Daily Thrifty Tips - October 2, 2006

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I wanted some simple, small decorations for Halloween and fall. I had read an idea in a magazine about making these little salt dough ghosts, so I tried it out. Granted, it didn't look as good as in the magazine, but it provided my 6 year old son and I with something to do for about a half hour and some decorations that (hopefully) can be used again after this year.

Salt Dough Ghosts

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water

Mix together and separate into 6 parts. Form into ghosts (or anything else you think is appropriate). Microwave for 30 seconds at a time until firm. Let cool.

Draw on faces or accents with permanent marker.

Leaf Garlands

I also came up with a cute idea for a little garland - I just found freely available coloring pages of leaves, printed out multiple leaves on each page, colored them, and strung them along some rope that I had for bead stringing. It was another great thing for my son and I to do together.

I know these aren't very grand, but it makes me happy to have home made decorations in my home, and to know I really didn't spend a cent to do it.

(and one more note - ignore all the other stuff on top of my TV!)

By Jackie from Feasterville, PA

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His AKC name is "Heaven Sent". He will be 2 years old on October 4th. Killian is a purebred Shetland Sheepdog also known as a Sheltie.

I got Killian when he was 4 months old. From a breeder named Pam in Eastern Ohio. I had just lost my former Sheltie to a freak accident. She heard and called me to offer me Killian, even though she has no intention of selling him, She knew I needed another Sheltie in my life after losing my former Sheltie, Forby.

Killian loves to do all kinds of activities. He has a whole box of toys to play with while in the house. And of course they all have to be OUT of the box. Outside he loves play frisbee. Play with one of his balls. Take long walks. Bark at squirrels and rabbits, of course. He loves to play and wrestle with other dogs, big or small.

He also loves kids. He is the most gentle dog when it comes to kids. One time, a little girl of a friend of mine, was playing with Killian. They started out watching a Disney video. Him laying on the floor and her using him for a pillow. Then, she got out her rubber bands for her hair and made little pony tails all over him, It took her mom an hour to get about 100 little rubber bands out of his fur. And he sat there real still and quiet while the little girl put all those in his fur.

Killian is my best friend, buddy and companion. He and I have come a long way over this paste year. Without him it would have been pretty rough for me. Whenever I'm feeling down and depressed, he knows. He comes to me, to check on me. Lays his head in my lap and looks at me with his big brown eyes. He also will not let me out of his sight if he knows something is wrong. I could not ask for a better companion dog then Killian. I am thankful he was "Heaven Sent" to me after the death of my former Sheltie.

By Vicki Bradley from Marshall, Minnesota

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I got a nice black leather bag for $1 at a thrift shop. You can tell leather from vinyl by the smell. Leather wears so much better. It needed a bit of sprucing up - but a little black permanent marker where there was wear and voila! Great for everyday.

By Pam from L.A., CA

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Before opening a can of soup, shake it well. Then open the bottom of the can of soup. More of the soup will come out of the can cleanly this way.

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Sometimes when you are working on a project, the pieces are difficult to keep together until the glue dries. I have found that if you use clothespins, the pieces will stay together much better while the glue takes it's time to set.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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I recently received a sample of Biz detergent that I ordered through a freebie site. My daughter spilled a purple concoction all over my pants. I boiled some water and added a few tablespoons of Biz to it. I placed my pants in the hot water for 30 minutes. Much to my amazement, all the stains came out! I received this tip from a Chinese lady who used this method to remove formula stains from baby clothes.

By Amylucille from Fremont, Ohio

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I have a pal who lives on the same property with her brother, but in separate households. Recently her brother had a medical condition that put him in the hospital. He had a hard time making it to the telephone to call for his sister for help. They've since arranged for him to carry his car alarm remote with him at all times, so he can have the alarm to his vehicle go off, in case he has anymore problems due to his bad health, at any time of the day or night.

When she hears his vehicle's car alarm going off, she'll know he's unable to get to the phone and go to help. This will work as long as he's able to hold the remote up to a window, for view of the vehicle.

By Terri from NV

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When making pancakes with any recipe, try adding a little extra kick.

Take one regular pancake mixture and add cinnamon, and a little nutmeg to taste. Then add just a little champagne. This makes them nice and fluffy as well as very tasty.

On top we add the fruit of the season. Makes a great family treat or a special breakfast for your sweetie.

By lifewithmadman from Little Rock, AR

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Use an old set of car floor mats to cover your car's windshield in the evening and you won't have any ice to scrape in the morning. Carpet remnants also work.

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I have several ideas for using fruits and veggies before they go bad. Onions, bell pepper, celery, other veggies I can use in a recipe, I chop, then store in the freezer in a ziplock freezer bag.

Some fruits, like apples and pears, I peel, cut in chunks or slices, put in a saucepan, cover with water, add a small amount of sugar (taste after cooking, add more if needed), let cook until tender. Cool, then freeze in freezer container or ziplock freezer bag. These can be used for pies, cobblers, etc.

I freeze blueberries, strawberries, even grapes. Thaw only the amount needed-eat raw or use in smoothies or put in yogurt.

By Ann from Dublin, GA

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Reheat pizza in non-stick pan to warm on a medium low setting on the stove top. That way, the crust will remain crisp and not soggy.

By Mary Ann Kieffer from Lawrence, KS

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

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I have a Crown Of Thorns plant, the leaves are turning yellow, and falling off. I am watering it about once a week and it is in the west window and gets midmorning and afternoon sun. It was doing fantastic, it is about 4 years old and not really growing at all. It is still about the same size as when I bought it. It has not flowered yet either. I had one for years and years and it grew very large and bloomed almost all the time. Do you know what I am doing wrong this time?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Rosa from Detroit, Michigan

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I am growing tomatoes but the leaves are going yellow, some of the fruit are splitting and they also look as though they are housing grubs (by the burrowing into the fruit). All suggestions will be gratefully accepted as I am new to growing vegetables.

Many thanks,

Wendy M. from Hervey Bay, Australia

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Can I glue new laminate over old Laminate? The old laminate is worn, but is not coming off.

Georgann from Edmonton Canada

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Product: Necchi Sewing/Serger Machine

Model: 6011

Manufacturer: Necchi

Request: I would like to know the reliability of this and other Necchi machines.

Kristen from Ft. Wayne, IN

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I am looking for a pattern for baby afghan from the Mary Maxim catalog. It is called Peaceful Pastels afghan. It is a rainbow of baby colors and is crochet. The design is a star shape and the rainbow appears by itself when the work is crocheted. You use 2 stands of yarn together when working afghan. Anyone out there who can help me?

Lori from Appleton, WI

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I have a favorite nail polish and I'm about to run out before my other hand is done. Is there any way to add something to strech it?

franz2nutty

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My 3 week old kittens have something wrong with their eyes. They keep closing up with crust.

Jeanine from Barnegat, NJ

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I have my grandmother's peonies (100+ years old) and planted them about 8 years ago in a nice sunny location. They thrived the first 2 years, at least most of them did. Then all of a sudden, they started doing poorly, so I moved them to a different location, mostly sunny, but got a little shade during the day. They seemed to acclimate OK, but this last summer the ground moles have peppered the area around them, causing them to sink further into the ground than what they would like. What should I do to them, to keep the moles from bothering them? I hope I can make them healthy again.

Thanks for your help!

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Shirley from Southwest Michigan

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My moonflowers have bloomed now, I am wondering when will I start too see the seeds from them. I just want too get them before it freezes here.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Joyce from Janesville, WI

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I am looking for decorations for a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" (Jimmy Buffett) theme Banquet.

LaVon from Farmington, NM

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My husband and I are graduating college in December. We are planning a little graduation party for our family and friends for the day of graduation. I need ideas for decorations that would be easy and inexpensive. Granted my husband and I are in our mid twenties and were looking for a more mature look. Any suggestions?

Courtney from Birmingham, AL

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How can one remove the colour added to kerosene and make it pure?

Pr. Saravan from Chennai, India

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I bought cube steaks on sale. Any ideas on how to fix them would be wonderful. Crockpot or oven recipes would be great.

Thanks!
S Wolf from El Paso, IL

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Grubworms have taken over my lawn but I have no extra money to purchase Milky Spore. I am also all organic for 15 years now. How is it made? It sounds like a bacteria colony, is it? Is is made from milk? How long would it take to produce some should one get the formula?

Why is it the best, perhaps only, natural treatment for grubworms? I'm familiar with the "life cycle" of the Japanese Beetle from which it comes, but since I live on a corner under a bright street light, it draws them to all our homes. Others may be able and not want to be organic but I was almost killed SEVERAL times, accidentally, from pesticides, twice in my yard, and once in a garage sale accident.

Perhaps you can understand why it is especially important to stay organic? I firmly believe that when the yard is in balance, such pests can't get such a grip. However, as you remind us, this last dry spell/heat wave, water restriction really did damage to that balance. My beds are all Zeriscaped, but the lawn remains vulnerable. I am considering expanding into the lawn around the house/shrubs, beneath the trees, with a natural zeriscaped walking path and free organic mulch from the city. One home has the entire lawn area in grasses/plantings, but it seems out of control.

I have plenty of Lirope Grass/Asian Jasmine to do the same, but I don't like it. I love a more natural, not messy, look and environment. Can you help?

Also, would the grubs be attracted by any particular plant other than grass and light? Is there any research on it?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Lynda from TX

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How can I clean my white Dooney Bourke purse which has turned yellow with what looks like nicotine stains?

Kathy from Sacramento, CA

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1. Are sunflowers annuals or perennials? 2. How do you prepare seeds for re-planting?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Lisa from Athens, AL

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How do you get a stuck on label off of a brushed fabric placemat?

Lisa from Frederick, MD

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I need help planning a harvest festival for seniors 50+ in age. Our date for the harvest festival is November 9, 2006.

Nazie from Washington, DC

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I'm trying to make M&M character costumes for adults. I have to make 20 for my group. Where can I find that foamy material?

Sandy from Jackson, NJ

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Is a wedding invitation mailed to the parents of the groom?

Mrs. W from Picayune, MS

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I purchased a Kyocera ceramic knife from a firm I seem to remember was located in Branford, CT. The knife has become dull and I need to know where to send it. Thanks for any info.

Judith from Louisville, KY

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How can I remove a blood stain from a microfiber sofa?

Crystal from Little Falls, NJ

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My son is 10 years old, and for spirit week at school they will be having a "Hippy Day". Any suggestions on how he could dress for this would be great.

Thanks,
S Wolf from El Paso, IL

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How can I plan a cheap wedding rehearsal dinner?

Weddingplannersis from Cinncinati, OH

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I would like to know if anyone has any ideas on how to shrink clothes?

Raymond mason from Shreveport, LA

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Is there a cake frosting with little or no sugar? Our school has just banned any snack that is more than 50% sugar. The moms are struggling with what to send on birthdays -- any suggestions? I'm not fond of sugar substitutes.

Lisa from Berlin, NJ

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It is homecoming time and were are a junior football team in the high school parade. The theme this year is "superstition". We are the Roosters and the opposing team is the Huskers. Do You have any low-budget ideas for a 5-6th grade float?

Libby from Pleasant Hill, MO

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I have a great little vegetable garden that's 5 square meters. It is full of vegetables, but also seems to be full of fleas. I discovered this when my little puppy became full of fleas despite using Frontline (flea protection). The moment he's been digging in the veggie patch (not with his mothers permission I might add) he comes inside full of fleas.. I wouldn't have known that they were in the soil, had it not been for him.

The pet shop told me that it often happens with sandy soil. I don't like the idea of using a spray (the pet shop suggested one) because of the vegetables, but no matter what I do, it seems the fleas win out every time.

Does anyone have any suggestions please?

Many thanks,
Wendy M. from Hervey Bay, Australia

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My store where I shop stopped carrying shower power, where can I buy it here in arizona. I shop at Fry's Food store. Why did they stop selling it? I use this to clean my shower, It works really well.

Theresa from Mesa Arizona

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I am only a beginner and know very little about what I am doing. I have some flowers (petunias, verbena, and something else I can't identify) and a cherry tomato plant. My neighbor has a grape vine and a lot of the grapes have fallen off and gone bad. Can it help or hinder if I recycle them as compost for my garden by placing them on top of the soil?

Hardiness Zone: 10b

Thank you,
Brigitte from Israel

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