Daily Thrifty Tips - January 4, 2008

I hope everyone is having a nice week, we have an article by the IRS about Getting a Jump Start on Your Taxes in the More Reading section. Do you have any tax tips to share with ThriftyFun readers? Please submit them on the contest page!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Junk Jewelry From Remnants

I use remnants from the jeans projects that I've done and turned them into Junk Jewelry where I've seen selling close to $100

By Kate from Singapore

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Savannah Bag

I've made a lot of bags but my favorite is the Savannah bag. I named it after my daughter because it's pretty in pink. I cut out a template 22 inches long by 13 inches wide. Put template on top of main fabric and cut; 2 for fabric, 2 for lining. I then cut front fabric in 3 sections and cut 2 strips of fabric for the front. I sewed them together. I added embellishment and ribbon to the front fabric and then sewed the front and back together, 1/4 inches at the bottom corner of bag. I sewed in the corners, so the bag can have a nice stiff look. Sewed the lining and do the same at the bottom.

I then cut the lining pattern for the handles, cut 22 inch long strip, adding interface, and fold the strip at each side. Press as you fold, then fold again. Sew the open edge of the handles. I then cut 4 pieces of 4 inch square, add interface, and fold both sides together. Put aside. With the bag handle add the metal rings in the edge of the handle and sew, leaving the ring attached. Once you have the front and back handle; 2 rings for front, 2 rings for back of back. attach the small 4 inch square fold to the rings and add between the front and back and lining. Sew all around. There you have it, a Savannah bag.

By Maria from Somerville, MA

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Cooper (Terrier Mix)

Cooper is 1 year old and is a goofy terrier mix. I adopted from a local dog rescue in June 2007.

Cooper is an enthusiastic running buddy who loves cookies, hugs, and car rides.

Petfinder.com lists pets in rescues and shelters waiting for "furever" homes. After the holiday hub bub, what better way to start the new year than by adopting a new furry member to complement your family?

Go to http://www.petfinder.com and enter your criteria and location information into the search engine.

We found our most recent addition to our family, Cooper, on Petfinder.com

By LuvMyGingerKids from Long Beach, CA

Editor's Note: Here is a previous entry with Cooper:

• Cooper and Audrey (Terrier Mix)

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Reusing Gift Wrappings

Wrappings don't have to be wasteful. I love gift bags! It's become so much easier to WRAP things and to put together the collections of little gifts I usually give. What's more they can be RECYCLED almost indefinitely if you are careful with them. (This is the first year in a long time that I have used NEW gift bags, as I normally have enough recycled ones to use.) My thrifty forebears also used to re-cycle gift wrap and ribbon (do you know that rayon ribbon can be ironed with a cool iron to restore it?) So I have no problems with redoing and reusing things I have gotten and things other people have gotten which I pick up in thrift shops and so on. So pack up all that stuff in your Xmas box for next year. Happy frugal holidays!

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Celebrate Epiphany With Nativity Creche Puppets

Making Epiphany puppets and Nativity creche is fun and easy!

Many cultures still celebrate the end of Christmas as occurring on January 6, when Epiphany or the arrival of the three wise men is celebrated.

In Mexico, for example, Epiphany is still a big deal and gifts are exchanged on this day, the last of the 12 days of Christmas.

A fun and easy way to help kids learn about Epiphany is to let them create Epiphany puppets and a Nativity creche.

To make Epiphany puppets, print out the "The Christmas Story Advent Coloring Book" templates at http://www.dltk-bible.com/advent/index.htm. Then have the kids color and cut them out, and tape or paste them onto toilet paper cores.

To make a creche, slice a cardboard box so its front side falls open and two of its other sides can be pushed open, like wings on a stage. Then have kids draw scenery, such as a village scene or mountains and sky and clouds and stars and tape their drawings up along the backsides of the creche. Finally have the kids place their puppets in the creche and act out if they wish the Nativity scene and the Epiphany.

See photos of children enjoying this fun activity at http://picasaweb.google.com/dariadster/EpiphanyPuppetsForKids

Source: The puppet templates come from a website called "The Christmas Story Advent Coloring Book" at www.dltk-bible.com

By Daria from San Diego, CA

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Stock Up At The End Of The Season

When you decide to go shopping for clothing, always do so at the end of the season. Just before Christmas, I went shopping for clothing for my daughter. Every item I purchased was marked down. e.g.; a $39.99 sweater for $13.00.

For myself, I found a beautiful blouse for $68.00 before Christmas, and, after Christmas, bought it for $34.99. Back to school items after the child has returned to school are always much cheaper. One week after the kids are back in school and you save a bundle. In the spring, buy your winter clothing for next year. In the fall, buy your summer items. I love shopping in this manner, because I get brand named items for a fraction of the cost.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Make Gift Tags From Christmas Cards

Not wanting to throw them away, for years I have recycled them as gift tags on my Christmas gifts. Select the tag from the front of your card and cut the size needed, tape on package or, using hole punch, can be added to handle on bags.

By Marcia from New Sharon, Maine

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Using a Gift Box for a Frugal Christmas

Once again, I have succeeded in being bountiful this Christmas without breaking the bank or getting into debt! I am recycling gift bags (and tissue paper) from the presents my husband and I gave each other to use for my brother and family. There are unexpected hits, like the blue glass salt cellar I bought at a thrift shop for less than $2 - and the present I made up of a free little advertising cocktail shaker and napkins + napkin rings. (Maybe $4-5 total) The more amusing the present, the more unusual, the more they seem to be successful, at nothing like MALL prices! (A book on florid insults in ancient Latin?) And the gift box, although low, is still not totally empty if another unexpected occasion for a present presents itself! (But this is our thrifty secret, yes?)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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My Frugal Life: Frugal in England

I live in England. I am classified as disabled and so have a very limited income. I hate wasting money unnecessarily. I never pay the right price and always shop in the sales. I also buy clothing from eBay, looking for new garments with a good label and low price. The same with shoes.

I am a hoarder and cannot throw anything away. I save the envelopes that come with junk mail and keep them in my hand bag - if I see a ripe seed pod on my travels I will pick it, put it in the envelope and make a few notes on the outside. I grow a lot of plants from seeds. I reuse old milk jugs - the bottom half as a pot and the top handle half cuts up and makes good plant labels. I buy lots of food that is reduced for a quick sale and stock the freezer up cheaply. I reuse jam jars and wine bottles as I make wines, jams, chutneys and pickles. I take cuttings of plants and so propagate new plants for free.

I knit almost anything and everything and crochet afghan shawls. There was a wool (yarn) shop that closed down - they sold all the yarn off for next to nothing and I bought about 400 balls of yarn which are in the loft and I am working my way through them. I look up Magazine websites online and they usually have a few competitions to enter - I have won several things too and they are always free to enter. I cut out money off vouchers and coupons and use store reward cards. As I am classified disabled I am lucky that many places offer concessions for disabled people. I have sourced the best deals for the phone and internet provider. I do not have ANY credit cards. If I cannot afford it, I cannot have it! If I can I will contact a manufacturer and try to buy items direct from source - even after postage costs you usually save lots of money. I buy whatever newspaper has the best free gift that day.

I am not frugal due to meanness but due to necessity. If the TV or washing machine breaks, it gets mended rather than replaced. I make compost from kitchen waste, garden waste etc. This I put back onto the soil where I grow fruit vegetables and herbs. I recycle bathwater to water the garden with. I invested in a gadget called a DROUGHT BUSTER (eBay) that siphons off your waste water. If I see something collectible in a charity (thrift) shop I buy it and sell it on eBay. Sometimes you make a good profit. If I have a good success rate with a batch of seeds and manage to rear a lot of plant. I put up a board at my front gate and sell them.

I do look on websites like Thriftyfun as you find some really good ideas and can share them with other likeminded people. I bought my Christmas tree four years ago. It was closing time at the supermarket on Christmas Eve and the tree was reduced to 2.38 (normally they are about 25-30) and it was a potted one. So each year I give it a slightly bigger pot and it stays in the garden till Christmas time when I bring it in and decorate it. In that four years it has grown by about 2 feet. I buy my Christmas decorations after Christmas when the shops sell the leftover for next to nothing. I am happy with cheap and cheerful and I like homemade and improvised.

Borasic Lint from England, UK

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Bury Used Tea Bags In Garden

I knew that used tea leaves could be used to enrich garden soil. It finally occurred to me that I did NOT have to tear open all the TEA BAGS but just bury them in the garden as is and they will decompose!

Source: general knowledge about amending the soil

By Patty from Sanibel, FL

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Onion Salvage

If you ever get an onion that has started to rot in one of the bags in which it was sold, plant it rather than tossing it. The center may grow scallion greens for your cooking use.

By Nance from Statesboro, GA

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Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds Around Plants

Don't add your coffee grounds to the landfill. Your garden will appreciate them much more! Sprinkle coffee grounds around your plants and trees. You can also compost coffee grounds. It's easy being green.

Note: Coffee (and tea) is toxic to dogs, so please be sure to not sprinkle the grounds where your curious canine can eat them.

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Getting Rid of Canadian Thistle

To get rid of Canadian thistle, cut them at ground level and pour salt on them. They do come back.

Source: I tried it myself because I had lots of salt

By Gloria from Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada

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Removing Fish Smell From Fridge

I am getting to be a desperate woman. I can't get the fish smell out of my refrigerator. I tried cleaning with baking soda, bleach and water, 409 disinfectant spray - no luck. I've soaked the refrigerator with all of these for 1 hour or more, and no luck.

I've taken the refrigerator apart and have cleaned everywhere. Please - any help would be great.

Thanks and Happy New Year from Smoochie

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Drum in Frigidaire Washing Machine Dropped 2 inches

The drum dropped about 2 inches on my Frigidaire washing machine. It still spins but is making an awful noise. It's only about 5 years old. How do I fix it?

Jenn from ON, Canada

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Loom Knitting Patterns For Dog Sweaters

I am looking for loom knitting patterns for dog sweaters.

Millie from VA

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Storing Quilts in Large Space Bags

I want to know from the quilt experts out there. How is a good way to store quilts? I just bought some of the large space bags (the ones you zip shut then remove the air with your vacuum) and put my quilts in them to store. Is this a proper way to store them for years down the road? I may be giving these to my grand children when they get married or get a home of their own some day. Will these bags prevent the white fabric from yellowing? I have them in a dark closet inside the bags.

Sewing Granny from Millbury, OH

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Where to Find Oxalis X

Where can I find Oxalis X, to kill oxalis in turf in the Southern CA area?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Roy from Riverside, CA

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Looking for Pine Jelly Soap

Anyone know whatever happened to pine jelly soap? It used to come in a plastic jar and was a wonderful cleaning product. My mother used to put a dab on a rag and wipe down the counters or mix it with water and wash the floors, etc. And it was so cheap! I have looked everywhere!

joynchocolate from Landisville, PA

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Pimples on Chest and Arms

I need advice on how to get rid of nasty pimples and zits around my arms and chest.

Aliesha from Florida

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Uses for Plastic Coffee Containers

I have lots of the plastic coffee cans (containers). Folgers and Maxwell House seem to have gone to plastic instead of metal cans. What can be done with them?

Rachel from Buford, GA

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Putting Citrus Peels in Compost Pile

Can you put orange or grapefruit peels in your compost pile?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Peggy from Chillicothe, OH

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Kitten is Constantly Meowing

I have a new 2 month old kitten, and he is constantly meowing for no reason. I was just wondering if there is anything I can do to make him stop it's driving my parents insane!

JDM87 from Tx

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Removing Urine and Mud Stains from Coat

I have a white 70% polyester and 30% nylon white coat that now has dog pee on it and mud. It says that it should be washed inside out. Does anyone have any tips for how to get these pee and mud stains out?

EMF from Saskatoon, SK

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How Do I Make Earrings?

I purchased black stones in Seattle to make a pair of earrings (which I know absolutely NOTHING about). I've got the earring stud and backing but what glue do I use?

Carolyn from Shreveport, LA

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St. Louis Bread Company Pumkin Muffie

Does anyone have a recipe for Pumpkin Muffie? I tried one at St. Louis Bread Company and it was so good.

Susan from Memphis, TN

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Manual for Welbilt (Model ABM2H60) Bread Maker

I have been looking for the instruction manual to my Welbilt, model ABM2H60 Bread Maker. I see that someone on this site received a complete copy of the ABM-100 manual. I am going nuts trying to locate the actual manual, as I have recipes, etc., but need the instructions to prepare them and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ellie from Hastings, NY

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Repairing Thermal Backing on Curtains

I have thermal backed curtains which have been damaged by washing. Can the thermal backing be repaired, hopefully with a spray-on or brush-on product?

Julie from Qld, Australia

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How Do I Introducing Kitten to 10 Year Old Cat?

I have just recently adopted a six month old kitten and introduced him to my cat of 10 years, Tucker. They began sniffing each other and then just walked away uninterested in the other. Well, now a week later my older cat is acting out and urinating on a bed, the carpet, laundry and several places other than his litter box.

What can I do? I definitely cannot get rid of my Tucker after all the years I have had him and I love the newly adopted male (who has also been neutered).

I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestion anyone has.

Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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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

Get a Jump Start On Your Taxes
By IRS.gov

Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. Taxpayers are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner.

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Recycling Christmas Trees
By Ellen Brown

Over 33 million real Christmas trees are sold in North America every year, and according to the National Christmas Tree Association, 93% of consumers who use real Christmas trees recycle them using some type of community program. Because the week following the New Year's Day holiday is traditionally the time when most Christmas trees are taken down, here are some post-holiday tips for prolonging your tree's usefulness.

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