Daily Thrifty Tips - January 11, 2006

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"Shadow" is a 2 1/2 year old Domestic Short-Hair. Our neighbors cat had kittens; we were lucky to receive one.

Shadow likes to play with our Dachshund and chase leaves on the lawn.

By Marnita from Cumming, GA

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After sanding, priming, painting and adding antique silverware to my twenty year old, dark, dull and just plain outdated kitchen cabinets, putting in new counter tops, new appliances and painting the walls, I now have a beautiful, unique kitchen that I am proud to say was done by ME!

Before

After

By Sandra from Orlando, Florida

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This is Zoey. She was my christmas gift from my boyfriend. She's 14 weeks old and loves running through the house and up & down the stairs. We love her and enjoy having her around. She's adorable!

By ZQ from Middletown De.

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Maybe you know that adding a raw potato to soup or stew,etc that is to salty,will remove enough of the salt to save supper. (Remove that potato before serving)

But did you know that by adding a whole walnut (in the shell) to cooking cabbage will cut the odor?

By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark,Ca.

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Pre-teens are notorious drama queens. (The girls and the boys equally!) There is no easy way to tell them things are going to change drastically. Giving them a couple of months heads up helps.

When my husband and I decided to go on a Debt Crash Diet in 2006 we gave ourselves three months to plan. During those months, we eased our kids into the changes that would affect them the most.

We also took a good hard look at our spending habits. We kept a record of our spending and our earnings. You'll find that this is one of the most important steps you can take. Once you have concrete information about how you spend your money, you'll be able to define Extreme Frugality for your family.

We will live on $28,800 in 2006, $14,700 of which is rent. (We considered renting an apartment for year but decided, with the Las Vegas housing market in such turmoil, to stay where we are. Our rent is moderate for our city.)

During the three months prior to the start of our Year of Extreme Frugality, we also got our food budget under control and built up a good stockpile of staples. During our Debt Crash Diet we will cut the $1000 we normally spend on food and consumables (including restaurant meals) by three quarters down to $300. It was nice to have three months to ease into that.

The most important thing you can do during this planning period is dream. Dream big, and out loud. Do it in front of your kids, and you might have an easier time getting them on board. Put together a Debt Crash Diet scrap book filled with your ideas of what a debt-free, job-optional life would look like to you.

By Shaunta Alburger
http://www.pennywisejournal.com

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When preparing a recipe and it calls for "garlic paste", instead of searching for this product at the grocery produce department. just buy some garlic. Separate the garlic cloves. Take a garlic clove and press it with a large knife blade against the cutting board. This will make the skin break. Peel it and mince your garlic clove. Upon mincing it, then take your knife blade and mash the minced garlic on the cutting board to make your own garlic paste.

By Terri from NV

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In my bathroom cabinet, I keep a see-thru plastic jar with a screw on lid, (probably about 1 1/2 Qt.) When out shopping and I find cough drops on sale, I stock up. When home, I empty all the cough drop bags, into this see-thru jar in the bathroom. This way, they're all in one place, compact and everyone knows where they are. No one has to go searching in the pantry or in some drawer for a cough drop. The same could be done with band-aids, cotton swabs, and cotton balls.

By Terri from NV

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<p>If you run out of shaving cream, or if you have purchased a hair conditioner that just doesn't seem to work for your hair, use it as a shaving cream! It works wonderfully. The razor will glide over the conditioner and your legs will be left smooth and with a close, smooth shave.

<p>By Patty L
<P><hr width="100%" color="#006600">
<p>Ladies, to save money on shaving cream for your legs buy the cheapest hair conditioner and use that on your legs. The hair conditioner softens the hair on your legs to give you a close shave and your legs are smooth, too. I once purchased a bottle of hair conditioner for $.25 with coupons which is much cheaper than regular shaving cream and it lasts longer too.

<p>By Virginia from Darfur, MN

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I am new to this site and just love it! I enjoy reading the profiles of all the people that have set up an account, I just wish more people would tell a little something about themselves. It is really easy to set up an account for those of you that never have, and to write a little something about yourself just click on "Your Account" and type in something interesting about yourself; do you have children, pets, or hobbies? Share with us!

Persnickety Paula from Christmas, MI

Editor's Note: Thanks for mentioning it Paula, I think that's a great idea. You can have a subscription without having an account. To register click on the button on the top of the site. It's easy and spam free.

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Did you hear about the old farmer who saw a pig along side of the road and fearing a car would hit it he picked it up and put it in the front seat of his truck. Soon a cop stopped him and told him to take the pig to the zoo. A few days later the cop saw the man and pig in the truck again. He stopped him again and said,"I told you to take that pig to the zoo!" The farmer said,"Oh I did and we had so much fun we're going to Six Flags tomorrow!" GROAN!

By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark, Ca.

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"I don't know if any reader has ever had to get kerosene, gas or other smelly liquids out of their vehicle or not, but I sure did. It's easy to put something in your trunk or back seat and spill some on your floor. The fumes from the containers and what spills on the floor gives me a headache.

"A friend told me about using coffee grounds. She gets the cheapest kind, sprays the rug or floor lightly with water and sprinkles the dry coffee grounds over the area and then waits a few hours before vacuuming.

"It takes the kerosene or whatever fuel smell there is OUT and doesn't leave a coffee stain. Some truck drivers use this method due to the diesel fuel getting tracked into the cab of their rig.
I hope this helps someone!."
(Sent in by LaH friend, Pebbles462002)
Light at Home Newsletter

By Lois from Bridgeport, WV

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When you have used as much hand lotion or make up or anything that comes in plastic cut it into and then you will be able to get the rest out. Sometimes you can just slide the top of the tube back onto the bottom. I have saved a lot of money by doing this over the years.

By Linda from Wichita, KS

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Does anyone know where I can find refrigerator boxes, or really large TV boxes. I have called Lowes, Home Depot, independent appliance stores, several big stores and NO ONE has any refrigerator boxes they can give me. Does anyone have any other ideas? I need them for my daughter's Birthday party.

Michele from Pearland, TX

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Does anyone have any ideas on how to stop, or reduce &quot;stinky feet&quot;? My dh's feet smell really bad, and he said he has used baby powder and baking soda in his shoes but it dries his feet out too much. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

jmz2005 from illinois

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Could anyone please help me find a really good (and easy) tri-tip roast recipe? Thank you!

Deborah from San Juan Capistrano

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My 6th grade son is doing a science project comparing current home cleaning items, i.e. pledge, dish detergent, etc. with "old fashioned" ways of cleaning. I have picked my grandmother's brain but could really use some more ideas. If anyone has ANY 'old fashioned' cleaning recipes that they use or have used, I would really appreciate them.

Thanks SOOO Much! :)

Linda from Niles, Ohio

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What would you do with the old calendar pictures? I have the following ideas, but am looking for more:

- Frame and put around house
- Cut into smaller pieces and glue to magnets

Any other ideas?

FFL from Colorado

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My 16 year old daughter just "inherited" her grandparents old bedroom furniture. It is brown Laminate. It doesn't match her room. I was thinking of painting it white. Any suggestions on how and what I should use?

Shirley from IL

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A group of 4th graders will be saying farewell to their young student teacher. I am to help decorate the classroom for a surprise party in her honor. What can I make in advance to put up during lunch hour to make this young lady feel special?

Karen from Roseville, MI

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Does anyone have the authentic recipe for Bob Evans' "Border Scramble?". It is from several years ago and there doesn't seem to be a copycat recipe. I wrote the Bob Evans site and they either can't or won't share. Thank you!

Margie Minard from Mount Vernon, Ohio

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I have a puppy in heat and am just wondered if anyone has good ideas for puppy pants. I got some that you can buy at the store but at night she gets them off when she crawls into our bed and I can't have her in bed without them so she is stuck in her crate at night. She HATES it. I am just wondered if anyone had any good sugestions. As far as getting her spayed, we're still debating on breeding her. She will be spayed before her next heat I but need help for right now.

Thank you,
Sherry from Maine

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I know this is going to sound odd but here goes. I am going to start a new business. My Grand Opening is scheduled for March 1, 2006. I am opening a Organizing business. Organizing garages, desks, offices, kitchens, pantries, bedrooms, closets, basements, sewing rooms, etc. You get my drift. Well... I don't have a name. I need it to be professional yet "sassy" name. Fun yet not childish. I want someone to be looking though the phone book or see the lettering on my red Beetle Bug (car) and WANT to call me to help them.

I love organizing, it comes natural to me. So what I am asking for is for you all to help me come up with a name for my new company. I have many thoughts running though my head but nothing so far "wows" me.

Some examples are:

"Organization Done!" (Done will be in like a stamp effect)
"Take your stuff and Organize It!"
"Organizing It All"
"A Place for Everything"
"She's So Organized"
"Hands On Organizing"

Maybe someone out there has something running around in their head because I don't. : )

Thanks in advance for helping.

Tracey from Michigan

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Does anyone have a recipe for homemade chili (chili beans) that includes carrots and celery. I have tried some chili that included these ingredients and it gave it a little sweet taste, I would love to have a recipe. Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Crystal from Bennettsville, SC

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I need some advice on how to respond to nosy questions asked by my mostly male co-workers. I work in a scenic shop at Seaworld and the backgrounds of our small group is primarily construction. Because we work in a theme park, there are strict rules about behavior but it doesn't stop these guys from being nosy. We have worked together for many years and unfortunately, we know too much about each other.

I took a three month leave of absence from work due to anxiety and panic attacks and am returning next week. I know I will be asked a million questions and honestly, I don't want to fall back into that same old situation where my co-workers think it's okay to know my personal business. In the past, I shared my life and business with them and now I don't want to. I don't want to come across as a you-know-what, I just don't know how to tactifully and politely tell them it's none of thier business!

Most of the people in our shop love to gossip and spread rumors and back stab each other so the less they know about me, the better. If anyone has been in this situation before or knows of something I could say to squash nosy questions, I would love to hear from you. Thank you!

Sandie from Orlando, Florida

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I have several large Red Delicious apples left over from a fruit basket fundraiser my husband purchased at work. Most apple recipes ask for tart apples. Can I substitute the sweet apples for the tart or are there any websites that have recipes for Red Delicious apples? Thanks for any suggestions!

Michele from Aliquippa, PA

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I don't believe in goody bags that many of my friend's give the kids who have attended a birthday party, but I do want to give the kids SOMETHING. Any cheap alternatives, preferably with a karate them?

Thanks,
Kris from Randolph, MA

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Is this a bowmaker? How do I use it?

Thanks!

Holly from Richardson, TX

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I like Farberware pots and pans. I am looking for a 12 quart stockpot that has a stainless steel inside and aluminum bottom like Farberware makes. Farberware is a little too expensive, although I don't want a really cheap pot. Medium priced would be good. Any suggestions? Thanks for any replies.

P.J. from Delaware

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Is there anything that I can put in my dryer to remove lint from dark clothing (black, blue, and red sweaters)? I don't dry the sweaters in the dryer, but I can't get the fine lint off using a clothes brush after they are dry. It seems to make them look faded.

Kristy from Oxford, MS

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I have a real problem with dry, red skin around my lips - especially on the sides. I have used lip balms, vaseline, Aquaphor, plain vegetable oil and nothing seems to be working. Before I end up seeing a dermatologist, has anyone out there had this problem and what helped clear it up? It is downright painful sometimes! Thanks for your input.

mtm from PA

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I have an antique dry sink with a marble top. Is there an inexpensive way to get the old marble to have some shine?

karen from Port Clinton OH

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Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.

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No doubt about it... the beloved potato is clearly the most popular vegetable in the United States. Potatoes easily adapt to many flavors and methods of cooking. This article defines the characteristics and the best uses of some well-known potato varieties, how to choose and store potatoes and several basic ways to prepare potatoes without any or a minimum of added ingredients.

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