Daily Thrifty Tips - November 6, 2007

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Stars and Stripes Afghan

U.S. flag afghan has 264 crocheted granny squares. To finish the project each square has to be hand stitched into strips, then all strips sewn together.

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Longwood Gardens - Kennett Square, PA

Photos taken at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA. My mom and I had a blast, they have wheelchairs and scooters available. My mom opted for the electric scooter which she was able to use in 98% of the gardens, even in the Conservatory building, which is four and one-half acres itself. Wear comfy shoes. We were there over four hours, this place is HUGE!

Their website is: http://www.longwoodgardens.org

By Mary Lou from Abingdon, MD

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Reusing Items To Organize Spices

I like buying those plastic spice bottles that are so inexpensive, 48 cents to 99 cents each. They come in so many choices for all your baking and cooking needs. But they are so easy to roll over or hard to see when mixed in your cabinets with other items of height. I always try to reuse items I have finished with in some way.

Here I took two different size containers and use them to house those spice bottles. The round one is the hard cardboard type you buy at Wal-Mart in the craft section for 99 cents. The other is the bottom part of a baby wipes container. I used a fabric paint marker to write the name of each spice on the lids rim so they are easy to see when I need them. No more hunting or turning the bottle to see what the label front product is.

I also take off the paper label completely. I find that when I use them while baking, they always get food from my hands on them. Now, I keep a damp cloth handy and just wipe them off as I return them to their storage case.

The round box takes up a bit more space but it's easy to turn around to read the lids caps for the ones I need. I labeled the box with the word "spices" and put inside it ones like lemon pepper, rib sauce, pepper, etc.

I used the other one for spices like cinnamon sugar, red sugar, etc. And I wrote "Sweet Spices" on it so I know which one to reach for when doing certain types of baking. I used permanent fabric markers to write on the names of the spices, which are permanent and will not wash off.

The empty baby wipes containers are so useful for so many other uses as well. I use them after I have opened up a box of spaghetti and break up my spaghetti to fit, or things like dryed beans, rice, etc. You can even place a plastic measuring spoon inside to keep there for easy measurement each time you reach for the food staples inside. Use them to put your facial kleenex inside. They pop up through the tops better than the cardboard box ones and they do not get crushed in your car or get wet because they are concealed. Use them for crayons, decorative craft scissors, dry cereal, etc. Most of the tops flip open when you use the tops, so you can easily add more of that same item when needed. They organize your pantry in such a helpful way.

When your spice bottles run empty and you buy new ones, just keep your already labeled lids to switch with the ones empty but do not toss out those empty ones. You'll now have a new empty bottle to use for storage of other items; like raisins, nuts or croutons for taking to work in small amounts, buttons for crafts, etc. And use them for housing many items that come in messy bags after being opened.

By Julie from Greeneville, TN

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Bosswell (Boxer/Australian Shepard)

Bosswell is 2 months old. He is a boxer and Australian Shepard. I got him from a friend. He likes to play with his toys. He is the coolest dog alive and my friend.

By Teri from Ketchikan, AK

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Fun with the Baby and the Dog

You can always find time to play ball with the dog after new baby arrives. Put the baby in a saucer on the deck and have fun. He will love hanging out and watching you fuss over something other than him.

By Linda from Rochester, NY

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November Best Grocery Buys

November Best Buys: Apples, Beef, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Fish, Lamb, Onions, Oranges, Oysters, Pears, Pumpkin, Sweet potatoes, Tangelos, Tangerines, Turkey, Turnips, and Winter squash.

By Terri H. from NV

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Fast Food Buckets For Many Uses

Free or almost always free fast food restaurants (ie: BK, McD, etc.) go through a lot of pickle buckets. They are free or maybe $1 and are almost indestructible. Uses: garbage cans, storage, organizing garage stuff, holiday stuff, hide Christmas presents, etc. Use your imagination.

By WM from Indiana

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Buy 130 Volt Incandescent Bulbs To Last Longer

My electrician just gave me a tip. He said to check the voltage on the light bulbs you buy. If you are buying regular incandescent bulbs, be sure they are 130 volts and not 120. They last longer and burn cooler protecting your fixtures and wiring. I use compact fluorescents in all my lamps, but they are too big for my kitchen fixtures. I'll be replacing them with 60 watt 130 volt incandescent bulbs.

By Billie from Olympia, WA

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Spray and Wash for Carpet Stains

Coffee, tea or food spots on your carpets? Spray "Spray and Wash" on the spot. Wipe with a clean cloth, vacuum it and the stain/spot is gone. :)

By Kay from Toronto, Ontario

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Tips For House Fire Preparation

Having experienced a house fire which was declared a total loss, I have a few tips for making the experience less frustrating.

Be sure you have enough coverage, which includes total replacement cost. Keep a copy of your policy in safe deposit box. Also take a video or pictures of your contents and put them with a friend or in a safety deposit box. If you put them on disc or computer, keep a copy in a place that you can grab in a hurry.

Be sure all contact numbers are in your cell phone and keep it near you, (in case you have to leave in a hurry)You can enter one person as ICE,(someone to call in case of emergency). Keep a couple of hundred dollar bills in a hidden pocket in purse or wallet, that you will grab when you leave the house.

Be sure all family members know an exit plan and what to grab if there is time. We only had a couple of minutes after I smelled the smoke, but I got both kids out the front door before it exploded. We were in bed so only had our night clothes. Neighbors were very helpful, had already called for help and the fire department came quickly, although it seemed like a long time, as it was 2 in the morning.

By ruthvalleygal from Harlingen, TX

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Digital Television Switch Coming In 2009

"Television as we know it is about to change. By law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals known as analog to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009."

• http://www.dtvanswers.com/

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Sales on Registered or Wanted Items

Though the following tip was actually regarding gifts for my bridal shower, the basic idea applies to gifts for Christmas, birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc.

My husband and I registered at two stores. One of the items I really wanted was a toaster oven. My wedding was more than six months away when I noticed a sale ad that showed the $100 toaster oven was on sale for $39.99. I know this is against etiquette rules, but I immediately called my Mom and told her about the sale. She ran out and bought it then notified a family member that was going to be attending my bridal shower about the deal she got on the toaster oven and that person bought it from my Mom to give to me at the bridal shower.

After that, I then notified my Mom about any other sales I saw on the items listed on our registry and it saved my family members money. I also registered at a store that consistently mails out 20% off coupons.

I know my family was grateful for these discounts and I didn't mind that they were saving money on our gifts. In fact, I would've been upset if they had not taken advantage of the discounts! I want everyone to save money!

So, now our family notifies each other of items that we would like for birthday, Christmas, etc. when it goes on sale before the event so that we can save $.

By Victoria Adopt-a-Pet from Channahon, IL

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Seagull Joke

Why wouldn't the Seagull fly over the bay?

Because then it would be a BAYgull

By Stephanie from Omaha, Nebraska

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Overwintering Bulbs, Tubers, and Rhizomes

Many plants store energy for next year's growth in tubers and rhizomes. The following plants can be stored over the winter in the same manner:

• Dahlia
• Elephant's Ear
• Ornamental Sweet Potato
• Taro
• Tuberous begonia

Store well. Allow to air dry in a shaded, sheltered area for a few hours. Then brush off excess soil and store in a box or mesh bag between layers of peat moss. Place the box/bag in a dark, cool (45-50 degrees F), well-ventilated place.

Check in. Examine once a month and discard any rotting tubers, bulbs, or rhizomes.

By Mythi from Silverdale WA

Editor's Note: This information is from Organic Gardening and can be accessed directly here:

• http://www.organicgardening.com/feature/0,7518,s1-5-19-1316,00.html

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Organizing Meat in The Freezer

On the front of my freezer, I keep an inventory list. Each year, we have a hog and a beef butchered and I am very "strict" about abiding to the inventory list. After picking up my items from the butcher, I make a master list of every item that was processed before loading the freezer. I include on the list: the date of processing (hog, butchered April 2007), then list the items: pork chops, 2 per package and list the number available in reverse order 13, 12, 11...2, 1. As I take an item out of the freezer and cross a number off, I can see immediately how many I have left in the freezer.

My family can look at the lists (a different color for each species) and we can see if we are getting low on beef or pork and can plan ahead for our meat needs with the farmer and butcher.

I can tell you that I will never again buy straight from the grocery store shelves. Buying in bulk like this is a wonderful option for our family. The quality is so much better with locally raised animals and it's a lot cheaper too.

By Denise from Nebraska

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Freezing Mashed Potatoes

Can you freeze mashed potatoes? I was thinking about making a LARGE batch and freezing so we can use portions as we need without making them each time.

Kathy from Ohio

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Getting a Dog to Use Dog House

Could you help me figure out how to get my dog to use his dog house? He is a golden retriever, and when he is in the house, he sleeps under my coffee table. I have put his toys in there, and his dog food. Help! it is getting cold.

Rita from Missouri

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Dawn Dishsoap For Fleas

Does dawn dish soap really work on dogs that stay outside all the time ? What is the best thing to use on my yard because the fleas have been bad here and Sevin Dust did not work.

Janelle from Oxford, Alabama

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Toning Down Brightly Painted Wall

I painted one wall in my daughter's room in 4 brightly colored repeating stripes and need to tone down the color. Any suggestions?

Sheri from Chicago, Illinois

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Crafts with Baby Food Jars

I received about 50 small baby food jars from a friend and I am looking for craft ideas for them. I teach a bible class and would like to incorporate them into the class. Does anyone have any ideas that could help?

Laura from Sun Prairie, WI

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Removing Paint From Carpet

Is there a way to get dried latex paint off carpet and clothes?

Nelliemary from WV

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Getting Things Done Around the House

I've been reading on this site for probably a month. I hope someone out there can help me. I can't seem to keep up with all that needs done around the house. I do work full time so by evening just the basics of dinner/cleanup and homework get done. My husband had to move two years ago with his job of 28 years so usually weekends are spent on the road for me. I need more time management, better oraganizing skills, simple living tips,and more of me to go around.

BugsRFree from WV

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Ideas for Valentine's Party

Could someone please give me some ideas for a Valentine's party?

Jeanette from St Louis, MO

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Newlywed Financial Advice

My fiance and I are finally moving in together after a long distance relationship. I am wondering how I can find a reliable financial adviser and/or what investments we need to start looking into. We still need to pay for our wedding and find a place to live. We would ideally like 3 kids right after we get married and we are also living in NJ. Any advice or rules financially for newlyweds? I don't know where to start. I am 28 and he is 35. Thank you.

Kayla

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Recipe For Cabbage Bread Rolls

We had a neighbor that did a lot of baking. She used to make 'cabbage rolls', but they were an actual bread dinner-type roll. Definitely not the cabbage rolls w/ cabbage leafs rolled w/ beef inside. This was an actual roll w/ possibly cabbage cut up in it. Anyone have any feedback?

Steve from Redlands, CA

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Sending Wedding Invititations

If I don't have an engagement party/announcement, and I don't send a Save the Date card, which cards go out first? The bridal shower card or the wedding invitation? How do I let people know about the registry for the shower. I would like to receive money for the wedding?

Kayla

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Iced Cone Candy

Does anyone remember Iced Cone Candy from the 1950's? It was in the size and shape of a gumdrop and had a white icing. I think made by Brach.

gleisher from Moor Park

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Legitimate Work at Home Jobs

Are there any real work from home jobs? Without paying for the job. Like computer work, etc.

Patricia from La Pine, OR

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Feeding a Six Week Old Puppy

What can I feed a six week old Pit Bull? I really need to know!

Nick

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Taking a Puppy from it's Mother

When can I take a Pit Bull from its mother?

Nick

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Getting White Washclothes White Again

My white washcloths turn pinkish after continual uses and washes. I tried using bleach to get the hint of pink out, but that doesn't work. I'm guessing that this pink occurs from the type of water we have. I notice that my toilet bowls turn pinkish when they are not cleaned within 10 days. After scrubbing the toilet bowl, though, the pink tint does go away. But this isn't the case with the washcloths. Any ideas on reasons and solutions out there? I only wash the washcloths with whites--no dark colors, etc. Thanks!

Cindi from Maryland

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Website Security Certificate

Just recently when I try to log into my email i get this message: 'There is a problem with this website's security certificate. The security certificate presented by this website has expired or is not yet valid. Security certificate problems may indicate an attempt to fool you or intercept any data you send to the server. We recommend that you close this web page and do not continue to this website.' I don't have any problem bringing up AOL, I just get this message when I go to retrieve my email.

imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Travel Themed Party

Having a large party with a travel theme. I thought of having each table labeled with different locations. I thought of making large blowup photos of the location, but I don't know what type of container to use. I thought of a vintage valise as a container, but its too expensive.

Rosie from New York

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Creative or Romantic Birthday Present

My boyfriend is turning 18 on Nov 21. and I'm not really sure what to get him.. I don't want it to be lame since its his 18th. He's into video games, but basically has all there is. War movies, blah but I don't want to get him something like that. If you can think of something really creative and fun that would be great! Or a romantic date, I'm not too good at those.

Sara

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Red Faux Painted Walls

I am looking for suggestions for faux painting a dining room with reds. I am wanting a deep, rich red color, but am not sure what kind of effect the glazing will have on it. I will probably be using a shade that is the darkest or next to the darkest on the paint strip for the basecoat. Do I use just one or two shades lighter than the base coat to mix with the glaze? I want a subtle effect and I don't want it to look like a washed out red. Do I do a faux technique that uses "straight" paint? Haven't been able to find help on the web or many pictures. I did see a picture where black was used to tint the glaze, but it was too small a picture to get a good idea what it looked like. (Maybe it's just a bad idea to do this!) Thanks.

Judy from PA

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What To Do With Large Brick Fireplace

I need to know what to do with my very large fireplace. It is bricked from ceiling to floor, 10 ft. wide. There is a wood box built in. Bricks cover almost the whole wall. I have read somewhere that stainless steel was used to cover the bricks and then painted? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

Doris from Glen Allen, VA

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How Do You Get Your Nails to Grow Without Chemicals?

How do you get your nails to grow without chemicals?

Jazzmyne from west la, California

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Is Food Coloring Harmful to Pets?

Is food color harmful to pets?

boobear131 from FL

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Cleaning Dirty Stovetop Griddle

How do I clean a really dirty stove top griddle? We just bought a new house and the previous owners left it and never cleaned it.

Courtney from Custer, WA

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Keepsake for Mother's 90th Birthday

Looking for ideas for a keepsake for my Mother's 90th birthday party. Her birthday is Dec. 23rd so I think it would be nice to have something that each person could put on their x-mas tree to remember her at that time of the year. Any suggestions?

Lynn from Royal Oak, Michigan

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Gag Christmas Gift for Short Man

I have a "short" friend and every year for Christmas and birthdays we give each other a "short" gag gift. However, I'm at a loss as what to give him this year. Can anyone give me ideas on a good gag gift I can give him that relates to being a short man? I gave him a catalog for his birthday for clothes for the short man.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

takintime from TX

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Stains on Clothing from Dye Transferring in the Wash

How do you get stains out of clothing from other clothes. Some kind of dye has gotten onto a tan pair of pants and I need to try to get it out.

Rena from PA

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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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A Yard's Free Treasures
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

For many parts of the country, autumn is a time to clean up the bounties of summer and prepare for the severities of winter. While it's tempting to fill trash cans and leaf bags with these summer skeletons, it's also wasteful. Summer leaves a bevy of free supplies behind that many people are overlooking.

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My Frugal Life: "Frugal McDougal"

They call me "Frugal McDougal" or sometimes "The Coupon Queen." Taking advantage of the many kinds of coupons available these days saves more money than one might think, and, like any thrifty housewife, I make good use of them.

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