Daily Thrifty Tips - February 2, 2006

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Littleman is a 3 year old (on January 27th) English Bulldog. We found a breeder on the computer, went to Mississippi in March 2003 to pick him up.

He likes to fight a stuffed english bulldog as big as he is.

He is scared of his shadow and everybody is scared of him because his tusks show when his mouth is closed. He weighs 77 lbs.

By Rettasue from Cleveland, Tn

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Here is a Solo cup doll lamp or night light.This lamp is made with clear solo drinking cups, a craft doll, and clear christmas tree lights.

By Madeline from Alabama

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When you buy your favorite flavored blend at the store: double, even triple grind it to a powder (percolator grind, if you can request that), then mix it with unflavored coffee and store in an airtight container.

It lasts longer for 2 reasons:

1. Making a a pot or cup requires less coffee when you're making it a with a powder consistency

2. The unflavored coffee absorbs the flavor of the flavored blend.

By Julia from Baltimore, MD

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Have cleaning items in every room, like a roll of paper towels, etc. It makes cleanup easy and no running for supplies. Also keep the extra plastic bags under the open one in the wastecans for easy putting in a new bag.

By SANDY from AR

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Having trouble catching your dog when they take off outside? Next time this happens, get your dogs attention. Get them to look straight into your eyes, then turn and run back home. Don't look back, they want to know where your going and they will follow. It works everytime!

By Kellie from Lake Erie Islands

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Don't do something else while you're cooking. Time gets away from you and the results can be a disaster. At least, have a very loud timer. I ruined more than a few dishes and managed to almost burn my house down learning this.

By Don

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Go to dollar store and buy small plastic baskets to fill with products like oil, vinegar, spices, marsala wine, vanilla extract, etc. and then put them in your cabinets. When cooking, you can remove basket from cabinet and easily find things with out moving anything or knocking anything down, plus it prevents your cabinet surface getting sticky or stained. You can always put a basket in the sink to clean or buy another to replace it for only a dollar.

By Sandra Moore from Wesley Chapel, FL

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Use the barter system with a friend. I have a friend that sews and I don't. She loves my homemade soup and bread. I love her sewing. So, we trade soup and bread for sewing talents. We end up both happy campers.

By joesgirl

Ask a faux finisher, Interior Decorator, upholsterer or seamstress to trade letter writing (to thank their current clients) for a training seminar. You can learn from the pros while helping them to grow their business.

By Julia from Baltimore, MD

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Whenever you go out to eat, box up half of your meal. That way, you don't eat as much, and you have another meal for the next day!

By Lauren from Greensboro, NC

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A lot of care, time and love goes into items that are handmade. They are priceless to some, passing them down from generation to generation. If cared for properly, they can last for many decades. Nothing means more to some people then a gift that is handmade, especially with them in mind.

Crochet/knit items these days are made of acrylic, cotton or wool yarns. Some, especially for baby, are made of 100% cotton yarns. There is a multitude of yarn varieties on the market today. Such a variety that you can accomplish almost any look you desire, from casual to elegant.

Different yarns have different care instructions. If you know the type of yarn an item is made of, you can easily find the proper care techniques. Some handcrafters provide you with care instructions when you purchase an item they made.

I find that all my hand crocheted/knitted items retain their original look if they are gently handwashed in cold water, using a mild detergent. Do NOT use chlorine bleach. Rinse item in cool water until water is clear, then if you desire, rinse again in water with a liquid fabric softener. Never twist or wring the item. The best way to remove water is to put the item down on a towel and roll it up in the towel (with the towel not allowing the crochet item to touch). Then roll it back out and lay it flat to dry on a dry towel, reshape the item gently to remove unwanted wrinkles, etc. Do not put a handcrafted yarn item in the dryer. The heat will shrink the yarn.

Let it air dry at room temperature. After it has become completely dry, I shake it gently again to soften the fibers. Do not iron an item unless you are sure of the type of yarn used and know it will withstand an iron. Store it on a shelf or in a drawer. Do not hang on a hanger. This will cause the item to stretch or develop "hanger" marks. These are good guidelines to use for all crochet/knit items when you are unsure of their fiber content.

Using these simple tips will retain the quality of your handcrafted item for years to come.

By Hvnlyhills from Peebles, OH
http://www.2ewenique.com

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When I lived in San Antonio, Texas, I used to eat at Christie's Restaurant and loved the Remoulade Sauce they served. Would anyone happen to have their recipe?

myc2000 from Missouri

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Coffee with skim milk and sugar was just spilled on my microfiber couch. It beaded up under the cushions so it did not go through but what can I do about the stain on the surface of the couch and cushions?

Veronica from Las Vegas

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I need theme ideas for a Senior Citizen Banquet at Church.

Sue from Wallace, NC

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My husband wants to lease a new car. We've always bought cars before and now that we have two small children I don't think leasing is a good idea for us. I know we won't put the milage on the Car/SUV but the kids will probably spill in it. What are the pros and cons of leasing?

Thanks,
Amanda from Niles, OH

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Does anyone have any instructions for making a card with CDs? I think they were cut in quarters and had a lttle pull tab on them to open. They are so cute.

Monalee from Regina

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What is the best way to get caked on, baked on grease off of cookie sheets and muffin tins? I tried Bartkeeper's Friend with no success.

Carol from Fairview, TN

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I have a 1960s table which is my pride and joy. It's made of white formica and recently my son spilt milk on to a coin that was on it. I didn't notice until it was too late. The milk reacted with the coin and now I have a round coin mark on my pride and joy! I have tried bleach and the usual vinegar etc, but I don't want to ruin it. I would really appreciate any cleaning tips that you think may work.

Thank you!
Nik12crazygal from England

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We have a nail varnish stain on our Channile armchair that has dried. Does anyone have an idea how to remove it?

Graham from UK

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I would like a patern for crcohet hats using plastic store bags to make the "yarn". I would like an adult size.

The Crochet Lady from Orlando, FL

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Today's poll asks if you have ever leased a car, truck or SUV. Please post your answer below.

We created this poll in response to a recent request that we received, you can view that request here.

Feel free to post feedback about this poll below in the feedback forum.

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Does anyone know a homemade DRY dog shampoo. By dry I mean one that does not need to be washed out. Thank you!

Linda from Seattle, WA

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Does anyone have a copycat recipe for Don Pablo's Guacamole? Thanks!

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Does anyone have a knockoff recipe for East Side Mario's Garden Salad Dressing? We love it! I have tried to duplicate it at home, but not successfully. Thank you for sharing.

Sunni from Ontario, Canada

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Does anyone have any good ideas or tips for planning a Disney vacation? There is so much info on the website, and I have so far been unsuccessful in ordering the vacation guide. Thanks!

Teddygirl from WV

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I am in need of some ideas for cub scout blue and gold banquet decorations with a space or futuristic theme. Does anyone know if the colors need to be blue and gold?

Stephanie from Columbia, MD

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When I buy red or green peppers, I only use a little bit. Can I chop them up and freeze them for later? I do this with onions, but I'm not sure how peppers would turn out.

Jessi from WI

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Q: I have lots of herbs growing. When is the best time to harvest them for drying and storage?

Aggie

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