Daily Thrifty Tips - March 9, 2007

They Grow Up So Fast

My little girl was so young here, she is now 21 years old, and still cute. The old saying, they grow up too fast, is oh so true!

By Glinda from Glendale, KY

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Felt Bunny Puppet

This my first attempt at puppets. I used coloured felt through out this project, a simple bunny pattern.

By Brenda from Ontario Canada

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Brutus (Chihuahua)

Brutus is an 8 month old Chihuahua. I got Brutus in the summer when I found out my other dog had cancer.

Brutus likes to go for rides in the car. He also loves to play with his fuzzy squeeky toys and steal socks.

Brutus, who is 4 lbs. has become the Alpha dog in a house with two large male greyhounds and one female cocker spaniel. One of the greyhounds is blind and he doesn't know any better, but the other one is just old.

By Dzzzyd from Klamath Falls, OR

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Flower Fairies

Materials:

• artificial flowers taken apart
• pipe cleaners
• wooden ball
• yarn
• acryllic paint

Take pipe cleaner and fold in half, push wooden ball down over closed part of pipe cleaner until about 1 in. of pipe cleaner is sticking out, set aside.

Take yarn and cut strands for hair as long as you want, then thread the yarn thru the 1 in. of pipe cleaner that is sticking out of wooden ball. Push ball up onto the yarn to hold it in place.

Take flower petal and push halfway up the pipe cleaner and twist pipe cleaner under petal to hold in place.

Paint on face.

Bend the bottom of pipe cleaner under petal slightly to form feet. Take another pipe cleaner and measure across the fairy just under head to make arms. Cut long enough to twist pipe cleaner around underneath head so they will stay on then bend up slightly on ends to form hands

By Sandy from Bluff City, Tn.

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Freebie Furniture Left On The Street

This is another tip about saving money on furniture. It's kind of catch-as-catch-can, and you have to be not too proud to do it! In my suburb, people often put unwanted items out in the street on the nature strip (grass verge) for anyone who wants to take them. It's not really approved of by the local council, but still! I've seen computer monitors, tables, lounge chairs, and so on.

A few weeks ago just near my place was a set of 5 shelves, white painted pine, in good condition. I badly needed another bookcase, so I toted it up 2 flights of stairs, cleaned it down, put it against the wall in my room, and now have a useful bookcase (some of my books saw the light of day as they came out of the boxes they were packed in!) I've also gained a perfectly good pair of blankets, decorative cane baskets, and so on.

By Ellie from Melbourne Australia

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Outdoor Venue For Stress Free Wedding

As most married couples know, weddings can be very stressful. Stressful to the point that the bride and groom cannot even remember their special day. My tip to make it a unique and unstressful day is to pick a outdoor venue. My husband and I choose a local beach and, with permission, we set-up chairs, props, and had the ocean and waves as our beautiful backdrop. We celebrated our reception under the stars in our own backyard. It was so relaxing and so beautiful that we urge others to do the same!

By Lisa from Halifax, Nova Scotia

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Preventing Honey From Crystallizing

Prevent honey, maple syrup, jelly, etc. from crystallizing. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar per pint of sugary substance.

By Charley from West Henrietta, NY

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Organic Produce Delivery

I've been wanting to feed my family more organic fruits and vegetables but I always get sticker shock when I am in the supermarket. I decided to sign up for organic delivery with a local company. This takes the decision out of my hands. I am getting a box of produce every two weeks to ease into it. They have many different options and box sizes to choose from, I chose the small family box for $30.00. You can also get dairy, meats and other products added to your order for an additional charge. And if there is something you don't want, just tell them and they replace it with something else.

My area gets deliveries on Wednesday and I was anxiously waiting for the first box all afternoon, which came just before dinnertime. My kids were fascinated by the "strange" vegetables and thrilled with the fruit selection. I had to get online to figure out what to do with the turnip but most of the veggies are ones I regularly buy anyhow. I like the opportunity to try different veggies and get out of my rut. I'll probably have to buy some produce at the store from time to time but I'm going to try to plan meals around what I get in the box.

Here's what my box contained:

• 1 turnip
• 2 leeks
• 1 bunch leaf lettuce
• 1 bunch swiss chard
• 1 head of broccoli
• 1 head of garlic
• 1 red onion
• 1 small bag of mushrooms
• 4 carrots
• 4 potatoes
• 4 bananas
• 3 fuji apples
• 3 granny smith apples
• 2 pears
• 2 grapefruits
• 4 minneolas (between an orange and a tangerine)

Jess in Portland, OR

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Daylight Saving Time - Spring Forward This Sunday

It's time to change our clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 11, 2007. It may take some by surprise because it is now three weeks earlier than in previous years. Clocks should be moved ahead Sunday morning at 2 AM, making it now 3 AM.

Some computer clocks may have trouble with this, check with your computer manufacturer to get a patch or a fix if necessary.

If you want any more information about Daylight Saving Time, try this link:

http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html

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Preventing Dirt Under Your Finger Nails

Here's an old trick for people who don't like to use gloves when they garden. Rub your finger nails over a bar of soap. Your nails will fill up with the soap and prevent dirt from building up. When you clean up, scrub your nails with a nail brush to easily remove the soap.

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Dental Floss For Sturdy Buttons

A tip I learned from working with a drycleaner during college.

If traveling, and you don't have a sewing kit handy, sew on a button with dental floss. It is white/clear. It is more secure than any thread out on the market. I use it to replace coat, buttons and anything that has fallen off previously. It is very, very secure.

By Diane from McKinney, TX

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Baking Tips For Professional Results

Ever wonder how bakeries get such round cookies? I know they use molds but they can be costly when you have to buy so many. Here is a useful tip that I do when baking cookies.

I save all my jar tops (the metal ones such as spaghetti jar tops). I grease them thoroughly and put my cookie dough in each one, then flatten it down with a spoon. I then place them on a cookie sheet and bake. When slightly cooled, I then pop them out and they are all the same shape and size. No need to purchase cookie molds when you can use your imagination. Just remember to grease the jar tops well and remove the rubber ring if jar top has it.

I also bake in tin cans. Tuna Cans make perfect cupcakes. Clean them well in lemon juice first.

By Carolyn from E Northport, NY

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Posting Recipes in a Small Kitchen

Cork Board

My house has a very small kitchen and there's nowhere to put my recipe while making something except on the stove or counter where it gets dirty. I have put up a 12x12 inch piece of cork on the front of one cabinet door so I have a place where I can tack my recipe.

By K. Cooper

Tape To Cabinet Or Use Fridge Magnet

I used to have the same problem when we lived in a tiny apartment. I'd tape the recipe to the cabinet door, or, since the refrigerator was right next to the counter, I'd stick it to the fridge with a magnet.

By Camilla

Large Chip Clip On Fridge

I have a large chip clip with a magnet, more like clipboard size that works well for putting the recipe up on the fridge.

By Susan from ThriftyFun

Use A Fork

Stand a fork in a drinking glass, with the handle down. Slide the recipe between the tines of the fork, and you have an easy recipe holder.

By zballoongirl

Magnet Clip On Cupboard Handles

I too have a small kitchen. Here's my idea and it works great for me. The handles and hinges on my cupboards are metal. This allows me to stick a magnetic clip holding my recipe to the handle. When finished baking, the clip gets placed in with my wooden spoons, spatulas, etc.

By Marian

Wooden Clothespin

What I did is I glued a wooden clothespin inside my cupboard door, just hang the recipe on there. Works for me!

By Greta

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Daffodils in Flower Arrangements

Daffodils produce a toxin that kills other cut flowers, so keep them separate when making flower arrangements.

By Patricia

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Rainbow Tea Decorations

I need ideas for a rainbow tea. My colors are red. I need food and decoration tips.

Thanks,
Gladys from Selma, NC

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Getting Rid of Spiders

I need to find out what would be the best way to get rid of spiders in my house.

Lucie

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Jesus Invitation Email

I am looking for an invitation that circulated on the internet. This was like true invitation date. time, place, etc. In this invitation the guest of honor was Jesus. Sorry I can't give more information.

Ann from GA

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Environmentally Friendly Pet Care

I am interested in ideas that will help us make our pets lives more environmentally friendly. I know picking up their poop is helpful, but what else? Any ideas are appreciated.

Jacquelyn from Walker, LA

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Metal Frame Holder

I am looking for suggestions to make a frame holder similar to the one in the attached photo. The originals are from Pottery Barn and are no longer available. They slide on the pole and are tightened to remain in place and hold the frame.

Carol from Fairview, TN

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Tarn-X Advice

Can I clean silver coins gone through hurricane katrina with Tarn-X cleaning solution?

Gaynell from Houston, TX

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Radiant Cooktop and Copper Pans

I am getting a new radiant cooktop and someone has told me I cannot use copper bottom pans on it. Anyone have any information on this?

Gardencraft from Danville, NH

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What is the best grout cleaner?

What is the best cleaner for cleaning the grout in bathroom tile?

Clarice from McDonough

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Karo Syrup Cookie Recipe

I am looking for an old recipe that used to be on the Karo Syrup bottle label. It was for cookies and you would place a pecan in the center before baking. This was not the cookie I've seen on the web that has a filling, it's fairly easy to make and resembles a plain brown sugar cookie. Any help would be so appreciated by my Mother and myself.

Patricia from Colorado

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Removing Starch from an Iron

How do you get starch off an iron?

Arthur from Harrisonburg, VA

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Recipes Using Cream Cheese Filling

I made stuffed mushrooms and have leftover cream cheese filling. Any ideas on how I can use up the rest of the filling?

Thanks!
Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Protecting Pond Fish From Wildlife

I am thinking about making a small pond with fish. Would anyone know if and how to deal with problems with animals both domestic - our cat and dog - and wild - like squirrels or blue jays? I'm worried about them hurting the fish (eating them?)

Lily from South Bend, Indiana

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Vintage Apron Pattern

Can someone give me instructions on how to make an apron like my grandmother wore when I was a kid? They say they're vintage aprons now. The bib apron with skirt, shoulder straps from front to back with a shoulder bar across in the back to keep it from falling off shoulders, and it has a sash that ties in the beck. She always had pockets on the front skirt. She was so smart and made her own pattern with newspapers. Please help and God Bless.

Angelheart from Clyde, TX

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Disneyland Travel Tips

We have finally saved enough for a Disneyland FL. trip. I could use any thrifty help available. I will probably never be able to make this trip for the kids again. We are planning for June, the only time slot available for our whole family.

Thanks,
Lisa from Midlothian, Virginia

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Asian Ladybug Trap

A couple warmer sunny days and the asian ladybug beetles have landed. Somewhere I saw I recipe to put in a gallon plastic jug to attract them, like a trap. Any ideas?

Diane from Mid Missouri

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Making a Compost Tumbler

Anyone have building plans for a Compost Tumbler they would like to share?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

George from Roanoke, VA

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Creating an Outdoor Curtain for Privacy

I am in need of an idea on how to make a free-standing outdoor curtain. I rent and the neighbors just moved in with a big plastic play center for their backyard. I have no problem with them but it takes away from my peaceful setting. Help!

Kim from Florida

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Ladybugs In an 18 Wheeler

We have an 18 wheeler and for the last several years we have been infested with ladybugs. When it is over 65 degrees and the sun is shining they start flying around land on the windshield and windows like they want out. So we grab them and put them out. Any ideas on how to get rid of them? I think somehow they are behind the upholstery.

Linda from Aiken, SC

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Sticky Linoleum

How do I clean sticky linoleum in my kitchen?

Bel from UK

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Lamp Post Style Floor Lamp

My son has his room fixed up like NYC with a large mural of the city lights and pictures of the Sopranos, Goodfellas, etc. Does anyone know where I can get a floor lamp that resembles an outside lamp post? Any suggestions will be helpful!

Thanks,
Adele from Belford, New Jersey

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Goulash Recipe

I am looking for a good Goulash Recipe. One that isn't bland tasting. If anyone has a great recipe they would like to share I would love to try it.

Tina from Mesquite, TX

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Indoor Birthday Party Ideas

I am having a 13th birthday party, but I have no idea what to do when my 8 guests come! I can't go outside and all I know is that I am having a sleepover. Help!

Emma from Wayland, MA

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Norfolk Pines Damaged By Cold

I have 2 beautiful Norfolk Pines that sustained freeze damage when their protection blew off while I was out of town. Will they fill back out? Do I cut off the damage or let them shed by themselves? Is there any hope for them? Thanks in advance for your input!

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Brenda from Greenville, AL

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Masquerade Games and Activities

I'm on student council and am helping plan our prom this year. it is a masquerade theme. The only problem is, is that we're having a tough time coming up with fun activities and games that go along with the theme.

Any ideas?

Kayla from Northfield, Ohio

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Uses for Levi Pockets

Here are some creative ideas for using just the pockets from Levi's jeans. Post your own ideas below.

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Answers to Seldom Asked Gardening Questions
By Ellen Brown

What's the difference between a tree and a shrub? Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? What makes pepper hot? These are just some of the interesting questions that gardeners may or may not ponder while on their knees pulling weeds. Read on for the answers to these and other seldom asked gardening questions.

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