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Vol. 7, Num. 37, February 21, 2008 (Read It Online) We will be announcing the winners of our latest My Frugal Life essay contest next week. We received a bunch of great entries. We currently have a new My Frugal Life essay contest running. If you would like to share a frugal living essay with the ThriftyFun community, feel free to do it here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml 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:
Using a 50% off one item coupon, I purchased a pine shelf for less than $10. I hand rubbed in two coats of IKEA stain, allowing each to dry thoroughly. I applied three coats of water-based polyurethane for sealant letting each coat to dry four hours. Using copper flashing, I measured and cut the trim for my shelf. I hammered the copper trim with copper nails (this part took some time) I felt my shelf still needed just a little "something" on the sides. Using Mod Podge, I glued some metallic leaves on and tem brushed a light layer of Mod Podge on top of the leaves. All in all, I spent less than $15 on this little piece of furniture that I simply treasure. By Laura from Long Beach, CA
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Rate It: Frangelico (AKA Frannie) is 2 1/2 years old. She is supposed to be a Jack Russell. My daughter and I were running errands and just by chance stopped to see the animals at the humane society. We adopted her that day, thinking she was 6 weeks old, but she was actually only about 3 weeks.
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Rate It: I love to use trays in the kitchen, den, dining room or bedroom to hold a cup of coffee or tea or a snack, and so I decided to personalize one. I bought an unfinished wooden tray from Michael's for $3 and used a slightly damp sponge to wipe it down with gold craft paint (about 89 cents). Once the paint dried, I used a glue gun to attach a few interesting-looking pieces of black and gold pebbles that I found on clearance in the floral section of the same store. Finally, I hot-glued a piece of 39-cent black felt in the middle of the tray. For about $5, I created an unusual - and useful - addition to my living room decor
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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!
My Frugal Life: The Best Type Of Car After I got married, it was time for a second car so that my wife would be able to get out and go take care of things while I am at work. I paid off my car earlier that year so that was $300 extra we had. Luckily, my Dad's friend was in the business of buying cars at auction. Some of them were fender benders that needed some minor repairs and replacement parts and some were repossessed vehicles. My Dad and I went to see him one day in 2006 and saw a 2005 Ford Focus station wagon in really great condition. The price tag was $7000, HALF of what it was worth if bought at a dealer. We decided to buy this car. Granted, it was in an accident but all parts were replaced and the car runs great. When we got it the car was 1 year old. I estimate that we saved ourselves at least $10,000 on that car if we were to buy it from a dealership. Plus, we had the money to buy it because we learned to cut out the unnecessary stuff and save some of what we earned in the past. And that's a good lesson: Saving money today will allow you to save even more later. My friend's wife talked him into buying a new Nissan Quest minivan earlier this year. He said they got a 'good deal' at $24,000 instead of $27,000. I was not at the least jealous at that point. Remember, the best type of car is one that's all paid for. Paul from Clover, SC Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65561901.tip.html
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Rate It: Make Your Own Car Air Freshener Poke holes in the top of an empty mint tin, fill it with potpourri or cotton balls with potpourri oil and put it under your car seat to use as an air freshener. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf703064.tip.html
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Rate It: Hand Cream Recipe for Extra Dry Skin I have a terrible time in the winter with dry skin. I do housecleaning, so my hands are in the water a lot so it's probably no wonder! Anyway, I was working last Friday afternoon and the lady I was working for told me about a concoction she had heard about for extra dry skin. Let me tell you, I went out and bought the stuff and made it and it has already helped me very, very much! By the way, everything cost me a total of $4 at the Dollar General Store. If you buy some of the hand lotions and creams on the market, especially the ones for extra dry skin problems, you know that you pay way more than that. I was impressed by how much this made! You'll need a container about the size of a Cool Whip container or maybe slightly larger and you need to make sure it has a lid. This smells so nice! Here is what you need! Extra Dry Hand CreamIngredients
DirectionsMix all together. Works great!By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89574400.tip.html
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Rate It: KwikSew Sewing Patterns Review Everyone I've asked that's tried "KwikSew" Patterns says they're the best! They say they are super-quick to sew and fit exceptionally well. The only problem: You have to buy them online Have you guys ever tried KwikSew? Do you like them? If you do NOT live in the USA, please go to this URL instead: http://www.kwiksew.com/. That way, you'll get your own country and language. By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23509394.tip.html
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Rate It: Reinforce Around Windows When Building Your Home For anyone who is having a new home built, this is a very valuable suggestion to make it easy to attach curtain rods to wall. Have your builder put 2X4's on the top and sides of your windows. This will enable you to attach curtain rods without the aid of dry wall anchors. You will be assured of always hitting a stud. Of course, this has to be done BEFORE you do the dry wall. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80439580.tip.html
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Rate It: I have found a cheap toy for our cat. Half of an animal cracker was on the floor, and our cat chases it all the time. This is a cat who won't play with any storebought toy. Give her an animal cracker, and she gives us a great joy. How thrifty is that! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15479669.tip.html
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Rate It: Bring Life Back To An Old Lamp Let's bring life back to an old lamp. Materials
InstructionsSpray entire lamp, the base and the shade. Let dry. Take ribbon and tie around the base or tie around the shade. Glue one flower or two onto the shade.For Christmas: Spray with gold then get red or green ribbon (whatever colour) and tie onto shade. Then glue on a christmas ornament or flowers, or bow For Valentines: Take off the Christmas ribbon and ornament then purchase pink ribbon, and pink hearts. Or red hearts and red ribbon. When you are following this process, be careful not to tear the shade when removing the ribbon or flowers from shade or base... Shade needs to be material and not the old ones that have folds I know that you will be pleased with the look, I know that I am. When money is scarce, crafty ideas look great. Enjoy By Janet from Toronto, Ontario Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85714270.tip.html
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Rate It: Freeze Excess Veggies To Prevent Spoilage I became tired of throwing away green and red peppers because they either didn't get used or started to go bad. Now I chop them up or cut into strips and put them in freezer bags to take out anytime I need some. Now I make a habit of bringing home a bag of onions and doing the same with half of them. It also saves time when you have to cook after work! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78073937.tip.html
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Rate It: Cook 2 lbs. of any pasta (spaghetti, rotini, etc.) in a big pot of salted water until desired texture. Drain and rinse with cold water. Put into a large plastic container, cover with paper towel and refrigerate. Change the paper towel after taking desired amount of pasta to reheat in microwave. The pasta will taste fresh for 4-5 days if you continue to put a dry towel in each day. Our family likes a variety of toppings including veggies, tomato sauce, cheese, meatballs, pork n beans, etc. You can quickly be very creative! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94453210.tip.html
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Rate It: Turn Oven Off Early To Save Energy Here's a great energy saver. When you are near the end of the baking time, turn the oven off and keep the door closed. The heat will stay the same long enough to finish baking your dish, and you'll save energy Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12477119.tip.html
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Rate It: Use a Cup to Catch Glue Between Uses When using a bottle of glue, use a cup and turn it upside down inside the cup. This will catch the glue and keep it flowing down to the tip so you are ready to use. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57233771.tip.html
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I have had my Uggs for two years and now the salt stains from the winter has finally gotten to them and faded them. Is there anyway to clean them and restore the color? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94414852.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a garden mole destroying my lawn and garden. Is there any sure fire way to help me get rid of this varmint? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf883036.tip.html
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Rate It: Salad Bar Luncheon for 100 People I am planning a salad bar luncheon for 100 people. I need to know how much of the various items will feed this many people.
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Rate It: Making Candy Easter Eggs with Mashed Potatoes Does anybody know the recipe for making candy easter eggs with mashed potatoes? My mom made both peanut butter and coconut eggs, and I'd love to include them in my kids treats. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11607560.tip.html
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Rate It: Doberman Has Itchy, Flaky Skin My Doberman has flaky skin and is always scratching. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48573046.tip.html
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Rate It: Caring for an Elderly Old English Sheepdog I am about to inherit my late mother's elderly (15 year old) Old English Sheepdog. Does anybody have any good advice? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47872237.tip.html
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Rate It: I need advice on how to house train a puppy? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf569061.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have a recipe for Con Queso Dip with cream cheese? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80653402.tip.html
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Rate It: Adding Shine to Dull Tile Flooring I have ceramic tile throughout my house which has a very dull finish. Can anyone suggest a product that may help to add any sheen or shine to it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36040973.tip.html
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Rate It: I am Marlee, I turn 14 on the 2nd April and I'm not sure of what to do for my birthday party. If you could please help me that would be great. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf851473.tip.html
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Rate It: I recently received a box full of hand-crochet doilies that my grandmother made. Any ideas what I can do with them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf190638.tip.html
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Rate It: I live in Maine and I recently bought about 150 bulbs at a really low price. Some of them are already starting to grow and I am asking what I have to do with them so they don't dry out and die. I'm thinking that I should put them all in a covered container in potting medium. Then once the ground is warm I wonder if I can plant them this spring. My zone is 5-6 but zone 4 plants are great here. So my question is, "Can I do all this and have them OK to plant this spring?" Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf761054.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get the skunk odor out of your home? My dog was sprayed last night, all of our clothes and the house has the smell of skunk. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47928795.tip.html
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Rate It: Measuring Homemade Laundry Soap I have the ingredients all ready to mix for my detergent: borax, washing and baking soda and fels naptha soap. I do not add water and prefer the dry detergent. My question is what is the proper amount to use per average load. I have complete forgotten. Thanks to all. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16103792.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Old Pet Stains and Odors My house is approximately 40 yrs old. I have lived here 8 yrs. I just removed the carpet from the bedrooms. I found pet stains and odor in one of the bedrooms. How do I fix such an old stain? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54478204.tip.html
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Rate It: Knifty Knitter Patterns for Baby Items I am looking for patterns for a baby blanket using the Knifty Knitter. I have almost every size loom. Also patterns for baby hats and/or sweaters. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52735973.tip.html
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Rate It: Game Ideas for 2nd Birthday Party My daughter is turning two early next month! We are having a Mickey Mouse party for her, because she LOVES Mickey! I am in need of fun (frugal) games that children, ages 2-10 can all play. Any help would be very helpful. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94293242.tip.html
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Rate It: What type of dog do I have? I was thinking a Belgian Malinois mix of some sort? I adopted her from the humane society, they said she was a german shepherd mix.
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Rate It: Does anyone have a good spray starch recipe? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000575.tip.html
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Rate It: Hiring Someone to Make a Quilt Out of Ties Does anyone know of a company or person to actually make a quilt from ties? I've found a company that makes pillows, but I'd prefer to give my daughter a quilt made from her Dad's ties. Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44825651.tip.html
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Rate It: Where should I look for a water softener? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47132383.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Water Marks on Windows I have water marks on my windows and can't seem to get rid of them. There is also a substance that I think is paint but I am not sure. I have tried vinegar window cleaners but with no results. I would appreciate all ideas. I just moved into this house and am a fanatic about clean windows . Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76832017.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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