April 13, 2007

Daily Thrifty Tips - April 13, 2007


Volume Six, Number 73, April 13, 2007 (Read It Online)

Important News for Pet Owners:

According the FDA, some stores still have recalled pet food on their shelves, so it's important to know which products are recalled when buying food. Yesterday, the FDA release a spreadsheet that contained all the pet food products that are currently subject to a recall. We took that data and created a page so people can easily see what products have been recalled by brand. You can view the new page here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/pet_food_recall.html

Feel free to recommend it to anyone you know that has pets. We will work to keep it as current as possible.

New Listerine Mouthwash Recalled

We have another recall, not pet related, that may interest you. Listerine Agent Cool Blue, which shows plaque, has been recalled. Listerine Agent Cool Blue has been heavily marketed to parents of young children. You can find a link to that press release in the More Reading section.

Also in the More reading section is a great article by Debra Frick about No Cost and Low Cost Family Activities.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's Photos:

Mother's Day Spring Switch Plate

Choose colors to match your decor and make beautiful switch plates for every room in your house. Make extra ones for special gifts.

Mother's Day Spring Switch Plate

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Cleaning Delicate China Flowers

Want those pretty little delicate china flowers to shine once again? Use a mushroom brush like this one. Cleans them up in a big hurry! It's really scary that I keep putting cleaning tips on here! Happy cleanin' ya'll!

By Mitzi from DeLand, FL

Cleaning Delicate China Flowers

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Elsa (Rottweiler)

Elsa is a 3 year old Rottweiler. She was found on the side of the road a year ago Two weeks after we brought her home she gave birth to 10 beautiful full blood Rottweilers.

She love to chase our white cat, Cleo, who will have nothing to do with her! But, patient Elsa keeps trying after each paw smack from Cleo!

She was not our pick of breeds, but has shown us that Rottweillers can be caring, calm and very loving pets, even around any child. Occasionally she considers herself a lapdog!

By Gretta from Wayne, Ok

To see a picture of both Cleo and Elsa go to:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55880316.tip.html

Elsa (Rottweiller)

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Starfall Educational Website

My first grader has this great reading site that he is able to go to for extra practice with reading. They have a bunch of online games and activities. They also have some downloadable pages for writing practice. I print one letter each day for my 4 year old. He loves to fill it out and color the pictures. Here is a photo of him working on "The Letter Of The Day". I recommend this website for anyone with a preschooler or beginning reader. It's fun and free.

http://www.starfall.com

Jess in Portland, OR

The Letter of the Day

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Lighted Floral Arrangement in a Miniature Wooden Wagon

I found these cute little wagons and I just had to have them to make for two friends and co-workers for Christmas. I bought one in blue and one in pink. The wagons cost me about $12.00. I had spanish moss already and I used 2 strings of 50 clear light mini Christmas lights which I already had also. I bought the flowers at the Dollar Store which cost me about $6. The total cost was about $20.00 by the time I got everything for both gifts.

Lighted Floral Wagon

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How to Make a Tiny Bow

Sometimes the little things are the hardest. Years ago, when I needed a tiny ribbon bow to decorate a package or an article of clothing, I struggled for hours trying to get it right. I must have wasted entire bolts of ribbon! Then I learned to do it the easy way.

How to Make a Tiny Bow

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Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Frugal Snack Box For Driving

Buy granola bars and other individually packaged snacks on sale, with coupons or at the dollar store. Then find a lunch box and put a couple of each kind inside. Store the lunch box in the car always. This way you do not waste money buying expensive snacks on the road! We have saved so much money doing this. We even keep water bottles in trunk for drinks or in case of a car problem.

By Starchild from Lamoille County, VT

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Shopping for Clothing Online

When you need new clothes, if at all possible, buy garments that are washable. Otherwise, you are definitely adding to the cost of the jacket, fancy dress, or whatever!

Shopping online is tempting, but keep some facts in mind! You fall in love of a dress and order it. Notice that you pay, not the price of shipping by weight, but as a percentage of the price of the dress! Unfair, certainly. (Most websites do occasionally offer free shipping or a small, set amount on any item for a certain length of time.)

The dress fits and you can launder it yourself. Viola! But if it does not fit or 'suit' you, you'll pay to return it, so you've taken on the price of its so-called shipping and handling AND return postage when things have not turned out "rosy!

By Janet from Conway, NH

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Tips For Easing Into Vintage Clothing

I remember when I first started to wear vintage things, and I was nervous about it. So here are a few tips. Don't go totally vintage, use a vintage piece here or there, and use quality items. If buying second hand makes you nervous, just go shopping for those things out of town and no one will know where you got it. If anyone asks, you can say a relative gave it to you!

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Tea Bags As Aromatherapy

While doing some kitchen cabinet cleaning out, I was discarding expired seasonings which had lost their potency. I saved anything that could be recycled into a scentful fragrance. I also came across quite a few old open boxes of flavored tea bags and old bulk tea. I did try one and it just had lost its wonderful flavor. I thought I would set them aside and I put about three tea bags in my tea kettle that I use for aromatic scents.

I boiled a kettle of water and, again, another wonderful aroma of Chamomile, Cinnamon Spice, and Chai tea (which is a wonderful scent). All of these scented teas can be purchased at any dollar store for far less than we would spend on any aromatic product. This gives your house humidity, just be aware to change the water after a few days use to prevent mold. Because then you are contaminating your clean fresh air with mold and possible allergens.

By Jackie from Norton, MA

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Extra Spin Cycle Helps Drying

I always run the extra spin cycle on my washing machine while I'm unloading the dryer. This helps get even more water out of your clothes before drying them.

By Sara from Southeast Missouri

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Prevent Plastic Wrap from Sticking to Food

Use cooking oil spray on plastic wrap and it won't stick to your food.

By Sherry from Silverdale WA

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Use A Potato Baking Nail

Although I have seen "cloth bags" to bake potatoes in the microwave, there is nothing like a real baked potato from either the oven or toaster oven. To speed up the baking and make sure the inside is cooked enough, place a 16 penny nail through the middle of the potato, letting it stick out on the top. This will distribute the heat to the middle of the potato and it will bake much faster! Great for all potatoes, yams, or sweet potatoes!

By Cindy from Spokane, WA

Editor's Note: Thanks for sharing this unique idea. I would recommend you buy food grade stainless steel nails at a kitchen supply store that are made for this purpose. I found some for pretty cheap online. In any case, do not use galvanized nails.

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Use Pop Cans As Packing Material

I sell on ebay and save all packaging items I can find, but I have one unique tip that anyone can use. I cushion the bottom and edges of the box with empty pop cans. They weigh next to nothing and do an excellent job of cushioning the items. I've gotten lots of comments on my unique packaging and the cans are recyclable!

By Marlene from Eastern ND

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Paper Towel Rack in the Bathroom

Install a simple paper towel holder like you have in the kitchen in each bathroom. Mine are installed on the side of the vanity on what would otherwise be dead space. Keep a roll of paper towels on it, and hang a spray bottle of multi-purpose cleaner from the side for quick instant cleanups. Forgo the spray cleaner if you have small children who might grab for it, however.

By Linda from Vista, CA

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

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New Requests:

Making a Concrete Bench

Does anyone have any ideas on what to use for molds to make concrete benches, short of buying molds? I am using a hard plastic swimming pool of grands that has a split in the very top. I know I can use plastic pipes about 4 or 5 inches for the legs but am at a loss for the top of bench. It could be straight or curved.

Martha's Wisdom from Savannah, TN

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Spirea Not Leafing Out

Why isn't my spirea leafing out this spring? I've cut back sprigs and it seem to be alive.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

LMC from Grandview, MO

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Vacuum Cleaners That Clean With Water

Has anyone tried the vacuum that cleans with water that are seen on TV? You buy one and get the second for shipping and handling? i know my mother used to have one called rex air and they are now called rainbow.

Martha from Savannah, TN

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Saving Money and Saving the Environment

One great thing about frugal living is being frugal tends to lower your impact on the environment. With Earth Day coming up, we are looking for you favorite money saving tips that are also good for the environment. Please post your ideas below.

Saving Money and Saving the Environment

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Parvo: How Long Should I Wait to Get Another Dog?

The staffy pup I brought home from the shelter had parvo. She soiled twice on my carpet. I quickly cleaned it up and then we used a trigene disinfectant from the vet and sprayed the carpet many times. She also vomited once outside and we dug out the soil about 2 feet and bleached the area. The pavers have been bleached and all floors have been bleached. My pup had to be put down, she was so young and sick. How long should we wait until anther pup can come into my home?

Many thanks,
Colleen

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Training a Dog to Not Run Away

I have a 6 year old Yorkshire Terrier and I have been having problems with her. Whenver she gets a chance, she always runs across the road and barks and my neighbors dogs and they have sent the dog warden unto us a few times. What can I do to stop her from doing this?

Sarah from Northern Ireland Banbridge

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White Dry Clean Only Coat

How to I clean a white coat that is dry clean only. The coat is 100% cotton with some satin trim, but the lining is 100% acetate. I have had it cleaned once and it came back yellow. I am interested in whitening it if possible.

K. Larry from Arlington, TX

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Growing Tomatoes in Thailand

I live in Thailand and the nights are a little cooler than the days. I am told that Tomato will not do well in this climate because they need cool nights. Also, what type of Tomato would you recommend? We are in the same latitude as Miami, FL.

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Uneven Tile Floor

My tile floor has become uneven (sticking up in spots). Is there any way to fix this? I cannot remove any of the tiles. They are 12"X12".

Linda from New York City

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Watering Plants With Iced Tea

Does anyone know, is it OK to water my houseplants with leftover iced tea (no sugar)? I hate to throw it away when it doesn't get used up. I am thinking it's OK!

Thanks,
Kim from Crawford, CO

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Microwave Convection Reviews

Product: Microwave-Convection

Request: I would like to replace my old microwave with a microwave convection oven, full size, if possible. Does anyone have one they can recommend I buy or models I should stay away from?

Thanks!
Linda from New York City

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Removing a Root System

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to get rid of and/or prevent further growth of a very strong root system found in my yard. It is found especially under trees. It grows around all plants I try to plant. It is a netting of small, strong roots that hold my plants back from being all they could be. I have dug many holes and ripped so much of it out but still over time it comes back. Any advice?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Thanks.
Sue from Hingham, MA

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Struggling Lemon Tree

My friend has a lemon tree in really good soil, but on her lawn. It is not growing and looking deathly sick. It has leaves but they are yellow and sparse. She has tried feeding, water, tried the urine thing, but nothing seems to make it happy. Is it a lost cause? I'm not actually in zone 7a but that is what sort of climate it is, although over winter, which it is Autumn now, it gets down to as low as -1.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Jonty from NZ

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Howling and Biting Husky

My husky Dakota suddenly starts biting everyone and howling like crazy at the most random times. We have fun when he's like that but he's getting kind of rough. Does anyone know why he does this or what I can do to stop him?

Thanks,
Jessamyn from Honolulu, HI

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Cat Peeing on Furniture

Please help with my male cat. He is fixed and he just got over a blocked pee pee, he had a catheter in for 4 days. It came out Saturday and he was fine but last night he peed on every piece of furniture we own. Please help me.

Lisa from Croydon, PA

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Removing Water Marks from Wood Furniture

How do I get rid of a bad water mark on my pine table?

Kevin

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Dance Theme Ideas

We are having a dance at my school on May 4th. I am chairperson of this dance and that date is my birthday. I want this dance to be the most fun yet. It is 6th-8th grade dance. I don't want a Cinco de Mayo theme or a formal. Does anyone have any good ideas?

Nikki from Sacramento,CA

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Today's Sponsor:

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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More Reading:

No Cost and Low Cost Family Activities
By Debra Frick

No matter how we save money, every family needs fun things to do. Here are some suggestions on no cost/low cost things to do. In these times of rising fuel costs, you need to think about saving on your gasoline costs also. So I have tried to pick things that hopeful won't cost you a bunch of gasoline to get there. Why not explore alternative methods of transportation? Can you walk to do some of these things? Is there a local bus route that will get you there? Why not car pool with another family. With gasoline projections at $3.00 a gallon this summer, many of us will be looking for other things to do other than take the normal vacation.

No Cost and Low Cost Family Activities

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Full List of Recalled Pet Products

Yesterday, the FDA released a spreadsheet that listed all the products that have been recalled due to contaminated gluten. We imported the spreadsheet into a database and set up a page where you can access it online. You can find it here:

The FDA also announced that retailers may still have some contaminated products on their shelfs, so be careful what you buy.

Related:

Full List of Recalled Pet Products

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Recall Alert: Listerine Agent Cool Blue Recalled

The FDA has announced a recall of GLACIER MINT and BUBBLE BLAST flavors of LISTERINE® AGENT COOL BLUE Plaque-Detecting Rinse after the Company determined that the preservative system is not adequate against certain microorganisms. Consumers should discontinue using and properly discard the product, and may obtain a full refund through calling the Company's toll free consumer line 1-888-222-0249 and mailing in the back label, including the UPC code. Additional information can be found at the product website http://www.agentcoolblue.com.

Recall Alert: Listerine Agent Cool Blue Recalled

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