Daily Thrifty Tips - July 11, 2007

We are getting close to getting caught up on publishing requests. We have a bunch of new ones in today's newsletter. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Baby Shower Buggy Favor

This baby buggy is made from styrofoam egg cartons and only costs pennies to make. You can sit them on the tables at your baby shower and fill them with mints or little candy.

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Baby Hawk

This beautiful little baby hawk was sitting up against my house. I found him when I was bringing in sheets off of the clothesline.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Fork Business Card or Place Card Holder

You Will Need:

• Old silver fork

Directions:

Take old silver fork which you can pick up a yard sales, etc.

Need four prong one, bend outside prongs at an angle and separate and bend up middle to prongs. You may have to fiddle with it to get exact.

Use to hold business cards or place cards at table.

By Carol from Massachusetts

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What's Growing in the Compost Pile?

Can anybody tell me what kind of plant this is? It is growing in my compost. I compare it to a cuke and musk leaf. I don't think it is that, but the leaves are about 2 ft. across. What ever it is, it is very healthy. I also have morning glory growing in there.

By Joyce from Wisconsin

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Belle (Miniature Long Haired Dachshund)

Belle (well actually Princess Belle of Gunn) is 2 1/2 years old and is a Miniature Long Haired Dachshund.

We got her from a breeder. She was the runt of the bunch. We picked her up the day she turned 6 weeks old in October 2004.

She loves camping! And taking long walks with her mommy. She is very smart. She learned how to beg for food (telling her "beg for your life") while holding our hand in the shape of a gun. We "shoot" her by saying BANG and she goes down like she's dead. Of course she's looking up with her eyes just begging for the morsel of food.

By AngelLoveInOhio from Akron/Canton Area of Ohio

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Karleigh as Harry Potter

This is my Granddaughter Karleigh's Harry Potter impersonation.

By Sharon from Ravenna, KY

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Tips For Feeding Birds And Other Wildlife

I live in the suburbs with the birds and other wildlife. I feed the animals crushed corn, bird seeds, rabbit food, and give them fresh water daily. I cut the tops from under the handle off of gallon milk jugs and use the bottom half for water bowls and for bird baths. The birds love bathing in them and it is easy to change the water for them. I have also seen the deer drink out of them too.

By Pat from Somerset, WI

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Saving On Electricity In The Summer

We live in Central Mississippi and the weather is hot everyday, between 95 and 100. We are trying to keep our air conditioning costs down for the summer and save money, so the ceiling fans and box fans are getting used a lot. We have also just installed a clothesline in our yard and are hanging the clothes out to dry. If they are too stiff after coming in, then they are run through the dryer for 10 minutes at night. So far our electric bill is over $100 less than it was last year at this time. We are throwing our extra money toward our 15 year mortgage (we are in year 3) and will have it paid off in 4 1/2 years. Then the extra money is going toward a pool for our backyard. We have shared our goals with our children (7) and they are helping us meet our goals!

By Donna from Mississippi

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Use Aquarium Water For Plants

When I clean out my aquarium, I save the dirty aquarium water to water my plants. The water is full of free fish emulsion which houseplants just love! It's free vitamins and minerals for the plants. Saves on having to buy additives.

By Adrienne from Cleveland, OH

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Ice Cube Trays Are Not Just For Ice Anymore

I purchased a set of 4 trays for $1 at my local discount store and have used them for all sorts of non-ice items. Cubes thaw faster than blocks of food in larger sizes, and store easily in zipper freezer bags. Just be sure to label the bags.

• Freeze leftover jarred tomato sauce that you won't get to use up right away, that way it won't go bad, and you can thaw out just how much you need for a recipe.
• Freeze leftover rice - the cubes can be dropped into soups, or mixed with other foods for a quick lunch for an adult or child.
• Freeze the juice you drain off your canned fruit. It can be used to sweeten different baking recipes or in punch. A fruit juice cube in a glass of iced tea is quite tasty.
• Freeze your herbs. To preserve herbs with a high water content, like basil, chives lemon balm, mint and tarragon, fresh freezing is a better option than drying. The herbs will become limp in the process, but their flavor will be intact.

Tips For Freezing Herbs

1. Harvest the freshest, heathiest leaves
2. Wash and pat dry with paper towels
3. Stuff 2-3 individual leaves in ice cube trays. Pack them in so that at least half the cube is herb leaves. (for chives you can chop them up and put as much as you want into each cube)
4. Fill the tray with water. Make sure the leaves are down into the water, as best you can, and place in the freezer. (If you are planning to use them in particular soups or something, you can also freeze them in broth)
5. When the cubes are frozen, remove from the tray and store in zippered freezer bags.
6. When ready to use, toss the whole cube into your favorite stew or dish.

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Nail Polish Remover To Clean Graffiti Off Vinyl Siding

Spray paint off vinyl siding, teens thought this was fun in my neighborhood. All of us got one! I found that nail polish remover and a nail brush, plus elbow grease got black paint off light tan siding without bleaching out the vinyl siding. I got a half gallon jug at a beauty supply store, and had some left over just in case!

By Bonnie from Dayton, Ohio

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A Healthier Alternative To Mayo

Instead of mayo, instead of Miracle Whip, I have found a healthier alternative. In short, I tried hummus at a restaurant, and it was excellent. It's basically beans. I bought a package that you reconstitute with cold water. I have used it as an alternative to the aforementioned spreads. It did better than OK. And it was healthy, not fat laden. By the way, the last time I was going to buy a lower cal version of Miracle Whip, I read the label. TRANSFATTY ACIDS! Naturally, I did not buy it! Phooey on them.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Using Less Oil In A Skillet

I saw this on Chef Paul Prudhomme's TV show. He said to stir the food in the oil, then drain the oil off, then place into a skillet. This was his suggestion. He wanted to fry up some cubed ham in a frying pan prior to making an omelette. So he poured oil over the mound of cubed ham and mentioned that it should have been in a larger bowl so it could be stirred for better coating. I'd imagine that you should also drain the ham into a colander prior to putting into a pan to get off the excess oil. He pointed out that the ham in the skillet wasn't sitting in a puddle of oil which would have burnt in the outer edges of the pan where the food wasn't located.

Hey - I'll try it. Sounds logical.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Golf Tee For Filling Screw Hole

When I have a screw hole that has been waddled out and need to fill it, I just drive a wooden golf peg in it as far as it will go and then break the remaining of it off. It works great and afterward I can replace the screw where it belongs.

By Margie from Wagener, SC

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Concerns About Bathroom Plug Buzzing

When I tried to plug in my hair dryer this morning the GFCI in my bathroom buzzed whenever the prongs touched the outlet. There was also a small puff of smoke. The GFCI didn't trip. Anything to worry about?

Suzy from Denver CO

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How To Preserve Soymilk

Hi, I want to know how to preserve soymilk for a period of time. I will like to go into large scale production of soymilk in my vicinity. Thanks.

Denola from Ketu, Lagos

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Removing Candle Wax From Glass

How can I remove candle wax from a glass tabletop?

Elaine from Utica, NY

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Bread Mixer Recommendations

Recommendation on a good mixer for making bread with fresh ground whole wheat: Electrolux, Cuisinart, Kitchenaid? Which one and are there others?

Suzanne from Knoxville, TN

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Making And Selling Air Freshener Sprays

Hello, I am new to this site and would like to ask a question. Does anyone know how to make a strong long lasting room spray that is legal to sell? My cousin has a friend that sells room sprays for $7.00 each and the scent mixes well and last for more than a day. I have tried a lot of remedies and they do not work. I am new at this and I would like to try this out.

Thank you for all of your help.

TFaaita from San Antonio, Tx

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Newborn Kitten Eyes Not Opening

While walking home, I found this newborn kitten. It has tiny little claws, small teeth, it's ears are fully opened but it's eyes are closed. It is fairly skinny but I'm feeding it some substitute formula until I go out tomorrow and buy some kitten formula from Petco. He seems to be doing a lot better (since this morning). He's moving around more and meowing when he's hungry and all. I figure that he is going to be OK, just needs a little food in his system regularly to get him to bounce back and be a happy kitten.

But I'm worried about his eyes, he looks to be about 2 weeks old, maybe less. If I'm right, his eyes should be opened already. Mind you, his eyes look like they have dirt around them. I cleaned some of it but I think it may be a scab. Around one of his eyes it's brown and kinda dark. The other eye doesn't have much of this supposed scab and looks like it has fallen off (not sure, when I found him that's how it was) but it looks like I just have to play a waiting game with that eye since it's just closed up. Taking him to the vet is not really an option, considering that I don't have the money for it. I'd take him to animal control but only if he shows no signs of improving so the people there can help him more.

The kitten seems to think I'm his mother and over the past day and a half, I've grown quite attached to the little baby and I wanna keep him. He has his teeth which means in a few weeks I can wean him, maybe. He can hear just fine. I think he'll be just fine as long as I keep him on a good feeding schedule, I get him to move around for a few minutes, and I pretty much just play the role of mom helping him use the bathroom, getting him to sleep, etc. it's just his eyes that concern me. I think once this stuff falls completely off, the eyes will open eventually as with any other kitten. On one eye it looks like that I just have to wait for the rest of it to fall off and let nature take its course. As for the other, I might have to wait just a bit longer. I'm not sure. Please help!

justasking from Rochester, NY

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Lotion Stain on Wood Furniture

Any suggestions on removing oil based medicine stains from cream colored furniture? My daughter has a medicine that is mixed with a lotion and it seems the oil in the lotion leaked onto the wood dresser that is creamed colored. There is quite a bit of a stain in one location and a smaller one in another. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thank you,
Angela from Bloomington, IN

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Shopping for Clothes In New York

I'm going on a 5 day shopping trip to NY in Jan and want to know what outlet centres I should visit. I will be looking for clothes for 15 year old boy and for petite 40+ lady.

Mum from Ireland

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Using Noxema for Eczema

I looked up Excema on this site and seen a lot of helpful suggestions, I do have one question of the users of Noxema, do you just rub it in or do you wash the affected area with it? I have tried several things for my eczema and just bought the Noxema to try.

Thank You,
Kelly from Miami Beach

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Cleaning Gunk Around Faucets

I am trying to clean the "gunk" that settles around the base of the faucets and I can't get it off. Anyone know how to do this effectively?

Thanks!
Mindy from Oregon

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Rich Hummus Recipe

I had some of the best hummus at a restaurant that isn't sharing its recipe. It was very rich. Got any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Danner Foods Potato Salad Recipe

I am trying to find a copy cat recipe for Danner Foods Potato Salad. I think it's only distributed in the Central states. I tried all the copy cat recipe sites but to no avail.

Thanks,
Kayma from Canton, IL

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Is Carpet Safe After Being Wet?

Is keeping carpet that was SOAKING wet SAFE or should it be replaced for HEALTH reasons? My mom said that inhaling the mold it could cause could make us very ill even kill us. Replacing it isn't really an option though. Is this true? What should I do??

CARRIE from Trenton, MO

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Keeping Bugs Away When Sitting Outdoors

I would just love to sit in my yard and enjoy some cool breezes (they happen occasionally, given the season). But the bugs (fleas) are visiting. It's most unpleasant.

Any suggestions?
Holly from Richardson, TX

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Finding a Date Online

Does anyone have any tips for finding a date and/or boyfriend online? Any success stories to share?

Thanks,
Saphron

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Removing Pen from Civil War Era Paper

I have a civil war periodical that was written on with a ball point pen (back when we were kids). Is there anyway I can remove the ink without harming the already fragile paper?

Suzy from Phoenix

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Installing New Flooring Over Linoleum

I hate my inlaid linoleum in my bathroom! I would like to replace but would like to avoid ripping up the current stuff. Can I put new peel and stick tiles over it? How about ceramic tiles?

Thanks for your help,
Monica from Northeast, PA

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One Login Not Working on a Multi-User Computer

My husband & I share a laptop computer. We have separate log-ins. His side is working fine, but when I try to log in on my side, nothing works. I've tried system restoration, but that doesn't work either. I can't even get on the internet on my side. Any ideas? Thanks!

Barb from Knoxville, TN

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Golf Clubs Scuffed My Leather Seat

I got rubber scuffs from my golf club grips on leather back seat; and its impossible to get off.

Ernesto

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Dog Depressed After Getting a New Puppy

We just got a toy poodle named Butchie, and my 3 year old miniature poodle seems depressed. He will not eat, play with toys, and just lays on the couch all day. What should i do? I give him more attention than the puppy, but will he overcome this depressed look? I feel so sad for my dusty...

Matt from Texas

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Hair Dryer Burned a Hole in My Sofa

The heat of my blow-dryer burned my sofa and gave it a hole. The area looks dark and fragile. How can I repair the burn without making it worst?

MARY from Hartford, CT

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Preventing and Eliminating Kidney Stones

I have had numerous kidney stones, I drink lots of water, no soda but still get them. Does anybody know a remedy to get rid of them or to prevent them?

Thanks,
Audrie12 from PA

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Ariston Gas Oven Not Working Well

I have an ARISTON gas oven with an electric grill inside it that is taking AGES to cook anything even on the highest setting. The grill works just fine. Does anybody know what I can do to fix the oven? Food that's supposed to take 30 or 40 minutes to bake is taking nearly 2 HOURS! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Many Thanks,
Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Cleaning Bamboo Floors

I just had bamboo hardwood floors put in my house. I bought one of those swifffer wet jets with the cleaning solution made for hardwood. It leaves streaks and foot prints. Does anyone have any better solutions? I don't know if bamboo hardwood is different from regular hardwood in the way of cleaning. Please help! thank you in advance.

Dana from Newkensington, PA

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Uses for Old Socks

Does any one know any great crafts to do with old worn out socks?

Wendy-Lou Harding from Chilcotin, British Columbia

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Removing Hard Water Stains From Glass Shower and Tub Doors

Our shower door seems to be etched with hard water stains. Nothing I have tried will remove. It looks better when wet, but when we squeegee and it dries, it looks terrible. I have even tried sharp razor blades but nothing phases it.

Sandra from Austin, TX

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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