Daily Thrifty Tips - March 2, 2009

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Recycling Wipe Pouches for Storage

I use these wonderful wipes, then use the container for something else around the house. For flat things, they are great. I have Zipties, rubber bands, office supplies for the car, hair ties/bands and makeup for the girls, first aid, spare glasses, and just about anything you want to keep handy yet dry.

They are invaluable for camping silverware, matches, bite medicines, film, snacks, and more. I get them for just 1.12 at Walmart and when the wipes are gone, I have this wonderful little pouch I can use over and over again. If a seam breaks, I tape it with clear strapping tape, or just use the next one that is empty. You can't go wrong with these little gems!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Craft Project: Vintage Fridgie Diet Reminder Elephant

This was one of my most popular crafts to sell in the 60's. The foam is not the same now as back then, but it is more dense and easier to work with. A great little tuck-in gift for secret pals, friends, and loved ones.

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Bo (Shitzu)

Bo is a 6 month old Shitzu. The picture is of him when we first got him at 10 weeks old. We got Bo in July, from a breeder. Bo loves to chase the cat! He is very affectionate and is great with kids and other animals!

By Amanda from PI, Maine

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Bruno (Rotti/Chow Mix) and Loosey (Burmese Mtn. Mix)

Bruno is 10 years old and Loosey is 10 months old. Bruno is a Rottie/Chow mix, and Loosey is a Great Pyrenees/Burmese Mountain mix. Loosey is going to be a big girl, already 130 pounds! Both were rescues. They like the beach and riding in the golf cart. We love them the most!

By Marcy from Palm Bay, FL

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Cyrus (Birman)

Cyrus is a 7 year old Birman. We got Cyrus when he was just a little kitty. Please adopt a pet! They deserve a chance to have a happy home and to be loved!

He loves to be petted. I think he brings other cats in his cat door at night when we are all sleeping and has parties. Cyrus is my best friend. He is awesome and loves me unconditionally! He is cool!

By Mally from Taylorsville, Utah

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Homemade Fingernail Polish Remover Jar

Supplies

• 1 baby food jar with screw on lid
• liquid nail polish remover
• sponge or foam sponge

Instructions

Now when you need to take off nail polish, stick your finger in the hole in the sponge, move around a little, and it's done. No mess. Keep cap on jar tightly so it won't evaporate. When it gets used up or really dirty, just replace the sponge and add more nail polish remover.

Source: I bought one of these in a plastic jar at the store a long time ago and I used it up.

By Barbara from Evington, Virginia

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Have a No Drive Day Each Week

Institute a no-drive each week to save on gas and get exercise. We are fortunate to be in walking distance (1-1.5 miles) to just about everything we need. Of course, this won't work for everyone. But for some, you can plan to drive even fewer days a week. I pull my kids in the wagon to run errands. We go to the grocery store with our reusable bag(s), and only buy what we can fit in them. This prevents me from buying items not on my list or heavier, unnecessary items like pop and other sugary drinks. We get home, and we've all had fresh air, I've had a work-out pulling 80+ lbs in the wagon, my errands are done, and I haven't made excessive purchases.

By Britt from Boston, MA

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Make Your Own Shower Curtain

Shower Drapes can be costly. Purchase a plastic table cloth, make sure the size is appropriate to fit. Get a one hole punch and punch holes across the width of table cloth. Place circle tape on the back of cloth near the holes, this will secure the holes from unnecessary tears.

Cost of table cloth: $3.99

If you decide to buy two drapes, you could use the rest to accent a picture frame. Or cut to suit the back of the toilet seat or cover a toilet paper container. Cut from circle heating vents from hardware store.

So, in season, you can change the drape for less than $5.00. Enjoy!

By Janet from Toronto, Ontario

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Use Talcum Powder for Sticky Seals

To prevent refrigerator or freezer seals from sticking and cracking, wipe the seals with talcum powder on rag every 12 months. This will also saves money on replacement.

By George from Portarlington, Victoria, Australia

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Use an Indoor Clothes Line

I live in Tennessee where TVA, our electric supplier, has raised our electric bills 30% in one month. I have started really trying to be more frugal. I purchased a indoor clothes line and strung it up in my basement. I bought it off ebay for $25.00, and it will hold 2 loads of laundry. It usually dries in less than one day. With a family of five, I do at least 1 load per day, I know this will help with my electric bill.

Not everyone has a basement, so why not use one in a room in your home where you don't actually live, like a spare bedroom. You could put the clothes line in the closet and retract the line when not in use. My retractable line is the diameter of a paper plate and maybe 5 inches wide. Very small.

In one week I was able to hang 7 loads of laundry on my line. Some loads were jeans which would have required more than one run on the dryer. I never waited more than 14-16 hours of dry time. Also, I forgot to add, my basement isn't heated or cooled. Hope this helps someone.

By Karen M. from Greeneville, TN

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Don't Use "The Works" on Faucets or Metal

Cleaning your fiberglass tub with "The Works" does work really well, but be very careful not to get it on the faucets because it will discolor and ruin them.

By Debra from Wichita, KS

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Zoo Memberships

If you have a zoo near buy, consider buying a zoo membership to save money and have fun. While admission tickets seem quite expensive if you are going for the day, family memberships are usually very reasonable. If you go just once a month, the membership price is well worth while.

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Cleaning a Pizza Cutter

For quick and easy cleanup, don't wait for cheese and sauce to dry on your pizza cutter. Rinse it off right after you cut the pizza and clean up will be a snap.

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Store Bulk Foods In Recycled Baby Wipe Containers

We use a lot of the large round baby wipe containers. When empty scrub them out good and put dry bulk foods in it. Replace the lid and put it into the pantry for storage.

Source: Dreamed it up, waste not, want not.

By BJ from Mid Missouri

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Keep Bread Mold from Developing

After buying bread, poke a small hole in the opposite end from the main opening and put it in the refrigerator. The bread lasts longer and with the little bit of air seeping in, it keeps the bread at the deep end from developing mold.

By Patricia from Newark, Delaware

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Cleaning Soap Out of a Bathtub

How do you clean soap out of a bathtub (not porcelain)? I also need to clean the fabric liner for the bathtub. It has some rust stains on the bottom.

Pat from Brookfield, WI

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Cleaning Pella Low-E Glass Windows

I have Pella low-E glass windows, approximately 40 windows. To have them professionally cleaned is costing approximately $400. Due to the low-E glass they are difficult to clean. When I do it, if the sun shines in they look like they haven't been cleaned in ten years. Any suggestions would be welcomed. I hate to keep throwing away money on something that I could easily do if I could get good results.

Mary from Kiel, WI

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Freezing Fat-Free Half & Half

Can fat-free half & half be frozen?

Judy from Riverside, CA

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Iced Black Tea is Cloudy

How can I prevent my iced black tea from turning cloudy?

Sally from Chewelah, WA

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Scratched on High Gloss Floor Tiles

I have high gloss floor tiles. They have marks on them that I cannot remove. They are scratches from a metal bucket I used while washing the floor. They are smooth to the touch and are on the surface only . I have tried Metho, Kero, CLR, acetone, glycerin, eucalyptus and all the scours and can get my hands on.

Chrissie from Mandurah, West Australia

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Dog Urine Stain on Wool Carpet

My dog has urinated on a wool carpet and left a yellow stain. How can I get rid of the stain?

Chris from Auckland, New Zealand

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Planning a Wedding and Reception for Under $2500

My fiance and I are getting married at the end of August and are on a tight budget. We need somewhere to hold a ceremony and reception for 60 guests. Our budget is $2000 - $2500. Does anyone have any ideas besides a church that we could use? We would prefer indoor as opposed to an outdoor ceremony.

Tamara from Parsippany, NJ

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What Breed is My Dog?

I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of breed my dog is and how big it well get?

Jovie from Kennewick, WA

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What is Baking Soda?

Being from Australia we have different terms for some products. Please can you tell me if Baking Soda is Bi-Carbonate of Soda, or is it what we call Baking Powder, which is used when we want plain flour (no rising in it) to rise? Do you have Self-Raising flour too, which is flour that needs no raising agent, since it is included in the flour? I get really muddled up at times. Thank you.

Leah from Queensland, Australia

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Scratches on a Wood Floor

My wood floors in my living room need some touch up.I would like to bring the shine out. There are some scratches on it. How can I fix that without sanding the whole floor? Please help! Thank you.

Maria

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Barbie Pattern: Bridal Gown with Musical Train and Wedding-Party Hats

I had this pattern, started it, and then lost the pattern. Does anyone k now where I can get the pattern? It is called "Bridal Gown with Musical Train and Wedding-Party Hats".

April from Shelby Township, MI

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Seafood Odor on Cotton Pants

I have a pair of brand new black cotton pants that got mixed up with old prawns/shrimps (don't ask me how!). I have washed them in both cold and warm water (about 6 times), soaked them in Napisan (nappy soaking solution) and hung them out to dry in the sunshine. How do I get rid of the smell?

livvie6 from australia

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Checking Dishwashing Soap Phosphorous Content

I have very hard water and whirlpool says to use a dishwashing soap with a phosphorous content of 8.7%. Can you tell me which brand of dishwashing soap has this phosphorous content? Thank you.

Thomas from Sherwood, ND

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Cleaning Old Wood Furniture

I acquired an old wood credenza. It has possibilities, but is very dirty. It could be build-up from furniture sprays or just neglect. What is the best way to clean this piece?

Judy from Iowa

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Climbing Roses

Could someone suggest some climbing roses for a north facing wall. Thank you.

JO

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Super Glue on "Glazed" Kitchen Counter

How do I remove super glue from a "glazed" kitchen work surface?

David from Carlisle, Cumbria

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Painting Nicotine Stained Walls

How do I paint over nicotine stained walls?

Karen from Fayetteville, TN

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My Hands are Red

My palms are red when I get up in the morning and gradually they become normal. Sometimes they are red during the day also. I have high BP, Parkinson's and chronic bronchitis. All these are under control through use of medicines. My liver function is normal. I am 82 years old. I would appreciate your advice.

Inam

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Modern Afghan Pattern

I am looking for an afghan to give to newlyweds, one that has a modern look to it. Does anyone know where I can find one?

Barb

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Autistic Son is a Picky Eater

I have a 5 year old son who has autism and he is a picky eater. He only eats French fries chicken nuggets and pizza from Lil' Caesar's. Can anyone suggest any tips to get him to eat more foods?

Queede from Detroit, MI

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Sweet Potato Canning Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for canning sweet potatoes in a jar without using a pressure canner? Thanks in advance.

Karen from St. Landry, LA

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Hyundai Elantra Wiper Fluid Reservoir is Cracked

I have a 2000 Hyundai Elantra Wagon and the windshield wiper fluid reservoir has cracked and won't hold any fluid. I have called around for the replacement part and the cost is outrageous for a piece of plastic. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could do to repair the crack myself or an inexpensive place to purchase a new one? Any help would be appreciated!

Deeli from Richland, WA

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Pictures of Painted Concrete Floors

Does anyone have pictures of painted concrete floors, not stained?

Jay from TX

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Coffee Can Angels

I have been searching everywhere for a pattern using small plastic coffee cans. Can anyone help me with a fast and easy way to make these cans look like angels and snowmen? I want to use them as goodie gifts. Thank you so very much.

Angela from Frankfort, ME

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Repairing Antique Paper Mache

I have a wonderful, full body paper mache antique chicken. I recently moved and it got broken. Can someone recommend a way to repair it? Thanks in advance.

Gerald

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Toothpaste Stains on Clothing

How do you remove Crest Tartar toothpaste stains from clothing? I have tried Shout, Goop, and Dawn to no avail. I also tried plain water before I laundered them, but nothing seems to work. Thanks.

Marie from Lawrence, KS

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Choosing Vinyl Flooring for a House with Cats

What is the best flooring for cats? The previous owners of our house had a cat which peed inappropriately in the house in the laundry room and family room. We moved in with 2 cats, they never peed outside the box, I had no problems with urination anywhere in the house.

Cat #1 died and we got a new cat. He's the problem. Since day 1, he has peed around the perimeter of the family room, near the window, in front of the entertainment center (which is against an outside wall) and along the wall separating the family room from the living room. Any clothing left on the floor is fair game. The carpeting we put down is shot, I tried having it cleaned to no avail.

I have tried baking soda and peroxide which worked for a while and enzymatic cleaners work somewhat but are mainly useless. So we're going rip it all out. I've heard enough bad things about laminates and I don't want carpeting, even the indoor/outdoor type or the replaceable squares. I'm pretty sure vinyl is it.

What is best, though? Armstrong, Congoleum, Mannington Gold, etc.? Or vinyl tiles? We did heavy-duty vinyl tiles in the laundry room and they've worked well, but Home Depot no longer has them.

Zeroxmom from Buffalo Grove, IL

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Discolored Stainless Steel Pans

How can I remove the blue discoloring from my stainless steel pans?

Val from Cincinnati, OH

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Entertainment Center has Mildew Smell

I just bought an entertainment center at Circuit City's liquidation sale that is non-returnable. When we got it home, I noticed the awful mildew smell and now my allergies are out of control. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this smell? There is no visible mildew and I've cleaned the whole thing with furniture polish, which made the smell worse. Help!

Krista from Pasadena, MD

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Using a Dish to Get Internet in Rural Areas

I live in rural Saskatchewan and only have dial-up internet and sometimes it is very slow. We have received information regarding putting up dishes on top of a Silo or something and then more than one can share. Has anyone done this and does it work well? Thanks in advance.

Gloria from Saskatchewan, Canada

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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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Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Saving Money on Bathing Suits

Tips and advice for saving money on bathing suits as posted by the ThriftyFun community.

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