Daily Thrifty Tips - May 8, 2006

Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

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Shayla Is 1 year old, She loves posing and dressing up. Did I tell you she likes purses and brushing her hair. This may not be best photo but All I had to say is "lets take a picture" and she poses like this.

By Amber from Redding, CA

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Tux is a 2 year old Shepherd Lab. My son brought him home as a puppy. He likes to play ball or play in his pool. He's very smart and full of energy - If he loses his ball, he will spend countless time looking for it.

By Angelo Ciotola from Essex, MD

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Ingredients

• 4 cups flour
• 2 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup shortening

Directions

Blend all ingredients until completely mixed. Store in air tight container or vacuum sealed bag. Store up to 6 months. Use in any recipe that calls for impossible mix, quick mix or bisquick.

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

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I keep gift bags from all of the holiday parties, etc. and reuse them. I also keep gifts that I don't really like and recycle them, other people like things that I don't!

By Shawna from Ohio

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The tops of knee high stockings make great pony tail holders! Just cut off the top band. They hold hair in place, plus there is no snagging. I even keep a few in my kitchen "junk drawer" to hold back my hair while I am cooking. They are also great for holding cords in place that you have wrapped up. Also, the rest of the knee high is great for holding things together or staking tomato plants, etc...

By Carol Young from Landisville, PA

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I use post-its in my pantry to indicate categories, i.e. pasta and sauce, veggies, baking, etc. This way anyone who helps put away groceries or is looking for things knows where to look. I also use post-its to label cupboards and drawers for ease in emptying the dishwasher or finding things, i.e. measuring spoons and cups, serving pieces, etc.

By LInda from Vista, CA

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2 Tbsp. solid shortening (crisco)
1 Tbsp. Kool aid drink mix (powdered, with sugar already added)

Mix solid shortening with drink mix, place in microwave until mixture is melted. Pour into small container and set in refrigerator for 30-40 minutes.

By IMAQT1962 from ILLINOIS

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I have bought new sets of washer and dryers twice in my life. I have learned, that they wear out in 4 to 6 years, if you have kids. So, now, I just buy a good set used, and save $650 a set. And they last just as long.

By Glinda from Glendale, KY

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When I go to McDonald's, I get the Mighty Kids meal, and get a toddler toy, instead of the usual toy. I have used them to give to charity at Christmas for their toy give-away, and I have used them to give to my grandkids and great grandkids. Now I am wrapping them to give to my daughter at her baby shower. Easy way to gather baby presents.

By Linda from Bloomington, Illinois

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I raised a very large family on very little and believe I am very thrifty. Now there is only my daughter and I and neither of us eat very much so it's hard to adjust my cooking habits.

I am fond of pizza but wouldn't make it just for the two of us, but I buy cheap frozen pizzas and add tomatoes, green peppers, cheese and other things I might have. A small pizza makes a good meal with good stuff added.

Another thing I do instead of making or buying pizza, I take crusty bread, slice it thick, toast lightly and add tomatoes, green peppers, cheese and other toppings after spreading the bread with spaghetti sauce.

I pop it into the toaster oven and this makes a reasonable substitute for pizza.

By Pat from Phoenix, AZ

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Use 100% pure virgin olive oil on a lint free, clean cloth, to polish stainless steel to a smudge free shine. I hardly believed it myself but tried it today on my stainless steel refrigerator and was truly amazed. And it is MUCH cheaper buying the oil than it is to buy a small bottle of stainless cleaner. Another plus? You can't cook with the stainless cleaner! By Jarron from Ocala, Florida

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I have been given a large quantity of face washers for our school fete. The quality is not that good so I don't think they will sell as they are. I have seen at stalls face washers turned into bunny's. Two corners twisted for ears and cotton wool for the tail. (Something like this!) Does anyone know the exact way to make these or are there any other crafty things I can use these face washers for?

Jenny Mc from Sydney Australia

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I need to know how to get chocolate off of my pant suit. It is machine washable, but do not want to put the jacket in the washer. Help please.

Sylvie from Essex, Harlow, U.K.

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I cut a Gladiolus from the stalk trying to dig it up. If I stick the stalk in the ground without the bulb, will it root?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Joanne from Abbeville, GA

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I have a small fish pond in my front flower bed. It is under some tress so it gets lots of shade. In the past I tried electric pumps to filter the water but they would constantly get stopped up. I finally took the pump out and now just have the pond without any filter. Is there any product that will keep the water clear? I have cleaned the pond and put fresh water in it. I waited 3 days to put the fish back in so the water would not kill them. What is the best way to keep the pond clean at this point? I really don't get algae in the water but it is hard to keep it from turning dark. The liner is heavy plastic and the pond holds about 50 gallons of water.

TIA
Cookiepom from Owensboro, KY

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Is there a way to get light scratches out of a new stainless steel sink?

Sam from Clearwater, FL

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I am 17 and might be traveling to Africa this summer for missionary work. I was wondering if anyone out there had done anything of the sort, I wear contacts and I don't know how that will work when im over there, and what key items should bring I when going to Africa. It is quite a shot in the dark but maybe someone may know.

Thanks,
Shannon

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Whenever I freeze bread or buns and then try to thaw them, a lot of ice crystals seem to have gathered inside the wrapped loaf. After the bread thaws some of it is hard and not very appetizing. I usually end up throwing it away. What can be done to prevent this?

BSUE from Coshocton, OH

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I tried to remove some spots from my microfiber sofa with soap and water, and it left a large water ring. Does anyone have advice for removing the ring?

Amy from Boston, MA

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How can I get gum off of leather furniture?

Hunners from PA

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I am looking for a spider deterrent for my patio area. I have pets and so do not want to use chemicals or toxic products. I do not want to kill the spiders, I would prefer a homemade solution that I could spray or apply around the "people" areas of my garden.

Any ideas?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Danamango From Montreal, Canada

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I'm doing a fundraiser for our local hospital on 5/25/06 and I need to purchase some sample sized ice cream cones because I'm giving away banana ice cream cones. Any ideas where I could find some? eBay has none.

Thanks for your help.

Linda Eldridge from Ely, NV

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My cat has dandruff I think. He has white flakes just around his back. How can I get rid of it?

Hunners from PA

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We're about to remodel our kitchen and attached half bath. The home was built in 1929, and there are at least 3 layers of self stick vinyl tile on top of the original hard wood floor. Does anyone have any experience and/or ideas for how to remove all the vinyl tiles? The pieces we've pulled so far are very brittle and break in small parts. How do we remove the tacky glue? How do we prepare the floor surface for a new vinyl surface? Thank You for your help and guidance.

Rene from Cleveland, OH

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I need some ideas for activities for my little brother's first communion. I need some ideas quick! It is in 1 day!

Jaime from Beaver,PA

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My high school is having our annual FFA banquet in May and i'm in charge of the decorations. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas for centerpieces, table clothes, etc. The colors are blue and gold.

Thanks a bunch!

txgirl08 from Durham, NC

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My husband and I have a garden this year. We always have too many tomatoes to eat before they spoil. I don't really have the money to can them, but how would I go about freezing them to use in recipes throughout the year?

Danielle from LaFayette, GA

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I need some ideas on what to name my cleaning business. Can you help me? We do newly built homes as well as commercial offices.

Yarboro from San Antonio, TX

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I have been using Advantix on my little puppy and haven't had any problem with fleas, but I can't say the same about ticks. She got one only 3 days after the application and then I started keeping her indoors and 2 weeks later she got another tick - while inside. Any advice on protecting the puppy and/or ridding the yard of ticks?

Kelly Shaffer from San Antonio, TX

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How can I get the yellow stains out of my baby clothing that was stored in the attic? These stains were not there when I put the clothing up there but they magically appeared now!

Thanks!

Hunners from Lehigh Valley, PA

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Do you have instructions on how to make a slanted cake? I have done a few regular looking cakes but would like to try the slanted kind.

Thank you,
Marilyn

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

When you need something that looks like it took a lot of effort to make but you don't have the time, these Chicken Wonton Rolls are just the thing! Try serving with chicken gravy to make a complete meal!

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Keep in mind that kittens are a lot like toddlers who are potty training: sometimes it's just easier to wet the bed than to go find that bathroom.

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Do you think that you don't eat out much but can not figure out just where you money is going? It's time to do an experiment to find out just how much you are eating out, how much it is costing you and how much you could have saved by making that meal at home. Did it save you time? Probably not. Did it give you a healthier meal? Most definitely not. So, what's the point in going out to dinner again?

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Breed Description: The Labrador Retriever is the original water dog. Originally bred to assist fisherman in Newfoundland, these sturdy, muscular dogs are now respected worldwide for their contributions to the military, police work, as guide dogs and for performing search and rescue. They have exceptional patience and an easygoing temperament. This breed is intelligent, hardy and eager to please. A powerful swimmer, the Labrador Retriever makes a reliable hunting partner and a friendly house dog.

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Breed Description: The Burmese is a medium-sized cat with a straight back, deep chest and slender legs. They have small, rounded ears, a round-shaped head and rounded, slightly Oriental eyes. Their bodies are well-muscled and strong and their coats are very short and dense with virtually no undercoat. The characteristic that sets this breed apart is the distribution of color in their coats and their loving personalities.

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Arches National Park may be out in the middle of nowhere, but it has plenty of spectacular sights to offer any visitor. Located in the small town of Moab, Utah, Arches National Park offers up over two thousand naturally formed sandstone arches.

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