Daily Thrifty Tips - November 7, 2007

This Friday's Saving Money On... newsletter is about Saving Money on Thanksgiving. If you have any tips to share, please submit them here:

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We have lots of new request today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. With the holiday's coming now is a great time to submit requests if you are looking for recipes, gift ideas or other information. To submit a request to ThriftyFun community visit the linke below.

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Let's Share Our Pretty Party Platter Ideas

With the holidays coming up, I (and most likely you) am looking for new ideas to dress up the food I serve or take to parties. I would love to see your ideas. I will start with this deviled egg dish I did today for a friend's party. Show me yours!

By Mitzi from DeLand, FL

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Beautiful Fall Leaves

Just some pictures I took of fall in this area. It's such a beautiful area when the leaves are changing.

By Sherry from Silverdale, WA

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Ayden In His Harley Outfit

this is my grandson Ayden in his Harley outfit. He can't wait to get bigger so he can ride on grandpa's Harley

By imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Memorial to Our Girl Maggie (Golden Retriever Mix)

Maggie was an 11 year old Golden Retriever Mix. My wife and I went to the SPCA on October 22, 1996 to adopt a pet. We were walking through the kennel while all of the dogs were jumping and barking, except for Maggie. Both of us went into her cage and I went down on one knee and Maggie put her chin on my knee. Right away we both knew that we would take Maggie home.

She loved to fetch the ball, take walks and sit with her family and sister Sallie. Four months ago Maggie started sneezing followed by nose bleeds. We took her to the vet and she was diagnosed with sinus tumors. The bleeding became more frequent and Maggie would just lay around not wanting to be with her family. On October 25, 2007, Maggie was put to rest at 9:20 a.m. Her family was with her the entire time. We all miss and love her very much.

By Paul from Charleston, SC

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Give The Same Card Year After Year

My Mom saved for years on giving cards to Dad AND we all got a good laugh 50 years later!

For 50 years my Mom gave my Dad the same Valentines, Father's Day, and Christmas Cards. She just never moistened the envelope and put the cards in their envelopes away in her special drawer after the season was over for re-use the next year.

As the cards began to age, so did he. If he ever realized he never let on.

We remember this fondly and with a laugh -- he would have been proud!

By Carolyn from Mitchellville, MD

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Add Baby Food To Recipes To Boost Nutrition

I am always trying to get more veggies in our meals. I recently bought a cookbook featured on Oprah that requires a lot of time to puree your own veggies. I do not want to spend that much time steaming and pureeing veggies and fruits, so I buy the small bottles of baby food when it is on sale and add it to different dishes.

Tonight we are having homemade veggie beef soup made with leftover roast beef. To the soup, I also added a 4 oz jar of baby carrots and a 4 oz. jar of baby squash. The brand I prefer is the Organic Naturally Preferred baby food. The 4 oz jars are about .69 cents at my Kroger store. When I make my spaghetti sauce, I add a 4 oz. jar of veggie baby food and no one knows the difference.

It is amazing how easy it is to add veggies into your homemade dishes! Experiment and have fun!

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Windex as a Stain Remover

To safely remove spots from a rug or carpet, spray it with a small amount of Windex and then scrub it with a stiff scrub brush. It takes the stain right out and dries quickly. I have tried this on several spots and they came right out.

By Pam from Ft. Mitchell, KY

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Using Soda Bottle To Protect Seedlings And Delicate Plants

My tip for protecting small plants and starters is to cover them with a 2 liter clear plastic soda bottle. I cut off the bottom and discard it. Then I place the remaining bottle over my small or sensitive plants and flowers to protect them from the elements. The great thing about this is that the bottles are clear so they continue to get sun and if I need to water them, I simple unscrew the bottle tops, give them a little drink and air during the day and then close them back up at night. This system has been working very will for me since I started doing it several years ago. Of course I have only a balcony garden as I live in the middle of a large city.

By Lisingreece from Greece

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Clean Blinds With Old Sock

Here's an easy way to remove dust from window blinds: Put an old sock over your hand as if you were making a sock puppet. Now grasp each slat on the blinds and rub your sock back and forth to remove the dust. So easy!

By Angie from Murphy, TX

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Organizing And Cooking A Large Meal Successfully

Tips for organizing a large meal and making sure that everything is ready at the same time.

First, you need to be realistic. If your home is not large enough, or you don't have the proper equipment or parking, then see about renting a facility to house your dinner, or let someone else host it. With that being said...

A week before my dinner, I start my baking. Cookies, pies and cakes can be made ahead of time and frozen. The day before your dinner, remove them from the freezer. I also contact guests and ask them to bring a covered dish (especially if they are close or local family). If we are inviting a special guest, or someone from out of town, I don't ask them to bring a dish. I do ask everyone to let me know what they are bringing however so we don't have 7 green bean casseroles.

The day before your dinner, set up your tables and chairs. Set your place settings. Make your tea; make sure you have enough ice on hand. It's perfectly fine to use good quality foam or paper plates, if not for the entire dinner, than for at least dessert. This gives you less cleanup time, and more time to visit and focus on other activities of the day. You can simplify your dinner even more, by setting up your dinner as a buffet. Ping-pong and pool tables are great for holding the food!

I cover my "kids table" with blank newspaper and set a cup on crayons on that table, along with some coloring books. It helps keep little ones entertained while their plates are being prepared.

Some foods you can start the day before, such as peeling your potatoes for mashed potatoes (store in salted water in the fridge), fixing relish, fruit and veggie trays, bake your turkey or ham and preslice it. 2 years ago our local deli was running a special on turkey. It was actually cheaper to have them bake our turkey and slice it than it was for me to buy a turkey. So, check them out for specials!

The day of your dinner, use crock-pots where you can. Crock-pots work great for gravy, noodles, yams, keeping mashed potatoes warm. Check a day or two before hand to make sure you have proper extension cords.

I also set out some board games, a cheese tray and snack tray. If we end up waiting on a last minute guest or have a kitchen emergency, I don't have to worry about people being hungry, especially in my family where we have several diabetics and lots of kids.

After our blessing, I ask the parents of young children and those over 60 to go through the line first, if it is a buffet. If it is not buffet, I ask the moms if they want to fill their children's plates before the blessing is said. Then, as soon as the prayer is over, they are handed their plates.

As our family grows each year, I find it fun to ask those who brought a special dish to also bring the recipe. I make sure to have plenty of index cards and pens on hand so others can copy them This way everyone has a chance to get a copy of Aunt Deloris pecan pie and Grandma Edna's cherry cobbler recipes.

Also, I try to be prepared for bad weather. In my part of the country, ice and snow can sometimes hit quickly. So, I make sure the flashlights, candles, lanterns and extra blankets are on hand. Several times we have had guest stay over due to the weather, or need to borrow a blanket for the trip home in case they ran into car trouble. The day of your dinner, keep your phone line open so any lost guest can call for directions.

By April from Missouri

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Paint Swimming Pool Dark For Warmer Water

I heard this tip on Martha Stewart's TV show. Paint interior of swimming pool a dark color, so the water stays warmer longer.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Regular Maintenance For Better Computer Performance

Speed up your computer. Run disk clean up and defrag once a week, minimum. Contact internet explorer, if you have it, and give them permission to enter and control your system. They can go in and delete redundant programs and free up a LOT of space saving memory and increase speed when you restart your system. This is what takes so long to reboot.

By Bill from Indiana

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Laundry Helper For Stains

Each of my laundry baskets has either a handle or holes on sides. If I see an item in the laundry pile that needs special attention such as pre-treatment, I will thread that item through the handle or holes. This allows me to remember to treat that item, but it also alerts my hubby to not wash that item. He doesn't do laundry often but when he does, he knows not to mess with those items. It saves both my time in fighting the stain, and fighting with him over washing something he wasn't supposed too.

By Denise from Nebraska

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Christmas List Budget Worksheet (Printable)

Here is the Christmas List Budget Worksheet I like to work off. I list the names of everyone I need to get gifts for, gift ideas and how much I am able to spend on gifts. Then, once I purchase a gift, I put a check next to the person's name and note what I paid for it. Once I have finished my shopping I can compare how much I spent with how much I had budgeted. You can download this Christmas list and print it out, it's in PDF format.

Download:

• Download Christmas List (PDF)

By Fisher at ThriftyFun

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Planning a Wedding for Under $3000

I want to plan my wedding and reception for august 2008. I am working with a budget of 2-3 thousand dollars. I want a small wedding. I want 1 brides maid and 1 maid of honor, 1 flower girl and one ring bearer. The groom will have 1 best man and 1 groomsman. My brother is giving me away. Please help me to work within the budget. Thanks

Rhonda from Queens, NY

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Flea Treating Mother Dog with New Pups

Is it safe to use flea treatment on my dog with 1 week old pups and if so what? Pups have fleas but mom doesn't. Otherwise healthy.

Helen from Brisbane, Australia

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Dicrofex Paper

While surfing the web I came across a sight that talked about a product named Dicrofex paper for jewelry making. It gives the appearance of dichroic glass but without the kiln. How readily available is it and where can I find it in my area? I am only 45 minutes from Kansas City, MO.

Cindy from Harrisonville, MO

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Concerns About Lead Paint on Jewelry

While thinking about the fact that there is lead in brightly colored paints, and that other countries may not have our regulations about what is permissible and healthy, it occured to me that necklaces from other countries with brightly colored beads, cords and findings may not be safe. So the questions is, how much lead can be absorbed by contact with skin? Am I overthinking the situation? Today I saw a lovely necklace made in China with a jet black cord and a cinnabar bead that would set high up on the neck. Nicely priced at World Market, and the only one left on the display. But I didn't dare buy it.
Comments?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Painting Walls to Coordinate with Bedding

I have a pink and chocolate brown polka dot bedding. What color can I paint my walls something that suits a teen?

Marcella from Hanover Park, IL

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Starting Curly Bamboo Shoots

I have some curly bamboo. How can I start new shoots so I can share it with my girls? Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Cindy from Harrisonville, MO

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Help Planning Christian 50th Birthday Party

I am a Christian and I need help on planning my husband's 50th birthday (Dinner Party). He will be turning 50 on December 22nd and I really need help on planning this dinner party and help with the menu. I'm on a tight budget due to the holidays. I will be having at least 8 people (Couples). Please is anyone out there with some feedback (A.S.A.P).

Lillian from Oakland, California

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Gift for Patients at Nursing Home

I really need input ASAP. I work at a nursing home and I really want to make the holidays extra special for all. Not everyone has family so not everyone gets a Christmas gift. I want to get something for everyone. I was going to get a big screen T.V. but the nursing home just bought one. I will be raising the money and I will guess an amount around $800-$900. Please give any ideas. I am looking for one big gift if possible but any input would be great. Thank you! Melissa

Melissa from PDC, Wisconsin

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Inexpensive Window Covering

I need to find an attractive, inexpensive way to cover a small vertical window next to my front door. The window is 35" long and 7" wide. Any suggestions would be appreciated! =)

Shar from CO

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Craft Projects with Old Calendars

Are there any organizations that can use old calendars? I have lots of old calendars with lovely pictures and am wondering if there are any organizations out there that can use them for craft projects?

Linda from Tacoma, WA

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Hardwood vs Laminate with Children

I have 3 children, 10 months- 7 years. I want to put in either hardwood or laminate in my kitchen, living room, hallway and possibly bedrooms. I would prefer to put hardwood in, but am concerned about the durability of it. I would love some feedback from people with children and hardwood or laminate.

Sherri from Alberta, Canada

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Party Favors for 10 Year Old Boys

Help! My son is turning 10. What is a good party favor to give the boys?

Marianne from New York

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$1500 Wedding Budget

I am trying to plan a wedding on a $1500 budget, and that's from start to finish. I am having a lot of trouble finding a place to hold the reception as everything in Baltimore is so expensive. I live in Baltimore County, and have no problem holding it in another county. The only thing I've come across is an American Legion which I have no problem with. Have any ideas?

Natasha from Randallstown, MD

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What is The Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?

What is the difference between apple cider and apple juice?

Sally Em from Chewelah, WA

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How to Kill Vegetation

I am looking for tips on how to kill vegetation?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Lynette from Michigan

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Cleaning Hard Water Spots Off Of Crystal

We have really hard water, and I wish I could figure out the best way to clean the water spots off my crystal wine glasses. Does any one have any tips? Of course I know that if I buff them when they are wet, but was wondering if there is a special fabric or something which would help and make life easier.

Thanks,
Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Ideas for "Sounds of the Seasons" Christmas Float

Does anyone have good ideas for a "Sounds of the Seasons" Christmas float?

Thanks,
Aldona from Shellsburg

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Removing an Iron-On Transfer from a T-shirt

How can I remove an iron on transfer?

Jackie from Lakewood, CO

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Organizing Keys

I'm looking for a good way to organize my keys. Preferably something that I can mount out of reach of children.

Roger from Hampton, VA

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Vacation Spots From Virginia to Key West

My husband and I are planning to drive from Blacksburg, VA to Key West during the Christmas time. We would like to stop somewhere in the middle for a few days. Any suggestion for a beautiful little town with a lot of art galleries, nice shops, and good restaurants.

By the way, we are at our early 50s.

Lee from Blacksburg, VA

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Christmas Parade Float Themes

What are some Christmas Parade Float themes?

Shea

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21st Birthday Gift Ideas

Does anyone have a good gift idea for someone turning 21? I bought him Bears vs Green Bay tickets last year when they played on New years Eve. How can I top those this year? I'm stuck! I know this is a strange request, but I need something good.

Nikki from Chicago, IL

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Making Pull Ups

How do you make Pull-ups? I have an eight year old who is still wetting the bed at night. The price of store bought are getting expensive. Please Help!

Beth from Bloomington, IN

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Gifts Made With a Bread Maker

I've just been given a bread maker and I was wondering if anyone had any good food gift recipes I can make with it. I've found tons of break maker recipes online, but I'd like to have some from people who have actually made them and who think they're good enough to give as gifts. Thanks so much!

Trix from Toronto, Canada

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Losing a Money Order

My friend has closed her checking account and she uses money orders to pay her bills. She hates waiting to see of a check/debit has cleared. If you buy a money order from the post office and lose it, is it easy to track? Will the post office reimburse you promptly?

Onesummer

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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

Mini Pumpkin Tarts
By Stella Rivet

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