Daily Thrifty Tips - July 22, 2008

Here are the contest winners for last week. Thank you for all the great submissions!

Photo Contest Winner

Caged Squash
CrafterMary from Mountain Pine, AR

This is an inexpensive way to help keep your squash off the ground and protect them from pests.

Tip Contest Winners

Estate Planning is Important
By Robin from Dover, FL

Robin offers some great advice here. This is not something that people like to think about but estate planning can save your loved ones a lot of headaches.

Use Old Silverware For Curtain Tiebacks
By Janet from Brant Rock, MA

This idea is creative, fun and frugal. If you are interested in some more Frugal Curtain Tieback ideas you can find them here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88972974.tip.html

Recipe Contest Winner

Beef Foldovers
By Pat from Roseville, MI

This is a quick and simple "comfort food" recipe. We thought it was neat that this is a recipe that Pat has carried with her since junior high school. We also love it when people share the story behind where they found the recipe.

Do you have any tips, photos or recipes to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to post 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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Craft Project: All-American Desk Sitter Kids

My daughter Julie is volunteering this summer, teaching English to under privileged kids in Egypt (See her photo. She has blog, too: Julie's Egypt Blog).

She was looking for craft ideas, so I came up with these kids to sit on their desks. I had not used the little foam hands and feet before, but they are what makes theme so cute, and the fingers will bend around the flag to make it realistic. Since the hands and feet are in many sizes, you could make funny ones with great big feet, or whatever.

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Use Extra Fabric As Wall Hangings

Can't figure out what to do with all that extra fabric hanging around in your crafting bags?

I used a hot glue gun to put it on square blocks of wood and then found funky upholstery tacks to put around the edges.

Put em up on the wall, and the room just pops with color!

By Julianna from Princeton, NJ

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Garden: Double Knockout Rose

This is my first full year for a Double Knockout Rose. I have enjoyed it so much.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Amanda And Her New ATV

For my daughter's birthday on Dec. 24th, we surprised her with her own kids ATV. Now she can ride with Daddy.

This is Amanda in the back yard trying out her ATV.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Rocco (Chow Chow Rescue)

Rocco is nearly 5 years old. He was a rescue from a puppy mill, along with many others of all ages (38 in all), all Chow Chows in February of this year. It took a lot of time to get all of the dogs away from where they were, get them vet care and transport them where they wanted to go. So many people helped in all phases to find better lives for these dogs.

Luanne Alomair from the Northwest Chow Rescue was looking for foster homes for a lot of dogs. She knew that I wanted a male to go with Maggie (who really doesn't like girl dogs) so thought of me. I hadn't really planned on adopting a dog right then but he really needed a home and there he was. I said I'd foster him for a while but, after a very short time, knew he was a keeper.

When I picked him up, he had stitches all over the place. He was very scary looking and when nervous makes a growly sound, just breathing really, but it sounds pretty scary if you don't know it's normal for him. We called him Franken Rocco for a while.

After he was rescued, a vet had taken all of the dogs and given them needed care. He was neutered, had entropian surgery on his eyelids and had a forehead lift (2-4 inches were taken out and his forehead pulled up) plus all of his shots. He had fur and skin hanging down over his eyes and luckily he didn't go completely blind.

He had lived his life in a cage except a once a day potty break according to one of the rescuers. All of the dogs were in an apartment house of cages, one stacked on another. He was used as a stud dog and with the entropian, heavy forehead and an elongated palette, he passed on those traits to the offspring. Please choose carefully if you get a purebred dog. Most pet shops buy from puppy mills and most are caged and the bloodlines are not considered.

He didn't know what to do with all the new freedom to move. The first couple of nights he slept in his crate but after that he just wanted to be able to stretch out on the floor. He didn't have any accidents in the house nor did he chew up anything. We didn't know what to expect, especially with the cats, but other than showing interest in them, he learned quickly to leave them alone.

Since I received him he has had another entropian surgery. He had scratched out his stitches while staying over night at the vets so had to have a few put back in and wear a "satellite dish" for two weeks while his stitches healed. We called him Spaceman Rocco during this time.

You can see how much he has improved since we got him. His eyesight is better, he can chase a ball and will bring it back. He has a lot of toys which if we put them back in the basket, he takes out one by one and lays them around him. Our other dog, Maggie just loves him. She licks his eyes and feet and tries to get him to play with her. She's a lot faster and has a lot more energy than he does. With little exercise for most of his life, he is still building endurance.

All in all, he's a lovely dog. He is sweet, forgiving and very friendly to everyone, cat, dog or human that he meets. Now he's just big fuzzy Teddy Bear Rocco.

Luanne is still working on placing dogs, she has worked tirelessly for 5 years and has rescued and placed 300 dogs in that time. If you are interested in helping, here is the link to her rescue.

• NW Chow Chow Rescue

Susan from ThriftyFun

We have lots of posts about Maggie:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99124340.tip.html

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28947112.tip.html

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48090828.tip.html

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf386452.tip.html

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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
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Set Aside A Box Of Necessities When Moving

I have moved well over 20 times in my life and the following tip has saved me a lot of frustration and money. I pack 1 box of necessities needed immediately. For my family of four I pack: 4 sets of cutlery, plates, cups, pots, frying pan, condiment, salt and pepper, sugar (packets from restaurants) etc. Toilet paper, towels, toiletry samples. You get the idea.

I mark the box clearly "Kitchen Counter" and ask that it be one of the last boxes loaded on the truck and one of the first to be unloaded. I have no problems finding the box and it saves me time searching various boxes for items I may need immediately.

By Susan from San Ramon, CA

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Digital Camera Batteries Still Good For Other Uses

Although I always try to use rechargeable batteries, once in a while, I have none charged for my camera and need to buy some if going to an event. I have found that when these batteries die out for the camera, they still work just fine in a less energy demanding item, such as a clock or remote control. I have used some of these batteries in clocks for up to a year. Thanks

By Carmellyn from Pennsylvania

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Dry Hair Conditioning Treatment

This is an easy way 2 give your dry brittled hair it's moisture back. I've used it myself and got the recipe from a hair stylist, it works really good if you have split ends or you just want t your hair's moisture back.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of conditioner (thick and rich)
• 3 Tbsp. of honey

Directions

Mix all together in a bowl until thick and apply to hair like normal conditioning. Leave on for ten minutes and use every three weeks.

By Maria from Texas DFW

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Use A Sweater Shaver On Upholstery Or Carpet

My daughter, who is a very busy mom of a very busy 4 year old boy and a 5 week old boy, bought a sweater shaver a few weeks ago. As she finished shaving her favorite sweater, her son picked up the shaver and proceeded to shave her sofa cushions which had pilled pretty badly.

Annie was so impressed with the look of the shaved area on the cushion, she allowed her son to continue shaving the rest of the cushions.

A few days later, as Annie was vacuming, she noticed a spot of blue marker in her beige piled carpet. Instead of cutting the marker out of the carpet, she shaved it out with the sweater shaver!

Since telling me about this, I bought a sweater shaver and carry it in my cleaning bucket I keep filled with everything I need as I go around the house on cleaning day.

By Yvonne from Cold Lake, Alberta

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Tips For Grooming Heavy Shedding Dogs

I have two German Shepherds. I call them "German Shedders".

I get literally a shopping bag of fur when I brush them out.

During the warmer months, I groom them outside. To easily pick up their hair, I spray it with the hose. This makes the fur very easy to pick up.

Indoors I have wood floors. When it is cold out, I groom indoors, and sweep up the hair.

Gotta love those dogs! :)

By Christine from Sterling

PS: I don't know if I can name a brand, but the "Furminator" IS definitely worth the money.

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Keeping Your Sanity With Chiggers

Too bad there is not a category for "Keeping Your Sanity" because during chigger season, that is what this is. I have found several things that help but the best is Rid. Yes, the product you use for head lice. I am always embarrassed when I have to buy it, and usually end up having to ask where it is. I have also found that spraying around my ankles and legs with vinegar each time I go out usually keeps the chiggers at bay, but got lazy and didn't do it for a while. Mistake!

By Rainbowridergrma from Cross Plains, TX

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Saving Water from the Sink for Plants

Here in North Carolina we have been experiencing drought conditions and are being encouraged to be mindful of wasting water. Since I have many plants which often need to be watered, I have tried to think of ways to be able to water the plants while conserving water. I have found that it takes quite a bit of water to run through the pipes before the water is hot enough to do dishes. Rather than waste that water as I'm waiting for the hot water to come through, I put my watering can in the sink and fill it up to use for my plants.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Think Ahead and Save Money on Vacation

Before you go on a vacation where your family will be spending time at the beach, first go to a $1 store and buy several blow up "air-rafts" and some water float toys like "noodles" and also some styrofoam or blow-up water ring "intertubes" and "boogie-boards".

If you'll be at a sand-beach make sure you buy some buckets and shovels for the kids and if your kids like to make sand castles, you can also buy a set of 3 plastic bowls with a plastic pasta strainer and several plastic cups.

I would also recommend a quality sunscreen, a bottle of Aloe-Vera Gel (just in case of sunburn) and a thick, non-scented body lotion (scents attract bees). I'd also think about buying several pairs of decent sunglasses & some sun-hats or visors, and a few head bands or banana-clips to keep your hair up and maybe even a hand held battery operated fan. You can carry all of this stuff in several beach bags that you can also buy at a dollar store.

* I don't know how many times I've gotten to our vacation destination with the kids and wish I'd thought ahead and bought these things at a dollar store instead of spending 5 or 6 times more for the same item in a tourist town or at a private campground.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Store Microwave Cookwear On Top Of Microwave

I nest all of my glass microwave cooking pots and bowls and keep them on top of the microwave. I never have to search. They're all right there when I need them.

Source: desperate try for kitchen organization

By U*u*U

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Save Net Bags For Produce

To save bringing home all those plastic produce bags, I save all the net bags that oranges, onions, etc. come in and take them to the store to put my fruits and vegs in them. They have almost no weight, so don't worry about paying extra at the scale. They wash and dry easy too!

By Barbara from B.C. Canada

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What can I make with these items?

Does anyone have any ideas of what I can do with these objects? I've saved gobs of them. A description of the objects are as follows:

• One is a key that opens a can of corn beef hash.
• The white Styrofoam circle and the small clear plastic cap are both inserts to the blue object that is a top for a water cooler bottle.

Thanks,
sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Making a Sheet for a Porta-Crib

How do you make a sheet for a porta-crib?

Shari

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Nicotrol Quit Smoking Inhalers

Does anyone know where we can find Nicotrol Inhalers either online or at a retail store? I quit smoking and I would like to use the Nicotrol INHALER - not the gum, but I don't feel like visiting the Doctor to get the Nicotrol Inhaler through prescription. Any help is appreciated, I want to quit these da-- cigarettes, too.

Christy from Balto., MD

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Yellow Crust Around a Rabbit's Nose

My rabbit has yellow crusts around his nose but I haven't seen him sneezing and he seems OK. I am taking him to the vet tomorrow for a full health check as I only bought him yesterday. He is only 12 weeks old. Should I be worried?

Sarah from UK

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Using Leftover Fried Rice

How can I use leftover pork fried rice?

Mary

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Making a Pencil Holder from a Can

I am wanting to make a pencil holder out of a canned goods can. How can I get the smell of stewed tomatoes out?

Keri from Boone, NC

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What is this mushroom?

What kind of mushrooms are these?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Ohdawn from Richmnond, WA

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Edey's Fat Free Diet

I have been eating the Edey's Fat Free ice pops. They are made of real fruit and have some vitamins in them. Is it okay if I only eat these on a diet?

Aliesha

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Aerobic Exercises

Dose anyone know of any aerobic type exercises that will work my abs, butt and arms?

Aliesha

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Making Fig Fruit Leather

Has anybody tried making fig fruit leather?

Viki from Abbeville, AL

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Homemade Cream Of Tomato Soup

I would like to get a recipe for Cream of Tomato Soup. Made with canned tomatoes not fresh tomatoes. Thanks in advance.

Redskin. from Brockville, Ontario, Canada

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Cleaning Up Stuffed Animal Stuffing

My daughter's dog likes to shred stuffed animals. Is there an easy method of picking up the fluffy stuffing?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Identifying Real Crystal

How do I tell if crystal is real?

Kim from PA

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Getting Phone Service Without Deposit

Does anyone know of any phone companies that will give you residential phone service without having to pay up front or use a credit card or have a bank account? A lot of phone companies say no credit check or deposit then they tell you how much you have to pay to get your home phone on. Thanks

Sherry

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Carpet Cleaning Solution to Control Fleas

Does anyone know of something I can add to carpet cleaning solution to help control fleas?

Lee

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Esperanza Bush Not Blooming

My Esperanza bush is not blooming. I purchased 5 of these bushes with tiny clusters of trumpet like yellow flowers, 2 months ago. One bush has never blossomed. It is growing taller and spreading, but no flowers! What could be the problem?

Hardiness Zone: 10a


Sharon H. from Bonita Springs, FL

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Removing Super Glue

How can I remove nail glue from glass?

Ashley from London

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Preparing In Case Of A Storm

I live alone and I want to be prepared. I am in the process of cleaning up my very disorganized condo. I have many friends cheering me on because well this is very hard for me. Anyway I have cleaned out a walk in closet that is in the interior of the building. I am thinking it will be a nice reading nook in the winter as it is right near the dryer so it will be warm in there.

I am also thinking I have no place really to go in case of a storm. We can get pretty bad thunderstorms and hurricanes here. There is no door on this closet and no window. What do you think I should have in the closet with me? I don't want to go crazy, just be prepared. Thanks.

Sandy from Baltimore

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Homemade Fertilizers

What are some household or homemade fertilizers? I've heard that you can use coffee grounds, tea bags and other things like that. What can I use for fertilizer? Thanks.

Tammy from Fort McCoy, FL

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Embroidering On Sheer Fabric

I am working on a gown that has sheer overlay in an organdy or similar fabric. I want to do some embroidery on the sheer fabric. Any tips? I hand embroidery all the time but never attempted doing it on sheers.

Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Getting Rid Of Milkweed

I need to get rid of Milkweed. I tried to cut it down but it grew back. As you see, I even tried to break it.

ohdawn from Richmond, VA

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Ordering From LTD Commodities

Is anyone else having a problem with LTD Commodities? I asked because up until a day ago, I could place orders without having to put in credit card information online. Now they want credit card information online. So I waited until LTD Commodities were closed and placed my order over the phone and it's a computer that you're talking to. It will ask if you want to be billed by credit card or by invoice.

Sherry

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Storing Fresh Apricots

I was just given a large bag of fresh apricots. They are all slightly bruised. I need some really easy storing ideas? How to freeze, cook, etc. without ascorbic acid, as I am allergic to it! Thanks guys!

Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Canada

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Restricted Water Flow In Washing Machine

My Sears Kenmore washing machine is having a water flow problem! The water inlet flow is restricted. Could it be due to a block in the inlet pipe?

Bob from Agoura, CA

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Stripes on my Zucchini

My zucchini have stripes on them....why? I only have tomatoes and zucchini in my garden. Are they safe to eat?

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Lori from State College, PA

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Using Leftover Beef Brisket

Any ideas on using leftover beef brisket? Thanks.


Mary from Huntley, MT

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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

Video Game Review: Oregon Trail 5
By Debra Frick

This is a very interesting game that a lot of kids in the 80's played on their Apple computers in their classrooms. But for us older folks who only knew computers that filled up whole rooms, this game is very relaxing and builds knowledge. The game is set in the 1800's and you are family traveling the Oregon Trail. The object of the game is to get yourself and your family to the destination of your choice healthy and alive. You will receive points for this and many other things in the game.

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My Frugal Life: Eliminating The Grocery Store

Grocery costs are one of the largest expenses my family faces, especially nowadays, with prices spiraling upward. My husband and I finally put our respective feet down and began working steadily to eliminate the "middle man," the retail grocery store.

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