Daily Thrifty Tips - September 27, 2007

We have numerous new recalls in the More Reading section. The recalls include some Thomas toys, Kolcraft play yards and other toys. Be sure to browse the recalls and make sure you don't own any of these toys.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Dish Towel Angel

Wooden spoon, dish towel angel. Great house warming gift or holiday gift

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Halloween Witch

Halloween 2006. I am the really bad witch from Somerville and I am waiting for all those boys and girls. Mmmmm, they are going to taste delicious!

By Maria from Somerville, MA

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Isis (Malamute) and Belle (American Eskimo Mix)

Isis is a 5 year old Malamute. Belle is 3 and an American Eskimo mix. I got Isis in 2002 when she was a pup. My uncle's dog had pups and I got her from him. Belle we rescued from a no-kill shelter in 2004.

They love to go places, take walks, They both like the beach but only Isis really likes water. They are wonderful dogs and I would be lost without them in my life. Having a husband in the Navy, they have been there for me when he is deployed and I would have been very lonely without them.

By Mythi from Silverdale, WA

Editor's Note: Here is a previous post about Isis and Belle:

• Isis and Belle (Malamute/American Eskimo)

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Easy Shower Favor

Materials

• stiffened crocheted oval basket
• roll of ribbon
• 2 mini rose buds
• candy (if you want to fill)
• wire

Instructions

I just took cheap $1.00 ribbon and threaded it around the top cover. Then made a 3 loop bow and attached with wire. Finally you can top with rosebuds. I filled with Hershey kisses but you can leave empty or put whatever you would like inside.

By Carol from Massachusetts

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Money Advice Websites

The government has several website to help you learn how to save/spent/invest wisely, as well as avoid fraud, id theft, etc. The best one of these websites is http://www.consumer.gov/yourmoney.

There are links from there to a number of usefule websites. My favorite is MyMoney. You can go to the website directly at http://www.mymoney.gov.

Love saving, don't you :)

By Anna from New York City

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SuperRXCard.com For Prescription Discounts

There is a website that allows you to print a coupon that can be used over and over for discounts on your prescription drugs. Most major pharmacies accept it, like Publix, Walgreens, WalMart, Target, Savon etc. Go to SuperRxcard.com

By Rhonda from Louisiana

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Be Sure To Check Canned Goods Before Using

Yesterday I cleaned out the pantry and found myself looking at a can lid that appeared different. Not dirty, not rusted, just a little odd. I pushed my finger on the top of the lid and it made a pop down and up - and directly into the trash it went. Found another like that and then went through every can. Didn't find any more, but pitched a few with very old 'sell by' dates.

The moral of this story is that although modern canning methods by big name companies are very secure, you always want to be extra careful. That can may have been dropped at the grocery store causing a seal leak and put back on the shelf. Check those cans every time you use one!

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Sudoku Tips

I have recently discovered Sudoku puzzles. Basically, you arrange numbers 1 through 9 so that all of them occur once in a line or a box made of 9 squares. No duplications. The line goes up and down and right and left.If you don't like numbers, then realize it could just as easily have been made of letters of the alphabet.

However, I am finding it difficult to find tips as the ones on the internet are too complex and written by geniuses who don't know how to make it comprehensible for the average person or they are suggestions that I already figured out.If you have any suggestions, I'd be happy to read them. Here is what I have discovered so far:

1. If you have 2 boxes with the same two numbers, let's say a 3 and a 5, then remove the 3 and the 5 from any other boxes in the line as they can only fit in the box that has no other numbers.
2. I look at the puzzle and go left to right, right to left and top to bottom... to see where I can fit in the numbers in the beginning, before I start writing in possibilities.

This sounds a bit more complex than it really is. You just kind of look at it and understand it. I like these puzzles because they take my mind off of other things, force concentration and actually give me a mental break. It's a great stress reliever. The newspaper has one in the comics section daily and the dollar store has a bunch of $3.95 books for a buck.

I wanted to find a book that has all easy (one star) puzzles, but it seems that they all range from easy to difficult, with the answers in the back. Depending on which numbers are missing, the puzzle can actually be difficult at a 1 star or fairly easy at a 5 star. However, the 1 stars are supposed to be easy and the 5 stars the most difficult.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Use Warm Water For Fresh Flowers

Fresh cut flowers should always be placed in warm water rather than cold because the stem will absorb the warm water more rapidly. This prevents air bubbles from blocking the stem. Follow this tip and you will be able to enjoy your garden cuttings for a longer time.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Use Spices and Extract to Deodorize Your Microwave

To get rid of the awful lingering smell of burnt microwave popcorn, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and sprinkle your favorite spice like cinnamon or add several drops of vanilla or lemon extract. Bring to a boil. Let it sit inside for 10 to 15 minutes to cool down. Simply wipe the walls down with paper towels. Leave the door open to further air it out.

By momof1 from WILKESBORO

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Foot Soak Recipe

After a long day at work, fill a clean dishpan halfway with water as hot as you can stand it.

Add:

• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1/4 cup dried lavender, and/or several drops lavender essential oil

Epsom salts are very inexpensive at stores like Walmart or even drugstores.

Essential oils are available at health food stores or vitamin stores, usually starting at around $3.00 a bottle up to $20.00 or more. Since you only use a few drops at a time from each bottle, they last a very long time so are incredibly cost-effective.

Dried lavender is available at health food or gourmet stores, but is very cheap if you have your own plant. You could also substitute left-over rose petals from a bouquet or your garden. This recipe is also relaxing on its own without the lavender.

By ALS from Columbia, MD

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Add Extra Milk To Yogurt Smoothies

My kids love those yogurt smoothies. It's difficult for me to get them to drink milk, but they love when I add milk to their smoothie! This works for me because they get more calcium and it stretches those expensive smoothies farther!

By Deanna from Cedar Park, TX

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I Love to Cook and Hate the Dishes!

Always keep a fresh dish pan of sudsy water to clean your cooking dishes while you cook, incorporate your style of cooking and cleaning at the same time, then when your baking is done so are your dishes! Multitasking can be multi-relaxing!

By Kate

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Advice For Preparing MDF Surface For Lacquer

Hello fellow Thriftiers,
My work was throwing out old office furniture and I grabbed a bureau. It is mdf with a wood-like laminate. I want to paint it glossy black - Chinese lacquer style. Can anyone give me advice about preparing the surfaces please? Many thanks.

Kate from Melbourne, Australia

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Christmas Float Ideas With "Through The Eyes of a Child" Theme

I need an idea for a Christmas float for my son's cub scout pack. The theme of the parade is Christmas through the eyes of a child.

Mindy W from Douglas, GA

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Killing Bacteria In Public Dryer

In a public drying machine, what setting must one use to avoid bacteria?
Will permanent press kill 99.9% bacteria? If not, what can one do to kill bacteria in the machine?

Gabrielle from Front Royal, VA

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What Is TCP?

Does anyone know what TCP is?

Someone on this site recommended it to use as a gargle for a sore throat.

Thank you!

Smoochie from Houston, Tx USA

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Looking For Reading With Reasons To Save Fabric Scrap

I used to work with a woman who had a little reading which had all the reasons for buying and saving fabric scraps. My favorite was so that you could have the most scraps boxed up under the bed when you die. Has anyone seen this? If so I'd like to know where I can get it. It is clever and refreshing and would be great framed and hung on the sewing room wall. It is about 8 1/2 by 11.

Marty from Houston, TX

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Recipe For Sugar Free Low Carb Zucchini Bread

Looking for a sugar free and preferably low carb recipe for Zucchini bread.

Thanks bunches.
:-)

anbsmommy from Spanaway, WA

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Affordable Champange Brunch In New York Area

For my wedding I would like to have a Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet for 40-50 guest. Does anyone know of an affordable location in New Rochelle, White Plains and/or New York City area for less than $25.00 per person?

Lubo from Bronx, NY

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Cleaning Pizza Sauce Off a Keyboard

My daughter would like to know how to clean a keyboard. Her husband was eating pizza the other night and got sauce all over the keyboard. We heard you can put the keyboard in dish washer.

Arlene from Wisconsin

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Recipe For Custard

I am looking for a recipe that my mother used to make. It is a custard that is cooked on the stove, it is semi thick, she used to keep in a jar in the refrigerator, not like the solid baked custard. Can anyone help?

Peggy

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Putting Bows On Glass Blocks

I am making the decorated glass blocks.

How do you make the bows on them, or do people usually buy them pre-made? Can anyone let me know! I want to start making ASAP!

Carrie from Canada

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Fund Raising Ideas for Spay/Neuter Services

I am the president of a non profit organization working with animals. We are trying to raise money to spay/neuter the animals that are caught on our base. At the moment, they are trapped and dumped in the city, some as young as eight weeks old. Can you share your ideas for fund raising? We live in Turkey and don't have access to the myriad of items found elsewhere. We are allowed 2 fund raisers per quarter, so we have to make the most of it. I really love this website for the terrific folks and their wonderful ideas. Bless you all.

Sharon from Incirlik, Turkey

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Advice For Dealing With Dead Squirrels

This about squirrels so don't know if having this under pets is quite right but it was the best I could find...

So basically last week a dead squirrel appeared on our front lawn. When we moved him we noticed there was no sign of any injury on him. He looked very healthy.
A week later and another squirrel has died in exactly the same place on the lawn, looking healthy and again no injuries.

I can't think that there's anything in our garden that would poison him or kill him. We are baffled. We've lived here for 4 years and it's never happened before!
I don't want the squirrels to keep on dying so does anyone have any ideas what's happening?

Hea from UK

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What Color To Make Curtains

My wall and carpet are two different shades of brown and my chair is dominated with a kind of red pattern design. What colour should my curtains be?

Abidemi from Nigeria

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Recipe For Leather Bottle Restaurant Steak Soup

LEATHER BOTTLE RESTAURANT STEAK SOUP: I got this recipe a long time ago (probably 30 years or more), it was from a restaurant in New England,but I lost it, dang it! Tried Googling it, but nothing came up; probably the restaurant closed up a long time ago. It used ground beef and veggies, and I would just love to have it again; so if anybody can send it in, I'd be grateful; thanks!

Lynn from Chico, CA

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Simple, Fast Way to Clean Oven

How do you clean a greasy oven in a fast, simple way?

Elba Avery from Morgan Hill, CA

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Decorating Plastic Buckets

How can I decorate plastic buckets? My dear husband collects buckets from restaurants, and now I have too many. I want a way to decorate them to sell.

Frances from Charleston, WV

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Ideas For a 17th Birthday With Skateboarding Theme

I'm turning 17 in November and I want to have a really cool party, I love skateboarding so I want it to revolve around that. I need some ideas on what to do for my 17th, if you have any let me know?

Ashleigh from Sydney, Australia

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Snowflakes Shown On Carol Duvall Show

I need the pattern for making snowflakes out of empty paper towel rolls that was shown on the Carol Duvall show.

Michelle from Fayetteville, WV

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Canning Pimentos From Green Pepper

I need a recipe for canning Pimentos from Green pepper.

Rose from Crossville, TN

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Adding Glitter To Glass Blocks

I'm making the glass blocks with NFL teams on. Does any one know how to put the glitter on the blocks? I seen the blocks with glitter on, but I can't figure out how they done it. Also when you use the frost in which I have, how do you keep it from scratching off?

Thanks.

Connie from Windsor, Pa.

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When Does Daylight Savings Fall Back In 2007

Does any one know when we have the daylight savings switch again in 2007? I know it started at a different time earlier this year, but when does it end?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Not So Frugal Newlyweds

My husband and I have been married for just over a year and have shared a bank account for just about half of that time. He just got a new job with the city so he's making a decent living. I work part time and make half as much as he does.

We are not hurting for money but I know that we need to be saving and not spend so much. Brace yourselves ladies: we each have a debit card and swipe away without logging in the amount in a ledger. We never go over, but we have an idea of how much we have because sometimes we'll call to check the balance.

He tried to take over paying the bills but slacked, so I took over. It's a blessing to be okay, but I know we are spending so much more money that we could be saving for a family vacation, paying off small debts, school loans, etc. sooner. I don't know how to begin to put us on a budget and I'll be honest and say that I'm not so sure how he'll take it.

He's used to having his own account (which he added me to) and he swipes away here and there, even though they are small purchases, no receipts kept track of. I know we are more susceptible to ID fraud, too! I'd say he's worse than I am when it comes to frivolous purchases. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Crystal from Los Angeles

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Craft Ideas Using Half Pint Milk Cartons

Does anyone have any craft ideas using those half pint milk cartons?

Theresa from Hibbing, MN

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Fragrance Lamp Oil Recipe

How can I make oil that smells?

Cindy Edwards from AL

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Rust Stain On Porcelain Sink

I was wanting to know how do you remove rust from a porcelain kitchen sink? Mr. Clean eraser don't work neither does a Brillo pad. So I need some help with this problem.

Thanks for any help you can give me I appreciate it. Have a wonderful day.


Teresa from RICHLANDS, VA

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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.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Kolcraft Recalls Play Yards After the Death of a 10-Month-Old Child

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 425,000 infant play yards following the death of a child.

CPSC received a report of a 10-month old boy who strangled on the changing table's restraint strap that was hanging down into Kolcraft's "Sesame Beginnings" Travel Play Yard where the child was located.

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RC2 Recalls Knights of the Sword Toys (Violation of Lead Paint Standard)

Hazard: Surface paints on the toy knights contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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RC2 Corp. Recalls Additional Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys (Violation of Lead Paint Standard)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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Target Recalls Children's Toy Gardening Tools and Chairs (Violation of Lead Paint Standard)

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Children's Toy Rakes Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled (Violation of Lead in Paint Standard)

Hazard: Surface paint on the handle of the rake can contain excessive levels of lead paint, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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Guidecraft Inc. Recalls Children's Puppet Theaters (Violation of Lead Paint Standard)

Hazard: Surface paints on the puppet theater's wooden panels contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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