Daily Thrifty Tips - December 5, 2007

If you are looking for Christmas craft projects, be sure to check out this link on ThriftyFun.

Christmas Craft Projects

If you have any crafts to share, please share them on one of the contest pages.

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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Decorative Shower Diaper Cake

I wanted to share the diaper cake that I made for my sister's baby shower. It makes a great decoration as well as gift!

I started out rolling the diapers up and using rubber bands to secure them. As it got bigger I used string to tie them together. When each tier was to the size I wanted, I secured it with the string then wrapped it in a pretty wired ribbon.

I used a dowel up the center to hold it all together. Silk flowers were used to top the cake and decorate the sides for a more elegant look but you could put all kinds of toys and goodies as decoration. I put it on a matching receiving blanket and surrounded it with cards I made with sayings about babies and used pretty candles to accent. (On the first tier you can see the nametags I made for the parents-to-be with ribbon elephants glued on for fun.)

I bought the size 3 diapers from Costco and used almost the whole box (about 180). (I used the larger ones because babies grow so quickly.)

By Christine from Spanaway, WA

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Cain and Abel (Pugs)

Cain and Abel are 5 1/2 month old Pugs. A Neighbor's relative had these two pugs puppies that he had to get rid of so my DH brought them home to show me. I said to him, "You know they are not going back now,right?" And now they are big and full of life, I mean Mischief!

They are so funny to watch when they fight with each other, they get up on their hind legs and box! I call them my circus dogs because they run around in the yard and do barrel rolls down the hill. So funny!

By Rachel from Richmond, VA

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Craft: Candy Cane Sleigh

Here is an easy craft to make for teachers, co-workers or friends.

Materials

• Candy Canes (2 for each sleigh)
• Any flat candy bar, Hershey's chocolate bar works best (1 for each sleigh)
• Various miniature candy, individually wrapped is preferable. This is a great way to use up the clearance halloween candy.
• Hot glue gun, with glue
• Assorted scraps of wrapping paper, tissue papers/cellophane and ribbons
• Tape

Wrap the miniature candy one at a time, or in bundles. You can see in the photo I also took a square of cellophane and placed some kissables in and pulled up the sides, and tied with a ribbon. This works well with loose candy (gumdrops, M&M's). The Christmas candy is usually already wrapped festively so you don't need to wrap them if you don't want to (great for kids too).

Once wrapped, "presents" can be taped on (tape loop) in any way you wish. Use your imagination! You could add a "rope" to pull the sleigh. My husband suggested a miniature chocolate foil Santa in the front. These make great gifts, and fun to make at family gatherings! Kids make them while the parents snack on the extra candy;-)

By starchild from Lamoille County, VT

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Craft: Holiday Decorative Basket

Here is a basket I painted for a Christmas display.

Approximate Time 30 minutes each

Supplies:

• Basket
• Gold spray paint
• Acrylic paint
• Sealer
• Pine cones or fruit
• Ribbon (optional)
• Stencils (optional)

Instructions:

By Sandy from Bluff City, TN

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"How Far Does This Elevator Go Up?"

My friend, Monica, is an accomplished harpist who frequently plays for weddings, receptions, parties and other such events. She is also blonde and has an appropriately cherubic face.

She was on her way to an engagement at a hotel and stepped into an elevator with her large golden harp. Just before the doors closed, a distinguished gray-haired man stepped on.

As the elevator rose, he looked thoughtfully first at her and then her harp and asked, "Just how far up does this elevator go?"

By Pico from St. Paul, Alberta

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Plant Pumpkins In Indoor Pots Now for Next Year

Get a head start on the growing season by starting now. Yes before Christmas and here in Canada, the middle of winter.

Grow your own pumpkins or gourds starting them now in pots. By the time the spring comes and it is time to plant outdoors, your plants will be big and by the end of the planting season, you will have huge pumpkins or gourds.

The pumpkin plants look wonderful in a pot, and as they grow larger, really look spectacular. Will soon be starting some of my luffa sponge gourds.

Enjoy planting even in the winter. Get a head start on spring.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Remembering Animals In Need This Holiday

This year, my lovely daughter will give a different Christmas gift to the young children in the family (her 2 brothers' children, a little girl in one family, two little boys in the other). Instead of books or toys, she is paying for a year's subscription each, to sponsor a donkey in a donkey shelter near her. The shelter cares for lost, injured, abused and unwanted donkeys, and receives no government funding, just relies on the kindness of people.

The children will get a picture of their own donkey, name and age, a newsletter and can visit their donkey any time they want to. There are so many animals in need. Perhaps somewhere in your area, there is something you too can do. Not necessarily donkeys, of course:; cats, dogs, horses, you name it.

By Ellie from Australia

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Rock Chip Repairs On Your Auto Insurance

I work at a body shop and so many people do not know about this: Take a good look at the front of your car. Did you know that all those rock chips on the hood, bumper, fenders and windshield can be repaired through a claim with your automotive insurance? This claim is considered a comprehensive claim. It does not add points to your record, and you pay the lower of your two deductibles.

I don't recommend using this option, if you only have one or two rock chips as the condition worsens as time passes. Also, just an FYI: If a runaway shopping cart hits your car when parked in a parking lot, this, according to your insurance, is considered a collision.

By Teresa from California

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WD-40 for Removing Stickers

Don't you just dread trying to remove the gummy, sticky residue from stickers on items you purchase (not including clothing)? Try spraying the sticker with WD 40, let it rest a minute and then gently scrape off. Afterwards wash the area with liquid dish detergent and it's gone. I've used this method for years and it's worked every time. Use good ventilation when you do this, as you would with any chemical product.

By Anne from Massillon, OH

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Use Water When Sandblasting Brick

If you are sandblasting your home's brick to remove paint, use a garden hose over the output to eliminate dust by 95%.

Source: From experience.

By Jay Angstadts Painting and Renovations LLC from Reading, PA

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Pinecone Fire Starters as Christmas Gifts

I'm always running low on extra money for gifts, and always watching for things found curbside or that are recyclable and free, especially at Holiday time:

I'm about to warm old candle wax and crayons swirled for exotic color, with cinnamon oil and vanilla added for fragrance. Then I will take the pine cones I find being left to weather beneath pine trees around the malls and forgotten, dip, swirl and sprinkle with glitter and add to a washed mesh grocery bags from fruit, veggies or turkeys. I'll place into old but good painted baskets or wooden containers and add single threads of thin red ribbon woven loosely all through the bundle and around ends, handles, or tops of what I finish with, along with a sprig of rosemary from the lawn care clippings at the same mall where it over-grows by a bank, with their permission of course.

I hope to find an attractive but frugal box of safety matches to tuck into it for their fireplace or outdoor firepit-burning of the lightly waxed scented cones. My notecards tucked in will be made from phone-directory homepressed spring flowers and leaves that say such things as "Hope this leaves you blooming with memories from your warmest holiday ever. Merry Christmas, dear hearts."

By Lynda from Richardson, TX

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Avoid Dental Surgery For Your Pet

Our 12 year old westie, Lucy had to have dental surgery this week. When we took her for her yearly shots, the vet checked her over and found she had two teeth with infection in the gums around those two teeth. My husband and I noticed she had doggie breath, but just ignored it and gave her doggie treats to chew for her breath.

If this happens with your dog, take the dog to the vet before the infection has a chance to set in. Lucy had to have her teeth pulled. The vet bill was over $200.00. If we had taken her as soon as the doggie breath did not go away, we would have saved her having her teeth extracted and also saved a huge vet bill.

I have been very unsuccessful in brushing Lucy's teeth, but once her mouth heals from the teeth extractions, I plan to brush her teeth a couple times a week. I found a doggie toothpaste and brush at Walmart today.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Ideas for "Cheer Baskets"

I need ideas for creating "Cheer Baskets" for widows, shut-ins, etc in our community.

Newell

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The Difference Between Extracts and Oil

What's the difference between extract and oil? What's the difference between carrier oils and essential oils? I'd like to add scent but am confused by all the descriptions.

Thanks,
Andrea

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Making a Magazine Purse

Can someone tell me what I can use for the bottom of the magazine purse so that it won't be so limp. Thank you.

Brenda

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

I am building a new kitchen and I need some advice on what color to use for the walls and floor tiles. My counter top is black granite and most of my appliances are white. I like to use blue but not particular on what kind of shade.

Arvi from Philippines

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Removing Urine Stains on Tile Floor

How do I get urine stains off tile floors in bathroom?

Don from Youngstown, OH

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Recipes Using Mixes in Pantry

I would like to get recipes that you can put together from mixes in your pantry. I have tried some and most of them are pretty good, so I would love to have more. Thanks

Jamish from Ransom, Kansas

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Raising Neckline on Tank Top Blouse

I have some that have become a tad too low cut. I tried to raise the neckline by wearing a dicky (traps too much heat), adding lace around the neckline looked funny.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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White Purse Has Yellowed

I have a Dooney and Bourke bag with multicolored hearts all over it and it is made out of vinyl I think. It has turned a yellowish color since I got it a couple years ago. Does anyone have this problem and does anyone know how to clean it so it looks white again?

Kim from New York

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Printable Template to Apply to Glass Block

I was recently at a fair where a vendor was using a printable, fill in template of snowmen where she added family names. Does anyone know where I could find such templates for projects? She then printed it out on a laminated sheet and applied it to a lighted glass block. It was perfect for a family gift. Thank you!

Karen from New Hampshire

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Friend's 17th Birthday Suprise Party

I would like to throw a birthday party for one of my best friends. Her birthday is December 20th and she will be turning 17. That automatically rules out a cook out which was what I was wanting to do. It will be a surprise party. My parents are pastors of a church and they told me we could use the church for her party, and I'm happy about that so we don't have to rent somewhere. But I need some ideas as far as themes and decorations and what to do. Please help. Any advice would be very helpful to me! Also keep in mind I am on a very tight budget for this.

Valerie from Cincinnati

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Installing High Speed Internet Without Using Disc

I have the installation kit from AT&T/SBC, but my computer friend who deals with these companies and knows the 'ins and outs' and 'behind the scenes stuff' said that since I'm keeping my AOL e-mail address that I don't need to use the disc? I was going to install everything then go into AOL billing and get the AOL for free, so I'd just be paying about $15 for the internet. This thing was already activated by AT&T and I'm not even using it yet.

Trish from Riverside, CA

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Looking for Free Fabric Samples

I am looking for a place that will give free fabric samples. I work with preschool children and would use fabric with the children's projects. Any ideas of where to get free samples? I tried asking at a fabric store, but they wanted to sell me small scraps.

dtea

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Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Coworkers

I work at an elementary school in the lunch room. I don't have much $$ this holiday season and would like ideas on what to get the school Principal (female), Janitor, and Office Secretary. Most important is the gal I work with. She is a great person and would like ideas for her. I thought about filled jar things but don't know where to begin.

Mom of 2 Boys

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Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Looking for recipes for Chicken Pot Pie.

Eileen from NY

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How To Make Sims 2 Movie With Windows Movie Maker?

How do I make Sims 2 movies with Windows Movie Maker?

Kirk from Cairo, Il

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Portable DVD Player Product Reviews

I need some advice on purchasing portable DVD players for my two kids. There are so many choices. I don't know where to start or what is important. Does the brand make much difference? What about the size of the screen? I looked around a little today and noticed that they have different capacities for there battery charge.Some last only 2 hrs while another goes to 3 hrs. I think the longer the better. These are to be Christmas gifts and are mainly for use on long vacation trips or when we have to do some waiting for appointments and such. One child is a teen and the other is 8yrs old. Thank you for your thoughts.

Dorothy from Kingston

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Miniature Siberian Husky

Has anyone here ever heard of a miniature Siberian Husky? I have one and sorry but I don't have a picture up just yet.

Casey from Salem, SC

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Advice For Returning LG Front Loading Washing Machine

Anybody attempt to return/exchange LG front-loading washing machines because laundry has offensive smell & feel? I just bought it & matching dryer in June 2007. Nor do the whites stay any whiter as is the front-loading myth. I am starting to contact Home Depot & the manufacturer because I want to return/exchange them. Any similar experiences? I don't want to try all the various fixes that other e-mail threads suggest: Purewash, vinegar, etc. No seller told me about this problem or need for various treatments when I was shopping. Only that they were amazing. I believe they are defective because they are unfit for their intended purpose. My first phone attempts have been the first 1-800 customer service rep referring me to another & then to another & another. Should I be working w/Home Depot or the manufacturer? Any experience w/this?

squid66 from Albuquerque, NM

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Removing Dye from a Fiberglass Tub

I just finished dying slip covers in my fiberglass tub. The directions on the dye said not to do this, but... Well, they were right, now the tub is stained and I can't seem to get the dye out. Does anyone know how to get it out?

Maureen from Pittsgrove, NJ

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Can E-Tickets Be Exchanged For Paper Tickets?

Can I exchange e-tickets for paper tickets?

Solei from Phoenix, AZ

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Inexpensive Drapery Material Ideas

Does anyone have any solutions for inexpensive drapery material? I have three walls of windows in our seventies home and have unsightly plastic vertical blinds covering them. I am looking for a modern/industrial look or a retro seventies look. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Thank you.

Amanda from Jonesborough, TN

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Cleaning Dark Stains Off Yellow Vinyl Chairs

I have a couple of yellow vinyl chairs that have some dark stains on them. I am not sure where the stains came from but it could be from dark clothing when we sit on the chairs. Does anyone know what I could use to clean them? Thanks.

Mitra

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Cleaning House After Dog With Distemper

Starving stray dog was diagnosed with distemper. Although vaccinated when adopted 2 weeks ago, it was too late.
We have a $100 large crate, collar & food bowl. Can any of these things be used safely with another dog? Vet said to make sure the next dog has ALL of its shots before it takes one step into our house, as the virus can live for years here.

How can I clean and sterilize the carpet and furniture? Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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What Color To Paint Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Granite Counter Tops

Need help picking out paint color for kitchen. New Maple spice cabinets. Granite counter tops are Gold Leaf- looks more tan/brown then gold. Floors will be light maple. No window in kitchen, not a light of light. Please suggest color for walls. Was advised to look for a melon without going towards orange. Is there such a color?

hopeyoucanhelp from Columbus, Oh

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Looking For Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe

OK, all you online pals of mine--does anyone know the EASY, QUICK recipe for FUDGE that has only powdered sugar,cocoa powder, and butter as the ingredients?

Needing a sugar fix and I've got gobs of those ingredients, but can't find the recipe, seems like it was on the side of a cocoa container I had. HELP!

Kim from Crawford, Co

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Problems With Sensor Night Lights

Does anyone have the same problem I have with those sensor night lights? Every time I pull one out of the outlet for different reasons, they never work after that. The bulb is burned out also. Is there something I am doing to make them not work anymore. I have bought expensive name brand ones and cheap ones and the same thing always happens. We are in a different house now and it happened again today. I didn't think they were disposable. Thanks.

Mike from PA

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Recipe for Carrot or Banana Cake with Topping

I would love a really 'scrummy' recipe for carrot cake or banana cake. I would especially love a special topping or frosting. Thank you everyone.

Anne from UK

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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

A Thrift Store Christmas

In these hard times, shopping at the thrift stores may be that the only way some of us will be able to afford a Christmas for our families. So here are some ideas of what can be done with thrift store bargains to turn them from "Trash" to "Treasure". My biggest tip is shop early and often. Try to find out when your thrift store restocks and try to buy when things are on sale. Of course, if you find something you really love, try and remember you will be buying for less than retail.

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