Daily Thrifty Tips - March 12, 2009

If you have been to our sister site My Frugal Life recently, you probably have seen a lot of spam posts. We are working hard to step up the moderation on that site and hope to have that completely under control in the near future. I hope that all the great posts aren't getting lost in the spam! If you haven't checked out My Frugal Life recently, be sure to drop by:

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Country Fair Sheep

We were at the county fair, had come out of the sheep barn and found one sheep still to be unloaded. My granddaughter Tegan could not resist answering back to the bleating voice of "help me, help me!"

By Joyce from Benson MN

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Teddy Bears (Domestic Short Hair)

Teddy Bears is an orange/white, domestic short hair cat. He will be 3 on Valentines Day 2009. I adopted him on January 31, 2009. I went to pick up my Corgi from his groomer and he was there waiting to be adopted. He loves to sit in the window and look outside and of course he likes following me around the house and sleeping in a sunny window.

Teddy Bears was found abandoned in a house that was in foreclosure.The Real Estate agent found him locked inside, all alone with no food or water. I had lost our Birman "Sophie" in Dec. 08, and I wanted another cat. An older one that needed a home, everyone always passes the older ones and takes the kittens. I wanted to give an older cat a second chance at life. Teddy has been just a love here at home. His Veterinary exam showed he had anemia but that is treated and he is just fine. We love him dearly.

By Sherri from Rohnert Park, CA

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Craft: Clothes Pin Paper Organizer

Personalized Organizer from a recycled ruler, magnets, clothes pins and foam shapes. We used hot glue to place the clothespins and magnets onto the ruler. We wrote my children's names on each clothespin and decorated with some liquid beads for the center of the flowers. I hang their artwork and school papers on my refrigerator. It works great for appointment cards too.

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

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Craft: Floral Wire Jewelry

Gorgeous gorget jewelery made with florist wire. The inspiration for this jewelery came from gorgets worn with medieval armor.

By Isobel from Scotland

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Craft Project: Hanging Leprechaun

My 5-year-old grandson wanted us to make our own good luck leprechaun to hang on our front door. And this is the simple one we made together.

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Join a Science Museum

Think about joining a science museum nearby. We joined the one in Jacksonville where the membership rates are very reasonable when we went for a visit. It was about the same as a one time visit, but then we've been able to visit all of the science centers on the reciprocity list all over the country. It has saved us a bundle and given us great stuff to do on road trips and vacations.

Source: Check out astc.org

By Sarah from Savannah, GA

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Being a Parent During Tough Economic Times

The basic principles of survival are shelter, warmth, food, drink and hopefully love. Everything else is just "wants".

Most homes have access to bathing facilities so a simple bar of soap, deodorant, shampoo, toilet roll, hairbrush are all that is needed to stay clean. They can all be bought at the pound (dollar) shop.

Make sure your children get enough sleep in a clean bed and wear clean clothes. Every stitch of clothing except for underwear and shoes can be secondhand. All washing can be done at economic times (e.g. evenings) to conserve electricity, at a low temperature and using frugal home made or cheap washing powder. Most clothes that are hung straight up don't need to be ironed.

So that's sleeping, bathing, appearance and clothing for next to nothing

Keep up to date with dentists, eyesight checks, medical appointments and apply for any rebates, discounts, or exemptions possible. This will save money in the long run as problems won't grow from neglect.

School supplies can all be purchased from the pound shop/dollar store and books can be bought second hand from leaving students, eBay or amazon.

You can buy toys, books, baby clothing and supplies from the pound (dollar) store, even seasonal items such as sunglasses, buckets and spades, hats, scarves, gloves, toiletries, perfumes, makeup. The list is endless.

For supermarket food shopping, buy the cheapest brand of everything, buy reduced, use vouchers. Buy from your local markets and home make as much as possible; whether is cooking, knitting or sewing.

Stop shopping or going into town which involves petrol or spending money on nothing. Stick to one day a week, take cash and come home when it's gone. Don't charge anything.

Plan ahead for holidays, school trips, beg or borrow equipment, tents, rucksacks, anything. Ask for discounts. If you are eligible, contact the schools for nominal payments or complete waivers. Constantly save money, even loose change in pots. Designate an area of your home for gifts and wrap and work at it all year. Make as much as possible or buy when reduced at least 75% off. Swap skills such as babysitting and hairdressing.

By Carol from England

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Tie Plastic Refuse in Knots

You can help save wild birds and animals: When unwrapping bread, groceries etc., I roll up the plastic wrapping or bags that I can't reuse and then tie them in knots before binning them. This prevents animals and birds getting their heads stuck in them or, just as bad, getting them stuck in their throats while trying to eat any food still adhering to them.

By Skinnyjinny from Scotland

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Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E

I no longer waste money on expensive moisturizers. I have found two products that are AMAZING and very inexpensive. The first is cocoa butter in a jar. It is made by Queen Helene and is a very rich and very moisturizing body cream that can also be used on the face (I found it at CVS). It comes in a big jar and is about $3! I slather it on after a bath or after washing my face. It is as rich or richer than those expensive body butters and has a nice pure smell.

The second item is vitamin E oil. I bought a bottle of it at my local pharmacy (CVS) for 2 or 3 bucks and the stuff is great! I use it under my eyes at night and on my wrinkles. I also rub it into my nails and on my heels at night (which I cover with a sock).

Both of these items were on the bottom shelf. Hmm, sometimes it pays to look around. :)

By Carol from Lancaster, PA

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Recycle Socks for Swiffer Pads

I have been recycling my hubby's old socks into swiffer pads. I cut the end of of both ends of the sock and a cut down one side of the sock between the two cut ends, Then I fit it over the swiffer and then sometimes I sew the ends shut, sometimes I don't. When they get old, I just throw them away.

By Robyn from Hampton, TN

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Get Zippers Repaired at the Cleaners

There is nothing more frustrating than something needing a zipper fix when the clothing is still wearable. I hate doing zippers in clothing. TADA! Found a fairly inexpensive idea - better than throwing away and buying new.

Most dry cleaners have a tailor or repair section. Prices may vary slightly. I sent in a good men's heavy Carhart winter jacket to have a new zipper done, $20. That was in my price range, knowing my frustration in doing it and replacing it at over $100. Picked it up and it was only $6. Found out, most items such as coats, etc. just need the little metal clip changed out, not the whole zipper.

For me to buy the zipper needed at the sewing shop would be close to $10. The $6 was cheap, and a total zipper being $20. It still would be $10 for labor. I have only taken jackets, kids coats, etc. in and they all ended up with the only the clip replaced! Cheaper than throwing away something usable.

By Joyce N. from Benson, MN

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Scrapbooking Material From Surprising Sources

While I don't scrapbook, my new sewing machine gave me tons of scrapbooking materials, if I was inclined! The manufacturer published a second full manual in a language I don't speak or understand. I can cut that up for scrapbooking pages - there's diagrams, pictures, line art, and frames that would be cool to use.

The machine was also covered in stickers, to help keep it secure and nice during shipping. Again, I could use those in my layouts. I could even use those to tack down the images of the sewing machine!

Even old phonebooks have cool clip art and color designs in them, and using local images or pieces that are meaningful to you has to mean a more fun scrapbook!

All else fails, I could take my own notes using the images from the unused manual as a reference. Or show off the newest 'toy' in the house to long-distance friends.

There's a lot you can do with old stuff - or books you can't even read!

By Dorrie from Norman, OK

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Try Almond Milk for Cereal

Almond Milk is wonderful, delicious and healthful. It is great on cereals, but not for cooking puddings, etc. Chocolate Almond Milk is great just warmed and topped with marshmallows for hot chocolate. Nothing else is needed. We love it! We pay $1.88 to $2.25 per quart, and consume at least two quarts per week for the two of us. Enjoy! Tastes great and is good for you!

Carol B

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Organizing Untried Recipes

When I collect a new untried recipe, I put it in a sheet cover in a thin notebook. If, after trying it, I like it, I put it in a photo album that has the large peel back sheets. If I don't like it, then I just toss it. This way I know when I've tried it and I don't waste space in my recipe album.

By Pam from Davie, FL

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Storing a Wet Paintbrush

If you use paint in your crafting you may find that, in the middle of painting a project, you get called away from your project but you know you will be back shortly. Instead of rinsing out your paint brush, you can wrap it in a piece of plastic or a sandwich bag. Twist the plastic so it stays closed, keeping air from drying the paint on your brush. Then when you get back to your project all you do is unwrap your brush and go back to work. I have stored paint brushes for a couple of days this way. As long as the plastic is sealed the paint will not dry out, ruining your brush.

By Arlene from Fort Myers, Florida

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Film in a Saltwater Swimming Pool

I have a saltwater swimming pool and a brown rusty looking film gets on the walls and bottom. What is it and what can I do for it?

Doreen from La Paz, Mexico

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Removing Painted Pictures from Ceramic Tile

I have ceramic tiles in the kitchen and most of them have veggies and fruit painted on them. How can I get that off or do I have to replace them all?

Jamie from Plato, MO

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Dark Cabinets With White Countertops

I have white Corian countertops that I cannot change. I also have white cabinets that I desperately want to change. Any kitchen or kitchen magazine I look through always shows white cabinets with darker countertops, but never the opposite. I was really wanting to paint my cabinets darker. Any ideas how darker cabinets are going to look with a white countertops?

Missy from Austin, TX

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Unique Sayings to Monogram

My daughter received a monogramming/embroidering sewing machine for her birthday. We are trying to create some unique items (baby bibs, dish towels, small purses, etc.) with unique "sayings" monogrammed on them. Is there a website that would have some unique things to monogram on an item?

Jose

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Changing Hair Color from Dark to Light

The last time I colored my hair, I went a little darker. It turned out well, but I'm not satisfied with it because my grey is showing to soon. I want to go lighter to a blonde. I know that the ash colors will not be as red, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. I was wondering if anyone here has gone from dark to light or if a stylist here might know.

I definitely do not want orange hair. I can't afford to go to the salon to have it done. My hair is medium length, and it costs me $60 to $75. When I color my hair, I immediately go to the salon and have it cut. That costs $10. I have been using Clariol products. I was also wondering if I could go to a Sally Beauty Supply and find a better color. I've never mixed it, other than from a box. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Jan

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Laminate Vs. Formica Countertops

What is the difference between laminate and formica countertops?

Margaret from SC

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Tastefully Simple Chocolate Pound Cake

Does anyone have the recipe for Tastefully Simple Chocolate Pound Cake?

Susan from Dallas, TX

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Using Embroidery Thread for Crocheting

Can I use cotton embroidery thread for crochet thread?

Rhonda from Hampton, NH

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Homemade Napisan Recipe

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone knows of a homemade Nappy Soaking Powder Recipe? We have a product called Napisan down here but it's so expensive. I was hoping to make a similar product from scratch. Thanks

Kelly from Queensland, Australia

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Making a Doll Head Using Hosiery

I want to make a sculpted doll head from polyfill and nylon hosiery. Can someone tell me how?

Dollie from Tuscon, AZ

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Toilet Clogged With Disposable Towels

My toilet is blocked with disposable towels.

Jill

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Joystick Not Working With Windows Vista

I have Windows Vista (32bit) trying to run MS Combat Flight Sim.1 with a Logitech Attack 3 joystick. The joystick will calibrate through cfs, but will not control the game. Please help.

Peter

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Tips for Using an iMac

I just received an iMac as a gift and I am a little lost. I'd prefer not to have to buy Microsoft Office and Adobe to put on this new computer, but I don't know if I can do what I want to without them. I have been using Thinkfree Office for Write, and Show but miss MS publisher. I have wanted this computer for a long time, but I am so confused! Any help or any tiny tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Antoinette from Okinawa, Japan

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Red Shirt Leaving Pink Stains on Everything

I bought a red shirt about a year ago. Despite how much I wash it, every time I wear it it leaves pink residue on pretty much everything I come into contact with for a prolonged amount of time. Including the rim of my pants and on my skin. How can I wash out all of the extra dye?

Brandi from Canada

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Removing Rubber Odor from Steering Wheel Covers

I have purchased two different steering wheel covers and they both have a very strong rubber like smell which really bothers me. I would like to find a way to remove the smell so I can use them. I have tried leaving them outside in the sun but it hasn't helped at all.

Lois from Whittier, CA

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Floor Covering Ideas for a Barn Wedding Reception

Our son and his bride-to-be are having their reception in a barn. What could we put on the ground under the tables? I know we can rent a dance floor but flooring for the whole barn is too much? Thanks.

Mary from Colorado

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Caring for a Schnoodle

I just got a little schnoodle. I wanted to find out info on potty training and training. What do I need and just how smart are they?

Amy

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Wine Cork Picture Frame

I would like to learn how to make a picture frame out of wine corks. Please help.

Toni

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Getting Rid Boxed Spring Water Liners

I buy spring water from the supermarket in cardboard boxes. The water itself is in a plastic lined silver, soft container inside the box. What do I do with the lining when I've finished with the water? I use spring water like this because the water in my area is not good for drinking. The supermarket has these on special all the time.

Sharyl from South Australia

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Gift Ideas for Children's Choir Members

I need gift ideas for individual birthday gifts to give to choir members ages 5-12. Any suggestions?

Licia from Palmdale, CA

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Screw Heads Rusting Through Drywall

I have a drywall ceiling with bleeding screw heads. How do I fix the problem?

Francisco from New York, NY

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"Milk Cracker" Recipe

My mom used to make a kind of light cracker that she called "milk crackers". I think she soaked soda crackers in milk, drained them a little then baked them. I honestly don't remember as I was pretty young. I just remember that they were light and melted in your mouth. If anyone has a recipe similar, please let me know! Thanks!

Sarah from Berrien Springs, MI

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Making Liquid Soap from Leftover Bar Soap

Years ago someone told me about making liquid soap from leftover bars of soap. Something about putting it in the blender I think. Does anyone know what to do with all these small remains of soap bars?

Arlene from Ridgely, MD

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Feeding a Newborn Golden Finch

How do you feed a newborn golden finch after it has hatched?

Sophie

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Removing Tile from Plaster Walls

Does anyone have advice on removing tile from a plastered wall? We have a 1940's pink bathroom and would like to remove the tile from the walls, but I understand this will not be an easy project. Any tips for making it simpler or to at least help things go more smoothly?

Christine from St. Louis

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Reviews of Spray-n-Grow Products

Has anyone tried any of the Spray-N-Grow products?

Peg from Springboro, OH

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Natural Remedies for Dog's Dermatitis

Does anyone have any tips for dog allergies? Specifically dermatitis. We've eliminated food allergies and changed his shampoo/conditioner to vet specified ones to help him out. He was also given two different kinds of allergy medications, but the results weren't good. Considering he's a 10lb Chi/Pug, we'd rather find some kind of homeopathic or natural remedy to keep his feet out of his mouth and to keep him from biting at himself all day long. Any suggestions?

Gail from Vancouver, BC

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Olive Oil as a Moisturizer

I am Italian, 55 years old, and have heard about the use of olive oil as a facial moisturizer. I am certainly going to try it. Isn't the olive oil too heavy for small under eye wrinkles? I've had trouble with moisturizers being absorbed into my eyes and causing irritation and cloudiness. Any suggestions?

LuannD from Western, NY

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Do Speed Bumps and Steel Plates Damage Cars?

I had asked a question several weeks ago and got some scathing responses. I am not trying to break the law. I am asking if I really need to slow down to a 1 mile per hour at speed bumps. Again, I am not a person who races through neighborhoods. The fact is there are more and more speed bumps. I don't want to hurt my car going 10 mph when I should go 1 mph, etc.

Sandy from Halethorpe

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Milk Jug Skeleton Instructions

I am looking for instructions to make a milk jug skeleton.

Kay from MI

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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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Finding the Silver Lining in a Faltering Economy
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

I remember the morning when I watched the stock prices scroll across the bottom of the TV screen while I was watching the weather forecast. It was 5 AM, and I wondered if I was watching history happen; every stock was preceded by a red arrow that noted a drop in its value. It may not have been the landmark day of 1929, but it was close.

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