Daily Thrifty Tips - September 13, 2007

Here's today's featured request...

Tomato Sauce is Too Sweet

My tomato sauce is WAY too sweet. I've even added a Rosa wine to it and reheated. Do you think if I add another can of tomato paste it will rid most of the sweetness?

Lynn from Massachusetts

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Thanks for reading,

Jess and Lewis

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North Carolina Mountains

A beautiful view in the North Carolina mountains, about 30 miles from where I live.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Church (Tabby)

Church is 3 years old and she is a tabby. I got her through a litter my orange cat had. Church loves to chase our ferret. She is a good momma and is very lovable with my son, Jon.

By Psychcx from Canada

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Duct Tape Backpack

A duct tape bag with straps that go around your arms at whatever length you decide. Inside can be any color you would like, I recommend gray. Card board on back and bottom and holes for bow on top. ton,TX

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Freeze Extra Or Sale Produce

Got leftover fruits and veggies, or are they on sale? Cut them, steam them (if necessary), and them freeze them. They maintain their nutrients. Later, you can reheat the veggies and put them in recipes or make smoothies with the fruit.

If you have a baby, cook the food (pit/seed and peel skins off as well), then put it in your blender with some water. A fine puree makes great baby food. If it's too much for baby, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and cover with plastic wrap. Once frozen, you can pop out however many "cubes" you need. Put them in a covered bowl in the fridge and they will be ready for baby to eat the next day!

By Laurie from Circle City, Arizona

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Frugal Tips For Electric Bill Savings

I just wanted to share my energy savings tips!! Our electric bill kwh hour jumped almost double so I had to come up with something to help. It all sort of played out slowly.

Starting in January I decided consciously to stop leaving the lights on so much in the daytime (disabled homemaker), unless I was reading and that was big step one. I wanted to darken my bedroom one day and used an aluminum sunshade (for car windows) to darken my bedroom window. My husband works 2 weeks nights, then 2 weeks days , his schedule flops back and forth. Makes it crazy around here. That worked so well, I went out and purchased (had the first one already) 4 more, so spent about $8 bucks for the whole trailer.I cut them to fit about the top half of all the windows in the place taping them on with wide clear tape. (I know I have seen people using aluminum foil for years , with my kitties that wouldn't last 30 minutes!) It is sort of like you have put up awnings on your house, without the expense! I allowed for my critters needs to look out the windows in various window spots, so it is not a dungeon by any means. Boy, did this cut down on the heat tremendously.

Also by necessity (live by 2 major highways stones throw away and noisy), we run fans 24 hours a day. One of the fans had quit in the living room, goes along with a second fan plus the ceiling fan! Anyway, I went to Walmart and ended up buying an industrial type fan 20 inch high velocity fan (on high I call it our 747 fan, lol). Believe me it has it's benefits besides helping on the electric bill bunches, blocks out the highway noise, and the teenagers' too loud TV and/or music! It's a godsend.) Worth every penny of $35 plus tax. I also got one for the bedroom since I am a light sleeper. These are something we have to have no matter what. Anyway, when I started recently comparing electric bills to last year , say July's bill was almost $60 less, at about 22% savings. It's been every bit as hot, and I am very extremely hot natured. The a/c has been on most of the time since February! We hardly every touch the thermostat leaving it on 75-76 degrees continuously!

I hadn't realized how major a life adjustment we had made until comparing bills. Very importantly, by conscious choice, we only use the oven maybe 4 times a week, as compared to every day before. Yes, I still cook, but mostly do skillet or stovetop meals, or even the crockpot. I found a new skillet cookie recipe that is awesome, and we like to eat rice krispie bars a lot, lol. And of course ice cream! Anyway, seeing as how energy costs have continued to skyrocket I feel like I have done wonders for us and it didn't hurt us one bitty bit!

For us this didn't work, but some electric companies participate in off peak hours for electric usage. I checked with our company and it basically is only for people who are keeping property, but not living there. They told me yeah you can sign up, but if you use ANYTHING at all electric, you start paying 10 cents a kwh. That means not even an alarm clock, freezer , a/c or nothing. I thought how absurd. The only people it would benefit is people not living there at all! I figure they aren't all like that because I have read of people doing their laundry (my intent) during the PM hours. You might check it out to see if it would work in your case. Anyway, all this stuff works for us as a family and might work for yours' as well. Good luck!!

By Lori from Marion AR

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Farm Book For Visiting Boys

My 2 nephews, age 1 and 4, came for a visit while on vacation. I wanted to give them something to remember their trip to our house. My parents came a few days before and we put books together. I printed off pictures of the farm animals, pets, family members, tractor and 4 wheeler (they are boys that like machines!). Dad typed each name of the animals or family and printed, Mom cut out the pictures and we put through my husband's laminator. we then used the paper hole punch and tied together with plastic wire ties so the pages would turn easily. The boys loved them. It was entertainment on the way home in the car. It was a fun, family project! The boys could remember and learn their letters and words too.

By Esther from Plainfield, Ohio

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Turn Mugs Into Gift Candles

A good way to use old mugs or even punch cups is to set a few cups on a tray, each one containing store bought votives (normally it takes two). Set the tray in the oven on 250 degrees F and let the candles melt. Remove one of the wicks and leave the other one. As the candle begins to cool, straighten the wick up into the center.

There you have it. A lovely handmade gift for about a dollar! (Cups can be purchased at thrift shop most often for 25 cents or watch for them at rummage sales!)

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Repair Your Box Spring Instead Of Replacing

Instead of buying a new box springs, I ripped the old cover and padding off of our current box springs. I padded the box springs with polyester padding and a padded bedspread. I used plastic tie down strips to anchor the padding to the springs. Then I used a staple gun to attach the padding and cover to the frame. I saved us a few hundred dollars by doing this myself and not having to buy a new one. The box springs was in excellent condition. The cover and padding were ruined. My husband was very proud of me for doing this and saving us so much money.

By Linda from Arlington, Texas

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Use a Notebook for Teacher Correspondence

I'm not sure how many teachers are already doing this, but even if she/he asks for a folder to put their notes and worksheets in (for younger grades), use a cheap 70 page spiral notebook so you can exchange notes. Then you can use the folder for worksheets and keep the notes in the notebook (so things don't get jumbled up!)

By Candreya from MO

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Hotdog Buns For Breadsticks

Split leftover hot dog buns down the middle, spread each side with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Toast in the oven and you have breadsticks for dinner.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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A Box for Donations

I keep a box handy for donations to charity. Taped on the box is a blank donation form to list the items on. When the box is full I donate and get another blank for my next box. This is a great way to get rid of items that I seem to run across daily that I don't need or want anymore and are too good to throw away.

By Clramsey from Ponca City, OK

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Problems With Vons.com

I had a bad experience with online shopping with vons.com. First of all my grocery order was 3 hours late. I was charged for items that were missing and the fruit and vegetables were smashed or rotted and a water bottle was broken. I called the service rep dept. and they were totally apathetic. I emailed vons and complained and received an auto response saying call the service reps! I do not know what to do to resolve this problem! Any suggestions?

Birthaleen from Burbank, CA

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Whitening Underarms

What are the inexpensive ways of underarm whitening? Is it true that lemon juice works on it? Isn't it too strong?

Chase from Phil.

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Cloudy Bronzed Metal Faucets

How do you remove cloudiness and spots from bronzed metal faucets? I have 2 year old Delta "venetian bronze" faucets and sprayed a soap scum remover product on them while cleaning my tub. Now they are cloudy and spotty. It looks as if I have never cleaned them. Have I ruined my faucets? How can I fix this?

SJV from Farmington, CA

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Gluten, Egg and Dairy Free Picnic Menu Ideas

Anybody got any romantic picnic menu ideas with these stipulations: Must be cold food only (staying in a hotel). Must be dairy-free, gluten-free and egg-free.

Thanks!
Shellee from Carson City, NV

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"Simply Irresistible" Float Ideas

I need ideas for a high school homecoming float. Our theme is "Simply Irresistible" and our mascot is the Comets and we are playing the Wildcats. Any ideas would really be appreciated!

Thanks :)
Raine from NC

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Sides That Go With Quiche

Can anyone tell me what else you would cook with a quiche to make a meal at dinner time? Seems like a quiche alone isn't much. I need some more ideas to go with my quiche.

Thanks Bunches. God Bless.

Angelheart from Clyde, TX

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CLR Bathroom & Kitchen Cleaner Reviews

Is CLR bathroom & Kitchen spray the same as CLR regular? I like the product, but would be great if I could buy one and dilute.

Thanks,
jora63

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Painting Floor Tile

In three adjoining rooms there is different pattern Italian-style ceramic tile. Can floor tile be painted to match that will hold up to traffic and cleaning?

mmyepiz

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Dog Carrier Pattern

I have a pom and I am looking for a sewing pattern for one of those dog carriers you wear in front with 4 leg holes.

Thanks,
Kay from Hillsboro, OHIO

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Red and Scaly Skin

Any ideas on how to get rid of a red and scaly spot on my eyelid just below my eyebrow? I've been to the doctor, his ideas didn't work, tried cortisone products, Mary Kay night cream, and other things. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kim from Crawford, CO

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Military Ball Theme Ideas

I need some ideas for a theme for a military ball.

Hannah

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Wintering Geraniums

What's the best way to 'winter' all of my lovely geraniums? I have too many to let them die. Is it best to put them in the dark and let them go dormant, or can I just keep watering and trimming them all winter indoors?

Hardiness Zone: 4b

Thanks,
Kim from Crawford, CO

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Tomato Sauce is Too Sweet

My tomato sauce is WAY too sweet. I've even added a Rosa wine to it and reheated. Do you think if I add another can of tomato paste it will rid most of the sweetness?

Lynn from Massachusetts

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Dry Carpet Cleaner Recipe

Does anyone have a suggestion for a tried and true homemade DRY carpet cleaner?

Wanda Paul from Fincastle, VA

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80 Year Old Gift Ideas

I need to get a gift for my 80 year old Mother. She's almost blind. What suggestions? Within reason.

Joe from South Africa

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Puppy With Dandruff

I have a 3 month old puppy who gets really bad (for lack of a better word) "dandruff". I purchased some oatmeal shampoo, but bathing him hasn't lessened the problem. I'm wondering if this is normal or something I should be concerned about? Maybe I just notice it more on him than on other dogs b/c of his black coat, but the flakes are very visible. He doesn't seem to be itching or bothered. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Sarah from Portland, OR

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Towel vs. Bathmat for Outside Shower or Tub

What do you use to catch the water when you step out of the bathtub or shower? Do you have a bath mat (small rug which is costly) or towel?

Onesummer

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Bad Experience With Levaquin

Has anyone else ever had a bad experience taking Levaquin? I took 6 pill and developed horrible arm pain then over the weekend developed horrible hip, back and leg pain. Found out from internet and pharmacy that it is a side effect and was told to stop taking right away. It cause's tendon problems and that they can rupture. Going to doctors today. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had this experience and how long I will be in pain for?

Thank you.

Lisa

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Removing Label Glue from Plastic Bowls

I still can't get the label glue off the plastic bowls I just bought.

Debby from San Diego, CA

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Good Dog For Apartment Living

I am looking for a dog for my home. I am single, with no kids and I work about 25 hrs a week. I never had a dog before but I've always wanted one. I need a small dog, preferably under 15 lbs. At least under 25 because of my apartment. What kind of dog do you guys recommend?

Bree from Belleville

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Does Charcoal Remove Smells?

Will charcoal remove smells?

Janice

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Red Collar Bleeding On White Shirt

I have a shirt with a red collar, but the rest is white. After I washed it the red collar bleed on the white part making it pink. How do I get the white white and keep the red , red.

Gina from Selma, NC

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How To Make Spider Hair Bows

How do you make hair bows, especially spider hair bows with curled ribbon legs? Thanks for your help.

Susan from Prospect Park, PA

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Pattern for Knifty Knitter Bag

Pattern for Knifty Knitter bag I bought the knifty nitter and I love it but where is the pattern for the bag. You know the one on the cover.

Nadine from GA

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Making Trivets From Liquid Plastic

How do I make plastic trivets with liquid plastic? I would like to embed pictures of the family. Thanks for the help.

Collette from Canada

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Starting a Leaf Collection

I wish to start a leaf collection. Should I use the long leaf press method or the short iron- wax paper method? Which method keeps the leaves preserved the longest? Which method keeps the leaves the most realistic looking? Any information on collecting, identifying, and preserving leaves would be most appreciated. Thank you

Sassy from Central Illinois

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Homemade Stain Remover for Clothing

How do you make a stain remover at home. I am looking for step by step instructions?

Vvguggari from Karanataka-India

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Removing Bugs From Your Car

Tips for removing bugs that are stuck to your car's windshield or paint. Post your ideas.

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Homemade Carpet Shampoo

I'm looking for the best homemade carpet shampoo.

Betty from MD

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Chewing Gum in a Pocket

My daughter left gum in her pocket. I washed and dried load. Some of the clothing has gum in the fabric. Does anyone have any ideas? I read WD40, butter & peanut butter but wouldn't that leave an oil stain? Thanks!

Michelle from KY

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Saving Money on Textbooks

Tips and ideas for saving money on textbooks from our ThriftyFun community. Post your ideas below!

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Tablecloths for Fabric

Tips for finding and using old tablecloths as fabric as posted from the ThriftyFun community.

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Making a Piñata

How do you make a piñata? Suggestions from the ThriftyFun community.

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