Daily Thrifty Tips - September 17, 2008

We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Rag Painting a Room

This is with a 4 and 5 year old girl's help. My granddaughters wanted to help rag paint their room. Since they did not understand the concept of rag painting, we let them paint with socks on their hands. After marking the size of squares, we covered the ones that were not getting painted and let them work. All we had to do was the squares they could not reach and a little touch up.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Scenery: Deception Pass (WA)

I love to take pictures. Its a favorite hobby of mine. Living here on Whidbey Island there are plenty of places to take pictures. I particularly love historical places to take pictures of. Here is one of my favorite spots, Deception Pass. The original pic turned out a bit dark so I made it black and white and then put a soft focus around it. Its one of my favorite pictures now.

By Heather from Clinton, WA

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Garden: Helpful Snake

This little guy isn't my pet, but he was in my garden and he does help with the bugs. Not all snakes are bad, plus he blends right in.

By Wanda from Sears, MI

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Buddy (Pomeranian-Chihuahua)

This is Buddy. His age is unknown but our new vet listed him as 8 years. We are told he is a Pomeranian-Chihuahua 11.06 lbs.

Buddy was found in the middle of a busy intersection in another city. Brought home to our neighbor and they decided he was to small for their 3 children , so gave him to us. We tried to find his owner. But after 3 months he became ours to love.

Poor Buddy doesn't know how to play. He doesn't do chew bones/toys, rope tugs, old socks or balls. But he does like to walk along the fences in our area. Almost like he is looking for an escape route. Also we found out that if he accidentally gets out, he runs away and will not come when called. One of us has to get in the car and and one follows him on foot until someone picks him up or we catch him.. Very scary as he has no fear of cars or running in the street.

He also does not like most little dogs but tolerates both big and little one if they leave him alone. He likes to chase cats if he sees one outside. Or Sammy the squirrel (another story). He doesn't bark if the doorbell rings or we have company. But he will bark for unknown reasons at the back door at night sometimes. Nothing out there when we turn on the lights. He wakes Hubby up in the mornings by giving a soft grrr and if that doesn't get him up he will put two feet on the side of the bed and bark softly, if that doesn't work he barks out loud.

We have not found a dog food he likes well enough to eat twice in a row, if EVER. (He only eats at night mostly. And will walk away when he's full, about 1/4 cup. He likes to see what we're eating before he eats anything. And sometimes eats 1/2 of his supper and saves the rest until 10 pm or later( yes I do put it in the fridge). We think he must have been hand fed table scrapes. He will bury milk bones in his bed, Rarely eats them. I lifted the pillow to find 14 milk bones there, half of one behind a table leg, a couple out in the yard, one in a shoe, etc.

He likes to ride in the car and go for long walks and visit parks. We do not use a collar for his leash, but he wears one for his tags. He will go to the end of the leash and stand until we give him more line. We walk him with a harness because the Vet said his larynx was crushed at some point. Every time he gets a drink of water he chokes, like it goes down the wrong way and he has to cough to get it down right. Poor little guy. I wonder how badly he was treated before coming to us. He was neutered when we got him. We just had his teeth cleaned and they didn't have to pull any. Sorry this is so long. But hope others will adopt from the local pound instead of buying from a puppy mill.

By Vi from Moorpark, CA

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Place Rewards Coupons In Your Wallet

When I get a Walgreen's Register Rewards coupon or an CVS store ECB coupon, etc. (ones that are usually high values) and I don't want to miss out on using before they expire, I put a brightly colored yard sale pricing dot on them and put them in my dollar bill slot in my wallet. When I open my wallet to pay for something, they're in plain view and easily spotted. So I don't miss out on taking advantage of them.

By Terri from NV

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Use A Hair Dryer To Remove Contact Paper From Shelves

While cleaning out my pots and pans cabinet last week, I noticed that the contact paper was looking loose at the edges. I decided that I was going to pull it up and replace it. Well, the bottom shelf of the cabinet came out fine. However, the upper shelf did not. It ripped and tore and looked a mess! Believe me, when it said "Contact Paper", it meant CONTACT! That stuff was not budging!

Well, I went online and screened on HOW TO GET CONTACT PAPER OFF WOOD. The website had several suggestions to remedy this problem. It stated that you could use a hair dryer. Well, I used a blow dryer and heated up small spaces and then pulled like crazy and got the messy stuff up. It took me 2-1/2 hours to do the 10 foot LONG cabinet and I was on all fours the entire time with my head stuck in the cabinet as well. WHAT A SIGHT! Thank goodness it was a lower cabinet and not overhead.

Needless to say, I will NEVER use contact paper again! It is not worth the misery of getting it off your wood. I re-lined the cabinet with some UNGLUED wall paper left over from a long ago project and tacked it down at each corner with a heavy duty stapler. I figure it will be MUCH easier to pull out four staples than spend another 2-1/2 hours on my hand and knees when the cabinet needs to be refreshed again.

Source:

• http://www.essortment.com/

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Skin So Soft for Your Hair

Use Avon Skin So Soft as a creme for your hair after shampoo. Been using it for ten years as it just takes a couple of drops so you save a lot of money. No, it doesn't leave any kind of smell.

By Janice from Sun City Arizona

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Use a Monitor Stand for Your TV

One of our VCR/DVD recorders broke, probably due to the fact that the TV was set on top of it. Too much pressure in the wrong place. We found a solution - and no doubt the clever people in this group can come up with an even better one. I'd like to hear your ideas.

At The Container Store, there is a monitor/printer stand (#10034503) with a removable drawer (which we removed) and a space in which to tuck the keyboard. It's strong enough to support the TV, yet sturdy enough to not bend from the weight, so that the VCR/DVD isn't damaged. It was $50, now on sale for $30.

What's nice about this unit is that it blends in like a piece of furniture instead of a slippery wire shelf and doesn't look tacky. The situation was that the VCR has a substantial amount of width, so that eliminated many choices. Basically, what was needed was a sturdy and lightweight upside down wide U.

Source:

• http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?PRODID=10015575

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Check Local Museums For Free Museum Day on September 27, 2008

Visit the link below to find out which museum nationwide near you is part of the Smithsonian 2008 Museum Day on Saturday September 27, 2008 and has free admission!

• http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/venue.html

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Use Baby Powder for a Fresh Carpet

Use Baby Powder in place of Carpet Fresh. Be careful not to use Carpet Fresh for baby. Your house and carpet will smell fresh and clean.

By Anne from Nevada

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Laundry Sorter for Each Family Member

I bought laundry baskets for each member of the family. These baskets have three compartments and is on a frame that rolls. Every time an item of clothing is put into the basket, it is put into it's correct spot, so when it is filled the laundry is already sorted. Each compartment holds one load of laundry so you also know when it's time to do laundry.

By Shirley from Henderson, NV

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Golden Mashed Potatoes

When making mashed potatoes, add a couple of handfuls of shredded carrots to the raw potatoes in the pan. This is a wonderful, nutritious addition that is tasty and colorful. My kids ask for this. If you don't have a shredder, just chop the carrots small.

Source: Picked up the idea from the More With Less cookbook.

By Kim from Crawford, CO

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Easy Cleaning of a BBQ Grill

How to clean a BBQ grill without scrubbing!

1. Heat BBQ to as hot as you can get it.

2. Spray a fine mist (spray bottle or hose sprayer on "mist" will work) all over the grill.

3. Finish by wiping down with a wire brush (not scrubbing!).

The combination of heat and water "steam cleans" the grill. Works great and keeps the grill like new!

Good Luck!

By Matt from Poplar Grove, IL

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Minced Garlic vs. Fresh

Does anyone have any opinion about buying minced garlic vs. fresh? It appears at first that the minced jar at Walmart might end up saving a little money.

Bethany from SC

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Rag Rug Won't Lay Flat

I have just taught myself the basics of making a rag rug using a knotted method, rather than crochet (because I'm not really sure how to do that) but for all the fabulous instructions I've found, there is nothing that tells me how to make it lay flat, without making the outer stitches huge. How do I make it flat and keep the stitch continuity?

This was the link I used and the basics were really easy to understand (except for that whole laying flat thing).

• http://whimfield.com/?p=4

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Minivan's Sliding Doors Freeze Shut

The sliding doors on my 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan keep freezing shut in the winter. How do I prevent this?

Christie from Durango, CO

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Getting a Job as a Longshoreman

I want a job as a longshoreman. Can anyone help me obtain information on this subject?

Christopher from Brooklyn, NY

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Well Water Making Laundry Smell Bad

We use well water in our area and because of that water when I wash towels they always have a fowl smell to them. What can I do to take away the smell?

WarpedAngel from MD

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Yellow Yarrow Grew Too Tall

I have yellow yarrow in my front yard. It has done well, but grew so high this summer that it fell over and didn't look nice at all! It is only in its 2nd year and I wondered if there is anything I can do to keep the height down so it can hold itself up and look nice in my flower bed.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Julie from Northeast, PA

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Cleaning a Red Brick Patio

How can I clean moss and black mold from a red brick patio?

John from Newark, DE

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Sulfur Mosquito Repellent

I was wondering if anyone has a recipe using sulfur, honey and lemon juice. You take by the mouth to keep mosquitoes, red bugs and etc. from bitting you. My husbands mom used this recipe and but I can't find mine. Any help would be appreciated.

Sissy from Mangham, LA

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Windows Stained by a Vaporizer

How do I get rid of an old stain from a vaporizer on windows?

Karen from Smiths Grove, KY

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What Breed Is My Dog?

Help me figure out the breed of my dog please! I rescued Kody from a shelter in March of 2007 and his paperwork said he was about 1 year old and German Shepherd mix. Since then, people have told me he looks like he has some Husky, Malinois, or Chow (because of the spots on his tongue) mixed in. Many people say that he can't be purebred German Shepherd because he is too small.

He is 60 lbs with light-medium brown eyes, soft fur, and a straight tail. He has a white undercoat and sheds a ton. He is super smart, protective, very friendly, not overly energetic, somewhat vocal but doesn't bark too much, very sweet and playful.

I'd love to hear any thoughts about his breed. I am just so curious, but I don't have the money to do a dna test. Kody is my best friend and I love him more than I can even explain. =)

This picture (from Jan 2008) and is the best profile shot I have of Kody, but keep in mind that my boyfriend is standing behind him (boyfriend = 6'1") and Kody's back legs are bent (usually his back is straight across, not slanted downward).

Megan from Hayward, CA

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Using Human Eye Drops for Dogs

Can I use human eye drops on a small dog?

Lupe from CA

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Retro Clothing for Larger Sizes

Does anyone know where I can purchase reproduction sexy retro clothing for a size 14 voluptuous figure? Or, maybe just a pattern? Mae West was a very large woman, but try and find sexy, satin, form fitting dresses for a size 14 now. Have tried Daddy's O's and Pinup Girl. Their large is 38-31-40 (get real)!

Edie from Aberdeen, MD

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Is My Pit Bull Full Blooded?

Can any one help me? I have a pit bull puppy and I need to know.

Adam

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CorningWare SimplyLite Reviews

At Sam's Club I noticed CorningWare in a lighter weight version. It's called SimplyLite. The caveats were that one could not move it from one temperature extreme to another. Has anyone used this? Does it perform as well as the old CorningWare?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Tiny "Slugs"

I live in an upstairs apartment that is kept very cool and dry year round and until last week I've never even seen a roach in my apartment. All of a sudden, I am finding these tiny light pinkish slimy things here and there, and now in my bed. YUCK!

I remembered what roaches look and feel like as adults but never have seen these snot size slimy cool wet ones though. I found them here and compared them to the pictures, I think they are baby slugs yet I can't find an answer as to why I have suddenly been infested with them or where they could be coming from. There's not even a slim trail nor any adult ones anywhere. I have searched my entire place and no signs of any slugs big or small. Where are they coming from and how did they get here?

Candy from FL

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Gift Ideas for Wash Cloths

I am looking for a cute but useful idea to use pretty wash cloths as small gifts. Any ideas? Thanks.

baublynn

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Urine Stains on Mattress

About a month ago I saw that one or more of my dogs urinated on my pillow top mattress. After thoroughly cleaning and drying the stains I placed a vinyl shower curtain directly on the mattress and covered it with the mattress pad. I pulled the bedding off to launder when I noticed lots of big urine stains again. I can't understand how they got there unless plastic draws stains to the surface. Does anyone know if that it possible? Thank you

Geri from Crestline, CA

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Black Mold on Tile Roof

In Southern Florida we get these black molds on our tile roofs, and I was wondering if someone has any suggestions as to how to remove them. I've read on this board about various posts offering advice to use a mixture of bleach and water on shingle roofs. How about on tile roofs? And what are the mixture ratios and how long to leave on before rinsing? Thank you kindly.

Investor

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Information about Electric Generators

I am contemplating purchasing a power generator for those occasions when the electricity goes out. My main reason was to keep the cell phones going and be able to use at least one fan, because it gets mighty hot in here in the summer.


Tuesday Morning had a radio with a 2 outlet power storer for $60, but it was more radio (and large) than anything else. The info on the box said it would keep a radio going for up to 12 hours at 75% power. Seems to me that won't charge a cell phone. I don't even know if it would keep a fan going. Do you have any suggestions? Any basic guidelines?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Planting a Weeping Willow Tree

How far from my house should I plant a weeping willow tree?

Hardiness Zone: 6b


Lisa Murphy from Lancaster, PA

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Pattern for Crocheted Chess Set

Does anyone know where I can get a FREE crochet pattern for a chess board and men?

Kathy from Orlando, FL

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Painting Kitchen with Sapphire Blue Counters

I need help with kitchen wall paint color ideas. I have light maple cabinets with a coffee glaze with a sapphire blue granite counter top (it has blues/grays/and an orangy brown color uniform throughout). I have 2 skylights and 3 windows in the kitchen so lighting is decent.

The kitchen itself is set up galley style, then it L's out at the end into a dinette/breakfast nook area. The tile for the floor is a light color as well (it brings out the orangy brown in the granite). Please help me pick a wall color that would look decent. Any and all ideas will be greatly appreciated. I have been searching for a while now and can't decide what would be best.

Nicole from NY

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Ideas for a Girl's 16th Birthday

A very sweet daughter of a friend is turning 16 soon and I would like to get her something a little more special than I usually do. What do 16 year old girls like these days? I'm open to suggestions of any dollar amount, as they may inspire me to think of other things on my own. Thank you very much!

Mary from Albany, NY

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Painting Kitchen With Stained Concrete Counters

I have black kitchen appliances, new Italian maple cabinets, and beige ceramic tile floor. The counters will be stained concrete, probably mottled brown and black. What colors can I paint the walls?

Jane from Gainesville, FL

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Uses For Cookie Tins

What can I do with those left over cookie\candy tins? I know that there have to be some type of crafting I can do with them but I need ideas!

Sheila from NC

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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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My Frugal Life: Frugal Tips for Children's Clothing

When you decided to have children, you have a slight idea of the expense. In your head you immediately think of college fund, food, diapers, cars, medical care, and clothing. We fool ourselves into thinking that it will be easier than it actually is. As the parent of seven children, I am an unofficial expert in raising children on a strict budget. Our gang is lucky they have clothing, now that we are feeding five teenagers and the strays they bring home after school each day. Their college funds were taken care of before birth. Classic cars were bought as junk and the gear heads in our tight knit group fixed them up over the years.

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Repelling Hornets, Bumblebees and Wasps

Question:

Anyone know of any plants that repel hornets, bumblebees, and wasps?

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