Daily Thrifty Tips - July 10, 2007

We have a lovely article by Debra Frick in the More Reading section about Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Treats. If you subscribe to the Recipes newsletter you may have already read it, if not, check it out.

Here's today's featured request:

Exercise For People Who Walk Little Or Use Walkers

I am looking for exercises for people who can't walk much. Do you have any suggestions? Or for people who use walkers...

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Here are the contest winners for the week before last.

Tip Contest Winners

Bargain Frozen Bananas
Coreenhart from Rupert, ID

Garage Sale Tips And Tricks
By Lynda from TX

Photo Contest Winner

Surprises in the Garden
By Mae from Washington, DC

Thank you to everyone that took time to submit a contest entry!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Domino Angel

I make angels with dominoes and costume jewelry.

By Stormy from Vacaville, CA

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Recovering Aloe Plant

Here is that same aloe plant after the January freeze we had in Southern California. It is recovering.

Hugs,
Great Granny Vi

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Teddy Bear Cake

Here's a Teddy Bear Cake I made and decorated for my Grandaughter Amy.

By Carolyn from E Northport, NY

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Zoey (Black Labrador Retriever)

Zoey is a 13 week old Black Lab. We got Zoey from a neighbor whose dog has puppies. We got her when she was 5 weeks old!

She likes ANYTHING involving her family! She likes chewing, fetching and retrieving her ball and sitting on my lap, although she's starting to get too big for that!

By Laurie from Prairieville, LA

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Felt Mouse Pin

Here's a cute little mouse your kids can make to wear, or to use as a gift for someone special, like grandma.

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Pond and Birdbath at Site of Cut Down Tree

We had to cut down a dead tree a few years ago but could not remove the stump for several reasons. To cover up the stump and some raised roots we decided to put in a pond and garden. The pond liner we got for free (someone had it setting out to get rid of), the pond pump we got from someone who was making their pond bigger, all of the hostas we divided from elsewhere in our yard. The stones all came from the creek in our yard and from a few of the places we went on vacation.

The birdbath is made from terra cotta pots and the plants are all planted between the tree roots. The fish and plants came from our parents' ponds (both of those things multiply and they were happy to give them away!) We figured the cost of the project would have been about $2,000 brand new but it only cost us $600.00 and we started it in the fall, buying things we had to get a little at a time over the next several months. We got so much on clearance! By the middle of summer we were set and have enjoyed it ever since!

By Renee from Slatedale, PA

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Mabel Belle (Calico)

Mabel Belle is 6 years old. I got her 3 years ago from my brother in law.

Mabel Belle likes to chase moles and birds and play with my puppy. She is a very sweet cat, she loves for you to rub her years and belly.

By Sandy from Bluff City, TN

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Reagan's Rosebuds Baby Afghan

This afghan pattern is in honor of my first grand daughter who is due in September and who will be named Reagan. This is a very simple pattern, though it does look complicated. The rose bud pattern is made by the color changes. This is an adaptation of the classic pattern "Granny Ripple".

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Using Hand Sanitizer For Sticky Residue

Hand Sanitizer is great for removing glue and such off your hands, price stickers off glass, etc. We found this out when my mom was in the hospital and had a lot of bandage and tape remnants on her arms and hands. The gluey stuff just rolled right off. It works great!

By Tammie from Moody, AL

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Recycling Weed and Feed Spray Bottles

These type of bottles fit on the end of your water hose and contain a concentrated solution that is sprayed out with the water to fertilize a yard. With one of these type of bottles, rinsed well and a spray nozzle for your water hose that has threads on the sprayer end you can accomplish many outdoor tasks.

1. Tree web worms are a very bad problem in this part of the country. The safest, easiest way I have found to eliminate the problem to fill the bottle half full with water, put in a really good squirt of Dawn dish soap and attach to the threads on the spray nozzle then to the water hose, this will allow you to cut off the water flow at any given moment. I like to have a lot of water pressure so I can reach high into the tree without getting on a ladder then I squirt the webs with this mixture, saturating very well, the worms will die shortly.
2. This will work for wasps, they will drop out of the air and it keeps you out of harm's way while being able to saturate the nest.
3. Use bleach instead of Dawn. Never mix the two (read the Dawn bottle for precautions) to clean siding, lawn furniture, porches, boat decks or anything that needs a good bleaching.

By Tina from Lufkin, TX

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Mark Puzzle Pieces For Easy Sorting

Toddlers love to play with puzzles and of course they will always mix the pieces in the same box. I have a three year old boy that just started with the 24 pieces and he will put the pieces together and want someone to sort the puzzle. After one attempt to separate each puzzle, I discovered it would be easier to write the name of the puzzle on the back of each of the pieces. Also if you have several toddlers that play together, you can also write their name on each piece. Good Luck!

By Diane from Myrtle Beach, SC

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Transferring Cellphone Information

My sister dropped her new cell phone in my Icee. She totally fried it. All you have to do to fix it is simply buy a new or used phone, depending if you are high in money or whatever. You just get your cell phone, open your battery in the back and take out your memory card, and put it in the other phone. It is fast and easy. And your parents will never know what happened. Haha, just kidding about the parent thing. But it really does work.

By Rachel from San Antonio, Texas

Editors Note: You need to make sure that you purchase a cell phone activated for the same network. For example, if you have T-Mobile, you need to get a T-Mobile phone. There are ways to change cellphones to different networks but this is a much more difficult proposition.

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Tennis Ball Massage

For a do-it-yourself back massage that works every time, try this: Place two tennis balls into the toe of a man's long tube sock. Hold the sock by the top and lower the toe of the sock (with the balls inside) over your shoulder and onto your back. Place the balls where your back aches and lean up against a wall. Now bend your legs and move your body up and down and back and forth. The balls will roll over your ache and relieve your pain. I love it and use it often.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Fold Up Kennel For Obsessive Chewers

As the owner of a overly curious and very hyper Jack Russell, I have learned how to deal with a obsessive chewer. My dog, Abby, was six weeks old when we got her. I wanted her to be an inside dog, so she pretty much had the run of the house. When we would leave the house and even when we went to bed, we would leave her out. After she got past the regular puppy stage, we noticed she still had an obsession with getting into stuff and chewing. After work, we would come home to pillows on the floor and sometimes chewed up and things scattered everywhere. One time, she found a tiny hole in the couch and ripped it open. Shoes, socks, checkbooks, pretty much anything she could get her paws on.

Now I know you think she's probably a little terror, but she is actually a sweet and very affectionate dog. All she needed was some boundaries. We bought her a pet taxi, but it just wasn't big enough for her to stay comfortably in for long periods of time. Finally, we bought her a big, fold up kennel. You can find them at Walmart and they are not that expensive. It was big enough for her to move around in and she had food, water, and toys to entertain her while she was in there. After she got used to the kennel, things got so much better. No more tearing up and getting into things, she learned then she had her limits on what she could or could not do. Now she knows when we get ready to leave, that's where she supposed to go, and she heads towards it. She has turned out to be the best dog and a wonderful part of the household. I know not everyone has a dog that's like this, but for the ones who do this is the best solution I found.

By Heather from Stanton, KY

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Cider Vinegar For Flavoring Meat

I have found that cider vinegar is fantastic for making meat more tender and tastier. I use it on every type of meat, except chicken. No matter how much vinegar you put on you, don't taste it.

By Judy from Lanark, Ontario, Canada

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Glue Gun Pan While Working

When working with my hot glue gun, having to lay it down between steps, but needing to leave it on, I rest it facing into a cake pan, with the glue spout inside the pan, the handle on the outside. This keeps the glue from dripping on anything that may catch fire or be damaged. Most times, when working with hot glue, you have to work fast. Also an easy clean up as once the glue dries you, just peel it off.

By Misty from Hermanville, MS

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Serving Dish As Bird Bath

I wanted a bird bath, but did not want something that my son would try to tip over. So I went to a discount store and found a large shallow glazed serving dish, the one I found happened to be in the shape of a yellow chick, but there were more traditional round or square ones. I put it in the garden right on the ground with some mulch around it to hold it in place, and filled it with water. The birds love it and, during the recent drought we have had, I have seen my local family of bunnies coming in for a drink as well.

Total cost: about $3.50, much less than a designer birdbath. And the glazed surface makes it easy to keep clean! I actually just run it through the dishwasher about once a week.

By Regina from Rochester, NY

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Rubber Mat for Dog Kennel

Where can i find a thick, but cheap rubber mat that is waterproof for a dog kennel? I have a dog with allergies and he needs a rubber mat for his kennel so that he doesn't have allergic reactions to the grass or dust. Please help with any information you have. Thanks

Alaina from Lynchburg, VA

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Co-Signer of a Student Loan

My husband is the co-signer of his daughter's student loan. He's been paying on it for years because she refuses to. She is not in school any more, nor did she graduate. The problem is that my husband got laid off due to downsizing at his job. He still has been paying for it with his unemployment checks, but now he no longer receives unemployment checks. He is now unable to work because of an illness that has progressed in the past year. His daughter does have a steady job.

Is there a way for them to go after her now, instead of my husband since she is employed and my husband isn't? I'm on disability myself and we can't afford to pay on this loan any longer. Any advice? He is now trying to get on disability because of his illness. If he is able to get disability, would they garnish that check to pay for the loan?

Linda from Austin, TX

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Removing Candle Wax From Clothing

How do you get candle wax off of a shirt?

Terre Slaubaugh from Culpeper,Va.

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Backsplash Without Using Ceramic Tiles

I want to put a back-splash behind my stove besides ceramic tiles. Anyone have any other ideas? Inexpensive!

Ramona from Pinckard, Alabama

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Cheap Ways To Display Pictures

I have a few pictures that I want to put up in my bedroom. Don't have money to buy frames. How else can I mount it? Maybe glue it onto a board?

Any suggestions please.

Susan from Durban, South Africa

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Redying Clothing With Faded Spots

I got a hoodie and some faded spots, and I wanna redye, can someone help me out? the colour is baby blue.

Khiet from Melbourne, Vic

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Decorating Advice For Fireplace

I recently bought 2 bundles of dried reeds that I would like to place on both sides of my fireplace. The reeds are about 8 feet in height, and each bundle is 10 inches in diameter. I need some sort of container to hold each bundle and am guessing whatever container I use will have to be at least 30 inches high. The style of my livingroom is casual contemporary. I have considered both baskets and glass vases, but they are SO expensive, any ideas on what I can use would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

carie from newport beach, ca

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Pine Sol For Fleas

I know I recently posted a request about my dogs fleas but now they are worse! She keeps scratching her neck and now she's bald there! Can I use pine-sol on her? I have heard many different responses to this! Please help, thanx!

Emily from TX

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Cleaning Concrete Countertop Material

Hi everyone and thanks in advance for tips. I am cleaning the desks in my church school. Some are painted wood and they are coming clean OK, but there are some that are like a poured concrete. That is what they look like anyway. They also look a bit like countertop material.

Anyway I was trying to clean them today. They started to come clean when I sprayed bleach water on them but you could see it was sprayed. Then i got a sponge with the green scrubby thing on the other side. For 15 minutes I scrubbed that desk top. Oh yes, it came clean but it still is dirty plus I have 12 desks in that room to clean. I have not tried vinegar yet. That is the only thing I can think of that my nose could tolerate. Someone has suggested a Gorrllla or gooey something but she said it smells, oooohhhh really smelly. Don't want that. Any suggestions, please help!

Sandy from Baltimore

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Is My Dog A Chihuahua/Daschund Mix

Can someone tell me what breed my puppy is? My mom thinks she's a chihuahua/daschund mix. But something about her makes me think my mom is wrong. She has a very muscular chest and the lighter colored eyebrows like a larger breed, yet she has those big bug eyes and head shape of a chihuahua. Someone please help! Sorry! This was the only pic I could find of her! it's really bothering me and i need to know!

Emily from Texas

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Marinade For Chicken Sausage Kabobs

I am wanting to make some chicken with sausage kabobs.Does anyone have a marinade recipe they would like to share?

Sabrina from Council, N.C.

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Cutting Tables For A Safari Theme

I have a couple round decorative tables. I'd like to cut them in a shape for my sons room but, I'm not really what design to cut. He has a safari theme.

Milena Lewis from Windsor

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Keeping Clothes White In Well Water

How to get white clothes white washing in well water?

Marsha from Norfolk, Nebraska

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Recipes For Fresh Apricots

My elderly neighbor has a tree loaded with quickly ripening apricots. Does anyone have a few simple recipes (perhaps for jam or baked goods ?) to share that I can make up for him? I know he'd appreciate it, as he is unable to get out there and pick them himself before they ripen and fall on the ground. This way he'll have some goodies to freeze or refrigerate and be able to enjoy the fruit much longer. Thanks for your ideas!

Donna from San Diego

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How Do French Door Refrigerators Compare To Side By Sides?

I was just wondering if the cubic footage in a side by side refrigerator/freezer does not have to be as large in a French door style refrigerator (freezer on the bottom), because the latter has easier access to the products. Any opinions?

Let me re-phrase this question: Is a 24 cu ft side by side fridge equivalent to a 20 cu ft French door style?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Is My Dog A Husky?

What dog you think it is? Help please! If I told you it was a husky?

Ryan from England

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Fixing Wrinkles In Carpet

The carpet in my four year old modular home is full of wrinkles. How do I fix them?

Virginia from Sycamore, Ohio

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Using A Cast Iron Griddle On An Electric Stove

I want to buy a cast iron griddle for grilling chicken indoors. Are the long rectangular flat bottom cast iron griddle designed for electric stoves? It seems like they would slide off. Never owned one before and would like your input. Thanks.

Onesummer

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Directions For Reconnecting Throttle On Mower

Where can I find directions to reconnect the throttle and govenor linkage on a white MTD 16.5 hp 1997 mower?

James from Cave City, AR

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Exercise For People Who Walk Little Or Use Walkers

I am looking for exercises for people who can't walk much. Do you have any suggestions? Or for people who use walkers...

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Wedding And Reception Locations in Dallas, TX

I need some ideas on cheap, inexpensive venues for my wedding ceremony and reception (doesn't have to be the same place but preferably close to one another) in Dallas, TX. My fiance and i live in Shreveport, LA while he is in the Air Force. We are getting married in late September, because we just found out I am 2 months pregnant! We would like to be married before the baby is born and before he gets deployed to Iraq sometime in early 2008 We have a very small budget, but still want a beautiful wedding! PLEASE HELP!

Cailtin from Dallas, Texas

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Heat Stain on Dining Room Table

How do I remove heat stains from wooden table?

Micnhelle from Dallas, Texas

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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

Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Treats (Part 1)

Close your eyes and come with me, a trip down memory lane to the place where red and white checked dreams come true. Many of us from the older generation can remember going to the local soda fountain for a burger and a shake or to have an egg cream or homemade French fries. Many were decorated with black and white floors and big old juke boxes where you could dance. For you youngsters, think "Happy Days". Many of the great recipes for our best frozen confections have been lost to us and, since I just love ice cream, it lead me to research many of the old fashioned treats of the past on the internet and in my travels.

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Waiter and Waitress Tips and Advice

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