Daily Thrifty Tips - April 2, 2009

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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: Easter Bonnet Cap

A great way to use bottle caps, ribbon, flowers, fabric and buttons!

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Craft: Bubble Gum Machine Candy Dish

This would be a neat gift for anyone or a great conversation piece for your home or office. I purchased each piece for $1 or less at the local craft store.

1. Take a 3 inch terra cotta pot and a 3 inch terra cotta saucer and paint them red (traditionally) or any other color you desire. Allow to dry. Make sure to paint both the inside and out of both pieces.

2. Find a small glass bowl that the base will fit plumb with the bottom of the terra cotta pot. With hot glue or epoxy/silicone sealant, turn pot upside down and glue to the bottom of the glass bowl.

3. If desired, you can paint (with black paint marker) a "hole" where the gum would come out of a real gumball machine.

4. Fill with gumballs or other assorted candy and then place the painted saucer in the top of the bowl.

Renee from Dickinson, TX

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Oliver (American Shorthair)

Oliver is a 9 year old American Shorthair. I got 9 years ago through a friend. He likes to chase birds and pose for pictures. I taught him how to sit on command.

By Kristy from Anaheim, CA

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Painting a Bookshelf

If you only have a bit of paint, and don't know the color code or don't have much money, these are some pretty ways to save a little time and still have a nice item.

I inherited a big, ugly brown book case from a neighbor when she left. My kitchen is country yellow and blues, so I set about painting it. I had just enough custom yellow for the things you could see, so I thought I would share this little bit of knowledge with you.

If the item is over 6 feet tall, don't paint the top. To save paint and time, don't paint the inside of the shelves at the bottom. You can put a dresser scarf, old quilt, place mats or custom sewn fabric inserts and no one will ever peek!

I ran out of paint before I got to the two bottom rows, so I put things down there I don't use often like appliances, candles, potting soils and pots, etc. I got some cheap curtain rods but you can use pvc, dowels, or just tack up your favorite fabric. These were a shower curtain, and I cut them off and made hangers like cafe curtains.

I think the effect is nice, and no one but my TF friends know my secrets! N-JOY

By Sandi from Salem OR

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Fun Floral Ball

This cute craft is a great way to welcome spring. Have the kids help and use these balls to replace candles for a floral theme. It's as easy as just sticking fake flowers into a styrofoam ball and enjoy.

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Drying Tips for Softer Towels

I have tried everything over the years to make my towels soft. First was the fabric softener and dryer sheets, then the baking soda and vinegar. Although I still use the vinegar, they were still scratchy. I searched the internet for solutions and found the answer.

I was doing two things wrong when I washed my towels, first I was putting too many towels in the washer. Second I was drying on too high a heat, set your dryer to medium heat. I have washed my towels twice since and they are a lot softer now, I'm sure on there way to being very soft.

By PICO from St. Paul, Alberta

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Put Floating Candles and Petals in Your Bathtub for Parties

When you are having people over and would like to create ambiance, (assuming your bathtub is on the same floor you're hosting people) fill the bathtub with water. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired, and place some fresh flower petals and floating candles in the bath. You may also add some essential oils for scent. When guests walk into the washroom they will be pleased at the sight!

If you have a powder room instead, fill a large glass bowl using the same method and place it somewhere on the floor or the top of the toilet tank if it's small enough.

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Use Plastic Tablecloths to Make a Ribbon Wall

I am decorating for my sons wedding. He is having his buffet tables and dance floor in a very large shelter area. (60 x30) It is made of a metal roof and lots of poles. The view from one side is not the best (playground equipment). I wanted to block that view, yet let in air circulation, but on a budget. This is what I have decided to do. I am ordering rolls of high quality plastic tablecloths. I will cut the plastic in 6 inch wide strips by 8 feet long and attach them to the roof line. This will look like flowing ribbons. The cost to cover the 60 ft span? $32.00 dollars!

By Becky from Nevada, Missouri

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Reuse Glass Candle Containers as Glasses

When I am finished with the small glass containers that candles come in, I wash them in the dish washer and then use them for milk or juice glasses for my toddlers. They are small and easy to hold, and this way I can re-purpose them instead of recycling them.

Source: I saw kids using small jelly jars and thought of this.

By Erin from Blue Bell, PA

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Use a Mesh Onion Bag as a Scrubber

I am a firm believer in saving money and recycling when it comes to cleaning products. Take a mesh onion bag from produce and place a round sponge, a rolled dish washing cloth or even a scouring pad inside. Then knot the top of bag leaving a small amount to hang up or cut off the extra if you prefer. I then use it while washing dishes. You can make a lot of extras for other areas of home as well (like the bathroom).

By Lisa from Belle Vernon, PA

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Heat Rutabagas in Microwave for Easier Chopping

As most know the rutabagas you get in the stores are so hard you can not cut them. I always heat mine in the microwave for a few minutes. This makes it softer so it is easier to peel and cut into small pieces.

By kffrmw88 from Dothan, AL

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Craft: Coffee Can Toilet Paper Holder

I take 3 metal empty coffee cans and cut the tops and bottoms out of two of them. I stack one on top of the one with the bottom still in it and solder it the bottom of the fist tube to the top of the can with the bottom. Then I take the third can (with both top and bottom cut out) and solder it to the top of the two that are already soldered. Decorate or paint as desired. I put one of the plastic lids on the bottom and one on the top to keep the paper clean.

You can do just two and make a matching trash can. You can decoupage paper on them if desired. They make a really easy and inexpensive bath accessory.

With the plastic coffee cans, I use to store beans, rice and other dried food items. They make really cure canisters too. You can spray paint them or cover parts of them with self adhesive paper. Makes great cookie jars, too. Really great for baked gifts.

By Debbie J from Hawkins, TX

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Try Tobacco String Instead of Crochet Thread

When crocheting things like a bed spread, you can buy Tobacco string and use it like crochet thread. It comes on a cone and a lot cheaper then the crochet thread. You can buy it at the stores that sell seeds and feed for cattle. The thread is cotton.

By Doris from Randleman, NC

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Use Cork Board to Organize Meat in Freezer

We hang a cork board by the freezer to organize the meat in our freezer. List each type of meat along one side of the board, such as Beef, Chicken, Pork. Under these categories we list such as chicken, boneless breasts leg quarters and ground. Next to each we place a push pin for each helping that is in the freezer. Such as bacon under pork one pin per pound of bacon. Under Beef, under ground beef we put one pin for each pound. When we buy ground beef we separate into pound packages or freeze into patties.

By looking at our board we know how much we have of each type of meat and know if we need to buy more when each type is on sale.

By Mari from Indianapolis, Indiana

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Freezing Hot Dogs

When buying hot dogs, open the package put all the wieners on a cookie sheet, then freeze them. Once they are frozen put them in a freezer bag. Then when you want one or two, they will already be separated.

By Gloria from Moncton, NB Canada

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Urine Stains on a Mattress

I have a month old human pee stain on my fairly new mattress. I was able to get most of it out with hydrogen peroxide mixture, but there is a big ring now and the stain has gotten bigger. Can anyone help me as to what else I can do to get the ring out?

By Mac68 from Hartford, CT

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Recipes Using a Summer Sausage

Does anyone have any recipes to use a big Hickory Farms summer sausage? Thanks.

By ralphed from Middletown, NY

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Hanging Curtains on a Large Window

I have a really large window with no area for middle support and the top part of the window is an eyebrow window (its actually about 7 windows filling up one very large wall space). I am having a difficult time with putting a sheer up. I have used very large tension rods but they end up bowing and getting pulled down on occasion.

I have tried a long curtain rod only to have it bow in the middle without the middle support. I read these forums all the time, and I know someone on this board will be able to help. I can't be the only person who has had this problem.

By Chaitea from Portland

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Free Printable Fliers

I need to know where to get free printable online fliers and pictures to put on it.

By shanesuzie

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Cleaning a Carved Wooden Frame

I have a huge wood framed mirror with carved wooden roses that drape over the mirror itself. It is difficult to clean this area, any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks! B.J.

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Turning Grass Yard into Shaded Woodland

How can I transition a 1.5 acre lawn planted in grass and a few trees into a more shaded woodland or garden look without spending a fortune. The septic drain field is front and center. The front yard is a hill.

By J.W. from Hickory, NC

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Record Cover and Cowhide Purse

Does anyone know how to make a purse with a record cover and cowhide? I saw one at the rodeo and would like to try to make one. It was just the front cover of the album and the sides were cowhide and the bottom and back of the purse were cowhide.

By Kristy from Cedar Park, TX

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Tiffany Themed Graduation Tea

I will be having a graduation tea with a Tiffany theme for my senior girls (79) in May. Do you have any suggestions for invitations, decor, and favors? They are going to wear hats and gloves.

By Ice Princess from Dallas, TX

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Removing Wax From Laminate Flooring

We bought a home that had laminate hard wood flooring. The previous owner put Mop & Glo on them. They look good (kind of) when you first wax them, but the next day they look terrible. I have tried using ammonia with a bucket and scrub brush but that leaves streaks. Should I rent a professional scrubber?

By Alice from Brooksville, FL

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80's Weight Watchers Plan

I am looking for the Weight Watchers plan from around 1985. It contained booklets and I remember you got to add foods every week. Does anyone have this info?

By jamies65 from Ponca, OK

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What is This Song?

I am trying to find a song that was out about 1993. It was about your roots. The man talked about listening to your family about your past, you will need it someday. A lot about just listen to your roots. That's all I can remember. If anyone can help let me know.

By nanadebby

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Peanut Butter Cravings

I am trying to loose weight and my biggest weakness is peanut butter. I'm talking about anything with peanut butter and lots of it and the result is weight gain. Is there anything I can do to reduce cravings? What causes these cravings? Are there any home remedies that will work or a supplement I could take?

By ladydragonfly13 from GA

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Making a Book Look Antique

I need to know what process to use when making a hard bound book into an "open antique book". I'm pasting a wedding invite to the open book. I want the pages in the book formed. I'll have to dip the pages or something. Does anyone have a recipe for this or directions?

By Lorena1210 from Webster, SD

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Ladybug Themed Party

I am looking for ideas for my daughter's first birthday party. I am using a lady bug, but she is pink and the theme also has lime green. I want ideas on centerpieces and cake or cupcakes?

By Bocachica1982 from Hartford, CT

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Home Remedy for Cellulite

I am looking for home remedies for cellulite.

By Chiquitica from Gadsde, AL

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Diabetic Rusks Recipe

My mother-in-law is a diabetic and I would love to spoil her by making her some diabetic health rusks. She always goes out of her way to help us.Could someone give me a recipe? Thanks.

By Hewson from Sasolburg, South Africa

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Advice for a Puppy With Parvo

My dog has Parvo and I don't know what to do. She started to vomit and then a day later she started to have bloody diarrhea. I took her to the vet and got an IV for two days. It is now the 5th day and I am giving her Pedialyte. She is drinking it and is starting to get up and move more. She is four months old, is there anything else I can do?

By bia21 from Seattle, WA

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Paint Color Ideas for Kitchen with Black Appliances

What should I do with my kitchen? We are getting all black appliances and I want to paint the cabinets white. Is that a good idea? What about the walls? The floor is white tile. And we are getting black countertops. Please help.

By Casey4910 from Knoxville, TN

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What Breed is My Dog?

I got Blue a couple of days ago. The guy said that he is a black lab, but we think that he is a mix. We just don't know with what breed. Any help would be great.

By blue09 from Mt. Vernon, IA

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Fixing Scratches on CDs

Is there a way that I can get scratches out of a CD? Please help. Thank you in advance.

By Florida Gal from Spring Hill, FL

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Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors

What do you use to get rid of the odor of cigarette smoke in an air conditioned room?

By forealp from Georgetown, Guyana

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Pen on a Leather Purse

How to remove a ball point pen stain from a leather pocketbook?

By EKMSW from Rockland County, NY

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Removing Permanent Ink from Skin

How do you remove permanent ink on skin?

By Barbett from San Diego

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Recipes for Xpress 101

I am looking for recipes for the Xpress 101, besides the cookbook. Thank you.

By clutterfree from Charleston, SC

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Protecting Window Sills from Pet Scratches

What can I use on a bay window sill to protect it from scratches from my dog's nails. There has to be something out there. My local hardware store as no idea what vinyl moldings are, so that was a dead end. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

By cbar577329

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Cleaning a Canvas Patio Umbrella

Does anyone know how to clean a patio umbrella? Can they be painted or dyed? Thanks.

By Robbevan from Sayreville, NJ

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Getting Rid of Fleas

I found 3 fleas on my kitten and I treated her right away. I sprayed the flea stuff all over bagged blankets she touched and she now has a flea collar. I haven't seen any around my house but I'm sure if they were on her they are around the house. How do you know when all the fleas are gone?

By Cortneyj from London

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Keeping Bananas from Turning Black

How do you keep bananas from turning dark?

By Jean from Saxe, VA

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Cleaning a Fiberglass Tub

How do you clean a fiberglass bathtub and sink?

By church1040 from Dubuque, IA

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Getting Rid of Weeds in Rocks

Does anyone have any ideas for how to kill weeds among the stones and also in the carport which is made up of brick tiles. I have tried vinegar but it does not work. Thanks.

By chickabea from Sydney, Australia

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Kool-aid Stains on Carpet

How do you get Kool-aid stains out of the carpet?

By AngelAllDay from Rayne, LA

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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

Go Orange for Animals In April

This April, the ASPCA will kick-off Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month on April 7th for it's "Go Orange for Animals" Campaign. This is to bring attention to animals that are being abused and neglected all across the country. "Go Orange for Animals" was started in the month of April (because that is when the ASPCA's charter was signed in 1866) and it is a great way to raise awareness for the cause.

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