Daily Thrifty Tips - April 17, 2006

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I recently discovered that newspaper can make a great pulp to make faux foods. I've been wanting a faux cake to display on a cake platter. To create this piece, shred a few sections of black/white newspaper (not the shiny ads), and soak in hot water for about an hour. Then place a small amount of shredded paper in a blender with two cups of water and blend until smooth. If paper is not blending well, add more water. Blend for about 30-60 seconds. Pour mixture into a metal strainer and press until pulp will hold a shape on it's own.

Once you have enough pulp for your project, add 3 tablespoons of salt and 3 tablespoons of white glue to the pulp and stir well. The salt helps to prevent the paper from spoiling while it is drying and the glue helps to hold things together.

Spray the pan/mold with a non-stick cooking spray and press the pulp onto the sides of a pan/mold so that the edges are about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Set the mold in front of a fan for several hours a day until the mold is dry. This could take a day or two to dry or as long as a week depending on size of mold and thickness of pulp. Once it is dry to the touch, flex the mold slightly in your hands until the paper mold pops out of the pan.

If it does not come out, it probably needs to dry more. Once dry, project can be primed and painted. If you want a matte look, don't seal it or seal it with a matte sealer.

Decorate as you like. In this case I used a talcum powder to look like powdered sugar. You could also use baking soda or a craft paint to make it look like frosting.

By Dottie Baltz from Pennellville, NY

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Kitty, 7 year old a calico cat, is in front; Coco, 1 year old chocolate lab; Alvie, 2 1/2 year old black lab; Maggie 7 1/2 year old yellow lab; Nikki, 5 1/2 year old black and tan beagle mix; and Tommy 4 year old black cat.

I got the first one in Nov. 1998 and the last one we got April, 2005.

They all get along really great. They're my babies. Just one big happy family. Everybody sleeps with me at night.

By Penny from Ipava, IL

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You and children of any age can make these simple binoculars with just some toilet paper rolls, green/brown/black crayons and markers, stapler, a hole punch and yarn.

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Here is a scrapbook page I created about my son's misdeed. My son was really into scissors. He'd cut his clothes, pants pockets, and he cut his sister's hair. He didn't understand why we were so upset and he just kept repeating, "But I only cut ONE side!"

I used scissor shaped brads to attach the title. I created a jagged cut silver (mirror) photo mat, I used bobby pins for photo corners and fibers to resemble hair.

By Cheryl - Peculiar, MO 64078

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It is good to be frugal; very good. However one must be careful where one cuts costs. Sending your children off to an unqualified teacher is exactly like sending them to an unqualified school teacher instead of regular school with qualified teachers. The result will almost always be significantly poorer.

I personally have seen the results of studying with unqualified piano teachers. The children may learn to play the notes, but in my experience never make good music as compared to studying with qualified teahers. Conclusion: Try to go to recitals of teahers; ask around. Your children usually have one chance to learn piano; MAKE IT COUNT.

By Matthias from Thunder Bay, ON

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April 16, in zones such as 5, 6, 7, an up. Dig out some ole margarine tubs or bottles and put some soil into them and plant flower seeds or veggies right on top. Spray with water an put them on a window sill, not south one, I prefer east window. Keep them watered and you will have little plants in a week or less. Try me. I have lots of them, even lettuce on my east window sill.

By Barb Allsopp from Summerhill, PA

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With the tax season already behind us (almost!), here are a few suggestions I have to make next year's preparations a bit easier.

1) Get a large shoe box and place in a prominent location (bedroom clooset works for me.) Place EVERY bank statement, reciepts from deductible items (such as medications, day care, etc.) and other items you'll need at tax time (use envelopes to assist in sorting if necessary.)

2) Develop a HABIT of placing the items in the box at the end of the day (I put them in my laundry basket so they actually GO up to the bedroom for storage periodically.)

3) Begin saving for your IRA NOW! Set aside a small amount from each paycheck (I save 10% of my pay and it is the second check I write after my tithe to my church) IRA contributions for 2006 are $4000 (or $77 per week) if you are under 50 and $5000 ( or $96 per week)if you are over 50. When you have accumulated the total amount, get it deposited into your IRA. If you aren't able to save the full amount by April 15, 2007--deposit what you have! Afterall, you aren't getting any younger!

Happy 2007 Tax season!

Diana from Prospect, KY

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For all of us here in the U.S. today is the last day to file your income tax return. If you have already filed, great, but if you haven't yet filled out your forms, it might be best to file for an extension. Click on the link below for a .pdf form of the extension form.

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At the age of 33 I became disabled. I had just gotten married to a man who had been disabled for years, and retired from the army, he came with a teenage son. I had always lived alone and did a lot of eating fast meals, I never cooked. Now suddenly we were living on my husband's disability and food stamps, which trust me does not add up to eating out every meal.

So I started talking to people about recipes and trying out some of my own creations. Then I decided to join a couple of frugal groups on the internet, actually I joined about 6 but whittled it down to a couple that worked for me. It took some time to get into the groove but I started making menus for a month and clipping coupons. I started buying items to put together to make a meal instead of spending so much money buying ready to eat meals.

The first month that I made out my grocery list, everything on it was ingredients, my list was so long because I didn't have anything, and I thought for sure I wouldn't have enough money to buy it all. I not only had enough money, but I got one and half times what I usually bought. I couldn't believe how much cheaper it was to buy ingredients than ready to eat.

I became a coupon addict. I joined coupon swaps. I also print out coupons on my computer. It hasn't been an easy road to follow but we have managed to feed, clothe and pay bills on about $9,000 dollars a year.

Christi from Paducah, KY

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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Most people bring a picture or search for a picture of the hairstyle they want at the salon. If you get the perfect hair cut/style or it grows into the perfect style have someone take pictures of you. Front and back. Show those pictures to your stylist. You now have the perfect example of what you want and how good it will look.

By Janet Cobeo from New York City

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I just tried this and it worked so well I can hardly believe it. A little table salt, a little baking soda and the wet sink combine to make cleaning so easy. A sponge, a rag, whatever you use is fine to rub the salt and baking soda around the sink. And you will be totally shocked at how nicely the chrome shines up when you give it a little swish with the sponge. Cleanest sink, no scrubbing, so very easy. Have a super week.

By kittyhassparkle from Tacoma, WA

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I need the recipes for the various kinds of cookies that are considered meal cookies or cookies you eat instead of meals. Thanks in advance for your help!

kmcl59 from Pensacola, FL

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Handwashing vs. Dishwasher... which is more economical? I have read arguments for both sides. Does anyone have a definitive answer? Has anyone actually tested this (amount of water used, amount of electricity used, etc.?). My guess is, handwashing is more economical, if done correctly. Any thoughts?

Ree 127 from Sarasota, FL

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How do you clean black permanent marker marks on living room furniture upholstery?

BClean from Worcester, MA

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Does anyone know how or what the effusion lamp catalytic burners are made of or a cheap place to buy them?

Jerry from Brownwood, Texas

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A short time ago I saw a post about using hydrogen peroxide instead of regular denture cleaning tabs. I need to know if you use it full strength?

Chapstick from Calgary, Alberta

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I am looking for some good ideas for naming my new in home child care business. I have so many ideas but nothing is really jumping out at me so if you have any good ideas please let me know.

Thanks much,
lisa77 from Minnesota

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I have a 6 month old pit. She was doing well at first, but she seems to be getting worse about peeing in the house. We are crate training, and we do have a cat as well. What can I do about her going in the house. She has started indicating that she needs to go out by going to the door, but when she comes back in from going, she still goes again on the floor, couch, and/or our bed! Please give any advice.

Thank you!
BOBBIE from HENDERSONVILLE, NC

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My dog got away from me, we live out by open fields and a river, when he came back I opened the door before i realized and he got skunked. He ran all through the house. I got the smell out of the house but not him. I tried the peroxide, baking soda and liquid soap mix but it didn't really work for me.

Please help,
Tatopickr from Ohio

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The concern that I would have now days with gray water from the laundry is that the soap has various chemicals in it that they didn't have maybe 20 or 30 yrs ago when it was more prevalent in using gray water for the garden. What are the effects that the new grey water will have on the plant growth and eventually on your body when you eat the food from the garden?

Nancy

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My son left a red crayon in his pocket and after I dried his pants my dryer has red crayon all in the drum. Anyone know how to clean this?

Maddy from Atlanta, GA

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Why do people put comodes with artificial flowers in the bowl in their yards? Do they really think this is attractive or does this have a meaning?

Ariela from FL

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I put a bunch of clothes in a plastic container and then put in some moth balls since I was storing them in the basement. Now that I need to get into them they stink and washing them does not remove the smell. Can I soak them in anything to remove this smell permanently?

Misslilly from Holden, MO

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My daughter wears an AFO (ankle foot orthotic) and her velcro straps holding the AFO are no longer white; but dirty. What's the best way to clean the velcro and a piece of cloth strap that is next to her leg? Any ideas?

Gail from AZ

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We keep a bowl of dog food for our 5 chi's inside the house. During warmer weather only, (starting this month), it starts getting over run with ants! How can I keep the ants out and not bother the dogs?

Glinda from Glendale, KY

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I am looking for loans or credit cards for people with bad credit.

Keisha78 from Saint Louis

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There's a company in the Cleveland area (The Humphrey Co.) that makes Candy Kisses and this is part of their description of the candy:

"Remember that famous vanilla flavored, old fashioned pulled taffy in the yellow wrap? It is just as good as you think, and it's low fat, too. It will melt in your mouth, but only if you can resist chewing it."

The ingredients on the bag are: sugar, vinegar, butter, cream and vanilla flavoring.

Does anyone have a recipe for something similar to what I've described?

Thanks!
Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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My husband brought me a hydrangea bush, I am not sure what type, and it is curling and turning brown on the ends. We have gotten a few days of rain and I am not sure if that could effect this type of plant.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

shopping_addiction_woman from Nashville, IN

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Ok. I'm fairly new to the internet and new to this website. I really enjoy the tips and recipes; however, often I would like to print up a tip or recipe or two but don't know how to do that without printing the whole newsletter. Since this site is dedicated to thrifty living, is there a way to do this without having to go through all that ink, paper and wear and tear on the printer?

Thanks, from a dummy!
goat21

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My 2 bulb fluorescent light (one of three fixtures) in the kitchen was working. Then it would light and shut off, then light up again, then shut off. Now when I turn on my kitchen lights that fixture does not light at all. The bulbs have power to them, but are not lighting. I have tried to replace the bulbs. No luck. The fixture is almost 20 years old. Do I need a whole new fixture? Is this the same as replacing a ballast? Thank you for your help!

KarenAmm from Orlando, FL

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The company I work for doesn't have dental coverage. Does anyone know of a good source for dental insurance? We have eye converage but no dental insurance. I may qualify as low income.

Janet in Golden, CO

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Reunion.com Find Old High School Friends at Reunion.com

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/reunion.lasso

Breed Description: The Maltese is one of the oldest and hardiest of the toy breeds. Its small, elegant body is covered with a silky white coat that is contrasted by dark eyes and a black nose. This breed has courage and an acute sense of hearing, which makes it a good watch dog. The Maltese has a playful and affectionate demeanor that makes him a wonderful companion.

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I hope no one ever has to use this information on their own pets, but it can save a life in an emergency situation. A dog or cat choking on an object can quickly pass out or even suffocate, even if the windpipe is only partially blocked. You may find that dogs have problems with choking more often than cats because dogs love to play and chew, and toys (or pieces of toys) can get caught in their throats.

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Breed Description: The mottled color of the English Setter makes it easy to distinguish from other breeds of Setter. This friendly breed is an extremely responsive gun dog that also makes a loving and devoted companion.

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Breed Description: Irish Setters are an unusually beautiful breed of dog with a long, flowing, silky red coat and a streamlined, athletic body. When trained for hunting, this breed demonstrates reliability and incredible stamina to track game over long distances in the field. Irish Setters are highly intelligent and independent in nature, and make loyal and affectionate companions.

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If your dog or cat goes into respiratory arrest, quick action will save his life. An animal that does not get any oxygen in his system for even a few minutes can suffer permanent brain damage.

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ATMs are a wonderful blessing. They allow the freedom to bank any time of the day and provide instant access to cash. This is what I once thought, but now I wonder if they are the blessing they seem to be. Instead, I find them to be thieves in bankers' clothing.

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