Daily Thrifty Tips - February 18, 2009

Do you have a request for the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit it here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

Here are the contest winners. There have been so many wonderful recipe submissions that we picked two winners this week and surely could have picked more.

Photo Contest Winner

Craft: Recycled Dog Food Bag Tote
By Patty from Turbotville, PA

Patty makes a durable shopping bag out of a dog food bag.

Pet Contest Winner

Bugsy (Boston Terrier)
By Miranda from Indianapolis, IN

Miranda shares a picture of Bugsy driving a car.

Tip Contest Winner

Tips for Job Hunting
By Shari from Greer, SC

Shari offers sound advice at a time when more and more people are out of work.

Make Your Own Storage Pantry for Buying in Bulk
By Cyinda

Cyinda's tip shows how you can turn a simple bookcase into more pantry space and have it match your kitchen's decor.

Recipe Contest Winner

Pulled Pork
By KJ from Gilcrest, CO

KJ shared a simple recipe for pulled pork and even included some tips for freezing the leftovers.

Hawaiian Black Bean & Rice
By Jenny S. from Springfield, OH

This recipe is delicious and great for a potluck.

Thank you to everyone that took time to share something.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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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

Skateboard Rail Grind

Getting the right angle, and composition in a picture isn't easy, but when my son was skateboarding with his friends, he took this shot, and I was blown away by how well it came out. For an amateur using a regular digital camera (Canon A450), he got all the components perfect.

By JD from New Smyrna Beach

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Gardening: Petunias

Petunias at our mail box, very pretty.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Gardening: Mini Greenhouse for a Head Start

This is over one of my 4x4 foot raised beds. I have garlic planted in it, I'm hoping this will give it a head start this coming year. The bulbs normally grow only about 1-2 inches in diameter, so we'll see if I get bigger ones this year.

By Melmarr from Michigan

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Jury (English Mastiff)

Jury is a 2 year and 2 month old pure bred English Mastiff. We got her from a breeder in Manitoba when she was 10 weeks old.

She likes to play with our 2 other mastiffs. She also likes to sleep with her tongue out. She is a trained therapy dog for Saint John ambulance

By Chandra from Greenwood, NS

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Craft Project: Paper Star Pin

Making a star pin with paper and thread, raffia, and buttons.

Approximate Time: 30-60 minutes

Supplies:

• brown paper from bag
• Buttons
• Raffia or ribbon
• Scraps of fabric
• Darning needle and crochet thread
• Shellac or glue
• Pin back
• Magnet (optional)

Instructions:

You will want to lay each layer on top of the other so your cut out can be done at the same time. This assures your shape sews together exactly the same. Cut out your shapes, and sew together with the needle and a single crochet thread, of a color that matches the other embellishments. This one is Americana colors, which are burgundy, tan, and navy.

With the needle and thread, just do a binding stitch around the edges, and glue the end near or just under the pin back or magnet.

Either put some thread through the buttons or leave them open, and glue them on. Glue on any other embellishments you want with the raffia. When dry, turn over and glue the pin back.

Now, you can also make these into magnets, but if you do, glue the magnet to the back first, as it needs to lay on a flat surface. Then, do the front, and then sew them together.

When done, put a last coat of shellac on the thread, too. Spraying will save time, but if you are only making one, I would go with the least mess and just brush on.

This star is just 2.5 inches from tip to tip, so it's perfect for a pin or magnet. You can make something bigger and make them into a mobile or wall hanging with some more raffia, thread, or ribbon.

N-JOY!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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• 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!

Use Newspaper Plastic Bags for Doggie Doo Bags

I live in an apartment and am required to clean up after my dog. It seemed like I was buying the doggie doo bags all the time. I had run out of the doggie bags, and was looking around for something else to take on our walk. The newspaper was on the rug at the front door and I decided to use the plastic bag it was wrapped in. Ever since then, I am paying $0.75 a week for the paper and the doggie bags.

By Susan from Portage, IN

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Reminders Sent with Free Greeting Cards

To remind myself for an upcoming event or task days, or even months in advance, I send myself a Free Greeting card from Yahoo. I schedule it to be sent the day before it happens, and forget about it. When I check my daily emails, it appears and reminds me the day before it's due.

By Amnesia from Hilo, Hawaii

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Keep Track of Your Seed Orders

When doing garden seed orders from catalogs, KEEP the catalog, cut out the section describing your seeds and affix it to an index card or piece of paper and file them to verify information during the growing season.

I keep a 3 ring binder, affix the info to a sheet of paper and slip into a clear page protector, then into the book. I can keep several years in the same binder. Sometimes you go back for the info to see what you did a couple years ago.

I have a friend who logs in the temp each day, what she plants when, what day they bloomed for the first time, the first frost, etc. She is a Master Gardener and finds this so important when making changes in the garden.

By Joyce from Benson, MN

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Counting Seasonal Birds

Some of us in the warmer climate are getting ready for the season for flowers and vegetables. This Month, the National Bird Society is taking notes with all bird species on counting each bird. So if you are a bird watcher or want to be one, go online and help out with counting the birds in your location, even in the northern section as well.

By Mark from CT

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Peg Board Bathroom Organizing

I have a small bathroom with not much room for storage. So I had my husband put a couple of strips of wood on the wall with pegboard over it. The strips of wood make the pegboard stick out from the wall to enable hooks to be used on the pegboard. Then I picked up some double end hooks and hung baskets up to hold items like make up, toothpaste, medications, etc. Paint the pegboard the same color as the walls.

By Cheryl from Brandon, Canada

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Use 2 Liter Bottles for Watering Your Garden

It is always so hot here in the summer and I like to have flowers and vegetables on my deck and in the yard, but can't afford the water bills to keep them watered between times of rain.

So I cut the end off the bottom of a 2-liter plastic bottle, turn the bottle up-side down so the neck (without the lid) is in the ground next to the plant. Pour water in the wide part of the open bottle and it will keep the plants moist through the day and I don't waste water from the hose.

I also put a stick through the holes into the dirt so the wind doesn't blow the bottle over. This works great. You can add your fertilizer to the water and water and feed plants at the same time. I have several in my garden.

I hope this idea helps others.

By Sharon from Van Buren, Arkansas

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Link: Energy Saving Bulbs and Lupus Patients

I felt this information is very important to pass along. With everyone switching to more efficiency types of light bulbs, this is one reason not to buy some.

To read this story:

Source: KSAX Channel 5 Television, Minneapolis, MN

• DOCTOR: Energy saving bulbs impacting Lupus patient

By Joyce from Benson MN

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Buy Savings Bonds for a Great Savings Rate

For a great savings rate, buy Series I Savings Bonds.

The Pros: You will earn over 5% interest, they are insured by the US Government and you can buy them for as little as $50. You only pay fed tax on the interest.

The Cons: You must hold for a year, and if you cash them in within 5 years you lose 3 months interest. The interest rate changes every May and November.

For more information visit:

• http://www.treasurydirect.gov/

By Jon from Reedsburg, WI

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Frugal Substitute Dishwashing Liquid

Use baking soda/vinegar to clean dishes. I have seen tips on using baking soda as a substitute for dish washing liquid or powder but they usually involved adding some other cleaning element as well, and I have seen the use of vinegar for many cleaning uses but I have not yet seen these two in combination.

I had dish powder left over still to use, but I had become frustrated with finding my dishes not clean and the rather expensive dish powder clumped in the receptacle. So, I thought I would give this a try. I loaded the dishwasher with my dishes, and used generic dollar store brand baking soda in the receptacle in the same amount as I would have dish powder and in the rinse receptacle I used plain white distilled vinegar.

My dishes came out sparkling clean, no spots, and no clumps of undissolved cleaner, or residue. No weird chemical smell on my dishes either. I will never go back to the chemical way again. The baking soda and vinegar combo works great. It is much better for my family and the environment as well and the fact that it costs a lot less is just the icing on the cake!

By Cheryl from Smithsburg, MD

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Indulge in a Snack Meal

My children have always enjoyed snacks and would gladly eat them for a meal if I would allow it. Occasionally I do indulge them in a snack lunch or dinner and they think they are really getting a BIG treat!.

I use a 6 cup muffin tin. I place different food items in each of the holes. This is a good way to use up small amounts of food that are not enough to actually feed one person. I often include sandwiches cut into quarters or eights or some exotic shape (star, circle, etc.), cubed cheese from the left over end of a block of cheese, grapes, cut up apples, mandarin oranges, mini-carrots and (maybe) dip, chips and salsa, cheez its, "trail mix" made up of the leftovers at the bottom of the bag (cereal mix or salty snacks combined). pretzels, lunch meat rolled up and skewered with pretzels, M and M snack mix (M and M's, raisins, pretzels, mini-marshmallows), popcorn and the like. You can tailor it to each child's individual preference and it also allows portion control (after all--you can only fit so many chips in the muffin tin!)

My kids think they have hit the jackpot, it allows me to use up small volumes of food that might otherwise go to waste and it is a fun, nutritious meal. My children are 17 and 10 and they still ask for a snack lunch from time to time. This is also a great treat for sleepovers!

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Painting Paneled Walls

We'd like to paint our daughter's bedroom that is walled with dark paneling. How do we fill in the gaps to result in a smooth finish?

Joanne from Lugoff, SC

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Recipes Using Wishbone Western Salad Dressing

Does anyone have the recipe for Wishbone Western Salad Dressing?

Bob from Wilmington, NC

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Game Ideas for Church Senior Group

I need ideas for fun games for our senior adult group at church. Paper and pencil games, bingo ideas and maybe some easy, physical games. Thanks.

Sue from Virginia

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Instructions for Round Knifty Knitter

I have lost the instructions for the round Knitter.

June

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Salts Effect on Paint Pigments

I am an artist. I need to know how salt causes the paint pigments to separate and cause a starburst effect?

Reen from Cherokee, NC

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Stacked Terra Cotta Pot Plant Stand

I am looking for instructions how to make an upright plant stand out of terra cotta pots. I have seen them at flea markets and craft shows in TX. I think they have a steel rod that goes through the hole in the bottom and the pots are kind of zig zagged. I don't know how else to explain it. I never examined one close enough to really see how it was held together. They were like 5 feet tall. Thank you!

Amanda from NC

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Changing Color in a Cross Stitch

I am working on this cross stitch pattern and I need to change the colors in the hand to that of an African-American Baby. I could really use your help.

Cheryl from Broken Arrow, OK

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Hitachi HB-B101 Bread Maker Recipe Book

I have the Hitachi HB-B101 bread maker and do not have the recipe book. I never received one. Is there a way I could get one? Thank you for your time.

Tanya from Medical Lake, WA

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Craft Ideas for Church Yard Sale

I need some cheap and easy to make craft ideas for our church yard sales. Can you help?

Sandy from Mtn. View, AR

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Advice for Choosing a Dog Breed

Three years ago our poodle passed on during a serious illness. We said we never wanted another pet although everyone said we should get one. Well, now we are ready for one. But we have no idea which breed to even look for.

We want to decide the breed before falling in love with the first pet we see, which we know is what would happen. We want a non-shedder, that isn't hyper, and that doesn't need a monthly hair-cut. But that is small, like maybe 12 lbs. We would love another poodle, we loved her so. But also have to pay attention to finances.

Also I've heard that certain breeds are susceptible to certain illnesses. Is there
any hope for a perfect pet for us? Part of me feels like I'm betraying our pet who passed. She was perfect. She didn't know she was a dog, we called her our baby. We aren't cat people so thats out. We just want a nice dog. Thanks for any advice.

Ariela from FL

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Recipes for a Sandwich Maker

I just bought a sandwich maker from a thrift shop (the one that seals the edges in triangles). It did not have an instruction booklet with recipes. I know a few basic sandwiches but was wondering if anyone has come up with some new ideas.

Rose from Malvern, PA

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Pattern for a Child's Poncho

I am looking for a child size poncho pattern (2-4). I have the adult lion brand pattern #40433 which I printed off their website, but was unable to find the children's size. I would appreciate any help, thanks.

Jan Marie from Madison, CT

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Selling a Doll Collection

I have close to 250+ dolls, some from late 1950's to 1980's. I have some Barbie's. When my grandmother passed away they were left to me. Some are marked and I have checked on my computer for some prices and the ones marked are priced good but lots are not marked. I'm wanting to sell all for one price. How do I do that?

Brooke from Springfield, MO

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Wireless Optical Computer Mouse Pen

Has anyone used the wireless ergonomic optical computer mouse pen? It is used just like a pen and it doesn't have to be used on a flat surface. You can use it on your leg or anywhere rounded. I would like to know if anyone has one and how they like it or dislike it.

Judy

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Removing Adhesive Residue on Microwave

How do I get adhesive residue off the front of my microwave without ruining the plastic? GooGone ruined my plastic front on my trash compactor.

Stephanie from Laguna Niguel, CA

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Recipes Using Stale Rolls

What can one do with older rolls that are getting hard yet not moldy? I would like to make something yummy, but will give them to the birds if I must.

Laura from Concord, NH

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Dog Jumping on People

I have two pit bulls, one is 8 months and the other is 4 months. I would just like to know how can I get them to stop jumping on people when they come over. I tried putting them in the other room and give them treats but nothing works. Please help

Sheila from Jersey City, NJ

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Cat is Peeing on the Bed

My cat pees on the sofa or the bed when he gets cross with my husband. How can I get him to stop?

Nancy from Ontario, Canada

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Make a Family Calendar

I'm working on making a family calendar for our huge family for Christmas. I would like to find one I can do for free and insert photos and dates.

Lou Ann

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Cleaning an Electric Iron

I have an ironing press that is stained on the top plate. How do I clean it? It is a Singer Magic Press 4.

Eve from Australia

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White Heat Marks on Wood Table

I tried to remove water marks from a wood table and ended up with the white impression of the iron. What do you suggest?

Connie from Washington, DC

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Removing Rust from Cast Iron Pan

Can you get rust off a cast iron pan and use it again?

Melinda from OKC

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Blue Rainbow Tea Ideas

I need some ideas for a navy blue table for a Rainbow Tea at church.

Nett from SC

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

What color walls should I have with black appliances and wood cabinets? My adjoining living room is a peachy color which I don't like too much.

Bianca from Colchester, CT

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Making Dry Bread Crumbs

How do I make bread crumbs if I don't have a blender or food processor? Please help. I have a bunch of stale bread to use up.

Sandra from Pennsylvania

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Cat Spray Odor Inside My House

A feral male cat entered my house and has sprayed everywhere. I tried to eliminate the odor with a pet odor removal product today and it did not help. This happened today and I can't see where he has sprayed.

Clare from Cameron, OK

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Washing Microfiber Cushion Covers

I have a microfiber sofa. I washed a cushion cover and now the cover barely fits and it's lumpy. Any tips?

Michele

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Make Your Own Air Fresheners

Does anyone know how to make homemade air fresheners with things you have around the house? Thanks. Jan from Atlanta, GA

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Color Stains out of Other Colored Clothes

I just washed all of my baby's clothes, two of which were gifts and some of these dresses are really expensive and beautiful ones. However, the color bled into all the others and they have turned bluish/reddish. Can anyone please suggest a way of getting them back to their original colors?

I did not have this problem before with her other colored clothes, just this lot (actually one of two blueish red outfits.) I am so upset, because some of these dresses she hasn't even worn. Please help.

Alison from UAE

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Saving Money on Babysitting

Tips and advice for Saving Money on Babysitting. Feel free to share you ideas for finding and hiring a babysitter as well.

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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

My Frugal Life: Freezing Meat

I was told about ThriftyFun by a friend of mine and have thanked her several times for sending me the connection to this site.

One way I have found to save money is to buy a pork roast and you or have your butcher cut it into individual pork chop sizes, I package them 2 to a bag in Ziplock freezer bags and get 6 to 7 meals out of 1 pork roast and you can prepare them any way you like. I also do the same thing when stores have the boneless skinless chicken breast or any other cut of chicken you like and put it into individual serving portions for your family and freeze it until you are ready to use. I used to think you needed to have a big freezer to store food in this way but it works fine in my refrigerator with my top mounted freezer.

I have been living the Frugal life for several years now due to the economy and inflation. With the cost of everything skyrocketing, it can make it very difficult to make ends meet and I try to recycle or reuse as much sustainably material as I can.

pattral from Houston, TX

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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