Thrifty Tip Contest (March 5 - 11, 2011) | ThriftyFun

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Thrifty Tip Contest
(March 5 - 11, 2011)

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Duration	Entries
March 5 - 11, 2011	69

Tip: Uses for Hairspray

dorothy wedenoja
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 170 Posts

March 10, 2011

Here are a few things you can do with hairspray when you need to substitute for other products.

Comment Was this helpful? 16

Tip: Computer Virus Alert: System Tools

March 8, 2011

Very nasty virus has resurfaced!"System Tools" will suddenly appear on your screen and begin scanning your system. DO NOT CLICK ONTO ANY OF THE TABS!

Comment Was this helpful? 17

Tip: Homemade Scale To Determine Postage

March 7, 2011

At times I wasn't certain if outgoing mail needed more than a 1 oz. first class stamp, so I'd have to drive to a post office. I decided to build my own scale and it works. A simple balance-beam scale is easy to build.

Comment Was this helpful? 16

Baby Oil to Remove AdhesiveTo remove gum, labels, or stickers, use baby oil. Soak a cotton ball in oil and apply to the sticky area and heat with a hair dryer. When adhesive softens, it can easily be removed.

2 Comments Comment

Cook Overripe Bananas Before FreezingI use to throw over ripe bananas in the freezer to be used in the future for baking. Now I put the peeled bananas in a covered baking dish and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes in the microwave. The pulp will separate from the water.

Get Second Job for BenefitsSometimes it pays to get a second job just for the benefits it provides, especially for seniors, those on a low income, or kids. For example, the local roller rink lets employees and their families skate free.

1 Comment Comment

Growing Green OnionsWhen buying and using store bought green onions, get more than one use out of them. Carefully cut all the green tops then stick the rest of the onion, roots and all in small pot of dirt.

5 Comments Comment

Homemade Body ButterMelt all ingredients, and mix well while cooling. If desired, add essential or fragrance oil. I think a drop or two of Rose Geranium essential oil would be great with this.

5 Comments Comment

Online EtiquetteTry not to type in ALL CAPS. I think it makes it harder to read and it looks like the author is shouting. I've seen this as a requirement for various on-line communities and forums.

3 Comments Comment

Product Review: Humana CompBenefitsI was tired of paying $90 to my kids' dentist for each dental cleaning. Then I enrolled in Humana CompBenefits (800.342.5209). Now I pay $56.04 one time per year and each of my children receive two dental cleanings and a check-up with x-rays.

1 Comment Comment

Stopping An Eye TwitchGot an irritation eye twitch? I hate having them. Try using a hot water towel on it to relieve it. I have had this begin twice and put a hot washcloth over it and it has subsided. Can't hurt to try it.

6 Comments Comment

Fabric Freshener for Room DeodorizerA frugal friend told me about this. Mix half Suavetel (fabric softener) and half water in a spray bottle and shake it a little. It makes a wonderful room freshener! It's lots more economical than the marketed kind.

3 Comments Comment

Metal Art as ValanceI purchased a long metal wall art piece when a local store was going out of business. It looked like ivy on tree branches and I was looking for a good place for it. When I held it up to the top of the window, I knew I had found it a home.

2 Comments Comment

Ordering Books from the LibraryI love reading books and spent a fortune in used book stores. Then I developed a back problem and could not leave the house. I started ordering all my books and DVDs from the library, my library had a program where they mailed all the books directly to my home, free of charge.

3 Comments Comment

Take Recipe to PotlucksWhen taking a dish to a party or potluck dinner, write the recipe for the dish on several cards. Put one in front of the dish, so guests will know what's inside and give the others to those who want the recipe.

1 Comment Comment

Use Plastic Bottles for Packing MaterialUse empty 1 liter soda bottles for packing when shipping things. They're lightweight and keep their shape. You can also cut the tops off and package the item in one bottle, then slide the second one over it and tape them together.

4 Comments Comment

Various Meal Ideas From Homemade Beef SoupPrepare your own favorite basic beef soup recipe. I normally make mine with bite-size pieces of lean pot roast in a huge soup pot so I can make enough to freeze and last me all winter long.

Baby Shampoo For FleasWhy buy expensive dog shampoos at PetSmart to bathe your dog? My vet suggested I use any baby shampoo, so now I buy $1.00 generic baby shampoos at the Dollar Store and I have a dog that smells as good as a freshly bathed baby for a fraction of the cost.

6 Comments Comment

Cooking Perfect NoodlesYears ago by brother-in-law was a cook in the Army. He taught me a trick to make beautiful spaghetti noodles. You cook the noodles the night before. Drain the noodles and fill the pot with cold water. Place in the fridge over night.

1 Comment Comment

Game Rules: Hands In Texas Holdem PokerTraditionally full 52 card deck is used in Texas Holdem. Players need to get the best combination of 5 cards from 7 available (2 hole cards and 5 showed on the table).

Make Sure Dish is Oven SafeBefore you decide to use a dish to bake an item in the oven, make sure it is oven safe for that temperature. Using a dish in the oven at higher temperature than what it has been rated for will cause it to explode.

Preventing Snails in the GardenIn the fall, if you have problems with snails, lay down an old wood board in edge of your garden. During the winter months, the snails will crawl under the board. When spring comes, go out and turn the board over.

Transporting Mini-MuffinsUse a cardboard egg carton for transporting mini muffins or mini cupcakes.

Brown Bag Microwave PopcornInstead of purchase of expensive microwave popcorn, I place about 3 Tablespoons of un-popped corn in a brown lunch bag, fold the top over, and microwave for approximately 2 minutes.

4 Comments Comment

A picture frame made from a heart shaped candy box.

Candy Box Picture FrameCreate a picture frame out of a pretty Valentine candy box. This is actually my first time at making any sort of craft. I cut the top off of a Valentine candy box because it was pretty and I thought long and hard about all the possibilities.

Check Deli For Gourmet Clearance ItemsSome of our grocery stores have a gourmet food section in their deli. This is a great place to pick up some things that you normally wouldn't be able to afford

Divide Paper Towels in HalfI buy the good paper towels, like Viva, and halve them. Half of one of these is better than two of the cheaper kind.

1 Comment Comment

Form Foil On Bottom Before Lining PanFor fitting foil into a roasting pan without tearing the foil, turn pan upside down and fit the foil to the outside of the pan. turn it right side up and gently fit the formed foil to the inside of the pan.

1 Comment Comment

Freeze Eyeliner Before SharpeningPut your eyeliner pencil in the freezer for 20 minutes before sharpening and it won't break as easily. It will sharpen very well too!

1 Comment Comment

Give Cracked Spatula New LifeDon't throw your cracked rubber spatula out. Trim the cracked part off evenly, following the curve of the spatula. It is still usable for awhile.

4 Comments Comment

Less Odors from the Cat BoxWhen cleaning cat boxes, the ammonia smell lingers. Although ammonia is a weak base, it can also be a weak acid. My solution was to reduce the acidity by putting a small layer of wood ash from my fireplace in the bottom of the cat box, then add the litter.

2 Comments Comment

Lettuce Growing TipsPlant 4 or 5 different varieties of lettuce in your lettuce bed then you can have a variety of greens to eat. When cutting you lettuce off, just break off the leaves and leave the roots growing. It will produce more lettuce for you to eat.

No Bake Craft ClayFor no-bake craft clay, mix 1 cup cornstarch, 1 1/4 cup cold water, 2 cups baking soda, and food coloring (optional). Combine cornstarch, water, and baking soda in a saucepan and stir over medium heat 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look like mashed potatoes.

Polymer Crystals for Container GardeningPolymer crystals (found in garden centers and some variety stores) are a tiny crystal that expands in water to hold up to 200 times its weight in stored water.

1 Comment Comment

Product Review: American Fare Trash Compactor BagsI was so tired of buying expensive brand name trash compactor bags at grocery stores. Now I go to Kmart for their "American Fare" brand (rated tops in Consumer Reports) and purchase them in volume for 30% off and get a better quality.

Saving Powdered Beverage Containers for CraftsI save the containers for Crystal Light and use them to store beads, buttons, wire, and more.

1 Comment Comment

Squeezing the Last Out of a TubeInstead of buying a clip for squeezing out your toothpaste, conditioner tubes, etc., put the tube down on the counter and with the handle of a screwdriver or hair brush, push from the bottom up to the cap end.

1 Comment Comment

Store Fish Hooks in CorkWhen transporting fishing poles to fishing spot, you can keep the fishing hooks and lures from catching into something you don't want them too. Get a bottle cork and cut it in half or thirds. Now you can stick the hooks or fishing lures into the cork.

Toothpaste For Tarnish On SilverWhy buy expensive jewelry cleaner for my tarnished silver pieces? Now I use white toothpaste with an old used toothbrush.

2 Comments Comment

dog on lease looking up at owner

Understanding Dog PsychologyEvery dog is capable of behaving if we use these skills in this order: exercise - discipline - affection. To have the dog be less of a 'hassle' for you, you need to put the time in when you first get the dog to teach him good from bad and teach him manners.

3 Comments Comment

Animals Cracker As Dog TreatI use animal crackers (unfrosted) for a treat. I break them in half and stash them in a small bag in my pocket. They are not expensive, nor do they have a big odor. We are working on getting Eddie to drop his ball after retrieving it.

Frame Calendar Pictures

Frame Calendar PicturesWant some inexpensive picture frames for your decor, but don't want the expense? Save your calendars and select florals, scenes, etc. to accommodate your living decor. You may have to crop and cut them to fit behind the 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 inch opening mattes.

2 Comments Comment

Frugal and Healthy Food FindsI just came across an interesting site I would like to share with all. I haven't yet ordered will be doing so shortly. It's www.honeyvillegrain.com; they sell healthy products that I saw recommended several places.

Homemade Facial CleanserHere is a recipe for a face cleaner that will really leave your face feeling nice and smooth.

1 Comment Comment

Homemade Weed KillerTo kill dandelions, pour vodka into spray bottle and spray on dandelions on a sunny day. Add a little dish liquid for more stubborn weeds.

5 Comments Comment

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Link: Word Web Dictionary and Thesaurus SoftwareI recommend using "Word Web", a free software program that is a one-click English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows. It is not a spell checker but a dictionary/thesaurus. I have been using it for many years and use it daily.

2 Comments Comment

Wrapped wire jewelry tree.

Make Your Own Jewelry TreeI have been making jewelry at home to make money. Last week, I got a call to put my stuff in a shop in two days. The only problem was I had used my necklace display stand somewhere else.

Planting CabbagesWhen planting your cabbage in the spring, cut the bottom out of a two litter coke bottle. Take off lid and place the bottom of the bottle about 3 inches deep in the soil, so it can't turn over. This will keep cut worms from cutting off your plant.

Preserving Fresh VegetablesIf you keep highly perishable vegetables in your refrigerator and they go bad, here is a tip. I keep greens for several days, I use a few leaves per day. When I get them home, I put them under the water to clean them, then shake off the water.

Product Review: Witz SportscaseDuring my 45 hour train ride, I didn't want my ID and cards, cash, cell, etc. to get lost or stolen.I found this cute little box that closes shut and hangs around your neck. It held my cell, cards, cash, and I never felt vulnerable.

1 Comment Comment

Refrigerator List To Reduce Food WasteTo reduce the amount of food waste in my refrigerator, I keep a running list on my fridge door. I use a pad of paper with a magnet on the back, place it on my refrigerator, and list foods that needs to be used up, such as leftovers and "odd" items.

Safe Homemade Toys for PetsMany people like to make homemade toys for their children and pets. There are some very serious pros and cons to this idea.

1 Comment Comment

Sort Spare Change For Exact ChangeWhat to do with all that unwanted change in coins? You don't want to ever count it. I keep 4 plastic containers in my kitchen drawer now (for quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies).

1 Comment Comment

Uses for ClothespinsWho doesn't want to save a little money and keep numerous dry goods fresher longer? Head to your laundry room and grab all the cloths pegs you can.

2 Comments Comment

Using Baby Wipes for CleaningWasting money buying expensive wood cleaners like Pledge? Gentle baby wipes are perfect for wiping fine furniture and will not hurt it. Don't use Lysol wipes with alcohol.

2 Comments Comment

Velvet Bow-Tie Neck Pillow

Velvet Bow-Tie Neck PillowIf you are a less-than-tall person, but want a chair to fit you anyway, you may need a nice soft neck pillow. I made mine out of an of an old velvet bathrobe.

Organizing Toys?I have a 3 and 4 year old and they're currently sharing a room. I need a good organization tip to get all of them separated and together.

4 Answers Answer

Where Can I Buy Washing Soda?Where can I buy or order washing soda?

7 Answers Answer

Chill Food SafelyI had worked in many restaurants through the years and know the importance of keeping food either hot or cold. While preparing a meal, I chill my leftover bowls and tops in the freezer and when I have finished eating fill them with the hot food.

Grocery Shopping TipsI have worked in the grocery industry for over 15 years, so I'm going to share little secrets of how to shop and save big in your favorite local grocery store.

5 Comments Comment

Keep A Glass Of Water Near YouBefore you make a long phone call, sit down with a good book, watch a TV show, or whatever, put a small glass of water next to you. Tell yourself that when you finish with that, the glass will be empty.

2 Comments Comment

Keeping Mice Out of GardenKeep mice out of garden by mixing rat pellets with peanut butter and setting it out in your garden. The mice like the smell of peanuts.

7 Comments Comment

Link: Hemming JeansHow to Hem Jeans! I found this tip several years ago and I love, love, love it! If you do it correctly, you can't even tell they have been hemmed. It works on other pants, slacks, etc.

2 Comments Comment

Natural Mosquito RepellentFor insect repellent, essential oils such as clover, citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender, cedar and lemon grass repel bugs naturally. In a spray bottle, combine 1 1/2 tsp. essential oils per cup of vodka. Apply jojoba oil or almond oil to skin before spraying.

2 Comments Comment

Order Glasses OnlineI am so tired of losing my eyeglasses all the time. I used to buy my glasses at the Dollar Store but they weren't very fashionable. Now I found sellers on eBay that have gorgeous glasses that I buy for 10 at a time for $10.00.

2 Comments Comment

Preparing for an EmergencyAre you prepared for an emergency? Be prepared for almost every emergency with lots of canned food items. You should also store water and a hand can opener with the food. Make sure you have meats that are canned as they give you energy.

5 Comments Comment

Removing Stains on FormicaTo remove a stain on your Formica counter top, just slather a thick amount of dish washing detergent over it and let it sit for several hours, then wipe it up. The detergent seems to draw the stain into it.

Save Food Scraps for ChickensIf you know anyone that has chickens, save ALL your scraps, peelings, and fruit skins and give them to the chicken's owner. This keeps my garbage disposal and septic clean and the chickens have fruits and vegetables year round.

3 Comments Comment

Treating Dog WoundsIf your pet gets a laceration or bite, DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide. This will cause the wound to open more. Instead use a little soap and water or, better yet, use betadine liquid.

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