Daily Thrifty Tips - February 14, 2008

We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Gardening season is starting to heat up, do you have any tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to post them on the contest page. Also, if you have a gardening related requests, feel free to submit it here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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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Tessa (Yorkie)

This is my Yorkie, Tessa. She loves the snow here in Wisconsin. WE got 15' Let it snow, let it snow!

Tessa is 10 years old. We got her from a litter of my other Yorkie I had. She loves to play with her ducky squeekie toy. Tessa is a loving, sweet dog, very playful.

By Sheila from Wisconsin

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Craft: Valentine Hearts Refrigerator Magnets

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Supplies:

• plastic canvas
• pastel yarns
• red thread
• scissors
• large needle
• needle
• magnets
• hot glue gun

Instructions:

By Sally M from Buffalo, NY

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Valentine's Chocolate Flower Card

To create this card, cut a horizontal sheet of paper from left to right (ending up with two long strips of paper). Fold one in half. Cut a 3 x 3 sheet of tissue paper and fold into the wrapper shape then secure to the card with a piece of double stick tape. Using tacky glue, attach the stems of the flowers into the wrapper first and then glue on the chocolate pieces. Attach rectangles of complementary colored paper to the cover and inside with more double stick tape. Finally, embellish the card with your own Valentine's Day sentiment!

By Julie from Washington, DC

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Use Dryer Sheets Three Different Ways Each Time

To get the most out of my dryer sheets, I use them in three ways before tossing them. The first use is to put them in my closet and dresser drawers to give my clothes a nice clean scent. After about a week or two I then use them in the dryer with a load of laundry. After getting it from the dryer, I use it to dust with because it seems to catch dust better than regular dusting cloths (and it's cheaper).

By Tonya from Knightdale, NC

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Learning Site Using Paper Plates

Unusual Website - I found this really neat website that has great ideas for using paper plates as learning tools for your kids--and these are not simple art projects. I'm thinking someone might be able to take advantage of this for a science fair project or homeschooling. The site is http://analyzer.depaul.edu/paperplates.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Serving Wine

White wine should be served between 49-51 degrees F. Red wine should be served between 68-72 degrees F and decanted approximately 20 mins prior to serving into a wine decanter. This releases the aroma of the wine.

Serving red wine at room temperature is a misnomer as "room" temperatures vary greatly, especially in the summer. All corked wine should be stored on its side in a cool dark place, as sunlight will harm the wine. It should also be turned every month or so. Stelvin openings (screwcaps), which are now gaining popularity, do not have to be stored on its side, but out of direct sunlight

Source: I am a senior wine consultant for The Traveling Vineyard and conduct in-home, educational wine parties people

By Amy from Sacramento, CA

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Use Stale Crackers In Place Of Breadcrumbs

When a casserole calls for a bread crumb topping, try using cheese-flavored or other flavored crackers instead. Crush them up, top your casserole with them, and drizzle on some butter or margarine and bake. My family enjoys this better than plain bread crumbs. It is also a great way to use up crackers that have gotten a little stale. They become crispy when you bake your casserole. Flavored crackers are also good to crush up and use as an instant homemade shake and bake. With the many different flavors of crackers on the market today, it gives you a variety of flavors for coating chicken and pork chops.

Source: My own tip

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Amazing Deals On Outdoor Fabric at Walmart

These days it's sometimes cheaper to buy a garment already made than it is to sew it! This is so sad. Fabric has gone through the roof (like everything else!). I live in an area that has 5 Walmarts that sell fabric within a 40 mile radius of me. So when I'm near one, I make sure to drop in and check out their $1 a yard fabric. Each store sells different fabrics. Some $1 a yard fabrics are cheaply made, and some are name-brand, quality fabrics. You just have to know what you're buying, but you really can't go wrong at a dollar a yard!

Well, last week I found such a great deal: I saw this wonderful outdoor fabric that had some kind of rubberized sealant attached to it in a beautiful dark green. (The sealant is there to keep your cushions from getting wet when it rains.) I bought the rest of the bolt (8 yards) for only $2 a yard and came home and checked the internet. I found out it was worth $25 per yard! And this isn't the first time that's happened to me! You never know what you'll find!

Walmart was going to close down all of their fabric areas last year, but a bunch of us wrote them and told them that's what brings us into their store! So they decided to keep the fabric, but NOT to put fabric into any new stores. So sad, but at least we know that e-mail and letter writing can work miracles! For indoor or outdoor fabrics, Check out Walmart. Even if you have to do a bit of driving, it'll pay for your gas and time!

If you have the time: Send an e-mail to Walmart and tell them how much you enjoy their fabric, so they don't think about closing the fabric area down again!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Light a Candle When Chopping Onions

To help stop your eyes from burning and tearing when you're cutting up onions, light a candle and sit as close to you as safely possible. Don't know why this works but for some it seems to provide relief.

By Carol from London, Ontario

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Frugal Valentine's Notebooks

I have eleven grandchildren, ages 13 years to 3 months old, so even buying cards for holidays can become expensive. I love to send out something small to each child. In January, I scored a cheap alternative to Valentine's Day cards at my local grocery store. There in a grocery cart of 'reduced price items' were 3x5 inch spiral notebooks with 5 different color covers, for $.17 each. I grabbed red, blue, green, purple and black and came home to spruce 'em up. I had purchased a package of heart-shaped foamies, in various sizes and colors, for $1.00. I went to work covering up bar codes and advertising on the front of the books with hearts! Popped them in the mail and was pleased with my very frugal Valentine's Day cards!

By Christie from Poulsbo, WA

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Use A Cooling Rack To Move Silicone Pans

Silicone pans can be difficult to handle when full of batter or dough. So when using silicone bake ware I put the silicone pan on an upside down cooling rack before filling it with batter or dough. The cooling rack allows the heat to circulate properly and makes the silicone pan easier to handle. I turn the cooling rack upside down to prevent the "feet" of the rack from getting caught on the oven rack when sliding it in and out of the oven.

By Nicoletta from San Diego, CA

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Homemade Valentine's Cards With Candy

I recently took a trip to the Dollar Store and noticed that they sell Valentine's Cards with Lollipops included. 10 of them for $1. I thought it would be a much better idea to make my own with a few craft supplies and it would be less expensive! Good craft for kids.

Materials

• card stock (various colours)
• rubber stamps for stamping, or pens/crayons for drawing or stickers
• hole punch
• a bag of lollipops or other candy.
• Ribbon

Instructions

Decorate card with crayons, stamps, stickers. Punch holes at the top of the card and into the wrapper of the lollipop or candy. With a ribbon, tie the candy to the card. That's it! If you can manage to use recycled paper and ribbons you can make 50 of these for about a dollar!

Other items to attach besides candy (baggie with a homemade cookie or treat, friendship bracelets, fruity lip balm...)

Happy Crafting!

Source: This article was written by myself

By Lisa from Halifax

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Home Remedy for Fleas

I have two female cats. They have fleas and I need a homemade recipe, until I can afford to send them to the vet. They do not like water, so it would help if there is something I can do without water. Thank you

Karen R from Ripples, New Brunswick, CA

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Can I Use a Plastic Coffee Container for a Birdhouse?

Could an empty 2 pound plastic coffee container be used to make a bird house? How could I do it?

Judy R. from LeRoy, NY

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Website Used to Give Items Away for Free

Within the last couple of months someone posted a site that was started mainly for disabled, but is now used for anyone who wants to give or get free items in their own area. I thought I saved it, but it's gone and I have free Pergo to give away. I don't want it to go to charity that someone would have to pay for it. Does anyone have the site name?

Elizabeth from Salinas, CA

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Recipe for Quiche Made with Bisquick

I am looking for an easy quiche that is made with Bisquick.

Anne from Radnor, PA

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Recipes for Controlling Diabetes with Diet

My friend has just been diagnosed with diabetes and needs to control it with her diet before it gets worse. She is a professional caterer, so this is going to be EXTREMELY difficult for her. Any suggestions, recipes etc. would be very welcome!

Doodles from Browns Mills, NJ

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Avoiding Dishwasher Detergent Stains on Pots and Pans

How can white dishwasher detergent stains on pots and pans be avoided?

Connie

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Hosting a 'Nuts and Mints' Reception for 100 People

I have been asked, by a good friend, to host a 'Nuts and Mints' reception for her son and his new wife. There will be punch, nuts, mints and the wedding cake. I need some advice on the amounts of everything for approx. 100 people. It will be held in the basement of the church immediately following the ceremony.

I had never heard of this type of reception until I relocated down south, therefore, I have no idea how to calculate for this party. Thanks, and God Bless You in advance, for any advice that can be offered to help me.

Karen from Knoxville, TN

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Church Bazaar Money Makers

What is your best Church Bazaar money maker?

Marjorie from Delaware

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Vegetable Casserole Using Veg All

Several years ago after a funeral we had a vegetable casserole that contained Veg All, Ritz crackers and I think cheese. I never did find out who brought it and I would really like the recipe. If any one has this recipe I would appreciate it. Please DO NOT tell me to do an online search. I have done several: Google, Yahoo and other search engines and even though there are lots of vegetable casserole recipes out there nothing seems right. Thank you.

Margaret from Denton, Texas

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Cleaning Leather Furniture

What can I use to clean leather recliners?

Bonnie from Park Hills, MO

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Color Suggestions for Counter Tops

My husband and I have put in antiqued off white cabinets in our 1930 (small) kitchen. We also wanted to do hardwoods but because of subflooring concerns did not do this and added cherry wood laminate floors. We have a Hoosier in the kitchen which is off-white, the appliances are bisque and our walls are off-white.

I want to add some color but do not want to offend potential buyers because we are planning to move in a year or two. We also are thinking laminate because we do not want a shiny look and honed granite is a lot for us right now. Any thoughts on what we should do for a counter top and a sink? Thank you so much for your time!

Stephanie from Providence, RI

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Using Loreal's Mineral Powder Makeup

I bought some mineral makeup by Loreal. I haven't worn makeup in 15 yrs and don't know what to do. I have used it 3 days and have been told I look wonderful. That is great, but I feel like I am doing it wrong or something. It is all powder and really does stay on until the end of my work day.

I am happy that it doesn't burn and it covers the Rosacea really well. I have been to Loreal's website and watched their video. I just don't want to waste it because it cost over $10 each bottle. That is a lot of money.

Sandy from Baltimore

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Avocado's Leaves are Browning

My 3 year old avocado's new leaves are browning.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Jamie from Hampton, VA

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Removing Gel Pen Ink From Contact Paper

How can I remove black gel pen from contact paper? The gel pen leaked onto a table which is covered with a very light colored woodgrain look contact paper and is about 2 cms round. When you touch the stain gently with a finger you can feel it is slightly raised and has some movement.

Anna from Australia

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Recipe for Dessert Using Cake crumbs

I shall be glad to have a recipe or two for making an uncooked cake or dessert using cake crumbs.

Thank you.

Hafee from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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What is This Flower?

Can anyone tell me what is the name of this flower? When I bought it last week it was still blooming, but now it's dying. Any tips for growing them will be very much appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 11

chphoea from Surabaya,Indonesia

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Website to Get a Person's Information for Free

Does anyone have a web address of a site that will give you the name and address of an individual without charging you for it? The ones that I have pulled up make you sign up with a fee to get the info. Thanks

Sue from Blackstock, SC

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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:
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Children's Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Seventy Two Inc. Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Nordstrom Stores

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

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Children's Sketchbooks Recalled by eeBoo Corp. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: The paint on the sketchbooks' colored spiral metal bindings contains excessive levels of lead violating the federal lead paint standard.

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