Daily Thrifty Tips - July 8, 2008

I hope all of US readers had a wonderful holiday weekend. It sure is nice when the Fourth of July falls on a Friday (or Monday) and we get a three day weekend. For our readers outside of the US, the Fourth of July is our Independence Day. You can read more about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_(United_States)

We are running a little behind this week due to staff on vacation so it may be a few days before we get the contest winners compiled for last week.

We are running very low on recipes. Do you have any food recipes to share with ThriftyFun readers? What is your favorit summer salad or potluck recipe? Feel free to submit it here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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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Rolling Towels for Storage

In my airing/linen cupboard I like to roll up my towels into little sausages! Fold them in half then again then roll them up and stack on top of each other. Makes finding a towel very easy and your cupboard tends to stay neat. Also, I keep my spare bars of soap in between them. Dry soap lasts longer, keeps moths away and smells nice!

Source: The towels was an idea in a magazine. The soap was mine.

By Monique from Somerset, UK

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Craft: Bling Shoes

I had seen these bling shoes at the local Children's Boutiques but could not stomach the $100 price tag that they went for so I figured out how to make them myself.

These are the shoes like the ones that Nicole Richie has for her little girl. You can use the expensive crystals that really shine but for a 4 year old the cheap jean star ones at hobby lobby are just fine. I have posted a tutorial on my blog. Trailsofafrazzledmom.blogspot.com

My daughter will not take them off for less than 20 bucks she looks like a movie stars kid!

By Anna from Arkansas

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Craft Project: Mr. Whiskers

This is a cute, very inexpensive craft for kids of all ages.

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Lilli at 2 (Golden Retriever)

Lilli is a 2 year old Golden Retriever. How old is your pet? I got her from people who bred their dogs, she was the first of 8 puppies, all the rest were males. I looked at many of the males, but none that I picked up did anything to me. Then I saw Lilli, I picked her up and when I held her up and our eyes met, life became more wonderful! That was April or May 2006.

Her favorite activity is when I go outside (I have an enclosed driveway and yard) and throw the ball for her. She also is a chewer - anything (she knows not to chew anything but what I give her - Thank Goodness for that!)

She is the perfect specimen of a female Golden Retriever, she's very very very intelligent, and she's faithful to the nth degree. I could not imagine living without her.

By Hearts1 from San Diego, CA

Other posts about Lilli:

• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47850788.tip.html
• http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70452337.tip.html

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Crede (White Siamese)

Crede is a 2 1/2 year old White Siamese. We rescued him from the animal shelter. We were just drawn to him, and he to us.

We have bird feeders all around the patios and he loves to watch the wildlife from the patio doors.

He's the most loving little man. Sometimes he forgets we are still home and he starts meowing by the doors. When we call him he just comes running.. :-)

By Karen from Tinley Park, IL

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Craft Project: Pillow Topper

This is a Pillow Topper that I created to replace the typical sham. I just place it over my pillows in the morning. This is much easier and time saving than having to put on shams and it adds to the overall beauty of my bedroom.

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Paige (Lab Mix)

Paige is a 2 1/2 year old Lab mix. We got her from a rescue on June 7th! She likes to sleep. She likes to play with her ball and her purple wiener dog toy! She will have knee surgery next week, which should make it easier for her to play outside!

By Laurel, Lewis, Aiden and Avery from Port Orchard, WA

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Grow a Sweet Potato Vine Right in Your Home!

Here's an interesting and fun indoor project, that can be shared with your children/grandchildren!

At the supermarket, select a sweet potato that will fit in a see-through container. (A canning jar works nicely.)

Position the potato, so about two-thirds of it is down in the jar. You may need to insert 2-3 round toothpicks into the potato at the jar rim level, so the potato can "sit" in place. (See Photo).

Fill the jar halfway or more, with water. Now, everyone can watch as within a matter of weeks, the potato roots in the water. Keep adding water, as needed, and then vine sprouts will appear on top. Once the vine begins to grow, it is fascinating to see it daily. And it is pretty, too!

By Maggie from Park Hills, MO

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Have a Recycled Christmas

While reading my ThriftyFun newsletter and leaving an answer for someone regarding less expensive Christmas shopping, an idea popped into my head. If your family would be willing, check it out now, how about a recycled Christmas? Everyone has something in their home that they never, or seldom, use. Give it as a 'white elephant' Christmas gift.

In my apartment building some of the tenants draw names for a secret Santa gift exchange. Many of the gifts turn out to be 'recycled' or homemade. Most of us are retired seniors with limited income.

What you can't use, probably someone else can.

By Linda from Bloomington, Illinois

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Using Less Toilet Tissue

Sometimes (especially for children), it's easy to use more toilet paper than you really need. Although I don't have kids, I've found I use a lot less toilet paper by keeping a bean bag (or something similar) laying on top of the toilet roll. The bean bag just needs to be lifted slightly when you pull off the sheets you need and it makes me conscious of what I'm doing!

Source: Just trying to save a few pennies here and there!

By Peggy G. from Yulan, New York

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Contact Lense Case for Pills

Thoroughly clean an old contact lens cases to use for pill box. They keep a couple aspirin or other medications handy in purse or pocket. I also use them to store small brads and other tiny scrap booking items.

By Marty B. from Tell City IN

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Frugal Way to Cool Down

Wet a washcloth with cold water and wring out. Place over an inverted bowl in the freezer. Thirty minutes later you have a 'cool' hat to wear.

By Strawberry from Nashville

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Laminate Floor Streaking

When I read the many comments on laminate flooring streaking, leaving a bigger visual mess a few days after mopping etc., I was a bit relieved and a bit ticked off. We just bought a home with laminate flooring and I'm having the very same problems. Don't be so "perfectionistic", my husband states. But to me, having streaks and smudges on the floor is the same as a fingerprinted window, it's just not okay at all.

So my husband will be following me around, I will mop with vinegar and water and he will follow me with a dry mop, here's hoping that will do the trick. We have an open house here in just 1 week, thanks for the info.

Cheryl from Tacoma, WA

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Link: Online Sudoku

Do you enjoy doing Sudoku puzzles in the newspaper? Here's a place where you can do Sudoku puzzles online for free. You just enter the numbers using your keyboard or print the puzzle and work on it offline.

• www.websudoku.com

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Egg Cartons For Seedlings

Paper egg cartons work wonders for starting your seedlings! Cut off the top of the carton and place under the egg compartments. Add seedling mix and seeds. When you water, the paper carton will hold the moisture for a long time and it adds support for handling. When you're ready to transplant, just break off each section. You can plant the biodegradable carton sections, with the seedling, to reduce transplanting shock.

By Laurie from Fairbanks, AK

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Use Recycled Buckets for Irrigation

I live on a hobby farm and we've planted an orchard on our property. With the droughts that have been going on we didn't want to lose any trees. My husband came up with this idea on his own a few years ago and we even use it in the gardens now:

Go to any fast food place or a bakery and ask about getting empty pickle buckets. About an inch from the bottom, drill a 1/16th inch hole. Use a file to scrape the hole smooth and place the bucket near what ever you want to water. Make sure you point the hole toward the plant. Now, fill the bucket with water. 5 gallons a week is all a tree needs. Bakeries often have 2.5 gallon buckets from the fillings and icings or you can fill the buckets less for smaller plants like tomatoes.

By Shosha from Berrien Springs, MI

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Buy Sale Turkeys and Cook for Meat

I buy whole turkeys when they are cheap. I cook the turkey the first time like a Thanksgiving dinner. What is left I use for:

• Turkey stir-fry
• Turkey salad
• Creamed Turkey over bread or biscuits
• Turkey burritos or tacos

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How to Make Sugared Flowers
By Claire Bush

There are a wide range of flowers that are edible, such as begonias, sunflowers, roses, violets and gardenias. Not only can the petals be washed and used in salads or as garnish, but they can also be combined with sugar and a little food color to make a delicately flavored enhancement for teas, baked goods and desserts.

Here's a recipe for that homemade flower sugar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 ziploc bag
• flower petals

Directions

Rinse flowers in colander, then blot on paper towels to dry.

Place the sugar in ziploc bag, and add clean, dried flower petals. Squeeze out air from bag and seal, then place in cool dry place for 3-4 days to allow flower essence to blend with sugar.

Carefully remove petals from sugar, then zip bag closed and knead gently with hands. Sugar is ready to use.

To color sugar: Squeeze a tiny drop of food coloring (blue for lavender, pink for rose, yellow for sunflower, etc.) into the bag. Knead and shake bag gently. to distribute. Leave in bag, or store sugar in an airtight container.

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How is Wild Blue Internet Service?

Does anyone have Wild Blue internet service? I live in rural Missouri and am curious to find out about the service, the reliability and their customer service. Thanks!

Lori

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Making a Pantyhose Doll

Does anyone know how to make a doll using pantyhose?

Gracie C. from Astor, FL

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Selling On Craigslist

How do I go about selling something on Craiglist?

Verne from Wisconsin Dells, WI

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Keeping Flies Away

How do I keep flies away?

Deb from Spring Hill, FL

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Getting Rid of Ticks in My House

I live in West Texas and my yard and the inside of my house are infested with ticks. I just had to take a litter of gsp to the shelter because I thought they would have a better chance. I've treated my yard with Orthomax, Sevendust, and Orkin. I have dipped my dogs, powdered them up, cow tags, you name it. The only thing I could treat the puppies with was K9 Advantix and that didn't even work. Help please.

Victoria from West Texas

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Handmade Gift Ideas

My father is retiring in August, I want to give him a special gift just from me. It has to be sentimental to him, and personal and handmade. He is interested in wild birds, fishing and nature. He is a strong Christian man. Any ideas?

Kelli from North GA

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Getting Rid of Red Ants

We have large red ants and mounds all over our property, and all through our vegetable garden. Does anyone know a good way to totally get rid of them? We want them out of our garden for good, and obviously we need something that will not harm the plants, vegetables or us when we eat them. Can someone help please?



Natalie from Richfield, UT

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Moss Growing on Bricks

I am looking for ideas on how to clean moss and mold off an outdoor paved area. They are clay and every winter they get mossy. It is a back-breaking job to scrub them clean.

Kat from Australia

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Making Country Primitive Crafts

I am interested in making some country primitive crafts. I have some extra glass jars, coffee cans, and baskets. Do you have any ideas for these items?

By Michelle N.

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Uses for Lavender

I have a lot of lavender in my garden, it is absolutely beautiful! I am looking for ways to use it. My mother used to use Lavender to scent drawers - but I am not sure the best way to use it. Can anybody please help?

Kathrine from United Kingdom

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Removing Black Scuff Marks From Linoleum

We have scuff marks on linoleum from crocks and flip-flops. Any ideas of how to get them up? Thanks

Debbie from Crawfirdsville, IN

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Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

We bought a stainless steel refrigerator with French doors about 8 months ago. It was expensive and is beautiful. I suspect I'm not cleaning it right, since I can not get all the marks off the refrigerator. Some of the marks just look like water spots or drips. What are your suggestions for cleaning a stainless steel refrigerator?

Tina S from Ashland, OR

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Making A Rag Bag Purse

How much fabric does it take to make a rag bag purse?

Toni from Piper City, IL

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Name Ideas For Cocker Spaniel

We just bought a buff colored, registered cocker spaniel. She is 6 months old but we are having problems coming up with a suitable name. Any ideas?

imaqt1962 from Illinois

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What Is This Plant?

I received this plant as a gift and I am not sure on what it is. Could anyone tell me? Thanks.

Lisa from Toronto, Ontario

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Recipes For Cold Salads

I would like recipes for cold salads besides the macaroni and potato salads. Thanks.

Debbie from Crawfordsville, Indiana

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Recipe For Bread Pudding With Hard Sauce

I am looking for a recipe for Bread Pudding and hard sauce. Thanks.

Debbie from Crawfordsville, Indiana

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Dishwasher Not Running Hot Water

My dishwasher isn't running hot water. Any suggestions on how to get the hot water back?

Taylorh2 from Colorado

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Cracker Barrel Style Cracker Spread Recipe

I would like to find a recipe for the cracker spread found at Hickory Farms. It is, I think, a cream cheese dip named Country Vegetable. Also, any other recipes for tried and true cracker dips that you enjoy would be appreciated! Thanks!

Pam from Nebraska

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Alternatives To Manufacturer's Hardwood Floor Cleaner

Does anyone have a really good way to clean pre-finished hardwood floors other than purchasing the expensive manufacturer's brand of cleaner? It costs me a fortune to use their cleaner and I know someone must have the solution.

NanaBeth from Dawsonville, GA

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Do You Need To Tip When Getting Take Out?

How common is it to tip when getting take out food? We usually get take out because we cannot afford the cost of tipping the server. I was disappointed when a friend that works as a hostess told me that I should be tipping her when I get take out because she is the one who is getting the order together and bagged.

I have never tipped for take out before and I'm wondering if I'm out of the loop or if she's out of line. I have been avoiding the restaurant where she works as a result and I'm sure the establishment would not want that. I don't want to appear cheap but I've never heard this before.

Karen from Easthampton, MA

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Is Georgia Subtropical?

Is Georgia subtropical?

Lauren from Jasper, Georgia

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Looking for Vanilla Cake Recipe

I would like a really luscious recipe for a bakery type vanilla or white cake and frosting, for my hubby's birthday. Hope you can help. Thanks!

Becky from Georgia

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Trouble Removing External Hard Drive

My external hard drive frequently can't be removed from the computer because "a program is accessing it". How do we stop the program from accessing it so I can disengage the Freeagent by Seagate?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Yellow Streaks On Clothing After Washing

I keep getting yellowish streaks on my khaki colored laundry. I have city water. Is it the chlorine in the water? Is there any way to get it out after the laundry has been in the dryer? Please help!

Erin from Reading, PA

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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

Transplanting A Hydrangea Bush

Question:

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Creating Beautiful Hanging Baskets
By Ellen Brown

Hanging baskets are a great way to dress up your yard and garden. Not only do they add color and interest, but because ornamentals, herbs, and vegetables can all be successfully grown in them, hanging baskets are also an excellent way increase your available planting space.

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