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Hello and Happy Monday
We had a very busy weekend at ThriftyFun. I know we say this a lot, but once again, this is the busiest weekend ever. We have lots of new requests, new tips and feedback to feature. It's really only a small sampling of how much was posted.
Good news on the server front, it has been shipped earlier than expected so we should be able to get get it installed this month instead of early next month. We are pretty excited to get it in place.
Over the weekend we publish a TF News about Garage Sales and opened up a new topic site as well. You can read this weeks TF News at:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf903735.tip.html
The new topic site can be found here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/garagesales/index.html?mode=clear
We also set up two new Brainstorms looking for buying and selling tips for garage sales. You can find those in the New Requests section.
Thanks for reading!
Susan
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Today's Tips
Make Napkins Out of an Old Tablecloth
Do you have a tablecloth that is either stained, has a worn spot or a torn spot on it? Well, make several napkins out of it. Just stitch the 4 sides over. OR make a smaller tablecloth out of the larger one. Waste not, want not. By joesgirl
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Use all materials from sheets to clothes to recycle into smaller items. Buttons and zippers can be reused. When they are worn out, use the fabric for cleaning rags. By Bev Sobkowich
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Quick and Simple Fresh Tomato Salsa
If you have an abundance of tomatoes from your garden as I do right now, here is a quick simple fresh tomato salsa. There are no precise measurements of ingredients here.
IWash the tomatoes, core them, cut into chunks and chop them in your blender or food processor. This only takes a few seconds. Pour into a bowl. Cut half an onion into chunks and chop them also in your blender or food processor. I would use half an onion to 3 or 4 tomatoes as a rule of thumb. Just use your judgement. Add a teaspoon or so of dried basil and about the same amount of dried or fresh parsley (optional) Add a squirt of lemon juice, and if you like a little zing you can add a few chopped jalapeno peppers. Salt to taste. Add a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Stir, cover and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.
IBy Harlean from Arkansas
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Fabric Softener Sheet for Softer Feet
Want to soften the soles of your feet? Soak your feet in some warm water, then rub them with a Bounce fabric softener sheet for awhile. The sheet acts as a slougher and a moisturizer.
By Lisa Trudeau
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If you want to know if an egg is still fresh, put it in a bowl of salt water. If the egg floats or sits with the big end up, the egg is no good.
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Everyone probably knows that it is helpful to put a shopping list on fridge so that you can make note of what you have run out of. Another good idea is to put a list on the inside of your cupboard or panty where you store dry goods. This is especially helpful if you pantry is not near you fridge (ours is in our garage). You can also put one in the bathroom somewhere to note when beauty and personal items are needed. This way, items are less likely to be left off the shopping list when someone forgets to put it on the list on the fridge.
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One woman's trash is another woman's treasure!
Council Clean Up in our area is fantastic for the thrifty at heart. My best friend and I travel around collecting furniture, books, pots and even the occasional antique. We then take them home make any needed repairs whilst drinking coffee and catching up. Not only do we get a whole lot of new bits and bobs, but we get to spend the day together gossiping! If your lucky you'll pick up a few antiques that have great resale value - only last week we found a teapot worth over $250! A great bonus. By Carrie Deane
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Organizing Electrical Cords on Small Appliances
If you're tired of all those electrical cords hanging from your iron, beaters, hair driers, etc., one good way to keep them from being in the way is to get the cardboard roll, after you've used the paper, and store the cord in the roll. It will stay put and be handy when you need to use it. By Joan Edney
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Keep Film Cannisters Handy For Seeds
I save all of my empty 35 mm film containers, and use them to save my seeds I pick from flowers in fall. I put a slip of paper in with the seeds and the date I picked them . They store nicely is a tupperware box.
By rosa
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To get your hair the shinest it's ever been and to get it to feel GREAT, it is very good to put mayo on your hair and let it set for 10 to 15 minutes. BUT, you MUST completely rinse it ALL out! If you don't your hair will be more greasy than John Travolta's in 'Grease' and It will smell like my grandma's potato salad! So be careful and I hope my tip will help! By Jenny
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What I do is go to the local beauty school. It's a great affordable way to get pedicures, manicures, and facials. Only the most experienced students are allowed to service the public and the price is great!
By Debra
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Feedback: Brand Names Vs. Your Budget
Outlet stores are a great place to get some really good bargains. I have bought the same items in the recent catalogs for over half of the price! Or even stores like Gabriel Bros. You can get good name brand stuff for really cheap.
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Feedback: Helping Daughter With Debt
I believe in the tough love approach. I have seen so many people that bail out family members which does more harm than good in the long run. They get to expect that when they have a problem someone will bail them out! They spend wildly while you save your money, only to bail them out. I don't think this is healthy.
I personally would not refinance my home to bail out a person that has been irresponsible in running up big time debt. There is a lesson that can be learned. What if you refinance your home and she does not pay you? Just something to think about.
If there has been serious medical problems, unexpected loss of job, etc. which cannot be controlled, then maybe I would offer some assistance. It is a case by case situation.
I would try to assist her in getting debt counseling and have a plan, and not use any credit cards while trying to get out of debt. Don't just have her pay the stated monthly payment, pay much more. Sometimes a part-time job could speed up repayment.
Perhaps the credit card company can work with you, though I doubt it.
By Syd
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Here's a use for unmated socks. Make shoe fresheners. Fill the sock with kitty litter (make to absorb odor & wetness), sew or rubberband the top, and place into shoe. Shoes should be fresher and drier in a few hours.
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Feedback: Money Saving Milk Ideas
Here's another way to save money. I make my own evaporated milk and condensed sweetened milk from powdered, it's much cheaper then buying the canned stuff.
Evaporated Milk
1/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk powder
6 tablespoons water
1. Mix well.
2. Equivalent of 1/3 cup canned, evaporated milk.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Ingredients:
1 C. nonfat dry milk
2/3 C. sugar (granulated)
1/3 C. boiling water
3 Tbsp. softened butter
Preparation Instructions:
Combine dry milk, sugar, water and butter in blender until smooth. Refrigerate until chilled and slightly thick. I use my hand blender for this recipe it's much easier.
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If you suddenly lost the back post to an earring, cut a piece of eraser from a pencil or bar and use it as if it were the back post. This will hold all day long.
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Feedback: Saving Money on Hand Soap
I discovered a foaming soap dispenser at Wal-mart for slightly less than two dollars. It is Dial brand Complete Antibacterial Foaming Hand Wash in the 7.5 ounce dispenser.
On the back of the package it says "refill only with Dial Complete Refill. Other liquid hand soap refills will not work or foam." However, I found this to be untrue as long as you dilute your brand of liquid soap with water.
The pink liquid inside the bottle appears to be diluted liquid soap, and when I used that all up, I diluted any brand of liquid soap with water, added it to the bottle, and it works just like the original Dial soap did.
Since the bottle is clear, I didn't like how my mix looked from the outside since it kind of separates, so I took some Krylon Fusion spray paint for plastic that I already had, and sprayed the bottom part of the bottle where the top meets the foaming mechanism. Now I can't see through the bottle, and it matches my kitchen and bathroom decor!
By Tori
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Today's Recipe: Microwave Caramel Corn
By Joyce Moseley Pierce
Part of the hesitation in making caramel corn is the sticky, gooey mess that remains once you've finished making it. You almost need a blow torch to remove the hardened sugary stuff from your pans.
Help is on the way! This recipe can be made in your microwave, and when you're finished, you can just throw the paper sack away.
This doesn't mean that it doesn't take a little preparation time, but at least you can relax and enjoy the finished product without having to worry about a lot of cleanup.
Next time you go to the grocery store, ask for your groceries in paper bags. You'll need one bag per batch.
Here's what you'll need:
- 3-4 quarts popped corn
- 1 stick of butter (no substitutes!)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup Karo Syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda - add last
Pop the corn and discard the unpopped kernels. Put the popped corn in the paper sack. While the corn is popping, put the butter, sugar, salt and syrup in a glass bowl and bring it to a boil in your microwave. Stir after one minute, and let it boil for an additional minute. Add one tsp of baking soda and stir well, until thickened. It will turn light in color and look like taffy. Pour this mixture over the popped corn in the paper bag and shake well. Put the paper bag back in the microwave and cook an additional 1-1/2 minutes (90 seconds). Remove and shake well again. Return to the microwave and cook another 1-1/2 minutes. Shake again. Open the bag and let it cool. You can even tear the bag down the side and speed up the process.
Plan to make more than one batch because you'll want to eat the first one! Great for Christmas or birthday gifts. I gave this as a Christmas gift to my co-workers one year and the next year they started hinting for it again in September.
Once completely cooled, break up the chunks, put it in a plastic holiday bag and tie with a festive ribbon. If you eat a lot of ice cream the containers with lids make a great receptacle for packing the caramel corn. Save your ice cream containers throughout the year, wash them out, line with plastic wrap and stick a bow on the top. Include the recipe and directions unless you want to tell them it's an old family secret, but let me warn you that if you don't share the recipe, they will come back next year begging for more.
About The Author: Copyright 2002 Joyce Moseley Pierce (piercejam@sbcglobal.net) Joyce is a freelance writer and owner of Emerson Publications. She is the creator of "All They'll Need to Know," a workbook to help families record personal and financial information. http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/843554/index.htm She is also the editor of The Family First Newsletter, an ezine for families with young children. To subscribe: http://www.emersonpublications.com/pages/848640/index.htm
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Brainstorm: Selling at Garage Sales
Tips from our readers for throwing a garage sale. Post your ideas!
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Brainstorm: Shopping at Garage Sales
Tips from our readers about shopping at garage sales. Post your ideas!
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Removing Lime Deposits from Steam Iron
I'm looking for a method to clean lime deposits from inside a steam iron. Thanks, 4sam
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Yellow Stains on My Vinyl Floor
Hi, I need some help. We moved into a new home a few months back and have yellow stains on the vinyl floor in the bathroom. The stains are under where the rugs lie. Please suggest something that will remove the stain. Thanks. Neela from Milwaukee
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A while back in your column, I saw some homemade remedies for taking care of ants. We get a lot of them in S. CA due to lack of water. Can I get a recap of these suggestions? Thank you. Rosalie from CA
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Removing Nicotine Stains From 30 Year Old Wallpaper and Linoleum
I have a problem. I have just moved in with my soon-to-be mother-in-law. She is a chain smoker. She has the same wallpaper and linoleum she had 30 yrs ago when the house was built. I would like to remove the nicotine as a favor. Any suggestions? - sittinritehere
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I'm raising several grandkids. Does anyone have any Frugal and cheap ideas on making own halloween costumes for children? Thanks. Sharyl
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Lawnmower Woes: Starter Cord Won't Pull
I purchased a new lawn mower the end of July this year. I've mowed my lawn approximately 6 times. I went out today to mow. I pulled the mower out of the shed and attempted to start it but the starter cord won't pull and the engine seems to be frozen. Any help would be appreciated. Laura
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Hi all. I got the average head cold a few days ago, but now it's turned into an all out sinus infection. I need something to help until I can get a doctor's appointment. None of the over the counter meds are helping. I have so much sinus pressure my face feels as if it might explode. Does anyone know how to help relieve sinus pressure and nasal congestion. Brooks, Miserable in NC
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Preventing and Cleaning Toilet Rings
I recently moved to the South and now have these NASTY water line rings in our toilet bowls. I've tried EVERYTHING to remove them (from Comet to Coke to Toothpaste to elbow grease- not to mention most every commercial cleaner out there). We were recently preparing for Hurricane Charley and I filled a bathtub with water "just in case" went to drain it, later - and guess what - another water ring. Does anyone have any miracle cures? My bathrooms have never been so clean and still look dirty! Someone suggested plumber's pumice but I've been unable to purchase it - I tried Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart and even a swimming pool place. I'd love your help. Thanks and Have a great day! LovinLadyd
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Excited Dog Peeing in the House
Hi all, Please let my start off by saying that this a really great board and I value you all for your opinions greatly. I have a 6 month old female shih Tzu, who is a really great dog except for one small thing when she gets overly excited she pees on herself (vets says she is as healthy as a horse). Take tonight for example, hubby walked as usual, where she peed twice and did poo-poo once, she came upstairs and started running around with the cat and before you we knew it she peed on the sofa, all within a space of a 20 minute time period once she came upstairs, do you guys have a reason as to why she might be doing this and any suggestions on how to stop it? TIA
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I would like to know how to make soy candles in jelly jars. Linda from Mi
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We are the happy owners of a lovely female Fox Terrier Dog which we got from a dear friend who passed away suddenly. 'Penny" is 3 yrs. old. I was checking her teeth and noticed that they could use a cleaning. Has anyone ever done this themselves, or do you have to have a Vet do it by putting the dog to sleep? I heard it is quite costly at the Vet do it. We give her hard dog biscuits to chew on for tartar removal, but it is not doing the job. Thanks for any help readers may be able to give me. Rosalie from San Diego
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Fixing a Fluorescent Ceiling Light
Not knowing one thing about electricity and wiring, I have run into a problem. I have a fluorescent light ceiling fixture that both tubes have gone bad at the same time, or there is some other problem that I know nothing about. I have checked my circuit breakers and that's not the problem. Can someone help.
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Getting Bleach out of Colored Clothes
It is me again, this time I got bleach on my nice light blue and white stripe shirt. Do you know how to get it out. I was trying to fix a shirt that I messed up when it happened. Thanks. Meredith from Louisiana
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My Dirty, Old, Pitted Tub! Keeping it Clean
I have a very old, pitted porcelain bath tub that I can't afford to refinish or replace. It collects a lot dirt in the pits and I cannot get it clean. it no longer shines at all! It isn't stained, just has hard to remove dirt. I have done the bleach thing, Comet, various cleaners, even some from the janitorial supply house, throughout the years but nothing seems to work (scrubbing bubbles is the best) I have tendonitis in my arm and cannot scrub for long periods of time. If I do get it clean is there an economical finish or wax that I can use on it so it stays cleaner longer? Thank You!!! Sas-E-Sheri
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Need Fast Working and Child-Safe Dog Deterrent
I need some help fast...my dog has decided that he needs to potty in the area of the yard that all my play equipment for my daycare children is in. He always went to the far side of the yard until winter, didn't want to get as wet, so, he hurried and found a closer spot. Does anyone know of anything that will get him back to his old spot? I don't think Cayenne Pepper is a very good idea in a children's play area..it needs to be child friendly but not doggie encouraging deterrent Thanks!! Sas-E-Sheri
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Crocheting with Thrifty Store Finds
I am an empty nester who loves to shop at thrift stores. I have came across big bags of t-shirts, really cheap. I also have come across many afghans. With the crochet craze I thought it would be nice if i could combine the two. Some of the t-shirts have stains and some do not. Do you have any suggestions on how I can decorate them using thrift store finds? I bought some potholders and I am going to take a nice short sleeve sweater that I bought from Wal-mart about 5-6 years ago and put two of them on like they are pockets. I think it would good with the open weave look. But do you have any sugestions for combining the crochet material with the t-shirts? i would hate to waste them. Carol
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My husband has recently trimmed off 40lbs on this low-carb thing. Since it was the very first time he expressed interest in getting rid of his Buddah belly, I was really excited to support him by preparing low carb meals for the whole family, even though I did not initially believe in the diet. Well, passing trend or not, we are all thinner, eat way less sugars and have become much more active! However, this enterprise is much more costly than our previous diet. I do not buy much of the overpriced commercial low carb stuff so I need cheap Low carb meal ideas (including bread and other baked goods recipes, protein alternatives, snacks, etc). Matinga from Michigan
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Cleaning a Stain Off a Mattress
I am in need of some help. My cat became very ill and vomited on my bed numerous times. By the time that the discovery was made it already made it into the mattress. I have been pricing mattresses and it seems like it would be more beneficial at this time to attempt to clean the mattress. Does anyone know a good way to clean and sanitize a mattress? I have been sleeping on the couch! Thank you, Tina from Arizona
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We acquired an organ at an estate sale. It has been very well kept, but about a 40 yrs old Wurleitzer. Does anyone have an easy way to learn to play the organ without spending a small fortune on books or private lessons? Trina from Washington
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More Reading
School Lunches the Frugal Way!
By Cyndi Roberts
It seems that school starts earlier every year. So it's time to start thinking about what to put in those school lunches every morning.
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Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted
By Alyice Edrich
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really is much like a resort. We don't have to maintain the lawn, handle any maintenance problems, or deal with unruly neighbors. We can use the pool without having to clean and maintain it, we can work out in a gym without the added monthly expense, we can play pool without going to a bar, and we can enjoy many sports such as racquetball, tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
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Let's Get Packing!
By Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
Okay! By now everyone should have all of their moving supplies ready and their packing schedule done. (Yeah, right!) During all this packing there are a few other things that need to be taken care of. Most of these are common sense, but there are actually quite a few I ran across that I hadn't thought of before. Below, I have another schedule of sorts (I'm really getting into this planning thing!) I have listed a time frame in which to do things, but of course you can change it around to fit your needs.
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Caring for Quilts
By Joyce Moseley Pierce
For many years my mother worked in sales and lived out of a suitcase as she traveled the country, but that didn't stop her from doing some of the most beautiful needlepoint and cross-stitch work I've ever seen. When she retired, she quickly filled up the walls of her home and kept the local frame shop in business. After she had given favorites to her children and filled every white space in her home, she decided to start making quilts, but instead of just sewing the pieces of fabric together, she cross-stitched or needlepointed squares that would be sewn together by the town's quilting expert.
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Back to school, or back to the poor house?
By Tawra Kellam
Back to school is a time when many moms witness their money sprout wings and take flight, finding their homes at retail stores across America. I know that consumer spending is good for the economy, but I don't take it upon myself to keep the entire US economy propped up, so when my first-grade son announced that he wanted a backpack with rollers, I saw this as a wonderful financial teaching moment. His school is small, and he doesn't walk to or from school. He didn't need rollers.
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Thanks
Susan
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