Daily Thrifty Tips - January 25, 2006

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Miss Mandy is a 4 year old Doberman, German Shepherd mix. We got our little girl from an animal shelter.

Miss Mandy loves to run through the woods of Germany, seeing and sniffing everything she can get her pretty little paws on. After that, she must have her nap while she snores louder than my husband. Miss Mandy loves to make people laugh! :o) Miss Mandy is a 4 year old Doberman, German Shepherd mix. We got our little girl from an animal shelter.

Miss Mandy loves to run through the woods of Germany, seeing and sniffing everything she can get her pretty little paws on. After that, she must have her nap while she snores louder than my husband. Miss Mandy loves to make people laugh! :o)

Our Mandy was born in Spain. She was a street dog, but then, she got captured. In Spain, when no one comes to claim a dog, they are burned to death, while they are still alive. Miss. Mandy is now my best friend.

We've gone through a lot together. When I am sad and begin to cry, she bounces over to me and starts to stub her nose against my thigh until I pet her. She knows that by me holding her and petting her, I will calm down, and stop crying. Also, if you are sitting on the floor reading or watching TV (not giving her any attention), be careful, because she will stick her tongue in your ear and make you laugh! What would I do without Miss. Mandy!

By Lady Victoria from Germany

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For my daughter's fifth birthday I gave her a tea party. At the thrift store I bought old granny hats, and jewelry about $10.00. I bought inexpensive compact powder case with puffs, nail polish, lipstick, tiny stuffed bears, tiny straw hats to fit bears heads at the dollar store. (One for each guest including the birthday girl) for about $30.00.

I bought sheer material with a pattern and some lace material at the fabric store for $6.00 and draped it across the entry to the dining room with thumbtacks. I set the table as fancy as I could. I hung the hats on the wall. If you have a trunk to put them in that would be ideal. I dressed the part. When the guest arrived they picked the hats, jewelry, gloves, boas they wanted to wear.

The menu: tea, cream cheese with cucumber sandwiches cut like hearts and tied with a ribbon, and of course strawberries. I had an assortment of teas for the guest to choose from.

By LAURIE STROMMEN from WEST COVINA, CA

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Dasher Ann the Sleeper is an 11 year old shell cat.

Well one Christmas Eve my Nanny gave her to me. She got her from a shelter and she brought Dasher Ann to her house. I didn't know I was getting her until I opened the box and I saw her. She closed the box with her paws and then she was dashing everywhere!

She likes to sleep and eat! And she listens too all your problems! I'm glad my Nanny (Kathy) gave her too me!

By Ashley from LAF, LA

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I have found a wonderful use for those leftover tater tots! I freeze any leftovers in a freezer bag until needed and then pull them out for a quick breakfast treat! Just pop them under the oven broiler for about 5-10 minutes until crispy again, and add to egg wraps. I scramble up a couple of eggs, adding in onions, peppers, whatever you like. Layer down the middle of a warmed flour tortilla (8-10 inch in the microwave about 15 seconds), add some cheese, tater tots, salsa, roll up and enjoy! NOTE: I have also used leftover seasoned french fries and they taste just as good.

By Sandra from Floral City, FL

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Before the multipurpose solutions came out, I used to use the chemical disinfectant solution (Aosept) but didn't clean my lenses as often as I should have because the solution was $7 a bottle. I also had a big problem with protein deposits.

My optometrist told me to use regular hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) in the brown bottle for 39 cents. It is the same stuff, (compare the bottles, I did). I still use the Aosept cup with the HOLE in the top for cleaning. It is important to let the air out so the peroxide can fizz. Do NOT seal the container tightly. When the oxygen is released, it turns to water.

I still rinse with a little plain saline but I have not bought any other solution in almost ten years. I no longer get protein deposits and I wear my (1 month) disposable lenses for 2-4 months.

Lisa H. from Lena, WI

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I have several wonderful tips! For beauty and health.
For those stubborn sore boils and pimples, just put a dot of honey on the sore spot cover with a band aid. The honey should pull the contents of the blocked pore over night (boils usually take a while longer.) By morning the blemish will probably be "pulled" and you will be ready to wash your face with exfolliant.

The best exfolliant I have ever found is cornmeal. It does not break down while you work it into your skin (gently with your favorite soap or lotion on a wash cloth.)

While you are doing this, soak some 2 Tablespoons oatmeal in a cup of water. (I like to run it through the blender first, but it's not mandatory.) Dip your well rinsed wash cloth into the water and rinse your face with the cold water from the oatmeal cup or just rinse with very cold water to close the pores.

By Acesnanna from idaho

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Kathy's Energy Saving Tips

Heating

To cut energy bills and help save the environment, install a ceiling fan. In the winter, a ceiling fan can save up to 10% in heating costs by circulating warm air from the ceiling to the floor where you can enjoy it. In the summer, ceiling fans can make you feel cooler while reducing cooling costs as much as 40%.

Water

To cut energy bills and help save the environment, install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Cut your hot water consumption in half by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Taking showers rather than baths also saves water. A 5-minute low-flow shower uses only 10-15 gallons of hot water, compared to 15-25 gallons for a bath.

Appliances

To cut energy bills and help save the environment, invest in Energy-Star appliances. You can save up to 50% on energy bills by replacing your old appliances with newer, energy-efficient models.

Weatherproofing

To cut energy bills and help save the environment, weatherproof your home. Cut energy consumption dramatically by weatherproofing windows, doors and thresholds. Most weatherproofing projects will pay for themselves in a few years by reducing the cost of heating and cooling your home.

By Kathy

Keeping the Heat Bill Low

I've been enjoying your polls. My energy bill is about the same as last year and I've made a few adjustments to keep it that way despite rising rates. I hung a lightweight neutral toned comforter in the hallway between the living areas and the bedrooms. Now I can keep the bedrooms quite cool and the living areas comfortable without a terrible draft down the hallway.

I have electric heat so using my oven affects my heating bill as well. Now I make my oven multi-task. I never bake only a single item. I used to put in a frozen pizza and that was all. But no more. I have a second TV and a stereo system in a bedroom that I enjoy but don't use a lot. Modern systems use power even while turned off so I've now got them plugged into a power strip that I can completely turn off the power when I'm not using them.

All small things, but they seem to be helping. I'd like to hear more ideas from all the clever people out there. This is a great site!

Wendee from Tillamook OR

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Dryer Sheet on Skirt Lining

This morning the lining of my skirt was clinging to my legs like velco. So, I borrowed a dryer sheet from my brother and rubbed it over the lining. Now my skirt is static free, with no cost to me. Saves on buying those spray cans of static "declinger". naderbug from Canada

Baking Soda in the Wash

If you do not have dryer sheets, put a little baking soda in your wash and it will stop your clothes from clinging.

By Sharon Underwood

Dryer Sheet in Your Pocket

I put a dryer sheet in my waistband or in the pocket of my slacks. It stops your pants from clinging to you. I also just rub the dryer sheet on the inside of my slacks before I go out and the static disappears.

Using Hairspray on Panty Hose

'Tis the season for pretty skirts and knee length boots--but how do you keep away from static-cling?

Spray your panty hose (if you wear them) with your aerosol hairspray! It works great and it is a lot less expensive than the sprays that are made for the same thing!

By Penny Baslee

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At times Brussel Sprouts can be very cheap, If you like them and the family doesn't, try cutting them in half and roasting them until they are just soft. I have cooked them this way for my family that doesn't like them and they have enjoyed them. Or try cooking them in a onion gravy

By pthere from New Zealand

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If you have any left over mashed potatoes in your fridge, why not make up a scone mixture incorporating the potato. I sometimes put parsley into mine as well. They can be either cooked in the oven or cooked in the fry pan.

By pthere from New Zealand

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Cheap Ways to Decorate

Need to decorate in a bad way but have almost no money to spare? If you want to perk up those bare walls with artwork here's what you do.

1) Wait until January when calendars are at half to 75% off to pick your favorite artist or pictures and pick up diploma/certificate frames. These are the real plain ones with no actual frame like you see in art galleries or on a doc's office wall. Cut to template and frame. 12 pieces of artwork.

2) Find your favorite artists online and save the pics to your hard drive. Then print them out in greyscale under the best quality option. Use colored pencils to color them in. They come out looking like soft watercolor prints. They are beautiful and super easy, fun and cheap. Frame and hang. Done.

Hope this helps you.

By Suzanne S.

Beautiful Scenes on a Blank Wall

I never throw away those beautiful pictures on calendars, especially the nature scenes. I will cut them out to make beautiful scenes on a blank wall. I'll buy $2-$3 8x10 or 10x13 frames from Walmart, depending on the size of the picture, take out the paper insert from the frame, flip it over so only the white part is showing, center the picture on it, tack it down with a small bit of stick glue, and frame! Usually the pictures in the calendar go together well, so you've got a beautiful scene for a wall already done for you! Sometimes I will even paint the plain wood frames with an acrylic paint to make the pictures look more expensive.

By Sandra from Floral City, FL

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With the cost of heating bills soaring and gasoline constantly going up along with everything else many are unable to afford prescriptions. But there is hope.

Ask your doctor about the free medicine program that pharmiceutical companies are offering. If you qualify you can receive your medicines for free for 1 year. All you need is a form (which your doctor should have) and a copy of your taxes to be sent along with your prescription to the pharmiceutical company.

If your dr doesn't have the forms you can obtain them through the internet.

It is such a relief not to have to worry that you may not be able to afford medicine this month due to layoffs, heating costs, gasoline or other situations.

By imaqt1962 from illinois

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I have both a girl and a boy, with lots of toys and a lot of parts. I always save the plastic zip-up tote bags that sheets and comforters come in. I ended up using them to store barbie dolls, baby doll accesories, toy trains, etc. It works great. There free, and easy for the kids to find there toys quick and put them even faster.

By Nicole Hardesty from Waldorf, Maryland

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My fiancee and I have agreed that a gift registry would not work for us. Our families are very old fashioned and are not to up to date. What wording can we use on our invitations, reply cards, or reception cards? We want to have a wishing well or a really nicely decorated box where we can receive either money or gift cards.

We're expecting 300+ guests. We don't want to sound rude but we're moving out for the first time and would really like to shop for our home on our own.
Any advice?

Annie from Los Angeles, CA

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My house trained dog has recently started peeing in the house, whether we are home or not. What can we do to stop him? The only thing that has changed is a month before he started peeing everywhere we had new carpet installed throughout the house, which now has stains everywhere. But it's not just the carpet, he is cocking his leg everywhere.

Can you please help?
Kaylie Bradley from UK

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My newly adopted dogs have made a mockery of the lawn and garden in my back yard. Besides rocks, what can I use that is bug free and safe that will keep them from dragging mud in my house and deter them from digging up my flowers?

Jennieb from Pt. Pleasant, NJ

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I'm trying to decide between the color pink or yellow for a rainbow tea. Can you give me ideas for decorating my table and biblical meanings related to the colors?

Vanessa From Goldsboro, NC

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My boyfriend of 2 1/2 years proposed and we have set the date for June 3, 2006. We have talked about the reception and he says that all the wedding receptions that he has been to they only served cake, ice cream, punch and maybe a few finger foods like cheese and crackers or something like that. I told him that he was nuts and that most people serve a dinner at the reception.

I am looking for some ideas on what to serve that would be an in between food. Not too extravagant and not too skimpy. Some ideas I have are: cocktail sausages, a pasta salad, a fruit tray or fruit salad, maybe a fruit pizza and veggie tray. I am stumped on my options which is basically anything I want to have, but I want to compromise with my fiancee.

Heather from Holden, MO

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How do you clean a dirty broom?

Hook Family from USA

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I have some vintage clothing, purses and hats that I would like to display on my bedroom wall. I am in an apartment with sheetrock walls and can't damage them. The only hangers I have are the colored plastic type and don't seem right. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this display look right?

Thank you.
Kathie from South Portland, ME

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I have a 10 month old Toy Yorkshire, and the only problem is he pees all over the place. I tried the mats but that doesn't really work. I try taking him outside but he doesn't do anything. I would like some help to keep my little baby peeing in right place. If anyone has some suggestions, please share them.

Thank you,
Carina from Fall River, MA

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I am a senior citizen who has severe arthritis, I find it hard to cook meals. I am looking for recipes using a Rice cooker. Any help to prepare meals using small appliances with a shut off alarm would be appreciated.

Thank you for any help,
Brigid from Visalia, CA

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My new suede coach bag has huge stains on the botton of it. The cause is a hair product called Shine spilling all over it. it looks like an oil stain, and it's still moist.

Please help me.

Amanda from Newyork, NY

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I heard that fantastik works to remove stains on clothing. Is it safe to use it? I have the orange creme. I have hundreds of splatter stains all over my pink velour jogging suit and stains on an acrylic striped sweater. I do not have any other cleaner in the house.

Rubia from Vancouver, BC

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My grandaughter is 10 and has such stinky feet. I have tried everything I can think of.

Thanks,
momhyde13 from W Terre Haute

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My sister is getting married in Mexico and as maid of honor I am in charge of organizing the reception party. As we are in Mexico, I thought it would be nice to include some of their traditions and decorations in the reception. I have found a lot of information on dances, but I am struggling to find information on the decorations. Any ideas?

Rachel from England

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I would like to know if anyone has come across an effective vacuum deodorizer. I have an 8 month-old puppy, while kept very clean, I find my vacuum has taken on a distinct (smelly) odor when in use. Any suggestions as to how I might deodorize? I've read that using fine powders can damage the motor. Thoughts?

Thanks very much.
Milo from Vancouver, BC

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I am looking for a pineapple dessert recipe. It was a weight watcher's recipe years ago. Had plain gelatin, pineapple and I think powdered milk. I am diabetic and would love to have it again.

I appreciate any help.
Carlene from Oxford, ME

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Does anyone have a recipe for italian tarelles. They are round, hard, and have fennel seeds. Sometimes called italian pretzels.

Diana from New Jersey

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Among the many varieties of seafood, shrimp ranks as one of America's most favorite. Even people who dislike fish seem to enjoy shrimp and there is an endless number of ways in which shrimp may be prepared. The dense white meat of shrimp has a fresh, mild flavor that combines well with many ingredients. Shrimp is great for dieters as they are very low in fat and calories; however, they contain a greater level of cholesterol than most seafood so that must be taken into consideration if anyone has been advised by their physician to limit their cholesterol intake.

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