Daily Thrifty Tips - September 12, 2007

We have lots of new requests today, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Here's todays' featured request...

Is Oven Canning Safe?

I have done all my fruit in the oven for many years and have never had any problems whatsoever, nor have I ever had a problem with jars breaking or fruit spoiling, ever. My family has never fallen ill from oven canning.

I do put the lids on jars before putting them in the oven and only when bubbles start rising, do I consider them canned. By the time I finish emptying the oven, the jars are already popping to indicate they are sealed. None of the testimonies I have read give any detail as to what ill effects result from oven canning and I would like to know what sort of problems people are encountering.

Champpigny2

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Thanks for reading,

Jess and Lewis

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Morning Glories: Not Just A Weed

Although when mentioning that I grow Morning glories, many think it's a weed , not so. I love to have them hang over my railing on the deck, some have also come up on their own and are a dark purple. Blossoms open in the a.m. only

By czechlady from Yakima, WA

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Balancing Golf Balls

This is a real trick and not fake. My grandson placed 3 golf balls on top of each other. He matched the dimples on them somehow in order for them to stay, but was unable to do four. No glue or trickery was used in the making of this picture.

By Donna from Millbury, OH

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Easy Peach Pie

Ingredients

• 9 inch baked pastry shell
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 - 3 ounce pkg. Peach jello
• fresh peach slices

Directions

By Sue from Garrettsville, OH

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Combine Crumbs and Butter in a Plastic Bag

When a recipe calls for graham cracker crumbs and butter to be combined, crush the crackers in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Make an indention in the crumbs and pour in melted butter. Close the bag and shake to combine. No messy hands and no bowl to wash.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Meimei (Yorkshire Terrier)

Meimei is 8 months old and is a Yorkshire Terrier. I got her in a kennel, the same one where I'd already bought my first yorkie, Guga (6 years old). When I got her, she was 72 days, a little and funny baby!

Meimei loves give me kisses in my nose, when I come down the stairs of my home. She also loves to lay down on my foot, when I am at the computer, like a cat! Meimei already knows the words: food, water, stroll, kisses, dad and mom. She is a cute and cherish yorkie!

By Silvia from Gramado, RS, Brazil

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Foam Can Holders To Keep Eyeglasses

Foam holders for aluminum canned drinks make good eyeglass holders. I can't read squat without my glasses so having these holders helps me keep up with my many pairs of eye glasses.

By Betty from Louisburg NC

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Off! as a Flea Repellent

If you have kids you're worried about getting bitten, or you hate the little beasties biting on you, guess what? Off!, the same spray you use for mosquitoes, kills fleas! (or at least repels them) Check the label yourself! It's a great solution to your personal struggle as you rid your house or pet of the pests. And with you and your pet off the food chain, perhaps they won't be so keen to stick around! :)

By Johanna from Los Angeles, CA

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Tips For Dog Safety

First of all, I was moved to write this when the pet owner submitted a picture of their beloved pit bull that passed away. I love am a dog lover and my heart goes out to anyone who experiences the lost of a loved pet. Pit bulls certainly get bad press.

I am an avid walker and would like to share my tips for every one to use when they see a stray dog on the street. I carry a small container of mace with me, plus my cell phone in case a call needs to be made. For your safety, Never approach or look at an unfamiliar dog in the eyes. Do not scream in its presence or disturb one that is sleeping or eating. Try your best to stay calm. Even if a dog looks harmless, let the dog sniff you first. If you feel threatened, do not run. Remain motionless with arms at your side and avoid eye contact. If you are stuck, roll into a fetal position and play dead. If it is possible, throw out your jacket, shirt, bag or anything that can separate you from its jaws.

I keep Animal Control programmed into my cell phone. When I am walking, if I see any stray dogs without a collar on, I speed dial Animal Control so they can come and pick it up. I have had several run-ins with dogs that have been out for a walk without their owner and decided to growl at me or jump at me. I have successfully been able to avoid any injury.

Just as a note, the three dogs that became aggressive with me were a heeler, a very large chow and a mixed dog of some sort. I have never run into any pit bulls. Remember, anytime an animal feels threatened, they have teeth and you can not ever be sure how a animal will react! Hope these tips help.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Pasta Pro For Cooking Veggies

Have you bought one of those "Pasta Pro's" and it is just sitting in your cupboard? It is great for vegetables, especially broccoli. Just add the vegetables pour in the boiling water put on the lid and that's it. Let sit about 5-10 minutes and strain. Awesome!

By Pico from St. Paul, Alberta

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Send Address Labels With Your Letter

A friend of mine had a stroke which affected her right side. Come Christmas time, and for the first time in years she had to rely on someone else to address her envelopes. Now whenever I write to anyone, I always include extra labels. They're also useful for anyone to up-date their address book.

By Keeper from Morganton, NC

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Use A Mop To Clean Shower Tiles

To clean those hard to reach bathroom tiles inside the shower stall, use your sponge mop. Fill the tub or a bucket with water and a your choice of cleaners, dip the mop in the solution and scrub those walls. Much easier than doing it by hand. You can also use the mop to rinse down the walls afterward, without making a big mess.

By Roberta from Deltona, FL

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Reuse Bread Bags For Lunches

This is not destined to save gobs of money, but every saving money tip helps. I have a big family and a husband who requires sandwiches every day for work, therefore we go through bread bags FAST! I realized the other day that I need to consistently save those bread bags, cut the end off and use the bottom half for his lunch! Now, he works in the mine, so there's no way I can reuse ANYTHING he brings home, but this is a simple way to not go through the plastic wrap quite so fast.

By Kim from Crawford, CO

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Canning Your Leftover Soup

Do you have the proper method for canning leftover soups?

Carolyn from Hampstead, NC

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Salt Substitute Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for making your own seasoned salt substitute, i.e. seasoned salt without any salt?

Thanks,
Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Simple Stuffed Teddy Bear Pattern

I like to watch craft shows on TV and recently saw 'Quilt In A Day'. She made a very simple stuffed teddy bear. It was only the body, head, ears, legs and arms. I have tried to find a pattern on the internet, but they all require joint pieces and foot pads. The one I am looking for had the bears ears on the top of his head instead of the sides. The pattern was not on the TV shows website or at least I didn't see it. Can anyone help?

Barbar

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Passion of the Christ Calendar

I'm looking for the "Passion of the Christ" calendar, I've searched the internet with no success, can anyone help me. The pictures are wonderful.

toppersresort from Wagoner, OK

Editor's Note: You may be able to purchase this calendar at the link below.

• Passion of the Christ Calendar

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Getting Rid of Cottonmouth Snake In House

Where can I buy some snake poison, I really hate them! Now one has bitten my wifes poor little cat and she almost died (the cat). Our vet thinks it was a cottonmouth. Our cats never leave the house so that means the creature that got us thrown out of the garden of eden is now somewhere in my house. Please Please HELP!

Randy from Pilot Point, Texas

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Recipe For Steak Diane

I was wondering if anyone has a recipe for "Steak Diane Sauce"? All I remember is that it has Worcestershire sauce and cream in it. Many thanks. Heidi from Sydney, Australia

Editor's Note: Here is a Steak Diane recipe that has been posted on ThriftyFun

• Steak Diane

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Looking For Aldi's Foods In Fort Worth

Where in Fort Worth, Texas is a Aldi's food store located?

Nancy from Fort Worth, TX

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Advice For Managing Budget With 2 Houses

Both my husband and I own separate homes. Mine was bought in 2003 for 62k @ 5.9% before we got married and his house was bought in 2006 one month before we got married for 161k @ 7.0%. What should we do since both houses are 30 yr mortgages and our combined income in 72k yearly. Any suggestions? Note: I recently invested a personal inheritance of 5k in Money market and Roth IRA. Was this wise?

Lytrell from Florida

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Removing Dirty Marks After Taking Pictures Down

What is the best way to remove the dirty marks on my painted walls after taking pictures down?

Crystal from Ann Arbor, MI

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Cereal Bar Recipe

I made a cereal bar and lost the recipe. It had bananas, whole wheat flour,oatmeal, chopped nuts and raisins, I used Splenda instead of sugar and apple sauce instead of oil or butter. It was great and of course I lost it. It was only 100 calories per bar, which you cut like a flat cake. can anyone help me. I am a new diabetic and am trying out all sorts of recipes.

Susan from Hamilton, Ontario

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Getting Rid Gnats In Litterbox

I have a gnat problem in my litter box. I just recently bought a litter maid. The waste bin is filled with gnats. I did not have this problem before I got the new box. I change the waste bin everyday trying to get control on the gnats but they are taking over my house. What can I do to get rid of them without hurting my cats? Is there a spray or something I can use to get rid of them?

Rhonda from Tennessee

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Removing Sweat Stains and Odors from Workshirts

I wear uniforms to work that are medium blue color and that are stained badly underneath the armsleeves. They have a nasty yellow color and smell like sweat. My question is what can I use to get that out both the smell and the sweat. I can't use bleach on them. It says not to use bleach and my company rents them from Cintas. Thanks a bunch!

Shannon M from Danville, IL

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Looking For Replacement Jacuzzi Brushes

My cleaning lady broke the cleaning brush to clean my jets that came with my jacuzzi tub. How can I get more of those sturdy brushes? I can't find them in any store in Billings, MT where I live. please tell me where to get them.

jahlquist

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Is Oven Canning Safe?

I have done all my fruit in the oven for many years and have never had any problems whatsoever, nor have I ever had a problem with jars breaking or fruit spoiling, ever. My family has never fallen ill from oven canning.

I do put the lids on jars before putting them in the oven and only when bubbles start rising, do I consider them canned. By the time I finish emptying the oven, the jars are already popping to indicate they are sealed. None of the testimonies I have read give any detail as to what ill effects result from oven canning and I would like to know what sort of problems people are encountering.

champpigny2

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Kenmore Model 110 Washer Not Spinning

I have a 6 or 7 year old Kenmore washing machine, 110 model. Some times when the spin cycle should start, it doesn't. If I help it, it will start spinning, but only about half speed. It always sounds like it is spinning, but isn't.

I have changed the coupling already. Any ideas?

bssampson from ,

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Homecoming Float With SADD Theme

We are having a high school homecoming parade. Our HS SADD group would like to build a float that sends a message about not serving alcohol to minors or driving sober. Does anyone have an idea?

mking

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Attaching Comforter To Interior of Duvet

Need suggestions for securely attaching a comforter to the interior of a duvet that will not ruin the comforter!

Thanks!

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Building a House Powered With Solar & Wind

We are going to be building a house in Montana. We want to use solar power and windmills. I am wondering if anyone here has had experience using them and what you can tell me about them. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Sherry from Silverale, WA

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Health Advice For "Dirty" Spot On Arm

For about a year now I've had this problem. I make doctors appointments but I always forget. So this time I thought I could get an opinion from you guys first. My problem is that I have this dirty looking spot in the middle of my arm (where the arm bends). I've tried cleaning and scrubbing it many times but every time I do so it ends up turning into a rash and becoming very dry.

During the summer I feel very embarrassed and self-conscience wearing t-shirts. So please guys if you have any information or remedies to help me out please let me know asap. Thank you in advance and there is a picture to help you see what I mean.

Ron

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Recipe For Friendly's Hot Fudge

I am looking for a recipe for the Hot Fudge they have at Friendly's Restaurants in the Northeast. I love that stuff, but live in Missouri and they don't have Friendly's out here.

Robin from Blue Eye, MO

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Black Flies In House Plant

I have an indoor pot plant - 'chamaedorea'. In the past month there are loads of black flies around it and in the peat. How do I get rid of them. I'm useless at all things gardening, but the plant was my mums and I don't want to damage it or throw it away. Also, how often do I water it and how much water should I use. Many thanks.

Mandy from United kingdom

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Recipe for Sticky Buns Using Rich's Roll Dough

I used to have a recipe years ago for making Sticky Buns using Rich's Roll Dough. The package has little balls of dough in it. You prepare it the night before, and put it in a cold oven until morning and then you bake it. It is made in a bundt pan. They come out really good. Unfortunately, I lost the recipe. Does anyone have a recipe like this? Thanks.


P.J. from Delaware

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Looking For Simple Zucchini Bread Recipe

I cannot find a good, simple zucchini bread recipe. I know there is one that also has a little cocoa powder. My books have everything but bread.

Thanks.

Pat from Warren, PA

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Removing Rug Backing Stuck To Linoleum Floor

I used to have a rug on my kitchen floor. When I moved it, it left some of the backing, like glue on the linoleum. Any suggestions on how to get it off?


bubblesfouru2

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Recipe For Cocoa Krispie Krunch

I'm looking for an old recipe, Cocoa Krispie Krunch. I know most of
the ingredients, just not the amounts. Thanks

ldrampey

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Butter on Microfiber

How do I get garlic butter off microfiber? It's the mostly oil stuff that comes with pizza! By the time I found it my son had tried to remove it with Prestone Interior Cleaner.

ShannonPG from Bowling Green, KY

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Cat Pee Stains on Carpet

How to get rid of cat urine in carpet?

Jessica from Michigan

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Getting Rid of Crickets

My son has crickets in the basement he would like to get rid off them. Please advise what to use, thanks.

Evelyne from Toronto, Canada

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Getting Rid Of Trumpet Vines

How can I get rid of trumpet vine? It is taking over everything.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Ann from Smyrna, GA

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Cleaning The Oven

I have a self cleaning oven but don't use it as frequently as I should. My oven has baked on food and the glass in the door is so dirty! Does anyone have any suggestions on the easiest way to clean this. As it looks now, I have at least an hour of scrubbing ahead of me.

Amy

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Chicago Bears Afghan

I am looking for a pattern to knit a Chicago Bears afghan, child size.
Can you help?

cbarett341

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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