Daily Thrifty Tips - August 8, 2006

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This setting was at a camp for abused/neglected children (foster children) called Royal Family Kids' Camp; my husband and I conducted the "Breakfast Club" for the campers while the counselors and directors were at an early morning meeting before breakfast. George was our mascot and was a part of role-playing skits at times; the children loved George and he was a good addition to our Jungle Theme.

This camp is a Christian based camp and the children are treatly "royally" for 5 days. There are many activities scheduled during the day; a birthday party is given for the group of children with a large cake, birthday presents. They are special kids and we want them to feel special and loved for that week plus learn of God's love and plans for their lives.

This was our fifth year as "Grandparents" to these children and it is a very rewarding experience and a blessing in our lives.

By WandaJo from Collierville, Tennessee

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"Bronte", seen on the rock was named after Emily, the writer. She was a stray here on the Navajo reservation who like many animals here was horribly ignored and left to die by the reservation's residents. I took her in where she received the love and care she so deserved and for 3 years she was our companion until she was stolen from our yard and never seen again.

By Ursula from Navajo Reservation, AZ

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Here are a few things you can try that may save you a service call on your window unit air conditioner service call. Seems like the whole country is experiencing extremely hot weather. My Mom has a condo with a window air unit and these are tips that help us eliminate calling out a repair person.

The maintenance steps you should take to keep your window-mounted air-conditioning unit operating in great condition while using the least amount of energy are.

1. Every month during the months of operation, replace (or clean) the filter located in the front grill. Cost: approximately $20.00
2. The condensing coils on an air conditioner get very dirty, and the dirt tends to accumulate on the inside of the coils, out of sight. Once a year, remove the entire cover of the air conditioner to gain access to the coils, and then clean them by blowing compressed air on them or using a soft-bristle brush.
3. Don't despair if you've accidentally bent the aluminum fins on the rear of the unit; http://RepairClinic.com will send you a handy fin-straightening comb. Cost: $2.

Expert answers to the top-three dilemmas:

1. A MOTOR IS RUNNING BUT NO AIR IS BLOWING:

   Air conditioners have two motors, the compressor and the fan motor. It is possible that only one is running. If, after removing the cover of the unit, you discover the fan blade is very stiff and difficult to rotate, the fan motor may need oiling or may need to be replaced.

2. WATER LEAKS FROM THE FRONT OF THE UNIT:

   This is normal. All air conditioners should be installed so they tilt slightly backward to allow for proper removal of condensed water that accumulates.

3. THE AIR SMELLS MUSTY:

   Air conditioners remove moisture from the air. Most of it is evaporated from the unit. However, it is possible for some water to stagnate in the base of the air conditioner. Also, dirt, lint or dust can collect in the water pan at the base of the unit and absorb water, allowing mold and mildew to grow. All this leads to bad smells. Clean the water pan thoroughly each year when you clean the condenser coils.

Here is a great site my husband found you can go to for more help if you need it.

http://www.repairclinic.com/0047_16.asp or call a customer-service representative at (800) 269-2609 for help.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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When decorating my kitchen table with place mats, I found out the hard way that if you use cloth mats they get dirt quickly and are almost impossible to clean, especially when you have little ones eating pasta and sauce. You might as well throw them out. I went over to my mother's house one day and saw that she had a clear plastic table cloth. I asked her where she had gotten it. She said the craft section at Walmart.

If you go into the material section, they sell it in large rolls. You can purchase it by the yard cheaply, whatever thickness you want. I bought enough for my kitchen table, cut it into the oval with extra 6 in for an over hang. Now I place all my mats under the plastic. The table is protected and the mats always stay clean. I just wipe down the plastic and for the diffrent holidays, either I put a cloth tablecloth or mats under the plastic and they never get ruined.

Tip: if you have difficulty getting the plastic to hang down around the edges, use a hair dryer and it will mold to whatever is under it when warmed a little. This stuff is also great as book covers.

By Lou-Ann Krause from Sturbridge MA

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With the tip about the solar cooker made from car tyres, the same principle can be used for making a mini propagator for seedlings or a glasshouse if the tyres are stacked up. Don't put the foil on the bottom (like the solar cooker). If stacking tyres, they should be bolted with gutter bolts or staked so they don't tip over.

By Brent Tamatea from New Zealand

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Ingredients:

• 1 Part Boric Acid
• 2 Parts Mint Jelly Or Cracker Crumbs

Directions:

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

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Tips for saving money on shampoo.

There are 6 of us in our house. All females, so when it comes to soap and shampoo, I have to buy it by the case. To make it stretch, I add water to everything. I pour about 1/4 or more of shampoo/body soap into another container(previously saved) and add water to both. I use the least amount (I have very short hair)

I find with the girls that the shampoos work just as good and body soap on a buff pad lather up just as well. It makes the soaps last quite a bit longer.

By Especielle from New Braunfels,Texas

Read more ideas below.

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I make my own laundry soap, using the soap, borax and washing soda recipe from your site. Instead of buying Fels or Zote, however, I grate the little bars of whatever soap I bring home from hotels or motels or samples I may get here and there. By the time I need to make a batch of laundry detergent I have always accumulated enough free bar soap. I also ask family and friends to bring me the little bars when they travel.

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

• 1 cup shredded Fels Naptha soap (I use the food processor, substitute motel bars)
• 1/2 cup super washing soda (Arm and Hammer) This can be tricky to find but some grocery stores carry it. A & H toll free locator number is 1-800-524-1328.
• 1/2 cup borax (20 Mule Team Borax available in laundry detergent aisle.)

This doesn't suds up. Use only 1 tablespoon.

By Linda

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When preparing a recipe that calls for a thawed whipped topping and you find that yours is still in the freezer, DON'T put it in the microwave to thaw. When this happens, you lose some of the quantity of your whipped topping. It's better to put your container of frozen whipped topping in the refrigerator the night before or several hours before you're going to prepare the dish requiring it.

By Terri from NV

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Frugal For Life

A great blog with posts about frugal living.

More Information:
http://www.frugalforlife.blogspot.com/

I planted large onions this year and we have a lot. How do I store them for the winter?

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Barb from Michigan

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Is it possable to grow a Mango Tree in South Georgia. I'm in Zone 8a.

Sherry from Valdosta, GA

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I would like to know at what ages a puppy needs shots. Mine has had her first shot.

Joyce from Colorado

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Does any one have an inexpensive alternative for controlling bugs other than expensive exterminators? Mainly cockroaches, as Texas has an over abundance!

Phyllis from Ferris, Texas

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I am in the process of gathering up the childrens unused toys and outgrown clothes. I have an outside toy that my youngest does not play with anymore. I have all the pieces for it and in gently used condition, but it looks horiible from the months of being outside! I scrubbed it down with dish detergent, bleach, magic eraser and 409. It has little black spots on it that will not come off! The consignment shop will not take it looking like that, can anyone help? Thanks in advance - any and all methods will be tried!

Jen from PA

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I have already put down paper under my flower bed then planted some bulbs which are now flowering, however, grass is still managing to come through. Any advice on how to get rid of the grass without damaging my flowers would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Simon

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I have two table cloths that I would like to piece into a double-sided table runner (they are too short for my table). I am a seriously novice sewer, so I am not sure how to sew the edges together to make it neat, or if I should use a binding like cord. Also, because of the two fabrics, should I put quilt batting inside to retain shape? One side will be "visa" fabric in ivory, and the other is a cotton (india) print; rust color with ivory reindeer. I may put a floral embroidery patch (not handmade!) on the ivory side to use during non-holiday months or in spring/summer.

Thanks!
camo_angels from Willamina, OR

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I got a pair of Target slouch wedge boots in tan, microfiber suede for $35. They were great but I lost them one day. Does anyone know of any tan microfiber suede slouch wedge boots for a reasonable price?

Alli from Fountain Valley, CA

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I am seeking a way to use all those lovely old sequined, lacy wedding dresses in thrift stores. They are just hanging there not being used for anything! What could be made of them, they have such grand beading, etc.

Thanks,
Gia from Newark Valley, NY

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No one can figure why my right foot (only) gets sunburnt quickly. Any ideas?

Joan from Exeter, NH

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My son left his silly putty out, our dog got a hold of it! It is now all over my antique oriental rug! I was able to pick most of it off, but some remains and I am scared to try some of the things I have read.

Anyone have any ideas?

Regards,
Lennon from Seattle

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My daughter put a new navy jumper in a load of washing that had bleach in it now the jumper has faded and has a slight purple tinge to it. Can it be saved?

Paula from Willaston, Australia

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What is the best way to freeze yellow summer squash?

Hardiness Zone: 2a

Murray from Westbrook, Maine

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I planted an Asiatic Lily from a 6" pot in full sun in April. I have a few new leaves coming out of the ground but the original stalks are doing nothing. I have fertilized and the plant is in full sun. I don't see any growth on the plant after the original flowers dropped. What am I doing wrong?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Paul from Detroit, MI

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I am looking for a recipe for Yellow Tomato Jam. I have an over abundance of yellow tomatoes! Our family would love this in the winter. Thanks so much!

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Karaof4 from MN

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A bottle of whiskey broke my kitchen rug and now there is a big stain on my linoleum floor. I have tried some removers but nothing has worked! Any suggestions would be helpful!

Stacey

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I need help to say "No"! It's not that I haven't been thrifty and frugal, I've had to be. It's just the many, many requests for donations and subscriptions to worthy causes. I'm now on a low, and virtually fixed income with little leeway. I contribute to several 'causes' both for people and animals and last week I signed up for yet another one at the cost of $25 a month. Now I face the awkward position of having to ring them up and tell them I really, really cannot afford to do this. I need some tips on how to say "No" at the outset without feeling like a complete grinch!

Ellie from Melbourne Australia

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Does anyone know how to get rid of the Russian Olive bush, it is very invasive. I hope someone knows of something easy.

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Thanks for you help.

Barb from Michigan

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I'm told that calling AAA to open a locked car with electric windows can damage the wiring of the electric windows and cost a lot to repair for which AAA is not liable. Is this true?

Jax from Tigard, OR

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I have a white barrel handbag and it is turning yellow. Any suggestions on cleaning it?

Rebecca from Mannford, OK

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I really need some recipes for 25 to 30 people for breakfast, lunch (bag) and dinner. A group from our church is going down to Mississippi for a week to help out Katrina victims. We need ideas for preparing meals for the workers. They will be in a facility that has a kitchen. Any ideas will be most appreciated and God will surely bless you.

Judy from Birmingham, AL

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My husband has a closet full of really nice wool suits for work, that he keeps in the closet all year round. The problem is, he insists on using the old fashioned method of moth balls in the closet to keep moths away. I can't stand the smell, and he insists it's the only way. Can anyone suggest an alternative method to keeping the moths from chewing those little holes in wool?

Maggie from VA

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