Daily Thrifty Tips - October 22, 2008

We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Scenery: Life Sized Chessboard In Puerto Rico

How about a nice game of Chess ;-)

This photo is from my one and only ever vacation. Saved for a quarter of a century to be able go on this vacation. This photo was taken during a one day layover in San Juan, Puerto Rico on the way to the island of Nevis.

It was fun watching people play outdoors at the beach on a life size Chessboard :-)

By Deeli from Richland, WA

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Oven Penny Reminder

I have a small kitchen. Like some of us, I have to store pans and pots in the oven. Too many times I started the oven and forgot them inside.

One of my pots has a copper bottom, so I thought of this. I hot glued a penny to the oven knob and now I remember before I turn it on, that I have to take them out.

Simple solutions to a "heated problem"...

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Thrifty Spoon Rest As Artwork

I found this bargain name brand spoon rest at a thrift store. Put the photo on the front of a card and sent it to a long distance bargain hunter pal. She loved it.

By Christine from Lower Delaware

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Puppies (Maltese/Bishon)

Here are puppies from my Bishons mom and Maltese dad. They are 3 weeks old

They like to play, eat, sleep and poop!

By Suzy from Hammondsport, New York

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Use Boxers As Summer Pajamas

Instead of spending a lot of money on my preschool boys' pajamas for the warmer months, I buy cute boxer shorts off season for next to nothing. They look as cute as can be in the fun boxers and undershirts.

By Britt from Boston, MA

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Use Dishwasher Detergent For Baked On Food

I find the best way to remove any baked on or burned residue in pans or casseroles, or burner rings is to sprinkle on some dry dishwasher detergent, cover with hot tap water and allow to sit overnight. In the AM, the stuff will come off with a wipe of the sponge. I don't find that any other method that works without scrubbing.

By twodogsmom from Vista CA

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Look For Closeouts and Bargains Now

Catch an end of season closeout sale at a lot of places NOW!

Yesterday I lucked out big time (at Dollar General) and got several Panama Jack sun lotion type products (some over $5 each) marked 90 percent off! Also a great stock-up item was 2 sided scrubber/sponges (reg $1 ea) marked to only 10 cents. Other items marked down were Post-It Notes 70 percent off and clothing (Bobby Brooks) so a nice shirt reg $9 was $2!

My all time favorite close-out item is candles which I stock up as soon as I see them reduced! This past week I got big fat candles reg. $8.00 for 85 cents! These deals are too hot to pass up for items that will not expire or perish and that I will make use of regularly! So to miss them is redundant to living a thrifty life!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Place Denture Tablet In Plastic Bag For Traveling

This helps when I travel. I have dentures and found a way to NOT pack my soaking tub. In a sandwich zip style plastic bag, I place one denture tablet and sufficient water to cover dentures for soaking while traveling. I have also used a freezer type bag (pint or quart sized) and was able to re-use it throughout a trip.

Source: My own idea.

By Eedith51 from Garland TX

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Reminder for Muted Cell Phone

Each time I was putting my cell phone on "vibrate" to be considerate of others or in situations that require it, I was forgetting to turn the ringer back on. Therefore I was missing calls until someone brought it to my attention that I wasn't answering my phone. So now when I put it on this quiet mode, I take a stretchy ponytail holder and put it around my car keys. This serves as a reminder to switch my phone ringer back on, as I can't go anywhere until my keys are free!

Source: My own brain cells at work!

By Pat V from Roseville, MI

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Permanently Mark Used Batteries

With the price of batteries and the holidays around the corner we all could use a tip to save money and batteries. All battery operated items does not use same amount of power. At one time I would start to install new batteries, and discover I have mixed old batteries with the new. I would try to get the new batteries in the item then throw away the old batteries.

Between the mix up and discovering that products don't need or use the same power. I finally realized to solve both problems, all I need to do is BEFORE REMOVING the old batteries, I would us a bright permanent marker to put an identifying mark to know that the batteries were on the second round. I would use the batteries in an item that used less power. In most cases I have discovered you can go at least two rounds with one set of batteries. I hope this can be as helpful for someone else.

By Diane from Myrtle Beach, SC

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Prevent Curly Bacon By Using Your Oven

To keep bacon from curling you can put it the oven.
Line foil on a cookie sheet. Lay bacon slices one at a time next to each other on sheet. Put into a 350 degree F oven and bake till done. Keep an eye on it so you can take it out according to how you like it cooked. Soft or crisp.

Drain the grease before you take the bacon off. Bacon usually sticks a bit to the foil but is not hard to get off. Draining makes it easier for clean up. Just lift the foil off and throw away. My bacon has never curled using this method and does not take very long. Another bonus is that there is no splattering from the frying pan.

Source: I got this idea to put bacon in the oven when I worked in the elementary school kitchen. Everything was baked. ha ha! This was years ago and now I am finding this tip on the food network.

By Shirley from Henderson, NV

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Removing Kool-Aid Mustaches

This is a great tip for anyone with young children. When serving any flavored drink like Kool-Aid or even grape juice and your child comes away with a colored mustache, it can be easily removed by using any tartar control toothpaste on a damp washcloth. The light abrasives in the toothpaste work wonders to remove the coloring from your little ones face.

Source: My Mom.

By Kalene from Oregon City, OR

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Place Sour Cream In A Ziplock

We have tacos a lot but we were using way too much sour cream. So I took a zip lock bag (a big one), opened it up, put it in a cup, filled it with the sour cream. Took the bag out, pushed all the air out, and with scissors I cut down the middle and tie it, cut a small portion of the tip and use. We use less sour cream and not only that, we don't have a blob of it in one spot but a little all over.

By Carrie from Toledo

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Repairing Hole in a Vinyl Raft

What adhesive is best to repair a hole on my rubber (actually vinyl I think ) raft. I have used all types of epoxy based glues but when I inflate the raft, the glue peels off.

marangman from Malaysia

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Toilet Keeps Getting Rust Spots

In one of my bathrooms I have a commode that gets two rust spots in the same place, all the time, even on the very rare times that I have gotten rid of them. It is a brand new toilet. The really weird thing is that the new toilet gets the rust stains in exactly the same place as the old toilet did. How weird is that?

I've tried a lot of things: CLR, special rust free products, Comet, toilet wands, Greased Lightening. Anyone with a wonderful idea? Thanks so much!

Smoochie

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Keeping Your Cat From Scratching Furniture

What is the best way to keep a cat from clawing upholstered furniture?

Cajun62234 from Munford, TN

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What is a Pore Vacuum?

I recently asked for product reviews on Dermawand - and thank you so much everyone! In one of the responses I received, some one named 'Kimberly' on a guest post mentioned a 'pore vacuum', but I don't have any idea of what this is.

I asked Kimberly/Guest Post for some more info, but haven't seen any response from her yet (I understand that guest post responses usually don't get replies). Does anyone out there know what a 'pore vacuum' is? I would love to have everyone's reviews and advice, of course! Also, does someone out there know where I can buy one?

Thank you again, you're all so helpful!

Smoochie

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Paint on Polyester

How can I get gloss paint off my daughter's new dress? The material is 95% polyester, 5% viscose.

Lorraine from Liverpool

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Cold Air Coming Out Of Heater Vents

I always have cold air blowing out of my floor registers from my oil heat furnace and it's not even turned on. I turned the heat on today and I get the warm air then followed by the cold. Any ideas? I had a plummer come to fix the same thing last year. Guess it didn't work.

Robin from Burlington, CT

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Knitting Pattern For Shirt Dickie

Does anyone know where I can get a knitting pattern for a Polo Neck Insert, sometimes referred to as a 'Dickie'. Many thanks.

Kathrine from Coventry, England

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Making Pom-Pom Animals

How do you make pom-pom animals?

Jennifer from Orlando, FL

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Color Bleeding On Coach Purses

Does anyone know how to clean the stain bleed on Coach leather trims and tags?

Maria from Bay Point, CA

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Using A Mouth Guard

I recently got a mouth guard to wear at night time because I grind my teeth in my sleep. I can't make it through the night though. After about 2 minutes in my mouth my gag reflex kicks in, and I have to spit it out. I went back to the dentist and he adjusted it for me as much as possible, so it is more comfortable, but I still can't keep in in my mouth.

I have tried breathing deep, and also trying to get used to it during the day, but I can't have it in for more than 2 minutes. Any ideas to curb the gag response? The dentist says that it is a matter of getting used to it, but that hasn't happed yet. Thanks!

Brigittes

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Fish Used For Italian Fish Soup

Any Sicilians out there ever heard of a fish called faciane or faciani. My grandmother used the heads to make fish soup. It was so delicious. I don't know what the Italian translation is for faciane or faciani. Anyone out there ever heard of this fish?

Tyara from Hendersonville, TN

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Comparing Dog Breeds

I have the choice of re-homing an English Springer Spaniel 10 weeks old or a Dalmatian male 9 months old, both are adorable. I am not sure which breed would be best. Please help and advise me.

Susan from Scotland

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Decorating a Busy Kitchen

I need help with my kitchen. It is in a colonial style house and has 7 doors off it to various rooms. These doors all have white raised panel doors with white molding around them. Floors are a red oak hardwood, cabinets are the same red oak and appliances are black. The counter top is a robin's egg blue which is going to be replaced with either hardwood or a solid surface.

I have very little actual wall space to paint. There are also 3 windows, one above the kitchen sink and two in the breakfast nook on either side of the back door. My problem is that my kitchen seems so very busy with all the door openings and moldings. There is a lot to look at and many lines that break up the view.

I was thinking of painting what little wall space there is with a paint that matches the cabinetry as closely as possible, or one that is slightly off from the cabinet color in order to provide more visual unity. Then the black appliances and the white moldings and doors will provide the contrast rather than the walls. Problem is that I've never seen this done and wanted to get some ideas. I am really unhappy with this kitchen and wish I had the money to do a complete remodel but that isn't likely. Any ideas would be helpful! Thanks.

Deb from Rochester, NY

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Recipes Using Quaker Oats Instant Breakfast

I am looking for recipes using Quaker Oats peaches and cream instant breakfast. Thank you!

Karen from Charleston, SC

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Company That Collects China Pieces

I have a set of china that was given to me by my mother. Last week I dropped one of the pieces and it broke. A few years ago I saw on television a company that was collecting pieces of old china from all over the world for sale. Does anyone know about this companies address or have any information on it? Thanks.

Mitra

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Preventing Canine Bladder Stones

I have an 8 year old Pekingese that had oxalate stones removed just a couple of weeks ago. He also had them about 4 years ago. I have been feeding him boiled chicken or turkey along with some veggies (carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower). Do you have any other suggestions for preventing the stones? Thank you!

Pam

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Mini Vacations Near Statesville, NC

My husband and I are trying to pick some things to do around Christmas. We have a lot of extra time in December that we would like to plan some day or even two day trips surrounding around Christmas activities. We are looking for anything to do within 5-6 hours of Statesville, NC. We know about McAdenville, but we are trying to find some other places. Any ideas?

Sarah from Statesville, NC

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Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business

I'm starting my own small cleaning business, just me at first. I'm trying to come up with some good names to choose from. I don't want to use my initials or name, I think that's boring. Well here are some so far, let me know what you think.

• Pleased to Clean
• Clean to Please (instead of aim to please)
• Clean Scene
• Clean N Gleam

Romina from North Jersey

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Homemade Eyeglass Cleaner

I purchased a 3 oz. bottle of Ultra Clarity eye glass cleaner from an optical shop. I'd like to make my own copycat solution because this stuff can get quite expensive. The back of the spray bottle reads that it is actually made with rubbing alcohol. I've made my own solution before by adding a small amount of rubbing alcohol and some water.

And I make sure that I shake it before squirting it on my lenses. I then use a soft cloth to buff the lenses. My home made solution works okay but doesn't clean my plastic lenses as well as the professional product. My homemade solution still leaves some cloudy spots on the lenses whereas the stuff that I bought from the optical shop does a much better job. I don't want to take the risk of adding Windex, rubbing alcohol and water because I could end up ruining my $400.00+ pair of glasses. Does anyone in the Thrifty community know the secret formula?

MCW from Lewiston, NY

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Litter Box Training a Guinea Pig

We just purchased a 6 month old guinea pig for my daughter. I was wondering if anyone has any tips to litter train them? How long it takes for them to get it litter trained? I know they can be litter trained, just don't know how to do it. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Janice from Illinois

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Organic Weed Control For Strawberries

I am looking for a pet friendly weed control for strawberry weeds in my back yard. I have dogs and I am afraid to use chemicals because of the dogs. Does anyone know of an organic solution to keep strawberries under control?

Michael from St. Louis, MO

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Cordless Electric Lawn Mowers

I have a Black and Decker cordless electric mower which just will not work. I've had it serviced, but there must be a flaw in getting the machine to charge. And I have to take it to another city to get it serviced (over 30 miles one way), which irks me because of all the miles wasted only to get the machine to work for a short while.

Do any ThirftyFun readers use a cordless mower? If so, would you please tell me the make and model you prefer and how easy it is to get serviced or to maintain it? (Sears sells Black and Decker items, but they don't service them at their stores.) I want to use a cordless electric mower because it's environmentally friendly. Thank you so much!

Casey from Plano, TX

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Caramel Apple Dip without Using Caramels

I'm looking for a caramel apple dip recipe without using caramels.

jho from Chassell

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Looking For Apricot Tapioca Baby Food

Where can I find apricot tapioca baby food to make the Madonna jello salad? I can't find it anywhere in the Milwaukee metro area.

Cheri from Richfield, WI

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Selecting Paint For Laminate Counterop

What is the best paint for a laminate countertop? Where can I purchase it? We have a mauve colored countertop and wish to paint it. Thanks.

RRLMSG

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Making a Nurse's Cap

I am looking for instructions for how to make a nurse's cap.

shirl123 from Houston, TX

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Clusters Of Leaves On Esparanza Bushes

I have Esperanza bushes that have topknots at the very top of each limb. These clusters have very small leaves growing everywhere that extend out of the clusters. Is this normal? They have been in the ground now 3 years, this is the first time I have seen them like this. In the Spring they were loaded down with yellow flowers, and then they started this. Can you tell me if this is normal?

Reynae

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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

My Frugal Life: Surviving On Social Security

I'm retired due to a disability, but because of the career I chose, I have no retirement fund and no pension and must live on Social Security alone.

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