Daily Thrifty Tips - November 29, 2006

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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This is a craft for the kiddies to make as time for Santa draws near, and they ask repeatedly "How many more Days?"

Just copy this onto a piece of card stock or on if you only have paper, just copy it and glue it to the back of a cereal box, and cut it out. Let the kids do the coloring and then just tie the treats on with string or yarn. Each child could make his very own Count Down to Santa.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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When throwing a Baby Shower for a Mom expecting twins, get creative in your choice of cake! My niece was expecting twin girls and had both their names picked out. Her mom asked me to bake the cake for the shower. I had recently purchased the Wilton "special delivery" cake pan. I baked the cake TWICE, trimmed off part of the "bottom twin" and joined the two cakes together to create 2 babies...changed the wording to "Special DeliverIES"!

I also did twice the number of "baby themed" chocolates and trimmed the cake plate with the chocolates!

Have a Blessed day!

By GrammySheila from Titusville, Florida

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Colorado Mountain Man

By Debra from Colorado Springs Co

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I have noticed many readers asking for monetary help with Christmas. Please don't think I'm being insensitive. 20 Years ago, I was that person too. There are several agencies that can help you. Please check with your local Salvation Army agency, they put on a toy program that you can sign up for. You get to choose some new and some gently used items along with clothing items too. Check with your local churches and food pantries. Public aid offices may be able to give you some guidance on programs. Our schools also know which families are have a bit more need than others. Food share programs and angel ministries can assist you with groceries. The local township supervisor or mayor can also help. I wish you all the best.

By Sara from Illinois

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What Mom with a toddler has not heard the happy screams when the big purple dinosaur comes laughing and singing into their living room? Well, if you have a toddler and Barney is his thing, have I a party for you!

Decorations for this party are as simple as purple streamers and purple balloons. Decorate the table with a purple tablecloth that you have decorated with Barney Stickers. In the background, you may want to play a Barney tape or CD to set the mood for your young partygoers. Purple plates and cups can be bought at the dollar store and you can get the table cloth there also.

Invites can be store bought or you can make your own on your computer. There are many graphics of Barney out there. You can find them by using any search engine. Just type in Barney graphics. You can find invites also at websites that have invitations that you can make for free, just fill in your information and print.

Now, I am all for taking help from the store when I can but there is something nice about a homemade cake. Most bakery departments in your local grocery will have a Barney cake and if you want to go that route, great but if you want to save money or you just like to bake, you can make your own.

Start with a cake mix in a flavor your child will like and follow the instructions for making a sheet cake. When your cake is done and cooled, remove from pan and set on to a tray or a piece of cardboard that is covered with tinfoil. I love canned frosting as I can never get mine as thick or creamy as store bought. Head out to the dollar store and find some of the three to four inch Barneys, you will need four. Also look around and check it out for larger Barneys or even for the Helium balloons (Mylar). Even a birthday plate with Barney on it can be cut out to put in the center of the cake. Take your small 3-4 inch Barneys and attach them with frosting to the corners of your cake. Now for the center of your cake, you have many options when it comes to decorations. You can use four more of the small Barney statues to make them look like they are dancing on the cake or you can cut out a Barney from the shiny Mylar balloons. If you do this, make sure you cut through two layers of the balloon to give it a little more weight. Lay it carefully on the cake and gently press to stick. Same idea with the paper plate. You can decorate around the edges of your cut out with frosting. Just put some of it with a little food coloring in a plastic baggy. Mix in the bag with your fingers until same color throughout and then cut the corner of the bag and pipe it out onto your cake. Same with the "Happy Birthday", it can be piped the same way.

Punch can be messy and stain clothing, how about popsicles for those youngsters. You can buy small otter pops at most grocery stores.

Two games that most toddlers can play with a little help are easy to set up and clean up for you.

One: blow up one balloon for each child that will be attending. Find a bucket or basket that will fit a balloon inside. Have each child stand not far from the basket and throw their balloon. They will have fun with this one for awhile.

Two: Hide a stuffed Barney in plain site and have them all look for Barney. Toddlers are too young for prizes so let them take their balloons home with them.

As always, this is just a jumping off place. You can add or subtract from this party as you see fit.

By Debra from Colorado Springs CO

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When going into extreme weather conditions, have your automobile checked out thoroughly. Don't cut corners if possible. It's for your own safety as well as for others.

By Terri from NV

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Make an area in your kitchen for important information. We have a phone in our kitchen and under it I have our billing center. I have an in and out box for mail and beside it is a place for envelopes, stamps and pens. Above this area is a calendar marked with everything I would need to pay in a month (or what comes out each day).

Beside this area is a table that I do my crafts on with two drawer storage containers beside it. Above my craft table I have made a bulletin board with goals, to do list, emergency numbers, a quote of the day, etc. on it. On the table by the in and out box are three magazine holders that I use for bills, papers, etc. It came in very handy for me to buy a financial folder to organize each months bills.

It feels so much better when you are organized, especially with things you use everyday.

By Anne from Festus, MO

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Don't have time to look for stocking stuffers and small gifts? You can shop at online dollar stores like these:

• http://www.dollarbins.com/
• http://www.ebargainstuff.com

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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I copied this food storage guide and keep it in my cookbook for reference.

• Baking powder: Store in airtight tins in a cool, dry place and replace every 6 months.


• Baking soda: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for about 6 months.


• Beans: Once a package is opened, dry beans should not be refrigerated but stored in an airtight container in a cold, dry, dark place. They will keep for about 1 year.


• Brown Sugar: Store in a tightly covered container for up to 4 months.


• Chocolate: Store chocolate for no longer than 1 year. It should be kept in a cool, dry place with a temperature range of 60 to 75F. If the storage temperature exceeds 75F some of the cocoa butter may separate and rise to the surface, causing a whitish color to the chocolate called "bloom".


• Dried Fruit: Store unopened packages of dried fruit in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. Store opened packages in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for 6 to 8 months.


• Flour: Store in a clean, tightly covered container for up to 1 year.


• Garlic: Should be stored in a dry, airy place away from light.


• Granulated sugar: Should be stored in a tightly covered container for up to two years.


• Nuts: For optimum freshness and shelf life, nuts should be stored, preferably unshelled, in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator or freezer and shelled as needed. (the shell and the cool temperature keep the nut from turning rancid.)


• Potatoes and other root vegetables: Keep in a dark, cool place, preferably a cellar. Store them in a dark brown paper bag.


• Shredded coconut: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Don't store in the refrigerator.


• Yeast: Store in the freezer of refrigerator in a closed plastic bag.

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Nowadays most computers have tiny sound recorders and CD burning software isn't expensive. So you can RECORD holiday greetings and burn it on a CD to send to relatives and friends. How nice it would be to hear a little one singing a Christmas carol and saying greetings to his/her - grandmother, say!

By pamphyila from L.A., CA

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For an easy and economical tree skirt, I purchased a round holiday tablecloth (vinyl front, flannel back). I cut a small hole in the center and cut a straight line from the hole to the outer edge. It works great, is easy to clean & my kids love the design.

By Karen in NH

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

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I need help removing permanent marker from a spruce top guitar. It was a signature.

Mollie from Wilson, NC

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Does anyone have the instructions for making rag rugs or braided rugs?

Nelwyn from BUNKIE, LA

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I love Sam's Club Seafood Salad. Does anyone have a clone recipe that would be close to this?

Thanks alot,
Janiem from Ocala Florida

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I have a bottle of chardonnay wine that has been opened and has not been refrigerated since then. It is about 2 years old. The color has turned from a pale pink to a burgundy color. Is this safe to drink or use in cooking or should I discard it? Thanking you in advance for all answers.

Carol from Beverly, MA

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How do you remove a light bulb that won't unscrew? It just turns the wires when I turn it!

Eric from Columbus, Ohio

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I recently saw a baby wearing a really cute headband made out of pantyhose. I have searched the web for instructions but couldn't find any. Does anyone know how to make these darling headbands?

Bea from Ogden, UT

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I unscrewed the backs of my metal kitchen chairs and recovered them. Now I cannot get the screw to fit back into the chair back.

Cat from Boston, MA

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I am on student council and I need some ideas for winter formal. Our theme is a starry night.

Marie from Oregon

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How do you remove spray paint from teflon coated siding?

Terrie from Pittsburgh, PA

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This is a question for smartfell-r, could you please post the homemade pie crust recipe that your wife uses. I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Pam from Missouri

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Does anyone know of some good recipes to make smoothies, the kind that also help you lose weight? I saw one advertised but I don't want to spend $30.00 on the recipe book. Thanks so much for all the help that I can always get here. This site is a real lifesaver.

Jamish from Ransom, Kansas

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I need ideas for christmas parade float. Theme is "Home for the Holidays".

Nancy from Bakersfield, CA

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Why are our Tangelo Oranges falling off the tree? They still green and are full-size. This hasn't happened in the past.

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Thanks,
Mary From Sarasota, FL

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I need ideas on how to raffle a centerpiece?

Melissa from Santa Clarita, CA

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What is the best online savings institution?

Jean from GA

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Does anyone know how to make a change cushion for a baby?

Milena from Windsor, ON

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I am looking for Gluten Free / Casein Free Cake recipes.

Michelle from Houston, Texas

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What do I do with the starting "tail" of yarn from casting on to the Knifty Knitter?

Janet from Marietta, Ohio

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My husband is considering a job transfer Wichita, KS and I was wondering if anyone from that area can give me some information on cost of living, weather conditions, etc. Anything at all would be appreciated. Thanks.

Joan from FL

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We just purchased a microfiber sofa and love seat. The static electricity is out of control! Does anyone know what I can do about this? I called the manufacturer and they said they've never heard of this problem and they had no suggestions for me. Any help is greatly appreciated!

BJR from Southern Colorado

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I need some party games for my 11th birthday/slumber party. The theme is hello kitty.

Princess Peach Girl from Oak Creek, CO

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I work in an after-school program for kindergartners and we are trying to figure out a gift that the children can make for their parents. Does any one have and suggestions? Any gifts your child made you that you really enjoyed?

Thanks,
Sara from Vancouver, BC

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Does anyone have any uses for old men's ties?

Nelwyn from BUNKIE, LA

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What can I buy or use too remove grease buildup on my kitchen cabinets and appliances. I have tried pinsol and hot water but it isn't going well.

Kizzy from Michigan

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I desperately need some original ideas in terms of a dance theme. Nothing romantic, just something fun in which everybody knows about. Example: Cartoons, SuperMario World, etc.

Nick from Los Angeles, CA

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I'm looking for a baby afghan pattern that looks like a trellis when complete. White for the trellis and variegated or pastel baby wool is used for the background. It is a one step procedure and is apparently very fast to make.

Siris from Dawson Creek, BC

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I am having an awful time getting my 2 year old pom to come to me when I call. He has a fenced in area in the back yard just out of the door to roam and do his duty. Lately, he has found a way out of the fence. This time he has been gone for nearly 2 days and 1 night. Sam will come to the patio or the carport and then run off whenever i open the door to call him to come in. I even bribed him with food. He is a pampered pet but the neighbors must think he is abused by the way he runs from me.

Several times Sam has managed to sneak past me and out the front door. Fortunately, the neighbors know where he belongs but I am afraid of a stranger getting him or someone running over him. As it is, he is solid black and of course almost impossible to see after dark. Please, if anyone can respond with a solution I will be more than grateful.

Nelwyn from BUNKIE, LA

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I was eating a mango and some of the juice fell on my white tee-shirt. I washed the shirt in persil but the marks have stayed. I cant bleach the shirt as there is a colored image on the front. How do I get the mango stains out?

Debra from Cape Town

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We came back from vacation and the sink had leaked. We fixed the sink but now the linoleum/vinyl has buckled and puffy in areas. Should I pull it up or wait till it completely dry? I am nervous what under the floor. Any ideas?

Robin from Marietta, GA

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My husband and I are DJ's for 6th through 8th grade dances at our local school. We have noticed a trend that has prevailed forever. The dreaded "boys here and girls there" that seems to always be at every dance. Girls want to mingle, but are too afraid, boys don't want to mingle because they are afraid. We are trying to make our dances not so "scary". We have been brainstorming ideas to get the two genders involved with each other at the dances, yet also be fun. For example: The Hokey Pokey in boy/girl teams where they stand side by side and the limbs in the middle cannot be used, or maybe the Limbo in pairs and if one partner falls. both are out.

We need ideas where there are clear winners, not subjective judging since the chaperones are parents. We don't want the kids saying "so and so cheated" or "he/she only won because so and so is their dad".

This is such a hard age where everything is "stupid" in the eyes of a lot of middle schoolers/junior high. Middle school/junior high kids are definitely welcome to reply to this because you guys and gals are our best feedback givers (no offense parents). Teachers and parents also help please! Let me know what has worked for y'all!

JennyG from Maine

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How do I clean Christmas tree sap (resin) from a microfiber sofa? The Christmas tree fell on top of the microfiber upholstered sofa and when some of the branches broke it drained sap on the sofa and stained it, how do I remove the stains without creating water rings?

Sandra from Fort Myers, FL

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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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