Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 145, June 13, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Beanies For Baghdad
This was in the feedback and we wanted to bring it to your attention. If you have some beanie babies sitting around that need homes, this would be a good thing to do with them.
"We do have a website and would love to get beanies to send to the soldiers to pass out to the children. I run the website for LTC James Barker and this is something the soldiers ask for and look forward to doing. We are totally non-profit so if beanies are bought to send most cannot afford to pay much if any for the beanies.
"If you have beanies to get rid of I can assure you they will be used to benefit both the soldiers and the children, if I can answer any questions just go to beaniesforbaghdad.com and will be glad to answer any questions. Please consider this. Thanks for LTC James Barker, Donna Ward, beaniesforbaghdad.com"
This is the first I have heard about this site but it seems like a wonderful idea.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Baby Shower - Baby Cake
This was a cake I made for my daughter-in-laws baby shower. It was made with 2 layer cakes one 10" for body and one 9" for the head. The feet arms and diaper are made of fondant, the eyes and mouth of chocolate. It was a hit!
By Linda Maglio
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Brownie-Bear
Brownie-Bear - 17 1/2 yrs - Neutered male, domestic shorthair cat
In the Spring of 1989, I was feeding strays in the backyard. Brownie came into the yard and refused to leave. He did not appear to be a typical stray. He weighed in at 16 lbs. I advertised a found cat. Even had him fixed and got all his shots. No one called. But the story has a happy ending--Brownie was adopted by the best people possible--we took him into our home and into our hearts and he has remained an indoor cat since then.
During that time, we had a 12-foot, mesh satellite dish in the backyard. During the warm weather before he became an indoor cat, Brownie's favorite napping place was in the middle of the dish. He was able to get breezes all around him. The dish was on a remote control, and one day my mother changed the position of the dish to see what Brownie would do when the dish started moving. He raised his head, didn't appear to be too concerned, and returned to his nap.
By JC
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Today's Tips
Letting Toddlers Pour Their Own Juice
When your toddler reaches the "I can do it myself" stage, and wants to pour her own juice, give her a small size partially full pitcher. Place her cup on the open door of the dishwasher. That way if she spills, just shut the dishwasher!
By Linda
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BeaniesforBaghdad.com
Needed Beanies, School Supplies, Soldiers Care Packages to send to Iraq to our soldiers. Have direct contact and our soldiers are asking for these items. Would appreciate any help, Thanks, Donna Ward for LTC James Barker of US Army
www.beaniesforbaghdad.com
By Donna Ward
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Banana Bread - Tips and Recipes
When I make banana bread I add any other fruit that is less than at its peak. Diced apples, berries or pears work well. Use yogurt for part of the oil.
Freezing Bananas
Freeze overripe bananas in their peels until you get around to making banana bread.
By Linda
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Uses for Clothes Pins?
What do you use clothes pins for other than hanging clothes on a clothes line?
Get a dollar store bag of plastic clothes pins and keep a bunch in the kitchen. I use them to reclose bags of frozen veggies, bread bags and chip bags. I like to use them to clip my coupons together, too.
By Linda
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Cake Baking Tips
Tips for baking cakes. Post your ideas.
Flouring Cake Pans
When baking a boxed cake mix, keep a bit of the cake mix you are using aside to use instead of flour for flouring your pan after greasing it. This keeps your cake from sticking without the white residue.
By Peg Eb
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Extra Large Rubber Band
Need an extra large rubber band? Cut around the elastic top of an old pair of panty hose. Two of these crisscrossed, work fine when bundling newspapers. Use one to hold a bag in place in a garbage can.
By Joyce
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Getting Rid of Pimples
To get rid of pimples, spots, etc. from your face, use graham flour and milk or curd, mixed to a paste and apply for 10 minutes everyday before a shower and you will notice the difference in a months time and soon your face will be clear.
By Zaufishan Haque
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Cookie Baking Tips
Tips for making cookies. Post your ideas!
Non Stick Cookie Cutters
Keep cookie dough from sticking to cookie cutters by chilling the dough before you roll it out. Dip each cookie cutter in oil before pressing into the dough and the cookies will cut cleanly.
By Chell
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Cleaning the Inside of Your Car
Tips for cleaning the interior of your car. Post your ideas.
Baby Wipes
I use unscented baby wipes to clean the inside of my car, they pick up a lot of grime and last longer than paper towels.
By Louise H.
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Cleaning Opals and Pearls
Tips and ideas for cleaning opals and pearls. Post your ideas.
Never soak soft semi-precious stones like opals or pearls in jewelry cleaner. It will damage them.
By Linda
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Preparing Veggies for Salads
Prep veggies for salads when you come home from the store. Tuck a dry paper towel into the baggie to absorb extra moisture. Green onions, lettuces, mushrooms and shredded carrots are easy to add to salads this way.
By Linda
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Replanting After Flowering
I love tulips but do not have the patience to wait for them to "brown out" so I buy some in the Spring, and set the roots into my mulch so only the flower and leaves show. They bloom for the normal time and then when they die, I take them out and put in another type of flower of that season. I give the ones I have used to neighbors and friends who have large gardens. I only have a small walkway to my house and they're perfect for me.
By Angellface
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Avoiding Juice Box Mix-Ups
Avoid Juice Box mix-ups by placing a different sticker on each child's juice box or juice bag. Everyone can pick their favorite sticker and no leftover juices!
By Kris
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Coffee Filters as Cake Pan Liners
Paper coffee filters are great for lining 8-inch cake pans. Flatten one then lay it on the bottom of the pan before pouring in the batter.
By Chell
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Uses for Plastic Tablecloths
There are many uses for the cheap plastic tablecloths. How do you use them other than their intended use?
Vinyl Flannel Backed Table Cloths For Messy Activities
We find these indispensable at our house. They become playdough mats, paint mats, mostly used for any messy activity. We use them indoors and out. I usually keep my eyes open for them on the clearance racks. I found a bunch for $0.30 ea and loaded up. I try to get the largest rectangle I can find but any size will work.
And when I find them so cheap - it doesn't bother me to toss if they get too ragged. Otherwise I wash then on gentle when needed.
These really make saying yes to messy activities much easier!
By Mary
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Uses for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Cleaning Carpet Stains
At a birthday party, a strawberry got squished into my cream colored carpet. I sprayed it with the oxy clean spray and let it sit and then used my Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to scrub the stain and it came right out.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Clothing Stains
Use a wet Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and scrub stains on clothes. I recently did this with Spaghetti sauce on a shirt that I did not have time to rewash and it came right out. I have also used this on pen that had been washed and dried several times. The stain is not completely gone, but light enough to wear the shirt again.
By Kelly
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Benefits of Fish Oil Vitamins
Hi! I heard from a friend that Fish Oil Vitamins are good for your heart along with helping ease anxiety. I tried it out for myself and it really has helped me so much, not to mention I don't feel the need for any over the counter medicine to treat anxiety. I love it!
-Summer-Texas
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Organizing Jewelry Tips
Tips to help you organize your jewelry. Post your ideas.
Using Egg Cartons
For a quick earring or pin holder, cut the top off a foam egg carton and place the bottom half in a dresser drawer (you can fill an entire empty drawer with the bottom of the foam cartons).
Each of the egg dividers becomes a sturdy holder for earrings or a special pin.
By Joyce Wilson
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Cleaning "Hard To Reach" Places
Tips for cleaning nooks and crannies that are difficult to reach. Post your ideas.
Cleaning Under Appliances
Here is a great way that I found to clean under the hard to reach places like the stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. I take a cheap wooden yard stick (I got mine at Home Depot) and I buy inexpensive paper towels and pull off about 5 sheets. I wet them but not completely and then wrap them long ways around the yard stick.
It makes it so simple to get under these tight areas and it cleans beautifully! This way I do not have to pull out these heavy appliances and I feel better knowing that it is clean under them. I also use the same idea to get the crumbs from the sides of my stove and cabinet area. It works like a charm!
By Sadiesnana
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Cotton Ball and a Spoon Game
Fill a large bowl with cotton balls. Give each player a spoon and place a target bowl or container for each player a short distance away. The person who carries the most cotton balls in a spoon to his/her bowl wins.
By Linda
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Contest ends July 15, 2005
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New Requests:
Repairing Slate Steps
I have a slate patio on my house and slate steps in my front and back yard. The slate has been coming loose from what I believe is the concrete beneath them. I have tried repairing them with masonry compound and even gorilla glue. The masonry compound did not work at all, the gorilla glue worked temporarily.
Any advice?
Jim
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Getting Rid of Bamboo
We have bamboo everywhere. We can't use chemicals because it is close to our well. We had the yard cleared with a backhoe and this did not help. I understand the the main root can be miles away.
Cassiemay
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Cooling Tubes - How to Make Them?
I am looking for a cooling tube that you soak in water and then wrap around your neck to keep you cool. Whatever is inside swells up. I have seen these at craft shows. Does anyone know how to make them and what is inside? Thanks Kelly
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Space Bags Keep Deflating
My space bags are inflating. What am I doing wrong?
Please help,
Diana
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Ring Around the Tub
I have a ring around my porciline tub. I have tried almost every product out there. Does anyone have the answer?
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Clay Stains on Carpet
How do you get red modeling clay out of short shag carpet?
Jdanette from Florida
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Ink on a Leather Wallet
Please tell me how to remove ballpoint pen ink from a leather wallet.
Thanks,
Robin
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Natural Weed Killer
My neighbor has weeds that are so high that they are starting to cover my fence. I have two big dogs and don't want them sick. Can you give me a reicpe for a good, safe weed killer?
cpics9c
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Making a Crochet Tube With a Thread Spool
When I was a child, my Dad put 4 nails in one of the ends of a wooden spool that no longer held thread. I would use that and wind a string of yarn around it, then loop it over itself - I guess with a crochet hook - and that would result in a tube made out of yarn.
I don't remember how to start the item, how to do the weaving, or how to finish it.
I'm not sure how to describe my question, so I hope this was clear enough. Thank You!
Terry Wright
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Signature Quilt Tips
My sisters and I would like to have a memory quilt, lap blanket or wall hanging made for our Father. We are having a party for him in August and none of us know how to quilt. We do know we need to have the squares or mulsin and fabric pens to take to the party. We have found a Senior center in our town who will put it together for us once we have the pieces. What tips can anyone give us? We would like to avoid any common mistakes that could be made because of ignorance on our part. Thank You,
Sherry
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Lights Instead of Candles
I want to have lights on all the tables at a party we are having for my father in August but because of the number of children I don't want to even consider candles. The colors are red and blue and while I will have some twinkle lights, there could be a problem with plugging them in. Any suggestions on ways to use jars, coloring them or decorating them and then placing them over those battery operated candles? Any other suggestions appreciated.
Sherry
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Cat Peeing on My Bed
I have two cats and recently my mother who lives in my basement got a dog. Since then my cats have urinated on my bed twice. I have had this problem before at my old house so I got all new furnature (except my bed). I don't know if the cats are upset because of the dog or are just back to their old ways. I love my cats and want to solve this prolem.
Lisa from Peterborough ON
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When Should Little Girls Start Shaving
What age do you think is appropriate for little girls to shave their legs? My mom wanted me to wait until I was about 14 or 15 to shave, that was pretty embarrassing but I was a compliant child but this day and age it seems kids start doing everything earlier. I'm not the type of parent that lets their kids do whatever everyone else is doing and when they do it. But I just wanted some input.
Thanks,
PeggyGV
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Preventing Crust From Browning on a White Cake
Maybe some of you bakers can answer my question. I have baked wedding cakes for many years, but I have always wondered if there's a way to keep outside crust from browning on a white cake. If you lined the pan with waxed paper, would this prevent it? Store bought cakes have no brown crust so there must be a secret to this. Just wondering.
Sharon,Ky
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Getting Rid of Maple Bugs
We have a massive problem with maple bugs every year and they seem to be getting worse each year. Does anyone have a way of getting rid of them?
Shannon from Saskatchewan, Canada
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Marketing Advice For an Employment Agency
I am lucky enough to have the best job in the world. I find paid employment for people with varying degrees of disabilities. My request for help is this: Does anybody have any creative and innovative ways of finding jobs in mainstream workplaces. I have telephoned, visited, dropped brochures, used free radio advertising etc to locate employment for my clients.
I would love some "new" and "innovate" and exciting ways to promote the service I provide without it costing my employer a fortune. There is no cost to the jobseeker or employer in matching the two parties to each other, it is just a case of 'making it happen', for both parties.
I would greatly appreciate your readers feedback.
Many thanks,
Ang
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Removing Tree Sap From a Car
What is the best way to remove tree sap from a car without hurting the finish or the paint?
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Rats In My Yard
I was lying in my hammock this afternoon, and just gotten comfortable when I heard a rustling sound above me. I thought it was birds, and I looked up just in time to see a big rat run across the patio cover and down a tree! How can I get rid of rats? I have dogs that use the yard, too, and I can't do anything that will poison them.
Linda from San Diego
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Recorating My Room With a Vintage Theme
I'm Taylor from Tucson, AZ. I'm a 14 year old girl in the 8th grade. I really need help redecorating and reorganizing my room.
My mom and I have started redecorating but don't really know where to go. I love vintage stuff, and I like being different; so i wanted my room to look a little different then what you'd expect from a girl my age. Our idea theme for my room was revolved around black and white city pictures.
The colors we chose were Pink, Turqouise, black, a yellow orange, and off white.
My room is really busy! It looks like a 10 or 11 year old room now. I really want it to be more organized for school and also, i just like the look of not a lot of stuff out and about.
PLEASE help me go from boring to Chic! ANY ideas are welcome!
Taylor Funk
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Recipe Ideas that Are Easy To Transport
This is a request from Arlene from PA. (not Hurricane Arlene) lol.
I would like to have recipes for a full meal for a family of four that can be prepared and delivered to their home when someone is in the hospital and they need help with food. I need something reasonably priced, and easy to prepare and deliver. Thanks for all the good hints on here. I really enjoy all the input.
I would like several ideas of meals to prepare for invalids and people who are sick and cannot prepare their own meals. Thank you very much.
Arlene
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Lullabies and Fairy Tales Parade Ideas
I need any ideas to decorate a car for the fourth of July parade! The theme to our car is Lullabies and Fairy Tales (We're adveritising for a local daycare center). We are having people dress up as different characters and such but I need some decoration ideas! We need to decorate our car with streamers, signs, music notes, etc. I am in desperate need for ideas of how and what to decorate the car with! Anything will be a great help!
Thank you so much!
Lori
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