Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 267, November 10, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
It's been a while since we have posted Ellen's responses to reader's Gardening and Green Living questions. In the More Reading section we have listed Ellen's most recent answers. Just lick on the link below the question to read her answer. If you have a question for Ellen about Gardening or Green Living, don't hesitate to post it here:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Tips:
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Today's Photos
Angel (Great Dane)
Angel is a 4 1/2 year old Great Dane. She is a pup from one of our litters, who picked my Mother as her owner before she ever even opened her eyes! They are together to this day! For fun she spends her time as a Couch potato. She has THE most unique spots!
By Martha Mason from Dothan, AL
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Annie (Ragdoll Cat)
Annie is 3 years old and is a purebred Ragdoll cat.
All my life I had wanted a pet cat, but I had never lived in a place that allowed indoor animals. Finally I moved to a house that allowed animals, and a friend gave me a book about cats, with photos and info about the different breeds. After reading all about the different kinds of cats, I knew that a Ragdoll would be perfect for me and my family.
We found a great breeder and drove all the way to Pennsylvania (we live in VA) to meet her and choose a kitten from her new litter. There are three little boys in my family, so the breeder knew that our cat would have to be lively and playful. She knew just the one that would be perfect for us, and after spending time playing with Annie, we too knew she would be the one for us. Annie was by far the most outgoing (and beautiful!) of her litter, and even though she has calmed down considerably as she gets older, she still makes us laugh every single day, and is extraordinarily friendly, sweet, and loves to be held and petted, which are the famous characteristics that made me want a Ragdoll in the first place.
Annie enjoys chasing anything that moves (including my feet moving under the covers!), basking in the sun by the windows, and being wherever the family is. Whether that means watching a movie or playing a game, she is always in on the action! She also likes to relax and get her belly rubbed. Sometimes she will be laying quietly, and then someone will walk in the room and she will roll over on her back and start meowing, begging for a belly rub. She is very vocal! She also loves being brushed and lets you know with her abundant purring.
We chose the name Annie because since she is a Ragdoll, it reminded us of Raggedy Ann.
By Whitney from Culpepper, VA
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Firethorn for the Entry
Plant a Pyracantha (Firethorn) in a entry way for a dramatic look. The berries on my bush are orange in the fall and have white flowers in the Spring. This bush grows rather quickly and training to a column or wall is quite easy for a year around decorative effect. This picture is of my front porch with the pyracantha (firethorn) trained to follow the brick column.
By Shirley from Mill Spring, N.C.
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Today's Tips
Organizing Recipes as Meals
I've started to organize my recipes together as meals. I know that I always serve my Mexican rice recipe with my Black bean casserole so now I keep them printed out on one sheet and then stored in my 3 ring binder. I always serve apple crisp with my Cracker Barrel casserole. So I have apple crisp with my desserts for the times I just want to make it alone, but then also as a dinner menu with the other so I always know where it is:)
By Melanie mom2_5 from IL
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Keeping Paint Roller Ready to Go
When you have painting to do, line the bottom of your paint tray with 1 sheet of aluminum foil. If your project gets done just toss the foil, but if you need to finish later just put the paint roller in the paint tray like normal then pull the foil up and over the roller and cover it up with the foil tucked around the paint roller. I recently left a paint tray this way for about 36 hours and figured I'd have to get a new roller but it was still moist and just fine. This trick worked better then the walmart bag or freezing trick.
By Melanie mom2_5 from IL
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Organizing the Cooking of Your Thanksgiving Meal
Find pans/baking dishes that fit into your oven somewhat like a puzzle, allowing for air flow. Now create your menu to make ALL of these "casseroles" to bake at the same time.
Your turkey can be baked the night before reserving some broth. Cover it well, refrigerate then add the broth the next day before microwaving as all those "casseroles" come out of the oven at once.
Mashed potatoes can be reheated as a "casserole", just add cream cheese while mashing. Everything done all at once...just like Mom could do SO easily!
By Leigh Ann from Farmington IL
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Theatre Rewards Cards
Love to go to the movies? Sign up for a theatre rewards card if one is offered. Over time you accrue points, when you get enough points you get a free drink, popcorn, or a free ticket.
By ThriftyFun
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Bidding Up by Cents
When entering an auction always have your bid end with some cents. If you want to bid 100 dollars make it 100.03 or something. You're more likely to win because everyone thinks in even numbers. I recently won an ebay auction by 2 cents:) with 3 people bidding in the last 5 mins.-I was ecstatic and feeling sorry for the others.
By Melanie mom2_5 from IL
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Christmas Gift: Deer Repellent
This actually is a wonderful idea for children to make for family members. I don't know how many times I hear parents say to children, "It's lovely honey, Thank you...What is it?" I thought this up for my nephew who always want to make his dad a gift that he will use.
We took little motel bars of soap I saved, painted the original packaging red. Have the children then draw a deer on the package. Or if the children are too young to draw, make several deer patterns out of cardboard for them to trace on the bars of soap.
Then, have them draw a big X through the deers. Take a metal skewer or nail and make holes through the center of the bar of soap. Use twine to tie to trees.
We actually labeled the bars of soap as:
"Deer Away ... The Humane Way to Repel Deers. It's not like hay, cause Deers Won't Stay.
Directions: Tear off paper and tie to shrubs.
Warning: Do not use until after DECEMBER 25th, it will prevent Santa's Reindeers from visiting your home!"
My nephew loved the computer labels giving it that professional look (store bought) and his dad will definitely use them. : )
By Live Again from Wiscasset, ME
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Save for Your Dream Holiday
Think of your dream holiday. Put away in a holiday account a definite amount for the length of time it takes to save the amount you need for your holiday plus extra money for comfort. Watch for the best cost for the trip for the time of year you want to go. Make your dream come true!
By Bev from Chilliwack BC
--
If you want to save up for a holiday, you should set up a vacation bank account. make sure you do not spend you vacation savings. (or else you can't go anywhere!)
By Christina from Chilliwack, BC
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Preventing Deterioration of Tubes for Swamp Coolers
For roof top swamp coolers, thread the filler tube from the outside faucet through a piece of garden hose up to the swamp cooler. this will prevent the tube from deteriorating due to the heat from the sun.
By Bruce from American Fork, Ut.
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Please Post Your Name
I really appreciate the tips and requests for help. I also like to see who has sent in the tip and like to see the name of the contributor.
By Sandy from Baltimore, MD
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Buying Souvenirs When You Travel
When buying souvenirs when you travel try to buy something that you or the person you are buying it for can actually use. Try to avoid buying something that will just be sold at your next garage sale.
By ThriftyFun
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New Requests
Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
I have heard that Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake is delicious. Does anyone have the receipe. It starts with a Duncan Hines Butter cake mix.
Sandy in Vermont from Barre VT
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Recipes Using Infant Cereal
A visitor left 2 full boxes of infant cereal. Is there any thing I can make with them? Cookies come to mind, but can't find a reciepe.
Thank you,
Margie from Santa Ana
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Brown Stains From Ironing
I have a polyester/cotton white shirt and sometimes when I iron it and the setting is on wool I get a browning stain from the iron. Bleach removes the stain. Why do I get the brown iron stain?
Craig from Perth, Australia
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Pocket Book Organizer Pattern
Would anyone have a pattern for a pocketbook organizer that I could sew?
Chris from AL
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Do Slingo Accounts Transfer When Changing ISPs?
Does anyone know if when you play Slingo while having AOL as your internet server, can you also play Slingo using another internet server? Also, can you use your existing Slingo account when you change?
My mother-in-law loves playing Slingo but uses dial-up AOL as her ISP. It would be cheaper and better for her to use Verizon DSL. She won't change from AOL because she says she will lose her Slingo account, including scores and past and present standings with Slingo. Does anyone understand this because I sure don't. Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Mike from Pennsylvania
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Product Never Received From Web Purchase
I recently bought something over the internet from another state but never received the product. Now the web site is no longer listed on the internet and I am unable to through via telephone either. Does any one have a suggestion on what to do? My bank can't reverse the authorization because it was taken out as an electronic check.
By imaqt1962 from Illinois
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Golden Hands Encyclopaedia of Crafts Rag Doll Pattern
Back in the 1970s there was a pattern for a rag doll in the Golden Hands Encyclopaedia of Crafts which was published in weekly parts. Unfortunately, I have lost my copy in a recent house move. Has anyone a copy of the pattern they could forward to me, as I would like to make it for my young grandchildren.
Lin Davey from UK
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Quick and Easy Chocolate Truffles
Several years ago, in a magazine, I found a recipe for a quick and easy way to make chocolate truffles. I think it was similar to the microwave fudge recipe but was a bit different. Truffles could be made with or without liqueurs and there were also several "coatings" you could roll the truffles into finish them off for presentation and to differentiate the various flavors. After moving, my recipe has disappeared and I would like to make the truffles for holiday parties and gifts this year. Can anyone help? Thanks in advance to all you "sweet-tooths" out there.
Melody from Richland (Tri-Cities) WA
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More Reading:
Uses for Fireplace Ashes
Q: I have heard that you can put fireplace ashes on certain plants. Can
someone tell me what plants this works for and what plants I
shouldn't put them on? Are there any other uses for ashes?
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What is the best way to use compost?
Q: I started composting my kitchen waste and yard clippings about a year
ago, probably something I read here. It's basically just a pile that
my husband rotates from time to time but it has made some very nice
dirt at this point. What is the best way to make use of it now? I
have quite a few house plants, a flower garden, a hedge and a small
vegetable garden.
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Growing Pineapples in Pots
Q: I have seen some people posting about growing the tops of pineapples
in pots. Could someone please explain how to do it? What kind of soil
do I use? How much light would it need? What size pot do I use? I
really have never had much luck with plants, but if I use something I
was just going to throw away, I haven't lost much.
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Storing Bulbs
Q: I cut down my beautiful elephant ears and purple cannas yesterday, I
know they have to dry before I store them but my question is what
should I store them in? Some of the elephant ears bulbs were about 9
inches around at the bottom, so they are pretty big. Any suggestions?
How do you store yours and can I store the Elephant Ear and cannas
together?
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Hearty Homemade Soups for Babies and Toddlers
By Rachel Paxton Hearty soups make great meals for babies and toddlers. These soups combine meat and vegetables into one easy meal, they are inexpensive to make, and they freeze well for later meals.
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Protecting Green Pepper Plants in the Winter
Q: I need advise on what do to about bringing my plants indoors now that
the winter cold is coming. Any suggestions out there? I'm a new
gardener and I had a wonderful crop of peppers all summer and fall
and would hate to hurt them now!
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Using Olive Oil as Fuel for Oil Lamps?
Q: I have read somewhere that olive oil is a safe, inexpensive and non-
toxic substitute for lamp oil. I tried to use it in one of my oil
lamps, but it didn't work. The wick burnt, smoked and went out.
Does anyone know if a special lamp or wick is required to use olive oil?
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Preparing Plants To Bring Indoors
Q: Ellen,
Now that it is beginning to become winter (finally), what are some
suggestions for bringing plants indoors? How do you get rid of any
bugs that might be on the plants when you bring them indoors?
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Growing a Grapefruit from Seed
Q: Ellen,
I have a grapefruit tree that I actually rooted from a seed that was
germinating inside a grapefruit I bought. It is now outgrowing its
pot. Does it have any chance of bearing fruit?
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Nature Foretelling the Season
Q: This may sound foolish to some but, I have heard that you can use
nature to foretell seasons. Like, pine cones growing high in the
trees means a harsh winter. I was wondering if maples can tell us
something too. We live in a rural area, with lots of pine birch and
maples. It has always amazed me how bright red the maples throughout
the valley can get. But this year they aren't. Almost all are a more
orange colour with just the odd tree having the flaming red. Any ideas?
I've also noticed there are Robins still hanging around and they are
usually long gone by now.
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Mowing Designs On Your Lawn
Q: How can I make the checkerboard designs that I see on the lawns. It
isn't simply mowing in both directions is it? I'm stumped!
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Bugs Eating My Roses
Q: I have some sort of little bug with wings that literally eats the
center of the stem out of my rose bushes. It goes from the top of the
cut off stem down the center and eats it leaving a hole. It is making
each branch that it attacks die. I have put toothpicks in the holes,
I have painted over the holes and they drill through it! What are
these things?
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Something Eating My Hibiscus
Q: I just planted two small hibiscus plants outside this early fall
season, and something has cut off (or eaten) all the small branches
and leaves from the plant. Are there any animals or birds that would
devour this plant? Do you think it'll come back next spring? How can
I prevent to from happening again?
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Buying Organic Food
Q: I have a friend who buys all organic food. What does it mean when
they slap an organic label on a package? Is it actually better or
just packaging? I like the idea of eating organic, but why does it
cost so much. What are some ways to save money eating organic food?
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Avocado Seeds Not Sprouting
Q: Any ideas why my avocado seeds that I have had in water now for 2
months still aren't sprouting, I have them suspended pointed side
down. Also, what other plants can you grow using fresh vegtables or
fruits?
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Pruning a Hibiscus
Q: We have a large Hibiscus growing in the front garden. We want to trim
it back now that the blooms have stopped, and eventually move it to
another location, possibly splitting the root pack. When can we trim
the stems back and how far can we cut? When is the best season to
transplant to another location in the garden?
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Getting Rid of Blackberry Bushes
Q: I live in the Pacific Northwest where blackberry bushes can be a real
pain to get rid of. I just moved into a house that had a backyard
full of them. I am almost done cutting them back. What is the best
way to keep them from growing back?
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