Daily Thrifty Tips - December 19, 2007

This week's Saving Money on Newsletter is about Saving Money on Tires. Do you have any tips to share? Please submit them here:

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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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Spool Snowman Ornament

Every year my kids and I make a handmade ornament for their tree and one extra for the family tree. This is what we came up with this year.

I found these wooden spools on clearance on Hobby Lobby but they have these at Walmart for 8 spools for $2.00. We started out by painting the spools with white acrylic paint and clear sealant. Let dry for 5 minutes each. I ripped a piece of a 12 inch homespun fabric, strung it to the jingle bell, and tied 2 knots. We strung the first spool and tied 2 knots, second spool and tied 2 knots, and strung the third spool and made a loop big enough for it to hang, then tied a knot. We added the eyes, nose with paint. The smile we used was black puffed paint. It didn't cost much to make at all, less than $3.00.

Enjoy.

By Bonnie from Norman, OK

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Ayden's Visit To Santa

This is my grandson Ayden's first visit to see Santa.

By imaqt1962 from Illinois

Editor's Note: Here are some previous posts of IMAQT's grandson, Ayden:

• Welcome to the World Ayden

• Ayden In His Harley Outfit

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Craft: Candy Cane Puzzle

The perfect White Elephant gift! Use those leftover candy canes for this cute holiday treat. This edible puzzle is sure to give the receiver a good laugh.

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Christmas Cactus In Bloom

I left my Christmas cactus outside all summer and all fall. (I live in the south.) I brought it inside on Thanksgiving and it began to bloom. The salmon colored cactus was a gift from a lovely neighbor and it's now one of my favorite plants of all time!

By Marilyn from Colfax, LA

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Zoe the Cat

Zoe is 3 years old. We adopted her from the county animal shelter.

She loves playing hiding and seek and just laying around. She loves her night time treats and will let you know when it's time to have it and if you aren't ready yet she will meow and meow until you pay attention to her.

By Amy from Murray, KY

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Craft: Quickie Jingle Bell Lapel Pin
By Harlean Greathouse

An easy and quick craft for the kids. Jingle Bells on a shiny pin. Let them make them for friends and family as gifts.

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Craft: Elegant Clamp Jar For Gift Giving
By Debra Frick

My daughter and I found a whole box of these clamp jars at a yard sale this summer and thought they would be perfect for Christmas so we put them away. She had the idea that she would fill them with candy or nuts for her in-laws, since her father in law loves honey roasted peanuts.

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Craft: Four Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Here are Christmas ornaments that I made at different items.

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Craft: Nativity Made From Medicine Bottles

I was thinking I wanted to make a nativity when I saw my husband's empty medicine bottles. I thought these would make neat people. Then the idea came to me.

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Saving Money at the Salon

When getting a haircut I never have my hair blown dry at the salon. You can save a considerable amount of money and I would rather style my hair myself.

By Kim from Franklin Park, IL

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Alternative to "Secret Santa" for the Workplace

Would you like an Alternative to the "Secret Santa" event in your workplace?

This year only half the office wanted to have Secret Santa (gift exchange where you pick someone's name). Even those who agreed gave a lukewarm response to the idea. The people opposing the idea did not want to spend the money, some others mentioned that they usually get gifts that they don't use/like at these gift exchanges.

I came up with something better that EVERYONE agreed on. Participation was voluntary. For every non perishable food item that people brought in, I gave them a ticket to write their name on. So if people brought 5 food items I would give them 5 tickets. Once all the food was collected, I drew a name, this person won a basket that I made with homemade items that I already had on hand (I make a lot of soaps, lotions and other bath goods for the holidays). The participants who did not win, got a small baggie of peanut brittle that I made. Granted, I donated all the gifts but we ended up with LOTS of food for the food bank considering our office only has 14 people. The peanut brittle only cost me a couple of dollars to make.

Everyone was very happy with the outcome because they felt good about giving food to the poor! Also, everyone got a little surprise to take home too! It's a win win event!

If you do not want to or can't donate items yourself, ask people to donate something small for the basket that they've made or want to regift (think GREEN/RECYCLING) (i.e. crochet washcloth, candies, candles.)

Happy Holidays!

Source: This was written by me

By Lisa from Halifax

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Q-Tips for Cleaning a Keyboard

To clean your keyboard, use Q-tips dipped in alcohol.

By Sharon from Canada

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Have Fun During the Holidays

To relieve stress during the holidays, make time for fun. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight with the kids, go tobogganing. Whatever you do, make it fun, relaxing and worry free.

By Meg from North Bay, Ontario

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Make Your Own Christmas Cards

You can use any paper that you have on hand, like scrap paper, construction paper, etc. Cut and fold the paper so it will fit into an envelope. Decorate the outside of the card with stamps or pictures from old Christmas cards that have been sent to you. On the inside write, type or stamp your message.

For my close friends, I put a family picture on the inside with a "Merry Christmas" stamp. You can make them as simple or as fancy as you like. Buy a box of envelopes and there you go!

By Peggy from Leawood, KS

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Save Christmas Cards From The Past Year

I always keep my Christmas cards from the year before, that way I can answer any questions that people may have wanted to know about family/events during the year. Also, if I am running short of Christmas decorations, I can re-hang some of last years cards on tinsel to fill up any empty spots.

Something that happened during this past year; a very dear friend of mine passed away unexpectedly and because I still had her Christmas card from last year, I have been able to display it with all the new ones I have received so far. That way I have a permanent, loving memory of my dear friend.

To all at "Thrifty", have a wonderful Christmas and a fun-packed New Year.

By Katie from New South Wales, Australia

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Watch Out For Nut Allergies When Making Christmas Goodies

When making candies and other desserts or pastries for gift giving, chopped nuts are a nice extra touch. But be sure that your recipient isn't allergic to them. I have a pal who can eat pecans and peanuts but not walnuts, as she's allergic to walnuts. Instead of using nuts, you could use raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate or other flavored chips or morsels, or your goodies could be left plain, to be on the safe side.

By Terri H. from NV

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Free 411

This is a tip that was passed along to me when I was telling my friend that I was going to make a call for directory assistance. My phone company charges hefty fees for directory assistance. When you need to use the 411/information option, simply dial 1-800-Free-411 or 1-800-373-3411 without incurring a charge. It's supposed to work on land lines and cell phones, too. I have used it on my land phone, but have not used it on my cell phone. You do have to listen to a short advertisement before being given the option for telephone directory assistance.

Merry Christmas to everyone at ThriftyFun and to all who read the tips letter.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

Editor's Note: Google has also create a Free 411 option and it doesn't currently have ads (I would image they'll add them at some point). The number for Google's 411 is: 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411)

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Has Anyone Used Cashcrate.com?

Does anyone out there go online to try and bring in extra money? I've heard a lot of buzz about cashcrate.com. I went to the site and tried to do some surveys. Don't think I actually filled out a survey. Had to sign up for a bunch of junk email that took about 10 minutes of my time to get paid 40 cents. Do people really do this and make a decent amount of cash? It just seems like there must be an easier way to make money.

Pamela from Illinois

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Getting Rid of Fungus Gnats

How do I get rid of fungus gnats?

Angelina from Raceland, KY

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Cat Froths at the Mouth When Given Medication

My cat froths at the mouth when I give her medication. I need advice!

Carla from Lakeside, CA

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Scarf Made with Round Knifty Knitter

I am new to Knifty Knitting. I would like to know how to make a scarf with a round Knifty Knitter.

K.C. from Fort Worth, TX

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Recipe for Peanut Butter Balls

Anyone have a good recipe for peanut butter balls.

Shari from Woodlawn, IL

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Looking for Santa Fe End Table from Target

I am looking for a Santa Fe End Table, Mfg. by Linon that was discontinued by Target. They will not sell floor models. We have the whole set but would like to add another End Table. Where can I find one?

RENE from Toms River, NJ

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How Do You Care for a Mohawk?

How much care does the average Mohawk need? How often do you put it up/retouch, how much spray/gel do you use, etc.? I'm a girl considering one, but I need to know what I'm getting myself into!

PiNG

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Organizing for Two Children to Share a Room

I just found out that I'm pregnant with our 2nd child. We at the moment live in a 2 bed, 2 bath single wide trailer. This little one will need to share a room with it's now 13 month old sister, she will be around 20-21 months at the due date. How do I get 2 kids organized in such a small space, especially when they may be opposite sex. I need ideas that would be baby safe and affordable on a $21,000, soon family of four, budget. Thanks in advance.

Jessica from Ramsey, IN

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Recipe for Dark Chocolate Covered Maple Creams

I am looking for a recipe for dark chocolate covered maple creams. It's my favorite candy and I really want to make them. They are so expensive to buy!

Mary from Paris, Ohio

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1800's Craft Ideas to Sell at Historical Club Fair

I am needing some ideas for craft items to make and sell. The items HAVE to be 'old time'. Our family just joined a historical club. Several times a year they have events were we can have a booth and sell our crafts.

Rules are simple-we must stick to the period, which is 1750-1900, and we have to dress the part. My daughters thought it would be fun to have a 'Little House on the Prarie' booth. But what can we make and sell? The only idea we have so far is bonnets, and possibly some gingham skirts.

This is a 3 day event usually, out at the fair grounds with around 150 booths. Schools even bus their children in for this. It happens 3 times a year. We will not have electricity, and since it has rained at the last 2 we went to, we already learned we will need a tent. The first one is next April.

My questions are:

What mid 1800's items can we make and sell that would be fairly inexpensive to the buyer?

Any booth tips?

April from Northern Missouri

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Online Coupon Codes for Target

Are there any Free Shipping codes out there for Target? I see Free Shipping on select items from the website but unfortunately not on the items I wish to purchase. Specifically, I need to purchase 2 'Uptown' Audio Piers in espresso from their Home Collection. Shipping for those items is running almost $120....yikes. If anyone knows of a code I could use for free shipping that would be great

I am looking for any coupons (in-store or on-line codes) for Men's Burberry polo shirts (Size XXL). This is the last XMas gift I need to purchase for my brother who is a HUGE Burberry fan. Any guidance here would be greatly appreciated.

Charesse from Bowie, MD

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Crockpot Pulled Pork

I had some excellent pulled pork in a restaurant. It was served in a sandwich, but with BBQ sauce on the side, not on the pork. The chef/owner said it was cooked in a Crockpot, then placed into a pan Au Jus.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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When are Kittens Ready for Solid Food?

I have 3 four-week old kittens. How do I know when they're ready for solid food?

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Neighbors Added Onto Our Fence without Permission

We put up a fence all around our yard. Put it 6 inches off the line. Our neighbor added onto our fence without asking us. They have 5 to 6 dogs that jump onto our fence. How can I get them to cut off our fence? They have pitbulls and I have a 5yr that likes to be outside but I'm scared that the dogs will jump over our fence. I have talked to them but I get nowhere. What can I do?

rebelbuddy1963 from Statesville, NC

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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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Video Game Review: Mystery Case Files: Prime Suspects/Ravenhearst
By Debra Frick

As most of you know I have Fibromyalgia so I have to spend a lot of my days resting. After surfing the web for many years, my kids decided to introduce me to the world of video games something a little more challenging then the Solitaire that came on my computer. The first game I got was Roller Coaster Tycoon to play with my grandsons. It was amazing to me that at 6 and 7, they knew more how to play video games than I did.

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