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Vol. 8, Num. 90, May 7, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have a website? We have revamped our Tip of the Day syndication. If you have a website and would like to share the ThriftyFun Tip of the Day with your readers, you can get the code to put on your website here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tip_of_the_day.html There are ways customize this display. You can remove the Post Feedback link or "Tip of the Day" title. You can also change the colors to match your website. The tip is now variable width, so it should fit anywhere on your site. If you need help constraining the width, we can help you with that. If you need help customizing the code, feel free to contact us here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contact.ldml Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
Ava (Collie) and Missy (Reindeer) Dog Ava, Reindeer Missy. Ava is a 2 year old Smooth Collie. Missy is a 7 year old Reindeer. I got them from a breeder. They like to eat treats and they love each other! By Dorinda from Escanaba, MI
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Rate It: Makes a very inexpensive, fun gift!
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Rate It: This is a oops bunny that got stuck in a flower pot hiding the eggs. I used a 4 inch flower pot, a 4 inch styrofoam ball and a styrofoam egg, with craft foam for the feet pads. Paint your flower pot. Glue the ball into it. Cut the egg in half and glue on for feet. Glue on the feet pads and pom pom tail. By craftmomo from San Marcos
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Rate It: Craft: Mother's Day Flower Pot Mothers day gift made with flowers and pot.
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Rate It: Craft: Plastic Canvas Barbie Furniture Here is some Barbie furniture I made. Some are from a pattern, some of it is made with out a pattern just my own ideas. A California twin bed, a dresser with a drawer that opens, table, 2 bar stools, couch, TV, wind sock, 2 books, picture, mirror, Easter basket, tennis bag & 2 tennis rackets. Toilet, bath tub By Randa from San Marcos TX
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Rate It: Craft Project: Mother's Day Bath Salts Show Mom how much you appreciate her by giving her some homemade bath salt for Mother's Day. Approximate Time: Less than 1 hour Supplies:
Instructions: Stir together salt, soda, and oil in a small bowl. Add some food coloring and mix well. (Make several different colors and layer them in a bottle, if desired.) Use a funnel to pour the salt into a clear decorative bottle. Create a gift card using card stock decorated with a flower. Attach it to the bottle with ribbon with the following instructions: Pour 2 or 3 tablespoons into running bath water to make skin feel smooth and soft. By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC
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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 Hunting Gloves for Cold Weather Bicycling Bicycling glove tip for cold weather: If you bicycle in cold weather, instead of buying the warm bicycling gloves at around $50 per pair, I bought a pair of hunting gloves instead. They are very warm, not too bulky and have perfect grip for grabbing the brake handles on a bike. They are also bright orange so everyone can see your hand signals. They cost me $15.00 after I used my Rewards card from Shopko. By blueturtlegrrrl from Spokane, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63377000.tip.html
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Rate It: When last Mother's Day rolled around, I thought my mother would enjoy reading my own remembrances. I took a decorative glass jar with a lid and made a "Jar of Childhood Memories" for her to read. I typed all kinds of moments remembered from my childhood. Each one began with "I remember". Example: I remember you driving me to music lessons every Saturday. Once I started, the memories just flowed. I typed them all up, double-spaced, and cut them into single memories. I filled my memory jar, tied a pretty bow around it and put it in the mail to my mom who lives 400 miles away. She later told me that my memory jar was so much more personal than a card. The whole family had fun reading and remembering each and every one. She said it had taken her back down memory lane, which she hadn't traveled in years. By vguy from Earle, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14161458.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Hair Brush to Fluff Fleece Clothing I have a pair of comfy fleece pants that I dearly love but like most fleece fabric they collect pet hair, lint and get ugly balls on them. They looked so bad I was about to throw them away when I came up with a solution. I take a regular bristle hair brush and lay the pants flat then just brush them one way, then the other. This brushing not only removes the lint and hair, it also removes those nasty balls that you get on fleece! I'm not kidding when I say they look like new again! Make sure the brush is an old fashioned (plastic) bristle brush, and not one of the newer metal or hard plastic styling brushes. By Cyinda Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47569320.tip.html
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Rate It: Baking Soda and Vinegar for Fish Odors While vacationing at our home in Baja, a bag of fish guts leaked into the carpet of our Suburban. We tried to clean it with carpet cleaners but the still the odor was terrible. I dumped a box of baking soda onto the carpet and brushed it in and let it sit for a day. Still a terrible fishy smell. Then I pour white vinegar over the spot. It bubbled up like a first grader volcano. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19463083.tip.html
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Rate It: Make Holes in Plastic With a Hot Nail I like the recycled bird feeder idea. Here is a faster, simpler way to make holes in any plastic without using a hammer. If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, I use a pair of long handled pliers to hold a longer nail. Just hold the pliers tight onto the nail and hold the nail over the low gas flame until the tip of the nail gets real hot. Only about 1/8th to 1/4 inch of the nail needs to be heated. Then, holding the pliers let the nail touch the plastic where you wish to make the hole. Be sure to hold the pliers closed tight onto the nail so the nail can't fall from the pliers grip. he hot nail will melt a hole through the plastic. The larger the nail tip, the larger the hole will be. Its not a good idea to allow a child to hold the pliers or work near the flame. Also when using either this idea or the hammer and nail idea, I suggest laying the plastic (bottle, other plastic, or even the tin can idea below) on a piece of scrap board to protect the place you are working on. Hope this is useful for someone who make items with plastic. Bending an old wire or metal coat hanger (cut to desired size, I use pliers or wire cutters) will make a good handle for hanging the bird feeder or hanging many other things. So do not toss out that old worn out wire or metal coat hanger, re-use it for handles. If you have a bench vice, you can use the bench to hold a small section, about 2-3 inches of thicker dowel, while you drill a hole through the wood large enough to slide the wire coat hanger through. Makes a more comfortable handle to hang on to for anything you need to carry. This handle will also come in handy on an old empty coffee can to hang outside, half filled with sand, for smokers to place their cigarette stubs in instead of on the ground for you to pick up. I also paint the cans with pretty flowers and I leave the plastic cover pushed onto the bottom of the hanging can to protect the bottom of the can from the weather. I use the hammer and nail idea to make the holes for the wire hanger and I hang the can on one of those metal plant holders that push into the ground and put it near my side door. It helps keep the smokers outside. I hope some of this is helpful. Source: These are just some ideas I found useful. I have used them for so many years, I cannot remember how I came up with these ideas. By Dot from upstate New York Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15977884.tip.html
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Rate It: Store Crochet Hooks in an Eyeglass Case I like to crochet while traveling and I've found the perfect container for storing my many crochet hooks is in an empty eyeglass case. These cases fit perfectly inside my purse or my car's glove box. A regular size case will fit 8 or 10 hooks, but a tiny (reading glass) case will hold 2 or 3 hooks and this smaller size is great for carrying hooks in your purse! By Cyinda Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62601753.tip.html
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Rate It: Don't tear pages out of magazines! Make copies of the ideas, projects, recipes or whatever, file them as usual, then pass the intact magazines along to someone else. Your project might be the first page of someone else's pattern. By BLINDQUILTER from Front Royal, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64953558.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Kids Cookbook to Teach Cooking and Independence I have been having a hard time in the kitchen with my teenage son. After becoming exasperated with him once again, I was ready to give up teaching him to cook beyond a mix once and for all. But not quite. I decided to give him a little space. I bought a children's recipe book at a thrift store to help my teenager learn to cook for himself. The recipes are simple. Concepts are covered thoroughly, and concisely. Although the book is aimed to preteens, with advice about getting a parent to handle hot items, it is perfect for it's intended purpose. Instead of being upset, or balking at being pushed he said, "I could totally do this". By Poepadoe from APO, AP Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82758743.tip.html
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Rate It: Think Like a Butcher When Buying Meat I am always on the lookout for a bargain or a way to make my own bargain. My gram taught me years ago how to save money on meat purchases. If they have pork loin on sale, buy it and cut your own pork chops. If they have chuck steak on sale, have them grind it for hamburger (I would much rather pay $1.97/lb for ground chuck than $3.99/lb for hamburger! I love to buy whole chickens on sale and cook it in the slow cooker on a bed of veggies (do not add any liquid) when the chicken is cooked, do not throw out the liquid. Strain it and skim off the fat after it has been chilled. Yummy chicken stock! Hope this has inspired thinking like a butcher lol! By Pinny from Tucson, Arizona Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82628771.tip.html
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Rate It: Mix a frozen fruit punch can with 2 cans of water and 1 two liter bottle of ginger ale or Sprite in a punch bowl. Use Frozen fruit as your ice. Frozen lemonade is great also. It looks pretty, and I always get compliments. I originally made this as the punch at my parents 25th anniversary 25 years ago, have been using it at most gatherings since. By Simplefreedom from Boulder, MT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34290488.tip.html
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Making Key Chains With Buttons How do you make key chains using buttons? By Ptbyarspp from Lockney, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82492218.tip.html
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Rate It: I am planning a baby shower for a very close friend. We want the table centerpieces to be something that can be used by anyone. Any suggestions? We will be giving the centerpiece at each table as a prize for someone to take home. By Cindy from Valparaiso, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25291690.tip.html
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Rate It: Value of a Granville House Doll I have a Granville House Doll that was included in the purchase of the entire contents of a storage unit. I am not a doll collector myself and want to sell her. I have an interested buyer and just want to make sure that I am selling this doll at a fair price. I have searched the internet and cannot find anything in particular about the Granville House Doll Collection. I would appreciate it very much if anyone knows anything about the history of the Granville House Doll Collection or the value of this doll. By Gadgetgirl from Montgomery, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81019408.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get a stain off my light brown sofa? By TammyrevelS22 from Chicago,IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78000732.tip.html
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Rate It: I have tile squares in my bedroom. I had wall to wall carpeting installed over it and now want to remove it. Can I re-tile over the existing tile? I would like to put down Pergo or wood grained vinyl tiles. The other tiles had been glued to the floor, that is why I would rather not have to remove them. Any other suggestions for this project? Thanks. By Monica from Northeast PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85673454.tip.html
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Rate It: I had a bloody nose the other night but not since. Could this be high blood pressure? I have never had high blood pressure and just had a physical. By 0u812 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83082883.tip.html
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Rate It: Could someone give me some information about a daisy tree? Can it be grown in the ground instead of a pot? Hardiness Zone: 6b By Settler from Springboro OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47788115.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there free anti-spyware and anti-virus software I can download? By Prairie1 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89305118.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you open large cans of food? My small can opener will not cut them. Thanks very much. By kffrmw88 from Dothan, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70206224.tip.html
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Rate It: Transferring Photos to Another Computer How do I get pictures that were sent to my email on a different computer? By Maria from Ronkonkoma, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69362136.tip.html
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Rate It: Cooking Hash Brown Casserole in Roaster I am making hash brown casserole for 120 people. Is there anyway I could put it in a roaster to cook it or would it turn out mushy from the steam? By Lindasue41 from Hartley, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51292811.tip.html
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Rate It: Melted Plastic in Stainless Steel Pot I was trying to warm up frozen contents in a plastic storage container so they would drop out into a stainless steel pot. You guessed it, the plastic corners of the container melted onto the inside of the pot. Any suggestions for getting melted plastic out of my stainless steel pot? By Katermurr from Greenwood, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45382923.tip.html
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Rate It: Ideas for a Mother's Day Breakfast I'm having a Mother's day breakfast for 12 ladies on my block. Some have lost their husbands, caregivers, or are divorcees and I just wanted to try and brighten their day. I need ideas for gifts, etc. Thanks in advance for all ideas. By mom2one Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26060488.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Window Clings from Plastic Windows Can anyone tell me how to remove window clings (plastic stained glass effect) from plastic caravan windows. I have tried heat and ice with no luck at all. I can't scrape them off as the windows are plastic. Can anyone help as I have no other ideas. I would be very grateful. Thanks. By asbocat from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47288054.tip.html
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Rate It: Has anyone ever made a float with a Cardinals theme? By Karin from Valparaiso, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34084795.tip.html
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Rate It: Every day when I wake up, my backyard is filled with fresh cat poop! It's a nightmare. My daughter is highly allergic to cats, there are flies everywhere and the yard smells unbearable. They lay on my flower beds and smash the flowers. I'm out picking up poop everyday (and I don't have a pet for that reason). I have to cover up my garden every night before sunset or they'll destroy that too! I'm at my wits end. By KBennett from Chandler, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62954386.tip.html
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Rate It: Painting Outdoor Umbrella Fabric Can I use fabric paint or spray paint to refresh outdoor umbrella fabric? By Kann714 from Lakeville, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17737981.tip.html
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Rate It: I need some ideas for making an Italian centerpiece. Any suggestions? By Savedbev12 from Griffin, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64436461.tip.html
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Rate It: Replacing Gasket on a Stovetop Espresso Maker We have a stovetop espresso maker. When we replace the rubber gasket, the machine stops brewing. We tried wetting the gasket, tightening it, etc. to no avail. Then after a few failed attempts the thing starts working and consistently so. Any ideas about what is going on and how to avoid this trial and error. Thanks. By Chrisf from Oakland, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23642375.tip.html
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Rate It: Souper Salads Restaurant's Gingerbread I am looking for a recipe for Souper Salads Restaurant's Gingerbread. I have come across the restaurant's Fettuccine Salad recipe but not having any luck with this one. Thanks. By Barb07 from Boerne, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46035525.tip.html
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Rate It: The bathroom in my grandparent's house is 30+ years old and costly to replace. How can I clean them? I tried bleach, Clorox, dishwashing soap, acid, etc. What else can I do? By Why Me from India
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Rate It: What Breed is My Dog? (Sharpei Mix) I rescued this 8 week old girl, she has brindle coloring and ears like a Labrador. Can anyone tell me what the mix is? By asflorida from Orlando, FL
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Rate It: Does anyone have any suggestions on what my boxer mix is mixed with? By chuckette20 from nc
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Rate It: Souper Salads Restaurant's Tuna Pasta Salad I am looking for a recipe for Souper Salads Restaurant's Tuna Pasta Salad. By Barb07 from Boerne, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69539592.tip.html
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Rate It: Have any ThriftyFun readers used PureAyre Odor Eliminator? And, if so, would they recommend it? By abc8xyz Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13624174.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing White Out from Car Paint Our car just got tagged with White Out and sugar. I was just wondering if anyone knew what would be the easiest/ safest way to get it off? Please feedback, asap if you know. Thanks. By pcsoccer06 from Platte City, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30847093.tip.html
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Rate It: Including Sibling in Baby Shower Any ideas for the "big sister" at an upcoming baby shower? We want her to be involved and not left out. She is so excited about baby brother and we want her to feel included. By vguy from Earle, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20148199.tip.html
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Rate It: I am trying to paint plastic glasses for gifts for friends. I saw tips about putting on a plastic primer and/or spraying it after the acrylic is dry. But can you drink from these then and can they go through the dishwasher? Is it safe? By Marietta1 from Chicago Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36151089.tip.html
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Rate It: Sticking to a Weight Loss Program I am trying to change my life habits of eating and exercise. I do really well for 2 weeks then fall off the wagon. I blow it totally. Any suggestions on how to control my will power and stay focused on exercise? I have heel spurs, and use that as a reason I can not exercise. I want to be healthy and change things but seem to always have excuses. I am tired of being overweight, tired and unmotivated. Please help. By Wacky Camper Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51749278.tip.html
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Rate It: Several years ago I saw wind spinners made from 2 liter soda bottles. I made a few, but have forgotten how they were made. Can anyone help me? Thank you so much if you can. By Clarabell from Century, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62464379.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:
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