Daily Thrifty Tips - February 12, 2007

Coco (Chocolate Lab) and Her Pups

Coco will be 2 years old March 24th, 2007. She is a Chocolate Lab and I got her from a friend in April 2005.

She likes to eat ice cubes and play with our other Black Lab and 2 mixed beagles.

She just had her first litter Jan. 18, 2007. Her puppies are Trixie, Katie, Eliza Jane, Rusty, Mattie (deceased), Hooch and Max. In these pictures they are 6 days old. They like to eat, sleep and whine. They are just adorable!

By Penny from Ipava, IL

Here are some other entries with Coco

• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67592400.tip.html
• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87443362.tip.html
• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37971283.tip.html

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Casper (Maltese Australian Silky Terrier)

Casper is a 4 year old Maltese Australian Silky Terrier. I got him 4 years ago from pet shop.

He likes to play tug of war with his toy sausages on a string. He is very clever and does lots of tricks.

By Silvya from Victoria

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Kids Valentine Collage

I have a two year old that loved this project. It's a new spin on an idea that I saw on Family Fun.com.

I cut Valentine pictures out of the local store ads and glued them on plain white cardboard. I then cut around the picture, leaving a 1/4 inch around it. I had some free stickers that came in the mail that my son put on red construction paper. Then I cut around them as well. I also had large pieces of valentine confetti.

I hung up a sheet of clear laminate on my refrigerator using regular tape. If you decide to use your wall, use painters tape. I then let him touch the clear laminate and showed him that his pictures would stick and come off. He then proceeded to put the pictures on it and made a great collage.

I plan on doing this for St. Patrick's Day and Easter. If you wish to preserve it, just put another piece of laminate over the picture. You can find a big roll of this where shelf liner is sold.I know older kids can select, cut and glue the pictures.

As I'm typing this, my son is still rearranging the pictures.

By Heather from Sebring, FL

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Sawyer (Lab/Shepherd/Boxer/Pit Bull Mix)

Sawyer is 1 year, 1 month old. So far we've figured out he's: lab/shephard/boxer/pit bull mix. We adopted him from the MI Humane Society last April.

We had been looking to adopt a rescue dog for a couple of years, and we got to the point where we were submitting applications to rescue groups, but none would return our calls or emails.

One day my husband stopped in at the Humane Society and met Sawyer (they were calling him Ike at the time). Luckily it was closing, so he was able to come home, tell me all about him, and we went back first thing the next morning so I could meet him too.

We spent about an hour sitting with him, he was a stray, and he looked so timid, but we agreed there was something about him that we liked. As soon as we said that they had us signing paperwork and he was going home with us! Not quite what I was expecting to happen, but it was the best decision we've made. He's a great puppy!

He likes to run, especially when he sees rabbits, or deer. He used to chase after birds, but now he mostly points on them. He's a chewer, so we go through a lot of dog toys. But he is a puppy, so we don't mind. Get him near water and he'll spend all day swimming after toys thrown in for him.

We have a couple of apple trees in the back yard. In the summer we tried to teach him fetch with his dog toys, but he wouldn't bring them back. One time I threw an apple just for the fun of it. He went and got it, then brought it back and dropped it at my feet. So I tried it again, and he did it again. So that became our daily play time activity for him.

He loves to sit at the front window looking out at the yard for birds, and passing traffic. I've got a wonderful photo I want to submit of him doing just that.

Sometimes we'll play hide and seek in the house. My husband or I will go and duck behind the bed, then we'll tell Sawyer to find whoever is hiding. He'll carefully walk through the house looking for us, then when he figures out where we're at he'll come charging around the corner as if to say "Ha! I found you!" He's tried hiding on us a few times by pushing behind a throw that we have hanging on the couch. I have a great picture of that too.

He has beautiful doggy eyes, but he's got the eyebrows of Uncle Leo (from Seinfeld).

In the picture I'm submitting Sawyer had been sitting on the floor watching the work crew working on the road in front of the house. He was there for about 20 minutes, and his bottom must have been hurting, because he got up, walked around for a bit, then went and sat down on the couch to continue watching the crew. This is him sitting on the couch, if you look out the window you'll see the road crew.

By Maria from Mason, MI

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Valentine Tabletop Tree

Make your own valentine tabletop tree decoration. I have tabletop tree that I decorate for each holiday. Obviously for Christmas it has small Christmas ornaments; however, I thought it was so cute I wanted to change it for each holiday or season.

For Valentine's Day, I copy and paste valentines on my computer program, duplicate each one and then flip one, so they can be glued together, so that the graphic can be seen on each side. I then put a small string hanger on each of them with a needle and thread. Also punch a hole and put those valentines on the end of the limbs of the tree to provide more color and decor.

By DiAnne from Leesburg, Florida

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"Shower" Someone With Kisses

With Valentines Day approaching, I thought I would pass along a cute idea. A few years ago a friend came home on Valentines Day to find that her husband had apparently forgotten and had done nothing to observe the special day. It wasn't until she went to take a shower that she discovered a plastic bag full of Hershey kisses hanging from the shower head, with a note attached that said "On Valentines Day and every day, I will shower you with kisses!"

Cute, romantic -- and inexpensive!

By Becki in Indiana

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Keep A Cache Of Vitamins And Medications

Just dipped into my "cache" of Vitamin E, I take lots of vitamins as well as medication and sometimes, I admit, I run out. By having "caches" of vitamins in my weekend bag or medication in my pillbox, I can get though until I next get to the store or until the pharmacy can fill my prescription.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Tortilla Strips From Leftover Wraps

Every so often I buy wraps and try to vary the flavors that I select. If it turns out that it is a flavor that my family is not crazy about, I end up with a lot of wraps which I certainly can't eat all by myself. Here's what I do, take the wrap and cut it into thin strips. Take a non stick frying pan and add a little oil to the pan. When it gets hot, add the strips. Watching carefully, allow one side to become slightly golden and then flip on the other side. When that side becomes golden, remove the strips and place on a paper towel to absorb any oil. These are great sprinkled on a salad or any kind of soup, especially tortilla chicken soup or just to nibble on.

Enjoy.

By joesgirl from Beverly, MA

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Recycle CD's As Garden Pest Control

To help keep birds and animals out of the garden, you can use the CD disks you are always getting in the mail from AOL, Earthlink, etc. You can use just one but it is better to use two glued together with the shiny side out. After the glue has set up, drill a small hole in them and put a piece of fishing line through the hole and hang in the garden. When the sun shines on it, it acts like a prism and beautiful colors reflect from it when the wind blows it around. Even if it don't keep the birds and animals out, it is pretty to look at.

By George from Roanoke VA

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Slow Down In Construction Zones

I'm sure this happens in other areas, not just ours. When you see those bright orange construction signs on the highway, saying to reduce your speed, do it. Although it's usually an inconvenience, by slowing down and going the requested speed, they can save us a lot of money. Not only will they save you some gas, but if a highway patrol catches you going over the posted speed limit in a construction zone, your speeding ticket will be doubled the normal cost It also may save your life, as well as your vehicle.

By Terri from NV

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Trade With Neighbors Instead of Boarding Your Dog

My husband and I like to get away for a week-end road trip on occasion. It has become pretty pricey to leave our dog at the doggie motel (vets boarding), so we worked out a trade with our neighbors. When we go away, they take care of our dog and when they go away we do the same for them and take care of their dog. It saves us time and money, plus our dog is much happier staying with people she knows and still being able to go for walks in her own neighborhood. We don't worry about her when we are gone.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Check Rental Places For Deals on Big Purchases

If you are looking to buy appliances, living room furniture, or even a big screen TV, you can go to your nearest rent-a-center. They will sometimes sell items for half the "new" price, because the item has been "used". My sister bought a refrigerator for under $400, it was selling for $1200, brand new. The reason for the discount? The refrigerator had been rented for ONE week!

By Gloria from Mustang, OK

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Send Mail To Your Grandchildren

Each week I send my 4 year old twin granddaughters some mail. I use large colorful envelopes that I pick up at thrift sales or have leftover from greeting cards, pre-address and stamp them. I put stickers and tattoos and character band aids. I print out free coloring pages from the web, last week I sent them each an old, unused check register. I found some colorful address labels with puppies and kittens and butterflies that had my old address, so I cut off the address part and saved the cute picture part. I just pop a few of these items into the envelopes, with a note, and they are all set to drop in the mail each week. The girls really look forward to their own special mail from Gramma.

By sadiejoy from Amery, WI

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Ideas for a Girl's 16th Birthday

I am looking for ideas for my daughters 16th birthday party, which is July 5th. Her and I are just getting our life back on track after leaving an abusive marriage in Jan 2005. I had to file bankruptcy, have been unable to work since back surgery in 2003. Anyway, things have finally turned the corner for her & I, we just bought our own home, etc. I would like to really do it up, and would have relatives willing to help. ANY and ALL ideas welcome.

Robbyn from Grantsburg, WI

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Buying Water Pitchers

Any ideas where I can purchase inexpensive water pitchers? I need 28 for a party. We are using 14 tables serving lemonade and water and instead of pouring individual glasses all evening I thought it would be a good idea to leave pitchers at each table. Some guess will want water. I'm sure. Tight budget! Also any ideas for rolls? Bread baskets or served on the plate?

WINDELLA from PASADENA, CA

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Warped Wood Floor

We pulled up old rug only to find that cat pee had warped the floor in a couple of places, any suggesstions on how to remove the stain and fix the wood?

Donna from Raleigh, NC

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Travel Tips for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

We already have airfare and a condo to stay in. I would like inexpensive fun things to do, suitable for senior citizens.

LaVon from Westminster, CO

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Mildew Odors on Clothes

I can't seem to get rid of mildew odors from my clothes. I never once had this problem before. I don't have a dryer to dry the clothes. I heard vinegar is good to get rid of smell but will your clothes smell like vinegar? I put my clothes on the racks and over the radators. I don't know what to do anymore.

Heavenly from Canada

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Ladybug Bites

Can you have an allergic reaction to a ladybug bite?

Janice from Stafford, VA

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Knifty Knitter Doily

Can you use a knifty knitter to make a doily?

Judy from Traverse

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Marker on a Rear Projection TV Screen

How do you get expo marker off a rear projection TV screen?

Donna from New York

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Lab Pit Mix Puppy

I recently got a Lab Pit mix puppy. I am having trouble training her. She keeps going to the bathroom in my house. I take her out on a regular bases but she continues to keep doing it. She also rips up boxes, trash all the house. I'm wondering what I can do to train her better where I can leave her alone at my house.

Terrene from Latham, NY

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Sewing Machine Model and Serial Numbers

Where do I find the model number and serial number on a Good Housekeeper Deluxe 30 sewing machine? I just bought it and would like to see if I can find a manual. I'm new to sewing so I will be practicing on it.

Thank you,
Cindi from Maine

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Faux Marble

Please help me find a "Green" recipe to clean a "faux" marble countertop. I think it is acrylic.

Thanks,
Rose from Florida

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Travel Tips for Palm Springs, CA

Hubby and I will be vacationing in Palm Springs, California during the month of October & staying in a condo with a couple of pools. Can you offer me any travel tips for that time of year?

Thanks in advance.

joesgirl from Beverly, Mass.

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Homemade Paper

I am looking for homemade paper recipes. Can anyone point me in the right direction or share what you know?

Erica from New Braunfels, TX

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Red and White Striped Dress

I have a red and white striped dress that has turned out pink and red when washed! How can I get it back to red and white again? Would appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Linda from Sydney, Australia

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Uses for Lipstick

Does anyone have a use for old, unused lipsticks? A craft? A method to make them usable as lipsticks again? Thanks!

Mary from Weaverville, NC

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Fixing Curled Edges on an Area Rug

How do you fix an area rug that rolls up around edges?

jcandle from Grand Island, NE

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Stains on an Old Linen Napkin

I just won some really old, linen napkins in an auction this morning. One of the napkins has some brown staining, probably from being folded and put up for so long. Any ideas how to clean this beautiful fabric?

77's Mom from Ontario

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Slushie Maker Recipes

I have a slushie maker by euro-pro and I need some recipes to use.

Thanks,
Patricia from Baton Rouge, LA

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Glacier National Park Travel Tips

We are planning a trip to Glacier National park in Montana, in August. What are the some of the more out of the way places to visit? Those that you can still drive to? This is our first trip there.

Thanks,
Jan from Springfield, MN

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When is it cheapest to book a cruise?

Terri from NV said that you can save money by booking your next cruise at the end of the season. She also said that things on the ship are reduced. What I want to know is how do you know when its the end of the season? My husband and I are planning a cruise the end of this month. We have been on about 6 cruises and apparently I have never heard of this.

June from Long Beach, MS

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Travel Tips for Boston, MA

My son and I are coming up on a one week Spring break from school and work. He'd love to travel far away, while I am happy to explore our state of CA. However, I have always been curious about visiting Boston. Is it expensive? Does anyone have any good, inexpensive suggestions of places to stay and visit that won't cost an arm and a leg? We'll be taking our trip between March 31-April 7. My son will also be celebrating his 17th birthday during that week, so anything special in that area might be a neat bonus for him. Thanks for your suggestions.

d. napolitan from San Diego

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Unique Ideas to Celebrate Valentines Day this Year
By Heather Diodati

Want to celebrate Valentine's Day in a different way? We've collected a bunch of unique ideas - special ways to show how much you care about your spouse, family members and friends you cherish.

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Are your social security benefits taxable?
By IRS.gov

How much, if any, of your social security benefits are taxable depends on your total income and marital status. Generally, if social security benefits were your only income, your benefits are not taxable and you probably do not need to file a federal income tax return.

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Organizing Tax Receipts
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

It is not a coincidence that the word "taxing" and the forms we file each April have the same root word. For me the concept of filing taxes would be impossible without a computer program that does the work for me. What isn't difficult is tallying and organizing my deductions. I pride myself on finding every penny that I can deduct, and I do it with the help of a few simply office supplies that organize my receipts all year long.

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