Daily Thrifty Tips - March 15, 2007

LeiLu (Long Haired Tabby)

LeiLu will be three in April and is a long haired tabby. I got her from a customer at my old job. She would find stray cats and take them in and then find then good homes. She found LeiLu when she was 4 months old. She was in the dumpster behind McDonald's with her momma and sister. She likes to play and sleep and terrorize the house. She also likes to get into places she's not supposed to! LeiLu is my pride and joy. I love her as I would any child. She has brought me joy these past two and half years, and I'm sure she will bring me more. Along with my other lil girl, LeiLu is is expecting her first litter soon and I am very proud and excited for her.

By Jennipah from Clermont, FL

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Straw Hat Octopus

Here's a cute hat made from a straw hat and craft foam.

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Pinesol Air Freshener

After cleaning your home, you want it to smell clean. If you don't have anything else, use scented pinesol. In a small unused pot, dilute with water and simmer. It makes the whole house smell good and it's cheaper than expensive oils, etc. You can also use it in a warmer.

By Kimery from Hampton, Georgia

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Direct Deposit to Avoids Monthly Bank Fee

Where I bank, they have a minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly service charges. Since my checking account seldom contains an excess, I was being dinged for $2-3 each month. I stopped in and asked what I could do to avoid these fees, and was told that clients with direct deposit are exempt from these fees. I signed up for direct deposit of payroll, and have not paid a service fee since!

By Becki from Logansport, Indiana

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Roadside Assistance Tips

A lot of people pay for roadside assistance but don't have the numbers handy. Check to make sure you have numbers to call in your wallet or purse and program them into your cell phone. It's much better to make the call yourself rather than have the police arrange towing for your vehicle (which can be very expensive).

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New England Boiled Dinner for St. Patty's Day
By Marcia Passos Duffy

St. Patrick's Day is coming up. If you're like me you save that corned beef and cabbage dinner for this one special day a year (Incidentally, despite the Duffy surname, I am 'Irish' only by marriage.) After a year, I always forget how to cook it, but I always go back to my favorite recipe - New England style with extra vegetables (you could add more veggies if you'd like, such as turnips and parsnips) -- that never fails to get rave reviews from my real Irish husband.

• 4-5 pound corned brisket of beef
• Cold water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 carrots, peeled
• 8 potatoes, peeled
• 2 onions, peeled and cut into quarters
• 1 small head green cabbage, cut into quarters

Cover the beef with cold water and let stand for 30 minutes to draw out the excess salt. Remove beef and discard the water. Place the beef in a large pot and cover with fresh cold water. Add the basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim the fat from the surface as necessary.* Cook gently for 3-4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, add all the vegetables, except the cabbage. Add the cabbage 15 minutes before serving. Turn up the heat when adding the vegetables so that the broth is boiling. Turn down the heat to a simmer once broth boils. To serve, place the beef on a large platter and surround with the vegetables. Traditional accompaniments to a boiled dinner are pickled beets, mustard pickles and corn bread.

* NOW, FOR SOME OLD FASHIONED ADVICE...

Here's advice on boiling meats from the 1845 cookbook by Esther Allen Howard entitled: "The New England Economic Housekeeper":

"(Boiling meats) is the most simple of culinary processes (but is not often) performed in perfection. It does not require so much nicety and attention as roasting. To skim the pot well and keep it really boiling (the slower the better) all the while.and take it up at the critical moment when it is done enough, comprehends the whole art and mystery. This, however, demands a patient and perpetual vigilance, of which few persons are capable."

(.If Esther has not put you off & made you feel not up to the task of making a simple corned beef dinner.read on )

".when the pot is coming to a boil, there will always, from the cleanest of meats and the cleanest of water, rise a scum to the top of it. Proceeding partly from the water; this must be carefully taken off as soon as it rises.the oftener it is skimmed and the cleaner the top of the water is kept the sweeter the meat."

(Sounds unappetizing, but it's good advice!)

Many thanks to the Historic Cookbook Project, which makes available many very interesting (and amusing) old cookbooks on the web at http://digital.lib.msu.edu/projects/cookbooks/

About The Author: Marcia Passos Duffy is a freelance writer and the publisher of The Heart of New England online magazine, which celebrates the unique character of northern New England. For more New England recipes, events, wit & wisdom and more subscribe to her free online magazine. Visit http://www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com

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St. Patrick's Day Fun
By Angela Billings

Have a little "green" fun with the following activities.

Make Irish Toast

Simply get a piece of sliced bread and paint shamrocks on it using a new, clean small tipped paintbrush and water mixed with green food coloring. Then pop it in the toaster and serve when lightly browned.

Make Shamrock Pancakes

Use a heart cookie cutter and cut 3 hearts out of the cooked pancake and form in a shamrock shape.

Make construction paper shamrocks

Cut 3 heart shapes out and arrange them in the shamrock shape and glue on construction paper. It is said that St Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity; which refers to the combination of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This is said to be one reason for the strong association with St. Patrick's day and name.

Make Leprechaun Traps

Give the children boxes, string, ribbons, tape, glue, sticks, wood and other craft materials to help them make a leprechaun trap have children set the traps before going to bed, then while they are sleeping you can leave gold wrapped chocolate coins or something else special in each childs trap.

Blarney Stones

Let kids get smooth rocks from outside and bring in and wash them and dry. Then let them paint on glue with a paintbrush and then roll in gold glitter.

Don't forget to wear green!

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Aphid Repellent Plants

You can help prevent aphid infestations on your vegetables by interplanting them with plants that repel aphids. Some examples are anise, chives, coriander, garlic, onions, petunias and radish. Another trick is lay some aluminum foil around the base of a plant, the reflection will help deter the aphids.

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Sweet Gum Balls For Flower Drainage

If you have sweet gum balls, try using them to put in the bottom of your flower pots.

By JODI from TEXAS

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Five Colorful Fruit And Veggies A Day

I received this awhile ago and was just able to read it.

From Quality Health:

Eat 5 or more servings of colorful fruits and veggies a day, to help achieve optimal health!

Blue and Purple

• Urinary tract health
• Memory function
• Healthy aging

Suggestions: Blueberries, raisins, plums, eggplant

Green

• Vision health
• Strong bones and teeth

Suggestions: Avocadoes, green apples, cucumbers, honeydew

White, Tan, and Brown

• Heart health
• Cholesterol levels already within normal range

Suggestions: Bananas, garlic, mushrooms, ginger

Yellow and Orange

• Heart health
• Vision health
• Immune health

Suggestions: Cantaloupe, peaches, sweet potatoes, lemons

Red

• Heart health
• Memory function
• Urinary Tract health

Suggestions: Strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, tomatoes

By LRP from Lowell, MA

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90th Birthday Party Ideas

I am looking for 90 year old man's birthday party ideas... centerpieces, crafts, etc

Thanks,
Pauline from San Jose, CA

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Wine Glass Holder Pattern

I am looking for a simple pattern to make a "neck" wine glass holder to hold a standard wine glass at wine tasting functions.

Mike from Whitby, Ont.

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Medium Oak and Off-White Kitchen

We have a small kitchen but it's very sunny with 2 windows and 3 entrances. The cupboards are medium oak, with white appliances, off-white counter, and off-white tiles. The counter and appliances are all on one half of the rectangle shaped kitchen. My table is also medium oak and sits on the other end of the kitchen. The linoleum is off-white with a diamond grey pattern but will eventually be replaced with dark grey ceramic. Most of the wall space is around the table. I would like to paint it a dark blue/grey. What do you think?

Petra from Ontario, Canada

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Buying and Using Essential Oils

Where is the best place to get essential oils? And can anyone tell me a little about there use?

Thanks,
Denise from Mcrae, GA

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Growing Tomatoes In Hanging Baskets

I would like to try to grow some tomatoes this year in hanging baskets. Any one have ideas on how to make the baskets, the best type of soil to use, the recommended tomatoes to use and tips are also appreciated if you have any experience that might help me. I would like to hang them on my porches - I have one porch that faces east and one that faces south. I could also hang them on an unused jungle gym in the back yard if the porch idea wouldn't be great for their success.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Thanks!
Karen from Beckley, WV

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Hair In The Laundry

My daughter has very long beautiful blonde hair, but she sheds a lot and we are finding it in all of our clothes. Is there something that will dissolve hair in the washing machine, without damaging your clothing?

abl789 from Tuscumbia, AL

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Amaryllis Not Blooming

Last year (spring) I grew the most beautiful amaryllis, 4 in all and all different. I'm sending a picture of one of them. After they bloomed I let the leaves grow and I kept watering until the leaves got yellow and then in October, I stopped watering and put them away in a dark cool place (my garage). I put them back out in mid-February in a sunny, warm place and started watering them. All four already have BIG beautiful leaves, but no flower buds! What did I do wrong? What can I do to get them to bloom again?

Paula

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Cleaning Glass Cooktops

How do you clean glass cooktops, like burnt on food, black stains, and water spots?

Heather from Pahrump, NV

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Saving money Vs. Paying Down Debt

Does anyone have any advice about the virtues of paying off debt versus the benefit of having some cash on hand? For example, do you feel it's important to try to save money while you still have debt (especially credit card debt)? Or should most (if not all) your resources be put into paying down that debt?

One thing you discover when you try to finance or refinance a home, having cash (6 months worth of payments) is usually a requirement. If you plan on buying a home, a bigger downpayment will lower your interest rate and save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Do you have any tips to share on the topic of saving money, while paying down debt? Please post them below...

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First Communion Party Ideas

I am looking for First Communion Celebration Ideas.

Sandra from Weston, CT

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Dog Poop in Planting Areas

I read an article you posted about dog poop and gardens. I know dog poop is not good to use, but what if your dog has pooped all winter where you want to plant. Is there any way to "clean" the soil, or do I just need to remove the surface feces and turn the soil over and plant as usual? Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Aurora from Rensselaer, IN

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Kitchen With Very Little Natural Light

My kitchen has very little natural light. We currently have over head fluorescent lighting, but are planning to change to either tracks or possibly spots. My cabinets are medium oak, and the flooring is now a light color linoleum, but will be changed also to probably a neutral tile. My counters are beige tile. What colors would you suggest?

Joellyn from Los Angeles

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Growing Tomatoes Under Lights

Why are the tomatoes I am growing under lights so gangly and have so little fruit?

Gerald from Fruita, CO

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Oak Cabinets and White Appliances

What paint color is best with oak cabinets and off white appliances?

Sally from Farmville, VA

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Craft Uses for Paper Towel Rolls

What kind of crafts can I do with empty paper towel rolls and toilet paper rolls?

Caramel1 from New Jersey

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Mosquito Repellent Plants

I am looking for ideas on any bushes/trees/flowers that are good at repelling mosquitos.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Sarah from Chattanooga, TN

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Ideas for a Trivet

I am looking for ideas for a trivet. We are having a summer camp and want to use stamps. I was thinking of something like a tile.

Kerry from Winnebago, MN

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Ticks on Mattresses

My DH took possession of lounges from a good friend (or so we thought). Our friend had let his dogs sleep on the lounges (after we agreed to take them, to help him out) and they were full off ticks. Now they are in our beds and I was wondering if the mattresses can be treated, if so, how? Or would they be better replaced? I am worried as we have a 2 year old and a three month old baby (children). We have no pets at all.

Alita

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Bargains for Petite Women

I was thinking the other day that as a petite woman, 5 feet tall and weigh 110 lbs, there are several things I do to save money due to my size. I buy little girls underwear (cheaper) as well as little boys and girls t shirts. I often purchase clothing in the teens section of clothing as I can get bargains when clothes go on sale. I buy socks and tights from the same department and often buy my tights from the Dollar Tree. I just wondered if there are any tips that other petite women have that I may be missing? TIA!

JONNIE from Owensboro, KY

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Tar Stain on Carpet

How do I remove tar or similar black substance from carpet? It's from a shoe, not 100% sure it's tar.

Victoria from NSW, Australia

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Lace Shaping

Does anyone have the instructions on lace shaping for heirloom sewing? Or where I might obtain a book on lace shaping?

Thanks,
Nelwyn from bunkie, LA

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My Child Keeps Getting Head Lice

When a child gets head lice often, what can I do?

Sharon from Bolivar, MO

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Raccoons Keep Getting Into My Shed

Raccoons keep getting into my shed. I keep trying to block an open area where they get in, but they are always able to remove it. I'm a senior, on my own, and none too handy with tools. Any suggestions on how to make my shed less inviting to them?

Mary in Toronto, Canada

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Buying a Cheap Rubber Mat

I need to find where I can purchase a cheap, but durable thick rubber mat for my outside kennel. i am on a fixed budget and need a cheap one somewhere close to where I live. Please help me.

Alaina from Lynchburg, VA

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Where Can I Get a Coon Cat?

Does anyone know where to find a coon cat?

Sheila from Iowa

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