Daily Thrifty Tips - January 17, 2008

Hope that the cold weather isn't getting you down. Of course the folks "downunder" are having summer. It has been chilly here in the Pacific Northwest but it is getting lighter everyday, which gives us hope that things will start growing again.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Sparkleheart

Sparkleheart! I've been experimenting with turning a sparkleball into a sparkleheart for Valentine's Day. So far so good, but if anybody else wants to give it a try, jump in!

By Sparkleball Lady from San Diego Editor's Note: See more about sparkleballs, including instructions on how to make them at http://www.sparkleball.com

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Baby (Beagle)

Baby is about 3 years old and is a Beagle. She was adopted from an animal shelter in Raleigh, NC.

Of course she LOVES us...and she has her favorite chair and crocheted afghan that she pulls down on her when she gets cold. She loves stuffed animals, playing fetch with a ball, going for long walks and sniffing "EVERYTHING!" She loves treats and chew sticks. Surprisingly enough she loves to take a bath!

And...We love her so-o-o much!

By Vicki from Concordia, MO

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Craft: Dish Dollies

Do the dishes with a smile! Make one of these unique "dish dollies" to put next to your kitchen sink. This is a great way to turn odd bits of fabric, trim, beads and other craft supplies into a useful and unique hostess or bridal shower gift, too. Best of all, the dish dollies are refillable, so your creativity can be enjoyed for months to come.

Approximate Time: 45 minutes

Supplies

• 1 bottle dish detergent (any brand)
• Fabric scraps, lace, beads, trim
• Glue gun
• Scissors

Instructions

By Claire from Phoenix, AZ

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Garbage Disposal Cleaner

Some people don't know, but there is a garbage disposal cleaner that should be used at least monthly to rid odors. It is a small paper package, that when inserted into the disposal with a trickle of water, it produces a blue foam with cleans the pipes, and if you have two sinks, will come up and clean the second system pipes too. My husband cleans fresh fish a lot, and this seems to help odors.

By Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Mall Scavenger Hunt and Other Party Ideas

My daughter is turning 10 soon and so I have some UNIQUE ideas. These are great for ages 10-18.

First is a MALL SCAVENGER HUNT. You give each team a small budget and a list of items to buy or find. The free items can be as simple as a napkin from the food court area. I would place an adult with each team for safety. After they are done gathering their items have a home base that they return to. Reward all players with a party favor to take home.

Second, this is not for my daughter's age, but sounds fun for the future. You rent a Limo and pick up your best friends either at their house or from school and it takes you to a nice hotel with a great pool area. The parents would book a room so everyone will have a place to change. You can choose to have an over night party there or just an evening party. If you choose an evening party then the parents can choose to return to the hotel and use the room for the night. This would be a win, win for everyone.

By Ralane from Vidor

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Marking Beauty Product For Easy Use

1. Regarding eyeliner and eyebrow pencils: Because both sides have similar caps (one for the pencil liner, the other for a brush or eraser), taking each one off to examine is tedious. By putting a spot of pink nail polish on the tip of the actual liner cap, I save time in the morning by uncapping the side I am looking for the first time.

2. Hair product in shower: For some reason, most of my shower hair products are in white containers. I have taken a permanent pen and written the numerical order in which to select the bottles: 1 for shampoo, 2 for conditioner, 3 for cream rinse, etc.

This system allows me to use the products without having to read the labels.

By Dale from New Orleans

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Backyard Campsite Area Near RV

When my husband and I bought a new travel trailer, we constructed a site pad from old bricks we had collected for many years for the travel trailer to be parked on; we used fluorescent paint to mark the bricks that the back wheels of the trailer should be parked on; we back filled the area with shale rock. A vacant area with two trees is next to the campsite pad.

We have converted that area into our campsite area. It was cleared out and bricks were laid around the perimeter of the area; bricks were laid around the two trees to outline the trees and also for signs to be placed to identify our camping area. A fire pit is in the center; a large bench is at the back of the campsite area that has railroad ties at the back to prevent the area from erosion. A large wooden spool that electrical wire was rolled on has been painted and will be used as a side table by the large bench; a small picnic table will be placed nearby the fire pit; chairs will be placed for comfort; a hammock will be placed outside the area on two existing posts.

We live in a rural area so the environment feels like we are at a campground. We can enjoy the area as a campground when we cannot take a trip in our travel trailer; plus we can use the travel trailer to sleep in after having our "camping" experience at our campground!

The "campground" area was my christmas gift from my husband this year; it is still under construction but I cannot wait to use it with our family!

By Wandajo from Tennessee

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Don't Reuse Zip-lock Bags Containing Meat

Someone mentioned washing and reusing zip-lock bags. I'd like to offer this side note: Please do not reuse bags that have contained meats. I'd rather throw away the bag, than to possibly get sick from contaminated plastic. It just isn't worth it.

By Barbara from TN

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Vitamin E For Hair Repair

Fabulous hair repair tip! Vitamin E capsules are a CHEAP and fantastic remedy for dry hair, split ends and damaged hair. Take about 20 or so capsules (depending on damage...mine was severe!) and cut them open with a pair of small scissors. Take the gel and put on the ends of your damaged hair. It is tedious and time consuming but it REALLY works!

Continue until all ends are covered. Work the gel in well and leave on your hair for at least an hour. I left mine on 2 hours while I cleaned house. Then shampoo and style as usual. You WON'T believe the difference! Try it!

By Paula from GA

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Dye Light Towels To Match Decor

I went shopping to a local store and was going to catch some towels on sale. They only had 2 colors left and I had a store credit and it was the last day of the sale and no rainchecks. No other store had the color I wanted either. I got a light color and 1 pack of dye. So, I went home and followed the directions on the dye and the color
was perfect, actually the color I wanted. Didn't waste gas, got my color and was happy.

Read directions on back of dye before you attempt this.

By Sally from Buffalo, NY

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Baby Oil For Cleaning Shower Doors

To remove soap from glass shower doors, use baby oil and a scrubbing sponge. After, use a glass cleaner to remove the baby oil.

Voila, no more dried up soap on your shower door!

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Trace Patterns Off Computer Screen

Don't despair if you don't have a printer or ink to print patterns off the net. Tape a sheet of paper to the top of your screen, and trace the pattern with a pencil. I have done this many, many times, and am well pleased with the results.

By Melody Y. from Sedalia, MO

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Keep Knitting From Curling

If you are tired of the edges of your knitting curling instead of lying flat, just make it a habit to slip the first stitch in each row without knitting or purling. The edges will not curl, and those stitches will be worked up on alternating rows where they become the LAST stitch.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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How Do I Stop my Dog Ripping Up Paper

How do I stop my dog ripping up the post (mail). I am looking for ideas to discourage her but still allow the post to come through the door. Maybe allowing her to rip up all of the Christmas paper was not the best idea!

Phillip from England, UK

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Cleaning Puppy Stains and Odors from Couch

I have a hunter green micro suede couch that has been slobbered, vomited, and urinated on by my puppy. Any tricks to get the smell/stains out without ruining the color? I really don't want to pay $200 to get this cleaned when I know he'll just do it again. Thanks!

Kara from Coatesville, PA

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Truck Heater Problems

I can't get heat in the cab of a 1997 Ford Ranger. The heater is hot going in, I don't know if it is a vacuum. Any ideas?

Dave from Saint Louis, Mo

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Housetrain Pit Bull Puppy

How can I house train my Pit Bull puppy?

Giselle from Los Angeles, CA

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Curtains Made from Taffeta

Is it a bad idea to make curtains out of Taffeta? I got a lot of raised eyebrows when I told people that I was planning on making the curtains out of taffeta. I'm new at the whole sewing thing, so I don't know too much about fabrics. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Jessica from Cinci, OH

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Where Can I Post Complaints About Companies?

Which web sites do I post dissatification with Electrolux, Tappin, Lowes Customer Service and a local repair agency? I have a less than a year old microwave that died the day before Thanksgiving and is still not fixed. I dealt with a repair company that has told Frigidaire that it has been fixed (the guy was here 5 min).

Tami from Charleston, SC

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Sweet 16 Party for a Boy

I need help with some party ideas for my son that is turning 16 in February. He says sweet 16 parties are not just for girls. My problem is I have no ideas and every party we have tried to give him no one shows up for it.

annmariereinig from Beaverton, MI

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Is it OK to Put a Refrigerator in the Garage?

Will a refrigerator in the garage cause ozone tire damage? We want to put an additional 'fridge in the garage but were warned about this possibility due to ozone being generated by the compressor's motor?

Jeff

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Putting Self Stick Tile Over Linoleum

I want to lay down self stick tiles on top of linoleum in the bathroom. Can it be done successfully?

Grandma D. from Colorado

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Trying to Find a Cross Stitch Verse

I am looking for a Cross Stitch Verse, that starts with the line 'All to myself I think of you, think of the things we used to do...' Can anybody help me find the rest?

Kathrine from United Kingdon

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Planning a Halloween Wedding

I am getting married on Halloween of '09. I know it's far away but I have no clue where to start on anything.

Ann from Galloway, NJ

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Patterns and Instruction for Rectangular Loom

I am looking for patterns and instructions for a rectangular loom.

Carol

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Homemade Lip Gloss

How do you make homemade lip gloss?

Jolee from New York, NY

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Painting My Family Room

I sent a request a short while ago for help in choosing a color for my family room. I now have a picture to include.

I chose Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green for the kitchen, which is on the other side of the wood rail.

Chris from New York

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I Need Help Planning a Bridal Shower

I will be co-hosting a bridal shower in April. It has been a while since I attended a bridal shower. I am looking for ideas for food, decorations, and non-embarrassing games or activities.

Mary from St. Paul, MN

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Does Borax Cause Dark Colored Clothing to Fade?

I have read on this site that using Borax in the laundry, when washing dark colored clothing, will cause the clothing to fade. Is this true?

Sharon from Southern Illinois

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Fusible Fleece Vs. Fusible Interfacing

What is the difference between fusible fleece and fusible interfacing?

Pam from Mt. Morris, MI

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Slogan for Cleaning Business

I need a good slogan for my company. I clean windows but my main target is people that love to keep their business neat and clean at all times.

Terrence from Plainfield, IL

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Senior Citizen Banquet

I need ideas for our church senior citizen banquet. Every year we have a themed banquet to honor the seniors in our church and all they do. We have the young adults and teens serve and seat them.

We serve an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. Then we have some type of entertainment. We have a game, skit, or other fun to go along with the theme. We've done a formal dinner (black and white), Hawaiian and others. Does anyone have any ideas for a theme?

Stacey from Morrilton, AR

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Cleaning Chemicals Burnt Into Microwave

I sprayed the microwave with cleaner, and left it to soak. While it was soaking my husband thought it would be a good idea to use the microwave, and the cleaner has sort of burnt on, and there is a very strong chemical smell that I cannot get rid of. Also the whole inside of the microwave has stained yellow.

I've tried cleaning it with plain water as I'm nervous about adding to the chemical smell. Anyone have any ideas? Especially about the yellow stain.

Joanne from Manchester, England

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Removing Dried Grout from Bricks

Does anyone know how to remove dried grout from brick? This past weekend my husband put up brick behind our stove and across the back splash behind the sink. The first layer of grout and then the bricks looked great!

I went out for the afternoon and when I came home the bricks were covered with white grout, in the seams and all over the bricks. He said he tried to wash the grout off but it would not come off. The bricks are now mostly white and look awful. Is there any way to fix this mess?

Linda from Milford, PA

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Recipe for BBQ Pork Sandwiches

Does anyone have a good recipe for BBQ pork sandwiches like they have at graduation parties or weddings? I would like it to have simple ingredients you already have in your pantry like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, etc. Also which cut of pork should you use? Thank you for helping me.

Kathy from Illinois

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Cat Won't Use Litter Box

My cat had a litter of four cats about 4 years ago. Three of the cats are litter box trained - one is not. This one cat has never used a litter box. I have tried everything from getting her her own box to putting her in a separate area with a box.

She used to use a rug that was next to the other litter boxes and she did very well with that for a while. We have recently moved and she will only go to the front door of all places! We are having the carpet replaced in our new home because we cannot get her house broken or to even use a rug now. any suggestions?

Annie from Texas

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Can You Substitute Sweet Dry Whey for Powdered Milk?

I would like to know if I can use sweet dry whey in recipes instead of powdered milk. If not, what can I use it for? It is so much cheaper than regular powered milk. Thanks and God bless!

Velsgal from Seymour, MO

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Shoe Sizes in Inches

Does anyone have any idea what shoe sizes would be in inches. I crochet slippers and usually just guess at sizes and have often wondered what sizes would be in inches. Thanks for the help.

Grace from Washington, PA

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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