Daily Thrifty Tips - November 6, 2006

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.

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Scotty is retired at 3 1/2 years as a racing greyhound. My daughter adopted him this past July.

He loves to be loved and follow his Mom around. He is a joyous addition to our family and a wonderful family pet.

By Connie from Ottawa, Ont

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This Halloween my husband and father-in-law were . . .

RAIDER FANS!

Jennifer CA

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Bootsie is a 6 week old kitten. We got him just one week ago at the church's trick or treat night. He was our treat.

He does very kittenish things. Hops sideways, plays with our fingers, and sleeps under the covers with us at night.

Bootsie is just a little sweetie. We forgot just how cute a little kitten can be.

By Margie Minard from Mount Vernon, Oh

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An open book with pink rose in the middle. It was laying on an old desk in a castle I visited this fall.

The second picture is tea in a castle in Colorado this October.

Editor's Note: This looks to be Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs.

By ladyd from Salem, OH

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Muffin is a 3 months old. Her mom is Papillon and dad is a Shih Tzu/Poodle cross. Does that make her a PapShihPoo? LOL! We found our pet through the paper ads and got her Oct. 22, 2006.

Muffin has an adopted brother Sparky, and together they romp and play. She really likes it outside and in the cover of dry maple leaves. She can almost hide in them for Sparky to find her! She will jump out and tackle him, or he runs circles around her and leaps over her since he has longer legs. She loves playing and digging under the shrubs too, I am sure I'll find some surprises in the spring! At least, I know where they are by the shrubs shaking! They share all their toys, and sleep together at night. He is her protector and big brother.

Our little babies are filling a void we had since we lost our dear Bandit in Dec. We have lots of love to give to them and they are giving it back ten-fold!

By Betty from Cowichan Bay, BC

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As a family, we write out a note (no more then one sheet of paper) on what and why it is that we appreciate each other, separating each reason why from the family member's name, until all in the family are written out on the paper. We then quietly put the folded up paper into a designated box/place or large bowl and wait until the day of our family's holiday celebration.

We read them aloud to each other at the dining table before the meal begins. No names are ever signed to the notes but you know who you are that wrote it and then you personally can see just how much it means to the person or persons who received the compliments about them from you and in such a secretive way.

Christmas has gotten too commercial for any family these days and writing these things out not only makes you sit down and think about each person, but to describe why you do love them so much.

This costs nothing money wise BUT I would suggest a box a kleenex sitting on both the ends of the dining table as there will be moments of tears, I can promise.

Some of God's children can not express themselves in our spoken language but can in their written word.

No one ever knows who really said what about who BUT each member has such a better outlook toward each other after they are all read aloud.

When finished reading the folded papers, have a wonderful meal together, with no bickering, just moments of gratitude toward each other.

You will be amazed at how this affects each one and in such a calming way.

By Paula Jo Carr from Mebane, NC

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When I make soup or stew, I make enough for an army, so I can freeze it for lunch or dinner and not worry about cooking during the week.

I found a great way to freeze individual portions without having to use so many plastic containers. I take the soup bowls that I would be eating the soup or stew in and spray it with a non-stick cooking spray like Pam. I then ladle in the amount for each bowl and place the bowls in the freezer to freeze. I usually have to do this in 2 rounds since there are usually 8 portions and I can't fit the 8 bowls in my freezer all at one time.

When they are frozen, take them out and place on the counter for about 5 minutes. You can then take a butter knife and "pop" them out of the bowl. I then stack them up in a large freezer bag and store back in the freezer. This way, when I am ready to eat them, I can just take out a serving of soup of chili, place it in the my bowl, and either microwave it or let it defrost at room temperature! Works great!

By Gina from Oklahoma City, OK

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It's that time of year when you take your dog out and it's muddy outside. They usually get pretty muddy, Have a box of baby wipes handy. They make quick clean up of the muddy dogs feet, legs and whatever else is muddy. They not only come clean but the smell good. Also, the baby wipes are good for their coat.

To make sure the baby wipes stay moist, be sure and leave the box sitting upside down all the time when not using them. I had one box last and stay moist for one whole year. I keep a box right by my door, for when I bring my Sheltie in from being outside in bad weather, summer and winter both.

Have fun and have the sweetest smelling doggie in the neighborhood. This works for cats too.

By Vicki Bradley from Marshall, MN

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Reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life:

1. Compliment three people every day.
2. Watch a surrise at least once a year.
3. Remember other people's birthdays.
4. Be forgiving of yourself and others.
5. Plant flowers every spring.
6. Don't postpone joy.
7. Be kinder than necessary.
8. Take a brisk 30 minute walk every day.
9. Read your favorite book.
10. Keep a daily journal.

By Mary from Tecumseh, Michigan

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Green Living is what I support every day of my life. When shopping, I only buy items that are environmentally safe to use on the box or tag. Laundry soap is the same thing. When I buy it, it isn't scented or a bleach kind. I live by this motto because I have allergies to almost every product on this planet including what is in the air. My clothes have to be free of toxins and poisons. It must be completely void of allergies for me to wear it, so my laundry soap has to be environmental green living kind. You can find it in the organic aisle, or on the top shelf of the cleaning or laundry aisle.

Cleaning my house is the same for me. It has to be chemical free cleaning product. No toxins, or any ammonia smelling products for my home. This is also good for the environment. These products can be found in the regular aisle at your stores, or a Walgreen's near you. The dollar store may have them too. You must look in the cleaning aisles for a special mark that says environmentally safe or green living product on the label. Don't buy one that says allergy-free as they are not always green living products.

My new home that I am building on 20 acres is my vacation home that will be the ultimate green living adventure for me. We will have a windmill, a wood burning fireplace (no chemicals in lighter fluid that way), a wood burning stove, and gardens of organic food to eat. Seeing is believing. Check out Mother Earth News for Green Living articles too. Love our Earth because it is our home for good.

By Tanya from Dilworth, Minnesota

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House plants like to be in groupings, perhaps they create their own little garden atmosphere that way. Try to have several plants together instead of isolating them. I have an old apartment that has a planter as a room divider and I have my group of plants there.

By Pam from Los Angeles

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If you follow the threads on a Yahoo or Google search, they will take you down winding 'net pathways you never would have found otherwise! It's sort of time-consuming - but fun. Just got pages and pages of FREE music on the net.

By Pam from Los Angeles

Editor's Note: The net is amazing and this is a lot of fun. Be sure to protect your computer and keep your anti-virus software updated as well make sure you have all the latest Windows security updates.

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Denatured Alcohol (paint/hardware dept.) will remove Sharpie and other inks from most surfaces (haven't found one it won't work on yet). Put it in a spray or squeeze bottle, spritz it on the mark (it doesn't take much) and wipe off. Repeat if necessary.

I use it a lot at work and have gotten it on me with no weakened or fade-out spots on my jeans, scrubs or work towel. These have been washed 100+ times so I would definitely test it on color-fast materials or carpet first to make sure.

It will also dry moisture quickly. I use it in my shower and on my windows before I put on suction cups or stickers and will also help in the removal of the glue that stickers leave behind.

By Handy Sandie from Tallapoosa

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Plan your meals around items that tend to be cheaper in November. Here's a list of some of the best bets during November:

• Apples
• Beef
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Chestnuts
• Cranberries
• Fish
• Lamb
• Oranges
• Oysters
• Pears
• Pumpkins
• Sweet Potatoes
• Tangelos
• Tangerines
• Turkey
• Turnips
• Winter Squash.

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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Our car was damaged by a fire. it is salvageable, but the interior is terrible! What can we do about the charred smell?

J from Sevierville, TN

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How do I remove dry erase marker from khaki pants?

Jacqui from TX

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I recently bought a woven cotton sweater from a re-sale shop, and I LOVE it. the fabric is disintegrating. Does anyone have a solution for old 100% cotton? I sewed the underarm thinking that it was coming undone (yarn-wise). The more I sewed, the more it ripped. Then I tried to pull a piece and it came away in a chunk, Whahhh?!

Anna from Monterey, CA

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We have a wonderfully productive pomegranate tree - but what do I do with all that fruit? So far all we've been doing is making folks happy by giving them away - can I freeze the "jewels"? Make juice? Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Brenda from Manteca, CA

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Can you put wool blankets in the dryer?

Liz from New Baden

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My mother used to make the most delicious meals with a large Romertopf clay covered casserole. I've had it in a cabinet taking up a lot of space for years and not used it, because this method requires soaking for at least an hour and feel that the kitchen sink is not sanitary enough. If scrubbed, then I'd be soaking the pot in chemicalled porcelain. Any thoughts on this matter?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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What kind of ingredients are the same in dog shampoo, dawn dishwashing soap, and baby shampoo?

Betty from San Fransisco, CA

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Where can you get a reasonably priced "mitten tree"?

Kim from Sparta, PA

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I need a video on how to use my purple knifty knitter.

Patita from Reedley, CA

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How do I remove a purchased, frozen pie crust, from the pan, without the crust breaking? I have tried letting it thaw. I have tried running warm water on the backside of the pan, neither of these tricks, work too well!

Thanks,
Sharon from Southern Illinois

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I am removing wallpaper in the family room and have noticed that the paper smells, kinda musty smell. It smells stronger in certain areas. There really is no water source around this room. I am being paranoid about mildew and mold. Do you guys think it might just be the old glue off the paper?

Michelle from Selma, AL

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My roommate got hair dye on our linoleum floors. How do I get it out?

Missleisa from Newwestminster, B.C

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I am looking for instructions on how to make a purse out of record albums. I have seen purses made from the front and back of the album cover and have seen purses using the record, itself, for one of the sides. If possible I would like instructions on how to make both kinds. Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Joni from Colstrip, MT

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When should I feed my puppy?

Thanks,
Eleri from Powys, Wales

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I want to make gingerbread men ornaments for christmas. How do I make them. The kind you eat as well as the kind you don't.

Angel from Newville, PA

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I said in my last request it took all day to clean part of the bathroom. Well, I still have soap scum on the tub. i have scrubbed it 3 times. One time after soaking it in hot water with white vinegar. After a bit I then added baking soda. it fizzed lots but the scum will not budge. Any ideas other than ammonia.

Sandy from Baltimore

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How can I clean the burnt food off a glass cookware?

DJ from stockton, CA

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We are a Pool & Spa Store. Need ideas on a float for Christmas Parade. Theme is "Sights & Sounds of Christmas".

Andrea from Moultrie, GA

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I need help with a Christmas Parade float. The theme is "Sounds of Christmas" It for my Girl Scout Troop

Stacey from Hughes Springs, TX

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Our church is going to be in the christmas parade and we are using the theme "Tennessee Christmas" and would like to implement all parts of Tennessee such as Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Andrew Johnson, etc. We think some will do the UT theme but we want it to be old fashioned. We have only 1 month to come up with something so any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Crystal from Chuckey, TN

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I would like to have the recipe that "In and Out" drive thru's in California has for deep fried Zucchini Chips.

Cookieone from Arizona

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Underarm stains on white shirts: I have tried everything I can think of to remove these stains, bleach, baking soda, meat tendrizer, amonina, vinager and more. Any more ideas? I have about 20 shirts and they are in great condition except for the stains.

Thank you,
Seemenow from Oregon

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Does anyone know how to make a coat for a small dog? What I would like to do is use a baby coat. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Torrie

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I found this old, framed picture at a local thrift store by Jean Fous. On the back cover is some sort of advertising, I think that says, Panama-Beaver, carbon papers-inked ribbons, national distribution. Also, from the Golden Gate to the rock bound coast, from the Great Lakes to Dixie Land. Call your local Panama-Beaver man." The picture is called "At the Painless Dentist." I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this advertising Company or the Author? If not, could one tell me how to find any information about this? I have done some internet searches and I have not found out much. Thanks so much for your time, in advance.

Mary from Mendenhall, Mississippi

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I have a pale pink beige shearling handbag and have just noticed some stains on the outside of the bag. Do not know how long there been there for. Do not know what the stains are from food, drink etc. Any tips on what would be safe to try to see if the stains can be removed successfully please.

Bev from Australia

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Our Collie passed away recently and we are very much wanting to find another one. She was a wonderful dog and we desperately want to find another Collie. It seems that Collies are in short supply around southeastern Iowa and I was just hoping that possibly someone out there might know where we could find one. I have looked at breeders online and the pups are VERY expensive and right now is not a good time for us to spend a load of money on a puppy because we have had to pay a very large vet bill from our Collie that died.

It would not have to be a puppy, but we would like to find one that is under 5 years of age, if possible. We are also interested in a Lhasa Apso, which also seem to be in short supply in our area. I know this is a long-shot, but if anyone knows where we could find a Collie or a Lhasa in our area, we would sure appreciate any help you can give. Washington, IA is in the southeastern corner of Iowa. Thanks.

Robin from Washington, IA

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I am looking for some easy crafts for my 9 year old grandaughter. Her school is having a craft / bazar day next Saturday (Nov. 11th) which the kids can make things to sell at. I want to help her do this but am having a senior moment with this. We are allowed to help the kids make things to sell. I can't afford to spend a lot on supplies though we do have a lot already. Any help you can give for things she can make that'll sell would be greatly appreciated. The name of her little shop is going to be called "Stacy's Gift & Things Shop," with a Christmas theme. We are hoping for ideas for easy Christmas gifts & decorations / ornaments. Thanks in advance from both of us for any help you can give.

Betty from VA

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I bought a curved blade ulu knife on ebay, figuring it would help me to slice through a brick of cheese, having a large enough handle for two hands upon which to fit.

The wooden base looks like it has been exposed to years of bad weather in a basement. I don't want to introduce mold spores or other contaminants into the house. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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What is the best way to clean up pet hair off wood floors and leather furniture without just moving in around into the air to settle back later? I was told that the Dirt Devl Broom Vac was the way to go. Does any one have any suggestions other than putting the pets outside.

Wendy from Wisconsin

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I just repotted my peace lilies and now they are very droopy, what can I do?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Megan from Sumter, South Carolina

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

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Today's list of things to do: Work, take the kids to soccer practice, pick up dry cleaning, pick up kids, homework and wash some laundry. Is that enough for one day? Try to fit in some time to make dinner in that slot and you are just lost for time. Yet, there are many ways that you can reduce your workload in the kitchen so you do have time to do all the running around you have to do and make a healthy dinner that is affordable for your children.

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Recipes for making Broccoli Casserole.

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