Daily Thrifty Tips - September 22, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 184, September 22, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We have two new Saving Money On... topics this week. Do you have any tips to share? Saving Money on DVDs (and Videos) Tips and ideas for saving money on videos and DVDs. Post your ideas. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf580555.tip.html Saving Money on Socks Tips for Saving Money on Socks. Post your ideas below! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21968242.tip.html Thanks for reading, Susan Send to a Friend! Share a Tip (You could win $25!) Share a Photo (You could win $25!) Have a Question? Submit a request... Link to ThriftyFun.com View Active Topics! 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: Craft Project: Divider Screen Reusing Hospital Trays Emma (English Spaniel/Jack Russell Terrier) Teeka (Chihuahua/Min Pin Mix) Take Outfit Photos So Kids Can Match Clothes Today's Tips: Reuse Old Broaches as Refrigerator Magnets Discounted Banking Services For Seniors Uses for Velcro Reuse a Dawn Power Dissolve Bottle Gift Ieas for Pet Lovers Creating a Laundry Schedule Cookie Exchange For Angel Tree Packages Wonderful "Baked Potato Pats" Basmati Rice Give Young Kids Ice Chips To Entertain Them When Eating Out Joke of the Day New Requests: Painting Exterior Brick Replacing Water Heater In Attic Quick Meals To Take To Work Repairing Electrical Cord Consequences For Lying and Back Talking Getting Rid Of Fleas In Beds 5 Year Old Misbehaving At School Tightening Eyeglasses Free Internet Access Paying Off High Interest Student Loans How to Keep Mice Out? Clorox Stains on Carpet Cleaning Kitchen Drain With a Disposal Barbie Themed Birthday Party Solar Cellphone Charger Apple Noodle Kugel Recipe Laying Tiles Around Toilet Getting Rid of Bacteria in The Water Heater Cajun Butter Sauce for Shrimp Keeping Bugs Out of Plastic Food Containers Licking Lips Too Much Locations to Host an Engagement Party More Reading: Take a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch Advice for a Backyard Patio Harvesting Lavender Saving Money on Cellphones Saving Money on Windows 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: Divider Screen You can use this screen for privacy or just for daily inspiration. It does take some time because of its size, but well worth the time invested. If you are artistic, make your own canvas frames and hinge them together. If not, buy the large canvases and hinge them together. Look for sales at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. Approximate Time The size makes this take more time. Supplies: (2 or 3) large canvases, however tall or wide you want them to be. Tile Grout Acrylic Paints (3) hinges for two panels or (6) hinges for three panels Optional - Large wooden "ball feet" Optional - fabric for covering back of canvases. Staple gun and staples Instructions: Join your canvases together with the hinges. If you are using three canvases, be sure to flip the hinges over on the third panel so it will fold the other direction. Draw out your "stones". Open out the panels to make sure your stones line up. Using a putting knife spread the tile grout on each "stone". Let dry overnight. Paint stones and let dry. Come back and fill in "grout" lines. Lines should be recessed between the tile grout. Paint your scene on the top, making sure to go all the way over the edges. Optional - glue on your "ball feet" on each corner of each canvas. Optional - staple fabric on back of each canvas. By Artlady from Edmond, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85180450.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reusing Hospital Trays When you come home from the hospital with a bath pan full of goodies, it's nice. I have several of those plastic pans that I have collected over the years. They last forever. I never had much use for the little oblong containers though so they eventually got pitched in the trash. It was not until my recent hospital stay that I discovered this little oblong container makes a great pan to put butterbeans in while shelling. I'll hold on to this one. By Betty from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17922451.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Emma (English Spaniel/Jack Russell Terrier) Emma is 12 years old and is an English Spaniel/Jack Russell Terrier Mix. I bought her from a freind in 1996. She loves playing ball, we have a set time to play and sometimes when I'm busy with other things she will fetch her ball and bring to me to tell me it's time for play. As she is getting older there are days when she doesn't feel like walkies and on those days when I get her lead she will go and hide under sideboard. By Dotann from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37145771.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Teeka (Chihuahua/Min Pin Mix) Teeka is a 2 month old Chihuahua/min pin mix. In this picture, I had her for 4 days. I got her from a local pet store. She likes to run, jump, chase, play with toys, play with cats, and be snuggled. I fell in love with this dog and HAD to have her! She has been so good-potty trained right away and can lead on the first walk. She is bright and happy, responsive and energetic. I am looking for any other Chipin owners to get hints on training and this mix breed. I have never seen one before and am having a hard time finding info on these types of dogs! She is a total love, but has such long spindle legs-very very small and brindle colored. By Kayla from Fargo, ND Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62891610.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Take Outfit Photos So Kids Can Match Clothes My 4 and 5 year olds pick out their own school clothes after I used this tip and are always in matching outfits. Before school started this year, we played model and took a photo of them in each outfit. Now they just look for the outfit they want in their albums and know what they can wear with what. By Randa from San Marcos, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32051108.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contests: Tip Contest Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest Submit a tip with photo! These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25! My Frugal Life Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! Today's Tips: Reuse Old Broaches as Refrigerator Magnets I find old unused broaches, take the back clip off and add a magnet to the back. I use them on the refrigerator to hold notes and stuff. Source: Read about it in Real Simple magazine. By Gracie from Astor, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85399617.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Discounted Banking Services For Seniors For senior citizens, check with your bank to see if they have any special services for seniors. I questioned some things on a bank statement regarding a debit payment that I did not authorize. In the process I asked about another item from when I had ordered new checks because the amount was wrong from what I had. The employee said why order checks as I had been doing when I could get new checks through the bank for free. Granted they don't have special pictures on them, but at my age, I don't need special pictures. She also said with this type of account, if I used an 'out of system' ATM, I would get the charge for that system, but I would not get a charge from my bank, too, as I previously did. Saving even the little amounts add up over time. By the way, I bank at National City. Check with your bank to see what services they have for seniors. By Linda from Bloomington,IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59585539.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Uses for Velcro I always keep velcro strips and dots on hand because they're very handy to keep track of things that get misplaced easily. The remote to my car radio kept sliding between the seats. I velcroed it under the dashboard and now I never lose it. My daughter never loses her remote control because she velcroed it to her wall near her bed. We've velcroed a lot of the remote controls in our home so they don't "walk off". A pen to the side of the fridge along with a pad of paper is helpful. They also work for kitchen doors that won't stay closed. In a pinch, I even used the velcro dots to velcro a hem and fasten a shirt that was too low cut. Because it's temporary, there's no fear about making future changes. Just make sure the surface you use the velcro on won't get damaged by the glue. By Sharon from Bonita Springs Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17448378.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reuse a Dawn Power Dissolve Bottle I have purchased the product "Dawn Power Dissolve" and it is wonderfully effective but pricey so I have saved the empty bottle. I love the way the nozzle sprays the contents as a foam. I use the bottle and nozzle for other cleaners that are less expensive: ie; ammonia/water for cleaning windows without dripping and diluted degreaser such as the Depp brand concentrate and pretreat greasy dishes then I put them into the dishwasher. HINT: Be careful not to make the solution too strong, you may end up with suds oozing from your dishwasher or soapy residue on dishes that will need to be rinsed off. Hope this works for some of my ThriftyFun cohorts out there. By Terry from Las Vegas, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17888347.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Gift Ieas for Pet Lovers For the Pet Lovers in the family I've come up with a unique way to show them I care at Christmas time. I found $1 "Pet Sitter Information" pads for the refrigerator for when they need to leave their pets in the care of others, with contact numbers. This could easily be made on a computer as well. Then I'm hand sewing a bag with animal print on it and filling it with the pads, as well as treats for them to share with their animals. A nice note card on the outside tied with a bow: Your genuine love for your animal has inspired my heart. The best way to show you I love you, is to also love your animal unconditionally. May both of your holiday be filled with as much love as you have given each other! Happy Holidays! By Misha from Winchester, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32361512.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Creating a Laundry Schedule We have 6 people living in our house. This makes it hard to keep everything clean and our laundry done. I have asked each person to do their own laundry on a specific day. We are never waiting for someone to get done and are not stressed about it. By Shirley from Henderson, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53555132.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cookie Exchange For Angel Tree Packages The holidays are fast approaching and I wanted to share a cookie "exchange" idea we used at our church last year. Our angel tree provides gifts and food care packages for needy families in our community. (names are provided by the Red Cross and other similar agencies). Christmas care packages require home-made cookies, in my opinion. A few weeks before your delivery date Solicit used and new cookie tins. Sort, wash and discard tins as necessary. Post flyers asking for a donation of ONE or more DOZEN home made cookies form each family (bring on a paper plate or other throw away) A normal size tin will hold about 3 dozen cookies; so determine the number of cookies bakes on the number of care packages you need to create Create index cards for each family that will receive a box of cookies (Smith family of 7, for example) and place in the appropriate size tin. Purchase a few bags for individually wrapped chocolates, candy canes and some curling ribbon. On the day you plan to pack the cookies Secure a location to place baked goods. It works well to place similar cookies together (peanut butter, chocolate chip, etc) As your cookie PACKERS arrive, hand them a cookie tin and have them place an assortment of cookies in the tin. Toss in a few chocolate kisses or mini bars Tie with curling ribbon and a candy cane. Eat leftover broken remains of cookies as everyone knows these have no calories Deliver care packages to your needy families and smile knowing they are enjoying home-made cookies with their Holiday dinner and perhaps are even leaving one for Santa! Last year, we prepared 17 care packages, received 50 dozen cookies which equal about 82,800 calories. Source: Years of Angel Tree experience By Diana from Prospect, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51436250.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Wonderful "Baked Potato Pats" Your imagination can compose the ingredients list, but here is how we make them. I take leftover baked potatoes, unpeeled, and slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. Lay on a microwavable dish. On the tops of them, brush melted butter or margarine and add shredded cheese, garlic powder. chives and bacon bits. Microwave for 1 minute or so until cheese is melted. Done!! Serve at table with low fat sour cream. These are delicious and disappear quickly! My children eat them as a favorite finger food! As few as 2 large leftover baked potatoes make an entree for the whole family. They are fast, nutritious and good, even with the peel on. Try it! By Sheryl from Warner Robins, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83981610.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Basmati Rice I've always been very unimpressed with any rice that I make. It never tastes as good as the rice from the Asian restaurants, no matter the method used. Then I saw a show by "America's Test Kitchen" (my favorite TV cooking show on PBS), which is known for their taste tests. They said that the best basmati rice is actually the one grown in India, all the US brands didn't measure up. The worst Indian rice was still superior to the best US rice due to the type of rice. If this type of rice was grown in the US, I'm sure it would do just fine, but it isn't (wish it was in an organic form). Tilda brand came in first and Kohinoor came in second. I purchased some Kohinoor basmati brown long grain, cooked it according to directions in a pot (not a rice cooker) and was pleased with how it came out. Then I made salmon rice salad a few days later. It was outstanding, all due to the rice. I basted a piece of salmon with olive oil, cooked it in the oven, let it cool a bit, flaked it, and mixed it with some leftover almond slivers and salad dressing from a Taylor Farms Spinach Salad kit purchased at Sam's Club. The local Asian grocery store only sells Tilda in absolutely huge bags and it would take years for us to go through one. Kohinoor was available in a small plastic jug with an airtight seal, so that's why I chose it. Someone told me they get their rice at Tom Thumb grocery (aka Safeway) because it's sold in manageable quantities. Be aware that you need to freeze it for at least 3 days when you bring it home (or can just leave it in the freezer indefinitely) and when you cook, rinse most rices at least 3 times. The brown Kohinoor was prepared for our western tastes and did not require rinsing. Source: America's Test Kitchen Season 8 cookbook, page 177 By Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96793065.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Give Young Kids Ice Chips To Entertain Them When Eating Out To keep young children occupied while eating out, order a bowl of ice chips. The kids pick them up one by one and eat them. They're so small that it's not a choking hazard and it keeps them quiet for quite some time and allows you to eat in peace and quiet By Peggie from Sea Cliff, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19307280.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day "Mom," said the little girl, "Is it alright to say you are going to water the horse when you are giving him a drink of water?" "Yes," said her mother, "that is the correct thing to say." "Well then, I'm going to milk the cat." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Painting Exterior Brick What paint do I use for basement exterior brick? Linda from Ludington, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97797462.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Replacing Water Heater In Attic Does anyone have suggestions on replacing a water heater that is in the attic? How do we get it down and the new one up there without calling a professional? Deni from Plano, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66015830.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Quick Meals To Take To Work I work two full time jobs! I generally only have minutes per day to prepare and eat food. I'm getting really tired of eating quickly prepared ham sandwiches for every meal. What are some ideas for a grab and go meal that I can keep all day and eat for late lunches and dinners? Help! Owen from Seattle, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42650189.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Repairing Electrical Cord I borrowed a Bosch dvs1274 belt sander and accidentally got the cord caught in the belt and it is torn. I want to replace the cord but it is 16 feet long and when I called Bosch they said their replacement cords are 10 feet long. I can't find a 16-foot anywhere! However, since the tear is only about 6 inches from the plug, could the cord just be cut at the tear and re-attach the plug? Erika from Wisconsin Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66898154.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Consequences For Lying and Back Talking I have a 9 year old boy who sometimes gets in trouble for lying and back talking. I have made him write out of the dictionary and have tried taking away TV, Playstation, computer, etc. What are other good punishments I can use? I have run out of ideas for good punishments so that he won't want to do it again. Any ideas? Michelle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39230147.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid Of Fleas In Beds I have fleas REALLY bad. I got new furniture from a friend and they had a dog, two cats and one of the cats had kittens. So now I have all the fleas. I have used bombs but they don't work, I have been told to use some thing called Seven Dust. I can't do that because my 1 yr olds bed is where the worst of it is. I can't just put that stuff on there can I? I don't want to hurt her. The other parts of my apartment I'm not worried about, I can just sweep like I was told. I just don't know what to do about her bed and ours for that matter. Is it safe to put Seven Dust in beds? Amber from Quaker Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94103409.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 5 Year Old Misbehaving At School What to do about a talkative 5 yr. old? My daughter won't stop talking in school that the teacher says she's not listening at all and keeps talking and won't raise her hand. The bus lady says Ginamarie unbuckles her seat belt and jumps around on the bus and won't listen to her. What do you suggest I should do? Please help me. April from Belford, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53569691.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tightening Eyeglasses How can I tighten my eyeglasses? They keep sliding down my nose and I have to keep going to the Optical Center to get them tightened up. Is there a kit or something similar I can buy to do this? Onesummer Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52806536.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Free Internet Access How do I get free internet? Leo from Sarasota, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000260.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Paying Off High Interest Student Loans Are there any financial institutions or private lenders that can help pay off high interest student loans? My daughter borrowed just over 20K and it will take 15 years to pay off for a total of nearly 80K! That's a heck of a lot of interest! Kelly from Renton, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf307165.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How to Keep Mice Out? Fall is coming to Michigan. I have an unreasonable fear of mice and this is when they are looking to get into the house. We live on a ravine, wooded lot and they love it here. We have spread lime granules around the foundation, bought those electric devices with the high pitched sound to keep them away (worthless) and set traps in the attached garage in the past. My husband recently read that peppermint oil and fox urine are both mouse deterrents. Does anyone know the effectiveness of either of these? Or any other ideas? I'm open to anything, but want to find what works and just keep them away from the house period. Even them getting caught in traps in the garage is too close for me! We do have a small house dog, so poisons are scary. Thanks! Sharon from Stevensville, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf365488.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Clorox Stains on Carpet How do I get Clorox stains out of my carpet? My Clorox bottle tipped over and spilled and splashed some sections on my carpet. It now looks pinkish in color. Any suggestions? Bridget from AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98099250.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cleaning Kitchen Drain With a Disposal How do you clean a kitchen drain with a disposal? Johnsons from Spartanburg, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23052384.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Barbie Themed Birthday Party I was wondering if anyone could help me with a Barbie birthday party. My daughter is turning 4 and she wants a Barbie party and don't really have too many ideas. Any help would be great. Carla from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28980597.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Solar Cellphone Charger Do solar cell phone chargers work well? I have family in Houston and due to Hurricane Ike, the power has been off for almost a week. If these chargers work, it would be a great help as the telephone land line is not functioning yet. How about a solar fan? Do they make such a thing? Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38258865.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Apple Noodle Kugel Recipe Many years ago, The New York Daily News featured a cooking column by Ella Elvin. One of my favorites was a recipe for Apple Noodle Kugel. I've misplaced the recipe, and nothing else that I've tried comes close to it. With the upcoming Jewish Holidays, I need help! Does anyone out there have Ella Elvin's recipe? Thanks so much! Sharon from New York, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20612806.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Laying Tiles Around Toilet I am getting ready to install THICK peel and stick tiles in my powder room over the existing thin peel and stick tiles. Do I need to remove the toilet before or just make a template and cut the tiles to fit around the toilet? Susie from Naperville, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12160045.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid of Bacteria in The Water Heater I was wondering if you had any tips on how to get rid of the bacteria in the hot water heater? Thank you. Angela Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30107484.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cajun Butter Sauce for Shrimp Does anyone have a recipe for Cajun butter sauce used for shrimp? Sabrina from Council, N.C. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84375615.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keeping Bugs Out of Plastic Food Containers I am getting pantry moths and those little bugs that burrow into pasta. Maybe the same bug at different stages? I have resorted to cleaning the pantry every two weeks and I try to put everything in plastic containers. Clearly they are not sealing properly since some of them are STILL being infested. I just had to throw away 8 pounds of pasta. It was SO infested I stopped trying to pick out the un-infested ones and tossed it all. They are destroying my pasta and cereal. I buy bulk and store it. I sometimes get great deals $1 a box name brand cereal, etc.. Does anyone have suggestions? I am thinking of putting a heavy "bead" around the top of the inside of the lids with HOT glue, screw it on a tiny bit take it off and let it dry. Would this provide an airtight seal to keep the bugs out and is it food safe? Also, I heard some people "replace" the air in their containers with CO2. I have paintball stuff so getting CO2 is easy and I found I can get a "nozzle" fitting. CO2 is heavier than air so as long as I fill slow, give the O2 a place to escape from and keep them upright the CO2 should stay inside the containers. Will this work? Chris from Levittown, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58551011.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Licking Lips Too Much I play volleyball on a team. And when we practice in the sun I keep licking my lips. It leaves a line on my lips of where I had been licking. Any help? Its driving me and my team mates nuts! Imari from Los Angeles, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43529330.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Locations to Host an Engagement Party My best friend recently got engaged and I would like to throw an engagement party for her and her fiance. Only I live in a small one bedroom apartment in downtown. Can anyone give me some suggestions for an inexpensive place to host an engagement party? I would be more than happy to make the food and or bring drinks. Susan from Dallas, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25169776.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | 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: Take a Trip to the Pumpkin Patch (Originally posted 10/2007 - Updated 9/21/2008) Here are some links to a few pumpkin patches. Pumpkin Patches are great not only for pumpkins but other fall crops as well. If you have one near you, please post it in the feedback and we'll add it to the list. We went to one last year for my grandson's birthday and had a blast! Here's the story and pictures about our trip last year: Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch Arizona Tolmachoff Farms - Glendale, Arizona Mother Nature's Farm - Gilbert, Arizona California Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch The Pumpkin Patch - Redlands/Yucaipa, California Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Patch - Morgan Hill, California Georgia Burt's Farm - Directions from Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia North of Atlanta, GA Illinois The Great Pumpkin Patch - Caledonia, Illinois Goebert's Farm - South Barrington, Illinois and Goebert's Pumpkin Patch - Hampshire, Illinois Kansas KC Pumpkin Patch - Gardner, Kansas Minnesota Tweite's Pumpkin Patch - Byron, Minnesota Nebraska Vala's Pumpkin Patch - Gretna, Nebraska Bloom Where You're Planted Farm & Pumpkin Patch - Avoca, Nebraska 911-108th St., Avoca, NE. 402-267-4104 Kimmel Farm and Arbor Day Farm Nebraska City, NE see feedback New Mexico McCall's Pumpkin Patch - Moriarity New Mexico Oregon Plumper's Pumpkins - Hillsboro, Oregon The Pumpkin Patch - Near Portland, Oregon Texas Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch - Flower Mound, Texas Virginia Hill High Farm Pumpkin Patch - Winchester, Virginia Here is a link to a list of pumpkin patches and corn mazes from Pick Your Own.org. Look for one in your local area here: http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/ No doubt there are many, many more. This was all we had time to find. If you would like to recommend one in your area or if you own a pumpkin patch, post it below. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78755591.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Advice for a Backyard Patio Question: I am starting to get my back yard cleared out. About 15 trees will be removed, grass seed will be planted and I would like a small patio area to be exposed from the French Doors I hope to have installed. Are there any websites or ideas you can think of? I am thinking of just an area big enough for a grill, table and chairs, to enjoy watching my child play in the yard. I so appreciate your input. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10943562.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Harvesting Lavender Question: I never seem to know when to cut my lavender to get the best fragrance. Also, what is the best way to dry it. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92592924.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on Cellphones Tips for saving money on cellphones as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Do you have any ideas to share? Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14348145.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on Windows Tips for saving money on windows as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95741340.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.