Daily Thrifty Tips - September 24, 2008

I hope everyone is having a nice week. Do you have any photo tips to share with ThriftyFun community? Feel free to upload them (along with a tip) here:

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

Every week we give out a $25 prizes for the best photos and tips we receive.

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.

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

Preschooler Activity Tub

Do you have a toddler or pre-schooler who likes to participate in small activities during the day? Organize them!

My toddler tends to get into the play dough and leave it out, or he finds crayons and colors on things he shouldn't. Now, I have all those items organized in a tub I keep on the fridge. That way he can't get into them, but they are ready to go when he asks for them.

When he wants to color or otherwise create, I simply pull down the tub of supplies! Mine has crayons, bubbles, play dough, chalk, a small chalkboard, a puzzle, and cookie cutters.

By Ci Ci from Yakima, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39492550.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Nesting Containers For More Storage Space

If you are like me and have limited space AND keep plastic containers, I found a great solution. Keeping in mind the Nesting Dolls, I found that with a little planning, I can keep smaller ones inside bigger ones inside bigger ones!

This is a spice container (upside down so you can see the lid), inside a peanut butter jar inside a mayo jar. As long as the smaller one goes through the other loose enough to get out easily, then you are good to go!

I do the same thing with plastic containers to save room, too. Little rubbermaid inside larger tupperware inside larger sterilite and so on.

Hope this helps!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78210526.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Chloe (Tortie Cat)

Chloe is a year old and a Tortie cat. I rescued Chloe after a friend found her dumped out. I got her back in May, 2008. Chloe loves the outdoors, but also loves to get mommy loving. Probably her favorite thing though is to eat. Cat food and people food.

This picture of Chloe is in my step son's booster seat when he was not with us one night. She just made herself comfy as she always does. I often find her in his bedroom sleeping on his bed when he is not with us too. She is such a wonderful kitty and I love her sooooo much.

By Julie from Liberty, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65663995.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• 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!

Tackle Box or Divided Plastic Craft Box for Earrings

I was always having trouble finding matching earrings when I had them in a jewelry box. Now I organize my earrings by color in the divided plastic craft/tackle box storage boxes. It makes finding the right earrings to go with a particular outfit a snap! I use smaller divided plastic boxes for tiny earrings. I find I use more of my earrings and waste a lot less time!

By Carol from Iowa

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35392199.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Make a Sit-Up-On

Do you like to go camping but hate sitting on the cold wet ground? How about making a gift for the teachers at an elementary school? Take some old news papers, an old shower curtain, and yarn/ribbon and make a sit-up-on. Cut the curtain into strips that are 18 inches by 30/36 inches. Place folded newspapers (maybe an inch thick) on the curtain and fold the curtain over. Holes in the curtain along the edges and feed the yarn through to close the curtain up.

Source: Old girl scout project.

Editor's Note: Here's a good link with pictures:

• http://www.momsminivan.com/extras/situpon.html

By Mary G from Durham, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91976282.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use Online Services To Avoid Using Phone Minutes

To save cell phone minutes, do as much online as you can. You can pay bills, contact companies, and email.

By Bethany from SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88709256.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Using Clorox Clean-Up Spray

I am always in a rush to get out the door for work and worry about not cleaning my bathrooms regularly. Never fear. I've found an answer. I use Clorox Clean-Up. I spray the sinks, shower and commode before I leave out and when I get home home they are sparkling white. I love this stuff!

By Karen from Clemmons, N.C.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26037197.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Donate School Clothes to the Schools

With school starting I wondered if there were children in need of clothing, especially middle and high school age. A lot of kids this age would be too proud to ask for help, and embarrassed not to have new clothes. Guidance counselors at schools usually would know of those in need. Call ahead to check to donate good clean clothing. If the school doesn't mind helping distribute to those in need, the kids can pick out their sizes and keep their dignity.

By Peggy from Cortland, OH

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73169887.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Thrift Shops, Yard Sales, etc. for Christmas Gifts

With everyday life getting more expensive my family had decided to have a little more fun with Christmas other than just drawing names, spending a set amount on a gift and getting that person what they had asked for. We got really creative and decided that we could only spend $5 on a gift for the person we had drawn. We had so much fun! You really have to get creative. Shop at yard sales, thrift stores, anywhere you can think of. I drew my sisters name and she collects Ziggy. I found her some unique Ziggy figurines at a antique mall for $3.00 and then I came across a southwestern picture for her living room at a yard sale for $2.00. Both were in awesome condition and she really loved them.

By Greatgodiva from Anderson, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49464745.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use Drawer Liner For Gripping Eye Pencil Sharpener

This tip will come in handy for those who still use eye liner pencils. I used to have trouble with the pencil sliding in my fingers when I went to use the hand-held sharpener that came with the eye liner. I solved this problem with a small square of non-skid drawer liner. Now, when I sharpen the pencil, I grab the end of the pencil with the piece of non-skid drawer liner and can twist it to sharpen with ease.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23919849.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Swiffer Cloths in a Pinch

I love Swiffer type cloths. I found when I ran out one time that you can use cut up rags (esp. flannel!) the same size as one of the duster sheets and attach to the mop the same way. Voila! It works great and you can just throw it in the wash if you want to reuse. You can also lightly spray the cloth or dampen it and wring out to do a little spot cleaning. This is a great way to reuse pillowcases that are very worn, or any old thing. :)

By Carol from Landisville, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77091702.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Melting Wax to Cover Jams

To melt paraffin neatly and easily while making jam, secure it in a plastic zipper bag and float it in the pot of hot water that's sterilizing your canning jars. When the wax is melted, open the bag about an inch and pour the hot wax right on top of your homemade jam. A real cool way to deal with hot wax.

Source: My own experience.

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

Editor's Note: Some readers have pointed out that using wax for sealing jars has fallen out of favor for food safety reasons.

Here's a note about this from an extension site: "Don't seal jelly products with paraffin wax. Over time, paraffin wax begins to pull back from the sides of the jar, creating openings where mold and yeast can enter and contaminate the product. Also, paraffin can catch on fire if overheated. If you detect mold growth, throw out the entire contents. Always seal jars of jelly products with a two-piece canning lid."

Source: NC Cooperative Extension

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62830250.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use a Can for Filling Freezer Bags

I just made a discovery and have got to share it. I have been wishing for a gadget to hold my Zip Lock Freezer Bag open while I fill it. I thought about the tin can and went to my recycling bin and pulled out a 28 oz. Hunt's Tomato can. I cut the bottom out, washed it good and gave it a try. It works great and makes putting stuff in the bag much easier. It fits perfectly down into the quart size bag and can be used on the gallon size bag also. This can will go in my utility drawer now.

By Betty from NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40979081.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Glue From Silkscreen Image

My daughter got a smear of glitter glue on the (silkscreen) picture part of her shirt. Unknowingly, I washed it, luckily it hasn't been through the dryer. I am nervous about trying the usual glue removal remedies since I think they may damage the decal. Does anyone have any experience with getting glue off a non fabric part of clothing? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Jennifer from pnw

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90103028.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wood Treatment That Won't Stain Clothing

I have a vinyl-ish plastic coated metal hook on a wooden dowel stick that is probably 40 years old from a desert climate (Phoenix, AZ). The wood had a finish, but it's showing signs of drying up. I'd like to moisturize or oil it, but don't want the emollient to stain cloth as it is used to pull clothing out of the dryer and washer. Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16485133.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

What Is This Plant?

Does anyone know what this plant is? It appeared in my flower bed this summer. It has very fragile stems and leaves and has just started to get small yellow flowers

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Maxine from Westampton, NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67971080.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking For Monopoly Fabric

Does anyone know if there is monopoly fabric?

Janice from Las Vegas, NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52098003.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cleaning a Garage Floor

What is the best way to clean a garage floor and get rid of odors? I just moved into a rental house and the garage floor has a lot of oil spots on it and I think they keep their pets in the garage also. I didn't know if I need to buy some type of special commercial cleaner for the floor or will water and ammonia do the job? How can I remove the odors?

Onesummer

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63976101.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Stopping Junk Mail

How do I stop junk mail in snail mail?

Keeper from NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52283176.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Resizing a Cross Stitch Pattern

How do I make a cross stitch pattern bigger so instead of doing it on 18 I can do it on 14?

Joyce

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56349474.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Vegetables For Potted Garden

I'm in an apartment. Does anyone know what vegetables that would grow well on a deck in pots? They would get a fair amount of sun. I'm planning for next year. Also, what are some frugal ways to accomplish it? Dollar store pots, etc. Do most farmer's markets have heirloom seeds? Any insights would be appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 8b


Bethany from SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38760976.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Dawn Detergent To Unclog Drain

How do I use Dawn dish washing liquid to unclog a tub?

Karen from Newark, DE

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48678507.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Inexpensive Flat Screen TV

What is the best 19 - 26 in. flat screen TV for a guest room that does not cost more than $300? Good quality, good picture, sound etc. Thanks.

Karamea from New York, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61138519.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wooden Rockers Have Molded

We have two white rockers from Cracker Barrel on our front porch. They have molded and I can't seem to get them clean. The front porch does stay shaded almost all day. I need some ideas for how to clean them. I have tried bleach, scrubbing with soap, and a magic eraser. Thanks.

Lisa from NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44983240.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Odor From Leather Watchband

I spilled gasoline on my leather watch and cannot get the odor out. What can i do? It's on the watch band.

Nancy

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38670367.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crocheted Sunflower Potholder

Does anyone have a crochet pattern for a Sunflower potholder, that was printed in a magazine years ago? It was worked like a Granny Square, only circular.

Pammsy from Marshall, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93407410.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pattern For "Family Guy" Crocheted Doll

I am looking for a crochet pattern for a Stewie Griffin doll from Family Guy. My adult daughter thinks he's a hoot and I would love to surprise her with this for Christmas. Thanks in advance.

Linda from Lower Adirondack Mtns in NYS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66201365.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Moving Heavy Furniture On Thick Carpet

How do I move heavy furniture that is embedded in the tufts of a thick carpet?

maggietnt from Brooklyn

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33858717.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Hardwired Garbage Disposal Quit Working

My garbage disposal has quit working. I have pushed the reset button several times and get only a slight hum sound. There is no way to unplug and replug it, as the cord goes through the wall. Heaven only knows where it plugs in, help! Any suggestions?

nmmt from Pottsboro, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62587170.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crafts Using Pine Cones and Gourds

My father has thousands of the long leaf pine cones from our state tree. He also has home grown gourds almost ready for harvest. He is semi retired and has farmed all his life. How can I help him sell his gourds? Picking up the pine cones gives him something to do at his age. I want him to stay active working the ground, we are blessed with nature crafts in NC.

JH from Eastern North Carolina

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79452557.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Reviews Of Shamwow Cloths

Has anyone bought the Shamwow cloths advertised on T.V.? Does it work as stated?

Darlene from Wisconsin

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11961505.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Locations For A Sleepover Birthday Party

Where should I have a sleepover birthday party?

Jasmin from Perth WAS

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55637912.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cotton Table Cloth Has Yellowed

I have a 100% cotton table cloth and washed it on full cycle with about 1/2 cup of bleach. It came out yellow. I've tried vinegar wash, soda wash, with salt, hanging it outside in the sun and to no avail it's still yellow looking. Needless to say all the other linens came out fine.

Lina from Mead, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24733401.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Clover Valley Clam Chowder

I am searching for Clover Valley clam chowder. Any ideas?

Martha from Columbus, Ga

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54962192.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cheapest Time to Run Your Washing Machine

What is the cheapest time to run the washing machine and why?

Tinadunlap from Greenwood, FL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42421242.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sealing the Soles of Sandals

Does anyone have a good idea to seal the soles of a pair of rubber sandals?

Mary from Pana, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38180303.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Measuring Curtains for a Wall

I would like to hang curtains on one wall in my bedroom. I would like the curtains to look full on the wall, not skimpy looking. Can some one tell me how I can measure the wall and then find out how many panels of curtains I will need?

Thanks!
Smoochie

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12605532.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Are Eggs Shells Bad for a Garbage Disposal?

I thought I had already posted this but does anyone know if egg shells are good or bad for your garbage disposal? One plumber told me that it is good because it sharpens the blades and the other plumber told me it was bad because it clogs the pipes. Anyone know a good plumber?

Katya from Sterling, Virginia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91599466.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Faxing With Magic Jack

Magic Jack Has anyone tried to hook up a fax phone line to the Magic Jack?

Kim from Rogers, AR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28459238.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Trim Ideas for a Burgundy Room

I just painted living room and hallway a burgundy (with a reddish tint) color have no clue what to do with the trim. Wood molding is not in budget.What would go good in main living area with this color? This was a bold move for me, I've never gone this dark before.

Eileen from Walterboro, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26392299.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Uses for Clear Plastic Packaging

I bought some linen recently which was wrapped in thick clear plastic, like a wallet. My husband bought underpants contained in the same material. I don't want to just throw this clear plastic away - surely it could have another use? Windows for a doll's house perhaps? (which I don't really want to make!) Does anyone have any ideas? They'd be gratefully accepted!

Cheers,
Virginia Cooke from Canberra, Australia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78053040.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Aquarium Club Party

My husband and I are hosting the annual holiday/year-end party for our salt water aquarium club. What we do know: it needs to be a sit-down/buffet dinner, approx. 30-40 will be attending, and the party will be at our home. I need ideas for a theme, decorations and favors. Please help.

Alisa from Colorado Springs, CO

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46225452.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Saving Money on Socks

Tips for Saving Money on Socks. Post your ideas below!

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21968242.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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: Living Simply In The Ozarks

13 years ago, my husband Jerry and I lived in Los Angeles. We owned a business and we were making a lot of money. We decided to give it all up and move to the Ozarks, where life is more simple. Now that we are living in the Ozarks, we are living on his SDI and my Social Security. It is so beautiful back here. The leaves change in the fall, and usually it snows in the winter.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99425478.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print