchen?

Or do I have to convert both TV's to HD? I am trying to decide if I want to do this now, or wait until the whole USA goes into HD mode. As of right now, I like to tape some regular TV channels (ABC, NBC, CBS) which come in HD mode, but I also watch some additional TV channels which do not come in HD mode. Would the latter be eliminated if I switch to the HD TV, converter box and HD antenna?
How do I solve this?

Thanks for any and all opinions and input!

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Air Travel Gift Pack Ideas

I'm trying to put together a gift pack for my mom who is leaving for a vacation this week. It's the first time in many years that she has been able to do something like this, and I want to give her something to make the flight enjoyable. I already have a book and some candies, puzzle book & pens, but have no idea what else to put in it! Any help would be appreciated :)

Thanks!
Melanie from Ontario, Canada

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What do I do after tulips have flowered?

What do I do after tulips have flowered? Can I get them to bloom again for the summer?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Lori from Staten Island, New York

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Easiyo Yogurt Maker Tips

I have been given an Easiyo yogurt maker and as I am used to making my own yogurt I do not want to use their sachets. Has anyone used this to make their own yogurt?

Maree

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Converting a Crochet Pattern to a Knitting Pattern

Does anyone know how to convert a crochet pattern to a knitting pattern?

Thanks,
Shirlee

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Replacing the Battery in a Musical Watch

I change the battery myself on my watches (I have a large collection). The only problem I have is the musical watches. I can change the battery for the music portion of the watch but I still can't get any music to play. The watch portion (time keeping) will be fine. The music portion is a piece that you have to remove completely if you want to change the battery for the time keeping portion of the watch. It looks like I put that piece in the same way as it was originally but I don't know if I have to "do" something special to get the music portion of the watch to work once its been removed and put back. Can anyone help me with this?

Mary from Bakersfield, CA

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Swaddle Doll Pattern

I am trying to find a a pattern to make the swaddle doll? Does any have the directions? Also am trying ti find the directions to make a daddy tool belt.

Joanne from Holyoke, MA

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Should I Deadhead a Hydrangea?

I've inherited a big stand of hydrangea. I have no idea what cultivar they might be. What do I do for them? Deadhead last year's blossoms? Feed? Ignore em?


Thanks,
LMSINGH from Hudson, WI

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Arby's Chicken Salad Recipe

I am looking for the recipe to Arby's Chicken Salad or Bi-Lo Grocery Store's Chicken Salad.

Sarah from Chattanooga, TN

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Carpet Adhesive on Car Paint

Does anyone have any ideas how to remove carpet adhesive from the paint work of Car without ruining the colour and paint on the car? I was driving into a mall the other day when I ran over a can which turned out to be a aerosol can of carpet adhesive! It sprayed over the side of my car and now I'm wondering how to remove it! I immediately took it to the carwash which took some off, but a lot is still there. I would be very grateful, as a new paint job would be a headache.

Thanks,
LIAM from Dublin, Ireland

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Homemade Toner

I want a facial cleanser/toner that I can make at home?

Jazmyn

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Discoloration in a Fiberglass Bathtub

I have yellow discoloration in my fiberglass tub. How do I remove it?

Barbara

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Flower Pot People - Fun with Flower Pots

How do you make the "Flower Pot People"?

Nina from Bellefontaine, Ohio

Editor's Note: I believe Nina is referring to the Flower Pot People pictured on the right. The photo was sent in by a reader, Walter S. Arnold, back in 2005. No instructions were provided at that time.

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Cleaning Crayon Out of Dryer

A blue crayon melted in my dryer. I was able to get the solid parts out w/ WD40. There is a blue crayon wash of color all over the drum, vent and back of the dryer (also some chunks on the seal in the back of the dryer). WD40, GooBeGone and MrClean Magic Eraser only removed a little, but not enough. I don't want more blue clothes! Laundry is piling up!!

Ruth from Birmingham, AL

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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

$10 Dinners: Spaghetti and Meatballs

These meals are intended to be a relatively simple and healthy weeknight meal for a family of four. We assume that these dinners are being made in a kitchen stocked with regular kitchen staples. We will not include prices of oil, sugar, flour, spices, etc. unless you need a 1/4 cup or more. Regional food prices may vary and can be reduced by smart shopping techniques.

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Optimize Your Sewing Time
By Sarah J. Doyle

Be Prepared

Gather and purchase all of the supplies necessary to complete your sewing or craft project ahead of time. Having to stop in the middle of the project in order to run out and get a forgotten essential item is time consuming and irritating.

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How To Make Tire Planters

Information on making recycled tire planters. Post your own ideas here.

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