Daily Thrifty Tips - August 12, 2008

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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.

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Craft Project: Fabric Pillow Panel Mini Garden Flag

Create your own inexpensive outdoor mini garden flags by using fabric pillow panels.

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Shelby the Cat

Shelby is 1 1/2 years old and is an American Shorthair mix. I like to joke that I got Shelby at Wal-Mart because a friend of mine found him trotting through the parking lot there at about 6 weeks old and brought him home to me! I'd wanted a kitten for a while and we immediately became good buddies through bouts of fleas, ear mites, and gastroenteritis! I've had him since November 2006, and he really is a sweet, smart boy.

Shelby is an adventuresome boy (here's a picture of him exploring our washing machine) and likes meeting new people, who are thoroughly sniffed. He chases laser pointers and flashlight beams, and watches the world from his cat tower. When he's in lazy mode, he loves to sprawl out in the sunshine in our dining room. My other cat, Nimbus, is his best friend, and they nap, groom, and play together.

Shelby is very smart and knows the meaning of several words: treat, food, Mama, and clippers (I don't declaw and he dreads having his toenails trimmed sometimes!).

Also, I'm not sure if it's because Shelby was so small when I got him or not, but when he is in his "comfort zone" (usually on my lap) he likes to suck the fur on his belly like he's nursing again. People never believe this until they see it!

He always checks on me when I'm home sick and keeps me company on the bed, and no bug is safe in our home with fearless Shelby on the prowl to meow and "purrrum" until we take care of the insect he's found! We love him very much and he's like a child to me.

By Melody from El Dorado, AR

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Ideas For Reusing Large Size Creamer Bottles

Got Creamer?

I go through at least one of these per week. I thought you might like some ideas as to what to do with the ones you may not recycle.

1. I use them for dressings that I make from mixes.
2. I mix some body washes when they get too used up and keep them in the shower. Same for shampoos, etc.
3. Cut some holes in the very top for a cord to hang it, then cut some larger holes around the lower part and fill with bird seed.
4. Keep bread crumbs, sunflower seeds or nuts, syrup, pastas, coffee, or just about any small or liquid food that you might want to pour instead of scoop.
5. Small skeins of yarn, directions and hooks/needles can be kept safe in your car or purse for those times you get stuck waiting...
6. Garden seeds or fertilizer/plant food (kept locked up or VERY high).
7. Uncap and use for a nice vase.
8. Keep the caps on and use as a kids bowling pin set.

By Sandra from Salem OR

Editor's Note: Do you have any ideas to share for reusing these bottles? Post them here.

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Kenzie and Her Garden

Kenzie loves her garden.

By Judy from Front Royal, VA

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Craft: Gourd Snowman Head

Materials

• 1 clean round gourd
• glue
• cotton balls or cotton fiber fill of any color
• 1 large Christmas bell
• acrylic paint
• acrylic sealer, spray at least 2 times for good coverage

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Reuse Your Dehumidifier's Water

When the weather starts to warm, I start my dehumidifier. When the catch tank is full, I use the water for my plants. I am conserving water as well as keeping my monthly bill down.

By Betty from Coxs Creek, KY

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Finding Bargain Paint

You can find great deals on paint at your local hardware/paint store - just ask for the "mistinted paint section". These paints are the same high quality and average $5 a gallon compared to full price at $20 + up a gallon. The colors are usually up with the current trends and if you don't see a color you like don't be afraid to mix colors together as long as the paints are the same kind (latex with latex, oil with oil). Also check out neighborhood garage sales as many people give their leftover paint away for free.

By Fred's Tips from Marysville, WA

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Buy a Year's Worth of Pet Medication from Your Vet

My elderly cat is on high blood pressure and thyroid medication. She receives a partial tab of each once a day. My vet usually dispenses out 60 days worth, about 30 tabs, of each for over $60.00. I asked if I could purchase an entire bottle of each of the the meds equal to 1 years worth. The total cost for both meds for the entire year was $95.00 and no dispensing fee. You might have to pay a bit more upfront but I saved about $150 for the year. Ask your vet about it.

By Manxkity from Bay Area CA

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Keep Track Of What Is In Storage

Before we moved out of the country we stored tons of stuff in basements and with friends. To keep track of it all, we just took digital photos of each box before we sealed it up and wrote numbers on the boxes. Then when you need your mom to send you some paperwork you thought you wouldn't need, you just scroll through the pictures and tell her right where it is. We even used some of the photos to advertise stuff online to sell on craigslist once we were back in the states. The stuff that sold was the stuff we unpacked. Other items went straight to goodwill without us ever undoing the tape!

By Erica from Dallas, TX

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Sprinkle Salt On Carpets To Kill Fleas

If you have flea problems in your house, the best safe way to get rid of them is to sprinkle salt on the carpets and let sit for a few days. The fleas will eat the salt and die. It will also dry out the eggs. I used it last year and worked great and it's a cheap way to rid the fleas. Make sure to do this a few times and you will kill every flea in the house.

Source: A friend told me of this remedy.

By DAVD from Garden Grove, CA

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Keep a Notebook With You

I keep a small notebook with me at all times. I use it to make to do lists, grocery lists, and as a prayer journal. Whenever I need to write something on the list, I have it with me. It is great when I have spare time, ie: waiting in the doctor's office or waiting to pick up the kids from soccer practice. It is time efficient and practical.

By Leslie from Brandon, MS

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Cut and Place Wilted Celery in Cold Water

If your celery is wilting, cut a thin slice off the bottom stalk and place in cold water, like you do for flowers. The next day, your celery will stand tall again.

Source: This is my own tip.

By Ramona from Granby, MA

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Translation: Canning is Preserving or Bottling

This is just a tip for non-USA residents that I have finally managed to work out! canning, for all of us Europeans, means preserving or bottling! Not a tin in sight! I have deleted so many tips and recipes because I was under the impression that canning meant something that has baked beans in it! Just for information only.

By Cett from Malta, Europe

Editor's Note: Thanks Cett. Because we are in the USA we sometimes don't realize the differences in terminology.

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Making Granola

In my home a container of oatmeal is used for more than making a bowl of porridge. A portion of it makes granola, which is a good tasting, anytime, inexpensive, and healthy food to make.

Just make a syrup using about 1 1/4 cups canola oil, 1/3 cup maple syrup, and 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Mix and pour over a dry mixture of 2 cups instant or old fashioned oats and a 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Mix all well, place on a baking sheet to bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees, allow to cool and add raisins or apricots. Enjoy!

Frugal Tip: I recycle my finished raisin bran bag by tapping out any crumbs left behind and reuse to store my granola which finishes quickly.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Removing Sticky Residue

I don't know if I'm in the right category, I couldn't really find one that fit. I went to a yard sale and bought a really cute pair of shoes. I don't think they're leather, but I'm not sure what they're made of. They stuck a price sticker right on one of the shoes. When I pulled it off, there's a sticky residue there, any tips on any cleaning solutions that work well for getting sticky residue off stuff? Thanks!

Stacey from Eagle Mountain, UT

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Fixing a Gouge in a Bumper

When I was parked, someone caused damage to my car bumper. I have a deep gouge. The black undercoating is now visible. It is just cosmetic, but I would like to fix this. Is it possible to do it myself? Thanks in advance.

Judy from NY

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Free Printable Yard Sale Price Tags

Where can I find free, printable yard sale tags?

Liz from Ham Lake, Mn

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Instructions for Children to Make a Rag Rug

I want to have my class of 11 year olds make a rag rug. Can you give me some help on materials to use, as basic as possible. Thank you.

butterfly

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Getting Rid of Paint Smell

I'm getting the whole inside of my house painted. The paint smell is a little heavy. How can I remove the smell?

Rachel from Houston, TX

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Removing Hawaiian Punch Stain From Carpet

How do I get a Hawaiian Punch stain out of carpet?

Sharen from Nevada, TX

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Verizon DSL Plans: "Price Guaranteed For Life"

I am interested in getting Verizon for my DSL computer service. I am looking for an offer for life of $14.99. Some people have gotten this, yet when I contact customer service, I am told the only available plan is $19.99, and only guaranteed for a year. Does anyone have info on the $14.99 deal? This would be applicable to Northeastern PA area. Thanks for your help.

Monica from Northeast, PA

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Nothing Is Working To Get Rid Of The Fleas

I have an 8 month old American bulldog with fleas from the neighbor's dog. Now they are in the house. I have tried the salt, dawn, borax, flea dips, flea shampoo, monthly treatment the you put on their back of the neck. and flea bombs. Please tell me what else might works.

Melinda from Paragould, AR

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What Do You Need For A Wedding?

I don't know how to plan a wedding. It's only going to be small but I don't know what you need to have. I know my dress and my fiance's tux but other than that I don't know what else I need. Please help.

Mindy

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Is Black Walnut Tree Toxic To Sweetspire Plant?

I want to plant a Virginia Sweetspire. The area where I'm thinking of planting it has a black walnut tree in it. Does anyone know if the Black Walnut is toxic to Virginia Sweetspires? Thanks in advance!

Kate from Berkeley Springs, WV

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Decoupaging Vinyl

Can you decoupage vinyl? I would like to decoupage a vinyl cloth to a board to use as an outdoor wall hanging. Is this possible? What products would I need to use?

Darlene from Charlotte, NC

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Removing Oil and Vinegar From Windshield

How do you get vegetable oil mixed with vinegar off a car windshield?

Julie from Kingsport, TN

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Chatterbug Phone Service Reviews

Has anyone used the Chatterbug phone service? I would like to get this for my mother but am a little nervous about the lack of information on the web. I can't find any reviews, good or bad. Please help. Thank you.

Terri from Indiana

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Ice Cube Trays

Any gizmos to make ice cubes? Years ago we had a plastic box and special cube trays that, when turned face down and flexed, would drop the ice right into the holding box. Anyone seen one of these lately?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Keeping Ice Cubes From Melting Together

Both the water dispenser and ice maker broke on our 11 year old fridge. We are waiting for the rest of the fridge to go kaput before we replace it. Repair will be about $300. The fridge isn't worth that amount. When we buy a bag of ice from the store down the street, the ice is still loose in the bag. Within 5 minutes it's in our freezer and later that day, it's a solid block. Any suggestions to keep the cubes loose in the bag for the next few days?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Bringing Houseplants Back Inside

What should I spray on my houseplants before bringing them back inside?

Andrea from No. Turner, Maine

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Information About Caldwell, Idaho

My husband and I are considering moving from Northern Indiana to Caldwell, Idaho. I found some information online, but want more. Can anyone who lives there or nearby give me some more info? How safe is this area? What kind of businesses are there? We own a comic book/collectible toy/used book store and would want to reopen in Caldwell, especially if there is no other store like that.

Are there nice apartments or inexpensive homes to rent? How far away is Boise from Caldwell? What major stores are in town? I found Wal-Mart, McDonald's, Taco Bell in Caldwell. Anything else I need to know? Thanks for your help.

Samaree from Northern Indiana

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Listerine Wash For Itchy Dog

I am using the baby oil, Listerine, and water as my dog itches all the time. I want to know how often do I use it? Thank you.

Kay

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How Frequently Can You Breed A Dog?

I have a four-old-year old Boston Terrier, Bella. She is the love of our lives, right along with her four side kicks, Lucy, Delilah, Rachel, and Bo. We first bred Bella when she was two years old, she had eight beautiful puppies, all healthy and she raised them all. We bred her again last March, she had nine beautiful pups, all healthy, and she raised all of them.

She has never had any problems. We want to breed a her a couple of more times because she does have such large, healthy litters. Only I'm not sure how close together to let her have them before we have her spayed.

Do you have any suggestions? I don't want to turn her into a breeding machine. And I'm not sure it's healthy to breed her back to back.

Thanks

Susan from Millwood, Ga

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Lightening Skin Color

I am just 18 years old. I have a problem with darkness of my neck, forehead, and back. I want to make my neck, back, and forehead lighter. ALL my family has white skin color unlike me. I have heard that honey and eggs can help. Please help.

Gym

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I'm looking for a good baked mac and cheese recipe. Thanks!

Beth

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Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

Does anyone have a recipe for chicken noodle soup?

Debra from Hampton, Tn

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Paint on Polyester

My DH, not thinking, wore his white polyester tank top when he was painting something black. He got black paint spatters on the shirt and I was wondering if anyone knows of something I could use to get them out. Thank you in advance for any advice on this.

Janice from Illinois

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George Foreman Replacement Parts

I am looking for a replacement part for my George Foreman Grill, Model # GBQ 200 Serial # R-03491. I think it is By OMC Onward Multi-Corp. Inc. I have searched and have had no luck. Please help.

Kelly from Welsh, La

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Re-fluffing Pillows

What is the best pillow to buy? I love sleeping on fluffy pillows but every time I buy one, they always seem to go flat after a few months. I have bought the cheap ones for $2.50 and also the more expensive ones for $10. All of them seem to loose shape and go flat. Do you have any suggestions?

Onesummer

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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

Sunburn Relief

This article contains several tips, product reviews and step by step treatments for sunburn as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. If you have a favorite remedy that hasn't been listed, post it below.

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Progress Lighting Recalls Indoor Light Fixtures; Lights Can Unexpectedly Fall Posing an Impact Hazard

Hazard: The ceiling-mount assembly that supports the light fixture can fail, causing the fixture to unexpectedly fall and injure consumers.

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Atico International USA Recalls Personal Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard

Hazard: While placing the cup on or off the base of the blender, the blender can be inadvertently turned on, activating the blade. This can pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

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Fisher-Price Recalls Learning Pots and Pans Toys Due to Choking Hazard

Importer: Fisher-Price, of East Aurora, NY

Hazard: Missing screws in the blue toy pan can cause the clear plastic cover to come loose and release small balls, presenting a choking hazard to young children.

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