Daily Thrifty Tips - November 20, 2008

One week to Thanksgiving! Are you ready for the holiday? If you have any Thanksgiving tips or recipes to share, feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages. Also, do you have Thanksgiving leftovers tips to share?

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Dutchess (German Shepard/Siberian Husky Mix)

Dutchess is 3 1/2 years old and a German Shepherd/Siberian Husky Mix. I got her at an animal shelter in Orlando, Fl

She likes to play Frisbee and swim. She is a loving, sweet, high energy dog. I have a 2 year old little boy that she loves more than anything. She's definitely got strong qualities from both breeds. She's extremely smart, but full of energy also. She's a great sport dog!

I would love to have this specific breed for the rest of my life. I couldn't ask for a better dog!

By Kim from Grandy, NC

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Craft Project: Autumn Leaves Ceiling Decoration

Hang these beautiful autumn leaves from your ceiling to bring some of the outdoor beauty indoors this autumn season.

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Craft: Pinecone Bird

We love to use "things to make things"! My daughter (9) and I made this bird from 2 pine cones. We made his wings from some wide cloth ribbon, eyes from broken necklace beads, beak from scrap ribbon and the tail from braided jute. We covered a experimentally painted terra cotta pot with braided jute. You could use a variety of other things to decorate the pot and make the bird accessories.

By Ginok from Wayne, OK

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Craft Project: Milkweed Ornaments (Tiny Holy Village)

It's not too late to scan your woods for dried materials to use in crafting. In western PA, I discovered a treasure trove of milkweed pods this year and have found the teardrop shape lends itself to many things. My college daughter points out that I am also being very "green" with this project. You may be able to find other types of pods that would work in your area. You can do this assembly line style and complete many in a short time. Use a hair dryer to speed up the paint drying time.

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Craft: Little Monster

I love making things that require no pattern or few instructions. This "Little Monster" is made from an orphaned sock, scrape fabric, and my imagination.

By Gloria from Scottsville, NY

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Craft Project: Thumb Print Turkeys

These cute thumb print turkeys make great place cards or note cards. You can use stamp pads or acrylic paint, whichever you have on hand. I used acrylic paint for mine.

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Watch the Cash Register Screen When Checking Out

When checking out items at the cashier's desk, always look at the screen to ensure that you pay the right price for the right number of things. There have been times that items are on sale, and they aren't reflected during check-out. Bring this to the attention of the cashier, at this time is much easier than coming back at a later time. Also, when you've bought multiples of the same item, some cashiers unintentionally miscount, and you end paying more for what you've actually bought. Even after all this, still look at your receipt just to make sure.

By NY from Upper Darby

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Wet Shoe Laces To Keep Them Tied

When shoe laces won't stay tied, wet the shoe lace and then tie it. It will stay tied. I've been doing this as long as I can remember. I don't know the source... but it works.

By Maria from Palm Beach Gardens

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Snowflake Puzzle Ornament

With Christmas coming up soon, I thought I'd pass on this snowflake craft idea.

• Take an old puzzle (with pieces missing, preferably!), that you no longer use, and craft sticks (popsicle sticks).

• I usually use a hot glue gun to glue the sticks together in kind of an asterisk design.

• Then glue puzzle pieces to the sticks.

• Spray paint with white or silver, tie a string on one of the puzzle pieces, or hot glue a hook, and tada, snowflakes to decorate your tree or hang in windows.

Pam T

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Save Money By Keeping Track And Banking The Extra

I've lived on my own for the last 7 months, and having been around the world, and having attended a community college, I wasn't the least bit frugal with my spending habits! It took some time, and a lot of careful spending, but I think I MAY have managed to find a way.

I live in an apartment and income between my fiance and myself is roughly $3000 - $4000 a month. We've purchased a notebook; and for each paycheck, we've written down our daily costs: groceries, rent, car expenses, and our investment funds payments. We write down how much we expect to make from the check for that week, and round down. Then we added up our daily costs, and figured out how much we will have left over. With the money we have left, we put it aside for internet, cell phones, and other added misc. costs. The money that we have leftover, we've put into a savings account. In the last 6 months, we've managed to save over $800!

By amanda from Ontario,CA

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Cleaning Oily Plastic Dishes

To clean out plastic dishes which contained oil or oily food: Take a newspaper half and tear it up into small pieces. Get some detergent and add the newspaper bits and the detergent to the plastic dish and add water. Cover the dish and shake it up a bit. Then, remove the cover and the pieces of paper and wash in running water. The dish will be squeaky clean!

By Fire Crystals from Alexandria, VA

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Buy Old Newspapers from the Library

Purchase old newspapers from your library for the extraordinary uses of them. I stopped subscribing to the local paper several years ago as the price went up and the amount of content wasn't as good and the paper got smaller. It's an extra $104 (back then) a year I can use on other things. I can get the online edition free.

I paid under $2 for the big stack of newspapers I got at the library, therefore helping them out a little bit as well.

Source: Self induced frugality.

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Mo

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Turn Wind Chimes Into Ornaments

This is a tip for wind chimes that can't endure wind and don't have too much chime. Such as ones that are constructed of plastic, nylon string and thin aluminum tubes. The tubes are usually decorative and have 2 holes on one end. Find a 'piece' such as a bead, an old jewelry stone or an ornamental piece of that broken chime. The piece should have a thread space. Measure your string, thread, twine, cord, etc., as you would like your ornament (tube and piece) to hang. I triple mine.

1. Thread piece.
2. Knot to your preference.
3. Thread the 2 ends of string through the 2 tube holes.
4. Pull both ends of string through the inside of tube
5. Top off your ornament as you like. I use a paper clip sprayed with a cheap adhesive and dipped in glitter.

6. Finish off by securing string with a dab of hot glue.

By Cindy from Key West, FL

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Pineapple Turkey Centerpiece

Make a turkey head out of paper and affix to toothpicks. (if you want it more fancy, make it out of felt and stuff with batting)

Decorate it anyway you want, ribbons, googly eyes, a pilgrim hat, feather headdress, you choose.

Push toothpicks into bottom of pineapple

Tada! a turkey!

By Okwes from Wilmington, DE

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Use Coffee Grounds as Pin Cushion Filling

Here is yet another way to recycle up your used coffee grounds. Fill a pin cushion with them! Use cute scraps of fabric and simply sew together right sides together leaving a small space open. Turn, fill with coffee grounds (I use a sandwich bag as a funnel, just snip off a corner). Sew closed. Believe it or not the coffee grounds will keep your pins from rusting!

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Using Breakfast Leftovers For Making A Frugal Dinner

Such a Frugal Day!!

Hubby took me out for Breakfast with a 2 for 1 coupon, I had Ham and Eggs, Took home almost 1/2 lb of ham steak! OK what to do with this ham? On the way home I remembered I had a couple of bags of split peas (of course bought with a coupon). Cleaned those, set on a pot of water, cut up leftover baked potatoes and a few carrots, onions. Added the chopped up ham and a few hours later, SOUP! A neighbor stopped by and offered us a half loaf of fresh bread to trade for some soup, and we had fresh apples from our tree for dessert! Great frugal day!

By Terry from Goodsprings, NV

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Save Money By Baking Your Own Bread

One way to save quite a bit on food is to learn your way around baking yeast. You can find a whole pound of it for about $2.50 at little shops or places that sell in bulk and you use it a tablespoon at a time - it lasts for months in the refrigerator. There are plenty of sites on the internet that will walk you through the process of making bread.

I would recommend a mixer rather than a bread machine if you want to get electricity behind your muscles. The machines' dough hooks seem to make a hole and a crusty part in the bread that isn't useful for sandwiches and that you might find yourself throwing away. The bread machines also shed their teflon coating into the dough after you've used them awhile. Yuck.

The best advice I ever read about baking bread concerns how to know if your dough is kneaded well enough. If you stretch a piece of it and it holds together like a smooth sheet, it's ready to set aside to rise. Another trick of the trade is to let the dough rise three times before you shape it into loaves. The yeast will have thoroughly altered the flour, making it easy to digest and easing any worry that there is still live yeast in the bread.

I also have learned to bake as much bread as our family will eat in a day or two and freeze the rest of the completely risen dough. When I'm ready to bake it I let it thaw completely, then shape it, rest it and bake it.

The finished product will taste better than anything you can buy in the store, and will cost less than the most marked down loaf on the shelf.

By Linda in the kitchen from Weirton, WV

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Use Office Supplies for Doll Furniture

Some time ago there was a lady that wanted ideas for doll furniture. I find that most website ideas are for actual miniatures, not play-scale which means 11 1/2 inch fashion doll size.

Using office supplies, you can make some very fancy fashion doll furniture. Square pencil cases become end tables, especially the frosted glass kind. Letter holders or large pencil holders with multiple cubicles can be used for headboards to a Barbie bed. This works especially if they have a curved edge. Buy them when the stores are trying to change their inventory. Or if you frequent Wal-mart, you need to try every six months. Most of these stores will try to clear their inventories then.

Use glass candle holders for table pedestals with the mirrors or matching glass candle plates glued with epoxy resin or clear silicon glue. These don't break as easily I thought, but you might not want your little one playing with them. They can get heavy, but they are really good looking. Maybe you can use acrylic holders; I have seen them believe it or not.

Place mats make very sensible floor coverings.

Eye glass and contact lens cases make very durable suit cases. They snap shut, so you don't have to worry about attaching snaps unless you just want to make it look authentic. Just add a simple handle and go! Paint them with Krylon Spray paint if you don't like the color. I look for solid color cases so there isn't any bleeding of lighter colors up through the spray paint. Usually, I find a solid color that I like and don't change anything but adding a handle.

These items can be used for things other than dolll furniture and that is why I like these ideas.

Source: Doll Divas is a website that has some of the same bed and end table ideas that I have, but the suitcase made from eye glass and contact lens cases I found at the local Wal-mart optical store.

By Tim from Science Hill

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Remedies for Hives

Does anyone have a recipe or know how to make a skin cream (or anything else) that would help with hives? I have very sensitive skin and can't use most soaps, lotions, etc. that have any scents or dyes in them. I use hypoallergenic everything, including dish soap and laundry soap, and even then, I wear rubber gloves when I'm cleaning, but I still get hives and rashes. I've been putting a lot of cortisone cream on, but I know all that steroid can't be good for my skin. Does anyone know of a more natural solution?

Kim from WI

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Dog Wakes Up and Chases Her Butt

Can someone please tell me what makes my mini schnauzer jump up out of a dead sleep and chase her butt, as if something was sticking her? She has no worms, as I keep up to date on all shots, worming etc. The vet has her on an antibiotic for proctitis and her anal glands have been expressed twice within a 7 day period. This is driving the dog crazy. She spends a lot of time looking at her butt.

Kathy from Tarpon Springs, FL

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Woman's Day Magazine Wine Cork Christmas Tree

Does anyone have the pattern or directions to a Christmas tree made of wine corks? It was in Woman's Day, Dec. 5, 2006 issue.

Elizabeth

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Brown Bridesmaid's Dresses for March Wedding

Can you use brown as a bridesmaid dress in March? My wedding was originally planned for October has moved to March. I liked my colors so much, I kinda wanted to keep them. So the idea was to use a brown dress with a turquoise sash, but that doesn't seem very springy. I need advice!

Emily from Nashville, TN

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Pet Hair on Microfiber

My husband and I just bought a really nice sectional. I do not know if it is suede or micro fiber. It's pretty that's all I know. Anyway, my beagle keeps getting on the furniture when we are gone or at night when we sleep. I keep finding dog hair on it. Does anyone know how to deter a pet from getting on furniture? If not, what is a good way to get dog hair off other than the vacuum or lint roller? I would hate to kick the dog outside, but this is expensive furniture and she knows she is not supposed to be on it. Please help.

Elizabeth from Lebanon, MO

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Bananas Turning Brown in Banana Cream Pie

Does anybody have a trick to keep bananas from turning brown and watery in a banana cream pie?

Lynn from Guilderland, NY

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog? Could it be a Staffordshire or Pit Bull? Do staffs have red noses?

Ken from Ireland

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Evaporated Milk Has Brown Tint

I was given some evaporated milk and when opened it had a brown tinted color. I did thoroughly shake the can before opening. I looked at a web page about evaporated milk, and I could not see an answer. It was not passed the "use by" date on the can. It had a generic label but when I read on the back, it said Safeway Milk Company. Any ideas? Thanks!

Oneta

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Handheld Vacuum Reviews

What is the best hand held vacuum for thick carpeted steps?

Donna

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Putting Siding on a Building

My husband has built a studio in the back. He purchased some siding today and we need information on how to put the siding on the building. What else does he need besides the siding? How does he start?

Frances from Las Vegas, NV

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Redoing Fake Butcher Block Counters

My counter top is fake butcher block, I would like to redo it somehow. Any ideas that are cheap and easy to do? My kitchen is done with pale yellow walls and apple decor. Thanks.

Sandy from Mountain View, AR

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What is This Plant?

What is this plant? I found it in the woods by my house. Dose anyone have an idea?

Aliesha

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Craft Ideas for a Hairstylist

I am looking for craft ideas for my hairstylist for Christmas?

Rachel from Kearney, NE

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Keeping Someone from Buying an Item You Bought Them for Christmas

How do you tell someone not to buy something because you already bought it for them without them knowing that you bought it for them? This is for a Christmas present for my sister and I don't want her know what it is. It is a movie by the way in case you ask.

Dana from Omaha, NE

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Soaking Clothes in Vinegar

I heard that soaking new clothes in plain white vinegar helps the colors last longer. If you are familiar with this please tell me for how long should I soak the clothes?

Mary from Chicago

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"Fantasy" Themed Christmas Parade Float Ideas

Do you have any ideas about a fantasy float for our lighted Christmas parade?

Geneie from Corning, Ca

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Turkey Gravy Using Evaporated Milk

Does anyone know how to make turkey gravy with evaporated milk?

Linda from Akron, OH

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Recipes for "Canned" Cream Soups

I need a recipe for "canned" creamed soups. I have to eat gluten free and no MSG. Thanks.

Cookie from Splendora, TX

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Removing Drink Rings from Furniture

How do you get a cup ring off a table? The table is light oak and it has a coffee cup stain on it. How do you remove the cup ring?

Marlene from Elma, Washington

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Tiddliwinks Transportation Flecked Blanket

I'm desperately seeking a Tiddliwinks Transportation Flecked Blanket. It is my 18 month old son's security blanket. He will not take anything else as a substitute. I've searched high and low and everyone seems to be out of stock. Does anyone know where I can find one?

Jaimie from ND

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Unclogging a Sink With a Garbage Disposal

How do you unclog a sink that has an attached garbage disposal unit?

win11 from Tucson, AZ

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Suggestions for Games to Play With Adult Children

My three sons and 2 daughter in-laws will be here in the beginning of January. We found that the plane flights were twice as many frequent flier miles or money at Christmas. We will celebrate Christ's birth then. We usually also have "game" night and I am looking for something new to purchase and play with them. They are all in their 20's and 30's. Any suggestions for new games that would be fun to play with them would be appreciated.

Harriet from Lakewood, CA

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Fibers Coming from Linoleum Floor

I moved into a new apartment less than two years ago and have a problem with my linoleum floor. I am pick up very large amounts of fiber like material, it looks like dust but it is not. The dust mop will become full of this material in 7-10 days and I mean full. The amount is astounding and maintenance will provide no answers. It is very light, becomes airborne and gets on everything. I dust mop sometimes twice a day and it still keeps coming! Please help!

Jan from Minneapolis

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Homemade Heat Packs for Children

I would like to make a bean or rice heat pack, but I have a few questions. What fabric should you use? Are they safe for children? How long do you microwave them? I wanted to make them for my nephews for Christmas, who are both just under two years old. I worry about them chewing on them. I wanted to make a 2-D pattern of an animal. Any good suggestions on shapes or cut outs to use?

Kayc from Rochester, MI

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml