Daily Thrifty Tips - April 16, 2008

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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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Craft Project: Door Knob Hanger

Personalized door knob hanger.

Approximate Time: 30 minutes

Supplies:

• wooden door hanger
• acrylic paint
• sealer
• stencil

Instructions:

By sandy from Bluff City, TN

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Spiderweb Angel

As we were leaving early one morning we saw this spider web on the corner of our porch. A perfect angel. We couldn't help stopping and taking pictures right away of this. That was a good thing cause when the sun came out later, it just didn't look the same. You couldn't even see it by the next day.

By Bev from Longview, WA

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Sammy (Terrier Mix)

Sammy is 8 years old and is a Terrier mix. I got him from Tablemountain Animal Shelter in February 2006.

He likes to play with his stuffed animals and go on long walks. Sammy must have come from a good home before I adopted him. I can tell he was loved. He's very affectionate and lots of good company and fun. He's my best friend.

By Denise from Lakewood, CO

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Keep Mosquitoes Away with Listerine

The best and least toxic way to rid your outdoor area of nasty mosquitoes is with Listerine (the original Amber colored kind.) Simply pour the Listerine into a spray bottle and spray the porch, deck or the area around where people hang out. For even larger areas like decks and yards you can buy a gallon of Listerine and spray it with a pump style plant-sprayer. Amber colored Listerine can be bought at Dollar Stores or discount stores like Target and K-mart for under $2 for a large bottle. It's safe to spray around food and kid's play areas! Mosquitoes will stay away for 2 or more days after you spray. You can even spray inside your dog's house to keep mosquitoes away from you favorite friend.

Don't leave home without a small "take-along" bottle of Listerine on family outings & camping trips. Do not spray directly on fine wood floors or furniture. I haven't tried it yet but I bet you could spray the towel or blanket you're going to sit on outside at a sporting event before you go, then slip it into a plastic bag and *PRESTO* no mosquitoes! Now we can actually enjoy summer evenings outdoors without that nasty "toxic greasy" feeling that bug spray leaves on our skin!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Storing Firewood To Make It Last

After reading the tip for buying firewood, I wanted to remind you how to keep the firewood "from going bad". The wood needs to be elevated off the ground and kept covered. Wetness from any source will cause the wood to get soft, become a magnet for roaches and other creatures. We split our own wood and keep at least two years in advance, giving the newer wood time to cure.

By BonsterBonnie from MD

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Use Old Silverware Trays For Organizing

I have found wonderful uses for old silverware trays. Mine happen to be wooden but the plastic ones would work as well. The first one I use in my top desk drawer and it separates my pens, pencils, markers, erasers, etc. It stays neat and makes it easy to see when the pencils need sharpening at a glance.

The second one I use to organize all my household BATTERIES. I keep them separated in the slots according to size and it has been a godsend, as we live in an area where we have power outages frequently. It actually has a neat and orderly look to the top of the refrigerator also. I don't see why these trays would also be a good idea for jewelry or in the garage. The uses are endless, and I am planning on using one for my upcoming garage sale as a CHANGE TRAY during the sale. Good luck in your uses!

Source: I created my own need.

By Denise from Crescent City, CA

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Use Wine Corks For Fishing

Wine corks are great for fishing. Tie the line around a cork or drill small hole and put line through in hole then put match wood stick or a toothpick in hole. Also great to make fly fishing lures out of corks too.

By Mike Jr from Ligonier, IN

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Safety Pin Dirty Socks Together

Use a safety pin to keep socks together while doing laundry.It's so worth the time to safety pin them together right when you put them in the dirty clothes hamper.

By Brandi from Gray, GA

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Address Book for Internet Information

I don't know if anyone has ever submitted this idea, but I'd like to share something I do. I bought an inexpensive address book (from a dollar store). I started using it for websites or internet use. The alphabetical order is very helpful. I put in the web name on the name, website address on the address or the www.com address. Then if I signed up on the (free) sites, I enter the user name I used, the password, the email address I submitted to sign up and question hint and answer I submitted to sign up. This way, I keep track of my many favorite websites by adding short descriptions and the ones I signed up for free (such as this one).

By Rosario from Florida

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$2 Scarf Or Tie Hanger

I own a lot of scarves but could never find one when I needed it until I made this great scarf organizer which can also be used for necklaces or men's ties.

Each spring and summer, most dollar stores sell dark green hanging metal "baskets" that are meant to be lined with moss, then hold hanging plants outside (I got mine at Dollar Tree). These baskets have spaces that are to large to hold anything, without moss or a planter inside them. Mine has 9 thick vertical wires that are set between a top and bottom ring of wire and 3 chains hooked to the top to hang it from. I decided to hang it in an unused corner of my bedroom from a tiny cup hook in the ceiling with a second identical basket hanging under it.

I just love it! I drape my scarves around the vertical wires. But what's great is, I can easily spin them around to see the scarves hanging in back. I also keep some of my scarves and soft headbands inside of the baskets for even more storage. I have about 20 scarves hanging and there's still room for more! All stashed in an unused corner of my room.

By CDR

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Free Bag of Dog or Cat Food

Anyone who has pets will appreciate this. Purina one is offering a free bag of cat or dog food. Go to:

• http://www.purinaoneresults.com

By Kim from Franklin Park

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Using Plastic Knives for Plant Stakes

Have you ever planted your plants and forgot which are planted where? An easy and inexpensive way to keep those marked is by buying plastic picnic knives from the dollar store and using a Sharpie marker and writing the plant type on the handle and sticking the bladed side into the ground. These knives are strong and durable.

By Teresa from Nashville, Indiana

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Coffee Filters for Taco Holders

Put cheap coffee filters (often 200 for a $1 here) to use as taco holders. Hold the taco in it to your mouth as you would without it and it catches the"fall out"! Quite a lot less expensive than napkins!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Repairing Drywall After Removing Tile

I recently removed ceramic tile from my bathroom walls. The walls underneath are still in pretty good condition (the tile had previously been up for about 20 years or so). There's some Thinset left on the walls, but hardly any wall damage. Is there a way to effectively repair the walls without completely replacing the drywall?

Teepee from Upper Marlboro, MD

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Biological Vs Non-biological Washing Powder

My washing machine is bobbling my husbands socks. I use a biological washing powder and I wonder if a non-biological washing powder would be better. Do you have any suggestions? Many thanks.

Jean

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Problem With Truck Transmission

I have my dad's old 1990 truck. The lifters are making noise and the tranny is going too. Someone told me to put ATF in the engine for the lifters and put Lucs transmission additive in for the tranny. Is this true?

Cheryl from Fayeteville, NC

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Natural Cleaner For Silver

What is the best natural way of cleaning a silver tray?

Sheila from Ontario

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How Do You Make Fun Shaped Soap Confetti?

Not confetti soap, where clear soap contains colorful bits. But confetti soap, the fun thin heart or flower shaped disks that you can sprinkle into the bath? My only guess is to make a big block of heart shaped soap and slice off thin wafers until I have enough for confetti. But that doesn't sound very fun, very easy, or very quick. Anyone know how to make these fun soaps at home?

Aysha from Boise, Idaho

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Choosing A Paint Color To Coordinate With Yellow Couch

I have a yellow couch from EQ3 and I am trying to find a wall color other than brown. Please help.

Janet from London, Ontario

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Discontinued Brewster's Wallpaper Border

I am looking for this wallpaper border by Brewster that is discontinued. Here is a picture.

Leslie from Arlington, TX

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Hamilton Beach Simmer-on Recipes

I just bought a Simmer-on Hamilton Beach Scovill. I bought it from a yard sale. I cant find any info on my computer about it. I wanted to know is it a slow cooker? And if so, can some one please give me some easy recipes. Thanks so much everyone and have a great day. :)

April from Middletown, NJ

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Removing Furniture Marks From Rugs

How can I remove furniture marks from rugs?

Fran from Penna

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Installing Grounded Electrical Outlets

I'm having this debate with my husband about how to install grounded electrical outlets. Should the 2 prong slots be on the top or bottom? I was told that when installed it should look like a smiley face with the round hole on the bottom. Does it make any difference?

Rose from Malvern, PA

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Fudge Fancies

I am looking for a recipe for Fudge Fancies. I don't know if it is particular to the Northeast or not, but I cannot find anything like it on the internet or in my cookbooks. Does anybody out there have the secret recipe for these cookies?

Lynn from Albany, NY

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Low Carb Pasta Recipes

I need some help please. My husband is diabetic and is extremely, extremely overweight. I have been trying to help - I won't go into it because I'm sure there are so many out there who are trying to help the people they love. Can't do it for them, but try to be supportive.

I am looking for recipes or products for pasta, macaroni, etc. that is low in carbohydrates. I haven't had much luck. Hope you can help - I welcome any and all!

smoochie from Houston, TX

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Make a Pool Spray from PVC Pipe

I am looking for a pattern to make a pool spray from PVC pipe. Any suggestions?

Pool Man from FL

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Looking For Curling Bookends

I am wondering if anyone knows where I can find and purchase a book end that is a piece of metal that curls up on itself from both ends till they meet in the middle and as you put books into the center it expands outward. They used to be made in lots of different lengths, back in the 60's or 70's but I can't find them anywhere today. I have tried to draw a picture of what I'm talking about, but I'm a BAD artist. Thank you much, in advance.

Bette from Phoenix, AZ

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Making A Removable Door

I'm living with a family, in a room in their basement. They've been wonderful in accepting me and Roadie (fat, sweet, tabby cat), a cat that has been known to pee on the carpet at times. We've tried unsuccessfully to let him upstairs. He keeps peeing in the same spot (on the couch, often right in front of us).

We've been keeping him in my room and it seems to be working. The problem is that I'd like to let him roam in the basement but there's no door between the levels. Is there a way to create a removable "door" of some sort? I don't have a lot of $$$ but would love to leave my door open and let him roam down here. I've already tried (unsuccessfully) using a baby gate. I've included a picture of the hallway and landing. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Dawn and Roadie from Apple Valley, MN

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Why Is My Laundry Dingy?

My 10 year old front loading automatic washing machine finally died and I replaced it with a twin tub washer. I make my own laundry powder using baking soda, borax, washing soda and grated laundry soap mixed together in equal quantities. The trouble is, my whites are looking very dingy which never happened with my automatic.

Do I need to change the formula of my detergent or am I doing something wrong? I always wash with very warm water - not too hot - so that the detergent will melt properly. PLEASE HELP! The water here is hard but I've never had problems before. I cant afford to buy another machine so I have to sort something out.

Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Patterns For Amigurumi Animals

Does anyone have any cat patterns for crocheting Amigurumi cats or small animals? I just started making them. They are so much fun and make great gifts.

Mary from CA

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Caring For A Duck Egg

I found a duck egg. How do I know if it's alive and how do I take care of it? I have it sitting in a basket right now with a light on it, but the egg is also covered by a washcloth so its not direct light. Please help, I don't know what to do?

Candi218 from Hot Springs, AR

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How To Kill Mold

I bought a used camper and found mold and soft wood in the back of a cupboard that apparently had water leaking into it. What can we mix up (or buy) to KILL the mold and prevent it from coming back? We hope we have stopped the leak. We don't want to just "clean" it, we want to kill the mold. Thanks.

Louise from Illinois

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Making Wood Pellets From Scrap Lumber

I am in the construction industry, the sites I work on have a lot of scrap lumber. Can I take the 1x6, 2x4 and bigger scraps and convert them to wood pellets? I am not talking about plywood as the glue is toxic. Just your kiln dried lumber for walls and such.

James from Canada

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Small Leaves on a Crepe Myrtle

How come one of my crepe myrtles has smaller light green leaves than the rest, who have bigger and dark green leaves?

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Gordon from Killeen, Texas

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Making Paper Mache Statues

Does anyone know how to make large paper mache statues with wood, wire sheets and paste? A lady who lived in my neighborhood when I was a kid made a whole night before Christmas scene in her yard. I'd like to do it but don't know what was used or if it was just a freelance thing.

Denise from Mcrae, GA

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Removing Makeup On Linen Shirt

How do I remove makeup on cotton/linen shirt?

azorseck

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Crocheting A Pillow Ruffle

I am looking for a pattern for an edging to crochet, to sew around a pillow as a ruffle. Can anyone help?

Carmela

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Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business

I need some help on deciding a good name for a small cleaning business I am planning on starting. Let me know what you think. I have checked these for trademarks and they seem to be okay so far. I just need help deciding what to go with.

April Fresh Cleaning Service;
April's Fresh Cleaning Service;
April's Cleaning Service;
April's Cleaning Company;

I thought it would be good to keep my first name at the beginning for alphabetized advertising purposes, ie. phone book and such... or should I leave out my name and go with one of these?

Reflections Cleaning Company;
Perfectionism;
Deep Clean Cleaning Service;
Perfect Clean;
Perfectly Clean;
Sparkling Clean;
Thorough Clean;
Thoroughly Cleaned Cleaning Service;
Extreme Clean;
Xtreme Clean;
Amped Cleaning Service;
Spiffy Clean;

Thank you!
April from Indianapolis, IN

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Mower Won't Start

My lawnmower won't start. I turn it on and it just keep spinning. I put a new spark plug in it. I checked the gas for water plus I drained it. Please help. Thank you.

Kimberly

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Perfume Smell on a Purse

I have a Signature Coach Purse. I had a bottle of perfume in it, and it broke inside it. How am I supposed to clean it to get the smell out?

Holly from Dallas, TX

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Free Dog Clothing Patterns

I would like to know where I can go and get some free patterns for dog clothes. I am also looking for recipes for dog treats.

Anita

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Requesting Themed Gifts For An Anniversary Party

I am planning a 50th wedding anniversary party for my parents. I thought that I would request no gifts. However, I think my parents would really enjoy something for the garden. Both of my parents love to work outdoors. What would be the best way to relay this information appropriately? Any ideas?

Elaine

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Removing Burnt Spaghetti Sauce From Pan

How can I remove burnt spaghetti sauce from a stainless steel pan. I have tried hot boiling water, adding oil to the hot boiling water and now vinegar. Nothing is working. Help!

Pattyb65

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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

The Harbingers Of Spring
By Ellen Brown

No matter where you live, spring is fickle. Around here, it arrives unexpectedly-usually in mid March. Winter temporarily loosens its grip, the sun sends temperatures soaring into the 50s, ice and snow give way to the sound of running water, and the thick, fresh smell of hummus hangs in the air as the soil begins to thaw. Your senses start to sharpen, your body starts to come alive, and suddenly you're filled with a sense of inspiration and hope. "Yippee!" you shout. "Spring is coming!" Then comes the inevitable heartbreak. The clouds roll in, the mercury plummets, water turns back into ice, and spring retreats for a few more weeks under another blanket of wet, heavy snow.

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