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.

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Craft Project: Soap Swan

This is a vintage craft from the 60's made from nylon net and a bar of soap. The kids could help with this one. I think the shape of the Dove Soap has changed so you may have to modify the pattern or the bar of soap to complete this project. I have used a bar of Dove from about 20 years ago. I had made it into a swan at that time, and just dismantled it and rebuilt it with fresh materials. I believe you could use any bath bar and, perhaps, carve the edges at the point that makes the tail.

Supplies:

1 bar of soap
2 pieces of white nylon net, 10x18 inches
1 white chenille stem, cut in half and twisted together
1 inch styrofoam ball
2 wiggly eyes, 2MM size
white glue (Tacky)
yellow food coloring
round toothpick
twist tie or short piece of yarn
a few small silk flowers
3 bulletin board push pins
Optional: a few sequins in assorted colors

Instructions:

Stack the nylon net. Lay soap about in the middle and gather it, pulling upward at the end for the tail. Arrange it until you are pleased with the appearance; then fasten tightly with twist tie or yarn. Using the photo as a guide, insert twisted chenille stem into front of soap and bend it into a curve. Insert the other end into the Styrofoam ball. Dip the toothpick into the yellow food coloring about 1/3 of the way. Cut that part, and dip in white glue and push into Styrofoam ball for the beak. Glue the eyes in place, and add a few flowers at the base of the neck and one on top of the head. Push the pins into the bottom of the soap in a triangular pattern. White glue sequins to tail at random, if you like.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

The instructions are also in a PDF file for which you may need Acrobat Reader to view. Download Acrobat Reader

Click Here to download the Soap Swan Instructions in PDF format.

Soap Swan

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Queen Anne's Lace

This is a picture of some Queen Anne's Lace taken in our nearby National Park of Waterton/Glacier. This park straddles the border between Montana and Alberta, Canada.

It can be dried quite successfully. Of course, one can't pick it in a National park. So the alternative is to take a picture.

By Irene from Pincher Creek, AB. Canada

Queen Anne's Lace

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Flowering Crab Apple

This is a flowering crab apple that I planted 15 years ago. It smells wonderful and is just beautiful for 2 weeks. The birds love to hide in it and fuss at the squirrels.

By kwhite from Thomasville, NC

Flowering Crabapple

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Craft: Mini Papier-Mache Piñatas for Birthday Parties

Mini Papier-Mache Pinatas are great for birthday parties. Thrifty parents and children will both love this craft idea. They are fun to create and can save a ton, as the store purchased Pinatas can be expensive. As an added bonus, is you can choose the theme and the loot. Think Nemo, Thomas the Train, Barbie, My Little Pony etc.

Materials

Balloons (small in size)
Craft paint brush
Latex gloves
Glue
Tissue Paper, newsprint, origami paper, it's your choice
Flour/water paste or glue/water
Ribbon and other items to decorate with
String and label for pull string (to break open Pinatas)
Loot to stuff the Pinatas with

Instructions

Blow up balloons to desired size and tear paper into strips. Prepare flour/water paste (I didn't measure, just went by looking at the thickened texture). Paint paste on balloon/paper and apply strips of paper to build layers. Cover balloon in 4 layers of paper to build strength. Leave top of Pinata, around lip of balloon open, this allows room to add loot.

Once the Pinatas are dry, decorate with balloon in place. Use ribbon, stickers, etc. Deflate balloon when dry by cutting small hole using scissors. Stuff pinatas with loot. Place pull string in place and seal hole with more paper/paste.

You are done!

Hints:

Wear latex gloves the dyes in the tissue paper will stain your hands.

Use hair dryer sparingly, to help dry between layers, too much heat will expand balloon

Source: This great idea was borrowed from the following wonderful website:

http://kiddley.com/2006/12/15/christmas-pinatas/

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

Mini Papier-Mache Piñatas for Birthday Parties

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Pebbles The Cat

Pebbles is 2 years old and has been with us the whole time. She loves to cuddle. This is our sweetie, she is very loving. She is expecting babies.

By Diane from Canada

Pebbles The Cat

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Max (Siberian Husky)

Max is 2 months old and a Siberian Husky. We got him about a month ago at a local pet store.

He loves to be outside. He runs around the yard playing with our other dog, a Jack Russell mix. He is your typical puppy, loves to chew on his toys and everything else!

He is an absolute beautiful dog. Mysterious blue eyes and soft cocoa and white colored fur. He is very strong willed but is also very affectionate.

By Heather from Stanton, Ky

Max (Siberian Husky)

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Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Water Down Dish Detergent To Save Money

I keep a dish detergent dispenser on the sink. When I refill it, I fill it with about 1/3 water and the rest with soap. I shake a little to mix. I find it works just as well as full strength detergent. Half of the time my family uses too much anyway and the detergent is a little too thick for me. Saves quite a bit on soap.

By Barbara from Park Ridge, IL

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Storing Leather Items

NEVER store leather in a plastic bag. It can't breathe.

Source: Came from a friend of mine who is a alterations expert and seamstress who repairs leather clothing.

By Linda from Arlington, Texas

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Talcum Powder for Musty Books

If you have musty books, sprinkle talcum powder between pages, wrap the book in brown paper and store for several days. Remove and brush out powder.

Source: a yahoo group

By Randa from San Marcos TX

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Keeping Shower Drains Hair Free

Place a piece of scrunched up nylon netting into your shower drain to stop hair from going down the drain. When you pull the nylon netting out, the hair will come out with it!

By CDR

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Reusing Broken Mini Blind Slats

When one of my mini blinds broke, I thought about what a waste it was. After a time I was repotting plants and needed markers for them. They were African violets. I decided to cut up the slats of the mini blinds. Then as I was planting my garden I realized I could also use the slats to mark them as well. Actually, I have found many uses for those slats and I am still on using the same mini blind. Those slats will last me for years to come. Another use might be as a marker in a filing cabinet, marking rabbit or chicken pens, etc.

By Diane from Pingree, ID

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Goof Off for Paint on Clothing

I got white paint on my cotton hoody jacket like sweat-shirt, and was in pain over it. Didn't notice it until I saw it in the mirror, at least an hour later. Thought, there is no way to get it out.

Then, saw a recommendation that said Goof Off would "work a bit".

I sprinkled some on, nearly soaked, waited a couple of minutes and, EUREKA, out it came with some scrubbing with a cotton bristle brush, firm but not too firm scrubbing brought it out.

Lo and behold and I thought it couldn't be done!

It works!

By rediwat from Vancouver, BC

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Keep Head Scarves from Slipping and Other Tips

If you like to wear head scarves but they tend to slip off your hair, I have two ideas for you.

The first is VELCRO: Cut a piece of Velcro about 3 inches long. You only need one side of the Velcro. You can use the "soft" or "hook" side of the Velcro. The hook side works better, but if you have thin hair it can poke into your scalp, so test it first by placing the Velcro under your scarf and wearing it for several minutes before you actually sew it on to the scarf. I like to attach the Velcro (on the scarf's hem) so it hits about where my temples are. Do not use "sticky-back" Velcro, instead use "sew-on" Velcro as it's not as stiff.

Second Idea: CLIPS OR COMBS: Simply sew 2 small clips on to the hem of the scarf. First fold the longest sides of the scarf in half so you know where the center-forehead area would be, then measure over 3 or 4 inches from each side of the fold and mark that measurement with a pin. This is where you'll want to hand sew the hair clip or tiny hair comb (along the hem line) The kind of clips that work best are the ones that open and close when you bend them back and forth. I myself prefer to use tiny hair combs that measure about one and a half inches across (If I can find them) because you can wear the hair combs along your temples or reverse the scarf and place them along the nape of you neck.

Bobby Pins will do in a pinch, but of you hand stitch several small clips or tiny combs on to your scarf then you'll not have to hunt for bobby pins again! I sewed clips on one scarf and 2 tiny hair combs on another and Velcro on a soft, wide head band. Each one works, it's all about what your prefer, but one thing's for sure, my slippery, chiffon scarves stay on much better now!

Directions to wear the scarves: first hook the combs or clips into your hair, then take about 6 inches of fabric from the top of your head and fold the scarf fabric forward over your forehead then backward again. This makes a "cuff" which covers the hair clips, combs or Velcro. If you can't see the clips, you'll not have to fold a "cuff", but if your scarf is made of a thin Chiffon or a slinky fabric, you probably will need this "cuff" to cover up the clips. No more slippage!

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Determine the Age of an Egg

You can determine the age of an egg by placing it in the bottom of a bowl of cold water. If it lays on it's side, it is fresh. If it stands at an angle, it is at least three days old; and ten days old if it stands on end.

By Gary from NJ

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Keeping Cutting Boards from Sliding

Does your cutting board slide around on your kitchen counter? If so, cut some rubber backing from the kitchen liner roll, cut smaller than the cutting board, place it under the board and walla no more sliding. Hope this helps. I cook a lot so I have 3 cutting boards which work great without sliding.

By Bonnie B. from St. Pete, FL

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Make Fresh Vegetables Last By Freezing

I buy fresh onions, celery, garlic, green pepper, ginger, once bi-monthly. My secret is that the moment I return from the market with them, I peel them clean them, chop them coarsely in my chopper, place them in freezer bags and freeze them for whenever I need to use them. They tastes just as fresh as the first day I brought them home and saves me money as I never have to worry about using quickly because of spoiling and they last for up to 2 months at a time.

By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Nancy was studying to be a counselor always went into her counseling sessions with an ear muff over one ear.

After a while the supervisor became very curious and asked her about it.

She replied, "It's for confidentiality."

"Confidentiality?" asked the bewildered supervisor.

"Yes, confidentiality," Nancy explained, "I've been told what goes in one of my ears comes out the other, and I don't want anyone else knowing what my client says."

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

Ideas For Golf Themed Centerpieces

I am throwing a surprise 60th for my husband. I need ideas for cheap golf centerpieces. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Laurabelle from Braintree, MA

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Troubleshooting Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker

My Kenmore ice maker is not working and my water dispenser is working. There was only one cube of ice dropped and that's it. Please advise.

Anna

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Paper Towel Alternatives for Cleaning

The gunk on fake tile floor in my apartment usually comes up better with paper towels but they are so expensive. Does anyone understand? When I use a washcloth it doesn't get it all and then makes the washcloth impossible to rinse out. It's always a black grunge of some, kind especially around toilet and base boards, like a mixture of sock fuss and hair?

Tracy from Iowa

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Neutrogena Exfoliator

I use Neutrogena Exfoliator, I was wondering is it bad for my skin because it foams and lathers. I think its a face scrub, too.

Kelly from Seattle

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House Decorating Advice

I am moving into an almost perfect home in June that my fiancee and I just bought and would like to redo two rooms' walls next to the kitchen plus the master bedroom walls. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions!

The previous owners decorated in reds and creams in what I'd consider a 'French country' theme. The wallpapering is horrid in some rooms (as in not straight), but easily fixed.

The kitchen has a red and off white checked wallpaper with a neutral linoleum tile while the two rooms have a medium dark reddish burgundy carpet. Nothing seperates these three rooms other than the flooring. My problem is with the wallpaper in these two rooms.

http://www.wallpaperstore.com/scripts/Single.idc...

This is similar to mine although mine has a much lighter background. What can I replace with to match my carpet? I much prefer paint to wallpaper and these are very small areas (10x10 approx). I think just painting them cream would be too drab.

My second issue is related as the master bedroom has the same carpet and a bright yellow background wallpaper that has pink and red roses which are larger than a serving platter. The bathroom is all cream with the same tile as kitchen. This room is also joined to one of the above rooms, so something coordinating would be preferred. We are a young couple, but we really like this 'older' French country theme, we just need to watch our budget.

Thank you in advance for any help, ideas, or fingers pointed in a direction.

Michelle from FL

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Decorating Long Tables

I need an affordable idea for decorating nine 6-8 ft long tables for a party. There will be 7 to 9 people per table, I'm thinking of putting them in a u shape. I'd like to have lots of flowers in long, low vases (like a runner down the center of the tables.) Vases are expensive. I was thinking of window boxes and covering them? Any ideas?

Windella from Pasadena, CA

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Does Garlic Help Dog With Worms

I have a 9 week old boxer that has worms and I heard that garlic is good for getting rid of worms. How much do I use? Can I use garlic powder or does it need to be cloves of garlic?

Laila from Waxahachie, Texas

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How to Starch Felt

I would like to make something out of felt and stiffen it with starch, but I have never tried this before. Could anyone please tell me if the starch would alter the felt drastically or if there is a specific brand that works better? Thanks in advance.

Jane from OH

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Foods That Cause Acne

Are there any foods that cause pimples to flare up? Can anyone please give me a list of foods to avoid that cause acne to flare up? Thanks!

Kelly from Seattle

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Rust on a Drop Ceiling

I have a drop ceiling in my bath with metal rails that have rusted badly. How can I remove the rust without damaging the ceiling tiles. Can I paint over the rusted rails with a rust prohibiting paint without special preparation?

Debbie from West Virginia

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Cafeteria "Lubys" Baked Cod Recipe

I'm back again. I thank all of you for your great help in the past. I'm looking for the recipe that the Cafeteria "Lubys" has for their baked cod. I loved it and they have closed here. It had a mayonnaise like base to it with crumbs of some sort on the top. I've tried to duplicate it but it is not right. Can anyone please give me their recipe for this great cod fish dish? I would love to have it and love the dish so much as well as my sister. God Bless and Thank You Again.

Angelheart from Clyde, TX

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Keeping Grass From Growing In Brick Driveway

What can I use in my brick driveway, to keep the grass and weeds from growing in between the bricks? I would like to use a product that would keep the plants away for at least a year. Is there a product that will do this? I do know how to kill the plants, but want something that will prevent them from growing!

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Sharon from Southern Illinois

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Removing Smoke Smell From a Car

How to remove cigar smell from automobile interior?

Derick from Michigan

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Should I Deadhead a Hydrangea?

I bought beautiful hydrangeas from a nursery for my patio and they have lasted about 2 months. The blooms have died. If I deadhead the blooms, will I get more or is that it? I live upstairs in a condo so have no yard and must use a balcony--so there is no way I am able to plant outside and wait until next year.

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Fran from Dallas, TX

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Getting Rid of Shoots From Mountain Ash Tree

I want to get rid of all shoots from my Mountain Ash tree. I, have tried by digging, etc, but they keep coming up, Really ready to cut it down, but the shoots will be still there. Any help sure will appreciate it. Tree is about 30 years old. Have been trimming it, what I can reach, but don't really want it anymore.

Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Joan from Girard, Pa

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Looking For Information About Geothermal Heating

I am interested in Geothermal heating for my home. I am looking for information from others who have this type of heating and how they feel about the decision they made having it installed. Did you save a considerable amount of money on your heating costs? Did you get your floors heated? Hubby even wants the driveway heated so he does not have to shovel snow in the winter.

Any info you have would be greatly appreciated.

Karyn from Ottawa, Canada

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Where to Find Tote With Clear Outer Pocket

I am looking for a tote with a clear outer pocket that I can insert a record album cover into...Thanks.

Deena L. from Sunny South Florida

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Review of Indoor Water Fountains

I was wanting to purchase a indoor water fountain,and I was wanting to know if any of you all have one, and if so what type would you all recommend. I want something that I can hear the water tricking a little bit. They have several types out at this time and I want to get one before they are all gone. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Teresa from Richlands, Va

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How to Make a Bath Scrubby

Does anyone know how to 'MAKE' a bath scrubby? (those kind you use to wash yourself with) I just want to make my own because all I find around are too
small! Thanks.

Ruth P. from Greeley, CO

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Removing Ring Left by Stainless Steel Pot on Glass Cook Top

I left an empty stainless steel pot on my ceramic glass top cook top and now I have a foggy type ring stain on the burner. Any suggestions on how to remove it? I tried vinegar, baking soda, stove top cleaner and nothing worked. Am I stuck with the stain?

Dianne G. from Miami, FL

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Removing Water Stain from Chair

I accidentally spilled water on my neighbor's chair and now he's complaining that it's left a large, noticeable watermark. Any idea how I can get this out?

Amanda from Ames, IA

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Cleaning a Laundry Line

I'd like to start hanging out my laundry again. There is a laundry line on my back porch, but I haven't used it in years. I suspect that if I don't clean it somehow before using it, I could end up with marks on my clean clothes. Have any of you ever been in this situation? Does anyone have any ideas on how to clean the laundry line? I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Tina S. from Ashland, OR

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Mail Order Pharmacy That Ships to Columbia

Any one know of mail order pharmacies or stores that will ship to Colombia, South America? I know of someone who needs Prilosec there.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Keeping Cats Out of Flower Beds

How to keep cats out of flower beds?

Roodie from Houston

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Wedding Reception Food Ideas

I need ideas for quick and easy reception food. Anything from finger food to elegant eats. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Saray1 from Layland, WV

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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

Dusting Tips: Dealing with Dust

Here are some dusting tips as recommended by our ThriftyFun community. If you have any advice on dusting, post them here.

Dusting Tips: Dealing with Dust

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Daily Thrifty Tips - April 29, 2008

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