Daily Thrifty Tips - October 29, 2007

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We have had a lot of new requests posted over the weekend. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Congratulations to the following contest winners for the week before last...

Photo Contest Winner

Decoupaged Birdbath from Recycled Materials
By Maggie from Bloomington, MN

Tip Contest Winners

Covering Ceiling Tiles With Fabric
By Cherith from Concord, NC

Avoid Oil Change Scams: Verify The Work Was Done
By Terri from NV

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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Craft: Ice Cream Stick Pumpkins

A door or wall decoration made from ice cream sticks.

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Wooden Bikerack

I made a simple but useful 2 bikeracks out of a 2X4 and some screws (it helps to have a miter saw). I made an L bracket out of the 2X4 and secured it to a stud in the garage. I made the horizontal piece on the bracket 9 inches. It only took about 20 minutes to make both brackets and mount them on the wall.

By Roger from Hampton, VA

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Halloween Fountain

Create an affordable autumn fountain by using any container filled with water a pump and decoration that water can pass through. Adorn with mums, pine cones and place apples inside fountain.

By Diana from Greensboro, NC

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LuLu and Wayas' Puppies (Golden Retrievers)

These are LuLu and Wayas' puppies. They are 1 month old Golden Retrievers. We have had the parents for more then 4 years and now we have puppies. In one more month they will get to go to their new homes/families.

By Tracey from Gregory, MI

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Use King Sized Pillowcases For Protecting Table Leaves

I don't have covers for my dining room table leaves. Instead to protect them while storing them in the closet I slip them into king size pillow cases. They are the perfect length and protect against the scratching that may occur during storage. The flannel ones are particularly soft. You can even find them at garage sales and save even more.

By Terry from Sherrill, NY

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Send Yourself A Running Email Of Tips

For places to leave tips like this: Send yourself an email, subject matter of "Tips to Use". Keep a running list by forwarding it to yourself. Remember to delete the "forward" in the message. You don't have to have all the little papers laying around, trying to remember what your tips were!

By Joyce from Benson MN

Editor's Note: If you are a registered user on ThriftyFun, you can also bookmark any tip or recipe and access them anytime you like.

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Freeze Extra Tomato Paste In Ice Cube Tray

When you only need a partial can of tomato paste for a recipe, measure the unused portion by the tablespoon, place it in an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, place the cubes into a plastic bag and store in the freezer where they will be ready to use in your next recipe.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Use Grill Covers For Shop Equipment

Protect your table saws and other big machinery in the garage with BBQ gas grill covers. At the end of the summer season, you can get them for under $5. Long lasting durable cover to protect your valuables.

Kerry from Flat Rock, MI

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Use a Commuter Mug

For those of you that like to frequent coffee shops, whether on your daily commute or just when you're out and about, think about purchasing a commuter mug. Some coffee shops will discount your beverage purchase. These savings can really add up over time! Also, you're effectively helping the environment by not using disposable cups!

By Kristin from Elk River, MN

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Attach Magnet to Sewing Box for Needles

I have a large sewing box and was always pricking my finger on loose needles! So to solve this problem I hot-glued a large magnet to the top that I had received free from a local business. Voila! No more needle mishaps and they are always where I can see them.

By Trude from Lima, Ohio

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Snuggle Pillow for Fibromyalsia

Recently I went to visit my daughter in California and she had just had our first granddaughter. While I was there, my "fibro" really flared up and I was just miserable and could not sleep at night. My daughter gave me a pregnancy pillow that has been a godsend. So I wanted to tell all of my fellow Fibro friends out there about it.

It is called a Snuggle Pillow. It is shaped like a big soft cursive "C". It looks like a big weird shaped body pillow. It was made to support a pregnant woman's belly but I find that it curves in all the right places to support my arms. Depending on which side I am laying on, it supports my back or my belly. The bottom curve curves between your knees to give your hips support also and also supports your lower back. I had never seen anything like it. My daughter researched the pillow for me since it was a gift to her and says it can be bought online at Target.com or can be purchased at Target.

Side note: if you are wondering how I got it back to Colorado with me, We bought a large space bag and sucked out all the air and it fit in my suit case for the trip home. Gentle Hugs to you all!

By Debra from Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Nisus DSV For Disinfecting Surfaces

I work at a pest control company and was reading up on some pesticides, and came across a chemical called Nisus DSV. It is used to clean everything; from hospitals to dog kennels. Bacteria, viruses, mildew and fungi can create serious health issues. Nisus DSV is a concentrated disinfectant, cleaner, mildew, fungicide and sanitizer. When used according to label directions, Nisus DSV kills a broad spectrum of harmful germs, viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including Influenza A, HIV, Herpes, Avian Influenza, and Hepatitis B and C and Hantavirus. It's the perfect product to disinfect areas. I use it all the time. 1 gallon of concentrate makes up to 64 gallons of solution.

By Jeremy from Biloxi, MS

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Buy From Mennonite or Amish Country Stores

Check area Mennonite or Amish communities to stock up on bargains such as tea, soup mixes, candies or other goodies. The last one that I visited didn't have electricity so make sure to take your glasses or someone who can see for you or even a purse size flashlight! You can divvy up your finds with friends or family if you want to buy bulk, if you are short on storage space or fear the product will go bad before you use it!

The candies they sell are wonderful yet I have seen none that are individually wrapped. There are sometimes "hard to find" kitchen items that are somewhat odd and fun to see! In the fall, it is especially fun to see all the pumpkins, gourds and other fall harvest sitting around their stores and you can usually find better cared for potted flowers there, because they tend to be more careful with things than big nationally known stores.

Sometimes the drive is longer to get to these country like stores but it is enjoyable and much worth it considering the crowds aren't there like in town and the hurried nature seems nonexistent. It is void of the trappings in city shops such as "impulse items" like at the checkout and no fast food for the kids to beg and whine for!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Watch Out For Roaches From Used Appliances

I love this site and read it all the time. I decided to follow the frugal living tip about buying a used appliance. I bought a used refrigerator and it works great. My tip is that since I have had it in my home, I am now seeing those little German roaches in the kitchen only near where the refrigerator is sitting. I have the boric acid mix out all around the refrigerator.

Thought this may help someone else.

By oredwine1933 from Fort Worth TX

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Obedience Training Advice

If anyone has questions about obedience training for their dogs, please feel free to ask me!

I've been through it all, and had a very good teacher!

Hearts1 from San Diego, CA

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Looking for Someone

How can I find someone?

Samantha from Indinapolis, IN

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Homemade Frozen Hash Browns

Has anyone ever made their own frozen hash browns? If so, can you please tell me how you did it?


Teena from Indiana

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Instructions For Making Coat Hanger and Green Tulle Wreath

I'm looking for instructions to make a wreath from a coat hanger and green tulle. My grandmother and I did this years ago, now I'd like to teach my grandkids. I remember you have to tie strips of tulle onto the hanger. Thanks.

Lynn from Mineral, VA

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Inexpensive Ways To Insulate House With Brick Walls

Any suggestions for easy and inexpensive ways to insulate (inside walls) of a brick house (with no air spaces in walls)? Your help greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Carlos from Mexico

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Why Are Coffee Grounds Good For Plants

Why are coffee grounds supposedly good for plants?

Nick from Oakland Park, FL

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Family Night Christmas Basket Gift Ideas

I am starting to plan for Christmas gifts and would like to give one family on my list a "family night" gift basket. Does any one have any ideas of what to do for the "basket" and what to put into it? The family consists of the parents and a toddler. I thought maybe a board game and popcorn could go into it but any other ideas would be well appreciated! Thank you!

Tracey from Hibbing, MN

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Caring For Torn Orange Tree Branch

A mature orange tree came with the property I just bought. It looks to be from 15 to 25 years old. The oranges were great Nov. - Feb. Just this September one of the main branches tore away from the trunk under the weight of the fruit (I believe) but is still attached. There is a large open tear and ants are attracted to it. Question one) What should I do to protect the tree? The branch is about 6 inches in diameter and about 1/6 of the tree's foliage (and fruit before I pruned most of this). I cut away much of the foliage and oranges to relieve the weight and it still seems to be getting nutrients - the remaining leaves and oranges seem fine - but do I need to treat the tear? Question two, what can I do with green oranges? They are tart but I don't want to waste them. Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Deb from Sacramento, Ca

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Pattern For Amish Prayer Bonnet

I am looking for a pattern for an Amish Prayer Bonnet.

Sheryl from Springfield, MO

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Removing Sweat and drool Spots From Microfiber Couch

I have a micro-fiber sofa and my son slept on it and left drool spots and sweat spots from his head on it. I tried cleaning it with a little soap and water but now I have the water rings on the sofa. How do I get those off?

Tammy from Lockhart, TX

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Getting Rid of Smell of Burned Baby Bottles

How can I get rid off the smell of burned baby bottles?


Maggie from Falmouth

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Can You Wear a Wig For License Renewal In Virginia

Someone very dear to me lost all her hair to chemotherapy. She is devastated by this. Her driver's license comes up for renewal soon and she doesn't know if she's allowed to wear a wig in her photo. The Virginia DMV was designated the worst in America(I believe it) and their website reflects this: a big, confused mess. I couldn't find an answer for this. Does anybody know? Don't suggest calling their 800 number. They have only one 800 number and only 15 operators for the entire state. It takes forever to get through, if you get through. They often put you on hold for hours then hang up on you. On top of that I've never been given correct information. Can anybody help?

peanut from Virginia

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What to Write to Tell a Girl You Like Her

How I write to a girl that I like her with out losing our friendship?

Vincent from Dunmore, PA

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Restoring Old Cross Stitch Patterns

I have a lot of older cross stitch crafts I just now found. My question is how do I get the yellow from smoking and old age without ruining the whole piece?
Thanks.

Kay from Hillsboro, Ohio

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Perfume That Came With Little Black Cat

Does anybody remember the name of the perfume that came with a little black cat? I think the cat was velvet and had bright green glass eyes. I thought it was made by Max Factor but it's not on their website. It may have been called "Sophisticat"(that was the name of the item, not the fragrance). Does anyone know if it's still being made?


peanut from Virginia

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How Much To Charge For Glass Block Decorations?

How much do the Glass Block Christmas Decorations sell for and does the price matter on how big the craft fair is? Like if there are only 30 tables, do you lower the price of the blocks?

Jodi from Parkersburg, IA

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Ways To Keep Earrings From Slipping

I have some "huggy" type of pierced earrings that want to slip through the holes in my ears, meaning the decorative side is half in the hole and the post/closure part is showing. I need to keep on positioning them back into the right place. Any ideas on how to keep them in place?

Sharon from Cherry Hill, NJ

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Thrifty Fixes for Kitchen In Mobile Home

I'm a social security senior and live in a mobile home in Central California because it's the best I can afford. It's nice, but 30 years old.

I've already painted over all the old paneling, with an off-white throughout, which is okay but not creative. The kitchen cabinet doors, when put back on, did not go back on squarely so that the cabinet doors that face each other in the middle don't square up precisely, leaving an unsightly uneven gap and pulls uneven horizontally. Know what I mean?

I cannot afford new cabinets, which I would prefer, but I would like to somehow camouflage (or fix) the cheap/tacky look in my kitchen, particularly of the cabinet doors not fitting. Thinking of painting (or something) the cabinet drawers and doors with a color or pattern that would not draw the eye to the defects. Any ideas?

Oven and fridge are black, going to paint the stove top and d/w black, cabinets and wall are white, sink is yellow, and counter top is yellow marbled-look formica. Like to continue my rooster decor, which is currently only in the curtains and a strip of wall paper border in the adjoining 'family room', using dark reds, black, wheat, amber (yellow), etc. Floor is white patterned linoleum that I want to change because it's so cheap and easily bruised. It was probably just put in to sell the place.

Would appreciate any thrifty ideas.

Thanks.

Wondernana from Clovis, California

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Home Remedies For IBS

Does anyone have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and what remedies do they use? Thank you!

Donna from Victoria B.C.

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Ideas for Frugal Thanksgiving Church Banquet

Does anyone have any frugal Thanksgiving church banquet ideas, please?

EGGZ from Santa Barbara, CA

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Repairing Scratched DVDs

How do you repair scratched dvds?

michelled615 from Lebanon, TN

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Craft Ideas for Egg Cartons

Anyone have fun craft ideas using egg cartons?

Julia from Maryland

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Fixing Over Spiced Spaghetti Sauce

Is there a way to remedy too much oregano / Italian seasoning in an already cooked spaghetti sauce or meatloaf? I don't know why I do it , but I DO.

I added sugar to my spaghetti & it seemed to tone down the Italian spice a bit. The meatloaf, I made gravy that (luckily) toned down the Italian spice taste somewhat.

Is there any other fix or remedy to absorb the overly spicy flavor, other than not being so heavy-handed with the spice bottle?

luvvy from Virginia

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Recipe For Chicken Lo Mein

I would like a recipe or chicken lo mein.

Pat from Bowling Green, KY

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Recipe For 5 Layer Dessert

I once had a recipe for a dessert called 5 layer. I do remember the 1st layer was a dough with walnuts, baked then I had 4 more layers to do. Seems like I had chocolate pudding, coolwhip, then can't remember the rest. Hope someone has this. It is my sons favorite dessert and some how I have misplaced it. He just bought his 1st home so I wanted to make him one for his special occasion. Thanks in advance for your insight.

Angela from Hickory, N.C.

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Permanent Marker on Upholstery

How do I get permanent marker out of a car's upholstery?

Meagan from Gadsden, AL

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Stale Milk Smell on Mattress

I have soured milk spilled onto a new mattress and the smell cannot be removed.

Larry from Morganton, NC

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Taking Nail Polish from A Coat

Black Nailpolish just spilled on my white soccer coat. How am I supposed to remove it without ruining the coat? Please Help!

Cassie

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Shell Stitch Afghan Pattern

I am looking for a crochet afghan shell stitch pattern that begins by one shell stitch which is in the corner of the square and grows to a full size afghan. I think the original pattern was in an early workbasket magazine.

Norma from Cedaredge, CO

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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

Frugal Outdoor Garden Gift Ideas

Ideas for frugal gardening or yard gift ideas as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

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Organizing Craft Supplies In A Small Space

Ideas on how to organize craft supplies in a small space as posted from the ThriftyFun community.

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Preparing Your Garden for Fall and Winter

Tips to prepare your garden for the fall and winter from the ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas!

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