Daily Thrifty Tips - May 21, 2008

Summer is coming and school will be out soon. Does anyone have any tips for entertaining kids during the summer? Feel free to post your ideas on one of hte contest pages.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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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May Flowers: Rose Moss

This are my beautiful May flowers. I love rose moss and grow lots of it every year.

By Mary from Ingleside, TX

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Craft Project: Flowers for an ICU Patient

When my sister-in-law was in the ICU for an extended period, we weren't allowed to visit and she wasn't allowed to have flowers or gifts, but she did have a bulletin board, so I got a little creative with my get well wishes.

Approximate Time: 15 minutes

Supplies:

• Photo paper
• Card Stock
• Tape

Instructions:

By Cindy from Waynesburg, PA

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Rascal (Lhasa Mix)

Rascal is 6 years old and is a lhasa mix. I got him from a newspaper ad in 2002. He likes to play tug of war with socks. He is a very smart dog! He loves to eat raw carrots!

By Sheila from Olive Branch, MS

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Itching For Spring

My 3 year old must have been itching for some spring weather (finally got some a few weeks ago)

By imama2many

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Work With Your Color Scheme Instead of Fighting It

Sometimes, we find ourselves living on a limited budget with decor colors, or a room we don't like or have grown tired of. I discovered that using a selection of paint chips, color wheel know-how (optional), and a decorator magazine, or two can help you create a fresh look while saving a lot of money!

Instead of fighting old colors, learn which new colors are compatible with the old ones. For example, my condo had a decent, but very boring, bathroom with an ugly cream-colored sink counter, complete with a few small pits in it, etc. The bathroom also had the world's ugliest flooring!

Using some paint chips and color combination booklets from Home Depot, I finally hit upon combining the cream counter with a beautiful forest green floral print in the shower curtain and a forest green carpet and toilet cover set. The cream counter remained untouched. The floor was covered up with the carpet. WOW! The bathroom looked brand new for less than $100.00 (at that time!) It just POPPED! Even the little pits in the sink counter were much less noticeable! I found my accessories all on sale at Sears. However, there are great finds at garage sales and flea markets too, for even less.

So, don't give up! Try new color combinations and a few accessories for a brand new look before spending big bucks on a remodel!

Source: (This tip is my own trial and error finding!)

By Shayla from Anaheim, CA

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Copy and Paste Recipes Into Text File

When going through the recipes and other stuff, I do this instead of printing out the whole thing or writing it down. First I open my office writer or Microsoft Word. Next I highlight the selected article I want to keep and then click "Control C" to copy it. Go to office writer and click "Control V" to paste it. First make sure you have file,edit, view, favorites, and so on on top of your pages. This really helps a lot. Thanks again for all the great stuff.

Source: thought of it myself

By Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA

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Experimental Decorating With What You Have

I have a friend who is relocating for her new job and doesn't want to bring anything with her - or even buy new furniture, as she doesn't know how long she will be there. If I were her, I would use it as a chance to to some cheap experimental decorating.

Make a little side table out of a large roll of newspapers tied, with a glass plate on top. Or a pile of old hardback books. Make bottle lamps with converters from the hardware store, wine bottles and thrift shop shades. Use old wood crates for side tables. Make brick and board bookcases. Put your mattress on the floor. Put transparent contact paper on the windows for privacy.

Look around for neat found objects. (I had a big piece of wood I dragged in from a camping trip in the big living room of my old NYC apt. Or collect neat river stones or shells). Make a footstool from a foam cooler covered with a remnant. Make wastepaper baskets from recycled ice cream cardboard containers wangled from your local ice cream place. Recycle and and all containers you can. Be creative!

By Pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Tips For Caring For Your Parakeet

I have 3 parakeets, and the easiest way to clean their cage is to simply pull the slide out tray to the utility sink and use the sprayer and a putty knife to scrape. First I dump seeds into the trash, then spray with hot hot water, then I feel secure in knowing it is sanitized.

Parakeets love music, I discovered this when they tweet like crazy when the Monkees theme song comes on. Also, I play the harmonica for them, they love it, they are in awe as they listen.

Lastly is a important tip, chlorine is hard on little birds' kidneys, so I fill a plastic jug and let it set uncapped for 24 hours so it goes away. Then I put a few vitamin drops in their water holder and add the water. It is best to do the vitamins freshly, if it were to be added to the jug as it sets it would lose it's potency.

Update:

I posted a few tips about a month ago about Parakeets, and do not recall if I mentioned these 2 things. First one is, my 3 Parakeets love it when I play the harmonica softly for them. They do not sing along, but close their eyes and cackle with happiness.

The next thing they love is when I plant wheat berry seeds in organic soil, it sprouts and I put it in their cage and they eat and play with it. I had to laugh one day, one of the birds, all you could see was his hind end sticking up with his head in the pot, then he jumped up and was flinging dirt clods out of his cage.

By Linda from Bellevue, N.E

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Packing Dishes and Linens

Use towels, wash cloths, sheets, etc. to wrap lamps, dishes, fragile items, etc. to prevent breakage during a move. They are clean and you do not have to rewash and clean everything after moving.

By Linda from Arlington, Texas

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Benefits of Upside Down Garden

I just purchased an Upside down Garden. This is a great product. I will no longer have to worry about groundhogs eating my tomato plants. I also will not have to worry about the roots rotting. I can't wait to plant.

By Gary from NJ

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Use Oatmeal for Bug Bites

Kids and bugs don't always mix well. When we get bug bites, I put cooked oatmeal right on the bite marks. If the marks are really bad then I will put clear plastic wrap on top of the oatmeal, try to keep it there for 5 to 10 minutes. Then just rinse off with water, no soap. Works on just a rash too. And if the kid or baby eats some, it won't hurt.

Source: My mom did this with me as a kid.

By Melissa from Thunder Bay, Ont

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Use Waxed Paper to Keep Your Microwave Clean

One of the hardest places to keep clean is the microwave since the kids and hubby also "cook" in it. That also means spills that no one "saw" and therefore did not clean up and then cooked again.

I finally got smart: For about a dollar, I got a roll of waxed paper. Just cut to fit and lay one in. Then all you have to do it replace it from time to time.

Source: This is actually something I came up with on my own, but now everyone in the family... even my mother-in-law is doing it.

By Sarah from Berrien Springs, MI

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Rinse Canned Foods Before Using

When you open a can of tuna, vegetables or even fruits, empty the contents of the can into a strainer and rinse under running water for up to 5 minutes before adding them to a recipe. This cuts out lot of the salt and sugars added to canned foods. I love canned tuna and fruit cocktail but am on a restricted diet. This lets me enjoy the foods I love while worrying about the extra salt and sugar found in cans.

Source: my doctor

By Susan from WV

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Energy Saving Tips - Summer

Everyone's worried about energy costs. Start planning now, so that you'll save on electricity all summer long.

Last summer, we replaced most of our light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and noticed a lower bill the first month. We found 'free with rebate' coupons for most of them.

Afternoon sun was shining directly ON the outdoor AC unit, making it run constantly. We made a shade off to the side with a small tarp attached to some homemade framework. Now it turned off for long periods. Total cost, under $20.

The sun's heat built up between the window and blinds and rose into the rooms on the south side of our house. We bought a few roll-up 'matchstick type' blinds and hung them outside windows to block the sun from HITTING the glass, and now the rooms stayed much cooler. Easy to install, just two hooks above each window. Cost was about $4 per blind on sale... but our electric bill dropped about $50 that month from the previous year.

Did you know that many of your household appliances use electricity even when they are turned OFF? Some gadgets, especially those around the computer or TV with 'brick' style transformer plugs, stay a little warm all the time. We've added a power strip to areas with things rarely used during the daytime or after bedtime. I turn off one power switch every morning or night rather than unplug everything. A plain power strip can be found for as little as $4, often 50 cents at yard sales. (Don't forget, your computer's surge protector bar also has an 'off' switch!)


On TV recently, they stated that up to 40% of some appliances energy costs are from when it's turned off but still plugged in, so imagine that amount multiplied by maybe 10 or 20 items, wow...

All of these things we're still using and our bills have gone down with each addition.

There are nicer looking, more expensive solutions to all the problem areas I've mentioned, but these are quick and inexpensive things you can do easily and expect to see results your very first electric bill.

Stay cool AND frugal everybody!

Source: These ideas were from bits and pieces of things we'd learned over the years, and used when in desperation over high bills. You just do what you have to do!

By Mary from Mountain Pine, AR

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What Are The Best Selling Crafts This Year?

What are the new selling craft items for this summer? Anyone know? What is selling best right now? Thanks for any input you may have.

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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How Can I Preserve Dried Roses for a Long Time?

I have been drying roses for years. I use them in different ways. My problem is the microscopic insects (?) that powder them. I have never been able to use them for more than a year. Even storing them in airtight containers doesn't help. I once pressed some roses and other plants for framed pictures. They went to powder after a few months also. How can I prevent this?

B from Deltona, FL

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Are Macs Good Computers?

Is a Mac a good computer? Why?

Gary from NJ

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McAlister's Deli Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

I would love the recipe for McAlister's Deli chocolate chip cookies or the company they buy them from. Thanks in advance.

sleumas75 from Memphis, TN

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Making Large Pearl Tapioca

How do I cook tapioca large pearls for tapioca pudding? I have always used the minute tapioca. I would like to make the tapioca with the large pearls. Thank for your time and help.

smilingfaces88 from Spruce Grove

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Suggestions For Good British Authors

I am a big fan of British authors. Mysteries are the genre I most enjoy. PD James, Elizabeth George, Martha Grimes, Margery Allingham and of course Agatha all write books that I devour! I don't like romance to be part of the story. Does anyone have suggestions for additional authors? Thanks!

Joan from New York

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How Do You Like Your Upside Down Garden?

Does anyone have an upside down garden? How do you like it?

Gary

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Ideas For A Wedding Bathroom Guest Basket

Does anyone have suggestions for a wedding bathroom guest basket? We want to set out a basket in the restrooms for our guests. What should go in the basket?

Mary from Albion, MI

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Looking for a Cucumber Salad Recipe

I'm looking for a recipe for cucumber salad. I tried it once and just loved it, but I forgot to get the recipe. I'm pretty sure that the dressing was a balsamic and olive oil vinaigrette - or something similar. Help!

Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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Making Ladybug Antenna for a Cake

Any suggestions for making ladybug antenna using candy melts, for a cake? Thanks!

Janis from College Station, TX

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Tomato Plant Leaves Turning Black

I have a tomato plant in a large container, and it has 4 small tomatoes on it. Yesterday I noticed that the leaves were turning black as if the plant had been scorched on the edges. What could be causing this? The plant in the next container is fine.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Peggy62 from Chillicothe

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Plant That Looks Similar To Cabbage

What are the plants called that look like cabbages?

Pat from Upper Michigan

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Caring for a Pregnant Shih Tzu

I just adopted a Shih Tzu dog that is pregnant. I have never owned a dog before. I need to know how to take care of a pregnant dog.

bitter0408 from Malaysia

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Dog Stops Walking During Pottie Walks

My Yorkie is 5 years old and when I take her out for our walk to potty, at a point she will not walk anywhere, she just sits and will not move. The only way I can get her to come is to pick her up and take her in the house. Can you help me with this problem I can't seem to solve?

Jerry from Longview, TX

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Why Are My Green Beans Yellow?

My green beans are yellowish. What are they lacking?

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Leslie from Las Vegas, NV

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Getting Tree Trunk To Stop Seeping

In March I cut down a River Birch tree because it was splitting. I left the trunk 10 feet high to make a wood carving. It is about 2 feet in diameter. My problem is that the tree will not stop seeping. Therefore on the south side of the tree, I have a orange gooish mess. The top is constantly dripping. What can I put on top of the tree to seal it? Thanks.

Dan from Hastings, MN

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What breed is my dog?

What breed is my dog?

Jennifer from Tampa, FL

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Discontinued Wallpaper Border: Vintage Charm VC809B

I am looking for a discontinued border. The pattern is VC809B (Vintage Charm). It is a wide fruit border trimmed in burgundy at the top and bottom. I have looked in vain on every site I could find. If anyone can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I actually only have to have a small piece to repair a place on my wall although I would buy more if available. Thanks.

Tara from Saluda, SC

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Cheap Wedding Reception Location In New Jersey

I would like to find a cheap wedding place that is close to Jackson, NJ.

Karen

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Using Vinegar And Water Solution In Carpet Cleaner

I have a Hoover F7427-900 Steam Vac Dual V Turbo Power Carpet Cleaner. I need to know if I should I be filling the cleaning solution tank with straight vinegar, and the water reservoir of course with water, or do I put it all in together in the water reservoir? I've never used vinegar before. Also do I use something with the vinegar to make it smell good, if so, what?

Jon Ann from Summerville, SC

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Homemade Weed Killer With Pine Sol

I've misplaced a very effective recipe for an natural weed killer. It used Pine Sol as one of the ingredients. Would greatly appreciate if anyone is familiar with this recipe.

Jeannette

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Stopping My Cat from Getting on My Car at Night

I have a cat that lives in our barn. The cat gets on my car at night, now can I stop this?

Thanks

Shonda from Grand Rivers, KY

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Repairing a Rockwood Premier Popup

I have 98 rockwood premier popup. I need to repair the wood in the top section. The wood is rotted due to water seeping in from where the roof and top wall meet. The caulk must not have been applied properly. The arms that hold the roof up in one corner is starting to bend do to the lack of support.Does anybody know if I can take this to someone who can repair it. Also once I get it fixed I want to clean the mold on the canvas but it seems to be in the middle of the canvas. Is there something that can get into the middle of the canvas and clean the mold. Can I order new canvas. Can anybody help?

Ruben from Hammond, IN

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How to Use Homemade Orange Cleaner

I read you can make orange cleaner at home (orange oil). I did it using water and orange peels. There other ways to make it as well. Does anyone know ways to use it for cleaning? Also, how should I dilute this?

Shirley from Calumet City

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Purple Robe Locust Tree With a Split

I have a purple robe locust tree that the main trunk has split, but a 1/4 of the trunk is still intact. Can my precious tree be saved! We live in high wind area and I was planning on wrapping the split and putting stronger supports around the tree. Should I put vitamin B-12 on the split or roots due to this injury? Help!

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Rose from Corona, CA

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How to Keep Wood Boring Bees Away from a Deck

How does one keep those huge wood boring bees away from your deck? My husband is spraying them with bug spray and I hate to find their dead bodies on the deck. Is there a more human way to get them to go elsewhere?

Linda from Saratoga, AR

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Decorating Chairs for a Wedding Reception

I am planning a low cost, hopefully low stress wedding and reception. We are getting married outside in a gazebo, very casual. The guys are wearing silk camp shirts, the groom is in cream and the best man in brown. I am wearing a simple ivory floor length dress. The Maid Of Honor in brown as well with deep red roses, peonies and berries and lots of greenery bouquets.

The problem is the reception is indoors and the chairs are ugly brown metal and I really don't want to rent chair covers. Also, I wanted to use fruit in shades of red as centerpieces so they serve as a snack and decor. Any suggestions?

Candy from Florida

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Repairing a Fisher Price Phone (H8186)

We have a toddler Fisher Price phone H8186. Some electric components work like the 'mouth' moves but there's no music or other sounds. I've pulled it apart but it doesn't appear to be dirty - any other suggestions?

Melody from Australia

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Growing Vegetables in Hanging Baskets

I was just about to plant some flowers in a hanging basket I have when I remembered that I have several leftover starter plants that are zucchini, summer squash, lemon cukes, and pickling cukes. I got a crazy idea that if you can put those plants in the ground and trellis them upward, why couldn't you start with them in a basket and have them hang over the edge downward. I realize that once there are veggies on the vines, I might have to sling the veggies in some sort of way. Has anyone ever tried any of these in a hanging basket? If so, do you have any advice for me? Thanks.

Tina from Ashland, OR

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Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Homemade food recipe for my 7yrs old small yorkie dog? Who had surgery because of oxalate calculi stone and does not want to eat any of the dog food his vet doctor suggested to make homemade meals.

Jackie from stamford ct

With the recent pet feed recall, a lot of pet owners are nervous about giving store bought food to their dogs. Some readers have expressed an interest in recipes for making their own pet food. Do you have any homemade dog food recipes to share? Feel free to post them below.

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

Home Electronics: Use What You've Got
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Friends of ours recently splurged to purchase satellite radio hookups for both of their cars and their home. They also purchased a surround sound package for their living room to give the 'movie theater affect' to their TV. While these are certainly fun upgrades, I got to thinking. I already have the same luxuries; I just didn't realize it. I decided to look around my home and make the most use from what I already have.

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