Daily Thrifty Tips - June 22, 2006

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Mouse is a 1 year old Ragdoll mix. Someone told me a friend of their's has free kittens. They were part ragdoll, which I had heard a lot about. Also, the animal lover that I am could not resist. I got Mouse last summer.

Mouse loves to go for walks. He knows when I start to get my shoes on and coat. Mouse starts to run back and forth until I put his leash on. Mouse will sit when I tell him to so I can put his leash on. Then we go for walks in the woods.

Mouse also likes to play fetch and bring his mouse to me. He then drops the mouse (toy) and falls on his side to get his reward which is a good body rub down. I tell him he is a good boy! We start all over again.

By Margarita from Greentown

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This was taken at my son Joshua's wedding on May 20th. I was the wedding photographer! My tip is, if you're going tp be the photographer at your own child's wedding, be sure to put hankies in your pocket. One for your eyes and one for the camera lens! :)

By Sharon Young from Benton, AR

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Sam is a poodle and will be 10 years old on August 2nd. We bought her when she was 6 weeks old. She likes to play fight with her "daddy". My husband likes to get her to growl! She is the most adorable girl in the world! (To us)

By Kathy from Huntsville, AL

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Those who live frugally pick up extra money here and there when they can. I have worked my way into a position as an inspector for our local elections, which is a steady gig a few times a year. And right across the street from where I live! (And that's another few hundred dollars a year for me.) I worked on the last Census, too.

By pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Here's a link to an audio clip that has been making the rounds. It's audio of a guys convsation with an AOL representative while he's trying to cancel his account. It would be a lot funnier if I hadn't had these types of conversations myself.

You can listen to the audio file at the link below.

http://media.putfile.com/AOL-Cancellation

AOL isn't the only company with seemingly hostile customer service. T-mobile, supposedly the best for customer service among wireless providers, has been very difficult for me to deal with. My best tip for dealing with these type of phones calls is use speaker phone, get a nice cup of tea and try to relax.

Fisher

If you have any tips for dealing with annoying customer service calls when trying to cancel service, feel free to post them below.

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Does someone in your house just refuse to eat fruit often enough to get the daily requirements like in mine? I used to purchase canned fruit that he would eat. Recently, I checked out the organic fruit juices and, now, by drinking the pure fruit juice with no preservatives, he gets at least the equivalent of three fruits a day. Each 8 oz glass of this organic fruit juice (no sugar, nothing unhealthy) is equal to eating one fruit. The concord grape brings me back to my childhood when we would pick the concord grapes off the vines and pop them into our mouths. They also have blueberry juice, but that one I shop at the health store. I've been purchasing all mine at my local Stop and Shop. They are more expensive than other brands, however, no more than the cost of good fresh fruit. There is also an antioxidant juice which is so necessary to help prevent cancer.

If you have a history of cancer in your family, it is a good idea to purchase probiotics at a health food store and take them daily. You do need to see a naturopathic doctor to determine the amount you need. All the female children of my mother's mother had cancers. My mother had 3 different cancers, and her mother and three sisters died directly from different cancers. One cousin on the maternal side had two cancers, one from which she passed. So, my naturopath doctor has me taking a 10 Billion dose a day. Yes, 10 Billion. Did you know that some municipalities water treatment plants use probiotics to clean out the sludge from their facilities. I spoke personally with one such person who was a supervisor at such a plant and he told me that probiotics do a terrific job, and only increase with the years, and continue to do their thing quite effectively.

By Joan from Seymour, CT

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We got back from having a very nice dinner out to find that our (huge) Great Pyr had had diarrhea all over the cream colored oriental rug. No stores open and only about 2 oz of Nature's Miracle in the jug. It was about 80 degrees in the house so the smell. . .need I say more?

I looked on your site and saw all kinds of recommendations for urine but none for poop! So, after cleaning up as much as we could, I made a mixture of equal parts: White Vinegar, Peroxide, Club Soda; a few squirts of Dawn, Spray-n-Wash and about half a capful of Tide. I added a small amount of very hot water and whisked it up until it was very thick and foamy. I used a white towel, dipped it in the mixture, squeezed it out until it was still pretty wet and rubbed the stains gently.

To my amazement, the stains came right out. I used another towel, wrung out in warm clear water to remove the suds and now, two hours later, the smell is gone. I'm tired but relieved. So, thank you everyone on this site for giving me the idea to try all of the above.

By Jamr from Malibu

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If you are getting lots of grey hair like me, it gets expensive to get your hair colored. I quit the salons long ago, due to health and financial reasons. I was buying the $3 hair color from Dollar General. A few weeks ago I happened onto a hair color for blondes for only $1, the every day price at Save a Lot. I don't remember the brand name. This blonde works for me because I am brunette with moderate grey hair, and all it did was lighten my hair and cover the grey. Simple to use and my hair is just fine. I didn't know if it was a fluke them carrying it, but it must be something they carry all the time because I saw it again the other day.

By Lori MacDonald from Marion, AR

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When making bread machine bread, I make one recipe for the machine, and another one for the zip bag. I omit any liquid or fat from the bag, and write the measurements for the water, oil, etc, and temperature/baking time on the label. You could make up as many of these homemade bread mixes as you wanted. I store mine in the refrigerator.

If I need fresh bread all the drudgery of getting the ingredients out is gone. Just heat up the water to activate the yeast, throw in the dry mix, add hot water and oil, and turn on the bread machine. It's so darn quick I wonder why I didn't think of it sooner. I always let the dough do it's second rising in a real bread pan, and bake the loaf in the oven. The machine came with scads of recipes for variety.

I like serving a loaf of bread that I know contains no preservatives, and all the ingredients are fresh. The stores can't beat my fresh loaf for the little bit it cost me for the ingredients and my time is well worth it. The bread makes a nice surprise for a neighbor or friend, too.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

Do you have any bread machine tips? Post your ideas below!

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Everyone wants to have pleasant smelling home. Commercial air fresheners are usually pretty expensive and they often only mask odors and don't eliminate them. Some commercial air fresheners even go as far as to dull your sense of smell so that you can't smell much of anything. The best air freshener is a clean house; especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Once that is accomplished you may find some of the following recipes helpful to complete the job. In this article we have a compilation of air fresheners that have either been written by us or submitted to ThriftyFun by our readers.

Dryer Sheet Air Freshener

I am not willing to pay for those air fresheners and then again for the refills. So in the summer months, when we have the fans in the windows, I stick a dryer sheet in with the fan blades. When the fan is working, it sends this wonderful scent all through the house! The best part is that they don't interfere with the operation of the fan.

By Becky from Conesus, NY

Citrus Air Freshener

ingredients:

• Peels of lemon, orange, lime, tangerine or grapefruit
• 1 pot of water

Put slices of citrus fruit peel into the pot of water. Let simmer gently for an hour or so for a citrus scent.

"Baked Goodness" Air Freshener

ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg or a few cloves
• 1 pot of water

Let simmer gently for an hour or so for a fresh baking scent.

"Leave the Light On" Air Freshener

Rub a little scented oil on the tops of your light bulbs with a cotton ball or swab. Use your favorite scented oil (Eucalyptus, lemon or lavender are nice).

Vinegar Air Cleanser

A bowl of white vinegar in a room will help remove tobacco smoke smells.

Air Freshener Spray

ingredients:

• 1/4 cups baking soda
• 4 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons ammonia
• 1 teaspoon scent of your choice (Example: lemon extract, vanilla extract, almond extract, pine oil or eucalyptus oil)

Mix water, soda and ammonia, add extract and put into a clean spray bottle (one that sprays a fine mist). Bottle up the rest to save for later. Don't spray on furniture or pets.

Disinfectant Room Spray

ingredients:

• 15 drops lavender oil
• 8 drops orange or lemon oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus oil
• 1/4 cup water

Combine all in a spray bottle; shake well before each use. Mixture can be sprayed into the air.

Submitted by Jennifer R.

What are you favorite homemade air fresheners? Submit them below.

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Any time I have berries that are not pretty enough to serve or put on cereal or bananas that are over ripe, I make my own recipes for smoothies. My family loves them and they are soooo good for us on these hot dog days of Summer.

This morning, I put a over ripe banana in the blender with about six ounces of milk, you can also use soy milk, a couple ice cubes, a good size spoon of peanut butter, smooth or crunchie, added a few frozen blueberries which are in season right now in Texas, and so much less expensive than other times of the year.

I turned the blender on and, in less then a minute, had a great breakfast. Experiment and use whatever fruit you have on hand. I really love the peanut butter in there and it gives you some protein which will help you stay content until lunch!

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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A man and his wife, now in their 60's, were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. On their special day, a good fairy came to them and said that because they had been so good each one of them could have one wish.

The wife wished for a trip around the world with her husband. Whoosh! Immediately she had airline/cruise tickets in her hands.

The man wished for a female companion 30 years younger... Whoosh ... Immediately, he turned ninety!

By Terri from NV

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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My strawberry patch won't bloom very much this year. It is well established. Should I cut off the runners?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

WesternGal from Western South Dakota

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I am looking for free knifty knitter patterns.

Judy from Michigan

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I need to know what percentage is used to kill weeds with vinegar and water. I still want to grow some plants at a later time. How much should they be saturated?

Hardiness Zone: 4a

Thanks,
Judtz from Deerbrook, WI

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How do I get nail polish (lots of it!) out of a cotton skirt?

Robinsky from Wetaskiwin, Alberta

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I have several dogwoods in my yard, and I frequently find what appears to be small dogwood seedlings growing around and about underneath them. Is this possible, and if I move them to an appropriate location, do they stand a good chance of successfully growing? Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Tripleb from Greenville, AL

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I recently purchased a purse and the inside smells really musty. I tried Febreze and a body spray but they didn't work. The outside is leather and the lining is almost like a vinyl. It's a nice purse and I got it really cheap so I would like to keep it. HELP!

Libby from Litchfield, ME

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I live on the edge of a hundred acres of woods and have trouble with raccoons. I have removed every possible food source from our outdoors including cat food and bird seed. They now have taken to destroying all of the potted plants. Last year they even dug up all my ivy that I planted on a bank. I have tried cayenne pepper. It worked for one night, but they are now back. My porch was covered with fabulous pots of annuals, but now they are all destroyed. Any ideas? Trapping would be difficult as we have outdoor cats and the population of raccoons here are pretty big.

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Blueheeler1998 from Lakeville, OH

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How can I get my bath and kitchen towels to smell fresh? These items get used VERY frequently in my house (we have 3 boys) and never have a chance to sit around and get musty. Bath towels are always air dried before being put into the hamper so they are not getting sour. I use the same detergent and fabric softener on our clothes and bed linens as well as the towels. Our clothes and sheets smell great but the towels have a metallic, sour and musty odor. Please help, it's driving me crazy.

jleigh37 from Alleyton, Texas

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I have Cream of Wheat cereal that is not getting eaten, I am looking for recipes that I can use it up in? I have chocolate and Maple and brown sugar.

Thanks,

Jenn from Fort Smith, AR

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We are planning a beach party and want to make some palm trees to put out side by the beach area. Does anyone have a simple idea to make these trees?

Thank you for all your help!

ANGELA from INDIANA

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How do you get human urine stains out of a mattress?

Grace from Ohio

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I have spilled nail glue on my kitchen counter - Is there anything that will remove it?

Shirley from Atlanta, GA

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We just discovered we have an armadillo in the back yard! It is digging up everything--the good thing is, our pup won't get blamed for digging up the watermelons, tomatoes, etc. Poor baby has been getting blamed for a lot of armadillo damage! Is there anything we can do to keep the armadillo out of the backyard, which is fenced in with a privacy fence?

Hardiness Zone: 8b

JLB from Austin, TX

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Recently some folks have brought bakery sheet cakes to various functions. I am in love with the new or alternate icing choice many of them bring. In the past these cakes were loaded with the sickening, sweet, slick, Crisco/powdered sugar version of decorator icing. Now, they often have a light, chilled topping instead. It does not appear to be a Cool Whip type product alone, but it might be Cool Whip mixed with something else. It is a light, cool refreshing taste. Does anyone have the recipe?

Grandma Margie from The Show Me State - Missouri

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I have 3 Christmas Cactus, one of them has ruby red leafs on the ends of it. What causes this?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Thanks for reading,
Dee49 from PA

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Eat-N-Park has this fish dish they serve called Nantucket Cod that is delicious. It's in a butter sauce and the fish has spinach, crab meat, garlic, bread crumbs etc. I was wondering if anyone has a similar recipe like this. Has anyone ever had it? The Fish is so soft and tender it just melts in your mouth. Try it!

Mandi from Erie

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I'm having some girlfriends over for dinner on Saturday and would like to make some blender drinks with all the fresh fruit available right now (cantaloupe, berries, etc.) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Vodka or rum would be fine fine. Thank you all for your help.

Annie from Northern California

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My daughter burned rice in my saucepan. I can't even scrape it off with a spatula or spoon. Is there anything I can soak it in to remove the black burnt stuff?

Pat from Uxbridge, MA

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I was trimming bougainvillea and a thorn poked my finger through the gloves I was wearing. Three days later, my finger is stiff, red, and very sore. I cannot bend it at the joint where I was poked. Is this something that needs to be treated? I don't see a visible thorn. Can I get an infection?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Michelle from San Diego

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I have washed new bath and kitchen towels repeatedly to remove whatever is in them to make them more absorbent but many of them are just as nonabsorbent as when I bought them. I do not use any liquid or paper fabric softener. I have washed them in hot water with lots of detergent, even adding Epsom Salts after I read that it helps. I hate to throw them away, but my hands are just as wet after drying them as they were before!

Mrs. J from Independence, KS

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Gardens should be a respite from the stresses of everyday, but for gardeners who suffer from hay fever and other allergies, certain plants and weather conditions can make gardening more miserable than tranquil. Here are some tips to help make your time gardening relaxing and sneeze-free.

Pollen Isn't the Only Problem

Pollen plays a big role in triggering allergies, but despite its bad reputation, it can't take all the credit for causing sneezing and wheezing among allergy sufferers. Grasses, for example, including those that make up your lawn, are generally thought of as major pollen producers. This is especially true of the big ornamental grasses grown for their flower heads. Constant mowing keeps most of the grasses in our lawn from reaching flowering size, but mowing causes its own problems. When grass blades are cut, some grasses release a chemical called coumarin that triggers allergic reactions.

Dust is another big source of allergens. Some trees and plants bear foliage that tends to gather and trap a lot of dust. When these trees and plants are disturbed by wind, large quantities of dust are released.

Molds are stem-less, microscopic fungi-related to mushrooms. Most of us have heard about the danger of indoor mold, but outdoor mold can be a big problem, too. Mold spores are transmitted through the air like pollen. Unlike pollen, which is most prevalent in the spring and fall, mold spores can remain present throughout the year.

Several plants contain volatile oils or saps that on contact, may cause susceptible individuals to break out in a rash

Tips for Allergy Releif

• Check the Weather: Allergy symptoms are less problematic on days that are rainy, cloudy or calm-when pollen has less of a tendency to move about. Hot, dry and windy weather, on the other hand, signals greater pollen and mold distribution, which triggers more allergic reactions. Unlike pollens, molds don't have a specific season, but tend to be a problem during warm, wet weather. Check your local weather forecast or visit www.pollen.com to check the pollen index in your area.

• Plant Wisely: One of nature's gifts for gardeners who suffer from allergies is the fact that the plants with biggest, brightest flowers are generally the best flowers to grow for allergies. These plants are the pollen heavyweights. Their large-sized pollen is too heavy to be transported by the wind and relies on birds and insects instead. As a general rule, avoid plants with small, plain colored flowers and you'll reduce your pollen problem. Low allergen, pollen heavyweights include flowers like daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, iris, phlox, clematis, lilies, dahlias, salvia and peonies. Although their flowers tend to be less showy, hosta falls into the low-allergen category as well.

• Go Native: Growing native plant species is advantageous in a lot of ways. They require little effort to grow because they are well-suited to the local environment, so they do not need fertilizers or pesticides which can trigger allergies. They are also drought tolerant and attract native wildlife. Forgo the Fragrance: Many allergy sufferers are advised not to wear perfumes. That same could be said about planting them. As a rule, the scent of highly fragrant flowers often triggers allergies. Opt for color rather than fragrance in your garden. Don't worry about your rose bushes though, thankfully they are an exception to this rule.

• Keep Your Distance: If can't resist growing certain allergy provoking plants, at least keep them away from the house (and your open bedroom window.) If possible, plant them where they're likely to be downwind of your house. Keep Weeds Away: Many of the plants that trigger allergies are also weeds (ragweed, lambs quarters, sagebrush, etc.). Keep you garden weeded and don't allow these species to flower or reseed.

• Avoid Chores That Trigger: If mowing or raking (stirs up mold) has a tendency to trigger your allergies, try to delegate these duties to someone else. Some gardeners have also found it helpful to wear inexpensive hardware dust masks while mowing. Try to avoid garden chores between the hours of 5 am and 10 am when pollen emissions are at the highest.

• Keep Allergens Outside: After you're done playing in the dirt, toss your work wear into the wash. Avoid hanging laundry out to dry on days with high pollen counts-fabric can trap pollen and mold spores. Wear a scarf or hat when outdoors and tie long hair back to keep spores from getting into your hair. Keep your windows (especially in your bedroom) closed at night to prevent pollen or mold spores from drifting indoors.

• Minimize Skin Contact: Long sleeves and pants may be hard to wear in the heat of the summer, but doing so will minimize skin contact with plants that trigger contact dermatitis. At a minimum, wear gloves while gardening and handling plants and avoid touching your face with your hands.

• Mulch to Prevent Mold: Compost and other organic mulches tend to be havens for mold spores. Don't stop composting, but if you're highly allergic to mold, consider planting low maintenance ground covers or mulching with rock or gravel.

• Visit an Allergist/Immunologist: If your seasonal allergies are ruining your time outdoors, talk to an allergist/immunologist. They can help you determine exactly which allergens are causing your symptoms and prescribe something to give you relief.

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Selecting High-Quality Brussels Sprouts: Select green (not yellow), firm and compact heads, with firm fitting leaves. They should look like tiny cabbages and not have a spongy or puffy texture. Small Brussels sprouts will be the most tender. Make sure to examine the heads carefully to make sure they are free from insects and damage.

Preparing for Freezing: Trim the heads by removing coarse outer leaves. Wash thoroughly and sort heads by size-small, medium and large.

Blanching Time: Water-blanch small heads for 3 minutes, medium heads 4 minutes and large heads 5 minutes. Add 1 minute for steam blanching. Cool promptly and drain.

Best Freezing Method(s): It's not necessary to leave headspace for foods such as broccoli, asparagus and Brussels sprouts, because they do not pack tightly in containers.

Suitable Packaging: Freezer containers should be moisture and vapor resistant and should not be prone to cracking or breaking at low temperatures. Containers should provide protection against absorbing flavors or odors and should be easy to label. Suitable packaging for freezing Brussels sprouts includes freezer-grade plastic bags, rigid plastic containers or glass containers and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Maximum Storage Time: 10 to 12 months at 0ºF.

Thawing: Brussels sprouts can be added to dishes for cooking directly from the freezer without thawing.

Tips & Shortcuts: Before blanching, it's a good idea to immerse Brussels sprout in brine (4 teaspoons salt to 1 gallon water) for 30 minutes to remove insects.

Refrigerating Brussels sprouts: Keep fresh Brussels sprouts in a perforated plastic bag for 2 to 3 weeks. Keep cooked Brussels in a covered container for up to 5 days.

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