Daily Thrifty Tips - September 15, 2006

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These are pictures of my Okra plants. I purchase seeds from a man in Texas who developed this strain and have been using his special seeds for years. He calls it Flower Bed Okra, although I don't know why. They are more like small trees. (Smile)

The plants are quite big and really grow lots of branches. I plant them about 3 feet apart, and they almost touch one another in the rows. Two or three of these plants give my husband and I all the okra we need. This year I only have two plants. They take a little longer to start producing, but they will continue producing until frost.

One little trick that he told me about that works very well is to soak the seeds in bleach for about an hour,rinse in clear water, and then plant them in the ground.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

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A tomato face.

By Dianna Townsend from Limington, Me

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This is a photo of my baby girl a few years ago. Desiré was kitten from my mom's cat, Lily, so she is a grandkitty. I've had her longer than I have been married. She is about 10 years old now and not quite as playful but still sweet. Don't try to rub that belly, she bites!

Jess from Portland, OR

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To remove pine tar from your hands: spray with Pam Cooking Spray or a similar product. Work the oil into the tar with a brush or your fingertips. Wash with liquid soap and rinse with water. I stumbled on this remedy when I was making a pine cone wreath for Christmas.

By Daisy from Bowie, MD

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FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli O157:H7 Outbreak One Death and Multiple Hospitalizations in Several States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing an alert to consumers about an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in multiple states that may be associated with the consumption of produce. To date, preliminary epidemiological evidence suggests that bagged fresh spinach may be a possible cause of this outbreak.

Based on the current information, FDA advises that consumers not eat bagged fresh spinach at this time. Individuals who believe they may have experienced symptoms of illness after consuming bagged spinach are urged to contact their health care provider.

Given the severity of this illness and the seriousness of the outbreak, FDA believes that a warning to consumers is needed. We are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local agencies to determine the cause and scope of the problem, said Dr. Robert Brackett, Director of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN).

E. coli O157:H7 causes diarrhea, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. To date, 50 cases of illness have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 8 cases of HUS and one death.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing and states that have reported illnesses to date include: Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin.

FDA will keep consumers informed of the investigation as more information becomes available.

Source: FDA.gov

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My daughter looked at me like I was a little weird when I suggested she should not use a 39-cent stamp when a 24-cent stamp would suffice. So, does 15 cents really matter? I think it does, not so much for the dime and nickel, but for the attitude. You see, if you casually throw 15 cents away when it comes to a postage stamp, it's much easier to begin thinking slightly larger sums don't matter, either. And soon you'll be on your way to thinking $20 is not a big deal. Then you'll be headed for trouble.

A wise person once said, "Watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves." I have proven that to be true, and I hope you will, too.

Here are three fairly easy ways to save some spending money and save!

1. Don't spend your coins. Save them, instead. Every evening, empty your pockets, purse and wallet of all coins. Even if the bill comes to $4.05, hand the clerk a $5 bill and stash the difference. When you accumulate $25 or so, roll, wrap and send them off to your savings account.

2. No matter how small, make it a habit to bank all coupon savings, rebate checks, and refunds.

3. Stash 5% of your pocket money, grocery money and any other "walk around" funds you control in your secret savings spot. Chances are you won't even miss it, but soon you'll discover that $2 here and $4 there really adds up.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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You can make your own greeting cards by savings up interesting pix you find and then mounting them on computer card (I found mine at the discount bin at an office store).

They will then fit into standard small envelopes. Inexpensive and unique and crafty! (Add stamps, etc for even more of a craft quality.)

By Pam from Los Angeles

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Most paints can be readily mixed together, regardless.

Our city has joined with a neighboring city doing this very thing, selling the paint cheap with the understanding that "what you see is what you get", but it turned out GREAT and they mixed it all together, they say. I also read that some paint companies are doing this as well and selling it for indoor/outdoor paint. That's what was done for my exterior by volunteers from several churches and the paint is so wonderful, sticking to all surfaces whereas it peeled within a very short time in the past with exclusively outdoor paint.

Maybe we've been tricked all these years and the truth is just now coming out? LOL Regardless, I have saved 23 gallon plastic bottles with dripless wide-mouth spouts and huge screw-on lids, and look forward to being able to make old paint labeled and dripless, storing the remnant in my garage on shelves. Paint gets
old, but if it's NOT old, I plan to use all that God has given me and with MUCH GRATITUDE!

By Lynda from Richardson,TX

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Sharing a site, great for college students, teachers, anyone!

http://www.textbookrevolution.org

Textbook Revolution is the web's source for free educational materials. This is a student-run, volunteer-operated website started in response to the textbook industry's constant drive to maximize profits instead of educational value.

By pavanco

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Prices are usually cheaper at the big box hardware stores but that doesn't mean they save you money. One of the most valuable services any hardware store can offer is advice. Every year, it seems to get more and more difficult to find someone who knows what they are talking about at the big box hardware stores. Getting the right tools and supplies the first time will save you time and money when working on a home improvement project. If you are lucky enough to have a quality "Mom and Pop" or locally owned hardware store in your town with experienced staff, be sure to take advantage of it.

By Fisher

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Today there are all kinds of flavored mayonnaises on the market. I recently ran out of a 'hot and spicy' mayonnaise, I was using for dipping boiled shrimp into. Instead of buying it again, I'm going to make my own. I already have a mayonnaise on hand and my hubby has a big stash of different hot sauces (some were purchased very cheaply with double coupons, some were gifts). I'll combine some hot sauce with my mayo for my own hot and spicy blend. This way, I know I'll be able to get it to my likening, the bottled I'd gotten from the store wasn't as hot and spicy as one might have thought. One good way to get it to my desired taste is to make it myself.

By Terri from NV

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Keep Your Dryer Lint Free

By Fisher

Use Lint To Remove Lint

By Juanita Sutphin

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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I am looking for information and reviews on washing machines.

Marg

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I want to use a Bank Safety Deposit Box. What are the items I need to place there? And if I am not able to retrieve them my elf, what steps would another need to take to get them (family) in case of death or other handicaps?

Anne from Lewiston, ME

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My church is having a trivia night and we're searching for grand prizes for the winning team. Can anyone give me ideas about what prizes are good for such an event? Thanks.

Gillian from New York

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Hope this isn't a dumb question - can you buy curtain/drapery patterns that do not require sewing? I ask because I know a lady (not well) who made some curtains for her workplace. She said she cut them out of fabric and then used fabric adhesive(?) or binder she ironed on, no sewing involved. I don't know if she "free-handed" them, or if she went by a pattern. Does anyone have any experience with this and can elaborate on how it is done? Thanks a bunch!

Brenda from Greenville, AL

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I would like to know how to dye a bridemother's dress made of nylon, it is of cream color. I would like to turn it into dark blue or maroon.

Thanks,
Luise from Detroit, MI

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My partner was using kerosene on pistons while rebuilding a car engine and now his clothes smell of kero,can anyone help? Natural products preferred please.

Thank you,
LAMBCHOP from WESTERN AUSTRALIA

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I am beginning an interior design business and need a catchy name for my new business. My name is Diana Hall. Any ideas?

Diana from Middlefield, CT

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My parents will be married 50 years in May. I would like info to contact the Presidents Office to have a congratulations letter generated.

Thanks,
John from Jersey City, NJ

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I have two dogs, a Pit-bull-Chow-Rottweiler mix, Penny, who is 4 and her son Doobie, a Pit-bull-Chow-Rottweiler-German Shepard-Dingo mix. They have been separated due to Penny's mean temperament while there is food within 50 miles of her. She is gentle with children and people, but if Doobie comes within feet of her food bowl, she turns evil. Doobie is very mild mannered, and seems completely confused by the change in Penny. What can I do to bring them together? At the moment Doobie is forced to live outside, and though he doesn't seem to mind being out there, we want him to be a part of the family.

That is another problem, when we do bring Doobie inside, he sits by the door and waits for us to let him out again. He is lovable, and a gentle giant at 130 lbs, but he just doesn't seem to want the hassle of being indoors. Is there anything I can do about this? Or are some dogs just prone to be outdoors.

Tammy from Nashville

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I need to make a balloon arch across/over a gym and do not know how many balloons I will need. I do not have specific dimensions, can you help?

Thanks,
Kathy from New Jersey

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Every year for Christmas, I never know what to get my grandparents. They have everything. My grandfather loves trains but he has every kind and everything that goes with trains. My grandma loves to make scarfs and different things. I hope someone can help me plan my grandparents Christmas.

Stacy from Indianapolis, Indiana

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Does anyone have Info or advice on Children's One-a-day vitamins?

Chris from Warren PA

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I am looking for tips for cleaning outdoor screens and windows.

Sally from Glendale, AZ

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Does anyone know the phone number for when you Do Not Want phone calls? I think it is a free service through the government.

Janice from Ocala, FL

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I have 3 antique chests that I inherited. Each one had at least 3 bags of mothballs that had nearly disinigrated over about 60 years of storing things in them. How do I get rid of the strong mothballs smell? My daughter is an asthmatic as well.

Dode from Burnaby, B.C.

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How do you get creases or wrinkles out of a plastic tablecloth?

HOUSEBOAT

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I came home to find a big wad of white gum stuck to my new dark, wool rug. Any ideas on how to remove it safely?

Maura from Wellfleet, MA

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What will take food grease out of fabric on a couch?

Misty from Raleigh, NC

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I am looking for uses for spirit of salts.

Emily

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How do I remove a baby oil stain from my favorite lavender polyester camisole?

Thanks,
Kristin from Denver, CO

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How do i get duct tape off a car?

Christi from Hot Springs, AR

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Tips to prepare your garden for the fall and winter. Post your ideas below!

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How do you get rid of psoriasis on the scalp?

M Achter from Utah

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My back yard is a jungle! Is there an easy inexpensive way to edge the lawn? As in, trim around patios and sidewalks. I don't do gas powered machines. Is there some gadget or device to make trimming easier? I have used an electric weed whacker in the past but it's so heavy and hard to hold up. What did our grandparents do before we had all these machines? I can't believe they trimmed grass with pruning shears (yes, I tried and I don't recommend it). My dogs like the jungle but sometimes I need a whip and a chair just to go outside!

Joyann from Farmersville CA

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My Dad has diverticulitis (seed kernels are bad) and popcorn was always his number 1 favorite food. I saw "safe popcorn" on a website the other day and ordered it because it said it was just the ticket for people with diverticulitis. Since then I have began to wonder if it is really safe. They say nothing is virtually hulless. And they said to pop the corn and put water in it to see if any husks float up. The brand is Lady Finger. Just wondering if anyone with this malady has been brave enough to try this popcorn and what the results were. Please help soon!

lori macDonald from Marion, AR

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I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for an M&M purse. My daughter is going to be a Green M&M for Halloween. Thank you.

Tina M. from Port Gibson, MS

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I have a fireplace and even though we don't use it (for health reasons) I would still like to use the 'space'. Of course, this 'idea' comes from watching a 'movie' where the fireplace appeared to be some sort of cabinet or storage area. It looked like a project for me! But is this a product that exists out there in the real world?

Any suggestions or ideas for me?

Thank you,
ba rok

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I am planning a fun 35th year high school class reunion. I've racked my brain trying to think of fun GROUP games to lighten up the evening. If any readers know of any PLEASE HELP! It's in 2 WEEKS! Thanks in advance. I know ThriftyFun people will come through.

Sharon from Ravenna, KY

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We are having a homecoming. I have to figure out a float. We are the Bearcats and we are playing the Warriors. I need ideas fast.

JOY from USA

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I have a new bulldog puppy, not really sure what age, I guess he is between 6 and 8 weeks. Is he too young to be chained up outside by himself? I am getting tired of cleaning poop up in my house. How do you train him from going in the house?

Amanda from Douglas, Georgia

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How can you remove black spots from silver plated utensils? Silver polish didn't work. The spots seem to be more than ordinary tarnish.

Ronnie from Demarest, NJ

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These is one of my favorite vegetable recipes! This squash casserole has been adapted from one that used stove top (which I don't care for). I also have four children who love these.

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We had a Labor Day cookout this past weekend and I realized at the last minute that I was almost out of barbecue sauce. I grabbed my Mr. Food cookbook and whipped this together really fast and it was a hit!

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Here's a dish we like real well. It makes plenty too!

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As fall approaches, it's easy for lawn care to get cut short by bad weather. After Labor Day, families get busy with school activities and people start turning their attention toward indoor projects, Even the most passionate gardener starts to look forward to a break from yard and garden duties. Fall is a critical time to give your lawn a check up. If you can motivate yourself to spend a little time on lawn care this fall, you'll see it pay off in a lush, green way next spring.

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