Daily Thrifty Tips - March 5, 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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Saying Goodbye (Bald Eagle)

Saying good-bye to a good friend

By Debra from Chelan, WA

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Adorable Son

No tip, I just think my son is adorable, that's all. :)

By Tricia from Fayetteville, AR

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Shorty (Dachshund)

Shorty is a one and a half year old Dachshund. I bought her from a breeder when she was 6 weeks old.

She likes to play with toys, chase lizards and bugs in the yard, eat, and sleep

By Kaitlin from Sparta, TN

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• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

My Frugal Life: Message In A Bottle

To Whoever Has Chanced Upon This Bottle:

I am stranded on a deserted island somewhere in the tropics. I am as well as the circumstances justify, thank you very much. After all, I consider myself somewhat of a minimalist anyway, inherently resourceful and inventively frugal. I have adapted remarkably well to my existence here and have come to enjoy the true simplicity of life in paradise. There is one contraption, however, I do particularly long for: my breadmaker.

I've never been exceptionally adept at baking bread by hand, previous attempts at homemade bread have failed so miserably they have actually been comical. I generally blame it on the room temperature or the yeast, but I've never been quite able to pinpoint exactly what caused the bungling of my breads. I am known among friends and family for my persistence, but present me with enough personal failures and I will (as human nature often dictates) move on to the next project. Quickly.

Oh, you simply cannot fathom the fevered excitement I felt one Christmas when I realized the gift I was opening (a present from my felicitously sensible mother who had, indeed, sampled a few slices of my homemade blunders) was a GENUINE BREADMAKER ! Wow !

At first, I faithfully followed the recipes that came with my breadmaker, and amazingly every loaf I baked was superb in texture, appearance, and taste. When I became relatively adept with my breadmaker, I felt confident enough to actually experiment with ingredients. On occasion, I self-assuredly substituted whole wheat flour or cornmeal for the white flour; judiciously sprinkled in some bran, wheat germ, or flax seed; insouciantly added my own special medleys of spices; and sagaciously poured yogurt, juice, soup, and even leftover spaghetti (sauce included) into the pan. In the process, I discovered one extremely important fact about kids: they WILL eat spinach (and actually LIKE it) if it is baked in a loaf of bread.

That's right, I became so darned good at this breadmaker thing, I even concocted my very own recipes. Many of my creations are (I blush) worthy of blue ribbons, if not the envy of every mother who has every struggled with a vegetable phobic, vitamin- and mineral-deficient child. For a time, we referred to my Spinach Parmesan Bread as "Green Bread" for my young son's sake. When he learned the true source of the hue of his favorite bread, surprise! It was still his favorite. That Leftover Spaghetti Bread? It's a real winner, especially among my daughter and her friends.

I've also made some money-saving discoveries. The quick-rising (or "made for the breadmaker") variety of yeast is key. It costs the same, but I don't need to use as much of it as I do the regular stuff. When the recipe calls for a package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of yeast, I ignore the recommendation. One teaspoon of Quick Rise, or Special for Breadmaker, yeast is quite sufficient, and my jar of yeast lasts twice as long. Don't believe me? Just ask Red Label customer service.

Did you know there is even a website devoted solely to recipes for bread? Yep - I found it:

• http://www.breadworld.com

So, don't fret too much over me as I lounge here in my hammock among the palm trees, feasting on tropical fruits and sipping coconut milk. The weather is sensational, the beach is glorious, and the sea an incredible blue. I'm doing just fabulously, thank you. I do need one small favor from you, the individual who has happened upon the bottle with this note in it: could you please contact UPS and ask if they deliver to remote locations? If so, please pack my breadmaker carefully and send it to me Red Label (no pun intended - honest !)

Oh yeah - be sure to include a generator.

Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Tomato Planting Tips

Tomatoes are touchy about getting too much rain or water overhead. First of all, plant the tomatoes as deeply as you can but not with the leaves touching the ground. In between the plants, bury 4 pint plastic milk containers. However before burying them, punch holes all over well spaced holes. Fill them with water so they are watered from below. Make a teepee shaped clear poly/plastic cover and stake on one side so you can refill water and early fertilizer. Yummy !

Source: Tip Combination of research and thinking.

By Bev from Chilliwack BC

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Use Gift Cards for Online Shopping

With all the talk about identity theft, I have found one way to shop online and not have to worry about having my credit card number stolen. When I shop on the internet i go out ahead of time and buy either a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card. They are sold in three different amounts, and they can be used online to purchase whatever you want safely. I can now but whatever whenever, and not worry about my credit card number being stolen. I don't use a my credit card online any more.

By Debradj from Illinois

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Six Uses for Nail Polish Besides Your Nails

6 things you can do with nail polish besides paint your nails.

1. Secure A Screw: Tighten loose screws on cabinets or pot handles by brushing some clear nail polish on screw threads. Insert the screw and let dry before using again.
2. Stop Tarnish: Keep costume jewelry from turning black with a coat of clear polish.
3. Seal An Envelope: Brush polish on the underside of the flap.
4. Mend A Screen: Stop a small hole from getting any bigger by brushing a little clear nail polish over the spot.
5. Smooth A Hanger: Don't throw out hangers, just brush polish over the rough edges on wooden or plastic hangers.
6. Stop A Pantyhose Run: Put a small run with clear nail polish, this will stop the run until you can replace them.

Source: collected from computer groups

By Randa from San Marcos Tx

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Use a Pet Crate as a Footrest

We recently adopted a puppy and have a wire frame crate for him to sleep in. In order to accommodate this in our small den, I covered the top of the crate with two small pillows and topped them with a crochet throw. The top of the crate has become a foot rest and Sammy can rest peacefully inside below.

By Carol from Hawthorne, NY

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Wire Baskets for Bathroom Storage

A wire basket with a handle can double your bathroom counter or top of dresser space if you use both the basket and the handle for storage. For example, you can put all of your hair accessories into the basket part and hang your drop earrings from the wire handle. The things you use most often will be kept on hand and you'll create more useable counter or dresser top space.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Keeping Track of Cosmetic Samples

I have received free samples of cosmetic and facial products and am frequently not in a position to purchase those I liked due to a surplus of products in the house. Making a mental note to buy these when needed doesn't function because I'll forget their exact names. Writing the info on a sheet of paper doesn't work (for me) because I seem to recognize more the looks of the jar, rather than the name and source.

My newest method is to take a clear plastic box with a lid and toss in the empty jars, sample packets, wrappers. When I need more eye cream and wish to switch products for instance, I can just open up the box and see the merchandise's name.

I'm not being too fussy, it's just that when you have dark circles under your eyes, only certain products work well and it's a waste of time and money to go through an assortment of options just to find the one needed.

If you want to try this method, may I suggest putting the year and the vendor on the item with an indelible marker - otherwise you may find yourself chasing something that has long since been discontinued. On a sheet of paper, I write the products I didn't like. These are just recordings of the name and vendor. I don't need the packaging because looking at the name is enough.

Source: My own idea.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Use a Broadcast Spreader for Salting Sidewalks

Winter is here and it seems like we constantly have to put down salt on either the driveway or the sidewalk. So my husband, being the clever person he is, came up with a very easy and cost effective way to put down our salt. He uses our hand crank seed thrower (that is just sitting on the shelf waiting for spring) and this spreads the salt evenly and lets it go farther, saving us money on salt and less time spent actually doing the job. When spring time comes back around we just wash the seed thrower out really well and it is set to go. We are always looking for double duties around here and this is a great one.

Source: My wonderful husband.

By Michelle from Newark, Ohio

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Surprise Birthday Balloon

When my niece turned 12, I bought a huge helium balloon and put it in a big box, along with her birthday money, and mailed it to her. When she got it and opened the box the whole family was startled as the balloon got out and went up! A very fun way to surprise a kid on their birthday!

Source: me

By Lily from South Bend, Indiana

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Use Spinach Instead of Lettuce In Sandwiches

My 7 year old son is cautious about new vegetables, especially raw veggies. He likes the idea of having lettuce and tomato on sandwiches, thanks to Subway and Burger King.

This week when packing his school lunch, I replaced the lettuce with baby spinach leaves. This boosts the nutritional content and he didn't even notice. I put the spinach directly on top of the mayonnaise so it wouldn't slip out. I might try cucumber slices next!

Jess in Oregon

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Get More Juice Out Of Your Lemon

Place lemon(s) in microwave for about 10-20 seconds (based on your microwave) until the lemon is very warm to the touch (almost hot). Wait until you feel comfortable handling the lemon, then cut and squeeze. You should be able to get at least 30-40% more juice than normal.

By Cajunc from Collinsville, IL

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Homemade Doggie Popsicles

Many of us have pets. Here is a way to make and preserve yummy treats for them and have them handy when you need them for that extra special trick they do. Buy a cheap roasting chicken and cook it in the crock pot. It cooks off the bone and falls apart. Let it cool and take the good meat off and save for your favorite casserole dish, soup, chicken dumplings, etc. Hand remove all the bones. Take the extra meat left over (not real good for human consumption) and hand pick through it again to be sure the bones are gone. Divide it and put into ice cube trays. Add some of the chicken broth from the cooker. There will be quite a lot of broth. Pour into the trays compartments to add flavor. Freeze. The next day, pop them out and store in a zip lock freezer bag in the freezer until Rover does a fantastic trick that he deserves a reward for.

By Donna from Millbury

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How Can I Get Rid of Roaches?

I moved into an old (1940) house in July 2007. There seem to be a lot of roaches. I keep everything clean and no crumbs on the floor or counters, no wet garbage, and no clutter. I am using the Spectricide Barrier Spray, gallon size with self-contained hose and nozzle. The spraying is supposed to last nine months. It seems to do okay, but I was wondering if there is anything better (other than paying a huge fee for an exterminator).

Edna from Memphis

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Feeding a Puppy Cooked Eggs

Can I feed my 6 week old puppy cooked eggs? It is half Sheepdog/half Pyreneese.

Paula from Townville, SC

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Bakers Square Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Does anyone have a recipe for Bakers Square Sour Cream Raisin Pie? Thank you!

ML from IA

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House Training a Dog

How can I get my dog to stop wetting all over the house?

Darcey from Johnsonburg, PA

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Homemade Juniper Breeze Body Spray

I made my own juniper breeze body spray and love it but the scent does not last very long. I was told to put juniper extract and that would set the scent. But does anyone know how much juniper extract to put in one gallon of homemade juniper breeze body spray?

Lisa

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Keeping Homemade Starch from Spoiling

I made my own starch out of flour and water and absolutely love it, but I need to know how to keep it from spoiling.

Lisa from Chillicothe, MO

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Homemade Remedy for Mites on Puppy

My puppy had mites almost 4 weeks ago, I took her to the vet where we got antibiotics and they did 2 dips to clear up the mites. They went away and the hair started to come back around her eyes but now she's starting to scratch again and I'm afraid she might be getting the mites back.

I'm hoping for a home remedy before I spend another $150+ on dips and medicine but because it is around her eyes I don't want to put Vaseline or anything like that on her. Is there another home remedy or should I take her to the vet? Any suggestions will help...

Becky from Madison, WI

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Scotchgard on a Leather Purse

My wife has the patchwork coach purse and I accidentally got Scotchgard on the leather. Now it is not stained but you can see the Scotchgard on it and I can't clean it off. Does anyone know how?

Bryan

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Blooming Brier Taking Over Yard

I have some sort of brier (wild tea rose maybe - has small pink blooms) that is taking over the side of my house. I wouldn't mind so much, except it is overcoming my hibiscus. It is now more brier than bloom, and I'm afraid for my hibiscus.

I've tried cutting, digging, cutting through the roots for the past 2 years and it keeps coming back. What can I do to permanently get rid of (or at least contain) this problem without hurting anything else? Would brush-kill work?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Doodles from New Jersey

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Head Lice Solution Stain on Shirt

My son had head lice. When I used the solution on his head, I spilled some on my top. It has left a grease like stain on it. Any ideas on how I can get it off?

Kathryn from South Wales

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Cleaning Wool Area Rugs

I have two large lovely wool area rugs from JC Penny but can not afford to have them dry cleaned. Does anyone have a solution to this expensive problem? Is there a way to clean them at home myself?

Pattie from Bridgton, ME

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Spoiled Milk Odor in Car

I left three half gallons of milk in my truck by accident. Naturally in 10 degree weather they all broke. Can anyone tell me how to get this horrible spoiled milk smell out of the carpets before I go mad? Thanks!

Pattie from Bridgton

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Removing Plastic from Stove Burner Rings

I had a plastic bag on the electric stove and I accidentally turned on the wrong burner. Now, I have bits of melted plastic on one of the electric rings. I have scrubbed and scrubbed and it won't come off. Please help!

Kate from Melbourne

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Answering a Guy's Invitation to a Dance

Does anyone have any good ideas on how to answer a guy back to a high school dance? It's the Women's and Men's association dance combined and I don't have any ideas on how to answer him back. If anyone has any ideas please post them. Can anyone think of anything that involves either eggs or a chicken that would be great!

Talesha from Salt Lake, Utah

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Security Software Compatible with Windows Vista

My computer is Windows Vista/Hewlett-Packard. My security is Norton 360, the only system that was compatible with Vista at the time. I'll have to install new security in a few months. Can anyone recommend a good system? One that works, is easy to install, and doesn't cost a terrible amount?

360 was extremely easy to install but it is expensive and not all that great. I'm still kind of new about computers, everything confuses me, and I'd appreciate any help I can get.

Jo from Hampton Roads, VA

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Recipes for Inexpensive Teen Spa Party

I turned 14 a couple of weeks ago and I want to have a spa party that is cheap and fun. Does anyone have recipes or anything else that could help me?

Purplerulez from Correctionville, IA

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Can't Remember the Name of the Song?

I have these lyrics in my head and can't remember the name of the song or the artist. Here it goes: "got to get you back into my life, got to get you back into my life, got to got to get you back into my life, girl my life is so empty, like a puzzle your the missing piece." It's from the 80's, that's all I have.

Angel from Belleville, NJ

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Buying Bulk Cranberries for Centerpieces

I am getting married in June 2008. I am looking for any great ideas for centerpieces. We are on a tight budget! I am thinking of using cranberries in glass vases for my centerpieces along with water and maybe Calla Lilies. Does anyone know where I can get bulk cranberries to buy? Real or fake! Thank you in advance!

Kelli from Portland, OR

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Sleepover Ideas

I'm having a sleepover this Friday and want some ideas. I'm having 2 friends over and we're all 13.

Stephanie from Brockton, MA

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Stains on Hosiery from Shoes

How can I prevent shoe dye transfer to pantyhose? I have buff pantyhose which I wore with black shoes and now there are black marks in the foot area of the pantyhose that cannot be removed. Can this pair be salvaged? If not, is there something that can be done to prevent this from happening to the next pair?

Cynthia from New York

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Decorating Your Bedroom to Inspire Relaxation

I have heard that the bedroom is the last room in the house people decorate. I am moving into a residence with a 'blank' design canvas and have always lived with white walls. I would like to take on a project of decorating my room so that it is warm, inviting, organized, and inspires relaxation.

My other question is how to blend my design so that it merges with a bathroom, and office? What pointers or guidelines should I follow for my 1st 'major' project?

Darci from Littleton, CO

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Lip Balm Stain on Clothing

How do I get beeswax-cocoa butter lip balm out of clothing? I put the clothing through the dryer already. It's been years since I've missed the pocket check! Will WD40 work on organic grease?

Stephanie from Anchorage, Alaska

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Refinishing a Resin Yard Statue

I'm trying to refinish a poly resin yard statue. The paint has started to peel. How can I remove the rest of the paint without damaging the statue?

Kelly from OH

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Repellent to Keep a Cat Off a Sofa

I am looking for a cat repellent gel to keep cat off new sofa and plants.

Concetta from Florida

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Using Whipping Cream Instead of Frozen Whipped Topping

We do not have 'frozen whipped topping'. Would I just use whipped cream? Thank you for any replies.

Carolyn from South Africa

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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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