Daily Thrifty Tips - April 15, 2008

Today is the tax deadline for the U.S.A. If you haven't sent in your return, make sure to send it today or file for an extension. If you will owe money, send them some, otherwise you will have penalties and interest on what is owed. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=181400,00.html

We had tons of wonderful tips last week so we up the prizes to three for the Tip Contest. We probably could have given out 10. Thank you to everyone that shared something. Here are the winners:

Photo Contest Winner

Salvaging Beads From Thrift Store Finds
By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Tip Contest Winners

Alternative to Commercial TV Viewing
By Sterghe from Pennsylvania

Frugal Food Tips While On Vacation
By amazon13 from Southwest Kansas

Step By Step Spring Cleaning
By Diana from Prospect, KY

Recipe Contest Winner

Cornflake Chicken Kiev
By Michele from East Bethel, MN

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.

More Information:
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Craft Project: Recycled Scarf Pillows

Give your old throw pillows a new look using old scarves. You can do this in less than five minutes and there's no sewing required. If you don't own any scarves, shop at yard sales or secondhand stores for pretty scarves under a dollar.

Approximate Time: less than 5 minutes

Supplies:

• assorted fashion scarves
• 14-16 inch throw pillows

Instructions:

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Craft Project: MP3 Player Holster

This cute little belt holster will keep your MP3 player, cell phone, or camera safe while still easily accessible. It works up quickly and is very easy to customize - the possibilities are endless!

This pattern has been written to fit an 8 GB Zune MP3 player but can be made to fit any MP3 player, cell phone, or even a camera by adding or subtracting stitches to the beginning chain and increasing or decreasing the amount of rows. Make yours unique by using different yarn and embellishments!

Approximate Time 1 to 2 hours depending on skill level

Supplies:

• Crochet hook - us size H
• Approximately 1/2 oz. acrylic worsted weight 4 ply yarn
• Yarn Needle
• 1/2 inch button
• Stitch markers (or small piece of contrasting color yarn)

Instructions:

Holster

Round 1: SC in same ST as joining and in each SC around. Do not join. Mark last SC of round with stitch marker. (14 SC)

Rounds 2-14: SC in each sc around. Do not join. Mark last SC of round with stitch marker. (14 SC)

Round 15: SC in each sc around. Join with SL ST to beginning SC of round. (14 SC)

End off yarn.

Strap

Rows 2-9: sc in each SC across. Ch 1, turn. (3 SC)

Row 10: SC in each sc across.

Row 11: CH 6 loosely, SL ST to first SC of row 10. CH 1, turn.

Row 12: SL ST in each ch across. SL ST in last SC of row 10.

End off.

Button

Weave in all ends. Enjoy!

By Dominique S. from Kalamazoo, MI

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Making Button Bracelets

I have 4 great nieces and 1 granddaughter. So I am also thinking of some type of jewelry to make. I used elastic, buttons, Velcro and ribbon to make the bracelets and pins. I paint the elastic. Let dry and paint again if needed. I paint the ends with clear nail polish to keep from raveling. I sew buttons onto elastic and glue the Velcro in place to close the bracelet. I think they would make cute gifts for any occasion.

By Angie from Lily, WI

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Rusty (Long Hair Daschund)

Rusty is 8 months old and is a Long Hair Daschund. We got him at a flea market in Modesto in the month of November

He likes to chew everything! We love Rusty

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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
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Link: List of Survey Research Firms

Frugal parents online has a great list of survey research firms all over the country to sign up with here:

• http://www.frugalparentsonline.com/Focus_Groups.html

By pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Keeping the Refrigerator Shelves Clean

To keep your refrigerator fast and easy to clean, use old vinyl place mats on glass shelves and cut pieces to fit for inside of condiment shelves, vegetable bins, etc. Simply pull out, wash off, dry, and put back into place. Mats are available in many decorator looks too! No more bending over for long periods of time!

Source: My own creation!

By Denise from Crescent City, CA

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Recycling Stuffed Toys for Stuffing

Instead of paying the high price for "poly-fill" stuffing, I recycle unwanted stuffed toys. There is an almost ENDLESS supply of stuffed toys available. I can usually purchase a garbage bag size full of them at the thrift store for a couple of dollars. Get out your scissors and hack away! I know it sounds a bit cruel but oh so cheap!

Source: my own.

By Frances from Bland, Mo

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Organize Pet Food With Recycled Plastic Containers

I keep all big plastic containers and clean them out to keep my doggie treats and dog food handy and in a cool dry place.

Source: myself

By Denise from McRae, GA

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Craft Display Tips for Craft Shows

Need ideas on displaying your items at craft shows or in your booth?

The number one thing in displaying your crafts is make sure all of your items are priced and the tag can be easily seen. 9 times out of 10 those few items that are not priced will be walked away from because most shoppers are just simply to "Shy" to ask.

Even if your not pricing your items but are using the "Here's your Sign" tactic by displaying a large sign stating something like 1 for 2.99 buy 2 for $5.00, I suggest to still price everything! Shoppers are so excited and distracted from looking through all the products and discussing the Oohh's and Aahh's with their shopping friends that the signs are sometimes missed especially in large craft shows where they get crowded.

Make your display booths unique and interesting to draw in attention. Using a folding table with a country plaid tablecloth are great, but why not really spice it up and use something out of the ordinary to grab the shopper's eye from across the room. These are depending on your Space size of course, Or could be scaled to fit.

• A Hay Wagon and Barrels
• Construct a Mock Country Porch with Swing
• Some heavy posts with a red tin roof to create an open barn feel with weather vane on top
• Use Real trees to create a canopy Fairy Land, with vines hanging from the branches and lights and fun items hanging around to walk through.
• Create an Antique gas station store front with slat boards, Gas pump, license plates, etc.
• Create a Kitchen with an old dry sink, table, Hutch, antique stove, fireplace and rocker

Some other ways to display items are using Baskets, Ladders, Stacking suitcases, Crates, Crocks, Coat racks, Stacking various sized tables, Cutting barrels in half and adding shelving inside, Christmas trees, Old galvanized wash tubs, Dress Mannequins, wood Ironing Boards, Quilt racks, shutters, or fencing.

And one last craft display tip. Don't forget the kids! Most shoppers will be bringing along young children. Have items to catch a child's eye down low or invest in a bubble gum machine and fill it with sweets. A few turns on the irresistible machine will make you some profits as well.

Author: Mandie Lancaster

• http://www.lifeinthecraftlanewithmandie.blogspot.com

By Mandie from New Phila, Oh

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Homemade Hand Dish Detergent

After looking on many sites to find homemade hand dish detergent, I finally decided to make my own.

• 2 bars of shredded octagon soap
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Put shredded soap in 4 1/2 - 5 quarts of water and stir and melt. After melted turn stove off and add the other ingredients. Stir and wait till it cools before pouring into containers with lids.

Use as you would use other dish detergents. This doesn't suds very well but, it sure does clean. I also keep a scrap piece of octagon by the sink for real tough jobs.

Another tip I use is 1/8 cup of vinegar in the rinse water.

I hope others will enjoy this recipe and also save money!

By smathis123

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What a Kid Wants for Gifts

I'm a kid and take it from a kid, kids hate getting: flashlights, clothes (unless we're in love with clothes of course), or anything involving safety for any holiday. What we want is of course is sweets, video games and and money, NEVER a gift card unless it's for Toys-r-us. We prefer money over gift cards any day.

By Becca from Napavine, WA

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Stacking Wire Shelves Make Great Space Savers

I live in super-tight quarters, so I'm always looking for "space saving" ideas! To add extra shelf space to your kitchen cupboards, spend $3.99 and buy several of those 5 inch high stacking wire shelves at your local variety, liquidation or discount store. These have given me so much more room! I can now put my cups UNDER my plates, and stack my boxed goods OVER my canned goods. (They work great in the craft room and garage too!) Believe me when I say, they are truly worth the money! But, if you do a bit of woodwork, you can make your own from your wood scraps.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Use Extra Plastic Bag To Keep Brown Sugar Soft

Keep brown sugar fresh. After closing wax paper packaging on inside of box, place a wadded up plastic grocery bag on top and close top of box. This will keep your brown sugar moist, and clump free for many months.

Source: My own invention!

By Denise from Crescent City, CA

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Stretching Your Christmas Turkey

After Christmas dinner, DO NOT throw the carcass away. Remove all meat from carcass and pack in freezer bags. Take the carcass, place in large pot of water and add 3 large sliced onions and 3 or 4 stalks celery, salt, pepper and parsley flakes. Boil for an hour and remove carcass and pick off remaining meat. In separate pot, boil pot pie noodles and place in turkey broth. Makes a great pot of turkey pot pie. I sometimes add 1 or 2 sliced potatoes to make a thicker pot pie.

This has become a tradition in our home. The day after Christmas, I serve turkey pot pie with turkey sandwiches. I then take all my leftovers; i.e. stuffing, corn, green beans, turkey, mashed potatoes and layer them in a 9x13 inch pan and cover with gravy and bake 300 degrees F for 30 minutes. Serve the other sides such as cranberries and coleslaw along with your casserole. It adds variety and spices things up to change the recipes. Enjoy!

Source: I learned this from my mom..she was always finding ways to stretch meals and add variety. I swear that woman could make soup from a rock!

By Maureen from Williamsport, PA

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Why Are My Roses Turning Brown?

The tips of my roses are turning brown, even the new buds. What is causing this to happen?

Carol Mayo from AZ

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Restoring Yellowed Plastic

We have a white plastic kitchen mixer that has yellowed over time. Is there a way to restore the color to white?

DV2061

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Removing Scratch on Sunglasses

How to get a scratch off of sunglasses?

Connie from Cincinnati, Ohio

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Homemade Wedding Money Bag

I'm looking for ideas on making a homemade wedding money bag. Something small and slightly embellished. The wedding is Irish themed, but ivory is the main color.

Colleen from Buffalo, NY

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Smelly Bathroom Sink Drain

I have a bathroom sink drain that stinks. I have put vinegar in it and used the steam cleaner using the steam down the drain. Last night I used liquid plumber. It still smells. Phewy when I brush my teeth. Help.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Looking For Cream Amaryllis Bulb

I am looking for a cream amaryllis bulb to purchase. Does anyone know where I might find one?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Dusty from St. Martinville, LA

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Cleaning Painted Laminate Counter Top

For those of you that have painted your laminate counter tops (in the kitchen) and sealed with an oil-based polyurethane, can I ask what you use to clean your counters?
Thanks.

Dessa from AZ

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Decorating A Bedroom To Accommodate Two Styles

My boyfriend just bought a house which I and my two children will also be staying there. My daughter will have to share her room with my boyfriend's daughter when she comes to stay on the weekend or throughout the summer.

My daughter wants to paint the walls white with polka dots painted on the walls that can be used with a black light. In fairness to my boyfriend's daughter so she doesn't feel left out we said she could also choose. My daughter was extremely upset when she found out she had to share the decorating with someone else.

My boyfriend's daughter mentioned painting her two walls with a red apple/maroon type color and having hearts with a zipper type design through the middle. My daughter about fell over. Also two of the walls have windows in them - one 8x8 approx. and the other 14x14 approx. How can we pull this dilemma together and both of them be happy? My daughter is 14 and his is 11. Please help!

Susan from Mishawaka, IN

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Cooking Thrifty Meals For Two

I'm a thrifty 28-year-old, who is married without children. I always look for ways to be thrifty and save the money God has blessed us with. However, I'm having trouble when it comes to meal plans for two.

Most of the "good value" items in the grocery store come in large quantities, and when I buy them, most of the food goes bad before we eat it all. And stores charge more if you buy smaller portions. I've tried freezing extra foods, but even taking extra care to prevent freezer burn doesn't really work, and the food doesn't taste as good.

How can I make tasty meals for two on a budget? Do you all have any tips for which bulk items freeze well, and for how long?

Katy from Nashville, TN

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Removing Mold and Mildew From Boat

We need to clean mold/mildew off of our boat. It has vinyl interior and a fiberglass outer. It is everywhere due to a cut in the tarp we did not know about! I need a strong but safe suggestion. Please help!

Carrie from San Diego, CA

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Where Can I Find Wine 'Dregs'?

Ok, get ready for a weird request. I would like to know where I can buy 'dregs' of wine. This is something that falls to the bottom of the wine bottles. Any help from anywhere?

Smoochie from Houston, TX

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Do Oriental Detoxing Foot Pads Work?

Does anyone know, by personal experience or from scamming info if those oriental detoxing foot pads really work? Does anybody use them or know someone who uses/used them? What were their results? I do believe there are toxins that store up in the body. Thanks everyone! You're the Best!

Smoochie from Houston, TX

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Bleached Beige Jeans Turned Pink

I put new beige color jeans in clean plastic container; added water, added Javex regular liquid bleach, added liquid soap (Arm and Hammer - navy blue in color). The jeans turned light pink almost immediately. I tried a new solution of same bleach twice. The jeans are still light pink, not the slightest of change. Jeans have not yet been put in dryer but were dried on hanger.

Ron from Pittsburgh

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Tree That Blooms With Yellow Flowers

I need to know the name of a tree that blooms with yellow flowers all over it in the spring. I also seen this tree bloom in pink also in white. They are truly beautiful, the whole tree is covered with yellow flowers.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Maria from Orlando, Florida

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Problems With Convertible Car Top

We live on an island on the coast of Texas. Sometimes my convertible top will not go up and down properly. Should I use w-d 40? What else could be wrong?

Kathy from Port Aransas, TX

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Why Am I Getting Bleach Spots On Unbleached Loads?

Can someone help a dumb bachelor? I only use bleach when doing whites in a separate load. I notice periodically a small white bleach stain on an item in later loads of shirts and pants. This obviously ruins the item, and is driving me crazy. This has been happening for years, which leads me to believe I'm doing something wrong. And I don't think it's just me, because I'm starting to notice it on others clothes as well. Can someone help. Thanks.

Larry from Clearwater, FL

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Growing Angel Trumpets

Can anyone tell me how to grow angel trumpets? I have the pods which contain the seeds. I need to know where to plant them and when. Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Barbara from Port Austin, MI

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Repairing Terra Cotta

Can broken Terra Cotta be repaired? I have a Terra Cotta Sun and a couple of the pieces have broken off. Can they be glued back on?

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Washing Machine Keeps Turning Off

After the wash cycle and the machine starts it's spin, it then stops, beeps. I have to turn it off, turn it back on, then hit the restart button and it finishes the rest of the cycles. It is not out of balance when this happens which is every time I do a load. This machine is about 5 years old. Any suggestions?

Alice

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Magic Gopher Computer Game

Can anyone explain how the computer game called Magic-gopher works? I received it in an e-mail and it is fascinating, but mind boggling. Thanks!

Mary Jane from Harrisonburg, VA

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Help Choosing Groundcover

I have a medium sized hill that has a maple tree in the middle. The dirt on the hill is very poor - full of gravel, rocks, and bad dirt. I am looking for a ground cover that will cover quickly and fill this area. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Peggy from Springboro, OH

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Help Choosing Perennials

I have a long narrow garden beside my house. It gets sun in the morning and mostly shade in the afternoon. I am looking for perennials to put in it. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Peggy from Springboro, OH

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Inexpensive Landscape Fabric

I have no money for landscaping. What can I use for landscape fabric? My husband and I put down landscape fabric in our yard last year, but we are no longer together and I cannot afford to buy anything for the yard. Does anybody have any suggestions of what I can use that is "dirt" cheap instead of expensive landscape fabric?

Hardiness Zone: 10b

Faye from NC

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What are Graham Crackers?

I am from Australia and find lots of recipes that call for graham crackers or crumbs. I can not figure out what I can substitute with.

Kerry from Adelaide, SA

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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

Craft Tools You Can Make
By Debra Frick

These are simple tools that you can make for yourself that are just plain handy to have around. Some are for organizing, some are for actual crafting. You can keep these simple or decorate them any way you like.

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Saving Money on Cheese

Tips and advice for saving money on cheese.

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Partial Sun vs. Partial Shade: How Much Sun Do Garden Plants Need?
By Ellen Brown

Planet Earth may only have one sun, but in the world of gardening, there are several: full sun, partial sun, afternoon sun, morning sun, and dappled sun. Then there is shade: full shade, partial shade, and dappled shade. Determining the light requirements for plants is never an exact science; there are too many other factors at play (cloudy days, extreme heat). Still, if you have ever pondered the difference between partial sun and partial shade, here are some generally accepted definitions to help serve as a guide.

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