Daily Thrifty Tips - July 9, 2008

Thank you to everyone that responded to our call for recipes! We really appreciate it. If you have a recipe to share with ThriftyFun readers, feel free to submit it here:

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Do you have any tips for frugal fun in the summer? Feel free to share them here:

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Lady (Black Lab)

Lady is our 2 year old Black Lab. A neighbor gave her to us.

She likes to go out on the boat and play in the lake.

By Tanya from Winchester, TN

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Refilling Dawn Direct Foam

This is partly a product review and partly a frugal living tip.

I was curious about Dawn Direct Foam so I bought a bottle with a coupon. The product is awesome, one foamy pump of soap goes on forever! Dawn has always been wonderful at cutting grease immediately.

However, my family seemed to use it primarily to wash their hands. It's really too much soap just to wash your hands, and actually feels a bit slimy. The bottle was almost half-emptied and I decided to pop the top off and fill it back up with water. I swished the water around to mix it up and now the mixture isn't too slimy to simply wash hands. I haven't noticed it being "not enough" soap to wash other things with, but if so, just use a second squirt!

They also sell refills for this product.

By Tina from Elberfeld, IN

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Giving Your Kitchen Flair and Charm

With a little flair and imagination, you can create a kitchen of great charm and character, and for relatively little cost. Give your cabinets a face-lift with a new coat of paint or stain (don't forget to sand off the varnish first). Have a little fun by buying new (or salvaging secondhand) knobs and handles. Use sheets or a table cloth as curtains. Hang some baskets for fruit.

Or make your kitchen multi-use: Add a workspace, with a small desk from another room where you can drop mail and do bills later on. Make your kitchen more sociable by adding an arm chair, which will free up space from another room. Section off part of the kitchen (or an attached room like a breakfast nook) as a play area for kids. Even if you have a large living room, chances are that children will end up around your feet when you're in the kitchen.

Source: The Little Book of Thrifty Fixes for the Home by Bridget Bodoano.

By Courtney from Philadelphia

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Laundry Tip for the Family

Doing the laundry, boring. I have a laundry basket for everyone in the house. I even put their names on them so to make sure they know which is theirs. On laundry day I wash, dry and fold. As I fold everyone's items and place the clothes in the appropriate laundry basket and it is their responsibility to make sure their laundry is put away. This shortens laundry chores for me and gives my family some responsibility. And believe it or not it has cut down on the amount of laundry that has to be done.

By Carol from West Milton, OH

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Ask Wal-Mart to Match the Price

I'm limited to where I can afford to shop. Since we get our prescriptions at Wal-mart I do most of my grocery shopping there. If a different store has item on sale that I need and Wal-mart is higher in price I have Wal-mart match the other store price. It really helps out a lot.

By Angie from WI

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Fabuloso All Purpose Cleaner Review

Fabuloso All Purpose Cleaner is all you need to clean your tub when you get out, provided you wipe out the rubbery residue of dirt with your hands every time you bathe before you get out.

To clean grime around faucets etc., use Fabuloso and a brush.

By Nic from NC

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Organizing Your Freezer

I was rooting around in my freezer the other day and had to throw out some items due to their advanced age. This prompted me to better organize my freezer so items would not get lost under other food items.

The Freezer door: This is the warmest part of the freezer. I use it to store hot dogs, vegetables, butter, juices and the half-gallon milk jugs filled with water for picnic coolers.

Shelves: I used 3 plastic "bins" to sort my meat (purchased in bulk and shrink vac'd). One bin each for chicken, beef and pork. At a glance I can see if I need to purchase more ground beef, pork loin or bacon when is is on sale. Meat is portioned out into meal size servings and wrapped for proper storage.

When wrapping meat, be sure and label with an indelible pen (on the seam or on a label) the date. Use the oldest first.

I purchase items when they are on sale and when I have a coupon. I keep stocked up on frozen meals for "brown bag" lunches - much cheaper and healthier than fast food at work. I ALWAYS purchase butter when it is on sale, sometimes 10 pounds at a time. This especially comes in handy for holiday baking!

For more freezer advice:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FactSheets/...

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Quick Emergency Relief for Bug Bites

Hello from Canada! June, July and August are warm days of summer for people and a smorgasbord of human legs and arms and bodies for bugs.

Here is what you can do to relieve the irritating itching when too many bugs have bitten and you can't find a remedy in the medicine cabinet. Use your tooth paste. It goes on in seconds, relives the itch in seconds and dries quickly.

I use Colgate Total for fast relief from both bugs and expensive pharmacy creams.

Have a great summer!

By Joseph from St.,Laval West, Laval, Quebec, Canada

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Uses for an Empty Plastic Wrap Roll

Don't throw out your plastic wrap cylinder just yet. I've discovered that if it has a small amount of plastic wrap left on its roll, it makes for an excellent rolling pin. That's right! I stumbled upon this idea a while ago when after I moved I realized that I didn't have a rolling pin on hand. So I used the plastic wrap roll and it works actually better than the rolling pin I had.

I forgot to share this many times and as I was just rolling out my pie crust with one, I stopped and came right to the PC to share while it's fresh on my mind. Try this and let me know how it works for you guys.

Extra tip: I reseal the plastic to the roll that may curl from rolling by rolling it a couple of times across the outside of my heated oven door.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Frozen Grapes for a Sweet Treat

A healthful summer treat for little ones on a hot day: Give them frozen grapes! Simply freeze in a single layer in a cake pan and, when frozen, store in freezer bags. Or thread, alternating red, purple and green grapes, onto wooden skewers and freeze till needed. They taste surprisingly good and are a better choice than popsicles which are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients.

By Anne from Green Bay, WI

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Alphabetize Your Spices

My family thinks I'm a bit of a psycho because I alphabetize my spices!! However, you wouldn't believe how much time this saves when cooking! It cuts the time previously spent looking for a certain spice, down to next to nothing. Not to mention how many times I used to go out and buy another container, only to find several amidst the pre-alphabetized spices! Happy cooking!

By Pam from Storm Lake, IA

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Carnation Breakfast Bars

The full recipe for Carnation Breakfast Bars posted her is not the correct one. Many are looking for the old version from the 70s and early 80s.

Can you help?

Heather

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Glue Trap Stain on Carpet

I had a small mouse glue trap turn upside down on my Berber carpeting leaving a sticky spot. Any advise on how to get this out of the carpet?

Carol from Northern Indiana

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Recycled Book Angel

I am hunting for a pattern for an Angel made from hardback book that explains how the wings are made. I have a pattern but doesn't explain fully about the wings.

Nancy from Harriman, TN

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Why aren't my cakes flat?

Does anyone know why cakes are not flat when baked?

Nabiha

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Pop Stain on Leather

How do I get a soda stain out of my green Hobo leather wallet?

Michelle from Virginia Beach, VA

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Elmo Doll Pattern

I am looking for an Elmo Doll Pattern to Knit or Crochet. My 9 month old granddaughter LOVES Elmo. Thank you.

Sandra from Goldendale, WA

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Getting Rid of Blow Flies

Yesterday evening I entered my bathroom, I had been invaded with blowflies. I could not see a source for entry into the bathroom, nor a source for attracting them. Any ideas on how to deal with this?

At first I used a swatter and quickly killed about 25 of them. When I went back several hours later a new bunch had come in. I sprayed with disinfectant got a few but swatted the rest. This morning I had a new bunch. Sprayed with Raid bug spray.

I know they are attracted and come from something dead. So far no smell, but I have seen signs of a field rat around the house. (Have not had field rats in years). I have some traps set but not tripped. What can I do to rid these bad things from my bathroom? Please if anyone has an idea, I need help. Thank you!

oredwine1933

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Musty Smell on a Stuffed Toy

My daughter got an old poseable teddy bear from a friend of mine and it smells musty. Can I wash and dry this? And if I can, how? Thank you in advance for any/all help with this.

jmz2005 from Illinois

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Back2Life (Back Exerciser) Reviews

I am looking for reviews of Back 2 Life (back exerciser). My daughter has compressed disks; she's not prone to actual stretching, etc. (don't ask. just can't get her to do it). Before I order this device for her, I'd like to know if anyone has any opinions.

Thank you in advance.

• http://www.getback2life.com

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Caring For and Training a Blind Cat

My kitten is 3 months old and it went blind a month ago. I love animals, especially my cats. There is no way I will have my blind baby put down I just need some tips on how to care for her. I do not have a lot of money, but I do want to give my blind baby all the love I can.

MAUREEN from Ogden, Utah

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Potty Training Regression

I have a child (boy) who is potty trained but he has decided he does not want to be. It all started when he did number 2 and it touched his bottom. Any ideas out there? I have tried the rewards system and stars on a chart. He does not respond. Anymore ideas would be nice. Thanks

Roxi from Seattle, WA

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Getting Rid of Spiders

I need a good old home remedy Spiders. (The removing of them.)

Kathy from Omaha, NE

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Dyeing Part of My Jeans

How can I dye the knees and shins of my blue jeans different colors (like red, green, etc.)?

Wil from Fairmont, WV

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Mosquito Repellent Recipes

I am trying to find the mixture for a homemade mosquito spray that my neighbor used on us when we were younger. It smelled great and I'm almost positive it had vanilla in it, does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Sam from Pueblo, CO

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Making Clothing for a Premature Baby

Any suggestions for making clothes for premature babies? I'm thinking doll clothes (12"-15"-18") Does that sound right? If I measure the baby and use the appropriate pattern? Nothing fancy, diaper shirts, sleepers (she kicks the covers off), that sort of thing.

Susan

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Getting Rid of Wasps

I need a good old home remedy for wasps. (The removing of them.)

Kathy from Omaha, NE

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Round Loom Tips

Does anyone know how to do a yo (yarn over) ssk (slip slip knit) stitch on the round looms? Also, a k2tog (knit 2 together on the same loom?).

Thanks,
niftienitter from Shelton, Washington

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Forest Theme Party

My four year old son has requested a "forest" theme for his next birthday party! I have a few ideas, such as a forest theme cake, a plant as a party favor, etc. I figured we could also have knapsacks or tote bags filled with "hiking" type goodies as a party favor: trail mix, a toy compass, etc. Does anyone have any advice or ideas as far as what else I could put in the hiking bags or use for party decorations? I'm on somewhat of a tight budget, so I'm very willing to make some things myself if need be. I appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

Lisa from WI

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Reducing Stickiness from Plastic Paint

I painted 2 vinyl chairs with the new Krylon Fusion for Plastic. They look amazing, but they feel sticky. Do you know of anything to remove the stickiness?

Beth D. from Lawrenceville, GA

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Flat Tennis Ball

What can you for tennis ball that has gone flat?

Sheila

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Mold Stains on Clothing

I can't get these mold spores out of my clothing. They were left wet. What can i use?

Chloe

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Grease Spots on Cement

How can I remove bacon grease from concrete?

Geddes

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Ridding My Garden of Clover

I have clover that got in my garden, when I planted some iris bulbs. Now it is every where. Any clue on how to get rid of it with out killing my iris or other plants? I've dug it out several times and it just gets thicker.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Cindy from Elko, NV

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Lanced Boil Has Not Gone Away

I had a boil lanced 1 week ago by the doctor. It still has not gone away. It filled with pus again. I have been dizzy and had a sinus-type headache for a few days now. The boil is not red just still has pus and raised.

Mom of 2 from Westland

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Knifty Knitter Size Chart

I'm looking for a Knifty Knitter size chart, measured in inches instead of rows. It would eliminate counting rows. It would also provide a means of uniformity and make a small, medium, or large beanie more consistent in size every time.

If you can help in this matter it would be greatly appreciated. If you can't help would you direct me to someone who could help me end my search.

Donna

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Where Can I Buy Thai Mangosteens in CA?

Where can I buy mangosteens from Thailand in South Bay California?

M Barbao from Santa Clara, CA

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Recipe for Dry Garlic Spareribs

Does anyone have a good recipe for "Dry Garlic Spareribs"?

Barbara from B.C.

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What to do with Leftover Yellow Cake

I have left-over yellow cake, no icing on it and was wondering what I could use it for?

Debbie from Crawfordsville, Indiana

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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.

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

Dealing with the Challenges of Parental Dementia

It's trial and error with a parent living in a group homes' "memory care" for dementia. Remembering that entertainment is variable with each person's interest, ability, attention span, health, preferences, understanding/ comprehension, and memories. I have to be ever-observant while with my mother, making best use of every precious moment.

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Do I Need to Remove Fruit from My Fruit Tree?

Question:

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