Daily Thrifty Tips - July 16, 2008

Here are this week's Saving Money On... topics. Do you have any advice to share?

What are your tips for saving money on fishing and all the necessary gear. Feel free to post your ideas below.

Saving Money on Fishing

Frozen, carry out or homemade, what are you tips for saving money on pizza? Feel free to post them below.

Saving Money on Pizza

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Caged Squash

I've often had trouble finding a squash hidden under all the leaves until it was WAY too big, so this year I put a tomato cage over one squash plant just to see what would happen.

It grew straight up into the cage, making it easy to see even the smallest one. It's been much easier to harvest them so far up off the ground. It was a surprising bonus that squash bugs didn't do much damage to this plant, while nearby 'ground grown' squash have wilted away one by one as squash bugs increased over the season, even after a variety of organic sprays and one desperate try with a regular garden spray. This caged plant is the only one still producing.

Most squash bugs just don't seem as inclined to climb that far up off the ground. If sprays are needed, it is easier to see WHERE to spray and reach under all of the leaves, and it's been so easy to water in some organic fertilizer around the base. Next year, ALL my squash, both yellow and zucchini, will be in a neat row of cages.

CrafterMary from Mountain Pine, AR

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Garden: Purple Clematis

Here is my Beautiful Purple Clematis! It was one little stick last year, but I did not give up hope. Just have a little faith, hope and prayers.

By Sally M from Buffalo, NY

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How To Grow Healthy African Violets

Want to keep your African violet healthy? Follow these tips.

Keep the temperature in your home between 65 to 85 degrees.

The east window is the best lighting for African Violets, they need lots of light but not direct sunlight.

Do not over water! Always water from the bottom of the plant.
If the plant is dry on the surface then water. I have a device that checks the moisture of the soil, I would suggest you get one of these. They can be purchased at a hardware store. Let water stand overnight to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Fertilize with African violet fertilizer.

To keep your African Violets healthy, they need to be repotted at the least on a year. This gives the plants new nutrients through having fresh soil, and helps get rid of fertilizer salts that may have built up. If one of your African Violets has developed a neck, a bare place where the leaves have been taken off, you should repot it as soon as possible so the neck is covered with soil and can grow new roots.

Enjoy your beautiful African Violets!

By Jean from Forest Lake MN

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Mattie (Shar Pei)

Mattie (previously known as Mudslide) is about 6. She is a rescue pup. I got her at the Humane Society last August.

She likes to sniff for critters when taking walks.

She has suffered multiple losses, a mate, 2 owners, a litter of puppies. She lines up her stuffed animals in a row every night after grooming them. I guess she is putting them to bed. Then she lies down next to them to sleep.

By Barbara from Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Planting In Potting Soil Bags

We found in Mother Earth News how to garden without having to till the soil. We are renting a home and really do not want to put too much work into garden spot. The magazine suggest buying potting soil bags, punching holes in the bottom of the bag; then cutting open the top. Plant straight into the bags. So far, the beans, peas, squash and okra are growing great. I have been fertilizing once a week and everything is growing without weeds!

By Anne from Corvallis, Oregon

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Bags for Goodwill or Salvation Army Donations

I keep a plastic bag on the back of my closet door. Whenever I see an item in the closet that does not fit or that I will not be wearing any more, I put it in the bag. When the bag fills up, I drop it off at Goodwill or Salvation Army. This is an easy way to clean out as you go. Remember, if you do this get a receipt. All donations are tax deductible.

By Leslie from Brandon, MS

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Men: Color Your Hair For Half The Cost!

I know. It's vain. But I color my hair to keep that youthful dark brown. I use
"Just For Men" hair color to do so.

The standard dosage is for guys with a lot more hair than me. You can't just save the remnants after mixing. Believe me, it doesn't work. So what do you do? After mixing, you just have to dispose of what's left.

What I do is make a half batch. I carefully measure one half of each ingredient, and mix half of each for application. Initially, I used spare empty spice containers, but have found that the containers that come with the kit work just fine. It also works well after the second kit to use the squirter bottle from the first to mix the batch so you always keep an unopened, sealed squirter lid from the new kit to use to shake the mixture. Just keep one empty kit to measure and mix the next new kit, and you're set.

By Jax from Tigard, OR

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Clean Laundry Baskets for the Trip Home

Since I go to the local laundromat to wash my clothes, I wanted to put my clothes back in the laundry baskets when they were dry. My concern was the baskets were dirty. I decided to put some jersey pillowcases over the laundry baskets so I could put the clean clothes back in the basket. It works great! I have several sizes of laundry baskets and they stretch to fit all of them.

By Anne A. from Corvallis, Oregon

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Keeping Greeting Cards Handy

My mother always had a well-stocked card box and I carried on her tradition. Every time I shop for cards, I will find several I like or sometimes I like one so much I get several of it. Hallmark runs buy 3 get 1 free promotions in the discount stores, making it easy to do so. I also take advantage of sales where boxes of cards have been marked down.

I make sure I have a variety - boys, girls, men, women, family, condolence, congratulations, weddings, showers, new babies, etc.

Holiday cards that get marked down to 75% or more after Christmas and Hanukkah can also be picked up for your holiday card box. Dollar Tree and other dollar stores carry greeting cards at 2/$1 all the time.
I never have to go out for a card.

By Robin from Dover, FL

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Moving Tip: Keep Inventory Of Box Contents

If you are moving long distance using a professional mover, try to make itemized list of what is in the boxes. We lost 9 boxes on our last move and lost money from insurance because we could not tell them exactly what was in each box.

By Sharon S. from Mackinaw, Il

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Using Less Laundry Soap

When doing laundry, only use 1/4-1/2 of the amount of laundry soap the box calls for. It cleans clothes just as well and makes the laundry soap last twice as long.

By Susan from Giddings, TX

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Vinegar Soap Mixture and Gnats

For anyone that has trouble with gnats, those pesky flying and yes they will bite insects then the answer to my prayers to get rid of them is to use a little apple cider vinegar and a couple drops of dawn (or any brand) of dish washing liquid. Mix it up by swirling the bowl around as not to create bubbles.

Then just set the bowl on the counter or anywhere you are having the problem with them. I tried it myself earlier today and within 5 minutes there were about 20 in the bowl that had drowned. Their family members and friends were hanging around sitting on my paper towel holder watching and within about 20 minutes there were about 100 or so in the mixture. I waited about 30 more minutes and there were so many in the bowl you could no longer see any of the liquid left and there were 100's of bodies in there. I disposed of this mixture and made a fresh batch to leave overnight.

I am hoping that when I get up in the morning the rest of them have gone to their "vinegary" soap grave. If you are having these same problems give this a try. Hope it will work as well for your problem as it did for mine.

Source: Found this tip on thriftyfun.com

By Betsy from Mooresville, NC

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Mark The Top Of Spice Jars

I keep my spices in a drawer. I usually had very little, if any, problems finding what I wanted. I kept them by sizes and remembered what was in a big or little bottle.

Then, my young grandson discovered the drawer and decided the bottles were toys. He would rearrange them every time he visited. After getting tired of searching for what I wanted, I got the idea to take a marker and put the initial of the contents on the lid.

So there is a P on top of paprika, C on top of celery seed, etc. Not perfect but a lot easier find what I need now.

By Linda from Bloomington, Illinois

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Use a Can Lid to Prevent Boil Overs

This tip is for boiling pasta, noodles, rice, etc. The next time you have an empty can, remove the lid. When you are boiling water, place the lid in the bottom of the pot. This will keep the water from boiling over. Be careful removing lid, as it will have jagged edges.

Source: I read about this tip many years ago.

By Robin from Gothenburg, Sweden

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Black Snakes in Trees?

My husband found this house he wants to buy and the people around there said the only problem you might see a few black snakes! I am very, very afraid of any kind of snake, dead, rubber, alive, whatever! The girl who had lived there previously told me they fall out of the trees when it rains! I honestly had to lay down last night because of it my heart was beating 100 miles an hour. My husband does not understand and thinks it is funny. My opinion is if he loved me why in the heck would he want me to be scared to death. What can we do to get rid of them out of the trees and yard? Somebody please respond.

Martha from Spartanburg, SC

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Zucchini Is Turning Brown

My zucchini starts to grow but then turns yellow and brown. Am I watering too much?

Susan

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Sweet Tomatoes Style Brownie Muffins

The restaurant, Sweet Tomatoes, has brownie muffins that are yummy! Recipe anybody?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Uses For Sock Tops

I had to cut some of my husband's socks down, he is having problems from a heredity problem and has to stay off his feet. Has any one got any idea what I can make out of the tops. Thank you.

Angie from Lily, WI

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Kenmore Range Doesn't Heat Up

I have a Kenmore gas range that is eleven years old. The oven lights but will not heat up. Has anyone else had this problem?

Janice from Silver Lake, IN

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Homemade Squirrel Repellent

Does anyone know a good, thrifty homemade squirrel repellent that won't harm them but will keep them away? My mom's squirrels are eating all the bird seed and driving her dogs mad!

Kim from Rochester, Mich

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Prize Ideas For Prize Auction

We are holding a prize auction at a work party and need prizes. Any suggestions of what prizes should be? (something cheap)

Kelly from Vancouver, BC

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Poem for a Candy Wreath

I know it's early, but I will be making some candy wreaths for co-workers and others for Christmas. Years ago I saw one that had a poem telling people to snip a piece of candy for luck. Does anyone have that poem and would be willing to share it? I would appreciate it. Thanks.

This is an excellent video that shows how to make a very nice and EASY candy wreath:

Margaret from Denton, Texas

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Cloudy Aquarium Water

How can I keep the water in my aquarium clear? I have tried everything from using the clear water capsules for aquariums to snails to fish that clean the tank to new filter, etc.. Finally I gave up and started over from scratch.

I got a new aquarium and new EVERYTHING that is needed. I also used bottled water but it is getting cloudy again. I have changed the filter faithfully every 2 weeks (new set up is only a week old so have not changed it this time). Any ideas would help. Thanks

Lois from Ludlow ,MA

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Sugar Cookie Recipe Using Self Rising Flour

About 25 years ago I had a sugar cookie recipe that was given to me by a worker for the extension service for the county. I don't remember what the recipe called for but I do know you rolled them in balls and used self rising flour. The flavor was like none I have ever tasted. Once you started eating them you could not quit. Guess what? I have lost my old time recipe. Help!

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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Safari Themed Church Picnic

Our church will be having a Safari themed picnic. Any ideas for games of all ages, food, decorations, etc would be appreciated. We had a hillbilly one and it was great!

Bonnie from Zion, Illinois

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Trouble With Inverted Tomato Plant

I am worried about my tomato plant. I decided to invert it upside down in the lower half of a milk jug. I put a hole in the middle to be able to place my tomato plant to be growing down. I have fertilized with miracle grow and watered everyday with water. My tomato plant is not doing well. What did I do wrong? What should I do to fix it and make it grow? Help! Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Jamish from Leoti, Kansas

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Noises From Refrigerator Compressor

My brand new Kenmore refrigerator pops and pings when compressor first comes on. Is this normal? Thank you.

Scott from Evansville, IN

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Cleaning Ice Maker Water Line

How do I clean the inside of the plastic ice maker line? It looks gunky below the faucet under the sink before it travels under the floor to the fridge.

DJC from WA

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Garbage Disposal Makes Grinding Noise

My garbage disposal sounds like it is grinding metal for the first few seconds then is ok. It does this every time.

Scott from Evansville, IN

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Selling Homemade Greeting Cards

I am trying to sell the greeting cards I make. I have a pharmacy that will sell my items. Our deal is they get 5% of what they sell. Another shop wants to buy my cards outright and sell them for their own price. How do I price those items. Do I charge them what I would have sold them for or give them to them at 1/2 price? I am so new to this and afraid to be taken advantage of! My cards have sold pretty good just by word of mouth. Thanks!

Linda from Saratoga, AR

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Sewing Patterns For Baby Bonnets

I am looking for a sewing pattern for baby bonnets, especially for boys, girls also.

Cheryl from Hessel, MI

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Magic Power Wrinkle Releaser

Where can I purchase Magic Power Wrinkle Releaser? Thanks

Helene

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Cleaning A Wool Silverado Hat

I have a wool Silverado hat. I wear it frequently while I'm working and it needs to be cleaned fairly badly due to sweat, dirt and other misc things it has been through. How does one clean a wool Silverado without wrecking it?

Bridger from Lewistown, MT

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Using Foam Brushes To Refinish Tub

Why can you not use foam paint brushes to apply tub refinisher?

Clayton

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Buying Empty Tic Tac Style Boxes

Where can I find empty tic tac style boxes, size 1x1 in.? I have many uses for them but I cannot find anyone who can tell me where I can buy them. I hope you can help, thank you!

Estelle

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Keeping Roaches Out Of Tub

How do tiny roaches get in your tub? I have a pest control guy come in every month but they are still there.

Terrira from Liberal, Ks

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Wallpapering Around Archway

I need advice on wallpapering just one side of an archway. All the how-to's I find online are for papering through the arch. I want to wallpaper my hallway, which ends at an arched wall. How do I trim neatly around the arch and finish off the rough edge? Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

Joni from New Jersey

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Freezing Fresh Plums

Can I freeze fresh plums?

Carmen from Fairfield, California

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Keeping Garage Cool In The Summer

Our garage becomes very hot in the summer (it's 100 degrees F both indoors and outside) in spite of the fact that there is a gap between the garage door and the wall and door top (like most). I told my DH he had to invent something to keep the air circulating. Keeping the bottom of the door open a few inches doesn't help much because heat rises. In the mean time - any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Homemade Carrot Cake Recipes

Does anyone have a recipe for a good carrot cake without pineapple or boxed cake mixes? I prefer cakes made from scratch not from a box, please. My son has allergies so boxed cake mixes aren't good for him and he doesn't like pineapple. Many thanks.

Cettina

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Getting Rid Of Insects In Locust Trees

I have 2 locust trees around 20 years old in my yard. I have had them trimmed twice as they are quite large. I am noticing that there are a lot of dead branches now on both trees. I am assuming some insect or fungus is attacking them causing foliage to cease and limbs to dry out.

I found a systemic liquid by Ortho, which has to be diluted and sprayed and is toxic. The trees are too high for me to spray and I would prefer not to do this as I have lots of flowers and grass underneath them which could be damaged, along with pets who roam the yard.

Does anyone have any suggestions to handle this problem short of contacting a professional, who I am sure is going to want to spray. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Hardiness Zone: 5a


mtm from Northeast PA

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Recipes For Egg-White Omelettes

A friend of mine is entering a body-building competition, and as a result, has egg-white omelettes for breakfast every day. He has been wanting ideas on how to make them more interesting. So if anyone has any good omelet recipes that he can adapt, please let me know.

Cathy from Townsville, QLD

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Fry Cake Recipe

My great-grandmother used to make what she called fry cakes. She was a very country person, so the recipe would not be fancy. Hoping some one can help.

Barb from NY

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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My Frugal Life: Simple Stuff

My family and friends call me a tightwad, cheap, frugal, and whatever else they can call me due to the fact that I can save and reuse things over and over.

I will refill my water bottles with tap water. I will use paper plates at least 2-3 times, providing there are no spills on them. I shop at thrift stores for clothing and sometimes I can find some really nice stuff. I will also close the vents and doors on rooms that I don't use when the A/C is on. Cooking larger amounts of food for left overs is a great way not to have to use the stove over and over. Microwaving to reheat left overs saves energy. Simple stuff but it works.

snoppydogdog from N.W. Arkansas

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Safer Use of Plastics
By Ellen Brown

Plastic is everywhere. We eat from it, drink from it, build with it, and our children play with toys made from it. Some of us even wear it. Unfortunately, the production, use, and disposal of plastics are all fraught with serious health and environmental consequences. Since plastics won't be going away anytime soon (give or take 1,000 years in your local landfill), here are some steps you can take to use them more safely.

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Saving Money at Disneyland

Here are some tips for saving money at Disneyland share by ThriftyFun readers.

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