Daily Thrifty Tips - May 11, 2006

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Casey is my 10 week old pit bull. I rescued her from a home where a litter was born, she was kept in a crate in a garage.

She likes to chase my cats. She is a beautiful baby I will love forever.

By Hollie from Milford, CT

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Here's an inexpensive gift for Mother's Day that any kid can make for their mom.

All you need is:

• An empty peanut butter jar
• Fabric
• Pinking Shears
• Bowl
• Curling Ribbon
• Card Stock or construction paper
• Marker
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Epsom salts
• Food coloring

I measured the fabric by taking a bowl and turning it upside down on the fabric. Then trace the outline of the bowl. Make sure the bowl is bigger around than the peanut butter jar lid. Cut the fabric out with pinking shears. I used the pinking shears so the fabric wouldn't fray and it gives it a pretty edge. Then hot glue the fabric to the lid of your jar. I used flowered fabric and centered one big flower on top of the lid. Start on the top of the lid and then hot glue the sides making pleats. Tie a piece of ribbon around the lid and curl the ends with scissors.

Cut out the card stock so you can cover where the label of the jar went. It doesn't need to be a big piece of paper. I just kept folding the paper in half then half again and folding it in half again, etc. You end up with small pieces of card stock all the same size. Only do this if you are making a lot. I made 20. They are about the size of a business card. Hot glue the paper on the outside of the peanut butter jar. I wrote "Happy Mother's Day" with a marker but you can write anything.

Then color the epsom salts with food coloring. I colored 20 pounds of salt 5 pounds at a time all different colors and I even left some not colored. Don't use too much food coloring because you don't want mom to end up rainbow colored after she takes a bath in this stuff! I used about 12 to 15 drops in 5 pounds.

Then fill your jar layering all the colors. You could also add essential oils or perfume to your salt.

I made the jars for the kids at church to fill with the salts for Mother's Day this year.

Each jar holds about 2 cups which is about a pound of epsom salts. So if you're going to make this for a lot of kids you need roughly about a pound per child. I bought the epsom salts at a local feed store: 50 pounds for $17.90.

By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania

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I was mugged several months ago. I have gained some insight that could save your money and your life.

1. Be extremely aware of your surroundings.

2. If a criminal wants your belongings give them to him. You are not being thrifty by keeping a purse and you getting hurt.

3. SCREAM, run, whatever.

4. Have your keys in your hand before you leave the building. When you THROW your belongings hold onto your keys. You can then either get back inside the building and call 911 or get in your car and drive for help.

5. SURVIVE, anyway you can, before, during and after.

I screamed and ran when it happened. I did look outside before we went out but of course he was hiding. I am more alert than I ever was. But that doesn't mean something could happen again, but the chances are less.

By Sandy from Baltimore

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Want to enjoy that cup of tea and get Free Fertilizer in return? Then don't throw away that leftover cup or teapot of tea (the one without sugar and cream) as they make excellent fertilizer for your greens.

Just let the leftover tea cool down, then pour some over your greens and your plants will grow beautifully. I got this tip from my ex-boss when after the meeting was over, he pour the tea over the plants. I was shocked and he said they are good for them and sure enough all our office plants looked incredibly healthy and gorgeous!

To be even more frugal, you can also pour additional hot water on the used tea bags (who says they can only be used once!), but of course, you use less water the 2nd time round to enjoy that cup of tea or just to create some more fertilizer .

By Chen Jean Nee from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Store lettuce with a paper towel and it will last longer. The paper towel will absorb moisture. If you are storing lettuce in a container, line the bottom of the container with a layer of paper towels.

Read more ideas below.

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If you get a small notebook and glue some magnets to the back, you can keep it on your refrigerator and keep a running list of the groceries you will need the next time you shop.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Boating doesn't have to be a pricey business. You don't have to go to the high-priced marine stores for most of your needs. My husband gets everything at the regular hardware store when he can - it's cheaper.

And there's also a brisk trade in USED boat equipment, such as sails, etc. These things are made to LAST - so you can get a lot of use from used items. Also, boats depreciate remarkably quickly - so you can get a really good deal on a used boat - but try to educate yourself and avoid a broker - because their commission will hike up the price.

By Pam from L.A., CA

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If it were not for the optimist, the pessimist would never know how happy he wasn't!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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A lady I know used to live in snow country. She said to keep snow from getting down the sleeves of her children, when out playing, etc. She'd cut the elastic tops off of crew socks and sew on to the cuffs of their mittens and/or gloves. They'd put on their gloves/mittens last and put the long cuff over their coat sleeves. No more snow in their coat sleeves and next to their skin.

By Terri H. from NV

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When having a bake sale, be sure to write on the bags of snacks (cookies, candies, etc.) what flavors they are. Just because you know what they are, others won't and might not can tell by looking.

This will be helpful to others who might not can eat something specifically like nuts, etc. due to food allergies. So you might label something like ex: Chocolate Chip Cookies (no nuts) or Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies.

By Terri from NV

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup 99% rubbing alcohol
• 1/2 - 3/4 tsp. bubble gum fragrance oil

Directions:

Mix all ingredient together pour into pump style or squeeze bottle don't like to scent of bubble gum? Just use another scent of fragrance oil instead.

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

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Here is a system I use for cataloging and keeping track of the many household projects I wish to complete. First, buy a notebook and insert page dividers; writing the names of each room on the dividers. Place several sheets of notebook paper behind each divider.

Now, go through your home and list the projects you would like to do, and list the things you would like to purchase for that room. Example, paint walls, new rug, new window treatments.

You do not have to limit it to just main rooms. Include closets, storage areas, garage, even the laundry room. You can even move outside and include landscaping projects, etc. This systems allows you to see what actually needs to be done and it can free your mind of having to constantly remember and remind yourself of the task at hand.

By Marnita from Cumming, GA

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I have a 1 year old miniature dachshund that urinates every time my husband comes home. He wants us to get rid of her and I want to keep her. Any ideas?

jgl7777 from Cincinnati, OH

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I have a weeping cherry tree, however this year it did not flower as much as last year. I found a large white cotton nest in the tree. I think it's caterpillars. How do I get rid of them?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Nancy from Margate, NJ

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I'm quite tall and always have to let the hems down in any pants I buy for added length. Recently, I purchased a pair of cotton twill cream colored pants and after letting the hem down, I can't get the crease out. I've tried all my past tricks i.e. ironing, steaming and white vinegar... nothing is working. Please help.

Eva from Roscoe, IL

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Does anyone have a home remedy for bug bites? My two year old must have been bitten by a mosquito or spider and has red bumps that look bad, they itch too.

Pseres from MI

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How do you get the milk smell out of a vehicle?

Darcey From Red Deer, AB

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I have a Bissell Powersteamer carpet cleaning machine and I want to find out what I can use that will be safe for my dogs, will eliminate pet odors, and dirt from carpeting as well. Does anyone have any ideas? I remember reading some somewhere, but can't remember what they were! Thanks in advance.

Starlight from North Platte, NE

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Does anyone have a recipe for a thin cracker type pizza crust? I have the regular flour, yeast,sugar, salt recipe, but find them hard to roll without them springing back. I want it thin and crispy. Thanks for any help.

Janet from Cotati

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I have a Social Security disability hearing coming up at the end of May, I don't have an attorney yet, really can't afford one. Has anyone gone through this before that can offer me suggestions?

Kersti from Bellevue

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We have an ant hill in the center of a perennial flower bed. I tried boiling water (friend's recommendation) but it only resulted in killing a foot of Phlox, the ants still thriving! I would like to dig it out and plant tall perennials in center while keeping the mature phlox. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Leah Meyer from Ottawa, Ontario

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Can anyone tell me how I can safely and effectively get the wrinkles out of this myself? It's satin peau (I think I spelled that correctly). Also, some of the petals on the flowers are bent, I need to straighten these. My wedding is in just a couple weeks. The gown is too long to hang in the shower, would an iron ruin it?

Shelley from Colorado

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I accidentally put a mercerized shirt in the dryer. It is quite wrinkled. Any ideas on how to get them out?

Lee from Schenectady, NY

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We are having a Mother and Daughter evening at school. There will be a fashion show. We have to decorate our tables. I am looking for some ideas. Can you help?

Charmaine from South Africa

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I just purchased a really cute, antique desk. I want to repaint it, to update the look, but the problem is, it has a green leather top. I had thought about covering the top with fabric, covered board, than placing a piece of glass on top of it, but I was informed the cost of glass would be more expensive than the desk I bought (ugh). Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions for covering the top of a desk without damaging the leather?

Thanks
Mary from Seattle

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Can anyone tell me the real name for a RED TIP? It's a shrub that grows real tall if not clipped back and has red leaves in the spring.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

jbaby7162000 from Georgia

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If you boil something in lemon juice does it work to get rid of mold and mildew? Is that true? Also, can you take lemon juice in a spray bottle and a hair dryer to the canvas of a pop up camper to get rid of the mold and mildew? i need tips on how to get rid of it quickly so i can sell the pop-up. Any help would be appreciated thank you.

Nena from Bradford, AR

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Can anyone tell me what this vine is? I found it in the woods, it smells like baby powder and it has little flowers which are yellow. It's not honeysuckle.

Hardiness Zone: 7a

jbaby7162000 from GA

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I have a love-seat that opens into a single bed. It has a cotton slipcover with velcro at the sides for easy removal and replacement. Any chance I can throw it in the washer and dryer (or washer and hang to dry)? When I bought it I was under the impression the cover was washable, but I've found a tag under the bed that says it should be "Professionally" cleaned. That could be really expensive. Will I ruin it if I try to wash it?

Thanks for your feedback,
Munchkinsmom from Higganum, CT

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Any smockers available to lend a hand? I am smocking a high back yoke and need to know if I smock across the back or leave a space (center back) to put in the button placket after the smocking is completed? There is no back seam and the smocking is done directly on skirt section (no insert).

Also, when should I remove the pleater threads on a bishop I have completed the smocking on? Before or after applying the neck binding? What about the same on the sleeves; before or after sewing the underarm and side seams.

As you can see I am new at this smocking stuff. Embroidery by hand and sew everyday but just learning the smocking - loving every minute of it.

Thanks,
Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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I have cloth seats in my accord and they are very dirty. I have tried washing them with soap and water but the stains keep coming back up. Can someone help?

Richard from Charlottesville, Virginia

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I am having a difficult time finding a subtle creamy yellow color to paint my family room/kitchen. Every color I have tried is either too bright or too yellow and suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,
LP from Massachusetts

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Food is not something we can do without. Cutting back on your food bill, though, can leave you with a substantial amount of money left in your pocket at the end of the month. The problems is that most people do not know what they have to do to make that happen. By creating a monthly food budget can be a perfect way to save.

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A garden path can be functional and it can be so much more. Functional paths provide safe and efficient routes of travel through your garden. They cut down on tracking mud into the house, and act as anchors to surrounding plants. But garden paths can also be works of art. The materials used to construct them can add color and interest to the landscape, compelling visitors to explore what's around the corner or aid in drawing the eye to a specific point of interest.

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This rainbow of a low fat meal can be served as is for a delicious low-carb option, or pour over rice or wrap in a flour tortilla for a family-friendly favorite.

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Google pack is a free collection of software that includes...

• Google Earth - 3D Earth browser
• Google Desktop - Desktop companion
• Picasa - Photo organizer
• Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer - Search toolbar
• Google Pack Screensaver - Photo screensaver

As well as other option software for your PC.

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Marigolds are so much more than the hardy, popular orange and yellow flowers we see in flower beds and boxes during the summer. The petals are a bit spicy and can be used as decoration in salads and are sparingly used in custards to provide a hint of spice. Marigolds reseed themselves; so you only have to purchase the seeds or flowers once. Save the flower's seeds for free flowers next year!

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