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Thrifty Tip Contest
(January 22 - 28, 2011)

This contest is over. See the winners and other entries below.

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Duration	Entries
January 22 - 28, 2011	79

Tip: Elevate Feet For Constipation

Judy = Oklahoma
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 509 Feedbacks

January 27, 2011

I know constipation is a sensitive subject, in more ways than one, that most people don't want to talk about. But I learned a tip several months ago that really helps, and I wanted to share it.

Comment Was this helpful? 15

Tip: Store Important Items In Dishwasher In An Emergency

Ron
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 181 Posts

January 27, 2011

If you live in hurricane country, put important papers and photos in ziplock bags the dishwasher when a storm is approaching. The home appliance is heavy, attached to the house, and waterproof, which makes it easy to find after a storm.

Comment Was this helpful? 28

Craft: Valentine's Day Heart Garland

January 25, 2011

This is the very first project I ever tried using a sewing machine. Like many others, the thought of using a sewing machine was intimidating. After tackling this easy project, I realized that the sewing machine isn't that intimidating.

Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 18

Bagel Bird FeederDon't forget our birds this winter. They need food! Spread entire bagel with lard. Place birdseed on a paper plate. Roll the bagel in the birdseed. Tie jute or string through the hole of the bagel to hang the bagel.

1 Comment Comment

Banana Mutt Cookies Whew! Cat chasing can be exhausting work! This is truly the paws that refreshes. Use fresh bananas and your dogs will love you a bunch!

2 Comments Comment

Clean Shower Doors with Squeegee After ShoweringI purchased a short handled squeegee at a 99 cent store. I thought it would be nice to clean my windows, but it was too short and so am I. OK, trash that idea.

3 Comments Comment

Cleaning Porcelain Stove GratesTo get stove top grates clean, place in a large plastic bag or sealable container with some ammonia. Close up the the bag or container and wait several hours. The grates will be easy to clean. Remember to exercise safety precautions when using ammonia.

1 Comment Comment

Dry Powder Roach ControlIf you have a roach infestation, mix equal parts of boric acid powder and flour, cornmeal or sugar. Put in small lids in the affected areas (keep away from pets and children). Roaches will walk through and eat the mixture when they clean their feelers and legs and then die.

1 Comment Comment

Fixing Orange Skintone After Self-TannerHelp for looking orange after using a self tanner. Try taking a warm bath with a cup of fresh lemon juice added to the water. This is most effective if done as soon as possible. Soak 20 minutes and the lemon juice will help cut color and product buildup.

Freezing CasserolesI came along this wonderful tip as I was looking up ideas for freezing pasta dishes for make ahead type meals. Very clever! If you don't want to tie up your baking pans in the freezer, line them with plastic wrap before filling.

1 Comment Comment

Joke: Big TroubleThere were two young brothers, 8 and 10 years old, who were exceedingly mischievous. Whatever went wrong in the neighborhood, it turned out they had a hand in it.

3 Comments Comment

Light Candles With A Spaghetti NoodleUse uncooked spaghetti or spaghettini to light gas furnaces, fireplaces, BBQs, gas lamps, gas fridges, gas ranges, anything with a pilot light, even candles.

2 Comments Comment

Link: icantfindmyphone.comIf you misplace your cell phone and have no way to call it, you can go to icantfindmyphone.com and enter your number. Your phone will ring shortly and you will be able to find it!

3 Comments Comment

Make Bread in Tupperware Cake ContainerWhen you make any yeast risen dough, do it from start to finish in an upside-down Tupperware-style cake keeper. Tilt it to one side to combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar and then add the remaining ingredients.

2 Comments Comment

Shower Hooks to Hang PursesNeed a better place to store those purses and bags than under the bed disturbing the dust bunnies, how about using shower hooks on your closet rod? They are sturdy and will hold a pretty heavy bag.

1 Comment Comment

Use A Broom To Sweep The SnowWe've been getting a bit of snow here in Nebraska, and it just keeps piling on. I've got a tip for quick snow removal from the car. Purchase a $1 broom at a Dollar Tree or at another dollar store location.

3 Comments Comment

Use Vinegar For Removing Chewing GumTo dissolve chewing gum, saturate the area with vinegar. Heated vinegar works faster.

2 Comments Comment

Warm "Lovie" for an Elderly PetI have an elderly cat and dog that love warm spots to snuggle in. I had a couple of recycled stuffed bears that my grandchildren had outgrown. I sewed a couple of bags filled with rice that would fit through the zippered opening.

7 Comments Comment

Cherry ColaFor a delicious, make-at-home cherry cola, add maraschino cherry juice to your favorite brand. And, for a change of pace from everyday oatmeal, add a heaping spoonful of Ovaltine to the milk.

Clean Shower with Cheap ShampooThis is a great way to clean soap scum off your shower walls in a gentle, safe way that also makes it smell nice and you can even do it in the shower: Take a small sponge and some nice smelling gentle shampoo.

3 Comments Comment

Dry Dog's Belly with Sheet After WalkWith 2 feet of snow on the ground, my collie gets pretty wet on his walks. Rub his under side with a fabric sheet to keep him from smelling like wet dog.

5 Comments Comment

Effects and Benefits of BiotinTake Biotin 3000 mg a day for hair loss. It may be in the vitamin section for hair and nails. Also, a B-complex will help.

Empty Gas Hose When you fill up your car with petrol or gas, hold the hose high above your head when you are nearly finished so the remaining petrol in the hose goes into to your car and not the ground or the next person's tank.

2 Comments Comment

Filling Smaller Soda Bottles

Filling Smaller Soda BottlesWe came up with a way to transfer heavy soda bottle contents into smaller bottles, and she doesn't even have to lift the bottles. We simply lay them on their sides, after starting the first bottle "sink side" with the smaller bottle in the sink, and let gravity do all the work!

2 Comments Comment

Homemade Mitts for Cleaning Dog's PawsWith the rainy weather in Seattle, I (and every other dog owner I know) really have a problem with mud and dirt coming in on my dog's paws after they are outside. Keeping a towel by the back door to wipe them off worked, but I didn't like it sitting there at the door.

1 Comment Comment

Inexpensive Dish TowelsI use white terry car-washing towels for dish rags and dish towels. You can get eight of these for $3.50 at most dollar type stores.

Keep Sauteed Mushrooms From ShrinkingSprinkle boiling water on mushrooms while sauteing, to prevent them from shrinking.

Listerine for BlistersTo disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine - a powerful antiseptic.

Store Sewing Kit in CarMost of us carry a first aid kit in our cars or trucks. The other day my daughter ripped her coat while we were out shopping. I decided to put sewing materials in my car, but what to put in it and where to keep it?

Wear Glove When Using Box GraterWhen grating cheese or vegetables with a box grater, wear a clean dish washing glove. It keeps knuckles from being scraped, if you get too close to the grater. It also helps keep a grip on the food being grated. When finished, just rinse the gloves on hang to dry.

Wire Baskets for Bathroom StorageFor extra bathroom storage, add small buckets to hang on hooks under the medicine cabinet.

Air Dry Dishes in Your DishwasherAfter unloading the dishwasher and before you load it with dirty dishes, use the empty racks to air dry all the dishes that require hand washing such as large pots, cookie sheets, wine glasses, etc.

Buy Coupons On EbayTo get more money for your family, remember coupons are money. Why not go to eBay and purchase coupons there? Or sell your time to clip coupons?

1 Comment Comment

Clean Room ClockwiseI find it is much easier to clean when I start at one end of the room and work my way around in a circle. For example, in my living room I sprinkle baking soda or carpet freshener on the floor so it can sit and deodorize while I clean.

1 Comment Comment

Decorating with a Paris ThemeI wanted people to feel like they were in Paris when they walked into my bedroom, so I started looking at different web sites getting ideas for my room. I got a mini Eiffel Tower and clock, and a pillow with a city that looked like Paris.

4 Comments Comment

Heat Spoon For HoneyTo keep honey from dripping all over the place when you're cooking, run hot water over a metal measuring spoon. The honey slips right off the hot spoon, with no sticky drips.

1 Comment Comment

Hydrogen Peroxide to Induce Vomiting In PetsMy Moon (cat) swallowed a large piece of plastic. If your dog or cat has swallowed something too large to pass and you need them to vomit it back up, use hydrogen peroxide. I used a medication injector with about 1 or 2 Tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide.

5 Comments Comment

Improving Smell of Cooking CabbageCan't stand the aroma of cabbage cooking? Add some ginger to it. It cuts out the sharp smell.

Lilac Bubble BathThis is a great gift idea!

Link: Sites for Healthy EatingThese are my favorite sites that provide information and resources to help plan healthy meals. These will save you money and time. Enjoy!

Mailing Envelope from Cereal BoxUse cardboard cereal boxes to make shipping envelopes. Deconstruct the box so it lays flat. Take off the small end on the right side or tape it down. Tape down the flaps on the top and bottom of the front of the cereal box.

2 Comments Comment

Remember FreecycleI am a major devotee of Freecycle. In the last month I have given away household linens, food, and books, and have been given stickers for a pots and pans promo at Albertson's, etc.

1 Comment Comment

Straw Hat Snowman

Straw Hat SnowmanThis snowman can hang on a wall indoors or on an outside door instead of a wreath. It's very easy to make.

5 Comments Comment

Talking to Cats QuietlyI have very good hearing and so do cats (depending). You can talk with your young cat in a bit above a whisper when you are together. It's mellow and they hear you. You can relate a lot better by understanding their hearing for one thing.

4 Comments Comment

Use Free Auto Services At Auto Parts StoresUse free auto services out there, like Advanced Auto, or Auto Zone. Recently my battery went out. I went to Advanced, bought a replacement and they put it in for free. The other day, my 'check engine' light came on.

3 Comments Comment

Uses for Old UnderwearI have found that clean old underwear makes a great dust cloth. The soft cotton dose not scratch furniture and it saves money. I also use them instead of paper towels when I clean windows and glass.

1 Comment Comment

Vinegar to Disinfect Books and ToysDisinfect plastic baby books and toys by spraying them with white distilled vinegar and soapy water.

2 Comments Comment

Cleaning Dog's PawsI have a Goldendoodle and when he comes in from the yard, his paws are filthy. In order to get them clean, I actually squeeze his paws, like a sponge, and it cleans them so much better than just wiping them off.

1 Comment Comment

Joke: String Walks Into A BarA String walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a beer. Bartender says "We don't serve strings here." and throws him out.

2 Comments Comment

Keep Liquid Soap in PurseOften when we need hand soap in a public place; none is available. An empty pill bottle is easy to carry with liquid soap in your pocket or purse. No spills or mess.

2 Comments Comment

Link: Live Eagle Cam (Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Virginia)I am so excited! I just received an email notice from the Norfolk Botanical Gardens that the Eagle cam is now live again for the 2011 nesting season in Norfolk, Virginia.

30 Comments Comment

Melt Butter for ToastTo avoid tearing morning toast when attempting to spread it with cold butter, melt a tablespoon or two in the microwave while the bread is toasting. When the toast is done, brush the melted butter on top.

3 Comments Comment

Oatmeal for Arthritis ReliefQuaker Oats can be used for fast pain relief - it's not just for breakfast anymore! Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to you're hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.

Removing Grease from PanTo remove grease from baking pans or skillets after browning meat or baking, push all the meat to one side of the pan and tilt the pan to let the grease run to the empty side. Use a turkey baster to remove the grease quickly and easily.

Removing Stains from White ClothesBad stain on white clothes? Don't throw the item away. If you have stains from blood, fruit (such as blueberries) wine, coffee, mustard even barbecue sauce, pre-soak item in very hot water with laundry soap for 10 minutes then launder as usual.

1 Comment Comment

Storing Acrylic PaintsI probably have about 100 bottles of acrylic craft paints and special finishes. I store them in square baskets I bought at the Dollar Store. The baskets are fold-able to flat and about 2 inches taller than the paint bottles.

Stretching ShoesHave a new pair of shoes that's just a tad too tight or uncomfortable? Try wearing them with socks a little while each day. I had a cute pair that I loved, but knew they weren't more than 'fifteen minute' shoes.

1 Comment Comment

Substitute Lemon Juice for VinegarIf you are allergic to vinegar, substitute it with lemon juice

Trap Spiders With Flat Glue BoardsYou can use the Tomcat flat glue boards to capture spiders and other insects in the home. I place them under beds and around base boards. You will be surprised what you trap.

3 Comments Comment

Use Foam Mattress Pad for a Pet BedI made a bed for my Basset Hound from a memory foam mattress topper that I didn't need anymore. I cut it into a rectangle, then I cut an old sheet to fit and sewed the sheet around three sides leaving one side open.

Adding Salt for Boiled EggsHard boiled eggs will peel so much easier if you add salt to the water. I usually add about 1/4 cup salt to a 4 quart pan of water. The salt penetrates the shell but has no effect on the egg.

1 Comment Comment

All-Purpose CleanerFor a good all-purpose liquid cleanser, combine 1 teaspoon borax, 2 tablespoons white vinegar or lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon washing soda, 1/2 teaspoon vegetable-based detergent and 2 cups very hot water.

Arm Protectors For Carrying WoodTo save getting scratched, I keep the sleeve of an old sweatshirt beside the door, it is quick to slip over my arm as I step out to grab an armful of wood. We don't like to store more than a couple of extra logs inside because I am very allergic to bug bites.

2 Comments Comment

Cooking BaconIsn't cooking bacon a hassle sometimes? My sister-in-law showed me a great way to cut the hassle. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, spray grates with Pam, place your bacon strips tight together on the grates as it will shrink.

3 Comments Comment

Drying Snow BootsTo make a snow boot dryer, use a pair of heavy wire paper towel holders from the Dollar Store. Put a boot over each holder and set the holder over your furnace vent.

1 Comment Comment

Keep Grill Lid From StickingWhen it's cold during the winter months, my outdoor Holland grill lid sticks due to a little grease buildup around the edge. It's really hard to open and we use the grill several times a week, so this became a real problem.

Keepsake Christmas AlbumWait! Don't throw away those beautiful Christmas letters and photos you received as Christmas cards. Here is a great way to preserve them, and you can compare how your friends and loved ones change from year to year.

1 Comment Comment

Natural Health Remedies Using Apple Cider VinegarMix 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to a gallon of water. This eliminates low grade fevers that chronic fatigue suffers get and helps eliminate thrush/coating in the mouth which is sometimes caused by antibiotic use.

2 Comments Comment

Repurposing Old Plastic DrawersLike most people, I went through a frenzy a few years ago to organize everything. A major task was the kids rooms! I bought nice plastic stacking drawers on wheels in fun colors - and it worked! For a while.

2 Comments Comment

Reuse Dye-Catching Laundry SheetsIf you take your load out of the washer (or dryer) and the little sheet is still almost white, or lightly colored, it can be used in another load, until you wash something which leaves more dye on the sheet.

Skewers for Stacking DishesWhenever you find yourself cooking meals that require lots of advance preparation, try this. Put wooden skewers across the dishes so you can stack them. If you put skewers on top of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, you can then stack a smaller baking dish on top.

1 Comment Comment

Store Vegetables Longer By Wrapping in PaperTo keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer, wrap them in newspaper before storing them in the fridge.

Two Week Cleaning PlanI am always reading where people say to clean as we see things that need it. That's a great idea, but sometimes it builds up and takes more organizing to get it done. This is my plan to get it all caught up.

3 Comments Comment

Use Envelope Labels As Return LabelsYou don't have to get return address labels specially printed. Cut out the typed address block from business envelopes/letters sent to you. Stick them on your out mail with glue or tape where you usually put your return address.

Use Microfiber for Swiffer PadsInstead of buying the Swiffer Wet Jet replacement pads to clean your floor, it's less expensive and greener to purchase a couple of micro-fiber "towels" which will fit on your Swiffer and you can just throw the micro-fiber towels in the washer when done.

2 Comments Comment

Use Sponge To Paint Wire FenceIt's easier and less messy to paint a wire fence with a sponge instead of a brush. Just put the paint in an aluminum roller pan and dunk the sponge.

1 Comment Comment

Using Dremel Tool for Dog Nail TrimmingTo make trimming my Chihuahua's nails a little more safe, I use a small Dremel tool with a sanding hub. The noise is very low. Just tap the tips. She likes this better than using the nail clippers. I was always afraid of cutting her nails too short.

1 Comment Comment

Yeast Infection on a Dog's Paws Or EarsYou can treat itchy paws, by rubbing "over-the-counter" women's vaginal yeast/itch cream into every crevasse of your dog's paws. Make sure they are dried a bit using your blow dryer. Put booties on if it is wet outside to avoid further dampness.

6 Comments Comment

Freezing Fresh Fruit?I have lots of summer fruits and end up having to throw them out. I'd like to make a fruit salad to freeze. Can anyone give me some help please? I don't have any canning equipment.

3 Answers Answer

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