Daily Thrifty Tips - July 27, 2007

I can't believe it's already Friday. It's been a busy week but it's flown by. I recently put it an offer on a new house and it was accepted, so I am now preparing to move for the first time in over a decade. I am moving into a house that is less expensive than my current house, which raised a red flag with the mortgage company. Why would someone want to move to cheaper house? Beyond the fact that something being cheaper is actually a good thing, the house is better for me. It's proof that you don't always have to spend more money to make your life better. In many cases, spending less can improve your quality of life, too. And that's what this site is all about. Not deprivation, but looking for ways to improve your quality of life without spending a lot of money. On that note, have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Shellin' Out for a Unique Frame

Ever collected shells at the beach or just admire their natural beauty? Frames decorated in shells are always distinct (no two shells are the same), stimulate personal or collective creativity, and evoke a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere for years to come.

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Picture of Our New Pond

My mother and I built this pond.

By Debbie from Mansfield, OH

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Tranquil Place

Hello Gentle People,

One of the most tranquil and bucolic places in Canada exists near where I live. I often bicycle down to the water in the summer to take pictures of our not-so-wild ducks.

For you gun totting hunters of the U.S., I would not recommend shooting and eating Canadian Ducks. The water they swim in is polluted and their fat laden meat may be contaminated. If you want sport, buy a camera and do what I do, take pictures. May peace and harmony be with you always!

When photographing Wild life, always relax and non-threatening. So called wild animals have feelings and they will respond to friendship and kindness by remaining close. Our Laval Quebec Ducks are one example. In this picture they are in training for their dangerous journey South.

By Joseph Raglione Executive director
The World Humanitarian Peace and Ecology Movement

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Apple Kitty Cat

Apple Kitty Cat, as named by our 2 year old son, is approximately 3 months old. He's a little 'ol Country Kitty. About 3 months ago we received the little bundle of cuddles from someone who needed to find loving homes for a whole litter of kitties.

Apple Kitty Cat's favorite thing to do for fun is to splash his paws in the water when my husband cleans his fish tanks. He has no fear! Apple Kitty Cat is best friend to our 2 year old son.

By Lisa from Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Hubcap Birdbath

This is my "Hippy Birdbath". I made it out of a PVC pipe and a hub cap. I used a glue, "Glue All", to put them together. It took a day to dry. Then I placed it in my rocks. The birds love it.

By Donita from Loveland, CO

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Walmart Matches Competitor's Ads

Walmart (at least here in Texas) will match most competitor's ads: including grocery stores, drugstores, and other variety stores. So rather than going from store to store to try to get all the deals each week, I make just one trip to Walmart with all of my ads and save money. I can usually save at least $10-15 each week, and I save a lot of time and frustration. BUT, they usually require that you actually bring the ad in, and they will not recognize other store's coupons or BOGO type promotions.

By thriftyamy from Austin, Texas

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Poke a Hole in Vegetable Oil Bottle

When I buy a new bottle of vegetable oil, I take a push-pin and poke a hole in the bottle up near the spout. Keeping the cap on, this works great as a squeeze bottle to season a pan or if I need a small amount of oil for a recipe.

By Stacey from McBain, Michigan

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Yogurt or Sour Cream for Stains

Any stain by pen or marker can be removed with yogurt or sour cream. Also hairspray works well. Stains on leather vinyl and delicate fabric can be removed by this process. If the stain is set, you need just little patience, but it will come out.

By Miss Tina from Florida

Editor's Note: I haven't heard of using yogurt for stains. I would test this in an inconspicuous spot and be sure to use the plain, non-sweetened variety.

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Learn About Your Equipment From Repairmen

The gas man just came to look at my vintage gas stove, which we had restored. Even though I have had it for years, by watching him and asking questions, I learned a lot I didn't know about my stove and its care. Do you know that older gas stoves are better because they are more adjustable? (He also showed me how to turn off the main gas valve in the event of an earthquake. )

In my experience, repairmen usually love to talk about their work! My mother learned so much about the heating system in our 50's house from the servicemen that she was able to keep it going for 50+ years! We only replaced it after her death. I am sure this gas stove will be here after I am gone, too!

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Hand Mixer Tips

When using your hand mixer, put the mixing bowl in the sink. It prevents splattering of the counter and backsplash. Don't use your mixer to whip mashed potatoes. It causes the potato to become pasty. Mash potatoes by hand for best results.

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Squirt Bottle For Road Trips

I live in southern CA and it gets hot here. I drive 20 miles one way to work 5 days a week. My truck doesn't have air conditioning so I have a clear plastic bottle that I put water in. When I get too hot, I just reach for the squirt bottle and spray my face and head. It feels soooooo good. And it cools me down right away. You could carry a squirt bottle with you and spray yourself whenever needed.

By Phyllis from Weldon, CA

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Removing the Air from Zip Lock Bags

Zip lock bags are great and those machines that vacuum the air out of bags is great but expensive. I found a cheap (like in $0.00) way to remove most of the air from a zip bag.

Insert the product in the bag and close it to within 1/2 inch. Hang the bag, with the product hanging down over a counter edge and flatten the portion of the bag on the counter. While holding the bag on the counter top, close the opening the rest of the way. It doesn't remove all but it sure removes most of the air.

By wbuck341

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Homemade Glass and Window Cleaners

Ingredients:

• 1 part vinegar
• 1 part alcohol
• 1 part water

Directions:

By Leann

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Donating Your Extras

If you are cleaning your closets, basement, or garage now, consider donating your unwanted items to the Goodwill, Amvets, Salvation Army, or some other worthy charity. They will give you a receipt for your goods if you ask, as your donations are tax-deductible if you itemize your return. Even if you don't use the deduction, you are doing a good deed, AND cleaning up your home!

By Ness - Lakeview, NY

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Recipes for a Great Dane

I need a dog food recipe for a 120 pound great dane that I can feed her daily.

Nancy from Syracuse

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Hard Water Stains on Glass Blocks

Do the remedies for removing hard water stains on glass showers work for glass block in a shower?

Cristy Schrank from Hudson, Wisconsin

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Alli Reviews

Have any of you tried Alli, the new OTC weight loss product, and if so, what are your opinions of it?

Thank you,
Betty from Summerville, SC

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Smelly Paperback Books

I recently purchased a large lot of paperback books. The books are in great physical condition. They smell horrible. I believe they have been in a garage for years. (Old gas, oil, exhaust-just like you would think). Any way to remove the smell? Thanks!

Alsy74 from Falmouth, IN

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Information About a Coronado Precision Sewing Machine

I have a coronado precision sewing machine 45-4118. I would like to find out what company made it and when.

Jo Ann from Ovid, MI

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Purchasing a Prefab House

I am thinking about purchasing a prefab house but I don't know much about them other than that they are less expensive than a traditional one. Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Lisa from Thessaloniki, Greece

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Knitted Hockey Socks

I have acquired (rescued) a fair amount of used knitted hockey socks (like leg warmers). They were on their way to the trash and of course I thought there must be something that could be done with them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Lori from Atlanta, NY

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Crocheted Oval Tablecloth

Does anyone have a crochet pattern for an oval tablecloth that is not made with motifs... That is all one piece. I cannot seem to find one on internet sites I've searched.

Dottie from Decatur, IL

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Dying Your Hair With Jell-O

Does anyone know how to dye (the tips) of your hair with Jell-o? I have no clue how to do it, but it seems pretty inexpensive.

TN

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Installing a Review Mirror in a Buick Regal

I am looking for information on how to install a review mirror in a Buick Regal.

JIM from OK

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Sausage Quiche Recipe

I am looking for a recipe that I had several years ago, it was for a sausage quiche. It had cream of mushroom soup, green pepper, sharp cheddar cheese and sausage. Does anyone have this recipe?

Thank you,
Darlene from Lexington, KY

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Moving Gladiolus

Can I reset gladiolas this time of year?

Sandy from Bluff City, TN

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Teapot Wallpaper

I will be remodeling a kitchen in an older mobile home and I collect teapots and teacups so I would like wallpaper or contact paper with this on it. Any ideas where I can purchase this?

Thanks,
Teacup464 from South Sioux City, Nebraska

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Where Can I Find Sugar Free Sour Apple Syrup?

I am looking for sugar free sour apple syrup! Anybody know where to find some?

Catharine from Cornelius, Oregon

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Should You Use Dark Floors In Small Rooms

Should you use dark color floors in small living area

abeyola brice from Atlanta, GA

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Using Vinegar on Your Hair

When you add the vinegar to your hair, do you have to wash it with shampoo afterwards?

Vania from England

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Water Snakes

How do I stop water snakes from coming around. We have filled in the holes around the dock but they just keep coming area. Any suggestions?

Elisabeth from Ontario

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Stuggling Rhubarb

Today is July 23, and just yesterday I was given some rhubarb to transplant, I have planted it in full sun, and have spaced the root out some. My question is today, just 1 day later, my rhubarb is limp looking, and I'm not sure if it is going to make it. Can you tell me if there is anything that I can do to keep it alive and growing or should I just cut down the stalk's that I do have and hope for more next year?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Tina S. from Bloomington, Illinois

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Streak Free Bathroom Tiles

I have 4x4 white tiles with white grout around my double sinks in the master bath. I can get them clean but by the end of the day they have spots and streaks. I have used the "wipes" - hoping for a longer lasting fix. I have even thought of using tile sealer. Any ideas would be appreciated.

CJ from Camas

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Peach Tree Has Brown And Holey Leaves

Something is eating the leaves of my weeping pink cascade peach tree. What can I do? the leaves have holes in them and the leaves are turning brown.

Hardiness Zone: 6a


Annalee from Parsons, WV

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Installing Ceramic Floor Tile

I want to replace the flooring in my kitchen and bathroom with ceramic tile. Is this an easy "do-it-yourself" job or should I just pay a professional?

Michelle from Rockford, IL

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Gasoline Smell in Washing Machine

My boyfriend washed his gasoline soaked clothes in the washing machine and now all of his clothes and the washing machine itself sinks of gasoline. I put through a load with two litres of white vinegar and another load with A LOT of soap and baking soda...

I have rewashed the clothes three times! The smell hasn't faded, and I can't stand the smell! How do I get the smell out of his clothes and my washing machine?

Chanelle

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Scratches on Leather Furniture

How do you treat scratches on leather?

Christine from England

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11 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

I need ideas for an 11 year old birthday party. My location is in a public park with a swimming pool. I need help. I don't know what my daughter likes or dislikes. I am also trying to keep the cost down around $200. I don't have much money.

Walter from Alexandria, VA

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30th Birthday Party Ideas

My boyfriend is turning 30 in September. I have NO idea what to do. He isn't really into parties so that makes it even harder. It would just be a few friends and family. Nothing to big. Budget is an issue too. Any suggestions?

Aryn from Diamond Bar, CA

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Getting Rid of Chipmunks

Does anyone know how to get rid of chipmunks?

Dottie from Decatur, IL

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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.

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Uses for Recycled Glass Jars

Here are a bunch of creative ways to use recycled glass jars from condiments and other foods.

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