Daily Thrifty Tips - January 30, 2008

I hope everyone is having a nice week. This Friday's Saving Money on... Newsletter is about Saving Money on Heating Costs. Do you have any tips to share? Please post them here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86449637.tip.html

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Front Yard Perennials

We removed the turf from the postage stamps size areas of our lawn next to the house, and put in lots of stone and ground covers. Over the last few years, we have added many perennials along the odd wind chime and bubbler fountain. People driving by almost always look at our yard, especially in the summertime.

By Shirley from Topeka, KS

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Brand-New Grandson Rowan

Just wanted everybody to enjoy my brand-new grandson, Rowan.

My tip: Swaddling a newborn really works to calm them. Their nervous systems aren't quite developed enough to self-soothe when their own arm and leg movements startle them.

By Shirley from Topeka, KS

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Virginia (Corgi Mix)

Virginia is a 7 year old Corgi mix. We discovered her, on our anniversary, 6 years ago, in the local SPCA. Even though Corgis are herding dogs, her previous mommy gave her to the shelter (for possible destruction) because she didn't like this little baby chasing her chickens.

She loves to go for walks and rides and will jump nearly 4 feet off the ground at the sight of a leash! Although the smallest of 4 pups in our family, she is 20 lbs, her sister and brother are 80 lbs, 45 lbs and 40 lbs, she is the queen bee and dominates them all!

By Amy from Northern Virginia

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Happy Valentines Day - From Pillsbury

Happy Valentines Day!

The Doughboy has special wishes and a personal message for you from Pillsbury. Click on this link:

• http://www.pillsbury.com/AALL/valentines.aspx

By imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Melt Candles on a Coffee Cup Warmer

Extend the life of scented candles: Instead of burning them (which uses oxygen, may generate soot, and could be a fire hazard), melt them in a heatproof jar atop an electric coffee cup warmer. The pleasant scent will waft through the air, and the candle will last almost forever.

By Nance from Statesboro, GA

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Plan Meals in Advance to Save Grocery Money

The number one way I save money on my groceries is menu planning. I write out what we will have for dinner the whole week, make up the grocery list, and add to it any necessity items such as toilet paper, detergent, etc. Sticking to the list has helped me a lot in saving money buying items I don't really need that week or giving in to temptation buying things that look good, but most likely won't get used. I have cut my grocery bill by almost 40 to even 50 dollars a week by doing this. Give it a try!

By Debbie from Fisher, IL

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Set Your Dishwasher To Rinse With Cold Water

Here is how I use my 10-year-old-three-cycle dishwasher, so it doesn't "cook" the food in the plates. First, I must say that I never rinse any of my dishes; I put all of them right away in the dishwasher. But, for the first of the three cycles, I turn on the cold water only, this way, the dishes are well rinsed by the cold water during the first cycle, and not "cooked" by the hot water. And it works, 98.7% of the time.

It takes me about three or four minutes of waiting time beside the machine, of which I take advantage to sweep the kitchen floor. I never go away, since I always forget to turn on the hot water after the first filling is finished.

Source: My brain

By Andre' from Guelph, ON

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Use a Spreadsheet to Track Interest

I have made up a spreadsheet to keep track of our mortgage repayments, how much interest we are paying and all our extra repayments.

I made it to help keep us motivated and to show how any extra repayments are going to help us.

It is also good because in a second I am able to check if the interest the bank has charged us is correct.

I have also anticipated times when we might be able to increase our repayment and punched in numbers ahead of time to calculate the exact date our loan can be paid off.

I have read books that say you can save this much time and money off your mortgage. But with the spreadsheet I have been able to prove to myself and my partner that we CAN save $333,000 and pay our mortgage off in less than 6 years instead of 30.

The spreadsheet itself is easy enough to create. here is what you need. I used excel.

Column A- Date (Start with your settlement date) and drag down a lot
Column B- Day Number. 1,2,3...etc (you can hide this later but will use it for calculations.)
Column C- Amount owing. The first cell will be the amount you borrowed e.g 200,000. The following cell will equal column F from the row above (previous "new balance")
Column D- Daily interest rate. Interest Rate (pa)/365 + 1 (for 7.5% interest type (0.075/365) + 1
Column E- repayment, enter the first repayment on the correct date and so on.
Column F- New Balance = Column C * Column D - Column E. (Amount owing * Daily interest rate - repayment)

That's the basis of it, from here it is easy to work out how much interest you are paying per day (amount owing * (daily interest-1)

and how much of your house you actually own = the original amount - new balance

Source: I created the spreadsheet myself, but I was inspired by Anita Bells book "Your Mortgage and how to pay it off in 5 years".

By Monica from Kalgoorlie, Australia

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Look For Clues To The Age Of Your House

A simple way to find out how old you house is when it was built. Tip Check in the toilet tank, the date inside indicates when the fixture was installed. Chances are that is when the house was built also. (of course new fixtures may have been installed in a older house.) You can also check the county building inspection stickers on the water heater or electrical distribution panel.

Source: Mary Ellen's Clean House

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Recipe Size Converter Website

Here is a handy recipe converter that increases or decreases any recipe!

• http://www.geocities.com/ritashanty/aconvert3-scroll1.html

If this geocites site sometime in the future closes, just google: "recipe size converter" to get another one! There's several to choose from!

By Melody yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Cleaning With Club Soda

Club soda is the best stain and odor remover I've found when my dog has a potty accident on the carpet. The key is to get to it as soon as possible. First use a paper towel to tab up as much of the urine as possible, then pour about 1/2 a small bottle of club soda directly on the area. Watch it fizz, wait about 5 minutes, and then dab it again with more paper towels. You will not see or smell any evidence as long as the stain hasn't had time to set in.

By Jan from Champaign, IL

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Jazz Up Your Water with This Fruity Lo-Cal Beverage

We all know that water is good for us, but it can get boring. Try this simple recipe to jazz up your water. I take a 64 oz. pitcher and fill it with 2 slices of orange, 2 slices of lemon, and 2 slices of lime. Add water and about 5 or 6 packets of Splenda, and shake well.

Refrigerate and enjoy. By drinking this pitcher of fruity water you're getting your daily requirement of water for the day. Give it a try, it tastes great!

By Kathy Z. from Philadelphia, PA

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Home Remedy for Boils

The perfect boil home remedy. Boils are very painful. They swell, get red and very hard. At this point place a small piece of bacon fat to the sore then cover with a larger band aid before going to bed. By the next morning it will have lanced itself or will have the white head on it to lance. I have used this remedy on more than one occasion mine usually lance themselves. I guaranty it to work!

By Sandy from Hardinsburg, Ky

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Tuna Pasta Bake with Chip Topping

Does anyone have a tuna pasta bake recipe? I used to have one that had crisps (chips) as a topping but have somehow managed to lose the recipe. Thanks!

Myrtle from UK

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Making Banana Bread Moist

How do I get my banana bread to be moist?

az2010 from East Hampton, MA

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Planning a BBQ for 100 People

I am planning a surprise 75th birthday party for my husband. There will be approx 100 people (all seniors) for a BBQ at our clubhouse. It will include a BYOB. We want to grill hamburgers, brats and dogs. We'll serve potato salad, slaw and BBQ Beans and watermelon. I need help in how much to purchase. We want to keep it simple, due to social security income. Thanks!

Mary from Tampa Bay, FL

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Scars from Breast Reduction Surgery

I have breast reduction red and brown scars that don't go away. Also, the skin is loose in scars because I had injections to flatten them. Even though the scars are flat, now but they are red and brown. What should I use as a home remedy? I also have blue veins on my breast. What should I use as home remedy for that?

Jasmine

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1950's McCall or Simplicity Pillow Pattern

I'm looking for a throw Pillow Pattern with the choice of a Cat face, Dog face, Boy face, or Girl face from the 50's. Can't remember if it was Simplicity or McCalls.

Linda from Mulvane, KS

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Cat Urine on a Brass Candlestick Lamp

I have a brass candlestick lamp, 36" tall. The base is made of 3 feet: with space between. In other words, it is not a solid flat base. One of my cats peed against it and the "feet" turned green with a slight build-up on the metal. How can I clean it?

Carol from Sacramento, CA

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Planning a Small Sweet 16 Birthday

I'm going to be turning 16 at the end of February and I have no idea what to do! I want it to be a sweet sixteen and i was thinking of maybe me and my 2 closest friends go for make overs after school in a limo and then we go pick the other 8 girls up and then we come back to my house. That's where I'm stuck!

I don't have a theme and I don't want it to be a big party. just something sweet and memorable! I could really use some tips in the next week because I* need to have it planned by the beginning week of February!

Country girl 101 from Canada

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Kid Friendly Bean Recipes

I have the opposite problem of most parents. My four year old son loves fruits and vegetables, so it can be hard to get him to eat proteins sometimes! We're on a limited budget, and I know beans are both nutritious and inexpensive. I'm wondering if anyone has any healthy recipes or ideas for bean-related dishes. Of course there's chili, etc. but I'm looking for some more unique ideas.

We had chili last week and my son picked the beans out, saying he didn't like them! I was thinking that a bean dip might be something I could use to have him dip veggies into (and that way he won't see that it's actually made with beans, since they're not whole!). So any recipes or ideas like that would be great! Thanks for any help you can give me!

Lisa from Kenosha, WI

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Quilted Cross-Stitch Christmas Balls

Does anyone have instructions for a Christmas ornament made with a Styrofoam ball, folded material, and cross stitching?

Lynda from Dayton, OH

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Recipes Using Lea and Perrins Steak Sauce

Recently we were given several bottles of Lea and Perrins Steak Sauce They were missing their labels so the grocery store sold them as part of a 'grab' box. Since we don't eat enough steak to use up SIX bottles of steak sauce any time soon, I'm wondering if there are some recipes where I can use the steak sauce? Maybe with chicken or pork or a roast? Any ideas?

imama2many from UT

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Imitation Leather Coach is Cracking

My fake leather couch is drying and cracking. What do I do to fix this?

Ramin

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Pen on a Leather Purse

How do I get pen ink out of a leather purse?

Stephanie from Boonton, NJ

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Cake is Moist in the Middle and Dry Around the Edges

Why is my cake moist in the middle but dry around the edges?

Karla from Pella, IA

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Manual for Brother's Printer MFC-240C

I need a printer manual for a MFC-240C Brother printer. I want to repair the print head. A download of how to do this would suffice.

John from Port St. Lucie, FL

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How Long Do I Cook a Cake in a Different Pan Than Instructed?

I want to make a cake that calls for using 3 - 9 inch round pans. Baking is at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. I want to bake it in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. How long does it need to bake?

JG from CT

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Creative Description for Someone Turning 80

What could you call someone turning 80? Something that begins with the letter 'O'. Something like Oxygenerator?

Susan from Richmond, MN

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Ziploc Bags Frozen to Freezer Shelf

I have Ziploc bags full of veggie puree frozen to my freezers door shelf. I tried a flexible spatula, no go. Help! This particular shelf cannot be removed and is solid plastic. The bags must have been wet when I packed them in there so snugly.

Shelly from Portland, OR

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Location for a Child's Birthday Party During Hot Weather

I need an idea of where to have my two year old daughters' birthday. It's going to be in August and its really hot.I need to find somewhere that is cool and easy to do. Where can I have it?

Sarina from Irving, TX

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Upgrading My Computer to XP

My computer is old. I bought it in 2000, I would like to up grade it to XP. Any advice on how to do this would be appreciated.

Fru-gal

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Recipe for Poppyseed Cake with Nut Filling

I am looking for a poppyseed cake recipe with a cooked filling made with an egg, sugar and nuts. It is frosted with a 7 minute cooked frosting. I looked on a lot of cooking sites and can't find it. The cake itself can be made with a white cake mix with poppy seeds added. Thanks for your help

Jan from Springfield, Mn

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Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

I would like to know some simple quick recipes for food for Valentine's Day for a dinner meal.

Ann

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Vinegar to Remove Sticky Substances

Can vinegar remove sticky substances?

DJ from Slidell, LA

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Recipes for Meals to Fix and Freeze

I work full time (outside the home) and have four children (7yrs, 5yrs, and the twins are 14 months). What I need (besides in house help) is meals that I can fix and freeze. I found a few sights, but the recipes are a bit bland and or higher $$ cuts of meat. Any help would be a lifesaver! Thanks all!

Amy from Ohio

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Growing Geranium Seeds

I have what I think are seeds growing on my pink geranium. I have been letting them turn brown and then gently removing them and storing these in a paper bag in a dark dry spot.

Do I test these in the same manner as most seeds to see if they are going to germinate? When would I put these outside? Should I start them inside first?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Kelly from Western North Carolina

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Uses for Faux Fur Coats

My mother passed away last year and left me 7 faux fur coats and jackets. They are very nice and are from Fabulous Furs and all different types of furs. Most are new with the tags and a couple were $500.00. I tried selling them for about $100.00 on Ebay and Craigslist. I hate to throw them out, but they are taking a whole closet full of space. Any ideas of what else I could use them for? They are all plus sizes.

Kathie from South Portland, ME

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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

A Is For Apple Butter
By Claire Bush

Ever since Eve ate one of the forbidden fruits in the garden of Eden, apples have been touted as a cure-all for everything from fertility to digestion. With more than 7,500 varieties, there's always a crop in season!

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Baxter Issues Urgent Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Heparin

1,000 Units/ml 10 and 30ml Multi-Dose Vials
NDC NUMBERS 0641-2440-45, 0641-2440-41, 0641-2450-45 and 0641-2450-41; LOTS: 107054, 117085, 047056, 097081, 107024, 107064, 107066, 107074, 107111

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