Daily Thrifty Tips - April 3, 2008

With flour prices on the rise, bread is getting more and more expensive. This week's Saving Money On... topic is about Saving Money on Bread. Do you have any tips to share? Please submit them here:

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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: Foam Picture Frames

This is a simple, inexpensive project which can be made to fit any holiday or decor.

Approximate Time 10 - 30 minutes

Supplies:

• picture frame
• craft foam shapes or craft foam a marker and scissors for making your own shapes
• glue - if you make your own shapes

Instructions:

1. If possible, choose a flat rather than rounded frame, as they seem to work better. I found mine at a yard sale, but you can also get them at the dollar store.
2. Choose precut, self-stick foam shapes to suit the occasion or decor (these are great for a child's room). I found buckets of these in many varieties at the dollar store. Before you peel off the paper backing, arrange the shapes to make sure they will fit where you want to put them. Once you are satisfied with your arrangement, peel the backing from the foam shapes and stick them to the frame.
3. If you choose to make your own shapes, you will have to draw and cut them from foam sheets and then glue them to the frame.
4. These frames make nice relative gifts when you include family photos. They also work well in kid's rooms, framing a beloved pet.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Craft: Flower Gift Card Set

White and purple cardstock, white paper, patterned paper, flower stickers, and ribbons were used to create this card set. Add a match gift tag and bag to make the card more special.

By Maricel from Fairfax, VA

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Nana (Blood Hound/Springer Spaniel)

Nana is 7 years old and is a Blood Hound and Springer Spaniel mix. I got her in March 2001 as a puppy.

She likes to pounce through snow, and stick her nose where is doesn't belong. She is also very social and always needs to be where the excitement is!

She is always loving and playful, makes me smile whenever I have a bad or long day. She is always ready to go and has no problem letting you know what she wants.

By Darci from Littleton, CO

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Craft: Watercolor Bob The Builder

I created these very cool pictures for my son's Christmas present. I used his favorite books, tracing paper, watercolor paper, watercolor pencils and a paint brush. Most of the craft supplies can be purchased at your local Walmart. My husband used scrap wood and scrap glass to create the frames, while I finished them with some leftover stain from a previous project. It was a cheap and fun project for all as my son got to help in the assembly of the frames

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Craft Project: Pin Pal Pincushion

Place this pincushion miss on your dresser for a pin keeper or top her off with ornamental hat pins. These would be great to make for Mother's Day or birthdays.

Approximate Time 30 minutes

Supplies:

• 2 1/2 inch clay pot
• flesh tone acrylic paint
• red acrylic paint
• small paintbrush
• 6 inch square of cotton print fabric
• 2 inch square of cotton print fabric
• textured doll hair or decorative fringe
• 1/4 inch pastel satin ribbon
• 3/8 inch button
• polyester fiberfill
• fine-tip black permanent marker
• sewing needle
• matching threads
• glue gun and glue sticks
• scissors
• ruler
• pencil

Instructions:

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Blow Up Your Favorite Snapshot For Custom Art

We were at out daughters new home for Easter. She is having to decorate on a shoestring budget. She created several personalized wall photos by selecting some great snapshots she had taken of her two sons. She then had them blown up to poster size. The website she ordered from is http://www.muralsyourway.com/. She ordered 2 of the 3 x 4 foot size for a little over $100.00 for each snapshot blown up. They are hanging and beautiful. My grandsons who are 5 and 17 months love seeing their personalized wall art hanging in their family room and play room. Everyone that sees them wants to know where they can do the same with one of their high-quality photos.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Make Arm and Leg Warmers from Sweaters

Wool sweaters (with or without alpaca/angora/cashmere) will shrink (felt) in hot water, and then they are amazingly dense and warm! No sewing or hemming needed. Long sleeves make leg warmers that stay up without elastic. Arm warmers are very cozy in cool or chilly weather, and great if your coat sleeves always seem too short. Wear them instead of mittens or gloves. They cover your wrists and hands almost as far as fingerless gloves and are so easy to make and enable you to keep the thermostat way down! Uses for the body of the sweater have been described in many places. Have fun!

By Toby from Berkeley, CA

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It's Nice to Have a Vehicle for Hauling

If you have more than one vehicle (or even one), think about how you can use it for hauling. When I was single, I always had a hatchback to take my finds back with me and now my husband has a truck. We just saved $30 on delivery of a desk from the Salvation Army that was only $39. And somehow we are always hauling things and also haul for friends, which makes them indebted to us for other things. Our friend is coming over today to help get the desk up the stairs to our apartment. Good for moving, too!

By Pamphyila from L.A.

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Charge Your Cellphone at Night

So many of my friends, talk about letting their cell phone batteries run down and then they can't make any calls. I recharge my cell phone when 1 to 2 times a week, or as needed, but only at nighttime, when I'm sleeping. This way, it's already to use, anytime I need it.

By Terri H. from NV

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Homemade Cleaner for Wood Cabinets

This cleaner is used for wood cabinets: 2 Tbsp. of olive oil, 4 Tbsp. of vinegar to 1 qt. of warm water (I use a nice empty windex bottle). It really shined up my cabinets nice and I even used it for my stove tops and other kitchen appliances. What a beautiful shine it left.

Source: Just a tip was passed from generation to generation.

By Lisa from Patton, Pennsylvania

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Link: Hometown Favorites For Hard-To-Find Items

ThriftyFun gets many requests for hard-to-find foods and items. I found a great site for such things:

• http://www.hometownfavorites.com/

Joan from Chesapeake, VA

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Garden Edging For Waterproof Molding and Window Sills

I needed something that would hold up to my always sweating windows when my wooden window sills were totally shot. I found some half-inch thick, slightly bendable plastic garden edging in my garage that the previous owner had left. I simply measured my window sills then cut the garden edging with my jig-saw, then caulked and tacked it into place under my windows.

I also needed a durable molding for the wall behind my kitchen sink. I used the same stuff and hung up Dollar Store 12 inch pre-stick floor tiles that have a pattern of light, med and dark "wood" diamonds. These tiles look just like woven/parquet wood. I stuck these wood-look vinyl floor tiles behind the brown plastic "molding" on the wall. The brown (garden edging) molding looks amazing with the fake-wood tiles. I also put the same tiles under my (always dripping) picture windows in my craft room.

It looks like I have fancy wood inlayed on my walls. It may sound like a strange color choice, but I painted my walls a "peanut butter" or caramel color and it looks amazing with the fake wood and brown (garden edging) molding! The Dollar Store tiles were 3 for a dollar, the paint was "oops" paint at only $5 a gallon and the garden edging "molding" was free. You can't beat that price for a quickie fix-up!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Fancy Non-Sew Tulle Dress-Up Tutu

For under $4 you can make your little ballerina a super easy dress-up tutu. Here's how:

In the wedding area of your local craft store you can buy 6 inch x 25 yard rolls of tulle in various colors for $2.99 each and a 10 yard spool of 1/4 inch satin ribbon for under 50 cents. (I bought both in purple). You have a choice of either using elastic for a stretch waistband or having the tutu tie-on with a ribbon waistband. Measure the length from the child's waist to their knees and double that measurement. This is how long you'll want to cut the tulle. I used a box that fit that measurement and wrapped the tulle around and around the box until ALL the tulle was used up, then I cut it all at once (like making a pompom) I ended up with 28 - 30 pieces of Tulle.

Next, fold each piece of tulle in half so you know where the center is. Then tie the center of each piece on to your elastic or ribbon waistband with either a square or larks-head knot. After you have each piece of tulle on the waistband, cut your ribbon the same length as the tulle by wrapping the ribbon around the same box (as before) Then divide the amount of tulle pieces you have by the amount of ribbon pieces you have. Then tie one ribbon on the waistband every 2 or 3 tulles. Lastly: Tie the ribbon waistband into a bow and sew together or safety-pin an elastic waistband. Now you're done!

OPTIONAL IDEAS: I bought a 79 cent bouquet of bright pink flowers that had tiny blossoms. I took each blossom off, then cut the bottoms of the flowers flat and hot-glued each blossom (and a few smaller leaves) on to a ribbon here and there. Glitter-Glue or can also be added to the bottom of the tulle for a wonderful sparkling effect and sparkling "gems" can also be glued on. Iridescent ribbon can replace the satin ribbon for a "translucent-fairy" look!

COST: I bought the tulle with a coupon for $1.60, The 10 yard spool of ribbon on sale for 25 cents. The silk flowers for $79 cents. (I already had the elastic) So that's a grand total of $2.64 for a wonderful looking, fluffy tutu that would have cost over $20 in a Children's Store and it only took me half an hour to make! I made it last night and wish I had a picture to show, as it's MUCH prettier than I can describe! My 5 year old granddaughter is already having the time of her life playing fairy-ballerina and dancing all around the house in it!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Let Butter Reach Room Temperature Before Using

Butter at room temperature retains 90% of it's flavor; refrigerated (cold) butter loses 90% of it's flavor. ALWAYS let butter reach room temperature before using!

By Cajun62234 from Collinsville, IL

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Using Soda Bottle for Yarn

If you knit or crochet, an empty 2-liter soda bottle is useful. Cut off the bottom and place a skein of yarn into it, after you've started the skein from the middle, and feed the yarn through the bottle neck. This will keep the yarn from getting tangled up. You can use the bottle cap to keep the end of the yarn from falling back inside, when you take a break.

Source: I got this from the newsletter from the Taste of Home Menusaver Newsletter. It has yummy recipes and money saving tips.

By Monica from O'Fallon, MO

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Removing Blood From Suede

How do you remove blood from suede?

Keanni from Los Angeles, California

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Fisher-Paykel Washer Advice

Can you tell me if there are any Fisher-Paykel washers that don't lock while they are washing? Also can you just spin dry something you have hand washed?

Ruth

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Rockery Plant With White Flowers

I am a member to the website - all the way from the UK! I think it's great - nothing like this at home! I am looking for a rockery plant that reminds me of my family garden when a child. It was low growing, had tiny white flowers mid spring onwards - very prolific - and grey, almost furry leaves. I remember my (now sadly departed) parents saying it was a good ground cover as spread so fast. I have never seen it in garden centres in the UK - anyone have any ideas? Thanks Louise in Essex, UK

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Louise from Essexx, United Kingdom

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What breed is my dog?

I'm trying to figure out if my dog is Alaskan Husky/ German Shepherd mix. I don't really want to get him tested. He's a great dog, wonderful mentality, very smart. It wasn't anything to teach him everything he knows. He is WONDERFUL in agility and he has great table manners. He is about 22in and 165lbs. He's gotten really stalky. I also think he is either 3 or 4. I wasn't able to kennel train him and I'm wondering why. He freaked out when we placed him in a kennel and tore it up. He would get out and tear up the door. Same thing when we placed him on the deck and he loves the deck. He had to be in the house outside of a cage. Now that we do that he is fine. He doesn't do anything. I also wanted to know if Epilepsy is prevalent in any of these breeds. When I received him he was very malnourished and his shots where not done, he was 7-9 months old. A vet that I went to said that he would be Epileptic because he was anemic, had heart worms, hook worms, intestinal worms, ring worm and a lot of more things. and all the treatment that he had to go through seems to have made him epileptic. He has seizures maybe once every 2 or 3 months. He is very active. It's almost like he forgets he has it. You know it hurts him and you know he can here you because he responds right after its over. They last for about 60sec - 2 min. Let me know if you know anything. He's my rescue puppy. My easter present... and the love of my life. :-) Also if you just have random info I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in Advance. Tiffany from Statesboro GA

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Should Chickens Roam Free Or Be Penned Up?

Just read the newsletter on chickens. Very interesting I might add but my question is: did these ladies let their chickens roam the yard or did they have them penned up? I live in the country and thought I may get a few for eggs. Plus you could eat the chickens too. Thanks in advance.

Alice

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Removing Tape From Painted Drywall

I am having a problem removing tape residue from a flat white painted wall (drywall). I have tried warm water and soap, but am afraid to damage the paint by trying a marketed product.

Jo from Louisiana

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My New Puppy Won't Eat

I am living in Saudi Arabia, I bought new dog, it's a German Sheppard puppy it's just 45 days. He was in a farm with his sister and his health was so good, I bought it before yesterday and until now he refusing to eat. At the farm he was eating very well, dry food mixed with water. With me, I try many kinds of food (dry food mixed with water, wet food pedigree for puppy, mixed dry and wet food, even milk he refuse to drink it) he just drink water.

I took him to a doctor and they give him vitamins and antibiotic and still he refuses to eat, He will play with me and walks with me in and outside of the house. I need to know what is his problem with eating if some one can help me.

Mohed

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Gift Idea for My New Stepson

I am 40 and getting married for the second time in June. My fiance's son is 17 and will graduate in June. He will be the best man in our wedding. Besides that, I was wondering if there is something else I could do, without stepping on his mom's toes, to let him know he is and always will be part of us. He lives with my fiance full time and I am very excited to be a stepmom, even if he will be 18 years old soon.

I was thinking about maybe getting the three of us matching titanium bands to wear on our right hand that have a cross emblem cut out in it, but don't know if that is too cheesy. My fiance and I got back together in November and I still live in TX and he is in NC. So, I haven't had allot of time with his son. I did go visit for Thanksgiving and Spring Break. I will be moving there June 8th. Any ideas and suggestions welcomed. Thanks!

Amanda from Texas

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Painting Walls To Compliment Black Furniture

I need advice on paint color for the kitchen and living room. We recently painted our kitchen and living room Stonington Gray. Unfortunately it looks light blue and it is pretty awful. Any suggestions on what other color we can paint?

I don't know whether to stick with gray or try something else. I wanted to use gray to compliment a black couch, black furniture, black and gray area rug, cherry cabinets, and island. The counter tops are blueish/gray and the back splash is in the blue/green family. Any thoughts?

Jstern from Brooklyn, NY

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What Breed Is My Dog?

Can anyone help me figure out what kind of puppy this is? I adopted him from a shelter and am not sure what he is mixed with. I am told golden retriever and collie or husky or chow? He is 5 months old.

Katie from Ozone Park, NY

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Cleaning Fire Residue from Glass and Metal

We salvaged some glass and metal antiques from our home after a fire, but not much left. It was a 75% loss. Hope to save some things, but what the heat didn't destroy, the smoke left behind this greasy black residue on everything. We have tried orange cleaners, oxi clean, windex, 409, but these type of cleaners hardly touch it. Any suggestions that might help dissolve this blackness?

KLR from Las Vegas NV.

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Looking For Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Looking for an amazing banana cream pie recipe!

Amber from Arizona

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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