Daily Thrifty Tips - October 3, 2006

Free Photo Organizer From Google

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Precious is my 16 week old Chihuahua. My hubby bought me her for I had just lost my other puppy. He was so thoughtful in trying to help me through the griefing process.

She likes to run through the house and grab her toys and shake them like she is a nut. She is so tiny and pretty but she can get really mean sometimes! lol

By Dar from Texas

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I redid this garden this year and experimented with planting seeds in containers without knowing what types of flowers I would get. . . Once the seedlings grew strong enough, I transplanted them into this garden, and ended up with a riot of colors! The individual photos of flowers came about as I experimented with my digital camera because I wanted to capture the bright colors and designs.

By Kathy from Warrenton, VA

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To be healthy and wealthy never even finish reading a recipe that lists a "box" or "package" of anything. Be a basic cook. Learn the recipes for meat, rice, vegetables combinations that don't rely on high salt "packaged" soup mixes for their flavor. Give natural flavors a chance. You may find you like them better than the hyped-up boxes and packages you find in 'the middle' of your supermarket.

By Nancy

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We have a large blended family (7 kids and 14 grandkids), thank goodness I learned to cook from scratch! One of my biggest timesavers is to cook one pound of bacon in my dutch oven. I simply dump it in and stir it around. When cooled, pour excess grease in a container to use to season other foods. I then take the dutch oven with the "brown residue" and pour in my green beans. They are perfectly seasoned and taste wonderful. After cooking the green beans, the pan is always easier to clean too!

By Nellie from Franklin, IN

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I created a little girl's birthday gift that did not need to be wrapped. I am the world's worst wrapper and did not want to add the cost of the gift with wrapping paper and a card. I bought a $3 rubbermaid red plastic container with a lid on it. I filled it with cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, and candles. The little girl absolutely loved her "birthday cake in a box" and could not wait to help her mother make it. The mother commented that it was the most creative and thoughtful birthday gift she had ever seen!

By Amylucille from Fremont, Ohio

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My favorite way to cook a pork roast is to put it in my crockpot and pour a packet of ranch dressing mix on it, then add a can of chicken broth. Cook on high for an hour then on low for 6 or 7 hours.

By Christi from Paducah, KY

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Not only is this frugal but it cuts calories and makes it more nutritious. Whip frosting to get more out of it and put less on the cake or cupcakes.

By Mary Ann Kieffer from Lawrence, KS

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Wanda's dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, "I'll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I'll mail you a check.

"Oh, by the way, don't worry about my bulldog, Spike. He won't bother you. But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot! I REPEAT, DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!"

When the repairman arrived at Wanda's apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking bulldog he has ever seen. But, just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work.

The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name-calling. Finally the repairman couldn't contain himself any longer and yelled, "Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!"

To which the parrot replied, "Get him, Spike!"

Some men just don't listen!

By Terri from NV

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A few years ago, a dear pal baked us a cake. It was a very, very moist cake... She didn't say how long it would keep for or if I should freeze it or refrigerate it. I guess she thought I'd know. I put it in an air tight container. In 2 days, the cake was soured and moldy. So learn from my mistake and keep out just enough that you think you'll be able to eat for your next meal. Put the rest in serving sizes in the freezer, till ready to use.

By Terri from NV

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What's the great thing about shopping for your wardrobe at thrift shops? You can afford great fabrics - like linen and silk and designer names. And you can make mistakes! The prices allow you to try styles, colors, trends without the sticker guilt. And if you get a stain on your $3.00 shirt after a couple of wearings, it's no great loss!

By Pam from L.A., CA

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When working with beads or any other small craft items look no farther than your egg carton for a great project organizer. We buy the big box of eggs and get large square egg cartons but any egg carton will work just fine. You can organize by color or size or both! Plus you are keeping them out of the landfill.

By lifewithmadman from Little Rock AR

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This can still be done and not have it go bad. For example, large bulk carrots, apples, bananas, strawberries, pears, peaches almost any fruit can be frozen for later. Grocery stores will have last day sales with fresh products.

Carrots can be cut up boiled and placed in separate freezer containers. When ready to use microwave with added butter and tarragon for dinner's veggie.

Apples can be easily made into apple sauce, uncooked pies (which also can be frozen) then heated for 45 minutes in the oven when you want to serve them.

As for bananas can make banana breads to freeze, also (makes great inexpensive gifts.)

Strawberries can be made either into syrup for ice cream, pancakes...etc.

Pears can be made into mincemeat pie. Peaches can become a preserve or jam.

By LRP from LOWELL, MASS.

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
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How can I get the mothball smell out of cabinet?

Tim from Clements, MD

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My daughter has to decorate a car for the homecoming Parade at school. The cars have to be decorated with tissue flowers and I have NEVER made a tissue flower.

southernrose1970 from Louisiana

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Has anyone tried ELF Cosmetics? They have been written up in many national magazines and everything is $1! My skin tends to simply absorb all my makeup including my powder foundation and everything I put on my eyes. I've tried just about every brand - is this any different?

Thank you,
Mindy from Oregon

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I need to know how to tell two-cycle mixed gas from regular gas. We have one gas can of each, and no idea which is which. We already broke a lawnmower by guessing wrong once, and we just can't afford that same mistake again!

Nicole from Chicago, IL

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The large red plastic Folger's coffee cans make excellent storage for lettuce. They are good for other things too. Be sure to label the container. I especially love the handle on the container!

By Syd from Dunkirk, MD

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I've been reading in Thrifty Tips about using borax in the wash instead of bleach (works great) and on the carpet to kill fleas. Can anyone tell me if it will kill ticks on the carpet and outside on the ground?

Ellen from Maricopa, CA

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I have a light yellow pair of linen and cotton pants that mud splashed up on the back. I first washed as normal, then tried putting a paste of oxi clean on spots, then tried oxi clean and Shout together. I have not put them in the dryer any time. Mud spots are lighter but still there. What else can I try?

Alicia from Columbus, GA

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Where can I buy borax? I've looked at Wal-Mart and they don't have any.

Chantal from Canada

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Does anyone know what causes those "blue stains" on laundry when they are washed and dried? I don't know if they are coming from the washer or the dryer. I have ran things through the wash for the first time and get blue spots on them and then viola!, they are stained for life and ruined. I heard it can be caused by fabric softener or dryer sheets, but I don't know if that's the case. Can anyone help me?

Frank from Louisville, KY

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I have got a chocolate stain on the sleeve and cuff of a suede jacket. How can I remove it?

Mac from Wairarapa

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Does anyone have a recipe to make spelt bread in a bread maker or does anyone know the length of time required to knead the spelt flour in the machine? Because spelt is delicate, it doesn't require a lot of kneading. I know it's less than whole wheat, but exactly how much less, I don't know. I suppose I could keep on trying until I get it right, but after a few unsuccessful loaves, it's getting frustrating.

Nicole from Canada

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How can I clean permanent marker off a cement wall?

Cristal from Ireland

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How can I get a dog drool stain off my microfiber love seat? Is bringing the cushion covers to a dry cleaners a good idea? Can they get it out or will it hurt the fabric?

Jessica from Parks, Louisiana

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I live in Ala. and have pecan trees that have produced abundantly for years. But, the last two year the crop has been rotten and this year I don't see many if any pecans on them. The pecans that have fallen off are rotten with bugs or something. What is the problem and how can I fix it?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Judy from Leighton, AL

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I would like to publish a recipe book. Can anyone tell me how to start the process?

Omayra from NY

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I have superglue in my hair is there anything i can use to get it out?

Cece from Clarkston, GA

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I am looking for ideas for very inexpensive, low fat, healthy snacks. I do have access to a microwave at work and not always a fridge. I eat apples and pretzels every day and need something else.

Thank you,
Mindy from Oregon

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What does blue mean in a rainbow tea?

Glenise from Newberry, South Carolina

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I have an older Presto pressure cooker and it is pitted in the bottom and stained badly. I got it at yard sale today. The stains in the bottom look black but also appear to be pitted. Is it possible to remove them? I have lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar with water inside now soaking. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Neta from Fort Worth TX

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How do I clean lime from my bathtub? It's an older house that I just moved into, probably built in the 1950's or so. The bathtub looks as if the last person that lived here never cleaned it! I tried the regular bathtub cleaners and nothing has worked. It seems to be built up from hard water stains and gets worse towards the drain. I'm thinking it's a thick layer of lime. It's so freagin gross! There is also some grout on the sides.

Erica from San Antonio, TX

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How do you remove underarm odor from an article of clothing that can't be washed or dry-cleaned (a costume)?

Angel from Seattle, WA

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Does anyone have a tasty homemade Italian dressing recipe that tastes like the Good Seasons packet you mix yourself with oil and vinegar? Thank you in advance.

Kathy from Illinois

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My son is turning 16 in January and we have decided to give him a nice party to celebrate with his friends and family. He has decided on a casual dressy Black & White theme to make it more interesting. We will be reserving our community clubhouse to host this event on a Saturday evening.

I'm trying to come up with as many ideas and tips as I can.

Here are some things I've already come up with:

All decorations will be B&W. Working in the Hollywood film items here and there as well (my son plans to be a film direction later in life). I need ideas for centerpieces.

B&W gift bags for the guests to take home. I need to know what to put in them.

I plan on setting up a display of some sort with B&W pictures of my son and his friends, near the entrance.

I'd like to make a B&W guest book for his friends to write things in as they come in.

We will have a DJ and I thought maybe of putting a basket of B&W flip flops in the girls bathroom for them to wear to dance in (to give their feet a rest if they are wearing heels).

Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate Table Fountains with things to dip into it. I need ideas for the dip.

I'd love to get some food ideas from the wonderful people on this site. I'm not sure if I should plan on a dinner to be served or just stick with snacks and finger foods. These kids do not seem to eat much and I'd hate to spend a lot on food that goes to waste. I know they will want to nibble and munch though!

I was thinking of a B&W cupcake "cake" on a silver tiered cake plate. White cake, chocolate frosting... chocolate cake, white frosting.

Do you have any other suggestions or ideas? I know it sounds like a lot but it's really not. I want it to be a fun, casual, relaxing night for him and his friends. A night to remember for all of them. Not too frilly because it is a boy's 16th party.

Thanks in advance!

ChristiansMom from Riverside, CA

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I need a good recipe for Concord Grape Pie? This year is a bumper year for them. I made jellies last year, juice the year before. Also, can you freeze grape pie?

Diane from Milwaukee, WI

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I am looking for thick paint that will adhere to a window screen. Any suggestions?

Meria from Starkville

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I would like a simple recipe for tomato (or cream of tomato) soup. It cannot have beef or chicken broth, or any meat or meat-by-product in it. Thanks!

Maryeileen from Brooklyn OH

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I would like to know how to make the bootie bag from jeans that has a flat bottom. My problem is how to make the sides hard that they stand up by themselves. I have tried over and over to make this. Can someome please help me with this?

Bonji from Elizabeth, PA

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I will soon be moving from VA to OR. All of my belongings will fit in my car, so it will be just me and my geriatric chihuahua. The longest trip I have ever taken alone was 9 hours away. I'm looking for tips to save money, be safe, and also things I should pack that I might not have thought of. It's gonna take me about 5 days (I hope) to get there.

Thanks,
Margaret from VA

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We are the Wolves (Red and Black) and for homecoming we are playing the Panthers (purple and yellow). Any Float Ideas?

Thanks,
Tylyn from MT

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I am looking for a good quality, long lasting built-in oven, 30" across. I have an old Jenn-Air now from the late 70's, that has served me well. I don't know what is a good one versus just mediocre or poor. Since I am having to have my kitchen cabinet changed to build in a new oven (the old one was 27" across) I want it to last a long time. Suggestions on brands or models?? Any help would be appreciated.

John from Miami, FL

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Has anyone tried the Old Virginia Candles? They are sold on QVC.

Nancy from Hatfield, PA

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