Daily Thrifty Tips - November 12, 2008

I hope everyone is having a nice week. Thanksgiving is fast approaching. If you have any Thanksgiving tips or recipes, this would be a great time to share them. That way we can get them published in advance of the holiday.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Garden: Beautiful Flower

My husband took this shot, is it not beautiful?

By Amber from San Diego, CA

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Tucker (Retired Racehorse)

This is Tucker, an adopted ex standardbred pacer racehorse. He's 20 and doing great. Adopting a racehorse is an inexpensive way of getting the use of a well bred and well trained horse! You don't own the horse, you just get to pay for all the expenses and off course, get to enjoy the animal.

By Corinna from New Liskeard, Ontario, Canada

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Use Recycled Items For Homemade Dollhouse

My daughter, Eryn, created her own recycled doll house out of recycled items from around our home. Large cardboard box for the house, cereal boxes as dividers for the rooms, lids, wrapping paper for wallpaper, bows, glitter glue and paint, plastic applesauce containers for a table, medicine box for a bed and cotton balls for pillows and many other cool ideas. Recycling is contagious!

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

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Scenery: Monaco

Monaco

By Yana from Brooklyn NY

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Check Return Policies If Shopping For Christmas Early

This tip is regarding returns to stores. If you are like me you like to shop early for Christmas. I went into a shop at the end of October to purchase a gift for my sister-in-law. I just happened to think and ask about their return policy. They said 30 days. I told them that this was to be a Christmas gift, which would be longer than 30 days before I gave it.

What if she couldn't wear it? They told me that would just be to bad. No returns 30 days after the receipt. Even if it was unworn, all tags still attached and in the exact same bag as I left with. NO deal. I walked out of that store empty handed.

Most places at least offer a gift receipt so the recipient can return it if need be. Be aware of strange policies. You might get stuck with something no one can wear.

By Connie H. from Smithville, TN

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Get Rid of Mice with Exlax

We owned and operated a seasonal fishing camp/resort out in the bush. Our cabins, lodge and washroom facilities were basic & simple. It was a summer business. In the fall we closed down, and in came the mice, although we lived year round on site with 5 cats! I tried everything to protect the cabins, house, etc. from the MICE! Now you cannot mouse proof over 11 acres of resort out in the bush, can you? Thanks to a old timer bush man we did.

You may laugh out loud at his wisdom on getting rid of mice or other rodents, when you think about how his bush man solution works out in the boonies, with seasonal cabins, a lodge, workshop, garage and our house.

Here it is, and it worked like a charm for us. It is to feed them EXLAX... super strength if you can. Rodents love Exlax! We placed it outside & inside. If we thought a cat or dog could get at it, we covered it so that only a rodent could get in and eat it. Even if a bigger animal did get it, it wasn't deadly.

The old bush man told us. Rodents are smaller, their digestive systems are smaller. A little EXLAX goes a long way! Rodents live in communities or families. If one gets sick in "home space". They learn fast and leave for a safer environment.

A mouse/ any rodent loves the chocolate wax like bar of EXLAX! Add peanut butter to the bars if you like. It is "Dairy Queen Deluxe" for rodents. Once the word is out among fellow rodents about the "after effects" of the food supplied, they leave the area for healthier food, as well as, communicate and smell the
"Gastric Distress and Results" of the afflicted EXLAX filled rodent to the community!

We thought it was crazy until it worked. The mice were gone and we were trouble free for over 5 years! Easy and Inexpensive! Yes, some rodents had diarrhea as they packed up and left, but we never smelled it. Anyway this worked for us up until we sold the resort and moved!

PS - As it looks and tastes like chocolate, DO NOT PUT WHERE KIDS, ADULTS or PETS may eat it! You know what will happen with EXLAX! Good luck and happy rodent free spaces!

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Freshen House While You Vacuum

Here's a good way to freshen your house while you vacuum. When putting a new vacuum cleaner bag in your machine, place a cotton ball soaked in clove or you favorite scented oil inside the bag (or in the plastic container on the bag-less models). It fills your home with a nice aroma and doesn't get into the carpet, or harm pets or children.

By Carolyn from Floral Park, NY

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Product Review: Gray Magic Color Additive

Product: Gray Magic Color Additive

Model: Item 780585

Manufacturer: American International Industries

Cost: $5.99 US

Someone on Thriftyfun recommended Gray Magic for hard to color gray hair. I tried it last week and it worked. The instructions recommend 10 drops for one ounce of color. I just followed the Revlon hair color directions and mixed the hair color with the developer and shook it really well as usual. Then I added 10 drops of Gray Magic, and shook the bottle of hair color really well again.

Ok, don't get scared, but after I added the 10 drops, it turned the hair color dark purple! Yes, I was scared. But my philosophy is - hair can always be colored again. I colored my hair as usual, concentrating on the roots. But I also use a large tooth comb to drag the color through the rest of my hair and put some on the ends, since my hair fades there quite a bit.

Editor's Note: This review is full of a great tips, you can read the rest of it at the link below.

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Temporary Fix for a Hose Leak

Create a temporary seal for a water hose or small air hose leak, with the labels from some of the plastic drink bottles. The label will come off, if you crush the bottle into itself. Then slip the label sleeve over the leaking water hose, or air hose and apply heat using a hair dryer. It will shrink to the shape of the hose giving it a TEMPORARY FIX, if you cannot repair it right away.

Source: This came from a Japanese Show called "The Ito Family Dining Table" I have personally tried it, and it has worked. The problem is finding labels that aren't stuck on with super glue.

By Tim from Science Hill, KY

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Craigslist Bargains at the End of the Month

I do a lot of shopping on craigslist. I have found that I get the best bargains at the end of the month when many people are moving, and don't want to move something to their new home. If the item they are trying to sell is in the basement, they will often take less. My most recent find was a trundle bed with two mattresses for $10.00.

By Liz from New Baden, IL

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Use Maps as Wrapping Paper

This wrapping paper idea came from one of my friends years ago. Use outdated atlases and maps for colorful, cool-looking, and good quality wrapping paper. I use mostly for birthday gifts, but cut out a silhouette of Santa in his sleigh and/or reindeers and attach for Christmas gifts. If you like this idea but don't have any maps to use, pick up some free ones at travel and visitor's centers the next time you are traveling.

By Britt from Boston, MA

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Campfire Roast Chicken

Before a camping trip, prepare a chicken by buttering and adding your favorite seasoning, inside and out. Then wrap it in three or four layers of aluminum foil. Put the whole thing in a gallon zipper bag, and refreeze. Once the frozen bird is in the cooler, it helps to keep other food cold. By the following afternoon, the chicken should still be cold, but defrosted. Now remove it from the plastic bag and bury it in the hot coals of a the campfire for about an hour. Take it out with a shovel and cut open the foil for the best roast chicken you've ever had!

By Bebhinne from Chicago

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Chop and Freeze Extra Onion

I've wasted so many onions by only needing half of it for my meal. I put the rest of it in the refrigerator for another time, only to forget it's in there. Then I find it when it's beyond using for anything. Wasteful! I find it's better to go ahead, chop all the onion. Use what the recipe called for, and then bag up the rest of it and freeze.

By Terri H. from NV

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Use Stuffing Mix for Meatloaf

When making a meatloaf, try adding a package of dry stuffing mix (I use the generic brand) to your meatloaf mix instead of using breadcrumbs, oatmeal, etc. The stuffing mix contains just the right blend of herbs, and makes the meatloaf very tasty. My sons love it!

Source: I overheard a lady in a grocery store saying that this is the way her daughter makes her meatloaf.

By Sally from Pittsburgh, PA

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Cleaning Mineral Deposits From Vases

My crystal vases and crystal glasses that were left with water for more than a couple of days have mineral deposit rings where the water level was. I tried vinegar but that did not work. Does anybody know how to clean these rings, possibly without using harsh chemicals?

sss from Bowling Green, KY

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Hollywood Themed College Ball

My college is throwing a Hollywood themed ball. Does anyone have any good ideas we could use? We have a month and a $250 budget so the cheaper the better but I'm open for anything! We need ideas for centerpieces, general decorations (things to be hung up and things for the walls), decorations for the dance floor, balloons, etc. There will be about 300 people in attendance and an open bar! I really appreciate this and so will everyone at my school!

Jessica from Moncton

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Removing Mothball Smell from Bras

I bought brand new Playtex bras second hand. The catch is I can't get rid of the mothball smell. I've tried vinegar and left it in water over night. Yet the smell is still there. Any answers?

Manon

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Cleaning Beige Carpet

What is the best carpet cleaner? My carpets are really dirty, it is a light beige. I need help.

Dee from AL

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Looking for a Non-Electrical Washing Machine

Looking to buy a non electrical washing machine. I had one and it got lost somehow. You add hot water and crank to wash. It has a faucet in the bottom to drain and has a crank to wring. I have seen one made by Mennonites called a "James Washer" for slightly over $700 minus tax ans S/H. Thanks for any ideas.

Annette from Lewiston, Maine

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Tips For Unclogging Drains

How do you unstop a drain?

Vivian from Atlanta, GA

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Help With a Wild Pit Bull

I'm wondering if I could get any tips on this: I have come to live with my grandparents in the country, and heard that there was a pit bull someone had dumped, running wild in the area. Recently while I was out for a run, the pit bull came out of an abandoned shed and started growling and barking at me (but wagging his tail at the same time?). My dog who was with me was scared and I didn't feel too comfortable, so I cut across a farmers pasture to get away, walking slowly. I think he was protecting his girlfriend dog.

Anyways, someone is going to shoot him soon if he sticks around. Does anyone know how I should go about approaching this dog? I'd like to adopt him or whatever, but I have to be able to approach him, obviously. I'd really appreciate any tips or advice! I think he would make an ok dog because people told me he would hang around their houses and try to get them to feed him. He can't be that bad! He's a gorgeous dog, too. ;)

Sophia

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Painting Non-Laminate Countertop

I have a yellow countertop in my bathroom that I don't like and I was planning to paint it. However, it's not a laminate countertop but a solid-surface (resin-acrylic or modified polyester) instead. Can I still paint it? Should I follow the same steps and use the same materials as if it were laminate? Thanks!

Mayra from CA

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Ideas for Positive Incentives for Good Behavior

I am looking for ideas of toys and children's items to give to our children as a positive incentive for good behavior.

Sidney Evans

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Aqua Globes Alternative

I have seen those water globes on TV for watering potted plants. Does anyone know how you could make some out of 8 oz. bottles? I would like to try and make some if anyone as any ideas on how.

Cheryl from Lawson, MO

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My Dog Barks All The Time

Help me with my pom! I recently adopted a dog from a local no-kill animal shelter. I love him, but he is driving me crazy. At the top of the list is his barking. He barks at whoever comes through the front door and won't stop when I tell him too. He barks at cars driving by and at people when I take him with me in the car.

Troy from Ely, NV

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Homemade Rack for a G.F. Roasting Machine

How do you make a homemade rack for a G.F. roasting machine? It roasts a 4lb. chicken and does not have a rack.

Sherry

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Downloading Free Christian Songs

I am looking for a free legal site where I can download Christian songs.

Mindy

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"Classic Christmas" Christmas Parade Float Ideas

I am looking for ideas for a "Classic Christmas" lighted parade using Jesus and possibly motorcycles.

DxyChk from Beebe, Arkansas

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"Wish Upon a Star" Christmas Parade Float Ideas

We are entering our local parade and the theme is "Christmas Wishes". We have come up with "Wish Upon a Star" with children dressed as angels and stars. The Stars will have wishes listed. The color of our float is going to be Navy blue, silver, and white. My question is what can our angels be doing on the float?

Diane from Falmouth, MA

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Wooden Trivets for Corks

I am looking to purchase wooden trivets to fill with my corks. Does anyone know where to get them?

Sharon from Malvern, PA

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Getting Syrup Off Photos

How do you get syrup off photos?

Eve

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Sofa Arm is Loose

The arm on my fabric sofa has come loose. How can I fix it myself? Cheers.

Gillian

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Cleaning Attached Sofa Pillows

I've had a sofa/bed for over 20 years. It's still in very good shape, but the color is a little outdated. I'm shopping for slipcovers, but have a dilemma with the pillows. They're large, and there's a lot of them (they're part of the backing of the sofa and love seat).

How do I clean them so I can have new covers made for them. I don't want to clean just the outsides, which I've done, but the insides must be yucky after all these years! Or would it be better to hire a seamstress and start all over with new pillows? Your thoughts would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Casey from Plano, TX

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

I have a paint question. My kitchen has white cabinets, and black appliances. The countertops are dark green with specks of black, off white, and light green, and a tile floor. There is one window over the sink and French doors to the sun room. You can enter the kitchen from the garage, the dining room to the right, and stairs up and down. Then there is a big great room done in browns. Any ideas for the kitchen? What if I want to use two colors, what walls get what? I need your help. thanks

Robin from Louisville, KY

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Financial Viability Vs. Economic Viability

What is the difference between financial viability and economic viability?

Mahdi

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Nail Polish on Carpet

How do you remove nail polish from a carpet?

Catherine from Joliet, IL

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Cleaning Marker off of Baby's Head

How can I clean off Texta from a baby's head, compliments of the older brother! It is not a permanent marker.

Joanne from Melbourne, Australia

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"3 Cereal Cookies" Recipe

I used to have a great cookie recipe called "3 Cereal Cookies". The three cereals were Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Oatmeal. I've lost the recipe and hoping someone out there might have it. Many thanks for any help you can give me.

Groovy Granny from Toronto

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Recommendations for All-Season Truck Tires

I need information on good winter/summer (all season or all terrain) tires for my F-150 super crew pick up. I am in the market for four new tires and they can be spendy (up to 200 dollars per tire). So I want people's opinion on the kind of tires they have and why they like or dislike them. We live in an area that gets a lot of snow and also slushy, freezing type precipitation. Has anyone used Nokian Vatiiva All Purpose Passenger, SUV, and light truck tires or Firestone Destination All-terrain tires as those are the two types we are looking at buying.

jho from Chassell

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Feeding a Baby Lamb

I have a baby lamb whose mother died from unknown causes. The baby lamb is not feeding from the teat bought from Stock feeders. What can I do to save him?

Jennifer from Forrestdale, WA

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Small Black and Red Bugs

I have little black and red bugs that look like lightning bugs (but with no light) in my car. What are they and how do I get rid of them?

Stephanie from Ft. Payne, AL

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Hush Puppies

How do I make hush puppies? I had them when I was on holiday in Alabama.

Shirley from UK

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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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Healthy Pets: 5 Tips For Organic Flea Control
By Ellen Brown

Does your dog or cat have a flea problem? Many commercially available flea remedies contain synthetic pesticides like organophosphates and carbamares. This includes common sprays, powders, rinses, lotions, and those dreaded flimsy white collars that keep your pet's head immersed in a constant cloud of toxins. Read the label. It will tell you to avoid getting these products on your skin, yet tell you cover your pet's skin thoroughly! So instead of running to the pet store, here are 5 safe and effective remedies to cure flea infestations organically.

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