Daily Thrifty Tips - May 16, 2006

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Instead of throwing out that old cigar box, why not make it into a fashion statement this July 4th. A variation of a cigar purse with an American Flag on the outside

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I just thought I would drop a note and show everyone what Berwick, Maine is going through with rain. It has been raining heavy since Friday and there is no sign of it letting up. These pictures were taken 2 blocks up the street. Possible evacuations later because possible dam failures 20 miles north.

By Debbie from Berwick, Maine

Editor's Note:

It looks like most places have hit their highest points and hopefully are on the way down but more rainfall is predicted. It's a horrible flood. I hope all of you in New England are staying safe and dry.

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Riley is our 5 year old Bernese Mountain Dog (possible Mix) and was rescued by a local animal shelter. He was neglected and starved (weighing only 55 pounds and completely bald on his belly). We adopted him 6 months ago and he has been an amazing addition to our family - we love him!

He LOVES to go on walks and play hide-and-seek in the house. Now that Riley has joined our family, he is a happy and healthy dog. He has long hair everywhere (including on his stomach where he had been bald) and weighs in at a more healthy for his breed 95 pounds. He loves playing with our 2 cats and just hanging out with us, and we love hanging out with him too. How could we resist this adorable face?

By Caroline from San Diego, CA

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Here is a great way to cover up those scuff marks on a pair of shoes that you still love! Cover the scuffs with a "Sharpie" or any permanent marker in a shade that matches. This will make your shoes look like new again - and is much cheaper than buying another pair (especially if they still have a lot of wear left).

By Carol from Landisville, PA

Editor's Note: If you have leather shoes that are brown or black, keep some shoe polish on hand for those colors. It works well on scuff marks. The tip above can be really helpful for shoes that are a color other than black or brown, or for shoes that are not made of leather.

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If you have sensitive skin, try this exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.

Just mix together the following ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 cup of cornmeal
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. olive oil

Apply to face. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry.

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If you love gardening, but don't want to spend all your savings on keeping everything blooming, this is the book for you. It will tell you everything you need to know about gardening and landscaping beautifully on the cheap.

It's called: "The Budget Gardener"
by Maureen Gilmer

By Marnita from Cumming GA

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This gives your guests a chance to show off their mothering skills. All you need is a doll roughly the size of a real baby, a diaper, safety pins and a stopwatch. Time each guest on how long it takes him or her to diaper the baby. Whoever diapers the fastest wins.

If the mother is having twins or triplets you can use the appropriate number of dolls.

By Hope

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Use any type of FOAMING soap dispenser - (hand soap, shampoo, body wash, dish soap, etc.) I personally use a recycled kid's foaming body wash dispenser. Put in 1 part Dawn or other dish detergent and 7 parts water into dispenser and shake gently. Costs MUCH LESS to use a pump or two of foaming soap than a squirt of full strength detergent for washing a pan or two or just a few plates. I use antibacterial Dawn so it can double as a hand soap too.

By Reba Gayle Shurden from Maben, MS

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When taking a course with a new professor try to gage how he will do his testing. Does he focus on classroom discussion, reading, obscure references? What will you have to know on test day? For the first test be prepared for anything. Study hard and know the material inside and out.

After the test, examine it. See where the bulk of the questions come from. Next time there's a test; focus more on his favorite testing area. As always, stay up with the rest of the class and take notes, but realize that since a major component of the test may be coming from one area, it deserves most of your attention.

Brandi M. Seals

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I mentioned part of this one other time, to make costume jewelry, that looks pretty glitzy for being fake, use that clay that is sold in so many stores made by the Crayola people, it comes in a foil container and has the red green and yellow markings that crayola crayons do.

Anyway you can make earrings, pins, necklaces etc. I accidentally found out that when it is damp it will pick up the color and shine that is on the sheets of transfer foil, If you want to make a necklace you can shape a design sort of like a small tablespoon and make it so it will almost wraparound, you can find an imprint of a leaf or shell or anything you find interesting, after you have the shape you like take the foil and press it against the clay, it is almost addicting, you can use the black or white, or other colors, you could also put glitter on it, and to protect it when it is dry you can use clear fingernail polish. You might get some fun Mother's Day ideas, when I tried the foil with my grandson's and there friends they thought it was like magic, of course follow all the safety instructions and if you use the clear polish use in a well ventilated area, maybe there are some kids in your neighborhood that can't afford mother's day gifts, so have fun.

You might end up the favorite Mom in your's. Also if you have jewelry that needs glitzing up you could use the clay to repair a chip and I have even used an idea like this. I had gold colored, not real jewelry and I used Aileen's foil glue and the gold foil, then smoothed it, and used the fingernail polish to protect it. You can also get real gold leaf, more expensive. Hope somebody tries this and let's me know how it turns out.

One other idea, the molds in the store for clay work really well, I use a little bit of vaseline to keep the clay from sticking to the mold.

P.S. if the clay does not want to take the shine, make sure you are using the correct side, and dampen the clay just a little more. It air dries, you can use multi colored metallics and maybe a little pink acrylic metallic paint and come out with something that looks like blackhills gold. You can use crochet thread for the pendant holder and those small bangle like sequins, the ones that I found were from Cartwright Sequins, on the internet. I was able to get a crochet hook through them, or you could just use that pretty polished cotton, I think it is sold by the yard.

By Kersti from Bellevue, Washington

Editor's Note: We'd love to see pictures of some of these things completed.

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Even though I don't like to complain, there have been several times I have done just that. Here are a few tips to resolve complaints.

If you're dissatisfied with the service you've received, or if a product doesn't live up to its claim, you should always take your issues directly to the company or retailer. Here are a few tips to lodging an effective complaint:

1. Complain in writing.

2. Make sure you outline exactly what will make you happy, whether it's your money back or a replacement product.

3. If the issue still isn't resolved, take your complaint to a local media outlet. Jack Gillis says, "Sometimes, simply copying the retailers on the complaint is enough to get them to help you solve your problem."

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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I grew up in a wonderful family. Mom and Dad brought we four children up with dignity and love. Sometimes you realize life is good but you eventually realize it is very special and you have been blessed with the best parents you could have ever had. Dad had a good job and Mom worked part time to help the family budget.

We had a move that really shook me up the year I was going into Grade Twelve which of course is Graduation Year. Our parents did not want a fuss made of them and not only did not tell their friends until the last minute but they did not tell my sister and I who were moving with them.

We lived near a military base and my parents made the young military apprentices very welcome. These fellows were getting their schooling while getting their military training.

At their graduation, I met Frank, my future husband. We got married young and lived on very little. I made bread and stretched meat although it did not seem we were short on anything. I made pies from apples and other fruits I picked. Cinnamon buns were easy to make.

We had one footstool and the rest of the furniture came with the duplex. We did not have a phone for the first year. It took us three years to afford a car. Our son, Frankie, was born a year after we got married. We were careful and he was well dressed and well fed all the time. We got an extra $8 family allowance a month when he was born which helped. Frank's pay was $125.

Frank was away a lot so we had to split the money up so I could pay everything on the home end and Frank needed money on his end. If the military overpaid, accidentally, they took the money back in a lump sum.

We always ate well, had a tidy home and had a happy family. There is always something to enjoy even when the cupboards look bare and the furniture is old.

Bev Sobkowich from Chilliwack BC

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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Window shopping can be fun and useful - I went to an upscale craft fair over the weekend and saw several things at MUCH higher prices which I had gotten for MUCH less. (Like a craft glass pin for $20 - I had just gotten one just like it at a thrift shop the day before for pennies!)

I realize that all my experience at looking around had helped me to define what I WANTED and that I have been able to GET those things on MY budget by shopping at thrift shops, discount stores, and elsewhere where I can AFFORD it. Who knows that MY impressionistic landscape painting cost less than $20 - or that my art glass was on sale? Or that I have a vintage necklace just like the one over in that booth which I GOT for $5, not $50? Conspicuous consumption is not for me - just so I can boast about how much I spent. It's the pleasure I get from what I have that counts.

By Pam from L.A., CA

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My son had a blue crayon in his pocket. I washed it and dried it. Now I have blue clothes and a the inside of the drier is blue? How do I get it out?

P.L. from Muscotah, KS

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I would like to obtain a recipe and instructions for meatballs that you can prepare and freeze to be used in multiple ways, like spaghetti, sandwiches, etc. I was told about a preparation method involving pressing the meat in a pan, cutting into smaller squares, and rolling each smaller square into a meatball. Anyone have any idea of what I am talking about here? Sounds like a very timesaving idea for busy families!

Thank you!
Pam from Columbus, NE

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Last year I purchased a very expensive pair of BORN Sandals. They are entirely made of leather. By late summer, last year, and now this summer already, they have acquired a nasty smell under my feet. Is there anything I can do to get rid of this odor? I know its not my feet, because this does not happen in any other shoes or sandals.

Thanks a bunch!
Julie

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My yellow trumpet vine has never flowered after a few years. I just read your advice to cut it way back before it gets its leaves. Is it too late to do it now? I trimmed some of the longer branches, but it is starting to get leaves. Can I still cut it way back?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Thanks,
Patty from Pine Bush, NY

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I can not think of any ideas for a 10 year old sleepover. I want it to be fun and cool so my friends like it.

Thanks,
Vrock96 from New Jersey

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I have a mark on my dark wood coffee table that I am unable to remove. We placed a hot pizza box on the table and it has left a white and gray mark. I have tried cleaners and lemon juice but nothing has worked. Any suggestions about how to fix this would be appreciated.

Shelley from Australia

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My cock-a-poo is constantly having a problem with his ears. He is constantly scratching and then whimpers in pain. Any suggestion or remedies for my little dog?

Thank you,
Maltb from Toronto

Editor's Note: If you haven't already, be sure to consult a vet about this problem. It could be serious.

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I was wondering if anyone knows how to get candle wax off of linoleum floors?

Thanks,
Momma of 2 Girls from NY

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I have some foul smelling clothes. I tried vinegar, fabreeze, lestoil, baking soda the works. I have to wash my clothes 2 times a week and the smell is still there. Any ideas.

Deborah from NYC

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Does anyone have a pattern for a simple and fast doggie bed?

Thanks,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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I am interested in finding a good store, website, or eBay store for mineral makeup along with recommendations of the best brands. I have tried one of the drugstore brands and was not impressed. I have heard the better brands are of good quality. Any recommendations?

Thank you in advance.
Sarah from Mooresville, NC

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I hate those rough texture coats they put on refrigerators, they are hard to clean? Any suggestions would be great, plus i am a smoker so that doesn't help any.

Sue Ramsey From Washington,IN

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The linkage to my plunger type drain broke and the remainder of the rod fell bak down in the pipe where the lever is located. How do I retrieve it? is there a magnet that can be used? HELP!

HJenkins

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Can any one tell me how to get the white stains, left by underarm deodorant, off materials such as cotton?

UK Nurse from Prescott, AZ

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When I become nervous or get very stressful, I end up with one particular outbreak of "blister" or "shingles" on my thigh. Any known natural remedies or cures for this?

Thanks,
Maltb from Toronto

Editor's Note: Please seek medical advice for this problem if you haven't already.

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I am looking for a 3 Bean Italian salad, I had it while in the hospital and it tasted fantastic. I know hospital food usually doesn't taste good, but this was! I know it had white beans (navy or great northern) and pimentos and a great dressing, the rest I don't remember. Anyone have a real good one?

TIA
AJ from Springfield, MO

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Does anyone know a frugal way of safely removing tear stains from dogs' eyes? My best friend has two little Yorkies, and she said that the tear stain removal pads are very expensive. I tried Google, but only found a "recipe" that called for Milk of Magnesia and corn starch and that doesn't sound safe to me.

Thanks in advance! :-)

azDana from Tempe, AZ

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I once saw a show on how to make a poster look like a painting on canvas by pasting the poster onto a piece of stretched canvas with podgee. Does anyone have the instructions?

Sam from Toronto Canada

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I am new to site and looking for help. I am searching for a switch for a Craftsman "60" electrical drill. Both Models 315.7901, and 315.7750. Both are great drills, and will run a long time, if I can find the switches. Both switches have the A-H 3A-250V and 6A-125V stamped on the side. For most of my work, I would rather use the 110 volt tools.

Thanks for any help you can send my way!
Sawdust from Sheboygan

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I have a couch that has some small rips in the seat cushions. Can anyone recommend how to repair that with out replacing the cushions? I'm not sure if sewing will keep it from ripping every time someone sits on it.

Thanks!
Vandanamasih from Dallas, TX

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This easy version of a traditional Italian favorite is great to keep in the freezer in the event of unexpected company. Serve over linguini or fettuccini for a delicious and elegant dinner.

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Breed Description: The Manx is famous for its lack of tail. This medium-sized cat is sturdy and rounded with short front legs and long back legs. Its head is large and broad and the coat is either short, or semi-long and thick. They are striking in appearance, yet ordinary. There are four recognized categories of the Manx: The Rumpy (completely tailless), The Rumpy Riser (one, two or three vertebrae fused to the end of the spine, and giving the cat a "knob" where their tail would be), and The Longy (with almost a full-length tail).

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Tomatoes are members of the nightshade family. Originally from South and Central America, today the tomato is grown worldwide for its brightly colored, edible fruits. Red tomatoes contain the pigment lycopene, a well-known antioxidant thought to help prevent some cancers.

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Steering a canoe efficiently can cause quite a bit of frustration for the novice canoeist. The best advice is to do a little as possible and when you do need to correct the course, do it with the least amount of effort. This will ensure you don't get stuck in a cycle of overcorrecting yourself. If the two paddlers are well matched in terms of strength, major adjustments to the course will be unnecessary. When this is not the case, it is best to have the most skilled paddler in the stern seat in order to compensate for the increased steering responsibility.

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Lick, lick, lick. Nibble nibble. In my house, we start the day with a vigorous leg-chewing session.

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The short answer is yes, you can paddle a canoe by yourself. It is infinitely easier to do with two people but with a few minor alterations, you should be able to have a pleasant journey.

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Here's a project that only sounds messy. The only disgusting part is to think some plumber would charge you a couple hundred to do it.

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Stocking up is easy, once you get the hang of it. When you find an exceptional deal, you buy as much as you can afford and reasonably use before it spoils.

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