Daily Thrifty Tips - February 21, 2006

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When I moved into a really small apartment, I didn't have room for my large computer desk. But, I did have a baker's rack that I was not going to use for kitchen use. I decided to use it for my computer and printer.

It works well, and has lots of storage space. The top shelf holds a stereo and miscellaneous junk, the second shelf holds my large printer and assortment of pen holders, the table itself holds my monitor and tower, and the two shelves on the bottom hold a lot of boxes and storage for computer stuff and misc.

By Lee from Columbus, Ohio

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Boogie is a 4 month old Golden Retriever. I got her from an ad on the net, nearby Rostock in Northern Germany.

She loves to chew on rawhide bones, jump and run, give doggie kisses. She is the loveliest animal I have ever met!

By Bijou from Germany

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I was determined to have a coat for my 18-month-old dog Honey. We walk in all weather and she does not have a whole lot of fur on her underside. I wanted something warm and waterproof. I found the perfect coat at Pet Edge. Even though it was a VERY good price, my husband lovingly reminded me that our budget does not have a "dog apparel" line item! So I did what any smart mom would do. I set out to make my own.

I had some fun with a picnic blanket and a FREE pattern from the Circle of Crafters website. http://www.sewing.circleofcrafters.com/freepetvestpattern.html

In all, the coat cost me about $2.50 and a few hours (spread over two days) to make. I had to buy some more Velcro, but I already had everything else! I had purchased the reflective tape in the fall to sew on all of our coats. I love reflective tape! I was very happy with the value and service that I got from Identi-Tape Inc. I purchased sew-on reflective tape from them online.

You can hardly tell that this cozy coat used to be a picnic blanket. It is quilted for warmth and has been treated with waterproofing spray for those early morning hurricane walks. Naturally, it is reversible: One side revealing a traditional tartan, the other a bold blue vinyl with an urban edge. Practicality has not been lost to fashion, as this blanket coat has a pocket on each side, appliqued with a charming heart. The design also puts safety first with a reflective strip on the back of the coat.

Happy playing,
Karla Boeddinghaus Umland

http://geocities.com/karlaumland/discoverytoys

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Before going shopping go online first and check out that store's website. If you You might find some printable discount coupons to take with you to save you some money.

By Terri from NV

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I use olive oil to keep my pasta from sticking together if I have leftovers. Learned this secret trick from my Italian in-laws years ago.

By Dawn Csernai from Austin, TX

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When doing laundry for my 5 boys, sorting is easy: each boy's clothing item is marked on the 'collar' area with the first initial of their name - in permanent marker. Every shirt, jeans, underclothes they own has a small letter on it. After awhile, I recognize whose item it is by sight.

By Marilyn from Findlay, Oh

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When looking for a used car, look into "leased" cars. We bought one that was 1 yr. old, with only 2,300 miles! It went from "covered" home to "covered" work! We're in the desert so covered is important.

By Trish from Tucson, Az.

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For those of us who live in wintery, snowy states, always remember to keep salt around for icy walks. If someone comes on your property and falls, you will be held liable for their injury so take all the steps you can to keep your own family safe as well as people like the mailman and other delivery type people and visitors!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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I detest sitting through commercials on television so I use that time to accomplish (or at least start) some household task that needs doing. It may be something as simple as emptying all the bathroom wastebaskets or taking the stacked newspapers from the TV room out to the recycling bin in the garage or getting the load of laundry out of the dryer and folding it, or even unloading the top rack of the dishwasher. When the program resumes, my attention goes back to the television show. It's surprising how much you can accomplish by just working during the commercials.


By ronsan from southwest Missouri

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What is white and goes up?
A stupid snowflake!!!!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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I was wondering if it is possible to freeze potatoes. Do you have to parboil them, or do any other prep to freeze? I have potatoes that we will not be able to eat before they go bad. I would like to dice them and put them in freezer but need to know how I should go about doing this. Any advice, suggestions, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

jmz2005 from illinois

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I want to color my hair at home and i noticed on the box it says in BOLD print to apply on dry, unwashed hair.

What if there is gel and hair spray in my hair. It's not a lot, but I am thinking that might hender the color?

Paula from GA

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Does anyone know the deferred billing code for Newport News. I think it runs until April or May 2006.

Mary from Charlotte, NC

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I am an avid sewer and embroider. I was wondering if anyone has some designs they would like to share. I only hand embroidery - no machine. I do lots of pillowcases and childrens clothes. Right now I am in need of a hand embroidery design of the "Lily of the Valley" flowers.

Thanks for any replies,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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This winter we decided that it would be nice to feed the birds. We purchased/made three nice birdhouses and have them placed throughout our yard. The smallest bird feeder holds 5 pounds of birdseed. The largest holds 10 pounds.

My challenge is that we have so MANY birds coming to the yard now. We want to feed the birds but didn't expect so many hungry birds. We expected to refill the birdseed once a week. At the rate they have been going, we need to refill it every day. We can't afford that much birdseed.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? How do we attract fewer birds or supplement the birdseed with something less expensive?

Thanks!

Tricia from Royal Oak, MI

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I personally have a really hard time keeping anything in my home organized. My husband and I got married and moved from KY/IN area to Northeast GA 6 months ago and still have boxes everywhere. Now we are talking about starting a home business as well. We need ideas for a multitude of books, keepsakes, pictures, clothes, dishes, food, etc. for the home part and it needs to be something that can be done cheaply but not look cheap.

We have people in and out of the house sparaticly due to my husband being a Youth Minister. I would love to get my house organized and not go out of my mind trying to organize a home office as well. Also, any ideas for kids stuff would be a blessing too. (Trying to plan ahead.) Thank you so much.

Jeggie from Elberton, GA

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I am a highschool student in Sydney and was hoping to go to France on exchange at the end of the year, for no more than 1 and a half months. If it is possible I would like to do homestay but not have to have a french student back afterwards. Does anyone know any programs that i could look into?

Aurelia from NSW

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I dropped a glass of regualar hot milk on the sofa which has been applied with Scotchgard. There in no stain or smell. But it is starchy and stiff. How do I take the stiffiness out?

Malti from Danvlle

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I have heard that Sea Salt is supposed to be good for clearing up acne. I know when I go to the Ocean my face does always clear up. What I was wondering is does anyone have a homemade recipe for a Sea Salt Facial Scrub?

Mandi from Erie, PA

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I need some ideas for a surprise 40th birthday party gift for a woman.

Aline from Easthampton, MA

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I am looking for some acid reflux remedies and advice. Any advice would be helpful including diet suggestions, exersizes that might help, foods to avoid as well as drugs that have worked for you. I know it's a common problem so I figured I would start a thread about it. My doctor prescribed Nexium.

Stan from Idaho

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I seem to have a reaction to antiperspirant deodorants. My underarms gets so itchy. What is a person to do? Is there something that won't cause this reaction?

Debbie52 from IL

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I am cleaning a home for someone who is allergic to cigarette smoke and the house just reeks of it. Any suggestions on how to get it out of the carpet and off the walls?

Jenny from Anamosa, IA

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I have a mini pincher/chihuahua mix who is just 8 weeks old, my question is how to we teach him to be friendly and not atack everyone in sight, not chase cars, people, ect. He isn't doing any of this YET, but his daddy does.

Beth from Florida

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I am looking for a remedy for nail fungus. Also, would like to know if anyone knows what to use to clean tubs and showers that will prevent the fungus from spreading to others.

Thanks,
TUEY from FT. COLLINS, CO

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I have a good source of large, used plastic coffee canisters with lids. I wanted to use the canisters to store other dry goods I buy in bulk, such as flour, oatmeal, beans, sugar, etc., but I can't get the coffee odor out of the plastic. I had some oatmeal in one, and it definitely gave the oatmeal a coffee flavor.

I've tried washing in vinegar, putting baking soda and newspaper in them, then leaving for a few days and then washing again afterwards. Right now I have a little activated charcoal in one to see if that will work. Any other suggestions on how to get the odor out?

Thanks for all your help!

Sarah from Indianapolis, IN

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How does one remove melted candle wax from a polyester tablecloth?

Marcee from Ellijay, GA

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My daughter works at an upscale restaurant where they wear white tuxedo (tailored) shirts and hers have yellowed considerably. We used clorox for the food stains as I do in all of my whites but this only worsened the yellowing.

ANY ideas how to get them back to the normal white color? I found the following information but I know that there MUST be a way to whiten these shirts as opposed to buying new ones, which are quite expensive. Thanks much!

DP

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Does anyone know where i could purchase some christmas bulbs? I missed out on buying extras after the holidays. I need both clear and colored ones for replacement bulb for my outdoor gazebo. I need c-7's and c-9's. I am just sick I missed the after christmas sales.

Thanks,
TUEY from FT COLLINS, CO

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