Daily Thrifty Tips - April 27, 2007

Today we have a grocery budget challenge: If you had a grocery budget of $3 a day per person, what groceries would you buy? It's in response to a recent story about the Governer of Oregon eating for a week on a food stamp budget.

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Easter Egg Hunt

The fun of being a kid is looking forward to the "Easter Egg Hunt". By Laura from Orlando, Florida

What Fun!

"Where is Kylie, we can't wait forever."

Wonder who got the $10.00 in the Easter Egg Hunt?

"Wow, aren't they beautiful", and what fun it was!

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Sprinkles and Kittens

This is Sprinkles and her kittens. She is 1 year old and the kittens are just 1 week. We got her from a lady giving away a cat when she was 3 months old. She liked to play with us and her toys. She is also a good Mother.

By Stephanie from Irvine, KY

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Paint Can Flower Pot

Here's a great way to reuse an old paint by making a nifty painted planter. You could also use a new paint can which you can purchase in the paint section of your home improvement store.

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Keep Your Tank Full Just In Case

It's always a good idea to have keep a full tank of gas in your car. In case of a family emergency in the middle of the night, you don't want to run out of gas right in the middle of it and have to search for an open gas station. Also, if the electricity is off in your area, the gas pumps won't be able to work. One of our church members found this out, not long ago, in a citywide power outage. She needed gas and not one gas station was able to allow her to buy, the pumps won't run without electricity. Always be prepared.

By Terri from NV

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Wrinkle Spray

I love using the solution of 1/2 water, 1/2 fabric softener to use as wrinkle spray! It has saved me dragging out the iron so many times. I don't like the scent of most fabric softener so I made sure I got one with a more exotic scent, they are out there!

By Pam from Los Angeles

Here's some related links on this subject:

• Making Febreeze Type Fabric Freshener & Wrinkle Releaser
• Homemade Wrinkle Releaser

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Two Skewers For Easy Grilling

When placing items on a skewer for grilling, the items always spin around. The solution is to put TWO skewers through the items. You can flip them easily now!

By Tina G from Bremen, GA

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Bottle Your Own Beverages

Buy a few small bottles of water, then have the 5 gallon bottles delivered and refill your cleaned bottles. Fill bottles with other drinks to have on hand (in the car) for before or after the restaurant, movies, carnival, fair, theme park, etc.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Recycling a Toaster Oven and Grilled Pizza Tips

When my toaster convection oven broke, instead of throwing the whole thing out, I took a long look at it to see what might be salvaged and put to good use. Asked DH to see if it had any aluminum to recycle. The baking trays could be reused, the racks I donated (no market for them on Ebay), thinking someone might want to build an outdoor BBQ that needed racks.

The steel crumb tray has taken on a new life as a small cookie sheet. I used it last night when I made a grilled pizza that didn't turn out so well, but was able to salvage the food because the crumb tray fit inside the gas BBQ grill. I put the chunks of crust that had fallen apart on the greased baking tray, plopped on the pizza sauce, sprinkled cheese over the top and continued cooking it. The pizza crust was too large for my inexperienced hands, and so when I put it on the grill, it twisted, got out of shape and stuck to itself. The mess actually resembled nachos and was quite tasty.

Next time, I am going to make individually sized crusts. They'll be easier to handle and will fit on my smallish pizza peel, eliminating some of the difficulty. One tip I learned, was to put the THIN dough on the heated grill and after a minute or so, to flip it over, put on the toppings and continue cooking until the cheese melts. I'd made pizza on the grill several years ago and vowed not to repeat the disaster, but after watching two pizza cooking shows on PBS, felt I just had to try again. If we had decent (NY style) pizza near Richardson, TX, I wouldn't have to do this.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Add Egg Whites to Angelfood Mix

To make the highest angelfood cake ever, just use your favorite store bought angel food cake mix as usual except add 2 fresh egg whites. I use the Shop N Save brand and I add the 2 egg whites in with the water at the beginning. Then follow the directions as usual. I have always had a very tall angel food and moist texture.

By blondie from Michael, IL

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Removing Old Ink Stains From Clothing

To get ink out of a white shirt or blouse that has already set in the dryer, try this. Place an old towel between the shirt so stain will not go through. Spray hair spray on all the ink spots. Do NOT blot spots. Wash in warm water with laundry detergent. Check again to make sure all stains are out before putting the item in the dryer

By Mythi from WA

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Fix Make Up Mistake With Q-Tip

Ever gotten your make-up completely finished, only to screw up your eyes by accidentally bumping your mascara brush against your eyelid or elsewhere? Fear not! Take a dry Q-Tip, place it over mascara smudge. Twirl the Q-Tip, keeping it in the same spot. Pull Q-Tip away from face and the spot should be completely gone without further make-up damage.

By April from Albany, GA

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Look For Old Fashioned Decorative Items

I have a lovely ivory table runner that looks like it's "tatted". I bought it at a discount store for very little. I have it laid on top of the back of my couch. I've had many compliments on it, as it looks older than it is. My Mamaw used pieces such as this, that she and her other family members had made by hand. I wasn't the lucky one to inherit her homemade decorative items upon her passing, but just a glance reminds me of my Mamaw and Papaw and my wonderful times with them.

By Terri H. from NV

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Oregon Governor Lives on Food Stamp Benefit for a Week

The Governor of Oregon, Ted Kulongowski, challenged himself and his wife to live on the equivalent of what they would get for food stamps, $3 a day for a week. He said one thing he learned was that the cheapest foods are on the top and bottom shelves of the supermarket.

• OPB.com - Click here to read more about it
• KATU.com - Click here to read more about it
• CBS News - Click here to read more about it

One thing I heard on the radio was that they couldn't use anything from their cupboard or food pantry, just what they could buy for the food stamp benefit.

If you had a grocery budget of $3 a day per person, what groceries would you buy?

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Dryer Lint For Seed Balls

Make seed balls so small hands or old fingers don't have to strain with the smaller seeds. In a styrofoam egg carton, drizzle washable white glue down the sides of an egg "compartment" about 1/3 of the way down and on the bottom. Cover the glue with pieces of dryer lint (about 1/8th inch thick layer). Drizzle more glue and drop in a few seeds, using a toothpick or something to move the seeds into the glue (I used 8 seeds). Top the seeds with a second piece of dryer lint and use the toothpick to stir that together then pick it up and form it into a ball.

These could be strung and then planted in a row with each seed ball spaced as you like. Make a small basketful, possibly using different colors of the lint to distinguish flower types or vegetables and give them to an elderly friend who has arthritis so that gardening isn't so impossible!

This tip is one that can be improved on in many ways. For instance, you could make glue drops spaced as directed and "plant" the seeds onto sections of lint or swirl on the glue and shake on a packet of seeds and tamp off the excess (like you would when crafting with glitter). Add a little potting soil and a few egg shells and coffee grounds before you put a second piece of lint on top, sealing with washable glue!

Tie a coffee mug into a tree or shrub with cord that you have glued in a "seed cloth" you have made with dryer lint and maybe a pretty bird will make a nest there.

Make a small eggshell planter the same way by glueing a small piece of dryer lint to the inside of an egg shell and add a small amount of potting soil & a small bit of coffee grounds & seeds that produce small blooms! Top with a second small piece of lint to help preserve the moisture!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Borax Equivalent in Europe

Can anyone tell me what BORAX is? I see it used for many things and it does not seem to exist in my country. is there a substitute for it or is it a brand name? i live in malta, europe. is there anyone out there who can help?

Cettina

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Thrifty and Green Liners for Wastebaskets

I'd like to stop bringing my groceries home from the store in plastic bags; I know it'd be better for the environment to invest in some reusable cloth bags (which I could probably find at thrift shops!) and take them to the grocery store to bring my groceries home in. But I've gotten so used to using the store plastic bags to line my wastebaskets with. So does anybody have any suggestions as to a green, thrifty way to line and clean my wastebaskets without having to use the plastic bags any more?

Lynn from Chico, CA

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Getting Rid of Japanese Knotweed

Does anyone know how to get rid of Japanese Knotweed, just short of using napalm? Salt doesn't bother it at all, and digging it out is impossible without renting a bobcat, even then the smallest piece of root will regrow... Right now, I've resorted to throwing heavy plastic tarps over it and snipping off all the new shoots, but it's a lot faster than me.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Beth from Western MA

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Neighbors With Barking Dogs

I have neighbors on both sides with 2 barking dogs each. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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Great Chocolate Recipes

I need everyone's expert help! My local "Friends of the Library", which I am a member of, is having an event on Saturday, May 5th called "Simply Decadent: A Tasting SINsation for Chocolate Lovers" Everyone is supposed to bring their best chocolate recipe. Now, I have many good chocolate recipes, but I don't have any GREAT chocolate recipes. Let me also state that I want to try the recipe out before the event. So, I dislike coconut. I'm sure there's more that I don't like, but coconut is all I can think of.

So, if anyone has a great chocolate recipe, I would be sincerely thankful if you would provide it.

Thanks in advance,
Karen from Middlesboro, KY

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Getting My Feet Ready for Sandals

With warm weather finally here, I've started wearing sandals, but my feet are extremely dry and rough, especially my heels. Does anyone have any good ideas on how to soften feet and get them ready for summer? I've also got some calluses that need some attention! I can't afford a pedicure so have to do it myself.

Linda from Alabaster, Alabama

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Foggy Stain on a Flat Stove

My black flat Kenmore stove has a foggy stain? I've tried oven cleaner, cerama bryte, and just about any cleaner I can get my hands on. Please help.

Verof

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Preventing Cats From Spraying on Plants

I have stray and neighborhood cats that spray on my front porch, and also my plants and flowers. They are killing my garden! Does anyone have an idea on how to prevent them from spraying on outdoor plants? I've heard of the pepper and coffee grounds, but I don't think they are sniffing, they just lift and spray. Help!

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Nicole from Chowchilla, CA

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Crochet Pattern for Men's Vest

I am looking for a crochet pattern for men's vest.

Nancy from Great Falls, MT

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Making Sugar Boxes

Where can I find the recipe for making sugar boxes?

jennifer74 from New Iberia, LA

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Crafts Using Beach Balls

Any ideas for a craft using deflated beach balls?

TWIG from Columbus, OH

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Oxyclean Ball Reviews

Does anyone use the OXYCLEAN ball in their washer? Its supposed to last for 25 washings and comes with a little case for it. It's on sale and I have a coupon for it, but I don't want to waste my time or money if it shows no difference in your clothes.

Thanks!

Kim from Howell, NJ

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas for a Mom in a Nursing Home

My mom is in a nursing home and Mother's Day is right around the corner. I started out giving her pictures but everyone else has followed suit and her room is so full. Any ideas what I could give her as a remembrance? Please help!

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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Liquid Dishashing Detergent Recipe

Can anyone help me with how to make liquid dishwashing detergent?

Suhail from PA

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Cat Pooping In The Bath

My adolescent male cat keeps on pooping in the bath, it is starting to get rather annoying. He was a stray and turned up on our doorstep about 5 weeks ago (you know the old saying "cats choose you not the other way around"). I have tried bleach cleaning the bath in hope that he has no smell to go back to, the garage door is always slightly ajar so he can come and go as he pleases morning or night. I would shut the bathroom door but Im scared he will just find a more disastrous place to do his nasty business. People have said rub his nose in it but I wont because I believe it will just make him anxious, and I think I would not like my nose rubbed in the mistakes I have ever made. Does anyone have any helpful advise for me to use?

Jonty from New Zealand

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Trees and Shrubs to Block the Sight of a Road

A busy two lane road will be enlarged to four lane behind my boyfriend's property in the future (maybe 2 years). What types of trees, shrubs, or bushes would be an effective screen so as to block the sight of the enlarged road?

Thanks to all who respond.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Barbara from Manassas, VA

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Wedding Reception Locations in Dallas, TX

Where can I find a cheap place to have a wedding and reception?

Charlie from Dallas, TX

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Removing Candle Wax From Furniture

I had a Pampered Chef party Friday night and candle wax got spilled on my coffee table. How do I get it off? I used Murphy's Oil Sop and a butter knife to try to release some of the spill but there's still some wax on my coffee table. I would appreciate anyone with a solution.

Thank You,
Chris

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Acne on My Forehead

I wonder if anyone can give me some advice on ACNE I have on my forehead. I am 22 and still suffer really bad. I feel that other people are laughing at me when I go out and call me butters, ugly etc. Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Adam from London

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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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The Holmes Group Recalls Oil-Filled Electric Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Chenango Valley Pet Foods Recall Certain Pet Foods (Including: Some DOCTORS FOSTER & SMITH Products)

April 26, 2007 - Chenango Valley Pet Foods is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and voluntarily recalling pet foods manufactured with a certain shipment of rice protein concentrate.  The company was informed by Wilbur-Ellis that the rice protein concentrate shipped to Chenango Valley Pet Foods may be contaminated with melamine, and instructed Chenango Valley Pet Foods to recall any pet foods manufactured with the rice protein concentrate. Melamine is an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilizers that may lead to illness or fatalities in animals if consumed.

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Diamond Pet Food Withdraws Products in Response to American Nutrition Inc. Pet Food Recall

Meta, MO -- April 26, 2007 -- Because of the canned pet food recall initiated today by American Nutrition Inc., Diamond Pet Foods has announced it is withdrawing a limited number of canned products manufactured by American Nutrition. This action is limited to three specific canned products: Diamond Lamb & Rice Formula for Dogs 13 oz. cans, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Kitten Formula 5.5 oz. cans, and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Puppy Formula 13 oz. cans.

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Bees - A Honey of a Deal for Your Garden!
By Ellen Brown

Bees are the honey in any garden! As a pollinator, they offer an essential ingredient for healthy gardens, both flora and vegetable. And they are especially important as primary pollinators of entomophilous plants - plants pollinated by insects, as opposed to wind pollination. In fact, about 30-percent of our diet is the direct result of bee pollination to a flowering fruit tree or vegetable plant.

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Ideal Plant Companions When Growing Vegetables

A couple of years in a row, after we moved here, we planted a garden. The first one did really well. The 2nd one didn't. We'd always planted the same way, or so we thought. We finally figured out, after seeing the list below, what we were doing wrong, once we corrected it, it's been great gardening ever since!

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Uses for Old Sweatshirts

Tips for reusing old sweatshirts that aren't fit to wear anymore. Post your ideas.

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