Daily Thrifty Tips - Num. 23, February 1, 2008

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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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Cupid Kissing Brooke

Cupid greets Brooke with a kiss. It was a treat to visit my DIL's farm near Kipling, Sask. Canada and capture this precious moment. Brooke is my DIL's niece.

By Joyce from Regina

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Craft: Valentine Cascade Mobile

Fun and easy. Make these mobiles to decorate your home for a Valentine's Day party, to use as party favors, or just to decorate a kid's room. If you plan to make several, pre-cut all of the heart shapes you will need at the same time, then all you'll have to do is assemble each one.

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Bead My Valentine

Instead of cards (that too often get tossed in the "circular file") I made beaded Valentine's Day gifts last year.

Even though they are inexpensive and VERY simple, my family and friends loved them. They can be easily hung as a sun catcher from a window frame with a paper clip, attached to a mirror, used as a keychain, or simply hung on the wall.

I learned while volunteering with a native American organization to make gifts like this only when I am in a good mood and have positive feelings. These positive vibes will then be transferred on to the recipient of my gift.

By LuvMyGingerKids from Long Beach, CA

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Smokey - Black Cat

Smokey is a 2 1/2 year old Stray Black Cat. I got him last summer. He lives to eat and play, in that order!

Mister Smokey Smokerson is the joy of our lives! We were looking for a "mouser" at the same time fools moved out and left him in the parking lot of my daughters apartment complex. (because they were too lazy to have him neutered) Well, we're the LUCKY ones now! Because, we're the proud parents of a perpetually small little black cat that thinks he's still a kitten at 2 years old. Smokey "sings" for his supper, and has good manners because he always says "Thank You" with a meow before eating. He says "Hi" when a human enters the room and also, when you call for him, he ALWAYS comes, after, first saying: "I'm coming Mom" with a meow. I'm 51 and he's my very first pet. Boy-Oh-Boy! I didn't know what I was missing!

By Cyinda from Near Seattle

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Icy Thermometer

The photo was taken of my thermometer this morning (1-30-2008), 9 below.

By Judy

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Shopping Bag Into Planting Bags

You can use a Food Saver Vacuum sealer or Seal A Meal, I think you can even use the small one that is battery operated for resealing chip bags.

Take plastic shopping bags (if they are too lightweight, they will not hold the seal). Cut off the handles and the bottom seam. Flatten the bag out completely. Fold the outside to the inside, you need to double the bag.

Divide bag in equal thirds. Now is when the Food Saver comes in, seal from top to bottom. While sealing, gently pull on the bag and it will separate, you should have a good seal.

Taking 1 of these small tubes, fold sides into the middle that will be the bottom, then seal. Be sure to cut a small slit anywhere across the bottom for drainage.

I use these for starting seeds, transplanting seedlings, cuttings, and even established plants.

By Babbie from Lemon Grove CA

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Bargain Hairstyling At Adult Education Classes

I just got my haircut at an Adult Education Class. They learn the trade and are supervised and watched close as they work on client's hair.

I received a cut and color and paid less than $20.00. Tip is separate. I have never had a bad color or cut. You can see if your local High School knows of classes such as this.

By Sall from West Seneca, NY

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Make Sure You Are Getting Discounts At The Grocery Store

You think you are saving money when you buy discounted food at the grocery store, right. You suppose to be, right. But if the cashier does not see the reduced price and the barcode is not blackmarked across, then you end up paying full price, unless you watch the items go through the register. My tip is keep a eye on the computer screen and make sure that discount ends up as a saving for you.

By Sheila from Ontario Canada

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Add Peanut Butter to Oatmeal

I make instant oatmeal for breakfast several times a week. I've started adding a tablespoon of peanut butter after it's been cooked. I stir it in with a little bit of milk. It tastes delicious, and adds a little boost nutritionally. My kids absolutely love it!

By Cynthia from Pittsburgh PA

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AirfareWatchdog.com

This is a site where you can register and get e-notices when they have a good airfare rates.

Source: I got this bit of info from one of my local pals.

• http://www.airfarewatchdog.com

By Terri H. from NV

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Make Yourself Climb Stairs For Exercise

Great way to get fit? Try putting something in the basement, or up stairs that you use daily. Sounds silly, but now that we've added a playroom/computer room in our basement , I've lost 8 lbs!

Source: Just noticed the scale this afternoon, and realized I now climb stairs at least 5 times a day!

By Amy from Canton, Ohio

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Recyclethis - British Recycling Website

We all have extra stuff we just don't know what to DO with. Other than tossing it or giving it away - the British site:

• http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Use a Heavy Rubber Band on Your Toothpaste Tube

To keep from chasing your toothpaste to the end of the tube place a large rubber band ( like the ones that come on fresh broccoli) at the end and gradually fold up the empty tube containing the used portion in the band.

By Ceil from Tavares, FL

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Bake Brownies in Cupcake Liners

When our five year old grandson was helping me bake brownies, we were getting ready to pour them into the baking pan and he wanted me to put them in cupcake paper cups instead. Joshua said he had them at school that way, so we put paper liners in my muffin pan that bakes 12 muffins. When the brownies were finished baking, they were easy to serve, no cutting or mess, plus the muffin pan only had to be rinsed off. Try it, it is a great idea. The brownies are easy to eat and store.

Source: My five year old grandson Joshua!

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent for Clean Laundry

I started using Tide with Febreeze to tackle sweaty workout clothes. It did the trick, so I used it on all my family's laundry. Only problem is one of my daughters had a allergic skin reaction to it. So I looked for a sensitive skin/fragrance free laundry detergent. I decided to try Arm and Hammer since it stated it was dermatologist tested and was free of dye and perfume. That did the trick! But the best part is that my towels no longer have that moldy odor!

A friend told me never to put dryer sheets in with towels, because it makes them less absorbent. That seems to be working too! To think I was about to go buy all new towels! Try it, and let me know what you think!

By Janet from Parkton, MD

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Container Gardening - Thinking Outside The Box

For going green to save our environment, I'm teaching a class soon on "Container Gardening - Thinking Outside The Box" and needed to come up with some unique ideas for containers for my plants. Some I came up with are:

I took an old metal fan apart and unscrewed the wire basket parts (had one on each side of the fan), then placed cocoa liner I'd bought inside the wire basket, and placed wire hangers on the basket to hang it, filled it with soil and planted low hanging vine plants in it for 2 nice hanging baskets.

I took an old vase with barnacles on it my family had found while snorkeling, drilled 3 holes in the bottom, put in soil and planted succulents inside.

I took an old metal teapot, drilled 3 holes in bottom, filled with soil and planted pansies in it.

These pots are unique and did not cost a dime, recycle some items and see what you can come up with for your garden this year. It is fun and they sure last longer than those ugly plastic pots you'd buy.

By Linda from Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Uses for Oatmeal Containers

I have a lot of round oatmeal boxes. Any ideas of what I could make or use them for? Thanks

Sandy from Mountain View, AR

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Ariston Gas Oven Not Working Well

I have an Ariston oven/grill and can't keep the oven element burning after I let off the knob. I've tried to move the thermo-coupler closer to the flame but no success. Any tips?

Keith from Panama

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Decorations for Paris Themed Dance

What decorations could I use for a 'Night in Paris' themed dance?

Meghan from IL

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Inexpensive 'Thank You' Church Dinner

Any ideas for the nicest church dinner I can provide on the cheap? I have a $900 budget to feed 125 people. It's an annual 'thank you' to volunteers.

Pete from Brockton, MA

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Stopping Hair Loss

I have been losing my hair for 3 month. I am eating good food and sometimes vitamins. Can somebody tell me what I can do to stop the hair loss?

Rimsha from Decatur

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Food Ideas for a Tea Party Birthday

My daughter and I are planning a 'tea party' birthday party for her in April. Since we are in a cold part of the US, we will probably still have snow on the ground or at least have temp's not favorable for a 'garden tea party', so we will be doing the party indoors.

She will be turning 8 and plans to have about 6 friends join us. I'm looking for suggestions for fun, easy, and KID-FRIENDLY finger foods to serve at her party. We will have a sandwich of some kind, probably a variety of meats cut into triangles. But I'm hoping to have some side dish ideas. I have bought some BEAUTIFUL milk glass compotes to put things in so we'd love to utilize those. Any suggestions?

imama2many from UT

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Name and Slogan for a Commercial Cleaning Business

I'm starting a commercial cleaning business, and I'm having a hard time coming up with a name and slogan. All ideas are appreciated. Please give as many as you can think of. Things that may help with ideas: I'm in Phoenix AZ and the business will be run by my husband and I. Thank you so much for your help!

Colie from Phoenix, AZ

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Recipe for Bourbon, Herb, and Mushroom Steak

I would like recipes for a bourbon, herb, and mushroom steak.
Thank you.

Roger from Apple Valley, MN

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Recipe for Pork Chop Sauce

I would like a recipe for pork chop sauce.

Roger from Apple Valley, MN

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Recipe for Cooked Frosting

I used to have a recipe for cooked frosting. The base of flour and milk was cooked to a thick paste. As this cooled, equal parts of butter and shortening along with some sugar, a bit of vanilla, and a dash of salt was whipped until light and fluffy. Then the cooled paste was folded in. It was terrific because it was not too sweet, could be used to decorate cakes, and was very smooth. Thank you!

Anastacia from Cleveland

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Colors for a March Wedding

We are planning a March wedding, for this year. What are good color options for this month?

Natalie from Grandview, WA

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Seasoning Veggies and Beans

Trying to change my eating habits. Would like to know what you season veggies and beans (collard greens, turnips, cabbage, black-eyed peas) with. I would normally use ham but I am trying to eat healthier this year. Any suggestions?

Onesummer

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Applying Latex Paint Over Oil Paint

We just made a huge mistake. We painted latex over oil paint and now the paint is peeling. The advice that has been given is varied and we're not sure what advice to follow. Some have told us to scrape and sand as much of the latex off as possible before repainting with a latex primer.

Others have suggested directly applying a coat of Zinsser 123 and then painting over with latex. Obviously we would prefer going the Zinsser 123 route since it would eliminate scraping and sanding. But I'm afraid that this may still result in peeling paint in the future. Any advice out there?

Popov from BC

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Inovisio Eye Drops for Cataracts

Has anyone used Inovisio Eye Drops for the removal of cataracts?

Anne

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Rooting a Hibiscus from a Larger Plant

Does anyone out there know how to or if it is even possible to root a hibiscus from a large hibiscus that I have?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Barbara from Philadelphia, PA

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Dog Has Clear, Foamy Vomit

My Dog is coughing or hacking and has a clear or sometimes foaming vomit. Are there any home remedies out there?

Jeff from Lubbock, TX

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Bible Cover that Holds Note Pad and Pens

I would like to make an easy Bible cover that I can carry my Bible plus a note pad and pens. Anyone that has ideas for an amateur? Thanks in advance.

Barbara from Kingsport, Tn

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Buying Food for Puppy with Pancreatitis

My Labrador/English Mastiff has recently been diagnosed with acute Pancreatitis. He is only 18 months old and I know this is very rare in young male dogs. He spent 4 days in intensive care and now I am lost. I know to feed him on a low fat diet but need to know some websites I can buy it from and the best one to get. It's also very expensive so any money saving tips would be much appreciated!

Kate from Melbourne, VIC, Australia

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Why do Recipes Call for Both Water and Milk?

Most of my bread machine recipes call for amounts of milk and amounts of water. Although I've been using only milk for awhile with good results I still wonder why those recipes use both. Does anybody know?

Judi from Elgin, Oregon

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What is My Steamboat Willie Watch Worth?

I want to know how much a Steamboat Willie watch is worth?

Karen from N.C.

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Removing Mold from Pushchair

My mother-in-law borrowed my pushchair and put it in her garage and now it has grown mold all over it! I have tried scrubbing with washing powder and kitchen cleaner (its the only thing I had with bleach in it) but so far nothing has worked. It's the type of mold that looks like black spots. I would be really grateful if someone knows what to do to get rid of it! Many thanks in advance.

Chellbi from Berkshire, UK

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Dark Underarms

Does anyone have the problem I have? My underarms are dark. It looks like I haven't shaved, but I shave every day. I tried professional waxing, but it's kind of expensive for me. Any ideas out there would really be appreciated.

Smoochie from Houston, TX

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Painting Foyer to Coordinate with Wine and Lion's Mane Colored Walls

I would like to paint dining room two colors. Two walls facing each other a wine color and the other two walls facing each other a lion mane color. I have a foyer that continues next to this room with a separating wall. What color should I paint it? Open to any other suggestions about which walls to paint what color.

Debra from Geismar

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Soundproofing the Laundry Closet

We have a small open closet in the kitchen where the clothes washing machine is located. I just replaced the old one with a Kenmore. This made a lot of noise. After speaking with the store clerk, she suggested we swap it out for another one of the same model to see if the original was a dud. At the price we paid, the clerk said it should not be making this much noise.

The replacement is indeed, quieter. But, this washer still makes more noise than my previous Maytag, even though it has a Stage 2 ($$) extra quietness feature. Might be called Quiet Pack 2, or something like that. The clerk told me that today's washers are direct drive, rather than the old style of belt drive, so they are noisier.
Any opinions?

Could we soundproof the closet? I suggested to Dh that we put a rubber mat under the washer on the floor, but he didn't think it would make much difference as the 'closet' extends to the ceiling and has shelves with goods above the washer. Too much open space and no door possible as this is the short, narrow hallway to the garage. Opposite the washer we have the dryer with the same set up. Naturally, it is all located in the kitchen and can't be moved.

I'd like to keep the replacement washer and just soak up the sound.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Wedding Gift Bags to Hold Bottled Water

Can anyone give me a website where I can purchase inexpensive 'Welcome' wedding gift bags that can fit two bottles of water?

Laney from Chicago, IL

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How Do You Say "Word Problems" in Spanish?

In Spanish, how would you say, 'word problems'? As in "I am having difficulty in math class with word problems".

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Puppies With Diarrhea

I recently , 1/25/08, adopted another poodle which just happened to be the brother of the one I own. Max came from an elderly woman who couldn't handle the wants and needs of a puppy. Both are approx 9 months old, my problem is Max, the one I just adopted , has a bout of diarrhea and a frequent need to urinate.

I figured this was do to nerves being in a new home. After 2 days the frequent need to urinate has subsided , but the diarrhea has continued. On 1/27 ,Peppy, his brother , started having diarrhea. He was fine before his brother arrived. I have been feeding them Pedigree brand moist pouches, Peppy's normal food which he loves and also which Max seems to like.

Peppy never had this diarrhea problem from this food. The stool is moist and sometimes stringy. Both seem to have a hard time to defecate so the stools are spread out over a small area. Now today, 1/28, Peppy vomited a little. Both seem happy, are very active and love playing with each other. Peppy is a bit larger than his brother, he weighs about 13 pounds while his brother is a smaller build and weighs about 9 pounds. Both look healthy .

Will the diarrhea stop on its own or is there a problem that Peppy may have contracted from Max. Should I give this a few more days and see what happens . I am getting a little concerned. Thanks for your help.

Norm from Woonsocket, Rhode Isalnd

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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