Daily Thrifty Tips - June 28, 2006

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Leo is a 3 year old tabby cat. He was given to us. He likes to get into everything and loves to have his picture taken.

By Lorraine from Ocala, FL

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From Left to right: Bonnie, Spurt and Maggie. They are 3 year old European Shorthairs (Moggies)

Three years ago, I found 4 kittens under a bush in the pouring rain when they where just tiny kittens about 4 weeks old. They were very sick with cat flu and extremely skinny and it took a lot of TLC and visits to the vet to try to keep them all alive. Unfortunately just the three of them pulled through, but today they are a picture of health and happiness.

Their absolute favourite things to do are sleeping, eating and then sleeping some more, all cuddled up together. They stick together like glue and spend a lot of time hugging, play-fighting and grooming each other. I do a lot to keep them stimulated, because they're all indoor cats. Every week, I give them some sort of new experience or something new to do. Paper bags, boxes full of shredded newspaper, feathers I find in the woods (scaulded first of course) or hiding homemade treats in hard to find places around the house are just some of the fun and free things I give them to do to keep them all happy, exercized and entertained.

I have 6 rescue cats in all and I truly believe that somehow they are especially loving and grateful and happy to be alive as if they somehow instinctively know, that they have been given a second chance in life. As the picture shows, my cats love each other dearly and spend lots of time cuddled up together. It's just so heartwarming and cute to see.

By Vicki from Copenhagen, Denmark

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Picture of Wahkeena Falls in Oregon.

By Trish from Lubbock, TX

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We call her Girl Friend, Mary Girl, Momma Mary. She is 2 years old and her breed is a little bit of this and a little bit of that.

My son brought her home without telling me. 2 weeks later, he went to school and I heard a little yipe! I opened my son's door and out came Mary.

She loves to play with Frankie ALL DAY LONG! They are best of friends! Mary Girl is little and her best friend, Frankie clocks in at 120 pounds! No matter, her size doesn't matter. Mary is a wonderful, smart little girl and a joy to have around! We love her.

By Debbie Destino from Lewiston, NY

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If you're watching your carbs, try using 2 Tbsp. vinegar on your baked potato to cut the starch. When you mash it all in, you can't taste the vinegar. In fact, it tastes even better to me, tastes less starchy, and is better for you!

By Malinda from Sausalito, CA

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To take care of DVDs and CDs that have been scratched; instead of buying an expensive kit to fix them, put a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and working from the inside of the disc outward, wipe in a straight line(no circles!). Wipe until you have rubbed across all of the scratches. The discs will be good as new!

By Malinda from Sausalito, CA

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You can save money on firewood by getting it in early summer and late spring. For starters, you pay a premium the closer you get to cold weather. And, you don't have to limit yourself to buying firewood that is completely dry, it will cure over the summer months and be ready to burn when you need it.

By Fisher

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To stop potatoes or rice from boiling over while cooking on a stovetop, smooth oil around the top inch of the pan. You can also use a low fat sprayer. Works like a charm, because oil and water don't mix!

By Cathy from UK

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I made a patriotic decoration to be used for 4th of July.

I took a plastic parfait glass and layered the following; put a paper patriotic napkin in the bottom, next layer was shredded gift bag paper, another patriotic napkin (folded to fit in the glass). On top of the last patriotic napkin is a white silk rose or carnation and artificial cherries are placed on the rose or carnation. A red plastic spoon and straw are placed in the parfait glass like a real parfait presentation. The napkin that holds the rose or carnation sticks up over the top of the glass.

The parfait sits on a 45 RPM record bowl. It is a cute decoration with a patriotic candle on my breakfast bar.

By WandaJo from Collierville, TN

Editors Note: To see the record bowl, here is a link to a previous Thrifty Fun craft project:

Vinyl Record Bowl

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1. Make paper characters - either ink bottoms with magic marker or ink pad. Then apply the character outline to paper or paperboard. Decorate to your taste. From there, you have got yourself a movable figure or a refrigerator magnet and whatever else you may come up with.
2. Cookie Cutters can create holiday ornaments by pressing and cutting out figures from the Styrofoam platter that comes under your meat from the supermarket.
3. There are some cookie cutters that can stand by themselves. You could fill in and glue on to skeleton to use as figures for your own little stage play atop of and old game board.
4. Make a wind chimes from a bunch of plastic cookie cutters.
5. Make a suncatcher for your window using the cookie cutter and cutting out to fit a plastic cup lid. Then color with magic markers. Fit inside the cookie cutter and hang in a sunny window.
6. Cookie Cutter Mud Cookies. Apply the cookie cutter to mud, let dry and there are your mud figures. Maybe you could decorate your outside planters.
7. Cut and glue pieces of colored magazine pictures to your cookie cutters. Hang on walls in a scene display.
8. Make badges or brooches from your cookie cutters super glue a paperclip to the back to fit over shirt pocket.
9. Cookie Cutter toast and pan cakes. Create after food is cooked. You should use the metal cookie cutters to create those edible forms.
10. Cookie Cutter counted cross stitch frames - Imagine all the different figures. Better then those bought expensive kits. You can do these with just left over material.

I hope I helped and now you turn on you creativity and come up with more reuses of those COOKIE CUTTERS. Happy Thinking And Creating

To You From Mr. Thrifty from Shermans Dale, PA

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When trying to brush you medium to long haired dog to remove loose hair, try using a flea comb. They are great. They are inexpensive and work as well if not better than most "As Seen On TV" pet grooming tools. My Australian Cattle dog has a thick under coat that needs regular brushing to control shedding. The fine teeth on the flea comb really get underneath and remove that dead layer of hair. I have tried every thing from the shed ender to a equine shedding rake. I take the flea comb any day.

By blueheeler1998 from Lakeville, OH

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Seeds that you didn't get around to planting this year should be fine next year if stored properly. Most seeds can be stored for 3 to 4 years. The key will be storing the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep the temperature between 40 and 50 degrees F. It's best to store them in a moisture-proof, sealed container.

If you have any more tips about storing seeds, feel free to post them below.

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If you have an old or cracked garden hose lying around it's pretty easy to turn it into a drip irrigation hose. Use an ice pick or other sharp implement to poke holes in the hose. Then cut some scrap fabric into strips and tie those around the hose where you have punched holes. Then cap one end of the hose, hook the other end to the faucet and turn the water on low.

By Fisher

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

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I brake out in a rash after using the hot tub and swimming. I have checked all the levels and they are good. Do you have advice.

Diane from Middleburh

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How to remove glue gun glue from fabric?

A. Simonot from Saskatchewan, Canada

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I am looking for sweet cheese ball recipes, for example key lime or white chocolate. The mixes can be purchased online or in specialty stores. I would like to make my own.

Watergirl from VA Beach, VA

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We have an extreme case of chiggers in our yard. I've heard it's because of the warm winter in our part of the country. We have tried killing them with the granular yard spread we typically use but it didn't seem to make a difference this year. Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Cheryl from Missouri from Peculiar, MO

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I was just curious what other churches are doing for their VBS (vacation bible school) this summer. Our church is doing "Bethlehem Village" where the kids learn about the birth of Jesus and also about Jewish customs back then.

They get to make clay toys, shepherd's flutes, mosaic tiled boxes, perfume, coins and tie dyed bags. They also will learn how to grind wheat for baking bread and get to sample different foods that the people in bible times ate back then.

We're trying to be as frugal as possible with the crafts. Instead of buying everything from the VBS catalog we order what we can from Oriental Trade or try to make it homemade. This saves a lot of money for us.

Dana Sipe from Normalville, Pennsylvania

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Earlier I posted a request for opinions about a smoothie maker, but should have said slushy maker! Thanking you in advance!

Holly from Richardson, TX

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I am disabled and have a terrible time cleaning the bathtub. We have a big garden tub that has a step you can place your knees on if you clean. However, I have a problem getting the ring around the tub off. Is there something that you squirt on and leave for 5 or 10 minutes and then the sponge wipes the ring away. Or is that wishful thinking? I need help quick. Going to try and get the husband who is vacationing this week to clean it for me. So, I need help asap.

Thanks,
Lori from AR

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Does anyone know how to remove magic marker from polyester? My son wore a jersey to school and I can't get it out. Thanks for your helpful tips.

Crystal from De Pere, WI

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Does anyone have a recipe for Carnation Instant Breakfast? Just seems like it would be fairly easy to put together. Thanks!

Terhaze from Oregon

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I'm making a wedding cake and would like to know how to make white fondant chocolate color and flavoring. Can anyone help me with this? I have searched the wilton site and can't find what I need to know. I have a 3 tier square cake to do, she wants the top and bottom tier in brown/chocolate fondant and the middle in light green. I've bought a large 80 ounce box of fondant and would like to know how much of what to use to make it look and taste like chocolate. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Chas from MV

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Recently we stopped raising horses on our farm. I talked my husband into letting one field go wild to attract wildlife and give them a safe haven. We added a brush pile, have dead trees, a stony area and a fence row. We now have fox, deer, rabbits, chipmunks, owl, squirrel and many species of butterflies and birds. However, it is being overrun with Canadian thistle. It seems every year it is so much worse. I hate to use pesticide as I don't want it around. Any good suggestions on how to get rid of most of the thistle. It is ruining our paradise.

NellieMary from West Virginia

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How do you make a belt out of Starburst wrappers?

Bob from Yuma, AZ

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I have had daylilies for about 3 years now, planted in full sun. I've never had them bloom yet. Any suggestions?

Hardiness Zone: 3b

Deb Tilbury from Manitoba, Canada

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I've had my sweet greyhound for a month. She has always had a mushy stool. She goes once maybe twice a day and get plenty of water. She seems happy and playful. Should I be concerned?

Carla from San Francisco, CA

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I would like to know if there is anyone out there that could help me with my upcoming celebrations for my dad. First of all, my dad is turning 60 and he has dementia so I do not know what to organize for him. I have invited a high school buddy for him but I am worried that he won't remember him. I need help in what to do and how do I word the invites? His family, brothers and sisters, don't know much about his condition, but i would like to warn them on the invite somehow. My sister said to write "dad doesn't remember much but we do, lets help him celebrate his 60th birthday" but i think this is a bit cruel if my dad was to see one of the invites. Please help.

Cozikan from Western Australia

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I moved it from back yard sun (plastic container) to sun in a nice blue ceramic pot. This is a short plant (Yellow Bloom). No drainage hole though, but placed river rock in bottom before planting. Should have bloomed, it did for last 2 years. The leaves are nice and green. Picture is included. Can someone tell me anything? Thanks in advance.

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Sherry Hampton from Valdosta, GA

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My request pertains to stopping the ITCH of the chigger bites. I've tried rubbing alcohol, nail polish, Chigger-Aid, and antihistamines that wear off before I can take another dose. I don't want to bathe in bleach water. What else should I try? I hope you all can help me. It's hard getting a good night's sleep when you itch and I've scratched some until they're huge whelps and scab over. HELP!

Thanks in advance.

Cheryl from Missouri from Peculiar, MO

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I am trying to kill weeds in a large area of gravel. There is 6 fruit trees I don't want to effect plus a lawn in the middle that i don't want to kill. So what can I make that is strong enough to kill all the weeds but wont harm other things growing around?

Mike from Big Bear City, CA

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Has anyone ever tried scrubbing your scalp with baking soda followed with a vinegar rinse for dandruff? Would the chemical reaction harm your scalp?

Ellen from Maricopa, CA

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

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Selecting High-Quality Cauliflower: In general, cauliflower does not freeze well. Freezing it will preserve its flavor, but tends to severely break down its texture. Still, frozen cauliflower may be useful in some recipes-especially those using puree. Choose compact white heads that feel heavy for their size. Attached leaves and stalks should be crisp and not wilted. Avoid heads with brown patches.

Preparing for Freezing: Wash and trim off leaves and cut head into 1 inch florets.

Blanching Time: Water-blanch for 3 minutes in water containing 4 teaspoons salt (or vinegar) per gallon water to retain color. Cool promptly and drain.

Best Freezing Method (s):

• Tray Packs: Clean and prepare cauliflower. Lay in a single layer on cookie sheets and place them in the freezer. When fully frozen (12 to 24 hours), portion them into suitable containers and freeze. Leave no headspace.

• Dry Packs: Transfer blanched cauliflower directly into suitable containers for freezing. Leave no headspace.

Suitable Packaging: Freezer containers should be moisture and vapor resistant and should not be prone to cracking or breaking at low temperatures. Containers should provide protection against absorbing flavors or odors and should be easy to label. Suitable packaging for freezing cauliflower includes freezer-grade plastic bags, rigid plastic containers or glass containers and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Maximum Storage Time: 10 to 12 months at 0ºF.

Thawing: Add directly to cooking dishes without thawing.

Tips & Shortcuts: If necessary to remove insects, soak for 30 minutes in solution of salt and water (4 teaspoons salt per gallon water). Drain.

Refrigerating Cauliflower: Do not wash until use. Store in perforated plastic bags for 10 to 14 days.

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This very simple version of an old duct tape favorite is functional and sturdy enough for everyday use.

Items Needed:

• Duct tape (various colors)
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Take 4 strips of duct tape 7 inches long. Lay them on a flat surface, sticky side up, attaching each one to the next by overlapping a very thin strip length ways.

2. Take 4 additional strips of duct take 7 inches long. Lay them sticky side to sticky side on the other duct tape sheet. Now, you have "duct tape fabric".

3. Trim off any excess sticky tape around the edges.

4. Fold your "duct tape fabric" in half length ways. You should end up with a long rectangle.

5. Use a piece of duct tape to close one of the sides of the rectangle. Trim off any extra duct tape around the edges.

6. Fold the wallet in half and, keeping it folded, use a piece of duct tape to close the remaining open side of the wallet. (Keeping it folded will help you to avoid the duct tape bulging.)

7. Personalize your wallet with duct tape designs. I added a pocket to my wallet for receipts or possibly a credit card. Just use two strips of duct tape that are the same length as one side of the wallet. Make those two pieces into "duct tape fabric". Attach to the wallet with the same or a complimentary color of duct tape.

Fairly easy craft that could be done with upper elementary aged children.

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