Daily Thrifty Tips - June 15, 2006

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I transformed a family size Tide detergent box into a file box. I attached teabag envelopes to the outside to indicate the contents of the box. I put ribbons through the handle.

8 x 11 size file folders and paper will fit perfectly in the box. It sits on the floor next to my desk.

Many readers requested a picture after WandoJo posted the instructions. She kindly sent this one in. To read the instructions for making this look in the feedback forum below.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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This is our granddaughter Abigail Grace. She lives in Seldovia, AK with her mom and dad (our son). We see them once a year at Christmas but Abbey was home in May visiting with her mother Charity. She is the love of our life and we were so happy to see her. She will be a year old on June 2.

By Chris Winters from Livonia NY

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Here is my grandson. He figured how to improve and make a tent all by himself. I call him my Shining Star. He is been that since the day she told me she was pregnant. He is so inventive I would say, LOL.

By Jequettea from Kingsport TN

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I put a dryer sheet on the back of my fans in my apartment. It stays in place when the fans are on. As the fan blows the air, the dryer sheet smell is circulated throughout my apartment. I find that it works better than sprays or candles. I live in a basement apartment and find that this gets rid of the musty smell and leaves it smelling fresh and clean.

By Mary Dobrovolny from Chicago, IL

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Use dishwashing powder (like Cascade) to pre-treat and launder your whites. It won't break down the fibers like bleach and will prevent your feet from smelling when you sweat.

By Laurie from Pahrump, NV

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At checkout at electronic stores, the clerk will always offer you an additional warranty. The script usually sounds a little like this: "Would like addition buyers protection on this product for only $20.00". Only buy products that have good warranties in the first place, and say "No" when a checker offers you an impulse warranty on electronics. If you are afraid that the product will not last past the manufacturers warranty, it's probably not worth buying. Also, your credit card may offer extended warranties on purchased items already.

By Fisher

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Pasta salad with veggies is quick and easy, if you think leftovers. During the summer months, I try to keep a container of cooked rotini noodles in the freezer. If I find I have small amounts of cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, grilled zucchini, carrots, etc. I put the frozen cooked pasta in a colander and run cold water over it until defrosted (takes less than 30 seconds). Next, dump in a bowl the pasta, the veggies and bottled Italian salad dressing (your preference on how much), mix and refrigerate. If I have sliced black olives to use up, in they go, too; same for chopped onion and diced tomatoes that need used up. I refrigerate several hours before serving, mixing occasionally. I am adventurous with the veggies I try, and so far, haven't found a combination or medley that I didn't like.

By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri

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A lingerie bag is a great help in an automatic dishwasher for washing small, unbreakable items. Fill the bag, zip it closed and lay it in the top rack. Clothes pin it to the prongs if needed, if you feel it may bounce around. Items will stay in the bag, but the holes in it will let the items come real clean. This works great for plastic silverware, plastic figurines, and most anything that won't break.

By Laura from Elberta, AL

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I love the cookbook "101 Things to Do With a Cake Mix" by Stephanie Ashcroft. She gives recipes for turning any cake mix into brownies or chewy squares, or moist bundt cakes and delicious cookies.

I have made her Death-by-Chocolate Cake and Banana Bundt Cake. They are incredible. The peanut butter brownies are also a family favorite.

I have so much fun buying different flavors of cake mix on sale then referring to this cookbook for an easy recipe to make something yummy!

I recommend this cookbook to any frugal bakers who like to be creative in the kitchen!

By SusannL from Florida

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THANKS FROM ANHEUSER-BUSCH: Each active-duty military personnel or drilling reservist (and up to three dependents) is eligible to receive one free pass in 2006 to an Anheuser Busch theme park. A friend of ours and her husband went to Sea World last year on their vacation when they had a few hours to spend before their flight left.

This is not a gimmick. It is Anheuser-Busch's way of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. It's a fun way to spend a day, and she said you can almost afford to eat at the park, since you get in for nothing. Eligible participants are required to register online at www.herosalute.com or at the park's entrance. Department of Defense photo identification is required. For more information, go to http://www.herosalute.com.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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If you have a credit card you have probably received balance transfer offers which offer to lower your interest rate. Make sure to factor in the balance transfer fees and to look at the actual interest rate before accepting one of these offers. They often have a 3% (or more) balance transfer fee that is applied to the entire balance you are transferring. And, many times balance transfers are charged a higher APR than normal purchases after the promotional interest rate expires.

For example, if you borrow $1,000 with a 3% balance transfer fee, six months at 0% interest, and a default 18% balance transfer APR then over the course of a year the transfer will have nearly a 12% effective APR for that first year. Beyond that, you are paying 18% on that debt.

By Fisher

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
http://webby.com/humor

How do I get out chap stick that has been washed and dried out of clothes?

Kate from Maryland

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I have a very old nonstick red West Bend Electric Wok (just rediscovered it in the kitchen cabinet yesterday). The heat control indicates 1500 watts as does the unit base, yet I have never been pleased with its performance. Does anyone know how to tell if their appliance is actually generating the correct wattage?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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My parents 50th wedding anniversary is coming very quickly and I am struggling for ideas. We are not having a party because we had a huge 70th birthday party for both of them last year. We are renting condos in southern Indiana and the whole family will be together and I am looking for ideas of what we could do that would be special. I would really appreciate any help you could offer. Thanks

disneygirl from Crown Point, IN

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Calla Lilies in my yard are growing 4 feet tall but as soon as they bloom the flowers turn brown. I'd also like to dig them up and move to them another location in my yard. When should I dig them up? How can I prevent them from browning? And how do I get them to grow tall and straight?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Thank you in advance!
Windella From Pasadena, CA

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Does anyone have a fabulous Garlic Chilli Sauce recipe that they would like to share with me? I LOVE hot foods and have a chilli bush that just keeps on producing! It grows more chillies than I know what to do with! Any other ideas for chilli sauces or other recipes? Anything will be greatly appreciated.

KJP from Melbourne, Australia

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I'm looking for ideas for my niece's 1st birthday party, there will be older kids and mostly adults. Themes? Games for the smaller children? I'm planning mini finger foods, appetizers, etc.

Windella from Pasadena, CA

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I am looking for a substitute for chicken and beef bouillon. The trick is... it has to be:

corn free
wheat free
soy free
peanut free

I know that may be tricky, unfortunately this isn't all of my mom's allergies.

Thanks!
Labelreadinmomma from Wyoming

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Today I bought some lettuce at the farmers market for the first time. My husband wants me to "disinfect" it because he says we can get "amoebas." What in the world is he talking about? I've never heard of disinfecting lettuce before. If I am supposed to disinfect it, how do I do that?

Allison from Kingsport TN

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I have several very long extension cords for my hedge clipper and other outdoor tools. Any ThriftyFun ideas for keeping them unsnarled when stored, but easy to unwind for use?

Claudia-MD from MD

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Does anyone have any ideas or know of any sites that have barbie clothing patterns?

Thanks!

Lee

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Selecting High-Quality Asparagus: Select firm, tender young spears. If growing your own, cut them immediately before freezing, as once cut, asparagus spears wilt quickly.

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