Daily Thrifty Tips - January 23, 2007

I have made hundreds of these and they are quick and easy! Make them with thin ribbon and beads.

By Pam from Elkhart, IN

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Emma is our 6 year old Golden Retriever, a lover of all except our cranky cat, Peterbilt.

I searched the want ads for a golden retriever I could afford. My daughter and I drove to the ferry boat and then drove another hour to check her out. It was love at first sight.

Emma likes to play frisbee, walking and play ball in that order.

Houdini is named that because the chicken always escaped from the pen. Both dog and chicken were soaking wet so my daughter put them in the laundry room together to dry off. We took this picture of the Houdini standing on Emma's back.

By Suzie from Renton, WA

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My Frugal Life
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This is a tip on how to save a few visits to the dentist. It is very simple; when drinking a pop or fruit juice, always use a straw, whether it is a can or bottle. When using a straw, the majority of the pop is sucked up to the roof of your mouth and down the back of your throat. Very little of it will come in contact with your teeth. This goes for beer too, use a nice frosted mug instead of drinking from the can or bottle. Of course if you are water drinker, please do the opposite; let the water wash over your teeth and gums.

Another reason not to drink out of cans; think of how many hands have touched that can, from the factory to the delivery guy to the store, and the dust from sitting on shelves. Don't get me started on the fact that cans are made of aluminum!

By Pico from St. Paul, Alberta

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Last year I did an experiment. Would heating with an electric room heater in each room be more expensive than heating with my gas furnace? I found out the electric heaters are much more expensive than turning up my thermostat on my gas heater. So if you're chilly, you can forget the electric heaters, just turn up the thermostat 1-2 degrees.

More tips for keeping warm:

• Wear layers. Wear a T-shirt under your sweater.


• Wear a hat. I have a thin knit hat which is just right for indoors. I also like the hoody sweatshirts because they cover your neck and head.


• Wear long underwear indoors. Your $9 long underwear will pay for itself in less than one season.


• Exercise. Do 50 jumping jacks each time you get cold. This warms you up and is good for you. Or do sit-ups, push-ups, or something similar. Ride an indoor bike or do a stair stepper. I bought a portable stair stepper, it's perfect for my small house. It's only the size of a phonebook.


• Put foam on the windows to keep out chills. That plastic sheet works, but only a little. Foam works great. If you don't like the look, decorate it! First, put some type of paper over it, like contact paper, then paint that. Many paints will dissolve foam. The pink foam works better than the white polystyrene.


• Don't forget to insulate the exterior wall switch plates and outlets. Buy those foam shapes for your switches and outlets, remove the cover, place over the switch/outlet, and replace the cover.


• Check your exterior door edging. This is usually a rubber or foam thing that goes around the edge of the door to keep out drafts. They do wear out and need to be replaced about every 5 years.

By Chuck R. from Grand Rapids, MI

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Are you middle aged and have developed a big waist and stomach, but have a normal bottom and hips? I have started buying maternity pants. They are now made with waistbands (large elastic strip) or a waist that can be tightened to size. A blouse over them and it looks like any other pant. I have been complimented many times now on my new fashionable jeans. They are long and leggy looking. Maternity clothes are obviously designed for the younger set and are trendier looking than the stogey pants I have been buying to get a bigger waist. I now wear a size smaller too! I also have purchased maternity sweaters and blouses that work well if they aren't too full. A good source is Kohl's, Penney's (in a big city) and Target.

By Rae Ann from Templeton, CA

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When you are decorating a special cake and would like to put a picture on it, just laminate the picture and frost around it! This will make any cake extra special.

By Tedebear from San Jose CA

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My first line of defense to frugal living is to stay out of stores! If I go into a store, it is inevitable that I will buy unnecessary things that are a bargain or "cute". That opportunity is not there if I stay home. I did not enter the mall once during this holiday season.

I also do not look at the beautiful catalogs that arrive at my home. How can I need something if I don't know it exists? I always shop without the children. My dear Mom takes them so that I may get the essentials without having to repeat "No" over and over. If we do take them into a store, it is explained to them first what we are buying and what we will not be buying, No side trips to the toy aisles!

I stay away from Ebay and the home shopping channels as well. I try to keep in mind that everyone wants my money and if I want some for me, I need to be very protective of it!

Karen from Easthampton, MA

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Liquid antibacterial soap is so expensive and maybe not good for your health. I buy Suave scented shampoo when it is on sale at a rock bottom price. Fill your liquid soap dispenser 1/3 full of the low cost Suave and then fill the rest with nice warm water. Rotate a few times to mix the solution. Now you have pretty, scented, pure soap that's designed to cut grease and oil. What you don't have is the antibacterial effect, but why do you need it? I've been doing this for years and people often comment in the good smelling soap in the bathroom. A bottle of Suave lasts a long time and costs about 10 cents a refill in my bathroom dispenser.

By Janet E. from Suring, WI

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I am never late paying bills because as soon as they come in, I place the due date on my calendar. My calendar sits in front of my computer so I see it every day.

By Nikki from Lake Worth, FL

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In trying to make my grandson's time with his friends more enjoyable when they visit, I noticed they were a bit unfamiliar with some of the standard toys he has accumulated. He was frustrated trying to explain to each one how to play with his toys. I also noticed that he had a lot of the original boxes, although damaged, that they came in. I decided to buy three extra large binder rings.

Trim the tops and backs of each box down to approximately the same size as each other, I punched holes on the left side of each one, making a toy box instruction/picture book for them all to use when visiting. They went crazy and love searching the pictures and instructions, so that they can have it right in front of them as to what parts they need for what.

When done, they can then place the unfinished parts onto a large cheap plastic tray I provide for each boy until they have finished their project on their next visit.

There's no need for a binder, a title, or anything, since all are made of stiff cardboard and easy to assemble and add new toys. It sure saves me a lot of headaches, helps each one to have their own "try" at some toy while another is doing their own thing or playing together. It makes playtime go much smoother, especially for those who don't read that well yet. A "Picture Toybox Book" is worth a thousand words!

By Lynda from TX

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We discovered a product called "OOPS Multi-Purpose Remover" in the hardware department of our local WalMart store, which has successfully removed most stains we have come across, even bubble-gum on clothing. It costs about $3.50 for a 473ml can (1 pt.) and I really think it is worth a try. I suggest testing for colors as usual before using.

By Zak from VA

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I bought one of those mini square plastic baskets that look like a small laundry basket and placed it on the closet shelves above our hanging clothes. I use it for socks instead of a drawer, it frees up drawer space. If you want, you could use it for underwear or have a few for different items.

By Linda from Oceanside, CA

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You know those black heel marks on the tile or linoleum? Or those stickers that won't come off with soap and water? Just spray a little WD-40 or some other kind of oil on them and they will wipe right off.

By Retha from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

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Product: 2-line Cordless Phone

Model: KX-TG5480S-R

Manufacturer: Panasonic

Request: I am looking for a reviews of the Panasonic KX-TG5480S-R

Karen from Fort Wayne, IN

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Any one have any good low-fat recipes?

Joyce from Jane Lew, WV

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Is there anything I can put on a cross stitched bib to prevent some of the staining?

Thanks,
Mindy from Oregon

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What is the life expectancy of a Shih Tzu?

Jeannie from Spokane, WA

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Product: 2-line Cordless Phone

Model: 25865GE3

Manufacturer: GE

Request: I am looking for product reviews of the GE 25865GE3 2-line 5.8ghz digital expandable cordless phone system with answering and caller id/call waiting...

Karen from Fort Wayne, IN

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I'm looking for website which tells you what you can make for a meal. You click by the ingredients you have available, and up comes a recipe or two. I lost all emails, that link included.

Thanks!
Mikki from WI

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My faux brick on my fireplace needs painting, where do I start?

Linda from Sanford, NC

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I bought a ton of baby clothes at a bag sale and plan on having a garage sale this summer. Each item of clothing would be a $1. My question is should I leave the tags on... most things are priced between $2.50-$4. It would be easier to leave them on but how would you feel going to a sale like this?

Thanks,
Seeme from Oregon

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How do you clean pet stains from a wool rug?

Wilma from Georgia

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I am looking for tips for getting adhesive off glass blocks, mine do not have the white paint.

Norm from New Jersey

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I'm a kindergarten teacher, I have to do up the school corridor bulletin board in April when the school re opens. Could you please suggest some ideas to put up there?

Rekha

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I am looking for information on front loading washers and dryers.

Tony

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My sister-in-law is having her wedding in May. She wants a star theme for decorations for her reception hall. Please give me some tips on accomplishing this the inexpensive way to get the formal and elegant look.

Thanks,
Amanda from Alabama

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I have several bags of unused coffee in my frig. I stopped drinking it. Can I pour ground coffee in the garden?

Susancostanza

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I am looking for ways to ask someone to SweetHearts.

Chelsi from Eagle, ID

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Does anyone have instructions on making a homemade fan that works off of heat?

Thanks,
Tumpy from North Carolina

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Does anyone have the recipe for Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries like the ones you can purchase from www.emingerberries.com or www.allthingscheesecake.com?

Thanks,
Tim from Charleston, WV

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I have an essay to write in school about how paint made. Can anyone help?

Harry from Colorado

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Does anyone have any idea what a good asking price would be for a 2000 mercury mystique with 94,000 miles on it. It needs a new transmission and possibly a new fuel line. The body is in pretty good shape with a few minor scratches and the inside is pretty good. I just really want a good starting place. Thanks

Michele from Syracuse, NY

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Can you freeze fresh tomatoes without blanching?

Marie from Yorktown, Texas

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My labrador is losing a lot of fur. He is 12 months old.

Monique

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I am looking for Snowman Crafts and Recipes. I am having a Winter Party featuring snowman decorations. I need any ideas that I can use for decorations and food.

Thank you,
Georgeann

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Why isn't my puppy eating or drinking? it was her first real day home.

Carol from San Diego, CA

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Does anyone have a tip for getting rust out of a roast pan? It's a black one with white speckles on it.

Tori from Oshawa, Ontario

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I knocked over a red candle (a whole lot of wax!) on my white Hollister shirt (100% cotton) can any1 help save my shirt!

Tyler from Kentucky

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A winter storm is quickly approaching and you listen to the roar of the furnace as it works to heat your home. With every cold snap you count pennies burning away in your home's heating system. While an upgrade is in the future, right now in the hours before the storm, there's nothing you can do to save on heating. Or is there? Try these quick and free fixes for energy conservation.

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