Daily Thrifty Tips - June 15, 2007

We have some more toothpaste recalls in the More Reading section. One of them is an official recall of the Colgate toothpaste we posted a warning about a earlier this week. The other recall is for Superdent, Dr. Cool and Everfresh Smile2 toothpaste. View the full release for the exact products being recalled. Both of these involve the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG). DEG is used in antifreeze. Yuck.

I also wanted to mention the toy train recall again. Some Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys have been recalled because surface paints on the toys contain lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by kids and we all know how kids of a certain age tend to put things in their mouths. This recall is over 1.5 million toys, so the odds are, some of our readers have them. You can find more information and the list of recalled toys here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34900981.tip.html

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Recycled Birdhouse

This birdhouse was made with a recycled porch post. You could purchase a new one at your local home improvement store or search garage sales, etc. for one.

By Denise from Nebraska

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Swing And Jump

This is the homemade version of a toy you can buy at a toy store or through a catalog.

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Abby (Chihuahua/Jack Russell)

Abby is a little over a year old and is half Jack Russell and half Chihuahua. I got her after I just got married and I needed a companion. My husband worked second shift and I worked first so I wanted her with me at nights. My cousin's wife's mom gave her to me when she was just 6 weeks old.

She loves to play with my son and lick him, chase her tail around in circles, play with animals she finds around the yard, and chase birds. She is a very hyper dog and loves attention. She is very loving and is friendly to anyone or anything.

By Heather from Stanton, KY

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Ethan And His Tractor

With the price of gas, I think my 4 year old grandson Ethan has the right idea.

By Barbara from Union, SC

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Teach Your Dog Where To Go Potty

When house training your dog, take it to the same place, every time you take him/her outside to do it's business. Tell your dog "hurry up" or "potty" as your dog does his business. And big rewards after, pats, treats, playtime combined with praise.

Your dog is learning that this is where it's business should be done (therefore you only have one part of your yard that requires cleaning) and that, when you go to that place, it's specifically for one reason. Now when you are in a hurry to leave, you can bring your dog to that one spot and he/she knows why she is there, no more waiting and waiting for your dog to go, making you late for your appointment.

By Cyndi from Massachusetts

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Measuring Tape For Clothing Sizing

I always travel with a measuring tape and a small note on which I write my measurements, especially. I save both in the plastic yellow egg that comes inside the Kinder chocolate egg. This way I can easily find the egg in my purse; and I don't need to try on clothes or wait for hours for someone to help me to convert inches to centimeters. Also, I don't need to struggle to know my European, U.S. or British size. My mother in law need not set a foot in a department store because I buy all her clothes according to her measurements which I also save in the yellow egg.

By Mae from Washington, DC

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Check Neighborhood Remodels For Cabinets

If older houses are being rehabbed around you, look out for old cabinetry being tossed out. Those pieces were sturdily made of good wood, and can easily be made into furniture for you! I have an eye on an oak bookcase taken out of my apartment building, and I have turned an oak counter (for a kitchen?) given to me at the end of a yard sale, into a narrow buffet for the dining room.

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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"Great Pop" Father's Day Present

For a fun, easy and super cute Father's Day craft try this: Get a can of Dad's brand root beer. Cut out a paper tie shape about the length of the can and tape it on. Then attach a tag that says "You're a great Pop!" Have the child write a note on the back of the tag. This is great for sunday school classes, preschool or daycare because it is so inexpensive and still very cute.

By Miss Jen from Utah

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Give Ant Baits Time To Work

Ants! If this is Texas, you've got 'em. Well, they've moved indoors (got tired of being chased 'round the yard, I suppose). I purchased ant baits in little plastic squares and those pesky little bugs just detoured. Left the traps in place anyway. After a day, the ants must have decided it's just part of the landscape, because now they are entering and I hope, exiting with a mouthful of the bait.

Highly recommended, but out of stock, were bottles with a gel that you drip onto a piece of paper and park near the ant trail, so I bought the plastic squares. The moral of this story is: give it a chance.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Money Walnuts For Christmas Ornaments

Raising three children by myself made money very tight, especially at Christmas, so I was always trying to come up with new ideas which would stretch a dollar. One year, while cracking walnuts, I came up with the idea of using the walnut shells for tree ornaments. I carefully separated the halves, put money in them, a dollar down to a nickle, then glued them back together using a paper clip for a hanger. Imagine the surprised faces when the kids "cracked" the walnuts.

By Paulette from Myrtle Beach, SC

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Frugal Household Tips

Tips I use for recycling:

• Recycle paper for notepads and envelopes.

• Reuse address labels simply by cutting out and applying with glue stick to (recycled) envelope.

• Reuse water. I use water left in drinking glasses for my iron and plants. Simply pour water into a recycled container and set aside for later use.

• Cut the thermostat up on air conditioner. I keep in on 78 when I am home and 82 when I am not,

• Condense your trips in your car to save gas. I went from working 6 days a week to working longer hours, 3 days a week. Not only do I save gas, I also have more days for me!

• Plan on eating 2 no-cook meals a week. Saves on electricity.

• Take advantage of the sun. Solar energy is free!

• Avoid takeout. Bring back the long lost art of cooking. It's cheaper and healthier.

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Olive Oil Bottle For Dish Soap

Use an olive oil bottle for your dish soap. I originally did this for a decorative touch but soon found out that it was a money saver as well! You will be amazed at how much less dish soap you actually need and use without having to water it down. I probably only need to purchase dish soap 2-3 times a year instead of every 1-2 months!

By Shelley from Vallejo, CA

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Coupons Are Found Money

Coupons, coupons, coupons! I would use these even if I did not need to. It is found money. Just yesterday, my grocery bill was $115. After coupons that I used, I found awesome deals when the store has a buy one get one free, and then I had a dollar off coupon, I lowered my bill to $86. With a family of four that includes two teens, every savings helps. Especially food. And boy, do they go through the food! I clip from the Sunday paper, as well as purchase them for a small fee from online sites. I just bought $46 worth of coupons for $5 this week. And, I use everyone of them. With the food prices going through the roof, we have to be smart everywhere we can. Happy clipping!

By Laura from Tampa

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TopSecretRecipes.com - Copycat Recipe Site

I would like to pass this site along to those who are looking for copycat recipes. Please sign up for the weekly reminder so you won't miss a 'secret' recipe. The one for this week is: Bahama Breeze Island Onion Rings. These recipes are free for one week and then they charge! I print them out and put them in a notebook.

• http://www. topsecretrecipes.com

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Repair a Crack on Plastic Shower Floor

I have a crack on the floor of an inexpensive plastic shower stall in my basement. The crack is round in shape and about an inch in diameter, and I think it resulted from a heavy shampoo bottle that fell and hit the floor just hard enough to make a crack. I have tried to repair this with Goop glue, which lasted for a while, but as soon as I cleaned the floor with a harsh cleaner, the Goop pulled away from the plastic. I have been tempted to try Marine Goop, which I heard is a different formula from regular household Goop, but I don't know if this is true. Or, should I use epoxy?

I am open to any advice and suggestions, but whatever I use needs to withstand exposure to water from the shower head. Also, I don't care so much about how the repair looks, but I'd like it to be a permanent fix. Please help! Thank you!

Tori from Pittsburgh PA

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Applying Latex Paint Over Oil Paint

I am going to be painting my baseboards and door/window frames with latex paint. They currently have oil paint on them. Do I need to just use primer or do I have to sand as well (or is there an easier method)?

Bettina from Atlanta, GA

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Tree Damaged by a Weed Eater

The bark of my two dogwoods were accidentally cut with a weed-whacker. Because these trees seem stressed already (small, stunted black-tipped leaves), I am concerned about their survival. Is there anything I can do to maximize their chances? Or do I have to cross my fingers and wait?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Aline from Harpers Ferry, WV

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Soda Stains on Car Upholstery

What can I use to get dried soda stains out of my car upholstery, and from the carpet?

Christine from West Valley City, Utah

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Apple and Lemons Theme Kitchen

I just moved and I would like to decorate my kitchen with the apples theme, but I like lemons too, do you think that they go good together?

Pam from GA

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Good Furnace Filters

Does anyone use a furnace filter in the (return air grille) that actually works? I have heavy amounts of dust and tons of cat hair flying around the inside of my home. I've used the smaller, individual room electric type and they are not effective, plus, the disposable filters are very expensive to buy. I have searched and searched the Web and everyone touts their filter as being the best. I have purchased the cheap disposable filters for my furnace, but they aren't very effective either. Thanking you in advance for any tips.

Brenda from Rutledge, TN.

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Cool Summer Recipes

Since the heat of summer has set in, I don't like to use my oven as it heats up my whole house. I need some quick and easy (if possible) no bake or stove-top recipes for supper. Thanks so much!

Jeannine from Jackson, Mississippi

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Canning in the Oven

I need to know about canning in the oven. I have everything but the how long to leave in the oven? I know the temp is 200 just don't know how long to leave in the oven.

Lynn from Sarepta, LA

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Effective Homemade Cleaners

I have been doing some research in the last few weeks about making your own cleaning products. I would like to not only save money but control the amount of toxins going into my home. I have seen some recipes on this site and others that look promising but would like to know if homemade products are really as effective as store bought when it comes to disinfecting? I am especially concerned with finding a safe anti-bacterial recipe for the kitchen and bathroom. Does any one have any good recipes or proof that homemade cleaners are safe and effective? Thank you for your help!

Tracey from Duluth, MN

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Parvo after Vaccinations?

I have 3 dogs. One had became very ill. He did not want to eat or drink and was vomiting. I was sure it was parvo. Then he became 100% better. He's gained his weight back and is eating and drinking. Back to his normal self. Then a couple days later my other dog became ill as well. Same symptoms difference is he died today. Now my third dog is ill they have been vaccinated and everything. Can anyone help me and tell me what it could be. Also another question. If your dog has parvo can he be ill one day then get better and not still be carrying the virus. Please help.

Christina from Texas

Editor's Note: Because they have had their vaccinations, it may not be parvo, it also could be. I also could be some type of poisoning. Best check with their vet.

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Ink on a Vinyl Doll Pram

I have a silver cross dolls pram and my daughter has drawn on it with a pen on the vinyl inside the main body of the pram. I have tried all sorts of household cleaners to try and remove it, but nothing has worked. Please help!

Annette from United Kingdom

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Starting a Crafting Business

I Love this Website, it is so neat. All the ideas are wonderful and my kids love the activities. For a few years now I have had the idea to have my own business with talents like crafting, sewing, etc. I need suggestions on what customers would like to buy from a small town business. I want my talents to help those around me to live, love and learn about life. Please can anyone help me? Thank You very much in advance.

Michelle from Ohio

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Straw Weaver Instructions

Do you have a pattern and instructions for using a straw weaver? The straw weaver is by Knifty Knitter #21-0220.

Betty from Warren, Ohio

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Rose of Sharon as a Teeth Whitener

I just found an old almanac that said Rose of Sharon (also known as hibiscus or althea) will whiten your teeth "like a miracle". But it didn't say what part of the plant to use or how to use it. Has anyone ever heard of this? Does anyone know how it works? The whitening products you buy from the store don't work very well. I've got a yard full of these shrubs, I'd certainly like to try it.

Joan from Chesapeake, VA

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Moe the Monkey Board Game

While cleaning out the attic, I found a board game from the 70's called "Moe the Monkey," produced by Romper Room. Does anyone have the rules for the game or know of a web site that might have directions for nostalgic games? Thank you.

Kasbal

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Freezing Lettuce

Can you freeze lettuce in freezer bags?

Sandra from Lansing, IL

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Choosing a Countertop Color

Here is a picture of my new kitchen cupboards, red oak--stained and shiny finish. The back wall tiles are white, the sink will also be white. The floor is yet to be chosen as well as the paint. Which of these two countertops is best? The darker rough finish with specks of same color as the cupboards and contrast to the wall tiles and sink OR the lighter one with specks of white to match the wall and sink but contrast the cupboards. Please help as we need to decide today--awaiting our order! Thanks so much!

Anna from Montreal, Canada

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What Do You Splurge On?

I would like to know what others on this board do or buy that they consider to be a "splurge". My weakness is for Diet Dr. Pepper. I love this stuff and have to have it in the house or I feel "deprived". What do others treat themselves to?

JONNIE from Owensboro, KY

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Minimizing Diseases in Vegetable Gardens

Diseases from bacteria, viruses and fungi can lead to the early demise of your plants. What are some tips for minimizing diseases in vegetable gardens? Please post your ideas below.

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Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free

When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more:

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.homemoneyhelp.com/confirmsubs.html

Urgent Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Toothpaste (Superdent, Dr. Cool and Everfresh Smile2)

MainStar America, LLC, Miami, Florida, is initiating a nationwide recall in accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the toothpaste made in China involving:

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MS USA Trading, Inc. Recalls "Colgate Toothpaste"

MS USA Trading, Inc. of North Bergen, NJ, is recalling all lots of 5 ounce tubes of Colgate, because it has the potential to be contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) chemical found in anti-freeze. MS USA Trading is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to DEG in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease.

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Using Sewing Patterns Again For Different Sizes

Advice for using sewing patterns again for different sizes.

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Preserving Herbs
By Rachel Paxton

Harvest in the morning of a hot and dry day--wait until the dew is off the plants.

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