Daily Thrifty Tips - September 14, 2006

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This was our summer 2006 project. We had collected various sizes of rocks from vacation spots, my late sister's home in Heber Springs, Arkansas, Europe, and other places. I sketched out the layout and we worked all summer on it; we put the finishing touches on it this weekend.

It has a sense of whimsy in it with the frogs, the gazing ball turtle, the floating ceramic starfish in the small pond; the water fall is refreshing to listen to when you sit on the bench in the front yard; there is a blue ceramic frog sitting on a rock near the water fall; a resin frog under the water fall; a frog resting in a hammock, a large lizard perched on a rock looking at the frogs (yum, yum!!), a large fern grows behind the rock garden and it will be beautiful next year as it frames the rocks and the water. At night the water shimmers with the lights around it. There are two large wrought iron candleholders behind the water fall that will be lit up for celebrations and holiday seasons.

There is an old washtub with spring/summer flowers; I will replace the flowers as the seasons change; there is a window flower box on the house near the water garden and it will hold seasonal flowers as well.

This feature is an inviting entrance to our front door and we will enjoy it for years to come.

This was a challenge to my husband and I; my husband has many skills (he is very handy around the house and is able to repair and build anything I ask him).

It might not look like a professional job - but we accomplished it and we are proud of it.

By WandaJo from Tennessee

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Found these guys on my Cherry Tomato plant. They were really enjoying themselves!

By Mary from Leroy, Il.

Editor's Note: These look like tomato hornworms. They love tomato plants.

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While it's easiest to put out a lot of food at once, you can save a lot of waste and possibly prevent some food poisoning by putting food out in smaller batches and replacing it as it runs out. This keeps food from sitting out all day (or all night) so any food that is leftover is still edible. If food needs to be left out for long periods of time, make sure it is properly cooled or kept warm using either ice or warming trays.

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If your mascara clumps or globs when you apply it, try this: After your first application, or if you like the 'thick' look, second application, wipe off the brush with tissue removing as much of the mascara as you can and 'comb' your lashes! this works so much better than the mascara comb and brush combo.

Please remember to throw away your mascara after 3 months.

By Laurie from Pahrump NV

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If you are stuck for decorating decor - think about framing some of the nice illustrations/art you get in the mail! I have a nice production from a local museum next to my computer that came in their brochure. Really cheap mounting is to glue with white glue to a bit of wood/board and then used thinned white glue over the picture to decoupage it. Gives it a textured look. Or you can cover with scraps of clear contact paper.

By Pam from Los Angeles

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If you sew, a great way to find cheap fabric is to look at garage sales for tablecloths. Even if they have a stain or two, there will be plenty of good fabric for you to use for other projects. Tablecloths come in a variety of thicknesses, sizes and patterns so you can find fabric for a variety of projects.

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I was experimenting this week-end with some different ideas to dress up the condiments I was serving for hamburgers and sandwiches for the Labor Day company. Here are some ideas I came up with to add to mayonnaise or they would also work with Miracle Whip. I started with 1 cup of Mayo and added 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted peppers. In the next cup of Mayo, I added about 3 tablespoons of chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil, which I finely chopped and drained. The third cup of Mayo I added about 3 tablespoons of pesto. All three went over in a big way!

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Uses for Gallon Detergent Bottles and Inserts:

Birdhouse Door Reducer

When the babies are ready to leave, it will give them a boost out the door, I HOPE. I'm trying only on one to see if it is acceptable by the birds. The tiny house I used had a much too large hole in relation to the space of the house. The hole is supposed to be an appropriate size for the bird.

Leftover Paint Containers

With the plastic gallons, it would be easy to see if it's still good, easy to open, and easy to pour without drips! I have saved, and about to use many of about 30 partial cans of left-over paint, picked up from curbside since no one can drop them off at our local recycling center any longer, and would have to drive about 10 miles to dispose of them instead. It is a God-send for me, so I will pour and mix until I get a decent color for each room that needs fresh paint. I also learned in a bizarre way, by experience, that most paints can be readily mixed together, regardless.

By Lynda from Richardson,TX

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"You can choose to stop receiving 'prescreened' offers of credit from credit and insurance companies by calling 1-888-567-8688." This message came with a cell phone service offer. I did it and stopped the offers for 5 years for my husband and I.

By Carole from Lothian, MD

Editor's Note: This is the number that the FTC recommends as well. From there website:

Can I reduce the number of unsolicited credit and insurance offers I get?

If you decide that you don't want to receive prescreened offers of credit and insurance, you have two choices: You can opt out of receiving them for five years or opt out of receiving them permanently. Call toll-free 1-888-5-OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688) or visit www.optoutprescreen.com for details. The telephone number and website are operated by the major consumer reporting companies. When you call or visit the website, you'll be asked to provide certain personal information, including your home telephone number, name, Social Security number, and date of birth. The information you provide is confidential and will be used only to process your request to opt out.

Remember that if you have joint credit relationships, like a mortgage or a car loan with a spouse, partner, or other adult, you may continue to receive some prescreened solicitations until both of you exercise your opt-out right.

Source: FTC.gov

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A pal puts crushed cheese flavored crackers in her recipes that include wild game. She says it helps with the "wild" taste.

By Terri from NV

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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I have used the product 'Just for Men' hair color. The color hasn't taken and my grey hair remains. I followed the instructions to the letter. Where did I go wrong?

Paul6M

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I am trying to clean sliver jewelry at home. Is there anything i can use?

Colin from Bedford Unitied Kingdom

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How can I keep sheets on the mattress? I have tried everything imaginable. I was thinking of using diaper pins on the underside if I cannot figure something else out.

Brenda from Peachtree City, GA

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Does anyone have a rotisserie they'd like to recommend, or un-recommend? Also, please indicate if it leaks a lot of hot air into the room.

Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX

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My school is going on a trip to Orlando, Florida and it is going to cost about $900. I was wondering what are some ways that I can raise money and what are some jobs that I can get if I'm under 15?

Jasmine

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Our theme for Sadies is Safari. Does anybody have any good ideas on what to wear?

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I got inspired from someone else asking this question... I wonder if there is such a store in Abilene, TX, that sells discounted scratched and dented food or items that are past their shelf life. Any information would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Crystal from Abilene, TX

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Is it possible to make rugs from newspapers?

JSR from Salt Lake City, UT

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How do you get the perfume smell out of a bottle? I have a set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers but they were perfume decanters. They are glass with plastic tops.

SM from Seattle, WA

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I am a therapist that works with children and have ruined clothes due to the children painting with tempera paint. The children also have ruined clothes. Is there a way to remove the dried paint from clothes?

Alice from Cleburne, TX

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I am looking for a project that uses liquid potpourri and Knox Gelatine (I think) to make little scented jars.

Blindquilter from Front Royal, VA

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I have a two year-old male Shih-Tzu. He is not yet fixed. For the last 8 months or so, i've stayed home with him almost every day and my husband would stay with him at night. Four months ago we had a seemingly never-ending stream of house guests who stayed (continuously) until about two weeks ago. My husband and I were extremely stressed about this situation and I think our dog (Pierre) could sense it. He was happy to have people here day and night, however, and he formed an obvious attachment to them. Coincidentally, both in the same two-week period, all of our house-guests left for good and I returned to work and school, leaving Pierre home alone for about 6-8 hours a day, something he was used to before I left my job eight months ago.

Since he's two years old and a very "city" dog, Pierre is house trained and has been (with a very clean record) since he was a young puppy. As soon as everyone left, Pierre began peeing on the kitchen floor every night, usually in the same place. We bought him a new toy, let him sleep with us at night and even leave the television on all day for him in an attempt to keep him from feeling so lonely. It seemed to be working pretty well, he hadn't had an incident at night since we let him come in and "visit" us at night. But today, when I came home from school after leaving Pierre alone for 6 hours, I found that he peed in the kitchen on the same spot.

I know there's no way to discipline him for this since he probably did it hours ago and wouldn't know what I was yelling at him for, but what can I do? Would having him fixed help? A dog walker? Block him off from the kitchen? Help!

Gsara from New York

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How do I remove visible mildew from suede and leather shoes?

RobinRenee from Cranston, RI

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Any ideas for a hamster costume for child?

Tracy from Waco, Texas

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Does anyone have a recipe for a caramel frappucino drink? Thanks!

Lynn from Colbert, GA

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I would like tips for removing cat and dog hair from bed sheets and blankets.

Heather from Long Beach, CA

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Can oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, sage, etc. be grown indoors in a home during the winter months in the midwest? Do I need special lights or would window light do? Hardiness Zone: 6b Dorothy from Northville, MI

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I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience with Benadryl(tm) - the generic name is diphenhydramine - which is used for anything from motion sickness to allergies to insomnia. (Note: If you buy it as an allergy medication, you will get the most drug for your money). In any case, I've found it to be an extremely effective aid in getting to sleep. However, I've had to give it up because a side-effect that occurs very soon after taking it: being uncoordinated to the point of not being able to walk, and an eventual serious side effect: pronounced tremor. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone have a suggestion for a non-opioid, non-prescription sleeping aid? Thanks.

auBois from Los Alamos, NM

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My new home does not have a garbage disposal in it. I thought all homes came with garbage disposals. I am used to putting everything down the garbage disposal. How do you keep food from going down the drain? My neighbor told me she always keep a colander/strainer nearby and strains anything that has liquid in it and dispose of any remnants of food left in the colander in the trash. Leaving a strainer out on the counter top everyday seems untidy to me. Do you have any other ideas?

Onesummer from GA

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How to remove blood stain on suede sofa? The stain was there for several months.

Lena from Hong Kong

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Has anyone used DampRid products to eliminate excess moisture/ mildew/mold? If so, which of their products would be recommended? Is there a more cost effective way of keeping mildew from forming?

Thanks,
Brenda from Knoxville, TN

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I buy coffee from the warehouse store in very big plastic containers. I'd love to re-use these containers for food storage, but even after I wash them on the top shelf of my dishwasher, they still smell like coffee. I'm afraid that anything I store would pick up the coffee smell. Any idea how to get the smell out of the plastic container?

Thanks!

Sharon from Yulee, FL

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How do I get white-out stain off of wood furniture.

Marjorie from Phoenix, AZ

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Request: Does anyone have a recipe for a tuna casserole that is similar to the frozen Stouffer's Tuna Casserole entree?

Eden from OH

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I would like to wallpaper a bathroom using old catalog pages. Could anyone give some advice or tips?

Thank you,
Sandy from Galveston IN

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The company that makes RIT Dye Fast Fade has discontinued this product. Does anyone have a homemade recipe or method to fade very dark indigo denim? I want to fade my jeans a couple of shades all over, not just to spot fade them.

Thanks for all replies.
Truerblue

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I held a wedding reception at our home a few years ago. The guys put mulch around the trees and house. I found out the mulch also had poison ivy in it. Now the trees and yard are covered with the stuff and I'm severely allergic to it. What can I use to kill it off with out hurting the trees and grass?

Hardiness Zone: 5-6

Nellie from Franklin, IN

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I am trying to find something to keep my BC powders in while in my purse. I carry about 6 powders. Powder is all over my purse. Do you have any ideas on what I can put them in?

Onesummer from GA

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I am looking for hooded baby bath towel pattern.

Maryanne from Seattle, WA

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I have a question about ways to display Rag Rugs. I have 3 Rag Rugs that were made from my Brother's old clothing. I had them made in Memory of My Brother.
I want to display them as wall hangings but I'm not sure what would be the best way to do this.

I don't want them to get dirty or dusty because I don't want to ever have to wash them and take a chance on damaging them.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

Christina from Louisville, KY

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My husband has been bugging me to have a sprinkler system installed since we bought our house four years ago. He finally gave up on having the system installed, went to Home Depot and figured out how to do it on his own. This is what we did.

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Here's a Mexican style dish we really like.

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