Daily Thrifty Tips - December 1, 2009

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Peanut Butter Pinecone For Wild Birds

Why not treat the birds this Christmas. A pinecone with peanut butter to hang outside on tree.

By Sharon from Nova Scotia

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Cuddles (Golden Retriever)

Cuddles is 3 month old Golden Retriever. She was a pup from my dog's litter that I decided to keep. She loves to play with socks and run and rip around the house! She loves to tease her older aunt lab mix, Lucky, with it. She is also a great cuddle bunny. She loves to snuggle in your lap and follow you around the house too. We call her the Velcro dog!

By Paula from GA

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"Potty Break" Kittens

These beautiful kittens not quite 6 weeks old adopted my 2 year old grandson Michael's potty that he (Michael) has yet to make use of. Isaiah, Michael's older brother who is 10, thought this was such a precious sight he would send it to his grandma in Canada. It's called "Potty Break". This is not the regular place where the kittens normally sleep, but for some reason they picked my 2 year old grandson's potty that he has yet to make use of.

The mother had 4 kittens. She was found abandoned and very pregnant. The family is keeping the Mom and one of the kittens. The rest are going to good homes.

Source: 10 year old grandson from St. Petersburg, Florida sent it to Grandma by way of Daddy's iPhone.

By instruction4me from Arthur, Ontario Canada

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Max (Maltese)

Max is 8 month old Maltese. Max was a bit unplanned. We'd (my fiance and I) planned on getting a dog later in the summer once we'd moved and settled. We'd successfully gone to the pet stores and left without a new family member in the past and I had planned to rescue a dog. But this one day in May 2009, we went in to the mall pet store and fell in love. He's made us so happy ever since.

Max loves to give hugs and kisses, run and play with the other doggies at the dog park and chew on daddy's socks. Max has such a huge personality and gigantic heart in such a tiny little body. We love him so much. The picture I'm posting is of Max right after we moved into our new apartment. He was being "Mommy's Little Helper" as I put together our new furniture.

By Jwotton from West Orange, NJ

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Max (Maltese)

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Kortney's Puppies (Shih-Tzu)

Kortney's Puppies are 8 weeks old! Their mama Kortney is 5. They are Shih-Tzus. Kortney was a puppy of my original Shih-Tzu, Kallie. They like to roll over and let me pet their tummy before they will do anything for me! Their disposition is so great! They are happy playing lap dogs! Never aggressive! They only bark when there is a person at the door or fence.

By Virgina from Arlington, Texas

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Drive Less For Low Mileage Insurance Discount

I recently retired and not liking driving that much, I decided to apply for the lowest rate of insurance I could find. By qualifying for the low mileage discount (which is the largest one of all), I saved over 50% of my truck's insurance. You can budget your car's mileage, by simply keeping track of it. I keep a log.

On the first of the month, I record my mileage. I know I have to keep it under 235 miles a month to maintain my discount, so I watch it and don't let it get out of range. That means some walking, some bicycle riding, or just saying no to more driving near the end of the month. Pays off in lower premiums and health benefits.

By creativeman from Chatsworth CA

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Mail Order Catalog Tip

I love looking through mail order catalogs. In the past I ended up with many items I didn't need because I would fill out that order form and send it in. Now, I fill out the order form with anything that takes my fancy.

Then I throw out the catalog and put the order form away for several days to a week. When I look it over again, I can't even remember why I wanted the items and the order form follows the catalog into the trash (or recycle bin) On the rare occasion that I still want one of the items I order only that.

Source: My own overspending

By irisbird from Lillington, NC

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Make Matching Socks Into A Game

My three year old loves to play matching games. So when I am sorting and folding the laundry, I plop a large pile of socks in front of her to match up. She thinks it is a game and I get my laundry chore done faster!

By Janet T. from Carmel, IN

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Vinyl Tablecloth For Giftwrap

If you have an over sized gift to give, use a vinyl tablecloth to wrap it in. Wrap the gift and the recipient receives two gifts in one. My daughter was thrilled to receive a tablecloth to cover her dining room table during craft time.

By Grandma Jo from Louisville, KY

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Use A Dryer Sheet For Stuck On Food

To get burned on food off of cookware; bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop in a used dryer softener sheet, and let soak overnight. Everything slides right off the next day!

Source: Works for me every time!

By melissacj from Toronto, ON

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Taco Salad Tray Perfect for Feeding Cats

I tend to eat at Wendy's quite a bit because I really like their Southwestern taco salad. I had saved a couple of the plastic dishes/containers to recycle or whatever (they work very well for paint trays). They're square and about 8 inches wide. Well, we just got two kittens and they kept fighting over the tiny food bowl and the tiny water bowl. Then it hit me! I filled up two of the plastic dishes and they are perfect for a two cat situation! Plus they are practically free! So go get yourself a salad and then feed your pets!

By Jayna from Kennewick, WA

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Link: Discount Hearing Aids

Go to www.dealextreme.com for one of their hearing aids for less than $15! (They have several other ones, too). I know there are a lot of seniors here, so I thought I would share. It could be used in a pinch.

Source:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4326

By pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Make A Spreadsheet To Organize Your Home

After years of not being able to find things in our home, I have created an Excel spreadsheet which I call "Where Everything Is". In column A, an item is listed (i.e., Alex's wallet). Column B says where the item is stored (i.e., Alex's top nightstand drawer). Column C is a date of the entry.

My husband and I use it for insurance papers, etc. Seems kind of simple, I realize, but you'd be surprised how many times this has come in SO HANDY!

By CandaceK from Scottsdale, AZ

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

"What am I supposed to do with this?" grumbled a motorist as the policeman handed him a speeding ticket.

"Keep it," the cop said. "When you collect four of them you get to buy yourself a bicycle."

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

Tips for Guys with Puffy Hair

How can guys make short puffy hair straight and down without hairspray?

By Ruben from La Habra, CA

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Removing Armor All from Vinyl Seat

How can I remove Armor All from a smooth vinyl seat?

By Ralph from Queensland, Australia

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Best Cage Materials for Guinea Pigs

I have seen pictures of guinea pig cages without shavings, but using what appeared to be rugs or mats. Is this good for the piggies to use with litter boxes? My piggies don't seem to be too good at using the litter box. Any suggestions?

By BAM55 from New Windsor, NY

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How to Get Cooked-On Grease off Pans?

Cooking oil was filled up in my Calphalon pot. It started boiling and spilled over the edge. Now there are yellow stains and black/brown burnt stains on the exterior of the pot. How do I clean this?

By Laurena from Houston, TX

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Removing Waterproof Mascara

What is the best way to remove waterproof mascara?

By Michele from Aliquippa, PA

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Determining Shampoo Contents

Does anyone know whether Ayur Shampoo or Himalaya Shampoo contain SLES or SLS?

By Saurabh from India, Delhi

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Paint Color to Coordinate with Medium Blue Carpet

My carpets are blue. What color on the wall would go with blue? The carpet is not a light blue or dark blue, just maybe a medium blue. Thanks.

By Linda from Lexington,TN

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Adding UV Coating to Glasses

I bought new glasses today, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money for the extra coatings for my glasses. I was wondering if there's anything I could use to add UV protection, something made specifically for glasses?

By Lemon from CA

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Christmas Float Ideas: Theme "Silver Bells it's Christmas Time in the City"

Looking for ideas for a Christmas float with the theme: "Silver Bells it's Christmas Time in the City".

By Shay from CA

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Removing Heat Stains on Formica

Does anyone know how to remove heat stains on a kitchen countertop (probably formica)?

By ks from NZ

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What Is A Golden Birthday?

Does anyone know the technical name for a Golden Birthday?

Thanks.

By Terry from Redmond, WA

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Where To Find Oxydol Laundry Detergent

Where can I purchase liquid Oxydol? If not liquid, powder will be fine. Meijers has powder, but I prefer liquid. I would buy a case of it if I could find it.

Thank you.

By Sandy from Bath, MI

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Cleaning Aluminum Cookware

I burnt the inside of a very strong, expensive aluminum pot. It's been in the family for years. I'd say, it's from the (1950's) and, I don't want my mother to find out, about it. My hand hurts from scrapping it so much, with a knife. I left it, for 1 day, soaking with soap, in hot water. It helped, very little. I know someone out there, can help me. Thanks ever so much.

By Carolina from Oakland, CA

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Saving Money on Contact Lens Cleaning and Disinfecting Systems

Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade solution to store contacts in?

By Jan from MI

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Painting a Counter Top

How do you paint a kitchen counter top?

By Linda from Media, PA

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Websites That Don't Require a Credit Card

I am looking for buy now pay later sights that don't request a credit card or credit check.

By Babs from KY

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Installing Radiant Heating Under a Bathroom Floor

I am installing underfloor radiant heating (using water) between the joists under my bathroom. The whole floor will be a shower pan. I need to know if I put the thermostat wire between the pan and the tiles, or between the subfloor and the pan, or at the floor level in the wall, which will also be tiled) or?

Thanks.

By Suzanjane from Hamilton, Canada

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Cleaning Pans With Baked On Food

I burned my baking pan while baking my apple pie. It dripped over onto the baking pan. I tried boiling it on stove, but no luck. Please help. It is a brand new pan.

By Debbe from Rensselaer, NY

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Remedy for Pets Dry Skin

My dog has dry itching skin to the point that he has begun chewing on him self. Is there a home cure for this?

By Red from Frankfort, IN

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Low Protein Dog Food Recipes

I need recipes for low protein dog food and low protein treats for dogs. This would be for small dogs, less than 5 lbs.

By 2Yorkiez from Katy, TX

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Is OxiClean Powder Any Good?

I would like reviews of OxiClean stain remover or any of the Oxy cleaners that come in a jar. Do they work, how well, what stains, etc. I don't want to spend money on this if it does not work really well.

By Robyn from Hampton, TN

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80th Birthday Ideas

I need ideas for an 80th birthday party.

By Peggy from Waterloo, IA

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Removing Wrinkles from a Leather Jacket

I would like to know how to get wrinkles out of a leather coat

By Laura from Dayton, OH

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Melamine Paint for Countertops

Do I have to use an oil base paint over melamine paint when I faux paint my Formica countertop? I already did the prep work and applied the first coat of white melamine paint. Thanks.

By Allie from Canada

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Restoring Shine To Dull Stone Countertops

I have Silestone counters in my kitchen. I love them, but how can I get them shiny looking like when they were installed?

By Wendy from Austin, TX

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Tar on Microfiber

How do I get tar off my microfiber sofa?

By Angie

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Washer Not Agitating

I have a GE washer that will not wash. It does all the other stuff; it just does not do the washing motion. Any help?

By Ty from WA

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Cleaning Oven Racks

How can I clean filthy oven racks without harsh chemicals?

By Teresa

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Updating My Kitchen Cabinets

I am buying a house with a traditional styled solid wood kitchen in good condition. It has modern integrated black appliances and a solid wood matching floor. I would like to update the work surfaces, walls, tiles and handles as an economical way to update the rather "old fashioned" look.

Any ideas on materials or colours to tie in harmoniously with existing items?

By Deborah from London, UK

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First Holy Communion Speech Ideas

Can you please provide me with ideas for the First Holy Communion speech for my daughter?

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