Daily Thrifty Tips - July 30, 2008

Today we have an article about Heat Safety for Seniors. We still have over a month of hot summer weather to look forward so be sure to check it out. We have a lot of requests again so please see if you have any advice to share.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Ask Kids To Help With Watering

If you're having trouble with your spray nozzle or if you need more help watering - remember kids are more than willing to help!

By 3-4-T from Eastern Montana

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Garden: W.C. Fields Tomato

Does anyone remember W.C. Fields? Here is DH's tomato that reminds me of the actor.

By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark, CA

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Daisy and Jack the Cats

Daisy is the Grey cat and is 6 years old. Jack is the Orange cat and is 1 year old. We got both cats from people giving them away.

Daisy likes to chase lazer lights. Jack likes to bug Daisy.

Jack and Daisy usually fight, so it was unusual to find them laying together.

By Bobbi from Scotia, Ca.

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Baby Owl

This is our Baby Owl. It was on our road and wouldn't move when I drove by it so my husband brought it to the house. We fed it then put it up in the woods so it's mother could take care of it. We have people around here that would have probably run over the poor thing.

By Penny S. from Ipava, IL

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Charlie Brown (Chi-Wennie)

Charlie Brown is 5 months old and is a Chi-wennie. A friend gave him to me as house warming gift!

He likes to play with friend KatieBug, full breed mini dachshund. I love him. He is very funny.

By Joni S. from Springfield, Mo

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Pharaoh Ant or Sugar Ant Pest Control

No matter how much I clean and keep all sugary sweets off the counters and tucked away, I will still wake up to find a few ants crawling about. I read a few good tips. One is if you have a lot of trees or shrubs up against your house, put used coffee grinds around the perimeter of your home. Now for inside, I read to place 1 tablespoon of Liquid Ivory Soap and 1 quart of water and mix well. Then pour this liquid into a spray bottle and squirt them up, it also will wash away their scent pathway.

Another one is take cucumber peelings and place them on the windowsills and allow them to dry up. Ants will avoid them like the plague. All this information I found helpful for myself and is available from the source below. Good luck.

Source: Green Solutions for the Home by Dr. Myles Bader

By ema1203 from Cookstown, NJ

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Turn Off Shower To Save Water

When I shower, I turn off the water while I lather up, shampoo my hair, or shave my legs. I'm amazed at the amount of water I save by only having the water on twice instead of running it the entire shower.

By Susan from Giddings, TX

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Beating the Heat Index: Do You Know Where Your Loved Ones Are?

It's that time of year again: hot, hot, hot. Just in case you forgot, the heat affects everyone differently. Thousands of people in this country die from extreme heat. More die from heat related deaths than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Most Americans who die of extreme heat health problems are 50 or older. If you are involved in the care of the elderly, you know older people have their ways and do not always tell the truth. As temperatures rise, seniors are more vulnerable to the heat because their bodies don't cool down as quickly as they once did. Keeping in mind their need for independence, and with today's constantly rising heat and soaring energy prices, they may not always say what you want to hear. Older people may not feel hot when the temperature is high and are less likely to feel thirsty. Set in their ways, they may have grown up in the age of fans, before air-conditioning. Help seniors stay safe this summer. Keep 'em cool Remind them:

• Drink plenty of fluids and other nonalcoholic beverages.
• Fans do not always adequately cool during intense heat waves. Stay in the air conditioning. Air-Conditioning Works!
• Avoid all strenuous activities. Avoid extended periods of sun exposure and walking long distances at midday.
• Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats.

Heat Stroke is one problem nobody likes to deal with. Heat stroke can be fatal. A body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and passing out are serious symptom's of an Extreme Heat Emergency. Get Medical Attention!

And Remember: The Temp in the car goes up 20 degrees in only 10 minutes.

Source:

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Atmospheric Programs (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp

• http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

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Pay A Little Bit Over To Keep Each Month's Payment Different

Solving disputes of a paid bill?

Do you have a merchant that you pay every month (i.e., doctor, mortgage, etc.) that is exactly the same amount and had the unfortunate situation of having to contest that they hadn't posted the payment, and they say they never received it?

NEVER pay the exact same amount each month, add a dollar, or even 1-cent to this month's payment above last month's payment.

June: $20.06 (6th Month)
July: $20:07 (7th Month)
August: $20.08 (8th Month)

Get the picture, now you can not only verify each payment, but also know which month the payment was good for. This is great for accounting departments that are totally lax (incompetent) in their posting procedures. If you paid $20.00 each/every month, you may have a battle on your hands with the idiot on the other end of the telephone. This method puts you in control.

By Cajun from Collinsville

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Donating Books To Soldiers

The following address will get books to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan.

MWR NCOIC
CJSOTF-A
Unit-3E
APO AE 09354

Here are some webpage links:

• http://operationpaperback.org/index.htm

• http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/

By melody_yesterday from sedalia mo

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Steam Clean Your Microwave

One chore I used to hate was cleaning the microwave. Now I simply put a cup of water (microwave safe) in the microwave and heat until at a full boil. Turn off the microwave and allow the hot water to sit in the closed microwave for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe the microwave clean with a moist clean rag or towel. No chemicals to harm anyone.

Source: Just started doing this on my own many years ago.

By Kumama from Reisterstown, Maryland

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Use A Rubber Spatula for Applying Lotion To Your Back

If you go to tanning salons and find it hard to apply tanning lotion on your back, don't bother buying a lotion applicator for your back. Just use a rubber cooking spatula. It worked great for me and now I don't miss spots on my back anymore!

By Emmy from Elsmere, KY

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Use A Pillowcase In Baby's Crib

Instead of sheets you have to tuck under, insert the mattress of a babies crib or cradle into a pillowcase. Just the right size and the baby can't pull it out.

Source: Myself. I always used this method when my children were babies

By Jan from Grantham, UK

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Think Of A Song While Brushing Teeth

I have read that a good way to make sure your children brush their teeth long enough is to have them think of a song in their head while they brush. Well, it's also a good idea for us adults! I brush my teeth while singing a hymn in my head (such as all 4 verses of Amazing Grace, ha, ha!) that way I get encouragement and whiter teeth at the same time.

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Finding Trash Treasures

The elementary school across the street from my home was closing its doors due to a new school was built in another location. The teachers had to clean out their classrooms. So, one evening I was over at the playground with my girls and noticed a very large dumpster. In it was 2 wooden bookshelves, a wooden TV cart, a heavy duty plastic rolling shelves that I just COULD NOT leave behind!!! (along with other items-a cute little lamp with a energy efficient light bulb, an unopened bag of markers, new pencils, new crayons, plastic containers and bins, etc.) Anyway, I sanded the wooden pieces and spray painted them! You would never be able to tell they were "trash" treasures now!

April from Demorest, GA

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Discount Pet Product Websites

Does anyone know any online sites for discounted/food, pet products? I've been to some and they are not really discount they are even higher.

Ann from MA

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Introducing Old Dogs to a Puppy

I have A 10 year old Bulldog that we adopted 2 years ago and A 10 year old dalmatian that we adopted 5 years ago. We are thinking about getting a pup but concerned about how the older dogs might take to him or if they will be jealous. We certainly do not want my older dogs to have hurt feeling by bringing a pup into the mix.

Julie from Washington State

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Should I Saute Onions for Spaghetti Sauce?

I was wondering how important it is to saute cut up onion before adding the onion to spaghetti sauce? Someone told me that she just peels a whole onion and drops it whole into the sauce without sauteeing it. I have never heard of doing it that way. Has anyone ever tried it this way, and which way do you think would be best?

Thanks,
P.J. from Delaware

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Dealing With Stray Cats

I have too many cats and don't know what to do. I have one inside female kitten who's been spayed, she's no problem. I have two female and one male indoor/outdoor cats who have also been neutered, they're no problem (although one doesn't get along with the others).

However, There are two outside male strays, presumably unneutered, although one has a flea collar on so someone owns him and may have had him neutered; two female strays unspayed, one with 2 kittens (male and female) unneutered. The outdoor females and kittens are not friendly enough to get near, they run whenever we go outside, but will eat food we put out for them.

My question is, if I can't get near them how do I get them neutered? If I don't get it done, we'll be absolutely overrun with cats and I know it has to stop before that happens. What do I do? Can someone please help?

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ,

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Hand and Foot Card Game

Does anyone know the basics to the card game Hand and Foot? I want the short version please.

Thank you,
Vicki from Lubbock, Texas

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Large Paper Mache Flower

How would you construct a large (floor to almost ceiling) paper mache flower for a little girls room? What would you use for petals and the stem? Help!

Amie from Denver Colorado

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Mary Maxim Rug Hooking Kit Instructions

I am looking for instructions for a mary maxim rug hooking kit. It is called painted daisy #166249. I purchased the stamped rug and yarn from a yard sale but had no instructions. Thank you.

Shirley from Ontario, Canada

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Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

I am looking for a home made bloody Mary mix using fresh tomatoes.

Darlene from Darriere, MS

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Recipe for Puppy Biscuits

Does anyone have a great recipe for puppy biscuits? I would love to make my own for my puppy who is 4 months old. Thank you for any advice you might have!

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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Dog Afraid of Crate

What if My Dog is afraid of her crate? I crate trained both my puppies, the little one loves it and has no problem with it. Unfortunately, the big Pit/Lab I have who is almost 2 years old now hates it. We had to use it when she was a baby because she destroyed many of my belongings including a part of my couch. She freaked out for the first week then seemed fine. She would never eat a treat in it though no matter how good it was. We even had her to the point that if we left the house she would automatically go in.

About a month and a half ago she banged her back paw on the ledge of her wire kennel and jammed it in the crate door as well. Now no matter how much I coax her, give her favorite things, even put her favorite blanky in there that she drags all over the house. No way can I get her to stay in there.

If I lock the door even with her kong stuffed with goodies in there she just sits there and shakes and pants like crazy. I even tried sitting with her and patting her with the door open and she was still terrified. She use to sleep in it on her own accord at night now she would sooner sleep on the bare floor.

I don't want to keep it if I can never get her in it but, when we travel she is very anxious and chews other peoples stuff. She is frightened very easily, we are not sure why, we got her when she was 4 months old. I was even thinking of trading it for plastic if I thought that would help but, again not to sure what to do. any ideas. I feel bad for her and thankfully I don't need it at home anymore as she is comfortable here now.

The pic is from before she hurt herself.

Histears from NB.Canada

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U-pack Moving Service Reviews

Does anyone have experience with UPack moving service? We are going to move coast to coast and would like anyone's advice on how to go about it!

Mary from Oregon

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Veggie Not Staying Fresh

Recently I read the posts on cleaning refrigerators with vinegar and water. I did that and now my veggies are not staying fresh for longer than a couple of days. Can someone tell me how to solve this problem?

Christina from Tempe, AZ

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Ice Maker Slowly Making Ice

My Kenmore ice maker is making ice very slow and ice is usually hollow.

Kevin and Debbie from Virginia Beach, VA

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Small Tomato Plants

Why are some of my tomato plants growing beautifully and others look like runts? They all get the same amount of sun, but are in different areas. The ones that look great I practically ignore.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Jill from Berkley, MI

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Alternative Transportation Ideas

Because of the rising price of gas and the effect on the environment, my family is considering selling one of our cars (we have two) and getting something like Segways, mopeds, motorized scooters, and so on. I'm looking for some advice about some of these methods of transportation. If any of you own a Segway, a moped, a motorized scooter, or anything similar to these, please post about your experiences and share some of the advantages and disadvantages you've discovered.

Tina from Ashland, OR

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Duros Recipe

I have been looking for a recipe for making duros (duritos, durros, pasta para durito) from scratch with both the proportions of the ingredients and the process. I have not been able to find anything on the internet resembling a recipe.

Duros are a Latino snack made of wheat flour and look a bit like a very hard pasta. The traditional shape is a rectangle with grooves but wagon wheel shapes are common too. Typically the duros are deep fried but they can also be microwaved. The prepared duros puff up then can be dipped in salsa or sprinkled with chile lime salt (see Tajin). Basic Ingredients are Flour, Iodized Salt, Corn Starch, Bicarbonate of Soda, Vegetable Oil and food coloring. (From gourmetsleuth.com).

Ken from Houston, Tx

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Gift Basket Ideas for Wedding Guests

I am trying to get ideas for what to put in a lovely basket for my out of town guests who will be coming for my wedding. I want the hotel personnel to give them to my guests, as they check into their hotels. Any ideas?

Laura from Bradenton, FL

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Lilac Bushes Leaves Turning Brown

Why are my lilac leaves turning brown? They have finished blooming long ago. It started with just a few and only brown along the edges of the leaves. Now it has spread rampant. Also, the buds for next year are on it but there is a ton of old black seed shells or something around each green bud. I have no idea what this is. My second bush is perfect... no problems. Help!

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Pattie

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

I need help picking a color to paint my kitchen. The cabinets are bleached oak, with black granite counter top. The floor is an off white marble. Any suggestions?

Merle from Broomall, PA

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Locked Your Car Keys In The Car?

My Jeep Grand Cherokee has locked itself automatically with the keys in the car. I don't have a spare key (it's a long story). I heard once that a car can be opened using a cell phone. Can anyone help me please!

Carolyn from South Africa

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Discoloration in a Fiberglass Bathtub

Sun filtered through blinds onto a plastic bathmat has left yellow discolored marks on the tub floor. There are circles, from the mats suction 'feet' which are an orange and then an overall yellow. How do I get these off?

Jane from Prosser, WA

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White Heat Marks on Wood Table

How do you remove white heat marks from a mahogany table?

Lynne from England

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Struggling Lemon Tree

My poor little lemon tree looks like it's dying. The leaves are drooping bad. I have an orange tree that is twice the size of the lemon tree and it's doing okay. It is rainy season here and it was fine until about 10 days ago. I brought it in to the overhang where it can still "see" sunlight but the rain can't get to it. I made a spray of 1 tbsp epsom salts to a gallon of water and misted the leaves only. I also cut off the baby lemons it had growing on it. Is there anything else I can/should do? I do give my trees citrus fertilizer once a month. Any help would be appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 10b

Irene from South Florida

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School Fundraising Ideas

Does anyone have any good fund raising ideas for a high school volleyball team?

Margaret from Arlington, TN

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