Daily Thrifty Tips - March 19, 2008

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Susan

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Harvest Basket From Australia

At the end of our long, dry summer this harvest basket was my winning entry in our local Garden Club competition. We had 9 weeks without any recorded rain and the garden was so dry. It is amazing what can still be found to eat in this arid food garden.

By Scarecrow from South Australia

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Pretty In Pink Shower Cake

This is a photo of a Baby shower cake that I recently baked and decorated. I'd call it "Pretty in Pink", definitely for a baby girl. I sectioned it off in big blocks. some pink with white dots and some white with pink dots. It had a bib, a gift, a heart, baby booties, a bear and a butterfly. Cookie cutters made the imprints to fill in, using an open star tip. The booties, which are a favorite for showers, are made with an open star tip by drawing the shape of the bootie and merely STACKING the stars to form the shoe, then filling in the center the same height to form the top of the bootie. Leaving a small section un-iced at the HEEL part of the bootie to make it more realistic looking. A writing tip is used to form the shoe laces and bow. This is a very simple design for beginning cake decorators, and shower guests loved the "All Girl" design.

By Sharon from Ravenna, KY

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Goodie Bags as Presents

I have a frugal idea for giving gifts when you are on a tight budget. I have 6 nephews and nieces aged between 6 and 15 and, with money so tight, I didn't know what to get them all. I hit upon the idea that I would give them all 'Goodie' bags.

I started collecting things I thought they would all like. Most of them were pennies or very cheap to buy. For this gift for my young niece, I had a balloon, a pencil topper, sweeties, a handmade necklace, hanging Christmas tree decoration, a lollipop and a colourful egg cup, to name a few items. I then put all the things together in a small basket. Then with a sheet of cellophane, I tied the parcel together with two fun shoelaces. It looked fabulous.

On Christmas Day when they opened the gifts, they were all excited to receive their Goodie Bags. From all the expensive gifts they opened that day their goodie bags seemed to go down best of all! I had wrapped the finished gifts by putting them inside a black plastic sack and cutting off the tops. I tied each one with a big red ribbon and each child had a name tag attached to theirs.

The first birthday of the year is coming soon and I am thinking of doing another goody bag to suit the child.

So there you have it...a well received and great looking gift for just pennies or cents!

By Monique from Somerset, UK

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Neo (Persian)

Neo is 3 years old and a Persian. We got her at a cat show in 2005. This is what she likes to do for fun:

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTUz-fOERg

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Clean Medicine Containers Throughly Before Using

Use old clean medicine containers to store change, buttons, or anything small. Just make sure you wash it carefully.

By DEBRADJ from ILLINOIS

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Inventive Clothes Line and Post Straightening

After many years of high washing and drying bills, I wanted to go back to a clothes line outdoors, even though I have devised a series of clothes line "poles" for one storage hallway adjacent to my laundry area indoors from 4-5' tension poles that local folks have tossed on their curbs over the past couple of years, their likely having upgraded their old homes to glass sliding shower doors.

Being my age, I well remember that the old clothes lines sag, rust, stain, and that it's almost an art or craft to get a clothes line that's sturdy enough to hold heavy wet laundry up, plus I am extremely limited on extra money for such things. Here's what I finally did that works so well:

At the dollar store I found two long vinyl wrapped dog leads that are 25' each ($5 each and I needed two) with wonderful chrome swivel heavy duty clasps on each end (originally designed and sold for exercising dogs, which is now illegal in our state!) I had two 6" heavy duty eye bolts, a large nail, a screwdriver and a hammer.

Killing two birds with one stone, so to speak, I knew that I had to do something about a leaning fence post or risk getting a fine from the city who is rather strict with their codes. So, I noticed that the only path available for the clothes line was also in line from the leaning fence post (luckily it was leaning towards the alley, away from my house) to a very old single but medium and sturdy tree and then to another thicker older tree.

I had my grandson to go to the back side of the fence and wait to push the post while I screwed one eye bolt into the fence post (started a hole with a nail) turning it with a thick screwdriver through the bolt eye hole, as he pushed the post towards me.

Then I attached the first lead wire's clasp to the second lead wire's clasp and walked it to the middle tree in the path between the post and large tree, wrapped it around the medium tree once, following on to the large tree with the line in one hand and the other screw-type eye bolt and tools in the other, then wrapped the vinyl line around the mature tree's largest head-high trunk branch and held it while I screwed the second eye bolt into the large tree, at approximately the same height as the other end, then attaching the chrome clamp to the eye bolt.

In testing the tautness of the line, I saw that it needed tightening a bit, so I went back to the fence post and noticed that it was not yet straight enough. I began to slowly turn the large eye bolt more and more until it both straightened the post and tightened the clothes line.

It is thick red vinyl wrapped, making the line easy to see for walking under it, hanging clothes from it, and is weather resistant and a classy cheap addition to my yard, considering the alternatives. It cost about $11.65 for the whole clothesline of approx. 50 Feet. It should last for several years and be a cheap and easy thing for me to replace one day in the future, requiring no ugly metal poles at great expense, no ropes to rot, no rusty wire.

Now I can hang our thickest clothing and linens to be air and sun dried, especially after we've been sick for so long. It saves money, smells delightful and fresh, and is just what I truly needed for laundry on dry warm days.

For me, a third advantage is that the mature rose bush I have hoped to be able to train on some sort of arbor, won't have to go yet another year without support. Even it can be supported by a segment of the clothesline near the fence as it arches towards the sun in great anticipation of coming days.

Source: source: me and none other

by Lynda from Richardson, TX.

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Tea Wallet Substitute

As a tea drinker, I like to carry the tea bags in my purse that I enjoy to drink especially when I am going to a restaurant or even to a party in someone's home, church or other functions.

Tea parlors and tea gift shops are offering tea wallets to store tea bags in your purse. I recently discovered that if you can't find tea wallets at your local tea parlors or tea gift shops that you can substitute another "wallet" for tea.

I found a pretty coin purse with handles on it and the tea bags fit in nicely. The coin purse will hold about 5 tea bags.

By Jose from Tennessee

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Getting the Last of the Tube of Foundation

When I buy foundation makeup, my favorite shade comes only in a tube type container, much like toothpaste. When it is empty, there is a lot actually left inside the tube. I carefully cut the end off with scissors. I am then able to dig out another week's worth with my finger. No use throwing it away when there is a lot left.

By Margeth from Michigan

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Catastrophic Health Insurance vs. Cobra

After my daughter's husband lost his job, the company wanted almost $1500 to COBRA his health plan for her husband and herself. After doing some research, they learned that they could save a tremendous amount of money by purchasing a catastrophic health insurance plan with a HSA. It had a $2500 family deductible with no coinsurance after the deductible was met. Additionally, they contracted with a concierge physician and have 24/365 unlimited access to impeccable care. The guy even makes house calls!

In total, they now spend about $700 per month for their family to have top-notch care. The concierge MD has saved us thousands more by providing us with free samples, substantially reduced lab costs, and intervening on a weekend when a bad case of the croup would have normally landed her in the ER with a $1,000 bill.

This is certainly worth looking into.

Source: My daughter

By Bobbie from TX

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Coffee Grounds for Icy Sidewalks

I came home during a freezing rain storm on Sunday Night. My cement steps were treacherous and I was out of Ice Salt and table salt. I racked my brain to think of what I could use and went to make myself a pot of coffee then I thought of the used coffee grounds. They don't disintegrate so I tried them on my steps. They are still there and have not frozen over and are doing a fine job of keeping my stairs free of ice and snow. They don't seem to track in either.

By Katie from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada

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Changing Bulbs Saves Money on Electricity

Lower your electric bill by replacing as many standard incandescent light bulbs as possible with compact fluorescent bulbs. Don't wait for the standard bulbs to blow out. Save the incandescent bulbs in a box somewhere so that if you need one short term, you don't have to go out and buy one. It's especially important to use the fluorescents in locations that will be left on all night, like outside.

I replaced thirty bulbs at one time at cost of just under $100. That was over 18 months ago. Since that time my electricity bill was lowered an average of $40 per month, and I have only had to replace one light bulb. That one was an incandescent, and I already had the replacement on hand.

By Charlie from San Antonio, TX

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Use Clear Vinyl Shoe Holders for Storage

You can usually find plastic-pocket type "Shoe" holders at a dollar store. These are made from clear flexible vinyl pockets and are made to hang shoes on the wall or from a hanger in your closet. But you can also use them for many other things besides shoes: My daughter uses one in the bathroom to hold all of her hair-care supplies and liquid body-soaps. She hangs one on the back of her 5 year old daughter's bedroom door to hold all her hair ribbons, barrettes and scrunchies.

I hang one on the wall in my sewing/craft room to hold my jewelry making tools and crochet hooks. I hang several in the garage to store and separate my sockets, screws, bolts, S-hooks and other small tools. I bet they'd also be great hung on the back of a utility closet door, to store cleaning supplies. Or as a "Jewelry Organizer" to store bracelets, broaches and other jewelry!

They might also make a great "ribbon-on-a-roll" organizer and also make a handy place to store and catalog your knitting needles, or your sewing supplies like: elastic, velcro, thread and bias-tape.

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Safely Cleaning Porcelain, Enamel, etc.

Purchase "Whiting" from your Paint department (it's used to thicken paint and is the 'white' powdered residue that you see after polishing your car) for about $5/3-5lbs. (don't worry, this will last about 15 years). I purchased a large (6oz) salt shaker for using it.

Remove stains from tableware or any enameled item by dampening the article and sprinkling the whiting on it to create a pasty texture; then with a soft cloth, 'polish' the spots away.

After you have cleaned your stove top in your normal way, lightly dampen the top, sprinkle the whiting and wipe away with a soft cloth. You will see where spots of grease, etc. are, and the cloth will polish/remove these away.

Whiting WILL NOT scratch porcelain, glass, etc. The cloth has to be scratch free. Before washing car, sprinkle the whiting on auto windshield and clean/polish the windshield with newspaper, this will remove all road film. Finish washing car to remove traces of the white powder.

If you have articles that you have worn/scoured away the glass finish, this method will NOT work.

By Cajun from Collinsville, IL

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Great Low-Cal Frozen Treat

If you're watching your weight but have a craving for chocolate, try freezing several of the Yoplait brand yogurt "Whips". This type of whipped yogurt has lots of air whipped into it so when you freeze it, it comes out fluffy and tasting just like ice cream. Other types of yogurt don't freeze as well. But when you bite in to a frozen chocolate Yoplait Whip, you'll think you've splurged on something wonderful! These "Whips" are sold at all Walmart's and, at ours, they sell for only 44 cents. Each serving has 140 - 160 calories, whereas regular ice cream has an extra 100 more calories. But the good thing is, yogurt is actually GOOD for you!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Tool Bar That Detects Impostor Websites

Does anyone know of a tool bar addition that tells you if you are on the website you have requested (not an impostor website)? I had it on my computer, but lost it. Thanks.

Christine from Melbourne, Australia

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Creating a Budget on Waitress Wages

I am about to move out of my parent's house soon. I am trying to form a budget and need some help. The problem is that I am a waitress, so my net pay can vary immensely from week to week. I'm trying to figure out how much I can afford for rent each month. Any thoughts? Thank you.

Ann from MN

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Removing Hard Water Stains in an Aquarium

I have a fish tank with two goldfish and a red eared slider turtle in it. I have some hard water/foggy stains on part of the glass that is not under water now. How do I clean the glass without killing the turtle and his pets? The tank is 30 gallons, and there is about 25-27 gallons of water in it.

Laura from Arizona

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Can Only One Child Have Head Lice?

My boyfriend has a two year old daughter he gets on weekends and he brings her over to my house with my two young children. Every time he brings his daughter back to her mother, her mother claims she has head lice. My boyfriends ex wife also claims it's only the nits that she comes home with, but my kids have never had head lice and neither have I or my boyfriend. Plus my daughter gets checked at school every week.

My boyfriend's daughter has also in the past several months come in contact with other children and his ex wife has still said that the every other weekend he does have her, she calls and tells him that his daughter has head lice. So, is possible for only one child to get nits in her hair when no one else in the household or any one who has come in contact with his two year old daughter has it?

Sunnie from New Orleans, LA

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Painting Outdoor Swing Fabric

I have an outside upholstered swing. The fabric is connected to the main part of the swing it is looking very weathered. I have been thinking about trying to paint it. I have read a little about it. Does the textile medium added to regular washable interior paints really work on fabrics? I don't know what type of fabric it is, some sort of weather resistant fabric. I suppose any help or ideas would be appreciated .

Linda from Hartley, IA

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Arby's Style Roast Beef

Does anyone have a recipe for Arby's Style Roast Beef? Thanks.

Gloria

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Keeping Blackbirds Off a Car

There are no trees outside my house, I have a parking bay. Everyday, blackbirds sit on my car and cover it in 'droppings'. Has anyone got any idea why? Or better still have any solution as to how I can stop them? Apart from setting up a scarecrow on the roof! Any ideas would be helpful, it's getting ridiculous and the paint is being destroyed. Many thanks.

Julie

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Aunt Jemima Easy Coffee Cake Mix

I'm looking for Aunt Jemima Easy Coffee Cake Mix. I can't find it at Walmart or Krogers. Does anyone know what grocery food chain carries it?

Debra from IL

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Free Dog Clothing Patterns

I need dog clothes patterns. Does anyone have some?

Tracy from St. Louis, MO

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Removing a Bathtub Drain Rim

I need a tool to get the bathtub drain rim out. Do I need an expandable type of wrench, there is nothing left inside the rim to grab onto?

Howard from Chicago

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Advice For Selling Jewelry

Where is the best place to sell your jewelry? I have been out of work since December 11, 2008 per my doctor's orders. My request for short term disability from the company I work for was denied, and my benefits were suspended. I am in the process of appealing that decision. In the meantime, I am not allowed to show any other source of income. I am looking for the best place to sell some of my jewelry, and some other items I don't need.

I have amassed quite a collection of jewelry: precious and semi-precious stones set in rings, earrings, bracelets and pendants. It is my feeling that people don't come to yard sales to pay top prices for jewelry, and I want the best price I can possibly get. Our bills are beginning to pile up, and my medical expenses continue to grow. Would you suggest classified advertising, craigslist, flea markets, or some other source?

The terms of my short term disability appeal dictate that I cannot show any other source of income, so I will have to sell items for cash, which rules out eBay. I am not trying to be sneaky or to deceive my employer: I am merely trying to sell some personal items to meet expenses while I am ill and out of work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

Cheryl from South Carolina

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Game Ideas For a 'Messy' Party

I'm having a very messy party but the only problem is I can't think of any messy games. For example, slime slides, paint fights, etc. If you have any ideas please share them, it would be terribly helpful. Thank you.

Claudia from Sydney, NSW

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Using Color Stripper to Fix Bleached Shirt

I was just hoping someone can help me. I damaged a navy shirt with bleach, now it has red blotches all over it. I was thinking of stripping the color with a color fabric stripper hoping the remainder of the shirt where it is still navy will become red. Will this work? If so what type of color stripper would I use and where can I purchase this? My other question is, I want to rinse my washing machine to eliminate all bleach that may still be there how do i do this? Thanks.

Sue from Sunshine Coast

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Removing Stitch Witchery Residue

I made a major mistake when hemming a pair of polyester dress pants. I used Stitch Witchery but I failed to turn one of the legs wrong side out and had one hem inside and the other leg hemmed on the outside. I reheated the wrong one and pulled it apart, but I can't get rid of the Stitch Witchery. It shows up as a shiny mess on the outside of the pant leg. I have tried to reheat it with a cloth on top of it and tried to get it off that way but no luck. Does anyone know any way to remove this mess?

Granny 66 from Coshocton, OH

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Curing Cow Manure

I am new to gardening, so bear with me. A friend of mine has a farm and just brought me a load of cow manure. When he delivered it, he dumped in onto my existing (still dormant) flower beds. I am told by neighbors that the manure is hot and needs to be cured before it goes onto existing beds. Is this true? If so, how do I cure the manure? I do have a compost heap in the back yard. Should I transfer it to the compost pile? Help!

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Jennifer from Eugene, OR

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Liquid Potpourri Concentrate

Where do you obtain your liquid potpourri concentrate? I cannot find it in my area. Thanks for an answer.

Vera

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Making Solution Used in Braun Shaver Cleaning System

Does anyone have a formula for the cleaning solution used in the Braun Electric Shaver Self Cleaning System?

Anna from Canada

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Baseboards In a Red Room

Do any of you have advice on baseboards for red rooms? I painted my family room Ralph Lauren Duke Red (5 coats over pink primer - agony!). My floor is travertine tile. I have two sets of stairs into the room; both are varnished oak. I am seriously confused about baseboards. I want 'tall' baseboards - at least 6 inches, right? But the white seems too bright.

The oak is SO expensive (and hard to find) if you are looking for 100 feet of 6 in. tall baseboards. Other options? I notice that in most of the photos here you have gone with white baseboards - but I don't see it looking good between the oak stairs, the travertine tile and the red walls. White would be too stark in that room. Help!?

steckstacy69 from Olympia, WA

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Scratches on Leather Furniture

How do I cover deep scratch marks on a leather sofa?

Janie from Lilburn, GA

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Asking a Guy to Prom

Prom is coming up for my school. It is in April, because I go to a private school. I was thinking about asking this guy I know to Prom. We have chapel and when we sing the songs there is a slide show showing us the words. I was thinking about having a slide at the end saying "Will you go to Prom with me?" and there would be a picture of us on there. It would be in front of the whole high school. Tell me what you think.

Desiree from Klamath Falls, OR

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Removing Smoke Smell From Wood Table

I recently received a solid wood dining room table that has survived a house fire. Any ideas on how to get the smoke smell out?

Denia from Pensacola, FL

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Spray Painting a Recliner

I would like to know if I paint a reclining chair with floral spray paint will the paint rub off on clothing? Thanks.

Laura from Wilson, NC

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Appraising Inherited Rings

My husband inherited some rings from his mother. She had small fingers so the size doesn't fit me, and there is no other family member left. I would like to sell them but the cost of appraising is $85 per ring at the jewelers in my neighborhood. The antique stores scare me because I don't know if I can trust them. I not even know if the diamonds are real or how old the rings are.

She has about 10 rings, and I can't afford to appraise them all. I don't want to give them away either, maybe they are worth something. She had good taste. Any idea how to figure out the value of the pieces without becoming broke first. I tried books, e-bay and the internet, but don't want to take the risk of making a mistake, because I have no clue what to look for.

Jacqueline from San Mateo, CA

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Using Terramycin Powder Instead of Ointment For Cat

I have a cat with an eye problem, she has had for a long time. I have taken her to the Dr. several times for it and it always comes back. She was on terramycin ointment. I bought some terramycin powder when she ran out of it, I just am not sure of how to give it to her. Any suggestions?

Bonny from Mandeville, LA

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Cleaning Artificial Calla Lilies

I have a bridesmaid bouquet from my sister-in-law's wedding. It's calla lilies. They have this almost velor-type nap to them. The problem is that we had a couple of flies get in the house every once in a while last summer and they loved that bouquet. Now there are little brown spots all over the beautiful white flowers.

I've been reluctant to use water on them because of the material of the flowers and of course, I don't want to throw them away. If water won't hurt them, I'll do it, but I just want to be sure.

Diana from IL

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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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