Daily Thrifty Tips - October 25, 2007

We are starting a new feature today. It's a joke of the day which kindly provide by Dear Webby who publishes a funny and clean humor newsletter.

You can read the newest edition of the Humor Letter here:

http://webby.com/humor/index.html

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Dollhouse from Recycled Items

Make a dollhouse from recycled items, have fun and wow the kids!

Don't believe it's possible?

See more photos of FoundHaus at

• http://picasaweb.google.com/dariadster/FoundHaus

By Daria from San Diego, CA

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Bailey and Lexi (Min-Pin/Chihuahua)

Bailey and Lexi are brother and sister. They are 4 1/2 month old Min-Pin/Chihuahua. We got them from a friend of the family when they were 9 weeks old.

They love to play with each other and their feline siblings. They are so much fun!

By Kara from St. Joseph, MI

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Decoupaged Bleach Bottle Piggies

This is my second year of homeschooling and I wanted to show the girls how to decoupage. After several hours of thinking of what they could do that would be fun as well as useful, I went into my laundry room. And there atop of my washer sat an empty bleach bottle. The bottle was laying on its side and from the front it looked to me like a piggy. And hence, this is where I got the idea.

First wash the bleach bottle out good. You can also use those gallon vinegar bottles. Then get some newspaper and rip them into strips. meanwhile make your decoupage glue. I used the basic recipe of 1 cup of flour to 2 cups of hot water.

Cook over low heat until no clumps and thick. You may need to add more water. If its too watery add a bit more flour. JUST BE SURE TO LET IT COOL BEFORE USING!

Dip your newspapers in the glue mixture and begin layering on your bottle. We did the top part and let it dry then the bottom.

After several layers and being completely dry (we do a part each week for art class) then you can decorate. We used scrapbooking paper and tissue paper. We kept with a theme but you can use anything you would like: newspaper funnies, music pages, etc.

Let dry!

For the legs we used the holder from an egg carton and the ears we formed out of the paper. After the entire thing is dry you can cut a hole in the top to put your coins in and then varnish. I use a clear coat in a spray paint can.

That is it! Now you have a cute little piggy bank that isn't just cute, it is also very useful.

In the photos, we haven't added the tail or the eyes. The eyes will be buttons and the tail will be a curled pipe cleaner.

By Melissa from Pine City NY

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Use Mailing Labels For Identification When Walking

When I go for my daily walk, I usually don't take anything with me including ID. I thought if something should happen to me; heart attack, accident, etc., no one would be able to find out anything about me; where I live, age, etc. I'm 69 years old so these things could happen. Now I take one of those many mailing labels you get in the mail and put one on my sleeve and one on my pants. I don't have to worry about being identified now.

By Joe from Inver Grove Heights, MN

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Microwave For Moist Leftover Rice

Leftover rice too dry? Put it in a ziplock bag, add water, seal, shake, and microwave. Tastes moist and fresh!

By Amyrojo5903 from Wetumpka, AL

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Add Googley Eyes To Brighten Your Day

Googley eyes added to any variety of otherwise useless junk from the kitchen or elsewhere can brighten your day,your storage, or cookies for a friend! Try your hand at it and see what happens to your dull day!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Simple Green And Baking Soda For Hair Dye On Skin

Over the years, I have dyed my hair everything from bright pink to blue black. Along the way, I have also accidentally dyed by ears, my neck,my arms and many other body parts, I won't mention. After trying all of the normal methods, I found that the best way to get dried hair dye off of skin is with a combo of Simple Green and baking soda. Not only will it cut through the dye like a hot knife through butter but it will give you a great exfoliation as well!

Keep in mind though, that although the Simple Green is a nontoxic biodegradable cleaner, it will strip your hair of any color. So keep it on the skin and off the hair unless you want blond roots! ;) Hope this helps!

By Roxanne from Richmond, TX

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Use A Sealed Container For Used Clumping Litter

Having had cats, and litter boxes, all my life I've tried every combination of things to make cleaning out the litter box quick, clean and easy.

I've had the clay litter where you waited until it was pretty gross and then you threw it all away. That litter was heavy and a pain to clean up all at once. I've used flushable litter and kept the boxes in the bathroom. That's great if you don't mind litter tracking all over your bath mat every day. I've used pine litter so I just scooped the solids and then threw all the wet litter in the compost pile.

I always found clumping litter more user friendly and it didn't waste any non soiled litter, but putting it in a plastic bag that I had to untie to use every time was just disgusting.

I now use a container you get in the pet section of any store to dispose of the waste. It's a container with a sealed lid that is advertised for storing dog kibble in. It's completely air tight, so no stink comes out. I use a trash bag in it like a lidded trash can and I can wait until it's pretty full and then just take it to the trash bin outside. The top latches shut so nothing spills out and the dog doesn't do something gross. It's so much easier, completely odor controlling and child/doggy proof!

By Panktty from Anderson, IN

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Use T-Shirts To Make Cute Halloween Costumes

I just visited the Family Fun Zone at the Hanes website and they have all sorts of great ideas for making costumes out of T-Shirts. I never thought of using T-shirts like this, but the costumes are adorable. My favorite is the "Gypsy" because its so colorful. Hanes gives complete easy to follow instructions on how to make all the different costumes as well.

Go to http://www.hanes.com/Hanes/Departments/Kids-Hanes.aspx and click on the"Family Fun Zone" in the lower right corner of the page. I think this is a terrific way to recycle some old adult and/or youth T-shirts you may have at home while creating a costume that's sure to be a kid-pleaser!

By AzDana from Arizona

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Use Baking Soda For Cooked On Food

I had attempted to clean a pot that the food was cooked until very hard crust and burned. I attempted to add water and boil to loosen the food but it could not be removed. I have always heard baking soda can fix any problem so I gave it a try by adding a quarter cup baking soda to the pot with boiling water and to my surprise in a few minutes the food could be wiped off without scrubbing. Hope this helps someone.

By Diane from Myrtle Beach, SC

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Make Your Own Scarecrow

I am getting ready to put my scarecrow in the front yard. You can make your own for so much less money, plus you can use your creative side, or in my case my grandson's help to assemble the scarecrow. Here is what you will need.

• One shirt
• One pair of old pants
• Hat of your choice
• Old white/cream pillowcase for face, or scrap fabric
• Plastic shopping bags or old newspapers
• Safety Pins
• Sturdy string - I use my string I get from the butcher, narrow rope will also work
• Small amounts of straw or raffias
• Permanent markers for facial features.

1. Button, zip or close the shirt and pants where necessary, tie ends of shirt arms and pant legs closed with string or rope.
2. Stuff full with bags or newspaper.
3. Use safety pins to attach shirt to pants at waist.
4. Stuff pillowcase into size and shape of a face. Use a permanent marker for facial features. Tuck into the neck opening of shirt, and secure with safety pins. Pin on hat.
5. Stuff a little straw or raffia into the neck opening edges, and the arm and leg openings. Glue in place if necessary.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Keep Online Passwords Locked Up

I keep my most visited web sites with user id's and passwords written down on a little notebook and locked in a safe. Before I get online, I reference back to the ones I want to visit, then return the notebook back to the safe. If I happen to write down any information, I crosscut shred when finished.

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

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Candlelight Night

I was reading through advice about electrical power outages and what to do. Guess what, sometimes on purpose, we turn off all the electricity and do everything by candlelight, especially when the grandkids are here. it is a fun evening for everyone.

By Arlene from Wisconsin

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Chicken Fried Steak

I have tried to make fried chicken with no luck. Then today I tried to make chicken fried steak. I was given a top shoulder piece of meat. I found in my cookbook chicken fried steak and you use this cut of meat. What am I doing wrong? The flour just comes off in the pan. I cut the steak before I cooked it, just like the book says (Southern Living). The same thing happens with fried chicken.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Soap Recipes

I am looking for free soap recipes.

Gilda from CA

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Club Party Ideas

Does someone have an idea about having a party in a night club. It's an ordinary club, this time I'm the one who is having a party and I want it to be fun.

Filip

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Reception Hall Ideas

I am in the process of planning my wedding but who knew they could be so expensive? I have been looking for reception halls for the past 4 months and I've come up with places that would require me to have 3 part time jobs. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? I would prefer to keep it out of city owned places. Can someone help?

PrettiEyez from Northern NJ

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Shiny Spot on Table

I had a round dark stain from a glass on a cherry dining room table. I used toothpaste and baking soda to remove the stain, which it did. But now the area that I removed the mark from is shinier than the rest of the table. Any ideas for dulling this spot?

mj245 from Westmont, IL

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Inexpensive Dry Cleaner

I am looking for an inexpensive dry cleaners located in Clifton, NJ.

Nicole from Clifton, NJ

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Renting Carnival Cut-outs

Does anyone know where to rent those comical cut-outs you see at carnivals, the kind where you can stand behind them to get a picture taken. Your face shows and the body is a scarecrow or moviestar etc. And how about a website that sells custom t-shirts (cheap)?
Thank you all.

Jeanne from Philadelphia, PA

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White Trim On Hockey Jersey Turned Pink

I am in charge of washing my son's hockey team's jerseys. Last night was the first time I had to wash them. The jerseys are red with white trim and I washed them in cold inside out, but of course (my luck!) the white trim is tinted pink now. Any suggestions?

Kristy Stoll from Detroit, MI

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Washing Dry Clean Only Pants

I have a pair of pants that say "dry clean only", the content of the material is 95 percent cotton and 5 percent Elastane. Can I wash them in my washing machine at home? Also, why would they say dry clean only?

Nicole

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Bargain Shopping Near Washington D.C.

We are driving to Washington, DC and want to do bargain shopping on the way. The only place we know of is the unclaimed baggage store in Scottsboro, AL. We don't mind getting off the highway to find bargains. We will be traveling from I20 west to I-459N toI-59N toI-75 N. I-40 toward Knoxville then I-81 to Virginia and on the Washington, DC. Help me out. We are bargain/Christmas shopping and are really looking forward to the drive. We will leave 11-16-2007 and be home on 11-25-2007. We are willing to come home a different way. Help me out. I love a great bargain.

Dawn from Longview, TX

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Removing Permanent Marker From Photos

My mother wrote on the back if several portraits with a permanent marker and them stacked them on top of the other before the ink was dry. Hence, there is now smudges of the ink on the front of several of the pictures. I tried using a damp cotton swap to gently lift what I could, some "lightened" but didn't remove the ink completely. Does anyone have any advice as to how to remove the ink without damaging the photos?

Robbie from Knoxville,TN

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Stopping Insoles From Slipping

Insoles - how do I keep them from slipping around in my shoes? A long time ago I tried using velcro and it worked for 1 pair of shoes, but not the other (I don't recall the details). Is there a sure fire method for application so there is no slippage and it's not a 'guess, test and revise' game? These insoles are not permanent, they need to be switched out to various pairs of shoes.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Remove Makeup Stain From Microfiber Couch

How do I get makeup stains from a microfiber couch?

Mary from Tampa, Fl

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Paint Advice with Stainless Steel, Cherry Cabinets and Light Brown Counters

We need help with our kitchen paint color. We have stainless steel with cherry cabinets, cherry hardwood floors and light brownish counters. We cannot decide which wall color will best fit the kitchen. Please advise!

Victor K. from Chicago, IL

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Freezing Alfredo Sauce

Can you freeze Alfredo sauce? Can you freeze cooked pasta (without sauce), and if so, how would you go about defrosting it? Thanks

Amy K. from Austin, TX

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Miniature American Eskimo Not Eating

Why won't my dog eat dog food? She is a miniature America Eskimo, good dog but she is not eating any of her wet or dry dog food. I did change both and nothing! She went all of yesterday and this morning without eating. We have stopped giving her treats and if we feed her any of our food it goes into her bowl and it is mixed in. But sure enough she finds just what we put in and neglects her own food. PLEASE HELP!

Lauren from New York

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Making a Magnetic Pin Cushion

How to make your own magnetic pin cushions? I am always sewing and using straight pins for patterns etc. While I have plenty of fabric pin cushions, I find I am always dropping the pins and finding them later when I get stuck with them painfully. I have seen the magnetic pin cushions in stores that cost $10-$15 each. I would like to know of a way to make my own even in different sizes, so I do not have to keep up with the pins so much. If anyone has any ideas for making these magnetic ones I'd love to hear about them! :) Thanks!

Julie from TN

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Tips to Curb Cigarette Cravings

I am trying to quit smoking. Any tips on how to control cravings for the cigarettes?. I am doing well on Wellbutrin to where I am down to 6 a day. I am using candy to help with some. Does anyone have any tips as to how to cut back even more and stop smoking for good?

Amy from Evansdale

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Transferring Pictures to Fabric

I recently got married and I want to make a memory quilt. We had everyone sign fabric swatches, but I'd also like to include pictures as well. How do I transfer pictures to fabric?

Kimberley S. from Hanover, PA

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Removing Mildew Stains from Baby Clothes

I have a 3 month old who spits up a lot and as often as I change her clothes or put bibs on her etc, she is constantly wet by her neck and chest. I let her clothes air dry after removing them from her before putting them in the hamper. Recently, however, her clothing started to get moldy up by the neck. I now have one cotton, one terry and one velour stretchy of hers that is no longer wearable.

I tried soaking these outfits in vinegar before washing but saw no difference. I also tried rubbing some oxiclean solution on before washing but that did not do it either. Any suggestions? I am looking forward to a response on how to best remove this mold (and how to prevent mold from growing on other outfits.) Thank you!

By Sima

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Locating a Catholic Priest

Is it possible to locate a Catholic Priest if I know the name, the order he's in and the state he's from?

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Color Bled on White Clothing

I washed a comforter which is mainly blue then a smaller red area and then a cream colour area, red, cream and blue again. The red dye bled into the cream colour.

How can the red dye be removed now? Please help, it's a gorgeous comforter.

Paola from Canada

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Gnats on Houseplants

I have problems with gnats (I think that is what they are). I've noticed them throughout the house and they are coming from my plants. What can I do to get rid of them. Should I re-pot them? Thanks for any suggestions.

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Marsha from Norfolk, NE

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The Incredibles Birthday Party

I need ideas for my sons 3rd birthday party the theme is the Incredibles and i wanted to make some sort of home made obstacle course for them to run through. Any suggestions?

Yaima from Port Saint Lucie, FL

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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