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Vol. 7, Num. 239, December 10, 2008 (Read It Online) We deeply appreciate all the kind words that people have posted on the website and through email for Susan. It has lifted her spirits. We have gotten a little behind on announcing contest winners so the winners for the last two weeks are below. Here are the contest winners for two weeks ago. Pet Contest Winner Sweetie (Golden Retriever) and Honey (Bloodhound) Kristi shares a picture of Sweetie and Honey in action! Photo Contest Winner Scenery: Albuquerque Balloon Festival This picture captures a beautiful sunrise in New Mexico. Tip Contest Winners Party Idea: Garden Themed Potato Bar A great idea for an inexpensive dinner party. Have Kids Pick Their Presents from Santa A nice way to teach children about money. Recipes Contest Winner Pumpkin Torte This is a delicious recipe for the holidays. Here are the contest winners for last week. Pet Contest Winner Stewie (Double Dapple Dachshund) This Double Dapple Dachshund is adorable. Photo Contest Winner Garden: Black Swallowtail Butterfly Melmarr shares this beauty from her garden. You can also see another picture of the same butterfly in the feedback forum. Tip Contest Winners Ask Butcher To Make Sale Roasts Into Ground Beef If the butcher is willing, this is a great way to get ground beef for less. Create a Tree With Your Children Christmas Trees can be quite expensive, Erin offers a great, inexpensive alternative. Recipe Contest Winner Bread Bowls for Chili or Chowder A great recipe to make with your favorite chili or soup. 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:
Don't know what to do with that old golf bag and cart? Try using it as a tool caddy.
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Rate It: Preschool Thanksgiving Cornucopia This is a cornucopia my 3 yr. old grandson made in preschool. It was to be filled with things he is thankful for. I asked him to tell me about the pictures he glued in and he told me about Thomas and the toilet paper. I told him his grandma is thankful for toilet paper too.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Glitter Holiday Balls I found 25 of each silver and gold glitter balls in a bag at the Salvation Army in Tucson, AZ. If you can't find something similar, don't worry. Sometimes you can find them covered in shiny surfaces, and you can add your own touches.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Crocheted Wreath To make these fast I use double strands and a size "N" hook. This is about 3.5 inches in diameter.
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Rate It: While cleaning out my desk, I ran across something someone sent in to Dear Abby, when it was still her at the helm. It is the wit and wisdom of a dog, were it able to speak. "Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. My Cujo went quietly this summer, after being my friend, guide, bedwarmer, playmate, protector, loving ear and eager snuggler for almost 17 years. I miss her dearly. But I was blessed to have had her at all, much less almost her entire life. She had a small body but a huge bark, so her name had to be something big and fierce! So, to all the pet lovers out there, I hope this gives you some comfort. Poor But Proud By Sandra from Salem, OR
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Rate It: This is an updated version of an old favorite that starts with a fun painting technique and ends with the addition of drumsticks. It's the perfect project for your little Thanksgiving "Indian" or your little holiday "Drummer Boy" (or girl!). The best part? This is a VERY quiet drum. The one in the picture was made by my 3 year old grandson.
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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!
Take Cell Picture of the Parking Lot Location of your Car If you've ever tried to return to your car after shopping, and couldn't remember where you parked, then you'll appreciate this simple tip, so you won't spend precious time trying to find your car in a sea of others. Just take your cell phone out, snap a picture showing your location and shop 'til you drop knowing you won't be frantically trying to locate your car--especially in cold or rainy weather. An added advantage of not having to wander around searching is the safety issue. You need to get safely into your car as soon as possible. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55470220.tip.html
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Rate It: Thrifty Clean Toilet with Bleach and Mouthwash If you want to clean your toilet and not spend a lot of money buying extra chemicals, consider cleaning your toilet with a little bleach and mouthwash. I pour in a little bleach, and then swish it around with the brush. Then I add a capful of mouthwash from the dollar store to add a fresh scent. I let it sit for about 15 minutes and then flush. The dollar store mouthwash is cheap and makes the bowl smell so nice. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57891049.tip.html
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Rate It: I store my Christmas gift bags and tissue paper in a sealed plastic container along with 6 Christmas Spice scented tealight candles. The bags and tissue absorb and maintain the scent very well. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45096633.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Clearance Wallpaper for Shelf and Drawer Liners I buy wallpaper on clearance for about $2.00 a double roll and I use it for shelf paper and drawer liners. You can do a large kitchen and all your dressers with just 1 double roll. Department stores put it in the clearance bin because the leftover rolls are not enough to paper most rooms, so they get stuck with it and practically give it away. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38967673.tip.html
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Rate It: Skin Preparation for Wedding Photos To get the most out of your wedding photos, start early with caring for your hair and skin. Start drinking lots of water and get plenty of sleep. Both are essential to healthy hair and skin. Try a chemical peel with your facial for effortless even application of makeup. Free skin care tip, if you have acne, start two weeks before your special date doing an aspirin mask. Take three or four generic aspirin (not coated) and dissolve in a bit of water (milk is even better). Brush paste on face and leave until dry (will flake off). Do this mask two times a week for unbelievably smooth clear skin! Source: These tips come to you from B*G*MAKEOVERS. By Brenda from Raymond, NH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20859617.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Power Strips to Eliminate Energy Waste Save money at home, cut down on your electric bills. Eliminate the so called "Energy Vampires" that eat electricity while not in use. We connected power strips to most of our electric appliances so we can shut them off without crawling around behind everything to pull the plugs, we just flip the switch on the power strip. Make sure you place the power strips where you can reach them easily. I put one on my microwave oven (I don't need another clock) and the coffee maker. All computers can be shut off this way, the TV, DVD and stereo are all on one power strip, I leave the DVR plugged in because it needs to receive nightly updates. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91361195.tip.html
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Rate It: Dollar Store Treasure Chest for Christmas Since one of the best parts of Christmas for little kids is to open presents, I decided this year to make it a real treasure chest for my grandchildren. I went to our local Dollar Store and bought each one of them a plastic bin, then started picking out as many gender/age appropriate little items as I could find. They included stickers, pens, pencils, crayons, Play-Doh, coloring books, story books, hair accessories, diaries, erasers, markers, puzzles, playing cards, photo frames and so on. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31572006.tip.html
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Rate It: Put your candles in the freezer before using them, they'll last longer. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78400083.tip.html
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Rate It: Making a Christmas Wreath for Nothing Find a pine tree with branches close to the ground. Cut enough branches for you to make a wreath. Make a circle base with the branches and then build on with other branches. I used twine to bind the wreath, you can use craft wire or even ribbon. Break out your old Christmas decorations and decorate the wreath any way you like. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13950615.tip.html
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Rate It: Cook for Other Families to Save Money To save money on groceries, you could find one or two families who you know are very busy and either eat out a lot or order in a lot. See if they would be interested in having you make meals for them. The key is they buy enough groceries to make enough for their family and yours. I find if you're making a meal anyways, it is very easy to double it. I personally make meals for two separate families. One family I will cook for two days a week and the second I will cook for the remaining three days, with the weekends being leftover days. Then on Fridays, I sit down and make up the menus for the coming week and the ingredient list for both families. They go buy the food and drop it off to me for the week. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99691328.tip.html
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Rate It: Cheap and Healthier Ice Blocks Make up a litre or more of nesquick or milo and milk (I put an extra teaspoon per cup), pour this into small freezer proof containers and freeze them. When they are ready, use a teaspoon to scrape it out. My kids love them. They last longer than ordinary ice blocks, plus you know what goes into them. You can also use cordial or fruit juice. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21073716.tip.html
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Rate It: Product: Powerade Zero Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71204482.tip.html
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Removing Gum from Leather Furniture I have a very stubborn, old chewing gum stain on a leather sofa. I've tried olive oil, peanut butter and WD-40. Nothing worked. Are there any other options? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf521499.tip.html
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Rate It: I recently put down weed blocker and then covered it with a mixture of small bark wood chip mulch and cocoa shell mulch. There are large areas that look covered in mold. I went to break it up and it "dusted the air". Is this dangerous? The area is dewy in the morning and doesn't get more than 5 hours of direct sunlight, if it's even a sunny day. How can I prevent/remove the moldy areas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47549441.tip.html
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Rate It: Outer Walls of Trailer Getting Wet We have lived in a trailer for 2 years and every winter we have been here the outside walls in the closet area and now to the front of the mobile is wet and showing small signs of mold. It only does it as it gets cold. The windows also steam up and get some black on them as well. The bathroom ceiling also gets small yellow spots on it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33653587.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Rust from Paper Clips Does anyone know how to clean up old metal paper clips so they look shiny again? I have 7 boxes of Quill Jumbo Smooth Paper Clips that I've had stored in an old desk. I want to use them, but they are leaving a lot of marks on my paperwork. Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48180558.tip.html
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Rate It: Christmas Crafts Using Kraft Cheese Jars Does anyone have any craft ideas using the small kraft cheese jars for Christmas? Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74685355.tip.html
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Rate It: If I put homemade marinades in a jar for a gift how long will they keep? Does preparing them weeks (maybe months) ahead of time ruin them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36329735.tip.html
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Rate It: Washer Not Getting Dust Out of Clothes Top load washing machine not getting dust and debris out. I have done a search and figured out that it is probably an uncleared drain. It is draining the water, but my clothes could be more wrung out I suppose. I have removed the drain pipe from the back and all seems clear. It looks as though I need to find my way into the inner workings of this Maytag stacking "heavy duty" washer (older model). Now that I look at it, it has a "self clean washer filter". Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12600262.tip.html
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Rate It: Transplanting Moss from the Woods I hunt a lot and I see lots of beautiful mosses in the woods growing on rocks, rotten logs and the earth. If I pick up a fair sized rock or large piece of bark and place them in the shade in my garden will they need anything else other than misting or watering? Do I need to spray a buttermilk/water solution on them? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42840857.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get cheese off of a dish washing sponge? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41177070.tip.html
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Rate It: Paint Color Ideas for Room with Black Floor What wall color would go best with a black floor? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55057396.tip.html
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Rate It: After putting the print on vellum, I tried an acrylic spray on the vellum to seal the print but it bubbles. Does anyone have a suggestion on what to use to seal the vellum without it bubbling? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42492701.tip.html
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Rate It: I was just wondering what main breeds my dog is made up of. I figure he has some German shepherd in him but I was wondering what else he might have.
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Rate It: I have had dark circles since 2004. I have tried many things to get rid of this. I put cucumber, tomato, potato, lemon juices, almonds, etc. I have no problem with sleep and have plenty of waters, approximately 10/12 glasses per day. Nothing makes my dark circles go away. Is there any other homemade tips to get rid of this? Which under eye cream will be the best for me? Please help me! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31086120.tip.html
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Rate It: Product Review: Zenni Eyeglasses Has anyone used Zenni Optical for buying glasses? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33365320.tip.html
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Rate It: I accidentally spilled crazy glue on my lens while trying to repair my glasses. How can I remove the glue? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79355916.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Perfume Smell from Wooden Dresser How can pine furniture be repaired if perfume has been spilled on it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39053516.tip.html
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Rate It: Pattern for an Infant's Kitty Cat Hat Does anyone have a pattern for the pussy cat hat or infant kitty cat hat? If so I would like a copy. I am trying to knit a infant hat with pussy cat ears. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71991939.tip.html
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Rate It: If I buy denim at a thrift store and paint it, can I put my own label on the denim to resell? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78281024.tip.html
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Rate It: Paver Stone for Snowman Project Where did you find the paver stone for the snowman project? Melissa from Glenview, Illinois Editor's Note: Here is the craft that she is referring to: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83902672.tip.html
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Rate It: Salvage Grocery Stores Near Cummings, GA Is there a salvage or discount grocery store in or near Cummings, GA? I have a friend who lives there and she would like to know. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21277653.tip.html
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Rate It: Six Year Old Keeps Peeing on the Floor My six year old step son won't stop peeing on the floor in his room. I have tried everything that I can think of and nothing works. What should I do? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99605765.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone explain how to felt wool sweaters easily. Mine don't felt all that well. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29402110.tip.html
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Rate It: Can baking soda clean up urine from my couch? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66608750.tip.html
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Rate It: Oreo Crust Cheesecake with Caramel Icing Does anyone have the recipe for cheesecake with Oreo crust and caramel icing? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81783708.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I remove 30 year old scars on my legs? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96660817.tip.html
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Rate It: Quilting Chair With Storage Compartments Several years ago I saw a quilting chair that appears to be a regular living room chair. It was built with special compartments to store quilting supplies. I have attempted to locate further information and have not been able to locate the website. Does anyone know the website that sells the quilting chair? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96366261.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Chewing Gum from Silk Shirt I am trying to remove gum from my silk shirt. I tried the peanut butter and hot water on my shirt. It came out a little but not all the way. Please help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95960438.tip.html
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Rate It: Loads of people seem to be wondering how to get sticky labels off jam jars etc.. That was my problem and I appreciate all your great helpful hints. Peanut butter, that was a new one for me. I will try anything, I am so frustrated. My question is to someone out there in the label manufacturing world: Why is such strong glue used for such simple labels in the first place? What's wrong with simple old non-toxic flour and water? I'd like to know if anyone is planning to do anything about the label glue problem? Cheers. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92395049.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone please tell me what breed my dog is? No one seems to have any idea. She is 6 months old. She is adorable but I want to know what she is going to look like when she is an adult and how big she will be. Please help!
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Rate It: Parade Float Ideas for Real Estate Company I need ideas for a Real Estate company Christmas parade float. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27449227.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning a Corroded Salt Shaker How can I clean a chrome salt shaker that is corroded by salt (green tarnish)? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73317695.tip.html
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Rate It: Alternatives to a Christmas Tree I won't have a tree this year, my husband doesn't believe. This is tough on me and hard for me to explain to my 5 year old granddaughter. Does anyone have any ideas for something that would look like a tree? Happy holidays. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55654982.tip.html
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Rate It: Making a Hollywood Hills Banner Here is what I would like a banner printed on decent paper that says: HOLLYWOODS with the Hollywood Hills background. Black and White print. Notice the 'S' on Hollywood. You can easily create your own Hollywood Hills Banner by googling 'make your own Hollywood hills banner online'. I have done so already. My problem is that I can't get enough resolution to enlarge the picture to 12 inches high and 6 feet long. I'd like the banner printed on decent paper to decoupage onto a board. Thanks so much for any info. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81415371.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Rust Stains on Gunmetal How can rust stains be removed from gunmetal? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70974898.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I know if my dog is really a husky? It is supposed to be a mix but I want to make sure he is really a husky. He has enormous ears but his face looks like a husky.
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Rate It: Looking for Recipes to Help Gain Weight I had throat cancer about 2 years ago. I went from 185 to 110. I did manage to get up to about 130-135 for awhile but that didn't last long. Any help? Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf930447.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:
Recycled Dinners as Easy as 1-2-3
As grocery prices rise, the skill of recycling leftovers becomes even more valuable (as if it weren't already crucial in most family meal planning.) To ease the strain of grocery shopping as well as meal planning, try a 1-2-3 recycling plan to lengthen the life of your leftovers.
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