Daily Thrifty Tips - July 18, 2007

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Chandelier Light Covers

Do you have old Chandelier light covers that give you a headache when you look at them? With a little paint and ribbon, you can have brand new covers!

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Hibiscus Planter

A large pot of flowers become a piece of gardening decor when the flowers captivate the eye of the beholder and "tickle" the sense of smell by the fragrant aroma that the blossoms emit.

I have a large whiskey barrel planter that has a dinner plate crimson red hibiscus; the plant is about four years old and each year flourishes more and more with the magnificence of the size of the buds and blooms. Of course, there is no fragrance to these blossoms but the brilliance of the color of the blossoms and the size of the blooms is an eye-catcher to everyone that approaches the backyard deck; it sits on the corner of our deck with a birdhouse behind it.

I have photographed the different stages of the flower and will hang the 4 x 6 photographs in a place in my home so my guests and family can enjoy the beauty of these blossoms. So my crimson red hibiscus is part of my garden decor and will become a part of my interior decor.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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Daddy's Boy

He's definitely a daddy's boy, camo hat and likes Nascar!

By Heather from Stanton, KY

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Swiffer Loves Moki

Moki is a 3 year old Siamese, Swiffer is a 6 month old Pom. Swiffy is lovingly watching over Moki as she sleeps. Is this true love or what?

By Sheraone from Ontario

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Hanging Planters From Paint Cans

If you have empty cans of paint left after a project, don't throw them away! Turn them into hanging planters.

Take off the lids and let any remaining paint dry, you will not need the lids. After the paint dries, take a nail and punch some holes in the bottom of the can to allow for drainage, otherwise the can will collect too much water and rust.

If the can has a paper label, peel it off and you will have a plain can that you can paint or leave plain. If the product information is printed right on the can, you can spray paint over it to cover.

You can loop the can handle over a picket fence stake, and the can will sit flush against the fence, or you can hang it from a hook. Plant directly in the can, or to make cleanup easier, use large yogurt or cottage cheese containers with holes cut for drainage - the can will hide the plastic container, and you can pop it out easily at the end of the season.

These look especially nice with cascading plants, but you can put anything you like in them.

By Regina from Rochester, NY

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Soak Towel in Cooler Ice for Working Outside

This is a tip for keeping cool while working in the yard or garden when the temps and humidity are high. Years ago, we operated a lawn business. Arkansas is really hot and humid in the summer, so we carried a big cooler with plenty of ice, bottles of water, tea, etc. We put a few inches of water into the cooler. Each of us had our own towel that we threw into this cooler, soaked it up in the ice water, wrung it out and draped it around our necks as we went about our mowing in the 100" temps and 90% humidity. We would periodically resoak the towel in the ice water and re-apply. I don't think we could have done our job without this cooling trick.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Elder's Fabric Advice Paid Off

I've seen others make things that looked great and with which they seemed very proud. However, I have not ever been totally pleased with everything I have sewn, usually because of the fabrics chosen. Now, I'm steering clear of a lot of bad fabrics, about which my WW II sewing-factory grandmother taught me as a young woman, before she passed away:

Bulky, itchy, bold, bright, cheap printed, metallic, fringed, vinyl, leather, velvet, corduroy, satin, sequined/studded/beaded, silk, fake fur, knit stretchy, rayon, smelly dyes, flimsy wrinkle-prone imports, and fabrics that have to be hand-washed or must have especially gentle handling and soaps or dry cleaning.

Instead, I have for forty years concentrated on the most washable, smoothest textures, moderately tight weaves, poly blends, medium colors, solids or texture on texture, made in America, light weight, year-round usage, breathable, quick drying, nothing see-through, woven patterns on both sides, resisting fad fabrics from overpriced fabric stores in favor of these features in the clothing I already have chosen, found or have been given, proven, enjoy, can trust, have safely stored. Taking her advice over the years, and for this knowledge, I am very grateful.

Life is too short to gamble, experiment, or to pay for dry cleaning, repairing, and gasoline hunting for fabrics and fads that fade all too soon, and don't flatter most of me anyway. It makes being of lower income and a frugal resolve easier to accept and manage. Most of my clothing has lasted over thirty years with this advice. God bless those who love us.

By Lynda from TX

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Buy Store Brands For Big Savings

When grocery shopping, watch for store brands. They're usually always cheaper than national brands. On a recent grocery shopping trip, in the store sales flyer, I spied a name brand saltine crackers on sale 2 for $4.00. This sounded good to me, but when I was about to pick up this product, I looked over to the store brand of saltine crackers, that were the same size packaging. They were $1.25 each, making a savings of .75 cents a box!

By Terri H. from NV

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Prescoop Ice Cream For Fast Desserts

When having people over for dinner, this is a fast way to serve ice cream for dessert along with cake or pie. Earlier in the day, scoop ice cream into individual paper muffin papers, place each on a cookie sheet and freeze in the freezer. Then when you're trying to get dessert on the table after dinner, just place a scoop of ice cream onto each plate along with the cake or pie. Saves time and stickiness!

By Lynda from Lenexa, KS

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Spray Water Bottles To Beat The Heat

To stay cool outdoors in hot weather, I use clean spray bottles bought from the warehouse store. Fill with cool clean water and use the nozzle set to mist. Spray air above you or yourself or for others. The bottles I have hold a quart. Take extra water, if needed.

Works great!

By No Name from Western Pennsylvania

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A Map for Shopping

Write down which items are in which aisle numbers in your grocery store. (Some stores have a map - just ask at the desk!). Then order your shopping list accordingly and you won't find yourself re-tracing your steps a million times. Saves money, but mostly, TIME. Which, for me, equals money anyway.

By Nikhar

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Poker Themed Birthday Party

I gave my father in law a Surprise 60th birthday party. I used a poker theme. I had a poster that read Welcome to Tommy's 60th bithday poker party.

We rented a function hall and I made centerpieces using fake coins set inside a jar reading Casino funds. We purchased casino chips, red, black, and white balloons. Large size playing cards, chocolate coins, candy cigars that were labeled Tommy's poker party.

On each table were playing cards, dice and Uno cards for those who don't care to gamble for fun. The menu was finger foods such as small sandwiches, chips, chicken wings. etc (you get the picture).

There was also a DJ for the the folks who wanted to dance. We also had a bar available just like at a really casino.

Everyone left pleased and he was happy! I hope someone can use my ideas and expand on them.

By Lizzie

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Mixing Peanut Butter

My daughter received a jar of peanut butter that was not homogenized and had quite a bit of oil on top. After trying unsuccessfully to mix it in by hand (with the oil spilling out over the top of the jar), I thought about my mixer. I simply emptied the jar of solid matter and oil into my stand mixer bowl, put on the general use attachment, and in less time than it took us to clean up the original mess, the contents were smoothly blended and ready to put back into the jar. It couldn't have been any simpler!

By Ronsan

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What Is Your Skin Care Schedule?

ACNE CARE: I have read a lot about Tea Tree Oil, and have suffered from Acne since I was 10 and now 24! I have done accutane and then had to stop because of health reasons, did Proactive and never worked, tried pills and topicals from dermatologist hasn't worked!

I am looking for someone to share their schedule on their skin care and products. Cleanse, Toner, Lotion, Mask. What products how often and when you use them? Do you use a mask after cleanser then use toner?

HELP!

Thanks
Megan from California

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Fading Leather Furniture

My leather sofa is fading. Any advice?

Latasha from Irvington, NJ

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Chicken and Lima Beans Overnight

I am looking for a recipe for chicken and lima beans overnight, using cream of mushroom soup. It was so good, but I have lost the recipe.

Betty from Lacey, WA

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Elizabeth Arden Texturizing Peel

I bought a product by Elizabeth Arden called Texturizing Peel. I have been using a microdermabrasion product, which I really like. Is this type of product the same idea as the microdermabrasion or is the purpose very different? I bought it because it was about 1/4 the price as the product I've using. Thank you!

Mindy from Oregon

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Rescuing an Abused Pitbull

We rescued my pitbull from abusive owners and she's extremely skiddish and 'scaredy'. Today I was training her a bit and we were both having fun, she was very good. Afterward, she held the treat in her mouth and let out a few short low growls, like 3 seconds long and 5 seconds apart, and not just for fun, it was AT me, but her stance was straight but not rigid with her tail wagging, and her face relaxed. I remained calm but I was really scared because I'm a smaller person and I was home alone at the time, and the growl did not sound playful. Anyone know what this was? What should I do in this situation?

Breanna from Las Vegas, NV

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Roundworms in Dogs

I wondering if there is a home remedy for round worms in dogs.

Misti from Staatsburg

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Buying A Copy Of Teresa de Jesus Miniseries (1984) On EWTN

Where can I buy the 1984 miniseries of Teresa de Jesus film that was seen on EWTN.

Brigid from California

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Lemon Juice For Acne Scars

Does lemon juice really cure acne scars?

Ashley from Dallas, TX

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Problems With Above Ground Pool Filter

Why is the water in my above the ground pool filter not being pulled through the sand? It circulates but does not filter through the sand.

Jeanette from Tennessee

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Which Paint Company Makes The Color "Shearling"?

Does anyone know the name of the paint company that produces a color called "shearling"? It is a pale greenish-yellow.

c from midwest

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Discolored Hibiscus Leaves

My hibiscus leaves are getting dark blotch-like discolorations beginning on the undersides of the leaves, then turn yellow. What is this from, and how can I correct it? It's in a pot outside that drains well, and in full sun with quite a few beautiful blooms. It is also well watered.


Hardiness Zone: 7b


Mary from East Haven, CT

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Yeast Rash In Skin Folds

I am looking for relief for a yeast/fungal rash under my breast and in the fold of my leg. Has anyone experienced this and what did you use to get rid of the rash?

az2010 from Easthampton, MA

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My Little Pony Centerpieces

For a second birthday party in October, I need to make about 6 centerpieces but I don't have any ideas. Also, any other ideas would be helpful. Thanks!

Hodda from MN

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Making Dill Pickles At Home

Can you make dill pickles at home that taste just like store bought pickles?

Tammy from Vonore, TN

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Cheap Child Care

I am having a very hard time finding cheap child care, The day care people here ask way to much money and think we are being selfish by saying it's too much. With their rates, I may make $1.00 an hour myself, while the rest goes to support the sitter. Any ideas please? I have to go to work.

Cindy from Oakley KS

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Ideas for 14th Birthday Parties

I am turning 14 on August 21st and I have NO CLUE on what to do. I am inviting 7 girls so, including me that's 8 people. I don't want to spend over $200 because during this time I have to go school shopping and that a lot of money. I am not the type of girl that likes to have makeover parties or anything like that. So can you PLEASE help me?

T'era

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How To Use A Featherbed

How do you use a featherbed? Do you use it over the mattress cover or put the cover over the feather bed?

Lois

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Repairing A Resin Table

We have a resin hatch cover table that was made in 1982. This winter we had it in storage and evidently the freezing made several cracks in it. HOW do we repair it? The resin is at least 1/2 inch thick, We can't possibly remove it and start over.

pvshelle from MT

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Chili Sauce Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for a quick chili sauce? Whenever I search the web, I get recipes for chili and other sauces but not chili sauce. I would appreciate it. Thanks.


Mike from PA

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Product Review: Patch Perfect

Product: Patch Perfect

Has anyone used this "super" grass? Does it work in all weather? Claims it grows in heat/cold sun/shade. I live in the desert, half my yard in in the sun and have Bermuda grass that grows in the heat, however, it won't grow under my trees. My winter rye grass grows under the trees but dies in this heat. If this product works, great; if not any suggestions on what I can use in the AZ heat that will take the full sun and full shade? All is on a watering system so that isn't a problem.

Thanks!

Debbie from Phoenix, AZ

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Need Laura Ashley Strawberry Wallpaper

Has anyone 4 or more rolls of the discontinued Laura Ashley strawberry wallpaper? Please contact louise.nawalny AT blueyonder.co.uk

Louise

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Keeping Cookies Soft

I wonder if anyone else has this problem! I can't seem to keep homemade chocolate chip cookies soft. I put them in an airtight container to no avail a day later hard. I tried to put a piece of bread in the container still hard. I tried putting more flour in the recipe, still hard. Please help

Denise from Marion, NY

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Silverfish in Books

How do you get rid of silverfish? My daughter has had books in storage and the boxes contain silverfish. She is moving to a new house and wants to keep the books if possible - minus the silverfish.

Cybergrannie from Florida

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Digital Camera Reviews

Can anyone recommend a good, reliable, easy to use digital camera; hopefully not hideously expensive? I'd like to buy one for my husband and I know nothing about them and he's the first to admit he's far from hi-tech.

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Keep Tomato Hornworms Off Your Tomatoes

How do I get rid of tomato worms?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Crafty Critter 8 from PA

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Removing Texture from Popcorn Ceilings

How do I remove a popcorn ceiling that was painted with semi gloss paint?

Kellie from San Diego, CA

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Removing Cooking Oil From Clothing

I need advice on washing the set in stains on clothing such as mayonnaise, oil, butter, etc. and getting the stain out if it has already been washed and dried.

Djxn from Colfax, CA

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Removing Dried Paint from Leather Sofa?

How to remove dried paint from a leather sofa?

Bernie

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White Clothes Are Now Pink

Hi, while washing clothes in the washing machine, accidentally the colour from one red t-shirt bled into the other clothes. Now all the other clothes, white and coloured have turned pink. Please help me and let me know how to get the colour out from the other clothes. Will they get their normal colour back.

Thanks

Jeniferm from India, Mumbai

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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

3 Simple Filing Guidelines
By Maria Gracia

One of the most basic ways to find papers when you need them is to retrieve them from an effective filing system. A good filing system will allow you to find what you're looking for in 10 seconds or less.

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Stop! You're Wasting Money!
By Deborah Taylor-Hough

Groceries are one of the few flexible items in a family's budget, but it can sometimes be challenging to find creative ways to save on regular family food costs. Following are some simple tips for easy reductions in grocery expenses:

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