Daily Thrifty Tips - April 30, 2008

In tomorrow's Gardening newsletter we will feature pictures of flowers sent in by readers to help celebrate May Day (May 1rst). Do you have any flowers growing that you would like to show up? Submit them here:

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It's also your last chance to weigh in on the Saving Money On... topics. Do you have any advice about any of the of the following topics:

Saving Money on Yogurt
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Saving Money on Soda Pop
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Saving Money on Onions
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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Use Shredded Paper For Cat Litter

I have a pet tip. This may or may not work for your pets, but it does mine and maybe worth trying. I recycle my shredded paper. My shredder cuts into tiny squares. I put a litter liner in the pan and fill with shredded paper, both my cats took straight away to it. When it needs cleaning, it's just a matter of lifting out by the liner. You can also lift out the used areas and refill with more.

Linda from Dalton, GA

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Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve

This is a photo from the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in Southern California. We went there last Saturday and it was soooo beautiful. I couldn't stop taking pictures.

By Har'et from Lakewood, CA

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Hanging Flower Basket

This is a picture of a hanging basket in my yard, hope this is what you want for your May flower edition. I have the picture as my wallpaper on my computer screen so I can see it even when I am in the house.

By Phyllis from Roseburg, Oregon

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Raven (Black Lab)

Raven is 13 and a Black Lab. I got him from a breeder in Maryland when he was a puppy.

He likes to chase balls and make us laugh. He's the love of my life and probably won't be around much longer. I enjoy every minute of his time with us.

By Juli from Portsmouth, VA

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Temporary Wall Decor

If you live in a rental place that doesn't allow painting or if you just don't want to paint, try materializing a wall. Pour some Stayflo (liquid blue clothing starch) in a bucket and soak a sheet or material. Squeeze it a little and smooth onto your wall. It will dry just like wallpaper. If you get tired of it, just use your fingernail to pick a corner. Wash it and it will be soft again and not ruined. The wall will be just as it was before.

By Mary from Houston, Texas

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Keeping Bed Dust Ruffles (Bed Skirts) in Place

I finally shook loose with enough money to buy a bed in a bag yesterday. DH and I live in a small condo and the master bedroom is visible from the living room. It was getting shoddy looking in there, hence the shopping trip. We went to Anna's and found a reasonably priced set.

Now to my tip. I've been doing this for several years and felt a need to share. When I change out my dust ruffles (bed skirt) I put a small safety pin in the 4 corners of the dust ruffle. You can attach them to the fabric on the box springs. They won't slide around and get all uneven. If you have little ones climbing up onto your bed this is a valid concern.

By MartyD from Houston, TX

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Finding Appliance Manuals

It's hard to find appliance manuals. Try www.bobvila.com for a whole section on finding them.

I just got an email through Thriftyfun from a woman asking for a manual for her Toastmaster 1195 bread machine. Since she is no longer registered with Thriftyfun, I can't write her back directly so I'm posting it here.

Toastmaster is now owned by Salton. Call 1-800-231-9781 and ask for customer support. Good luck. I think everyone should own and use a breadmaker!

Source:

• http://www.saltoninc.com/

By jantoo from Kenosha Co, WI

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Keeping Your Trunk Clean When Hauling Gardening Supplies

Most people haul dirt and plants, etc. in their trunk. Keep it clean by spreading a cheap shower curtain in the car trunk to catch spills and dirt. The shower curtain can be washed.

Source: a friend

By Randa from San Marcos TX

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Iron Your Clothes for the Entire Work Week

A friend of mine gave me this tip: Ironing your clothes for the entire work week so you're prepared for each work day with no wardrobe surprises and it saves on your electric bill. I use this tip to prepare my hubby for work and he gets to snooze a little longer.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Get a Safe Collar for Your Cat

If you have a cat that goes outside, please don't use a collar with any elastic because if they get hung up on something they might turn around while trying to get away. This would tighten the elastic and they could very easily strangle themselves.

When buying a cat collar make sure it will unclip if it's pulled on. This should happen fairly easily with just a little pressure. I like my cat's collar to have an identifying tag with his name and my phone number with the words PLEASE CALL underneath. This way IF anything ever happens at least I'll know!

By Cyinda from Near Seattle

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Clean Your Tub with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Instead of using chemicals to clean your bathtub, use vinegar and baking soda. Spray vinegar heavily on tub then put baking soda on cleaning rag and rub over vinegar, the smell isn't too great but keeps all the harmful chemicals from damaging your finishes, not to mention the environment.

By Barbara from Meeker, OK

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Prevent Soggy Crusts for Cream Pies

To prevent crust from becoming soggy with cream pie, sprinkle crust with powered sugar.

By Gary from NJ

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Make Extra Pancakes and Freeze

When I make a batch of pancakes or French toast, I double the recipe. I use the second batch to cook up, then cool them. I put the pancakes/French toast separately between squares I cut from wax paper, stack them, and store them in a covered tupperware container and put in the freezer. They can then be used a few or more at one time on a busy morning by putting them into the microwave to heat. Even Blueberry or Apple pancakes frozen taste wonderful. These can also be used for a snack or a quick dinner when schedules are tight. It is much less expensive than buying the ready-made in the frozen section of your supermarket!

By Pattie from Bridgton, Maine

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Remove Surface Fats with Wax Paper

To remove surface fats from soup and other liquids, I float pieces of wax paper on top and lift out. The fats adhere to the paper. Repeat until all fat is removed. You can do this when hot but it is best done when warm or at room temperature.

By Barbara C. from Park Ridge, IL

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Making Potato Flour

Does any one know how to make potato flour? I Googled it but only came up with sweet potato flour.

Sharon from Lexington, SC

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Translating "Tapioca" Into Spanish

Does anyone know how to translate tapioca into Spanish? I live in Chile and not all translations are the same. Thanks.

Elizabeth from Chile

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Advice On Infrared Heaters

Has anybody used an infrared heater to heat their house this winter? I am going to have to buy something for this winter but don't want to be ripped off.

audrie12 from PA

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Transplanting A Hydrangea Bush

I need to transplant a medium/large well established hydrangea bush ASAP. However, I don't know if this is the safest time of year. Should I act now or wait until fall? Any other transplanting tips on this bush would be very helpful. The bush has sentimental value and losing it would be tragic.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Jean from Farmingville, NY

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What Breed Is My Dog? (Boxer Mix?)

Does my dog look like a pit bull?

Shaheem from Syracuse, NY

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Do I Need To Remove Fruit From My Fruit Tree?

I have a naval orange tree that is loaded down with new fruit. Do I need to get rid of most of the fruit? I know that the branches will not support the weight of more than one or two naval oranges. I also have the same problem with my lime trees. Thanks for any help you can give.

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Jean from Savannah, GA

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Working From Home As A Mortgage Broker

I would like to work from home. I am a mortgage broker. Any ideas?

Bill

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Getting Rid Of Sun Flowers

Sun flowers are destroying my grass. How do you kill them?

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Stacy from Austin, TX

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Replacing Rewind Spring On B & S Lawn Mower

How do you replace the rewind spring on a B and S lawn mower?

Paul from, TN

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Cherries Drying Up On Tree

We have had a rainier cherry tree for several years. It is always full of blossoms and cherries. Then the little green cherries dry up and fall off. What would you suggest is the cause? Thank you.

Mrs. Mitchell

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Maintenance Free Ground Cover

I have a partially shaded hill that leads down to the river. The soil is poor but grows weeds quite well. Does anyone have a suggestion on a maintenance free ground cover?

Hardiness Zone: 4b

D.M.

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Single Knit Stitch on a Rectangle Knifty Knitter

I am trying to learn how to do a single knit stitch on the purple rectangular loom. Anyone know how to do it?

Andie from Austin, MN

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"Indian War Bonnet" Quilt Pattern

I am still looking for a quilt pattern called "War Bonnet" quilt pattern. It was published in a magazine called Country Handcrafts quite a few summers ago. Could someone please help, the magazine is no longer in business.

Pat from Hondo, Alberta, Canada

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Curl Relaxers For Gray Hair

I am looking for curl relaxers for gray hair.

Ricky from Atlanta,Ga

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Restoring An Old Trunk

I have an old trunk that was used by my grandparents when they came to the States from Newfoundland. The dimensions are approx. 32 in. wide x 20 in. deep x 22 in. high. All of the edges are metal, and there are metal straps and leather handles. It is covered in a material that is torn in places.

How can I tell if it is leather or canvas? Should the fabric be removed to expose the wood beneath it? I saw a similar trunk today that had been decoupaged with labels and sealed with polyurethane. What should I do?

Josie from Fairfax, VA

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Is It Possible to Make Solar Panels at Home?

I would like to know if someone has a wonderful idea on how to make your own homemade solar panels, you know to save energy. I have seen people create all kinds of homemade stuff so i figured someone could come up with this also. OK creative people help me out if you can. Thanks.

Jamish

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Environmentally Safe Way to Remove Anthills From Lawn

Does anyone have advice on getting rid of anthills in the grass, using a environmentally friendly solution for the grass not the ants.

I need them to move somewhere else or not exist anymore. :)

Sheila from Ont. Canada

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Fixing Separated Planks on Laminate Flooring

I have 2 yr. old laminate flooring and have noticed separated in planks in a couple of places. Any help is appreciated.

Hope from Redding, CA

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Removing Lichen from a Teak Bench

How do I safely remove lichen from my teak bench?

Lorraine

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Removing Rodent Urine Smell on Outdoor Furniture Cushions

Last summer we moved to the country. I stored my outdoor furniture cushions in a Rubbermaid container and put them inside an unattached garage. When I opened the container this spring, I found that mice had found their way into the container. Although they did not chew up the cushions, they did urinate on them. This was an expensive set of outdoor furniture, and I want to save them. Any suggestions how I can get the smell out?

Becky from Indiana

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Getting Rid of Smell on Vintage Coats

How do I get the ugly smell out of the vintage coats I buy at thrift stores? I already send them twice to the dry cleaning, used febreeze, and put them outside for a few days.

These coats need to be dry clean, I can't put them in the washing machine. The dry cleaning is getting too expensive and did not help at all. Any suggestions? I love the coats but I have been able to wear them

Araceli

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Hairs Still Feels Dead After Stopping Use of Dye

I have stopped dying my hair for almost a year and it still feels and looks dead! Does anyone know what I can do to make it healthy?

Brittany from Sallisaw, Oklahoma

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Can You Plant The Tops of Parsnips?

Can you plant the tops of parsnips and will they grow?

Judy

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Recipe For Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

Looking for a recipe for chocolate covered coffee beans or espresso beans.

I would like a recipe that's been tried and is true. I've looked on the internet, googled, yahooed etc. I want a recipe YOU have tried and like :)

Laurie from Pahrump, NV

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Looking For Online Store to Buy Bulk Dog Food

Does anyone know of a good online place where I can buy Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Weight Management Chicken & Rice dry dog food online in bulk quantities? My pets go through a 40 lb bag too fast. I think I can get it cheaper if I buy in larger size. Thanks.

Nan C. from Cocoa Beach, FL

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Do I Need A New Type of DVD Player?

Has anyone heard about the new DVD's are going to start being made different, so you have to have a new DVD player in order to view the new type? I am in the market to purchase a DVD player and wanted to know if what I heard is true? I'd hate to think my DVDs would not be useful anymore in a few years.

D. Lockwood from Millsbury, OH

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Repairing Dull Spot Left by Magic Eraser on Laminate Counter Top

I had a spot on my laminate counter tops in the kitchen. It appeared to be a spot that had been wiped but left a dull finish. I used the Magic Eraser to try to rid of the dull look. The Magic Eraser has eaten the shiny finish off the laminate and left an even bigger dull finish area. How do you repair this look?

Rhonda from Audubon, IA

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Help With Name For Home Based Decorating Business

I am starting a home base business. I would like some help on a name. I will be doing interior decorating, party planning and seasonal decorating. I like flip flop contessa style but I am not sure if people will understand what my business is. Need some advice.

Lana l. from Ft. Worth, Texas

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Identifying a Black Snake

Can someone help me identify a snake? I tried to get the camera in time but it was gone. I live in Missouri (St. Louis) and the rain has been ongoing here for some time. I live in a town home with woods and a park-like setting. I was out on my front porch at night, and saw this thick, black snake at least 3 feet long. It turned its head and I saw it open its mouth and it was white. I researched this snake online and it said it was a cottonmouth but people tell me no way. It was about 2 inches thick.

Jenny from Saint Louis, MO

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Home Remedies for Warts

How do I get rid of like 100 warts on my leg?

Danielle W. from Hickory, NC

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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 Rice

Tips for saving money on rice from the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.

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