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Hello,
I hope everyone had a great weekend. We had over 40 requests posted since our last newsletter! That is a record. We also have a lot of photo contest entries today. Hope you enjoy them.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
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Photo Contest!
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
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Today's Photos
This is my 6 month old great grandbaby, Emily and her first taste of a Watermelon. She would shiver as she was eating it.
By Jackie
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Revamping Old Photo Frames for Baby Shower Gifts
Revamp old photo frames for new uses. Even baby shower gifts! I revamped a garage sale find. I used what was suppose to be an old wedding bells procelain picture frame into a baby shower frame. I embellished it with flatback buttons in the baby theme. Then used glitter glue to embellish and make is sparkle. Just used a few items that I had around the house and now I have some really cute picture frames for gifts.
By Melissa C.
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Two Doggy Pals Taking A Nap - Jackson and Wilson
The black dog, Jackson is a lab/basset mix. He belongs to my brother. The smaller dog, Wilson is a pure collie and belongs to me.
By Rebecca
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Recycled Jewelry Brooch
By Shauna Smith Duty
Can't afford designer jewelry? Want to have trendy accessories that your friends will compliment? Give new life to your broken necklaces, matchless earrings, and miscellaneous charms and beads from the bottom of your jewelry box. Recycled jewelry can make great accessories for personal use or gift giving. The one-of-a-kind creations you make will become treasured works of art.
What you'll need:
With needle nosed pliers, disassemble all of your scrap jewelry pieces. Spread the pieces on a cloth for easy access. Decide which beads and charms compliment each other, and group them into piles. The sample brooch features a collection of heart shaped charms. On cardboard backing, arrange the pieces so that none of the cardboard shows. Use a hot glue gun to adhere the pieces to the cardboard and to one another. Overlap some pieces and have fun with varying arrangements. They can be glued into shapes, such as half moons, crescents, squares, circles, or lines.
A colorful bead or charm will add zest to your brooch. Add ribbon and lace scraps to the piece for more personality. A few feathers poking upward or fur trim along the edges will make your design scream "original".
On the back of your brooch, hot glue either the permanently closed arm of a large safety pin or a pin back from the craft store. Don't forget to sign the cardboard backing. Your creation is a work of art!
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Piggy Tails Bank
By Teri Clark
You read it right - a piggy tail bank! Instead of saving your money in a traditional "piggy" bank, why not create a cute little girl with pig tails to hold your spare change?
Materials:
Tools:
Steps:
1. Using your marker, draw a rectangle in one of the paper towel tubes about 1/3 of the way from the top. Be sure that coins can fit through this slot.
2. Paint the tube to create a "dress" for the piggy tailed girl. You may want to paint it a solid color and then add a pattern after the paint dries.
3. On a piece of smooth, thin cardboard, cut out the shape of a face. Be sure to add pigtails. The more the pigtails stand out, the cuter the bank.
4. Draw a heart shape on the thick cardboard. This is going to be the bank's base.
5. Paint both the feet (base) and the face.
6. To make the lid of the coin bank, cut a piece about 1 1/2 inches from the other paper towel tube.
7. Cut a strip of corrugated cardboard about 3 inches wide.
8. Roll the corrugated cardboard strip so that it will fit inside the lid and glue it inside. You want one end of the rolled cardboard to be flush with the lid. The remainder of the rolled cardboard will fit down into your piggy tail girl's dress. This keeps the lid from falling off.
9. Glue on the feet and glue on the face.
Now you have an adorable little girl to help you save money! Just imagine what you will spend your money on when she is finally full.
Additional Ideas: You can make a little boy by drawing a face without pigtails. You can also turn it into an animal by drawing an animal face instead of a child's face. Finally, you can cut out your child's face from a photo so that the bank looks like your child!
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This is a photo of my Granddaughter when she discover the little Rabbit hanging on her Bouncy Seat. She was absolutely amazed. Don't you wonder what she was thinking?
Sharon,Ky
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This is a picture of our cockatiel "Gypsy" We've had him for almost 2 years, or you could say he's had us. He "found" us. One day my husband came inside and told me to come out and see the funny bird on our roof.
After much coaxing, he finally flew down and landed on my daughter's head. We took him in, and tried to find his owner, to no avail. So we went out and bought him a cage, food etc., and now have a beautiful bird.
In the beginning, my hands were always full of bird bites (he could be very nasty), but now he has gotten very lovable and is spoiled rotten. He has such a personality and he loves junk food. We were not looking for another pet, but he found us, so I guess it was meant to be. We wouldn't part with him for anything.
By Eleanor
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Icing Beautiful Cakes - Scoobie Cake
To ice beautiful cakes like this by yourself, after cooling completely, and removing from pan, freeze the cake. Then when you're ready to frost it, remove from freezer and decorate, it is much simpler that way!
By Tamara Litke
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Today's Tips
Tips for storing celery. Post your ideas.
Keeping Celery
When you bring home celery from the store remove the plastic bag and wrap tightly in foil. The celery will last for a month or more this way. No more wasting celery when it loses it's crispness.
By Pat Thompson
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Thrifty Wedding Tips from Robin
Editor's Note: Robin put in pictures of her daughter's wedding, decorations, flowers, cake, etc.
I have listed several things about my daughter's wedding but realized that I don't think I sent in the prices for the items to decorate, etc. The greenery was either borrowed from friends or else purchased at Wal-Mart. It came in 9 ft. sections for $3/section. The tulle was anywhere from .50/yard to .77/yard, depending on where it was purchased. I purchased tulle from Joann Fabrics, Wal-Mart, and Hobby Lobby.
The white lights used in the wedding were borrowed or purchased from Wal-Mart and Pamida at the end of the Christmas season for very little money.
My daughter's dress was purchased from a friend of hers for $20. The bridesmaid's dresses were made. The cost was approximately $50/dress and they were long two-piece formal style. My daughter's mother in-law volunteered to do all the sewing at no charge. I let her keep all the remaining material and notions, etc. The flower girl's dress was one that she already owned that had been purchased for an anniversary celebration from the clearance rack at Von Maur.
We borrowed all the serving dishes, etc. for the reception. I purchased lace table cloths from our local Dollar General Store for $5 each. We also purchased navy plastic table coverings to go under the lace for $1 each at Dollar Tree. The floral arrangements were purchased at Hobby Lobby for less than $100. This was enough to decorate a VERY large church! It is possible to have an inexpensive, yet beautiful wedding. I know because that is just what we had!
By Robin
Editor's Note: Here is a listing of wedding tips with photos that Robin has submitted recently.
Instead of Rice, Throw Flower Petals
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf232138.tip.html
Bouquets, Corsages and Boutonnieres
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf993372.tip.html
Wedding Decorations - Borrow, Borrow, Borrow
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf323486.tip.html
Saving Money on Your Wedding Cake
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf154884.tip.html
Tulle and Lights Wedding Decor
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf113420.tip.html
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Brightening Green Cooked Veggies
To make dull looking, green cooked veggies brighter again, sprinkle a little baking soda in with the water while they're cooking. They will return to a bright green color again.
By Kim Hart
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Write the Date on Travel Brochures
How many times have you looked at a map or booklet giving information on a particular area that you wish to visit on vacation and wondered how old the information is? Whenever you receive any new information such as this, write the year using a felt tip pen on the top. Then you'll know when to toss the old map or booklet out!
By Betty
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I made a personalized alphabet book for a young child using a small photo album. I used current and past pictures of people and things familiar to the child. Example: On one side I put "M" is for Mommy and I put a picture of her Mommy on the facing page. The child did not know what I was doing and she happily held some of the items (example: eggs in a bowl, because her family raises hens for the eggs). The project was great fun to do and the child cherishes it.
By Carole
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The bride came down the aisle and when she reached the altar, the groom was standing there with his golf bag and clubs at his side.
She said, "What are your golf clubs doing here?"
He looked her right in the eye and said, "This isn't going to take all day, is it?"
By Terri
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Tips for storing apples. Post your ideas.
Storing apples in refrigerator will keep them fresh up to 10 times longer than at room temperature.
By Cookie Hansen
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Instead of using a lot of paper towels when draining fatty meats, like bacon and sausage, place a single layer of paper towel on a folded section of newspaper.
By Carole
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Reviews of the Mr. Clean AutoDry Car wash system. Post feedback below.
My husband receive a Mr. Clean AutoDry for Christmas. We absolutely love the way it cleans the cars without having to wipe the windows. No streaks, no spots! I didn't believe it until we used it several times. Saturday, we also tried it on the house windows. No streaks or spots! What a time saver!
By Tedebear
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Whenever you receive a new catalogue that you intend to keep, either circle the expiration date on the front cover or write it on with a black with a felt tip marking pen. Then you will know when to recycle the catalogue without having to hunt for the date. Sure saves time!
By Betty
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends August 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests
I was wondering if anyone knew why some laundry detergents are better at removing dirt in cold water than hot?
Thanks,
Pink
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I need a recipe for making tomato paste. Hope someone knows how this is done. Thanks,
Tonya
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I would like to know about freezing green beans. I don't really know how and would like to know a little about it. I also would like to know if they are as good frozen as canned? I have never done either one, but putting then in the freezer sounds much easier. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Teresa
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I have a set of the new Cook's Essential from qvc that have baked on grease on the bottoms. We want to hang them on hooks but they look awful. What can I use to clean the bottoms of these pans? I am not really sure what they are made of.
marylou1953
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2 years ago, I did what I thought was a good deed, I took in a stray female cat. she in turn brought me home 1 litter of kittens a year later. I kept 2 of those kittens, those 2 have since had litters, I can't stand the thought of taking them all to the pound, but I can't afford to get them fixed at $60 a pop at the humane society.
Any advice would be appreciated. The only thing I can think of now would be to give them all away and I truly have come to love them, especially the origianlly Mama kitty who I know wouldn't find a home and would be put down.
Thanks,
Bonnie
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Setting the Dye In New Clothes
How do I set the dye for my new pants that are blue? A friend bought the same outfit and said when she rinsed the pants there was alot of color in the water. Should I do the top also, it is shaded in blue colors?
Thank you,
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Last night my daughter had a sleep over. It was brilliant, my husband and I went out for a meal and left them to their own devices! All was great until this morning when we looked at our beautiful leather sofa. One of the girls had accidentally spilled nail glue on it and it really showed up! Please if you know how to clean it please let me know. I am sure my daughter and indeed myself would be extremely grateful
Katie
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My toilet gets clogged all the time. I plunge it and get it to empty slowly. Could really use some suggestions of what I could do to correct this problem. I live alone and on limited budget and plummer fees are depleting my resources.
vhighfill
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This is my first year of growing anything. I decided to go simple, cherry tomatoes! I planted them in metal wash tubs on stands. I water them everyday and I am pleased to see so many blossoms.
Here's the problem: When they turn red, something is getting to eat them before me. Now I know some smart gardener out there can help me by telling me what to do so I can enjoy at least one tomato.
Thanks
Laurie
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I want to have a birthday party for my son who is turning seven. We have a baseball theme and have planned to have a pinata. What other games would be fun? Since his birthday is in August, school friends are not always available so I do not know how many kids will be there.
Penny
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Has anyone signed up with Highest Pay Surveys, does it really pay you?
Robin from Indiana
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I just bought a jean skirt. It has one distressed hole and i would like to make a few more. These are the holes that are like torn around the edges and the last layer of jean is still showing so it's not really a "hole". Does anyone know how to make these? Please help.
Chassidy
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We have a heifer with a "stopped up" nose. She has been to the vet. He gave her shots that did not help. We have given her a round of penicillin shots and she still has her nose problem. She eats, etc. and appears okay except for the nose. At times she is better. We appreciate any help you can give.
Fran in Texas
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I was wanting to know if anyone can tell me about a baby shower that's called a floating shower. I don't know anything about it, hopefully some of you all do.
Thanks,
Teresa from Va.
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A nest of wasps or hornets has taken up residence under the wooden terracing/steps in my yard. I've sprayed the area as much as I could with commercial products, at night when they are in the nest, but since it is under the wood I can't get them all. Any suggestions?
Linda
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My husband left a Bic grip roller black marker in his shirt pocket when I washed and dryed the clothes. Now I has black stains on the clothing. Some of the clothing is white and others are colored. Please help me.
Denise
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What to Do with Really Dirty Clothes from Football Camp
My son, (14 years old) just came back from football camp. Every clothing item that was white is now either brown or black.
Is there anything I can do, or should I use these items as rags?
Ginger Westra
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Heat Stain on Dining Room Table
I have several heat stains on a dining room table. I think the finish on the table is called veneer (it has a shiny look to it). I've tried mayo but that was no help. I saw the suggestion of Olive oil and salt but feel the salt will probably scratch the table. Any suggestions for removing this type stain from this type finish.
Thank you for any suggestions you can give.
Sandra in SC
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Keeping Pop Tab Crafts From Rusting
I am wondering if there is anything out there that's cheap to put on pop tabs so they won't rust. I found a way to make a belt and a purse out of them. But I just know they'll rust.
Tip
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I live in a fairly old apartment, but love my little home sweet home. I am trying to figure out how to clean the front of the heater in my bathroom. It is one of those built in the wall heaters. I have noticed that there are four screws in the front that could probably be taken out. It is chrome, or at least I think it is, and really corroded. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
Tonya from Texas
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This weekend I saw an advertisement for a Bell and Howell digital camera with 10 megapixels. The asking price was $200 and I just had to read about it.
The ad said that the 10 megapixels were due to interpolation. I don't know what that means, but I do know a 'buyer beware' when I see one. Sounds like the 10 MP's were really something else.
Holly
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This year, my school, the Wirt County Tigers, are playing the Hannon Wildcats for Homecoming. As president of the junior class float committee, I would like some help thinking of themes for our float. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Tabby From West Virginia
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My neighbor's dog pretty much lives at my house and I noticed that he has a cluster of ticks on his shoulder. There were probably 8 ticks of various sizes! I got some of them off and noticed a swollen area with some pus. I am guessing it is infected.
Is there anything I can put on him? I am sure it hurts but don't legally have the right to take him to the vet. His owner is NEVER home (guess that is why he hangs at my place). He is a beautiful golden retriever about 9 months old.
Can I put aloe on it? How about antibiotics for people? It is strange that this is the only spot of ticks he has... there aren't ANY anywhere else on him.
I thought about putting Frontline on him, but don't know if his owner has already done so and my vet said that double doses are dangerous.
What do I do?
Thanks
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Please could someone give me some advice on my elderly cat. She is 17 years old and is experiencing anal bleeding. Please Help.
Lancashire Liz
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I'm hoping someone out there can help me out. I am trying to find the matching wallpaper border that goes with this shower curtain:
http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_8/...
I bought it from Target (the border) last year, but they no longer have it, nor is it on their website. If anyone knows where I can buy this, I would greatly appreciate it!
Thank you!
Susan
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I've always loved wearing really unique colors and odd color combinations, i.e. red shirt with blue pants, purple shirt with white pants, etc. However, I've been thinking lately, is there a way to dye clothing efficiently to get even more unique colors than are commercially available?
I have a lot of colors of shirts, so I don't think I'd need any more, but about my pants... I wear long Dickies brand pants, and their color range is limited. Would it be feasible to buy a pair of white pants and then use some sort of cloth dye on them to craft myself a bright green pant? Or maybe a baby blue? Or even a bumble-bee yellow? This would bring a whole new dimension to my clothing.
So, the question is, how and where does one purchase clothing dyes? How effectively do they work? Will they work on heavy-duty Dickies pants? Lastly, will they be wash-safe, or will the colors run?
Thanks in advance!
Gnome
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I have recently moved back from PA to NY. In PA my house had electric heat and it was very easy to manage any dust. My son is a severe asthmatic with severe allergies to everything, including dust. We looked for an apartment with only wood floors since it is easy to clean.
I have encountered the worst duct issue ever. We have air purifiers in every room. Maintain the proper humidity. Keep windows closed in the summer for pollen. We do everything by the book. My apartment is a toxic dust haven. I clean, every other day. First, I swift, then I swift by hand, then I mop and then I swift again. The dust piles as if someone is emptying a vacuum cleaner bag throughout my apartment.
I am stumped. I have to do this every other day, realistically I should do this every day, but there is simply not enough time.
I do not know what to do. I tore off the base board heating, cleaned that out for the winter months and still, I wipe the floor with my hands and it resembles an abandoned haunted house.
Any tips on products (non-toxic) or tricks would greatly be appreciated.
Nikki
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How can I rid a large upholstered chair (chaise) of unseen biting insects (bedbugs, mites)?
Sherelle
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This is my first time at this site and I am blown away by all of the information offered. Is there anyone out there that can tell me the easiest way to care for an orchid that has just finished blooming?
Deborah from Calgary Alberta Canada
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How does a person go about getting rid of thousand leggers?
Fran
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I want to get a "Gazelle", however, there are several styles of them to choose from. I want to get something that is good, but I also have to watch how much money I spend. Does anybody out there have one? If so, what kind? Did it work for you as a form of exercise?
I know that any piece of exercise equipment is only as good as you make it be. That is, you only get out of it what you put into it effort wise. This is a serious request as I am a dedicated exerciser. Thank you.
Louise in Port Charlotte, FL.
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Bug Repellent Candle Wax on Wood Deck
My daughter spilled wax from a bug repellent candle over a large portion of the deck. The wax is into the wood. Does anyone have a solution to remove the wax? Thanks,
Laurie
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I am considering weight loss surgery. Any advice or info from people who have had this surgery would be appreciated.
Linda
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Replacement Cords for Crockpots
I have a Ralto Crockpot Model SC1/1 and I misplaced the electric cord to plug into the crock pot. Where can I get a replacement cord in New Zealand?
Diane Johnston
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Need a Cheap Place for Wedding Reception
I have a big problem. I need help! Something of an emergency. We had to go into our wedding money so need to get a hall an to have the reception cheap! My coordinator is paid already. I heard about the fire dept. I need more ideas. Please help me. Tasha
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I would like to make my own bedskirt for twin beds. Does anyone have a pattern or any other ideas on how to make it?
Lieve
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How do you get car grease out of polyester pants?
Thanks,
Reba
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Pattern for a Baby in a Bassinet
I would like to have pattern for baby in a bassinet. It's like a purse little girls carry and when you open it up it becomes a little doll in a cradle or bassinet. The one I saw was made out of flannel, I think.
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Voodoo on the Bayou Themed Party
I am planning a Voodoo on the Bayou - Romp in the Swamp party for my daughter's 12th birthday. Any ideas or suggestions would be welcomed. I am going to shy away from the evil aspect of Voodoo, and concentrate on things like "Love Potions", palm reading, etc...
Thanks!
Melissa from N. Calif.
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I have a Sears garage door opener that has elected to begin reversing for no apparent reason. It only runs down about a foot and reverses with the door disconnected and even with the chain OFF the drive sprocket. 1 foot and reverse. I have the obstruction lights taped eye to eye with the amber and green lights both lit. Still 1 foot and reverse.
I'm at a loss. I would just trash it but hate to toss it for a stupid reason.
Steve K
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I am trying to plan my sweet 16th party for late august and I haven't got a clue. I don't have very much money and want to invite about 10 girls. There isn't a lot of places I can go with my budget and my house is really boring and my friends vary on what they find to be fun. I can't come up with anything that will be fun for all of them and that's really what I want. I just really need some suggestions.
Sam
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Does anyone know an easy way to make an antique mirror? Either by treating a regular mirror to make it look old or by starting with a plain piece of glass?
I bought a kit called 'Looking Glass', but it creates a 'new' looking mirror finish, and no instructions about making the finish look old.
Any ideas?
Claudia
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Where Can I Buy Used Tablecloths?
If anyone has purchased white 80-90" round white tablecloths for a wedding and would like to sell them, I would be interested in purchasing them for a reasonable price. I need 40 by the third week in August, and would be done with them by September 4. I would then be glad to sell them to someone else who could use them. We could pass the savings along!
Elaine in Phoenix, Arizona
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
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