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Vol. 7, Num. 124, June 25, 2008 (Read It Online) We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. Thanks for reading, Susan
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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:
Rain Barrels for Practically Free Make your own rain barrels with what you have, practically free. My husband asked around at local companies and came up with white plastic barrels. The rest he already had in his shop. He then connected them to our gutters and added a spigot at the bottom, to let gravity feed the water out. He even put screen where the gutter goes into barrel to keep out trash. He connects the water hose to spigot and waters the flowers. We waste less water and always have extra water for the flowers. They don't look bad either, you could paint them if you like. It's been dry in NC and every drop of water saved is an advantage and we don't have to water from our well.
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Rate It: Garden: Beautiful But Invasive Flower If you didn't know any better, you'd think this was a beautiful flower you'd like to have in your garden. True, it is very pretty, but beware, VERY invasive. I started out with 1 (1 gallon) plant several years ago and that plant sent out roots all around my water garden. Be sure you "contain" it if you don't want to see it EVERYWHERE. It's the devil to pull up and to control!
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Rate It: Cali Coco and Dottie Snow (Cats) Here is Cali Coco and Dottie Snow at 1 year old. Cali is a calico and Dottie is domestic short hair. Cali was one of a litter of kittens that another one of my cat had.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Doll Sleeping Bag This adorable sleeping bag can be altered to fit any size doll. You or your little girl can make a Barbie doll, American Girl Doll, or Cabbage Patch kid doll sleeping bag. This is a great project for older girls who have learned sewing basics, and now want to try a real project.
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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Young Teen Birthday Party Ideas As the mother of seven, four of which are girls, I have thrown more than my share of parties. Each of my girls have very different ideas, hobbies, and passions. So the party themes are varied as well. Please keep in mind that I do not pick a theme on short notice and I am always looking for new and different ideas. Planning and fore thought make for the most successful parties. The longer you have to plan, the cheaper the event. The following ten ideas have been tried and have all been repeated by others in our area. The greatest flatter is when someone else host a party with your original theme. Prom NightRaid the closets of your family and friends for old prom, bridesmaids, formals, and gowns. Thrift stores often have them for a few dollars. It is best to have at least three or four per girl. Various sizes and styles make for a more exciting fashion show. You will also need a great deal of safety pins and hundreds of bobby pins.When the girls arrive let them go crazy trying on all the dresses. Some will require privacy to change. Once the gowns have been selected, the hair salon opens. Let the girls do each others hair. Once the hair is in place which generally takes an hour, make up is applied. I highly suggest that you not have heels for the girls to wear. Someone can get hurt. Plus the tennis shoes they have on, add to the look. We have a limo take the girls to a movie or a restaurant once the proper look has been achieved. Pit a limo is not needed. Everyone looks and stares at the girls in their finery. The girls will love the attention. Wraps, boas, and old mink stoles add to the glamour. When you arrive back home, let the girls do a fashion show to strut their stuff. Dancing is often done after the show. One year, we even had corsages for all of them. They all had a flower to take home as a keep sake. By Crystal
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Rate It: Use Spaghetti Instead of a Long Match In a pinch for a long match, use a piece of spaghetti. Just light the end. It's great for lighting water heater pilots, etc. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74288652.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Crayon Out of a Dryer I have 4 kids of my own and 2 visiting! Even after checking all pockets (routine) 3 blue crayons made it into my brand new dryer! I read these postings and I FOUND THE WAY! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf690227.tip.html
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Rate It: Storing Things Where They Belong When folding sheets and pillow cases to store, I put the pillow cases in between the top and bottom sheets. When changing the bed I just have to pull out the bundle and they are all together as a set. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34153114.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Pipe to Raise Couch Height The older I get, the further down I have to sit, it seems. Being on a disability pension, I was looking for a way to make my couch higher. I have seen blocks made to increase height, but they are very costly. Instead, I unscrewed a leg and took it with me to a hardware store. I purchased a piece of plumbing pipe (black) that just fitted over the wooden foot, increasing the height by 5 inches. For a couple of dollars, I purchased enough pipe (4 x 10 inches) and was able to alter my sofa, a change people notice but can't quite put their finger on. Simple, simple, simple. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21308609.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband loves egg salad. I hated the chopping of the eggs. So I took my potato masher, the one that has all the holes, and mash them. It only takes a minute and all the egg pieces are the same size. I add a little garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt and dill. I throw in some mayo and mix it all up. Chill it and enjoy. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66529556.tip.html
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Rate It: Reuse Cardboard Containers for Leftovers Save all your cardboard cartons; milk, cream, half and half, ice cream, etc, I wash them out in warm water, using a dish mop. I invert them on a paper towel and the next day when dry, I keep the top closed from dust, etc with the wide parcel tape until needed. I use for soups, stews, and even for steaks, fish, chicken pieces, etc. It is not good to freeze in plastic or foil, so this works really well. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63398843.tip.html
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Getting Rid of Rollie Pollie Bugs How do I get rid of rollie pollie bugs in my house? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25291211.tip.html
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Rate It: Burn on a Porcelain Countertop I burnt my sisters porcelain counter top by keeping my straightner on for way too long. It has a pretty good burn mark. It's close to a dark orange strip. Please help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf255532.tip.html
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Rate It: I bought cheap sandals at Payless. They squeak horribly but the inner sole is permanently attached. I am making too much noise at work! HELP ME! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62111210.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Fuel Oil from Upholstery Fabric My husband got fuel oil on the cloth seat of his truck. What can I use to clean, and get the smell out of it? Also what can I do to get fuel oil smell out of his clothes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61921827.tip.html
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Rate It: Blocking Bathtub Overflow Valve I just moved into an apartment with a claw foot tub. The tub is located below a set of stairs so there is not shower capabilities. There is a hand held nozzle that I can use but I'm getting comfortable with the idea of taking baths daily. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77887223.tip.html
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Rate It: My fiance spilled some gasoline on his leather briefcase. It smells awful. He tried Armorall to clean it but it doesn't help. Does anyone know of a way to clean this up and get the smell out without damaging the leather? Thanks for any help anyone can give me. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf178841.tip.html
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Rate It: My mom has hydrangea clippings but they are not rooted. She currently has them in water, but what does she need to do to plant them so they stay alive, or is it possible? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29338818.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there a connection between front loading washers and tiny holes in T-shirts? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38944249.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get rid of violets in my yard, they are taking over! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf760205.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Perfume Smell Out of Clothing My son has received some great hand-me-downs from a friend, but they have been washed in scented laundry detergent. He has allergies and asthma, so I always use unscented detergent and fabric softener. I have tried washing them in hot water with baking soda and my own detergent, but the smell is still very strong. How can I remove the detergent smell from the clothes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf510555.tip.html
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Rate It: What Color Should I Paint My Kitchen Walls? I have maple cabinets and white Corian counter tops. My kitchen has a clear view of my dining room which is painted a color called Cherokee brick, it's slightly on the pink side. I picked out a light green color called blue grass and it looks horrible! Do you have any advice? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39436050.tip.html
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Rate It: Can you hang baked polymer (Sculpey) clay ornaments on a latex painted wall without the clay staining the wall? I just painted my walls a fresh new white and am a little nervous about hanging my polymer clay ornaments back up. Thank you! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86900147.tip.html
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Rate It: How often do you have to paint a brick house and a sided house? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88816489.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for ideas for class reunions favors. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf913343.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to know how to make and keep my lawn green. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf566987.tip.html
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Rate It: My cat threw up on my light beige rug--a nylon blend. I cleaned it up and coated area with shaving cream. Later on when I tried to clean more thoroughly, the stain would not come out. It is orange and very evident. I tried a rug cleaner, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, oxiclean - I seem to be making it worse instead of cleaning it up. Any suggestions on how I can get it removed? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64243219.tip.html
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Rate It: Plans for a 6 Passenger Stroller I am looking for free plans for a 6 passenger child stroller, either 3+3, or 2+2+2 configuration, or how to convert a 1+1+1 (3 seats in a row, like a train!) into a 6 seater. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32340255.tip.html
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Rate It: Layering Sand and Pebbles in a Vase Does anyone know the correct way to layer sand and pebbles in a vase? Will any sand work? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53859662.tip.html
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Rate It: My family just got a puppy! The animal control where we got him had little info on him. They said he was a mid to late April puppy, a coonhound/lab mix, I was hoping you all could give me your thoughts on what you thought he looks like. The vet already said he looks more like a march pup, making him 12 weeks. I was more wondering about what mix he is, any thoughts? This is Chuck under his favorite chair on our porch!
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Rate It: I didn't really know where to ask this question. If you were being harassed by an unknown neighbor (drive by swearing vulgarities), what can be done? I have already notified PD. The car drives by fast and when my back is turned. Even when we're inside - we can hear through open screens. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23113640.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone wanna take a collection up for the Iowa flood people? I'm willing to help some, not sure how we go about it, but the gesture is here. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18593939.tip.html
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Rate It: I planted a Sage plant last year in the ground. I cut it back and mulched it last year before freezing. Now this year when it came back -- it is doing great, but now it has a purple flower on top. Why is that I never seen this before? It is pretty. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75522090.tip.html
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Rate It: Auto Turn Signal Problem: The front and rear tail lights turn on. The back tail and break lights work properly for turning, emergency, and breaking functions. The front turn signals do not blink for left or right turn signals. Also, for emergency signal they do not blink. I have changed the flasher and all fuses look good. Since the front turn signal lights turn on, there is proper connection in circuit. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55128351.tip.html
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Rate It: Flowers that Go With Hydrangeas What kind of flowers can I plant in front of my Blue Endless Summer Hydrangea? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35277347.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a black and white kitchen. Would a red border with white daisies go with that? The walls are white sheetrock also. It has mostly white, just one row of black tile on the one back wall and the floor. Would the red go with the black and white? And if so, what other ideas could I do besides the border. Painting is out, he won't let me. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64148053.tip.html
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Rate It: Repelling Hornets, Bumblebees and Wasps Anyone know of any plants that repel hornets, bumblebees, and wasps? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56216436.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband's boss is getting married next month. My husband is the office manager and has worked for him for 4 years. We were invited to the shower (a couple's shower) and so have already bought a gift (over $100). The boss and his bride-to-be both come from wealthy families, and the wedding is in New York (we live in Michigan). We both have to take a day off from work to drive to New York because we can't afford to fly, and we are spending a lot of money to stay at a hotel for 2 nights - since we are also invited to the rehearsal dinner the night before. I am at a complete loss as what to give as a wedding gift. Money would not be appropriate, we already bought from the registry, and we are spending quite a lot just to attend the wedding. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40400010.tip.html
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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:
Teaching Children the Value of a Dollar
In a time when materialism is at a high, the task of teaching children the value of a dollar becomes difficult. Someone recently told me, "What you teach your children in the first ten years of their lives is what molds them into the people they become." I've given this a great deal of thought, and I've decided that I want my son to be a man who understands the value of the things he owns. I want him to prioritize his spending, and I want him to be a responsible consumer. He's going to start with baby steps, but he's going to start down that ten year path of learning the meaning behind the paper in his pocket.
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