Daily Thrifty Tips - September 17, 2007

I'm back from visiting my daughter in Vietnam. I had a great time and will post some photos later this week. Thanks to Jess and Lew for covering for me. They always work hard but it's even more work being short one person.

Here are the contest winners for the week before last.

Photo Contest Winner

Crochet With Old T-Shirts
By Donna from Millbury, OH

Tip Contest Winners

Saving Money on Office Beverages
Concetta from Westmont, IL

Keep Your Purse Safe When Dining Out
By Debbie52 from IL

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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Berry Wreaths

These beautiful wreaths are very popular where I live and can be used year after year. They also make nice gifts. It's a simple project and you need no special talent. Your project will look professionally done with little effort.

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Butterfly on Butterfly Bush

Butterfly on Butterfly Bush in my backyard.

By Mary Lou from Abingdon, MD

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Dream Car

My boss is a Colonel in the Air Nationall Guard and he runs our Air Show each year, so I always get special passes . This year my grandkids and I took time out from the planes to check out the cars on display, and my grandson proclaimed this one to be his "dream car." You can sure tell he has those male genes!

By Kayray from Indiana

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Salem (Persian/Tabby)

Salem is a 2 year old Persian/Tabby. Salem was a gift because I am a wiccan witch so I wanted my black cat. He loves to knead my back for me and sleep cuddled. Salem is a sweetheart and he makes gorgeous kittens too.

By psychicx from Canada

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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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Keeping Pet Water Cool In Hot Weather

I freeze two plastic cups 8 oz. or 16 oz. for my dog's water bowl for cool water all day long. Every night, I fix the cups so they freeze by the next day. It melts slowly so he has cool water all day. I also fix my husband a big insulated cup with one.

By Evelyn from Mableton, GA

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Tip For Different Sized Bath Drains

All replacement bath drains come with a larger converter that you just unscrew to reveal a smaller size.

By Barbara from Memphis,TN

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Old T-Shirts For Cleaning Windows

We live in an area where the air is not one of the cleanest. I love to have clean, sparkling windows to look out and let the light in. To keep them that way, I am cleaning them once a week, inside and out. I was using way too many paper towels, so I then went to using wadded up newspapers, but did not like the way the newspapers cleaned the windows.

I have a huge bag of my husband cotton T-shirts he has discarded, so I started using them to clean all my windows. I am so happy, my windows look great. I can wash and use the T-shirts again and again! Try it, you will find the T-shirts leave your glass spot and streak free, plus I am saving money and trees by not using paper towels.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Multiplication Game With Egg Cartons

Use your egg cartons before you throw them out! When they are empty, write a different number in each space; either 1-12 or 0-11. Then place 2 beans, coins or other small items in them and close the lid. Shake and reopen. Wherever your items landed, make your kid add or multiply the numbers together. If they get it right, then they get a point, whoever gets the most points wins.

By Lora from Hickory, NC

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Over the Top Party Napkin Rings and Favors

Choose to celebrate your party's decor with a "Designer's Eye for a Creative Touch".

1. Collect empty toilet tissue and paper towel rolls.
2. Choose your theme and select coverings that express that "look"
3. Cut tissue rolls in half, and paper towels in thirds.
4. Use several shades of tissue, fabric, or even lace to cover the rolls. Get creative and think of other items to use as well. Maybe brown bags.

For napkins holders, you may as well use contact paper and tape inside of roll. Hot glue a flower, beads, or any type of picture for the theme on the top. Roll your napkin in side. Adorable!

For Favors, fill with candies, or some type of toy, treat, small hand written note or even samples of soap, coffees, etc. Wrap the tissue around the roll and leave ends long enough on both ends to tie ribbon at both ends. Curly ribbons is great, wired ribbon is even better. Insert a flower, a piece of old jewelry, or maybe hot glue a shell. Makes a fabulous favor, you choose the colors and choice of design, remember to have fun in the creating process!

I change them over and over to fit the occasion and color schemes. So, simple and it can be loads of fun as well! Happy favor and napkin rings making!

By Joyce from Lexington, TN

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Fans To Supplement AC

In this heat wave I am very grateful for all the fans I have all over the apartment, which supplement my little AC units! I keep the fans on overnight to cool off the place with the cooler night air. I even picked up one recently at a thrift store which I can clip on close to my computer (for $5!)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Saving Money on Shipping

With the recent postal hikes, postage can be the breaking point for some people. For those who find themselves shipping items often, the point can be at hand. Whether you ship items for an on-line business, as part of your regular business, or to far away family members, there are ways to save on shipments.

• Ship Priority Mail.
  It's not much more to ship packages Priority Mail over Parcel Post and Priority USPS Mail offers free boxes and labels. Visit www.usps.com to order your FREE shipping supplies delivered to your door. (These may only be used on Priority Mail shipments.)

• If it qualifies, ship Media Mail.
  Also known as Book Rate, Media Mail ships a bit slower but it's hardly noticeable when compared to the cost of shipping First Class. Books can be heavy, so ship Media Mail when possible.

• Buy packaging in bulk.
  Items like those that ship Media Mail or some First Class Mail items still need the ever popular bubble mailer. While they cost roughly $0.72 each at the office supply store (packages of 25), they cost only $0.29 when purchased on-line in quantities of 100 even with the exorbitant shipping costs factored in the total cost of the item. ($7 for a box of 100 with $22 shipping.)

• Recycle packaging.
  I have as many packages coming into my house as going out. As a result, I've become efficient at recycling bubbled wrap, packing pillows, peanuts, and even bubble mailers. If I affix a new label, many bubble mailers can survive a second trip nicely or I can stuff them inside a plain envelope to create a new bubble mailer.

• Factor in the gas.
  If you're shipping often, consider using USPS which picks up packages at your home for free. Don't waste gas and time driving to the nearest UPS pick-up location. Check www.usps.com for pickup requests.

• Lighten the load.
  I remember the days when Air Mail envelopes were those see-through rice paper-like vessels. Keep those in mind while putting together your envelopes. Double side letters and eliminate the paper clips. Keeping letters at one ounce or less locks in the $0.41 rate. Anything over one ounce adds about $0.17 per ounce.

• Choose your envelopes wisely.
  The typical rectangular envelope (letter or business) can mail at $0.41 if it's less than an ounce. However, a one ounce square envelope costs $0.58. Why? Square envelopes aren't sorted the same and incur extra postal services. Similarly, a rectangular envelope that is turned the opposite way (vertically rectangular rather than the usual horizontal) also costs $0.58. Choose your cards wisely!

• Ship to the store.
  When ordering from on-line stores, see if they offer a "ship to store" or "store delivery" option. Many large chain stores will ship items to the location of your choice for free. For instance, if you like to choose your items on-line where there might be more of a selection (and less chance to add extra items to your cart) do so and ask that your purchases be shipped to the nearest store. Then, at your convenience go in pick up and get out. My kind of shopping!

Post your ideas below!

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Harvest Buttons and Material from Old Clothes

Save your ripped pants and shirts, then "harvest" the buttons. You never know when you will need buttons. You can also save parts of the fabric and make clothes for an infant. A pant leg turned upside down (or two legs sewn together) can make a cute "pillowcase dress" for a baby girl. All you need is a little ribbon. You can also use extra fabric from elsewhere to create a jumper dress. Save drawstrings to use on bags for cart covers or as ribbon on the pillowcase dresses.

By Laurie from Circle City, Arizona

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Washing Bed Pillows

Tips for washing bed pillows. Post your ideas below.

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Mystery Itchy Bump On Face

I'm searching for a solution to something I think is kind of odd.
Almost every single day, I will randomly get a small itchy bump on my face. Pretty much like a bug bite. Either this bug is completely microscopic or this is just something my skin is doing. Anyone know? Do I have FLEAS?! I would think that if something is on my face getting ready to bite me, I would be able to see it. These bumps just magically appear it seems like. I don't change soaps, I DO have animals, and I bathe regularly. Any idea on what is causing this? Thanks!

Amber from Colorado

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Removing Lip Gloss From Cotton Blouse

How can you get lip gloss out of a new cotton blouse. I have used the tide pen, spray and wash and soda. The stain is still there.

Diane from Denver, CO

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Removing Furniture Paint Marks Off Deck

I have a new wood deck. My wrought iron table left green marks on the wood deck. How do I get the green marks off wood?

Jlynngig from Pembroke, NH

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When Are You Ready For Your First Child?

Yes, me and my husband want to have our first baby and nobody in our family's think we are ready and everybody wants us to wait...what should we do?

Susie

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Creating a King From 2 Twin Beds

I would like information on making a foam or other kind of strip to connect 2 twin beds, to make them a king. This would bridge the gap. Thank you for any help!

Gail from Tolland, CT

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Can Pregnancy Change Your Bloodtype?

My mom had her blood typed recently and was shown to be B+. Her medical records from 50 years ago say she was B-. My sister says pregnancy can change a woman's blood type. My sister says she also went from B- to B+. Is this possible?

peanuts from Virginia

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Advice For Dealing With a Frizzy Mohawk

I have really thick and frizzy hair. I recently cut it into a mohawk but hairspray, gels glues don't work for me I need something that will hold good for a longtime. Any hints? Thanks.

Ariel from San Diego, CA

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14th Birthday Co-Ed Party Ideas

I have my 14th birthday coming up in 25 or 26 days and I NEED party ideas. It will be a coed party ages from 13-18 what should I do? It's in October and it might be cold.

Emily from Tennessee

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Pet Safe Algea Removal From Fountain

We have a fountain/waterfall for indoors that is made of slate/rock. My problem is trying to keep it clean and get rid of the algae buildup without harming my pets. Our new kitten drinks from it constantly and now our dog is starting to drink from it as well.

Obviously bleach would not work, but I have heard that vinegar would kill the bacteria/algae, but not harm the pets. Can anyone tell me if this is true...and if so, what proportions or if there are any other safe options.

TIA

Lisa

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Recipe For Sugar-Free Candy

Does anyone have recipes for sugar-free candies?

Debra from Hampton, Tenn.

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Party Game With Shoe Theme

When I return home I will be attending a party, this year the theme is Shoes. So all the decorations etc, will be with shoes, I have been asked to think up a game, (not necessary to have shoes in it but would help). There will be about 40 women attending. Thought it would be fun to think of a surprise shoe thing, got any ideas on that?

Sherry from Mexico, by way of Florida

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Advice For Painting Kitchen With White Tile Countertops

My kitchen is all white--white tile countertops, cabinets, frig, oven and walls. There is a cobalt blue stripe in the white tiles. I am tired of all white, so, what color could I use for the walls or cabinets that would look good with the cobalt blue?

Marge from Colfax

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Advice For Painting Kitchen With White Tile Countertops

My kitchen is all white--white tile countertops, cabinets, frig, oven and walls. There is a cobalt blue stripe in the white tiles. I am tired of all white, so, what color could I use for the walls or cabinets that would look good with the cobalt blue?

Marge from Colfax

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Where To Fine The Best Down Blanket

What is the best down blanket you can buy? I want a fluffy one that is really really soft! But I wasn't sure what brand or where to buy from.

Jessica from Auburn, AL

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Advice For Stopping Golden Retriever From Urinating On Porch

I have a 3 year old female golden retriever who has never peed in my house. Within the past 3 weeks, she has been peeing on my back porch. She only goes in one spot. Help.

Tricia from Altoona, PA

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Getting Rid of Musty Smell Under Mobile Home

How do i get rid of musty smell from under a mobile home?

Ryan from Edmonton, Canada

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Advice For Stopping Spam

I have a problem that's driving me nuts. Lately I've been bombarded with annoying e-mails. Crackpot psychics are the least of it. Some are just plain filthy. I have set my "Junk e-mail options" on "high" and I put the senders and domains in the "blocked senders" file but this stuff keeps getting through! Why isn't it working and where did these e-mails come from all of a sudden? No one else has access to this computer. By the way, my computer's security system lets this filth in but often sends ThriftyFun to the junk e-mail file. Go figure. I'm no computer genius. I'd appreciate any help I can get.

peanuts from Virginia

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Cleaning Urine Off a Tempur-Pedic Mattress

How do I clean urine off a Tempur-Pedic Mattress?

Howard from Lemoore, CA

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Getting Rid of Musty Perspiration Smell From Collar

Does anyone know how to get a musty smell from around the collars of my husbands work shirts from perspiration. I can launder them in the hottest water and dry them in the hottest setting and I just can't get the musty smell to go away. It will be gone on the hanger but as soon as he sweets the slightest bit the smell comes back.

Amy from Fort Wayne In.

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Advice For Painting Bathroom With Hunter Green Tile

What color should I paint my bathroom? My tiles are hunter green, shower curtain is gold and my large mirror is pewter plus pewter knick-knacks. Tub etc. is white. Any ideas? Thanks

Bob from British Columbia

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Looking For Non-Profit Grants

We are looking for grants for non-profit 501c3. One to build a building and the other for cash to help with our expenses of utilities and purchasing food for our food pantry. Thanks for all your help. Phyllis

Phyllis from Lake Isabella, Ca.

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Reddish-Brownish Stain On Wedding Dress

I'm not sure what the stain is from but there's a reddish-brownish stain on my wedding dress. The dress is alencon lace with two layers of silk lining. The stain goes through all three layers. Any advice on how to tackle this? I'm scared to use anything too abrasive and ruin the lace.

Mo from Denver, CO

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How Much Should I Charge for Deep Cleaning a Rental?

How much do I charge for cleaning a rental?

Judy from Charleston, SC

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Crown Royal Bag Quilt

I would like to know if anyone can assist me in telling me how or giving me directions on how to craft a quilt from Crown Royal bags?

Tripper from SC

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Cleaning a Dooney & Bourke Purse

I have a pink cloth fabric Dooney and Bourke purse with pink dots and db in white. I have a stain on it and don't know how to clean it.

Beth from Bellevue, WA

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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

Back to Basics Products Recalls Iced Tea Makers Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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