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Vol. 8, Num. 106, June 1, 2009 (Read It Online) We hope everyone had a nice weekend. There is still time to rate contest contenders for last week. Please take a moment to look them over. They are all collected here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml?contest=13969 Do you have any Fourth of July tips or recipes to share with the ThriftyFun coommunity? Please share them on one of the contest pages. Give a "thumbs up" to tips and photo that you like! Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
I made this out of a old used up shelf. I nailed two wooded stakes on the back of it and painted it. By Littlegreeneyes from Sacramento CA Contest Contender!
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Wildlife: Hummingbirds at the Feeder I can almost hear them: "It's about time you got here; I waited dinner for you!" By Pamela from Austin, TX Contest Contender!
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Sonny is 7 year old Dachshund/Terrier Mix. We got him from SSDA, a Dachshund rescue group five years ago. Sonny likes to run around in the yard, sleep in the sun. By Anissa from Hurlburt Field, FL Contest Contender!
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Snowbelle is a white rabbit. My granddaughter Summer, wished she had a dog to take for a walk, but her Paw Paw got her a free rabbit instead. She didn't mind taking her rabbit for a walk (or a jump) around the yard. Who says you can't "play" with a rabbit? By vguy from Earle, AR Contest Contender!
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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!
Control Soap Dispensing Amount With a Rubber Band Control the amount of pump liquid soap or dish washing liquid, by tying a rubber band around the stem of the push down dispenser. Adjust till you get the desired amount and help save soap in frugal living. Source: Saw it in a Japanese frugal living program. By vgsm from BKK, Thailand Contest Contender!
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Prevent Heat Stroke With a Timer This has to do with staying out in the heat while you do your gardening or any other outside chore. I was outside yesterday doing some mowing, weed eating, spreading weed killer on the driveway, and other things. It was close to 90 degrees F here, and I was hot and sweaty but not overly so. So I didn't even think about being too hot. When I came in for the day, I noticed I was extra "pooped", and didn't feel like cooking a lot for just me for dinner. So I just had a "breakfast dinner" of sausage, eggs, a biscuit and some orange juice. I was still pooped but not so bad so I just went to bed early figuring I'd be better in the morning. Wrong! When I woke up this morning I was severely sick to my stomach and very weak and shaky. I had to go out, but asked a neighbor to do it for me (which is something I never, ever do!) because I didn't feel safe to drive. She and her husband came and brought me some dinner later today. He mentioned that it might have been the heat yesterday because he knew I was out all day in it. I believe he was right too. So from now on whenever I go out to do my outside work I'm clipping a timer to my shirt up close to my head so I can be sure and hear it when it goes off. I'm setting it for 30 minute intervals, then coming in for 30 minutes. That put the fear into me! By Cricketnc from Parkon, NC Editor's Note: Heat stroke is closely related to dehydration so drinking lots of water is critical in prevention. Here is a link to the CDC's page on heat stroke prevention. Contest Contender!
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Static Window Film Instead of Curtains If you have a window that for some reason you cannot put a curtain on (e.g., you can't mar the wall or door to put up a curtain rod, you are a renter, it doesn't fit your design aesthetic, etc.), consider using adhesive-free static cling window film. Think of the little UV stickers that come on new pairs of sunglasses; they cling to the surface of the glasses without glue and remove easily with no mess. They now make versions of this material in three foot wide rolls meant for windows, mirrors, and other smooth surfaces. Home improvement stores like Home Depot, Menard's, Lowe's etc. carry a convenient but limited selection, but a simple Google search (try "window cling film") will turn up several companies that now make window film in hundreds of styles. They have everything from simple frosted or tinted glass, to stained glass, to art deco, to country folk art designs, to various faux beveled glass designs and more. Some of the online companies I have seen are now also making cling film boarders and decorative corner cutouts for those who don't need or want to cover the whole window but have a particular look they are trying to achieve. It is a great product for renters because it goes on and comes off in minutes. It can be used for privacy, to diffuse sunlight or avoid UV damage to carpets, for insulation, to hide a bad view, or simply for a decorative touch. The product has been out for a few years, but having Googled it recently, I was amazed by all of the new designs that are now available. By Tahlula from Northfield, MN Contest Contender!
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Use Colored Price Stickers to Mark Accessory Cords I found an inexpensive way to mark the multitude of wires behind my computer. I had read about using colored tape at each end of the cords, to trace which plug belongs to which accessory (printer, modem, etc) but I didn't want to go out and buy several different colors of tape. So I used the small round colored pricing stickers I had left over from my last yard sale. I wrapped matching colored stickers around each end of each peripheral that I needed to identify. Even if you don't have the stickers, buying a pack of them for about $2 is a lot cheaper than buying 4 or 5 rolls of tape to use a few inches of each! The same method could be used for TV/Home theater systems with surround sound, DVD and cable box setups. If you have more items than colors, you can use two or three color combos when you run out of different colors. By Mary T Contest Contender!
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Prevent having to clean soapy scum from the soap dish or at the sink by placing a thin sponge in the dish or sink indention to lay the soap on. The sponge catches the scum, leaving underneath relatively clean. It also does double duty because you then have an already soaped sponge to use for some utility duty. By Trace from Wartburg, TN Contest Contender!
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Use Pet Food in Homemade Pet Toys When making noise-making pet toys,such as the ones using empty water bottles, potato chip canisters, or pill bottles, use dry food or treats instead of the suggested marbles, bells, etc. If the pet gets the container open, there will be no risk of swallowing something harmful. By jf63 from Illinois Contest Contender!
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The grilling season is upon us! Here's something you must know about your grill's propane igniter button: Don't buy a new one until you try this first! Collect these items:
Turn OFF your propane tank. A grenade has nothing on a propane bottle! Remove the spade connectors from your main grill area and also, any auxiliary burners on your grill. Take a careful look at the igniter button and carefully remove it from the grill body. Yikes! DO NOT click the igniter while it is in your hands! Use a set of needle nose pliers and gently remove the spade connector from the bottom of the ceramic igniter. Put on your vinyl gloves, just in case the mix is too caustic for your skin! At the sink, use a toothbrush or worn out green scrubby pad and the mixture of boraxo and washing soda and remove all of the grease. Rinse thoroughly in warm/hot water and let dry in the sun. Voila! Click your "New" Igniter Switch! You have saved your family $10.00 or more by not buying yet another replacement button! (Do NOT kick yourself for purchasing other ones in the past!) Your "new" igniter switch can last just about indefinitely! Happy Grilling, JoAnn
Source: The few brain cells of mine that are still firing :D
By extremefrugalist from Baltimore, Maryland Contest Contender!
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Free Attractions When Driving from Texas to California We are about to drive from South Texas to San Diego CA with 3 young girls. We will be on I-10, I-8, CA-125, and CA-94 most of the trip. Are there any free attractions we can stop at to let them move around a little? Are there any nice rest areas on this trip? By craftmomo from San Marcos, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24882658.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get rid of fruit flies in the house? By trdishman from Monticello, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000317.tip.html
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Rate It: Surprising My Boyfriend With a Vacation I am taking my boyfriend on a surprise vacation to see his friend in San Diego over the 4th of July. Since it is for my boyfriend he doesn't know yet. I want to surprise him with the trip on his birthday which is 1 week before we leave. Does anyone have any good creative suggestions for how I should tell him about the trip? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! By ElizabethNeedsHelp from Portland, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14333904.tip.html
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Rate It: When you use vinegar for veggie wash, what kind? White or cider? By ceeann from OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf262927.tip.html
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Rate It: I was wondering if a Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua cross are OK to have around people with allergies to animals? By buddy_2009 from MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85638786.tip.html
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Rate It: Kids Removing Their Own Diapers My kids (two year old twins) always take off their diapers and throw their poop all over. Even when I give them a nap they take off the diapers and mess up all their sheets. I tried putting tape around it and putting 2 layers of clothing. Nothing works. I don't know what to do anymore, but I'm so tired of having to clean up the huge mess everyday and constantly washing clothes and giving them a bath. By peanut45 from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88452398.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have a recipe for homemade raw dog food? By Niteagle77 from East Hampton, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58707152.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid of Insect Bite Scars How do I get rid of scars on my legs from flea and mosquito bites? By gobertgirl from Eunice, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22269664.tip.html
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Rate It: Upholstery That Resists Cat Hair What fabric is best to use when covering dining room chairs where cat hair is a problem? By GailDarlene from Toranto, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28582817.tip.html
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Rate It: I have spilt a few drops of perfumed oil on my beautiful new Pippy oak coffee table. Does anyone know how I can remove the stain it has caused? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. By Ann from Norwich, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49706774.tip.html
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Rate It: Keeping Neighbor's Cats Out of House and Garden How can I stop next door neighbor's cats from coming in the house and garden? As it's almost summer here allegedly and I want to be able to leave the door open. By pinksky from UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18392425.tip.html
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Rate It: Inexpensive Patio Decorating Ideas I was looking for some super cheap decorating ideas for a small concrete fenced back yard, e.g., seating, lighting, plants, etc. By Melissa B Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46197241.tip.html
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Rate It: Clothing That Makes You Look Slimmer What is a slimming type of shirt for someone who is about 5 feet tall and overweight? By Mariebal Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15528908.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Cleaning Solution for Bissell Quicksteamer A badly stained room size rug we have needs to be cleaned regularly. For years I have been cleaning the rug with a Bissell Quicksteamer machine which I love. It's the cost of cleaning solution that is creating a problem. To the best of my knowledge the machine doesn't actually create steam as it uses very warm water instead. Has anyone ever used vinegar, baking soda, and hot water in a Quicksteamer like mine? The room size rug with fringe is old, but still in fairly good shape. The basic color of the rug is navy blue with a wide white border that has flowers with leaves as well. We have an older dog who has stomach problems. She eats grass, then on occasion will throw up on the carpet. It would be nice to have the rug look as good as possible, but my main objective is to keep it more sanitary. There are wood floors under the large rug. I clean the wood floors with vinegar and water. Any suggestions? Do you have a favorite homemade"magic potion" you would like to share with me? Thanks. By suzyspinkmoon from Clinton, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84445565.tip.html
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Rate It: I live in a mobile home. The windows are double pane, the top window has a space of about 3 inches and does not come apart. How can I clean the insides? By mamakarol01 from Bristol, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14670816.tip.html
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Rate It: What are some ideas for a vendor booth for a Realtor fair concerning home staging? By staging michelle from flat rock, nc Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18442206.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a black ash dinning room table that has a few scratches and white marks. How do I renovate it ? By Headless from Worcestershire UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84203087.tip.html
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Rate It: I have 2 pegged coat racks that both have 6 pegs on them. I need to hang both of them for all the coats I have and I was needing a crafty idea other than just hanging them both up. This will be in the hallway. They are both on a flat piece of wood with plain pegs sticking out. One has been painted already. The other one I just found. If I hang them so the pegs alternate, I will be left with a space on each end. Does anyone have any frugal ideas of how to dress this up? I was thinking I would hang them touching each other so all of the coats could hang in one group. Thanks! By suzi_homemaker01 from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90297658.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a male friend who is really thin and finds it hard to gain weight. Can anyone suggest what he can eat or do to help his weight gain? He has gained a little weight before but not much. He then got sick with a cold that lasted for awhile so he lost a lot of weight again. Thanks for your help he is really wanting to add extra pounds. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59240759.tip.html
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Rate It: Sunlight Machine Dishwashing Powder Where do you purchase Sunlight Machine Dishwashing Powder to fade dark denim jeans? By dynomite from Chesapeake, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17199214.tip.html
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Rate It: Security System Light Keeps Coming On in a 2000 Chevy Van The security system light keeps coming on in a 2000 Chevy van 1500 series. What is causing this? By sullivanjoe16 from Panama City, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73924647.tip.html
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Rate It: I have mice in my home. I have tried everything I can, but they are always here. Poison, traps, they know about them. What should I do? By shoaibmoman from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf388072.tip.html
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Rate It: Making a Seat Lift from a Recliner How can a seat lift be made for a recliner chair? I need one badly. If anyone has a clue please let me know. Thank you. By donisue from Saint Joseph, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33201775.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 2-3 week old orphan kitten that does not meow. He makes a little squeaking sound that you can hardly hear. Is that normal? By beccaann from Niles, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35142455.tip.html
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Rate It: Cocker Spaniel Has Severe Allergies I have a cocker spaniel with severe allergies. I have tried everything, allergy testing, organic food, allergy tests, Prednisone, and Benadryl. I am at the vet at least once a month because she is biting and itching about 90% of the time. She has sores on her back and bottom from biting so much. I have hair all over my house and she has started going to the bathroom in the house. What should I do? By klbush from St. Louis Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31336054.tip.html
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Rate It: Writing a 50th Wedding Anniversary Announcement I am looking for wording for a 50th Anniversary announcement for the paper. It will not be used in an invitation. By stumpted Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90567109.tip.html
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Rate It: Reception Ideas for an "At Home" Wedding Does anyone have any ideas on how to make a nice reception for an at home wedding? We have a small budget and this is a second marriage. Would a BBQ be tacky? We are having a casual ceremony. Any food and decorating suggestions? I am not really creative. Thanks! By Jessee Jayne from Fredonia, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97081102.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you make your own "No More Tangles"? By dunsy from Victoria Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96816857.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 5 mo. old chihuahua. I believe he was abused. He won't take treats from me and stays in his little bed all day. What can I do to help him? By hooper from Rockport, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87361398.tip.html
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Rate It: Has anyone tried Phillips Colon Health that's being advertised on TV? If so, do you think there are any benefits to taking it? By Bonnie V from Tuckerton, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93716474.tip.html
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Rate It: Are Peppermint Odors Harmful During Pregnancy? If taking peppermint is not good for pregnant women, would smelling the odor of peppermint (using it to repel mice in home) be dangerous during pregnancy? By Fairhope from Alabama, Gulf Coast Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74292803.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:
Spring Spruce Ups
Spring invites sprucing up, but budgets don't necessarily invite it. When your heart wants some fresh colors and subtle decorating changes, don't let your bank account stop you. For a few pennies, a fresh look can welcome you.
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Rate It: Top 10 Tips for Cost Efficient Flower Gardening A beautiful flower garden doesn't have to cost a fortune. The secret is finding ways to get the best value for your investment. For gardeners on a tight budget, here are 10 great tips for stretching your flower gardening dollar.
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