Daily Thrifty Tips - January 8, 2008

This week's Saving Money on Newsletter is about Saving Money on Juice. Do you have any tips to share?

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Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Craft: Polka-Dot Pens

This photo came out a little fuzzy, but I think you get the idea. This project is much easier and less time consuming than it initially appears. It's a great way to use up scraps of construction paper, keep little fingers busy, and turn ordinary pens into something special.

Approximate Time 20 - 30 minutes or less

Supplies:

• construction paper scraps
• paper punch
• white craft glue
• paint brush
• tweezers
• small drinking/shot glass

Instructions:

1. Use a paper punch to make tiny circles from scraps of construction paper.
2. Hold pen by the pointed end and place glue over the top half. Spread the glue with a paint brush.
3. Use tweezers to grab the tiny circles, one at a time, and place them into the glue around the pen. This goes very quickly.
4. Repeat the procedure over the bottom half of the pen so the whole pen will be covered in polka-dots.
5. Allow the glue to dry, then brush a light coat of white glue over the entire pen to seal. Place pen, point down, into a small glass (like a shot glass) and allow the glue to dry.

By Marie E. Cecchini from West Dundee, IL

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Under The Christmas Tree

Presents under our tree. My daughter made my Webkinz a beautiful red sweater.

By Mary Lou from Maryland

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Cassidy (Terrier Mix)

Cassidy is about 3 years old and is a Terrier mix. She was an adopted shelter puppy.

Cassidy loves her toys, getting new toys, getting treats, taking walks. She loves "her park".

By Carolyn from Nashville, Tennessee

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Painted Gourds

We do a lot of painted gourds. We sell quite a few. We grew these gourds and then cleaned and painted them.

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Organizing Craft Supplies With Recycled Containers

I have all sorts of tiny crafting materials (wiggle eyes, acrylic jewels, needles, beads, etc) and not a lot of space to store them, we live full time in our camper. I tried looking for storage boxes but the compartments were either too small or too large for most of the materials. Then I found some unique alternatives that were a perfect fit.

If you are as unfortunate as I am in the health arena and find yourself taking many medications, use your old medicine bottles to hold some materials.

If you suffer from diabetes and test your blood sugar using test strips that come in a vial (rather than a drum or disc), use tthr547804he empty vials to hold crafting accessories.

Or, if you still use camera film, use the empty film cases to hold the supplies that boxes don't work for.

In the end, I also have the option of keeping them in different craft bags instead of trying to fit a larger box into a space and having to take the whole box out when I only need one type of supply at a time.

By Amy from Northern Virginia

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Multi-Purpose Wax Paper Sheets

I buy at Sam's, a large store where you can buy in bulk. There are others in your area, I am sure. If not, cut up sheets yourself and store in an empty large Kleenex box.

Uses:

• Cover food in microwave.
• Use under gluing craft projects.
• Use under messy chores like polishing silver or shoes.
• Wrap individual rolls or muffins sliced in half with paper in between halves for easy removal to cook frozen.
• Wrap individual hamburgers for freezer and then put frozen patty on pan to cook!

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Start Buying Christmas Gifts In January

On the average year, my husband and I have 16 Christmas gifts to buy for family. To eliminate stress, I start buying for Christmas in January. Basically every 3 weeks, I buy a gift. This is also a huge help on the budget.

After I buy the (or finishing making) the gift, I go ahead and wrap it, put on the gift tag and put it into the Christmas box. But, to keep track, I put a number on the back of the gift tag. Then I keep a small tablet in the Christmas box with the gift tag number, and I write who it is for, what it is..... so I will remember what I got who.

I find that it works best to save children's gifts for the later part of the year. It makes it easier to determine the correct size or toy.

This works best if you stick to "generic" type of gifts for adults, such as a nonexpirable gift card, towels, blanket, hat and gloves. Basically just items that won't go out of date, out of style or require a particular size.

By April from Missouri

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Cinnamon Air Freshener

When someone is coming over to my home and I don't have time to air it out and I don't want that obvious smell of an air freshener spray, I just sprinkle a TINY DASH of cinnamon on to my electric burner. I then turn it onto LOW for about 15 - 30 seconds, then turn it off. The whole house smells good after doing this! And, cinnamon is something that smells natural, like you've been baking. Plus, it costs nothing and it's always in the cupboard! No worry, I've been doing this for years and my burners are fine.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Fabric Christmas Bags For Green Gift Wrapping

Wrapping Christmas gifts is easy for me, I started using cloth bags. I sewed them from Christmas cloth purchased after Christmas a few years ago. I made several for all my gifts in different sizes and shapes, used draw string in top to close them. All gifts opened in my home, I request that the bag stay behind so I can use them over and over. This also saves trees

By Marcia from New Sharon, Maine

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Scrap Fabric Wreath

I made a yo-yo quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas and had 4 bags of scrap material. I made a fabric wreath using the scraps. I took a wire hanger, cut off the "hook" and bent one side to make a "U" turned sideways. then I took the scrap of material, pierced it (or cut) and "threaded" it onto wire form. Repeat until you have completed circle. At other end, make another "U" turned the opposite way so you can hook the 2 sides together. I crimped it so it would not come apart. I then added a ribbon bow where the crimp was. It turned out beautiful. I had enough to make 2 3/4 wreaths. kept one and gave other 2 as gifts. not bad for "free".

By Kat from PA

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Buy Calendars After the Holidays For Half Price

Everyone in my immediate family and several close friends know that within a day or two after Christmas, I'll hit the local bookstores (Borders, Barnes and Noble) and get calendars at 1/2 price, and give them as their "after Christmas/Hanukkah gifts". I spend as much as $100, but get $200 in calendars. I've been doing this for at least five years now. Each person gets what they like and I save a lot of money buying them after Christmas instead of before. Everyone feels pretty special being part of my calendar tradition and I really enjoy doing it.

Source: this is my own tradition

By Robin from Dover, FL

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Banana Chocolate Cake With Coffee Frosting

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 4 Tbsp. sour cream
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 1-1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 Tbsp. strong hot coffee
• 1 tsp. dry cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar; add lightly beaten eggs and baking soda dissolved in sour cream. Beat well and add mashed bananas, flour, salt and vanilla. Mix well and stir in chocolate chips. Bake in well greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan for 35 to 45 minutes.

Frosting: Cream butter and sugar; add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Source: From cdKitchen.com

By Connie from Cotter, AR

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Holiday Closet

I converted a closet into a Holiday Pantry area. I have a large 3 drawer plastic bin unit to hold Christmas ornaments; small to large plastic bins plus plastic shoe boxes to hold other fragile Christmas items. I have hooks on the back of the closet door to hold wreaths or other hanging Christmas decor.

I wrap Christmas wrapping paper in cut off panty hose legs to protect the paper; the Christmas wrapping paper is stood in the corner of the closet behind the plastic bins. The closet has to be packed in a certain manner in order to accommodate all the Christmas decorations. The artificial Christmas tree is boxed up in its original box and stood up against the wall in front of the 3 drawer plastic bin unit. The shelf in the closet is used to hold large nativity scenes, holiday lamps, etc.

There is another closet that accommodates the holiday candles, dishes, linens and also other seasonal/holiday items. The same method is used with the hooks on the back of the door, plastic bins and using the shelf in the closet. The coat rack rod holds gift bags on coat hangers; these gift bags hold folded outdoor flags, outdoor bows and other "overflow" items that will not fit into the bins.

The plastic bin drawers with the Christmas ornaments are classified organized. When I "undecorate" the Christmas tree, I group all the angel ornaments together, place them in a zip-loc bag; I use the same method for snowmen, musical instruments, glass ornaments, etc. The glass ball ornaments are stored in one drawer together to prevent breakage; they are placed in the divided boxes that the ornaments are purchased in; I compress the air out of the zip-loc bags and the glass ornament will fit into the divided compartment. The Christmas stockings are stored with the Christmas linens. The Christmas tree skirt is folded and placed in a large zip-lock bag and packed with the Christmas tree.

Zip-loc bags are convenient to store Christmas electrical cords (for Christmas houses, etc.); the bags with the electrical cords can be taped with a heavy tape to the back of the Christmas house and stored in plastic bins; the Christmas houses should be wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a large zip-loc bag. I also use my foodsaver vacuum sealer to seal Christmas serving pieces (pie servers, silverware, snack knives, etc.); these pieces are stored with the linens.

Every plastic bin has a label listing the contents of the bin that is affixed to the top and side of the bin. I hang a holiday ornament or wreath on the outside of the door to decorate the door.It is a handy location in my home to keep my holiday/seasonal items in one place.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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Uses for Leftover Bread

Instead of throwing out leftover bread, including all the heels of bread that my family does not like, here are several suggestions I use. Hope one of these will work for you and your family! I use my food processor and process them until there are crumbs. Then I wrap and freeze them to add to meatloaf, meatballs, or for breadcrumb topping on casseroles.

Sometimes, I cut the bread in cubes, toss in melted margarine or butter, some dried chives and any other seasoning my family likes. Then pour onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until they are lightly browned (watch them carefully, so they do not over toast). Take them out of the oven, cool and serve as yummy croutons on green salads or on a nice bowl of soup.

The last thing I do with leftover bread, or buns, rolls, etc is put it in the freezer, then when we are going to the zoo or the lake with the grandkids, we take it with us and feed the ducks. The kids love this, it is an inexpensive outing to go to the park or lake and feed the ducks.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Removing Wax Build Up on Tile Floors

I want to remove the built up of wax on my tile floors without having to rent a machine. From dragging furniture, and people dragging their feet, the tile has light places and it looks awful.

Linda

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Short Hair Cut for a Female

How should I cut my hair? I really need short hair. I am a female so it can be hard.

Lyn

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Looking for Information on My Dishes

I have a set of dishes that I am trying to find info on and do not know where to look. They have a stamp on the back that says F. Winkle and Co , England. It is a green stamp with a design in the middle. They also have a stamp that is brown and says Whieldon Ware in a circle, then below it has an emblem that says F. Winkle and Co below that England.

It has a 3 pressed into the china although its not colored. I'm trying to find what pattern it is. I have found some info on the companies but have had no real luck. They are trimmed in gold, on a white background and have green bows and leaves with a lilac flower.

Vickie from Dawson Springs, KY

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Home Remedy to Help Hair Grow Longer

My hair takes a long to grow and when it does it only reaches just below the ear. Is there a simple home remedy to help my hair grow past that length or at least just pass my back?

Carol from TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

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Name for My Decorating and Renovation Business

I need help coming up with a name for a complete Decorating and Renovation business.

Darle11 from South Jersey

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Patterns for Stuffed Animals

I'm looking for patterns to make stuffed animals. I want more than just teddy bears and I'm especially looking for out of the ordinary patterns. (Meaning, not your run-of-the-mill stuffed animals). Thanks for your help!

Nellio from PA

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Article about 'Passing the Book'

I recently clipped an article about 'Passing the Book' where people leave books behind for other people to read. The web site is www.bookcrossing.com. Has anyone ever found one of these books? They are supposed to have BCID labels in them and the books can be tracked on the website. The concept is to turn the whole world into a lending library. Sounds interesting, but who does this?

Vicki from Concordia, MO

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What is Whiting?

I am using boric acid to get rid of silverfish. I've read online that it is good to mix it with the inert substance, 'whiting'. What is whiting and where can I find it? The local hardware store does not carry it. Any suggestions?

NewYorkParis from NYC

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Breast Lumps in Female Dog

I have a bird dog mix and she came to us as a stray about 3 yrs. or so ago. Apparently she had just had a litter of pups, as her breasts were saggy.
Just recently I have noticed she has a large lump in one breast and it is getting heavier and larger.

Problem is we are barely making our ends meet and finances are very tight. Where can I take her that they can and will help her and also work with us on a payment plan or what can I try to do myself for her? I am in Dallas County, Texas area.

Donna from Dallas, Texas

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Gold Post Earrings Turned Red

My gold post earrings have turned red. Why?

Jari from Martinez

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Who Can Buy and Receive Food from a Food Bank?

Does anyone know if you have to be a non-profit organization to receive/buy food from your local food bank? Or can anyone buy from them? Such as a large family (9) with an annual income of $40,000 qualify?

MaryAlice from Iowa

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Recipe for Mushroom Business

I am looking for a recipe from the 'Peg Bracken's Appendix' to the I Hate To Cook cookbook, called Mushroom Business.

Ann from CA

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Making Liquid Potpourri

I use potpourri in a big pan with water and put on top of the stove to simmer all day to keep my home smelling good. My question is can I save the water of the potpourri and add a scent the same as the potpourri then use it as a liquid potpourri?

Angie from WI

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Glass Blocks With Holes In Them

Where can I buy glass blocks with the pre-drilled hole?

octoberbabye from Bradenton, Fl USA

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Looking for a Good Household Rug Cleaner

I am looking for a good rug cleaning product that will handle most household stains. Food spills, dirt under feet etc.

Jamma from Freehold, NJ

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Uses for Old Wooden Spindles

I've got a bunch of old spindles sitting in my basement. They're worn and rustic, and very beautiful - but currently they're just sitting because I can't think of anything to make with them. I can't stand to get rid of them. Any ideas for crafting with spindles?

Natasha from Beverly Hills, CA

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What is an RSS Feed?

What exactly is RSS Feed?

Linda

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Where Do I Start When Putting Down Floor Tile?

I am getting ready to put down the self stick Linoleum tiles in a small bathroom. Please tell me where should I begin, in the middle, the bottom of the room (entry) or at the top. I don't want to have to cut but so many tiles to fit.

Linda from New York City

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How Can I Casually Ask a Guy Friend to a School Dance?

I'm really good friends with this guy from another school. I haven't seen him in person for a couple months, but I talk to him on the phone everyday. I really like him and I want to ask him to my school's dance that's coming up. I want to ask him in a simple way, nothing fancy, but I don't know how to bring the dance up in conversation. I need help fast because I only have ONE WEEK until I have to ask him.

just ME! from Cincinnati, OH

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Cleaning Hardwood Floors without Leaving Streaks

I have light colored hardwood floors and when I wash them I always get streaks. You can see all of them. Any suggestions for a cleaner?

Leona from St Paul, Alberta

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Can I Freeze Stuffing?

I made 2 batches of Stuffing. One with apples, and one with mushrooms and onions. Can I freeze them? I was worried it would become watery. Of course, I could always add gravy.

Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Removing Rust Stains from Concrete

We purchased a new fire pit for the patio. We never used it but the wrought iron still left rust spots on our patio. Could anyone please tell us how can you clean rust from concrete without damaging the concrete?

Jerri from Florence, AL

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Two Cooking Questions from an Amateur

1. Why add 2 cups of water to a recipe (with sugar) and then 'reduce by half'? Why not just reduce the amount of liquid used and reduce the cooking time?

2. Why do some recipes specify 'unsalted butter' and then later in the recipe use salt as an ingredient? Why not use regular salted butter to begin with?

I am looking for the (scientific/cooking) reasons behind these instructions. Thanks so much for your help.

Carlos from Mexico

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Entertainment at 2 Year Old's Birthday

My son will turn 2 in February. We live in Sacramento, Ca. and the weather may still be too cold and rainy to have an outdoor party. I would like to know if anybody has any ideas. He loves the Wiggles and the Disney Playhouse. I can get party items but I was wondering about entertainments. Any ideas?

Tess from Elk Grove, Ca.

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Making Paper Flowers, Mosaics and Faux Stained Glass

I'm looking for instructions for making realistic paper flowers. I'm also looking for information about paper mosaics and faux stained glass.

Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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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