Daily Thrifty Tips - February 4, 2008

We are happy to announce that Ellen Brown is back as our Gardening and Green Living expert! If you have any Gardening or Green Living questions, feel free to post them here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml

We have new recalls in the More Reading section, be sure to look them over and make sure you don't have any of the products.

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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Craft: Decorative Hat

Wall decoration from a straw hat.

Approximate Time 30 minutes

Supplies:

• straw hat
• lace
• artificial flowers
• hot glue and gun
• beads
• ribbon

Instructions:

By Sandy from Bluff City, TN.

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Denim Heart Purse

Recycle those old jeans into a Valentine's Day denim heart purse. Here is the link to the free pattern information.

• Recycled Denim Heart Purse

By RecycleCindy from WA

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My Favorite Container Ever

Blue Daddy petunias, purple stripe angelonia, yellow zinnia linaria, and Silver Falls dichondra.

Tips: Use three color families - two that "match" (the tall angelonia and the petunias); one "contrast" (the yellow zinnia); and one "complementary" to the other colors (silver trailing dichondra). At least one plant should be upright and one trailing. The others can be a mix of upright, mid-height, and trailing. The possibilities are endless! (The tubular flower in the foreground is a calla lily.)

By Shirley from Topeka, KS

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Minnie (Pomeranian)

Minnie is a Pomeranian and is 13 weeks old. We fell in love with Minnie after seeing her take on her litter mates that were 2 to 3 times her size. We've had Minnie for a week now and she's made our home her castle.

Minnie loves dragging things 10 times her size across the room. She also adores her squeaky barbell. She enjoys trying to get the cat to play with her.

At less than 2 pounds, we would have never guessed what a giant impression she has made on our hearts.

By Ang from Ohio

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Happy Groundhog's Day From Murray The Groundhog

Hello, I'm Murray and, as you can see, I am a groundhog. Someday, I hope to be THE groundhog, you know the one that tells us whether there will be six more weeks of winter or not. When I have that power, let me tell you, spring will start early every year!

Here is a link to my idol, Punxsutawney Phil. http://www.groundhog.org/ You can check his weather report starting at 7 AM (EST) on February 2nd. Here's hoping for spring!

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Editor's Note: For more information on Groundhog's Day, you can follow this link:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_day

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Sew Stray Buttons On When Doing Laundry

When I'm doing the laundry, I keep a threaded needle in the cupboard above the washer so I can sew buttons back on clothes as soon as I find they came off in the washer or dryer. I used to keep wayward buttons and such in a jar and sew them on later but sometimes I would never get around to it. This way it's done right away.

By Sharon from Bonita Springs

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Save Soap In The Shower With A Plastic Cup

I keep a plastic disposable type glass in the shower and it fits perfectly snug in the towel bar. I add all the slivers of soap with a small amount of water and use my netting shower poof to obtain the creamy soap.No more wasted soap.

By Ceil from Tavares, FL

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Homemade Humidifier On Heater Vents

The weather here in the Minneapolis, MN area has been frigid for the past two weeks, temperatures hovering around 0 and below every night. With the furnace constantly running, I noticed that my house was very dry. I didn't want to turn on a steamer, (like what you would use when the kids are sick) because that would use a lot of electricity.

I went to the dollar store and picked up a couple of plastic banana holders (the ones you can hang bananas on). I then filled a flat bottomed bowl with around 2 inches of water and inserted the holder. Then I took an old dishtowel or you could use cheesecloth or any rag, for that matter, and draped it over the holder making sure that the towel is in the water so that it will wick up the water. I poured more water on the cloth and placed the bowls in front of a couple of heat vents. When the heat cranks on, it blows across the bowl/banana holder and takes the humid air with it. It really has made a difference in my home. Of course if you have pets or small children, you want to be very careful.

By Ardelle from Richfield, MN

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Time To Get Organized For 2008 Taxes

This is the time to get organized for your 2008 taxes. Start the year off right! Then at this time next year, you will have all you need.

Get a large 3 ring binder- One that is 3 to 4 inches thick. Also, you will need around 25 or more plastic page protector sheets.

Label the spine 2008 taxes

Put the page protector sheets in the binder, with the open side up (so papers don't fall out the bottom)

Now, label your page protector sheets with with a perm marker, or masking tape.

Your pages will be labeled according to your needs, but mine are:

• Medical doctor receipts
• Prescription receipts
• Dental and vision receipts
• Misc. receipts: union dues, health insurance receipts...
• Home improvements
• Energy improvements
• Rental income
• Rental expenses
• Farm expenses
• W2's
• Receipts for donations
• Receipts for education
• Receipts for job training
• Auto sales tax
• Personal property tax
• Real estate tax

When you get your 2007 taxes back, put a copy of that paper work in this book also, so you will have it as a reference for next year. You can either put it in the pockets at the front and back of the book, or punch holes in the pages and insert it in the back of the book.

This book will keep you organized, and takes up only 4-5 inches on a bookshelf in the office. And at the end of the year, simply take the book to your tax person. It may save you money if they charge by the hour as you will be all organized. You can even subtotal your amounts and they will be broken down by cat. already.

By April from NW Missouri

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Valentine's Day Cracker

I save old toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls. For Valentine's Day this year I covered the cardboard rolls with Valentine craft paper, you could use wrapping paper. I tied each end with Valentine colored ribbon and I filled the inside with seasonal Hershey kisses. It is similar to the "English Cracker" idea but it won't make a noise if you break it open.

Kids love to decorate the wrapping paper or craft paper with extra stickers, stamping etc to dress it up even further.

By Diane from Leesburg

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Wet Down Sand Before Placing On Icy Driveway

If your sidewalk or driveway are ice and the sand keeps blowing off, try wetting the sand in a bucket with just enough water to moisten then put down. The sand won't blow away and you've got traction!

In all fairness, this is my husband's idea. We live in very windy Illinois and have had to deal with some very bad weather. One morning, my husband came in with a bucket full of sand and ran it under the water. I thought he was nuts! He explained it to me and the light bulb came on! I just hope it will help someone out there!

By Debradj from Illinois

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Store Leftover Chips In The Freezer

After the big super bowl party, store any leftover chips in the freezer. They stay fresh and can be eaten right out of the freezer. I package them in zipper bags and throw them right into the kids lunch box.

By duckie43 from Tell City, IN

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Recycling Valentine Cards

I've been saving used and unused Valentines for several years. Now I can cut out parts that I like to use, and put them on homemade Valentines. When my granddaughters didn't use all the her cards in a child box, I kept them. Glued them onto blank cards. They make a cute card to send to young and old alike!

Source: my own idea

By Christie from Poulsbo, WA

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Plant Onions To Keep Cats Out Of Your Yard

We get frustrated with our neighbors cats as they are constantly in our yard and destroying our plants. We decided to fight back this past summer, we planted green onion every 5 feet all around our garden. This not only kept the cats our but also kept the squirrels and other unwanted pests out of the garden. We also noticed significantly less bugs around the plants. plus they look nice in the garden.

By Diane from Waterloo, Ontario

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Cucumber Water

For a refreshing, calorie-free, cost-free beverage, try adding a couple slices of cucumber (scrubbed, but not peeled) to a glass of ice water. It's heavenly!

By Jan from Champaign, IL

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Removing Mold on a Motorcycle Helmet

I've got a motorbike helmet that was left in a damp garage, and has mold around the bottom and on the strap. I just wanted to know if I can save it, or should I buy a new one? Thanks.

Peter B.

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Weaning a Breast Fed Baby Who Refuses Formula

What is the best way to wean a 10 month old baby from breastfeeding, when she refuses to take to formula?

Dayle S. from Central Coast, NSW

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Old Fashion Rice Pudding

Does anyone have an old fashioned rice pudding recipe?

Judy from Traverse

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Using Empty Oatmeal Canisters

I have a lot of oatmeal canisters. Any ideas on what I could do/make with them?

Sandy from Arkansas

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Diabetic Recipes for a Crock Pot

I am needing some good, simple crock pot recipes for diabetics. I don't like to cook so we need to keep it simple.

Pamm from Tulsa, OK

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Substitutes for Canned Soups

I have recipes that I use in which I used canned soups. The soup prices have skyrocketed. One of the soups is Campbell's French Onion which went from about $1.09 to $1.49. I refuse to pay those prices. Has anyone replaced canned soups with spices or other things in recipes?

Betty

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Making 55 Easy Princess Wands

I need ideas for princess wands. There must be reasonable cost in supplies. I need to have about 55 of them! I have craft supplies to draw from, but they need to be simple. I will make the basic wand and preschoolers will decorate them. They shouldn't break easily, no sharp points and shouldn't take me hours to make.

Sandy from Sheboygan, WI

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Crocheting a Simple Granny Square

Can anyone give me directions for crocheting a simple granny square?

Millie from VA

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Making Yard Art with Broken Gardening Tools

Does anyone know how to make yard art out of old broken rakes, shovels, etc?

Rolayne from Beasley, TX

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Bonfire Birthday Party Ideas

I am having my 13th birthday on February 16. I am having a camp out and a bonfire at night. What should I do from 6 to before we go to bed? I am a male.

Anthony from Lakeland, Florida

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Homemade Grand Marnier

Looking for a recipe to make Grand Marnier.

Eileen from Eureka, CA

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What Song is this Lyrics From?

I need to know the name of this song, it was on a CD I had. It is from 2000. The guy says 'Bang a ding a ding, Bang a ding a ding, Come on baby' Please help me!

William

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Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

I have been trying to find the Chicken Pot Pie recipe that was on the box for ever. I want to make it again and I can't find it. Can you help me?

Gerri

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Low Calorie Subway Style Wheat Bread

I was wondering if anyone had a low calorie recipe for wheat bread similar to Subway? I've been searching for one, but so far most of the Subway copycats I've found are HIGH in calorie. Thanks!

Monica from MO

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Do You Get Lots of Junk Mail When ordering Sample Products?

I apologize for the 'lateness' of this question. A few weeks ago, I read about how you can get product samples and give them to homeless shelters. I LOVE this idea but I have a question for those who order samples. Do you get junk snail mail or other spam because of this? If so, how do you handle this problem?

That's my only concern otherwise, I'd sign up for everything. Please let me know the answer to my question. If my concerns aren't a problem, I look forward to helping out others by doing this simple thing.

Dawn from Apple Valley, MN

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Growing a Tree from a Willow Cutting

Can someone please tell me how to take a cutting from a willow tree and how to get the cutting to grow? I live in CT. Thanks so much

Hardiness Zone:

GRAYCAT926 from Bolton, CT

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Value of Harlequin Books Dolls

I have 2 dolls from Harlequin Books reader service. I would like to find out if they have any collector value? I bought them in 1988 ,1989. They are about 18in high. One is dressed in red and the other in light blue. Any information you could give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jan from Springfield, MN

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Making a Tissue Box Holder

I work for a school. I am an aide on a special needs bus and want a pattern for a school bus tissue box holder. Does anyone know of one?

Vickim from Mount Vernon, WA

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Can I Use 'Fruit Fresh' When Making Baby Food?

I have been making my son's baby food and I noticed that the baby food on the market uses ascorbic acid and citric acid with the jars that contain fruit. I know ascorbic acid is vitamin c and that reduces the browning that can occur with fruits.

I went looking for something like this in my grocery store and I found something called fruit fresh, but it also contains dextrose and silcone dioxide. Are these things safe for a baby?

Julia from Houston, TX

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Salvage Grocery Stores in Tennessee

I have been looking at posts on this site about Salvage grocery stores. Can anybody tell me if there are grocery auctions in TN? We are coming from Oklahoma and will be moving to Jackson shortly and have the time to do the research now.

In OK, there are grocery auctions open to the public that are overstocks or near expiration, dent and ding, etc. where you can pick up some really good deals. Also, in OKC there is a store call the Big Green Warehouse that sells this stuff on a regular basis. How about TN?
Thanks for any and all input!

Faye from Jackson, TN(shortly)

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Streaks on Glass Shower Door

A client has clear glass shower walls and door. No matter how careful I am to clean them up and down in a very straight line when my client takes a shower the streaks are there when it fogs up. How can I make the streaks go away when it's steamy from the shower. This shower gets throughly cleaned 3 times a week.

Kim from Delaware

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Recipe for German Potato Soup

I need a recipe for German Potato Soup.

Wyla from Houston, TX

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What is Extrusion Technology?

What is extrusion technology and how is it used to make some products?

Cynthia from Otawa

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Using Extracts Instead of Juices

Is it OK to use extracts instead of juices or seeds? I'm thinking like orange/lemon juice vs. orange/lemon extracts. If it is possible, how much do you use per tsp. of juice?

holmanhouse from Eugene, OR

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Our Dog Will Only Pee on Grass

We just got a one year old cocker spaniel that is very well trained. It seems that he has been trained to go to the bathroom on grass. Unfortunately we do not have any grass in our backyard because of the pool, BBQ bar, and patio area. We are trying to get him to go on our side yard which is cement.

We take him over there often but he just looks at us and won't go. He will hold it until we take him on a walk to the park. We have tried a spray called Wee Wee which is supposed to have a scent that will encourage him to go. He just sniffs and won't go. Any suggestions on how to get him to go in his new environment? We don't want him to get sick from holding it to long, and we can't take him on a walk every time he needs to go.

Charlotte from La Palma, CA

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Making a Padded Headboard

I want to make a queen padded headboard using Styrofoam. How would I attach it to the wall? I want to hear from anyone who has made their own headboard.

Betty from Lubbock, TX

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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

Saving Money on Heating Costs

Advice for saving money on heating costs from the ThriftyFun community.

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Removing Strong Odor from Moldy Refrigerator

I have a GE top-bottom fridge that was sitting in my buddies garage for atleast a year. Surprisingly roses didn't grow inside but mold did, some tiny pin head sized mold. I was able to get some sort of eggs for some creature that loves smelly stuff, and some disgusting looking black sludge on the bottom.

I used the whole bottle of Clorox all purpose cleaner with bleach and hosed everything out. Aside from some stains on the bottom that aren't coming out without a torch, the thing is spotless. I opened a box of baking soda and put it in there but it still freaking reeks. It wouldn't surprise me if there was still mold on some of the inner workings of the fridge but i don't know if I can get to them.

If anyone knows what parts I should specifically look at please let me know and please for the love of god tell me how to get rid of this smell!

Shane from Orlando, FL

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Campbell Hausfeld Recalls Air Compressors Following Fires

Hazard: Protective covers on the compressor's motor are not made from proper flame retardant material and can ignite, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

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Kids II Inc. Recalls Crib Toys Due to Choking Hazard

Hazard: The anchors that hold the straps to the back of the turtle can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

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Car Charging Units Made By The Wenzel Co. for LL Bean Air Beds Recalled Due To Injury Hazard

Hazard: The batteries in the car charging unit can overheat when the car engine is running, causing the battery charging unit to burst. This can pose an injury hazard to consumers.

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Baby Sterling Silver Teethers Recalled by Elegant Baby Due to Choking Hazard

Hazard: The hearts and cars on the teethers can break off, posing a choking hazard to infants.

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Glue Guns Recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Due to Fire, Burn and Shock Hazards

Hazard: The recalled glue guns can short circuit, causing the gun to smoke and catch fire. This poses fire, burn and shock hazards to consumers.

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