Daily Thrifty Tips - December 9, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 238, December 9, 2008 (Read It Online) We have good news about Susan, we got her back from the hospital last evening. She still will need more treatment and recovery but it's wonderful to have her back home where we can help take care of her. Tomorrow we will announce the contest winners for the last two weeks. Sorry for the delay. Thanks for reading, Lewis, Jess and the rest of the staff at ThriftyFun. Send to a Friend! Share a Tip (You could win $25!) Share a Photo (You could win $25!) Have a Question? Submit a request... Link to ThriftyFun.com View Active Topics! Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter. Today's newsletter contains: Today's Photos: Craft Project: Wood Plank Santa Claus Craft Project: UnCANNY Ornaments Sammi (Maine Coon) Maggie Mae (Peekapoo) Craft Project: Country At Heart Pins Sasha (Black Lab/Pitbull) Garden: Growing Garlic In A Small Space Today's Tips: Old Holiday Greeting Cards as Gift Tags Use Vinegar as a Natural Odor Eliminator Keep Track of Children When in Large Crowds Low Cost Teeth Cleaning 12 Days Of Christmas Books Making Personalized Homemade Gifts Modify Framed Mirror for Picture Frame Check Online Banking Balance Frequently Set Up Christmas Tree In The Garage Saving Money in the New Year Turn Bread Crusts into Seasoned Bread Crumbs Use Potato Masher To Crush Walnuts Joke of the Day New Requests: Healthy Concession Stand Food Ideas Spreading Sour Cream on Tortillas Instructions for Making a Granny Square Easy Red Velvet Cake Recipe Puppy Has Itchy Bug Bites Removing Liquor Stain from a Suit Coat Looking for "Work from Home" Sites Patterns for Pin Cushions UGG Style Child's Boot Pattern Angel Feather Christmas Ornament Workplace Christmas Gift Ideas What Breed is My Dog? Using the Last of the Peanut Butter 12 Days of Christmas Packaging Ideas Crusty Bumps on Horse's Face Gift Ideas for Husband's 30th Birthday Clear Door Canopy Painting Walls With Cobalt Blue Countertops How Long Before Peach Pits Sprout? Red Hat Gift Ideas Storage Boxes for Shoes Renuzit Air Freshener Covers Pattern Book Buying a Biomass Pellet Machine Getting Donated Fleece Fabric Washing Clothes with Clorox 2 and Washing Soda Tree Birthday Cake Fleece Scarves with Loops Craft Ideas Using Ribbon Original Craft Ideas for Christmas Gifts Inexpensive Wedding Reception Venues in New Jersey Making Accessories from Clothing Disinfecting a Hamster Cage Are My Lenses Made of Glass or Plastic? Secret Santa Gift Ideas Kool-Aid Sherbet More Reading: My Frugal Holiday: The Bikes From Misfit Island Craft: Sparkleball Saving Money on a Tree Skirt Today's Sponsor: 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 Today's Photos: Craft Project: Wood Plank Santa Claus Approximate Time: 30 minutes View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10848882.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft Project: UnCANNY Ornaments Add sparkle, personalization, and uniqueness to your Christmas tree while helping to re-cycle soft drink cans. These would also make attractive personalized gifts for loved ones if you mount a picture of your family in one. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45332111.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sammi (Maine Coon) Sammi is 7 months old and a Maine Coon. She was given to me from a friend. She likes to tease my other cat, Molly. Likes to play with a drinking straw all around the house. Loves to sit on my computer desk and watch what I'm doing on the monitor. Very sweet, loving,and very intelligent. By Barbara from Evington, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96886071.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Maggie Mae (Peekapoo) Maggie Mae is 1 1/2 years old and a peekapoo. I received her last year when I had a cancer scare. She likes to unfold the clothes after I fold them. She likes to go for a ride in the car. Maggie has truly been a blessing. She is just like one of the family. She is very spoiled By Sue from Ludowici, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58201714.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft Project: Country At Heart Pins If you don't know what "cheater quilt" fabric is, it's basically fabric that looks like it was pieced together already. I found some that was so many different combination, just depending on where you cut it. I made these cool pins. I simply sewed down the seams where the fabric went from one pattern to another in each direction, onto a piece of felt. Then, using 3 parts glue to 1 part water stiffener, I stiffened the fabric to make it cut like paper. This not only makes it easier to work with, but seals the thread so when you cut it, it won't unravel. Make or find a heart template that you like, and trace around them, trying to get all the fabric variety in the heart shape. I whip stitched around the outside, and glued a pin back with a piece of felt over the middle on the back. The cost is about 4 cents per unit, and I sold them for $2.00! By Sandra from Salem OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55082090.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sasha (Black Lab/Pitbull) Sasha is 3 months old. She is a Black Lab/Pitbull mix. I got her from a nice women off of the internet, she had a litter of 3. 1 died and we got the last one! We got her when she was 7 weeks! She loves running outside, playing with her toys especially tug of war! Her ropes are her fav! She is the sweetest lil thing you will ever see! By Nena from Portage, Mi Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77017358.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Garden: Growing Garlic In A Small Space This raised bed is 4x4 feet. The larger ones on the front left are elephant garlic, the rest is regular everyday garlic. I have been growing it for about 5 years now. A little bit of cilantro is growing in between. By Melmar from Lincoln Park, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49787418.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contests: 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 Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! Today's Tips: Old Holiday Greeting Cards as Gift Tags I take all the Christmas cards and reuse them as gift tags and for making my own cards with the kids. Not only do we get to save money and resources, the kids also have making the cards for family and friends and the gift tags are more personalized to age and likes of the individual receiving the gift. By Michele from Landisville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf458055.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Vinegar as a Natural Odor Eliminator I buy a plain spray bottle and fill it up with Apple Cider Vinegar and when a nasty odor permeates the house, I use this. Put it on mist and smell how the odor disappears. You may smell vinegar at first, but then a freshness will override the vinegar. It's cheaper and healthier than the store-bought sprays! By Delta from Jackson, Miss Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36668056.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keep Track of Children When in Large Crowds When my girls were small, I use to put big colorful ponytail holders and barrettes in their hair so I could see them in a crowd, if we were going somewhere like an amusement park or zoo. By Karen from Bolivar, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79595450.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Low Cost Teeth Cleaning Check with your local college or business school to see if they have a dental hygienist program. They usually offer low cost teeth cleaning and other services. It is done by students, but everything is checked by an instructor. So you get a good cleaning, although it may take a little longer. By Ginger from Duluth, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68691038.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 12 Days Of Christmas Books I do the 12 books of Christmas with my daughter. Throughout the 1st year of doing this, I collected used or new Christmas children's books from yard sales, thrift stores, etc. I wrapped them all and put them under the tree and beginning on Dec. 13th., my daughter got to pick one book to open up for me to read before bed each night until Christmas Eve. I spent about $7.00 total on all the books. After Christmas, I rewrapped them and put them away for the next year. To her, they were like new again since we read them just once a year before. She loves this! By Carrie from Hampton, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14574473.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Personalized Homemade Gifts Gifts and gift making. The last few years I've been making gifts for the adults and kids we exchange with. The gift is typically the same for those that I'm making for to save on time, planning, and materials. Each is personalized based on likes. I've made scarves, trivets, serving trays, hats, and notebooks/journals. Happy Creating! By Michel from Landisville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85027347.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Modify Framed Mirror for Picture Frame Sometimes when shopping for a picture frame, you may come across a framed mirror that would work perfectly, and often at a better price than the frame alone. To modify a framed mirror for your picture or artwork, simply remove the back, place a piece of glass in first, and sandwich the item to be displayed between the glass and mirror before replacing the back. Another method is a piece of double-sided tape can be used to adhere the item to the mirror. You end up with an interesting floating piece of art with a mirrored border. You can also have matting either along the inside edge of your frame, along the artwork itself, or floating between mirrored edges to achieve the look you want. For additional interest, there can be cutouts in the matting, as well as, even lettering, look especially attractive with the mirror set in behind. With this floating method of framing, you aren't limited by the size of the artwork or picture. By Laurie from Tennessee Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71068662.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Check Online Banking Balance Frequently Check your online banking frequently! Someone has stolen my debit card and has been taking $75.00 per day from our checking account. I have not used it at any unfamiliar places. They have stolen over $600.00. I noticed on Monday and had the bank cancel our cards but debit card purchases do not always show up until several days after the purchase and the stealing is still happening on Thursday. The police told us that it's a drop in the bucket for the bank and that they will eat the cost rather than go after the thieves. I feel that someone may have hacked into a local store' data bank because customer service told us that we are not the only ones. They don't want to advertise that there is a problem for fear of losing customers. The bank will eventually pay us back but the stress is awful. So, go check your online bank account for unauthorized charges! By Karen from western, MA, USA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84216557.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Set Up Christmas Tree In The Garage When Christmas rolls around and it's time to get our tree ready to put up, I always share this tip with friends. Surprising how many folks have never thought of this idea, yet it's so simple. We do this out on our patio, but it could be just as easily done out in the yard or in the garage. We buy a real tree each year, so my son and I bring it home, cut the twine from the branches, and set it in a bucket of water overnight, allowing the boughs to settle. After it has absorbed water for a day, we put it in the stand in the middle of the patio, and have plenty of room to walk around the tree to determine which side we want to face towards the front in our livingroom. Next, I take out the stands of lights, and plug each one in to make sure it is working. I have an outdoor electrical outlet, but you could use an indoor outlet and run an extension cord to the tree if need be. After I know that each strand is working, I start at the bottom and just walk around the tree tucking the lights into the branches, arranging them as I see fit until I have gone all the way to the top. When I'm done, my son and I carry the tree indoors (definitely a 2 man job,) and place it in the living room. After it's all set up, I fill the stand with water and plug 'er in! Couldn't be easier and I wouldn't do it any other way. Give it a try, I'd like to know how you like it. By Donna from San Diego, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78710863.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money in the New Year Money saving tips and strategies for saving money in the new year from the ThriftyFun community. Feel free to post your ideas! Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10447304.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Turn Bread Crusts into Seasoned Bread Crumbs I have three males in the house, so sandwiches are a staple. I always ended up with several almost empty bags of bread with only the end crusts left in them. They will not use them for sandwiches. I got smart and decided to stop wasting them. Now I save them in a Ziploc baggie for about a week to get 6 pieces or so. I then toast them and then use my mini food processor to make them into bread crumbs which I can flavor them any way I want. I mix the breadcrumbs with a little butter toast them in a pan, then remove from heat add a few sprinkles of Parmesan cheese and top broiled tomatoes, or cooked cauliflower. I can also season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano to coat boneless, skinless chicken breasts with the seasoned breadcrumbs and bake. This is a great way to not waste, save money by not buying breadcrumbs, and be healthier because my fresh whole grain bread crumbs have more fiber than store bought, and no preservatives! By Cheryl from Smithsburg, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59149836.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Potato Masher To Crush Walnuts I had to make banana nut bread not too long ago, and did not have time to chop the walnuts. I grabbed the potato masher, and smashed the nuts in a hurry, and was very surprised to find out how good it worked. Not like they would have turned out had I used a food processor, or chopped by hand, but the results were surprisingly good, and not a whole lot of dishes to clean up afterward. This tip I will use again. By Carole from Locust Fork, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95639177.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day A kind-hearted motorist saw a man struggling to change a tire alongside the highway, and pulled over to see whether he could help. The man had a very red face, and a dark smear across it where he'd wiped off sweat with dirty hands. His tie was undone and his shirt collar askew, and it was clear he had also wiped his hands on his once white shirt. Close to him stood an immaculately neat woman who was speaking in quick, agitated tones. "Hello, there," said the motorist. "Say, I've changed a lot of tires. . . maybe I can help here." "You sure can," the man with the flat tire replied wearily. "My wife is an expert, too. If you will just do all the arguing with her about how this tire ought to be changed, I can concentrate on the dirty work and get the job done." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Healthy Concession Stand Food Ideas What are some good ideas for selling food at a concession stand? Does anyone have any ideas for healthier food too? I am also looking for unique ideas. Dana from Omaha, NE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32590732.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spreading Sour Cream on Tortillas What is the best way to spread sour cream on tortillas? Onesummer Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17364603.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Instructions for Making a Granny Square Could someone tell me in detail how to make a granny square past row 4? And maybe a picture with the steps. Thanks. Jami from GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93811300.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Easy Red Velvet Cake Recipe I am in need of an easy red velvet cake recipe as quickly as possible. Thank you! Linda from Milford, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75440499.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Puppy Has Itchy Bug Bites I am house sitting and started getting bites on my belly and arms. A few weeks later I brought a 3 wk old puppy, and he slept on the same bed. Now, we are both itching and scratching horribly. I got some medication for me, and I am using it on the puppy but its not helping. Help! I hate hearing him at night crying and scratching. Isabel from S Texas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26149801.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Liquor Stain from a Suit Coat Can anyone give me advice on how to remove a dark liquor stain from a suit coat? The stain is set in, but I would really like to get it out. The jacket is black with white and a grayish blend stripes. Help! Keasha from Mesquite, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83083007.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking for "Work from Home" Sites Any legit work from home sites that don't want upfront fees? Angie from Indianapolis, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51200028.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Patterns for Pin Cushions Would any of you crafty people have a pattern for different pin cushions. I think my dear daughter is now a collector. Thanks. Patricia from Stoney Creek, ON Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90372090.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print UGG Style Child's Boot Pattern I'm looking for a free pattern for a baby or child's boot. They look like UGG's and are made from bonded fleece. Sarah from Visalia, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85168337.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Angel Feather Christmas Ornament I'm looking for a Christmas ornament from a clear ornament that you put a white feather inside the ornament. With the ornament you give a card that has a poem about an Angel feather. If anyone has this poem that goes with this, I would greatly appreciate getting it, as I lost mine. Thank you in advance. Barbara from Kingsport, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65703158.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Workplace Christmas Gift Ideas My husband has 15 to 20 managers that he oversees and I'd really like to do something for them for Christmas. I don't know all their names, much less what they like (and neither would my husband). The plan was to do a box/tin etc. of cookies or a gift in a jar. After reading around, a lot of people don't like the idea of getting homemade food from somebody they're not close to. People are different these days! Anyway, do you have any cheap ideas. They are mostly men. I'm not willing to spend more than a couple of dollars and cookies are all I can think of! Thanks in advance! Danielle from Burlington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32961328.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What Breed is My Dog? I got my dog from the pound about 2 months ago, and they told me that he was a lab mix. To me he doesn't look anything like a lab. So I just wanted to see what other people's opinions are because he is really just a mystery to me! But I love him, he is great! Emily from Olympia, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62604599.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using the Last of the Peanut Butter Looking for a tip regarding using the last bit of peanut butter from the jar. She'd put stuff in the jar and shake it and her kids would have a treat. Maybe it was powdered sugar? Love to know what that was and I couldn't locate it with your search feature. Thanks! Camille from Farmington, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93796569.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 12 Days of Christmas Packaging Ideas Does anyone have any packaging ideas of poems or sayings to go with the 12 days of Christmas? Janet from O'fallon, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83962672.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Crusty Bumps on Horse's Face My new horse has relatively small black lumps on her face, mainly in the space between her eyes and forelock. The vet thought they were either insect irritations or melanomas (she's grey) but said it wouldn't stop her from purchasing her. Anyway, yesterday I noticed that three of the lumps have yellow crusty stuff on them. We put manuka honey on it last night, but that doesn't seem to have made a difference. She's on limited grass, but she's fed hay (as much as she feels she needs) and she gets two hard feeds a day. The day before the crusty stuff appeared she had her first strangles and tetanus vaccinations. They don't appear to bother her, but they bother me! In the attached photo I have circled the three lumps with the yellow crusty stuff in green, and you can see some of the other lumps too. Suggestions please! Lollie from NZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24434002.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Gift Ideas for Husband's 30th Birthday My husband is turning 30 soon and I would like to do something special for his birthday. Its the first time we have celebrate his birthday together because I was overseas and we're newly married. My husband loves soccer, especially Liverpool. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you. Britta from Sydney Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44754224.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Clear Door Canopy I need to erect a door canopy above an outer door. This is essentially to deflect rain from the flat roof immediately above from splashing against the door. This happens each heavy rainfall, despite there being a guttering in place. The canopy will have to be clear glass/perspex or equivalent to maintain maximum light in the doorway. Commercially available canopies are extraordinarily expensive, so any ideas for home made would be welcome. John from Macclesfield, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98699643.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Painting Walls With Cobalt Blue Countertops We are moving in a few weeks. I will be doing some painting before we move in. My question is regarding the kitchen. The counter tops are blue, kind of a medium blue maybe like cobalt. The only color I can imagine looking OK with that for the walls would be a neutral color such as tan. Do you have any other ideas? They are currently painted light yellow. I do not like yellow. Amy from Scott, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76858003.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How Long Before Peach Pits Sprout? I have two peach pits I will be planting. How long will it be before I see any sprouts? Hardiness Zone: 6a Janice from Bristol, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29785108.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Red Hat Gift Ideas I am a new Red Hat Lady this year (turned 50 years old) and looking for Red Hat crafts to make for my Red Hat friends. Ideas for gifts and party favors holidays and birthdays. I appreciate any assistance. Thank you in advance. Sandy from Stewartstown, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87313115.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Storage Boxes for Shoes I need some ideas for storage boxes for my shoes. I would really like some clear plastic boxes but I don't want to spend that much. Thanks Bonnie from Lascassas, Tennessee Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47551551.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Renuzit Air Freshener Covers Pattern Book In the late 90s or early 2000s there was a pattern book for Renuzit air freshener covers. They were usually constructed from fabric and glue, not crochet. In it I remember a pattern for a ghost, a shaman, and a sorcerer/wizard. I made my dad the sorcerer from the book, but unfortunately it broke. I have been unable to find my own copy of the book so I can repair the air freshener cover or make a new one. Does anybody know how I can track the book down or have a copy themselves? Google searches and eBay hunting have not helped. Thanks for any help you can give. Arwyn from Columbus, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23082180.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Buying a Biomass Pellet Machine Where is the best place to buy a biomass pellet machine? Scott from Lynn, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92380111.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Donated Fleece Fabric Where can I can I get donated fleece fabric to make baby blankets to donate to the hospitals for Christmas? My daughter and I are making these to donate and could possibly make them for the homeless if I can get enough fabric. Heather from Denver, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87916078.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Washing Clothes with Clorox 2 and Washing Soda Has anyone been using Clorox 2 powder for colors and washing soda to clean their clothes? I have a recipe of 1 cup Clorox 2 and 1 cup washing soda and I am supposed to use 2 tablespoons for every large load of clothes that are not too dirty. If you have been using this recipe are you happy with the results? Mary from Chicago Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82454070.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tree Birthday Cake I'm trying to find a idea for a birthday cake made like a tree. Can this even be done? Donita Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68867204.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Fleece Scarves with Loops How do you make fleece scarves with loops? Trish from Indianapolis,IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73989259.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft Ideas Using Ribbon I am the program manager at an after-school program for girls ages 6-14, and we just received a big donation of assorted ribbon (different colors, widths, some are wired, etc.). I am looking for creative craft projects using ribbon. Any ideas? Thanks! Lori Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24861253.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Original Craft Ideas for Christmas Gifts I need some help desperately. I need some awesome original craft gift ideas for a close friend. For the last few years we've made each other gifts and as fate would have it we've ended up making each other the same thing. One year was glass blocks, one was vases with ornaments, another was evergreen wreaths. I need an idea so awesome she won't think of it first! Can anyone help me? Dotty from South Haven, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78315697.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Inexpensive Wedding Reception Venues in New Jersey My daughter will be getting married in two years. She would like an inexpensive, yet tasteful, outdoor (or indoor) wedding reception. She would like to invite whole families, so there will be many children and about 300 people. Does anyone know of any venues in NJ? Terri from East Brunswick, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72477968.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Accessories from Clothing We're running a charity event in February with a feature that involves making accessories from items of clothes. There have been many ideas posted, but if anyone has any other ideas they would all come in useful. We're especially looking for easy projects for non-stitchers! Wellie from UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15019111.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Disinfecting a Hamster Cage Our hamster got sick and died a couple nights ago. I need to know a safe way to clean and disinfect the cage so the next one we get does not "catch" whatever Princess had. We had 2 cages for her to go back and forth in, and the 1 is all plastic. I do not want to use bleach as it may seep into the plastic and make the next one sick. Any ideas on how I can clean and disinfect this? Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions. Janice from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69277207.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Are My Lenses Made of Glass or Plastic? How can you tell if your eye glass lenses are plastic or glass? James from Pensacola, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97072586.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Secret Santa Gift Ideas I need help with my mom's secret Santa present. I have to make it, and spend at the most $10. Any ideas? David from Lenoir, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86602589.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Kool-Aid Sherbet Years ago my mother made a sherbet using Kool Aid. Does anyone have that recipe? Thanks. Lois Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98450497.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Sponsor: 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 More Reading: My Frugal Holiday: The Bikes From Misfit Island During this time of year and the uncertainty of the financial instability I want to share a story with you. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49812181.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Sparkleball I had so much trouble locating directions on the internet for making a "solo" cup light ball that I just created my own free website that gives easy to follow step-by-step instructions. I call them sparkleballs. These balls cost under $10 to make (if the season is right for buying Christmas mini-lights) and they can be used to decorate showers, weddings, parties, teen's rooms; as well as at Christmas. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82354075.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on a Tree Skirt Tips for saving money on a Tree Skirt as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas below. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51362752.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.