Daily Thrifty Tips - January 21, 2009

Over 30 new requests have been coming in each day. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

If you are planning on sharing any Valentine's Day craft ideas, try to submit them before the end of the month so we can get them published before the holiday.

Thanks for reading,

The ThriftyFun Team

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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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Mieko (Bichon/Shih Tzu)

Mieko is 4 months old and a Bichon/Shih Tzu (Teddy Bear) I got him 3 weeks ago. He likes to play with his toys (fetch, tug of war). He is beyond my expectations of cuteness.

By Rita from Colorado

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Craft: Rag Rug from Recycled Fleece Clothing

I have just joined the site and thought you might like to see a rug made from recycled fleece jackets. They are very cheap to buy in the charity shops, there are some brilliant colors and make a super rug. Animals particularly like the cozy feel and I suppose they could be made with the name of the dog/cat.

Isobel

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Garden: Trellis Rosebush

My rose bush!

By Laura

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Craft: Plate Gardens

They are easy and fun and require basically what you can find around your home and yard. Use old clay or ceramic plates, soil, small rocks or pebbles, dried flowers, sand, moss, etc., to create little faerie gardens or as my daughter calls them "Ladybug Gardens". In this pic, a pond was made out of the bottom of a plastic water bottle and a leaf, floral wire and picks were used to create a fairie swing. Fun Fun Fun!

By LovelyMom from Durham, NC

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Craft Project: Easy Valentine Pin

Create these easy Valentine pins for family and friends.

Approximate Time: Under 1 hour

Supplies:

• Valentine card
• scrap of cardboard or poster board
• glue
• embellishments
• scissors
• pin back

Instructions:

Cut out a heart, cupid, angel, or other picture from a Valentine card. Glue it to a piece of cardboard or poster board and then cut around the shape. Adorn the picture with beads, buttons, charms, pieces of ribbon, glitter, etc. When dry, glue on a pin back.

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Frugal Wedding Flowers

Here is an alternative to florist prices for flowers. While I don't have a photo I am sure you will get the idea! My son is getting married in April 09 and the wedding is on the cheap. What I did for bouquets is the following: took a toilet paper roll inserted Styrofoam to fit snugly. Then I inserted silk flowers on stems into the Styrofoam, arranged as needed, as well as, inserted Baby's Breath and greenery under the flowers.

Then I wrapped the toilet paper roll with color coordinated ribbon (including the underside), pinned the end of the ribbon with pearl headed straight pins directly through the toilet paper roll into the Styrofoam. Viola! instant bouquet! This takes about 15 minutes per bouquet and looks like a designer bouquet for pennies!

Andrea from Radom, Illinois

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Use Vaseline to Remove Eye Make Up

I use vaseline to remove my mascara, eye liner and shadow everyday. This works before or after a shower and doesn't sting if you get it in your eyes. Plus, it's very cheap. I've been using the same vaseline jar for over a year and it was under $3.00.

Source: My college roommate. :)

By Mandy from Michigan

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Leftover Peel and Stick Tiles for Weatherstripping

My house is very old, and I have a lot of drafty windows and doors. Of course, I don't like to turn up my heat very much due to the high cost of electricity. So, I did what a lot of you do; hanging drapes, using plastic on my windows, etc. My old doors were so drafty, I needed something to put in between the door and frame. I had just redone my kitchen with those peel and stick tiles (which you can cut with scissors). I had a few left over, and cut them to fit the door jam. Within minutes I can tell the difference. Who knew you could use peel and stick tiles to help with drafty doors!

By Megan W. from Boise, ID

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Reuse the Plastic Bags You Already Have

Instead of buying re-usable bags for your purchases, save and re-use the plastic bags that you already have at home. I bought the re-usable ones, and found that I did not have enough of them. I buy a lot of groceries at a time, and just simply did not have enough bags. Buying as many as I needed was a cost factor; plus, I always wound up not having them in the car, which totally defeated the purpose in the first place. Then I thought of just keeping the plastic bags that I already had, in the car. Takes up far less space, didn't cost me anything, and I have lots more of them.

By Carole from Locust Fork, AL

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Garlic Oil for Ear Infections

My friend's sister uses garlic oil in her ears when an ear infection seems to be coming on and it clears right up.

By Terri from NV

Here's an article about making garlic oil for ear infections on eHow.com:

• http://www.ehow.com/how_2181310_warm-garlic-oil-ear-infections.html

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Browse eBay for Unwanted Gift Certificates

After Christmas is a great time to browse ebay for gift certificates. You can get them for considerably less most of the time. People get these gift cards and don't want them, and would rather have the cash. Therefore you get more bang for your buck, by bidding for them on online auctions, such as eBay.

Source: Something I discovered while searching eBay.

By Karen from Union, SC

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Organized Birthday Card Mailing

I send out a lot of Birthday cards throughout the year, and have found this tip to be very helpful. At the beginning of each month, I check my calendar to see who all has a Birthday that month. Next, I go to The Dollar Tree to purchase all the cards for those people (cards are 2/$1.00). I bring the cards home and fill them all out at one time.

I don't put the stamp on until the day I mail the card. The reason for this is: I use a pencil and write the date I want to mail the card right where the stamp goes (for example 12/22). You get the idea. I keep all the cards in a particular place, and add the stamp the day I want to mail them.

By Judy from Birmingham, AL

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Spray Freshener from Dryer Sheets

I usually buy Febreeze to freshen the house and thought "There has to be a cheaper way to freshen the house." So I took a spray bottle and put a couple of bounce Febreeze fabric softener sheets (for your dryer) and added water and it worked GREAT! All I have to do is maybe add another fabric softener sheet when I need a stronger scent. Hope this is a good tip for you and also to save money. If you have the liquid Febreeze and you're getting low, add a sheet to the bottle and add more water. There you have a full bottle again.

By Tina from West Virginia

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Find Produce Bargains in the Reduced Bin

Having recently joined the legions of unemployed folks, in Northeast Ohio, I regularly peruse the reduced produce shelf in my local grocery store.

The other day I got a mixed bag of red, green, orange, yellow peppers for $1 and took three to an elderly neighbor and used three myself. Yesterday, I got a bag of five avocados for $1, pureed and froze 3 and gave two to my next door neighbor!

It's great fun to see what's available and to find creative uses for these products. I can still hear my Bohemian grandmother's voice praising the day old bread, the slightly bruised apple: "It's still good!"

By Amy B. from Chardon, OH

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Use Your Crockpot as an Oven

I found I am able to use my crock pot as an oven. I have been trying EVERYTHING in: acorn squash, yellow squash, zucchini, potatoes, yams, etc. - without any water. Often I leave some things like acorn squash, yams, and potatoes in the crock overnight - on the low setting. It makes life so much easier! It also eliminates so much processed foods.

By Billie from Melbourne, FL

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Use Baggie as a Glove When Using Shortening

Less mess when using cooking shortening! Take one zip-top sandwich baggie and keep it in your large can of shortening. Whenever you need to grease a dish, slip your hand into the baggie and use it like a glove to smear the shortening. Then slip your clean, grease-free hand out!

It is also useful for "packing" the shortening into a measuring cup and even for getting it out of the measuring cup. Just swirl your bagged hand around the cup to collect the shortening and glop it into the mixing bowl.

Since you have only used it with clean dishes and measuring cups, you can re-use the baggie over and over. Be sure to keep the baggie in your shortening can at all times, ready for use. You will find yourself using fewer paper towels for greasing and dirtying fewer utensils when cooking with shortening, all with a clean hand!

Source: Heard this years ago on television, but can't remember the source. I have used it ever since!

By Shawna from Paris, TN

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Anthony's Fish Bar's Crab, Shrimp and Cheddar Melt

I had a crab, shrimp, and cheddar melt at Anthony's Fish Bar in the Seatac airport, it was wonderful. I'm trying to duplicate the recipe. Has anyone got any ideas? Has anyone eaten there, that knows what I'm requesting?

Laurie from Portland, OR

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Recipes for an All Women Super Bowl Party

I am going to a Super Bowl Party with all women. I am looking for an easy recipe that looks impressive that will appeal to gals. I really can't see us eating brats and beer!

Linda from Vista, CA

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Removing Old Blood Stains from Fabric

How do I remove old blood stains from fabric?

Lorraine from Perth, Western Australia

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Recommendations for Fabric Dye

I want to get the best dye in all colors for purchase. Any suggestions?

sulaimanndugga

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Pink and White Coconut Candy

I am looking for a recipe my Grandma used to make. She called it "pink and white coconut candy". She made it with dessicated sweetened coconut, food coloring, and sweetened condensed milk. Anyone heard of this?

Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Canada

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Embroidered Pillowcases Have Yellowed

I have many old hand embroidered pillow cases that have turned yellowish brown. They are about 60 years old and very beautiful but I have never found anything to take out the yellow. I'm afraid bleach would take the color out of the embroidery. Are there any other solutions?

Maggie from Ohio

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Bugs Inside Mimosa Seed Pods

I thought I was so lucky when a neighbor let me have as many seed pods as I wanted from their Mimosa tree. Next thing I know, while I'm shelling them, I see 90% have a little hole in them from some kind of bug.

I put the whole seeds in a sealed pill bottle with a small container of desiccant. I just got them out to starting planting the seeds when I see holes in the seeds and gnarly little bugs putting their bellies on the inside of the bottle! How can I get quality seeds from a hardy tree without the bugs and holes?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Jane from Baltimore, Maryland

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Which Artichokes Taste the Best?

What kind of artichokes do they sell in grocery stores? Globe, Jerusalem, other? I would like to try to grow some, but don't know the best kind for eating. Thank you.

Ms. Carmen

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Control Harness for Dog

I am looking for a control collar or harness for an active dog.

Kathy from Traverse City, MI

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Melted Plastic on a Frying Pan

My boyfriend placed a hot skillet on a plastic bread bag without knowing. Unfortunately, by the time we realized, the bag was melted onto the pan. We tried scrubbing but some plastic remains making the pan unusable. Any ideas on how to clean it? It's an expensive pan and we don't want to throw it away.

Thanks,
Diane from Wayne, NJ

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Making Bows

How do you make bows?

Rhonda from Spring Hope, NC

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Fried Chicken Tips

I've always wanted to fry chicken with flour but it always comes out either burnt or undercooked. Any tips on how to do it just right?

Rosemarie from Lynn, Mass.

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Collecting Social Security Benefits

I'm 63 and working full-time. When should I start collecting my Social Security?

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Garden Themed Ideas for Girl Scout Daisy Troop

I am starting a Girl Scout Daisy troop, and for their badges they will work with a garden theme. I am looking for ideas for garden crafts, stories, and other ideas for 5-6 year olds. Any help would be wonderful.

Debbie from Berwick, ME

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Fax Number for an All-in-One Printer

How do I get a fax number to go with an all-in-one printer that I just added to my computer?

Tracy from Slaughter, LA

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Instructions for Cracker Box Ornaments

Looking to trade Cracker Box ornament kit instructions. I need "Very Berry" and "Baubles, Bangles and Beads". I have other rare and retired instructions to trade.

Leighton from Orlando, FL

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Replacing Chair Caning with Wood

I have 4 ladder-backed chairs that need recaning, however, I do not have the time. I was thinking of replacing the caning with some kind of wood and then using a fabric over the wood. I will paint these chairs to look primitive and distressed. Any other suggestions and if the wood works what kind of wood? Home Depot is close by. Thanks.

Kelly from Sutton, Mass.

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Starting a Hyacinth Bulbs in Water

If you are starting a hyacinth bulb in water, how long do you leave it in there before you actually plant it?

Hardiness Zone: 6b


Lisa from Spring City, TN

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Patterns for Sock Monkey Clothes

Does anyone have crochet or sewing patterns for clothes to fit a sock monkey? Thank you.

Wendy-Lou from Chilcotin, British Columbia

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Making Wooden Salad Forks

Does anyone have patterns for wooden salad forks or hands? Thank you.

Wendy-Lou from Chilcotin, British Columbia

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Reusing Plastic Pens

How can I reuse plastic pens? Over my 62 years the reuse of most anything has come pretty easy to me with just a little thought, and the expectations that it only has to work for me. But plastic pens have been "the challenge" of course, along with disposable razors.

I solve the razor problem with the long term use and care of a rechargeable electric razor. Plastic barrel pens are everywhere. Yes, I own a refillable pen. But still those plastic critters continue to sneak into my house. I have tried crafting with them. I even made a sort of a small detail paint brush out of one, along with building a tree. I use several for Christmas tree ornaments. I tried to make a fishing lure once, a seed plater, stakes for house plants, and darts for a dart board.

I must be overlooking fairly obvious reuses that would decrease the disposal of these poor excuses for writing instruments. I need help. There are just too many people that use them to have them banned. We need to put a value into those pen users hands. So lets come up with many more reuses of the plastic pens. Thank you.

Michael "Mr. Thrifty" from Shermansdale, PA

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White Stains on Red Brick Patio

My red patio bricks always turn white after it gets cold outside. Then when it warms up the white stays. Why is this and what is it?

William from Newnan, GA

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Cleaning Dark Wood Floors

What is the easiest way to clean and perk up dark wood floors? I can't do a lot of scrubbing and hard work for health reasons and need some advice. Even the names of products or make it yourself recipes. Thanks.

Brenda from Richmond, VA

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Homemade Cleaner for Suede Chair

Is there a "make it at home" way to clean a suede chair? Any suggestions? The whole chair needs cleaning.

Brenda from Richmond, VA

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Rope Hoya Losing Leaves

I have a Rope Hoya that is pot bound and receives bright light. Since winter started, the leaves on several of the branches/ropes have been shriveling. Some are falling off closest to the soil. I've had this plant for 2 years. This is the first time I've had a problem. Does anyone know what is going on with this plant? What should I do? Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 5a


Cindy from Carol Stream, IL

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Chicken Manchurian Recipe

I am looking for a recipe for Chicken Manchurian.

Breerah from Sukkur, Pakistan

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Clothespin Doll Furniture Ideas

Could all crafters that make doll clothespin furniture submit their wonderful works? I am trying to find more furniture to make, they are so adorable! Directions with real pictures showing assembly would be most helpful. Thanks!

Pattie from Bridgton

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Steam Iron Not Working

My Steam Press SP-600 will not heat at all. Lights all work, but it just won't heat up. Could someone tell me what may be the matter? Thanks.

Merllean

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What Breed is My Dog?

This is CJ, we received him from a friend. They were told he is a 3 month old Pom/Husky mix. His tail curls over like a pom's and he prances like one, but I don't know about the husky part. What do you think? I'm not sure if he's 3 months either. He's really small compared to our wolf/husky. He's cute though, right?

Amanda from Bandon, OR

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Drano Alternatives

Does anyone have anything suggestions for drain cleaners, instead of Drano?

Pamela

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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