August 25, 2006

Daily Thrifty Tips - August 25, 2006


Volume Five, Number 162, August 25, 2006
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

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Susan

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Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

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Today's Photos

Tequila (Quaker Parrot)

Tequila is my age (18 years) and is a Quaker Parrot. I bought Tequila when we were both fifteen, and we've been practically inseparable since.

She loves to call for me, say "what cha doin?" or "Come HERE!" really loud. She also likes to laugh and sneeze just like me. Birds are more intelligent than most people think.

By Tara from Castlegar, BC

Tara and Tequila (Quaker Parrot)

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Lili and Rusty (Miniature Poodles)

Lili (white) and Rusty (red) are 18 month old mini-poodles. Lili was a gift from our daughter (to liven up the household for the old folks) and Rusty we found two months later, from a workman in our home.

"Fetch" is their favorite thing to do for fun; Lili also tries to "talk"; Rusty opens gates and doors for the "ladies."

They love to dance, with us or each other!

By Janey from Brookhaven, MS

Lili and Rusty (Mini Poodles)

Lili and Rusty (Mini Poodles)

Lili and Rusty (Mini Poodles)

Lili and Rusty (Mini Poodles)

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Sparky (Silver Tabby)

Our silver tabby, Sparky, is huge, weighing in at 18 pounds at a little over one year in age. He was a foundling, literally left on our doorstep during a huge thunderstorm. Poor little guy. He was so tiny and underfed, and he still has some growing to do but he's definitely a permanent part of the family now.

Sparky is a medium-haired cat and just hates those baby-sized cat brushes so I fixed him up good: Now I just SWEEP him clean!

I bought a full-sized, nylon soft-bristled broom just for him. I 'sweep' him as he lays on the floor, first one side then the other, and then down his back. Then he'll roll over, stretch out and let me sweep his big ol' belly - with purring that sounds like a freight train coming through the house...

Plenty of fur flies but it's easily caught on the broom since I spray it with Static-Cling first. Sparky loves it; HE thinks he is getting the best petting session of his whole life!

However, I'm really saving my sinuses and furniture from all that cat fur (ok, ok, I must admit - I also love doing it for him, too!)

Living in Alaska means cats get ultrathick winter coats and they shed nearly year round since it stays rather chilly here, even in summer. But comfort is relative: you can always add more clothing to stay warm, there are only so many ways to stay cool, without going nekkid!

In our family, 'sweeping the cat out' has a completely different meaning now!

By Terry from Homer, AK

Sparky (Tabby Cat)

Sparky (Tabby Cat)

Sparky (Tabby Cat)

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Contests!

The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips

Smart Names for Contacts In Your Cell Phone

If you are ever in an accident and/or unconscious, be sure to have your contacts in your cell phone listed as husband, wife, son, daughter, mom, etc. instead of John, Mary, etc. The medical staff will be able to contact someone in your immediate family a lot easier and faster.

By GinaMc from Judsonia, AR

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Easy Clean-up For Peeling Veggies

Peel your fresh veggies and fruits on newspaper or plastic/paper grocery bags. When you are finished, just fold the peelings up in the paper/plastic and throw in the trash.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Keeping Track Of Debit Purchases

I use my debit card for most purchases to save writing checks or carrying too much cash. To make sure I remember to record the transaction, I keep a rubber band around my checkbook and stick the receipt under the band until it's been recorded in the register.

By Barb from Sevierville, TN

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Plan Outfits With Fashion Show Photos

This is a tip if you have a 6 year Diva who, at the last minutes before you walk out the door, decides she hates all her clothes and has nothing to wear. I used my digital camera and took pictures of her in each outfit (shirt, pants, etc) and that made it fun for her to do a fashion show. Every night she picked a picture and we laid everything out the night before. No problems since!

By mlweston from Valley Lee, Maryland


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10 Ways To Reuse A Flip Top Box (Cigarette Pack)

Hey, if you must smoke, then get something positive out of the process. Here are ways to reused Cigarette boxes.

  1. First Aid Kit: stock it with several type band bandaids, Acetaminophen in a tiny bit of Saran Wrap, four small packets of germ killing lotions, a packed moist towelette, a thick rubber band, a few cotton balls wrapped and a clean wrapped razor blade. You can store these in your fishing tackle box, glove compartment or in your travel suitcase.
  2. Help you stop smoking: Fill your flip top box up with gum, wrapped candy or lozenges.
  3. A place to put your passes or ride tickets at an amusement park
  4. A place to keep you toll fares handy
  5. A Small "In Stream" Fishing Box: Equip with hooks on cards as well as fly lures, split shot sinkers, nail clippers. All easy to get at without leaving the stream.
  6. A Travel Sewing Kit: Buttons, needles, thread, small nail clipper. All easily packed away for an emergency use.
  7. Make Do Emergency Office: Stamps in booklet, several sizes of paper clips, rubber bands, small golfing pencil, sharpener on outside the pack, new calender, several business cards, a card with important phone numbers, small note tablet with pen wrapped with a rubber band.
  8. A business card carrier and keeper
  9. An incense and or pourporri container: Imagine setting that cigarette box in a smelly area?
  10. A place to store many of your board game pieces so they don't fly around or fall out of your old torn board game boxes: Imagine knowing immediately where your Monopoly tokens, dice and chance/communtity chest cards can be found.

This is but 10 ways, off the top of my head, how to reuse those flip top cigarette boxes. There are more ways, just come out from that cloud of smoke and think .

Smoking makes me poor.

Reusing makes me happy.

Good Day From Mr. Thrifty

By Mr. Thrifty from Shermansdale, PA

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Garlic For Garden Pest Prevention

Put whole cloves of garlic around your plants that rabbits and other critters might be munching on. Put several around each plant, just lay on top of the ground. This is helping my friend, greatly. Her plants are are growing immensely, now. She found the best price on garlic to be at a warehouse store, like Sam's Club or Costco, over that of a grocery store.

By Terri from NV

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Buy Quality Backpacks For School

I highly suggest buying backpacks at L L Bean. The quality is really good and the price is not bad either. My kids get at least 2 years out of one of their backpacks. They have nice styles and colors/patterns to choose from and also in different sizes to fit the size of your child. You can also have it monogrammed with your child's name or initials. I pay with an LL Bean Visa but I have one to use JUST with them as it entitles me to not only free monogramming but also free shipping. I buy online so it's very easy and their service is very fast.

By Debbie from IL

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Check Freecycle Before You Buy

One of my new favorite things I am getting into is my local freecycle group. I love it. I have gotten rid of stuff that has cluttered up my small apt. But the best thing is the stuff I have gotten. My favorite is my chair. Its great, before you go out and buy something, ask. Someone may have one that they won't even think about until you ask for it.

I decided I would like a wok. I was pricing them and then decided, well, I will check with freecycle first. I got offered one the same day. And it was electric, bonus. I had to drive a little ways for the griddle I wanted but was much cheaper than buying one and she gave me a few other items that turned out to be really nice and good quality stuff. You should really join your local freecycle group. You will be pleasantly surprised, I guarantee it.

By Christi from Paducah, KY

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Better To Remain Silent. . .

This is a quote that my husband has used over the years and it's so true. Thought I would share it.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Frozen Tropical Yogurt Pops

Here is an easy and inexpensive cold treat to make for your kids. Even the big kids, namely me, like them on hot summer days. Mix together 2 cups plain yogurt, 1/2 cup crushed pineapple and 6 ounces frozen orange-juice concentrate. Pour into 3-ounce paper or plastic cups. Freeze for 45 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Insert a wooden craft stick into the center of each pop. Freeze for about 4 hours or until pops are solid.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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My Frugal Life - Comfortable and Frugal

I grew up with frugal parents who did well by watching how they spent their money but saved for luxury items. We were taught to be careful with our money and to watch the cost of utilities. When Frank and I got married, we lived on military wages which were minimal. We were 18 years old and lived on $125 a month. Our rent alone was $55.

In a year, we had our son and it was a joy to to be frugal just to have him. I home baked and cooked like I had grown up feeding farm crews. I watched the the sales on everything and still do. I like quality and also keep new and old material, buttons and zippers and a variety of items. I sew and do lots of handicrafts. This is something that makes me happy and if I get a homemade gift or a gift from from my family it always makes me happy.

Bev from Chilliwack

Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml

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Syndication Spotlight

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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New Requests

Cat Peeing on Floor

I have three cats, the first one Toby, I've had for 9 years. The second one Feisty, I've had for 1 1/2 year. The third Charlie, I've had for 5-6 months. Feisty for some reason has recently been peeing on the floor. I've had people staying with me and he has been doing it everyday now. I've tried Ammonia to try and get the smell out but it doesn't work. I really need some help. I don't know what to do to prevent him from doing it and I don't know what to do to get the smell out. I really don't have much money with college and everything so is there something around the house I could use?

Heather from Spencerville, OH

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Melted Crayon Dried on Clothing

I washed and dried a load of whites with a purple crayon. Any ideas how to get the crayon stains out?

Kandy from Phoenix

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My Dog Barks All The Time

How can I stop my lovely dog from barking all the time. She keeps my neighbors up at night and barks all through the day. I got her from a rescue and was told she is about 2-3 yrs old. She is wonderful but she won't stop barking. I also have a collie pup about 7 months old. When the two of them get going it is not music.

Sadie from Waterford, MI

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Button Tied to Candle Wick

A friend recently bought candles at Kohl's, one is a small pillar and one is round. Each had a long wick tied in a knot at the end with a button attached to the end. Anyone know what the button is for?

Neatnik from Ohio

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Mold on Clothing

How do I get mold out of a shirt?

SMDA from Council Bluffs, IA

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Making Paper Mache Plaques

Does anyone know how to make paper mache plaques for painting? They are usually used for welcome signs and such, and the wooden plaques can be very expensive.

Jan from Cotati, CA

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Burnt Burner Covers

My mother was at my house and didn't realize that my stainless steel burners covers were over my electric burners on my stove. She turned on a burner and it created a bronze colored stain on the burner cover. How can I remove this stain--nothing I try works!

Danielle from Blakely, PA

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When Do Puppies Need Shots?

My dog had puppies and I do not know when to get there first shots. They are about 3 weeks old. They are still with their mother.

JESS from BLOOMINGTON, CA

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Helping My Husband Match His Clothing

My husband cannot pick out his own clothes (a little color blind). I am looking for a way he can easily match his shirts in his closet to appropriate pants.

Christine from Des Moines, IA

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Keeping Leeches Away From You While Swimming

Do you know a way to keep leeches away from you while swimming? Perhaps a natural repellent of some kind?

Gloria

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Using Balsamic Vinegar

I received a bottle of balsamic vinegar as a gift and I need suggestions on how to use it. Thanks!

Maryeileen from Brooklyn OH

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Freezing Creamed Corn

Can you freeze creamed corn?

Kathy from NY

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Getting Rid of a Tan

I have had a tan for many years now. I have tried everything to get rid of it. Should I use lemon juice?

Stephanie from Ahoskie, NC

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Removing Wallpaper Paste from a Wall

How do you get slimy wallpaper paste off wall before you paint?

Mom from Meridian

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Are Toads Harmful To Dogs?

My dog recently caught a toad and after spitting it out starting foaming at the mouth. On a recent post about what foods are poisonous to dogs there was a tip to go to the ASPCA site. The have a list of warm weather hazards, and toads are on that list, but it doesn't say what will happen if your dog bites a toad. The consultation fee to call the poison center at ASPCA is $55.00! Would anyone know what happens to dogs after biting a toad?

Paula from Christmas, MI

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Recipes Using Cornbread

I seem to always have leftover cornbread. I hate for it to go in the trash once it gets too dry to eat. Besides putting it in milk and eating it or using it for stuffing, does anyone have a recipe that uses baked cornbread?

Laurie from Pahrump, NV

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Cleaning Laminate Floors

I am looking into having laminate flooring installed in my bedroom. I want a white/washed pine color as my trim is white and the walls are a lightlite blue. I was wondering if there are any tips on taking care of this type of floor. My husband is very messy and tends to spill drinks in the bedroom. I have not been able to keep carpet clean on his side of the bed so I am going to have that taken up and the laminate put down. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Cookiepom from Owensboro, KY

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Blues Theme Party

I am hosting a summer party/wedding reception and the theme is "Peace of the Blues." We have a blues guitar player performing plus a lot of background blues to play between sets, as well as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the "Blues Brothers" with their soundtrack. We also have black fedoras and Blues Brothers glasses to pass out to the guests. I would like to do a little more but I am at a loss as to what else could be done to make it more "bluesy." Anyone have any quick or inexpensive ideas for decorations or prizes? Thanks in advance!

Celia from Detroit, MI

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Qmodel Commercial Ice Machine Not Working

My Qmodel (by Manitowoc) commercial ice machine won't go into harvest mode and is not making ice at all.

Francisco from California

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Natural Mosquito Repellent

I need a natural mosquito repellent recipe.

Lynne from Odessa, TX

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Removing Paint Stains from Clothing

Is it possible to remove old water based paint from mainly cotton clothing without causing too much damage? Thank you, Frank from Australia

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York, Mango Bay, Tropical Birds NG8097

I am looking for a discontinued wallpaper York, Mango Bay, Tropical Birds NG8097. Can anyone help me find it?

Lise from Atlanta

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Birthday Party Games

What are some popular 13 year olds birthday party games?

Emma from NZ

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More Reading

The Home Equity Loan - Good or Bad?
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Without delving into the financial cogs that make home equity loans work and by avoiding all of the percentage signs and APR numbers, here's the ultimate question. Are home equity loans good or bad ideas? Answer for yourself:

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Freezing Tomatoes

Selecting High-Quality Tomatoes:

Tomatoes will not be solid once thawed, but they do freeze well for use as sauces, juice, pastes or purées. Select firm, ripe tomatoes with deep red color. When purchasing tomatoes, try to select fruits that are mature, but not fully ripe. You'll get the longest storage time if you finished ripening it at home. Look for varieties labeled "vine-ripened." Unlike some varieties, you can be sure these have been picked only after reaching maturity (tomatoes are often picked while still green because they are more resistant to crushing during transport). Tomatoes should feel smooth, firm and heavy for their size. Avoid tomatoes that show excessive cracking or bruising.

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