Daily Thrifty Tips - April 23, 2008

Do you have any tips for Saving Money on Tofu?

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Scenery: Horse Trough Falls

Nice time of year to get outside for fresh air but be sure you are on foot.

Oddly enough, no horses allowed!!!

By Kelly from Atlanta, GA

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Luke (Jack Russel/Rat Terrier)

Luke is a 1 year old Jack Russel/Rat Terrier. We got him last year when he was about 9 weeks old.

He likes to go on walks, play with tennis balls, run after rabbits/birds.

By Jaimee from Tucson, AZ

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Link: The Proper Way To Pop A Pimple

I know a lot of teens and their moms and dads read this blog - and there have been many questions about skin care. There is a great little how-to here on a dermatology blog about how to properly pop a pimple using a sterilized needle here:

• http://thedermblog.com/2008/04/14/the-proper-way-to-pop-a-pimple/

The doctor says it can cure a pimple in 72 hours!

(P.S., I liked the rest of this skin blog, too)

By pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Use Magnets To Keep Cupboards Closed

I live in an older mobile home and let's just say, they didn't put in the best quality kitchen cabinets. I had a hard time keeping my cupboards shut whenever I closed them until I used magnets. I hot-glued one magnet to the door and one to the cupboard where the door closes so they matched up. Now they work like a charm!

If you don't have room for 1/4 inch deep magnets, you can also use strips of magnet tape, or those new tiny "super magnets". Just use whatever fits. Many different types and sizes of magnets can be found in any craft store. The tiny super-strong magnets can be found in most paper and office supply stores because they are made for magnetic bulletin boards.

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Store SOS Pads In The Freezer

Keep your SOS pads in the freezer It stops them from rusting

Source: my sister-in-law gave me this tip

By Lisa-Marie from Toronto, Ontario

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Teaching Kids about Finances

We have tried to prepare our daughters for the real world in terms of finances and here are some of the strategies we have employed.

1. Pay your child for work done. This helps them prepare for the time when they will be in the work force. We pay each child an allowance but it has to be earned by completing their chore list. We set age appropriate chores and realistic expectations. For example each child has to maintain a clean room. Additional chores such as walking and brushing the dog, emptying the garbage and laundry, etc. are divided up according to skill/age. Chores are to be completed by 10 am on Saturday morning and then allowances are paid. Chores not done? Sorry, no pay check. Gee, just like a real job. Additional or seasonal items are paid by the job (cleaning the basement, picking up sticks on the property, etc.)
2. Help them to tithe or give charitably. We require our children to give 10% of their allowance to their church just like the adults. They have their own giving envelopes and perform this ritual weekly. It's just a good habit.
3. Each child has their own saving account established at about age 2 or 3 and are required to save 50% of any money earned over and above their allowance (job such as caring for the neighbors cat or babysitting OR in the event they get a REAL job they are use to paying themselves FIRST!) As their expenses increase their percentage of this drops to 10% so they can afford to pay their bills.
4. and YES! They do have bills. Allowing them to purchasing clothing over and beyond their clothing allowance (my oldest daughter wants a COACH purse) or their car insurance, eating out, manicures, etc and a portion of prom expenses helps them build healthy boundaries and is a great dose of financial reality. Before we set up this system we were constantly nagged by the whine of "BUY ME THIS..." Now they know they can have it--eventually.
5. Set up a checking account before they are in high school. We deposit their clothing allowance and school fees into their checking accounts. They have to spend wisely, write checks and balance the checkbook. It is amazing how a shirt from TARGET suffices when they are spending their OWN money when before only a HOLLISTER shirt would do.
6. Additional allowance tips: I include enough money to pay for SOME of their social activities. This way they have to decide what to spend their money on. Our 10 year old earns $5 per week and the 16 year old earns $15.
7. Talk openly with your children about finances. Review the insurance bill, the grocery bill and the electric bill with them as appropriate Having an understanding that these items don't come cheap is invaluable as a young adult.
8. Have them read Dave Ramsey (and write a book report). We plan on paying $50 when this task is completed and feel it is a wise investment in their financial future.

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Homemade Hand Dishwashing Liquid

After searching many sites for a homemade hand dishwashing detergent, I have made up my own recipe and I'm pleased to say it works!

Ingredients

• 2 Bars shredded Octagon soap
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions

Use as you would any other dish detergent. The only thing is that it doesn't suds much but gets dishes real clean. I keep a partial bar of Octagon soap by the sink to use when needed. I also use 1/8 cup of vinegar in the rinse water. Hope this works for you!

By Scarlett from Murray, KY

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Use Flour To Keep Pests Off Roses

Don't like all those chemical dusting to put on flowers to keep the bugs away? Use plain flour instead. Just dust it on roses and etc., and it works well to rid plants of bugs. Flour makes it almost impossible for the insects to breath. Happy Gardening!

By Debra from Hampton

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Carry Address Labels With You

I keep a few address labels in my purse; I paste on Prescriptions, orders, applications, forms, etc. It's a time-saver. I also use them to label things like cameras, binoculars, luggage, sports stuff, kitchenware and tools on loan, umbrellas, books, etc. It's useful to place a few labels in hidden spots in your vehicle in case of theft. I add my phone number when necessary.

By Barbara from Park Ridge, IL

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Store Olive Oil In Fridge

To keep your bottled olive oil from going rancid, in your kitchen cabinet, some folks prefer to refrigerate it. But first, pour the olive oil into a bowl with a lid or small storage container with a lid to scoop out the amount you'd need in food preparations. Start out with a tiny scoop, if more is needed, then it can be gotten easily than trying to melt down a whole bottle of olive oil. (mind you, folks back home, down South, for years have done this with bacon fat).

By Terri from NV

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Cook Up Poultry Giblets for Pets

When cooking a full chicken, hen, or turkey, remove the insides and save. Later when you have time, boil and save in fridge as a treat for your pet. Not too many people eat the heart, liver and kidneys anyway but your pets will.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Tips for Packing a Picnic

Spring is here and it is a beautiful time for a picnic. Bring several bottles of water for drinking and one to wash up if you are hiking with no place to wash up. Napkins or some moist wipes. If it is going to be awhile before you eat, you can make your sandwiches the night before and freeze, then when you pack them they will thaw in a couple hours. If you like burritos, you can pack tortillas, some refried beans, salsa, etc and assemble when you are ready to eat. Another family favorite that is easy to prepare ahead of time is almond butter and jam (your choice) spread on tortillas and roll up. Homemade cookies are great to pack, we like oatmeal.

For drinks, freeze juice boxes or capri sun lemonade. That way the drink stays nice and cold. Trail mix is also easy to pack. Remember if you are not going to eat within a couple hours to pack your food so it stays cold. I do not pack anything with mayo. If you eat out often, you may have some small packets of mayo you can pack.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Low Salt and Low Sugar Recipes

I need help finding low sodium and low sugar recipes for everything. Talk about hard to find.

Kathy from Kansas City, MO

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Can You Use Ultrashield on Microfiber Furniture?

We are currently shopping for new furniture. On Saturday, we found a couch and chair we like. We found this exact pair at two different locations. At one store, they said they would treat the furniture with Ultrashield protection and it was guaranteed for 10 years. At the other store, the salesperson told us that you CANNOT treat microfiber with any protectant or it will ruin it. We do not know who to believe. Any experience/advice is appreciated.

Robin from Odon, IN

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Comparing LCD and CRT TVs

COMPARING LCD and TUBE TV SPECS: I've been looking at lower cost TV's to buy and have found it extremely hard to convert the specifications between Tube TVs and LCD TVs.

For example, say the LCD TV lists its resolution as 1440 x 900 and the Tube TVs vertical resolution as 480i, or 1080i. Obviously the LCD Hi Def. is going to have the greater resolution. But what I want to know is, is there a way to compare the 2 types of TV's resolution? What I mean is, if you have a Tube TV that's 1080i (or whatever), what number would be a comparable LCD TV if it had the SAME resolution as the Tube TV or visa versa? Is there a way to compare the 2 (as far as resolution goes)?

JLS

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My House is Falling Apart

My husband died in 1999, and he left me a 80 yr old home. The floors are caving in, and the walls are busted. The roof is falling in and it's raining in the house and all I can do is pray. I've tried fixing it myself but all I can do is live in it because I have no where else to go. Can you please give me some advise?

Denise

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Increasing Your Cleavage Without Surgery

I was wondering if anyone could help me I'm 5'4 110LBs. I'm A/B cup and I want to know if there's any way to can make them bigger without having surgery? Or at least getting them the same size?

Brittany from Aallisaw, OK

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Cigarette Smoke Stains on Clothing

I have been living with a smoker for 6 years. Yesterday I got my down duvet out to wash and put on my bed and it is now yellow from the smoke. I also have a number of white or off white shirts that were hanging in my closet that are now all discolored on the shoulders and sleeves. Please help me! How do you get cigarette smoke stains out of clothing?

Sheri from Calgary AB

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Acne On Face, Back and Chest

I have really bad pimples on my forehead, chest area, neck and back! I have nice skin on my cheeks and chin. I need help to get rid of them, I've had them for at least 2 and a half years. Its embarrassing because everyone stares at my forehead. I want it to be clear, but I don't know what to do! Please help me!

Kelly from Seattle

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Dealing With Ant Hills

How can I get rid of ant hills naturally?

Mary from Michigan

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Hibiscus Dropping Buds Early

Why is my hibiscus dropping flower buds?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Marilyn from Winter Garden, FL

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Removing Set In Stains From Clothing

I shop at consignment stores for my Ebay store and I have several things with set in stains on them. I have tried everything from Dawn and Clorox 2 to carpet cleaner. Nothing works. Please help!

Victoria from Greenwood, Arkansas

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Removing Dry Erase Marker from a Refrigerator

I have a problem trying to get out dry erase marker off of the side of my fridge. The side of my fridge isn't smooth like the front and I've tried everything I can think of to get it out, like bleach with water, disinfectant sprays, and the Mr.Clean Magic Eraser. The marker seems to be stuck in the little grooves! Can anyone help?

Jessica from Eaton, Ohio

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Anyone Know the Starter For Amish Friendship Bread Recipe?

A few years ago I received a bag of sourdough starter and a recipe. You added flour and milk to the mixture one day and kneaded the next for some period of time. When the recipe days were completed, you added sugar and oil and a box of Jello pudding among other things. After baking this loaf you shared the loaf and a bag of starter and the recipe with a friend. I'm looking for this recipe again.

Kris from Florida

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Disney's "Cars" Themed Birthday Party

I'm trying to plan my son's birthday party. He loves the movie cars.

Arlene from Los Angeles, CA

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Newspaper and Mulch Instead of New Soil

I am trying to clean out and work up a few flower beds on a limited income. My question is this: I cannot buy topsoil or planting soil. Can I still hopefully have a successful bed using newspaper and mulch? How should that be done?

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Cardboard Cartons For Blueberries

I am looking for the small square cardboard cartons for selling blueberries in. We sell at our local market. Thanks.

Josie from Newnan, Georgia

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Removing Super Glue From Glass

How could I take super glue off glass without scratching the glass?

Maria from Columbus

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Robin's Nest Fell Down

I am so excited. I have just seen a robin building a nest on my porch ceiling. She does a little dance after she puts the twigs and grass in. I wonder why? She spreads her wings and then does a complete turn while bobbing up and down. There are no eggs in there yet. We had a bad storm last night and it knocked out the nest. There are no eggs on the floor. Any ideas on why? Thank you.

Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Removing Wine Stains

How do I remove wine stains?

Beverly from Stony Point, NY

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Shortening A Knit Shirt

Can someone give me some information on how to shorten a knit shirt without stretching? Thank you.

jkv

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Product Reviews For Household Fans

Summer is nearly here. Thought I'd get (yet another) fan. Any new improvements to look for?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Trying To Find Mosquito Fish

I need mosquito fish or some sort of carnivorous fish that will eat mosquito larvae. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a place to get them for my pond. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Angela

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Blue, Oily Substance In Bathtub

What would cause a blue oily like substance to build up on bathtub? There are specks of this substance in only 1 bathroom, and it is almost impossible to remove from tub. Thanks.

Sue

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Making Roses Big And Healthy

Can you please tell me what I can do to make my roses big and healthy using stuff from my kitchen.

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Paige from Trinidad, West Indies

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Saving Money on Oatmeal

Tips for Saving Money on Oatmeal. Post your ideas below.

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Saving Money on Onions

Tips for saving money on onions. Post your ideas.

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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.

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What to Plant Under Black Walnut Trees
By Ellen Brown

Highly prized for its strength, resistance to decay, handsome wood grain, and product versatility (it's made into everything from furniture to airplane propellers) to woodworkers, Black Walnuts trees are considered black gold. To us gardeners, however, Black Walnuts trees can prove to be a difficult landscaping challenge.

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