Daily Thrifty Tips - March 23, 2006

Oil vases or bottles are a great way to spice up a kitchen or take up room on an empty shelf. They can be used as bookends or purely for decoration.

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Delphine is a 4 year old Miniature Dachshund. I bought Delphine about 3 1/2 years ago from a local breeder as a surprise for my two children.

As with most Dachshunds, Delphine loves to snuggle under the covers; and she adores all of her squeaky toys.

Often Delphine will sleep with my daughter under the blanket; however, if she is especially tired and my daughter moves her feet, she will growl.

By Marnita from Cumming, GA

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Simply made using:

Fun fur, paper plates, feathers and dowel rods.

Completed in approx 30 min. You can make crazy frogs, bunnies, kitties, dogs, etc. Great project and very fun!

By Missy from Pine City, NY

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I know I've submitted several pictures of Destiny, I hope you don't mind another one. I just wanted to comment on how well our pets know when we're ailing. I got my wisdom teeth out yesterday, and as hurting as I was, Destiny was right there to comfort me, I wanted to share this picture, I love it! She's my sweety-heart.

By Stacey from Orem, UT

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Routine foot care for your dog is very important, because they spend so much time on their feet without any protection of shoes. Here are a few tips for your dogs foot care.

Examine feet on a regular basis to make sure it has not picked up any foxtails or stickers. If so, remove them with tweezers. Clean small cuts and apply antibiotic cream. (Seek a vet for more severe wounds).

Small cuts or mild skin disease may cause infections in the sweat glands in your dogs feet, resulting in swelling or abcesses between toes. (Especially common in Bull Terriers, Dobermans, and Pekingese.) Soaking the affected foot in warm salt water often will relieve pain. (More severe or persistent infections need vet care)

If your dog steps in something gooey...soften it by rubbing the foot with margaine, peanut butter, or shortening; then work it off. Apply ice to chewing gum...it will become brittle and easier to remove. You can also soak the foot in a mixure of warm salt water and olive or mineral oil.

Road salt and sidewalk ice melt products can be an irritant to the footpads... washing and drying your dogs feet after being outside helps reduce this painful condition and prevents him from licking it off when he licks his feet. Booties are another option. Ice balls can form between your dog's toes too, this can be prevented by spraying his feet with silicon spray before he goes out.

Clipping toenails properly means less wear and tear on your carpet and floors and less chance of a snagged, broken or ingrown toenail. The sooner you begin to trim toenails and get them used to it...the better! Use trimmers that are made for dog's. To make it easier, wait until your dog is sleepy or relaxed. Clip just where the nail curves... avoiding the sensitive, pink area (called the quick). This is easy to see in a nail that is clear. if your dog's toenails are not clear only trim a little at a time. If you clip too much and hit the quick, it will bleed. You should trim the nails about every two weeks, or as necessary. They need trimming if the hit the floor or if you hear a clicking sound when he/she walks.

If you hit the quick when trimming nails, you can stop the bleeding many ways. One way is to use a styptic powder (available at your vet or in pet stores). You can also use corn starch, just put a little on the toenail and it should clot it. Another method is by rubbing your dog's nail across a bar of soap to stop the bleeding. Or use a dampened tea bag.

Remember... if something is deep or highly infected or won't stop bleeding, contact your vet!

I hope that these tips help you care for your dog's feet!

By Katie from PA

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I have had good luck with buying used refrigerators, but an apartment manager I knew gave me a good tip. When you buy a used refrigerator, "Torture" it during the time period of the month or so warranty you have. Turn it up and down and fiddle with all the settings. That way, any problems with the unit are more likely to come up when you can still do something about it!

By Pam from L.A., CA

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I am a writer of poetry and short stories and I love to share my work with others. I had my manuscripts in boxes, some in file folders or just loose. I knew I needed to get order of this.

I bought a small file box, file folders, a three ring binder and plastic sleeves. I gathered all my manuscripts together in one pile. I sorted them; pulling one copy for a Master Copy. I placed all the Master Copies in plastic sleeves and put in a three ring binder. I put file names on file folders, filing the copies of manuscripts in their individual file folders.

All information regarding publication, publisher information or any other pertinent information about writing was compiled in a large folder.

A table of contents was made of the contents of the file box; it was taped on top of the file box.

At any given time when a copy of a poem or short story is needed, I can quickly go to my "Writings of WandaJo" and get a copy; when a file folder begins to get empty, I will take the Master Copy of that particular manuscript, make several copies and replenish the file.

I plan to put all the manuscripts on the computer and on a CD for safe-keeping purposes.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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When seedless grapes are on sale, I buy a large quantity, keep out what I guess will be eaten and flash freeze the rest of them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Then I dump them into a freezer bag and put back in the freezer. These grapes can be eaten frozen or thawed for a few minutes. Makes a great, healthy snack on a hot day. My grandchldren love them.

By June from Toronto, Canada

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Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group isn't as easy as going into the food store and picking out a new flavor of ice cream. Things are a little more complicated than that!

The first step is to make a visit to your shelter of choice. Plan on going just to look -- many shelters will not let you take an animal home the same day. There is often a waiting period while the staff checks vet references and even conducts a home visit to see if you have the appropriate space for a pet.

If there is a particular animal you like, you can have a little one-on-one time with them. For dogs, you'll often go outside to a play yard; for cats, you will probably get to meet them in a private room. Keep in mind that you are BOTH nervous. The dog or cat will be very excited to have the chance to stretch their legs a little, and may ignore you completely at first. They also may leap into your lap and slobber all over your face. I've had both initial reactions from dogs who eventually became members of the family.

If, after you meet the dog or cat, you decide that you would like to add them to the family, you have to fill out an application. Name, address, phone number -- all the basics. You may also be asked for a veterinarian reference, or even personal references! The questionnaire may ask about your daily routine -- who is home when, what hours would the animal be alone, when will it eat, where will it sleep.

When my family adopted our first dog, we waited three days after putting in the application. We were on pins and needles, waiting for a call. Finally, we called the shelter to check on the status of our application. Because it had been so long since we had owned a dog (almost fifteen years!) we had no vet references. The shelter was planning to turn us down -- but changed their minds when our hopeful phone call showed them how dedicated we were to giving this dog a good home. My little fur sister came home to us the next day, and has been queen of the house for the last nine years!

Most shelters do ask for an adoption fee. Most shelters will require that you get your new pet spayed or neutered (if they aren't already fixed). And most shelters are overjoyed to see another resident have a second chance at a good home.

By Catherine Forman

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Save your used aluminum foil. It can be used as a scouring pad, Just take a piece and wad it up. Then start scouring pots and pans with it.

By Nelle from Cumming, Georgia

Editor's Note: This is a good use for used aluminum foil, just don't use it on your nonstick pans, it might scratch them.

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You can FIND nice dining tables. I got a friend a 50's one in need of refurbishment out of a neighbor's trash. And we recycled an old table from our clubhouse which was being remodeled. It's low, and we were going to put something in it to raise it, but we found a set of canvas deck chairs for $20 which were the right height for the lower table, so we haven't had to do anything. What's more, the blue canvas of the chairs matches the blue insert of our table top, creating a nice nautical dining room set of sorts.

By Pam from L.A., CA

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To keep your cut roses alive longer follow these steps:

Remove any leaves that will be under water and those above water that you don't need. Add a packet of florist's flower preserver. This is really just sucrose (sugar) and citric acid. You can make your own by combining a pint of lemon-lime soda with 1/2 teaspoon of bleach and a pint of warm water. Keep you arrangement in a cool room and out of direct sunlight. Re-cut stems and change the water every other day or when it becomes cloudy. You can also extend the life by placing the roses in the refrigerator when not on display (e.g. overnight). Don't store them with fruits or vegetables, though, they give off ethylene gas and encourage wilting.

To dry/preserve roses in their open state, cut off the stem to within an inch of the flower and place the rose face-up in a cardboard box filled with fine, white sand (you can usually find sand at craft stores). Gently push the rose (face-up) into the sand until it is deep enough to be supported by the sand. Then gently pour more sand around the base of the rose and then in-between and around the sides of the petals. Do this carefully and evenly to avoid disturbing the shape of the flower. When the rose is completely covered, store the box (open) in a dry area for three weeks. To remove the sand, tilt the box on the side and gently pour off the sand. Keep dried flowers in an airtight container until used and avoid exposing them to humidity.

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I have just moved into a rental property which had grass growing in all the cracks in the pavement and drive way. I have pulled up all the grass and I would like to plant something in the cracks by seed preferably (large area) that will either look pretty, or smell good when you tread on it. This would also keep the grass from growing back. I need something very hardy as it will have foot traffic. Any suggestions? I was thinking mint or Johnny jump ups.

Hardiness Zone: 11

Sally from Sydney Australia

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I was wanting to see if anyone knows how to get coupon packets delivered to your home?

Dustysbabygirl from Winnfield, Louisiana

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A friend of mine in SC needs a job she can work at from home. A medical problem (circulatory) warrants that she stay off of her feet (that cut out her cashier job). She does have a computer and access to the internet. Any legitimate job opportunities out there that you know of?

Thanks!
KCC from Canton,NC

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We have decided to have a renaissance wedding. Does anyone have any ideas on things I can make myself for decorations and gifts? I have already made a bunch of beach themed gifts, because that's what we were going to do, but now lol. I would appreciate any help with ideas. I am making my dress, his outfit and the kids. Any other help would be greatly appreciated.

PCBMary

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I'm looking for assistance in getting my gas lawn mower to start more easily. Last year I had minor back surgery. After that I had trouble pulling the cord hard and fast enough to get the motor to "catch" and run. I often ended up needing to pull the cord over and over to start - probably as many as 20-25 times.

It was maddening, frustrating, painful, and exhausting. I'm 58 years old and not in the best physical condition. The mower is 7 years old. I do all the recommended maintenance. Last year my neighbor was able to get it going in 6 or 7 pulls, so I don't think there's a mechanical problem. It's probably just me. I'm not currently in a financial position to buy a new mower or to hire a lawn care service.

Does anybody know anything I can do to make it easier for me to get the mower started? Thanks for any help.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Amy from Lafayette, IN

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This summer I will be vacationing in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I am looking for places that people have been to that are "must see" as well as any tips you may have.

Thanks,
az2010 from Easthampton, MA

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My sister-in-law makes a Triple Chocolate Cake that is made in pint jars. I would like the recipe and how to bake them in the jars without asking her. I always end up purchasing her cakes, along with homemade candies every reunion. I can't ask her to share her secrets. Can anyone help?

judith1951 from Summersville, WV

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In my front room I have a coffee table in front of my couch like a lot of people do, however, I want to get rid of it and make more space, but my husband says it looks empty. Do all of you have a coffee table? Does it usually look better with or without a coffee table?

Sunflower71 from Detroit, MI

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Reunion.com Find Old High School Friends at Reunion.com

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Description: Rabbits can make wonderful small animal pets. They have gentle natures, are relatively clean and easy to care for, and they're soft and cuddly. There are many domesticated breeds of rabbits to choose from. The Dutch and Mini Lop make good companions for children. They are smaller in size and have very social natures.

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Seed Exchanges have planted themselves on the Internet, allowing gardeners to find, offer, and swap seeds. If you're in the pre-spring gardening mode-- thinking about, planning out, or dreaming of this season's horticultural challenges-- it's the perfect time to start hunting around for the seeds you desire, offering up those you have too many of, or doing both.

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Breed Description: The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful dog with a well-muscled body, erect ears, a coarse, thick coat and large curly tail. It is one of the oldest breeds of Artic sled dogs.

More Information: Alaskan Malamute Club of America, Inc.

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Breed Description: The tall, silky-coated Afghan Hound has an elegant, noble appearance that commands attention. This breed possesses a highly independent nature, but has a sensitive and affectionate demeanor with its immediate circle of companions.

More Information: Afghan Club of America, Inc.

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