Daily Thrifty Tips - June 6, 2008

Thank you to everyone that answered the call and took time to submit a recipe! We really appreciated it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Breezy The Cat

Breezy is 2 years old and a Siamese tabby mix. We adopted Breezy from the SPCA when she was about 3 months old. She had been recovered from a horder and had not been treated well. But with a lot of love and patience, she warmed up to us and she is the best kitty ever!

Breezy is wherever I am! She loves to play with string, and loves to 'talk' to me!

By Aimee from Frisco, Texas

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Garden: Hyacinth

This is a photo of a hyacinth from my garden

By Kate from West Burke, VT

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Craft: Hand Stamped Card

I'm a rubber stamper/scrapper. This is a scan of one of my hand stamped cards.

By Kathleen, aka StampinGran from Old Fort, NC

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Planning Ways To Drive Less

Now that gasoline prices have become an issue, it's easier and easier to ask for accommodations from friends and colleagues - and to carpool - meet at central locations, etc.

Just yesterday I discussed meeting a colleague at a midpoint by using the L.A. subway into the valley. And since that is the highest cost of getting from the valley into anywhere in Hollywood (and vice versa), I have considered a combination of subway and taxi if I were without a car! The rest of the time, I work from HOME and my husband uses our most gas efficient car.

Luckily, I live at the old transportation hub of Hollywood, so there are alternatives in public transit for me which I know I can rely on in am emergency. Sad to say, using the bus, for example, is such a slow and painful process that I don't take them except when I have no other alternative! And the subway is nice but only goes north/south - not east/west where I would like to go!

By Pamphyila

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Climb Stairs For Exercise

If you want a frugal way to exercise and not have the cost associated with it, then follow this advice. Use the stairs.

If you have stairs in your home, even if only 4 steps, go up and down a number of times for a great workout. If you live in a high rise building, then just take the steps up to the top level and back down again. Just going up 18 flights of stairs, each and every day, guaranteed that you will get yourself in great shape.

By Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Plant Marigolds With Tomatoes for Pest Control

To keep bugs off of tomato plants,simply plant a marigold in between each tomato. The smell will rid your plants of pests and be pretty at the same time.

By Debra from Hampton

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Install a Locking Gate Around the Swimming Pool

If you're going to have a swimming pool, go ahead and invest more money to put a fence around it with a locking gate. So many youngsters so fascinated with the water, try to go out to the pools with their guardians knowledge and fall in, not realizing they can't swim and drown each summer. A small bit of forethought and a bit more money for the gate and fence can save a whole lot of heartache.

By Terri from NV

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Removing the Cloudy Film from Old Windows

To clean old windows that have a cloudy film, use Easy Off oven cleaner or any other that has LYE in it. Wet the window pane with wet cloth and spray oven cleaner over area. Leave set a minute or so and wipe off. If the film is not entirely off then repeat or leave on a little longer. I got this tip from a professional window washer. He also stated that a fine steel wool and straight ammonia will also remove the cloudiness from window panes if it isn't inside a double insulated window.

By Lorelei from Georgetown, OH

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Making Hand Warmers

My husband ALWAYS has cold hands, so I made him a couple of "hand warmers" to keep them warm. I simply cut out soft fabric into 4 (4 inch) squares. Sew right sides together leaving about 1/2 open. Turn, fill with rice and sew shut.

He just pops these in the microwave for 30 seconds or so and voila! his hands are nice and toasty. These would make nice gifts for someone who has poor circulation. Just put one on top of the other and tie a ribbon around and put a cute tag on. You can also make these in kiddy fabric and let them put it wherever their "boo boo" hurts or on their tummy. :)

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Dressing Up a Lattice Fence

I have a lattice fence that hides my pool equipment. I placed Christmas lights (the net kind that you use on shrubs) on the lattice and then planted a vine to cover the lights (I used passionflower here in zone 8 but you could use any vine that does well in your area). At night the lights twinkle through the vine. It adds some soft lighting to the pool area. Trust me you will love it.

By Patricia from Scranton, SC

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Try Something New In Your Garden Each Year

Plant something new every year. You'll be amazed at what you learn once your plant starts to grow. I remember the year my mom told me she was going to grow celery. I thought sure she'd lost her mind. She lived in IOWA, celery would NEVER grow there, I thought. But it did. And she LOVED IT!

Lesson learned.

From then on, I've never been afraid to "jump off the bridge" or in my case, the deck lol, and try something new! It's a wonderful way to open your mind and that of others!

Source: Mother Maxine, tried and truly magnificent homemaker and expert gardener of Mansion type gardens!

By Lynn from Wildwood

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Reuse Your Dehumidifier's Water

The humidity will be rising soon and we all should be getting out our dehumidifiers. Here's a great way to save water. We have a birdbath in our back yard. When the dehumidifier is running, I take all the water that has collected in the dehum and I use it to keep the birdbath full and use it to water plants. All that water is is distilled water so it's cleaner than what comes out of the faucet. I save money by not using tap water to water my plants and fill my birdbath. The plants are happy as well as the birds! I am also saving water out of my faucet that can be used for other things like drinking so I conserve my water.

By Debradj from Illinois

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Left-over Coffee Smoothie

Put coffee left over from breakfast in a blender. Add milk and chocolate syrup and two to three ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Great afternoon pick me up. Yummy.

By Ruth from New York, NY

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Review Of Body Detox Systems

Has anyone used a detox system for their body that you were pleased with the results? I would like to try a detoxification cleanse. Has anyone made a homemade concoction?

Rose from Malvern, PA

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Where Can I Sell Used Textbooks?

Does anyone know where I can sell used college textbooks? They are used but are in like new condition. I paid $85.00 for my text book which I would like to sell. I have listed it on half.com but it does not seem to be moving. The buy back sites are quoting me the max $6.00-$7.00. I do not want to sell at this price. I would be willing to sell it at around $50.00. Any ideas would appreciated. Thanks.

Patg from NY

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Yorkie Puppy Will Only Go Potty On Paper Inside

I have a female yorkie, she is 5 months old. I got her when she was 10 weeks old and she immediately was paper trained. Everyday since she was 10 weeks I would take her outside when she woke up to go pee and poop. I have two other yorkies and they went with her. She would hold it until we came back inside.

This is getting very frustrating. Even if I take her for a walk she will not go until we come back in the house. I have tried it all, newspaper outside, saving her pee and poop and putting it outside for her to smell. And by the way since I have had her she has NEVER gone outside. Any help would be wonderful.

Susanne from Parkville, Maryland

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How Can I Keep My Hand-held TVs Working After Digital Switch?

I have two Watchman hand-held TV sets that I have been using and loving for over 20 years. They are great for the car, at the beach, anywhere because they are powered by batteries. When the new system is put in place in February, getting rid of the analog sets and going to digital, does anyone know where I could get something to still make my portable TV sets work? I will absolutely hate to get rid of them! I listen to the news on my way to and from work! Thanks bunches!

Casey from Plano, TX

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Applying BBQ Sauce To Chicken

How do you apply BBQ sauce to your chicken? When I bake chicken I apply BBQ sauce 15 mins before its done. However, when I apply it on one said and try to turn it over the chicken sticks to the pan and some of the meat comes off the bone.

Is it best to apply it with a pastry brush? I just pour it right out the bottle on one side and let it cook for about 10 mins on high heat and turn it over and pour it on the other side. Do you have a better way to do it?

Onesummer

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Looking For Microwave Recipes

I am looking for a good recipe book for microwave/convection oven cooking.

hazel from Apache Jct, AZ

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Using Newspaper In Garden Boxes

I am experimenting with what I would call "lasagna gardening". My boxes are 6' x 1' x 1', on wheels, with a chipboard bottom and made out of pine. Any recommendations on how thick of a newspaper layer I need? Should the paper go above or below the gravel layer?

Hardiness Zone: 6b


Sally from Bend, OR

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Calla Lilies Not Blooming

No flowers on Calla Lilies, why?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Val from New York

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Covering Bare Patches In Grass

Our back yard has both sunny and shady areas where the grass won't grow, so it becomes muddy when I water. Of course, so does the dog. Is there anything that will keep the mud away which I can sprinkle over it. That won't be harmed by the lawn mower, the dog, the occasional heavy rain nor strong winds?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Begonias Not Blooming

How can I get my begonias to bloom? I got them 1 1/2 years ago, beautifully blooming, put 2 small plants into one pot. They haven't bloomed since. I hung the pot outside on my deck that has wonderful afternoon shade, but so far nothing.

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Getting Rid Of Wild Grape Vines

We have a flower bed that has been sorely neglected. Elm seedlings and wild grapes have invaded. There are still some desirable plants--some Japanese dwarf iris that haven't bloomed for a couple of years and an antique rose that was very nearly choked out by elms, grape hyacinth, and some yellow-flowering bulbs that I haven't identified yet.

Because of a bad back, I can't spend a lot of time weeding at once. How do I get rid of the wild grapevines and baby elms without harming the other plants? Or should I consider it a total loss and till the whole thing up?

Hardiness Zone: 6a


Camilla from Atchison, KS

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Using Vick's In Steam Inhaler

I just purchased the Walgreen's cough and cold steam inhaler. It says use water only and do NOT add any medications (Vicks),etc. I really want to add Vicks though! What do you think will happen? It is a plug in device that has a 1/4 cup size base for the water, that heats to steam.
Thank you in advance


Christine from Bay Area, CA

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Installing Vinyl Tiles Over Vinyl

How do I install vinyl tiles over coved vinyl?

Chris from Roseville, CA

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Removing Paint From Inside Of Dryer

I used the dryer to dry a bed spread that has cloth paint on it. Bad idea. The heat from the dryer has caused some of the stuff from the bed spread to stain the insides of the dryer drum or wall. Any suggestions to remove this stuff. I tried all kinds of stain removers to no effect. Help.

Anthony from VA

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How Do I Make My Dark Hair Blonde?

I have dark brown hair and I want it blonde. I don't want to go to the hairstylist. I have tried lemon juice and my hair is too dark for it. I don't want to use dye. What should I do? What can I use?

Anna from Seattle, WA

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Looking For 20 Mule Team Borax

Where do I find the 20 Mule Team Borax?

MKING from Hicksville, OH

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Looking For Good Soap Recipe

I am looking for people who make their own soap.Do you have a good recipe?

Sabrina from Council, N.C.

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Removing Dye On Scotch Guarded Purse

I have a fabric Oroton handbag that has got dye transfer from my jeans. It has been scotch guarded but I am concerned about how to get it clean. Can anyone help?

Natalie from Blue Mountains, Australia

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Looking For "Erase Late Fee" Coupon

I am looking for a "erase late fee" coupon for Hollywood Video. I think some are up to $50.00. Thanks.

Jeanna from Providence

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How To Make Sweet Pickles with Splenda

I am looking for a recipe for sweet pickles that uses Splenda and no sugar. There is a commercial brand of pickles called Mt. Olive. One of their lines of pickles is sugar-free pickles (using Splenda) and they are really good.

Linda from Alamo, TX

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Homemade Household Cleaner Recipes

Looking for recipes for homemade household cleaners.

Debby from London, Ont. Canada

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How Many Photos Will a 1G Memory Stick Hold?

If a digital camera has a 1G memory stick, how many MB does it have? How many pictures will it hold?

Donna from Fairhaven, Ma

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Yellow Leaves on a Pepper Plant

What is the problem when the lower leaves of pepper plants turn yellow and fall off? How do I fix it?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Karen from Pensacola, FL

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Planting Vegetables in Alabama

We are moving to Alabama in about 2 weeks. We will have a nice big backyard that I would love to do a little vegetable gardening in. I also would like to plant a couple of fruit trees. I would appreciate any suggestions as to what fruit trees grow good in Alabama. Also which vegetables would be the best to try. Will I be early enough in mid to late June to plant?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Beth from Alabama

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Baby Gift Ideas for a Great Granddaughter

I need suggestions for a gift for a soon-to-be great granddaughter. It's been much too long for this babe to know what is good and 'cool'.

Jeanne from Cortez, CO

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Green Stuff Appearing In Ice Cubes

A painter had to move my refrigerator to paint my kitchen. After moving it back the copper pipe sprung a leak. The painter stopped the leak by breaking off the pipe at the point of the leak and reconnecting it. He showed me green stuff inside the piece of pipe he broke off.

Now the green stuff is appearing within the ice cubes. It was not in the cubes before this incident. Why is this? I don't want to call the painter because he was only problems, even though I had three so called good references on him.

Elizabeth from Tallahassee, FL

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Sweet Broom Not Blooming

I have 3 sweet brooms in my back yard. They are all 3 in full sun. They grow well, but they are not blooming? What do I need to do to get them to bloom?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Dawn from Houston, Texas

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Dawn Dishsoap For Fleas

I read that you can give your pet a bath in original dawn soap to kill fleas. I just did it right now and a lot fell off. She barely got them so they're not bad yet but I was drying her off and saw that she still had a few. Will the stuff in the soap keep killing them or are they all supposed to die when you bathe them? Please help.

Honeybunn141 from Fresno, CA

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What Are Good Vegetables for Dehydrating?

What are some of the vegetables that are good for dehydrating, and do you have any recipes for them?

Debra W. from Hampton

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Using Baking Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning

Can you use vinegar or baking soda to clean stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops?

Loretta from Pinon Hills, CA

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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

My Frugal Life: The One Dollar Dinner

I've always been frugal, but I guess this one could be called "facing a challenge". Times were very hard, my husband was out of a job, no money in the bank, no family to assist. It was hard enough trying to feed our family of four, two adults, two children, then I discovered my husband had invited a guest to dinner! I had precisely one dollar to provide a meal for five people!

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Store Credit
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

The scenario is familiar. At the check out counter of the local department store, the clerk asks if you would like to apply for the store's credit card. As a reward for signing, you receive an instant discount in the amount of 10% or even 15%. Do you sign on? Before you do, think it over.

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Keeping Your Compost Pile Trouble-Free
By Ellen Brown

Composting is an easy, inexpensive way to reduce your yard and kitchen waste, while keeping your garden filled with nutrient-rich soil. Keep your compost pile neat and trouble-free, by preventing these common problems before they arise.

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