Daily Thrifty Tips - January 16, 2008

This week's Saving Money On... topic is Saving Money on Jeans. Do you have any tips to share?

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Red Sky At Night

Red sky at night.

By Mike from Coal Valley, IL

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Audrey (Jack Russell Terrier Mix)

Audrey is probably a Jack Russell terrier mix. She is 4 years old. We adopted Audrey through a terrier rescue 2 years ago. She had been rescued from a high kill shelter.

Audrey loves treats, belly rubs, and disemboweling stuffed animals.

http://www.petfinder.com is a great place to look for a furry family member!

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Kibbutz Israeli Salad and Hummus Pita

Not so long ago I submitted this salad recipe to ThriftyFun. I wanted to submit it a second time because I came up with a fantastic recipe which is very nutritious, and low in fat. Editor's Note: Here is the previous recipe.

• Kibbutz Israeli Salad

Chick Pea and Black Bean Hummus

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 to 19 ounce) garbanzo beans (chick peas), drained and 1/2 cup liquid reserved.
• 1 can (15 to 19 ounce) black beans, drained
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste) - optional
• 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 to 3 lemons)
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt or less according to taste
• 1 tsp. ground cumin

Directions

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy and no lumps remain, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. If you want an Italian-style hummus, add 1 tsp. dried basil.

We had the most delicious dinner the other night. Filled pita (pocket bread) with several spoonfuls of hummus and then added the salad on top. For added flavor, you can drizzle on some oil and vinegar salad dressing. DH had to make his sandwich with a slice of cheese.

The next time I serve this recipe for dinner, I'm going to try a tortilla wrap in place of the pita bread. It is soooooo Goooood!

By MCW from NY

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Buying and Storing Bulk Spices

My grocery store sells bulk spices which I love because I can buy as little as I want and I find it to be cheaper too. I find that when I buy the packaged spices they go stale before I can use it all up and I end up throwing it out which to me is a big waste of money!

I store the bulk spices in tiny canning/jam jars, write on a label what is inside the jar and stick it to the top of my jar. I put all the little jars in a shoe box and store it in my cupboard. When I need a spice or two I pull out the box and look for it and I can see what is in each jar from the label instead of pulling several out to look at their contents.

Source: my own brilliant idea :)

By Lisa from Mission, B.C. Canada

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Burning Javalogs

During Christmas we experienced some very cold weather. We have a fireplace and have not used it because firewood has been high in our area, plus my husband has asthma and we do not like to burn some types of wood. A friend told me about a firelog she used that cost $3.49 each at Albertson's store. I purchased one and we used it on Christmas Eve. This faux log is made out of old coffee grounds. I have already purchased several more to have on hand. It is a Java-Log.

The Java-Log is 100% natural, even the package it is wrapped in is recycled. The maker of this fire log gets old grounds from companies that make instant coffee and from some other coffee houses. The Java-Log burned for almost three hours. It gives off very good heat. Loved it and I do think this is a great Thrifty way to enjoy a nice fire in the fireplace. It also saved me the clean up from my husband carrying in real wood. If you do not have an Albertson's in your area, do a search for Java-Log and find a store near you that sells them. I love using items that are also helping recycle.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Stock Up On Greeting Cards For Every Occasion

In my less organized life, I often found myself without a card for a birthday, anniversary or even get well. I now "Stock-up" when I am at the card store. We have a 49 cent card store in Louisville that I use for this purpose.

At the beginning of each month, I select a card from my stash, sign, address and write the mailing date in the stamp area. If I don't have an appropriate card, I put it on my shopping list. Cards are no longer late and I am not making expensive runs to the card store (gas is over $3 a gallon in my area today).

Since time is money, I have saved both by being more organized.
In addition, I store cards in a card keeper I received free with a 10 card purchase.

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Use Cereal Boxes For Shipping Ebay Items

My goal for this month is to declutter and sell my extras on ebay. In the past I have used the free flat rate shipping boxes from the post office. However, with prices on shipping so high, it seems I get less bids. I discovered that I can ship a lot of what I sell in cereal boxes. They are sturdy (and I also reinforce each direction with tape), and much lighter than the post office boxes, or regular cardboard boxes. Lighter packages mean less postage, which in turn increases the likely hood of someone bidding on my item.

By April from Missouri

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Witch Hazel For Facial Astrigent

I have used witch hazel for quite a few years as a natural astringent rather than the more expensive facial astringents. It works well for me, I have combination skin, oily/dry, and I use it in the morning and again before I go to bed. It seems to also help mild breakouts. It also has an antiseptic quality and is good for minor skin irritations. I try to find the store brand to get the very best price.

By Amy from Columbus, Ohio

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Use Cocktail Glasses As Serving Dishes

When you want to make a nice appetizer, present it in a martini or margarita glass.

I made southern spicy shrimp over grits. Lovely presentation. Be creative. Just make sure nothing is too hot, or too cold so you don't break the glass.

Hugs

By Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Get Cash For Your Old Cell Phone

I just received an email that gives you money for your old cell phones and equipment. I know people have cell phones they don't use laying around and thought this could help. They will send you package to send phone to them and they are approved by BBB. The website is http://www.simplysellular.com/

Source: www.simplysellular.com

By Sally M from Buffalo, NY

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Use Bells To Avoid Losing Keys

Do you happen to use a key ring that separates? Has you ever lost part of your keys? I have.

My ignition key also unlocks my doors, I also have a remote control for the door locks. I use a carabiner as a key ring so that I can leave my car running while still able to lock the doors. Doing this though I have temporarily lost my ignition key a few times.

I now use the same trick I used on my Mother who was always losing her whole set of keys. For Mom, I used a bell I bought from a pet store that was for a parrot. I now put a mini cow bell on my ignition key. If the key drops off my ring while pulling my keys out of my pocket for any reason it makes enough noise hitting the floor or ground that I no longer just keep walking away.

And although my kids are now grown, when they were small I would use the old trick of bells on their shoes to be able to hear them.

By Echos from Johnson City TN

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Use A Few Multi Purpose Household Cleaners

When purchasing household cleaning items, buy just a few things. In my home, bleach and vinegar works wonders. I use bleach to wash my floors, clean my sinks and bathroom, wash walls, and a number of other things. Vinegar has great uses too. I use it in my dishwasher and while handwashing dishes. I have hard water buildup on my dishes and vinegar takes it all away. I sometimes use vinegar in the bathtub too to get rid of the buildup. I clean my coffee machine with vinegar. Why spend a lot of money on cleaning supplies when just a few will do?

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Fruit And Cake Mix Muffins

Once again, I have to thank the person who submitted the Weight Watchers muffin recipe using pumpkin and cake mix. My husband and I are responsible for donuts and muffins for our church on the first Sunday of every month.

I have been making a regular muffin, using oil and eggs and different flavorings for one kind, and in the last several months, I have just been adding 12 oz. of unsweetened, canned fruit to a box of cake mix, usually yellow. I've added cinnamon and nutmeg to the pumpkin and yellow cake mix, I've used unsweetened applesauce and nice, fresh apple chunks to another batch, and this month, I added 12 oz. of crushed pineapple.

Next month, I think I will add some cherries (I've canned some sour cherries made with fructose for pies), and I've yet to try mandarin oranges, but plan to. So far, we haven't had any left overs!! If a recipe is necessary, this is what I have been doing:

Ingredients

• 12 oz. unsweetened, canned fruit
• 1 box Duncan Hines cake mix

Directions

Stir fruit into mix until just moistened. Batter will be thick and lumpy. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes, until done. Makes about 15 muffins.

This might add a little kick to those New Years' diets!

By Margie from Mount Vernon, Ohio

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Paint Color Advise with Brick Wall

My family room has a full brick wall with fireplace. What color should I choose for the other walls? The carpet is deep green, and the couch is rust.

Chris from NY

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Putting a Stuffed Animal into a Balloon

I love making things homemade, I think they are more cherishable. I need help on how to stuff a balloon with a stuffed animal or toy truck. I have had a hard time finding a tool,booklet etc. I guess they just don't do them anymore. Could someone please help, I am running out of time for this baby shower.

Yolanda from Tx

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Cleaning Doll Clothing

Could someone please tell me how to clean the clothing on my porcelain dolls.

Karol from Rocky Mount, NC

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Towel and Iron to Remove Ring on Table

Where I can find Dave's instructions for the towel and iron method for getting the white ring off of wood table?

Vivianhbl from NY

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Repairing a Sofa Sleeper

I need advice on repairing a sofa sleeper.

Melissa from Clarkson, KY

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Removing Mildew Spots from Convertible Top

My Mustang is a convertible and it has a light colored top. The area we live in is extremely humid, and it rains often. There are some mildew spots on my car's top now. How can I get them off without ruining the top?

Caren from Baytown, TX

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Removing Mildew in the Shower

How can I remove mildew from the shower?

Michelle W. from Nevada

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After Washing and Drying Jacket, Lining is Lumpy

My son was given a brand new Champion quilted jacket which has stuffing. I washed it on its own in my automatic washer according to instructions but for some reason after I line-dried it (I don't have a dryer) the stuffing inside the jacket is very lumpy and the jacket is unwearable. I left it outside for two days to make sure it dried well so I have no idea what to do next! I live on an island in the Mediterranean and the weather here is cold but sunny most of the time. Any suggestions?

Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Making Mittens Out of Wool Sweaters

I would like information on using wool sweaters to make mittens.

Margo from Columbus

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Recipes to Use Up Mushrooms

I have about 15 mushrooms that I need to eat or cook before they get bad in the next day or so. Does anyone have a simple recipe for Beef Stroganoff or simple stuffed mushrooms?

monnat96 from Pingree Grove, IL

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Small, Soft Training Treats for Puppy

I have a 13 wk old Pom puppy who is paper training. I would like to use treats in her training. I would love suggestions on small soft training treats. Thanks Guys!

Ang from Ohio

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Why Does Food Giant No Longer Take Coupons?

I recently saw where several people said they were unable to use coupons at the dollar stores. I use coupons all the time at Family Dollar, Dollar General and Dollar Tree and have had no problems at all. Now for some reason Food Giant does not accept computer coupons and has no explainable reason as to why. Does anyone know why?

Diane from Birmingham

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Asking a Boyfriend to a Dance in Front of Friends

I want a cute way to ask my boyfriend to the backwards dance (girls ask guys). He loves baseball and we are going to the beach this weekend with a bunch of friends. I want a cute way to ask him in front of everyone

Earika from Fontana, Ca

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Counter Tops to Go with Light Green Paint

I've bought an old farm house, and am remodeling it country-style. I'm thinking I want to paint my cabinets a sort of mild green color, sort of like the old Dr. Pepper machines, or those dishes you used to get in oatmeal. (Before most of you were born.) Got any ideas about what counter top would look good with it?

Loretta Humble from , Texas

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Can I Soak an Embroidered Pillow Case in White Vinegar?

I am embroidering a pillow case for my friend Nancy, that has cancer. She can't tolerate fabric softener. I can't either with allergies. Anyway, can I soak the pillow case in white vinegar with the embroidery thread done? I don't want to hurt the work I have done.

Sandy from Arbutus

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Removing Wax Finish from Hardwood Floors

Does anyone know how to remove the wax finish that the Halloway House Quick Shine leaves on your hardwood floors. My floor is very blotchy from the wax build up and looks terrible. Is there something easy that I can use? My kit did not come with the wax remover, so I don't have any at home.

petsr4keeps

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Removing FLOAM from My Furniture

How do I get Floam out of my furniture?

Heather from MO

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Looking for a French Onion Soup Recipe

Does anyone have a good recipe for French Onion Soup?

pamsfriskd from Wichita KS

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Fixing a Rolling Backpack that Tilts Forward

How can I fix a rolling backpack that tilts forward?

Raquel

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Repairing Cat Scratches on Leather Sofa

Our cat has clawed our brand new ivory leather chair, using it as a scratching post. She is banished to the outdoors for now. She has made little open flaps in the leather, a couple of 1 mm long or slightly bigger, just like open skin wounds.

I have read articles on this site about using shoe polish etc to cover these marks, but I don't think this will work. The color is not the problem, I would just like to be able to heal these little cuts. I'm tempted to use a tiny drop of Crazy Glue on each, but I'm sure that is NOT the right thing to do. Help!

John from Gibsons, BC

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Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow

I have several Hibiscus planted outside and today I noticed that on many of the plants the leaves are turning yellow. We had 2 very chilly nights about 2 weeks ago. Could this be the cause?

Also we are currently under watering restrictions and can only water 2x per week. We were under these restrictions all summer and no problems then. This goes to 1x per week starting next week. Also how often should I fertilize? Help!

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Maggie from Port St Lucie, FL

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Translating Song Lyrics into English

I love Andrea Bocelli's singing. I recently bought his CD 'Vivere' and the lyrics were included in Italian, I believe. Does anyone know where one could find the English translations? Is there any way that a translation could be transacted on a computer program? Thank you in advance.

Carol from Lansing, MI

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Removing Smell from Wooden Trash Can

I recently purchased a wooden bin from a thrift store. It was listed as a trash can. It smelled badly of trash and cigarette smoke. I washed it with soap and used Clorox. I have also used baking soda. But can not get rid of the bad smell in the wood. Is there any hope?

Mary from Tallahassee, FL

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Watermark on Marble Hearth

How can I remove a watermark from my marble hearth?

De Young from Luton, United Kingdom

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Online Wedding Dress Stores

I am looking to buy my wedding dress online. Can anyone recommend a good online store? I would prefer a store rather than Ebay or similar as I would like to find a style I like and be able to get it in my size. Finding one great dress in the wrong size over and over again will be too frustrating I think.

Monica from Kalgoorlie, Australia

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Keeping a Cat from Scratching Wound

I have an outdoor cat who has a huge wound on his head. Everyday it gets bigger and bigger. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make him stop scratching it? He's and outdoor cat, though so cones don't really work.

Daniel from Ponoka, AB, Canada

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How Do I Get My Cat's Abscess to Drain?

I just noticed my cat has an abscess on his shoulder. He is licking it, which is good, and his nose is cold so he doesn't have a fever.

I'd like to avoid the vet if I can because of financial reasons. Does anyone have a recommendation on how to get the abscess to open up and drain (like a poultice)?



S.M. from Sherwood, OR

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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