Daily Thrifty Tips - January 10, 2008

We have lots of new requests today, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Craft: Boho Hat Form

Bring your hat or hairpiece out of the closet! This one of a kind hat form is a unique way to use up fabric and trim and is pretty enough to display on a bureau or foyer table.

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Roxy (Dachshund/Min Pin)

Roxy is about 10 months old and is Dachshund and Miniature Pinscher mixed. We got her from a friend who was moving around the beginning of August 2007.

She likes to be chased around. She enjoys running and playing with her cheap little toys. She is the cutest thing you've ever seen. She looks really sweet and was when we first got her, but sometimes she can be a little fiesty, especially when you're playing with her toys. She likes to snuggle and lay next to you when you sleep. And, for some odd reason, her ears are always cold.

By Taylor from Kissimmee, FL

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Frugal Decoupage Door Sign

Ding dong! Our dogs were going bonkers. We needed a "No Soliciting" sign quick!

I didn't like the way the black store-bought ones looked, and I didn't want to spend money anyway. So I made my own. All the materials used for the sign were items I already had in my garage or in my office.

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Winter Table Decorations

Your home should reflect your personality plus the enjoyment of each season and holiday with "displays" of the season of the year or to reflect the holiday or celebration that your family observes.

After the Christmas holiday season, I pack the decorations up and put out Winter decorations.

My dining room table reflects the winter season. I have a lace tablecloth as the base; an embroidered table topper is centered; a round blue glass platter holds a white bowl with gold snowflakes and a gold rim; I filled the bowl with rock salt with an overlay of clear marbles and positioned a crystal ice-skating snowman in the center of the "snow". A floating snowflake candle is positioned on the "snow"; a votive candle is nestled into the "snow" plus a small snowman figurine. Blue frosted clusters of grapes are nestled on each side of the ice-skating snowman bowl. Two champagne glasses filled with salt have blue votive candles in them; these are placed on each side of the blue platter. A white resin fir tree sits near the scene. The salt/pepper shaker and toothpick holder are in a shallow blue oblong bowl. I used large blue napkins set in a triangular fashion as place mats.

My breakfast bar has a winter motif also with a snow man votive candle holder with a snowman shade, snowmen candy dishes; stem glasses with snow scenes on them with salt and votive candles in them.

The blue and white motif brightens the rooms; I use white and blue candles on the mantle and fire place to complete the winter season in the home.

By WandaJo from TN

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Cleaning a Shower Curtain

Place vinyl shower curtain in washing machine with two large towels, add regular detergent. At the beginning of rinse cycle add 1 cup white vinegar. When cycle is finished, hang to dry. Your shower curtain will come out like new!

By Marilyn from Colfax, LA

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My Frugal Life: With Help From ThriftyFun

Oh, Yes, ThriftyFun has helped me in many ways showing me ways to improve our lives. I never dreamed there were as many others such as ourselves, trying to live and get along with everyday life as frugally as possible. I can't begin to tell how much I look forward to coming on here a few times a week and seeing how others are enriching their lives with their good deeds and fulfilling ways of changing how we all can make the most of our life, in general, as well as our financial situations, unselfishly by sharing all our ways and ideas.

I've strived for many years, wanting to know how my ancestors got along as well as they did in "the olden days". Not having gotten as much information from my parents as I'd hoped, I've been able to gain more of an idea of it all from others on this board, for this I'm so very thankful! May we all continue to help each other on our venture on God's path. May God bless each and every one of you greatly.

Badwater from NV

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Be Careful What Hair Chemicals You Use While on Medication

My daughter has VERY curly, heavy hair. She has always flat ironed and dyed it. She began to turn grey very young (runs in the family).

Well, she decided to try something different. She went to a store and got a box of chemical straightener for African Americans. We are Caucasian. I had no idea she was going to do this. She's an adult anyway but at times she does ask for advice on things. I would have thought she would, since she takes this trait after me and I was always ironing or straightening my hair at her age.

Anyway, the chemicals burned her scalp and she ended up in the emergency room with 1st and 2nd degree burns! She's on several meds for a condition she has and that mostly caused it to happen. When she called the hospital nurse line and told her this and what meds she's on, they said to get there immediately! She was given several shots, both for pain and infection. So, be careful what you do with your hair when you are on meds! She sure learned a lesson.

Ariela from Jax, FL

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Easy Yarn Cat Toy

I have "Forced Air Heat" with registers on the floor. These registers only get a bit warm, not hot. So I tied a 8 - 10 inch piece of "Eyelash Yarn" (like Lion Brand "Fun Fur") onto a register in my kitchen that sits totally horizontal on the floor and my cat is having the time of his life! The piece of eyelash yarn goes back and forth, to and fro when the heat is turned on. He can't get enough of it! It has to be eyelash yarn or something equally "airy light", so it will be light enough to blow around when the heat is on. Make sure the yarn is no longer than 13 inches or it will be too heavy to blow around.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Search the Manufacturer's Site for Operation Manuals

I could not click on a link that was given on this site to get a George Foreman Baby Rotisserie user manual. I then Just typed in "Salton", which is the company that makes them. Then go to manuals. There is page after page of Model #'s to pick from. A lot of them do not have a manual available, it states. However, when I put in model # GR59A (which is the Baby Rotisserie), there was a manual available and I just clicked the PDF symbol and printed out all 31 pages.

There were so many people on the internet that could not get this manual! I found it and now you can too:) Bye

By Christine from Richmond, VA

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Christmas Decoration Organizing Tips

My holiday tip is to take the cardboard egg crate and use it to store ornaments from the tree before you place them into a box. It separates them from banging into each other and protects them from being crushed. You can also take large zip lock bags and place your lights into to keep them from getting tangled, then place each bag into a plastic tub and label them Christmas Lights and ornaments. They will stack and be wonderful to see in the next holiday.

Source: Years of trying to keep Christmas items ready to use for the next year. Age old idea to be shared with new generations. Enjoy.

By Cecilia from Wilmington, DE

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Homemade Pot Pie from Freezer Leftovers

Keep a tub/tupperware container of leftovers that the kids didn't eat in the freezer. Save vegetables and meats and gravy and anything else appropriate for a pot pie. I have made them with every kind of mixture of meat except fish.

When the tub is full, thaw it out and mix with a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Don't dilute the soup. Put it into a homemade or store-bought pie shell, add the top of the pie shell and cut slits or poke holes to let the steam escape. Bake at 375 until the shell is done and contents bubbly (about 40 minutes, depending on oven and pie pans). Some bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. The kids that turned up their noses at vegetables will now wolf it down.

Source: My own idea.

By Mark from Katy, TX

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Pool Your Aluminum Recycling

I have recycled cans and bottles for years - but lack of space has made it harder and harder to collect enough to make it worth a trip. But throwing the stuff out made me so guilty! Solution - passing on our recycling to an elderly neighbor who is happy to get the added recycling revenue! Think about creative ways to pool recyclables for fun or profit!

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Pringles Cans For Christmas Light Storage

Using Pringles can to wrap Christmas lights is even better than tubes they don't bend. And you can store extra lights inside.

By Christine L. from IN

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Face Paint Using Food Coloring

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. water
• 1/2 tsp. cold cream
• 1- 2 drops food coloring

Directions

Source: This recipe came from http://www.cyber-kitchen.com, I added the white Food color to make it easy to use a paint brush with a little water, just like an artist!

By Mary from Atascadero, CA

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Decorative Christmas Craft

We made these at a Christmas Party last month and they went over so well. Any age child (or adult) can make these. You need a square of fabric 18 x 18 inches for each item. You need one roll of toilet paper per item. You need something for the top of each. I bought those Christmas picks that look like holly and packages, etc.

Place the fabric square on the table, print side down. Set the toilet paper in the center and start folding the fabric to the middle and tucking it into the hole. When done, hot glue to topper with the stem into the hole and it is done.
`
Would be a good project for kindergarten through high school and even nice for a Senior Citizen project and the possibilities are only limited by your choice of fabric. These can be made to match bathrooms, bedrooms or whatever.

Everyone who was at the party made them, even the guys..lol.

By Chris M from Oshkosh

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Removing Ink from Printer Ink Cartridge

We just bought ink cartridges for our printer and it quit on us. Is there any way to take the ink out of the cartridges to use as a refill? Thanks for any help.

Joyce from Coffeyville, Ks.

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Treating Heart Worms Naturally

Does anyone have any tips for treating dogs with heart worms naturally? I know natural tips to prevent them.

Cajunangel from Shreveport, La.

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Cheap or Homemade Anti-aging Products

I am looking for a great anti aging product and one that is preferably inexpensive. All the advertising is overwhelming and it's confusing. I am open to all suggestions especially ones that I can use from cheap items or something I can make. Thank you

Mindy

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Buying Cabinets Vs. Building Your Own

Were going to be putting in new kitchen cabinets, and doing a new tile floor. I have priced ready built cabinets, but am also considering building them. Can someone tell me the cost difference in the two? I would like to go with oak cabinets.

Amy from Evansdale, IA

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Recipe for Pancake Batter with Maple Syrup Flavor

I use to buy Jiffy pancake mix in the small boxes and loved it because they added maple syrup (or flavoring) to it. I can no longer find them in the stores here. I've tried adding syrup to the batter and it does not work out. Does anyone have a recipe for these?

Mindy

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Iron-on Laminate Veneers

Does anyone remember iron on laminate veneers? I even purchased a roll through JC Penney catalog. It rolled out, you cut to size and literally ironed it onto your surface with clothing iron, then filed the edges to finish. It was a WONDERFUL product! Does anyone know where I can still purchase any?

Sue from Ohio

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Christmas Card Register Book

I have an old Christmas card register book that lets you keep track from year to year as to who you have sent and received Christmas cards. Mine is getting old and so I am looking to buy a new one. Does anyone know where I can buy one?

Lynne from Blaine, WA

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Toning the Back of My Thighs

I am looking for at home exercises to tone the back of my thighs. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Too many cookies! from Oregon

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Table Favors for 200+ Wedding Guests

I am helping with table favors for a friend's wedding. Originally there were supposed to be about 100 guests, now it looks like it may be 200+. Any ideas? The colors are pink, white, and black.

Debbie from Shallotte, NC

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3 Month Old Puppy That Bites

I have a German Shepherd / Pit Bull mix, he is 3 months old but he is bitting everything, like our hands and legs. We give him toys to chew on he will but goes back to bitting our fingers. I don't know if it's a puppy stage or is it signs of aggression! I'm scared because we have little ones which he has bit already!

Christina from El Paso, TX

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Food Ideas For Wedding On a Budget

I need great ideas for my wedding in April. I don't have any clue what to serve at a reception for about 150 people, with not a lot of money?

Jennifer from Conway, SC

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Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner Reviews

Product: Scrubbing Bubbles® Automatic Shower Cleaner

Manufacturer: Scrubbing Bubbles - S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.

Request: Does the scrubbing bubbles automatic shower cleaner work?

Judy from Brookings Oregon

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Raisin Stuck to Dryer Walls

Unfortunately, a raisin made it through the wash with white towels (washed with bleach) and through the dryer. Part of the raisin is stuck on the back wall (metal grid) and I have not been able to get it off.
I have tried Clorox wipes, scrubbing with the white scrubby part of a sponge, using a knife to scrape it, running the dryer to heat it up. Any ideas on how to get this off my dryer would be appreciated.

Joanne

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Crayon Costume Pattern

Where can I get the pattern for the Crayola Costumes shown on your site. We really want to make a team effort for a party we have coming up and these costumes look fantastic and exactly what we're looking for.

Louise from United Kingdom

Editor's Note: I think Louise is referring to these costumes: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90077665.tip.html

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Making Crafts for Money

I am looking to stay home with my new baby and need about $200 more a month than my husband makes. I've tried at home businesses and really want no part of that. What I am looking for is a legitimate craft business where I can make something and send it in to the company. A few of my friends tried it but the companies they found weren't legit. Does anyone know of a real paying company? Thanks in advance!

New Mama

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Vegetable Beef Soup for 60 People

I am needing a recipe for vegetable beef soup for 60 people. Can you help?

Debbie from Shallotte, NC

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Removing Pet Odor and Dander from Our New Home

I am purchasing a home that the old tenants had inside pets. The home is a beautiful house, but has a strong pet odor. I have allergies to the pet dander. How can I get the dander and the odor eliminated?

Kerri from Fairfield Bay, AR

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Wedding Reception Room Wall Decorations

I'm getting married in August and am wanting to decorate the walls with something stylish in the reception room, I can't find any help on the internet, does anyone out there have any suggestions?

Lisa from Southampton

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Crafts Made With Yarn Cones

I'm a trash to treasure person. I was given some card board cones, which used to have cotton yarn. They're approximately 8" high. I can see them done as "angels". Any ideas?

Keeper from NC

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Fed Up with Cat Clawing Everything

My beloved cat is like part of the family, but I have just about had it with his clawing everything. My leather chair is wrecked, my cabinets in the kitchen are all clawed up from when he is reaching up to get something. He will not allow us to clip his nails, unless we want to wind up with very little skin. What can we do? Will a vet clip his nails on a bi-monthly basis for a fee.

Linda

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Cat Urine Smell on Hardwood Floors

My cat has ruined our hardwood floors. The smell is awful since we have been using the heater. I have tried so many products and nothing works. I have to be careful with certain products on the wood. I am very sad because I may have to give the cat away or put it on medication. Please help.

Yvonne from San Pedro, CA

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Getting Started Trading Stocks

Does anyone do their own stock trading / investing? I am looking for advice to get started on a very, very small scale. Thanks!

Seemenow

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White Heat Marks on Wood Table

Please advise best method for removing white heat marks from antique (1890's) Blackwood and Pine French Polished timber table.

Michelle from Hunter Valley, Australia

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Do You Need a Credit Card to Establish Credit?

Two years ago I found out the person who was supposed to be handling my finances never did. So, at the age of 54, I had to start over from zero. I recently got my first credit card and I'm sorry I did. This company is a monumental pain to deal with. I've thought of switching but everybody says all credit card companies are the same. Do you really need a credit card to establish credit?

At my age and income I doubt that I'll ever buy anything more expensive than a refrigerator(I've got enough cash saved up to cover stuff like that). Could somebody please advise me? I am so confused and scared and worried -- this is all so overwhelming. By the way, I'm not in debt and never have been. Like an idiot I've always lived cash and carry. Thanks for any help.

Curious Cat from South Norfolk, VA

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Removing Red Crayon from White Doily

My mom just got a beautiful doily from Ireland. I got a red drop of melted crayon on it. Every one is posting things about their kids leaving crayons in their pockets, but my question is referring to just a drop, on a white doily. Is there a difference? If you could respond ASAP, that would be amazing. My mom wants me to fix it.

Caroline from Seattle, 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