Daily Thrifty Tips - February 13, 2006

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One of the characteristics of fleece is that it won't ravel, therefore no sewing is required! Best of all, it's cheap. With one yard of fleece you can make two adorable ponchos. The fabric I found was a little over $5/yd at Wal-Mart, making each poncho just about $2.50.

You'll Need: One yard of 60 inch fleece of your choice (this will make two ponchos for a small girl; if you have a toddler you can get by with 3/4 yard). Scissors

1. Cut your large piece of fleece in half. Trim so that the pieces are perfectly square (approx. 30" x 30" for a girl; 27" x 27" for a toddler). The two pieces should be large enough to make two ponchos for a toddler or young child.

2. Fold fleece in half diagonally

3. Find center of fold

4. Cut a semi-circle around the center 5" inches across for neck (I traced a small bowl to help with this).

5. Cut fringe all the way around the bottom or Tie a knot at the base of each fringe tassel thats what i did for a more frilly look.

Optional: String one wooden bead on each fringe tassel before tying the knot

Tip: To find out how big to make our poncho just measure your child/person. Have them standing with arms straight out side by side and measure finger tip to finger tip. Thats how big your square needs to be.

* These are so fun and so so inexspensive to make I have 6 nieces so I made 6 ponchos W/ Matching Scarves for Christmas for $20.00 and that was 3 different fleece patterns. The one pictured is a infant/toddler size. I had left over material so i made a matching scarf. It measures 5 in by 35 inches just cut fringe about 4 inches long and tie each end in a knot. Very warm and very stylish. Length of scarf depends on person just play around with it and have fun.

By Tina Butler from Mesquite, TX

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My dog recently got over severe diarrhea and vomiting. She spent 2 nights in a very good animal hospital in Springfield, MA. The doctor did numerous tests but found no answers. They believe it was a virus but cause remained unfound. We changed her diet to Hill's I/D and had great results. She loves it and it loves her so check with your vet if you should have the same problem.

Steve from Shelburne Falls, MA

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Show your passion, wear your heart on your sleeve. I made these as Valentines and everyone loved them.

Supplies:

• Felt
• Tag Board (I used a cereal box)
• Scissors
• Pin with flat back (you can get this at a craft store) or a Safety pin will work
• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue
• Tape
• Optional: Glitter puffy paint, Buttons

Directions:

Cut out a heart the size you would like your heart pin out of Tag Board.

Place the heart on the felt and cut around to make a felt heart.

Glue the felt heart to the tag board. I glued a little at a time so the glue would not dry before I got the felt attached.

Turn the heart over, if you are using the flat back pins: glue flat back pin to the tag board. Let dry. If you are using a safety pin: Tape safety pin to the back of the heart.

I made these as Valentines and everyone loved them.

Now you can leave it as it is or you can decorate it further with glitter puffy paint or buttons.

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A dress-up box makes a great gift for your nieces and nephews. Instead of spending a fortune on mass-produced toys, collect neat clothes, uniforms and other "dress-up" items at a local charity thrift shop for hours of fun.

By Shannon from Decatur, GA

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For a frugal Valentine gift to your honey, make a favorite meal that they enjoy. Then have their favorite movies ready (I get them at the library or rent them). Or any movie that is special to the both of you--like the movie you saw on your first date together.

By Diane from Paradise PA

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You can't beat WD-40 for loosening stuck hardware or parts. I could not remove a piece of rotten tailpipe. I gave it a shot of WD-40 and it FELL OUT of its own accord a few hours later.

By Ed Wygant from The Poconos of Pennsylvania

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This is a suggestion for a Valentine's Day gift for someone you love. Decorate a basket for Valentine's Day using lace and ribbons and your imagination, and fill the basket with fruit. Place your picture in the middle of the basket with this note to your loved one:

Your Squeeze Basket

Sweetness and goodness,
Come out with a squeeze,
And give you a taste
That is pleasing.
So tickle your palate,
And fill up your arms,
For EVERYTHING here
Is for squeezing!

By Betty Jo Mings from Garden Grove, CA

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Coca Cola is great on corroded battery terminals in your car. The caustic acid eats the corrosion quite well. And if your windshield is oily from driving in rainy weather? Coke works great!

By Wayne from Kissimmee, Fl

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If you like fruit flavored pancakes from a mix you can use orange juice or other fruit juices in place of milk.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Locating Store Entrance

When I get out of my vehicle, I look for the entrance to the store. It is to the right of me, that's where it is when I exit the store (to the right of me) provided I don't come out another exit.

By Frank from Sacramento, CA

Using Plastic Bags

I can quickly locate my car in a parking area by tying a plastic bag to the top of my mini van. I recycle the bags that come with purchases and cut them into strips (like ribbon) then I make a bow out of them, and attach to the top of my van. They are easily seen. They hold up very well to wind, snow, rain and cold.

They don't damage the paint. I change them with the holidays, orange for fall, red for Christmas and Valentine's Day and green for St Patty's Day. Just throw them away when they are looking tacky or it is time to change. An added benefit when meeting someone in a public place, just say I'll have the red ribbon attached to the top of my van;-))

By Kate from Grayling, MI

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Here's a really fun game for Valentine's Day. I call it Put the Lips on the Heart. The really fun part is the kids have to put the lips on the heart using their own lips! We had a Valentine's Day party last weekend and played this and the kids just loved it.

All you need is a big piece of white paper. Draw a big heart in the middle of it. Put eyes, nose and an X where the mouth should be. Use a bright colored lipstick for the kids to wear (boys too). We used Q-tips to apply the lipstick so we weren't spreading germs. Then blindfold the child, spin them around once and let em smooch!

By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania

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For Valentine's Day, I make a heart shaped meat loaf. You can add ketchup or any tomato based sauce that you prefer on top. If you have a heart shaped cake pan you can use that or just shape the meat yourself.

By Diane from Paradise PA

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If you find the different types of shaving cream for your legs to be expensive, try using some baby oil on your legs. Your legs will be soft and smooth and it also will help protect them from nicks.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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I recently bought yankee jar candles. I was so disappointed. I used a candle warmer, and there was not much fragrance at all. Maybe it was the fragrance i chose, but for what they cost, you would think they would all have a strong fragrance. Any suggestions on stronger fragrances? Thanks for all replies.

P.J. from Delaware

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I recently purchased a little 11-piece Fondue Set from Walgreen's today that I got for half price per the Manager because there were no instructions included. Where can I find missing instructions online? I've tried searching the web for the distributor but no luck with instructions. I know nothing about fondue, so I don't even know how to light the burner. Help!

Jo Smith from Jackson, TN

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When reducing sugar in a baking recipe, does anyone know how much sugar can safely be reduced before it ruins the recipe - 50%-75%?

Nicky from Canada

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If anyone can help me it would be much appreciated. I have a 6 year old female Rottweiler she is having problems with her skin. She has really large flaky chunks of dry skin all over her and it doesn't go away completely with baths and usually is back full force a few days later. Any idea what is could be?

Dorothy from Canada

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I have not been able to find Dawn Power Dissolver in any of the stores I visit. Please let me know if I am missing something. Have dropped this product?

Dory from Tampa, Florida

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We were at Red Lobster this past weekend and I love their biscuits (I do not usually like biscuits). Does anyone happen to have a recipe for these? I would really appreciate any response for this.

Thank you in advance!

Jmz2005 from Illinois

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How do I remove my scarf from my knifty knitter without it unraveling?

Melissa from Bay Area, CA

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Has anyone seen that Saran Wrap product, that are absorbent sheets you place under meats and food to absorb juices? I can't find it anywhere. I want to use it when vacuum packing meat to absorb excess juices. Or if anyone can suggest a similar product.

Thanks!

Lissette from Tampa, FL

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Do any "foodies" out there know of an olive oil that tastes like OLIVE oil? All the companies seem to be advertising a "light" taste. I'm looking for something with an unmistakable olivey flavor, even better if it doesn't cost a fortune.

Thanks,
Doggy U*u*U from TX

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I was surfing around dog sites and found a number of references and letters about a 6-month heartworm shot for dogs and reports it had actually caused a number of dog deaths due to severe onset anemia.

Has anyone else heard anything about this?

Vicka from Salt Lake City, Utah

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What is the best way to clean years of soap scum from a fiberglass bathtub? Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Marlene from TX

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I'm looking for advice on how to remove strong mold odor. My mom and I will be moving to a mobile home in about 3 months. A pipe burst about a month ago and the carpet was soaked. The owner fixed the pipe but did not remove or dry the carpet. It has been sitting closed up with wet carpet and now the whole place reeks of mold. We went yesterday to look things over and we both had a headache all day (after leaving also) from the smell.

The owner is going to replace the carpet before we move in but I am concerned that the odor has permeated the walls and everything. Is there any commercial product like a bomb or spray to set off and it will kill the odor? Any home remedies would be appreciated also. I know bleach is good but I don't think I can spray bleach on the walls.

Thanks,
Joyann from Visalia, CA

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I adopted a 5 year old male chihuahua from a shelter, I've had him for 10 days he has had 3 vet visits. He started getting small red boils around his stomach and the top of body, he was treated with a antibiotic and a steroid shot. The sores are healing but now his right eye is weepy and sagging with yellow discharge. He rubs it, yelps and keeps licking his feet and paws. None of these vets seem to know anything because he has no history. Any advice will be helpful.

Rachel from Nevada

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I am allergic to my dog. I've got filters and I've been bathing her once a week and vacuuming with a hepa filter and keeping the house as clean as possible. This has helped pretty well I think. Only time will tell if it will continue to get better. It's been pretty good for the past 3 or 4 days though.

I've been reading a lot about these dander reducing shampoos, sprays and wipes on the market. I'm sure there is a cheap way to make a version of these products yourself. Does anyone know of a way?

Sara from Virginia

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How do I get moss to grow on rocks and garden planters.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Rich Tekach from Poland, Ohio

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Our Ladies Auxiliary is thinking about having a food stand at our county fair. Does anyone have any suggestions on something new we could offer that other vendors might not offer? Thank you for your suggestions.

TRFD from Coshocton, OH

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We are renting a home and my curling iron recently left a burn mark on my bathroom countertop. Can this be removed with anything?

Julie from NORTH DALLAS

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I would like to know how to graft onto a citrus tree. I have a satsuma tree that froze down to it's original root stock and ever since makes lovely blooms but the fruit is nasty. I just got a cutting from a naval orange tree. I am wondering if it would be possible to graft the cutting onto the Satsuma and hope for better fruit eventually. I am not cutting the Satsuma down and starting fresh. I love the blooms and shade.

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Linne from Marianna, FL

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Does anyone have any ideas on how to break my 8 month old Pomeranian from shredding his puppy pads? When he was a tiny puppy he used the pads most every time but it seem that now he holds his bladder until I get home to take him out which is good but the pad that I leave for him is always in a million pieces. He has plenty of toys to play with but this pad has become a favorite. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Connie A. from Smithville, TN

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I am looking for a reversible shell baby blanket. The pattern was in a kit which I bought at Lee Wards in the 70"'s. Does anyone know where I can find it?

Thank you,
Sandra Reine

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