Daily Thrifty Tips - August 27, 2008

Do you have any fall gardening tips to share with ThriftyFun readers. Feel free to share them here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Garden: Limelight Hydrangea For Northern Climates

For those of you who have a hard time growing hydrangeas because you are too far north, this hydrangea will survive and perform beautifully. It is called "Limelight". It is white now and then towards autumn, the flowers turn a soft pink. They are great for drying too! Just put them in a vase and let them dry on their own. Then you can use hair spray on them to keep them even better.

By Elaine from Iowa

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Fitz (Shih Tzu)

Fitz is a 5 month old Shih Tzu. I bought Fitz in April of 2008. He loves to play with his sock and wants you to pull it with him. He uses his sock as a pacifier when he goes to sleep.

By Karen from Clemmons,N.C.

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Use An Art Sponge For Exfoliating

I have dry skin, and like most of us, don't like to use something harsh on my face. I found this little art sponge/stencil dauber at a yard sale for .25, and it's nylon "scrubbies" are perfect. They exfoliate without hurting my face, and the round shape is perfect for dipping into the container I put my face wash in.

An added plus is, since the weave of the sponge isn't tight, it rinses clean each time. Even if you have to pay full price for this little gem, it's worth every penny!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Fred Flintstone?

I'm looking for Fred Flintstone, anyone see him?

(My adorable grandson, Max)

By Jackie from Orlando, Florida

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Use Waxed Paper to Prevent Skin on Stored Paint

To prevent unused paint from forming a skin, trace the paint can lid onto a piece of waxed paper. Use the top of the lid, not the side that the paint is on. Cut out the waxed paper and place it directly onto the paint.

When you use the paint again, simply shake up the can and you're good to go. Do not try to remove the waxed paper, it only causes a mess. (Learned that the hard way.) Just ignore the paper. If paint is still left over, place new waxed paper onto the paint.

Works like a charm on latex paint. I have not had occasion to try this with oil based paint.

Source: Saw this tip on a TV home decorating show.

By Joyce, Ottawa from Ottawa

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How I Caused A Kitchen Fire

Yesterday the weather turned colder so I got out my bread machine and set up a loaf for dinner. I placed it on my flat topped stove because I don't have a very large kitchen and the counterspace was full. This was a big mistake.

Somehow, the back burner got switched on, right underneath the bread machine. The machine was high enough that I couldn't see that the knob was turned and I didn't notice the little light. An hour and a half later, I noticed acrid smoke coming from the kitchen. I went out there and must have stirred up the air because the whole thing went up in flames right as I walked in the kitchen. I was able to unplug it, grab the fire extinguisher and put it out quickly but if I had not been right there . . .

My kitchen is a mess, there is some residual burned plastic still stuck to the back burner and the bread maker is toast! But my kitchen is not burned up, or the rest of my house or my kids, so I feel pretty lucky indeed.

Here are my tips for preventing this from happening again:

• Don't Use Your Stove As Counterspace: I have melted plastic cutting boards and rubber spatulas before. I should have known better. But that flat expanse is just so tempting. Anything that goes on the stove should be non flammable and placed there only temporarily.
• Don't Leave Your House With An Appliance On:
This counts for your oven and clothes dryer as well as slow cookers, coffee pots and, of course, bread machines. I had actually just gotten back to the house about 20 minutes before it caught on fire. If I had not been there, the kitchen and probably the entire house would have been in flames when I got back.
• Check Your Smoke Alarm: We have a hardwired hallway smoke alarm in our little house. For some reason, it didn't go off. We check it every New Year's but now I'm going to check it more often. I also might get another smoke alarm for closer to the kitchen, the place where fires happen most often.
• Have Your Fire Extinguisher Handy: Do you have a working fire extinguisher? Is it in your kitchen, maybe under the sink? Mine wasn't, it was still in a box in the garage from when we bought it months ago. Luckily, I knew right where it was and was able to run out and put out the fire. But sometimes seconds matter. It is also a good idea to have two extinguishers in different locations. If it had been under the sink, the fire might have prevented me from getting to it.

• Have A Family Fire Plan: I plan to have a fire drill tonight to talk about what we would do in a real emergency. I had trouble getting the kids to understand what was going on yesterday. If you haven't sat down recently to talk about fire safety and your emergency plan, please take some time this weekend to do it.

Sorry I don't have photos, I thought about it after I had most of it cleaned up. I hope some of you can learn from my mistakes and stay safe.

Jess

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Use Rice To Absorb Excess Moisture In Electronics

Oops, you dropped your cell phone in a puddle? Don't panic. Before you run out to buy a new one, try this trick. Put the phone in a bowl of uncooked rice overnight. The rice absorbs the water and much of the time the phone will work!

By Julie from Gardner,MA

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Offer Used Plastic Bags to Customers

This may sound a little "unprofessional" to some, but in my business I mostly use used plastic bags for my customers. I simply ask "Would you like a recycled, used plastic bag?" and so far EVERY customer I've asked has said with enthusiasm "Why YES, I would LOVE a recycled bag!"

This only saves me a few pennies, but more importantly, it helps the environment! SO all you business owners out there, why not offer your customers a recycled bag? (Be sure to double-check the used bags for cleanliness first!)

* You can also have a bin for them to return the plastic bags back to you and this might even help bring more customers back in!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Kitchen Cleaning Tips

The kitchen is a special challenge because of the variety of cleaning needs. Grease can be absorbed while still fresh by throwing a bit of cornstarch or baking soda right on the grease then wiping away when cleaning the rest of the kitchen. The stovetop can be treated every few months with car wax to keep the surface slick and easy to clean.

Oven and Microwave Cleaning

Microwaves can be cleaned easily by putting a sponge soaked in white vinegar or lemon juice in the microwave and cooking it for 1 or 2 minutes. Don't open the microwave for about 5 minutes. The stuck on food should slide right off.

The same procedure can work with ovens except use a shallow pan with a couple of cups of white vinegar and no sponge. Cook for 5-10 minutes and leave in the oven to cool for about 30 minutes. Food will slide right off.

Any left over vinegar or lemon juice can be squeezed onto the sponge to keep it fresh. To control germs you should bleach it or run it through the dishwasher or clothes washer on a regular basis.

Red Dye Stains

For red food dye stains on counters, like those left by drinks, use straight rubbing alcohol, enough to puddle on the stain. Leave it for several minutes and wipe away. Use a sudsy cleaner on counter after.

Stuck on Food

For food stuck on pots and pans, put a dryer sheet in the pan and leave overnight. In the morning the food will slide right out. The fabric softener will soften the food overnight.

Tarnished Silverware

For tarnished silverware, heat 2 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Put silverware on a sheet of aluminum foil in a pan with the silverware making contact on the foil. The combination of metal and baking soda will cause the tarnish to disappear

Source: life and the web

By Randa from San Marcos TX

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Be Cautious Using Water from Dehumidifiers

This is in regard to a tip I read several weeks ago. A reader said she uses the water from her dehumidifier for the birds. My dehumidifier has a WARNING: DO NOT DRINK THE WATER, IT MAY MAKE YOU ILL. I am sure the same would be for birds or any animals.

Thank you,
Louise from Delmar, NY

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Ask For What You Are Looking For At Garage Sales

When you are looking for something in particular at yard sales and don't see it, just ask. I have found that sellers are "motivated to sell" once they have started and will sometimes go into the house and bring out the item you are looking for. My mother even asked if a plant was for sale and the owner chose to sell it.

By DebraDee from Marion, NC

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Make Your Own Shaker Top With Aluminum Foil

Cinnamon is so good in my coffee (plus nutmeg and some cocoa!) for a designer coffee taste-a-like. But one of my cinnamon spice jars came without a shaker on top and we always forgot and dumped too much into the cup. Ugh. So my clever husband just put some aluminum foil on top and punched some holes in it to make a shaker of sorts. Works just fine and no more over-spiced coffee.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Use Baker's Piping Bag for Making Sausage Rolls

When I make sausage rolls, I use a bakers piping bag for the meat, this makes the job much easier and cleaner, but the tip (which I found myself just recently) is to spray the inside of the bag, with some oil and the meat will squeeze out much easier and as an extra bonus, the bag is easier to clean.

By Carol from Victoria, Australia

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Product Review: Cereal On The Go

I found a GREAT product at http://www.dormbuys.com called Cereal on the Go. (I tried to download a picture, but I couldn't.) It is a bowl with a fold up spoon in the lid, and a cup for milk that screws on the bottom. The sides of the cup have freezer gel in it, and you keep it in the freezer until you are ready to use it. The milk stays COLD, it really works! I have had milk in it for an hour, and the milk has turned to ice around the edges - I had to scrape it out of the cup with the handy-dandy fold-up spoon! It costs $4.99 and comes in four colors - shipping is cheap, and it only took five days to arrive at my house. It is NOT microwave safe, however. I LOVE THIS PRODUCT! Dormbuys.com carries many handy products, especially for packing lunches from home to save money AND calories!

By Marie from Idaho Falls, Idaho

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Recipe For Peach/Mango Salsa

I am looking for a good recipe for peach/mango salsa.

az2010 from Easthampton, MA

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How Is Shingles Spread?

How is Shingles spread? I've been reading about Shingles and have seen kind of contradictory information as to whether it can be spread through the air? Is it ever airborne or is it only passed by contact with the blisters?

hnasc

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Backpack Vs. Sling

What is the difference in a backpack and a sling? (A sling has only 1 strap) I am trying to find something to carry my lunch in and free up my hands. Also, do you think backpacks are suitable for business attire (women skirt suits)?

Onesummer

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Covering Up Clorox Stains On Carpet

How can I remove/hide Clorox stains on carpet? I have a small Clorox stain on my carpet near the washer and I heard that there is some type of dye or spray that is available to cover it up. Has anyone heard this?

Onesummer

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Recycling Plastic Bags

How do you recycle plastic bags?

Amber from Cincinnati, OH

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Reviews Of Mythic Paint

Has anyone tried Mythic brand of non-toxic indoor house paint? It has no off-gassing and no VOC's. I saw it advertised on TV and am curious about it's durability. And how smoothly it goes on.

CDR

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Cheese Bread Recipe

Looking for a recipe I lost. Basically you take a round shaped loaf of fresh bread. Score the top in both directions cutting about 2/3rds of the way through. On top scatter shredded cheese. Wrap in foil and bake until cheese melts. Does anyone have the complete recipe? It seems to me there was something else to put on top or in the bread. I can come up with ideas, but the original recipe was such a hit. Thanks in advance.

Dorothy from NY

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Christmas Float Ideas: "Christmas' Past"

I need ideas for a Christmas parade float. The theme is Christmas' Past. We are a fifty+ women's club, so we want to tie it all together.

Christie from Phoenix. AZ

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Do Speed Bumps and Steel Plates Damage Cars?

We are having a lot of speed bumps put in and around the our neighborhood. Do they damage my car driving over them? Should I slow down a lot, and go almost at no speed or what? We also have a lot of steel plates on the roads. Do they damage the car or tires? I see a lot of people avoid them all together.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Organic Solutions for a Small Orchard

I have a small orchard of variety which consists of peaches, cherries, pears, and apples trees. I don't really know when to spray them for bugs and different diseases. Where can I look for good information? I like to have as many organic solutions, as I don't really agree with using chemicals. I also don't like complicated processes. Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Iovanca from Breedesville, MI

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Removing Mothball Smell

Does anyone have a remedy to remove moth ball odor? I purchased a used auto. The previous owner had put moth balls in the car to cover the smell of mouse urine. I do believe the moth balls smell worse! Any suggestions would be welcome.

Pat from Texarkana, Texas

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Removing Caulking From Shower

How do I remove caulking from my shower?

NC from CA

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Will a Lilac Bloom After Pruning?

My lilacs grew so high and blooming into next door's yard, that I pruned the main stems (trunks) way down. Now all these suckers are growing very green, but can they ever bloom? Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Blanche from Pennsylvania

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Cat Keeps Bringing Me Her Kittens

My 9 month old cat recently had a litter of 9 kittens. One was stillborn, one she fell asleep on, and one died this morning so I'm down to 6. They are two weeks old. I'm unsure the cause of death of the one this morning but she had brought it to me first thing this morning and I could tell it was weak but it was dead by the time I got home from church.

Also, my cat is in the habit in the evenings to bring me about 4 kittens and she just flops them on me. I've never heard of a cat doing this. After I lay and pet her and the kittens for about an hour she helps me carry them back to the closet before I go to bed. Anyone have any thoughts or concerns on the matter?

Jessica from Richmond, KY

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Canning Cherry Tomatoes

Can I can cherry tomatoes? If so, which is the best way, hot or cold pack?

Susan from Indiana, PA

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Making Peach Preserves

We have several older peach trees. The fruit is slow to ripen. This year the fruit is about plum size and good. How do I make peach preserves. Thanks.

Donna from West TN

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Moen Faucet Replacement Parts

I have a Moen pull up faucet in my kitchen sink. The faucet is leaking
due to corrosion. Is there a listing of parts to use as replacements?

William from Washington, DC

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Washer Isn't Draining

My Kenmore washer won't drain on its own. Each drain cycle, I have to push in the knob and pull out again, then it drains. That works but it is hard to do laundry when you have to watch for each cycle to end. Any suggestions?

se from Maryland

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Fixing Burn Hole In Cushion

I got a hole in my outdoor cushion from a fire pit ember. How can I fix it?

Sherry

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Removing Body Odor From Clothing

I have some great t-shirts that have over the years picked up sour arm pit smell. Washing the shirts doesn't seem to get rid of it. Well, it smells okay at first, but at the first body warmth from me, the sour smell is re-activated! Any advice?

Beth from Harrisburg, PA

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Bath Mat Left Black Marks On Floor

The previous owners had a mat in the bath. Now I'm left with small circular black marks. I've tried lots of products but with no success. Any ideas?

Theresa-Marie from Austin, Texas

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Knitting Pattern For Monkey Socks

I am looking for a knitting pattern for socks called monkey socks. Not the doll you make out of socks but socks to wear.

JoAnn from Rollingdam, New Brunswick

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Making Bathroom Items To Match Shower Curtain

The real estate market has fallen in a terrible slump this year. In spite of it all we were very lucky that our house sold in less than 48 hours. We give all our Praise to the Lord for the answer to our prayers.

Ten years ago I designed all my own drapes from bed sheets, and also made a matching duvet cover. All draperies were left in the house when it sold. But I took my duvet cover when we moved into a 2-bedroom apartment. I cut off all the seams and make a fabric shower curtain that covers the plastic shower curtain liner for our bathroom.

I have one flat sheet left over and need some suggestions from the ThriftyFun community. The bathroom in our apartment does not have a window, but I need some ideas as to what to make for my bathroom that will match my shower curtain. I want to thank you in advance!


MCW from Lewiston, NY

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Frugal Christmas Gifts For Teens

Does anyone have any frugal Christmas gift ideas for me? I am already fretting about Christmas. I am a single mom with 2 teens on a disability income. Their father left me (after he went to business school) because of my disability. He has a super income now. I cannot compete. He gave our son a car for graduating and our daughter a lap top for her birthday.

So now any little thing I give them is nothing to them. I know gift cards and money would be options, but we never bought our kids. Sometimes I think its mostly his older girlfriend, but unsure. I just don't know any ideas right now. Back to school shopping was a disaster with my daughter (15) so now I am thinking Christmas will be the same! :(

Christine from MO

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Saving Money on Shoes

Tips for saving money on shoes. Feel free to post you ideas below.

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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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Party on a Penny
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

There are great ways to save on children's parties and still make the kids smile. Whether it's a birthday party or a themed slumber party, save money and gain smiles.

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