Daily Thrifty Tips - August 9, 2007

The week is flying by. There are some more recalls in today's newsletter, see the more reading section. Make sure to look at them to make sure you haven't purchased any of them lately.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Inexpensive Home Decor Idea

Here's a great inexpensive home decor or gift idea. It's a collage made from magazine pictures, brochures, Internet pictures, etc. Just glue the pictures onto an 8 1/2 x 11 inch piece of paper and frame in an inexpensive 11 x 14" poster frame purchased at the dollar store for $3. My daughter made some to decorate her bedroom. She also made these for her dad, grandpa, and uncles for Father's Day and tailored them to each one's jobs and/or hobbies. They were a huge hit. The possibilities are endless.

By Angela from Wilkesboro, NC

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Decoupaging Fridge Magnets

I buy packages of metal fridge magnet frames at the euro shop and decoupage them. I cut out matching pictures from magazines to put into the frames to make them fancier. These make wonderful little gifts. I have also sold these at Xmas and Easter bazaars.

By Lisa from Thessaloniki, Greece

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Marble the Cat

Marble is an 8 week old domestic house cat. I was there when Marble and his brother and sisters were born, I helped in his birth because he was stuck.

He loves to play with his brother and sisters

By Nicole from Chesterton, Indiana

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Pin Cushion Holder

Pin cushion holder that resembles an ol' fashioned Easter Hat.

Approximate Time 45 minutes

Supplies:

• tuna fish can
• 12x12 inch fabric
• 12x12 inch printed fabric
• craft flowers
• lace
• craft beads
• glue gun
• glue sticks
• stuffing
• ribbon

Instructions:

It looks like a old time Easter hat and then I glued on a hook on back if I wanted to hang it on the wall someday.

By Sally from West Seneca, NY

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String Pendants On Unusual Materials

Think out of the box and use unusual materials. I ran into some acrylic hair "hand braid" for 99 cents, and it's great for stringing my pendants! It's strong, trendy, the right width to string pendants, and a nice color, too! So now I have oodles of "cord" to string all those orphan pendants in my jewelry boxes. Just resurrected one!

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Save On Wedding Supplies With Craft Store Email Coupons

Sign up for your local craft store's weekly newsletter via email. Stores like AC Moore not only send you the newsletter but also send a weekly coupon. You can use these 40-50% off coupons to purchase your wedding supplies.

By Gina from Port Orange, FL

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Is The Coast Clear? - A Joke

The doorbell rings in the middle of the night, and the wife gets up to see who it is. She comes back to bed and the husband says, "Who was that?"

The wife says, "Oh, it was some woman." The husband is freaked out. He says, "Well, uh, what did she want?"

The wife says, "She wanted to know if the coast was clear!" The husband is really nervous now. He says, "Well, what did you tell her?"

The wife says, "I told her the coast is a hundred miles from here; how in the heck do I know if it's clear or not?"

By cubangirl from Seattle

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Repairing A Plastic Mattress Cover

How to repair a ripped, plastic mattress cover. Get some heavy duty mailing tape or duct tape to tape the rip together. No one can see the repair under the sheets and it's far more less costly than paying for a new one!

By Vickie from Canton, MI

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Add Tomato Soup To Chili

I worked in a nursing home kitchen and they always added a can of tomato soup to their chili, as the older people usually can't handle as much acid. Since then I always make mine that way as we don't like the acid either.

By Rose from Bloomer, WI

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Trap Fruit Flies In A Paper Funnel

Fruit flies were taking over the kitchen because of my wife and I love fruit. She hates them so I used a trick I learned in science class. Put a piece of fruit in the bottom of a glass. Then make a funnel with a piece of paper and put on top. Push down and tape to make seal. Overnight the flies will go in the funnel to eat and not get out. The fruit fly traffic will stop and you can release them outside. Works like a charm.

By George from Culver City

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Energy Saving Hard Boiled Eggs

When boiling eggs, I used to always put the eggs in a pot and bring the water to a boil and continue boiling the eggs for 15-20 minutes. I saw the following tip on the Food Network and decided to give it a try. Put the eggs in a pot and bring the water to a boil. As soon as the water begins to boil, put a lid on the pot, turn off the burner, and let the eggs sit there on the burner for 15 minutes. The eggs come out perfect every time. Using this method saves energy and doesn't heat up your kitchen.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Use Flat Sheets Over Comforter

With a king sized bed, washing bedding is a major task - and washing blankets and comforters sometimes necessitates a trip to a laundromat to use the high capacity machines.

Having two cats sleeping (and shedding) on the bed does not make this any easier. I have a duvet cover for my comforter, but even that takes up an entire load on its own, and in the summer we don't use the comforter at all.

I simplified my life, and reduced my laundry expenses, by buying a few flat sheets that coordinate with my bedding and decor. When I make the bed, I spread the flat sheet across the top of the bed (I usually turn it sideways so it hangs nicely - but each sheet varies a bit in dimensions). When I change my sheets, I just grab this sheet also - throw them all in the wash together - and then I have a hair free bed topper and less bulk in my laundry.

By Regina from Rochester, NY

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Uses for Old Phone Books

Here is advice for recycling old phone books in crafts posted by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.

Use Pages For Messy Jobs

By Grandma H

You could also use them for a booster seat (if the books are taped securely, making sure they won't move around.)

By Squirrley

Make A Christmas Tree

By Sharon, Ky

We make table trees out of them for holidays and center pieces. It is very time-consuming but fun for all ages. You take the top corner of each page and fold it down towards the center making a half triangle of each page top. Do this individually to each page of entire book. You can decorate by painting, glitter, or any way you like. I also like the way it stands all by itself.

By Crystelc

A long time ago my Mother used to turn down all of the pages half way and then spray paint the entire TREE and that was a door stop and Christmas tree for the holidays. Wish I had a picture for you. Good Luck.

By Sally

Paper Mache Material

By Monica

How about paper mache? Or shred the pages for compost or for pet bedding; could you then sell bags of it for a very small amount?

By Attilathehen

Thrifty Ideas

If you want to save paper towels you uses for pan fried bacon, try putting a thickness of yellow pages on the platter under only one paper towel. You get the same effect as you do with several paper towels!

By melody_yesterday

Make A Step For Exercising

By hsorbits

Flower Press

By Jan

Transparency Dryer

By Allison

Homemade Footstool

By KimiSunshine

Child's Booster Seat

By Catherine D

Leave The Old One In The Car

By Carol

Parrot Chew Top

The chain link can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes for about a $1 if you or your friends don't have any at home after the parrots have chewed their way through wooden block toys.

By MaryAnn

Planter Stands

By M'ladys

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Proportions For Sugar Free Cinnamon Sugar

Does anyone know the proportions to mix your own sugar-free cinnamon sugar, using a sweetener like Splenda and cinnamon? Thanks.

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Removing Nailpolish From Suede Couch

My two year old spilled a whole bottle of purple-ish fingernail polish on my new suede couch. The tag on the couch says to use water based cleaners to clean it. The couch is a blue/gray color. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! PLEASE HELP!

Ashley from Arkansas

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Smoothing Out Chalkboard Paint

I AM DESPERATE FOR HELP!! I am trying to make chalkboards. They are 2'X2' so I want to paint them with a roller. I am now on my 3rd can of paint and no chalkboard.

Does anyone know if you can get a nice smooth finish with chalkboard paint? After trying to make them on Masonite, I was fortunate to find chalkboard material in 2'X4' pieces. Problem is that they are green and I need black. So, the man at the paint store told me I could just paint them black with the chalkboard paint. Great idea, so I thought. Unfortunately, I still have the same problem. I can't get a nice smooth finish. They look kind of like they are textured.

The man at the paint store said it is orange peel. I have gotten so many tips about what to do - make sure surface is smooth and clean, use the right size roller, don't shake the paint, stir it enough, don't press down on the roller, don't paint if it's too hot
etc. So, I incorporated all the tips, but to no avail. I have tried different kinds of paint and bought expensive rollers (1/4" nap for ultra smooth finish) and foam rollers. I want to make several of these, but it is getting very expensive so I really need to find out what to do. I won't use spray paint without a paint booth so that is out. I'm not good with a brush because I get too many lines. I really want to use the roller. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'll appreciate any help at all.

I'm ready to cry, but I'M DETERMINED NOT TO GIVE UP!
Thanks in advance for ANY help you can give me.


Ann from Elmira, NY

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Reselling Glass Bowls Leftover From Wedding

My daughter just got married, and for the reception (250+) we used short glass bowls (8 - 12" wide) with green stones and floating flowers and candles for decorations. Guess where the glass bowls are? IN MY LIVING ROOM. Any ideas on how to resell these glass bowls, and the green stones? Thanks for any and all ideas, Kim the MOB (Mother of the Bride).

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Is Febreze Safe On Microfiber?

I just need to know if it is safe to use Febreze on Microfiber. I would appreciate any answers.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness, and Senseless Acts of Beauty

Barbra from Kentucky

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Shaved Pom's Coat Isn't Growing Back Well

When I adopted my two poms in June, I had to have them shaved completely because they were terribly matted and there was no way around it. My female is starting to get her wonderful coat again, but the male is just getting hair on his back - but his legs and part of his rump have hair. Is this the way it sometimes grows back. Can someone help me ease my mind? I am terribly worried that my "Rusty" will not have all his lovely coat as before. Thanks,

Kathy from VA

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Getting Kids To Help With Chores

I have 4 daughters, 11, 7, and twins that are 5. I am ashamed to say they have been quite "spoiled" when it comes to helping out with chores around the house up until now. I am a stay-at-home-mom and I have found it's easier to just do things myself, but I am finding it harder and harder to keep up with the cleaning! I was hoping I could find some ideas on how I can make up a "chore list" or something similar that will help in getting my girls to participate in the upkeep of our house. What has worked for you or what hasn't worked? Any feedback is much appreciated!

Thank you!

Stephanie from Ft. Worth, Texas

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Student Loan Options Other Than Federal Financial Aid

I am a sophomore in college. Due to unforeseen circumstances I was forced to drop out of school three times. The result is that my student loans are at the maximum allowed. Does anyone know of a student loan that is easy to be approved for college students, sort of like the federal loans where you get approved if you are in school. I will need financial assistance for two more semesters. My credit is not good.

Pam from GA

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Easy Pillow Shams

I'm looking for directions for easy to make pillow shams.

Judy from Inman, SC

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Restoring Wood Cabinets Without Refinishing

What can I use on my oak cabinets to freshen them up? I do not want to refinish or paint them but need something more than Pledge. Thanks!

Mindy

Editor's Note: Here are some links to a wood cabinet cleaner and polish recipe.

• Wood Cabinet Cleaner
• Wood Cabinet Polish

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Need Instruction Manual For Camera Binoculars

I was given a pair of those Binoculars that take pictures but I did not get the detailed instruction manual. For the life of me, I can not figure out how to use them. I have gone on to the web site to see if I could get one there but no luck. Do you have any idea of how I might get one of the instruction manuals? Would sure appreciate any help you could give me.

Motherof5 from Wisconsin

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Wizard of Oz Table Decorations

I need to decorate a large training room for 50 people around the theme of the Wizard of Oz. I have thought about making large sunflowers from construction paper and a scarecrow too. I can't find any paper patterns for any of the other characters, so if you know where I can those, that would be great. I also need to decorate 10 tables for the trainees.

Any ideas, suggestions, etc. you have would be appreciated.

threegetts from Albuquerque,NM

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Bending Silverware for Crafts

How do I bend silverware for drawer pulls and/or how do I find answers for last November's post on this subject?

Jane from Ridgeway, SC

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No Moths Without Using Mothballs

I'm going to put a dresser up in the attic to store clothes and I'm just wondering if anyone has ideas/tips on how to keep the moths away without using moth balls because I heard they do damage to clothing plus the smell is so overpowering and hard to get out of the clothing. Thanks for any advice you might have :)

Jenny from Wisconsin

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Removing Paint from Nylon

How do I get paint out of my nylon jacket?

Pepper from England

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Fels Naptha Alternative Or Equivalent

I need a translation from American to a European version, What is fels naphta soap and can you use soap in a front loading washing machine? I always thought you have to use low suds detergent otherwise you do damage to your washing machine. Can anyone enlighten me, please?

Cettina from Malta

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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

Folding Chairs and Riding Stirrups Recalled

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2007
Release #07-264

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 550-1110
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Stübben Steeltec Horseback Riding Stirrups Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Stübben Steeltec SEQ Stirrups

Units: About 500

Importer: Stübben North America, Inc., of Troy, Va.

Hazard: The stirrup's hinges can break, posing a fall hazard to riders.

Incidents/Injuries: Stübben has received two reports of the stirrups breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled stirrups are attached by straps to a saddle and are used by horseback riders to help them mount a horse or for support while riding. They are made of stainless steel and have a hinge on each side. "Stübben STEELtec" is printed on the stirrups. They were sold in three sizes: 4 1/2", 4 3/4", and 5".

Sold at: Stübben authorized dealers nationwide from August 2006 through May 2007 for about $100 per pair.

Manufactured in: Pakistan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the stirrups immediately and return them to Stübben to receive a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Stübben North America, Inc. at (800) 550-1110 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit www.stubbennorthamerica.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07264.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2007
Release #07-265

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 967-5362
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Metal Folding Chairs Sold at Cost Plus World Market Stores Recalled Due to Collapse and Fall Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Bistro Chairs

Units: About 24,500

Distributor: Cost Plus Inc., of Oakland, Calif.

Hazard: The chairs can collapse due to faulty rivets, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Cost Plus is aware of seven incidents in which the chairs collapsed, including one report of a minor injury.

Description: The metal painted folding chairs were sold in four colors, red, blue, white and green. SKU numbers 390225, 390228, 390229 and 390230 are printed on the sales receipt.

Sold at: Cost Plus World Market stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2007 for about $50.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled chairs immediately and return them to any Cost Plus World Market store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cost Plus Inc. toll-free at (877) 967-5362 between 7 a.m. and 12 midnight ET any day, or visit the firm's Web site at www.worldmarket.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07265.html

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Cloud's Food Service Inc., Recalls Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

CFS Operating Ltd. DBA/Cloud's Food Service Inc., Recalls Sandwiches Because of Possible Health Risk

Contact: David Floyd (903) 758-7011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Longview, TX - August 7, 2007, CFS Operating Ltd. of Longview, Texas is recalling 4219 units of Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwiches and Egg Salad Sandwiches because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

These sandwiches are labeled with "Cloud's Tuna Salad" and "Cloud's Egg Salad" located on the product label. The product was packaged in flexible plastic film and plastic wedges. Recalled products are as follows:

• Cloud's Tuna Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 62607-72507
• Cloud's Egg Salad Sandwich on White Bread, 5 oz., date code 41907-72507

All sandwiches were sold in convenience stores in East Texas, West Louisiana and Southwest Arkansas.

There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recalled product. The problem was discovered through FDA sampling during an inspection. CFS Operating Ltd. is working with the FDA to ensure that the problem has been resolved.

Consumers who have purchased Cloud's Tuna Salad and Cloud's Egg Salad sandwiches are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact David Floyd at (903) 758-7011.

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