February 24, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - February 24, 2009


Vol. 8, Num. 38, February 24, 2009 (Read It Online)

Do you have any Easter Crafts to share with the ThriftyFun community? Consider submitting them to Crafts for Fun and Money. You can find more information here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Here are the new Saving Money on Topics we are working on this week. Do you have any advice to share?

Saving Money on Board Games
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44724212.tip.html

Save Money on Plants
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf496087.tip.html

Saving Money on Cheese
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48590185.tip.html

Contest winners for last week will be announced tomorrow.

Have a question for the ThriftyFun community? Check out our new request posting page:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

Joke of the Day

New Requests:

More Reading:

Today's Sponsor:

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

Today's Photos:

Craft Project: Pet Spider Hut

This is a very simple idea for anyone who might have little critters like lizards, frogs, tarantulas, and any other small animal that might need a place to hide.

Craft Project: Pet Spider Hut

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Gardening: Sunflowers

Here's a picture of sunflowers near our home. You can see some are shorter than the others. I cut them off before they bloomed so they would not be so tall. I like them shorter. I will cut them all this summer. I did not know if they would bloom after I trimmed them or not, now I know.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

Sunflowers

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Craft: Making a Thrifty Frame to Jazz Up a Wall

I had a big bare spot between two windows in my family room. I went to Home Depot and purchased a packaged door frame kit which is much cheaper than buying framing at 2 or 3 dollars per foot.

I took the door frame and mitered the wood to make a picture frame. I then nailed and glued the picture frame to the bare wall, painted the wall red and left the picture frame antique white and then hung my wall art inside the new permanent frame.

By Florida Gal from Spring Hill FL

Making A Thrifty Frame To Jazz Up A Wall

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Cocoa Cady (Chocolate Lab)

Cocoa Cady is a 2 years old Chocolate Lab that my son brought home for me to house break for him at 5 weeks old. I have had him ever since.

He likes for me to go outside and play ball with him. He likes to catch it in the air or at least not let it hit the ground more than once. He is also a great watchdog and is very protective of me.

By Sharon from Van Buren, AR

Cocoa Cady (Chocolate Lab)

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Family: Max and His Shadow

I had to send this picture of my absolutely adorable Grandson, Max. He just turned 1 year old, and has discovered his shadow. As you can see, he is certainly enjoying himself, as much as we are enjoying him!

By Jackie from Orlando, FL

Max And His Shadow

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Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Craft: Thrifty Crocheted Soap Scrubber

Buy 100% Polyester yarn or use your acrylic yarn scraps. You will be making an enclosed "pillow case" out of the polyester yarn. Start by crocheting a chain that's about 3 inches long. Next, single crochet in the back side of your chain then continue around the other side of the same chain. Keep crocheting all the way around to your starting point and don't stop. You are working "in the round", in a spiral fashion.

When you've crocheted a rectangle that resembles a tiny pillow case, insert several of your used slivers of soap and slip them into this little pouch you've made. Finish it up by crocheting the top closed then crochet on a short loop for hanging it up to dry or crochet a longer chain several feet long to hang it up in the shower.

NOTE: Polyester yarn is great for exfoliating your body or scrubbing pots and pans while cotton yarn is soft and more like a wash cloth but it takes a long time to dry. This can also be made with thin hemp rope or nylon rope from the hardware store! You can also crochet this around a new bar of soap if you don't have any tiny silvers of soap saved up.

Cyinda

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Use Super Glue to Stop Nail Splitting

I have a fingernail that always splits in the same place. There seems to be a ridge in the nail. If I get busy and don't keep the nail filed and buffed, the nail splits all the way to the quick. I have tried acrylic nail gel for repair but this kept chipping off. I found that if I file the nail very short, and I brush some super glue on it the nail grows out very nicely. You could try any nail glue too as it has the same active ingredients.

I found a bottle of tinted super glue at my craft store. It goes on light purple and dries clear. Let it cure for at least an hour and file with a fine emery board on top of the nail then buff your nail to a shine. You may have to do this for a few days to build up the nail. I just use it on the area where it is split not the whole nail, then just keep your nail shaped as you like and in a couple of weeks, your nail will have healed with no more split.

Source: This is something I have done for a while. It is my own idea and I have tried several different products and nothing else has worked as well for me. Wish I could find out what causes the ridges in my nails but my doctor has no idea. I've also asked manicurists, and they don't seem to know either.

By Kathy S. from Forest Lake, MN

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Take Photos of Complete Outfits

I enjoy wearing my separates in various combinations. Often when I've put together an outfit I really enjoy, I can't remember the top, bottom, jewelry, shoes, belt, hair accessories, etc. that made the whole ensemble a hit.

After receiving a camera phone as a gift, I've started to take pictures of myself wearing the outfit (use a full length mirror), or I have a friend take the picture, or just lay the pieces together on the floor, with close-ups of jewelry, belts, scarves, and shoes. Transfer the pictures to your computer and print them. I use regular copy paper which is cheaper than photo paper. Assemble the pages in a 3-ring binder with vinyl sleeves, a photo book, or on a bulletin board if you have the space in a walk-in closet.

You can categorize by Casual City Wear, Country Wear, Clubbing, Summer, Winter, Dressy, or whatever helps you to find them. This has helped me recreate a smashing look and has challenged my creativity. Meanwhile I'm getting more use out of the clothes I have and saving money by preventing more purchases. Just as importantly, though, I'm no longer forgetting a smashing look nor do I ever feel that I have nothing to wear.

By Pinky from Granite Falls, MN

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Link: Free Tax Filing for Low Income Filers

Just found out this year that if you make less than 56000.00 a year you can go to http://www.irs.gov/ and do your taxes for free! Just wanted to let people know!

By jwmn from Hendersonville, NC

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Use a Scoop for Potting Plants

You know how difficult it is to scoop up potting soil when potting plants? Well, they make a wonderful tool for that, one that I had not seen and was pointed out to me.

Now, I am pointing out this tip to you. Get yourself a big scoop designed for just this purpose. Some of them have an edge with teeth that helps you open the bags of potting soil.

This tool will make potting, repotting and planting much easier. Glad someone passed the tip on to me.

By Rika from Brunswick, Georgia

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Homemade Deodorant

I found this recipe somewhere on the Internet, from someone who had also tried baking soda alone, with no successes. They eventually found out that the right formula was the one below:

  • 6 parts of corn starch: (act as antiperspirant)
  • 1 part of baking soda: (deodorant)
No aluminum chloride.

Blend thoroughly. Put the powder in a sugar bowl and apply with a powder sponge from the dollar store. I have tried it, and it works well for me. I did try baking soda alone last year, but it irritated me.

Andre

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Use Fingerless Gloves for Winter Driving

In the winter, my hands occasionally become so cold that it is uncomfortable. To keep a good grip on the steering wheel and stay warm at the same time, I tried a pair of fingerless gloves (aka gauntlets). Bought them at Target, and have seen them on ebay and amazon.com.

Works for me! I keep them in the car under the radio where there is a little opening. I've tried gloves and mittens of various fabrics, but the fingerless gloves work better. Probably the fingerless gloves that are used for weight lifting might work as well if the wrists aren't pulled too tightly and you don't mind grappling with them every time they are needed.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Use Ceiling Fan Year Round to Save on Heating

By setting your room ceiling fan on its lowest setting and using year round for heat or air conditioner, you can help lower the cost of your electricity bill. Remember to reverse the switch on the ceiling fans adjustments to the proper seasons use which will turn the fan the proper way to rotate the air going up or down to help keep the air flow (cool or warm air) in the room that your heat or air conditioner unit will distribute.

Source: While growing up at home my parents did this for years when they heated with a wood stove then also when they changed over to an electric heat pump system having ceiling fans in all rooms. I have repeated this same tip for years and it works great and keeps the house at the same equal temperature which lets me lower my thermostat at least by a 2 degree settings and saves money on my electricity bill.

By Julie from Tenn

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Clean Dishwasher With Oxy Clean

For those who want to absolutely clean their dishwasher, mine was a mess. I sprayed the whole thing with Oxy Clean and let it sit for about 3 minutes. To be sure it comes out perfect, I added a bottle of coke to the bottom of the dishwasher, and just put it the dishwasher on rinse and it came out snow white. Unbelievable results, just do this and nothing else, you will be amazed.

By Carla from Maine

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Make Your Own Pasta Sauce

Never buy prepared pasta sauce! They are expensive, very loaded with unhealthy items, and very bland. You always have to add extras to make it taste like "your own". So why pay $3-5 for a jar of tomato product? You can buy tomato paste/sauce/dices etc for less than $1 and throw in mushrooms and spices, all for around $2-3 total without all the additives. If you want alfredo, why pay the same $3-5 for gross tasting "alfredo"? You can buy a bag of shredded Italian cheese (mix cheese or fresh parmesan or asiago) and melt it in a pint of heavy cream. Again, it will run about $3 but VERY tasty.

I hate jarred pasta sauce!

By Becca from NY

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

"How long have you been driving without a tail light?" asked the policeman after pulling over a motorist.

The driver jumped out, ran to the rear of his car, and gave a long, painful groan. He seemed so upset that the cop was moved to ease up on him a bit.

"Come on, now," he said, "you don't have to take it so hard. It's not that serious."

"It isn't?" cried the motorist. "All the beer is in the boat on my trailer!"

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

New Requests:

Paint Colors Advice for Bathroom With Green and White Tiles

I have a bathroom with a dark green tile floor and white tiles on the lower half of the walls. My budget is tight and I can't change the tiles right now. I need to know which color to paint the upper half of the walls. I also have a vanity that needs paint or stain. Which colors would go well with this? I don't want the room to look overwhelmingly green either. Please help!

Jenna from OH

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Homemade Head Lice Remedy

I would like a home remedy for head lice on children.

Yvonne from Brisbane, Australia

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Website for Making Personalized Stories

Does anyone know of a site where you can download a story which you can incorporate your child's name into it?

Carol from Paxton, MA

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Names for Cardboard Pet Coffin Business

I want to start a new business selling eco-friendly cardboard pet coffins and I need a sensitive name for the business. Any ideas gratefully received. Thanks.

Rob from Plymouth, UK

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Manual for Regal Kitchen Pro Bread Maker #K6743

I need a Regal Kitchen Pro Bread Maker manual for model #K6743. Does anyone know where to get one? I love this bread maker and have lost my recipe booklet. Please help me.

Cheryl from Baltimore, MD

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Long John Silver's Coleslaw

I am looking for a recipe for Long John Silver's coleslaw.

Carol from Whitaker, PA

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Collecting Advertising Credit Cards

Do people collect the Advertising Credit Cards?

Barbara from Tucson, AZ

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Organizing Your Grocery Shopping to Save Money

I need help organizing my grocery shopping. I use sale papers and have a coupon organizer, but when I start to plan, I just can't seem to get it! If anyone has a system they use, I would love for you to share it with me. Thanks in advance!

Jan from Atlanta, GA

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Tying a Quilt Without a Frame

I am going to tie a twin size quilt. I usually have used a friend's frame, but she has moved. How can I tie a quilt without using a frame?

Karen from Woodland Hills, UT

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What Breed is My Dog?

Is my dog a chiweenie? We adopted her from a local shelter and that is what they thought she was. I am just curious. Any input would be great! Thanks.

Shannon from Oklahoma City, OK

What Breed is My Dog?

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Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

I have a 15 amp Federal Pacific Stab-Lok circuit breaker that keeps tripping. In the house the lights flicker every once in a while. On the circuit I have mainly lights and an old GE upright freezer. When it does trip and when I switch it back sometimes I hear a spark like noise which eventually goes away.

I suspect the obvious which is probably the load my freezer requires and maybe the circuit breaker. Any ideas? Also on this circuit the breaker is a 15 Amp and the wiring is at least 10/2 or 12/2. Would it be acceptable to replace the 15 Amp circuity breaker with a 20 Amp circuit breaker? Without even looking I'm assuming that the outlets are probably 15 Amp. The house I live in was built in 1969.

Gregory from Seattle, WA

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Simple Polish Soup Recipes

I am a caregiver and have just started seeing a new client that I have to cook for. He is a Polish gentleman and is on a low sodium, low sugar and low calorie diet. He is diabetic. He loves polish soups. I was wondering if anyone had any simple soup recipes?

Karen from Hodgkins, IL

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Homemade Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Does anyone have a homemade recipe for hardwood floor cleaner? I have real hardwood floors, not the laminate floors.

Karen from LA

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Planting an Apple With Amaryllis Bulbs

I know that my mind is going but I'm certain that I heard somewhere that an apple put in a paper bag with a newly planted amaryllis bulb for 1 week would hasten root growth, stem growth, and eventually blooming. It has to do with the ethylene given off by the apple. However I sure would hate to kill my 2 amaryllis plants so I'm trying to find someone to back up this nutty theory. Anyone willing? Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Barbara from Wickliffe, OH

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Soap Scum on Tiles

How do I clean scum off of bathroom subway tile?

Marlene from Upper Jay, NY

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Recipes Based On a List of Ingredients

What is the address of the web site that will let you list the food you have and it will send you recipes to match your supplies?

mklema92658 from Newport Beach

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Campbell's Onion Burgers

I am wondering if anyone has the recipe for "onion burgers". It is a classic recipe that was printed on cans of Cambell's soup years ago. The recipe is the consistency of a sloppy joe, and calls for hamburger and 1 can of cream of onion soup. My hubby loves this and I am unable to find the recipe.

Theresa from MN

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Mesh Soap Saver Ball

Years ago my friend's mom had a soap saver that was made of a metal mesh ball (as if two strainers were put face to face) on a wooden handle in which soap scraps were inserted. The Soap Saver Ball was swished through a basin of hot/warm water to create a sudsy soap bath used for washing dishes and small laundry items. Has anyone seen one of these?

Tom from Buffalo, NY

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Zaxby's Dipping Sauce

Does anyone know a recipe for Zax's dipping sauce from Zaxby's restaurant? I have a grandchild that thinks its the best dipping sauce in the world.

Jacque from Gray, GA

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Using Leftover Uncooked Pasta

When I make something with pasta, I always have some uncooked pasta in boxes left over. Now I have about 3 boxes of different kinds of uncooked pasta that just have a little left in each of them (less than half the box). I have some lasagna, fettuccine, elbows, etc. Different lengths and sizes. Could someone please suggest a way for me to use up these extra amounts of pasta rather than throwing them out? Thanks in advance for your clever replies!

Jennifer from Buffalo, NY

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Craft Patterns Using PVC Pipe

Can someone help me find a website where I can find free patterns for making various items from PVC pipe? I saw beds made out of PVC pipe and would like to make some for my children.

Mom2seven from Northern NH

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Measuring Marshmallow Creme

What is the best way to measure marshmallow creme, in a "wet" ingredient measuring cup or a "dry" one? I need 7 oz from a 13 oz jar for the recipe. I messed up a recipe of Rice Krispies treats by using too much. Yes, someone can actually make bad Rice Krispies treats. Who knew? Thanks for your help to a cook wannabe!

HJ from Delaware

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American Thread Company Yarn

Does anyone know what happened to the American Thread Company. I have some punch rug patterns by them and need additional colors of Aunt Lydia's rug yarn which is used with these patterns.

Betsy from Gulfport, MS

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Reusing Felted Wool Sweaters

What kinds of things can I make from felted wool sweaters? I am not much of a sewer, so I'm limited. Help!

Lori from IN

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Organizing Hair Accessories

I am looking for tips on organizing hair bands and accessories.

Grace from Los Angeles, CA

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Cleaning Windows Outside

Can anyone help with a do-it-yourself solution for cleaning outside windows and screens? Sure would appreciate any good mix that works.

Leo

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Cleaning a Garbage Disposal

What is the most efficient way to keep a garbage disposal clean? I would like to know if there is a product I can buy, but after looking in some stores I have not found any for this specific use.

Judy from Riverside, CA

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Bathroom Ceiling is Peeling

I just brought a house and added a shower to my bathroom. The ceiling above my shower is now cracking and peeling slowly due to the moisture from the steam. I have a sky light in my bathroom but the previous owners had a hard plastic, light brown material covering the ceiling to prevent cold air or the stop so much sun from coming down in the bathroom from the sky light. Do I need to remove that plastic material or install a ceiling fan to stop the ceiling from peeling. My bathroom looked nice when it was first done but now it looks bad.

Michelle from Baltimore, MD

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Printable Miniature Food Items

I am looking for printable miniature food items and bottle labels. Anything else that's neat for printable minis would be welcome.

Doris from Quad Cities, IL

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Rust Stains on Plastic Tub

I have rust stains on a plastic tub. I've moved into a mobile home just a week ago and can't use the tub. What product can I use to remove the rust and yellow stains on my plastic tub? Thanks.

Cindy

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Today's Sponsor:

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

More Reading:

Using Bell Pepper

Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, including, green, red, yellow, and orange. Also, yet rarely, they can be found purple, white and brown. Bell peppers are technically a fruit but usually referred to a vegetable, in the culinary sense. Originally from Mexico, Central and South America. Later brought to Spain and from there spread to the rest of Europe and into Asia. The bell pepper is mild in spiciness and can be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Using Bell Pepper

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Saving Money on Steak

Tips and advice for saving money on steak and cooking tips as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Saving Money on Steak

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