Daily Thrifty Tips - October 10, 2007

We have some great tips today, hope you enjoy them. We also have lots of new requests. Please take a moment to look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Yoda (Orange Tabby)

Yoda is an 11 years old orange tabby cat. In 1996 a neighbor of mine gave him to my family and I because she was having a baby and felt that Yoda needed to be with a family that wasn't focused totally on a new baby but could spend plenty of time with him

Yoda likes to sleep all day in an old iguana cage. He loves to sleep on his grandma's tummy at night, he is very lovable and never is a bad kitty, his is just a sweetheart. In this photo, Yoda was attempting to give my great niece a high 5.

By Igmommy from Sweetwater, TN

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Quick and Easy Homemade Gift Box

For a quick and easy gift box for a small item, why not make your own. There are a number of templates on the internet that can give you an idea of dimensions, or you can take apart a box you have and figure it yourself.

I took one that would work on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper to make two box tops. I added some clip art and the "gift tag" all in the text, and printed it out on card stock. I just cut the sheet in half, scored on the folding lines with a letter opener, and folded in the sides, taping the ends with scotch tape. For the bottom I just scored a blank half sheet of paper - just inside the lines for the cover to make it a bit smaller, and folded it up the same way.

The Christmas I did these, I had made beaded zipper pulls for everyone - and just wrapped them in tissue inside the boxes. No other wrapping needed.

By Regina from Rochester, NY

Editor's Note: Regina has also provided a PDF of the box template so you can print it out if you like. Click here to download it.

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Cleaning Up After Trimming Bushes

1. Before trimming your bushes, place a king size "old" blanket or sheet under the bush you are going to trim (making sure you cover all the way around the bush and then some.
2. Trim your hedge or bush.
3. Gently roll up your trimmings in the blanket.
4. Put blanket into your yard waste can or lawn bag and shake out the trimmings into the bag. Voila! No, tedious clean-up after trimming, and your yard work will be done in a jiffy.

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Trade Costumes With Friends

If you have friends with children the same size or about the same as yours, trade Halloween costumes. This way, each costume will be "new" to each child. You won't be out any money, unless you choose to 'dress up' the costume a little more.

By Terri H. from NV

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Caddy for Homework and Tools

To control all the essentials of homework , I bought a box that holds hanging file folders (make it a cute one). I then put tabs for each of my children so I could hold spelling tests, sight words and other papers that we use year round.

I also had a folder for the school calender and one for school rules. in the back, I had a folder with a large ziplock bag that held scissors, glue, pencils and pencil sharpeners. I also put in a folder with some fun stickers for encouragement when the boys did well. I should put in some M and M's so that I can reward them (and me) for doing so well at homework.

You could also use last years accordion folder if you couldn't find an inexpensive hanging file box. This makes homework much easier and faster because you aren't trying to find all your supplies.

By Kayla from Kuna, Idaho

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Add Potato Flakes To Thicken Chili

If you like your chili thick and your buddy prefers it more juicy, try adding a few potato flakes to make it a little thicker. Do so right in your bowl! It tends to lighten the color but is all the more hardy!

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Rope Lights Under Kitchen Counters

I recently had my husband install white rope lights under my kitchen cabinets. The package actually came with hooks that could be attached to the underside of the cabinets with screws. The lights provide nice, soft, indirect lighting for the countertops. I leave these lights on all night as a night light. The wattage is very low, so it is a great way to go for having just a bit of light in the kitchen.

By Glowgirl from Watertown, WI

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Bag Take Home Leftovers After A Holiday Dinner

After a family dinner and you have lots of leftovers, sending food home with others can be real chore. You will need locate enough containers to put everything in. What we've started doing is using different size baggies. That way no one has to return a container either. Of course cake would still need to go on a paper plate, but the baggies work wonderful for corn, green bean, turkey and dressing, etc.

By Helen from Kingston, TN.

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"Bonus Time" at Cosmetic Counters

Here's my tip for getting more for your money when it comes to purchasing makeup during the bonus times at the cosmetic counter. For instance, I try to only buy my foundation from Clinique when they are having the bonus buy time. But because my product falls just a few dollars short of the required amount to get the free bonus bag of goodies, a consultant once told me to just purchase the dollar pencil sharpener to raise up my total. Depending on the amount of the sharpener, you may have to buy two or so.

For me, this is really helpful. I don't wear much makeup and the small samples/travel sizes are plenty for me, especially to experiment with. I don't know if this would work at all the counters but it's worth trying. For me, it's worth it to pay two dollars to get the bag and goodies - far less than I would pay if I decided to try out a full size product in any store, including the discount stores.

By Denise from Nebraska

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Teach Kids About Needs vs Wants

Help prepare your children to make better financial decisions in the future by teaching them the difference between needs, wants, and wishes. This works for adults too.

By Marie from West Dundee, Il

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Use Bread To Absorb Meatloaf Grease

When baking a meatloaf, place a piece of bread under it to absorb the hamburger fat and keep it from sticking to the pan. Throw away the bread when finished.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Write Prices On Grocery Purchases

When shopping for groceries and personal items, I write the price with a permanent marker discreetly on the packaging when I place it in the cart. This helps me make sure it rung up at the correct price at the register and it also helps me know how much I paid for the item when I run out and have to buy more. Writing down the price also helps me recognize a good deal if it is cheaper when I go to replace the item.

By Melissa V from Oklahoma City, OK

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Screen Size Problems

Please help me with my screen size, when it is minimized the sides are crooked and when large the sides are off the screen. What did I hit? (Please be kind as I am 76 yrs. old)

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Can Other People Delete and Edit My Post?

I have asked about this before. Every time I post feedback, it is published with Edit This Post and Delete options. Why would this be? Would it be possible for anyone to edit or delete my post? If the post is edited, I may be held responsible for the edited post without knowing anything about it.

Carol from RSA

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Did I See an Angel?

Once again I need your thoughts and wisdom. My mother has cancer. She is near the end of her chemotherapy. I asked God to send me a sign to let me know if she's going to be ok. The next night while stargazing I saw what I'm sure was a white angel fly over our house.

It happened to fly in my line of vision and I got a good long look at it with binoculars. Astronomy has been my hobby for 45 years, I am familiar with everything in the night time sky: natural phenomena (comets, fireballs, and the like), birds, weather devices, homemade aircraft, I've even seen clothing and flowers drifting on the air. This was like nothing I've ever seen before. Is this possible or am I seeing things from stress? By the way, I don't drink or use drugs, nor am I taking any medications. I believe in God but I'm not terribly religious, either. Any thoughts?

Joan from Chesapeake, VA

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Looking for Similar Bedding to "Heavenly Bed"

We recently stayed at a Westin and loved their "Heavenly Bed". I've read that there are less expensive brands that offer the same comfort and have learned from past experience that if you look in the right places, you can usually find a bargain. Has anyone found a good deal on this brand (or similar substitute) of bedding?

Gwen from Ohio

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Storing Finished Craft Projects

I haven't actually participated in a craft fair yet, but I'm trying to build up an invenetory of my finished craft projects in preparation of a craft show. How does everyone store their finished crafts to keep them clean, etc.?

Brenda from Muncie, IN

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Replacing Canvas on a Patio Umbrella

I am looking for a replace patio umbrella canvas. My current one is worn out and has 6 ribs or stems where the canvas attaches. Does anyone know what companies can I contact? Thanks for your help.

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Advice With Helping Neglected Kitten

Kitten Help! I have just been out in the dark rescuing a kitten [8-9 weeks] from a tree down the street. The child at the house told me the kitty belongs to my next door neighbors. Problem is, the next door neighbors have killed by neglect or worse 4 dogs in the five years they have lived there. They seem to be decent people just horrible pet owners. I'm not giving the kitten back to them. I'm temped to keep him, but how do I explain that later?

I also thinking of taking him to the SPCA in hopes he will be adopted. My conscience won't let me give him back. I know he won't survive. He is here in my lap, poor baby, covered in dirt and fleas. I'm sure it will get back to the neighbors that I have him, since I talked to the people at the house where he was in the tree. What do I say if they come looking for him? Maybe I could say he ran away...

Joy from Visalia CA

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Milky Residue in Pickle Jars

I have a question about making dill pickles. Some of my jars stay real clear while others get this milky substance on the bottom of the jars. Is this just fermentation and is is safe to eat them?

Charlie

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What is the Perfect Birthday Gift For a Bullrider?

My boyfriend is a bullrider, and his birthday is coming up very soon. We've been going out for a year now and I have no clue what to get him. He's not all that difficult to shop for, but I want it to be perfect. PLEASE HELP!

Lyndsey from Lind, WA

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Remove Dirt From Outside of Painted HVAC Vent

How do you remove dirt from the outside of a painted HVAC vent?

Roberta from Washington, DC

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Wintering Strawberry Plot

I have a strawberry plot and I have been covering it with straw for the winter but do I have to?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Polly from Mich.

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Freezer Thanksgiving Recipes

I'm looking for recipes for Thanksgiving dinner that can be made ahead of time and frozen or can be cooked a couple of days early. We're going to my parents on Thanksgiving Day, and then the next day we're having my husband's family over, so I will not have time to prepare the day before.

Char from IL

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Recipe For Quick and Easy Candy

I was wondering if anyone has a quick recipe for some candy that is good. It can be any kind, as there are no allergies. Thank you!

Ann

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Need Beef Pot Pie Recipe to Feed 50

I am looking for a recipe for beef pot pie that will feed approximately 50 people, and is relatively inexpensive!

Debbie from Shallotte, NC

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Gift ideas For Goddaughter's Confirmation

My goddaughter is having her confirmation in November. I was wondering if anybody has some good gift ideas? I want to give her something meaningful. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Kelly from Pennsylvania

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Caring For My Elderly Cat

I have a female cat that is 18. She has had a couple of strokes in the past few years and has a slight balance problem. Recently, she has started urinating EVERYWHERE! Right next to the litter box, on my carpet, in my shoes, etc. She also has been vomiting more than the normal. I would place a litter box around the house if I could, but I also have a 3 yr. old female that would play in it and track it all over the house. So, I am torn...do I vacuum litter all day or take the chance on having more "accidents" around the house? I have not taken her to a vet recently, so I've read it could be a UTI. I will try to get her into the Vet.

In the meantime though, is her old age contributing to all of this and what can I do to dissuade this behavior? I have had to start feeding her soft food due to her losing most of her teeth. At what point do I not let her suffer anymore if she is doing this due to her age?

Princess C from Harris, MN

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Removing Rust From Well Water

How do I get rid of rust in my well water?

Carrie from Rushville, Ohio

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How to Get a Fresh Looking Complexion While Living In Pakistan

Can I know how to get a fair complexion with a fresh look, while living in Pakistan?

Farah Naz from Lahore, Pakistan

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Drying Bar Soap

What is the best way to dry bar soap to make it last longer?

Bernie

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Removing Diaper Rash Cream From Carpet

My son put diaper rash cream on my carpet how can I get it out?

Christina from Topton, PA

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Sweaty Armpits With No Odor

I have the worst armpits! Well almost the worst! I have really sweaty armpits yet no oder whatsoever! Its real strange and annoying! I have tried everything! Over the counter treatments, prescriptions, and some recipes; I would even consider a painful surgery! Does anybody have answers!? Can anybody hep!?

Aliesha from Florida

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Training Aggressive German Shepherd/Husky Mix

I have a German shepherd/Husky mix named ROCKY. He's a very energetic dog so we take him out to a park once a day for about 45 minutes to make him dispense some energy. He is a good dog. We have trained him to obey some basic tricks such as stay, sit, lie down and shake paw, but he is extremely aggressive. He will growl and snap at anyone who tries to take something away from him. My question is how can I train him to stop acting in this aggressive manner? Please help.

Jennifer from Montreal, QC

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Styling Advice for Wavy Hair

Ok, I'm called the "Beauty Freak" because I read and apply everything! Yet nothing works! I have the worst hair in the world! Its really poofy and I have bangs the go to middle of my face but they are really wavy! It looks like yuck! I don't use heat! I take absolute great acre of my hair! I need help.

Aliesha from Florida

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Cleaning a Brushed Stainless Steel Refrigerator

How do you clean a stainless refrigerator?

Myra from Winter Park, FL

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Stains on My Cuffs

I would like to know if anyone knows how I can get set in stains out of my different colored blouse cuffs.

Thank you for your help.

Vicky from Canadensis

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Smell Out of Washer

When doing laundry, why do I get an awful smell when washing clothes when the washer is running during the cycle?

Bridget from AZ

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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