December 29, 2004 | ThriftyFun

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Articles

Cleaning an Electric PercolatorCall me old fashioned, if you like, but after many tries I still go back to my electric percolator as I feel it not only makes great coffee but keeps it hot compared to many of the mister coffee type appliances.

Plan Errands Around Doctor AppointmentsWhen the doctor tells you he wants to see you in a specified time, don't have the receptionist automatically make the appointment then. You can ask if it is imperative that it has to be the exact date.

Teach Your Children How To Count Back ChangeIf your kids were to get jobs where they'll be running cash registers. Help them. Gather up some cash and change, sit down with them. Give them an amount of your pretend purchase, you pretend to "pay" for something and let them count out what change they'd give you back.

Ginger Candy TeaGinger is one of the healthiest spices. It is great to settle an upset tummy and also is very soothing in a drink. Have you ever bought a bag of those hard ginger candies?

Pairing Up Stray Pieces At Garage SalesA girlfriend of mine is forever having yard sales. One of the things she does is going thru her glassware for "stray" pieces, (ex. a lid to a glass candy jar), which she put on top of a "stray" wine glass, made the most cutest, daintiest candy dish and was one of the first pieces she sold.

Shut Off The Main Water Valve When You Go On VacationGoing on vacation? Be sure to turn off the main water shut off valve where it comes into the house. Also turn off the hot water heater. It's best to anticipate a "what if" than return to a flooded house.

Donate to Groups Responding to the Tsunami DisasterThe recent Tsunami from an earthquake near Sumatra has left a huge number of people in several countries without homes, medicine, food or water. Below is a list of some of the many groups providing critically needed humanitarian aid to tsunami victims.

Buy Vegetables Individually For Best QualityTry to buy your vegetables from a market where you can pick them individually. If you buy vegetables like potatoes, onions or tomatoes ready-packed bags you run a good risk of finding some of them partially spoiled, of a size you don't want or not ripe enough.

Lickable Stamps Equal Unwanted CaloriesWatching your weight? If so, the next time you go to purchase postage stamps, you might want to opt for the ready to stick stamps rather than the stamps you have to lick. Lickable stamps count as unwanted calories that you might not have thought about previously. By Terri H.

Make Planters With Old Record AlbumsA pal had a bunch of plant clippings she was wanting to get rid of at a yard sale. With not having any excess planters, she made her own planters with record albums she no longer wanted or needed.

Questions

Paint Splatters On Winter Coat?I found what appears to be white paint splatters on my winter coat. The coat surface is smooth/shiny and the color is dark green. Any ideas on how to remove? There are lots of spots... Vonda

Help With Wiring A New Light?I've just fitted a new pendant light fitting using the existing electrical source. However, when I turn the main power on, the lights are on even though the light switch is off. When I put the light switch on, it blows the fuse!

Ink Spot On New Couch?My son got blue ink on the $10,000 couch and I owe my marriage and his life to your advice. Thanks, Matt

Looking For Dollhouse Pattern?I'm looking for plan or patterns for dollhouses for my 3 year old. I want to make a dollhouse myself for my daughter - a challenge for me. And hopefully fun for her. I'd be grateful for any help anyone can give. Thanks, Donna in New Zealand