Daily Thrifty Tips - March 11, 2008

Yesterday you may have noticed that you didn't receive the Daily. I made an executive decision to have it be the Founder's Birthday (Observed) because my family and friends threw me a huge surprise birthday party on Sunday for my 60th birthday!

It was wonderful! Because some of my family and friends are also staff members, they were all tuckered out from pulling off a fabulous party. We had family members that had come in from across the state and we're staying over until Monday afternoon. It just seemed like we all deserved a holiday!

Special thanks to Jess, Lewis, Stella, Fletcher, Laurel, Mara, Sally and everyone who helped with this.

We are happy to announce the winners to the My Frugal Life essay contest for the second half of last year. We received a lot of great entries, it was very difficult to choose just five. The winners are:

My Frugal Life: Frugality Includes Our Cars
By Frank from Sun City, AZ

My Frugal Life: "Frugal McDougal"
By Annabelle - Phoenix, AZ

My Frugal Life - Live Within Your Means
By Sharon Shearer from Ravenna, Ky

My Frugal Life With The Four H's
Jen from Hastings, MI

My Frugal Life - Frugal And Loving It
Ginny from Charles City

Also, here are the winners for last week's contests!

Photo Contest Winner

Homemade Deep Litter Box
By Kathy from South Dakota

Tip Contest Winners

Buying Mistake Paint For Less Than Half Price
By Cyinda from near Seattle

Use a Broadcast Spreader for Salting Sidewalks
By Michelle from Newark, Ohio

Recipe Contest Winner

Grilled Ham With Mustard Glaze
By Darlene from Fairview, PA

Thank you to everyone who took time to submit something!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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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Quilted Casserole Carrier

Casserole Carrier will hold a 2-2 1/2 quart dish. The sewing pattern was purchased from this website.

• http://www.homesew.com/bkk734.html

By MCW from NY

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Craft: Leprechaun Top Hat Centerpiece
By Debra Frick

This is a quick and easy craft project that is easy enough for an older child to do and with some adult help even a younger child should be able to complete this project. This would make a great centerpiece for your table or to decorate a hall table. You know on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish so pull out your best green table cloth and throw your self a great St. Patrick's Day celebration. Time to Complete: 2 hours with dry time

Materials

• One small coffee can
• One piece of green felt cut to 5 1/4x13 inches
• Two felt circles cut to 6 3/4 inches
• 1 cardboard circle cut to 6 3/4 inches
• Gold metallic ribbon
• 1 package foamy Shamrocks
• Spray glue and regular glue
• White or yellow spring silk flowers (I used white lilac sprays, daffodils, white tulips and ivy) but any spring flowers will do.
• Clear silicone caulk
• Piece of floral foam for inside of can

Instructions

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All Cheeks

Our Newest Grandson, Nicholas at almost 6 months old. Mommy named this photo "All Cheeks", I named it "I'm stuffed, and can't eat anymore!"

By Jackie from Norton, MA

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Apple The Country Kitty

Apple is 9 months old. I call him a country kitty. He was given to us in May 2007.

He is a very playful and active guy. He hunts pretty much everything that moves and that doesn't move! :) He is BFF to my son Marshall! He can chew through a string or ribbon in milliseconds. Hes a tricky little fellow. :)

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

Editor's Note: Here is a previous entry about Apple

• Apple Kitty Cat

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• 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!

What's This Fabric Made From?

Did you ever wonder that when you're shopping at your local thrift store or at a one-dollar-a- yard "undetermined fiber content" fabric table at Walmart? Well, I always carry a small lighter in my purse or glove compartment. You simply pull off 3 or 4 threads from the end of the fabric bolt or from an inside seam of a piece from the thrift store, then take it outside to a paved parking lot and carefully light the threads on fire.

If it's a "natural fiber" (like cotton, linen, or silk) or a "man-made" fiber (made from cellulose like rayon), the threads will burn away to just ash, but it won't smell. If it's a protein fiber (like wool, alpaca or cashmere), it will burn to ash, but will smell like burning hair (because that's what it is!). If it's a synthetic fiber (like polyester, or acrylic) it will drip and melt into a hard "plastic" ball when it cools. Of course, sometimes, Lycra will be added to cotton for stretch, or you'll have a mix of bit natural and synthetic fibers, but this usually works!

WARNING: Don't burn any fibers inside a store, or you could be charged with arson, always go outside, somewhere where it's safe!, like a paved parking lot! Please use care and roll your sleeves up and tie your hair back when doing this, as sometimes the flames can get a bit high. I usually burn my fiber-threads over a sink full of water for safety. If you're like me and only like the feel of natural fibers next to you skin, or if you only want something permanent-press and prefer synthetics, you'll appreciate this handy trick!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Too Much Junk Mail?

Opt out of junk mailings, tele-marketers calls and e-mail lists. It is easy and free:

• http://www.dmaconsumers.org

Less junk mail in our land fills, less chance of your identity being stolen because you'll receive less unsolicited credit card applications, less time wasted on spam.

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Use a Marshmallow for Dog Medication

If you have a difficult time getting your dog to take pills of any kind, the easiest way I have found is to stick the pill or pills in a large marshmallow. They greedily take the marshmallow where they might not a pill.

Source: My own

By Elaine from Iowa

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Use Magic Eraser for Streak Free Glass

I found this by accident when wiping a blender "spray" on my kitchen window. I used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser which was right there to clean it up. The window was spotless, no streaks etc. So, then I tried it on my glass doors and was I amazed. Needless to say, I went around the house doing mirrors windows. Fabulous. No streaks, no film. I use it on the inside of my car windows too. A sponge lasts a long time. It is also great for those tea stains in cups and on spoons. I keep one just for windows. I am a fanatic about windows and have tried EVERYTHING. This is by far the easiest and the best.

Source: On the Mr. Clean box it says glass, etc. I was amazed

By Margaret from Dudley, MA

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Make Your Own Cleaning Rags from Old Clothing

I no longer buy paper towels or paper napkins. Older stained clothes are cut up to use for cleaning, washing cars, windows, and wiping up spills on counters, stoves and floors. I buy used napkins at Goodwill and garage sales - lots of different colors, then mix or match depending on my mood. I have even made napkins from leftover material. Buying less paper products means one less tree is cut down Go Green! Help save our planet for our grandchildren.

By Christie from Poulsbo, WA

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Been Skunked Again! - Best Tips

Been Skunked Again! Thought I would look for new tips and share the ones that worked for me.

I had a mom and babies under the house. Put mothballs in a thin sock and tied with long string. Threw it under the house until the skunks marched out, then pulled out the mothballs so we didn't have to continue smelling that odor! And closed up all the holes.

We rented a commercial ozone machine and used it ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS (means removing live plants, etc. and DON'T BREATHE THE OZONE!) both under and in the house. Then we opened windows to allow the ozone to escape. (Lived elsewhere for a couple of days.) We didn't have any odor left in our clothing, bedding, carpet, etc., even though the skunk had sprayed directly underneath the bedroom and closet. We saved a lot of time by not having to wash everything.

Extra tip: If you plan on trapping and killing a skunk, my dad taught me years ago that you need to shoot it across the middle of the back. If you are fast enough, the skunk cannot throw scent with a broken back. If you do anything to break the scent sacs! - I think you get the drift.

Also be sure to dispose of in a deep grave. A shallow grave and rain soon afterwards will NOT be pleasant.

Good luck everyone - hope you can get rid of these critters and the odors from your home. Thanks for your tips!

By Deb from OK

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Homemade Varnish Remover

If you need quantities of varnish remover to refinish portions of a wood floor and the woodwork, try this recipe for varnish remover. It's inexpensive and less dangerous than commercial products when small children are around.

Mix 1 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water. Add 1 quart boiling water, 3/4 cup sal soda (washing soda), 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 Tablespoon vinegar. Apply with a brush while hot. Rewarm if necessary. After varnish loosens, wash off with hot water and a cloth. Add a softening agent to the rinse water if you don't already have soft water. It will work better.

Source: From Alliant Energy company insert.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Sneaking Spinach

Ooooo I've always loved St. Patrick's Day - the whole MONTH of March actually! Everything is expected to be green, but not everything is expected to be good for you ...

Spinach is among my favorite foods, but alas - my children did not inherit my predilection for this nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable.

• Spinach

So, I had to get creative.

There are many places I've "hidden" cooked, pureed spinach. I've successfully "snuck" it into so many favorite foods, including "green waffles", homemade pizza, homemade spaghetti sauce, "green muffins", homemade "green bread", soup, "green sticky rice", "green banana bread", "green zucchini bread", even cake!

When a recipe calls for liquid or milk, use that amount of spinach puree (add a little of the water you used to steam the spinach in if you need to).

And be sure to use your imagination -- the mischievous leprechauns surely do! ;)

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Butter Your Corn With Bread

With summer coming, corn-on-the-cob is a great favorite of ours. To avoid mess, and waste, we use a piece of bread to butter ours. Just put a pat of butter on the slice, twirl your corn, and pass it along!

By Doodles from NJ

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Reusing Plastic Baby Food Containers

If you have a baby in the home, keep the plastic gerber food containers and use them to organize your home. They can hold toothpicks, pins, nails, screws, corn cob holders or pretty much anything that you could imagine.

They are also great for trips or vacations because you can pack q-tips, cotton balls or other supplies in them and label the items too. You will find that they are easy to store in small places because they are flat on the top and oblong in shape, which allows them to stack neatly.

Your husband will also want them for sorting the screws, nails, washers, nuts etc; keeping the tool area neater too and they can be marked on the outside so guessing what is inside becomes easy.

Enjoy the tip and organizing will become easier, even for new parents.

By Cecilia from Wilmington, DE

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Free Turban Sewing Pattern

I've been looking everywhere on the web for a FREE turban sewing pattern. I know I can buy one by McCalls, but I'm too cheap! Anyone out there know a web site with a free turban pattern? Sometimes I'm in a hurry and don't have the time to do my hair before I leave the house.

Cyinda from Seattle

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When Will My Hydrangeas Bloom?

How long before a hydrangea blooms? I bought Nikko Blue hydrangeas from BJ's Wholesale Club. I am guessing they won't be big enough to bloom this year but I was wondering if it was correct to expect them to have some flowering action next summer? Your advice is appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Dawnne from Indian Land, SC

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Using Rid-X on Dog Feces

Would it be safe to use Rid-X to help clean a backyard with dog feces?

Chad

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Puppy Aggressive with Other Puppy

My family and I got a Pug/Boston Terrier mix(Bug) and then 3 months later when got an English Bulldog. Well our Lucy (the BUG) keeps trying to show the pecking order in the house by humping Brutus' (the Bulldog) head. They will play then it will go into a fight. Lucy is 5 months and Brutus is 8 weeks. Any suggestion?

Shannon from Buckhannon, WV

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Longhorn Steak House Style Wild West Shrimp

I'm looking for the recipe used at Longhorn Steak House for their Wild West Shrimp. They are so great!

Kathy from Sharon, SC

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Removing Oxidation From Vehicle Headlights

Whats the safest way to remove oxidation from todays modern projector headlamps? With the newer headlamps ranging from $200 to $600 on average, sandpaper is not an option. What the safest way to remove oxidation without risking damage to the protective ultra violet layer?

Toni from California

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Planning a Class Cruise

I'm helping plan a class cruise. It is planned that we will be going in early June and it is at night. We were thinking semi-formal. What should we do on the cruise though?

Emily from Seattle, WA

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Is Car Wax Obsolete?

Has new acrylic paint treatments made car wax obsolete? Solid car wax requires a lot of rubbing and friction on paint. Liquid automotive Acrylic paint treatments apply faster and shine better than non wax products and theres generally no buildup mess or waste. What are some of the new alternatives to wax for today's automotive acrylic paints?

Toni from California

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Jigsaw Puzzle Birthday Party

I am having a 12 year old girl birthday party using jigsaw puzzle pieces/scavenger hunt with teams and see which team can find and put the puzzle together first? Any ideas about this? Has anyone done something like this?

Pattie from Ocean, NJ

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Cleaning a Mobile Home That Was Infested With Mice

I recently purchased a used mobile home. I know it must have been infested with mice. There were traces everywhere. Now I have been in it for 3 months and I can still smell a "rodent odor" can someone tell me how to get rid of this?

Thanks,
Faye from NC

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Kitchen With White Tile

I recently purchased a house, and want to change the color of the kitchen cabinets. What color cabinets would look best with white tile? I am attaching a picture.

Thanks,
Hetal G. from Sacramento, CA

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Crown Royal Bag Quilt

I want basic instructions on making a quilt out of Crown Royal Bags.

Sharon from Winfield, KS

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Making Dish Soap from Octagon Bar Soap

Can OCTAGON bar soap be made into a liquid DISH soap without adding any harsh ingredients? It is great at the kitchen sink and would be even better if I could use it in a pump bottle. It doesn't crack my fingertips like the store-bought liquids do, cleans greasy things and smells nice, too.

Pink from Annapolis, MD

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Olive Oil Stain on Bedding

I recently got olive oil on my cotton bedspread. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to get it out!

Josey from Shorewood, IL

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Making Your Own Fragrance

How do you make your own fragrance?

Thank you,
poor8 from Glenview, IL

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Decorating Ideas for Brown Shag Carpet

What color walls, and wall decor would look nice with brown shag carpet?

Linda

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Korean Birthday Cake Recipes

I would like to make a Korean birthday cake. Can someone please convert the ingredients to measurements?

Betty from Chesterfield, VA

Editor's Note: I believe the recipe Betty is referring to is below in the feedback forum.

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Who Does Comcast's Repair Work?

Does Comcast do their own repair work or do they hire subcontractors to repair phone problems and computer problems?

Gary from New Jersey

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Repelling Spiders Naturally

A member of our family keeps getting bit by spiders in the middle of the night. Efforts to clean, vacuum and sanitize the room are of no effect, as well as using a plug-in verminex ultrasonic pest repeller (which does not seem to do the trick either). We have a cat, bird and dog and need something that is non-toxic, and safe for pets and humans! Is there a homemade formula for repelling spiders and other creepy crawlies from having their way with us?

Brenda from Racine, WI

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Black Light Dance Ideas

I'm having a black light dance for my birthday party but i don't know what to use decoration wise. Please help.

Thanks!
Lauren from California

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Travelling With a Dog

I'd like comments and/or suggestions on taking a 6 hour car trip with my 8 month old dachshund. I've never done this before and since he's still young I don't want to leave him at a kennel for the 3 or 4 days I'll be gone.

Betty from Lubbock, TX

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White Bugs in My Horse Feed Bins

I want to know about weevils. I think I have them in my horse feed bins? They are tiny white things and they move. What are they? How do I get rid of them? Are they harmful to the horses if they eat them?

Thanks,
Danielle

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Chihuahua Pooping on Carpet

My puppy pad trained 15 month old Chihuahua has recently started pooping on the carpet. She knows she is doing it. What do I do? I am frustrated!

Darla from Harrisburg, PA

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Saving Money on Easter Baskets and Gifts

Inexpensive ways to create, put together or purchase easter baskets and their filler. Post your ideas.

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Blue Clothes Turning Purple After Washing

My blue clothes are turning purple after washing them, and I do not know why. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

Shajosh from Australia

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Making Ribbon Roses

I am thinking about making my own ribbon roses to use as my bridal bouquet. I have seen pictures of them and they look gorgeous. Only I haven't made them before and have just started practicing on some ribbon I found at home using online instructions.

Any tips or pictures would be greatly appreciated. Also any ideas for cheap ribbon to practice on before I buy the lengths to use for the big day.

Monica from Kalgoorlie

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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

Saving Money on Tickets

Volunteer!

Volunteer for one of your local theatre companies. Surely you have some unique talent they will happily take advantage of =D

Volunteer as an usher; you'll see concerts, plays, and other events that others only dream of attending. And oftentimes, you get backstage access.

By luvmygingerkids

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