Daily Thrifty Tips - September 5, 2008

If you get a chance over the weekend, please take a moment to see if you have any tips to offer on any of our current Saving Money On... topics. They are...

Saving Money on Windows
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Saving Money on School Sports Supplies
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Saving Money on Cellphones
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Saving Money on Outdoor Furniture
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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Nest Made by Perfect Little Engineers

My boss found this Bee's nest (Hornet's?) in a high bush at my work yesterday. I went back on my day off hoping it was still there to take pictures. They were calling an exterminator to remove it.

Being a business and all its a liabilty with so many people being allergic. I just wanted to share this picture. It's so unbelievably big! It's about the size of a basketball.

I park my car pretty close to where it was found. We were all shocked that no one noticed it before. There's tons of holes all around it and the huge ugly black bees were crawling all over thru and around it yesterday but today it seemed there weren't as many.

Maybe the heat yesterday caused more to come out? The design is so amazing! My boss's words were "They are perfect little engineers aren't they!"

By Ariela from Jax, Fl

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Craft Project: All-Star Savings Bank

This all-star savings bank can be created for any sport. Simply vary the colors to yellow for a tennis ball or to black and white for soccer. The bank is great for anyone saving up for something special!

Approximate Time: About 30 minutes

Supplies:

• canning jar or empty mayonnaise jar
• jar lid
• white craft foam
• craft stick
• wooden stars
• yellow acrylic paint
• craft glue
• pencil
• scissors

Instructions:

Paint wooden stars yellow and set aside to dry. Place lid on white foam and use a pencil to trace a circle. Cut out circle. Using red felt tip pen, draw the "seams" of a baseball on each side. Glue craft stick to the front of jar as the "bat." Glue "baseball" on top of the craft stick. Glue yellow stars to the front of the jar. You could cut a slit in the lid, if desired, to drop coins through, or simply take the lid off to insert money.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Siofra (American Shorthair Mix)

Siofra is six years old and an American Shorthair mix. Her coloration is cream tabby. My mom-in-law adopted her and after a couple of weeks realized that she couldn't deal with Siofra's highly independent nature. So Siofra came to live with us, and as my husband and I also have highly independent natures, we understand where Siofra is coming from. We all get along just fine.

She likes to play with her catnip toys, string, hiding in boxes and bags and chasing bugs. Siofra hates being cold, and loves snuggling under the blankies even on warm days.

By Lisa from Concord, NH

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Radio City Spectacular Garden

I call this my Radio City Spectacular Garden. My office on our second floor, looks down onto my garden. I once was a dancer on the Great Stage, but, now with an entire hip replacement I'm unable to dance any longer. I decided to make this garden with dancing plants covering over half of my backyard. It has been planned to be active for all 4 seasons. It's taken 2 growing seasons, but, so far, it's doing really well.

If you can't be on the stage, I've made my own stage.

By Sandra from Montvale, NJ

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Use Magnets To Keep Recipes Out Of The Way

This isn't a recipe, but it's a great idea for when you use one. I find that hauling out my cook books, which are all loose leaf and in binders, isn't practical in a small kitchen.

A friend who works at Boeing gave me some heavy duty magnets. You can probably find them in hardware stores. I found that if you pull out your recipe and put a magnet on the back and the front of your cupboard doors, it will most likely stick together and hang your sheet up out of the way. This keeps it at eye level, and away from splatters. If you have calendar art or kids art that you want to get off the fridge, this works, too.

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Use Eyebrow Pencil to Cover Wood Scratches

A couple days ago I was given a lovely old dresser, oak I think. Unfortunately it got scratched in a couple tiny spots in the move. I didn't have any kind of scratch cover on hand. While putting on my makeup to go shopping it occurred to me my eyebrow pencil was almost the same color. I looked through my makeup and lo and behold there was an eye pencil the exact color. Rubbed it in the scratch and it disappeared. Saved a few dollars on scratch cover.

By Peggy from Cortland, OH

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Label Child's Belongings for School

With school back in full swing, for your younger children who might have trouble remembering their coats, jackets, or other items, at school or on the school buses, please put their names on the clothing tags inside, so they can be returned your family. Any items without names or identification left on the buses gets tossed in the trash.

Source: My husband works for a school bus yard.

By Terri from NV

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Budgeting For Car Payments

We needed to purchase a new car for my husband who uses it for business. He puts on an average of 45,000 miles annually. We did not have enough saved to pay cash for the car so I needed to FIND an additional $150 a month for the increased car payment.

By reallocatng my spending money I was able to find an additional $300 per month. We reduced the amount of money we will spend on entertainment and babysitting and clothing/school supplies.

When my car is paid off in March of 2010, we will save that payment and hopefully have about 50% of the purchase price of a new car when I need one in 2014 (my car will be 10 years old then and have over 150,000 miles on it.

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Product Review: Bellawood Floor Cleaner

Our building contractors cleaning person used a mop (probably dirty) on our new floor and it was dull and streaked. We have always used the best hardwood floor cleaner in our old house, Bellawood floor cleaner from Lumber Liquidators or Bellawood.com It is soy based and non toxic and cleaned up the dull and streaked floors without getting down on our hands and knees. We have different types of hardwoods and engineered floors and I would not use anything else. Works Great with a great price. We also use it on our wood cabinets all though the manufacturer did not mention this.

Source: Check out the product and reviews at:

• http://www.bellawood.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1475

• http://www.bellawood.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1476

• http://www.lumberliquidators.com

• 1-800-FLOORING

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Use Paint Swatches As Bookmarks

Paint Swatches make great bookmarks. When I'm at the hardware store I pickup a stack of paint swatches, so I know I will never be without my bookmark again!

By Kerry from Flat Rock, MI

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Garden: Concerns About Morning Glories

Morning Glories are gorgeous. But boy, are they pesky and weedy! 3 years ago, I planted two varieties along a fence and to cover a trellis. They were simply stunning that year. They grew fast and covered the fence and trellis and caused much comment. But in the final analysis, it wasn't worth it and it's not even a close call. For the past two years, I have battled morning glories all over my yard. I didn't know that the seeds spread like crazy and they are persistent. The vines are tough and stringy and hard to pull. I have hoed morning glory seedlings all summer this year and still they are coming up. Everywhere. And driving me crazy. So unless you can deal with morning glories everywhere for years afterward, don't plant them! I wish someone had told me before I made all this work for myself.

Source: The best teacher ever, personal experience.

By Susan from Omaha, NE

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Try S'mores at Your Next Event

A "s'mores bar" is a fun and inexpensive way to spruce up a backyard wedding reception. A table filled with different sized glass jars containing the s'mores ingredients look great and welcome fun. And don't just stick with the classic chocolate bars and marshmallows, be sure to include flavored marshmallows (the coconut ones went great at our wedding!) and mini candy bars of all types!

If you do not like the idea of having a bonfire you can buy (Target often has them on clearance during the winter months) or rent a cast iron fire pit.

By Dominique from Kalamazoo, MI

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Use Old Bread to Absorb Onion Smell

If I have extra onion and I want to use it in a couple of days or whenever, I take and put it in a ziplock bag and I take some old bread or buns I was going to throw away and stick in with the onion. The bread absorbs the onion smell and doesn't stink up your refrigerator and freezer. I keep the old bread in a bread wrapper in the refrigerator in the back so it does not get confused with the good stuff. My husband thought I was nuts when he first saw me do this but it works. My refrigerator does not smell of onion and I use otherwise useless bread. If I find the smell coming back I just stick another piece of bread in the ziplock.

By DEBRADJ from ILLINOIS

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Make a Flower "Bed" Out of an Old Bed Frame

Sorry, no picture, but an old neighbor used an old metal bed frame to make a "flower bed" in her yard. She dug out the dirt a bit and put in an old metal bed. She left the side rails in, and mounded the dirt up in where the mattress usually lays. She planted colorful flowers. The effect of this FLOWER BED was the flowers looked like a quilt on the bed.

It was a cute idea and everyone loved it.

By Janet from Brant Rock, MA

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Crocheted Corner Bookmark

I am looking for a crochet pattern for a book mark that fits on the corner of the pages.

kddid from Springfield, MO

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Sterilizing Canning Jars

It seems I read somewhere that you could sterilize canning jars in the oven. Does any one know about this? At what temperature and for how long?

Thanks for any help!
Shona from Ocoee, TN

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Ideas for Adult Princess Ball Party

I'm turning 21 in January '08. It's the huge birthday to celebrate in England. Anyway I've always said I wanted a 'Princess Ball' for my party and all my friends love it. I'm thinking pinkness, formal wear, tiaras, red carpets, champagne etc.

Its a childhood dream and 21 is where you turn into an 'adult' so to speak and I want to go out living 1 last childhood dream! I just wondered if you had any ideas to make it more memorable (decorations, etc.). Thanks so much for your help guys!

Kimberley from UK

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Cardamom Recipes

I have 2 spice jars of CARDAMOM that I need to use up. I have googled for a few recipes but was wondering if anyone had any family favorites that uses cardamom (ground). Cookies, coffee cake, muffins, quick breads... something along those lines.

Many thanks,
Kaelle

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Stretching Moccasins

I want to stretch some new moccasins, They are my correct size but are too stiff to even get my feet in. I've used that wooden foot stretcher thing, but they go back to the original shape. Help?

Juliett from NYC

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Dog Throws Up Snack Bones

The dog doesn't chew his snack bone, he gulps it then throws up. This is his newest habit. He is an American Pit Bull mix terrier. Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Recipe For Italian Nonpareils Cookie

My ex-mother in-law was a great Italian cookie baker. She used to make a lot of varieties for weddings and the like. I am looking for a recipe for a little loaf type of cookie made with molasses and sprinkled with nonpareils. Can anyone help?

Barb from Mountaindale, NY

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Cellphone Plans Without 2 Year Contracts

My college-age daughter currently pays about $52/month including tax and fees for a T-mobile plan with text-messaging. My son who just started college has been using a T-mobile To Go plan but says he wants to convert to a monthly plan since he's going through the 1000 minutes he purchases at a time so quickly. He's thinking of getting on a family plan with my daughter.

Does anyone know of the cheapest monthly family cell phone plan out there that gives good service and doesn't require a 2 year contract? My son will be leaving on a mission for our church next summer in which cell phones aren't allowed. I'm not interested in a cell phone for myself (my husband has one his work pays for) and I don't want to be stuck paying for my son's plan while he's gone.

Kerry from Sandy, UT

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Picking Tights Color For Wedding

I recently purchased a dress to wear to my sister's wedding, but I don't know if I should wear sheer or black tights with it (or some other color). The color is "mink" (pale light pink). My heels are slightly open toed and are off white with a black trim. The dress goes down to the tops of my knees. Please help!

Connie from Minneapolis, MN

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Improving the Flavor of Hummus

I've had all sorts of store bought hummus from homemade organic to commercially prepared and would like to know if there's anything you might suggest that would improve the flavor.

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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Do Fleas Cause An Odor?

My dog has an odor. I gave her a few flea bath and a week or two later, she still stinks. Plus she still has fleas. Would fleas have anything to do with her still having an odor?

Bonnie from Hudson, ME

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Starting a No Kill Shelter

I am feeding over 30 kittens and cats. I can not afford to keep feeding them. People get them then move. I would like to find a place for them. We do not have no kill shelters here. Does anyone know what I can do? We live in Fontana, CA. I also need help with having them fixed. I have 1 acre, they have a good home outside with shelter. Is there a grant or something I could get to care for them. I am on a fixed income now, I have been doing this for 10 years at $40.00 A week and I can no longer afford. Please help with information or anything.

Thank you,
D.D. from Fontana, CA

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Growing Hair Quickly

I'm a boy and I have short hair, lets say 5 inches. Can somebody please tell me how I can grow my hair longer, like at lease 3-6 inches longer before the beginning of October? Please and thank you.

??? from Redwood City, CA

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Boxes For Storing and Organizing Patterns

I keep my sewing pattern envelopes in page protectors, in a binder. I keep my pattern innards in quart sized ZipLoc storage bags. I am looking for boxes (with tops) 10 in. high x 7 in. wide x 24-26 in. long to store a couple hundred patterns numerically. Plastic sounds best, but cardboard has lasted me for years. I just need to replace them.

Charlene from Canton, MI

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What Is Bisquick?

I love your site, but get a bit confused with the names of some USA products. Could you please tell me what Bisquick is? It's in so many recipes and I guess it must be flour, but don't really know. Thank you.

Leah from Queensland, Australia

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Rabies Innoculation for Cats

Does anyone know of an alternative cheaper protection against rabies for my cats than the usual innoculation by a vet?

Sara from Centreville, VA

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CLR Stain On Counter Top

I mistakenly spilled a little CLR on my dark blue laminate counter top. I was using the CLR to clean an item in the kitchen sink and didn't realize some had splattered on the counter. It looks like it has lightly bleached the color out. I have tried Gel-gloss and Orange Glo and nothing has worked, including a magic eraser. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Pat from Ajax, ON

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Removing Dryer Marker From Dryer Drum

Accidentally, a laundry marker got in my dryer. It was in a dryer cycle and marked up the whole inside of the drum in approx 1/4 inch marks. These marks are also all over the 2 blankets that were in the dryer.

What do you recommend to clean the dryer. I've tried soap and water, and a little bleach, and had no luck. What do you recommend to clean the blankets? Thanks.

Cathren from Illinois

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Replacement Parts For George Foreman GR19BW

I need parts for a George Foreman GR19BW. I don't know where to find them. Can anyone help?

Janelle from Chicago

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Pattern For Fabric Cat That Sits on Shelf

Does anyone have a pattern for a shelf sitting stuffed cat? Thank you.

Betty from Redding, CA

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Recipe For Hamburger Stew

I need a recipe for hamburger stew that doesn't have a lot of spices in it.

Nancy from Butlerville, Indiana

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Using A 5x20 Golf Scope

I do surveys. I have an opportunity to get a 5x20 golf scope. I am not a golfer but I am often out and wish I had a magnifier to look at a bird or something in the sky. This thing would fit in my purse unlike real binoculars. How much better could I see something than with the naked eye? Thanks.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Canning Cherry Tomatoes

Has anyone ever canned cherry tomatoes? Would love recipes!

Diana from Milford, Delaware

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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My Frugal Life: 106 Ways To Save In The Kitchen - Part 1

1. I don't buy paper products such as napkin, paper plates, paper cups or paper towels. I use "real" products and wash them.


Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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Bringing Houseplants Back Inside

What should I spray on my houseplants before bringing them back inside?

Andrea from No. Turner, Maine

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Environmentally Friendly Lawn Mowers
By Ellen Brown

Gone are the days when buying an environmentally-friendly lawn mower meant a trip to the local hardware store to pick out an old-fashioned reel-type mower. From cords to cordless, and from reel to robotic, today's carbon conscious lawnscapers have lots of eco-friendly choices.



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