Daily Thrifty Tips - January 14, 2009

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If you're like many Americans, the answer very well might be no. The unfortunate truth is that it seems that some Americans can't even remember the concept of thrift itself! It's time for a change - it's time to bring back National Thrift Week! Up until 1966, it was a coast-to-coast celebration of American ideals like diligence, hard work, responsible consumerism, and smart saving. These concepts are the keys to long term prosperity, and if we collectively embrace them once more, we may be able to right our floundering economy."

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Have an Artichoke Party

At our house we have what we call artichoke parties. We sit all around the kitchen table and just eat steamed artichokes. It makes for wonderful family bonding time and we love our veggies. A little butter and garlic salt added we have a very fun evening with lots of giggles and stories.

This is my oldest Grandson, showing that he loves his chokes!

By Lori from Ephrata, WA

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How to Catch an Opossum

I tried to catch this guy 3 nights in a row with no success. So last night I put a trail of bread OUTSIDE the cage and then a trail of bread going INSIDE the cage. Well, just like Hansel and Gretel, he followed the bread crumbs all the way into the cage far enough to trip the door closed. This morning, I took him over to the woods about 3 miles away from my house and let him go. I hope he doesn't find his way back any time soon. Here is a photo of him and I don't think he looks very happy, do you?

By Florida Gal from Spring Hill, FL

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Scenery: Canadian Geese

I caught these Canada Geese on camera last October, resting before continuing their journey south for the winter. I wonder how many ended up on Thanksgiving and Christmas tables?

By Joseph from Laval West, Laval, Quebec, Canada.

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Give a Girl a Matching Doll

Give joy to a little girl. Get her a doll that looks just like her!! My granddaughter was thrilled!

By Mary Lou from Flanders, NJ

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Max at 20 Months (Boxer)

Max is a 20 month old boxer. I got him on September 30, 2008.

He likes to play ball, run, be outside. Loves to play with Ginger, Ebony, and go for a walk.

By Carrie22 from Jerico Springs

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Cloth Diaper for Thrifty Window Cleaning

I ran out of paper toweling and I don't want to buy any more. I used a cloth baby diaper to wipe down my windows and mirrors. It works great - no streaks!! Now I just have to make my own glass cleaner with vinegar and water. It's those little things that sometimes make us thrifty people the proudest!

By Ann from Menasha, WI

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Spray Snow Shovel with Silicon

Snow was sticking to my snow shovel until I coated the blade with silicon. The silicon spray I used was for my knitting machine but I've seen cheaper silicon spray at the hardware store. Now the snow doesn't stick. I like not having to lift the same snow more than once.

Source: I thought my idea was original until I completed a quick search on google. Oh well.

By Holly from Holly, MI

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Frugal Home Winterizing from Your Power Company

Free home winterization and free light bulbs: In many areas your power company may provide low income homeowners with a free winterization home inspection and certain power-saving fixes for the home. In other areas they may provide winterization kits for your windows free.

These kits can include: Plastic window and door covers, weather stripping for windows and doors, switch plate insulators, along with compact fluorescent bulbs and other goodies.

Even if you're not low income, in many areas you may be able to pick up free florescent light bulbs from your local home center or drug store. Last year I "bought" 8 bulbs at Home Depot, all I had to pay was the tax! I got 8 light bulbs for around 60 cents! At my local Walgreen's they were doing the same thing. You got the light bulbs free, you just paid the tax they didn't have limit, so I stocked up! The ones at Walgreen's were limited to the 60 watt, but Home Depot had larger wattage bulbs too. The cost of these light bulbs was picked up by our local power company, the cashier just scanned a special coupon into the register. If you are interested, call your local power company or ask at Home Depot or Walgreen's the next time you stop in.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Storing Your Thimble Collection

For thimble collectors: Line the bottom of shallow scrap booking paper drawers with rubber liners. Thimbles will rarely fall over or knock against each other when drawers are opened in a normal manner, and the height of the drawers is perfect for thimbles which do not have stoppers on.

By Joy from Surrey Downs, Australia

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Store Sewing Patterns in Ziplock Bags

I do a lot of sewing, using the same patterns over and over. After a while, I've lost pieces, which drives me nuts! I finally figured how to solve the problem. After I cut a pattern apart, I put it in a ziploc bag, with it's envelope. I don't have to worry about pieces slipping out if it's turned upside down, and it's easy to store. Won't get torn or wet.

By crafty nanny from Hartwick, NY

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Keep Birds and Animals Out of the Garden With CDs

This tip doubles as many things. Decoration as well as scarecrow. Take those DVD/CDs you were planning on tossing aside for whatever reason. I used a soldering iron, melted a hole in the edge of the DVD/CD. You can also use a small tipped hot glue gun without the glue in to do the same. If you don't have either, just knot the twin from the center hole.

Anyway, tie twin or thick cord on it here and attach to a shepherd hook or other element and place in the garden. The breeze will blow the disk and helps keep squirrels, animals out of your garden. My clothesline is nearby and I hang these on the ends as well. Different colored discs make for colorful additions in the garden.

A friend asked for an idea for her woodpecker at the lake which loved the cabin. I said to do this and hang shorter twine from the eves with a hook. The motion will keep the birds from pecking the cabin. She tried it and it worked!

By Joyce from Benson MN

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Newspaper Kitty Litter Alternative

We have 3 indoor cats. Unfortunately we have to really pinch our pennies or go without until payday. But when I realized that someone forgot to buy litter, after I had already dumped the cat box, I had an idea. I put our old newspapers to use. I opened up the pages all the way and started tearing them straight down into strips. Then I tore the strips in half. We use a plastic storage container or tub for our cat box because it helps to keep the litter from going all over the floor.

Anyway, after I had it cleaned and dried, I put the shredded newspaper in. I was just hoping the cats would go on it. But not only did they have no problems whatsoever, guess what? There was very litter odor! I was so amazed to find that it was very odor absorbent and best of all it was free! Since I am very frugal, I bought the new kitty litter but used 1/4 of the bag rather than the entire bag which I normally have. It's working! I believe it eliminates odor better than the old way! Try it. It's cheaper and fresher!

By Lauren from Topeka, Kansas

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Use Onion Salt With Mashed Potatoes

Next time you make mashed potatoes, use onion salt in place of plain salt. Really makes a difference (a very tasty one)

By Joanie from Spring branch, TX

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No More Burned Soups and Vegetables

I usually use my slow cooker to make big pots of stew, soups, sauces and vegetables because I can leave it and not worry about the bottom sticking. However, there are times when I'm cooking up a large amount that requires a larger pot for guests or so I have leftovers to freeze. Countless times, I have not been as watchful as I should have been, or I simply misjudged the effect of the heat on my stove.

After once again scorching the bottom of a batch of soup, I decided to do something a bit different and it made a BIG difference. I used the same stockpot in which I had previously ruined the soup, but decided to put the larger steamer/pasta basket drainer in to keep the food from directly touching the bottom of the pot. I first browned the meat and then put it and the remaining ingredients in, turned it on low and solved the problem! It really works. Hope some of you can use this tip.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Cook Acorn Squash Whole

My family loves acorn squash, but I found it so difficult to cut it to scoop the seeds that one day I decided to cook it WHOLE and then cut and scoop later. It is wonderful. Cuts easily, doesn't blow up, and now we enjoy it so often. Also, I found an incredible taste difference between regular vs organic.

By Billie from Melbourne, FL

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Is My Puppy Purebred?

I bought my puppy Sasha from a breeder on the south side with ADBA registration. So she is an ADBA registered red nose pit bull (her family tree goes back 5 generations) but everyone says that she looks a lot like a Weimaraner. Is she a mix or pure bred? What do you guys think?

Paul from Chicago, IL

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Getting a Cat to Stop Spraying

How can I stop my cat from spraying around the house? He's a 4 year old tabby and he's never done this before. It's embarrassing to walk in with company and the house smells like a skunk gross smell. I've found several of his spots and I clean it up and bleach it, just to find that he's sprayed another spot. Thankfully he hasn't done it on the carpet. He's even gone on some shoes and some clothes. It's getting really annoying not to mention costly. I hope someone can help me with this. My thanks in advance.

Rosa from Las Vegas, NV

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Piccalilli Relish Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for piccalilli relish? The company we always got it from says that they discontinued it. Help, my husband LOVES this.

Barb from Mountaindale, NY

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Pet Food Canning Recipes

Next spring, our family will be raising a whopping 400 Cornish cross broiler chickens (I know, that's a lot!). Most will be canned, frozen, or shared with family. However, since I'll be busy canning anyways, I would really like to be able to prepare healthy, balanced dog and cat food out of the chicken (with fruits, veggies, etc.) that I can pressure can and store. Any tips?

Stacey from Dorr, MI

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Getting Rid of Tapeworms Naturally

I have an elderly cat with what appears to be tapeworms. I hate to have to give her the standard "poison" because of her age. Is there any other way to safely get rid of these without harming her?

Linda from Lower Adirondacks, NY

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Refrigerator's Door Ice Maker Not Working

I have a side by side Kenmore with the ice dispenser on the outside. It makes ice but I cannot get it from the outside.

Darlene from Carriere, MS

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Tips for Frying Chicken

What is the secret to frying chicken so it is done in the middle and crisp on the outside? Thanks a million.

Tony from Chicago, IL

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Removing Wax from Eyelids

Is there a remedy for getting wax off of eye lids?

Sadie

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Swiffer Wet Jet Stopped Working

I have a Swiffer Wet Jet and love it. I have been using vinegar and water in the bottle. It just stopped one day, so I bought another one, and the same thing happened. Has anyone had the same problem? Do you think it is the vinegar and water?

Sue from New York

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Bread Machine Recipe Using Whole Flour

Does anyone have a good recipe for a bread machine that you could use whole flour?

Carolem from St. Catharines, Ont. Canada

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Unusual Flavors for Bundt Cakes

I am looking for unusual tasting bundt cake recipes. Does anyone out there have some great recipes?

Michelle from Salem, Oregon

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Machine to Make Sugared Pecans

Does anyone know where I can buy a machine that makes sugared pecans? Thanks.

Angelica from Mexico

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Toilet Leaking Even After Replacing Seal

Can anyone give me a suggestion on what to do about our toilet stopping up and water coming out from under the toilet. I have had 4 new seals put on by qualified plumbers and was told it was fixed. We have had the drain cleaned and have stopped flushing anything but water. Our house is about fifty years old. Thanks for any feedback.

Donna from Tampa, FL

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Taking Apart Computer Equipment

Could someone tell me if there are any hazards to dissecting LCD monitors or flat panel TVs? Also, is there anything hazardous about taking apart computer towers? Any chemicals I should be aware of ( for example, I know not to chew on capacitors)? How should I dispose of defective or dead capacitors, resistors or other thingamabobs in a safe manner? Thank you!

Jane from Baltimore, MD

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Christian Preschool Program

I am looking for a Christian daycare/preschool program. I know there a tons of sites where you can print off things but I want it all in one place and not spend the time searching for ideas. It needs to be very hands on, not worksheets or seat work.

Mindy from Terrebonne, Oregon

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Itchy Skin Years After Being Stung

I was stung by a yellow jacket about 4-5 years ago. I sat back on a lawn chair onto a yellow jacket and I think the stinger broke off into my skin. My husband said there was no stinger in my back, but he didn't dig down into my skin. Since that time I have an itchy spot on my back in the same area where I was stung (it only itches in that spot). I've heard that if a stinger is not removed it will absorb into your skin? Is this true?

If so, can it cause any longterm effects such as a constant itching sensation forever or any type of longterm health concerns or illnesses? If the stinger was left in my back, is there anything that can be done now to stop the daily itching? Would an injection of cortisone into that area help? Or could the stinger still be there deep under the skin? And if so, could it be removed?

Blue Eyes from Westlake, Ohio

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Paying Off Mortgages Quickly

I want to know if there is a way to pay off your mortgage faster. I live in Canada.

Little Princess

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Pattern for Long Housecoat

Does anyone know where I may obtain a pattern for a front zippered, floor length, long sleeved housecoat? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Willi from Calgary, Canada

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Free Weight Loss Supplements

Does any one know of any sites that give away free weight loss supplements?

Aliesha

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Homemade Over-the-Hill "Survival Kit"

I am looking for ideas on what to put in a fun homemade, adult male over-the-hill "survival kit".

Kathy from Ontonagon

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Puppy Seems to be Blind

We have a 4 wk lab/golden puppy. The momma had 7 in her litter and our little guy is the only one that made it. I know most puppies when first opening their eyes have a bluish cloudy look to their eyes but his isn't going away. My hubby came in from walking him last night and said he started to panic because he couldn't see my hubby.

My hubby was shining a light and he didn't seem to follow it but when my hubby started making a noise he started following that. We have also noticed that when playing with a toy and if it gets out of his sight he goes backwards and in circles looking for it. We think he is blind. We are taking him to the vet tomorrow but I just wanted to see if anyone had anything to comment on. Thanks so much!

Marcie from Atlanta, Ga

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Ring Tone from the Movie "Love and Die"

I was watching a movie on USA called to "Love and Die". The main female character had a ring tone put on her phone by two little girls. I have been trying to find out what the tone was but have had no luck. I went to the website for the movie and someone suggested that it was "La Grange" by ZZ Top, but it does not sound like it. Does anyone know what the tone is?

Julie from Naples, FL

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Keeping the Kids Busy During Winter Break
By Angela Billings

How do you keep children busy in winter holidays? Netfreak from SF

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Removing permanent marker from paper

How can I see under permanent marker which is on photocopying paper.

Cooper

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Storing Large Toys

Does anyone know of a better way to store large play toys (walker for babies, etc.)? I put them in big plastic bags in the garage but they just tear and then get all dirty. Any suggestions?

Bridget from AZ

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Sausage for Lentil Soup

Does anyone know the best kind of sausage to put in lentil soup? if so what brand etc.
Thanks.

Bridget from AZ

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Manual for NEC Dterm 80 Phone

I am looking for a manual for a NEC Dterm 80 Phone. Does anyone have a manual or know where to get one? Thanks.

az2010 from Easthampton, MA

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Using Olive Oil for Bags Under Eyes

I've been told that olive oil is a great facial moisturizer but I would also like to know if it can be used as an under eye serum as well? I have bags under my eyes and I don't want to make them even more noticeable by using a product that will aggravate the problem. Any thoughts or opinions, please?

Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Weight Watcher's Quick Start Book (1980)

I was wondering if anyone has a copy of the 1980 Weight Watchers Program. I am mostly interested in the Quick Start book.

Shirley

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Using Oven Cleaner on Drip Trays

I have very greasy build up on my top drip trays. Is it safe to use Easy Off oven cleaner on them?

Rosemarie from Lynn, MA

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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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Home Improvement: Surprising Places for Great Deals
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

When shopping for larger home improvement items, price outside the box. While the do-it-yourself option seems to be the most frugal, that's not always the case. Expecting to find the best deal at a large home improvement store rather than a specialized dealer is also a false assumption. Bargains aren't always in the expected places.

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