Daily Thrifty Tips - April 26, 2006

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I made this quilt for my Sister-In-Law for her birthday. I just traced my daughter's flip flops, I used buttons and ribbons for the "straps" of the flip flops and sewed them top blocks. Sewed the blocks together to make the front. Used a sheet for the middle (instead of batting) and a sheet for the back.

Oh yea...holding the quilt is my 10 year old daughter Mackenzie : )

It is really easy to make.

By Tracey from Michigan

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Patches Lee Williams will be 6 years old in July. He is a Domestic Shorthair.

He pick us out when we went to look at a litter of 10 kittens.

He likes to play tag with my husband. I think he thinks he's human.

By Elane from Stratford Canada

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You can extend the life of film by storing it in the refrigerator. Before storing film, be sure to put it in a zip lock freezer bag and squeeze all the air out before sealing. Let the film warm to room temperature before using it. Try to avoid letting the film warm and cool several times since this can cause condensation.

By ThriftyFun

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To help freshen your bathroom, clip a fabric softener sheet to your shower curtain and every time the humidity from the shower hits it, you should smell a slight waft of freshness. After 1-3 weeks, while in the shower, use the fabric softener sheet to scrub your shower walls -- it will help to cut the soap-scum buildup. Then rinse off the walls and squeegee them (if possible). The walls will look great, the bathroom will smell fresh and shower (and you) will be clean all at the same time!

By Mouski from Center Harbor, NH

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When making hamburger patties at home, try adding some chopped bell pepper and onion with a tablespoon or two of milk. Mix altogether and fry or BBQ. Makes a tasty juicy burger.

By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark,Ca.

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We don't have a lot of money to do much over the summer when my teenage son is out of school, so this year I have been requesting free information packets about neighboring states. They send tons of info about driving tours and sights that don't cost anything to go see. The price of gas eats up what little budget we have but with taking our own food and seeing natural sights that don't cost anything we can still have fun.

By Christi from Paducah, KY

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My health has been getting worse for years. Not only have we lost my income, but the medical bills are through the ceiling. We spent everything that we had saved for our retirement, and were flat broke. To my husband's credit, he has never held it against me. He has stood by me through thick and thin.

I asked the Lord if He would support us if I put everything "extra" into savings. That would be rebates, pennies found on the street, aluminum cans, gifts, whatever. It turns out that there are a hundred ways to save a few cents or a few dollars.

For whatever reason, and I'll bet you know what I think, the money just started adding up. I exhibited homemade things in the fair, used coupons, cooked from my husband's garden, and did whatever I could to scrape up a dollar.

By the end of the year, we had accumulated $2,000. Since our normal annual income is around $9,000, that was a significant amount.

Of course, at the end of the year I fell and shattered my ankle, and that used up most of the savings. But I'm doing it again, and we're up to $1300 already this year.

To me, this just shows how easy it is to waste money. In the past, we had not had money left over. That year didn't have any miracle windfalls in it. We just didn't spend it when it came in.

I'm working on my fair projects today!

Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Keep a memory of a favorite restaurant or place by saving a set of decorative paper placemats to take home. Once home you can cover them with clear contact paper on both sides to preserve them and your memories. My parents had lovely ones that they had gotten from Ireland.

You can also look out for beer coasters to use at home, too. The German ones are great - but I have seen nice ones here at home, too.

By Pam from L.A, CA

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If you are looking for high-producing crops to use in a small yard, here are some suggestions:

Elderberries make an attractive border. They grow about 10 feet tall and give you lots of berries. We juice them. My husband makes wine from some, and I make jelly from the rest. It is also a tasty breakfast juice if you sweeten it. You may want to dilute it with water or lemon-lime soda to your taste. This year I will be selling jelly at a local Scandinavian festival.

Don't have a yard, but you do have a sunny window? Bring in a 30 gallon trash can that has holes in the bottom for drainage. Invert the lid and put it under the trash can. Put a few layers of newspaper in the bottom and then fill with soil. At least the top foot should be good potting soil. I have had good success with chard and green onions this way in a window that is not very sunny. Lots of sun means you can raise tomatoes, peppers, and onions to make your own salsa. You will get more than you need for fresh eating, so find a good recipe for salsa and can it in pint jars. Great stuff!

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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For my mother last year I took a plain board (9" x 11") and sanded it smooth. Then I let my children pick 3 different colored craft paints that matched. I primed the board and gave it a base coat of one of their color picks. Then I sponged another color over the top. After that, I painted one of each of their hands and had them press in the middle of the board.

We then took scrapbook stickers of flowers and butterflies (grammy's favorite) and stuck then randomly around the board. We wrote along the bottom on the front.

"To Grammy here are our hands of love. Happy Mother's day."

Then we sprayed it with a glossy or matte sealer and put a picture hanger in the middle on the back. My mother loved hers so much she cried. I also have gotten lots of orders from friends. All items needed can be found at a crafts store.

Have fun, the kids love to help with this.

By Debbie from Berwick, Maine

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Grooming your dog can actually be a great bonding experience, if you decide to do it yourself rather than taking your pup to a professional. And unless you've got a show dog on your hands, you don't really need to use a groomer; grooming your dog at home is easy!

There are lots of brushes out there. Which brush you choose depends mostly on what type of dog you have. Dogs with shorter coats may like a rubber-tipped brush, since their skin is a lot closer to the surface. Dogs with longer coats may like a slicker brush, which has a series of pin-like bristles. Double-coated dogs may need a shedding blade to help get that tufty undercoat out during shedding season. A long-toothed metal comb can be helpful for untangling hair in sensitive places like the belly, legs, and tail.

It's just as important to pick a brush that your dog likes. If grooming is an unpleasant experience physically, he's not very likely to sit around for it.

Pick a time when both of you are relaxed -- maybe after dinner when his belly is full and satisfied. Find a comfy place to sit together and bring out the brush! My dogs always like to sniff it before I start brushing, and I figure that helps them get to know the brush for next time. Brush in the direction the fur grows (usually front to back) and don't press too hard! You can always test the brush on your own head, to see how it feels. If it doesn't hurt you, it won't hurt your pup.

Talk to your dog and praise his good behavior. Tell him how handsome he is! And keep treats handy to reward his patience.

If your dog isn't into the whole brushing thing, it is probably better to go with shorter brushing sessions. As he gets used to the process, he may just relax and enjoy it more. On the other hand, you may have a brush-hog like I do -- my German Shepherd mix just loves being brushed and will push his sister out of the way so that only he gets brushed. He knows as soon as I get the brush out that it's time for pampering and loving.

Do you have any dog grooming tips to share? Feel free to submit them below.

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Whenever I take the kids shopping with me, I always park near a cart corral. This way, after shopping, I do not have to walk all over hunting for a place to put the cart, plus the kids can see me from the car. I can put the kids in the car where they are safe, unload the shopping cart, put it away and not have to worry about the kids safety.

By BarwickJ from Ottumwa, IA

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I need a strong nontoxic spray to clean the canal I live on so that doesn't continually have to be reapplied regularly. At one time I did find one that uses 10% acetic acid and orange oil with dish soap for a surfactant, but I don't remember the exact formula. Would you have something in this line?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Thanks,
Harlan Bloom from Haines City Florida

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Back in the 70s my girlfriend and I had a great recipe for brownies. It came on the Hershey Cocoa can. It was called Honey Bear Brownies. I would love to make these again! Please help if you can. Love to all.

Sheri from Bowie, MD

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I'd like to know how to clean out wooden bird feeders. What products to use or not use, and any tips to keep them looking nice. They all have openings so I can get in the corners.

Thanks!
Kim from WI

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A mop bucket that contained water with bleach in it was knocked over on my carpet! Will it stain my blue carpet? Does anyone have any ideas on this subject? All replies are welcome!

Catherine from UK

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Is there a way to make a homemade version of foaming hand soap as sold in the stores?

Linda L from Vista CA

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I need help decorating the tents at my outdoor wedding. There is a tent over the dance floor and the food. All the tables are in a field. They have yellow table cloths and daisies in a galvanized pail for centerpieces, I'm just not sure how to decorate the tents. The wedding is at 2 in July so the tents are a must in case it rains.

Thanks!
Tierra from Butler, TN

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Can anyone tell me how to get grease off wood cabinets and stainless steel? Also, how to clean hardwood kitchen flooring?

Shirleybell from Indian Trail, NC

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I have a pear tree that is several years old, we always have lots of pears but they crack and are very hard. We never have any to harvest. Can anyone help?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Alice from Prairie du Chien, Wisc

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Does anyone have any fun ideas to do in the Orlando-Haines City, Flordia area with two little ones that won't break the bank?

Thanks!
Mobo from Indiana

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Does anyone have an idea where I can purchase fabric with a "motocross print" on it? I am running out of time. I need to make crib bedding.

Thank you,
Djjj from Watertown, WI

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I saw a posting regarding mirror tiles at Walmart. Where are they in Walmart? I looked in the wedding section and in paint/hardware. These would be awesome for my centerpieces. This is a second marriage and I'm trying really hard to be economical and still be beautiful. Thanks!

Gaylebo from Hemet, CA

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For remote control batteries, mine is 6.0 volt. Can i replace it with a drycell 9.0 volt? Would the the RC car work?

Alex

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I've worn glasses forever. My last pair of eyeglasses are so scratched up! I was wondering if anyone can give advice on polishing lenses on your eyeglasses? Of course, other than replacing them.

Debbie from Flower Mound, TX

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I have a front load washing machine and on the rim when you open the door, it gets moldy. I never saw such a thing on the regular top load machines. Does anyone know anything about this and what can be done? It seems very strange to me!

Chris from NJ

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The plastic head light covers on my '98 Chrysler Town & Country van have developed a heavy film covering over them. Is there someway of polishing or sanding these lenses back to their clear look without having to replace the entire assembly?

Ken from Gulfport, MS

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I need some advice. Somehow I have been talked into recovering the seats of antique chairs. The woman wants to add padding and pick out the fabric which she would like to be easy to clean. I've never done this but seen it done on TV all the time. Can anyone help me? She somehow thinks I am an expert on this and I am not!

Help!

Hairyjoe from Port Clinton, OH

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On the bottom of a lot of sites I've noticed offers to become an affiliate. How does this work? Is it a scam or a chance for a little added income? I'd love to hear from someone who is an affiliate or knows something about this.

Vctpagan

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What causes a adult male dog to lose all the fur? He Is a Keeshond. Any infromation well be helpful.

Thanks,
Deb from NE

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We are moving into a house that has a soft turquoise color carpet. It has a few years left. The sofa in the living room now is white. We need to buy a new sofa but I don't want white. What color would look good? (A deeper turquoise is all I can think of.) Also, in a year or three we will replace the carpets. What color would you suggest?

Thanks!
Linda from Puyallup

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Daughter has accidentally washed a white jacket with red towels. Now her jacket is blotched pink. How do I get the jacket back to white?

Thanks for any help.
Elymunile from Ely, NV

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Breed Description: The Sphynx is immediately recognizable for its wrinkled skin and lack of hair. It has a long arched back and whip-like tail, long legs and a head featuring huge ears and large, expressive eyes. In many ways, the Sphynx has a body similar to the Cornish or Devon Rex, except that it lacks hair.

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Breed Description: The Saint Bernard is an enormous, big-boned breed with imposing proportions and a tranquil temperament. These heroic dogs are famous for their ability to sense an impending storm or avalanche and are widely recognized for their work in mountain rescue. This cheerful, loyal dog is patient with children and adapts well to life as a family pet when provided enough space to live comfortably.

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Anyone who has been to my website knows that I almost had a heart attack when I realized that my family was spending nearly $1000 a month on groceries, eating out, baby formula and hot school lunches. Our goal for 2006 is to cut that amount to $300. (The baby turned a year old in December 2005 and went on whole milk which saved nearly $100 a month right off the bat in baby formula.)

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Most of us know that planting a garden is one of the cheapest ways to provide your family with fresh vegetables. My husband is the chief gardener in our household, and since it is his domain, he gets to decide what to plant. Let me tell you right away that he loves fresh tomatoes.

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