Daily Thrifty Tips - August 21, 2008

Fall is coming! Do you have any tips for preparing your home (and garden) for fall and winter weather? Feel free to share them on the contest page.

Here are the contest winners for last week.

Photo Contest Winner

Growing A Vegetable Garden In Pots
By Marie from West Dundee, IL

This photo shows how much gardening you can do in a small space.

Pet Contest Winner

Shelby the Cat
By Melody from El Dorado, AR

Melody offers a wonderful description of her adventuresome cat, Shelby.

Tip Contest Winners

Unique Baby Shower Ideas
By Cinnamon from Williams Lake, BC

Cinnamon shares two great ideas, one is a baby shower idea, the other is a tip for helping people in need.

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Dolly
By Ruth from Harlingen, TX

This is good food for thought from Ruth, especially during hurricane season.

Recipe Contest Winner

European Vegetable Pie
By Coreen from Rupert, ID

Coreen shares her recipe for vegetable pie and it sounds delicious.

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit a tip, photo or recipe!

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: Hearts And Ribbon Wall Hanging

This sweet decoration is small enough to fit in any little nook, but pretty enough to be displayed on your favorite wall. Both children and adults can have fun creating this wooden heart and sheer ribbon craft.

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Wild Canadian Ducks

Hello from Canada!

Every summer I bicycle to our local river to see the wild ducks. These ducks have learned to trust the citizens of Laval West and vice versa, especially if we bring bread crumbs. I enjoy their feathered company tremendously and I've taken many good pictures of my friendly friends while they practice flight formations and flying drills for the long and dangerous journey across your United States.

Dear potential hunters, please put down your rifles and pick up cameras. Don't shoot our Ducks! Besides, with so much polluted water, you never know what you will be eating!

By Joseph from Laval West, Laval, Quebec, Canada.

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Charlie (Gold Crowned Conure)

Charlie is a Gold Crowned Conure and is 5 years old. We are fostering Charlie for a friend.

He likes to preen our eyebrows and eyelashes. Charlie is the most lovable bird in the world.

By Monique from Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Craft: Rag Rug Balls

I have always loved the country look in my home. It has become so popular, that people can pick up swanky catalogs and order just about anything. Or, they can be smart like us and do it themselves!

I always loved the rag rug balls that people kept in their homes. However, I thought "there is a lot of fabric there that no one will ever see". So, I wanted to have the effect without the waste. I thought about wrapping ripped strips around styrofoam balls, but they are not only spendy, but when people pick them up and give them a gentle squeeze, they are hard. So, I was at a yard sale and bought some scrap yarn for $1.00 a large bag. I went home, rolled it into different sized shapes, and with the hot glue gun on cool setting, went to work.

Start anywhere, and hot glue the end of the fabric to the yarn. Then, just start wrapping it around, gluing it to the fabric and the yarn about every 3 rounds. Do two or three layers to save fabric, and to make it so the yarn doesn't pop through. Soon, you will have custom balls that you can put in a basket or bowl. Can you tell the difference? Enjoy!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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Craft: Fabric Envelopes for a "Cash Only" Budget System

We started the "cash only" budget system last year. I didn't like using plain envelopes for cash - so I made my own. I started out using the fabric envelopes then moved to the folder style envelopes. both work so well for using cash rather than credit cards.

Happy budgeting!

By Cathy from Atlanta, Georgia
www.crunchycute.com (More of my projects.)

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Craft: Wax Crayon Quilt Blocks

During our church summer program, all the children used Dollar Tree crayons to color quilt blocks. Each color block represented a different program.

After they drew something from their memories of the program, we ironed them with a sheet of cut rite wax paper between the fabric and the iron. It not only helps to protect your iron but also adds a little extra wax to keep it permanent. If done right, it will not wash out. Be sure to use the cheapest wax crayons, Crayola will not work. I then tied each corner to the next to make this huge banner.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Craft: Photography "Mask"

I used this picture for a photography class. The model is my mom and I created the "mask".

By Addi from LaGrange, Illinois

Editor's Note: If this mask looks familiar, it is because Addi also submitted her dog wearing the mask last week:

• Hendrix (Saint Bernard)

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• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

• My Frugal Life
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Tips For New College Students

To all of you new college students out there, here are a few things I learned and want to share:

1. Ask your mom or dad before you go how to use a microwave, an iron, and a washer/dryer. More fire alarms were set off in my dorm by people who didn't know how to use one of the three items than by real fire, false alarms, parties, and police combined. (And learning how to use a washer/dryer is crucial - your classmates will thank you!)
2. Label ALL of your things if you are living in a dorm or far away from home. This is a very fast way to settle a disagreement if someone is pilfering your stuff.
3. Comparison shop your book prices. Your books for class are going to be expensive, but I found I could save an average of $100 or more by buying online - even with express shipping.
4. Have a good time - don't drink too much, buy too much, or do anything "too much" and you'll be able to have a blast and come out of college with a good head on your shoulders and less debt than everyone else!

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Controlling Clutter with Toy Jail

Controlling clutter with kids is not an easy task! To try to control the clutter in the living room, kitchen and dining room, we have to do a walk-through everyday (or at least every other day:).

The kids each have their own basket that they carry around with them and pick up anything that belongs to them and put it in the appropriate place. They are getting pretty good at this because they have learned that the alternative would be mom picking up their belongings and placing them in the toy jail. The toy jail is a sad and lonely place where toys go and have to stay for a while until they have served their sentence or until a fine can be paid by doing extra work or chores.

Good luck!

Source: I got the toy jail idea from: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six Years by Jim Fay and Charles Fay. The Love and Logic series is an excellent parenting resource!

By Tashia from Luck, WI

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Clutter Control: Take Control At The Front Door

You requested my tip for clutter control and the tip that works for me is to TAKE CONTROL the minute it comes in the door, in any form. When the mail is brought in, sort it right then. I have a folder for bills, current shopping ads to look at, coupons to use, mail that needs to be answered, etc. Magazines go in the reading basket, which I go through Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter and donate the already read issues to the local nursing home.

My file folders are all a different color, red for bills to be paid, etc. Whatever color works for you. I throw out and shred any junk mail right away. As soon as any member of my family comes in they all know where to put their coat, hat, shoes, briefcase, etc. NO STACKING ALLOWED! You can begin this today and know that it usually takes 21 days to form a habit. You will be pleased with the results and have less clutter, which is so freeing.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Use Two Backpacks For School Block Days

Both of my children will be attending middle school this year where they will be offering block days: Monday periods 1, 2, and 3, Tuesday periods 4, 5, and 6, etc. My tip is to purchase 2 backpacks so they will have the appropriate materials in each backpack for each block day. Less paper shuffling means less opportunity for misplacement!

Source: PTA recommendation

By Mom of JH from Dunedin, FL

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Have Garbage Bags Instead of Cans In The House

I am quite a fanatic about having garbage cans in my house. Truth is, we don't have them. We recycle the plastic grocery bags and hang them on a hook in the kitchen. They fill up quite quickly, but when full, outside they go to the large garbage can. There is never a smell of garbage in the house whatsoever. We also use the grocery bags as trash can liners in the bathrooms. Once full, out they come, using the handles to tie them shut, and into the garbage can outside they go.

By Lee from Jesup, GA

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Make Your Cat's Scratching Post

My husband and I wanted to buy a scratching post for our two kitties. We looked at prices of stuff at the pet store and online and it was too much. Then, I thought about it and said, "They are charging $40-$50 for wood and some rope or pieces of carpet. What a ripoff! We could do that ourselves."

So, we went to Home Depot where they have a discount wood bin. We found one piece of wood that was about 2x4x36 inches. We had it cut in half. We glued those two pieces together parallel to each other. We took a length of rope about 50 feet long and wrapped it around the glued together pieces. We also bought a piece of particle board about 48x12 inches. We had it cut into two pieces so each piece was about 24x12 inches. Then, we glued those two pieces, one on top of the other to give it a stable base. We then glued the long part onto the particle board.

Mind you the measurements were not exact. We felt they did not really need to be exact for this purpose. We bought odd size pieces, because we were buying from the discount bin and that was what was available. The glue is still drying, so we don't have a picture of the cats playing with it yet. Altogether, I think we spent about $7.00 to make this toy for our cats.

Source: Myself. I just looked at pictures online and decided I could do it.

By crazyliblady from Pittsburg, KS

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Save Time With Complete Pancake Mix

When I buy pancake mix I make sure it's the complete mix. All you have to add is water. With the price of groceries going up, you will save money by not having to add eggs and milk. It also saves time.

By Kim from Franklin Park, IL

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Absorb Extra Heat With a Tea Kettle

During the hot summer months we all try to avoid heating the kitchen more than necessary. After using your electric burner, there's always heat that continues even after the burner has been turned off. Simply place a tea kettle filled with water on that hot burner. The tea pot will absorb the excess heat and keep your kitchen cool.

Source: I really can't remember where I first saw this tip. I think it was probably on one of the cooking websites.

By Karin from Fresno, CA

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Store Extra Watermelon Uncut

My kids and I love watermelon but when I would purchase a whole one and cut it up to store in the fridge it would go bad before we could eat even half of it. A friend told me to only cut what we are going to eat that day and leave the rest of the melon intact in the refrigerator. It really works. I have about a quarter of a watermelon in my fridge that is about a week old and is as fresh as if it had just been cut into.

By Martha from Metairie, LA

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Repairing Scratched Eyeglasses

Does anybody know how to remove scratches from eye glasses?

Upulgamage

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Crochet Pattern for Socks

I need a pattern to crochet socks. Does anyone have a pattern? I would so appreciate any help I can get here! Thanks much.

Kaaren from Fargo, ND

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Glitter Coming Off an Evening Gown

Is there a way to stop glitter from coming off evening gown? There is a spiral type design with glitter on it throughout the gown. After getting up from sitting, there is glitter all over the chair. I've only worn the gown once because of this problem.

Pikkymama

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Finding a Buyer for a Fabric Store

My sister recently passed away leaving a store full of fabric and various sewing notions which I estimate at $100,000.00. She lived in Ohio and I live in Virginia. I have no one to take over the store. I wonder if anyone has any ideas for ways I could find a buyer for that much inventory. I would prefer to sell it as one package.

Carolyn from Manassas, VA

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Managing Short, Curly Hair

I have naturally curly, brown hair. it used to be below my shoulders but it was so hot this summer I cut it off short, like 2 in. max short, however it's always puffy and it never works with me, it's a total pain in the butt. Does anyone have any ideas on what kind of styles would look good? Or any good (cheap too if you can) hair products that would make my hair straight and less puffy? I can't flat iron it, there isn't enough hair! Thank you.

Jessica from PE, NB

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Tide-To-Go Pen Left Yellow Stain On Clothing

I have a white shirt that is made of Viscose, which is a fabric I am unfamiliar with. About a week ago, I spilled ketchup on it. It was really depressing. I ran into Target and grabbed a Tide-To-Go pen. I've used these in the past, and they've worked wonderfully.

But this time it left a giant gray spot! I washed it as soon as I got home. I am now on vacation, and didn't notice a huge yellow stain where the Tide-to-Go was. I tried bleaching it, but that didn't work. I am near tears. Please help!

Jade from NC

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Washer Rinse Cycle Not Working

The rinse cycle on my washing machine does not work. Water trickles in, and it takes a long time to fill. The cold water cycle on my washing machine does not work as well. What caused this sudden problem, and what can I do to fix it?

Andre

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Help With Vet Bills

My dog Penny, is a chi-doxie mix. She is having emergency surgery for a blocked intestine, as I am writing this. I'm waiting to hear if she is ok. She has been vomiting and not eating for 6 days. I have been to 3 vets to find out what is wrong. The charge for the services so far is $4000 and expected to increase if she makes it through the surgery.

Does anyone know a place I can apply for financial aid to help with the vet bills? I am disabled and low income. I am desperate. My car and home need repairs but I can't let my dog die without trying to save her. I don't know what to do. Thank you for any help you can give.

Joy from Visalia, CA

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Using Oxiclean To Treat Mange

Can I use Oxiclean for treatment of demodactic mange? The ingredients are sodium perborate and sodium percarbate.

Selinda from Vidalia, LA

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Removing Scratches From Wood Table

I put a flower pot on my sister's new dining room table while I was arranging flowers and have scratched her table as I was turning the pot while adjusting the flowers. There are many scratches but not deep ones. Is there a way to fix this short of buying her a new dining room set? The table is dark wood but there is no polished shine.

Theresa from Newfoundland

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Dried Roses Wreath

I recently attended a wedding and brought a lot of the roses home. I want to make a rose wreath with the roses and surprise the bride. Tips for keeping the color? I am planning on drying them upside down in a dark closet to keep the shape and then spray them with hairspray to keep them firm so they won't get powdery. Anyone got any ideas on how to put this together so it looks nice? Maybe a picture of something they've seen. Or a good website I can get some ideas from? Thanks in advance.

Susan from Watertown

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Homemade Shampoo Recipes

I am looking for a recipe for homemade shampoo. I would like something that adds some body and healthiness to my hair. Anyone have any suggestions? Something easy!

Betsy from Thomaston, CT

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Removing Scuffs On Door

My back door is scuffed up from kids dirty hands. How do I clean this off without ruining the gloss?

Khristi from Starbuck, WA

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Removing Perspirations Stains From T-shirt

I have a cotton t-shirt that means a great deal to me (it is a Robert F. Kennedy shirt that is no longer available). It had slight perspiration stains around the collar. I applied Spray-N-Wash to the stains, and they turned bright orange in the wash! The shirt is irreplaceable. How do I get these ugly stains out? Please help!

Len from Delmar, MD

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Removing Grease Build Up On Cupboards

What can I use to clean the grease build up on the front of my microwave and cupboards? I've used different cleaners and they make everything gooey and sticky. Help!

Marsha from NE

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Does Anyone Have A Positive Parvo Story?

I would be interested in hearing any positive Parvo stories. We are experiencing Parvo in our home now. We have lost two 5 month old Pups, and have two older dogs still at the vet being treated. I am hoping for a positive outcome, but it gets harder with each day that passes. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

Kelly from Iowa

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Keeping Plastic From Tearing Around Nails

I would like to hang a 4 x 6 sheet of fairly heavy plastic over the front of a cupboard without doors. What can I use on the plastic to make sure that it does not tear or run when I put tacks or small nails in it? Thanks for any suggestions.

Willi from Calgary, Canada

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Suede Jacket Discolored After Dry Cleaning

Why do suede jackets discolor when being dry cleaned?

Sudheer from South Africa, Johannesburg

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Removing Vomit Stains From Beige Carpet

I have a doxy and she was sick for a couple of days. Can anyone suggest how to get stain out of carpets? It is Beige carpet. She is fine now, the vet said it was just a flu like thing. Thanks.

Sherin from Ontario, Canada

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Using DermaWand On Bells Palsy

Does anyone know if the DermaWand works on Bells Palsy? Thanks.

Janice from San Francisco, CA

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Baby Shower Favors

Looking for baby shower ideas for guest favors.

D'Conna from Pascagoula

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

I am renting a house that is about 100 years old. I can do anything but I am not allowed to touch the paneling. The kitchen paneling is dark. I have an old white metal sink and one white metal cabinet. I would like to know what colors would look good with the paneling. I am trying to stay away from white. I would like it to be inviting colors.

Lesley from Knoxville

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Creating a Family Cookbook

I am starting a project of a family cookbook to give to my mom for Christmas as she is a huge fan of cookbooks. I've already contacted several family members asking for their favorite recipes to use in this book. Does anyone have any ideas on how to put it together in a creative way? I know lots of you have some ideas for me. I love all the great ideas and tips I find here. By far this is my favorite web site and I visit daily. Thanks in advance for your help!

Belinda from Wingo, KY

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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 Crochet Book: A Gift
By Debra Frick

Here is a great Christmas gift that you can work on from now until Christmas. It is a crochet book for a new or old crocheter. Since it is made on your computer it would be easy to make duplicate copies and if you are a crocheter like me, it would be fun just looking at all those patterns. Now is the time to start this project as most everything you need is on sale for back to school prices.

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