Daily Thrifty Tips - October 10, 2006

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This simple craft takes a tootsie pop and makes it into a cute spider. It's great for a Halloween Party or to hand out to trick-or-treaters.

Time commitment: Less than 5 minutes per spider.

Supplies:

• Lollipop of your Choice
• 4 pipe cleaners
• Googly eyes
• Glue

Directions:

Hold all four pipe cleaners and center them on the lollipop then twist them around the stick. Bend each end of the pipe cleaners to make them look like spider legs. Glue on two googly eyes.

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This is a cute and easy way to display your oranges for Halloween. Plus it makes the orange easy to peel.

Time Commitment: About 5 minutes

Ingredients:

Butters is about 5 months old and is a domestic short hair cat.

My daughter's friend found three abandoned kittens that barely had their eyes open. Not knowing what to do with them, she brought them to me (the neighborhood animal rescue, lol). I bottle fed them and all three pulled through just fine. I was able to find a home for one and the other two are staying with us.

Butters likes to harass the other kitties when he's feeling spunky. When the girls come home from school, he's always happy to lay on their homework.

This is a picture of Butters and my daughter Sloan. He's "her" cat. This is how I find them sleeping on most nights.

By JoAnn from Elkhart, IN

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This is my grandson Jacob James born 9/15/2006. He can already roll from his tummy to his back and smile at you when you talk to him.

By Jan Meidl from Springfield, Mn

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I have used this idea for our Hanukah card a few times through the years. I draw or paint a menorah with a flame over each candle. In each of the 9 lights, I put a photo of one of our children (there were a few of each of them) and some years, I put in a photo of our pets. There is probably a way to do this on the computer with digital photos, although I did it by hand and made color copies on cardstock.

By Kayla from Atlanta

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Would you love to throw a party but you don't have enough nice serving dishes? Well here are a couple of low cost ideas.

First remember that serving dishes don't always have to match your dishes. Keep a look out for coordinating pieces that will match your dishes at thrift stores and yard sales. I found a bowl that matches but it is too small so I pair it with a platter. Turn the bowl over and set the platter on top. This is where clear glass works well as it matches everything and the great thing is that you can buy clear glass trays and bowls at every thrift store in every part of the country for very cheap. Clear glass is great for party ware as it reflects the light from candles or twinkle lights set on a table. When searching your thrift store look for trays and bowls that are not dishwasher damaged, cracked or chipped.

Large punch bowls can be used for Potato Salad or any large salad. Punch cups can be used for individual deserts or salads just think of the handles as a great place to put a bow or attach a spray of silk flowers.

All the party experts talk about setting tables with lifts and levels and I have a neat way of making footed serving dishes. While you are searching the thrift stores and yard sales keep your eyes open for tall clear glass vases. When you get them home match them up with some of your glass trays. You can start with a clear salad plate if you like. Turn it over so the bottom side is up and using clear silicone glue the vase turned upside down to the plate. Allow to dry, this should take 24 hours. Now take the glass tray and glue it to the bottom of the vase right side up. You now have an elevated serving piece. Depending on the size you can put snacks to sandwiches or a cake on it. You can also do this with a large brandy snifter and a small glass plate. Look around vases and glasses come in all different sizes just let your imagination wander. These are not dishwasher safe so they will have to be hand washed but people will be amazed when you tell them how you made them.

Always check the silverware bin at the thrift store, you will be amazed at all the large serving spoons and forks you will find there for just pennies. Look for pie servers, cake knifes and salad tongs in the kitchen bin. I also pick up any silver plate I find as I can either set an eclectic table with mismatched patterns of silver plate or if the tines or bowls are pitted I can cut that part off with a hacksaw and bend the handle around to make neat napkin rings.

Have fun with it and I hope your next party is a big success.

By Debra In Colorado

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From groceries to barbecue grills, most everyday items bear a Universal Product Code (UPC). This symbol - a series of numbers and vertical bars of varying thicknesses - is shorthand for product information. When a cashier passes the UPC symbol over an electronic scanner, a computer decodes the symbol and sends the price to the register. The price appears on a display screen and on your printed receipt.

Retailers say scanner technology has several advantages: speeding checkout time, lowering labor costs, and improving sales and inventory records. They also say that scanning results in fewer pricing errors than manual entry.

Scanning errors can result in overcharges and undercharges. Overcharges can cost the individual shopper money, especially if the shopper doesn't speak up when they occur. They also can be frustrating for time-conscious consumers, who may have to stand in line for a refund, or worse, return to the store.

Savvy consumers - those who are aware of prices, who check scanner charges for expensive items or items they know are on sale and who are willing to shop elsewhere if price corrections arent made - will encourage retail stores to police the accuracy of their checkout scanners.

Pricing Accuracy Concerns

Spotting Scanner Errors

• Watch the display screen for prices. If you think you're being overcharged, speak up. Ask about the store's policy on pricing errors, and ask the cashier to make the adjustment before you pay. Although some stores simply adjust the price, others deduct an additional amount. Still others offer the mispriced item for free.

• Bring a copy of the store's flyer or newspaper ad to the checkout counter. Some advertised specials - 15 percent off an item for two hours, for example, or a two-for-one promotion - may not be in the computer and must be entered manually by the cashier.

• Consider jotting down prices or special sales as you wend your way through the store. In grocery stores, you may want to use a pen or crayon to note the product prices on the packages.

• Check your receipt before you walk away. If you notice an error, ask the cashier to adjust the total. If you've already left the cashier's lane, see the store or department manager or the customer service department to correct any mistakes.

Effective Complaining

You also may report recurring problems to your state Attorney General's office, state or local consumer protection office, or your state or local office of weights and measures.

Source: FTC

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When natural disasters happen we naturally try to think of how we as a family are going to survive. We prepare and get ready but what will happen to our pets is another question. Victims of Katrina left behind many animals and the animal shelters were over flowing. Many owners never were able to get their pets back. This was a very sad time for many families. But if we take a little time now and make sure our pets are prepared also, it could make the difference in life or death or every finding your pet again.

Here are some tips to help you get prepared:

If you are asked to voluntarily leave do so and take your pets. You have a better chance of keeping your pet by leaving early. Make arrangements ahead of time with someone you trust to care for your pets in an emergency so that if you can not find a motel or hotel that will take pets you will know they are safe. Do not depend on Kennels or Vets to be able to board your animals; the vet will probably be leaving too. Ask a neighbor or good friend to evacuate your animals if you are not home when disaster strikes. Also let them know where you keep your pet disaster kit so they can take that also.

Make sure that your pets have the proper identification. Microchips can be the best protection for your pets. It is inexpensive and quick and easy. When you decide where you and your family are going take a piece of adhesive tape and put it on the dog's collar with the address and phone number for the shelter where you will be staying. A second collar with emergency numbers on it could save your pets life, Tags with Vet information and an out of state contact could help your pet find its way back to you.

Prepare and keep with you a pet disaster kit which should include

First Aid Kit.

• Have at least a week's supply of food and water. Buy the smallest canned foods (may not be able to refrigerate once cans are opened) and a can opener.
• Food and water dishes (collapsible or plastic containers with lids work really well when on the move).
• Carrier or crate for each animal with secure lock.
• Sturdy leashes/harness for each pet. You will need to keep control of your animals at all times. Due to stress they may experience a fight or flight reaction.
• Disinfectant cleaner and paper towels.
• Have a supply of any medication your pet takes.
• Copies of medical records stored in waterproof container. Include your veterinarian's name and address, as well as an authorization form allowing medical treatment if you're not available.
• Keep an extra collar with tags in your kit. Have emergency contact information on one of these tags. An out of state relative or a friend who is out of immediate danger should be the contact person. This should be in addition to the extra one you put on your dog in case the original is lost.
• Recent photographs of your pets. Include photos with any distinguishing marks, and a photo with you in it will help prove ownership.
• An article of your clothing so they can have comfort in your scent...
• Spiral ground stake and 6 foot chain for dogs.
• Pooper scooper, one weeks supply of cat litter and plastic bags for disposing of waste (shoe box size litter box is recommended. A large plastic bin with a lid can do double duty it can store everything you need and also be used as a litter pan when you get where you are going.
• Favorite toys and bed. You can make your own Pet first aid kit by assembling the following:
• Gauze sponges of various widths;
• Vet Wrap 3" or Ace self-adhering athletic bandage 3"
• Sterile, non-adherent (non-stick) pads of various widths
• Sterile stretch gauze bandage 3"
• Hypoallergenic cloth tape 1" (you can always cut it down);
• Bandage scissors
• Tweezers
• Muzzle or soft cotton strips to be used as a muzzle especially for cats.
• Hemostats
• Needle nose pliers for removing quills or stickers.
• Infant rectal thermometer (digital is quickest)
• Infant ear syringe
• Eye dropper, or baby dose syringe (for giving medicine)
• Rubbing alcohol to disinfect scissors and pliers and thermometers
• Hydrogen peroxide to clean wound with
• Sterile ear wash
• Sterile eye wash
• Styptic pencil or styptic powder to help promote clotting in bleeding situations
• Triple antibiotic ointment to treat wounds
• Hydrocortisone acetate 1% (for rashes and bites);
• White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar);
• Pepto Bismol tablets (do not give if you suspect internal bleeding... PB will turn your dog's stool black)
• Generic Benadryl capsules 25mg doses (for allergies, bites, rashes)
• Chewable buffered aspirin (comes in smaller doses and tastes better)
• Kaopectate: 1 teaspoon every six to eight hours for a 50 pound dog (check dosages with your vet)
• Hydrogen peroxide, salt or syrup of ipecac (to induce vomiting - call vet first)
• Glucose paste, corn syrup, or caramel squares (for low blood sugar)
• Ziplock bags (in the event you have to take stool, vomit, or a foreign object to your vet)

In any case other than Tornado or Flood you probably can keep your pet in your home, even if you yourself have to leave. In this case you should:

• Put your animal in a secure room without windows such as a bathroom or utility room.
• Invest in Auto feeder and Auto waterer so they will have these while you are gone.
• Again a dog or cat bed with a piece of your clothing for scent and comfort.

By Debra from Colorado Springs, CO

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Have photos of odd items or backgrounds? They don't have to sit in your photo storage any longer! They make great backdrops for pictures or items in scrapbooking.

Take a photo of, say, a bunch of trees with no real subject (or even a subject you don't really care for anymore, great to do with those odd pictures kids take) and blow it up a little bigger than the subject matter you want to place on top. Then just mount with acid free tape, squares, or corner mounts, what ever you want to be on top. Turns out very pretty and can make a scrapbook page even more personal.

By lifewithmadman from Little Rock AR

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When loading knives in to your dishwasher silverware tray, please put your knives point side down. This will prevent any accidents from happening. Children are sometimes near the dishwasher when you are loading and you wouldn't want them to fall in to the dishwasher and hurt themselves on a knife point.

By Sherri from Petaluma, CA

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Often clothes at thrift shops end up there just because they need some tweaking. Got a lovely pair of GAP capris - but there as a knot of sorts where the stretchy material of the waistband met the front seam (which is why they got tossed, I bet.) It took 2 minutes for me to cut away the offending stitching - and voila! Great pants for $3. I also look for minor repairs I can do - torn seams, missing buttons, etc.

By Pam from L.A., CA

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Thrifty is my middle name, just ask my kids. I blame it on the fact that my parents were raised during the depression, though there's really no cause for blame. Thrift has served me well over the years.

One area in which I am particularly frugal is my gardening. "Waste not, want not" is definitely my motto here. I am the only person I know who is content to allow wild blackberry bushes to thrive. I do this because I can pick, wash and freeze the berries, which I use to make cobbler during the cold winter months. Other people tend roses. I tend wild blackberries.

My thrifty nature in the garden is really a creative outlet. For instance, I grow lavender because I love both the color and the fragrance. But with me, it doesn't stop there. I dry the flowers, strip the stalks, and tie the fragrant bits up in scraps of fabric to make drawer sachet and little bundles to add a relaxing scent to bath water. I have also steeped the dried flowers in water to make tea, which is refreshing poured over ice and served cold. You can also dry stalks of lavender and use them in dried flower arrangements and on wreaths for yourself or for gift-giving.

Another one of my favorite things to grow is tomatoes, summer just wouldn't be the same without them. The harvest from even a few plants will provide you with enough tomatoes for many sandwiches and salads. Tomatoes can also be baked, broiled, stewed, and used in countless meat and pasta dishes. Somehow, no matter how many I use, there are always more. My grandmother used to peel and can hers to use for making sauce. I like my own method of preserving because it saves a great deal of time. I simply chop the tomatoes, toss them into a blender (seeds, skin, and all), liquefy, and freeze them in plastic containers. Later I defrost as necessary and add tomato paste and seasonings to make sauce.

Would you ever consider adding broccoli or cauliflower to a sauce you're making? No? Well, think again, because it's a great way to make use of the stalks. First you chop the stalks into one inch pieces. Place them into a saucepan and cover them with water or chicken broth. Cook them until they are fork tender. Allow the mixture to cool slightly (do not drain) and ladle it into a blender. Liquefy, pour into plastic containers, and freeze. Defrost as necessary and add to your favorite tomato sauce recipe. You can also add this to some soups. Your family will never know you're sneaking in another serving of vegetables.

A few other plants definitely worth your time and effort are zucchini, pumpkins, and sunflowers. Sunflowers are big, bold, beautiful, and something I really enjoy. I always save some seeds for planting, some for sharing, and some for feeding the birds. The seeds can also be roasted for snacking.

To prepare seeds for roasting, soak them in salt water for half an hour. Dry the seeds on a tray, stirring occasionally so they dry on all sides. When they are dry, spread them out on a baking sheet Bake them at 225 degrees F. for thirty minutes, then at 350 degrees F. for fifteen minutes longer. Cool the seeds and store them in an air-tight container.

Seeds from pumpkins can also be roasted for snacking. Remove seeds from the pumpkin, wash and dry them. Spread them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle them with cooking oil and a little salt. Bake them at 350 degrees F., stirring often, until lightly browned. Cool and serve as a crunchy snack. The pumpkin itself can be cooked and prepared to use in making pies, cakes, muffins, cookies, and even soup. Zucchini is another vegetable perfect for cakes, muffins, cookies, and soup, in addition to any other favorite ways your family may like it served.

Flower gardens also invite creativity. Assuming your flowers are pesticide-free, hearty marigold blossoms can be frozen inside ice cubes to add color to beverages. Try decorating a birthday cake for someone special with fresh violets, or topping a salad with fresh nasturtiums. Check your library or search the web for information on additional edible flowers.

Keep in mind you don't have to eat flowers to make use of them. Blossoms with thin petals, such as clematis, can be pressed and dried between the pages of a phone book. Frame the pressed flowers and use them to decorate your home or give them as a gift. Strawflowers are a delight to grow. The blossoms can be used right off the plant, and with a little glue, they can spruce up picture frames, mirrors, shelves, and more.

Gardening offers us many opportunities to save money. Start planning next year's garden now. What do you plan to grow, and how do you plan to use what you grow? How frugal can you be?

Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
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How do you make terry cloth bibs?

Janet from Salem OR

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If I remove a kid's sports decal from the car window, can I reapply it to another car window?

Marthab from San Antonio

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I put a pair of jeans in the dryer with cinnamon hard candy in the pocket and it left a light pink stain. I tried peroxide without results. How can I remove it?

Clint from Fort Pierce, FL

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Tips for removing blood stains from carpet. I cut my finger several weeks ago and blood got on my carpet. I have used a shampoo machine, also Resolve, but the stain still remains. Does anyone have any good ideas how I can remove this stain?

Lisa from S.C.

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How can I remove sharpie ink from a wall? The wall is latex painted.

Joe Lesniewski From Hopewell, NJ

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I have a very large crepe myrtle that doesn't bloom much but it's very tall and not bushy at all. What's the problem. My other crepes didn't bloom much this summer either.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Shelah from Spring City, TN

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How do you remove transmission fluid out of fabric?

Misty from FL

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Are there any Akita breeders in or around the manchester area?

Philip from Manchester, England

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I am on the hunt for recommended Split Pea Soup recipes, with or without ham. I know I can go online and find a zillion of them... but any community favorites here would be wonderful to have! My father is a split pea soup fan, and I would like to make some for the upcoming holidays.

Thank you in advance!
Amy from Walnut Creek, CA

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I have kinda medium blond hair and I dyed it black and also did the same to my eyebrows and now my eyebrows look so retarded. What can I do?

Eric from Salt Lake City, Utah

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Why does my 1997 Buick Lasabre shift into overdrive with a bang?

Cheryl from Stottville, NY

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How can I get pee and other stains off my Tempurpedic mattress? It's cashmere.

David from Yucaipa, CA

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Does anyone have information about Madagascar Grapes? Information about the seeds, growing instructions, can it grow in Texas heat and black soil, etc.?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Lynda from TX

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My hair is falling off. Is there anything to stop it from falling? I am young and this should not be happening.

Omayra from NY

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I am a 9 year old girl. I love any thing that has to do with music, taking pictures, and hanging posters. But I have a problem. My room has no actual theme at all. Please tell me... What do I do?

Thanks,
Dana from New Lenox, IL

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How do I clean a small ink spot from a Burberry PVC nova check purse?

Shell from WI

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How much potato salad for 100 people?

Dodie from Horse Shoe, NC

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I am working with acrylic paints, and also painting on fabric. Does
any have any idea how to remove some of the mistakes I made off fabric?

Thanks,
hdk221

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I would like to stay home with our second child (I work part time right now) and basically need about $500 a month. I do not want a business but I would like something I can do when it fits into my schedule. I've sold lot of ebay but I don't have more to sell. I am open to all your ideas.

Thanks,
Mindy from Oregon

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I got caught in the rain in my cream colored satin shoes. On the side, there is a water stain which is now MUCH darker than the rest of the shoe. Any advice how to clean this, without using bleach? I want bleach to be my last resort. Someone joked and said I should drop the WHOLE shoe in water! HA!

Nelly from USA

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How do you clean the hard water scum from above the water line in the washing machine?

Mindy from Phoenix, Arizona

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How do I remove urine smell from my bathroom? Two boys and a husband, somebody must be missing the target. I can't tell if it's in/on the floor, outside of toilet, shower curtain, tub, wall. I use typical cleaners and it doesn't completely go away. Thanks!

Joy from San Antonio, TX

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I have a pair of leather boots that are too big in length. I read your part about the vinegar, I didn't know that, thanks for that tip. But I need to know, what can I do to help make my favorite boots smaller, if even just a little. Please, I will try anything at this point.

Troy from Nova Scotia, Canada

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I have had the lymph nodes under my left armpit removed about 2 years ago. At the time of the surgery, my surgeon advised me to NEVER use any deodorant again that contained any aluminium products. As these 'gum up' your lymphatic system and there is still a query around this causing problems with mammograms and they may cause some forms of cancers.

Therefore, I have tried everything from applying lemon juice to my arms pits, crystal deodorant and just about everything else known to woman kind! Even though I shave very regularly in the area, I also use a antibacterial soap I still get very smelly. Power is also not recommended, even baby powder.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I may maintain my personal hygiene and also be nice to be near. Please remember that I live in New Zealand and many of the products available in the US are unfortunately unavailable to me here. Many grateful thanks for your tips.
Ang

Ang from New Zealand

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How can I clean the top of my ceramic stove, I have a burnt on stain?

Dawn from Herminie, PA

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How can I keep a Sweet Gum tree from making seed balls? I have five or six around my yard and pick up 10 to 15 wheelbarrow loads each spring.

Tom from Winston Salem N.C.

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I need an idea for an inexpensive, but nice looking wedding centerpiece for a spring wedding.

Emily from Dinuba, CA

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I need recipe for a ranch dressing powder, like the ones you buy in 1 ounce packages.

Darcey from Kalamazoo, MI

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How can I get nail polish out of a cotton skirt?

Tanna from Vic

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My son has got Tippex correction fluid on his polyester football kit. Does anyone know how to remove it?

Thanks,
Helen from Swansea, UK

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

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This is a low-fat dessert that tastes just like a southern pecan pie!

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