Daily Thrifty Tips - March 19, 2007

I Don't Want To!

Just had to share my grandson's famous "I don't want to" face.

By Marie E. Cecchini from West Dundee, IL

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Abby (Jack Russell/Chihuahua)

Abby is our three year old Jack Russell/Chihuhua. I got her from my mother. Abby is the oldest from her dog's first litter.

She loves being outside and loves treats (dog biscuits) and her toys. She doesn't like her little brother playing with them. Tennis balls are her favorite. She is very very close to me, she and I have shared a lot together. Abby is by my side all the time and, when she is sick, she lets me know. I have taught her to go the bathroom to throw up.

By Beth from Panama City, FL

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Riggs (Cardigan Welsh Corgi)

Riggs is 6 years old and is a Cardigan Welsh Corgi. Riggs was adopted from a Corgi rescue mission when he was four years old.

Riggs loves to eat! He actually had his thyroid checked before we were allowed to adopt him, because he was so overweight. He's now on a doggy diet.

Riggs is a happy guy, and he gets along well with other animals and people. Friends offer to dog sit for us, because he's so lovable!

By Loftworks from Pennsylvania

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Muffin At Six Months (Papillon/ShihTzu/Poodle)

Muffin is 6 months old. Her mother is Papillon, her father is a ShihTzu/Poodle cross. She has the front feet of the ShihTzu and small back feet, so we call her 4-wheel drive! She is so playfull, but a little minx.

She likes to steal her little comb and chew on the foam handle, or the cork coasters on the coffee table!

She has a an adopted brother Sparky and they are constant play pals, until they crash! They both do lots of tricks.

By Betty from Cowichan Bay, BC

Here are previous photos of Muffin

• Muffin At 3 Months
• Muffin At 5 Months (Spaying)

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Craft Uses for Textbooks

Old text books are good to use in making any number of hand crafts: paper beads, envelopes, cutouts for use in scrapbooking, etc. :)

By Veronica from Sedalia, Missouri

Editor's Note: Do you know any craft uses for text books? Post them below.

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Recycled Pencil Holder

Recently, I took one old oil container, wrapped it with a beautiful coloured paper and decorated it with flowers, glitter and other pretty things. Now my pencil holder is ready. You try it at home and decorate with whatever you like.

By Suffah from Karachi

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Link For Cheapest Gas Stations

Now that gas prices are going up again, you might want to check out listings of lowest gas prices per zip code. Here's the link: http://www.gasbuddy.com/

By pamphyila from Los Angeles

Editor's Note: The link that Pam posted didn't work so we found one that did.

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Use Lettuce To Reheat Beef

This tip is for reheating beef in the microwave, really great for prime rib! Wrap the meat in lettuce leaves and reheat as normal. The water in the lettuce prevents the meat from over cooking and becoming dry.

By Sandie from Cape Coral, FL

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Removing Yellow Stains From Inside Microwave

I am writing to thank the person who said acetone free nail polish remover would remove the yellow stain in my microwave oven left after seriously burning a bag of microwave popcorn. She was absolutely right on!

At first, I tried 10 oz. water and three teabags boiled and letting it steam the inside of the microwave but this did not get rid of the smell nor the yellow stain. I also tried soft scrub, 409 glass and surface cleaner, and vinegar water. Each of those cleaned the microwave of the first layer of carbon from the burned popcorn but did not take care of the smell nor the yellow stain. Yellow stain was removed ONLY by the acetone free nail polish remover, which I tried in a small spot first because I thought for sure the paint enamel would peel right off. I don't believe everything I read :) I cleaned the yellow stain off with acetone free nail polish using lots of cotton balls.

So go at the problem like this: 1. Clean first with any cleaner you like to get the first layer off down to the yellow stain, this means the door, window, top, bottom, sides and outside vent across the top of the microwave. 2. Use the acetone free nail polish on cotton balls and go over everything: ie, inside window and inside door, top, bottom, sides. 3. Wash microwave with soapy water. 4. Rinse with vinegar water. Once the yellow stain is removed you have removed the main source of the smell! Until the yellow is gone, you will have the smell :) Don't use your microwave until you have completed this whole process. Final step to take is to peel two oranges, put them in a microwaveable dish with water enough to barely cover them and boil for 4 minutes. I stood and watched them boil because I didn't want a boil over or burned orange peels! Enjoy the oranges while you watch :) :) DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR!. Leave the door closed for 12 hours.

Our popcorn disaster would not have gotten this bad if our smoke alarm, which goes off over a crumb in the toaster, had gone off! We had failed to test and replace the battery. Don't let it happen to you! And, don't walk into another room while microwaving popcorn, stand guard while doing popcorn!

By Sunshine from Columbus, ND

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Clap To Get Cat's Attention

When I catch my cat, "Smokey" scratching where he shouldn't or doing something he shouldn't, I used to yell his name, but that didn't work. So now I simply clap my hands: CLAP-CLAP-CLAP real loud. This stops him right in his tracks!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Ask Dairy Farmers For Free Manure

If you're doing some gardening this spring planting season, check with your local dairy farmers for free cow manure. It's great fertilizer. Most farmers will allow you to come and take all you want. Till or plow it into your gardening soil well, when preparing your garden.

By Terri from NV

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Suave Green Apple Shampoo For Urine Odors

I have three males in my household. I had tried everything to get rid of the smell of urine in the toilet area. Scrub, scrub, scrub with every known cleaner. Not even vinegar would do the job. I was shopping at Big Lots and I was talking to a woman and she said she uses shampoo for urine smells. WHAT! The brand is Suave Green Apple at Walmart for $ 1.64. She suggested the sinks, shower and floors too. I did try it on those areas but find that my Bar Keeper's Friend does the ultimate job in the shower. So I'll use both in the shower. What impressed me the most was the result of no more urine smell! Whew! A squeeze onto the sponge did the job. This bottle will last forever! I clean toilets twice a week.

What a saving plus, I actually found a solution. So all you out there that have had it with cleaning and still having the urine smell, well pick up Suave Green Apple Shampoo. I promise you'll be so glad you did.

Jennifer, CA

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Print Your Own Invitations

Don't bother buying printed invitations, when you can do just as well at home on your computer! You can get plain/colored paper or special invitation packages at the large office supply stores. Use a calligraphic font to make them special! Also, use free evites for "save the date" messages - preliminary invites to family and friends.

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles

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Recall Alert: Popular Dog and Cat Foods May Cause Kidney Failure

"A major manufacturer of dog and cat food sold under Wal-Mart, Safeway, Kroger and other store brands recalled 60 million containers of wet pet food Friday after reports of kidney failure and deaths.

An unknown number of cats and dogs suffered kidney failure and about 10 died after eating the affected pet food, Menu Foods said in announcing the North American recall. Product testing has not revealed a link explaining the reported cases of illness and death, the company said.

"At this juncture, we're not 100 percent sure what's happened," said Paul Henderson, the company's president and chief executive officer. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier, since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. Wheat gluten is a source of protein." (Source: CNN.com)

The manufacturer is Menu Foods. They make numerous brands of dog and cat food. Even higher end pet food like IAMs and Eukanuba. Here's a list of recalled products. Be sure to click on the name of the brand to see the speific products that are being recalled. They also have a phone number: 1-866-895-2708

Cat Recall Products
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_cat.html

Dog Recall Products
http://www.menufoods.com/recall/product_dog.html

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Homemade Ready To Bake Cookies

I've found a way to re-use the plastic tube canisters that Wyler's lemonade and other brands of sugarless fruit drink mixes come in. They are the perfect size for cookie dough.

After rolling and cutting the dough with round cookie cutters slightly smaller than the canister rim, I stack the unbaked cookies with a "cut to size" piece of wax paper between each one. Several squares of waxed paper can be stacked for cutting the circles to save time.

Then fill the canister leaving 1/2 inch space at top, seal with the plastic lid, label and freeze. It is easier to handle the dough for cutting and stacking if it is refrigerated for about 2 hours first. I make several batches ahead. Then when my kids want homemade cookies, or company stops for coffee and a visit, it's quick and easy to bake the cookies from the pre-made dough. This would work for rolled biscuit dough as well.

Make ahead to save time during those busy weeknights families often have.

By Jean from MI

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Tea Stains on Fabric

I had company tonight and someone left a tea bag on my off white, cotton type lace table cloth. How do I remove tea stains?

Thanks,
Linda from Southwestern Pennsylvania

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Removing Tattoos

Now that I am older, they don't seem to fit into my lifestyle anymore so I am wondering: Does anyone know of a quick way to remove a permanent tattoo besides laser? Its so expensive!

Thanks for your help.

Pam from Milwaukee, WI

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My Son Won't Poop In The Potty

My son will go pee in the potty but he won't poop in the potty and he won't poop in a diaper. He cries holding himself and eventually poops on the floor after many trips to the potty. What can I do? I tried putting a diaper on him so he could do his business in that but he just takes that off too and cries. I don't know what else to do. Please help.

Nicole from Pennsylvania

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Permanent Marker On Furniture Upholstery

How can my daughter remove permanent orange marker from her beige couch?

Mary from Sterling Heights MI

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Freezing Soup

I am looking for information on freezing chix noodle veg soup.

Patty from Islamorada, FL

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Mothball Smell on Photo Albums

How do I get the odor of moth balls out of old photo albums?

Ingrid from Blind Bay, BC

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Mushroom Soup Patties

When I was in my teens, my best friend's mother made mushroom soup patties, they were delicious! I have looked in a million and a half recipe books with no luck. I believe these were made with tinned mushroom soup, crushed crackers and eggs? Does anyone know what I am talking about?

Leanne from Williams Lake, B.C.

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Sunless Tanning Products Causing Itching

Is there a product out there for sunless tanning lotion that does not cause itching? I've read that there are many others that have experienced the same reaction that I get after applying the lotion. There must be something out there.

Thanks,
Vanwert

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Graduation Party Decorations

My son is graduating from high school in May. We're having a cookout, and I need some ideas for decorating and centerpieces. He loves mud bogging with big trucks, and I was trying to somehow tie this into the decorating theme. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Rebecca from Smithville, TN

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Carpet Odors

One of my cats did a few Number 2's on the carpet in my bedroom. I explained to him that this behavior is unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and he is to go outside to do his business. He has been very good since, but I cannot get rid of the terrible smell. I have tried white vinegar, but it still stinks to high heaven every time the room has been closed for some time. Will it help to put charcoal in the room for a few hours and close everything up? Any other help will be appreciated.

Thank you!
Kind regards,
Willem from Republic of South Africa

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Taking a Puppy Outside

I have an 8 week old puppy. Should I take it out in the cold and rain to go potty?

Jim

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Dog With a UTI

My dog has a UTI. How can I treat it?

Susan from Gastonia, NC

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Bloom Loom Instructions

I purchased a bloom loom to make cute inexpensive hat decorations for the chemo hats made; however, my friend and I are going nuts in trying to follow the instructions. I searched for a "detail" instruction (tutorial/video) without any luck. Any ideas? Thanks gals!

Pam from Elkhart, IN

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Hanging Plants for California

I live in California and I would like advice on plants that can be hung in pots on a sunny, hot side of the house.

Hardiness Zone: 9b

Rae Ann from CA

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Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

I have a 10 week old miniature pincher puppy and I am having no luck at all on housetraining him. I also have an 18 month old daughter that refuses to leave him in his crate to crate train him. I've tried the housetraining pads and he started using them and then he just stopped and does his business wherever he wants. I take him outside and he runs around and won't go and when we come back inside he does his business in the floor. I'm at a loss as to what to do with this puppy. I need to get him housetrained! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Teresa from Lowell, OH

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Super Glue on Eyeglasses

How do I remove super glue from my plastic eyeglasses? I've tried acetone and no luck.

Maria from San Antonio

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Filling a Gouge In a Laminate Countertop

How do I fill in a gouge in a laminate countertop? It is that kind of top that looks like butcherblock, but I am going to do a faux finish over it so the repair doesn't have to be "invisible."

Sylvia from Ridgecrest

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How Many Fat Quarters Do I Use?

I am fairly new to quilting and would like to make a simple quilt for each of my daughters. My question is: how many fat quarters are normally used for a standard (full) sized bed? And how many for a King sized?

Thank everyone for any responses and/or quilt ideas you may have.

Sincerely,
Nelwyn from Bunkie

P.S. This is one of my favorite web sites and I love using it.

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Yellow Dust In My House

I have yellow dust throughout my whole house. It even turns my carpets yellow. If you spray the carpet with water it makes it white. But it is not just on the suface of the carpets. It took me 13 hours to scrub 2 rugs untill the yellow was all gone. No one wears shoes in my house, so it is not from outside. The dust is on everything. My heating vents have been cleaned twice in the past 5 years. I want to know what it is and what causes it?

SHERRYLYNN from HAMBURG, NY

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Displaying a Large Magnet Collection

We have recently moved to a new house and I need some advice about displaying my large magnet collection in the Kitchen. I have a large wall that I'm going to use but need ideas on how to display them and what I can use.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Darla from Grand Prairie, TX

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Squirrels In Garbage Cans

Does anyone out there know what I can use to keep the squirrels from eating out of my garbage can... and yes, I do have a lid but that doesn't work.

Adele from Belford, New Jersey

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Stainless Mirror Finish Kitchen Sink

I am considering a stainless mirror finish kitchen sink. Does anyone have any experience with this type sink you would share with me?

Thanks a lot,
Mitzi from DeLand, FL

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Recurring Boil

What is an effective way to get rid of a recurring boil?

Bibo from Chicago

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Gift Taxes

If you gave any one person gifts in 2006 that valued at more than $12,000, you must report the total gifts to the Internal Revenue Service and may have to pay tax on the gifts.

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Deducting Costs Of Refinancing Your Home

Taxpayers who refinanced their homes may be eligible to deduct some costs associated with their loans.

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Claiming The Credit For The Elderly Or The Disabled

You may be able to take the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled if you were age 65 or older at the end of 2006, or if you are retired on permanent and total disability. Like any other tax credit, its a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax bill. Eligibility for the credit and the amount of the credit is subject to several maximum income limits.

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Offset Education Costs

Education tax credits can help offset the costs of higher education for yourself or a dependent. The Hope Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit are two education credits available which may benefit you. Because they are credits, rather than deductions, you may be able to subtract them in full dollar for dollar from your federal income tax.

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