Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Five, Number 1, January 4, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We're back! It's been a while since we've been able to publish an issue. In fact, this is our first issue of the new year so I would like to start by wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. We have been having some server issues so it has been nearly impossible for us to publish the last few days. It's good to be back on track.
We have a ton of requests piled up, we have 20 in today's newsletter, so please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
We are working on picking the winners to December's contests and we hope to announce them next week if we can get all the photos from last month published by then. While looking through last month's entries we realized that we never announced the winners for the late November contest that ran from November 15 to November 30. We were still publishing tips from that period well into December so it just got lost in the Christmas preparation and newsletter shuffle. The winners of the late November (11-15 to 11-30) contest are:
Photo Winners:
Pirate Party Invitations and Ideas
By Stacey from Orem, UT
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46902585.tip.html
Designer Plates (with Photos)
By Melanie from Shakopee, MN
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85988422.tip.html
Random Winners:
Linda from Vista, CA
Beachers from West Covina,CA
Holiday Tip Winners:
Christmas Ornament Decorating Idea
By Bobbie from Imperial, NE
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17671563.tip.html
Saving on Wrapping Paper
By justanothercowgirl from Ontario, Canada
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10804304.tip.html
THANK YOU so much to everyone that submitted a tips during that time period. We published a lot of great information during the holidays. I think they are some of the best newsletters we have ever published. We have two new contests running, you can enter them at the links below. And once again, these are not the winners for December but for Late November. We will be announcing the December winners next week.
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
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Today's Sponsors
Printable Coupons!
Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso
Today's Photos
Samson (Cockapoo)
Samson is a 2 year old cockapoo. I got him from a breeder in February 2004. He likes to play with his toy, go for walks with me. He loves being with me and mom and dad. He is so sweet and his so happy just to be with us.
Samson is best thing in my life. I love him more than anything. He has us laughing all the time and love to give us kisses.
By Carol from Newton, MA
Post Feedback: Click Here
Sequined Ornament
Sequined Ornament I
Christmastime is a great time to get the family together to create ornaments for your tree. When I was growing up, we used to make new ornaments every year, so that now there are memories hung up all over our tree. This project is a simple way to add some glitter to your tree this year.
Ingredients:
- Sequins
- Straight pins
- Styrofoam ball (2-3" wide)
- Pipe Cleaner
- Glue
Instructions:
Use the pipe cleaner to put a hole through the center of the Styrofoam ball, but do not leave the pipe cleaner in yet. Take a sequin and put a pin through it with the head being on top of the concave portion of the sequin. Put a tiny drop of glue on the sequin and push the pin into the Styrofoam. Continue to follow these steps until the entire ball is covered. Each sequin goes nest to another sequin. You can pin them on with random colors or in patterns of colors. In this project I would pin them in a diamond shape, then surround the diamond with an outline in another color. Once your sequins are all pinned on, then wait a few hours for the glue to dry. Then put your pipe cleaner back in. You can create a small loop on the bottom to keep the ornament from slipping off the pipe cleaner, and then create a large loop at the top of the ornament with the pipe cleaner to use for hanging it on the tree.
Sequined Ornament II
I know there have been similar posts about this, but I am proud of my ornament creations from a satin ball, sequins and pearls, and you can make these for next year still!
At Walmart a box of 50 assorted color satin balls were only $8, if it is too late to buy any on the after Christmas sale, buy some next year as soon as possible and make these while you watch TV. Great to pass out to co-workers, too!
By Linda Jonson from Oceanside, Ca.
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Hexy
Hexy is 2 months old and is a Moggy/Ragdoll/Persian. Her mother brought her and her brothers and sisters to us a two months ago.. :)
She is always asleep or sleepy. She is the Garfield of our family. She loves jumping onto tops of cupboard doors, making them swing open.
By Kat from Australia
Post Feedback: Click Here
Today's Tips
Keeping the Broom from Slipping Down the Wall
To prevent brooms from slipping when you prop them against a wall, cut off the finger of an old rubber glove and slide over the handle.
By Chell from Mo
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Quick Tips for Decorating Kids Birthday Cakes
Lifesaver candies work well as candle holders. Fun toppings are Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms and Animal Crackers. For easy decorating use a small choo choo train toy with licorice train tracks or a dump truck toy with pile of chocolate chips as the dirt pile.
By Linda Jonson from Oceanside, Ca
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Pan for Christmas Tree Overflows
Years ago I was in a hardware store and spied a round, about 3 foot diameter, metal overflow pan for water heaters. Having just cleaned up after an overflowing Christmas tree stand, I thought it would be a great idea for the following year. When I opened the box I found the pan had a hole meant for an overflow hose, which I just stuck a large cork in.
I have used this pan for over 20 years now under our Christmas trees, and with overflows happening usually several times a season, I have never again had to worry about my rugs or hardwood floors being ruined. This is the perfect time to be on the lookout for one of these pans for next year.
By Gardencraft from Danville, NH
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Sink Plunging Tip
Cover the overflow hole with a rag when plunging a bathroom sink so the plunger has maximum effect.
By Chell from MO
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Removing Road Tar from the Car
Use Avon Skin so soft, straight from the Bottle, any tar you have on your auto. Dampen a rag with it and and start wiping away and it will remove it without hurting the paint job. And if the bugs are bad and bothering you, you can use it on yourself to keep the bugs away.
By Hal Foster from Calgary, Alberta
Got road tar on your new car? Instead of using abrasive bug and tar removers that can strip off wax, use peanut butter. Just rub a little on the spot with a clean rag and the tar will start coming off. Safe for your paint and earth friendly.
By Steve from Memphis, TN
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Freshening the Garbage Disposal
Clean the inside of your garbage disposal with chopped up pieces of a lemon to eliminate those old food odors. This works better than baking soda or anything else! I usually use about 1/2 a lemon each time I need to freshen up this part of the sink. Cut the lemon into several pieces, turn on the garbage disposal and enjoy the fresh, clean scent!
By Steph from Eastern Iowa
Editor's Note: You can also rub the lemon around the sink to remove greasy residue before you put it in the disposal. This works really well with stainless steel sinks.
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Contributions to Holiday Meals
We generally contribute to at least three different meals during the Christmas week -- my family, DH's family and church. I take the same food items to all three and it cuts down on the prep work, shopping time, and cooking time.
This year I bought one large spiral ham when it went on sale and had plenty to cover all three occasions. Same with side dishes and desserts. I stocked up on dinner rolls a few weeks ago and froze them until they were needed for each event.
By Yvonne from North Carolina
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Decorating Wishbones
For years I have saved the wishbones from chickens and turkeys that we've eaten. I clean and let them dry, then I cover them with glue and glitter. I attach a cord to hang the wishbones from our christmas tree, and decorate each with a festive bow. We keep some for ornaments and break others with friends to see who will inherit a little more good luck. Others are tied to gifts that are given out.
By Susan from AR
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Good Use for Holiday Magazines
I finally found a GOOD use for all of my holiday magazines, and I will know where they are next year when I want them! I rolled them into a tube shape and wrapped my tree lights around them for storage. Since I usually decorate the tree Thanksgiving weekend, all of the recipes are handy and ready to use as soon as the lights are up. That seems like a better use than shuffling them around till June and finally tossing them out.
By Margie Minard from Mount Vernon, Ohio
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Saving Padded Mailers
Occasionally, I receive padded mailers through the mail and always keep them to reuse. Most address labels, stamps and return address labels can be removed totally. If not, some brown tape will cover what's left. These recycled mailers can be used again, and you've saved the cost of new ones. It's been several years since I have had to purchase any.
By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri
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Cleaning and Protecting Kitchen Tools
For cleaning, removing small bits of rust, and protecting kitchen tools and appliances, cooking spray works as well as the more expensive metal cleaners, plus you know it's edible! You just spray it on, let it set a minute, and wipe it off. It takes rust off the tip of the can opener, oils the egg beater, and even stops the squeak in the old oven door.
By Momma from Shenandoah, PA
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
New Contest
Submit Your Tips and Photos!
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Contest ends January 31, 2006
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests
Silly Putty on Microfiber
My cousins lovely children were over last night and got silly putty on our brand new microfiber couch! it is a light beige color--what we are left with is 5 to 6 small spots that won't lift off. I am afraid to try the wd40 route as it may stain?
Thank you!
Tanya from Green Bay, WI
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Blister Inside My Mouth
I have a really bad blister or something on the inside of my lip. It hurts like a cut, but looks like a blister of some sort. Does anyone have any idea what it is, and how to get rid of it soon?
Chloe from California
Post Feedback: Click Here
How do I hem tracksuit pants legs?
How do I hem tracksuit pants legs? They have a zip on each side and no elastic around the ankles. I would of course prefer to leave the zips the length they are now and the pants have to be taken up approximately ten centimetres (four inches).
Krinkle from Melbourne, Austrailia
Post Feedback: Click Here
Inexpensive Treadmills
My wife and I are looking for a good, low-budget treadmill. Do you have any suggestions on which brands, models, etc?
Thank you!
Dave from Tulsa, OK
Post Feedback: Click Here
Nail Polish Remover on Leather
I spilled nail polish remover on my leather couch. How do I fix it?
Robbie from Omaha NE
Post Feedback: Click Here
Candy Wrapper Purse
I am looking for a pattern to make purses out of candy wrappers, etc. I know they use a gum wrapper chain but then how?
Karyn from Indepedence, MO
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Using Water From The Dryer In The Garden
Hi all and Happy New Year! Does anyone know if its safe to use the condensed water collected from my tumble drier to water the garden? I think I read somewhere a long time ago that it's not, but I cant remember why?
Hardiness Zone: 8a
Sandra from Ireland
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Bread Baking Tips
I am looking for an easy and frugal bread recipe. Does anyone have any tips for helping it turn out? I dont have a bread machine and I have tried a few recipes and it always turns out a very heavy bread. I always proof my yeast and have just purchased all new ingrediants with the same results.
HELP! LOL
Shelly from Valparaiso, IN
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Sharpie on a Pillow Case
Can anyone suggest how to remove black sharpie marker from BRAND NEW pillows that my four year old decided to decorate?
Chris from Kansas City
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Finding a Used Wedding Dress
I am getting married in May would like to purchase a used wedding dress within 100.00 (White and Size 18). Any advice?
Katie from Florence, SC
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13 Year Old Party Ideas
I'm turning 13 in 9 days and really need some party ideas.
Mary from San Francisco
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Cleaning Bath Tub Jets
I need to know how to clean the jets in my tub. They are like the ones in a jacuzzi. There must be a way to clean them without damaging them. Can anyone help me with this?
Jackie V. from Walker, LA
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Frugal Living Saying
Does anyone remember all the words to the saying: use it up, make do, do without... I can't remember all the words and I would like to use the saying in my newsletter.
Paula from Christmas, MI
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Learning How To Use a Sewing Machine
I received a sewing machine for Christmas. I am excited about using it, but boy am I a novice! Can anyone recommend a good website to teach someone totally ignorant about using a sewing machine - and who needs very easily understood directions? I'm even having trouble understanding the manual that came with the machine! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
An all thumbs seamstress...
BBB from Greenville, AL
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Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Has anyone ever heard of Chicken Pot Pie Soup before? I had it at a hall before, if anyone has the recipe please send.
Thanks in advance.
Liz from Westland, MI
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Right Guard Deodorant Build Up on Undershirts
My husband wear right guard extreme sport gel deodorant. no matter how much or how little he uses, it makes the under arms of his undershirts stiff and hard. After about 6 weeks or so, the shirts will even gets holes in them. I have tried spraying them with stain remover, soaking them in bleach, nothing works. Any suggestions?
Jennifer from St. Peters MO
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Cleaning a Silver Bracelet
I have a silver bracelet with cubic zirconia's that has tarnished. I polished it with Wright's Silver Cleaner, but it still looks dark-ish. More like a stainless steel than a silver color. I have used this cleaner before successfully, so I think the problem is due more to the bracelet than to the cleaner.
Any suggestions?
No hallmarks indicating the type of silver in the bracelet.
Thanks,
Holly
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Removing Rust in the Bathroom
We bought a duplex in an area with a lot of rust in the water. We have 3 bathrooms and 2 kitchens. How can I get the rust out of our toilets, bathtubs, sinks, etc.? I've used Poly Z and it works great, BUT it damages the shower surrounds. I need something to get it off the surrounds and the tub, toilet, etc. without damaging the surrounds. Thank you in advance for any help.
Cindy Mace from North Pole, AK
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Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
I am thinking of remodeling my kitchen. Even though the kitchen cabinets are in good shape, I don't like the materials. I cannot make my mind on replacing or refacing the cabinets; any suggestions will be a big help to me. What is the different in terms of the cost and the feel?
Thank you,
Wei from Phoenix, AZ
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Magic Marker on Formica
My 4 year old wrote on a paper towel with Magic Marker that went through to the formica coffee table. How do I get it off?
Ash from Lebanon, TN
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Printable Coupons!
Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso
More Reading:
Should You File a Tax Return
By IRS.gov (January 4, 2006) You must file a tax return if your income is above a certain level. The amount varies depending on filing status, age and the type of income you receive.
Read More: Click Here
Seven Ways To Get a Jump Start On Your Taxes
By IRS.gov (January 3, 2006) Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner.
Read More: Click Here
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