Daily Thrifty Tips - October 13, 2008

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We have a new feature on ThriftyFun called My Frugal Holiday. It's where readers can share family traditions that save money during the holiday season. If you have one to share, feel free to submit to the My Frugal Life Essay contest.

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Here are this week's Saving Money On... topics.

Saving Money on Cleaning Products
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Saving Money on Cars
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Saving Money on Health Care and Insurance
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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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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Craft Project: Mummy Pumpkins

A cute craft for Halloween, this pumpkin craft requires no carving and is appropriate for all ages. Very quick and easy to make.

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Scenery: Autumn Driving In Virginia

In October when the trees have turned, my husband and I take a day trip to the mountains to get some mountain apples and see the leaves. It's a 4 hour drive to the mountains from where we live so we pack a picnic lunch and snacks. It's a beautiful country drive all the way so we take our time and enjoy the view.

The closer we get to the mountains, the brighter the leaves get. We take Hwy 58 in southern Virginia and go to the Blue Ridge Parkway. After reaching the parkway we go north to Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob stopping at several lookouts on the way then we come back down the mountain on Hwy 8. We stop near Stuart at a store that sells produce and pick up a couple bushels of apples. Golden Delicious is my favorite.

We thoroughly enjoy our time together on this all day adventure and we also like coming back home and sleeping in our own bed. That night when I shut my eyes to go to sleep, I can still see the red and yellow leaves. I love the beauty of nature and it's free.

By Betty from NC

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Craft: Crocheted Plarn Rug

Crochet yourself a round plarn rug. If you are not familiar with the term plarn, it's plastic bags cut into strips to create yarn. You then crochet with it. I have a free crochet pattern available if you want to make this rug. These plastic rugs are really handy for boots and doormats. You can just rinse them off and hang to dry. Here is the free pattern link:

• http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/09/27/recycled-round-plarn-rug/

By RecycleCindy from WA

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Daisy (Chihuahua)

Daisy is 8 weeks old and is a Chihuahua. My friend's dog had puppies. I had her when she was 5 days old and bottle fed her

She likes to tear up kleenex and suck her pacifier. She is adorable

By Tamara from Texas

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Askhim the Cat

Askhim is a 5 year old cat. I got my cat at the vet, I had to have my cat put down he was 13, and Askhim stared at me through his cage, saying TAKE ME HOME! So needless to say I did. He is wonderful.

He loves catnip, and the catnip quilts I make. Askhim flew to Newfoundland to see me, and I flew back with him, he is a traveler, he enjoys it too. :)

By Barbara from Ontario, Canada

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In Memory of Munchkin (Chihuahua/Small Rat Terrier)

Munchin was a Chihuahua/Small Rat Terrier mix. He lived to be 13+ years old and is recently deceased.
Munchkin.

The third Sunday of July 2007, I was outside with my husband while he grilled, instead of being inside cooking. I saw a movement near my tomato patch, walked over and found an almost dead, neglected dog. It was true Love. We took her in and with the help of our Vet we saved her. She passed away 09-18-08.

She loved to prance and get our attention. She also loved sitting on our laps.

She barked at the water dish a lot. I told my husband she was "making holy water," because she scared the devil out of it. We want her back again as a Rat/Cha. She won't know neglect because we will get her as a puppy, and this time, she will know what toys are!

By Carol L. from South Bend,IN

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Use Tires for Rammed Earth Project

Use those old tires to build a rammed earth project, ie storage building, play house, dog house or add on a new addition to your house!

By The Recycle Queen from Zionsville, IN

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Buying End of Season Clearance Candles

I love candles and what's better than finding them at end of season clearance at 70% off? I am then able to buy as many as I want! Which is what I did tonight thanks to the Dollar General (again). :)

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Flying Ghosts Halloween Decoration

Make some "Flying Ghosts" to hang from tree branches or porch. Gather a few "Leggs Eggs." Sandwich some filament or string between the two halves at the top. At the bottom, add three narrow strips about a foot long cut from a white plastic bag and glue shut. Paint the Egg white and hang to dry. When completely dry add a funny or scary face using black paint or a magic marker. (eyes, mouth, eyebrows will do) Hang your spooky ghosts from a low tree branch or the roof of your porch.

By Carol Jean from Sidney, Ohio

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Christmas Stocking Hanger

Use Christmas decorated ribbon the length of ceiling to floor or as long as you like. Let the kids paint special clothespins to hang their personal stocking. Hang each stocking along the ribbon. This will also work as a Christmas Card Holder.

This is very useful for me because I hang 26 stockings a year for my grown children and my grandkids. I use the same stockings from year to year. Some of mine are 20 years old.

By Janet from Moberly, Missouri

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Refill Plastic Tubs for Pet Food and Litter

As a cat owner with a neat freak boy friend (he prefers that I keep the cat food in those big plastic tubs that you can buy them in) but those cost more money. So ,I saved one food tub and one litter tub. I just buy the paper containers now, not only a lot cheaper but saves a lot of trash from being created.

By Kathleen from Export, PA

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Keeping the Space Over Cupboards Clean

Cleaning the space over the cupboards where dust and grime accumulate can be some job to do. If you line the area with wax paper or paper towels, it makes the cleaning easier. I have done this for the last ten years and I have very little washing to do when I do my spring and fall cleaning. Try it, it's worth the trouble.

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

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Prolong The Life Of Your Jack-O-Lantern

To prolong the life of your jack-o-lantern after making the cuts, coat the cuts with petroleum jelly.

Source: Backyard Living magazine.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Using "Spools" From Old Video Cassettes

OK, some of you are thinking "this woman has too much time on her hands" but since I quit my job several months ago, I have been continuously going through my house and downsizing. Yesterday, I was straightening up in our video/DVD armoire. I found numerous video cassettes that through the years I would record my soaps on so that I could watch them to relax when I got home from work. I also found some that you use to get with different products like a lawn mower, etc. I got to thinking about what I could do with these tapes. Especially since I DON'T tape nor watch my soaps anymore. (It's funny how you are relaxed, even while cleaning out your home.)

Anyway, I decided to take one of the cassettes apart. After all, the tapes were useless to me. I took the 5 or so screws out of it and pulled it apart. I looked at the two spools that had the video tape on them. I pulled all this off and of course, put it into the recycling bin along with the other casing. I then decided to use the spools and put ribbon on them (gift ribbon that you curl with your scissors and thin satin ribbon for crafts or other projects). I hate the thin paper rolls that the ribbon comes on that get bent and not hold the ribbon straight!! The paper rolls will now go into the recycling since I am using the plastic spools which can be used over and over again when you run out of the ribbon!! This is a win, win situation for the environment.

If anyone has any other ideas of using any other part of the casing and such, please post it on the website. I am ALL about recycling everything I can!!

Source: Me. I figured that something inside that cassette could be used for something else.

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Don't Store Root Vegetables While On Vacation

Don't go on a vacation and leave potatoes and onions in the pantry. I must warn people to remove these before departing. I came back to a terrible smell in my house and it took me all morning to remove it. Nothing smells worse should they go bad before you get back.

By nelliemary from West Virginia

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Use Two Shopping Lists to Save Money

Maybe not a new idea but I think it 's a money saver. Make 2 shopping lists. First is considered a monthly list, in which items like; paper towels, TP, soap and other household items purchased, and a second weekly list for food items only.

By Dawn from Henrico, VA

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What Are Hedge Apples Good For?

Does anyone have any ideas for Hedge Apples? I picked a bunch from some trees in the country. I've heard they will repel spiders. Any craft ideas? Are they poisonous? Excited to find out. Thanks! Sharon

Sharon from Stockham, NE

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Remedy for Muscle Spasms

Is there a natural remedy for muscle spasms?

PMM from MO

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Honey for Pimples

Can you use honey for pimples?

Riley from Vancouver

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Canning Green Tomatoes

Years ago a neighbor gave me a recipe for canning green tomatoes. I remember that you salted the sliced green tomatoes along with sliced onions and let them sit overnight. Then you rinsed them and packed onions and tomatoes in canning jars. There was a vinegar solution for the tomatoes and you also added oil. Then the tomatoes were processed.

Once cooled you could use the tomatoes on sandwiches. They were delicious. Does anyone have a recipe that sounds similar to this? I would love to make these and use all of our green tomatoes. Thanks.

Chris from Livonia, NY

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Hard, Black Worms In Basement

How can I remove little black hard worms, approximately 1 inch long that come into my basement during the fall? The Exterminator says they come up through the foundation in older homes? Thanks.

Bev from Oskaloosa, IA

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Controlling Moss In Lawn

What's the best way to control moss in damp, not enough sun areas of the lawn? Thanks!

Ann from MA

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Stains on Granite Countertops

How do I clean granite countertops? They are darkening, and are bothered by water stains. Actually, they seem to stain very easily. Products advertised to clean granite and marble do not seem to work. Please help! They do not look good at all! Thanks in advance.

Daphne from Madison, WI

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Kitten Keeps Scratching a Sore

I have a kitten that I found. When I found her she had a little spot about the size of a dime maybe smaller. She has been itching it and now it is way bigger with blood and puss. I have been putting peroxide on it and cleaning it out, also have been putting polysporin on it but it is not healing.

It is in a spot where I cannot put a cone around her neck. I will get it to the point where it is healing or scabbing up and then she will itch at it again and it will become a bloody mess again. Any ideas?

Anne from Cincinnati, OH

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Piano Smells Like Cigarette Smoke

How do I get the cigarette smoke smell out of a piano? The people we bought it from smoked, and we are serious non-smokers. We should have known better, but we thought it would come out with a simple dusting! I now have a musical ashtray. It has smelled up my entire house. We are all sneezing, and that includes the dog.

I have packed it with newspaper, and gave it a double bath with Murphy's oil soap. Then dusted it again with a lemon oil. It now is worse than before. Any suggestions other than selling? Do you think it will eventually wear out or we will just get used to it? We don't want to get used to it, we would rather sell. Help!

Marcie from Athens, GA

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Dyeing Leather Shoes

I have a question about dyeing or spray painting leather sandals. They are cream colored leather, Naturalizer brand. I want to make them bronze or brown. Can I use the new spray paints that are on the market for plastics? They seem like they would be "flexible" which is what I need.

I called the shoe repair shop and he stated that the new leathers can't be dyed, but there has to be a way. These are the only comfortable dress sandals I have but the color is wrong for the dresses I'm planning to take on my cruise. Has anyone done this process without ruining the shoes?

Sandy from Pittsburgh, PA

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Wrinkled Suede Skirt

Is it safe to iron or steam a badly-wrinkled suede skirt? If not, what do you recommend?

Deb from Baldur, MB

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Fleas In The Walls

We rent our house under a lease. We were unaware of the problems cause by raccoons getting into the walls. The raccoon problem has finally been taken care of but we are now battling the problem of 'fleas'. We have Diatomeceous Earth, the kind that's also used for human consumption. I find the tips on this site very helpful, but I've not used the D.E. before. How would I go about treating the inside of the house, for how long and how often? We have no pets and neither do our neighbors.

Gmajlo from Midwest

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Soundproofing a Room

Any tips on cheaply sound proofing or sound deadening a room?

Eric from Rochester, NY

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Clothing Causing Pimples

I have a few questions. I get these pimples, or something where the waistband of my jeans are. They are usually just in the front, on my stomach. I have tried to get rid of them by using acne lotions, but it doesn't work that well. I don't know for sure what they are, but I assumed that they were some type of acne. How can I get rid of them?

Also, I have a similar problem on the inside of my thighs. My doctor said it's a type of acne with cysts. She recommended using an anti-bacterial bodywash, but they aren't going away. Does anybody have some suggestions? A dermatologist maybe?

Jillian from Austin, TX

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Recipe For "City Chicken" (Pork Dish)

I need a recipe for "city chicken", a pork dish from northeast Ohio.

Linda

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Looking For A Buckeye Tree

Where can I find a buckeye tree around here?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Linda from MD

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Baby Proofing Home For Triplets

I am trying to baby proof for 15 month old triplets without going broke. What are some ideas for cabinet locks, toilet locks, stairs, etc.?

Mom2Trips from Erwin, NC

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Gasket For Lidded Cookie Jar

I bought a glass cookie jar that sits on it's side with a wooden lid. The lid has no gasket to fit tight to the jar. Does anyone know where I could get one? I have tried Google and haven't found what I'm looking for yet. Would silicone work on the lid to make a tight fit? I'm hoping someone can help me, I really like the jar. Thanks so much.

Joyce from Coffeyville, Kansas

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Creative Ways To Live Green

I need creative ways on how to live green.

Lilly from Paris, France

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Using Pre-Made Pie Crust For Dumplings

Has anyone ever used Pillsbury Pie Crust that you get in the refrigerator section for apple dumplings or turnovers?

Vicky from Canadensis, PA

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Reusing Cabinet From Cabinet TV

I have one of the old cabinet-style TVs that no longer works. The cabinet is in good condition, I hate to toss it. Anyone have ideas for something else the cabinet could be used for?

kmc from Western Colorado

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Applying Polycrylic To Painted Countertop

I just finished spraying my bathroom counter with the Rustoleum Accents yesterday and let it dry overnight and all day. Then I put polycrylic on and used a sponge brush. The paint started to smear and half of the counter has light black streaking. Should I continue with poly or resand and repaint. I guess I am not sure how to apply the poly. Help please!

Sandra from Earlville, NY

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Unclogging a Sewer Drain

How do you unclog a sewer drain?

D.J.Hill from Waco, TX

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Can I Invest Social Security?

I'm on SSDI and want to invest in a 401K, is that possible?

Bill from Redding, CA

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Jeans Bled Onto Suede Jacket

I wore dark blue (indigo) jeans with a tan suede jacket. The jeans bled onto the hem of the jacket. How can I clean it?

Duchin from Worcester

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Honey Cake Recipe

Does anybody have a recipe for honey cake that is made in a loaf pan? I remember my mother adding coffee and I think whiskey to it and we girls got to do the walnuts (chop them and also put halves on the top). Thanks!

Yaffa Dreams from Dunnellon, FL

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Church Harvest Tea

We are planning a harvest tea for our church. What type of food would you suggest we serve?

Atlenia from Mobile, AL

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Hibernating Turtles Indoors

I have an unusual problem. I have 3 small turtles I would like to hibernate indoors this winter. I don't want to use dirt from outdoors because of bugs and I can't seem to find soil from nurseries without fertilizers (bad for turtle shells). Is there anyone who shares this interest in pet turtles? Thanks.

turtle lover from Visalia, CA

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Making Your Own Countertops

I need kitchen countertops! I've read all the great ideas on how to update kitchen countertops frugally and I'm so impressed by the ingenuity! But, I have no countertops at all! We moved back into our formerly leased home after moving out of state and then moving back. The renters destroyed our home.

The counter tops were tiled just before we moved, but upon return we found them cracked, broken and missing. We've redone the kitchen on a budget (and I plan on posting some really great thrifty ideas), but we can't even afford laminate, unless it's the preformed stuff from the major hardware retailers. The choices they offer won't match at all.

Has anyone been in this pickle and come up with a great idea to create counter tops? How about making your own resin counter tops? Has anyone done that and if so, could you share? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Penny from Fowlerville, MI

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Unclogging a Kitchen Sink

How do I unstop my kitchen sink?

Sharmel from St. Louis, MO

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Plastic Window Covering

I have heard about a plastic to cover windows for winter that have magnets. Where can I find this?

Kris from Waukon, IA

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Crickets Inside House

How do you get rid of crickets? I live in an older house. Crickets keep getting inside and they keep me awake at night! It's driving me crazy right now. I try to catch him, but he just gets quiet and hops away only to start up later. I'm going nuts, please help!

bailegirl from Reidsville, NC

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Baking In A Canning Jar

Does anyone know how to bake bread or cake in a canning jar? When do you put the lid on, before or after baking?

Debra from Hampton, Tenn

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Tips For Purchasing A Down Comforter

Can anyone educate me as to purchasing a down comforter? I have been to a hotel with the most comfortable comforter and sheet set. I was told it has something to do with count of feathers? We live in Florida, so I need a lightweight one, possibly for year round? Thanks.

Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Making Cushions For Wicker Furniture

I need to make chair cushions for my wicker furniture, just the bottom. Does anyone have a pattern along with a list of material they used?

Jan from Atlanta, GA

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Dog Will Not Come Inside

We have adopted a 2 year old dog that will not come into the house. Every morning she cowers and curls up into a ball and must be carried in. As the day goes on she gets better and will come in and the next morning the same problem. Any solutions to her being so scared?

Mary from Virginia Beach, VA

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Painting Glass Lamps

I have two beautiful crackled glass lamps that I bought back in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, I bought them in a lovely shade of pink to match my blue and mauve decor (very "in" back then!) I would like to update them if possible. Is there a type of translucent paint that would work on glass? Any suggestions would be welcome!
Thanks!

Susan from VA

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Ideas For Boyfriend's 46th Birthday

My boyfriend is turning 46 this month. I'm looking for ideas for a great party for him. He does so much for me, I want to give him something he will enjoy. It needs to be family oriented, and not cost a bunch. I'm sure his family will help me out, but I want to try and keep it as inexpensive as possible.

The only thing that he is totally into (me to) is drag racing. We are in downtown Atlanta, so there's plenty of things to do here, I just want something special. If any of you have ideas, I would be grateful. Anyone living in Atlanta with new and inexpensive things to do I would appreciate too. Thanks to all.

Jan from Atlanta, GA

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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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My Frugal Holiday: Christmas Preparation

Want to really enjoy the Holidays this year instead of being lost in a frenzy of preparation that strips all the joy away from the activities you are involved in? Some of these tips can help!

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The Retro Has Got to Go
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Set the scene: your new home is beautiful. The kitchen's been remodeled, the living space is newly carpeted, and the bathroom has pristine green and pink tile. Green and pink tile? Yes, welcome to the bygone era of seashell colored bathrooms. If you're not seeing green and pink, you might be seeing powder blue. Yellow, maybe?

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Using Balsamic Vinegar

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All balsamic vinegars are not created equal. Traditional artisan balsamic vinegar is highly praised by gourmet chefs and also very expensive. The balsamic vinegar drizzled liberally over a salads which many of us are familiar is not made in the same way as the traditional artisan balsamic vinegar, which is reduced grape juice aged for at least 12 years in various types of wooden barrels. Woods such as oak, cherry, chestnut, mulberry, ash and acacia, each year the product moving into a barrel of smaller size. Each wood adds a tint of flavor to mix.

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Selecting & Carving Pumpkins for Halloween
By Ellen Brown

Halloween has become a huge holiday. According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, consumers spent $3.29 billion dollars on Halloween in 2005. Of that $3.29 billion, $840 million was spent on decorations-second only to Christmas in holiday home decor. Talk about frightening! Even with all newfangled lighting effects, fog machines and animatronics designed to create hair-raising effects, a carved pumpkin is still the best and least expensive way to create a haunting Halloween scene.

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