Daily Thrifty Tips - June 29, 2007

We have been receiving a ton of requests lately, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. For those of you in the flooding Texas area and the California fire area, please take care. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Lime Green Wedding Cake with Fresh Flowers

Just wanted to share a picture of my daughter's wedding cake. I really was concerned about the lime-green color, but it turned out very pretty. The live flowers made it beautiful and super easy.

By Mona from Lumberton, MS

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Web Worm Advice

I read about web worms in today's newspaper. Then looked at the neighbor's tree. Yup, the season has arrived. Among other things, the most natural treatment is to rip a hole in the web so natural predators can get in there and finish the job.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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My Plant Window

Plants are both an inexpensive way to brighten your decor, and helpful to indoor air quality. What you see is my "plant window"--the only place in the house that gets any real light, and then only in the morning and it was done entirely from yard sale finds. At various sales I picked up the table, tablecloth, two stools, all the pots, the soil, the trivets, the plants, and the trellis. My final cost was a whopping $13.50.

By Marie E. Cecchini from West Dundee, IL

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4th of July Candle Holders

These candle holders are made from clay pots.

Approximate Time: 40 minutes

Supplies:

• clay pots
• clay saucers
• acrylic paint
• brushes
• stencils
• candles
• sealer[optional]

Instructions:

By Sandy from Bluff City, TN

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Rex (Green Iguana)

Rex is a 7 year old Green Iguana. I adopted my green son from my older son while he was going into the US Navy.

She likes to sleep in the bed with me, her mommy. Rex is a ray of pure sunshine, if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be alive right now, she gives me so much hope for the future and gives me a reason to get out of bed in the mornings. We have an awesome relationship and I am truly blessed to have this young green lady in my life. I was diagnosed a while back with some pretty bad ailments and rarely got out of bed, Rex came into my life and turned it around. Thank you Rex

By Igmommy from Tn

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Flowering Hens and Chicks

Hi everyone! The other day a reader asked if hens and chicks bloomed. Well, I guess they do because mine bloomed this year, too. :) I think they're so pretty.

By Paula from Portugal

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Watch Amazon Warranty Information

I was reading a product review on Amazon.com and the person said that the warranty for an item was 3 years, but upon receiving the electric pan, the warranty mentioned only 3 months.

Yet one more thing to be aware of (sigh)!

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Homemade Detangling Spray

My two little girls both have tender scalps, and one has long hair that tangles easily. The other one has curly red hair with a mind of it's own! I have had to buy commercial detangling spray to keep them from hollering while having their hair brushed in the mornings.

I have become concerned about chemicals, etc. in products, and because I have been making my own baby wipes lately (which are fantastic and cheap--I highly recommend this!) I happened to have the stuff on hand to try my own detangling spray.

I (mostly) filled an empty spray bottle with 1/2 water (distilled) and 1/2 aloe vera juice. I added 2 Tbsp. glycerin, 1Tbsp. Vitamin E oil, 1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil and a few drops of jasmine oil.

It will separate, so you need to shake it before use--but it really works great! I used it on both girls and my own long hair this morning, and I think it works better than the stuff I was buying. And I'm not spraying chemicals on my kids--big bonus!

By Gina J. from Colorado

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Fly Swatter Craft

Materials

• 1 fly swatter, color of choose
• fabric glue
• scissors
• 1 bag of poupourri
• plastic flowers of choice
• 2 ft. of of lace of your choice
• veil-like material, color of choice

Directions

By Melanie from Idabel, Oklahoma

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Return Junk Mail To Sender

When I took a college business class, our teacher talked about all the "junk/unsolicited" mail we all receive. If you notice that most of it has a return address on it. He told us to cross out our names and put "return to sender" on it and the compnay that sent it has to end up paying the return postage for it. After a while they will hopefully quit. I do this all the time and it has worked. May seem like a pain but I hate junk mail and I'm gonna let them know it. Give it a try, you really have nothing to lose.

By Cheri from Garland, TX

If the junk mail that you receive has a return postage paid stamp on it, all you have to do is tear up the mail, put it back in the PRE-PAID POSTAGE envelope and mail it back to the sender. After a few of these mailings, they get the message and will NEVER send you their junk mail again. I have done this for over a month, and it is working. It was the post office that informed me of this action. Interesting, huh?

By Mary Pallister from California

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Frugal Ways To Save On Utilities

I think I am frugal, my grandkids think I am cheap. I live alone in south Florida so saving on my power is very important. I NEVER shut my a/c off. It takes less than 20 minutes for my hot water heater to furnish enough water for me to do my dishes, shower and whatever other small hot water projects I may have. After I use all the water that I need, I go to the circuit breaker and shut off the switch for the hot water. When I leave my bedroom for the day, I reach up and SHUT the vents. I also shut the a/c vents in the rooms that I do not use in the day. The cool air is forced into the rooms with the open vents (least resistance), which happens to be my kitchen, dining room and living room.

By not running the hot water heater all day, there is less work for the a/c to do. Also I run the ceiling fans ONLY in the rooms where I am present. I save about $7.00 a month on each ceiling fan. These two measures have cut my power bill in half.

I change my bed linens once every two weeks instead of every week. I sleep on one side off my queen side bed for a week, then I move to the other side! This saves me on laundry.

Jeannette from W. Palm Beach, FL

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Making Towels Soft

How do I make my towels soft and fluffy again I use fabric conditioner and then tumble dry them. By then they have lost their softness, can you help?

Tony from Saundersfoot, Wales

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Cute Clay Pot Pincushion for a Gift

To make a cute pin cushion, take a small clay pot, and stuff with fiberfill very firmly - until overflowing. Tuck a scrap of fabric over it, forming a nice dome, and hot glue inside the rim of the pot. You can decorate the rim of the pot with buttons, ribbons, satin roses, etc...

By Julie

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Reviving Hot Fudge

I used to work at a sundae shop. We used to "revive" the hot fudge sauce that had set up, with hot coffee.

By Terri

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Don't Let Your Car Run Out Of Gas

Don't ever let your car run out of gasoline as it will burn up the fuel pump that's inside your gas tank. If you do, it'll cost about $300.00 to $400.00 minimum to get it fixed.

By Terri

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Hard (Cold or Frozen) Butter Tip

If butter is too hard to spread, shave some with a veggie peeler.

By Suebowman

Editor's Note: I usually just toss the butter in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds but I like this idea as well.

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Making Wreaths

I am looking for instructions for how to make wreaths.

Ev from Walla Walla, WA

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Problems With Sprint Cell Phone Service

We signed up for 2 cell phones and agreed to our plan. Sprint messed the plan up so bad and compounded it for months after. I kept calling to get it all corrected to no avail. Sprint even broke their own guarantee as noted on their contract summary sheet. They changed the contract date within 2 months time. I have yet to get satisfaction from Sprint.

Sprint even charged both phones for the family plan and the $200 unlimited plan at the same time. Realize we cancelled the $200 unlimited plan to go with the family plan when we added a second phone - Cost $149.99 plus $10 and fees and taxes. That was all the bill should have been monthly.

Our 1st bill after the change was like $800. - We paid the $125 deposit in cash and had a 0 balance.

A collection agency's rep for Sprint told me to file a complaint with Sprint's Dispute Division. She instructed me to send them everything (copies) I had to support my case. That division was the only place to get the problem resolved.

Has anyone else had problems with Sprint or resolved such problems?
Christie from New Jersey

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Finding Soft Bandanas

Any suggestions for finding bandanas that are soft? My husband uses the old fashioned bandanas for hankies, and his are looking horrible and need to be replaced? I look wherever I go for 100% Cotton bandanas, ones with a close weave, and what I feel will wash up nicely and become soft. Most of the bandanas I have purchased lately have been stiff after repeated washings (some up to a couple of dozen times). I have tried fabric softener, I have soaked them in vinegar, etc. I am at my wit's end....(I prefer not to buy used hankies). Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Shirley from West Michigan

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How Long To Keep Financial Records

How long do we have to keep records of PAID credit card bills, etc

Astrid from CA

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Buying A Futon For Under $200.00

I am looking for a futon under $200. I don't really want a used one, but don't know where to find one that cheap. I've been looking on the internet but haven't had much luck on finding a new one. Any suggestions?

bookluver!

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Recommendations for Floor Brush

I'm tearing my hair out over my floor brush. I've tried all sorts of different types but they all end up getting bent and covered in fluff which I can't get off. Has anyone discovered a type of brush that this doesn't happen to? It's disgusting!

CC from UK

Editor's Note: We'd call this a push broom in the states.

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Preventing Edges From Rolling When Knitting

Can anyone tell me how to knit without having the edges roll? I just did a throw, and the only edge that isn't rolled is the one with ribbing. Can I block it flat? Help!

Coreen Hart from Rupert, ID

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Making Sock Sweaters

Does anyone know how to make sock sweaters. I make clay sculptured ornaments and wanted to put a sweater and cap on some of them.

Karen Thomas from Florida

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Kitchen With Cherry Cabinets

I need help choosing a color for my kitchen. I have cherry colored cabinets. Any suggestions?

Liz from Boston, MA

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Advice For Vacationing In Ft. Lauderdale, FL

I will be traveling to the Ft. Lauderdale, FL area in September and wondered if anyone had any tips on the best areas to stay at.

Thanks!

Sheri from Columbus, OH

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Safety Of Microwaving Potatoes In Plastic

Microwaving potatoes in a plastic bag. How can this be safe?

I recently was told by a relative that she places a scrubbed and washed whole potato in a plastic grocery bag and ties it shut. She then sticks it in the microwave and the potatoes come out wonderfully moist, not wrinkled and dried up. Fine and dandy, but what about the chemicals leeching into the spud?

So, my concern is, how is that safe? Plastic grocery bags are not meant to be microwaved!

Does anybody have any comments or concerns like myself?

Twinsand2more from ND

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Tips for Moving To The Galveson, TX Area

We are planning a move to the Galveston area. We want a house on the water. We will consider areas around Galveston as along as there is water. I would love to have input from people already living there and/or tips for living on the coast.

Thanks, "Looking forward to being on the coast"

Susan from Howe, TX

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Removing Rust Stains From Fabric

How to remove rust stains from fabric. I hand washed a pair of light colored pants and when I went to hang them up to dry there were rust marks on the back of them from the hook and eye I sewed on. Can you tell me how to get those stains off?

Marguerite from Lowellville, Ohio

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Decorating the Wall Behind Your Bed

Any ideas to decorate the wall behind my bed as I don't have a headboard (maybe with fabric)? I have a king size bed. Could I use pretty placemats? Also, how do you make a decorative type of mosquito net? I would appreciate any help

Thanks,
Susan from South Africa

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Motivation for Getting Organized

Everyone says to get organized but how can you get organized with not enough motivation or ambition?

I have four children one borderline ADHD and the others pretty well behaved. They keep me very busy. We have a routine for everyday. You would figure my children would be enough motivation, nope. I take one look at the house and want to lounge around because of being overwhelmed. It is the basic everyday items to be done.

They say you are supposed to start in one room then work around. I get started then lose the hope of getting it done. Any suggestions for the extra motivation.

I thought maybe hearing from everyone saying I can this would be just the thing. And please if there are any tips to be better organized I am up for hearing them.

Thanks. Have a great one.
:O)
Mommy8532 from Ohio

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Setting Up a Stage for an Outdoor Birthday Party

I'M having my 15th birthday party with my best friend Shelby since our birthdays are only 4 days apart. We want to have a bonfire but we also want my friends band to play there. We have no idea what to use for a stage since the party is outside and we don't know what other games and things to do.

Casper from Winfield, MO

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Fridge With a Wide Shelf

A few years back I saw a side by side refrigerator with an extra wide shelf in the top for pizza boxes in the fridge section. This shelf took away space from the top of the freezer, leaving it in the shape of a capital L.

I am beginning to look at replacement fridges. A google search turned up nothing. Neither did a visit to an appliance store. My guess is that if they didn't offer that model, they weren't going to be of any help.

Does any one know which brand offered this feature?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Stomach and Hips Tightening Tips

I need SERIOUS advice on how to lose weight and tighten up the stomach and hip area. My family all tends to have a GUT! I am small everywhere else but can never find pants appropriately sized. I would REALLY like to know what it takes to get it off (no pills). Just good exercise or dieting advice. My Daughter gained a lot of weight with her baby (now 8 months old) but it really bothers her that she hasn't been able to tighten up. I'd like to try some things together and maybe we both can lose and benefit. Sure would appreciate any input.

Thanks in advance,
Sharon from Ravenna, KY

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Skits About Quilting?

I am looking for a skit or program to use in Church when we honor the ladies who make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. I am unable to find any skits about quilting. Please help! Thanks!

Becky from Polk, NE

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Removing Paint From Concrete

I attempted to remove very old paint from my concrete steps with a pressure washer with very little success. I only have one or two coats of paint to remove, and the paint has even worn off in places just from age. However, I increased the pressure on the nozzle as much as I could without damaging the concrete, but still only a very small amount of paint came off.

Am I doing something wrong or is there a better method to remove paint from the concrete, like paint remover or some other chemical? I should add that these steps have a rough not smooth texture to the concrete. Please help! Thank you!

truerblue from PA

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Removing Skunk Smell From House

I need advice for ridding skunk odors in the home.

Cinda from Clyde, Ohio

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My Day Lilies Have Brown and Yellow Leaves

My daylilies say to keep the soil moist, but the leaves are turning yellow

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Brooke from North Bend, OR

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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

Scrapbooks Of My Mind - Free E-Book Online

Free book on internet. Rick Jason's autobiography (from the TV show Combat!) It's very interesting.

• http://www.scrapbooksofmymind.com/

This book is probably a minimized version of the original, and I am sure they cut a lot out, but it's still worth reading if you are interested in Hollywood, movie making, Japan...

To get to all the pages, you have to return to the main page and click on a blue link. I put a little post it note on my computer indicating which section to go to the next time I read.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Tips for a House Bunny (and Mice)

When we first were given our house bunny years ago, I did my homework only to find that the main bunny info sites were giving out way too much info to help fund the vets who specialize in bunnies (none are ever local and cost a fortune as "specialists") and no info that truly helped the owner. So, having had two other bunnies before, I learned the hard way. This Dutch Bunny, named officially "Vandy Van Dyke", is a photograph with personality! He plays with so many toys, has his own small stuffed "girlfriend", and eats: all organic, since pesticides can kill them:

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Crochet Tips for Beginners

I started crocheting when I was a teenager. I went to visit with my great Aunt Reba and I was bored to tears. She gave me a ball of yarn and a hook and taught me how to single crochet. To this day, I think of and thank my Aunt Reba for teaching me this wonderful skill. The only problem was that she lived many miles away so when I wanted to learn more, I was out of luck. My Mom was a knitter and did not know the first thing about crocheting so I went to the library and checked out some books. It took me quite awhile to learn the patience to finish a project and I always had a few mistakes but I learned to keep at it. I have learned quite a few tricks and tips that would help any beginner so I thought I would pass it on.

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