Daily Thrifty Tips - April 1, 2008

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Please consider submitting an essay to our My Frugal Life essay contest. Every six months we give out $20 prizes to the best 5 essay we publish. For more information visit:

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Here are the contest winners for last week...

Photo Contest Winner

Craft: Gourd Angels
By Sheri from Stockton, CA

Tip Contest Winners

Use Paper Towels To Sow Small Flower Seeds
By Debra from Hampton, TN

Make Your Own Decorative Paper
By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

Recipe Contest Winner

Easy Sloppy Joes
By Darlene from Fairview, PA

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something.

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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Video: Rocco (Lion and Dog Mix)

Here's a video of our new pet. Rocco is a male and is a mix between a Dog and Lion. He may be a little strange genetically, but we love him just the same as we would a dog. That may sound like growling, but that's how Rocco purrs when you rub behind his ears.

By April F.

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Craft Project: Happy Flower Face Magnets

These joyfully smiling flower faced magnets are adorable in the kitchen, not to mention easy and fun for kids to create.

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Recycled Crafts With Cigarette Packs

This is a before/after photo showing a recycle craft from cigarette packs, a couple hole punches, a little ribbon and some imagination. I made tags from cigarette boxes which contained lots of the color green (and some blue) and made small pine trees with my hole punch. I also used a star punch to thread ribbon through.

The silver foil is also from my cig pack - so it is all second life materials except for the ribbon (I couldn't take the time to find it). I save a lot of my little pieces in the cellophane from off the cig pack as well taping closed.

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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In Memory of Kasha (Dachshund)

Kasha was 14 years old and a Dachshund (deceased 03-26-08). He was rescued from a Humane Society Shelter after being in 2 previous homes.

Kasha loved to chase lizards in the yard and go for walks.

Thank you, Little Guy, for 14 happy and loyal years. You were a sweet little joy and fierce protector.

Cocoa Beach, FL

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Uses for US Dollars

Here's a tip I came up with. With the value US dollars continuing to be drop I found a new use for them. I wad up one dollar bills and use them as packing material when shipping packages. It works great and it's a nice surprise for the recipient! This doesn't work well for sending packages overseas where our dollar is worth next to nothing.

By April F.

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Reusing Plastic Plant Pots for Starting Gardens

To make starter flats, take large (Qt.-Gal. size) soft plastic pots and cut off the bottom 2-3 inches (the hard plastic ones tend to splinter). If you want to divide the flat in sections, cut the remainder of the pot in strips and fit them into the flat. The uncut top of the pot is great to put around small seedlings in the ground or to make a spot in the ground where you are starting seeds.

Another use for these pots (large soft plastic) is to cut them in half from top through the bottom and up the opposite side. Now cut each half in half. You will have four pieces with a V shaped piece sticking out at bottom at a right angle. Take a bunch of these, dig a trench around your flower beds, set the cut pots in, V side flat, bury the points and part way up the sides.--You have easy to make, cheap and sturdy edging.

By Tabbie

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Homemade All Purpose Skin Wipes

For inexpensive all purpose skin wipes, I fill plastic reusable baby wipe containers or (other plastic containers with lids) with a mixture of distilled water and a few drops of baby body wash. I then add a few paper towels or napkins to the mixture and place the containers in convenient places throughout my home. It works well in older children's bedrooms for pencil markings or sneaky snack messes. It works wonders on preschoolers and baby messes. And is handy in the kitchen for quick clean up or in between hand washes. The entire solution is a fraction of the cost of name brand wipes and I control the size of the towelets.

By Anita from Temecula, California

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Product Review: Zenni Eyeglasses

Product: Zenni Optical

Model: Eyeglasses

Manufacturer: Var

Cost: $8.00 and up

Needing to replace my 12 year old, but very expensive, eyeglasses, I wasn't looking forward to spending several hundred dollars. I found Zenni Optical which sells discount eyeglasses starting at $8 and going up to about $25 and decided to try. I am pleased to report that the prescription on my $8 glasses was correct. The downside is that you kind of have to guess what the glasses are going to look like on your face, so try on lots of glasses in stores to get an idea (and take measurements of lens sizes if possible).

By Judy from Jupiter, FL

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Spray Vinegar on New Shower Curtain to Prevent Mold

When you purchase a new shower curtain liner or plastic curtain, spray the bottom with vinegar and it will not get mold on it. I got this from a friend many years ago

By Katie G. from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

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Use Cigarette Papers Instead of Expensive Facial Oil Blotters

Unfortunately, at the age of 24, I still struggle with breakout-prone, oily skin in the "T-zone." I have always really liked using those blue Clean and Clear oil blotting sheets during the day to remove excess oil from my face without piling on more makeup. However, those sheets are really expensive, up to $6 for a pack of 50!

A great, cheap alternative is Top cigarette papers. They are sold at most gas stations and grocery stores and are meant to be used for hand-rolled cigarettes, but they blot oil just as well as the expensive Clean and Clear plastic sheets! They come in a pack of 100 for approximately 69 cents.

Note, you may get ID'ed when you buy these. If you are under 18, they probably will not sell them to you (even though you have absolutely no intention of using them to roll tobacco!)

Source: Not my original idea...can't remember the original source.

By Sarah from West Des Moines, IA

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Resolving a Consumer Complaint

When trying to resolve an issue, always ask for the name of the person you are talking to in trying to resolve your issue; if not satisfied do this:

Call your local library and ask for "Business Dept." for the name and address of the CEO (or President, COO, CFO, WHATEVER) and any Sr. V.P. of the Company in question. Type a letter to both individuals (and include the name of the local person who did not care to satisfy your dilemma) and explain the problem. 99 of 100 times, you WILL get a satisfactory reply...

By Cajun62234 from Collinsville, IL

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Getting Your Cat to Drink More Water

We have a cat that won't drink much water. This worries us because we know how many cats die from kidney problems. We started adding extra water to his wet (or dry) food. This makes a sort of "gravy" which he'll lap up like there's no tomorrow! He can't get enough!...

Plus, since he's got a bit of a weight problem anyway, the extra "gravy-water" helps him to feel full so he stops begging for more. Be careful not to add to much water or they won't eat the food. It's probably best if you start by SLOWLY adding just a tiny bit of water at first, then gradually add a bit more at a time. We use Friskies Prime Filets cat food which has a bit of gravy in it. This mixes in easily with the water. I'm looking for any way to get extra water into his diet and this is one way we've found that actually works!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Use Powdered Sugar to "Flour" a Pan

When a recipe for a desert or sweet item calls for you to grease and flour a cake pan, instead grease and powdered sugar it. It adds just a hint more sweet!

By April from NW Missouri

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Save and Start Tomato Plants Using a Paper Towel

When saving tomato seed for growing your own plants, simply put the wet seed on a paper towel and let them dry. When you are ready to plant them. Cut the size you want to plant and cover with soil.The paper towel will rot in the soil and there is no danger of losing the small tomato seeds as you sow them.

By Debra from Hampton

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Filling Cracks in a Laminate Countertop

What can I use to fill in cracks in a laminate counter top before I paint it?

dgregg from Columbus, Ohio

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Graduation Party Ideas

I am graduating in May of this year and trying to decide on centerpieces and inexpensive food ideas. I rented a clubhouse for family and friends to come. Any ideas? My theme is school colors which are orange, black and white.

Jennifer from Franklin, IN

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Plans To Build a Loft With Storage

I need to make a loft with storage underneath it. Does anybody have any plans that would work to build one?

Ems from Correctionville, IA

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Looking For Jasco Furniture White Ring Remover

Where do I find Jasco Furniture White Ring Remover in Cincinnati,OH?

MJ from Cincinnati, OH

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Building A Fire Pit

I am wanting to build a fire pit out of large Arizona river rock. Any suggestions?

Jackie from Austin, Texas

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Painting Ceramic Tile

How can I paint ceramic tile?

Cheryl from Coeur d'Alene, ID

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Removing Burn Marks from Vinyl Tile

I have got some burn stains on the vinyl floor in my kitchen. Kindly advice me how I can get rid of it. Thanks in advance.

Doll USA from Boise, ID

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Stains On Plywood Cupboard Shelves

My cupboard bottom made of plywood has got stains. I guess they are fruit stains, a little red in color. Kindly advice me how I can get rid of them. I am in great need of your advice as soon as you can.
Thanks

Doll USA from Boise, ID

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Trouble With Weeping Willow Roots

I had an old weeping willow that had to be cut down. While it was up, it strangled my septic pipe in the front yard near it, 4 times over the course of 25 years. Now that it is down, I have heard that the roots will continue to travel and strangle anything in sight of them?

Is this true and if so, what can I do to the trunk or yard to prevent it? Thanks !

Hardiness Zone: 6b

BJ from Ledyard, CT

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Firefighter Themed Wedding

We are planing a Fire Fighter wedding using the old colors of ivory and deep red. I am having trouble finding things that we need. Like invitations, table pieces, party favors.

Brandy from Junction City, Kentucky

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Toning Buns And Thighs

How do you tone up your buns and thighs? I'm 5'4 110lbs. I can't gain weight so I need help to tone up!

Brittany from Sallisaw, OK

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Record Album Purse

Can anyone give me the instructions on how to make a record album purse with the actual vinyl album?

Teresa from Amarillo, TX

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Squeaky Brakes

I picked up my 2007 Caliber this morning and as soon as I got home the brakes started squeaking quite loud. This really makes no sense to me because they were OK during my test drive and on my way home.

They started squeaking later in the day after driving through a patch of snow. Is that normal? Does than mean the breaks are bad? Please help.

Beata

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Using Henna To Dye Hair

I was thinking of using henna to color my hair. I was born a redhead but due to fading have colored my hair for years. Can anyone tell me if it is safe to switch over to henna? Also, where can I buy it? Thanks!

Carol from Lancaster, PA

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Removing Wood Putty From Laminate Flooring

How do I get wood putty off laminate flooring?

Karen from Naples, FL

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Storing Stamping Supplies and Stamps

How do you store your stamps and stamping supplies?

J.W. from MN

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Centerpiece Ideas For Birthday/Confirmation Party

I am having a 13th birthday and confirmation party for my daughters and need table centerpieces.


Brenda from Amityville, NY

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Getting Rid Of Honeysuckle Without Chemicals

How do I kill a honeysuckle vine without use of chemicals? I don't want to ruin my soil?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Blake from Poteau, OK

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Black Scuff On Orange Shoe

What is the best way to get a black scuff mark off of a orange shoe? Shoe cleaner and pencil eraser didn't work.

Austin from Blurington, IA

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Looking For Quilt Pattern: Indian Head Dress

I am looking for a quilt pattern called Indian Head Dress. I lost the pattern. I have all the material for the quilt but it is useless without the pattern. The pattern is of an Indian chief's bonnet. It is very colorful. Hope I hear from someone with pattern and instructions.

Pat from Alberta, Canada

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Decorating A Sun Room

I have a sun room with light blue walls and I am using black furniture. How can I decorate the room with curtains and an area rug? I have ceramic beige tiles on the floor and also the trimming with wood color. Should I change it or should I leave it?

I have two doors that leave to the deck, one is a sliding door and the other one is a regular doorway. I have two windows, one that is standard size and the other one is a little bigger. We have our computer desk there (its black) and a black futon and a black TV set. HELP!

Vanessa from Swiftwater, PA

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Ingredients To Make Homemade Laundry Detergent

Someone posted a recipe for your own clothes washing detergent. I have been unable to find Fels Naptha.

Also, what is the difference in washing soda and baking soda? Thanks.

Linda from Saratoga, AR

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Cleaning Laminate Cabinets

What is the best way to clean laminate kitchen cabinets?

Lori from Prairie Village, KS

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Making Pond Planting Baskets

Any ideas of how I can make my own pond planting baskets?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Liz from Portsmouth, England

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Removing Urine Odor From Wood Flooring

I had a dog that did nothing but destroy the house. My rugs were always covered with urine. The dog has a home now and I know I need to rip up the carpets but what I need to know is how to get the odor out of the wood floor beneath the rug. I know it went through.

I want to get new carpets but need to be rid of the odors first. I heard of the Vinegar and I have not tried it yet but if I do does anyone know the mixture I must use? How much water and vinegar? I have also heard of lemon juice as well. Please help and thanks in advance.

Diane from New York

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Puppy Has Cherry Eye

What's the best surgery for Cherry Eye in a pup?

Lorelei from OH

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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