Daily Thrifty Tips - May 24, 2006

Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

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Brutus is a 1 year old Black Lab/Border Collie Mix. I got him as a Valentine's Day gift from the local pound.

He likes to Play ball! He's big and smart, it's a dangerous combination.

By Lindsey from Austin, Texas

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Gretel is my 10 year old Dachshund Mix. I got her from a newspaper ad, June 27, 2002. She likes to sleep.

By Molly Blomdahl from Duluth, MN

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I have an inexpensive and easy tip on how to make faux stained glass windows (or anything glass) using clear Contac paper and any craft store paint for $1.00 or less a bottle. This project is only practical on small windows such as are in your front door or small bathroom windows. Best of all, you can remove it very easily if you don't like the results.

I also put a coat of preservative on it when I was finished painting, also inexpensive.

Directions

1. Measure the exact size you need on the back of the Contac paper. It's already marked off in inches so it's very easy. Then cut it out.

2. Using a regular #2 pencil I drew the outline directly onto the front of the Contac paper. I then filled it in with the desired colors. It took two coats. I used the regular water based craft paint sold in craft stores and Walmart. It's less than a dollar a bottle and when on sale a lot cheaper.

3. After the paint was dry, I outlined the entire pattern with a black ink Sharpie pen.

4. I then removed the backing from the Contac, using a paper towel dunked in wet, soapy water I applied that to the Contac before positioning it on the window. The soapy water is to give you a little extra time to move it around before it adheres, making it easier to get it on straight. When that was dry and had been on a couple days I then applied the water based varnish or preservative (sold along with the paint), which will make it easier to wipe off to clean.

I used the flash on the camera which threw a glare on the photo. It actually looks like the bottom part of the picture.

By June Scholtz from Erie, Pa.

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Sometimes purchased sheet cakes can be a problem to cut into uniform pieces so I always ask the bakery to put "hash marks" or even divisions on the cake top if it is not decorated extensively with an intricate flower pattern. The bakery pipes the small rows of evenly spaced icing on top of the cake and then inserts a very tiny flower in the center of each square.

However, I recently encountered a different problem with a decorated sheet cake from a bakery ~ the problem was that it was a two-layer rectangular cake with frosting flowers, a retirement sentiment, etc. Quite ornate. In order that the top not be marked up, I requested that the bakery put the "hash marks" or cutting lines on the four sides of the cake where they would not interfere with the top.

The next dilemma occurred as we tried to cut it with a standard cutting knife. A very long piece of dental floss was the answer. Two of us got on either side of the table, aligned the dental floss on the corresponding hash marks, and "cut" away. It worked like a charm with a minimum amount of mess and all the slices were uniform and very neat. And best of all, there was way less mess than if we had tried to continue using a knife.

By Ronsan from Southwest Missouri

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I needed a file box for my tea information, recipes, etc. I took a Tide Detergent (family size) box with the handle on it. I painted it black and put red accents on it. I threaded a pretty ribbon through the holes in the handle with "streamer ribbons" on each side of the handle. Wallpaper or contact paper could be used. The box will hold file folders which are the regular size (8 1/2 x 11).

This file box could be used to organize:

• Recipes
• Holiday ideas
• Bill paying organization
• Children's books
• Sunday School lessons
• Craft ideas
• Greeting Cards and stationary/envelopes
• Memory Box with files to hold pictures, writings, etc. from loved ones
• Baby Memory Box

There are endless ideas that this box could be used for.

This decorated Tide detergent box looks nice sitting on the floor next to my desk.

By WanJoy from Collierville

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When you put your silverware into your dishwasher, try grouping it in each compartment by the type. That way you can take out a section at a time and put all the spoons away together, and the same for forks and knives as well. Makes emptying the dishwasher go a lot faster!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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While making our travel plans to Disneyworld, we were encouraged by other family members to purchase their meal tickets as we were staying on site. Each person is issued a breakfast, snack and dinner ticket for each day you are staying. I can't tell you exactly how much was saved but, our son, daughter - law and two children figured they saved at least $75.00 a day alone . Also, if you want to go to any particular restaurant you should be making reservations a couple of months ahead of time. Boma's in Animal Kingdom Lodge was superb.

By Jane from Richmond, B.C. Canada

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The best type of pond liner for supporting the life of aquatic plants and ornamental fish are the plastic ones that have flat bottoms and also sport a shelf all away around the edge. This underwater sill is the best place to put sun-loving plants such as water lilies. If your pond liner does not have a shelf like this the result might be muddy or foggy looking water and flower buds that do not grow very big.

Tip By Hope Mason
http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks

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Here's a tip to keep you from overeating at restaurants or even at home. About 30 minutes before the meal, eat an apple. Apples are very rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that slows digestion so you feel fuller longer. "An apple a day, keeps the pounds away!"

By Marnita from Cumming GA

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Hot weather causes really hot autos because they sit in the sun. Buy a yard of white or light material. Cut it in half, cut one half in half again. Spread the large piece over the steering wheel and seat. You will have a much cooler car. Use smaller pieces to cover your legs when you wear shorts while driving and don't want to get sunburned. It is also good to cover dark slacks on sunny days.

By BOB HITTLE from CIMARRON NM

Editor's Note: It is also good to have a light colored long sleeved shirt in the car to cover your arms.

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Instead of spending hundreds on garage organization, I got kitchen cabinets from someone who was updating on freecycle, painted them white to match my garage and lined them up against the walls which already had built in cabinets by previous owner. Or look for 'offered' shelving, cabinets, dressers etc on the freecycle.org group. Great way to organize without spending a fortune.

By BK from Milpitas, CA

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Great free samples. I love getting free samples! Can you tell? Who doesn't love FREE?

Free Dentyne Gum

To get free gum, go to http://www.dentyne.com/agecheck.asp

Dove Free Samples

Go to http://www.dove.us/real_beauty/offers.asp

There you will see a list for free samples of several new Dove products.

Go to http://www.doveovernight.com to receive a free sample of New Dove Calming Night.

Swiffer Dusters

Go to http://www.tide.com and click on the "Special Offers" tab. There you'll find a link to receive a free sample of Swiffer Dusters.

Olay Samples

http://www.olay.com/newsandsamples/samples.htm

Happy Sampling!

By Cheryl Cavender from Peculiar, MO

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Angelica is an edible flower that ranges in color from pink to blue to lavender. Angelica buds have a bit of a licorice taste so they go great with poppy seed cake or lemon cakes. They also make a nice garnish for Edam cheeses and caraway type cheeses. An angelica blossom also makes a good garnish for drinks made with Sambuca or Pernod.

Tip By Hope Mason
http://www.lulu.com/spiritbooks

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bought four white resin chairs at a yard sale. They are nice and sturdy, but when I started using them I found that a white chalk like film rubs off them onto my hands and clothing. Does anybody know of a way to stop this? Thanks!

NAdams from Bangor, Maine

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I recently read a recipe for strawberry shortcake using sour cream in the cake or biscuit part. I can't seem to remember where I read it. Does any one have a recipe similar?

Jo Anne from NY

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I have a parakeet that just recently started acting funny... climbing and clinging to the side walls of the cage and the top of the cage, picking at it's back side like there's no tomorrow. It sometimes seems hyper. It's feathers are a little ruffled, but it's been eating like crazy and drinking like crazy. It doesn't seem to be pooping as much as it should... Any ideas?

Only1 from Rochester, NY

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I washed a super load of expensive kids clothes and chocolate lip balm was in the pocket and was washed and dried. Any hope of getting it out of every piece of clothes?

PamP from Delaware

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I'm looking for a fathers day project that a 5 year old girl and a 12 year old boy would enjoy doing together. For Mother's Day we did the stepping stones and they turned out great but I'm stuck for dad. Any ideas?

Irishmcfly from Pasco, WA

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How do you clean a microfiber sofa? It has scotch guard on it already.

Thanks,
Candi Dohner from Burton, MI

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Has anyone got any comfort ideas for arthritic joints? Avoiding morning stiffness? Exercises? Most days I feel like the tin man.

Thanks!
Elizabeth from Ossining, New York

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Do you have to cut Hummingbird vines back to the ground each year?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Thanks,
PJ488 from Sanford, ME

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We just opened our camper and noticed that we had a very bad smell. A cat had gotten in somehow and died. Does anyone know how to get the odor out. I have disposed of everything possible.

Fuberg from Funk NE

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Every time I want to post on here I can't remember my name or password. Is there a way of keeping these somewhere on my PC but safe from hackers? Please don't tell me just to write them on a paper. I have started several times and never can find it when I want it. I don't understand PC's very well but I would like to try keeping my list on it. I keep many things on paper but never get around to "filing" them.

Thanks,
Pam in RI from RI

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I have a squirrel and bird feeder, you can't put in loose bird and squirrel food, it has to be in cake form. The cakes cost $4.00 and they don't last very long. Is there a way to make a homemade cake with a bag of loose bird or squirrel food?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Erica from Tennessee

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I have a wedding this December 2006. I'm having some trouble deciding what kind of flowers and color of flowers to use as my center pieces. I was thinking about using cala lilies but I don't know if they would look okay since the colors of my wedding are Aqua and chocolate brown. I also don't want to use white flowers as my bouquet because I don't like the way white flowers look against my ivory gown. If there is anyone that could give me some ideas please do.

Thanks,
Candy from Mercedes TX

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I had a digital thermostat installed last Fall for my furnace. Do I take the batteries out and shut it off during the summer months? I usually shut the natural gas furnace off during the summer. Please help!

Jean from Michigan

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The bottoms of my feet and my toes are killing me. I looked this up on the net and it appears that i have hammer toes. What kind of shoes will give me relief and what can I do at night to ease this pain?

Thanks,
Joanne from Fond du Lac, WI

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I am needing help in getting red kool-aid and soda out of my carpet I have tried hydrogen peroxide and its not helping. Can someone help me please?

Peeweebubbamom from West Jordan, UT

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I need help on my lanai (covered Patio). I have removed all the ugly paint from the floor, but do not know what would be best to add. I had considered the "make it yourself" pavers, just repainting, or using outside carpet (but it gets moldy). I found some recycled rubber, the ones used on garage floors. The problem is, when it rains, I have standing water. I have also considered putting down tile. All of these options are very expensive, since this is a large area. The present floor is chipped and uneven. Could I add more concrete? Any help would be appreciated.

Karen from Venice, FL

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I really need a recipe for a homemade eyeliner for a project. Does such a thing exist? Please write if you have ideas!

Lizzy from Boston, MA

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Our son is turning 7 the end of June and wants to have a "Batman" themed Birthday party. We are thrifty but we just aren't coming up with any ideas. I don't have a stock pile of halloween stuff which would work so we are looking for any suggestions from games to party favors, etc.

Thanks,
Karaof4 from MN

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We live in an area where there is a lot of white sand and acres of pine trees. We've cleared out a couple of acres to live on, but are having trouble with ants; small, large, black and fire. How can we control them? We have ant mounds every few yards.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Linda from Mauk, GA

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What can I do to prevent wasps from building a nest in my BBQ grill?

Wasps from Northern, Illinois

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I am looking for discontinued wallpaper. The wallpaper label indicates "This Pattern Designed by Gear Exclusively for Sherin Williams"

Sales #318-4611

BKP from Weirton, WV

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

Travel Destination: Alger County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Country: United States

Free Things to Do:

There are numerous sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Superior to swim in and sunbathe on; and great agate hunting for rock collectors. We have hiking trails all through the Hiawatha National Forest and along the Pictures Rocks shoreline. There are incredible waterfalls all over Alger County, many can be viewed after just a short walk from a paved parking area. A visit to Seney National Wildlife center would be a great family activity to view the local wildlife and maybe see a Bald Eagle or a Sandhill crane.

Links:

• www.christmasmotel.com
• www.algercounty.org

Paula Cryderman from Christmas, MI

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Paying for a yearly license for your pets may seem like an expense you can afford to skip... but here are some things that may make you change your mind.

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