Daily Thrifty Tips - November 19, 2007

I hope everyone had a great weekend! If you are looking for Thanksgiving tips, crafts or recipes be sure to check out our Thanksgiving topic site here:

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Here are the contest winners for the week before last.

Photo Contest Winner

Quilted Tote Bag
By Maria from Somerville, MA

Tip Contest Winners

Organizing And Cooking A Large Meal Successfully
By April from Missouri

Laundry Helper For Stains
By Denise from Nebraska

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something!

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Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Playing In The Leaves

A picture of the grand daughter playing in the leaves in the fall. We had more fun. We sneak up on the leaf pile (she is completely covered) then she jumps out and scares grandma and grandpa. We pretend we are really scared. Ha! Ha!

By Sewing Granny from Millbury, OH

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Pinecone Turkeys

I found some turkeys made of pine cones in a craft store, I added orange yarn, glued on leaves with guests names on them and used them for place settings. Everyone LOVED them and they were so easy to put together. They looked so cute on the table.

By Mary Lou from Abingdon, MD

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Look For Unexpected Photo Ops

Don't let photo ops go by unnoticed. One of my son's friends came by to show us his new car. He had just got back from Iraq the day before. While standing there looking at his car I noticed this cross hanging from the rearview mirror. I thought WHAT A NEAT PICTURE! I didn't know until I uploaded it that the clouds were reflecting off of the glass. Awesome turnout! Take pictures of little things that you may over look. Never know what you will capture!

By HaleyP from Centreville, MD

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Jordan (Goldendoodle)

Jordan is 3 years old and is a Goldendoodle. We are his breeder and Jordan was born at Goldendoodle World.

Jordan loves to play with his children. He loves to be with his family and he loves to play catch. Jordan is a terrific addition to his family. Goldendoodles are very family oriented and love to play.

By Goldendoodle World from Cleveland, NC

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Tootsie Pop Turkey

Easy to make Tootsie Pop Turkeys. We made these at my son's school to be used as place cards for their Thanksgiving Feast. They would be perfect for both a school party or placed around the 'kid's table' for your Thanksgiving meal at home!

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Warning About Flea Medicine from the Dollar Store

PLEASE BE AWARE. While dropping my dog off at the vet yesterday, a hysterical girl rushed in with a cat that was violently shaking, mouth hanging open, eyes actually bugged out. She was crying and screaming. The receptionist ran around the desk and got the cat and I tried to comfort the girl and get out of her what had happened.

She had purchased and applied flea medicine from the Dollar Store the night before to her dogs and this poor cat. She said the dogs were OK. Please DO NOT buy this stuff from places like this. You need a known manufacturer and directions and doses from your vet! I am sure she was doing her best, but in the long run, it will now cost her a lot more.

I am sure that there are possibly some animals that would be affected by even the prescribed meds, however, the chances are way less likely.

By Bonnie from Martinsburg

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Growing Gourds and Flowers for Drying

Get 2 packages of miniature gourds and plant them in two long rows. You will have so many that you will be able to sell many of them to garden shops. Now pick out flower seeds, baby's breath and other grasses that will dry. You can make gorgeous floral arrangements. Ribbon is lovely around the top of the container.

By Bev from Chilliwack BC

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Avoid Using Liquid Detergent in Dishwasher

To keep your dishwasher in good working condition, stay away from gel type detergent. The repairman explained to me that it can cause the floater to get clogged and then the water to the washer cuts off. All he did was fiddle with the floater, (usually in a corner of the machine. In my washer, it was in the same corner as the detergent cups. Eventually, I could hear a little click when the floater was moved up and down. So, if your dishwasher fails to fill up, try this little maneuver - it could save you a repair bill. Bottom line - use powdered detergent!

By Cindyloo from Westchester, NY

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System For Kids To Choose Chores

This is a great way to organize your kids to do chores.

Write out about 10 (or more) different chores, one on each small slip of paper. Fold each slip of paper up real small and place in a decorated tin or jar. When it is time for chores, let your child choose 4 slips of paper from the tin and choose 3 out of the four chores to do. The rejected chore gets placed back into the jar for next time.

Keep adding to the collection as you think of chores that need to be done. This adds interest and some choice for the child. You can add to the incentive by having a second jar/tin with treats written on little pieces of paper. Choose 2 put one back. (Treats only to be given after chores are done) Treats could be fun activities, something yummy, or a small surprise toy.

Now it is fun as the child chooses 3 chores and 1 treat as a small incentive.

By Cheryl from Sydney, Australia

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Sample Books for Patchwork Materials

Visit an upholstery shop or department store and ask if they have any old sample books of curtaining and upholstery materials. These books are sometimes a good size and the fabrics of a good thick quality - they can be used for patchworking quilts, cushions, etc.

By Borasic from England, UK

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Preventing Pasta from Sticking to Colander

I bet no one will admit that when they cook pasta, and get ready to drain it in a colander, that their pasts sticks to the colander and makes a mess. Well, if this does happen to you, simply take your favorite cooking spray in the can, or your spray butter, and spray the colander before pouring your hot pasta in it to drain. Pasta comes out easier, and the mess is so much easier to handle.

By Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Getting Pet Meds at a Regular Pharmacy

Always ask the vet if the medication being prescribed is available at a regular drugstore. If so, have her write the Rx for you. Vets charge a lot more for medications than do cut-rate pharmacies like Walmart or Costco.

By twodogsmom from Vista, CA

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Starching Your Curtains

My tip is on starching your kitchen curtains. Do you want your lacy, white kitchen curtains to be nice and crisp with the ruffles full of life just like the day that you bought them? In my case, my curtains are twenty years old and still like new. In fact, I wash and starch all of my curtains with very little effort! This also eliminates the need to iron! This curtain tip was passed on from my mom.

Window day is also curtain day at my house. Everything gets done at the same time. I start by putting all of the white curtains into the washing machine to soak as I do all of the windows. I don't start washing curtains until the windows are clean and ready to put the clean curtains back on. After the windows are done, I'll add the rest of the curtains if the colours are similar.

As my curtains are washing and rinsing on the gentle cycle, I take one of my clean suds saver pails (5 gallon pail) to my kitchen to pour the cooked starch into.I take my large Dutch oven, (6 litre pot) and fill it about three-quarter full with water. As it is heating to a boil, I mix three or four heaping tablespoons of cornstarch with about two cups of cold water in a tall plastic takeout glass. Mix it until it is all dissolved and there are no lumps. I have a Bamix mixer that does this very quickly. When the pot of water boils, pour in your cornstarch mixture and stir just as if you are making gravy. Let this boil for a few minutes and keep stirring it to avoid the starch from sticking to the bottom of your pot. Meanwhile, put about a pot full of warm or hot tap water into your pail. Pour the cooked starch solution into the pail of water and stir. If you don't dilute the starch solution your curtains will be way too stiff so it is important to not have the mixture too heavy.

Take your pail of starch solution to your laundry room. If you are doing several curtains at once put all of your clean washed, rinsed and spun curtains into a basket. Take one or two at a time and with rubber gloves on, put them into the starch water. Return them to the empty machine to spin. Do the same with the rest of your curtains. You can now re-spin the curtains for a few seconds on gentle to release some of the extra moisture. Now let your dryer do the pressing and fluffing! Only put one or two curtains into the dryer at a time on a low setting and give them lots of room to fluff. (Do not use dryer softeners) Check them quite often so that you do not over dry them. They should come out beautifully crisp and ready to hang. Very simple. You will never have droopy curtain ruffles again! To starch your doilies or dresser scarves you would use the same starch solution but not as diluted. Also, these you just towel dry a bit and lay flat to dry.

By Joyce from Regina, Sask. Canada

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Dog's Improvement on Rimadyl

I have a 9 yr old Golden. He just started taking Rimadyl for his hips. He can barely get up on his own and we must help him until he gets his sea legs. When will we start to see some improvement?

Sue from Massachusetts

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Moisture Damage on a Hardwood Floor

I left a slightly damp rug on my hardwood flooring. Now there is a stain there, and it took off some of the finish. What is the best way to repair this?

Kari from Michigan

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Recipe for Irish Soda Bread

Does anyone have a good Irish soda bread recipe?

Elaine H from Trenton

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Looking for Birman Kitten

We are interested in purchasing a Birman kitten. Does anyone know of anybody who has any for sale. We are hoping to find one for a Christmas gift.

Ethel from York, PA

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Murray Riding Mower Won't Start Without Gas In Carb

I have a Murray riding mower and it has spark, gas in the lines but only run if you dump gas down the carb! Help?

CHUCK from Atlanta, GA

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Making Felt Flannel Boards

I want to make some felt /flannel board sets for my son. Would I use just regular felt and sharpie markers? or there something "special" to use to make them look nice and to last? Thanks.

Mindy

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Chai Latte Recipe

What spices do I add to (one cup) spiced chai latte?

Sarah

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Free Resume Template

I am looking for a good resume template. Anyone know where I can find one?

LS

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Removing Rust from a Mirror

How can I remove rust from a mirror?

Peggy from Florida

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Substitute Fuel Gel

How do you make substitute fuel gel?

Sherry from Tennessee

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Recipe for Cowboy Cups

Does anyone have a recipe for something called Cowboy Cups? Some of the ingredients are biscuits, rotel, pepperoni, and cream cheese (maybe). I'm not sure about the rest. Thanks

Windy from Pine Bluff, AR

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Black Mold In Refrigerator

We have black mold growing in the fridge and toilets. One morning last week we woke up with black filled nostrils and we were spitting black. We haven't ran the air or heat in like 4-5 weeks, and we can't find an explanation for this. We have noticed that a black smoke/film is showing up on all our surfaces/plates etc. Any suggestions? Our leasing management company have told us the vents are clean, and theirs nothing they can do. Please help.

Meredith from Azle

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Fixing "Salt" Figurines

How can I fix broken "salt" figurines? I inherited several figurines that are about 55 years old. I was told they were purchased in Italy, and are made of salt. They are white and very detailed. They have become very weak and two have broken. They don't shatter like porcelain, more like hardened clay. Any ideas on how they can be preserved?

Kelly from Stanfield, NC

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Getting a Graft from a Tree

How does one get a graft from a tree to grow a new tree?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Maggie from Oak Lawn, IL

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Pattern to Make a Casserole Carrier

I have been searching for patterns to make a casserole carrier. I'm not sure what they are called! They are made of fabric and used to transport hot casseroles to functions or to pot luck suppers. They are designed to help keep the casserole hot. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Pattie from Bridgton, Maine

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Manual for a Breadmaker Regal model # K6783

I need to find a manual for a Breadmaker Regal model # K6783. It seems to make a 1 1/2lb loaf. I bought it at a garage sale and it seems to work fine but I need to know how to operate it and have recipes.

Teresa from Cleveland, Ohio

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Pattern for Jacket Made from Towels

Many years ago when I was a child my grandmother had a jacket that was made from towels. It opened down the front and each side was a towel edge so there was no need to finish them off. I think the collar was pointed in the back. I know she must have had a pattern but I surely can't find one now. Does anybody have one or know where I may be able to locate one? It would be perfect to wear around the house on chilly days.

Judi from Elgin, Oregon

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Using Cinnamon Sticks Multiple Times

I like to use cinnamon sticks, for flavor and for stirring, in my teas and coffee. Should the stick be tossed after so many uses, not just due to diminishing flavor, but for sanitary reasons? I allow the sticks to thoroughly dry between uses, but I still question the safety?

Amy from Walnut Creek, CA

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Map of Gardening Zones

Where can I find the map of which gardening zone you are in?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Robin from Hanover, PA

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Chocolate Cake Recipe for Turbo Cooker

I am looking for a recipe for chocolate cake cooked in a turbo cooker. I lost my recipes in a move. I would like other recipes too.

Sandi from Eureka, CA

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Shower has an Onion Smell

When I use my shower, it smells like onions - not rotten onions, just onions. I rent my place. It was probably built about 1940 and has not been updated. Does anyone know why this is and what I can do about it?
Thanks!

K. from Davis, CA

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Getting Rid of a Boil

I have a very painful boil in my armpit. It has been about 4 days since I have had it. I bought some draw out salve and boil ease. Which should I use?

Mya from Rochester, NY

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14th Birthday Party Theme Ideas

What kind of birthday party should I have? I'm turning 14.

Jessica

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Advice for Decorating Cookies

I tried searching for my answer on Thrifty Fun and was unsuccessful. I have a question for our cookie decorators. I'm using royal icing to outline my cookies. I followed the recipe in the cookie decorating book and it said to add a few drops of water to the royal icing to thin it out, so it becomes Run Sugar Glaze. I spread the Run Sugar Glaze very carefully and filled in the cookie. Now that the cookies are frosted, could you tell me how long it takes for the glaze to harden? Would I have to let the cookies sit out over night for the frosting to harden?

Marge W. from Sanborn, NY

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Poem for Returning Back Christmas Cards

I am looking for a poem to use to send 'back' the Christmas cards to the people that sent them to me last year. I had one some years ago but misplaced it. Please help!

Bertie from Ft Worth, TX

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Water Stain on Linen/Rayon Pants

I have a water stain on a pair of pants that I've had in storage for awhile. The material is linen and rayon. The cleaners told me they could clean them but I see that they didn't even try. Help please!

Deb from Salt Lake City, Utah

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Hardwood Floor Cleaner That is Safe for Pets

I adopt abused Shih Tzus and those with health problems. I now have had 2 unneutered males about 10 yrs old who raise their legs on any vertical surface. I also have a 5 yr old who constantly licks the sealed hardwood floors. What I seek is a cleaner for the hardwood floors that won't harm my 'licker' or the finish on the floors. Thanks for any suggestions. I can't afford to have the floors refinished any time soon.

Joan from Norwell, MA

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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

Christmas Card Photo Ideas

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Have Too Many Catalogs?

Every year I get way too many catalogs but before Christmas I receive them from companies that have gotten my address from the other companies and so it adds up to big stacks. Many go right from the mail box to the recycling bin. Last night there was a spot on Catalog Choice which is a site that helps you stop catalogs you don't want. They say each man, woman and child in America gets 60 some catalogs a year and that they are difficult to stop.

This group is working with companies so you can go to one place to stop extra catalogs. You simply tear off the last page with the customer number and address and recycle the rest. Then go to the site and add your information.

There is also information on how many trees are cut down each year to print catalogs that produce very little in sales for the companies.

http://www.catalogchoice.org/

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