Daily Thrifty Tips - June 14, 2007

We have some new recalls in the More Reading section. There is one for a dishwasher and another for Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys. There also is a consumer alert about counterfeit Colgate toothpaste.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Bulb Syringe For Filling Ice Trays

With summer coming on, and ice an important item, I have found a way to make filling icecube trays a neater job. I have always overfilled, dripped, and spilled when attempting this, but discovered that a Baby's Bulb Syringe is perfect for the job. Just fill a bowl or glass with water, squeeze the bulb, insert the tip in the water and release. Then hold the tip over the sections in the tray, and squeeze gently until full. Release, move to the next section and repeat. Not fast, I must confess, but a lot less messy.

Note: Please purchase a new syringe and reserve it for this purpose. They are very inexpensive. I found mine at the dollar store.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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Use Everyday Items For Crafts

Use a dryer sheet to line small craft items, it smells nice! The square dangling off the bottom are scrapbook stickers, I used 2 similar ones that matched the cloth for the bird. I edged the bird with purple nail polish. The stitches are so small, it took all afternoon

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

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Scooter (Morkie)

Scooter is a 3 month old Morkie (Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese.) We got him 2 weeks ago from one of my best friends, Karen.

He likes to play with Odee's toys, chase him and our 2 cats. He is a very cute and smart puppy.

By Darlene Coleman from Perry, IA

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Dad, You Rule Ruler

Here is a simple craft that kids can do for their dad for Father's Day that he can use.

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Reduce Chaos to Save Money

Reduce chaos in order to save money. Live like a natural disaster is coming. Make life simpler in order to de-clutter the mind and the living environment. Many people enjoy primitive camping and leave the luxuries of home. It sounds paradoxical, but simplicity has many benefits. Campers think practically, prepare for emergencies, and lighten their load, but home dwellers act like packrats and stuff themselves with garbage. Live like you're camping and minimize "stuff". The less clutter, the less to find, maintain, and clean.

If there's an earthquake, the licorice, soda, and shelves of knickknacks decorating your house will not save you, and will quickly become a burden. It's better to store things that are truly useful to human life. In natural disaster movies, most people act confused; because they ARE confused and haven't prepared. Think about it; do you really want to be pinned down by a giant cabinet during an earthquake with glass shattering everywhere? Reduce the size and number of things and you won't be pinned down and won't have so many things shattering. Here are the tips:

• Limit the number of tools, furniture and "things" so as to simplify cleaning. Think "all-purpose" or multifunctional.

• Only drink water. Humans can live without juice or soda, but they can't live without water.

• Remove wooden baskets which harbor germs and dust, glass/ceramics that shatter, and tins that rust. Use durable clear plastic or stainless steel for storage.

• Don't use artificial plants that collect dirt. Invest in an edible, evergreen indoor kumquat which feeds you and gives you oxygen, unlike the plastic flowers.

• Don't make homemade laundry detergent which hasn't been tested for residue or effectiveness. Get an all-purpose "natural/green" cleaner and use it to replace all laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, shampoos, soaps, etc. Castile soaps (100% natural) leave a residue while partly natural detergents leave no film.

• Get cheap plastic bottles from container stores and fill it with one all-purpose cleaner.

• For moisturizer, use olive or coconut oil which doesn't have toxic chemicals and can be used for cooking.

• Match colors. Plastic bins should be clear. All towels should be cream-colored. If you have too many weird colors, it looks cluttered!

• Don't buy art. Dry a plant and frame it as a botanical specimen.

• Buy easy to maintain clothes. After the first wear, white clothes get stained, so purchase medium-colored clothing, socks and undergarments.

By Eli from Tacoma, WA

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Attach Earrings To Matching Necklace

I found one way to organize my earrings. I have several necklace and earring sets. The necklaces in these sets have "extensions" or extra pieces of chain on them that allow you to fasten them in different places to make the necklace different lengths when wearing them. Anyway, I take the earrings that go with the necklace and attach them to the "extensions" by removing the back of the earring, pushing the earring post through the "extension" and then attaching the earring back. I then hang the necklace (with it's attached earrings) in my jewelry box. That way, they're both in the same place when I get ready to wear them.

By Tammy from Anderson, SC

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Cooler Jug Of Water For Summer

With the dog days of summer upon us, I thought I would share my frugal tip for staying hydrated. I carry an insulated 18 oz. container filled with water. And I have a larger 64 oz. cooler jug filled with water for refills. When mine runs empty, I can pour some from the jug. It really saves from buying drinks at the stores. Plus, it's a great way to keep my 4 wonderful blessings hydrated as well. This probably seems like common sense to some of us, but maybe it will help someone. I just hate spending money when I don't have to. Stay hydrated this summer!

By Carlene from Fayetteville, NC

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Easy Premade Grilling Packets

Take foil, cut it in about 6x6 inches. Make a hamburger patty, add the seasoning you like, add thick slices of potato, onion, carrots. Put another layer of foil on this, fold all sides over a couple times to seal tight and freeze. Take corn on the cob and soak for 24 hours, then freeze these too. These can be cooked on the grill or put in the campfire then the cooked for about 20 minutes, dinner is ready!

By Audrey From Cincinnati, Ohio

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Thrifty Shopping Tips

One way to lower your food bill is by shopping at several stores, but not just grocery stores. If you are fortunate enough to have a bakery outlet store in your area, you can find great deals on everything from bread and buns to tortillas and cakes (a bonus is that most bread outlets give you freebies or punch cards; also check out your local "penny saver" publications for coupons).

See what food items are available at discount and dollar stores. Stores such as Big Lots and Family Dollar often have great prices on items like cereals, spices and baking products; dollar stores can be a treasure trove for snacks like chips and cookies. Plan your route in advance to save gas. Hit the grocery store last for your perishable items.

By Tricia from Tucson, AZ

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Save Juice Cartons for Camping Ice

If you like to camp, rinse well and save empty quart and half-gallon cardboard orange juice cartons. Fill with water an inch from the top and freeze. Pack the cartons in the cooler with your food items and you will have cartons of cold water to drink as the ice melts, or ice on hand (pack a hammer to tap on the sides of the cartons to shatter the ice; open the top flaps to pour out the amount of ice you need.)

By Denise from FL

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Wash Out Lint Trap To Prevent Fires

Many people don't know it but using dryer sheets, especially Bounce, can actually start dryer fires. To prevent this every couple weeks, remove your dryer lint trap and wash it with dish soap and warm water and then let it dry. This is recommenced by firefighters.

By Mythi from Silverdale WA

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Making Memories With Grandchildren

Isn't it amazing that God gives us a second chance to make up for the little things we missed out on, or took for granted when we were raising our children? And He does it through this wonderful miracle of life we call Grandchildren!

For two years now I have had the privilege of making memories with a dear little granddaughter, Karleigh Brooke. Her older brother Christian was two years old when he and his Mommy came into our family. I vowed back then to try to never be the grouchy Grandmother I remembered, growing up. And now I've been blessed with another, now seven months old, Dylan Chase.

I rocked all three babies to sleep singing "Bye-O-Baby" to the tune of "Precious Name", an old church hymn. Got lots of smiles from Karleigh when I sang "K-A-RLE-IGH spells Karleigh" to the tune of "Harrigan", an old Irish song my Dad used to sing. And when we swing outside, I sing "Oh how I love to go up in the swing", a song I learned years ago. Do you think I'm one crazy grandma? I'm making memories! Karleigh at 2 years old knows all the words and sings herself and her baby dolls the "sleepy time" song and that's a part of the daily ritual at naptime. Dylan loves it also and closes those big eyes when I hold him close, rock and sing.

Guess there's really something to that poem that says "I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep." Moms - it's a win-win situation. I'm not only teaching the love of music (though goodness knows I'm no Dolly Parton!) I am making good memories and maybe they'll pass them on to their little ones when I'm gone.

Before I close I'd like to share a few thoughts I call "Reflections From The Heart Of A Grandmother":

• The sweetest gift I ever received was the tiny flower clinched tightly in the hands of my Granddaughter.
• The best compliment I ever received was when my 8 year old Grandson said "You're the BEST cook in the world. (That was for a Brownie! I think he was just happy for the chocolate!)
• The sweetest words I ever heard: "MOMO,I WUB OOH-(translated is Mamaw I love you.).
• The most beautiful sight is those precious droopy-eyed babies looking up and trusting you to rock them until peaceful sleep finally comes.

If tomorrow never comes, I feel that I am one happy and extremely blessed Mamaw.

By Sharon Shearer from Ravenna, KY

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Auctions for Wedding Deals

When planning a wedding and doing your own flowers, etc. watch the paper for auctions of floral shops, bridal shops, etc. My daughter and I did this and found a florist who's business was being auctioned off. We got the flowers, lace, ribbons, guest book, etc. all well under cost. We saved a lot, not only by getting the deal on things this way, but also by doing the decorating ourselves.

By Crafty Chrissy from Oshkosh, WI

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Paint It Black

I just read another article about decorating with finds from the thrift store or picked up off the street and refinished/painted, etc. One great tip from that article is to paint (enamel) everything black! That way, an old 60's dresser can be turned into an elegant buffet. (Keep the old hardware.) She also enameled some old caned 60's dining room chairs she had inherited. I love wood, and hate to cover it over - but with cheaper veneers, etc., it's a good idea for sprucing them up. It gives a semi-oriental feel to the decor.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Making a Base for Fragrance Oil Reed Diffusers

How do I make the base for the fragrance oil used in the reed diffusers?

P Sanders from Deep South Mississippi

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English Version of Graham Crackers

What are the English version of Graham Crackers?

Barbara from Costa Blanca, Spain

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Excessive Sweating

How can I stop excessive sweating? I use antiperspirants but that doesn't help, also I can't use it all on my face or all over my body. What can I do? Since I live in the deep south, this is a real problem for me.

P Sanders from Deep South Miss.

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Recipes for Someone with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Does anyone have any recipe ideas for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome?

Thanks,
Vickie from Dover Plains, NY

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Healthier Tunnel of Fudge Cake

I'd like to make this Tunnel of Fudge cake healthier. Suggestions?

"This is the recipe Pillsbury offers for the prize-winning cake that started the bundt pan revolution. It is not exactly the same as Ella Helfrich's because Pillsbury stopped making the double dutch fudge buttercream frosting mix she used in the original. Now you have to make the whole cake from scratch. Nuts are essential to the cake's success. A "tunnel of fudge" mysteriously appears in the finished cake. This does make it tough to use the usual toothpick method of determining doneness

The bundt pan and the 1970s go hand-in-hand. Popular recipes included the Harvey Wallbanger cake, whiskey cake, and the still popular TUNNEL OF FUDGE CAKE. This recipe was the grand prize winner for Ella Rita Helfrich (Houston, Texas)in the 1966 Pillsbury Bakeoff contest. (It was subsequently sold as a packaged cake mix for a number of years. As far as I know, the packaged cake mix version is no longer available.)"

Tunnel of Fudge Cake

• 1 3/4 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups margarine or butter, softened
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 2 cups chopped walnuts*

Glaze

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 4 to 6 teaspoons milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt® pan or 10-inch tube pan. In large bowl, combine sugar and margarine; beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar; blend well. By hand, stir in flour and remaining cake ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter into greased and floured pan; spread evenly. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until top is set and edges are beginning to pull away from edge of pan.

** Cool upright in pan on wire rack for 1 1/2 hours. Invert cake onto serving plate; cool at least 2 hours.

In small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients, adding enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Spoon over top of cake, allowing some to run down sides. Store tightly covered.

TIPS:

*Nuts are essential for success of recipe.

** Since cake has soft filling, ordinary doneness tests cannot be used. Accurate oven temperature and baking times are essential.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Cleaning a Gas Oven

Can I clean a gas stove with ordinary oven cleaner? If not, what can I use?

Janet from Georgetown, Ontario

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Repairing a Popup Camper

I need to clean and repair canvas and screens on 1976 Coleman Popup camper. I am also having problems with bunk slide outs and with cranking. The canvas is very dirty; not much mildew; need to resew at the door. The screens are brittle, cracked. Can slideouts be removed and gliders lubed? Same for the cranks? any Advice greatly appreciated.

Shirley Rew-Beil from Sandusky, Ohio

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Cooking Pancakes

How do you brown your pancakes? I cook mine in a nonstick Farberware skillet with one tablespoon of vegetable oil but I can't seem to get it to brown on both sides. Maybe my skillet is the problem because it is old and worn. Please share your advice.

Onesummer

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How Long Do Plastic Food Storage Containers Last?

I have plastic storage containers that I have used for food for many, many years. And I am curious if the plastic has been used too much and if it is so old that it is time to replace them with newer ones. I have never heard of an expiration date on plastic containers but I would like to know if there is a 'shelf-life' to plastic storage containers.

Ba Rok

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Plants Not Bearing Fruit

I have planted cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes, they do not seem to be growing at all. They do have yellowing leaves. I have fed them twice so far this season and planted them in mulch, Any ideas?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

J from Utah

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White Bread In Meatballs

A few months ago I heard someone say that they put white bread soaked in milk in their meatballs and I can't for the life of me remember where I heard that. Does anyone have a recipe like that?

Noreen from Dunmore

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Medieval Theme Birthday Party

I am looking for ideas for 11 year old boy's party with a medieval theme.

Joshua from Westchester, New York

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Saving Money on Wedding Photography

I am looking for ideas for getting wedding photography that doesn't cost an absolute fortune. I don't have any friends who are good photographers and I would really like to have professional posed picture done as well as the usual candids you get when you put the little disposable cameras on the tables.

Anyone in Boston know a good yet inexpensive photographer? Anyone else know how to find one?

Thanks!
Kim from Boston, Ma

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Virgin Mobile Reviews

I am I the only one that has had a bad experience with Virgin Mobile. I signed up for a service that was supposed to be unlimited nights, well imagine how mad I was when I found out that the plan had changed and I was not notified. I was told that they did not have to notify me of changes. Post feedback if you have had the same experience. I am switching to Verizon for my prepaid plan for my daughter.

Pam from Georgia

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Growing Herbs in Vermiculite

I just recently planted a packet of mint seeds from Williamsburg, Virginia that I picked up there three or four years ago. I put a bunch of Vermiculite in a pot (with rocks in the bottom) and began to water it. Mostly the rain has been doing the job for me. I did what the package of Vermiculite told me to do, by simply sprinkling the seeds on top of the fake soil and then watering it.

I'm worried that it's not growing properly. It's been five or six days, I think, and I don't even see a sprout. Is there something I did wrong? Should I have used real dirt as well? The package of Vermiculite said that I could just sow the seeds on top and the plants would grow. Or am I just impatient?

Maybe the seeds are too old.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Thanks,
Paul from Walnutport, PA

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Squirrels Eating Plants

Is there a home remedy I can use to keep squirrels from eating the plants in my garden?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

MARIE from Garden City, NY

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Ideas For My 17th Birthday

I'm turning 17 on July 28th and I'm trying to think of ideas and where to have my 17th b-day party since i didn't have quiencera for my 15th b-day and didn't have a sweet 16 for my 16th b-day. Please help any ideas.

Bebe_Gurl X3 from San Diego, CA

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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.

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Asko Cylinda Recalls DW95 Series Dishwashers (Fire Hazard)

M Appliance Group Inc., of Richardson, Texas has recalled about 130,000 Asko DW95 Model Series Dishwashers due to a fire hazard.

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RC2 Corp. Recalls Various Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys (Lead Poisoning Hazard)

RC2 Corp., of Oak Brook, Ill. has recalled about 1.5 million Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys due to a lead poisoning hazard.

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Counterfeit Colgate Toothpaste Found

The Colgate-Palmolive Company today warned that counterfeit toothpaste falsely packaged as "Colgate" has been found in several dollar-type discount stores in four states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. There are indications that this product does not contain fluoride and may contain Diethylene Glycol. The Company stated that it does not use, nor has ever used, Diethylene Glycol as an ingredient in Colgate toothpaste anywhere in the world.

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