November 06, 2008

Daily Thrifty Tips - November 6, 2008


Vol. 7, Num. 217, November 6, 2008 (Read It Online)

Do you have any Thanksgiving baking, cooking or general preparation tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Please submit them here:

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

Thanks for reading,

Susan

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

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:

Making a Big Litterbox from a Storage Container

We made this litterbox out of a $4.00 tub. We used a dremel to cut the hole, It is bigger than the normal box and easier to open and clean.

By Karen

Big Litterbox From Storage Container

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Craft: Earth Day Wreath From Recycled Materials

My three kids worked on this recycled Earth Day Wreath. We used cardboard from a cereal box for the base (cut in a circle and taped together). They all enjoyed gluing on the packing peanuts. I used a grocery bag for the bow. We added decorative milk jug lids and metal can lids as accents. It's nice to give a teacher and it won't take up a lot of space for storage.

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

Craft: Earth Day Wreath From Recycled Materials

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


In Memory of Dukane (Doberman)

This is my Dukane, my doberman in his last picture taken before he was put down on Oct 3rd. He had liver cancer.

He was such a loving dog to the family. He loved to play football outside and play with his sister, Tessa the Yorkie.

He was so cute, I had to get him. We had him for 8 loving years and I loved to dress him up for any holidays and for the Packers games.

We miss him so much. Life will go on but hard to cope without my doberman, Dukane King,

Love Sheila and Tessa from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Dukane550x300.jpg

In Memory of Dukane (Doberman)

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Craft Project: Handprint Turkey

The kids will love making these turkeys from their handprints, and very few supplies are needed. They can be used for decorations or glued to a piece of card stock to create Thanksgiving cards for family and friends.

Handprint Turkey

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Craft: Cub Scout Box

Our Cub Scout Pack needed a craft for the boys on orientation night. I came up with this recycled shoe box. We spray painted it gold and then used a blue photocopy for the top. They scouts used modge podge to glue the seal to the lid. Now they have something to keep all of their badges and derby cars in one spot! We put their names and date on the inside.

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

Craft: Cub Scout Box

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


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:

Turn Stuffed Animals into Puppets

If your kids have too many stuffed animals, I have a solution to give them a new life that takes up less room. Turn them into puppets!

It is easy. On most stuffed animals you can open up the horizontal seam that runs across the rear end. Remove all the stuffing in the upper part of the body. Whip stitch the lower part of the body closed to keep stuffing in the legs (but that also depends on the stuffed critter). Insert your hand up through the open seam, and you have a puppet!

By April from NW Missouri

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Donate VHS Movies to the Library

Rid yourself of extra, unwanted, and unused VHS movies by donating them to your local library! There are still a lot of people who have not made the change to DVD, who go to the library to check them out, saving rental fee money. I had seven large brown grocery sacks full. My son and I took the movies there. When I first saw the very small and sparse collection they had, it left a lot to be desired. They were housed in spinning wire racks. Now, with a lot more to loan out they have been placed on beautiful wooden shelves!

The original thought behind this was: "why should I have to dust, store and be burdened with so many movies, I will never watch since updating to a DVD player?" I gained a LOT of extra space by getting rid of them, and improved the library loan system!

By Melody_yesterday

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use Netting to Collect Lint

So you left a tissue in your shirt or pants pocket and now your "dark load" is covered with bits of white; even happens with light colored loads, but never fear. Buy a yard each of light and dark netting, the cheap stuff, NOT nice tulle. Unfold and toss the appropriate shade in the dryer with your bespeckled load of laundry. It works! Use and reuse the net until it gets soft, then replace with new, stiff net. Give the "old net" to your kids or grand kids for play.

By Catherine B. from Richmond, Virginia

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned

Benjamin Franklin said, "A penny saved is a penny earned." I say a dollar saved is more than a dollar earned because it generates interest and you don't need to pay taxes on it. For example, if you use a one dollar off coupon at the grocery store, it has greater value than the one dollar you earned working for your employer. So the dollar you saved is worth more than the money you earned. (grin)

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Check Date on "New" Tires

When we go to a store to buy tires, we think we are buying new ones, right? We may not be. As it turns out the date the tire is manufactured is on the inside part of the tire. If you check the date on the tires, you may find they are five years old or even sixteen! These tires are sold as new, because they have never have been used! Check the date on the inside of the tires; I know we will from now on.

Source: This was sent to us by a close friend of our family.

By Bev S. from Chilliwack, BC

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Using Inexpensive Cleaning Products to Save Money

You can use a few basics for cleaning. White Vinegar is a good streak free cleaner. I use it for a LOT. If you use it full strength for a really dirty job, test the surface in a small area first. Vinegar is basically an acid. Ammonia can be used the same way but you only need to add a small amount to water for it to be effective. Ammonia is fairly cheap too.

A lot of types of cooking oil can be used on wood. Use it sparingly with a soft cloth or you'll have an oily mess. I like Murphy's Oil soap. I buy it where it is on sale or a generic version is available. Be careful not to use it on slippery surfaces like certain floors. I would never use anything with an oily feel or on a shower or tub, dangerous.

Baking soda does all kinds of stuff and has some scrubbing power. Generic cleansers work great for sinks, tubs, etc. They are sometimes cheaper than baking soda. Remember most cleansers contain bleach so be careful. Also, one very important thing to remember is DO NOT MIX any of these cleaning chemicals together. Ammonia and bleach even used in the same room can be dangerous, especially without proper ventilation.

I use a cheap brand of detergent or one that is on sale. Any whites can be washed with added bleach in cold water to save money too. For Really dirty stuff where bleach can not be used I add one of the generic Oxy products or alternative bleaches.

Last of all, you can always find good deals at any dollar store. To save gas I try and go to any store that is "on the way" somewhere. Stock up when the savings is good if can. Just make sure it will be used with in a reasonable amount of time or it is not worth it.

By Domestictech from Southeast Coastal Florida

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


No Cook Play Dough

Mix all together: 1 cup salt, 1 cup flour, 1 Tbsp. salad oil (veg.oil). Add water (a little at a time) and mix until it forms a dough like consistency. If too dry, add more water. Put a few drops of food coloring to get desired color. Store in an airtight container. Use like regular play dough.

By Shirley from Henderson, NV

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use Paper Plate Holders for Pie Transportation

Home baked pies can be messy to transport. If you use a 9 inch pie pan, you can separate and stack your pies by using the plastic paper plate holders made for 9 inch plates. Flip them upside-down and clip the tabs to the pie tin. This will also give a little room for meringue, and usually vents to prevent condensation.

By Bebhinne from Chicago

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Cook and Store Holiday Foods

This time of year I start letting the items in my freezer dwindle, and take time to clean it out so there will be plenty of room for holiday foods. I try to buy in bulk, so when I cook I fill my oven or can use large pots. I cook more than we need so that there will be some left to mark carefully and put in the freezer for our future. The secret is in the storage process - don't overcook, since you will have to microwave or warm the food later. Seal your packages well, and mark them with contents and date.

My holidays are much less expensive and hectic when we need a quick meal or an extra item, or friends come over and we want to enjoy time with them instead of ordering expensive delivery foods or standing over the stove. Just bring out what you've already cooked, and enjoy your previously prepared food, the holidays, the friends, and the savings!

By MAWMAWANNE from Charlotte, NC

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Use a Straw to Finish Milk in Cereal Bowl

My young nephew showed me a really simple solution to using up all that milk left in a bowl after the cereal has gone - use a straw! Voila, no waste.

By Sarah W. from Somerset, UK

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

I don't think I'll ever have a mother's intuition. My sister left me alone in a restaurant with my 12-month-old nephew. I said, "What do I do if he cries?"

She said, "Give him some vegetables."

It turns out that jalapenos are not his favorite.

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

New Requests:

Weight Loss Pills Reviews

I am desperate to lose weight but I drive with my boyfriend in his truck all week, so I can't really exercise. Does anyone have any recommendations for a safe, healthy diet pill?

Jaclyn from Mayfield, KY

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Wooden Spool and Nails Instructions

As kids we used to hammer 4 small nails into a cotton reel to form 4 corners of a square around the hole. attached a line of cotton wool to the pins and through the hole and by continuously using a "sewing process" we would produce a rope-like length of cotton wool. Any reminders please?

Peter from Kent, UK

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Using Evaporated Milk

I was given several cans of evaporated milk and powdered milk, but I don't know how to use them in everyday cooking. Any ideas?

Tanna from Claremont, NH

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Rust Spots on a Refrigerator

My white refrigerator is rusting. It is coated with a textured plastic, something to make it no show finger prints and it is rusting through this coating. I tried to spray paint it with the new Rustoleoum product and now that is flaking off. The holidays are approaching and I do not have it in my budget to replace this until after. Is there anything that I can do to make it temporarily presentable as I will be doing a lot of entertaining over the season?

Cyndi

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Removing Nail Polish From Hardwood Floor

How can I remove red nail polish (almost a full bottle) from a wooden floor?

Debbie from Princeton, NJ

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake

I am looking for Texas Sheet cake recipe please. Thanks!

Misty from Ohio

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Removing Rust From Baking Pans

My mom has passed on two very old but very useful loose bottom cake tins to me. Unfortunately, as they are over forty years old and haven't been used for many years they are very rusty. I would appreciate a thrifty household remedy for removing this rust. Thanks for a wonderful site.

Sarita from South Africa

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Remedies for an Ingrown Toenail

How do I get rid of my ingrown toenail at home? I have it on both big toes and on both edges. Help me!

Maxine from Sydney

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Donating Used Stuffed Animals

I would like to donate some gently used stuffed animals. Where can I donate them?

Natasha from Columbus, OH

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Using an Egg Substitute

I need to know what changes to make when using the egg replacer. I used a regular cake mix and subbed the egg. The cake looked good but was gooey when you ate it. Any suggestions?

Dianne

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Peroxide Mixture to Remove Urine Stains

What is the peroxide mixture to remove old dog urine stains on carpet?

Pat from Seneca, South Carolina

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Getting Media Coverage for Local Issues

How does one go about getting media coverage regarding the gas gouging taking place in small Northwestern Ontario towns in Canada?

Robert

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Remedies for Heel Spurs

Does anyone have any suggestions for heel spurs? How does one make them go away or at least be able to walk?

wacky camper from Westland

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Grasshoppers as Pets

How do you take care of grasshopper babies?

Kavon from New York, New York

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


McCalls Pattern #9583

I am looking for a McCalls pattern #9583. It's for a mans hunting outfit. I have lost some of the pattern. Thank you.

Pat from Alberta, Canada

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Red Kool Aid on Carpet

How do I remove red Kool-aid from carpet?

Traci8384 from Eau Claire, WI

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Large Ziploc Bags to Brine Turkey

Can you use a XXL size Ziploc bag to brine a medium size turkey in? I can't seem to find a large 5 gal. pot that will cover my turkey. I have also found some brining bags on Martha Stewart's website for $4 each. Have anyone tried those?

Onesummer

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Baby D'Vanty Brand Children's Clothing

Does anybody know the brand Baby D'Vanty? I bought a dress for my baby daughter at a consignment store here in Houston Texas. The dress is gorgeous, its 100% linen and its made in Colombia. Of course this doesn't mean this brand comes from Colombia, but I would love to find out more about this brand and their clothing line. Please if anybody has any information about this clothing brand I would really be grateful. I love this dress and my daughter is going to outgrow it any day now.

Gaby from Texas

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Pumpkin Recipes

Now that Halloween is over I would like to use my pumpkin to make a pie or soup. Not sure what to do. Any ideas?

Rose from Malvern, PA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Recipe Card Software

I would like to make recipe files for each of my three adult children for a gift. Because of bad wrists, writing all of these would be impossible. Is there a program or such that would let me print them from my computer to recipe card size? I would sure appreciate any help. I don't want to make a book.

Betty from Warrensburg, MO

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Flea Life Cycle

How often do fleas mate?

Liza

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Paint Suggestions for Entrance Hallway

I am looking for suggestions on what to paint my entrance hallway. The carpet on the stairs to the left is red and the ceramic tiles are white and black. What color should I paint the walls?

Pauline from Toronto, Canada

Paint Suggestions for Entrance Hallway

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Keeping My Elderly Mother from Driving

This is a random question for this website, but I'm starting to get a bit desperate. My elderly mother has had her license revoked, but refuses to stop driving. (She's prone to strokes, disorientation, has severe mobility problems, and horrible reflexes). We'd take her car away, but she lives alone and not having a car there would make the house look abandoned. She refuses to move to assisted living.

We also need to be able to use the car when either of my siblings or I come to check in on her (she's more comfortable getting in and out of her car than ours). We've tried taking the keys, and she had the dealership come out to make copies. We've tried disconnecting the battery, and she called AAA. She lies to anyone who is willing to help her get the car running.

We're afraid she's going to kill someone, or herself. In short, we need to disable the car for her but not for us. Has anyone else had this kind of problem, and how on earth did you work with it? Thanks for any advice.

Beth

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


GetAFreelancer.com Reviews

Has anyone ever done any work for GetAFreelancer.com?

Patti from Pennsylvania

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Cleaning White Silk Coach Handbag

How do I clean a white silk coach handbag?

Melissa from Seneca Falls, NY

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Reviews of Snoring Aids

Has anyone out there tried any of the mouthpiece, anti-snoring aids? They're plastic mouthpieces that the snorer wears in his mouth at night that supposedly moves the lower jaw forward to keep his airway more open and thus stop the snoring. I've seen several online for about $35-40 and am wondering if they help; my husband snores so loud that I'm about ready to start sleeping in the garage!

Lynn from Chico, CA

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Discount Grocery Stores Near Omaha, NE

I am looking for a discount grocery store (scratch and dent ) near Omaha, NE. Does anyone know of any in Omaha? Thank you.

Dana from Omaha, NE

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Ideas for Unused Christmas Gifts

It's great advice to do your Christmas Shopping throughout the year. My immediate family is large, my husband and I and 4 kids. What do you do when you have bought these gifts for extended family members that you have exchanged gifts with for years, and then a couple of weeks before Christmas they announce that they do not want to exchange or members ask to draw names?

I understand why they do not, most of the rest of our families are small or have no children. So I guess that it's too expensive to buy for my family. Now I've got all of these gifts stored and what am I going to do with them? I can't return them because I bought them too long ago, and some are regifts. So they sit basically gathering dust. It's very frustrating. When someone asks to not exchange, I can't say "No! You have to buy for us because I already bought your presents!"

Last year I went ahead and gave some of the presents even though it was with persons that asked to not exchange. I don't really feel good about giving presents to family members that don't want to exchange with us. This is not thrifty at all!

Amy from Columbus, OH

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Wiring Dishwasher with 3-Prong Plug

Is it okay to wire a dishwasher with a 3 prong plug (GFCI)? I'm having trouble direct wiring it due to previous owners wiring. I have a 3 wire coming from the box (2 red, 1 white). It is connected to a 3 wire that goes to an outlet box which is located under the cabinet, by the dishwasher. I think that is the way they had the old dishwasher but I'm not 100% sure.

One other thing, 1 of the red wires from each of the 3 wire is not connected. Could they have spliced a connection to wire the dishwasher using the red wire? I know there are dishwashers that are portable and hook up/plug in, when they are operated. I don't have any problem going the plug route as long as it is safe.

Greg from Willoughby, OH

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Getting Fleas Off People

We have had a flea infestation ever since a friend visited the house and sat on the carpet. We believe he brought them from either his cat or dog. We are looking for ways to get the fleas off of us. We know that the environment must be treated (and are currently working on it) but we are having troubles finding relief from the biting and disruptive nights. Any information on human treatment and environment treatment would be very helpful!

Kiki Bob

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Curtains for Room With Reddish-Pink Walls

My living room has reddish-pink (mix color) walls on all 4 sides and I want to put screens to the balcony door. Let me know which color curtains will go best with the color red? I have attached a picture which I hope can give you an idea of the wall color.

Shwetha from Bangalore, India

Curtains for Room With Reddish-Pink Walls

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Cleaning Vinyl Windows

Does anyone have a good tip for cleaning vinyl windows without leaving streaks? Thanks much!

Karen from Florida

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


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:

DYMO Recalls Power Adapters Sold with DYMO Printers Due to Burn Hazard

Hazard: The power adapters can fail, causing the printer to overheat. This can pose a burn hazard to consumers.

DYMO Recalls Power Adapters Sold with DYMO Printers Due to Burn Hazard

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Fit & Fresh Mixers Recalled by MEDport LLC Due to Laceration Hazard

Hazard: While placing the cup on or off the base of the mixer, the mixer can be unexpectedly turned on, activating the blade. This can pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Fit & Fresh Mixers Recalled by MEDport LLC Due to Laceration Hazard

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Homelite Consumer Products Announce Recall to Repair Chain Saws Due to Chain Brake Failure

Hazard: The chain brake can fail to stop the chain on its first application, posing a risk of laceration to consumers.

Homelite Consumer Products Announce Recall to Repair Chain Saws Due to Chain Brake Failure

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Wooden Toys Recalled by Earth Friendly Due To Choking Hazards

Hazard: Small parts can detach and break from the toy, posing a choking hazard to young children. In addition, the size of the rattle handle violates voluntary rattle standards.

Wooden Toys Recalled by Earth Friendly Due To Choking Hazards

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: Thumbs Up Thumbs Down | Print


Interactive

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Feedback

No feedback yet. Click here to post feedback.

Related

Post Feedback

Your thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. Be the first to post feedback!

Feedback:

Image Upload:

Add an image to your post! Click the "Browse" button above and select an image from your hard drive. Please only select gifs or jpegs. If you have any problems, please contact us.

  

facebook like arrowLike ThriftyFun on Facebook

Browse Topics

Over 80,000 tips, recipes, questions & crafts.

Ask a Question

Submit a question to the TF community.

Subscribe to ThriftyFun Newsletters!

Email: