Daily Thrifty Tips - October 21, 2007

Hello Susan,

Here are the contest winners for last week. Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something.

Photo Contest Winner

Scenery: Autumn Driving In Virginia
By Betty from NC

Even with high gas prices (which thankfully are getting lower as of late), a day trip in the car is still a relatively inexpensive way to have a relaxing getaway.

Pet Contest Winner

In Memory of Munchkin (Chihuahua/Small Rat Terrier)
By Carol L. from South Bend, IN

Carol shares a picture of Munchkin by her pumpkin patch. It's wonderful you found each other, even if for a short time.

Tip Contest Winner

Weddings Are Too Expensive for Just One Day
By Jenni from Lincoln, NE Jenni has wonderful advice for future brides!

"Rent" a Halloween Costume from Ebay!
By Natasha from Exeter, NH

Natasha shares here money saving tip for Halloween costumes.

Recipe Contest Winner

Work Night Pressure Cooker Pot Roast
By Christine from Spokane, WA

Christine tells us how we can prepare a roast quickly in a pressure cooker

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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Craft Project: Grocery Bag Ghost

These spooky ghosts are fast and easy to make and are made from mostly recycled material or things you already have around the house.

Supplies:

• Plain white lid (like from a Cool Whip container)
• Black construction paper
• 2 white plastic grocery bags
• 2 white pipe cleaners
• Tape
• Glue stick
• Black yarn
• Hole punch
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Cut out eyes and a mouth for the face of the ghost from the black construction paper.
2. Use a glue stick to attach the eyes and mouth to the white lid.
3. Prepare the plastic grocery bags. Cut off the handles and any writing. Then cut strips up the bag, leaving at least 1" uncut plastic around the seam.
4. Glue or tape one of the pipe cleaners to the seam of the plastic bag. Repeat for other bag.
5. Place the pipe cleaner attached to the bag around the inside edge of the plastic lid and tape in place. Repeat on the other side of the lid with the other pipe cleaner and bag.
6. Using the hole punch, make a hole at the top of the ghost face. Cut a piece of black yarn to put through the hole for hanging.
7. Enjoy your spooky guest all Halloween season!

By Jayme from Harrisonburg, VA

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Tuffy (Jack Russell)

Tuffy is 4 years old and a Jack Russell. She was brought home as a special gift from my husband after our older dog passed away.

She loves to bounce a ball all through the house and take walks in the field with her doggie sister and our two cats. She loves to be wherever we are. If I get up, she gets up. If I go to kitchen, she comes too, outside, she is there, bathroom, she is waiting for me.

By nelliemary from West Virginia

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Wedding Butterfly Release in Honor of Willow

During my son and daughter-in-law's wedding, they had a butterfly release in honor of their two year old little Angel in Heaven, Willow. All the butterflies flew away except one that was a beautiful orange color. She flew up and then came back and landed on Brian's jacket, and did not want to fly away. Was that a sign from our Willow that she was with us? Probably so!

By Jackie from Orlando, Florida

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Craft: Doll House Pillow

I am hoping against hope someday to make a doll house. My scale is 1 inch to 1 foot. Today, I was cleaning and found this pillow of air for shipping. It looked so much like a pillow, I just had to share an idea.

If your doll house plans do not include things being played with, you can cover this with fabric or lace and no one would know it's not a real pillow. And if something happens that as you sewing it, you pop it, you can simply make a slit in it and stuff it or just stuff the new fabric pillow with batting, old nylons, plastic bags, or tissue paper. It's 2.5 by 5 inches and perfect for a twin or double bed.

Enjoy!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Pumpkin Centerpiece

Updated on 10/21/08 with photos.

Materials

• 1 8 inch Craft Pumpkin, carve out 4 diamond shapes on each equal side of the pumpkin
• 1 8 inch Fall wreath, or make your own with leaves and flower and wire
• 1 small jar candle, Fall scented
• 1 battery operated candle lite for inside the pumpkin
• 8 inch wooden base, or dish
• Craft glue (Do not use hot glue!)

Instructions

Start by carving the pumpkin designs. Glue it to the base. Glue the candle jar on top, first cut off the stem, so the jar will sit flat! Then glue the wreath around the candle jar. Put the battery operated candle lite inside. Turn on the switch and light the top candle for an elegant table centerpiece!

Source: All materials purchased at Michael's Craft Store!

By Jackie from Norton, MA

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Link: Presidential Candidate Halloween Masks

In case you are invited to a Halloween Party, and need a mask idea, here is a site you can download free, one of any of the presidential candidates. There is Obama, McCain, Biden, and Palin

• http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com:80/headcandy/halloween/index.html

Source: This was on Daywatch, part of the Chicago Tribune.

By Wisgal from Lake Geneva,Wi

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Place Beauty Supplies In Mister Bottles

When preparing for a recent weekend trip and trying to transfer all of my beauty product liquids into 3 oz. or smaller containers, I discovered a trick that will help any "true" liquid product such as facial toner, nail polish remover, etc last a lot longer!

If you transfer the liquid into a small spray bottle with a fine mist, a few sprays directly onto a cotton pad will suffice for normal use, thus using FAR less than the usual technique of holding the pad to the mouth of the bottle, tipping it up, and letting the liquid soak the pad.

Just make sure if you are re-using a bottle (I used an empty travel-size body mist bottle for toner) that you label it - you don't want to inadvertently mist yourself with nail polish remover!

By Sarah from West Des Moines, IA

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Ask About Your Library's Book Sale

Check out your local library Web site or ask to learn if they are having a book sale. Many libraries have them and sell donated books and other media for little or nothing. The second part of this tip is for parents to look for seasonal children's books at these sales, since these collections are usually depleted from the libraries around the time of the respective holiday.

By Britt from Boston, MA

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Egg Cartons For Paints

When it is time to paint get out your empty egg carton! When using the inexpensive small bottles of paint from the craft stores you can squeeze small amounts of different colors into each egg section. That way the paint does not run together. It is also neater because they can wipe the brush on the side of the colored egg section they are using so there is not too much paint on the brush and it does not drip.

By Savings Assistant from Georgia
http://www.savingspotpourri.blogspot.com/

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Dress Up Race for Parties

The following is a fun and inexpensive game. This is a game that is a success for children and adults. It is a dress up race. The object of the game is to see which person gets dressed up first. Fill up two bags with clothing and accessories like; a hat, a pair of gloves, long sleeve button down shirt, spandex or draw string shorts, footsies (hospital scrubs), sunglasses etc, all found in your home. Make sure that both bags have the same amount and the same articles in each bag. They do not have to be the exact color or pattern but size should be the same. I use my husband's shirt and my older sons shorts that allows all ages to play. One-size stretch gloves and any cap or hat. The craziest colors or articles the funnier. Use your own discretion in what articles to put in the bag.

Pick two people to play, explain to them the rules of the game. Don't give them the bags before starting the game, this will make them anxious. You then count one, two, three, throw them the bags and the race begins. The first one to finish buttoning the shirt and putting on all the articles on IS THE WINNER. The order they dress up does not matter. Hope you have lots of fun.

By Cynthia from JERSEY CITY, NJ

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Check Upper Flush Holes When Unclogging a Toilet

If the Closet Auger, Plunger and Dish Detergent Failed to unclog your toilet, try this!

I used the auger, plunger, and the dish soap resulting in a number of failed attempts. As I read several home improvement books online, the note that stuck in my head was entitled, "how to check if the upper flush holes are not clogged, by using a mirror". These holes are located out of sight, in the upper portion (underside) of the bowl. Anyway, if the goal is to maintain a good seal so that you can obtain the force needed to unclog the toilet, I suddenly realized that every time I thrust the plunger, more air was being directed from the upper flush holes, than the lower portion of the bowl. This decreased the force going into the desired location (lower portion of the bowl).

Solution: I took a clear plastic bag, cut a hole in the top, placed the handle of the plunger through the hole, to help prevent anything from splashing from the bowl, and I tucked the remainder of the plastic bag under the underside of the toilet to block some of the upper flush holes.

Despite not being able to block all of the upper flush holes, the few I did effectively block were enough to strengthened and re-direct the force of air going into the lower portion of the bowl, where the plunger was placed. Instantly my toilet was unclogged!

By majorshadow from San Diego, CA

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Walgreen's EasySaver Booklet

I like saving money when buying beauty items, cleaning items, etc. and I love Walgreens Easysaver books. They come out every month and have coupons as well as refunds many for FREE items. All you do is buy the items from Walgreens and submit your sales slip each month (their book tells exactly how) and in a few weeks you receive cash or a gift card good for your next purchase at Walgreens. I always choose the giftcard because they give you an extra 10% plus then the next month I can use it for my new Easysaver purchases. I also use manufacturer's coupons when making my purchases which gives me even more savings. It's Win Win.

By Marilyn from Oklahoma City

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Use Up Extra Milk By Making Pudding

Because I am a Weight Watcher, I keep skim milk on hand at all times, but sometimes I can't use it all before the expiration date. I keep instant pudding mix on hand and make pudding with the milk that's about to expire. This way, I don't have to throw away the milk and I get a special treat.

By Summer from Macon, GA

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Add a Slice of Bread to Fresh Baked Cookies

While living in Denver, I discover that fresh baked cookies (even in a zip-locked bag) dried out quickly. By adding a slice of bread, the cookies stayed moist. Just change the bread when the slice dries out.

By Pam from Davie, Florida

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"Almost Hamburger Helper" Mix in a Jar

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk
• 1 cup corn starch
• 1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
• 2 Tbsp. onion flakes
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder

Directions

Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

Attach the following recipes to the jar:

Chili Mac:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup macaroni noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 cup mix

Stroganoff:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup mix
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Potato Beef Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
• 1/2 cup mix

Quick Lasagna:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1/2 cup mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 3 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked, broken in bits
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Source: http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/

Mix in a jar recipes ... for Christmas

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Safeway Signature Brand Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe

We love the Tomato Basil Bisque (Signature Brand) that they sell at Safeway Grocery Stores. I've tried to duplicate it but I'm not close yet. Does anybody have a recipe for this? By the way, exactly what is Bisque?

Bev from Longview, WA

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Spray Product From Wrinkled Clothing

I'm looking for a spray to quickly take wrinkles out of clothes. My friend showed me a product sold by Melleluca. I liked a lot. But I can't purchase their merchandise without a rep. Any suggestions about where I can find a similar product?

Cindy from Key West, FL USA

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Making Baby's First Christmas Book

I am trying to get ideas on how to make a baby's first Christmas book. I would like it to be personal, not purchased. If not that, what about baby name poems? Thanks.

Shirely from Grand Bay, AL

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Mommy and Me Thanksgiving Crafts

I need some good, creative and useful crafts for Thanksgiving. I would prefer something a little easy that a Mommy can do with the kids.

Natalie from Jacksonville, FL

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Brightening White Clothing

Does anyone have ideas how to get dingy whites bright white again? So many of my white t-shirts are starting to look off-white or light tan. I would like an easy way to get them back to the white white color.

jho from Chassell

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Magnolia Trees Seedlings

I am new at growing magnolia trees. I harvested seeds from my son's southern magnolia last year and planted them, I have around 100 seedlings. My question is about when to fertilize my seedling, and if i should leave them in a cold frame or bring them in for the winter. They were planted in small pots to start, then transplanted in to larger pots. I have some that are over a year old, some 9 months, some 6 months old. Pots range from 1 gallon pot to 4.5 . I also have 3 that came up first and are not anything like a magnolia tree. I have read that some seeds will produce freaks, well i have three. They are very different. My daughter calls them Magnolia Palm's. They are very different from the other seedlings, as seen in the picture I sent. The large one is the freak.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

PWILLOW3 from Midwest City, OK

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What Breed is My Dog?

She was given to us by a friend and nobody knows what kind of dog she is. Please let me know if you have any idea! She is 5 months and weighs about 17 lbs.

CLAIR from CHICAGO, IL

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What Is Parvo?

What is Parvo?

Leroy from Miami, FL

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Websites For Grocery Coupons

What are the best websites for manufacturer's grocery coupons?

Marty from Michigan

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Halloween Party Games For Mentally Handicapped Adults

I really need some advice for a Halloween party. My Mom is throwing one for a bunch of mentally handicapped adults. She asked me for some ideas for games they could play. Unfortunately, all that I'm able to find are games for children. Not sure that these games are appropriate for the type of people that will be attending the party. If any of you have any ideas to help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Elsee from Lakeside, OR

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Red and Green Finger Towels

I would like to purchase finger towels in red and hunter green without any design but of good quality to use as a Christmas craft project. Would anyone be able to recommend a store or internet site where I would be able purchase at least a dozen of each color? Thanks ahead of time.

Joan from Maryland

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Gift Ideas For Rainbow Tea Party

What kind of gift can I give to my guest at a rainbow tea party?

Claudia from Wilmington

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Dodge Dakota's Heater Not Working

My '98 Dodge Dakota's heater will not put out any heat. I have changed the thermostat twice, changed the water pump, changed the radiator and run water through the heater core. The truck only gets up to 170 to 180 degrees. Is there a censor or fuse or something that I am missing? Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Chuck from Winchester, VA

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Building a Float to Hold 10 People

What materials would my school need to build a float to hold 10 people? Where could I get the materials from? How much do you think it would cost? How could I build it?

Emma from Small City, North Carolina

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Getting a Replacement Canopy for a Garden Swing

I have a canopied glider swing that needs serious help. It's less than 2 years old, but due to the fierce Arizona heat, the canopy is totally shredded from sun-rot. How can I salvage the rest of the swing, which is in perfect condition?

Kathy from AZ

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Slugs Inside My House

We have been finding slugs in the sitting room by the settee and by the fire in the morning. We can't find out where they're coming from. We have recently put wooden flooring down. Where could they be coming in from? Please help.

Chris

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Home Remedies for Gout

Does anyone know of any home remedies for temporary relief from gout (in my right foot)? I am in misery! Thanks.

Julie from Arlington, TX

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Clematis Won't Bloom

Why didn't my clematis bloom?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Sandy from Milwaukee, WI

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Looking for Ideas for Beer Caps

My brother-in-law has collected a bucketful of bottle tops. Has anyone any ideas what he can do with them?

Sue from Perth, WA

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Diabetic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

I'd like a recipe for pumpkin pie for a diabetic. Also has anyone ever tried doing a Mock Apple Pie with Splenda?

Peggy from Oak Grove, MO

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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

The Peer Pressure of Giving
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Since when was it an expectation to spend a fortune buying gifts for each holiday? The springtime advertised Mother's Day sales touted jewelry for hundreds of dollars to "show Mom how much you really care." What happened to the days of handprints papers and cards with glitter? Television and print ads create expectations that every holiday, from Valentines Day to Father's Day, warrants an expensive gift. With this expectation, no wonder credit card debts are rising.

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Voting Problems, Voting Ads and Robocalls

Voting is on most American's mind right now. Make sure that your vote is counted. There have been voting irregularities in some places where early voting is allowed. There is evidence if you vote a straight party ticket it will not register the votes.

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