Daily Thrifty Tips - May 10, 2006

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Lacy is our 2 year old Lhasa Apso. We adopted Lacy from a rescue shelter. She has been through so much in her short life. We brought her into our home and have just given her all the love in the world... She is our angel!

She loves to follow me around while I take pictures outside. She loves to play with her toys and run around the house and slide on the kitten floor.

By Lisa Coleman from Van Buren, Arkansas

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These vases were made from empty drinkable yogurt containers. Any size container works well. The flowers are made from tissue paper and coffee filters.

Vase directions:

• Drinkable yogurt container
• Tissue paper
• Elmer's glue (watered down)
• Paint brush
• Glitter

Doing a little at a time, paint glue on the yogurt container and stick on ripped up pieces of tissue paper to the container. Then paint on more glue over the tissue paper until you cover the entire vase. I sprinkled on some fine glitter while it was wet to give it some sparkle.

Tissue Paper Flowers:

• Tissue paper (different colors)
• Pipe cleaner (stem)

Cut the tissue paper about 4 inches wide and 12 inches long. Make sure that all the pieces are the same size. Stack all the paper up (4-6 pieces) and fold in an accordion pleat. Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around the middle of the tissue paper. Gently separate each layer pulling upwards toward the middle of the flower.

Coffee Filter Flower
(middle picture)

• Coffee filters (2 per flower)
• Pipe cleaners (stem)
• Food coloring

Fold the coffee filter in half then half again, fold twice more so you have a narrow edge then cut a curve around the outside of the filter or you can make it pointy. This is the inside of your flower. On the other filter do the same thing just make it bigger just so the inside is smaller than the outside.

Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of water in a bowl with a few drops of food coloring.. Then scrunch up the coffee filter and put it in the colored water. You can make all different colors. Leave the filters in the colored water for a few minutes then take them out so they can dry completely. After they are dried put the smaller filter on top of the bigger filter then take the green pipe cleaner and poke it through the middle of the flower. Bend down the top of the pipe cleaner so it doesn't slide out of your flower. Then take a piece of scotch tape and wrap it around the bottom of the flower so it sticks to the pipe cleaner.

You can put a few small rocks in the bottom of the vase so it doesn't tip over.

By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania

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A pal says she uses her meat slicer for slicing potatoes for scalloped potatoes, etc. She said she can slice a 10 lb. bag of potatoes very quickly. Other veggies can be done the same way, especially if you're wanting uniform slices.

By Terri H. from NV

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When I am hosting a large party or family reunion, I have no problem banishing the smokers from smoking in my house or garage. However, I am not keen on picking up cigarette butts from the yard or even out of a container I have provided outside.

Now, I fill a smaller metal coffee can (with a plastic snap-on lid) half full with sand, then put that can and lid inside a larger empty metal coffee can with the same type of lid. My guests are informed that the smaller can is where all cigarette butts and matches go, and please use both cans as provided without separating.

The lids eliminate air needed by the smoldering butts to burn so I am comfortable that the risk of fire is kept to a minimum. When the gathering is over, I simply toss both cans without ever opening either of them, and am not bothered by the mess of the ashes, the butts or the smell.

By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup 99% rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 - 3/4 tsp. bubble gum fragrance oil

Directions:

Mix all ingredient together pour into pump style or squeeze bottle don't like to scent of bubble gum? Just use another scent of fragrance oil instead.

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

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We have a textured ceiling in our kitchen, and it had a lot of dirt and grease buildup (little fuzzies all over the ceiling). I tried washing it, which did not work, so we came up with the idea of using a paint roller with an extender and putting a lint roller (the masking-tape type) on each end. They fit perfectly, and the dirt came right off. It looks so much better!

By Bobbie g from Rockwall, TX

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Ever get one of your electric controls or your keyboards wet from an accidental spill? You can save it from short-circuiting by immediately disconnecting, turning upside down and shaking out whatever water (or other liquid) you can.

Once most of the water seems to be out, keep your device upside down and dry with a hair dryer until no more water droplets appear. I Just did this with my TV remote - and it works! (Whereas years ago I got coffee into a computer keyboard at work and had to play dumb and swap it for another one!)

By Pam from L.A., CA

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When cooking for two, I find it wasteful to buy certain sizes/products. I have recently started buying a jar of cheap spaghetti sauce and use it most anywhere tomato sauce is called for. I recently used it over stuffed green peppers and use it on my 'fake' pizza. I also sometimes freeze some of it in ice cube trays to have it in small amounts when needed.

By Pat from Phoenix, Az.

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So many pets, like children, have a fascination with water. Many times in Summer months, there are so many tragedies where small children find their way to the family's pool without adult supervision and lose their lives. The same can go for pets.

Fix your home so your children and pets can't go to the pool without your supervision. Remember, both, children and pets, can disappear in an instant. Better to be safe than sorry. Happy Summer Everyone!

By Terri from NV

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Spring is here and flea and tick season will soon be in full swing. I see many people writing in and asking what to do to avoid buying the medicine that the vet prescribes for keeping them away from their animals and subsequently, out of their homes. There is nothing that works better than what you get at your vet!

I know it's expensive, but when you weigh the cost of the medicine against buying or using something cheaper and having to hire an exterminator to come and rid your home of fleas, as well as having to possibly pay for sick animals because they have had fleas and ticks on them, it makes WAY more sense to just bite the bullet and buy the stuff from the vet that you know will work. We had to have an exterminator one year. They don't just come once, they have to come at least twice and it is VERY expensive!

Sometimes paying a little, or even a lot more for a good product will end up saving you a lot more money in the long-run. It will also save your pet's health.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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I need help cleaning my Wallabees. My dog stepped on them and it left a paw print and my little brother used my makeup remover to try to make it go away but instead of the paw print off it left a brown spot. I don't know how to wash it off. Please give me some ideas on how to wash them!

Jitterbug from Oneonta, AL

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I have a problem. I have unfortunately acquired a terribly invasive weed. I have no idea what it is. It looks like a fern, has black pods along it's length, grows in clumps, prefers areas heavily mulched but basically took over large areas of my yard in late winter/early spring. For various reasons I was unable to get out and attack it when it was at its peak. It has now been sprayed and most of it is dead, but not before I'm pretty sure it went to seed, to spend time preparing for the next attack.

I would like to find a practically invasive ground cover to plant in the worst area that might inhibit, or at least challenge, this weed the next time it rears its ugly leaves. It would be great if it was evergreen and shade-loving, but at this point I'll take any suggestions. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might use? Thanks so much!

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Tripleb from Greenville, AL

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I have stain on the carpet floor mat in my 2006 SUV. It was caused by a small bottle of air freshener which leaked and left a red stain, I think it must have been a red dye used to color this liquid. Is there any way to remove this stain or should I just replace the mat for $110? Hoping there is a cheaper solution.

Sindi from Phoenix, AZ

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I recently removed some very old and very adhered wallpaper in my kitchen. Despite my best efforts, there are large and small areas where the top layer of the sheetrock came off with the paper. How do I prepare these areas for painting? I am afraid if I just sand and prime these spots the primer and paint will just be sucked up by the gray paper - like substance that was exposed. Can someone advise? Thanks!

Tripleb from Greenville, AL

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There are plants which can grow in water only and are sold at Oriental booths in the malls. They look like a tall stick but they begin to twist near the top. What is this plant and how do you get it to twist?

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Sindi from Phoenix, AZ

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I'm having a sleepover in a week and I was wondering if anyone knew of any games that we could play.

mountaindewlover

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I am getting married next year and have just begun to start the planning and I am having a hard time finding a place to have my reception. I am on a $5500 budget and really can't go over. Please help.

Thank You,
Esther11236 from Brooklyn, New York

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How do I remove candle wax from a terry cloth jacket?

Vicki from Cincinnati, OH

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I am looking for a recipe to make chocolate tapioca pudding. No instant please.

Sindi from Phoenix, AZ

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I am looking for a book or books on making things out of popsicle sticks for an adult who is incarcerated and has been given permission to do hobby craft. I would appreciate any help I can get in obtaining information on where I can order books to be sent in to him.

Thank you,
Barbara Sanders from Fayetteville, AR

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How do you clean shoes that have been previously worn? Is there some kind of home remedy or disinfectant spray?

Tasha from CA

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Does anyone have recommendations for any of the medicalert services? One had the "fallen and I can't get up" lady on their commercial. I need to get one for my elderly mother who is now living alone. I heard Lifeline brand was good. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Lynn from Chico, CA

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I am in charge of a small committee that is planning a retirement dinner for a fellow teacher. She is a classy dresser. She is always in high heels and wears beautiful scarves. We have a budget of about nothing! Any ideas?

Shannon from Miami, FL

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I'm about to move to a new apartment, and now I have clean up my old apartment before I give it back to the landlord. I have to clean this "air ventilation system" which I never use. Anyway, I open it today, and it's dusty as hell. Canned air, compressed air isn't going to do the job. It's just a huge metal thing loaded with dust inside.

The worst part is the outside layer of the ventilation system is all full of dust. I don't know who designed the system, but the outside frame which allow air to go in is filled with tiny little boxes (which are very dusty). I have to put tissue on my finger and clean the tiny little boxes one at a time. It takes forever. I was hoping if there are some tips.
Thank you very much.

jimbo0427 from CA

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Can anyone give me an idea on how to get rid of Canada Thistle? It has invaded every bed of my garden, and this year, I can't plant a veggie garden, I will have to cover the whole garden with black plastic to kill everything in there.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Samantha from Pittsburgh, PA

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I have two dogs and they keep digging in my flower garden, does anyone know how I can stop them?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Becky from West Palm Beach, FL

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I am trying to hide or remove black marks on a hardwood floor.

Kevin Thomson from Toronto

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I have a brand new convertible with leather interior. I left the top down and it rained inside. I also park under an oak tree and wet seed pods got into the car. They left a yellow stain on light taupe leather. I have tried everything I can think of to remove it. Does anyone know anything that might work?

Lisa Bishop from Fairfax, VA

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When my 12 year old nephew came to visit from arkansas, he was trying to show me how to make "fried, or sautéed" green beans. Does anyone know how to make this? I know it has olive oil in it but I don't know what else. Can you use canned beans or do you have to use fresh?

Thank you in advance!

jmz2005 from Illinois

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I need Oklahoma pet laws and information, I going to move there and need to know if there are restrictions on parrots. How many dogs can you own? About how much do licenses cost? Do you have to license a cat? Any other info you think would help.

Thanks,
Karen from Bakersfield, CA

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

If you are just getting your feet wet and thinking about taking up camping, the first thing you need to do is pick out a tent. Tents are less costly than RVs and can go many more places. Besides, if you end up hating camping you won't be out as much money.

There are many things to consider when looking for a tent. They include size, cost, color and ease of use.

Any tent you buy should at least have:

• Collapsible tent poles made out of aluminum, carbon fiber, or tubular fiberglass
• Nylon or polyester fabric: they are lightweight and durable
• One-piece floor: they are generally better at staying waterproof
• Steep walls: increases useable interior space
• Waterproof rainfly
• Easy to assemble color: coded poles or poles of the same length
• Durable stake loops on the tent body

You will want to avoid tents that have:

• Metal zippers
• Tents with sharply angled walls - decreases interior space
• Tents with a short center - nobody wants to be hunched over as they get dressed.

When picking out your tent it is a good idea to keep in mind how many people will typically use it. A manufacturer may say a certain tent can hold two people, but it is likely to be in tight quarters. Consider rounding up a person or two when making your selection. If your tent is going to house two people, buy one that says it can hold 3 or 4. Tall people and those who like their space will appreciate the added room.

Select a tent that is yellow, white or beige. These colors let in the most light and will stay cooler in warm weather than their darker counterparts. Bright colored tents, like yellow are also easier for rescue crews to spot should something go wrong.

Try out your tent, make sure you can put it up easily and tear it down quickly. If you are not comfortable putting the tent up, it is not the tent for you.

After purchasing your chosen tent you may want to consider buying a ground cloth for underneath the tent. It will protect the floor and keep the tent drier and cleaner.

You will also want to add some liquid seam sealer to the seams in your tent. Although your tent may say it is waterproof, beef up the odds it will stay that way by adding a little liquid sealer to help it out.

Whether you have $50 to spend or $1000, try to get the best tent with all the amenities you will need with your money.

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Turkey isn't just for the holidays! Turkey cooks up just like chicken does and is sure to be a welcome treat anytime!

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons finely shredded lime peel
• 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
• 1/3 cup tequila or orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 6-pound whole turkey breast
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch

First, prepare the cocktail marinade by combining the lemon peel, lime juice, tequila, the three tablespoons orange juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the turkey breast in a self sealing plastic bag and set in a large bowl before pouring the marinade over the turkey. Seal the bag and turn in order to coat the entire turkey breast. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours but no more than 24 hours making sure to turn the bag occasionally. Remove the turkey breast from the bag and discard the marinade.

Place the turkey with the skin side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding any bone). Roast uncovered at 325 degrees for 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours or until the thermometer reads 170 degrees. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and allow to cool until it can be handled. Cube or shred the turkey before placing in freezable bags and freeze for up to three months.

To use the frozen Roast Turkey Breast Cocktail, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Roast Turkey Breast Cocktail yields 4 servings.

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Breed Description: The West Highland White Terrier is an elegant looking dog breed with a compact, sturdy body, small enough and with short enough legs to go where its quarry would take it. Its tail must be long enough to enable its master to pull it from holes. This dog breed is very affectionate and loves human and animal companionship.

Group: Terrier Group

Purpose of Breed: Hunting rats

Country of Origin: Scotland

Average Size: Ranges from 10-11 inches and 15-22 pounds.

Color(s): White.

Coat Type: A double coat-wiry and flat on the outside and soft on the inside.

Grooming: This breed is an average shedder with a coat that should be brushed daily to stay in top condition. Special grooming is necessary if the dog is to be shown. Standard care is required for eyes, ears, pads and nails.

Exercise Needs: West Highland White Terriers require a moderate amount of exercise, but adapt well to apartment living if given daily opportunities to romp and play. They are hunters by nature and should be turned out in a safely enclosed area or exercised on a lead.

Temperament: The West Highland White Terrier is an active and assertive breed that is best suited to living with adults and older children. This breed can be very independent and strong-willed. It is alert and courageous and makes a wonderful watchdog. They make good obedience dogs with proper training and will get along with most other companion animals if introduced properly.

Common Ailments: Susceptible to patellar luxation, skin problems, hernias and liver disease.

Life Expectancy: Averages 12-14 years Trivia: There is a legend that says West Highland White Terriers were developed to be seen easily in the field after a hunter mistakenly took his red colored terrier for a fox and shot it.

More Information: West Highland White Terrier Club of America

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The next time your face needs a pick-me-up, don't run to the store. Just walk to the kitchen. Oatmeal has two benefits: It absorbs oil and moisturizes skin at the same time! The milk products in the recipe help to smooth and soften skin. The all natural ingredients in this recipe are much less expensive and irritating to the skin than the chemical-laden commercial products.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of oats
• One-half (1/2) cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt (not low fat yogurt)

Directions:

Pour the buttermilk (or yogurt) and oats into a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. (A blender works best, but you can do this by hand or with a mixer - it just takes a bit more work on your part.)

Wash and dry your face. Gently rub the oats and milk/yogurt mask onto your face. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. Any remaining mask can be refrigerated for up to three days.

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Breed Description: At first glance, the strong and strapping compact build of the Exotic Shorthair is evident. This breed has a large, round head, big, round, wide-set eyes, a short nose and a dense, plush coat. The Exotic's legs are short and sturdy and it has a deep chest and muscular shoulders. This breed's build and teddy bear-like appearance suits its quiet, docile nature.

History & Origin: The Exotic was the result of trying to improve the quality of the American Shorthair Cat. A breeder who kept Persians and American Shorthairs produced a litter of kittens decidedly Persian in type, but with a shorter coat. Over time, word spread and a new breed started to develop. Burmese, Persians and American Shorthairs have all been used in developing the breed. Today, generally only Exotics and Persians are crossed and both shorthaired and long-haired types are found in most litters.

Character & Temperament: The Exotic Shorthair is a hardy, tranquil breed that is content with the comforts of home and gets along easily with children and other household pets. Exotics are intelligent and inquisitive and able to adapt well to most surroundings. They are playful and affectionate, and rarely use their soft, pleasant voice.

Color: All the colors typically found with Persians-nearly 100 different colors.

Coat Type: The Exotic's coat is soft and dense and stands out away from the body.

Grooming: This breed's coat can be kept in good conditions with a minimum of grooming. When the cat is shedding, use a rubber mitt or brush to gently loosen and remove dead hair. Claws should be trimmed and ears cleaned only when necessary.

Health Considerations: Susceptible to malformed jaws and teeth, breathing problems, and sinus problems. Queens may need help delivering kittens due to their large heads.

Trivia: When Exotic kittens are born, their coats start to develop by 4 to 6 weeks. The softer the hair, the more likely they will be long-haired. Physical growth is quick, sexual maturity is not.

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Believe it or not, rabbits can be trained to use a litterbox, just like a cat! Training will be easier than you might think -- rabbits by nature will pick one place for their bathroom and stick to it.

Pick an enclosed litterbox for a bit of privacy, and add a handful of hay for the comfort factor. Bunnies love to chew, and what's more luxurious than a little snack while you piddle?

As for what type of litter you should use, try to avoid clay based litters and litters with deodorant crystals -- both can cause health problems for your rabbit. Oat or alfalfa based litters are a safe choice, as are shredded newspaper and compressed sawdust pellets.

Training your rabbit to use the litterbox is as easy as finding his normal bathroom spot. A rabbit may poop in more than one location to mark his territory, but he will usually only piddle in one location. Place the box there at the piddle-spot, and see if he chooses to use it. If he picks a new bathroom spot, move the box there until your bunny gets the idea -- or place a second litterbox in the new bathroom. Sooner or later, he'll get the idea. Adult bunnies are actually easier to train than young ones! Just remember to be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your rabbit won't learn to use a litterbox in one day, either.

If you catch your rabbit urinating in an inappropriate spot, you can herd him towards the litterbox. Please don't force him -- you don't want to teach him that using the litterbox is a punishment!

A word of warning: rabbit urine is QUITE odiferous. You should change the litter at least once a week (more often if your rabbit lives indoors, as the scent will seem much stronger!). However, it doesn't hurt to save a bit of last week's litter to mix in with the fresh litter -- the familiar scent will put your bun at ease.

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