Daily Thrifty Tips - July 12, 2007

I hope everyone is having a great week. Once again we have a ton of request, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Here's today's featured request:

Picnic Games For Teens

This is a request for ideas for teenage outdoor games at a church picnic. It's about 25 teens. Any ideas that won't be costly would be deeply appreciated. THANKS and have a good summer.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Zhen's Rattle Cube

I made this for my daughter when she was a few months old, and started to hold things and listening to sounds.

It's like a rattle cube, made of used cross-stitch cloths, cotton wool and a bell, sew them all together and did a few cross-stitch design on it.

ZHEN is her name.

By Fern from Malaysia

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Birdhouse and Tea Rose

This birdhouse was constructed from an old barn that was torn down, the metal roof of the birdhouse is from the old barn also. This birdhouse sits on the deck ledge next to my beautiful tearose. The bud of the tearose leaned up against the old barn birdhouse and the beauty of the rose against the old wood gives a sense of the old and the new coming together as one.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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Ethan at His First Soccer Game

This is my grandson Ethan at his first soccer game. He is 4 yrs old and I think a little confused about what to do. But ain't he sweet.

By Barbara from Union, SC

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In Memory of Diesel

This is a photo of a portrait in charcoal done by my son Nick of his pug Diesel. Unfortunately Diesel passed away suddenly at the age of 5 on June 17th. What a great little guy he was! We still do not know why he died. Maybe someone has an idea. He had a very high temperature and convulsions. Thank you.

By Gene from Oxford, NC

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The Vial Of Life" For Emergencies

My husband attended a meeting last week where the speaker gave them a tip about information to have in case of an emergency at home. I had never heard this before but thought it is a great idea.

It's called "The Vial of Life": In an empty medicine bottle labeled ICE (In Case of Emergency), keep a list of the names, SS#, dates of birth and who to contact (if you're alone), plus all medications including dosages, doctors' names and phone numbers, allergies and medical history for all persons in the household. Put this medicine bottle in the butter dish area inside your refrigerator. The speaker said that EMT's are trained to look there for the information.

This is a great idea in case you were unconscious when needing help or needed help remembering the names of all medications at a stressful time. Just remember to keep the information updated in the fridge. It is a good idea to take this same information with you when you travel. It is on my to-do list.

By lavendergal from Delaware

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Use Vinegar And Apple Cider For Pet Odors

When animals soil the carpet, all you have to do from keeping them from soiling it again is use vinegar mixed with a bit of apple cider. Together, it eliminates the smell.

By Rachel from San Antonio, Texas

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Use Small Portions On A Large Plate For Picky Eaters

If your child is a poor eater, put their child size portion on a big dinner plate. That way it looks like you're only asking them to eat a little bit. It's amazing how willing they are to eat a 'small dinner'.

By Mums' Page from Ireland

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Toddler Art Gallery

With a 2 year old son who is a prolific "colorer" and a fridge that is non-magnetic stainless, I had a dilemma on how to display my little artist's work.

I purchased 2 document frames (8 1/2 x 11) that work in my decor - and hung them in the dining room as part of a wall collage. I can easily reach them to take them down and rotate my son's drawings. Since we mostly give him recycled office paper to color and draw on, it fits perfectly in the frame and I can store "historical" drawings right in the back behind the current one.

I also keep a stack of his colored on pages in a folder. When I need a quick thank you note for a gift he has been given, I fold one in half and in half again, making a little note card, and just write "Thank You" on the inside with one of his crayons. I keep a box of "invitation" envelopes from the office supply store handy and they are the perfect size. Sometimes we even add some extra coloring on the envelope. His grandparents and other relatives love this personal touch, and friends like checking out the art gallery when they come to visit.

By Regina from Rochester, NY

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Mix Wall Repair Filler With Paint For Hiding Patches

When filling holes before painting, mix the filler with the paint instead of water. It will be easy to match the colour afterwards and the patch won't be so noticeable. We use pollyfilla here but not sure what you would use in your country. Hope this helps.

By Susan from Durban, South Africa

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Waffles For Grilled Sandwiches

I planned to have sandwiches and soup for dinner last night. We were in the midst of another downpour so I did not want to head out to the store. I decided to use some waffles that were in the freezer for our bread. I put a little butter in the pan, about a tablespoon, and let that melt on medium heat. I put sandwich fixings in between two waffles, deli sliced turkey and cheese. I heated the sandwich, pressing occasionally and flipping once with a spatula until the waffles turned crisp. I made peanut butter and jelly between the waffles for my grandson and he loved it. Anyway it was a big hit. My husband thought his tasted like a panini-style sandwich. I plan to make them again with different fillings. Try it and see what you think! The grocery stores around us often have Eggo Waffles on sale, so I buy several boxes when they are.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Cork Wreath Out Of Wine Corks

Making a cork wreath is fun and uses up all those wine corks you and your friends have. I used a large wreath with greenery on it, hot glued over 300 corks and wine labels (shaped into rolls) to it. Put them close together for a really great look. You can get the corks/labels from your friends. They sort of want to get in on the fun, so share both willingly. Used this for hanging at pool side. Even in weather, it has lasted for almost ten years. Unique, cheap and fun. It is also pretty! Use any size/shape corks.

PS: I actually received enough corks to do three wreaths. That's a lot of wine consumed to help with my project. LOL

By Misty from Hermanville, MS

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Dust with Used Fabric Softener Sheets

Save your used fabric softener sheets and use them to dust with. They work great. I also use them on my Swiffer Duster instead of paying for the more expensive Swiffer replacements.

By Jackie S.

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Grilling Fresh Tuna Steaks

I was planning on cooking fresh tuna steaks on the grill tonight--the forecast is for stormy weather. Can I cook these on my indoor counter top grill or should I freeze them for another time and go to Plan B for dinner?

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Rhinestone Jewelry Kits

I am looking for rhinestone jewelry kits, like the ones that used to be sold at Leewards. The kits were for Rhinestone earrings and pins.

BRANDI39 from Greenville, NC

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Decorations For Firefighter Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

My son is getting married on the 21st of July. I am short on time and have thought of everything possible to do for the rehearsal dinner decorations.

He is a firefighter and EMT and I need some ideas. So far I've come up with decorating the ice coolers to look like fire hydrants. But I can't come up with center pieces that would be simple to make, but attractive.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Tina from Lufkin, TX

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How To Open The WetJet Battery Compartment

How do I open the battery compartment on a Swiffer Wetjet.

eelane from Weatherford, TX

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Wedding Reception Locations in San Jose, CA

I am looking to get married in May of 2008. Does anyone know of any reception areas which of course aren't expensive? I would rather a reception outside but more then anything something within budget and I'm talking like waaaaay good priced.

Thanks,
Tiffany from San Jose, CA

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Picnic Games For Teens

This is a request for ideas for teenage outdoor games at a church picnic. It's about 25 teens. Any ideas that won't be costly would be deeply appreciated. THANKS and have a good summer.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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White Streaks on a Pergo Floor

I moved into a new apartment last night and accidentally made some black marks on the pergo floor. I used Mr Clean Magic Eraser to wipe off the marks, but it also made lighter bleach like marks on the floor where it was once the black marks. Now you can see clearly that there are white streaks over the floor. Can anyone suggest what I can do to get the floors back to the original color, please help!

Karen from San Francisco, CA

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Glue on Bamboo Flooring

When we had our new bamboo floors installed last week, the installers got some glue on top of the bamboo which was not readily evident until the floor was finished. By then the glue had dried hard! We are getting the glue off with SOS but it is leaving a dull place. How do we restore the shine to the flooring? Is there a better way to remove the glue? We even called the glue manufacturer and they are "testing" ways to remove it in their labs! Can you believe that! The manufacturer doesn't even know how to get it off...

Susan Jones from Roman Forest, TX

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Squirrel Repellants

My parents have a problem with squirrels. They are always in the backyard as the neighbors feed them peanuts. The squirrels are digging big holes in their hanging flower pots. They have tried cayenne pepper but have had only limited success. Does anyone have any other homemade remedies that might solve the problem?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Carol from London, Ontario

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Removing Ink Jet Imprint On Wood

Husband placed some computer-generated ink-jet prints on wood dining room table. Appears to have left an imprint in the wood! Not actual ink, but what looks like a shadow/negative image in the wood. Tried furniture cleaner and rubbing alcohol, but no help. Any ideas?

Carol from Hilton Head Island

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Pineapple Dessert With Soda Cracker Crust Recipe

I am looking for a Pineapple dessert with a soda cracker crust. It was in a Ramsey County MN 4 H cookbook about 30-35 years ago. I lost the book and miss the dessert. Thanks for any help.

Graycrab from Monticello, MN

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Dog Vomits Everything But Liquids

PLEASE READ! DOG IN NEED!

I have a Siberian Husky who is a little over a year old. She was hit by a car almost a month ago, I took her to the vet, she had two major surgeries. Her stomach can only hold liquids, and she vomits everything else, and she is very skinny and still losing weight. The vet and I are trying several things, but I am afraid for her. Is there anything I can give her to help? Please reply if you have ANY ideas! Thank you!

Shayne from Sandy, UT

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Removing Nail Polish From Comforter

I have a down comforter that my wonderful 3 year old spilled Nail Polish on, any suggestions on how to get it out?

Tiffany from Toledo, OH

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20th Birthday Party Ideas

I live in Edmonton and my best friend lives in Vancouver and I always end up planning her birthday parties, despite the distance. This February she is turning 20 and I don't know what to do. Any party themes, ideas or suggestions about 20th birthday parties would be sooooo appreciated.
Thank you!!!

lizz from Edmonton, Alberta

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Aloe Vera For Scars

How do I use aloe vera in my old scars?

Genalyn from Laguna, Philippines

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Removing Microsoft's Anti Virus Program

How can I delete Microsoft anti virus from my computer completely so I can use my new provider's anti virus program?

Julie from San Jaacinto, CA

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Grinding Boards For A Pellet Stove

Is there a cheap way of grinding up old boards so they will fit in a pellet stove to burn?

Tracy from Maine

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Niagara Falls Vacation Tips

I am looking for thrifty tips for a Niagara Falls getaway.

Thanks!
Teddygirl from WV

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Sun Bleaching Fabric

I got carrot on a pair of beige cotton/linen pants, and was told to set them out in the sun. Now they have weird bleach looking spots. Are they ruined for good?

Katie from San Jose, CA

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Dancing in High Heels

My daughter's weeding is in less than two weeks. I have a pair of strappy sandals with high heels, 4". I can get around pretty well on them at home, but am worried about a slippery dance floor. Does anyone have any advice about what I can put under the shoes so I don't slip? Please don't ask me to get another pair. This was the pair my daughter choice!

I have a second pair (real dancing shoes) I am going to use later on, when the bride and others get into their "flip flops". But I need help for those first few dances when everyone will be watching. Any advice, anyone? Please respond as soon as possible.

Thanks so much.
Anjeena from New York

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Is Dog Urine Bad for My Vegetable Garden?

I have 2 female dogs. They urinate on cement in my yard, when I hose it down the water from this goes into my vegetable garden. Can this be harmful to humans to eat these vegetables? I am concerned about this. Can someone please help?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Diane from Chicago, IL

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Wine Bottle Lights

I am looking for directions with illustrations to make these for gifts. I do not want to cut the wine bottle.

Thanks,
Joanne from Northbridge, MA

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Auto Cool Reviews

"Auto Cool" as seen on TV. Anybody have one and does it work?

Sandie from Morganton, NC

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Locating Someone for Free

How do I go about finding someone absolutely free of charge? I don't have any money.

Regina from Jacksonville, NC

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Remedies for Bad Breath

I am suffering from bad breath. Please send me a home remedy to cure this problem.

Prinx from India

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Cutting a Toddlers Hair

Any tips on how to cut my one-year-old's fine hair? It's getting a bit long for a boy. What scissors should I get? Do they make blunt-tipped hair scissors? How do I get him to sit still? Where should I cut? I don't want to mess up his first hair cut. Should I just take him somewhere since I'm completely clueless? What sort of salon should I look for? How in the world do I get him to sit still for them?

Annaid from Idaho

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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