Daily Thrifty Tips - November 5, 2008

I hope everyone was able to vote succesffuly without waiting for too long at the polls. We have all mail in voting in our county, so it's always a breeze.

Now is a great time to submit your homemade Christmas gift ideas. Giving homemade gifts can be a great way to save money but you have to start making them early or you will run out of time. In general, planning ahead is the key to limiting the financial burden of Christmas and getting the most out of the holiday. If you have any homemade gift ideas to share, feel free to submit them on one of the contest page or the Crafts for Fun and Money page.

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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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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Garden: Fall Yard Decorations

Even though we live in a mobile home, I try and make it homey. I love to decorate for fall. The hubby brought the corn stalks and cat tails home for me one day and we fixed up the front to look really nice. How do you like my home!

By Pat from West VA

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Garden: Roses In Bloom

Mass of roses in bloom.

By Sherry from Poulsbo, WA

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Scenery: Wing Walking

Wing Walking Boshears Memorial Flyin 2008

By William from Martinez, GA

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Organizing With Thrift Store Binders

When I find binders at thrift stores, I pick them up. I find that putting the clear pages in that I have split the long way and sealed with tape over the tops, makes a nice filing system. Inside the filing cabinet, I simply bulldog clip the binder to the slats that I have taken from hanging files I can't use anymore. Then, I put the like documents...recipes, crafts, insurance papers, etc. inside the binder. It slides inside just like the hanging files do, and last a llllooootttt longer!

Hope this helps!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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Orion (German Shepard/Husky)

Orion is currently 7 months old and is a German Shepard/Husky mix. He was adopted in May 2008.

Orion likes to play with his other canine housemates, Sola and Jade. Swim, laze around in his pool after playing.

By purplemoon from Mpls, MN

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Unsafe Household Places for Pets

I have a friend that found her cat stuck upside down behind her hot water heater in her small apartment, when she came home from work. If she'd found him any later, he would have died. He was not only traumatized, but severely dehydrated. In the past we've found our cat (Smokey) behind our clothes dryer. Fortunately for us, he's very loud and vocal when called. We've since made sure he can't get behind our washer and dryer set.

Make sure your cats can't get behind your water heater, your washer and dryer, or other unsafe places in the home. Obviously, always know where your kitty is when you shut your garage door!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Save Data on External Hard Drive

This is a tip to save you money, time and concern of not being able to recover data on your computer when, and if your hard drive crashes. After ours crashed I read a article on computers which stated; the odds of a system crashing are 1 in 12.

I have been with out my computer for two and 1/2 weeks due to the hard drive crashing. It is amazing how much I depend on my computer.

Our computer is a desktop, which we have had less then a year. Something caused it to crash and we did not have a external hard drive installed.

We picked up our computer last night with a repair bill of close to $300.00. In that bill was a charge to try to recover data from the crashed system. Some was recovered, but alas we lost a large quantity of stored information.

This has been a expensive lesson! Hopefully you can learn from our mistake. Spend the extra money and get yourself the external hard drive to protect your files, pictures, etc.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Clean Lint Trap To Improve Dryer Efficiency

Does your clothes dryer take longer than it should to dry your clothes when set on auto-dry? Ours would be running when we got up in the morning. It had run all night! Remove the lint filter, and take it to the sink. Wash it gently with soap and water. Rinse well. Problem solved!

By Grandma Jo from Louisville, KY

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Aloe Vera Gel for Hemorrhoids

Do you have hemorrhoids? Do you have aloe gel, pure 99%? Apply and wipe away excess. It is much better than that greasy stuff advertised for the job. My tip was printed in a health magazine. I heard of this use years ago at an Aloe Vera in home party. It apparently shrinks blood vessels and cools for quick relief.

By Apeters from Northampton, PA

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Use Mirrors to Maximize Flowers Effect

Twice as many flowers for the price. A small bunch of rosebuds cost just $4 for six blooms yesterday at the local supermarket. When the flowers were placed in a vase on the buffet, close to the mirror on the wall, it suddenly looked like there were a dozen roses, not just six. Nice.

I imagine that thrifty brides could maximize the impact of the money they spend on flowers with mirrors.

By Holly from Holly, MI

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When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going

I set a goal for my 2008 savings, and realized last month that I am not as far along as I should be. They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

I have gone back to some of my old habits because I was sliding into some expensive habits. First, we had to travel for my job, and I didn't have the right clothes. We went to the thrift store and found two beautiful pantsuits for $8.00 each. One had to be hemmed, but that's easy. We ate meals mostly from the grocery store. We had cereal and milk for breakfast, and sandwiches and fruit for lunch. For dinners we went to medium-priced restaurants. The Chinese restaurant gave such huge servings that we took the leftovers to our room and ate them for lunch the next day. We kept our gas receipts and meal and shopping receipts because they are deductible expenses. We always drove the speed limit in order to use less gas. Our only entertainment expense was two $7.00 tickets to the aquarium.

All in all our expenses for a five day trip came to around $200, because my employer paid for the room and seminar tuition. In addition we got to walk on a beautiful beach and all around a sweet little resort town. It had been a long time since we enjoyed relaxing time together!

Today I had to have lab work which required fasting. I would normally have bought a burger afterward, but today I took a sandwich and bottled water. Then I came home and started a big batch of pickled peppers. I'm not boasting. I'm just saying that those little expenditures really add up. We could have bought $50 meals, but we bought $10.00. And the biggest savings come with money you didn't spend. We tightwads get a real high from that.

By Coreen from Rupert ID

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Cleaning Limescale Off Faucets and Showerheads

We have dreadfully hard water here in West Michigan. That leads to the dreaded lime scale build-up and unusable shower heads. Cleaners like CLR and KABOOM! require using rubber gloves because the product is so strong. Forget that! First, make sure the shower head is completely dry. Water will deactivate the reaction you want.

Take a plastic storage bag, put about a cup of white vinegar in it, add several spoonfuls of baking soda and slide it over the shower head or other water source. Hold it there for about 5 minutes using duct tape or packaging tape so that the mixture completely covers the clogged head. Then take off the bag and presto!

Just run the water through it to rinse. Don't throw out the mixture, either. Use it on another shower, since the cleaning properties will last a little longer. The commercial products also need to be rinsed off completely, but this won't harm you, your family, the tub or metals.

Buy great big bottles of white vinegar on sale just for cleaning. I also keep a restaurant-style sugar dispenser filled with baking soda and a little borax to sprinkle onto faucets and sinks that have soap or lime build-up First, spray where you need to clean with a bottle of straight vinegar. sprinkle on the baking soda, then spray it again with the vinegar and watch it work. Way cool! A light wipe and rinse and the work's done for you and all for just pennies!

By Polly L from Cedar Springs, MI

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Use Powdered Creamer As Emergency Milk

Out of milk? Try powder coffee creamer!

I have used this lots of times, I can never keep milk at my house. Just put a cup of water in the microwave and heat the water up add the coffee creamer into it and use. I have used this in boxed mac and cheese, instant mashed potatoes and even scrambled eggs. It works great, my mac and cheese seems creamier than with milk. Just use equal parts of water and creamer. I have tried several brands they all work well, but my favorite is Wal-Mart's extra rich brand.

By angelbeth from Catlettsburg, KY

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Use Nails To Bake Potatoes Faster

I like the taste of potatoes better when they are baked in the oven, as opposed to the microwave; however, it takes ever so much more time to do it this way. If you are in a time-crunch, and want to hasten baking time, then place a well-scrubbed nail into the middle of each potato before you put them into the oven. The heat travels to the inside of the potato through the nail, causing the inside of the potato to heat up (and cook) faster. This method hastens the cooking time tremendously. Just check for doneness at an earlier time than you would normally. (I squeeze the potatoes to check for doneness, so I don't have a time-table for cooking x-number of potatoes; sorry!)

Source: I have used this tip for quite a few years, so I don't remember where it came from.

By Carole from Locust Fork, Alabama

Editor's Note: Make sure you use a steel nail and not a galvanized nail. I used to have some aluminum potato nails that someone was making at the time. It does make them cook a lot quicker.

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Using Wasabi

If you are blessed to be in an area where there are ethnic foods, wasabi is a good Japanese horseradish to buy.

• It usually is sold on the top shelf in groceries because it comes in a little green box. You want to buy the kind in a tube. It is the best.

• It works in small amounts. Add it to mayo for an extra zip. I wouldn't add more than 1/4 tsp to a tablespoon of mayo.

• Leave off the lid under a glass jar with meat and it will keep the meat from spoiling. It is very high in vitamin C and scientists in Japan think wasabi might be good on surface skin infections.

• But it works great on sinus problems also. It will hurt like the dickens, BUT IT WILL OPEN YOUR SINUSES immediately. The pain goes straight to your head for 2-3 seconds but you will be able to breathe through your nose!

• The Yellow Japanese Mustard called KARASHI will work in a similar way, but it isn't as strong.

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Holiday Low-Carb Recipes

Looking for the best low-carb recipes for the holiday season.

Tammy from Missouri

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Cabinet Color for Terra Cotta Tiled Floors

My daughter has Terra Cotta colored tile floors. What color do you suggest for the cabinetry and countertop in laminate?

Elizabeth from Puerto Rico

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Cabinet Color for Small Kitchen

I have a small kitchen, I would like to know the best combination for the cabinets and countertops? Would you recommend the dark cabinets or light? I have white tile floors. Thanks.

Elizabeth from Puerto Rico

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Planting Rooted Willow Tree Branches

I recently cut a bunch of pencil size limbs from my willow tree. I placed them in a vase full of water. This was about a month ago. They are growing roots like crazy. It is early November in upstate NY. What do I do with them now? Start transplanting them into pots, etc.? I really wanted to put them in the ground, but its close to Winter.

Hardiness Zone: 5b


Eric from Upstate, NY

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Removing Flarp Putty from Hair

My granddaughter put Flarp Putty in her hair. How can we remove it safely without pulling her hair out? It's all the way to the scalp.

Brenda from Marion, NC

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Replacing Windows in Pop-up Camper

We recently purchased a Palomino Colt XL hard side pop-up camper, approx 1985. The canvas-type windows on the side of the beds need replacement or repair. Any ideas how to do that without taking off the entire end of the camper?

Sue from Danbury, WI

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Steamer is Not Steaming

My steamer is not steaming as it did when new. Is there a solution to this problem?

Patty from Memphis, TN

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Keeping Hair from Sticking to Dress

I have a 100% black cotton dress. It will come out of the washer/dryer perfectly, but as I am wearing it all day, every piece of lint, pet hair, and other peoples hair clings to it. Is there some type of product out that will guard the fabric all day?

Ovehla from Denver, CO

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Uses for Store Hangers

I have a bunch of the Walmart hangers. Does anyone have any other uses for them? I prefer the sturdy plastic ones for everyday use. Even if there was some place to recycle them, I'd be happy.

Amie from Nashville, IL

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Wood Oil on Dress Shirt

My husband leaned against a solid wood wall that had just been oiled/stained. Does anyone have any idea how to salvage the dress shirt?

Jen from Las Vegas, NV

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Christmas Decorations Made From Tomato Cages

How can I make a snowman with lights out of a tomato cage? Or any other Christmas decorations out of tomato cages. Anything but the garland and lights to make trees. I've done this.

Dottie from Dansville, NY

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Getting Rid of Pill Bugs

How do I get rid of Pill bugs in my house?

Michelle

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Painting Glass Blocks

What kind of paint do you use to paint on glass blocks?

Steph from Indianola, IA

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Pancakes Keep Coming Out Flat

No matter what I do, my pancakes always come out flat! I have used mixes, extra baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Does anyone know what I can do to make pancakes look the way they do on the boxes? Thanks.

nolasandy from Kenner, LA

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Removing Sharpie from a Sleeping Bag

How do you get sharpie out of a sleeping bag?

Jordan from Deer Lodge, TN

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Recommendations for "Freebie" Websites

I am really into finding samples. I know the usual sites: WalMart, Freebies 4 Mom, FreeGrabber and some Yahoo groups. I am looking for some other really great freebie sites. I am looking for ones that are easy to use and offer great freebies. Any suggestions?

Sarah from Statesville, NC

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Energy Efficient Light Bulbs Burning Out

Everyone claims that the new energy efficient light bulbs last a long time, some claim seven years! I have had three already that have burned out within less than three months. Has anyone else had this same problem? They are pretty pricey for this to happen.

Laurie from Marshfield, WI

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Low-Fat Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

My mother gave me an economy sized container of quick cook oats. Does anyone have a low-fat recipe for oatmeal cookies? I am on Weight Watchers. Or any other creative ways of using the enormous container of oatmeal. It would take my family 6 months to eat it! Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

Monica from Pingree Grove, IL

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Couch is Getting Lower and Softer

My couch is getting lower and softer. How hard is it to refresh the structure?

Madjimmy from Tallahassee, FL

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Flowers to Grow in Nashville, TN

What flowers can I plant in Nashville that will last through the spring?

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Laurie from Nashville, TN

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Preventing Mildew Around Shower

I have tried just about every cleaning solution out there to get rid of the black mildew that seems to build up around my shower enclosure. I have used mildew resistance caulking, but that does not seem to work.

Debra from Hurricane, Utah

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Discontinued Wallpaper: 737-8003 0000 "Made in Canada"

I got some wall border at a garage sale and am looking for a match. I'm lacking less than half a roll. The only numbers on the package are 737-8003 0000 Made in Canada 10758-1

Susan from Sherrill, NY

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What Breed is My Dog?

What kind of dog is this? I adopted her from the Humane Society and I'm just curious if anyone has any input as to what she is. She's about 22-24 inches at the shoulders and weighs around 35-40 lbs. Thanks!

Kelly from Seattle, WA

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Reviews of KitchenAid Mixers

Can anyone tell me their experiences with KitchenAid mixers? I am looking to buy one and want to know what it the best for my buck. They have many different ones but am wondering does anyone have the 300 watt 10 speed and is it good enough for home use? I know they have a professional one but wonder if that is just too much for use at home (the cost is a couple hundred more and wonder if it would be a waste for home use).

jho from Chassell

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Washing Leather Garden Gloves

How do you wash or clean leather gardening gloves? They are either goat or deer skin?

caropops from Berkeley, CA

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Buying Meat for 75 People

We will be hosting a cookout for 75 people. We will be serving Boston Butts and Chicken Breast Quarters. Please help me figure out how many Boston butt and chicken quarters I need to purchase.

Auni from Raleigh, NC

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Making a "Keyhole" Scarf on a Knitting Loom

I need a knitting loom pattern for a 'keyhole' scarf. I don't know how to BO and CO to make the keyhole effect. Please help me, thanks.

Jean from NC

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Separating Frozen Ravioli

How can I separate frozen ravioli that are stuck together?

Janet from Tarrytown, NY

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Surprising Someone with a Beach Vacation

I am planning a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband next weekend. I have booked a surprise beach vacation for us in 3 weeks. Does anyone have any original ideas of ways to tell him about it? Any ideas would be really appreciated as I'm running out of time! Thank you!

Jayne from Montreal

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Saving Money on Holiday Travel

Tips for saving money on holiday travel. Feel free to post your ideas below!

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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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Budget Friendly Ways to Kid Friendly Products
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

The stores are filled with a plethora of kid-friendly products. The only problem is that they're not necessarily budget friendly products. There are more frugal options to kid-friendly products for the creative mind.

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