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Craft: Crystal Chandelier

Crystal chandelier from an old lamp fit for a Princess. I have been working on redecorating my daughters room in a princess theme and it really needed a chandelier! I found an old light (ugly brass thing) and saw the potential in it. Since it was only a dollar, I thought I would give it a try! She absolutely loves it!

I have a sort of toot on my blog here http://1craftymomma.blogspot.com

By momma2many from Arkansas

Craft: Crystal Chandelier

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Craft: Make Wrapping Paper With Stickers

When you just can't find that perfect wrapping paper, use tissue paper and add some stickers. You children will love this!

By Tedebear from San Jose CA

Craft: Make Wrapping Paper With Stickers

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Garden: Desert Flowers

Our Desert garden is in bloom.

By Mary Vine from Tucson, Arizona

Garden: Desert Flowers

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Craft Project: Cinco de Mayo Centerpiece

These cute, inexpensive sombreros may great centerpieces for Cinco de Mayo (May 5) or any Mexican themed party. They are very quick and easy to make.

Craft Project: Cinco de Mayo Centerpiece

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49210717.tip.html

Bama (Chihuahua)

Bama is a 5 month old Chihuahua. I received my pet on Christmas day of 2008 from my sister as a Christmas gift. Bama loves to play with his favorite toy and also enjoys playing outside with his younger brother. Bama is so adorable, very calm and such a great pleasure to own. He's very, very smart and learns very easily.

By Dawn from Tamarac, Florida

Bama (Chihuahua)

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Use Laundry Bags to Organize Underwear Drawer

Take laundry bags with zippers, and use one for underwear like panties, bras, and one for your socks. That way your drawer is always nice and neat. When you go away on holidays, just put the bags into your suitcase. You can use a larger one for your T-shirts. Never do you have to look for stuff again. Same goes for guys.

By Shanghai from Coquitlam, BC Canada

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Save Those Used Tea Bags

Do not throw out your tea bags with the trash. Save them in a dish and then empty them around your garden plants and shrubs. Makes a good substitute for peat and will add plant goodness and save you cash.

By dunno from Cradley UK

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Using Dremel Tool for Dog Nail Trimming

This is a tip I got from my vet several years ago. She said to use a Dremel tool to keep my dogs' nails trimmed. It is so much safer, and easier on the dogs and on me. I don't worry so much anymore about cutting the vessel inside their nails, and also their nails come out smooth and not apt to snag and split. And there's no pain for the dogs either.

To get them used to it (I started when they were puppies), I did their nails for just a second or two on each nail every day for several weeks; then once a week, and now once or twice a month. This got them used to not only the sound, but also the feel of the vibrations. Now they just lay there and sleep while I do their nails!

By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC

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Use a Napkin Holder for Scrap Paper

I keep an extra napkin holder by our computer to hold scrap paper. It keeps it neat and handy and looks cute too!

By joynchocolate from Lancaster, Pa

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Polishing Stainless Steel

For 3 years I have been struggling to keep my stainless steel appliances clean. They always have drip marks and finger prints on them. Finally, I found the perfect solution and it is something almost everyone has in their home.

First clean the surface with warm soapy water and rinse. Yes, I know, you're going to see a lot of streaks. But, then spray WD-40 on a soft, lint-free cloth (I used an old t-shirt) and wipe over the stainless steel surface. Just a tiny bit will do it.

A very thin layer of WD-40 will really shine your appliances up and keep them smudge free for a long time. If finger prints or smudges do show up, just a dry soft cloth will erase them instantly. What a time saver this has been! Try it for yourself.

Source: I found this tip online after a very frustrating, and unsuccessful cleaning attempt.

By antiquefreeque from Wisconsin

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Use Red Hanky in Case of Blood

A friend gave our married daughter who has 2 small children this tip. Always have a red cloth hanky clean and ready in case of a bloody injury. When our grandson was hit on the forehead and started to bleed profusely, she got the red cloth hanky and held it on his injury.

After taking him inside the house to clean the wound and check to see if it warranted a doctor call and/or visit (which did require 4 stitches), she proceeded to use the same red cloth to clean his injured area. She turned him away from any mirrors, so he couldn't see the injury, ran warm faucet water on the cloth so she could check on the blood flow. Then she got him relaxed with his favorite beverage while she called in. Because of the red cloth hanky, he didn't realize he was bleeding and never got scared, because he never saw blood.

Later as they drove to the doctor, he held his own red cloth on the injury. Everyone at the doctor's marveled at how brave he was so he naturally didn't seem to mind the stitches too much. Amazing how not seeing blood (as you might on a white cloth), helped calm him as well as his young mom.

By mfeld from Twin Cities, MN

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Use Air Dry Cycle During Hot Summer Months

Ok, I must confess. This tip is truly from necessity since my dryer's heating element took a vacation, indefinitely! After trying every possible solution to fix the heat in the dryer, I simply turned the gas valve off (by turning the valve perpendicular to the gas pipe), and began using the auto dry cycle. I can achieve the same goal while saving on my gas bill and not adding more heat to an already hot desert day.

By Licia from Palmdale, CA

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Life Lessons Graduation Gift Idea

Our 17 year old daughter, Kara, is graduating from high school in a few months. She will be attending college about 5 hours away from home. I wanted to present her with a gift that will have meaning long after she moves into the dorm.

Editor's Note: This post has been updated by Diana with a sample letter in PDF format.

Flea Collar In Your Vacuum

Since it is close to being flea and tick season, put a flea collar in your vacuum bag every time you change the bag. This will kill fleas you catch on the carpet and keep them from getting back out of the vacuum.

By Robyn Fed from Hampton TN

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Use a Spray Bottle for Cooking Oils

I purchased a plastic spray bottle from the dollar store and filled it with my favorite extra virgin olive oil. This has saved me a lot of money on the spray cans of non stick cooking spray. Not only is it a convenient spray for skillets, fry pans, baking dishes, or just spraying meats before adding your favorite spices. I do believe it saves me calories, too! My husband likes to use it on the grill.

Source: My own idea! When I ran out of cooking spray and did not have any coupons for the canned cooking spray, I stopped at the dollar store for a few other items and saw the spray bottles for a dollar and thought why not try my own cooking spray. :)

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Used to being the center of attention, Robbie was a little more than a bit jealous of his new baby sister. The parents sat him down and said that now that she was getting older, the house was too small and they'd have to move.

"It's no use." Robbie said, "She's crawling pretty good now and she'd probably just follow us."

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

Repairing Rust Spots on Car

How can I repair rust spots on an old car? I want to do it at home.

By Padufresne from Canada

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Getting Adult Child to Clean Up

I have an adult child, grandchild, and another adult family member who have come to live with my husband and me. My adult child keeps her room (and grandchild's) like a disaster area. When everyone moved in I asked them to sign a social contract regarding cleaning, cooking etc.

It lasted for a while. I love having everyone here, we have a large home, but I also like having a neat, clean house without feeling like the Mess Sargent. My latest attempt was to buy wall storage units. Our house lacks closet space. But, I'm thinking there's more to it than that. How can I get an adult to be cleaner and neater?

By EasyLikeSunday from Philadelphia, PA

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Color Bleeding When Washing a Quilt for the First Time

I washed a beautiful handmade red and white quilt that my 91 year old mother made many years ago. The red bled into the white cotton. Please help. This quilt is priceless. Both fabrics (red and white) are cotton broadcloth.

By Canadian Carole from Whitby Ontario

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Pen on a Leather Purse

I lent an expensive, textured, white leather purse to a friend who marked across it with a blue pen. I researched online how to remove pen stains and was dumb enough to use rubbing alcohol without testing it first. So now not only is the pen stain still not removed, but I removed the coloring on a very small portion. How can I remove this stain? And is there anything I can do to cover up my mishap?

By prettyplush

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Cat Spray Odor on Furniture

How do I remove cat spray odor from a car seat?

By squishmitten77 from ms

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What Attracts Ticks?

When my brother and his wife go for walks he comes back with several ticks attached and she has none. She says it is because he drinks Pepsi. Is this true? Does anyone know why he gets them and she does not?

By Bobbiesox from St. Louis, MO

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Dog is Hiding and Won't Eat

My 7 year old schnauzer has started going under the bed and will not come out, even for food. Does anyone have any ideas? I drug him out, gave him a kiss and a hug, and he went right back under the bed. Could it be the heat or hormones or what?

By Jrtjingles from Pensacola, FL

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Norfolk Pines Damaged By Cold

I have some small Norfolk pines that have been hit by frost. Will they come back? I also have one large Norfolk pine in the yard that is very tall and about 8yrs old. Will it come back after the frost has done damage? It has turned brown, but is the trunk alive?

Hardiness Zone: 9b

By Lee99

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Electrical Outlets Stopped Working

For no apparent reason, half of the outlets in my basement no longer power my devices, i.e. TV, Blue ray, surround sound, window fans. Everything worked fine for the last 10 years and through last night.

My voltage tester indicates power to the outlets. However, when I plug something in, it won't run. If I put the tester on an outlet that indicates "hot"; when I plug something in the outlet next to it the tester indicator light goes out. Any of the affected outlets that indicate "hot" go "cold" when I plug a device into it.

I'm not an electrical guy. Is there something that has gone bad that could cause my outlets to not get enough power or lose voltage? Remember, I'm not an electrical guy so, please make it as plain as possible. Am I gonna be out of a lot of money to an electrician or is this something simple I could fix myself?

By greasedog from Glen Carbon, IL

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Aluminum Foil Stuck to the Bottom of My Oven

I have a self cleaning oven. While baking lasagna, cheese overflowed and then foil was put in place to catch it. Now, the foil has completely stuck onto the bottom of the oven. Can I use the self cleaning feature to remove it?

By llmcgowan from Simi Valley, CA

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Removing Tree Sap from Clothing

How do you remove sap from clothing?

By DRogers4 from Troy, NY

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What do Ladybugs Eat?

What do ladybugs eat?

By Nature_lover11 from Las Vegas, NV

What do Ladybugs Eat?

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Getting Rid of Small Black Ants

I can't afford an exterminator, but need to get rid of black ants that keep coming inside my house. I think they are under my house, I live in a double wide. Any remedies for my problem will be appreciated.

By Vguy from Earle, AR

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Getting Rid of Mushrooms in Lawn

Since a tree was cut down, my flower garden is overtaken by mushrooms. If I transplant the flowers, will the mushrooms follow?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

By BillieH from Cornell, IL

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Red Kool Aid on Carpet

How do I remove red Kool Aid stain from carpet?

By Alise524 from St. Louis, MO

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Riddle: What opens locks and is always found near water?

Riddle: What opens locks and is always found near water?

By Sabrina112 from London

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Starter for a "30 Day Cake"

I have a recipe for a Friendship Cake that takes 30 days to complete. You need a starter and you add fruit to it every so many days, and let it sit. Then on the 30th day you bake it.

It is very good, but my problem is I don't know how to start it. Has anyone ever heard of this cake and do you know how to start the starter?

By Jan from Cincinnati, OH

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Growing: Rosemary

How can I get rosemary to survive in the northern states? I kept my thyme from dying this winter by covering it in plastic but the rosemary didn't survive.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

By Melmarr from Southeast MI

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Free Samples at Walmart.com

How can I get free samples from Walmart?

By Tltraylor from Youngstown, OH

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Getting Started With Container Gardening

I am wondering if anyone knows of a flowering evergreen that I can grow in a container? The area of the planter will get about 6 to 7 hours of afternoon to evening sun.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

By jwmn from Hendersonville, NC

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What Should I Feed My Dog?

What should I feed my 6 week old puppy?

By hellboy_owner from Los Angeles, CA

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Rose Bushes Turning Yellow

Question #1: My rosebushes had yellow spotted leaves last Fall so I cut them all down to the ground. Now one has started to grow back and looks healthy so far. Should I leave it alone and see what happens? Is it possible for the regrowth to be healthy?

Question #2: I have bag worms in a Bradford pear tree. What can I do to kill them and prevent them from coming back?

Signed,
Totally Non-Green Thumb

Hardiness Zone: 5b

By lah34a from Missouri

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Vegetable Oil to Restore a Wooden Table

I have an old dining room set (26 yrs old) that I would like to bring out the finish on, or renew it with the least amount of work or bother. Is there maybe something that I could rub on with a cloth that wouldn't require a protective finish afterward? Thanks to all who respond.

By Nelwyn from Bunkie, LA

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Dealing With Lady Beetles

Help, I have ladybugs in the house. I live in the country and they are everywhere. Any solutions other than an exterminator?

By momssspecialangel

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Cat Scratching Everything But Scratching Post

How do I stop the cat from scratching my leather sofa?

By Sophie10 from London, England

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What Breed is My Dog?

Can anyone tell me what breed mix this dog is? Thank you.

By Leannz0r from Wales

What Breed is My Dog?

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Getting Rid of Extra Skin After Losing Weight

I have lost the weight I wanted to lose. Now how do I lose the flab around my waist?

By Jamneu from Lethbridge, AAB

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Craftsmen Mower Won't Start

I have a 20 hp. craftsmen mower that I bought from a friend and it won't start. So I took the carburetor apart, cleaned everything and put it back together and still won't start. I changed the plugs and air filter, but still nothing. If I put some gas in the carburetor it will run until the gas is gone. On the bottom of the carburetor there are 2 wires coming out. I followed them back to what I think is the voltage regulator. I don't know what it does so I don't know if its bad. I know the carburetor is OK and clean but I don't know what else to do.

By Timthedog from Waynesboro, PA

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Recycling Ziploc Bags

At my work we receive a lot of Ziploc bags of all sizes with parts in them. Can we recycle them? We also get parts very thick plastic bags, about 9 x 12. Can we recycle them? Please help, it kills me to throw these away. Thank you.

By Maggi3 from new Milford, CT

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Black Brush-On Appliance Epoxy

Is there such a thing as black brush-on appliance epoxy? I want to paint my refrigerator and because of the location, spray paint is not an option. I can find white but not black.

By Luv2sew52 from Allegan, MI

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Cleaning Soot From Bricks

I have black soot on the bricks surrounding my fire place. I need to find a way to remove the black soot from the bricks of the fire place outside the fire place itself. Is there a soot remover? It's really ugly looking at my fire place.

By Wendelle from Tucson, AZ

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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

Drastic Times Call for Drastic Cutbacks
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

There's no quick fix for the economy, and jobs are disappearing daily. Even seemingly secure jobs are causing some people to look at their futures with a budget cutting scissors in hand. If it makes you feel better to cut back now in preparation for the worst, then by all means cut back. Maybe drastic cutbacks aren't such a bad idea anyway. After all, we could all use some extra cash these days.

Drastic Times Call for Drastic Cutbacks

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Daily Thrifty Tips - May 5, 2009

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