Daily Thrifty Tips - July 10, 2008

We have two Saving Money On... topics this week. Do you have any tips to share?

Saving Money at Disneyland
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Saving Money on Summer Travel
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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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Craft: Woodburned Jewelry Box

Materials

• wood box
• wood burning tool
• stencil
• pencil
• wood stain
• sandpaper
• Paint on or spray on clear sealer

Instructions

1. Sand the box

2. Trace your stencil on the box

3. Make sure the wood burner is hot, an start burning in the pattern.

4. Wood stain your box as desired, with a paintbrush or a soft cloth, letting dry for a hour or so between coats until you get the color you like.

5. Let dry for one day and then you can paint on or spray on a clear sealer.

Enjoy the craft.

By Crafty Billie from Stockton, CA

Editor's Note: This would be also good for burning wooden recipe boxes.

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Scenery: Beautiful Mount Rainier

We were just coming out of a restaurant when I noticed our beautiful Mt. Rainier was out on all her glory. I had to stop and take a couple of pictures.

By Rita from Tacoma, Washington

Editor's Note: We can see this on a clear day from our office. It is exceptionally beautiful. Because Mt. Rainier is often hiding, it's always a treat when "The Mountain is Out."

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Priss (Scottish Fold Mix)

Priss is 3 years old this month. He is a mix, but we are told he is part Scottish Fold. We found him through our local paper. He loves to sleep, eat, and love up the kids. By Angi from Spokane, WA

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Skate Board Cake

This is a Skate board cake for an 8th birthday party. My friend wanted a skate board party for her son. We could not buy a cake that fit the theme. This is what came up with.

• 2 cake mixes
• Flat cake pan
• Bundt cake pan
• 2 icing tubs
• food color
• sour patch kids
• life savers
• candy sticks
• air heads

Bake a flat cake and a bundt cake.

Frost the flat cake for base. Cut the bundt cake in half and turn on side trim a little off the bottom so it will sit flat when turned upright, trim some from center also so your pike will be shaped better. Place on flat cake. I set it to the back but it can be placed in center. Use the pieces of cake you have left to fill in the side so it won't beck. If it does use straws to hold it together.

For the skate boards place a candy stick between two life savers for wheels. place a half of a air head on top of two sets. You can use a little frosting to hold a sour patch kid on the board for a rider also place some kids running up to the ramp. I placed a Happy Birthday sign above the ramp using two chopsticks.

By Randa from San Marcos TX

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Simple Bookmark

Sometimes simple is best. I have had many bookmarks in my life. They have fallen out, or made the books appear bulky. Now I have a BOOKMARK always at my fingertips. I use a large paperclip. I put the short side on the page that I was on last. Easy, quick, and THRIFTY!

By Christine from Sterling, Virginia

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Dog Toy IQ Challenge

Cheap dog toy also provides an IQ challenge. Put a piece of dog biscuit or a treat in a Propel water bottle (with no cap and the plastic retainer ring removed). Let the dog figure out how to get the snack out. I got the Propel idea from one of the posters and some free bottles from someone who likes to drink it. Use the Propel bottles because they are quite sturdy.

Source: A poster on Thriftyfun.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Packing for a Trip List

In 1998, when we were expecting our first grandchild, I made a list of everything I needed to take with me to stay for a week, including my tooth brush and underwear.

Our daughter called while I was at work and said, "Mom, are you ready to be a grandma? My water just broke!" She herself was at work and being a nurse, they sent her right on up to the maternity ward.

We had a 4 hour drive to make and were packed and on the road within an hour, thanks to my trusty list of everything I needed to take with me. We made it in plenty of time to be there when our granddaughter was born, an experience I will always cherish and never forget.

I still use this list when getting our things together to go on a trip. It is quite worn now and over the years I have penciled in many items. I know exactly where my list is and I can be packed and ready to go in just a few minutes and have everything I need.

I would be lost without so I've got to take the time to retype it and save it on my computer.

By Betty from NC

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Cool Sensory Toy for Kids (and Adults!)

Tape a large square of sticky shelf liner (Mac Tac) to the floor, or to the wall, or a door, UPSIDE DOWN. (That's right, sticky side UP.) Kids love sticking their hair to the wall and their hands and feet to the floor! Doesn't have enough glue to REALLY stick, just enough to have fun!

I made a sensory obstacle course that kept my day care kids busy for hours. I taped the Mac Tac to the wall, tossed a large, old fur coat on the floor, filled a small, blow-up swimming pool with those small styrofoam beads (saved from a torn bean-bag type pillow), another with feathers, and another with those squishy toys that stick to, and crawl down the walls, outside, I had a pool full of shaving cream (the non-toxic kind) some and "silly string", a pool full of mud, and a garden sprinkler! They had a ball!

Messy, but lots of fun, and everything, except the coat, which was free from a friend, came from the dollar store, including the pools! This cost me about $10.00 for a whole day of fun! I had to bribe the kids with home made cookies to get them to leave when their parents came to get them. We will definitely repeat this activity several times this summer!

By Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Canada

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Freezing Meat and Poultry

Wrap all meat products well before you freeze them. This prevents flavor changes and drying of the meat. Heavy duty foil and coated freezer paper are excellent barriers to both air and moisture. Regular weight aluminum foil becomes brittle at low temperatures and does not make a good freezer wrap. Multiple-layer freezer bags you can seal tightly are also effective wraps.

Remove the supermarket plastic overwrap when you freeze meats, unless you plan to store meat only for a week or two. The film overwrap lets in oxygen to keep the color bright in the meat case. While this is fine for refrigerated storage, it leads to freezer burn in frozen storage.

Freeze meats and poultry in meal-sized quantities. If you stock up during a sale, rewrap and freeze meat as soon as you get it home. Separate chops, steaks, ground meat patties or chicken parts with a sheet of plastic wrap before you stack them for the freezer. If you take the time to do this, you will be able to separate them for cooking, even when they are still solidly frozen.

If a freezer stays at 0 F or lower, meats will keep for several months. Store roasts and whole poultry for six to 12 months; steaks and chops for four to six months, and ground meats or stew meats for three or four months. Cured and processed meats lose quality more rapidly than fresh meats because of the presence of salts. Do not store luncheon meats, franks, ham or sausage longer than one or two months.

These are approximate storage times--if you keep meats solidly frozen and store them at 0 F, they will remain safe to eat well beyond the recommended time. However, they may show quality change like rancid off-flavors in the fats or dryness from freezer burn.

Thaw frozen meats in the refrigerator, in the microwave or cook them without thawing. Do not thaw meat at room temperature, because this will give surface bacteria a better chance to multiply

Source: Source: NDSU Extension Service Nutrition Specialists

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Making Frozen French Fries

You can make frozen French fried potatoes at home. The mealy type potato is best. Use mature potatoes you have stored for at least 30 days. Potatoes with a higher sugar content will brown excessively and will be less attractive.

To make frozen French fries, pare and cut potatoes lengthwise into 3/8 inch strips. Rinse in cold water to remove surface starch. Dry thoroughly on a towel.

Fry strips in deep fat or oil at 360 degrees about 4 minutes or until cooked, but not browned. Remove from fat and drain on absorbent paper. Do not overload the French fry basket. If you do, the fat temperature will drop and the potatoes will absorb more fat. Use just enough potatoes to cover the bottom of the basket.

Cool French fried strips to room temperature and pack in cartons or other airtight containers. Seal, freeze and store at 0 degrees or lower. Homemade French fries have a short storage life, so use them within 2 to 3 months.

When you use them, fry in deep fat without thawing. For skillet crisping, brown the French fries in one tablespoon of oil. A 475 F oven may be used to finish cooking and browning.

For hashed browned potatoes, prepare as you would to serve. Brown only to the brown-and-serve stage, cool and package for freezing. Store frozen for one to 2 months. When you want to use them, finish cooking and browning as for regular preparation.

Source: Source: NDSU Extension Service Nutrition Specialists

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Stain Proofing a Coach Purse

I just got my first Coach purse. It is signature fabric with leather accents. Is there a way to "waterproof" or "stainproof" the fabric portion of the purse? Thanks!

Vicki from Springfield, MO

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Transplanting Orchids

I am looking for tips about transplanting orchids.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Gaye from High Point, NC

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Buying Marble Chase

I am looking to purchase a game that I played several months ago that is called Marble Chase. It was a homemade board bought down in Florida by my aunt and uncle who are snowbirds. I don't think the couple who are making and selling these boards are able to do so anymore and I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone making and selling them. It's a popular game in RV parks (I hear) and a combination of Chinese Checkers and Sorry. The goal is to get your four marbles around the board into your "home" spaces and playing cards are used, rather than dice.

Mary Moo from Wilmington, IL

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Cleaning a Dishwasher

How do I get rid of gunk in the dishwasher?

Connecticut

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Cutting Back Petunias

I have beautiful hanging baskets of (mainly) petunias on my northeast facing porch. They are beginning to look rather ragged now (almost mid July). I faithfully water, use liquid fertilizer each week and have even added some high quality potting soil to the baskets. I believe I once read something about cutting back petunias around this time. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Bellanell from Pleasant Mount, PA

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Two Power of Attorneys

My husband has POA over his mother's affairs. His brother recently became medical POA when their mother was deemed incompetent due to Alzheimer's. So now his brother is responsible for all sitter care (hiring, scheduling, paying, etc.) This has caused a lot of conflict.

My husband has run the sitting staff for 3 years without problems. Now his brother wants to change things. So now my husband just wants to pay his brother $10,000/month and let him pay the sitters, buy the groceries, pay for medications, etc. I told him I thought he was still responsible for getting receipts and being accountable for money spent and he said that he wasn't worried about it, that as soon as the money ran out, then the sooner his brother would have to take total responsibility for his mother. She would then have to move in with him because he would have to sell the house since there would be no more money left in the checking account to pay bills. Is he right?

Susan from Slidell, LA

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Staining Particle Board Flooring

I am about to remove my carpet from my living room and hoping to stain the particle board underneath. Any suggestions?

Raquel

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Permanent Marker on Blinds

I need to know if anyone has any tips on how to get black permanent marker (sharpie) off vertical blinds still on the window! My 2 year old went crazy and scribbled all over them! I'm desperate.

Amanda Maitland, NSW

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Beauty Products for Someone With Allergies

I am living with food allergies and Celiac Disease and need help finding lotion and beauty products I can use!

I am allergic to SOY, CORN, TOMATOES, and GLUTEN. I'm completely taking them out of my diet, and not putting them on my skin. After I completely get rid of them, I am going to slowly see what forms of each allergen I can use. (i.e. I may be able to eat soy, but avoid soy protein.)

I have accepted the fact that I may need to make my own - and that they may cost more than what I am currently paying.

I need:

toothpaste
shampoo/conditioner
face cleaner
body wash
and face and body lotion

Thanks! Also, if you suffer from allergies and have ANY suggestions or help you can give me I would greatly appreciate it.

Jamie from Ohio

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Money for Pop Tabs

Where do I collect money for pop tabs?

Cindy from Cincinnati, OH

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Safe Decibel Levels for Listening to Music

Does anyone know the safe db level listening to music? What should the db level be under to protect a person's hearing?

Ranleigh from Willmar, Mn

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Ideas for One Year Old's Birthday Party

My son is going to be one year old on October 27th and I really need great ideas for the birthday party that won't cost a lot of money. All the children are going to be younger than 1 years old. I really need ideas for keeping them occupied, treat bags, food etc. There are about 7 babies and about 29 adults! I want it to be special it's an important birthday! If anyone could think of anything memorable please please let me know.

Rachel from Kitchener, Ontario

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Covering Ikea Round Wicker Hassock

I have a decorating question. I have a round wicker hassock which I bought from IKEA several years ago (so you know it is still very solid). There are spaces around the sides that are broken and look unsightly, thanks to our cat. I would like to cover it with fabric, but have no idea how to adhere the fabric to the item. I hate to dispose of the hassock altogether, because other than around the sides, it is still a good piece and very sturdy.

From reading so many posts, I know there are so many great crafters out there, help. lol. Grateful for any and all suggestions.

By Linda from New York City

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Crabgrass Killer

I am looking for a homemade crabgrass killer.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Tom from Danville, IL

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Removing Musty Smell from Fire Proof Safe

How do I remove a musty smell from documents stored in a fire proof safe?

Judy from Illinois

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Watering Dog Wood Trees

I bought some weeping cherry trees and a dog wood trees from a different area last spring online. I lost some of them as they were very small saplings. The ones that are living now are in my veranda and get limited sunlight. I have an automatic watering system. Both the dog wood and the weeping cherry trees have a lot of leaves but they are turning brown at the ends. Am I watering too much or still too little? Please help. I can send photos if you need them.

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Valerie from Fallbrook, California

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Finding an Inexpensive Bicycle or Gas Scooter

I'm looking for a bicycle or gas scooter that's in good condition to ride to work which is only 2 miles away but I need to save all the money I can and riding a bike is a good start!

Aaron from Wilson, NC

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Decoupaging Over Decoupage

Do I really have to remove old decoupage before putting on new?

Linda from Cassopolis, Michigan

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Cucumber Plants Not Producing

I have planted cucumbers and they have beautiful blooms but have yielded no vegetables I planted them in a planter with miracle-gro potting soil. They have adequate sunshine and water. I suspect a soil deficiency but really am not sure. Anyone with advice to correct this problem would be very much appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Thanks,
Marie from Oklahoma

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Yellowing on a Beaded Background

I have question about getting yellow out of the background on the beading of a wedding dress. It is only on parts of the bottom. I have already taken to cleaners and didn't come out. Any suggestions?

Christina from Muncie, IN

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Lawnmower Has No Spark at Plug

My Briggs & Stratton 6.75 self propelled 125k02-0281E1 has no spark at plug and will not start. Any ideas?

Gary from Kansas City, MO

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Very Few Iris Blooms

Does anybody know why my Irises didn't bloom very much this year? I had lots of foliage but very few blooms. We've only lived here a year and I can't remember what they did last year but this year I watched. I'm dividing them now (right or wrong?) so maybe they were crowded?

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Judi from Elgin, Oregon

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Home Remedies for House Flies

Does anyone know how to get rid of house flies? My house is 3 years old and every summer they are all over the windows.

Orsymco from Newport, Mich

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Nutritional Value of Baked Vegetables

For additional nutrition, I grated a raw zucchini into double batch of brownies. I am now wondering if it makes a difference, because heat kills vitamins and the fiber is negligible. Any thoughts on the subject?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Removing Permanent Marker from a CD

The other day we were putting pictures on a CD from my computer and my daughter accidentally mislabeled two of the CDs. She was using permanent marker. Is there anyway we can erase the label on the CD in order to label it right?

Arlene from JANESVILLE

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Cleaning Deerskin Moccassins

Does anyone know how to clean moccasins that are made of deerhide? I find my slippers so comfortable to wear but I'm not sure how to clean them up without damaging the surface.

Sheila from Ontario CA

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Biodegradable Laundry Soap Recipe

I would like a recipe for a biodegradable laundry soap. Thanks.

Laura from Fresno, CA

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Clothes Hanging In Closet Are Stained

The clothes hanging in the closet have stains on the shoulders and down the sleeves. I need something to get the stains out without ruining the clothes.

Josephine from Winterville, GA

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Making a Tin Recipe Box

Does anyone have instructions on how to do a tin recipe box? I just purchased a small one today.

Shirley from Cincinnati, OH

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Using Washcloths for Baby Wipes

How can I effectively use washcloths for baby wipes? Is there a system that I can set up ahead of time? How long will they keep if I mix them up with say, baby soap and baking soda, or what do I mix them with so that they will keep? Basically I am tired of buying disposables and am going green!

Olivia from Pittsburgh

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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