Daily Thrifty Tips - May 7, 2008

Be sure to check out our Mother's Day section if you are looking for tips and ideas. You can find it here:

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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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Thrifty Cutworm Collars

If you garden in an area where you have to protect your tomato and pepper plants from cutworms, my husband has come up with a simple and free method. We buy our plants in 6 packs like the one in the photo. After removing the plants for planting, separate the sections, cut the bottom 1/2 inch or so off, Cut up the side on one corner, Slip this around the stem of your plant, and hold it in place by pushing a little soil against it. You can leave them in place for the season, or after the plant is well established, you may remove the collars.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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What Is Max Thinking?

We can only imagine what he must be thinking. . . My precious baby grandson, Max.

By Jackie from Orlando, Florida

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Max (Rhodesian Ridgeback/Chow)

Max D. Bear is 15 years old. He is part Rhodesian Ridgeback and part Chow and all sweetheart. We rescued him as a puppy from the local animal shelter.

He likes to play in the yard and play keep away with his toys. He will swipe gum from any purse left unattended but will leave you one of his bones in its place. Max loves everyone he meets and is a big clown. He always sleeps with a stuffed toy but is partial to his Winnie the Pooh.

By Travis from Columbus, OH

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Using Broken Tape Measure

Don't throw out that broken tape measure! I used my tape measure that was broken. It would not retract back into the case, so I cut the tape into different lengths. I started with 12 inch, then made a 16 inch and a 24 inch piece long. Now if I have to measure, I just grab one of the pieces that is suitable for the job at hand.

By John P. from Haysville, KS

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Buy Vacation Gifts At Regular Stores

When traveling, on vacation etc, Don't buy from the gift shop. Check out department stores, dollar stores, Walgreens etc. One can find a large variety of small gift items with the name of the location at very good prices. Just takes a little looking.

By Hairy Wolf from Memphis TN

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Use Vaseline On Birdfeeder To Keep Ants Away

If you have ants climbing down the cord to your hummingbird feeder, put Vaseline on it. It keeps them away for up to a year!

By Rae from Templeton ,CA

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Keep Cats Off Kitchen Counters

My cat used to get up on my kitchen countertops (always looking for food) until my mother told me to point a spray bottle with water in it at him. At first I had to actually spray him several times. Now, all I have to do is hold up the spray bottle for him to see and he jumps down as fast as he can!

For those of you who let your cats hang out where you prepare your food, you should rethink this because I recently found out my cat had a tapeworm. Tapeworms attach themselves to the pet's stomach lining and reproduce by sections breaking off. You will find these tiny sections under the cats tail. They look like tiny pieces of dried rice. It makes me sick to think my cat may have been up on my countertop when he had a tapeworm! Pets catch tapeworms from fleas so it's a good idea to make sure you use Advantage or another good flea preventive. It's fairly easy to keep your cat off the kitchen countertop (at least while you're at home!) Just show them the spray bottle and they'll jump down as fast as they can!

By CDR

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Allow Candles To Melt When Using Oven

In my kitchen one day, I placed a half used scented candle in a jar on my stove for show. It looked beautiful.

That evening when I was making dinner and using the oven, I had forgotten to take the candle from the stove. Oh, the smell was wonderful! The heat vent on my stove melted the candles completely and it was a much stronger smell than if I had lit it. Each time thereafter that I used the oven, I made sure the same candle was on the stove. Now when I buy scented candles, I don't burn them, I just let them melt. Smells so much more and lasts a lot longer than burning.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Use Vinegar On Windshield Wipers

To extend the life of your car's windshield wipers, wipe the blade with a rag that was soaked in white vinegar. This softens and refreshes the wiper blade. A cheap and effective treatment.

By Gail from Rapid City, SD

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Use Febreeze For Ash Trays

For people who smoke. If you are sick of the ash trays smelling up your house, clean them with febreeze.

By Brittany from Sallisaw, Oklahoma

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Using Newspaper Under Mulch

Mulching is a pain, so if you're going to put all that work into making your beds look nice, why not make it LAST longer? I've found that putting several layers of newspaper down BEFORE laying a layer of mulch helps to keep the weeds out for at least one whole season! The newspaper is porous, so water and nutrients can still pass through and reach the plants, but it blocks the light so that weeds can't germinate. As an added bonus, earthworms LOVE to eat newspaper, and will slowly "compost" it to enrich your soil.

So, collect those newspapers and save those junk ads, and put them to good use! I recommend that the newspaper layer be only 2 to 3 sheets thick, and then add a 1.5-2 inch layer of mulch on top. It's best not to use colored newsprint or "shiny" ad papers.

Happy mulching!

Source: A wise lady at church passed this knowledge on to me many years ago.

By Katy from Nashville, TN

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Using Bleach To Remove Stubborn Cat Pee Smell from Carpet

How to remove that cat pee smell from carpet

I've now tried almost everything and have found one thing that works.

1. Rip the carpet and pad back.

2. Pour straight bleach on the floor.

3. Put a very small amount of dish detergent on a scrub brush and brush the bleached floor.

4. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

5. Clean excess bleach mixture off floor with old towels.

Use a bleach, water, Dawn mixture and scrub the bottom and top of the carpet and let dry.

Flip carpet and padding back into it's original spot.

If it starts to smell again, cut the padding out where it's stained and repeat the bleaching steps above.

And if it still starts to smell again, cut the carpet out and replace with new carpet.

By kittyvision from Greenville, SC

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Making Your Own Tofu

Someone asked about how to save money on tofu. It has been 30 years since I last made some, and I have lost the recipe. It was in a book that I no longer have, because I can't digest soy products anymore. I did an email search and found only complicated, exotic-sounding recipes. So I am going to tell you as much as I can remember. It isn't a big deal, but you will have to experiment to get the temperature right. Don't let my vagaries stop you. It only costs the price of a pound of the dry soybeans to try this out.

First, soak the soybeans overnight. Any kind of soybeans can be made to work. In the morning, they should be swelled up to about twice their original size. Put some in the blender with as little water as is necessary to keep things moving. Then turn on the blender and liquefy the beans. I think a food processor would probably work even better than a blender. Now pour the resulting liquid through a strainer that is lined with cheese cloth. Put the liquid, or milk, in a saucepan and warm it gently. When you get to about 175 degrees F or so (again, experiment because this part isn't something I'm sure about), pour in some lemon juice or vinegar. Recipes on the net also suggest Epsom salts. I suggest starting with 1/3 cup per gallon of soy milk. It should start to separate right away. Stir it in to mix it well, and then let it separate for a few minutes. Now pour this through a clean cheesecloth. Put the solids in a mold and let them drain for a couple of hours in the kitchen sink. You can use any perforated container. I used a regular colander for my mold.

And there you have it. I don't know why the recipe is so hard to find. Must be some kind of industry secret? At the time I was doing this, soybeans were cheap and easy to find in one-pound bags. They seem to have disappeared from the shelves, but health food stores might have them.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Making Homemade Strawberry Pie Filling

I make a dessert that uses canned Strawberry Pie Filling. Does anyone know how to make Strawberry Pie Filling instead of buying the canned stuff. It's so expensive!

Tammy from SC

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Removing Baked On Cooking Spray

I am a middle school Foods teacher. I have a problem with the cooking spray getting baked on the cookie sheets and other baking pans. It leaves a yellowish layer that just does not come off with regular scrubbing. Any ideas for cleaning this problem?

Chris from Salem, OR

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Dealing With An Aging Pet

I have a 14 year old Basset Hound that is suffering from canine dementia, which is very similar to Alzheimer's. At times he is his adorable self. Other times he paces constantly, snaps at me, is withdrawn and is very anxious if he can't find me.

I took him to my vet and he gave him a prescription for amitryptiline, which is an antidepressant that I will try. I've had dogs growing up, but this is my first experience as an adult with an aging pet. I'm struggling with these changes and would appreciate any advice about this that anyone can offer.

Jenny from Enola, PA

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Recipes For Fruit Slushes

Last summer I found recipes for frozen fruit slushes on here but I can't find them now. I want to make them in a huge bowl and then freeze them in small containers or cups. I could wing it but I liked all the suggestions out there. Thanks for any help! We are fruit lovers around here.

Nelliemary from West Virginia

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Starting A Bulb Garden

I would like to start a bulb garden. I live in New York, I believe it is in zone 7a. I really want to do as little work as possible because I have to help maintain 4 separate gardens. I would love to plant them and forget them. I would prefer hardy bulbs that I do not have to dig up to replant later on. It doesn't have to be just bulbs, any flowering plant that I will never have to replant will do.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Gina from Ozone Park, NY

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Feeding a Baby Lamb

We have a baby lamb who is at 48 hours, who has not had it mothers milk. It is drinking baby formula with iron and raw eggs out of a bottle being squeezed into its mouth, and has been having a regular out-put. Does anyone have a formula recipe or advice on caring for this baby? We have been told that it will not live because of missing the mothers colostrum.

Vernon from Indiana

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Where to Purchase Ready Made Waffle Bowls

Does anyone know where you can purchase waffle bowls already made?

imaqt1962 from illinois

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Will Pool Water Harm Ducks

For the past few days we have had a mallard duck couple that has been visiting our pool. We have been scaring them away because we didn't want them in the pool. Today we discovered a nest that had one egg that we suspect was laid yesterday. She returned about 30 minutes later and that is when we discovered she laid another egg. I have been researching mallard ducks to find out more about them and I learned that they will return to lay more eggs.

Therefore, I'm not worried that she won't return, but I was just wondering what to do. I have a dog that I let out into the backyard to exercise, I play catch with him and I know he won't mess with the nest. I have to exercise him daily and I don't intend on bothering the mother duck. I haven't touched any of the eggs because I feel she won't return if we touch them.

We plan to allow her to lay more eggs and hatch them, but we do have a pool. Will the chlorine harm her or the ducks if she swims in the pool? If anyone has anymore information to share with me it would be greatly appreciated. If their is anything that I can do to help her or the ducks then that would be great.

Dre from California

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Selecting An Eyeliner That Doesn't Run

I was wondering what eyeliner is the best for lining the inner lower eye? I currently use a kajal liner from India. However it always runs and collects in corner of eye. I see lots of entertainers wearing this look. So I know it can be done. I am new to this site any help greatly appreciated.

Kim

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Removing Acrylic Nails

How do I remove fake nails?

Bobbie

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Training A Dog To Not Poop Inside

Does anyone have advice on how I can train my dogs to go to the bathroom outside 100% of the time. My male is fully trained, but my two females sometimes sneak to another room to do their business. I let them out often, but sometimes as soon as I let them in they will go off and poop in the house. I am expecting a baby in four months and desperately need to get this under control. Please help!

Kristina from Ontario, Canada

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Special Craft Ideas For Baby Gift

Hi everyone! I just found out I'm going to be an Aunt for the first time. Woohoo! We live in Indiana and my brother and sister-in-law live in California. I want to make sure we are close to our niece/nephew despite the distance. Does anyone have any suggestions on neat crafts or anything like that we can share that will help our family feel closer? Thanks a lot!

Lisa from Kouts, IN

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Removing Graffiti From Vinyl Fencing

I am trying to find out as much info as possible in trying to remove graffiti from vinyl fencing and garage doors.

John

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Making Party Favors Using Candles

I am trying to come up with an idea for favors for a women's retreat using a 2 inch candle. Any suggestions? I thought about wrapping it in netting, but can't think of a cute saying for it.

Dana from NC

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Pressure Cooker Vs. Crock Pot

Is a pressure cooker worth the investment? How does it differ from a crock pot?

Sara from Missouri

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Getting Dogs To Stop Marking Territory

I need help getting my 4 year old and 8 year old pugs to stop marking their territory! We moved into a new house and can't get them to stop. This is a problem they never had. We have lived here almost 6 months. Any suggestions?

Alana from East Troy, WI

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Making A Cactus Out Of Chicken Wire

I need to make a Cactus out of chicken wire or something for VBS. HELP!

Linda from TN

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Reviews Of TV Converter Boxes

Any TV converter box brand or features you'd like to recommend or vice versa?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Looking For Discount Effusion Lamp Supplies

I have been making my own fragrances for my effusion lamp and want to make some of my own lamps. I have my own ceramic shop but am not having much luck in finding the supplies for the top of the effusion lamp that's a price within reason as I'm looking to sell these at local craft fairs.

All the sites I'm finding don't offer discount or wholesale pricing so I was wondering if anyone has a source for effusion lamp wicks/crowns/caps etc. that are less that $8-9.00 each?

Ricky from Kernersville, NC

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Fixing Scratch On Laminate Wood Floors

My husband and I just installed Swift Lock Laminate wood floors this weekend. When he was moving our entertainment center back in he didn't pick it up off the floor and now we have a line all across the floor. It's not a scratch so much as I think he just rubbed the finish off some. He left the same mark in our kitchen laminate floors. I tried baking soda and water, but this didn't work. Any other ideas?

Rose from Ashland, KY

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Cutting Mini Blinds To Fit New Window

I have a large mini blind and I need to cut an 1 1/2 off each side to fit my new window. Can I do this myself?

Linda from Hartley, Iowa

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Removing Scuffs From Inside Dryer

My son put his wet tennis shoes into my dryer without a towel and now the entire inside is scuffed. I don't know what to use to clean these marks out and to be able to use the dryer again. Any ideas? HELP!

MaryJo from Lehigh Acres, FL

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Puppy Barks When Yelled At

Every time I punish my 10 weeks old pit bull for chewing stuff and peeing in the house by yelling at her, she fights back by barking aggressively at me. Is this normal? Or should I just leave her alone because she is to young to learn?

Raymond from Hacienda Heights, CA

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Trouble With A Sewing Machine

I was trying to fix a sluggish and squeaky sewing machine. I somehow managed to make it worse. The problem is the big wheel on the right hand side doesn't catch and therefore will spin and not move the "works" up and down like it is supposed to. The belt is on and I have cleaned and oiled every moving part I can find. Any ideas? It is a Simplicity Classic.

painterjayne from Minnesota

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Removing Paint Dust On Clothing

How does one clean paint off shorts. I was outside with a nephew, I closed a barn door and the paint brushed off on my shorts. It is not wet paint, the barn has not been painted in a few years. It's like paint dust.

Cindy from OK

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Elastic That Stretches Horizontally

I'm looking for elastic for sewing that stretches horizontally instead of vertically. I really need black in a strip about 22 inches long. Does anyone know where I can get something like this?

hbathke from Ellwood City, PA

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Ideas For Unique Wedding Favors

Our son is getting married this July. (2008) Does anyone have any ideas for wedding reception table decorations/favors? We've done the Hershey Kiss long stemmed roses and personalized fortune cookies with our own fortunes. Since we'd like to do 300 or more, we'd like them to be affordable but memorable.

I'd like people to leave the wedding saying, did you see what they did for Tobey's wedding? Or that was the cutest thing I've ever seen for a wedding favor. Thanks in advance for the ideas.

Sandie from Curtice, OH

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Riding Mower Won't Start

Riding lawnmower won't turn over. When I pull the spark plug it tries to turn over, when I put it back it, it won't. Verified spark with plug removed. Not sure where to go or what's wrong? Its a Briggs and Stratton 18hp engine.

Greg from RI

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Looking For A Dameranian

Can someone please tell me if you know of anyone selling Dameranians. Or a dog that closely resembles this picture.

Leigh from Chubbuck, ID

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Cleaning Suede Shoes

Help! I bought my hubby an expensive pair of tan suede wallabies. Before he wore them I treated them with the suede repellent stuff. Now he has grass marks and god knows what on them. And they are only months old.

Does anyone know a trick? The Suede brush just made things worse. I'm a wreck. Guess I should have known better. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thank god for this site! Thank you.

Kathy from Philadelphia, PA

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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

TJ Power Sports Recalls Dune Buggies Due To Ejection Hazard

Hazard: The seat belt adjustment for the shoulder buckle can break during impact or stress, posing an ejection and injury hazard to driver and passenger.

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Onward Manufacturing Recalls Gas Grills Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

Hazard: The bottom of the cook box that contains the burners can melt or crack as a result of a grease fire. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

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Saving Money on Soda Pop

Whether you call it soda, pop, tonic or coke, we spend a lot of money on this sparkling beverage. Here are some tips for saving money on soda pop as recommended by our ThriftyFun community. Post your money saving ideas below.

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