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Vol. 8, Num. 228, November 20, 2009 (Read It Online) Have a Homemade Christmas Some of the best Christmas decorations and gifts are those that are homemade. This year on ThriftyFun we would like to encourage our readers to have a Homemade Christmas. We would love to see what type of ideas you can come up with for homemade gifts and holiday decorations. To help encourage submissions we are raising the amount we will pay for Christmas crafts from $15 to $20. If you have a homemade gift idea or Christmas decoration to share, feel free submit it to the Crafts for Fun and Money program. You can find more information here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Crafts for Fun and Money submissions require detailed instructions, if that requires more time than you have, feel free to share your ideas on the Photo Contest page. You might win a prize! Share a Photo (You could win $25!) Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like in this newsletter. Your ratings are used to pick the contest winners. If you have time over the weekend, take a moment and look over all of the submission from this week and rate the ones you like. You can view them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml?contest=15776 Have a great weekend! 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:
This raccoon mom and her kids visit at dark to eat my grapes. By Sharon from Nova Scotia, Canada Contest Contender!
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Fall Themed Caramel Apple Party Favors I made these caramel apples as a party favor for my step daughter's baby shower. I made 24. It took about 2 1/2 hours from the first unwrapped caramel to the dressed up favor. These would be also nice for a fall themed bridal shower or wedding favor. Source: My step daughter's idea for her favors! By Sharon from Modesto, CA Contest Contender!
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Candye is a 5 month old Calico. She was found in the woods abandoned with her sister and brother. I brought them home and nursed them to health. The other two didn't make it. She loves to run up and down the hallway and play with their adopted sister, Lacy. She'll play with anything that moves or rolls. Candye has grown into a healthy 5 month old and so sweet and very loving. She and her sister sleep on the bed with me every night and follow me around the house. By Virginia from Evington, VA Contest Contender!
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In Memory Of Dussty (Chinchilla) Dussty was 7 years old. She died last week from a common chinchilla disease. She was a Standard Chinchilla. My son and my husband were at home together due to a school snow day about 7 years ago. To my surprise, Dusty joined our family that day. She loved to run around in our basement and "bounce" off the walls. We loved her very, very much and will miss her every day! By Vicki from Springfield, MO 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!
Use Plastic Bag to Help Put Lace Curtain on Rod A simple plastic bag can make hanging lace curtains much less of a hassle. Before sliding a curtain rod through the rod pocket in lace curtains, cover the end of the rod with a small plastic bag. The bag will help the rod glide smoothly through the lace, as opposed to trying to slide a "naked" rod through and dealing with unhooking the curtain every time it catches on the edges of the rod. By Marie from West Dundee, IL Contest Contender!
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Use a Paintbrush to Clean Behind Sinks Is your bathroom or kitchen sink mounted really close to the rear of your counter? Both my sinks are, and cleaning the gunk out of the tight spots behind the sinks drove me crazy before I thought of this idea. Use a child's paintbrush! Apply whatever cleaning product you use to the brush, or just spray the area, and use the paintbrush to get into those tight fitting places. Rinse the gunk out of the brush and repeat as often as necessary. Such a simple solution after years of frustration trying to get paper towels or sponges behind there. By Gouligann from Northern Ontario Contest Contender!
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California King Sheets from Overstock.com I have California King, which are the most expensive, IF you can find them anywhere at all. I just received my order from overstock.com of an entire cotton flannel set for $23, and that included shipping! That is where I will be buying all my sheets in the future. By Freedombelle2001 from Bellevue, N.E Contest Contender!
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Q: What do you call a detective who solves crimes entirely by accident? A: Sheer Luck Holmes Source: A sample from my Pernicious Puns collection. By Angela L. from Sault Ste Marie, ON Contest Contender!
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My husband has made fire starters for our wood burning stove by taking saw dust and wax from old candles and adding them together in egg shell cartons. Then he broke them a part in individual parts. When he wants to get the fire going, he puts one in with the wood and lights the egg carton. Works every time. By Tiggerinoregon from Fairview, OR Contest Contender!
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Memory Quilt from Kids Clothes I made a memory quilt of my son. I cut out pieces of some of his tee shirts, and also transferred pictures of him at different ages and put them on cloth, then put it altogether as a lap quilt. Also you can make for your children with their children on it for a gift, using, of course, some of their kids clothing and pictures. What a great gift to give. By Nerven from Edgewood, MD Contest Contender!
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Clean Mirrors and Bathroom Fixtures with Shaving Cream Cleaning your mirrors or fixtures with shaving cream will leave them clean and smelling nice. The biggest plus is that the moisture simply rolls off, and the mirrors do not fog up. Great solution to fogged mirrors and spotted fixtures. By Nunley10 from Huntington, WV Contest Contender!
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Here is a simple way to keep cold drafts from coming in your windows. Roll up some sheets of newspaper into a small tube, tape the ends, and place it in the bottom of the window where the cold air comes in. The newspaper blocks the cold air, and the room stays warmer. Just make a new roll every month or so. This saves a lot on heating costs. By Laurie from Portland, OR Contest Contender!
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Buy Seniors Appliances With an Automatic Shut Off When buying an appliance such as a coffee maker for a senior citizen, make sure it has an automatic shut off in case they forget to turn it off. By Yarnlady from Pennsylvania Contest Contender!
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Disposing of Alkaline Batteries Why do alkaline batteries have to go in the trash? Can't they go to a recycling center or at least a battery place? By Starr from Tampa, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61831183.tip.html
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Rate It: Ice Maker Only Dispensing Crushed Ice My ice maker makes ice well but only dispenses crushed ice. How do I get cubes? By Herb from LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32327646.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 9 month Chihuahua dog that weights 2.8 pounds; I need to get her weight up. What food is the best for her? Thanks. By Cinaman from LA, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65729902.tip.html
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Rate It: Decorating for a School Masquerade Ball How can I set up a school dance party with the colors: purple, white, and silver? Our theme is masquerade ball. By Khrysha from Sacramento, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40037036.tip.html
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Rate It: Low Suds Dishwashing Detergent What brand of dishwashing detergent is low suds? By Marilyn from Plattsburgh, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10960119.tip.html
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Rate It: We just moved from Ohio and found my cat seems to have developed an allergy to the fleas here. They bother him so much that in just a few days he has dug out patches of fur and left open sores from digging. The vets I've asked coolly just tell me to keep using medicated shampoo or won't talk to us for lack of the $50-100 initial visit fee. Their quick solve is to flea dip. We love our cats like our kids. I need a gentle solution to tame down the fleas long enough to heal my baby's sores before I can use drops or medicated shampoos. Will Dawn be gentle enough not to hurt him, maybe anti-bacterial Dawn ? By Tammy from southwest, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf249659.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Black Scuff Marks On Floor I've tried everything to get commercial flooring clean of scuff marks from heavy postal carts being rolled across the floors in the post office where I work. Nothing works. How do I get them up? Help, please. By Paula from Lyles, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59749333.tip.html
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Rate It: Purchasing a Castro Convertible Ottoman Mattress Where may I find a Castro convertible ottoman mattress? By Laura from Concord, NH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20657956.tip.html
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Rate It: I need some ideas for a gift for my 2 year old grand daughter's birthday on Thanksgiving Day. By Bill from Las Vegas, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55722752.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have any solutions for a deck that is very slippery when wet? By Lewis Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30441780.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get the ink to work in a pen that is old, but has not been used at all? Thanks. Linda Sue Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf509484.tip.html
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Rate It: I have black mold in my Sub Zero refrigerator. By Marilyn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf903652.tip.html
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Rate It: Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas for a Doctor's Office I am entering a contest for decorating a Christmas tree. I work in a clinic with two doctors, one a OB/GYN and the other one a surgeon. Please give some ideas, we would like a theme reflecting our office. By Jan from Mt. Pleasant, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37352352.tip.html
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Rate It: Can Mold Grow Under Laminate Flooring on a Concrete Foundation? I have a mildew smell in the small garage apartment next to our house. It is overpowering after being closed up. This apartment was constructed inside a new metal barn/garage over concrete floor. It has laminate flooring, dry wall, a kitchenette, shower, and bathroom. Garage opening was closed up and large window placed in new wall with metal siding on exterior. I have had the heating unit and plumbing checked. Now looking for leak between outside wall and siding. I had a water leak under ground at water line connection to apartment last year. My question: Anyone ever heard of mold growing under a laminate floor or up through concrete floor? We are exasperated. By Katherine from Jamestown, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12963232.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing a Fabric Dye Stain on Linoleum My dog's bed was outside and got soaked in the rain. I put it in my bathroom to dry out and the dye ran out of the bed and onto my linoleum floor. I have tried everything I could think of and nothing is getting it out. Any suggestions please? I would be very grateful for any tips, advice etc. By Claire from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17497177.tip.html
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Rate It: My comforter is too narrow, so the mattress shows. Pulling it down on one side puts the other side up on top of the bed. I thought about just getting something longer and letting it hang down on the sides under the comforter. Any other ideas? By Gingi from IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41248581.tip.html
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Rate It: Restoring Shine to Laminated Hardwood Flooring Any suggestions for restoring shine to laminate hardwood flooring? High traffic and kids cleaning have left it rather dull. Anyone tried liquid or paste wax? That is what I have thought about using. By ERP from Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77245393.tip.html
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Rate It: Discouraging Cats From Using Yard as Litter Box My son and daughter-in-law just purchased a house and the cats around their house seem to think that it is their own litter box. Is there something that can be put out to repel them, without harming them. By Jerry from Greenwood, DE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31282260.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Up Baby Powder Residue on Floors I use baby powder after my daily shower and to cool down in between on hot days. Not surprising, it drifts throughout the house leaving a dusting of powder over everything. I always vacuum the flooring first, but no matter what cleaner I use to mop my flooring with, there is always a residue left from the baby powder. I usually have to rinse the floor 3 times to get it all up. By Vicki from MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51937689.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a concrete block that is too heavy to be moved without breaking into small chunks. The block is about 4 feet in diameter and 6 inches deep. It is also reinforced with wire. I tried using the jack hammer, but no luck. Suggestions? By Deb from San Jose, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73505405.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Pet Urine Smell From Carpet How do i get dog urine smell out of my carpet? By Nancy from Erie, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf250655.tip.html
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Rate It: Product: LG Xenon Model: Xenon Manufacturer: LG I got a LG Xenon and the touchscreen doesn't seem very responsive. Has anyone else used this phone? How is it working for you. I am considering sending it back. By Lewis from Port Orchard Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46681301.tip.html
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Rate It: Treating a Dog's Ear Infection Without Antibiotics My 7 year old pug Butch has been having problems with yeast infections in his ears for about 2 years now. I tried the drops and antibiotics the vet gave me, but neither worked for him. In fact, he turned out to have a reaction to the antibiotics. I've read on here that equal parts water/vinegar/alcohol will do the trick, and I plan to start that tonight. However, can anyone tell me how much I should use. I don't want to flood his ear canal. Also, he has been scratching a lot more lately, and while he's always had a problem with dry skin, it seems to be worse then usual. Could the infection have anything to do with that? The Vet told me to give him Benadryl, but I don't want to give him otc medication everyday. Please help. Thank you. By
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Rate It: My recovered abused cat has an extremely high sensitivity. He easily gets his feelings hurt and sometimes misreads my intentions. He either flees or hides when my intention has been to spoil him with a treat or if I wasn't attentive at the very moment he wanted me to be. How can I build up his self assurance properly? This has been going on for some time, I've tried to reassure him, shower him with love and affection, and treat him like the wonderful creature he truly is. However, he still has such great doubt about how much he's valued. I don't want him to question his self worth any more. Unfortunately, he's around 3 years old and might be set in his ways, but cats are more able to adjust than most would think, so I hope I can help this one. I can't afford a cat psychologist, but if anyone can guide me, with time, patience, and love I can do this; I just need some direction that helps us move beyond the point we're stuck at. By Cornelia from OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93923659.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a stainless steel pan that was burnt on the inside. Now it has a dull look and greyish smears; it is not shiny any more. My question is can this type of damage be repaired without more damage and make the pan shiny again? This pan was so new before I over heated and messed up my nice pan. Can someone help? By Dora from Prince Georges, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63252164.tip.html
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Rate It: How Do You Clean Suede Purses? I am planning to buy a Coach purse that has suede on the bottom. How can I clean a suede purse? Thanks. By Ana from Glendale, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54887418.tip.html
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Rate It: When do my puppies need their first shots? By Loran from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38281976.tip.html
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Rate It: Buying Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Spread I have a dip recipe that uses Kraft Roka blue cheese spread. I have looked in the grocery stores here and even on the internet and can't find it anywhere. I think they have discontinued it, not sure. If anyone knows where I can buy this product or where to order it on-line please let me know. By Rita from Weatherford, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98156515.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:
Removing The Texture From A Ceiling Back in the fifties and sixties it was really popular to put a texture on ceilings called a popcorn ceiling. One of the remodeling shows I am a big fan of, gave instructions on how to remove this bumpy, ugly, hard to patch popcorn ceiling.
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