Daily Thrifty Tips - August 13, 2007

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.

Here are the contest winners for the week before last. Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something.

Tip Contest Winner

Top Shelf Rule
By Amy from Austin, Texas
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60030856.tip.html

Use Extra Earrings as Push Pins
By Terri H. from NV
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60030856.tip.html

Photo Contest Winners

Putting Samplers to Use
By Maura from New York, NY
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60030856.tip.html

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Phlox "David"

My phlox "David", so pure and simple looking.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Popsicle Stick Tree Ornament

Here's a cute tree ornament that is made from buttons, popsicle sticks and a little ribbon.

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Recycled Yarn Tote

I made a yarn tote from an empty container of pretzel mix, you can too. I bought the full container for $3.00 and knew just what I would use it for.

After I emptied it and washed it, I drilled 3 holes, spaced evenly on the top of the lid, 2 for the handle, and one for a rubber grommet that I bought at my local hardware store. I used a recycled plastic handle that I savaged from another item. But you can use some rope, twine and old purse handle, braided fabric, what ever you like. I fit the grommet in the hole, it has a lip that holds it in place with out glue of any kind.

Instant yarn tote, and it came with a snack!

I'm not just Fickle, I'm thrifty too.

By Ficklephonebug from Bakersfield

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Izzy (Domestic House Cat)

Izzy is about 1 year and is a domestic house cat. I got her from a friend.

She loves to chase a laser light, and play with her babies.

Izzy is the momma of 6, 8 week old kittens, pictures are posted in my photo book. She is the best momma.

By Nicole from Chesterton, Indiana

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Lemon Essential Oil For Room Freshener

One of the best room fresheners I have used is lemon essential oil. I bought a small bottle for under $5 at the health food store. It seems pricey but a very little bit goes a long way. Instead of using toxic air/room sprays or gels in the bathroom I simply dip a cotton swab into the essential oil and apply the oil inside the cardboard T.P. roll. Whenever you pull T.P. off the roll, you smell lemons. I also swab the oil inside the garbage can lids so you smell lemons when opened instead of garbage. Any scent would work but I like lemon essential oil for its uplifting "clean" smell. I also use it to scent my homemade cleaning products as well as a few drops mixed with water in my oil burner. You can also make a great linen spray id you dilute the oil in water in a clean spray bottle.

By Tracey from Duluth, MN

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Early Preparation for Garage Sales

I have several boxes set up in the garage for our annual garage sale. They are labeled: Toys, Clothes, Housewares, Books, and Misc. I keep a package of price stickers and a pen handy. Every time I come across something for the garage sale while cleaning, I put the items into the sale boxes and price it right then, When we are ready for the sale day I simply open the boxes and set things out for display. This has saved me time, energy, and allows me to get everything priced instead of waiting until the last minute. I also have a box for donations. When the garage sale is over, anything that did not sale, goes into the donation box.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Stamps: A Thoughtful Gift For Recently Bereaved

This is not a money saving tip or a 'green' one. When my sister's husband, an avid grower of beautiful roses, passed away several years ago, I purchased several books of commemorative postage stamps with roses. She was able to use them for the notes one is expected to send at a time of bereavement. She was moved to tears when she saw what I had done. This would be a good alternative to flowers or all the food which may or may not be eaten.

By Marty from Houston, TX

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Use Same Colored Primer For Painting Dark Walls

When you are faced with painting walls that are a dark colour, instead of painting the walls with just white Primer, add the same colour in the Primer that you intend to paint the walls. This will save a lot of time and money in painting the walls a second or even a third coat.

By Linda from Victoria, British Columbia

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Making A Patterned Rug With Clothing Dye

I had an old off white throw rug size 5x10 feet. I took 3 spray bottles. I filled one spray bottle with green RIT dye and a tablespoon of salt, and a tablespoon of laundry detergent. I then took another spray bottle and used RIT blue dye with the salt and laundry detergent. In the third bottle I used RIT brown dye and the salt and laundry detergent. I used a piece of wood 1 inch wide and a half inch thick and 6 feet long.

I did the stripes in the 3 different colors, alternating them so they worked: first brown, then blue, then green and repeat. I did 10 inch lines, then 5 inch lines, then 10 inch lines, then 5 inch lines, using the brown, blue and green alternating them. The spray bottles makes the color of each strip even. I also labeled each bottle with the color so I didn't mix up the pattern.

By Beth from Cambridge, New York

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Read the Instructions When Cleaning Appliances

I just found the instructions to our Bunn coffee maker (after 7 years). The round piece where the water comes out, actually screws out! I found so much lime/calcium deposits that I could just rinse out. All these years I've been using vinegar to clean out my coffee maker, only to have it clog up the following week. Now I know where the real problem existed. Next time I'm going to read the directions.

By Mikki from WI

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Ask For School Uniforms On Freecycle

One thing you could do to get uniforms, jackets and such is to put a post up on Freecycle or a Yahoo group. We have one here in Jefferson Parish, which is like a county. Maybe you can check to see if you have one in your town or area. You can just post on there asking for what your looking for and hope that somebody has it.

You never know, someone's child could have outgrown theirs and it could be in great shape. I know I have some right here that I am about to list in hopes that someone can use them. I am sure since you're on this site that you are like me and hate to have something not being used when you know someone could be using it. Make sure you post what you have lying around not being used. That way it keeps things fair. Also remember it's Freecycle which means Free

By Laura from Kenner, LA

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Removing Stuck Food From a Pan

If you find food stuck to the bottom of a pan after you've emptied it, simply fill the pan to cover the bottom with water, set it on a burner, and bring the water to a boil. Turn the burner off and allow the hot water to sit for a few minutes, then gently rub the bottom of the pan with a large spoon or spatula. The food will immediately loosen and make washing the pan so much easier.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

More Ideas

Salt And Cold Water

By Mommyofsix Baking soda works just fine also for removing stuck-on food. Just fill the pan with a couple inches of water, add some baking soda and boil for a few minutes.

By Sewingmamma

Fabric Softener Sheet

By Terry from Chilli, OH

All Fabric Bleach

By Skbeal

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Major Split in Poplar Tree

I have a big beautiful poplar tree in my back yard. It is the only shade that we receive but I have a problem. There is a major split going right down the middle of the trunk right down to the ground. I'm scared that one day I will wake up and find both sides down on the ground. Is there any way to save my tree?

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McAlisters Deli Cheesy Broccoli Soup

I have completely fallen in love with McAlister's Deli, Cheesy Broccoli Soup. Anyone have their specific recipe?! It's fantastic.

Sarah from Chattanooga, TN

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No Credit Mail Order

Does anybody know of any companies like Popular Club that have name brand merchandise that you can order, receive, and make monthly payments with no credit information given.

Lolita

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Dinosaur Foam Mask Templates

I saw some dinosaur foamie faces at the party store. So, where can I find a template or stencil to use to make our own faces for a birthday party?

Christy from El Paso

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White Pimple On Finger

I have this weird pimple like whitish bump on the pad of my left middle finger. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what it is?

Mackenzie from Millington, TN

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Care Advice For Moss

After starting moss on rocks with the buttermilk recipe can you cover with clear plastic?

Hardiness Zone: 6b


Jackie from Towanda KS,

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Advice On Moving Outdoor Plants From Alaska To Colorado

I am selling my house and eventually moving into another house. I would like to take some of my outside plants with me. However, I will probably live in an apartment for about 6 months to a year before I find another house. Can I plant a Peonia into a pot and keep it indoors until I can return to a more permanent outside garden? Also, what about a Bleeding heart? I tried to winter a Bleeding Heart last year, by putting it in a semi-dark, cool room and sprinkling it lightly with water every now and then, but it didn't make it. One more question: I may move from Alaska(zone 5-6) to Colorado(zone 4-7), Can you take a piece of the root of the above mentioned plants and still have success re-growing? How.

Mary

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Organic Pet Food Recipes

I am looking for free organic dog/cat recipes for food/treats.

Jane from Peterborough Ontario Canada

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Planting Flowers in Old Wheelbarrow

I would appreciate info on planting flowers in a very old wheelbarrow. It has curved sides so not many pots can fit in it. If I drill a hole in the bottom for drainage and put dirt in it to plant the flowers in, will the bottom rust out?

Hardiness Zone: 10b


R. Anderson from Templeton, CA

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How To Fix A Squeaky Bed

Hello,

We have recently purchased a second hand, pine, canopy bed, which I absolutely love - except!...it squeaks terribly.

I think it is from the slats rubbing on the boards holding the mattress up. Can I do anything to make it stop? Put beeswax on both pieces of wood? Please don't tell me that it is irreparable.

Thank you for your help.

Sharon from Olympia, WA

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Advice For Making Clothes From Duct Tape

How do you make duct tape clothes?

Desi from Seattle, WA

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Does Watermelon Have To Be Kept Cold?

I'm going on a picnic and I forgot to get a disposable cooler for my watermelon, which will be cut off the rind and cut into serving size pieces. Do I have to keep watermelon cold? I have two foil pans, 3 empty ice cream buckets and ice.

Jeanette from Detroit, MI

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Advice For Potty Training Toddler

My daughter is wanting to get started on potty training her almost 2 year (Oct.) old daughter. Right now the child will sit on the potty, but she doesn't want to take her pants down. She screams every time you tell her she needs to take her pants down. She says NO!
So the mom doesn't pursue it any further. Do you all have any suggestions for her? Thanks for any replies. P.S. I love this site!

Teresa from Va.

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Painting Advice With Apple Decor

I have a apple kitchen, everything from curtains to decor, my walls now are a light green. I am wanting to repaint, but I need a good color that goes with apples. My cabinets are getting redone also, I am painting them white.

Linda from Cookeville, TN

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Parade Float Ideas With Community Theme

Need float ideas! The nursing home where I work is participating in a community parade. The theme is "Doing for the Community". Any ideas?

Katie from Green Valley, AZ

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Removing Cloth From Bottom of Pot

I put a hot pot on to a piece of cloth unknowingly and now there are remains of the cloth on the bottom of the pot. How can I get them off?

Shaunie

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Flattening Area Rug

How to flatten out an area rug (fiber content is jute) that was rolled up when received about 6 months ago and the rolled marks still are there.

Ruth from West Bend, WI

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How To Use Banana Peelings As Floor Wax

What are the ingredients and procedures to make banana peelings as a floor wax.

Ghie from Makati Metro Manila, Philippines

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Reusing Childproof Pill Bottle

Does anyone have any ideas on uses for the brown plastic childproof pill bottle? These are the ones that Wal-Mart uses.

Hobo62 from Tennessee

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Need Recipes For "Unusual" Vegetables

Hi, I'm hoping that some of you folks can help me. I have been getting a box of organic fruits and veggies delivered every other week for a few months now and I love it. This week I got a bunch of raw beets (with greens). I have no idea what to do with these.

I also get chard or kale in pretty much every box and I'm never sure what to do with those either. I've done some soups with beans, or potatoes but they are always just so-so. I've also stir-fried with them but that is only OK too.

Other veggies that I have been stumped with have been: turnips, eggplant, fava beans, fennel and leeks. The leeks were the easiest because I made a soup and it was delicious but I would love some other ideas. I love to cook new things but I have two young boys that automatically dislike "green" things on principle. Because of the produce box, they now eat broccoli, zucchini and mushrooms without too much fighting, but new stuff has to be snuck in.

Thanks so much. I hope you all have a ton of ideas for me.

Jess in Portland, OR

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Removing Mildew from Leather

Does anyone know how to clean of mildew from leather car seat?

Endsy from Houston, TX

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What Happens To Discontinued Products At Target?

What happens to discontinued items from Target? I'm looking for a comforter set. The Corsica by Westpoint Stevens sold only at Target if anyone knows where I can get 1 in king size please let me know.

Jane from Lees Summit, MO

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Excited Dog Peeing in the House

My neighbor has a blue heeler mix and everyday when I go over to her house, he will pee everywhere. I'm guessing he gets excited. It's not just me, everybody, even when she pets him. Is there any way to break him of this or if anyone has any tips I'd appreciate it, cause pee running down my leg is not very pleasant.

Leah from Texas

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Mosquito Problems, Decorate with Geraniums

I have a severe mosquito problem at my home. Only outside, thankfully, but that's where I like to spend all of my time. I don't have any standing water that I'm aware of but my lot is surrounded by pine trees. What can I do to get rid of them? I am getting anywhere from 3 to 50 bites (yes, that many) every time I walk outside for more than 5 minutes. I'm miserable. Please help!

Maggie from Virginia

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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

Gilchrist & Soames Initiates Urgent Worldwide Toothpaste Voluntary Recall

Gilchrist & Soames, an Indianapolis-based provider of toiletry products for the hotel industry, has initiated a worldwide voluntary recall of its Gilchrist & Soames 0.65oz/18ml toothpaste manufactured in China for the company by Ming Fai Enterprises International Co., LTD, after independent tests showed some samples of the toothpaste contained diethylene glycol, or DEG.

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Recycling Last Year's School Supplies
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

It's time to go back to school which means it's an expensive time for parents. Besides buying new clothes and school supplies, time is spent cleaning out last years' things to make way for the new. Try to use some of the old to make the new and save some money.

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$10 Anytime Holiday Dinner

These meals are intended to be a relatively simple and healthy weeknight meal for a family of four. We assume that these dinners are being made in a kitchen stocked with regular kitchen staples. We will not include prices of oil, sugar, flour, spices, etc. unless you need a 1/4 cup or more. Regional food prices may vary and can be reduced by smart shopping techniques.

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