Thrifty Tip Contest (June 12 - 18, 2010) | ThriftyFun

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Thrifty Tip Contest
(June 12 - 18, 2010)

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

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Duration	Entries
June 12 - 18, 2010	61

Tip: Hanging Bottle Decoration

melody_yesterday
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 228 Posts

June 15, 2010

Finding pop in round bottles last week sat my heart to racing to realize that a little colored water in each hung from beaded twine would do wonders for my yard which is mostly "basic green."

Comment Pin it! Was this helpful? 17

Tip: Take Tupperware for Leftovers When Dining Out

June 15, 2010

It is common knowledge that styrofoam equals sustainability's nemesis. When I am forced to take home an entirely too large take-home box after a meal out, I cringe. To solve this, I take a tough, non leaking, Tupperware with me when I eat out now.

Comment Was this helpful? 14

Tip: Dryer Sheets for Insect Repellent

June 14, 2010

Bounce dryer sheets are great to use as a mosquito repellent. Just rub it on all exposed areas then tie it to a belt loop. I use them while mowing the lawn.

Comment Was this helpful? 13

Admire Gardens While At Garage SalesI love to garden but I also like to spend leisure time at garage sales; sometimes I combine the two. Whenever the host(ess) of the sale is an avid gardener, I often admire their work and tell them so.

1 Comment Comment

Bird With Beads

Be Careful What Your Bird Plays WithMy daughter made a lanyard for her phone using beads and chain. Recently, her Masked Indian Ringneck (MIR) parakeet was chewing on her lanyard and managed to get one of the beads off of the chain.

5 Comments Comment

Bottle Your Own BeveragesRecycle standard size, screw-cap soft drink bottles for your family. I have found using the screw-cap soft drink bottles are wonderful for taking drinks with me to work for my small office refrigerator. They freeze very well and are great for car trips.

4 Comments Comment

Chicken Livers to Reduce Dog SheddingTo minimize my Welsh Corgi's shedding problem, I cook up chicken livers once a week and give her a couple pieces mixed in with her dog food. The liver makes her coat soft and shiny and she hardly sheds at all. It's a miracle!

2 Comments Comment

Egg Cartons For SeedlingsWhen growing small flower seeds use biodegradable egg trays. When the seedlings are ready for planting in the garden just pop the whole tray in the garden and cover tray with soil.

1 Comment Comment

Product Review: Pet Hair Eliminator BroomIt is the best broom I have ever used and has outlasted two vacuum cleaners. I use it before I vacuum, because it gets most of the dirt, paper, dog hair, etc. that gets tracked in on the living room carpet.

3 Comments Comment

Removing Tape From Windows?Have you ever had unwanted tape left over on windows and glass surfaces? Spread a thin portion of smooth peanut butter on the taped area. Wait 2-3 hours and use a putty blade or any any flat somewhat sharp tool.

3 Answers Answer

Unemployment Filing TipsIn this economy, one never knows when unemployment will happen. My husband's trade will layoff and furlow regularly and I have learned a few tricks to make it quicker to file and start receiving payments.

3 Comments Comment

Use Old Swimsuit For ExercisingLast year I purchased a new woman's swim suit for myself. I didn't know what to do with the smaller one that I couldn't wear to the pool. I contemplated on whether to donate it to the Good Will or Salvation Army, but I came up with another solution.

Write Favorite Recipes in Flyleaf of Cookbook

Write Favorite Recipes in CookbookTake a favorite cook book of yours and write in your favorite family recipes on the flyleaf of the book, to avoid having to look them up each time that you use them.

1 Comment Comment

Don't Charge iPhone in CarYou should not be in the habit of charging your iPhone in the car using a car charger. If you do, make sure you only plug the phone in after the vehicle has been cranked, and remove the phone from the charger before the vehicle has been turned off.

3 Comments Comment

Feed Cats Soft Food to Increase HydrationI saw that it is better to feed a cat homemade or canned food than to give it dry food, since a cat will not drink enough water for it's own health. Probably a better idea might be to mix soft food with dry food or do all soft food.

6 Comments Comment

Freeze Yogurt for SmoothiesThis is a way to save that uneaten yogurt that is near its expiration date. I toss the yogurt container in the freezer and add it to smoothies in the blender as needed. Yes, it will expand a bit as it freezes, but I have never had a lid pop.

2 Comments Comment

Garden: Blue IrisWhen I married my husband and moved here, his yard was a jungle of plants. Not being a gardener, my first inclination was to bulldoze the entire thing. Better judgment won out.

2 Comments Comment

Join a Local Bird Watching GroupI recently signed up online with a group called BirdYak through the Audubon society. They get together and go on outings to various areas around here to watch and identify the many species of birds that live here year round and those who migrate through the area too.

2 Comments Comment

Soak Okra Seeds Before PlantingIf anyone is having problems getting okra seeds to grow, try soaking them in pure bleach overnight. The next day don't wash off the bleach and plant them as usual. My dad planted some four days ago he'd soaked in bleach and they're already up and 3 inches tall.

Books Stacked on Plate Stacker

Store Children's Books on Plate StackerA plate stacker is a nice way to store children's books. Since I had one, I decided to use it for this purpose, and it is really nice. I don't put tons of books out at once. I change them periodically so the kids don't lose interest.

2 Comments Comment

Store Shredder in Picnic BasketIn the past I had trouble shredding my documents because my shredder was not in a handy place. I grabbed an old picnic basket and put the shredder inside, closed the lid, and ran the electrical cord through an existing hole in the weave.

2 Comments Comment

Use a Stocking as a Keyboard CoverI recently bought a new black keyboard and a package of knee-highs. Once the keyboard was connected, the stocking went on. I safety pinned the end so it wouldn't come off. It helps keep the cord out of the way and definitely is keeping things out of the keyboard.

3 Comments Comment

Use Bubble Wrap in Vases

Use Bubble Wrap in VasesWhile looking for something to go into the bottom of vases to hold flowers for my daughter's wedding and keep the costs down, I ran across some bubble wrap laying around that was shaped like ice cubes.

1 Comment Comment

Use Orange Hand Cleaner to Clean VinylAutoZone sells a hand cleaner called Permatex Fast Orange hand cleaner that also cleans vinyl. It makes the vinyl look like new no matter how dirty it is. My grandson called me and said he had discovered this while he was cleaning his boat.

Use Plumbers Cloth for CleaningSome things can be very difficult to clean, as we all know, but I have a solution to many of my cleaning problems. It is called plumbers cloth and can be purchased at Ace Hardware.

2 Comments Comment

Absorbine Jr. as Bug RepellentWhen you're out in the yard working and don't want the mosquitoes to bite, dab on Absorbine Junior behind each ear, on both arms,and below your knees. I cut grass in the evening, that's where the mosquitoes settle and I never get bites.

1 Comment Comment

Chew Gum to Avoid Ear InfectionsAfter my son suffered through a few ear infections while in kindergarten, our Doctor recommended letting our son chew gum along with a dose of our choice of kids' cold medicine the next time the sniffles were coming on.

2 Comments Comment

Cook with Butcher Paper for Easy Clean-upDid you know you can cook just about anything and ease clean up with butcher paper? Use it in the oven to cook bacon, bread, chicken, or your favorites and the ease of cleanup will amaze you.

8 Comments Comment

Create a Computer Troubleshooting BinderI love my computer but must admit that I'm not savvy on it at all. I am forever coming across a problem that I don't know how to fix and having to call HP, AOL or somebody to help me.

9 Comments Comment

Fast Food Happy HoursWe save money and have fun during the summer by taking advantage of happy hours at the local restaurants (DQ and Steak 'n Shake, etc.) Between 2:00 and 4:00pm you can order any milk shake or beverage for half price.

1 Comment Comment

Organizing Kitchen GadgetsI love to cook and I love gadgets; therefore my kitchen drawers are overflowing with so many things that I can't find what I am looking for.

2 Comments Comment

Rubbing Alcohol as a Flea RepellentTo keep fleas at bay, you can spray your pet and the bedding and carpets with Wintergreen scented rubbing alcohol. It's an easy, inexpensive solution for an occasional flea.

13 Comments Comment

Save Favorite Recipes OnlineEnter your favorite family recipes onto the ThriftyFun website for preservation in case your house ever catches on fire. Spread the recipes around; give to family members, put in safe deposit box, make copies and bury in the backyard.

1 Comment Comment

cup of lemon balm tea with fresh and dried leaves

Soothing Effects of Lemon Balm TeaWhen I first was given a start of lemon balm, I had no idea what to do with it! The second season, I was pretty wary because it had spread over a large area. It spreads by seeds and maybe by runners underground.

1 Comment Comment

Use Cobweb Catcher to Clean Behind ToiletSince I blow my hair dry in the bathroom after every shower my floor becomes disgusting in a short time. I used to hate getting on my hands and knees to clean behind the toilet and my pedestal sink.

5 Comments Comment

Use Heat Pump to Power Water HeaterMy husband and I recycle and compost. We have some big concerns about filling up land fills and until someone starts an energy producing plant using the waste we produce, this is our way of trying to help.

1 Comment Comment

Use Sandwich Bags Instead of Paper PlatesIf you forget paper plates when going on picnics I use sandwich bags as plates. They are clean and I carry a lot with me to use for many things. Even in motels we take snacks with us when we travel.

1 Comment Comment

Using Every Last Bit Out Of Bottles And TubesGet all the product that you paid for out of the bottle or tube before throwing it out. Plastic tubes are easily cut in half with scissors. Then you can reach in and get out the toothpaste, lotion, or whatever is in it.

4 Comments Comment

Edging and Trimming Your LawnTo save time and money trimming and edging the grass along your sidewalks and driveway, simply drop one side of the the wheels on your walk behind lawnmower mower all the way down until that side barely touches the solid surface of your sidewalk/driveway.

1 Comment Comment

Find Inexpensive Ways to Follow Fashion TrendsI realize that I have gotten into the habit of looking at fashion trends in magazines, then figuring out an inexpensive way to follow the fashion.

Give Ice Cubes as Dog TreatsInstead of buying pricey, high-calorie dog treats, we give our dogs ice cubes as treats. They love them! The ice cubes are free, zero calories, and help keep the dogs hydrated. They come running every time they hear ice falling into a glass.

2 Comments Comment

Link: StillTasty.comEver wonder how long your favorite food or beverage will stay safe and tasty or the best way to store it? Get the answers for thousands of items!

1 Comment Comment

Mark Dosage on BottleI got tired of squinting at the tiny dosage directions printed on many pain reliever bottles when needing something. When a new bottle/brand is bought, I take my black, permanent marker and write the dosage in bigger print on the bottle.

Uses for Kitty Litter

Other Uses for Kitty LitterIf you have a stinky pair of gym shoes you would like to deodorize, try cat litter. Put some fresh litter into a couple of old socks (about a half cup in each), tie the tops, and tuck them inside the offending shoes.

3 Comments Comment

Removing Ink Stains From LeatherA client of mine accidentally made a long ink pen line on the leather in my Cadillac. I tried all of the suggested removal methods and they did not remove the ink. Finally, I decided to call Dr. Vinyl in Naples, FL to have the area redyed.

Standard Can Size MeasurementsPicnic = 10-1/2 to 12 oz. = 1-1/4 cups, 12 oz. vacuum = 12 oz. = 1-1/2 cups, #1 can = 11 oz. = 1-1/3 cup

Use Everyday Items For CraftsInstead of going out to Jo-Ann Fabric's to buy things for children's crafts, use some everyday items like aluminum foil and tissue paper.

Use Refrigerator as Dry Erase BoardWhiteboards are awesome items to have around the house. Uses range from chore lists to honey-do lists and reminders. If you don't own one already, I bet you already have one that you weren't aware of - your refrigerator!

4 Comments Comment

Waterless Car Wash"Wash" your car during a water shortage by wiping it down with a soft cloth (microfiber works well), while there is dew on it in the morning. A lot of grime comes off with the moisture.

2 Comments Comment

Cleaning Under Nails After GardeningI hate how dirt gets under my nails when I garden. No matter how hard I try, I couldn't get all the dirt out from under my nails. Then I discovered the dish sprayer from the kitchen sink.

5 Comments Comment

Get Two Uses From Your CeleryYou've all seen the tip about celery? Well, last year I cut off the sticks, put the base in water. When it grew more roots. I planted it in the garden. All I got was a few spindly sticks, but it set seed.

2 Comments Comment

Hydrogen Peroxide For Blood StainsI had two shepherd dogs who were sisters but once in a while would get into an arguments. One day they did and got some blood on one of my favorite pillow covers. The pillow cover was tossed into the laundry basket instead of the wash.

3 Comments Comment

Shower

Keep Dogs' Water in Walk-In ShowerOur two dogs were always splashing and dripping water from their water bowl that I kept in the kitchen. Not anymore! My husband, Patricio, has a walk-in shower and the dogs now know where their water bowl is.

Product Review: Wet 'n' Wild Shine Clear Nail PolishI do not buy the pricey topcoats that cost as much as $9.00. I have found this brand does just as good of a job on my nails to protect them with or without a polish under the Shine Clear.

Put Cinnamon in Cottage CheeseWe know that cinnamon is very good for us. We know low-fat cottage cheese is good for us. Put them together for a yummy side dish or treat any time of the day!

Recycled Pin CushionSave a cap/top from your liquid laundry detergent container. Rinse and wipe dry. To weight the cap/top, fill half of the center with aquarium stones or, if you live near the beach, use some small pebbles from the shore.

Reuse Small Perfume Bottles as Bottle StopperI have always wondered what to do with the little bottles left over from small spray perfumes. If only they opened so I could re-use them! But, still, they are too pretty to throw out and I am always thinking of ways to recycle them.

Storing 5 Gallon Plastic BucketsThere is an easy solution to un-stick 5 gallon buckets and keep them from sticking again. Set a hair dryer on highest heat and airflow. You want to warm up the bottom bucket to make it expand.

3 Comments Comment

Use Electric Egg Poacher to Reheat LeftoversI buy tamales and place them in the freezer. When I want one or two I place them in the steamer and they turn out very well, but my steamer is very large for only one or two tamales.

Use Glass Mason Jar as MeasureUse a glass mason jar as a measuring cup for liquids. It has all the markings listed on the side.

1 Comment Comment

Use Shower Gel to Wash DelicatesWhen I used to get shower gel in an expensive perfume gift set. I learned that the shower gel is just delicate enough to use on my delicates.

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