Daily Thrifty Tips - October 8, 2008

One topic that we have not dealt with much on ThriftyFun is retirement. With our troubled economy, many people are seeing what retirement they do have dwindle, especially if they have money in the stock market. Do you have any advice to offer on how you are preparing for retirement? Feel free to post your insights here:

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Susan

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Garden: Purple Zebra Mallow

This is the first year I have planted these, but I was so pleasantly surprised! In fact until this year, I had never even heard of them. It's called a purple zebra mallow.

By Claudia G. from Morrisville, PA

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Scenery: Lake Norman, NC

Enjoying the last moments of summer. This is on Lake Norman in North Carolina.

By Melissa from Bessemer City, NC

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Bella (Lab Mix)

Bella at 4 years old. This is a picture of her in a box she curled into. She is a Lab mix. We rescued her from the Labrador Retriever Rescue in Davis

She likes to chase flies, go for walks, play with Kaiser (our Alsatian Leonherder) and lay in the sun. She is just the best little dog. A perfect match for our family of boys!

By Amy from Granite Bay, CA

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Freshen Up Clothes With Perfume In The Dryer

When I remember, I like to add a few drops of essence to a wash cloth and pop it in my tumble drier. My clothes smell delicious! If I want to freshen up an item to wear, I pop a damp wash cloth in the tumble drier with a drop or two of essence or perfume and put it on for 10 minutes. This works great if you don't want to iron an item, do this instead!

By Monique from Somerset, UK

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Storing Wrapping Paper With Elastic Bands

I found a real neat way to keep your wrapping paper from unraveling, without tearing or spoiling your paper. Use a coated elastic band used to hold ponytails. Try It. I did and it works fantastically. No more wasting.

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

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Denture Tablet for Cleaning

This tip maintains drains and keeps toilet bowls clean. I stumbled across this when I was desperate one evening with a stopped up drain.

Break up 1 denture cleaning tablet and let fall into drain let sit (there should be a bit of water in the trap to dissolve it). Then run hot water down the drain. Presto! the effervescence from the tablet opened the clog. Now I use one tablet per week to keep them open and running clearly.

I throw 2 denture cleaning tabs in the toilet and let sit for about 15-30 minutes and come back, flush, clean bowl!

By Lisa from Warren, MI

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Hang Pegboard for Playroom Organization

I was having trouble in my daughters' toy room. Their things were always on the floor. So, I installed "peg board", as used in the garage, etc. I painted it purple and pink to match their room. I used peg board hooks to put their toys all up and down the walls to get them off of the floor. I used old Easter baskets and things like that to hang from the hooks. I even pulled a small shelving unit up off of the floor and put it on the wall as well. It is much more organized and now my girls can find their toys and I don't have to keep reminding them to clean.

For the pegboard hooks, I also used paper clips for light things, and reused old curtain hooks by taking off one part of them. I hung their "kitchen" items on the wall so that they would have easy access to them.

Then, I took a long curtain that had two sides to it and put it in their closet with all of their dress up clothes. Now they have a curtain for their "stage." You can become really creative.

By Tammy from Fort Mccoy, FL

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Use Powdered Alum On Blemishes

Powdered alum works wonders on blemishes and canker sores, and can be found in pencil or block form as well as the spice can we're more familiar with. Apply from the stick or mix the spice with a little water, leaving it on overnight for almost instant results.

By Patricia from Imperial, NE

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Yankee Swap Gift Exchange

If you get together with extended family over the holidays, gift giving can get really expensive (especially if you get everyone an individual gift). To cut down on costs we have instituted a "Dirty Santa" or "Yankee Swap" gift exchange for the adults. Each person brings just one useful/practical gift and the price is usually set for around $25 or so. So no matter how many people you have in your family, nobody will spend more than $25 ($50 a couple) on gifts. Here are the official rules for having a "Dirty Santa" or "Yankee Swap" gift exchange:

• http://www.yankee-swap.net/yankee_swap_rules_official.PDF

By Chris from Blacksburg, VA

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Keeping Your Garage Floor Clean

Does a dirty garage floor drive you nuts? It does me. We go in and out through the garage. I hate it when people come in and drag dirt in on their feet from the garage. My husband blows it out but he only does it when he cuts the grass.

Do you have an old vacuum cleaner? If so, keep it in the garage - to vacuum the garage floor! I know it sounds crazy but it works great. Now no more dirt and tiny leaves being tracked into the foyer between the garage and kitchen. (Just make sure to keep the garage doors down while you do it so your neighbors don't think you are insane!)

Source: My father started doing this and now I do too!

By Savings Assistant from Kennesaw, GA

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Give Trick or Treaters a Candy Container

Give Trick or Treaters a candy container if they come with plastic bags to your door. We live in town where we get at least 75+ treaters to our door on Halloween. Two years ago, my husband noticed some kids who came to the door were only carrying a grocery plastic food bag to get their candy in and not even wearing a costume of any type or just had painted faces. They look so sad as well.

So we started buying any kind of candy containers that were a Halloween theme that we saw in yard sales or after Halloween discount sales in stores and stock up on them throughout the year. Then when we have at least 20 containers we'd fill those with lots of extra candy and I print out a little card that hangs from the side of the container that says "Here's a special treat just for you, enjoy your candy bucket, Jesus Loves you too!" And we have them placed by the doorway at easy reach so that any child that comes to the door with just a plastic bag gets their own candy container. Their faces light up so big with a smile. Happy Fall and Halloween Everyone! It's just around the corner. :-)

By Julie from TN

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Wash and Freeze Your Apple Harvest

With apples so good and plentiful now, why not freeze them so that you may enjoy sauces and apple desserts all year. Fill empty spots in your freezer with apples that have been washed only. Don't pare, core or peel. Just put in plastic bags before storing in freezer. When you are ready to use them, just peel and slice as with fresh apples. Let apples stand out of freezer for 1 hour before peeling. This makes them easier to handle. Be sure to use them at once before they turn and become soft.

Source: I got this from a local newspaper more than 20 years ago.

By Jane from Piqua, OH

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How To Keep Bread Fresh Without a Tie

When you are done using the bread, hold the open end and give the bread a spin. The twisted part of the bread wrapper should be closest to the bread. Fold the top over the bread and it's ready for the next use. This tip is also good when camping.

By Susan from Clinton, TN

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Maggots in the Garbage Can

How do you get rid of maggots in the garbage can?

Betty

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Stretching Shoes

My husband bought new shoes and they are too tight. Is there anyway to stretch the width?

Mary from Newark, California

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Looking For Black Salve

Where can I purchase black salve?

mstricia37 from Chicago, IL

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Using Windex On Engineered Hardwood Floor

Does anyone know what damage Windex can do to engineered hardwood floors? It seems to be the only product that works for me and doesn't leave streaks and mark up by simply walking on it? I have used both Bona Swedish Formula and Swifter Wet Jet which were disastrous as they show every foot step and dog print.

MJ from Canada

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Painting A Room Two Colors

How do I paint a room two colors? I would like to use blue and brown for a large bedroom with lots of light. Do I paint one wall brown and the others blue? Or should I just use two tones of brown. I am using a Southwestern style with some denim pillows, leather pillows, etc. Please give me your suggestions.

Jennie from North Carolina

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Bumbo Toilet Trainer

Does any one know where to get a Bumbo Toilet trainer?

lovelife from FL

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Hairspray On Mirrors

Does anyone know how to get hairspray off mirrors?

Mary from Afton, NY

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Home Remedies For Ear Ache

I've had this earache for a week and it hurts. I can't hear very much and it hurts when I burp. There was some bleeding but that stopped. It makes my head hurt and I don't know how to make it go away. Any home remedies?

Nellyrnd from AZ

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What Breed Is My Dog?

Does anyone know what poodle breed my dog is? I've been told he's a miniature poodle purebred, but he seems way too big. What do you think?

Jennifer from Riverside, CA

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What Breed Is My Dog?

What breed is my dog?

Jennifer from Riverside, CA

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Keeping Wheelchair Ramp Ice-Free

I just recently got a wheelchair ramp put together for my son Ryan. The 3 guys who put it together put underlayment over top. They said not to put rock salt on top of it or to use a shovel. Any suggestions about what I can do about the up coming snowy weather? What can I do to keep the snow off and to keep my son from sliding?

Sheila from Flint Mi.

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Christmas Float for a Kindergarten Class

I need a fun, cute and winning idea for a 2nd annual Christmas town parade. Our class won 2nd last year in a contest of best float. Although, we threw it together with one person's idea. However, this year we want to plan early, fundraise and make it not only fun for the kids but be surprisingly beautiful, fun, and have the winning idea for our kindergarten class of 20-30 children. Please give us pictures, ideas and supply list for a mommy who wants to help my class and I have an awesome Christmas float.

Sonja from Thackerville, OK

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Removing Fuzz After Removing Wallpaper

How to remove hanging chad and fuzz from facepaper after the wallpaper was removed?

Charlie from East Alton, IL

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Orange Peel Chicken

Does anyone know how to make Orange Peel Chicken? I love the dried orange peel in it. My husband leaves it out, but I eat it. I'd like to know how to get the peels like that from my own oranges.

Bethany from SC

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Coloring Popcorn

How do you color popcorn? I have seen colored popcorn (unpopped kernels) in catalogs for sale, and it's rather pricey. Apparently when popped the popcorn is multicolor. I'd love to figure out how to do this.

Rose from MO

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Ziplock Vs. Reynolds Vacuum Sealers

There are now two vacuum sealers on the market, one by Ziplock and one by Reynolds. Has anyone used these?

Jeannie from Wbrg. PA

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Low-Cost Casserole Recipes

I need low-cost, easy casserole and slow cooker recipes! Something that I can freeze for future use, as well. I'm facing a layoff at work and need to watch every penny! I thank you, my stomach thanks you, and my pocketbook thanks you!

Kip from Llano, TX

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Cleaning The Toilet Tips

I am looking for tips for keeping a toilet clean without scrubbing every day.

Kathie from Portland, ME

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Sharpening Hedge Shears

How can I sharpen very dull hedge shears?

Clydene from Houston, TX

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Can butter be substituted for shortening in a recipe?

Can butter be substituted for shortening in a recipe?

Maryeileen from Brooklyn OH

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Preparing a Wall for Paint After Removing Wallpaper

How to fix damage to the face paper after removing wallpaper with a steamer? Removing the wallpaper has left "hanging chads" of gray paper along with the goughs (divots) that the chad use to cover. 2/3 of the walls have about 5000 chads to remove. Is there a quick and easy way to do this?

One person at the rental store told me she used a razor to shave the chads off (in about 40 hours), thinly plastered to fill in the divots, and immediately sponged over the plaster to level it. Is there an automatic level liquid I can use on walls or a type a paint that will make the chad lie down, fill in the divots, and blend smooth (other than heavy textured paint, although I might go this way). The chad/divot texture looks awful.

Charlie from E Alton, IL

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Egyptian Cake Recipe

I am looking for a recipe for 1950's cake we called Egyptian Cake. It was a three layer cake, with a frosting made with heavy whipping cream and coconut. I would love to have this recipe again. My aunt would make it for my birthday after my Mom died.

Virruth from Johns Creek, GA

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Puppy Fears His Owner

Should a Pitbull puppy fear his owner? Should he be yelping out as if his owner is seriously hurting him? Should he be shaking in his owners presents and hold his head low?

Christina from Hamburg, NJ

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Saving Money on Irrigation

I am looking for ideas. We just got our water bill and although we have had more rain than normal our 1/2 year water bill was a whopping $600. I believe it is our irrigation "system".

We were thinking of setting up a system in the spring for catching rain water but don't know where to start or how to store it so next year we won't have this insane bill. We have huge gardens of flowers and we have been using drip line hoses and although we used less water than last year with these methods the rates went up and we have a huge bill anyway.

Suggestions?

Maria from Berlin, CT

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Butter Clogging a Drain

In the restaurant I work we keep the butter scooper's in a hot water well. The well builds up with butter all the time. How can we keep it flowing without calling the plumber all the time?

Thanks,
TLB from Fresno, CA

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Maytag Neptune Stopped Spinning

Our Maytag Neptune washing machine quit spinning. The "best" Maytag repair person in our area has been out 3 times replacing, fixing, testing, etc. and it still won't work. It cycles fine but at the end it won't finish spinning to get the excess water off the laundry. There is a puddle of water in the bottom of the washer. Repairman says he doesn't know what else to do so we may be looking at replacing it after only 10 years. I've heard these last 15-20 years. Has anybody else had this issue and what did you do?

SL from Idaho

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Curtain Color Advice

My husband and I just bought a house. I'm not much of a decorator and so something as simple as picking out curtains freaks me out. The living room walls are a pale yellow, we took up the carpet to show the hardwood flooring, and all the trim throughout the house is white. We have no furniture in there as of yet but my husband wants curtains for our bay window asap.

If anyone has any suggestions for curtain colors I would appreciate it. :) Also, our kitchen is very small and connected to the living room - it is a really pretty blue color, cabinets will be painted white very soon. We have three small kitchen windows and I want to get black and white window valances. Should the black and white valances tie in with my bay window curtains in the living room?

Melinda from Wenonah, NJ

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What Breed Is My Dog?

What kind of mix is my mini pincher? He is only about 3 months old. I got him from a shelter so I am not very sure.

Kylie

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Looking for a Moist Muffin Recipe

I am looking for a good, moist, muffin recipe. I would like to make them Texas size, and use them as treats to share with co-workers. I have tried the ones in Betty Crocker recipe book, but didn't like them. I also would love to add chocolate chips to them. If someone would be willing to share a really good one that they have made. I would be grateful. Thanks.

Nancy from Pottstown, PA

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Finish For Rusty Coat Hooks

I want to do my bedroom and bathroom with a western theme. I have bought some rusty old coat hooks that I want to use in the bathroom to hang towels on. What can I put on them to keep the rusty look and make sure the rust doesn't come off on the wet towels?

Amanda from NC

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Recipe for Coconut Milk Ice Cream

Can anyone give me a recipe for homemade ice cream using coconut milk? Do you just substitute the coconut milk for the cream and the milk? We are dairy intolerant.

Wondernana from Clovis, CA

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Saving Money on Health Insurance

Tips for Saving Money on Health Insurance. Please share you ideas below.

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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: Serve Meat Kabob Style

I have found a way to cut costs on meats. If you have a large family, this will also help on costs of meats and vegetables.

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