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Thrifty Tip Contest
(January 1 - February 28, 2017)

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DurationEntries
January 1 - February 28, 201781

February 22, 2017

Here's a tip to save time and money to remove a broken key from a door knob or other lock, without having to call an expensive locksmith to do the job.

Using a hacksaw to remove a broken key in a lock.

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A bathtub with a pole for gripping.
Bathtub SafetyI am visually impaired with vestibular organ eye dysfunction which causes balance/vertigo problems. For safety measures and as a suggestion from my doctor, my husband built this wooden pole beside my bathtub near my bath bench for assistance in getting in and out of the bathtub.

 
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Check Receipts for Discounts - discount offer on back side of receipt
Check Receipts for DiscountsNot all receipts are trash! Some actually have potential discounts that could help you save on future purchases.

 
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Crack Eggs into Separate Bowl - egg in a bowl ready to fry
Crack Eggs into Separate BowlAnytime you cook or bake with eggs, always crack it into a separate bowl before adding it to your pan or mixing bowl. If that egg were to be bad, and you crack it directly into what you are making, you have ruined what you are preparing.

 
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Lemon Extract for a Clean Smelling Kitchen - bottle of lemon extract lying on its side on countertop
Lemon Extract for a Clean Smelling KitchenI was baking and spilled over a 2 oz bottle of lemon extract on my counter top. Now, I only pay .88 cents for all my spices and real extracts at The Dollar stores or a wholesale store here. So, no great loss.

 
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A picture of little black bugs.
Little Black Bugs Could Be ScabiesI had little bugs crawling on me, in my hair and in my clothes. I kept finding black specks that didn't move. I would notice glitter on my face in the sun light. I didn't realize this was scabies. I washed, sprayed and bombed; nothing seemed to work. Unfortunately, I gave scabies to my friend. She told me the only way to get rid of these bugs was to get ivermectin.

 
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Never Too Late to Continue Your EducationI spent a good part of my life working a job I did not enjoy. I did enjoy it when I was hired, but the duty I did was phased out to contractors. By that time, I had 20 years in and needed 30 to retire, so I did another 10 years and stuck it out.

 
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An open mailbox next to a front door.
Be Safe With Your MailMany people find it convenient to leave their outgoing mail in their mailbox. This is not a good idea if you have any identifying information on the papers inside, or if you are mailing checks. People have been known to take your mail, open it, and get into your checking account or other identifying information to steal your identity.

 
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A bunch of Valentine's day themed balloons from the Dollar Tree.
Mylar Balloons at Dollar TreeDon't spend your money on overpriced balloons when you can get the same quality at Dollar Tree for a buck each!

 
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Tea bags next to a cup of tea.
Used Tea Bags to Relieve Tired EyesNot only can you drink your green tea but, if you have puffy eyes, dark circles, or tired eyes, the tea bags can help reduce them.

 
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A pair of grey leggings.
Wear Leggings to Protect Your LegsLeggings or stockings are very useful, not just as ordinary comfortable clothes that fit to our thighs and legs, but it also protect our skin. It is also a prevention for developing varicose veins.

 
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Flattening a Curled Rug - ironing over damp cloth
Flattening a Curled RugCurled corners of rugs can be so frustrating. Sometimes weighing them down with heavy objects or reverse-curling them doesn't put them back into their original flat form for too long.

 
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Lemon as Substitute for Smelling Salts - person inhaling lemon
Lemon as Substitute for Smelling SaltsThis is another tip for first aid at home, camping, etc. When you have someone pass out or you can see a person who is going to pass out, and you have nowhere to find ammonia, you can use a lemon. Lemons are another option to ammonia to be use when somebody passes out. It's safe and affordable!

 
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Cat Litter as Decorative Sand - glass bowl with blue litter and shells
Cat Litter as Decorative SandI once had a cat, but it didn't work out for me. I was left with some cat litter. It was a pretty blue type. I had a punch bowl that was never used. I put the kitty litter in it and it looked like water. I added a few shells and it turned out to be the focal point in my all sea décor cottage.

 
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Save Food Packaging for Non-Profits
Save Food Packaging for Non-ProfitsDid you know these are worth cash to non-for-profits? Save them and ask around. These are collected by Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4H kids, youth groups, schools, missionaries, and more. Ask around and you will find someone who will take them.

 
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Recycled Milk Bottle Caps Palette - paint in bottle caps on lid palette
Recycled Milk Bottle Caps PaletteI love acrylic paint, but as the paint is quite expensive, I usually buy basic colors and mix what I need when painting.

 
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A woman brushing her long brown hair.
Brush Hair Daily to Help it GrowOne of the easiest way to make your hair grow fast is by brushing 100 times a day. Yes, I say 100 times a day; from the scalp to the tip of your hair.

 
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A television remote control covered in plastic wrap.
Protecting a Television Remote ControlOur television remote control circuit board was constantly building up oil from our hands and would not control our television. My husband cleaned the circuit board and I wrapped the remote control in Saran Wrap and secured it with scotch tape on the back. It has worked properly for weeks.

 
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Egg white in a plate with a cracked egg and yolk next to it.
Egg White Mask for WrinklesOne of the common problem for us women is wrinkles! I want to share this tip to you mommies, because I have applied this many times. My mom and my sister also do this. Grab one egg, separate the egg white from the yolk, and apply the egg white to your face.

 
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Several bottles of prescriptions on a counter.
Save Money on PrescriptionsI work in a pharmacy and find there are several ways to save money on prescriptions that many of our patients are not aware of.

 
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Lime As Cough Remedy
Lime As Cough RemedyCough associated with itch in the throat can be very annoying. Sometimes coughing gives you a headache and makes you restless, especially at night. Based on personal experience, I have tried using lime to relieve myself from this annoying itch which I think could be a type of allergy, maybe. It keeps coming and it makes me cough most of the time.

 
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A candle being used to lubricate the zipper of a purse.
Lubricate Zipper with Candle WaxThe teeth of the zipper is one my problems almost all the time. When I slide through the chain, it won't run smoothly. Before sliding to the chain (teeth), I rub the the candle on both sides. Do it at least 3 times before you zip it.

 
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A hair tie being held in front of the packaging.
Product Review: Victoria's Secret Hair TiesI picked up this package. It had a $10 price tag, but was on sale for $5. The package was pretty, and the ties were all different, but upon examining it when I got home, I realized that it was just a length of 3/8-inch elastic with a knot on the end!

 
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A hand applying cornstarch to a boy's back.
Cornstarch for Treating Heat RashHeat rash is very common in children, especially in summer when the weather is hot and humid. To treat this at home, go to your kitchen and grab your cornstarch. Use this as a powder to their bodies or where the rash is present, whether on their back, chest or neck. It's simple and safe.

 
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A tapestry being hung with clothespins.
Easily Hang a TapestryTo easily hang tapestries on your walls, just take a clothespin and add a Command strip on the back of it. Stick the command strip to the wall and clip the tapestry in the pins. Add decorative tape to make the pins match your design and color.

 
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Logo for ThriftyFun Tips
Keep No-See-Ums from BitingI was at my wit's end, allergic to the bites of no-see-ums. I was driven to tears. I am the only one in my house affected by these bugs. I finally found a remedy. I use a mixture of the original Listerine (gold type), witch hazel and tea tree oil.

 
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A fast food receipt from Subway
Double Check Restaurant ReceiptsDouble check all your receipts when you eat out. First check them to make sure they are correct. Second, check them for coupons and surveys and internet addresses to sign up for more coupons. In the past 2 months, I have had part of my meal free because of checking my receipts.

 
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A spoonful of salt being placed inside a glass.
Gargle with Salt Water to Minimize GingivitisDo this first thing in the morning before brushing your teeth and in the evening after brushing your teeth. Use this as a gargle: a half glass of lukewarm water and 1 teaspoon of rock salt. Mix together until the rock salt dissolves. Gargle it three times. It is a safe home aid for everyone in the family.

 
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Cleaning a couch cushion with a dryer sheet.
Uses for Dryer SheetsI use fresh dryer sheets and used ones to freshen up and dust with. I go over the upholstery and cushions with a spray of Lysol disinfectant and then air fluff the throw pillows and give them a rub with a dryer sheet. I use a dryer sheet to go over the upholstery. It picks up dust and leaves behind a nice soft scent.

 
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Using Coffee Tubs for Fabric Storage - stack of cans filled with fabric with a short piece of wood under the bottom row to give back tilt
Using Coffee Tubs for Fabric StorageI get a lot of these from recycling and my friends save them for me, too. This is just what I had empty so I am going to keep going, but I ran into a snag. So here's the tip and a cautionary warning.

 
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Metal valve caps for automobile tires.
Don't Use Metal Valve Caps on TiresI learned my lesson the hard way. Don't use the metal valve caps on your tires. It can end up costing you a lot of money! The tire shop told me that they see a lot of metal valve caps that corrode during the winter due to the salt on the roads.

 
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Free Phone Calls through FacebookWe have a child who lives overseas. We have discovered, we can call each other for free through Facebook. To do so, go to Facebook Messenger, as if you were going to send them a message but click on the telephone icon to call them. You can talk from computer to phone, phone to phone or phone to computer.

 
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Fingers dipped in honey.
Honey to Minimize ScarDid you know that honey can prevent scar appearance, and it also lightens your scar. If you have a healing wounds, you can put a honey on top of it or overlap it with honey. It is much better if you do it overnight. It really works.

 
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Using a lint roller on a scratch off lottery ticket.
Lint Roller For No Mess Scratch Lottery TicketsEverybody loves scratch offs but the silver shavings that come off are very messy and hard to remove from fabric. Today, that changes! Roll a lint roller over the scratched ticket and it will pick up every last bit of that mess.'

 
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A clove of garlic in a person's hand.
Garlic for HypertensionGarlic is another herbal medication for hypertension. Just get a clove of garlic, peel and take it with a glass of water, just like any regular medications you drink.

 
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Homemade Funnel - bottle cut in half to make a funnel
Homemade FunnelRecently I had to add oil to my car while traveling. I always keep a couple extra quarts of oil in the storage area but the funnel was not there. I had just finished a bottle of water, so I used the empty bottle to make a funnel.

 
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A telephone on an end table.
"Can You Hear Me?" Phone ScamThere is a new phone scam. The caller identifies himself as a business and then asks if you can hear clearly. If you say, "Yes", your voice is recorded. Purchases are then made. When you say you didn't order the product or service, your recorded "Yes" answer is the "proof" that you did.

 
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A large dog food bag to add weight for winter driving.
Dog Food as Weight for Snow DrivingMany of us add weight to our vehicles during the winter months if there is snow. This gives us better traction when driving in the snow. A friend of mine was complaining about having to buy sand bags every winter, because she had no use for them after winter and no place to store them until next winter. I advised her to get large bags of dog food and use them for weight.

 
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Banana Peel Tooth Whitener - woman rubbing the inside of a banana peel on her teeth
Banana Peel Tooth WhitenerDon't throw away your banana peels. Use the fleshy part on the inside of the peel to gently rub away dinginess on your teeth. The potassium, magnesium, and natural acid help break down stains on teeth. The grittiness of its fiber also helps polish your enamel.

 
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Nail Polish for Shiny Jewelry - applying clear nail polish to a watchband
Nail Polish for Shiny JewelryDo you have a colorless nail polish? It can be used for your jewelry. The nail polish can make your jewelry shine and the color of the jewelry will be preserved. If you have fake gold jewelry, if you put a nail polish on it, the color will last longer and it doesn't fade as easily.

 
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Hair sticking up because of egg whites.
Egg White for Hair GelWhen we buy gel, we never know what chemicals they put on, whether it's safe or friendly to your hair. You can make hair gel at your home without spending a penny on it. A thrifty way to get a safe gel to put on your hair is by using egg whites.

 
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Aftershave and cotton swabs for making sachets.
Make Your Own SachetsI make my own sachets. They don't last for months like the old timey ones did. I'll settle for a few weeks. I buy tiny plastic bags from Walmart. I use them for storing seed. I saturate the tips of a couple of swabs with my earthy Aqua Velva and put them into the bags, making sure they're sealed well.

 
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A sock pulled over the top of a boots.
Preventing Slouching Socks in BootsI have a horrible time keeping my socks up inside my boots. The fur lining pulls them down in about six steps and I am constantly pulling them up. So I thought if I pulled them up tight and stretch them over my boots they would stay up better. It definitely worked, problem solved!

 
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Gift tags made from Christmas cards.
Homemade Christmas Gift TagsWhile putting away Christmas this year and taking down all my Christmas cards. I decided to cut up the cards and make nice large gift tags for my gifts next year. I did this this year and loved it, because I could write a loving note with plenty of room to write it.

 
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A spoonful of honey being added to water.
Honey for Healthy Shiny HairDo you want healthier, shinier looking hair, without spending too much money in an expensive products or going to a salon? Actually you can do it in your home! And it's very affordable and friendly to your hair.

 
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Lighting a candle with a long match.
Lighting Candles with Matches SafelyAll winter long, I burn candles but it gets harder to light them with an ordinary match when there is only a little left. I buy fireplace matches at Home Depot. They are much longer than regular matches, and prevent me from burning myself.

 
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A paper match split into two.
Splitting a Paper Match for Two UsesThis tip has got to be the height of frugality. Perhaps it's gone beyond frugality and into the realm of pure stinginess. Simply divide the match by working a fingernail or other sharp object into the side center at bottom, and gently spread the two halves apart. Both pieces usually work well even though they seldom are of the same thickness.

 
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A spoonful of homemade styling gel
Make Your Own Styling GelI had trouble with the title of this post. It could have been 'Make your own setting lotion, volumizer, bodifier, or mousse'. I realize a lot of people don't set their hair as they did, 'back when'. Still, what I'm going to tell you about is a great bodifier without setting.

 
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A bottle of Bai flavored water, Molokai Coconut.
Product Review: Bai "Antioxidant Cocofusion" Flavored WaterOnce in a great while, I'll come across a product I like so much, I just want to stand up, shout and share it with everyone. If you like coconut, this Antioxidant Cocofusion water tastes like a Mounds Bar without the sugar or chocolate. Think Pina Colada without the alcohol.

 
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Scribble over permanent pen with whiteboard marker.
Removing Permanent Marker on WhiteboardI love writing on a whiteboard, especially if my boss always had an errand for me, or for his schedule of meetings, but one thing that I forget is the difference between the permanent pen and the whiteboard pen, because I always end up picking the permanent pen.

 
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Cutting Canned Corned Beef
Cutting Canned Corned BeefDH loves sandwiches made with canned corned beef. Today he used the top of the fridge box for a "cutting board". It doesn't take a sharp knife to cut into a chunk of corned beef so there is no damage to the container or lid.

 
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A bunch of coins, ready for counting.
Give Yourself a Second Payday With CoinsI know everyone is aware of the Coinstar machines in nearly every grocery store, and everyone is aware that saving coins can add up, but are you aware that you can painlessly have enough money to pay your rent after a mere two years or more?

 
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A cute cardboard box containing scissors, remotes and other clutter.
Housing Side Table Clutter with BoxI have a wicker two-drawer night stand that is by my "TV" chair. There is too much stuff on it and it's a hot mess. So, today I found one of my fav decorative boxes and put the lid on the side, using it for my remotes, note pad, scissors, pens, stylus pen, crochet hook, and calendar.

 
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A couple of small chillies and a glass of water.
Chilli for HeadacheChillies are appetizers for food and can burn fats, but did you know that chillies also can relieve headache? You only need two whole chillies and a glass of water, just like when you are drinking medicine.

 
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IPhone cellular settings screen.
Disable Wi-Fi Assist to Save MoneyWi-Fi Assist on your iPhone will detect a slow network, and automatically switch to cellular data. You will never know this is happening because the phone will not alert you.

 
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A fireplace with a screen
Fireplace TipsAll my life, I have lived in a home where the heat was supplemented by a fireplace. Typically, fireplaces have a bad rap of letting more heat out than they produce, but there are a few ways to offset that.

 
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Glitter nails with the bottle of nail polish.
Perfect Glitter NailsGlitter nail polish always looks so gorgeous in the bottle but when you swipe it on, it doesn't look anything like what's in the bottle! The trick is to use a cheap little makeup sponge. Just drop some onto the sponge, then dab the sponge onto your nails. Heavy glitter, light clear polish. Perfect!

 
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Replacing Small Appliances Inexpensively - toaster oven and box
Replacing Small Appliances InexpensivelyI am always on the lookout for inexpensive small appliances. If you wait until it breaks, you will pay top dollar for a new one. I have found new items at thrift shops and family-run estate sales. Today I found this new Hamilton Beach convection toaster oven for $10.

 
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A bag of almonds being closed by a clothespin.
Use Wooden Clothespins as Bag Clips in the FreezerMy plastic bag clips were breaking because the freezer was too cold for them. I now use wooden clothespins and have eliminated the issue. They last a lot longer and I will be using them exclusively, even for items that are not kept in the freezer.

 
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An empty coffee pod next to a container of ground coffee.
Using Designer Coffee Pods Without A KuerigI have an espresso maker and a French press, but not the fancy pod ones. But my daughter sent me home with some to use at a friend's house who does. It occurred to me that I can use the coffee without the dispensing pods. I just cut them open and dumped them into a small container.

 
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A sponge stored in the handle of a bottle of cleaner.
Keeping Your Dirty Work Sponge HandyI have two baggies under my sink. One is for the sponges (with the scrubby side), marked for veggies. Another is for the "dirty work" sponges. Lately, I have accumulated too many of them and they have begun to smell.

 
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Logo for ThriftyFun Tips
Relationship Advice for Mothers and Daughters-in-LawIf you have differences, first try to work them out between the two of you. Don't put the son/husband in the middle. Most mother-in-law/daughter-in-law bickering boil down to jealousy of each others time with the son/husband. don't create scenes in front of the family especially the grand kids.

 
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A bucket of soapy water.
Use Excess Shampoo to Wash Your CarIf you think you don't have a budget yet to buy a car shampoo, there's another way to make your car shine without spending too much. You can use shampoo. It would make your car shine and it won't minimize paint to lessen the color.

 
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Use Your Own Pen to Stay Healthy - photo of plastic bag with pens and other items kept in handbag in background
Use Your Own Pen to Stay HealthyA wonderful tip was posted about not picking up reading material in a doctor's office to avoid germs. Reader's Digest suggested always using your own pen. Pens have so many germs, and you can really cut down on catching colds and the flu by avoiding pens that other people have used. I always have a few in my purse.

 
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A pile of charcoal on a white background.
Charcoal to Absorb Foul OdorsAside from using charcoal for grilling fishes, meat, corn, charcoal also can be used as foul odor absorber. If there is a foul odor inside your living room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or even inside your fridge, you can use charcoal to absorb the odor.

 
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A yellow lemon cut in half, ready for use.
20 Uses for LemonsTips on keeping lemons fresh, uses for lemons and a few lemon recipes. I wash and dry fresh lemons. Cut them into wedges and de-seed them. Toss them into a freezer proof bag or container. Whenever I need a lemon in my drink, I add the frozen wedges.

 
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Close up of wooden frame.
Covering Up Nicks and Scratches on WoodI used a crayon designed for covering up gray roots to fix a picture frame. This crayon is activated with water and goes on more smoothly than a regular crayon. I'll bet you can't tell where the damaged area was!

 
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A packet of expensive Christmas themed coffee.
Get Incredible After Christmas Sales NowI just bought this gourmet coffee for 30 cents! The original price was $3.99. That's a 92% savings. There is plenty of winter weather left to enjoy it. The Christmas package is the only reason it is so inexpensive.

 
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A pile of rock salt on a blue background.
Rock Salt for Whitening TeethSalt has natural preservatives for marinating foods. It is also good for removing stains and grease. The salt also can be a teeth whitening and can prevent of bad breath.

 
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Uses for Non-Slip Utility Mats
Uses for Non-Slip Utility MatsI was at Food City and saw my favorite color, which is green, in a non slip utility mat. These are useful to prevent plates slipping around on trays. So I cut out a square and circle for meals which I take to my mom. It keeps everything in place.

 
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A white birdfeeder with a copper roof and a pillar candle inside where the birdfood would normally go.
Place Pillar Candle in Bird FeederAt Christmas, I replaced the bird seed in the feeder with a pillar candle within the glass insert. The candle was lit each evening during the Christmas season, bringing a cozy feel as you approached our back deck.

 
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Homemade Static Guard - dryer sheet being placed in spray bottle
Homemade Static GuardAt our local store, a can of Static Guard costs $4. I make my own for pennies. It is so simple to make. All you need is a clean empty spray bottle, warm water, and 2 to 3 unused dryer sheets.

 
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A bottle of Island Cotton hand soap, next to the similar fragrance at Bath and Body Works.
Product Review: Island Cotton Hand SoapI love the Sea Island Cotton fragrance and I found a match in hand soap. The hand soap is made by Studio 35 Beauty, and is called Island Cotton Hand Soap.

 
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Use the Heat from Electronics
Use the Heat from ElectronicsThe top of the refrigerator and TVs generate heat. I use this heat in several ways. This picture shows me putting a dish towel that was still slightly damp after drying (because it got stuck in a sheet) on top of my old-school TV. I also use this TV to help germinate seedlings.

 
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A bowl of brown sugar.
Brown Sugar as First AidBrown sugar can actually cures wounds and bruises. If you have been lately in an accident, like falling from a bicycles or falling from trees, and you get bruises and wounds, you can immediately apply brown sugar.

 
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A Dyson vacuum cleaner on a staircase.
Do the Math Beyond the Purchase PriceBefore you purchase an item, do your research. Check the consumer ratings, price compare from store to store, and take into consideration what it will cost you over time to use that item. Several times I have paid more upfront for an appliance as it will save me money over time compared to a less expensive version.

 
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A head of garlic with one clove removed.
Garlic For NailsGet a clove of garlic, smash it and wipe over your finger nails or toe nails. Let it stay for 5 minutes before you wash hands and feet. I can guarantee that this is so effective especially to all women who want their nails to grow long.

 
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Donate Food Thoughtfully - Tuna Helper and other items
Donate Food ThoughtfullyI was a director of a crisis center. We were mainly a crisis center for pregnant women, but we also did food and clothing. Going to community meetings, I met with those who ran the food pantry, and discovered that we had many common issues. One was giving clients items that they needed and could actually use.

 
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Fastening a Bracelet - using a paperclip to hold jump ring to fasten
Fastening a BraceletHow much time do you waste trying to fasten a bracelet. Everytime you pull the fastener around to meet the jump ring, as soon as you get it near, the jump ring falls away.

 
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A pie plate being used as a makeshift pot lid.
Pie Plate for a Pot LidI made some soup the other day in an older pot that doesn't have a lid anymore. To simmer, I covered it with a glass pie tin. Then, I used it to keep the spoon on. I find the best inspirations in the funniest places!

 
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A package of low energy replacement LED bulbs.
Slash Your Electric BillIn the past 6 months, I have cut our electric bill by half. Several years ago I replaced all our light bulbs with CFL bulbs. Now, with the newer LED bulbs I have been replacing the CFL bulbs. 4 years ago, our average electric bill was around $300 per month for an almost 4000 square foot home. Now, I have it down to $100 or less.

 
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