Daily Thrifty Tips - May 22, 2006

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I dont have to wait until spring or fall to transplant, I transplant when I get the urge.

By Teresa Spittel from Spencer Wi

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Henry is a 6 year old Golden Retriever. I bought him from a breeder near here from a litter of 9 puppies. I picked him and he picked me.

He likes walkies and de-stuffing his dolls. Henry is too smart, when he gets stuck, he remembers the other way out. We couldn't be happy without him.

By Angela Holtz from Mt. Pleasant, MI

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This is another very old game that is a bit strange but is certain to test your guest's dexterity. Bury ten tiny safety pins in a bowl filled with rice. Make sure the safety pins are closed!

Blindfold each guest in turn and have them stick their hands in the rice bowl. Time each guest with a stopwatch as they try and extract the safety pins from the bowl. The guest who can extract all of the safety pins from the bowl in the shortest amount of time wins the game!

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To help with spiders in the house, use a fly strip that you tack to the ceiling and for some reason they are attracted to them. They stick and die.

By Wendy from West Allis, Wisconsin

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Comfrey:

Comfrey is an herb that used to be known as a cure all for many ailments. Commonly known as knit-bone, because in medieval times the root would be moistened and applied to broken bones to set a plaster for healing. Its leaves and roots can also be applied to cuts and sprains and can also be applied to the skin abscesses and bee or wasp stings.

Knit-bone can also be used to cleanse the skin. By warming a high-quality oil (like almond oil) with the leaves, this herb produces a fine skin cleansing oil, which works particularly well for people with dry skin. To create a comfrey infusion, just place the herb in oil, bring to a low boil, cover and let steep for at least 20 minutes!

Sage:

Instead of purchasing rinses and special hair products designed for brunettes, why not try a bit of sage? Simply place sage leaves in the rinse water and let it sit overnight. After you wash your hair, rinse with the sage water to strengthen and highlight dark hair coloring!

Sage leaves can also be used as a skin astringent. Break the leaf to bring out the moistness of the leaf and gently rub on the skin.

Dried sage leaves are also an attractive and pleasant addition to potpourri.

Parsley:

Parsley has been used for years to dress up our dishes, and legend goes that a nibble will freshen your breath. However, few people know that parsley can be infused in boiling water to produce skin products. Place parsley leaves in a pot of boiling water, remove from heat and cover. Allow it to sit for one hour. After cooling, splash it on your face to lighten those freckles! Another use for the refreshing splash is to prevent those tiny thread veins!

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To get spots from a cloth tablecloth, dab the spots with dish liquid while the cloth is still on the table. Usually we try to do this with the tablecloth off the table, but the spots are hard to find that way. Also, dish liquid is an economical and safe treatment for food stains.

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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I like to put figurines in and around the pots in my container garden - to fill in bare spots and to generally liven up the garden. You can find good deals in slightly damaged figures -in proportion to your pots/plants. Remember all those statues of classical goddesses have typically not retained their noses and some wear is normal in garden figures.

By pam from L.A., CA

Email: pamphyila@yahoo.com thr470999

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I began my quest for frugality when my husband had been laid off from his job and we were in a financial bind. It isn't something that you want to do, I don't think, in the beginning. But realizing the benefits from just changing a few things can really have an impact on your life.

Thrift Stores

I started out small, recycling clothing for other things. I began shopping at the thrift stores and revamping items there. I realized how many things most people waste and those wasted items can be my gain. I bought birthday gifts for my girls, furnishings, etc. at thrifty stores and saved an enormous amount of money.

Saving on Electricity

Three years ago we moved into an old farm house. We quickly realized that we needed to be as frugal as we could with things such as foods, electricity, heating. Our home was equipped with a coal stove which helped immensely with the heating costs. We contacted our local electric company and found that you can have another meter installed. It is called "off peak". This is where the day cost for each Ohm is a bit more, but the night rate is cut in half. The times for use are 11:00 PM to 6:00 am. We had one installed and just by taking showers in the morning, running the dishwasher in the middle of the night and doing laundry in the night has saved us hundreds of dollars. I purchased timing plugs for each appliance and just pre-load the items and they start at the time set. We also have a timer on the hot water tank as that is one of the biggest users of electric. I am amazed at the reduction in our electric costs with very little sacrifice on our part.

Farm Raised Food

We also have a small farm. We purchase one cow every 1 1/2 years and it's specific purpose is for meat. Last year we got over 500lbs of beef for approximately $400 in total cost for raising the cow. We also have chickens which are mainly used for egg production, and have raised pigs for meat.

Homemade Items

I also have planted a garden and am making many items that can be made for less. I recently tried my hand at homemade laundry soap, which by the way, is amazing. I love it and for the cost it is well worth it. I make my own yogurt, can my own vegetables, meat and fruit. Many of the items I find in the woods near my home. We have several apple trees, berry bushes, etc. I just wait for the right time to pick and pick away. Most country people have no problem with allowing you to go on their land to hunt for berries (just be sure you ask for permission and know what you are picking and eating as some berries can make you sick). I have also found ways to make my own brown sugar, powdered sugar, etc.

The Internet is an amazing thing and there are so many sites out there specifically designed for frugality or homesteading. I like the outcome I receive with just a bit of effort on my part. I have even got my neighbor involved and we are going to be canning together this year. It is definitely a treat and a feeling of accomplishment to know that I can survive with the basics and not feel like I am surviving.

Melissa from Pine City, NY

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If you are planning to have Koi, carp or goldfish in your pond and you live in a very rural area filled with lots of critters remember to invest in some fine leaf netting. Draping this netting over your pond at night can prevent night creatures from making a meal of your precious fits.

By Hope Mason
http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks

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Well, the FRUGAL Bride's mother has pulled off another wedding on a budget! I had less than 5 WEEKS to get-er-done and boy did we do it up right! But needless to say things are a little more costly when it comes to your only daughter! I must say that I surpassed the $600.00 wedding for my son and Daughter-in-law, but less than $1000.

This included all the accessories, a rehearsal Dinner and decorations, and Reception supplies, decorations and Food! The tables were gorgeous with 50 cent (ON SALE) small topiaries, silver plated votive cups and candles, sage green pillar candles in small fish bowls with clear marbles. The most extravagant item was a clear picture frame which said "Sweethearts Forever" which cost $2 apiece. Moms--It Can Be Done.

I bought things on sale from Dollar Tree Stores, Walmart, Dollar General Stores and Family Dollar Stores. And I made all the Bouquets, Baskets Corsages and Boutoniers. Rehearsal Dinner was kept simple with an Italian theme. We served Lasagna, Spaghetti, Garlic breads, vegetable and pasta salad with puddings for dessert. Reception foods included: chicken salad, tuna salad on croissants and heart shaped finger sandwiches, pasta salads, cheese balls and crackers, and HUGE vegetable trays and cut up fruits in watermelon and canteloupe baskets carved to hold the fruit. There was food enough for over 100 people with leftovers.

Cupcakes along with a three tier cake were a hit and actually only 1 and a half cake was cut by using cupcakes. Do I sound like I'm patting myself on the back? Yeah Buddy---and I am in debt to NO ONE---it's all been paid. I bet a lot of Mom's wish they could say the same!

By Sharon Shearer

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With Memorial Day soon approaching, I wanted to share this tip for silk flower arrangements. Spray with a couple coats of WD-40 to help repel water from rain and sprinklers, and to protect silk flowers' colors from fading due to sunlight. After spraying with WD-40, the silk flowers or greenery will stay beautiful and vibrant for a longer period of time while placed near your loved one's grave.

By Laura from Michigan

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To make bouquet sturdier in a vase use marbles. They look good in a clear vase but will work in any type of vase.

Sue Ramsey from Washington, IN

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To make a tomato rose simply pick a tomato of any size. Make sure it is a gel variety like a Roma tomato. Take a very sharp knife and start peeling it like you would an apple. Keep peeling until you have the longest length possible and then coil the peel into a rose shape. Using pink, red and orange tomatoes can create a lovely bouquet for a centerpiece.

By Hope Mason

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What's a good way to clean the intake vent covers to my air conditioner? They are covered in dust and grime?

Pattibc777 from Houston, TX

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We have six dogs and my yard has a lot of trees with half dirt and half grass. I I just bought cypress mulch to go on the dirt but someone said it was harmful to the dogs. Is this true and can you give me some dog friendly suggestions for the yard?

Thank you,
Pam from Scottsboro, AL

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My screens in my windows do not fit properly. Our electric bills are supposed to double by the summer. I wont be able to use my air conditioner so I have to get my windows fixed. So far, I have put weather stripping in the cracks and I have also caulked them. To me, it looks like the screens weren't made for these windows. When I bought the condominium I had the screens re-screened because they had holes in them. Any suggestions of what i can do to make them fit better?

Thank you,
Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Can I get rid of fleas on my pets with vinegar?

Karen Burley From Norwood, GA

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I'm going out of the country for june, july and august, the hottest months of the year, and I am looking for advice on how to keep my plants alive for the duration. They are all in containers and include a rose bush, tomatoes, peppers, mint, and a few others. For the grass I can use sprinklers, but the plants? Thanks very much in advance.

My hardiness zone is 8-10

BK from Milpitas, CA

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I have a lot of silk blend sweaters and my body heat makes them smell, well like silk. Any suggestions to remove the silk smell from silk?

April from La Crosse, WI

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I have 2 trumpet vines in a garden with many other beautiful perennials. When I planted them I was young and dumb and now I would like to know how to get rid of them. They pop up all over and I just keep cutting them off at the stem because I don't want to get rid of my other plants. Any ideas?

Hardiness zone: 6a

Peg from Cecil, OH

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A hot dish was placed on wood table and left a white mark. I need to remove the mark without damaging finish, if possible. HELP!

Shaywood from Valrico, FL

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I have removed the vinyl layer of the wall paper which apparently has been on for 20 years but the paper part and glue is only coming off in tiny pieces. I have tried vinegar in hot water and bought a wall paper remover product from canadian tire but can not get the paper and glue off. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Enza from Toronto Canada

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I have some pants and jacket that are 96% cotton and 4% spandex in black and they seem to attract every little piece of lint in the world! I love them and want to wear them but every time I do i'm reaching for my lint roller. I have tried static guard and fabric protector but they have not worked? I'm stuck, can anyone help me with a tip?

April from La Crosse, WI

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My daughter got white nail polish all over our microfiber couch. What can I use to get it out?

Sen from Utah

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Do burning bushes go dormant due to heat shock?

Hardiness zone: 7a

Dnujcar from Detroit, Michigan

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I had a substantial amount in student loans, but upon graduation I could not find a job and another one was too low to even cover my expenses. 3 years ago, I had an opportunity to pay back some of the loans and contacted the servicing agent that was on my credit report, and settled out with hemar, the servicing agency. I paid out about $75k as part of the overall settlement. About a year ago, I got a threatening call from NYS Higher Education Servicing Agency, saying that I owed them $100k!

They did not provide me with documents to support it other than computer generated ledger showing a total amount. They advised me to rehabilitate, and then pay about $1200 per month, but if I cannot pay the amount after I rehabilitate, I go back to default and I have no other option! I have been misled. I don't know how my consolidated student loans can be de-consolidated.

The servicing agent called my employer to notify them that there is a possibility of garnishment and they threatened to do so. What are my legal rights? The servicing agency took money out of my account without authority based on my good faith effort to provide them with my information, and also to get information to support their claim. I dispute the amount as being wrong, or doubled, or miscalculated. I switched my bank as a result and notified them. Nothing has worked.

I don't understand how I can consolidate my loans through direct loan servicing and later, have this account de-consolidated. I processed paperwork, so shouldn't the paper trail follow?

I need help. If anyone can help me, or provide me with info, or what processes are, I will be most grateful.

Mia from New York, New York

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I recently requested info about medicare supplemental plans. Thanks for the replies I received so far. However, I am still wondering if anyone can explain something called medicare advantage plans, and how they work? I have to choose either a medigap plan, or a medicare advantage plan along with medicare a&b. I just need some detailed information about medigap versus the medicare advantage plan. I have a few months before I am eligible but I am trying to do the research now, since it is so complicated. I cannot go to medicare.gov site because I am not 65 yet, and to get the info on that site you have to put in your birth date, etc. Thanks for any information anyone can provide.

P.J. from Delaware

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I am throwing grandma and grandpa a surprise 60th anniversary party. I plan to have it on the 4th of July so I can combine the parties and so it will be a surprise. I plan on having it at my house. Does anyone have any ideas for the party or unique gifts ideas?

Donna J. from Warren, MI

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Is there an inexpensive way to aerate my lawn?

Hardiness zone: 9b

Pattibc777 from Houston, TX

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I need help cleaning rust and dirt from my fisher wood stove. I use it all winter and it needs to have its appearance cleaned up. I hope you can help me.

Thank you so much,
Suzy from Clifton Forge, Virginia

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Has anyone ever made concrete patio blocks? I have directions, but wondered if it's too messy, do the blocks really last, etc.

Thanks,
cindyluhu from Melbourne, FL

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Can anyone give me advice on cleaning marble?

Thanks,
Edie from Owensboro, KY

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We need to locate the electrical boxes in our sprinkler system but can't find them. Any suggestions?

Pattibc777 from Houston, TX

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We have 2 small Japanese maple trees in our front yard. One of them is mostly dead with a small amount of leaves on the bottom. the other did very well over the winter. I'm wondering if there's a way that I can trim the one and graft it or plant it with the one that didn't do so well. How would I go about doing that?

Hardiness zone: 6a

Tina from Pontiac, MI

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I would expect my vet to be pretty strict when it comes to treats and scraps for the dogs. But to my surprise, he said that you SHOULD share from the table once in a while!

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Breed Description: The Chartreux is medium in size and large and sturdy in build. They have a wide forehead, narrow muzzle, semi-long legs and large paws. In general, they give the appearance of being robust and solid. This breed has a beautiful medium-short coat that is blue-gray in color. Their eyes range in color from copper to amber and their faces often look as though they are smiling.

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Traveling with pets may seem like a daunting task, but it really is not if a few simple precautions are taken along the way.

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Travel Destination: Amsterdam

Free Things to Do:

Walk the city. The architecture if fabulous! By walking you can see the canals, flower markets, the "pleins" (squares) with the statues and street cafes. You can sit and order a drink and for a small donation, enjoy the street performers.

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