Daily Thrifty Tips - April 18, 2007

We have a great article by one of our long time readers about baby products, it's titled "Mamaw's Tried and True Baby Products Review". You can find it in the More Reading section.

We also have some more recall news in the More Reading section.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Using Broken Bowls in the Garden

Here is a picture of my grape hyacinths. I used some broken bowls to edge the top of the rockery. Both bowls were broken but a good half section was still whole so I leaned them up against the plants in the rockery making it look like they were growing out of the bowls. They are still very pretty even though unusable for the kitchen. I wish I'd taken the picture last week when the hyacinths were at their peak but you can at least get the idea.

Susan from ThriftyFun

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Handpainted Border Decor

My sister and I painted this border on her living room walls. She sponge painted several colors of green on the walls, then masked off and painted a beige border. Then, using bottled acrylic paints, we painted the flowers, leaves, and vines, freehand. The technique is similar to Donna Dewberry's style, and the trick is to keep the shapes loose and free, with some designs going above and below the solid border.

The flowers literally dance around all four walls, and it is a delight to see - more interesting than a wallpaper border. We had a blast doing this project together!

By Patty from Pennsylvania

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Sara (Golden Retriever)

Sara is an 8-1/2 year old Golden Retriever. We rescued her from an unscrupulous breeder who was using her as a puppy factory.

Chewing sticks and going for walks are her favorite activities. Snoozing in the grass in the sunshine is a close second!

This picture was taken shortly after a long walk. I think we wore her out!

By Becki Harris from Logansport, IN

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Making Your Own Cat Tree
By Debra Frick

Welcome to my Kitty World! I have 4 adult Siamese cats and we always have kittens. My husband Leo and I decided one day, we were going to go out and replace the scratching post that my husband made many years ago. Boy, were we in for sticker shock; we went to our local pet store and the prices were just outrageous. For a basic scratching post, we were looking at a minimum of about $60.00 and it was even ugly to look at. In looking at their limited selection, we decided that maybe the internet would give us a better deal. Well not only was the shipping ridiculous but my hubby, being the resourceful guy that he is, said we would be better off building it ourselves.

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Handy Tape Tip

I find this tape very helpful around the house. I am now putting my dishes into new protectors after a party and am labeling each of the holders for the different sets. I also use the tape before placing items in the freezer. It will work for anything, will not harm fabric and can stand up to freezing temperatures. I even place it on the bottom of my pot luck type dishes. There are a lot of different brands on the market! Mitzi

By Mitzi from DeLand, FL

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Indian Recipe Websites

This is for the person who's looking for Indian recipes. Here are some web sites to check out:

• http://www.kraftfoods.com
• http://www.surfindia.com/recipies/
• http://www.indiaexpress.com/cooking
• http://www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes.htm

You can also use google, that's how I found these.

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Bell Pepper For Serving Dip

To dress up your chips and dips tray for your next party or get together, instead of serving your dip in a dish, use a red or green bell pepper. Cut off the top 1/4, take out the seeds and membrane. Pare the bottom of the pepper so it will sit flat, rather than be rocking when you're moving your serving platter. Put your dip into the pepper. I got great compliments when I did this. If you're having a much bigger party, you can use a hollowed out head of red cabbage for your dip, or any other veggie of your choice. No one says we have to use dishes as our serving devices. Let your imagination run wild!

By Terri from NV

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Walmart Freebies

Walmart online has freebies as a part of the site. Lots of good ones here at:

• http://walmart.triaddigital.com/Free-Samples.aspx

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Use A Hand Sander On Your Feet

This is a beauty tip for taking care of your feet while avoiding the expense. Getting dead skin off your feet is difficult but those aids you buy simply don't do the job.

Just get a small hand sander. They are cheap and it is worth it. Buy some high grade sandpaper, the stronger the better. Simply affix to the sander and sand away all the dead skin. I would love sell my idea to spas, but no one has caught on as yet. Oh well.

Less time, less energy, you will certainly appreciate the look and feel of your feet. Please remember that as u try this process and the feel of the sander, you will get the hang of it. Let me know if you like it.

By Janet from Toronto, Ontario

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Earth Friendly Laundry

I just read this on "Earth Easy", great tips:

Line-drying your clothes will:

• lower your utility bill
• prevent shrinkage
• prevent static cling
• help clothing last longer

• reduce energy costs 80 - 90%
• be gentler on your clothing
• have less impact on the environment

By Mary from Cleveland, OH

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Collard Greens Harvest

I always heard that it is best to pick collard greens after the first frost.

Woody from NC

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Everything Soup

This soup is easy to make when you don't have much in the house. Fry up some hamburger, add canned veggies like beans, corn, tomatoes or mixed frozen veggies. I also add canned or fresh potatoes. Add some herbs and let simmer for about an hour. Easy to make and not expensive. You can add anything else you happen to have around too.

By Mythi from WA

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Green Thread For Plant Support

I got some slighted wilted potted mums after Easter. There was a green string/light thread left over from wherever they had been bought. I retied the thread, which helped hold up the flowers, which revived when I watered them! (Going to remember using green thread that way in the future.)

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Warning About Jennifer Convertibles

This is just a shout out for some of you who may be considering Jennifer Convertibles i.e. the ad on TV of the two recliners for cheap. We are redecorating our living room, I saw this ad and did some research online. I found SCATHING reviews about this company and the terrible experiences by many customers.

Needless to say, it scared me away, I will not be purchasing anything from Jennifer Convertibles anytime at all. Thought this might be helpful to others.

I would have contacted the company, but that, however, seems to be one of the problems!

Bonnie from Martinsburg

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Removing Soap Scum From Bath Tub or Shower

Have you ever had trouble cleaning scum off of your bathroom tiles or shower doors? Well, I've got a great tip that's sure to help! Use your leftover fabric softener sheets to rub them off! You barely have to scrub at all! I think the secret to it is the quilted design. Anyway, now you can enjoy cleaning soap/bathroom scum with ease!

By Jessamyn from Honolulu, HI

Editor's Note: Read more ideas below.

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Uses for Advertising Credit Cards

Uses for "fake" credit cards that come with credit card offers. Post your own ideas.

Scrape Cooking Pans They're also perfect for scraping pans before washing them, especially if the pan has sat with hot water in it (or cold, depending on what's in the pan). They don't scratch, and they work really well! When my old AAA cards and such expire, I just put the cards in the drawer under my sink and use them when the one I'm using gets damaged; however, it's very hard to damage them, so I have quite a few backups.

By terdralynn

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Reappearing Carpet Stains

Have you steam cleaned the carpet and had that stain reappear? As the carpet begins to dry, the residue wicks up in the fibers and goes to the surface. To prevent this: stack several paper towels on top of the damp area and place a heavy pot on top. The towels should soak up the remaining stain overnight.

By Linda from Oceanside, CA

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Four Trees (Seasons) Cross Stitch Pattern

I'm looking for a set of four trees depicting the four seasons to cross stitch. Does anyone have patterns they'd be willing to share. I had no idea something as "every day" as trees would be so hard to find.

Thanks in advance.

By Marian

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How Long Are Dried Spices and Herbs Good For?

Can anyone tell me how long dried herbs & spices stay good for? Each of them are in a glass container with a tight fitted lid and kept in a dark closet. Thanks.

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Sewing a Zipper in a Cushion

How do you sew a zipper in a cushion?

Msry from Athens, GA

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Plants Damaged By Cold

We had the coldest weather a couple of weeks ago that hasn't been seen here in 100 years. It was below freezing after we had temps in the 80's. Everything was starting to leaf out and get buds, unfortunately the cold zapped most everything. What should I do about the shrubs, and butterfly bushes that now are black? Should I trim the black away or leave it and see what happens? We are finally in spring now. Thank you so much for your help.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Kathy from Huntsville, AL

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Is formica the same as laminate?

Is formica the same as laminate?

Christine from Boston, MA

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Staining a Coffee Table

Just purchased a used coffee table that needs help. The stain on the wood was done poorly. Do I need to strip it to re-stain or can I stain over the old stain.

Rose from Malvern, PA

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14 Day Induction Diet

I have started the 14 day induction diet on THE ATKINS DIET. Have any of you tried this diet? I am not a big meat consumer so I am trying to compensate with chicken and fish. I also have a cholesterol issue that has been kept in check with medication and maintaining a low cholesterol diet.

I am quite concerned with this diet as for breakfast every morning they suggest eggs. There is not much I can have for snacks other than pork rinds (yuck), bouillon, water, nuts, and olives. Oh sure, I can indulge in meat and cheese but as I said I try to maintain a low cholesterol intake.

Also you can't have regular coffee for the 1st week and boy do I detest decaf coffee. Sorry to complain so much but I am also doing this to support my hubby who wants so bad to do it for the 14 day stretch. I am into my 2nd day and hanging on by the tip of my fingernails. Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

Carol

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Strong Paint Odors

How do I get rid of paint smell? I have bedroom that was painted with miller paint. It was 3 weeks ago and still has an odor and was water based. I have tried an Odor Genie with an open window and a fan - it is better but still quite noticeable. The rest of interior was done in Behr - no odor from day one. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
CJ from Camas, WA

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Preventing Color From Bleeding on Clothing

I am trying to wash red polyester fabric with white letters on it but I don't want the red to run and turn the letters pink. How can I stop this from happening? I don't have a lot of money so any household items would be great.

Selena from Saskatoon, SK

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Uses for Liquid Laundry Detergent Caps

I have about 100 liquid detergent caps cause I couldn't bear to throw them away. I don't know what to do with them but would love to hear from everyone who does know. Thank you.

Gayl from Walpole

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Saving Money on Buttons

Tips for saving money on buttons. Post your ideas.

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Hollywood Theme Dance Ideas

I am thinking of doing a Hollywood theme or ice colors (silver, ice blue, ice purple, etc.) Does anyone have any ideas what I could incorporate into either theme that is low cost? It's my school's a 6th-8th grade May dance. The dance is on May 4th! It's also my b-day on may 4th, so I want this to be a good dance.

Nikki from Sacramento, CA

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Crocheted a Hanger For a Hand Towel

I am looking for a pattern to crochet a "hanger" onto a cotton hand towel which I have cut in half.

Thanks,
Jan from Richland Center, WI

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Crochet Edge Around a Fleece Blanket

Where is a pattern for crochet edge around fleece baby blanket?

Deena from Glendale, Arizona

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Party Ideas for My Sons 16th Birthday

My son's birthday is on April 24th and he invited his three friends to go to Kings Dominion for the weekend but 2 confirmed that were going. Then, one cancelled the day before the trip and the other didn't want to be the only one to go. IT WAS A DISASTER!

I felt so bad for my son. Anyways, we still went to the park with the family. I want to give his friends another chance and I want to do something for my son for his 16th. Please give me some ideas! I would like to do something this Sat. 4-21

Magali from Virginia

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Crafts Using Neck Ties

My father just passed and I am left with his necktie collection. Do any of you know of patterns or ideas in how to use these? I have four adult children that might like to inherit an object of art from their grandpa's ties.

Darlene from Reno, NV

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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

Mamaw's Tried and True Baby Products Review

Having two grandchildren, ages 2 and 6 months, has certainly taught me a lot about the newest products for babies. There are so much more to choose from than there were in my child raising days. To make buying for the new baby-to-be less stressful, I have compiled a list of products which have been "tried and true" and I would recommend for showers and gift-giving for the mother-to-be.

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Recall Alert: T.W. Enterprises Recalls Dog Chews

Ferndale, WA -- April 16, 2007 -- T.W. Enterprises of Ferndale, WA today alerted consumers that it is recalling certain dog chews it markets because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Samples tested by FDA of the product indicate that the dog chew products manufactured by T.W. Enterprises may be contaminated. People handling these treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

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Recall Alert: Natural Balance Recalls Venison Dog and Cat Foods

Natural Balance, Pacoima, CA, is issuing a voluntary nationwide recall for all of its Venison dog products and the dry Venison cat food only, regardless of date codes. The recalled products include Venison and Brown Rice canned and bagged dog foods, Venison and Brown Rice dog treats, and Venison and Green Pea dry cat food. Recent laboratory results show that the products contain melamine. We believe the source of the melamine is a rice protein concentrate. Natural Balance has confirmed this morning that some production batches of these products may contain melamine.

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Saving Money on Snacks

Here are some ideas on how to save money on snack food from the ThriftyFun community. Share your own snack tips below.

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