October 17, 2005

Daily Thrifty Tips - October, 17 2005


Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 248 October, 17 2005
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Today's Photos


Elmo Cake

This is an Elmo Cake made with buttercream icing and a decorating tip.

Elmo Cake

By Carolyn Midnet

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The Boys - Petey and Ralphy

We caught "The Boys" napping together one day. Petey and Ralphy seldom settle down long enough to nap, but they sure look like sweet twins here! We adopted both stray kittens from our local veterinary hospital. Petey (black and white) is about 2 and Ralphy (orange and white) just turned one!

Petey and Ralphy - Cats

By Sandy Webber

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Max (Bishon Frise)

My Bichon Frise, Max, bathtime fun, gave him a "Mohawk", he looks so cute!

Max - Bichon Frise

By Shirley Parker

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Today's Tips


Additions to Rice

Add flavored boullion or spices to rice while cooking, to give it a different flavor. I've even added soups like vegetable for a great side dish.

By Dee from NY

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Quick and Easy Chocolate - Doubles as Icing

For a quick and easy chocolate that also doubles as chocolate icing, in a microwave safe bowl, place equal quantities cream cheese and chocolate bits (both can be generic, brand doesn't matter). Heat on MEDIUM for 1-2 minutes. Stir well, as cheese is hot and will melt chocolate. Use as desired.

By Leonie from Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia

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A Steamer for Cleaning

Get a small steamer used for cleaning. Use the jet tip and when cleaning the bathroom it shoots a strong jet of steam and makes quick work of any and all corners. When dusting, and be careful here with wood, I use a very short blast of the steam, again with the jet tip, on carved wood and anything that can be wiped with water. It's just amazing how easy it is to get dust and built up furniture polish out of all those little corners and do dads.

As stated before, be very careful when using on delicate items and wood. Some finishes could be harmed with steam. Make sure you use quick short blasts of steam, that way you are less likely to damage the surface.

By Valery

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Mattress Tips

Buying a Mattress

When buying a mattress, make your sure to lay down on it. Just sitting on a mattress won't tell you what it's like to sleep on it. Take it for a test drive in the store.

Protect Your Mattress

Put a protective cover over your mattresses. If you have kids that are prone to accidents, a vinyl cover works the best. Anyone's mattress can benefit from a mattress pad, it keeps dirt and sweat from getting into the mattress and prevents you from having to wash your mattress. It's much easier to clean a mattress pad than it is a mattress.

Flip Your Mattress

Get into the habit of flipping and rotating your mattress once a month. This will prevent one side from being worn down more than another. Futon mattresses should also be folded, flipped and rotated regularly. Note, some mattresses aren't designed to be flipped, but can still be rotated.

Mattresses Have Fragile Handles

Don't move a mattress by picking it up by the handles on either side. They are made to shift the mattress from side to side and tend to break when used to move the whole mattress.

No Jumping on The Mattress

While it's a lot of fun, don't let kids or adults jump on mattresses. It can permanently damage the supports inside the mattress and cause it to wear out faster. A small trampoline is much cheaper than buying a new mattress.

No More Musty Mattress

To help refresh a musty mattress sprinkle baking soda on it. Let it sit for a day and then vacuum up the baking soda.

Washing a Mattress

If you need to wash you mattress, it is best to use as little liquid as possible to get the job done. If too much water soaks into your mattress you could develop a mildew problem. Mix 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 quart of water and use it to scrub the mattress. Let the mattress dry thoroughly before putting the sheets back on the mattress.

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Quiz TV Show Joke

A host has a gimmick on his tv show in which he phones people at home and gives them a contest quiz. The other day he got a woman in Ohio who just wouldn't believe that he was talking to her while actually on the air. "I'm on the air, all right," said the host. "Just go into your living room, turn on the set and I'll wave to you." "Oh, I couldn't do that," said the lady. "I'm not dressed."

By Edie from Detroit, MI

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Panhandler Joke

During a recent hot spell in New York, a panhandler collapsed on the street. Immediately a crowd gathered and began offering suggestions. "Give the poor man a drink of whiskey," a little old lady said, "Give his some air," said several men. "Give him a drink of whiskey," said the old lady. "Get him to a hospital," someone said. "Give him a drink of whiskey," said the old lady. The babble continued until all of a sudden the victim sat up. "Will you all shut up and listen to the little old lady!"

By Edie from Detroit, MI

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Contest ends October 31, 2005


Syndication Spotlight:


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New Requests


Lipstick on Carpet

How do I remove lipstick from the carpet?

Sharon from Hawaii

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Miniature Pincher / Chihuahua Mix

I have a 6 week old miniature pincher / chihuahua mix named "Gotti". I would like some information on what this mix breed of dogs will be like. If there's anyone with this breed who has information, please share.

Jolena from Columbus, GA

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Brown Algae in Saltwater Fish Tanks

I would like to know how to treat brown algae in my salt water fish tanks? The tank is 2 months old.

Thanks,
Jarjar from Quesnel, BC

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Birthday Presents for a History Buff

I need help for my husband who is turning 25 this month. He is an avid history buff, CRAZY about hunting and would love anything to do with his truck. I can't decide what to get him and I would like to be creative.

Kate from Maryland

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Sewing Machine Keeps Breaking Needles

My sewing machine needs adjustment but I don't know how and I can't afford to take it to a repair shop. The needle keeps hitting and breaking or bending really bad on the feed dog. Does anyone know how and what to adjust so the needle is in time with the feed plate. (The little teeth like things that help pull the material under the needle). Thanks to anyone who can help with this.

Brenda from Somerville, AL

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Spider-Man Party Ideas

My son is turning 3 and wants a spiderman theme for his party. I need some ideas that don't cost a lot. I have printed some coloring sheets but what esle could they do? Is there anywhere I can go to get free printable spiderman birthday invitations and other items? I have a spiderman outfit for him. If you have any suggestions I would like to hear them.

Jenifer from Columbus, GA

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Cigarette Smoke on Leather

How do you get the smoke smell out of leather? I purchased a leather purse from an online auction and it arrived with a distinct smoke smell on the inside of the purse. Since it was a bit spendy, I hate to just give it away. Help!

Kristina from Seattle, WA

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Being a Secret Shopper"... Is It Legit?

Has anyone ever tried being a "secret shopper"? Is it legit?

Kate from Maryland

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Dishwasher Odor

After the dishwasher is done, there seems to be a pond water smell on the dishes. I run the dishwasher 1 to 2 to times a day. I do run hot water over the garbage disposal and have put liquid detergent, lemon rinds and ice cubes (separately) while running it before I start the dishwasher. I've also tried a vinegar wash. There isn't any water sitting at the bottom of the washer when it is finished. None of the things I've tried seem to work. Any suggestion on this is appreciated!

Cnil from Northern CA

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Cleaning a Canvas Patio Umbrella

How can I clean a canvas patio umbrella and a hammock? I want them to be fresh and clean next summer.

Madame Zelda from Milwaukee, WI

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Aniseed Extract

Does anyone have any ideas on how to make aniseed extract? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

"Mike" from Pennsylvania

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Cleaning Ring-Around-The-Collar

I need help with ring around the collar. I have tried everything. Any ideas?

Kate from Maryland

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Freezing Whole Tomatoes

I have a garden that has produced lots of tomatoes. I just don't have time right now to can them all. Is there any way I can freeze the tomatoes whole until I get around to using them in my soups? If this is possible, how do I do it?

Littlefoot from Petersburg, VA

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Dry Cuticles and Dry Lips From Wearing Disposable Gloves and Masks

I work in a dentist office and use non-powdered gloves and disposable face masks. My cuticles are very dry and itchy and are coming up off the nail bed and my lips are also itchy and dry and peeling. Both my nails and lips are painful. I've tried vaseline, chapstick, aveeno lip moisturizer, bendryl allergy cream, triple antibiotic on both my lips and nails. None of it has helped. I'm desperate for a solution.

Nailfanatic from Poteau, OK

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Guideline for Raising Children Plaque

When my first child was born nearly 30 years ago, I was given a plaque. On it was a guideline for raising children. Something like "Children become what they learn. Example: A child raised with criticism learns to become critical. A child raised love learns to become loving..."

Can anyone help me locate this?

Thanks,
Doris from TX

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Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

I have outdoor chairs with cloth cushions. They need to be cleaned before putting them away for the winter. If you have cleaned yours with something and it was successfull, please tell me about it.

Thank you,
Eletha from Waterford, CA

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Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

We have recently moved to a home that has stainless steel appliances and I have a hard time keeping them free of fingermarks, etc. Does anyone have advice on the best way to clean stainless steel appliances?

Joan from Chesterfield, MI

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Using Acorn Flour

I am wondering about "acorn flour". Has anyone ever used it? What have you used it in and did you grind it yourself? Would you mind sharing your methods and recipes?

Melody_Yesterday from Sedalia Missouri

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Asian Lady Beetle Infestation

I live right across the road from a soybean field. I have not hundreds but thousands of asian ladybugs on and in my home. Does anyone have any help or tips?

Aliree from B.P. Minnesota

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Nature Foretelling the Season

This may sound foolish to some but, I have heard that you can use nature to foretell seasons. Like, pine cones growing high in the trees means a harsh winter. I was wondering if maples can tell us something too. We live in a rural area, with lots of pine birch and maples. It has always amazed me how bright red the maples throughout the valley can get. But this year they aren't. Almost all are a more orange colour with just the odd tree having the flaming red. Any ideas?

I've also noticed there are Robins still hanging around and they are usually long gone by now.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Mamajuice43 from Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Making Decorative Breads (Non-edible)

I am looking for instructions on how to make decorative breads (non-edible) that had polyurethane on them. You arrange them in a basket. I received an arrangement as a gift several years ago and would like to try to make it.

Tillyburg from PA

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Baking for the Troops

This is the first time that I have some free time on my hands, and I thought that I'd make some care packages to send to friends of my son who are in the service. I remember seeing posts in the past about what to send, but cannot find them at this time.

I would be grateful if anyone could (1) guide my to the past posts, and (2) give me some recipes for cookie/cakes I can make and send that will withstand the shipping and the HEAT. The last time one friend e-mailed my son, he said that their thermometer capped out at 140 degrees, and it had already hit that mark, so they had no idea how hot it really was. (They are in Kuwait waiting to be shipped out.)

Any sites with info would be appreciated. Thank you in advance--both from me and the servicemen.

Susan from AR

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Something Eating My Hibiscus

I just planted two small hibiscus plants outside this early fall season, and something has cut off (or eaten) all the small branches and leaves from the plant. Are there any animals or birds that would devour this plant? Do you think it'll come back next spring? How can I prevent to from happening again?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Donna from Sterling Heights, MI

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How do I submit a tip on ThriftyFun?

I have answered a lot of requests, but how do I submit a tip?

PICO from ST. PAUL, ALBERTA

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Removing Permanent Marker from Wood Furniture

How do you clean permanent marker off of wood coffee and end tables without ruining the finish?

Laurie from Havre de Grace, MD

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How can I tell if a dish is oven safe?

How could I tell if a dish is oven safe such as Bakewear, Ovenwear and Pyrex. It has no indication. I know how to tell if a dish is microwave safe, but I am sure it is not same.

Thanks,
Anne from Lewiston, ME

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Painting Countertops

I have laminate for my countertops and I am intereseted in painting them until I can make up my mind about what material to replace them with. Anybody out there ever paint theirs?

Klorde from Virginia Beach, VA

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Christmas Charities

Does anyone know of any charities that offer help around Christmas time?

Gail

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Inexpensive Wide Shoes

Does anyone know where I can find VERY WIDE shoes (sneakers) CHEAP? I have developed numerous foot problems and the men's wide no longer accommodate my feet.

Betty from Slate Hill, NY

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Somasin For Toenail Fungus

I have toenail fungus and it's really bad. I have tried many different home ideas with no luck. I went to the doctor and he recomended Lamisil but it has major liver effects, so I don't want to try that. My friend told me to try Somasin, but not sure about it? Can someone tell me if they have tried Somasin?

Thanks,
Stacey from Newport Beach

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Getting Smoke Smell Off a Mattress

I hope someone can help me. I was given a new mattress (but) it was in a room at the other end of a house that caught fire. How can I get that smoke smell out.

Please help,
Grady from Louisiana

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Birthday Party Games

I need games for my 13 year old's boy/girl party.

Thanks,
Liz from MA

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Is Vinegar Harmful to Hamsters?

When cleaning my hamster's cage I used Distilled White Vinegar to remove the urnie stains. It wasn't all dry when I returned my hammie to the cage and she managed to lick some up. Is this harmful for her or not?

Maheejee from Alpine, TX

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Recipes for Making Household Products

I need to know how to make more house hold products. I am trying to save money and I am old fashion.

Tashface from Newark, NJ

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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here


Today's Sponsors


Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free

When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more:

http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html


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Fabric Pots

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Homemade Fake Blood

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Crocheted Pocket Scarf
By Connie Decker Brown

Keep your neck and hands warm with this versatile pocket scarf.

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Zeke's Simple Apple Recipe
By Marcia Passos Duffy

Ezekiel ("Zeke") Goodband, the orchard manager at Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont, grows 46 acres of heirloom apples -- over 70 varieties of apples that date back to the 17th & 18th centuries. These are apple names you may have never heard of, like Roxbury Russett (the oldest American apple variety), Ananas Reinette, and Sheep's Nose. The farm has become the largest heirloom orchard in New England.

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