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Hello,
We are happy to announce the winners of the latest tip contests. There were numerous candidates for each category so it was difficult to choose the winners. We also had two winners that were chosen at random. You can view the tips that won and the selections at the link below:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf176022.tip.html
Congratulations to all the winners THANK YOU to everyone that took time to submit a tip.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Tip Contest!
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Today's newsletter contains:
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Today's Photos
Beaded Dreamcatcher
By Connie Decker Brown
Here is an easy to make, beaded dreamcacher.
Supplies:
Directions:
1. Thread yarn through needle, placing it halfway between the ends.
2. Tie the 2 ends of yarn together so you have a double strand of yarn.
3. Use a slipknot to tie the knotted end of the yarn to the hoop. (Don't worry about the stray end of the knot - it'll be taken care of at the end.)
4. Thread 3-4 beads, pull yarn tight, and knot on the opposite side of the hoop.
5. Repeat step 3 ten times, or until the dreamcatcher's web pattern is pleasing to you.
6. Do NOT cut the yarn after the final knot!!
7. Wrap the remaining yarn around the hoop until it is covered.
8. Knot securely, then knot again 2" - 6" from the final knot. Cut off ends and hang your dream catcher over your bed to catch your dreams!
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4 Color Nursery Toddler Bedroom
This is a four color room to match the princesses that live within the walls. Each color represents a different part of the castle. The blue part is the Kitchen, the Yellow and Purple are the two Princesses rooms matching each girl's individual personality, and the last pink for a Princess play space to be a hit.
By Kelly
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Evidence that quick and inexpensive doesn't have to mean tacky and cheap. This elegantly simple Good Luck bamboo arrangement cost less than $10 to make, and was literally assembled in the back seat of a cab. It took less than fifteen minutes, not counting shopping and planning time. All the materials were bought at the local "Everything for a Buck" store - including the bamboo. If your dollar store doesn't carry living bamboo, you can usually pick up cut pieces for $2-$5 per piece.
The Good Luck Bamboo is a traditional Chinese gift to those starting a new endeavor in their lives. Bamboo is typically used as wedding favors and given to those moving into a new home or beginning a new business. Because bamboo has such a long lifespan and can live and grow with little sustenance other than water, it's the perfect gift to wish prosperity and good luck.
Compare it to a florist's arrangement using similar materials at $25-$40.
Materials:
Instructions:
1. Choose bamboo with fresh shoots and interesting patterns. I chose stems of three different sizes to capture the asymmetry that is so lovely in Oriental ikebana.
2. Trim the bamboo with a sharp paring knife if needed. Be certain that the knife is sharp. A blunt knife can crush the bamboo, making it more difficult for it to draw up water into its stems and leaves.
3. Stand the tallest bamboo stem in the glass, holding it in place while arranging a single layer of glass aquarium stones or marbles around its base. Nudge the stones in close around the bamboo stem to give it support - but don't let go of the stem yet.
4. Add the second bamboo stem, to the right or left of the first. Again, fill in around and between the two stems with glass marbles or stones. At this point, the stems should be able to stand on their own with the marbles holding them in place.
5. Add the third and shortest stem, then fill the glass to the top with glass marbles, being careful not to crush the bamboo. Once the glass is filled, you can adjust the angle and direction of the bamboo shoots till it's pleasing to the eye.
6. Choose a fitting wine charm to clasp around the stem of the glass. Because I made this arrangement to celebrate the grand opening of my brother's shop, I added yet another Chinese good luck symbol - a small silver turtle. Other appropriate ideas might be a flower, a frog or a coin.
7. Carefully fill the glass with tepid water to within a half inch of the top. If desired, you can add plant food to the water, mixed according to package directions, but the bamboo will do just fine without it.
Caring for your bamboo plant
Caring for the bamboo plant is a simple matter of giving it plenty of light, and topping up the water whenever it evaporates and the top layer of marbles is dry. It will grow for years with just a little care.
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This is Dino. He is 10 months old and we have had him since birth. He is a mixed breed and a miracle kitty. His mom had four kittens, then waited 48 hrs to have a stillborn one, bless her heart. Then out popped my Dino who had been patiently waiting to enter the world. He has a great loving personality and loves to play out on the patio and watch the birds.
By Saundra McKenzie
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Wedding and Bridesmaids Dresses on a Budget
These bridesmaid dresses were made by my daughter's mother in-law for no charge. The total cost of each of them was about $50. That is buying material that was NOT on sale. The bride's (my daughter) dress was purchased from a friend for $20 and dry cleaned. The flower girl's dress was a dress that she already owned that had been purchased from a clearance rack at Von Maur for about $20. It was originally purchased for an anniversary celebration. Beautiful dresses done very inexpensively.
By Robin
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Today's Tips
When it comes to birthdays and holidays, sometimes people are strapped for cash. In those instances, my family gives "services" for gifts.
For example, my Mom knew I wanted to repaint a very large room in my condo that would take me a long time to paint alone or be very expensive if I hired someone to do it. Since my Mom is a very experienced painter, her birthday gift to me was assistance painting that room. On my parents' birthday, I have handmade "coupons" and placed them in their birthday cards for a free hand car wash and wax because I know that is something they don't like to do themselves.
I'm sure everyone has a skill that a family member or friend would greatly appreciate more than a material gift.
By Petfinder
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For those of you who are really paranoid and "bugged" about mites on furniture, beds, pillows, rugs, etc., purchase one of those inexpensive portable steamers that use just water and steam those areas. It kills mites deep down. Also, for those of you battling fleas, steam, let dry and vacuum to help with the eggs/larva, even in your pet's sleeping areas. I use it on my cats kitty towers. I love my steam machine! Good for cleaning and sanitizing almost anything!
By Mary Beth, Saginaw MI
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Nationwide Low Cost Spay and Neuter Programs
Friends of Animals (800) 321-PETS (7387)
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/spaying/cover.html
Female Cat - $55 / Female Dog - $75
Male Cat - $40 / Male Dog - $54
If FoA does not operate near you, please contact your local humane society to see if there are any local programs.
By Petfinder
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A blonde woman was speeding down the road in her little red sports car and was pulled over by a woman police officer, who was also a blonde.
The cop asked to see the blonde's driver's license.
She dug through her purse and was getting progressively more agitated. "What does it look like?" she finally asked.
The policewoman replied, "It is square and it has your picture on it."
The driver finally found a square mirror, looked at it and handed it to the policewoman. "Here it is," she said.
The blonde officer looked at the mirror, then handed it back saying, "Okay, you can go. I didn't realize you were a cop."
By Petfinder
Editor's Note: I apologize to all our blonde readers for publishing a blonde joke, we usually try to steer clear of them. This one was just too funny.
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This is awesome and so easy and cheap! I bought a bowling ball from a Goodwill store for 50 cents. I then went to the hardware/home improvement store and bought one spray paint can of primer and one can of metallic spray paint (various color choices). I took a old coffee can and put the bowling ball on there to paint it. I put the primer on first and then put the metallic paint on when the primer was dry. I displayed my MASTERPIECE on a cheap fancy looking pot from Walmart or gardening center. Have Fun!
By Carol Ann
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On the subject of cleaning metal mini-blinds, I vacuum them, I wipe them down with a damp cloth, I've put them in the bathtub if they fit. I've also taken them outside and hang them on my fence with nails and used the window cleaning system you attach to your hose and they came out great! After doing all of that I decided when they get to be too much to handle, I buy new blinds!
By Rob
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I just purchased a 1914 hand crank Singer sewing machine. After inserting a needle, it runs perfectly. To obtain information AND a free manual, I just called Singer. You really can't get better service than that! So, don't pass up something used because you think you can't get a manual!
By Tedebear
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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.
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New Requests
Bees Swarming Around Outdoor Lights
I have lots of Malayan Wild Bees coming to swarm around my lights at night. They are dangerous and a nuisance because I have to switch off practically all lights just to get rid of them. They seem to love to warmth around brightness emitted from these lights. What do I do to get rid of them? FIY, at the back of my house are Natural Forests.
Thank you,
Pest killer from Singapore
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Sharpie Stain on White Coach Purse
I am at a real loss. Some how I got sharpie on my new White Coach bag. The purse is made from nylon and has a been "pre-treated" so not to get any stains. Every other time I get anything on it, I just wash it and it's gone. Not this time. I didn't put it in the dryer, but a little bleach and a turn in the machine did nothing. Please help!
Sarah
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I have got two bright yellow lily pollen stains on my beige carpet, which despite washing with water and treating with several doses of Vanish refuse to disappear. I know washing them was a mistake, but I must get them removed as I am moving out in less than a month. Please help, as there seems to be no solution other than ripping up the carpet!
Emma
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Our kitchen is so tired and old looking. We would love new cabinets but the expense is keeping us from doing that right now. Plus we want to move in about a year. I know you get your money back with kitchens but here in NJ the real estate is so high to start with I am sure we wouldn't get that much more.
I live in a split level (ugh) but it is as country as I can get it. I would like to just paint what we have. My husband just added a new wood floor so anything will go with it. And then we can just add a new counter top.
Does anyone have suggestions for painting cabinets. I don't want shiny paint, my husband suggested laquer. I really do not like that look. I love the old look, sanding areas to look worn and all. He does not like that. We need a compromise. Ideas anyone?
Valery
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What's the diffrence between baking soda and washing soda?
I'd like to know what the diffrence between Arm & Hammer baking soda and washing soda is? I have looked everywhere for washing soda and have had no luck finding it. Is baking soda close to the same thing? will it work in recipes for laundry detergent?
Chas from WV
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Bad Smell In Travel Trailer Fridge
I stupidly left a couple of hot dogs and some pop in my refrigerator and freezer in my travel trailer over the winter. When I went in to clean it for use the stench was beyond explanation! I cleaned the upper freezer half with bleach and other disinfectants. The smell is still there.
I left the doors open to air it out- smell still there. I put two dishes of baking soda in it, left door open for a day and there was no change. So I closed the door, turned on the freezer, and left the two dishes of baking soda in and the smell is still there.
Today I read on here to put coffee in the freezer to take away odors, haven't been back to check on it. I also just read on here to put a raw peeled potato in the freezer to absorb odors. I am going to try that one too.
I am desperate, we leave soon for a weekend away. Any other ideas out there?
Susan from Rochester, NY
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I want to buy a rice maker and am wondering which brands and models are working well for people. Any advice would be appreciate.
Janet
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Hairspray Stain on Kahki Pants
This is the 2nd time I've submitted this request. It's hard to believe that no one out there has a tip for my problem. I have a pair of khaki pants that is 96% cotton & 4% spandex. I got nail polish on them. My daughter suggested that I spray hairspray on the nail polish. Now I have a nail polish and hairspray and the hairspray is a lot worse than the nail polish. It looks as though I have a big grease stain on them. Please help, it's a new pair of pants! can't wait to get some advice.
BJ,Ky
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Calcium Deposits Around Swimming Pools
I read all the tips on cleaning toilet bowls but what about swimming pool calcium build up on the tile? I have tried sandpaper, pumic stone, and other items. I can't find anything strong enough to get rid of it. It is so expensive to have someone come out and clean it.
vdougan
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Judy Buswell Garden Scenes in Green # JB970B
I am looking for a discontinued wallpaper border. The part number is JB970B, and I need one roll. The description is Judy Buswell Garden Scenes in Green. The manufacturer has discontinued it and I'm hoping you may have one in stock.
Please advise at your earliest convenience. I have this wallpaper on my walls already and am short 3'.
Thank you,
Tammy Lindstrom
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Training a Pitbull to Not Bite
I just got a 12 week old, red nose pitbull. The potty training has been going well and she is doing very good. My major problem is I cannot get her to stop biting. It does not hurt now but I am afraid that when she gets older it will and I need to get her to stop biting now before it gets any worse.
I went to the vet and they told me that when ever she bites squirt lime juice in her mouth but this has jusy got her really mad at the lime juice bottle when she sees it. The vet also told me that when she bites, put her on her back and hold her mouth closed until she relaxes. I have tried this also but sometimes when I let go she still snaps back. What can I do?
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Removing a Urine Stain From a Mattress
We have a bed wetter at my house and not only did she go in the bed mattress and futon mattress, but also on the carpet. We cleaned it up with towels, dabbed with water, then with laundry soap, and pet and stain remover, then arm and hammer deoderizer, then we vacummed.
We also have a fan pointing towards the mattress and floor, to dry it out. I think this all worked for the carpet - but there is still a stain on the mattress and I feel like it still smells and is dirty!
I really need some help to get this out!
Josie
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How do you remove cooking spray from a sheet-rock wall?
My two year old was expressing himself again, this time with canola cooking spray on my laundry room wall. Now I have the "prettiest" greasy spot you ever saw. I thought about dawn and water but I am not sure if you can get that kind of wall wet. Can someone please help me?
Michelle in Tennessee
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Burnt Milk in Stainless Steel Pot
I would like to know if anyone happens to know how to get burnt milk from the bottom of a stainless steel pot?
BJ,Ky
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Fruit of the Spirit Craft Ideas
I am 14 and teaching 30 kids about the fruit of the spirit for a summer sunday school program. I have adult helpers, but I need to come up with the lessons, crafts, and stuff like that. I did Love, Joy, Peace, and patience already, but I always have troubles with the craft parts!
If you have any ideas for me... I want to tell you that I am doing Kindness and Goodness together, and Gentleness and Selfcontrol together. I have Fruit parties planned for the Last day! Please help me! Time is running out!
Chie
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Yellow Jackets (Bees) In My Foundation
I have been dealing with yellow jacket bees for several weeks now. It seems that the one day the bees have quieted down and the next they are back in full force. They have invaded a hole in the cement foundation of my house. Spray foam will not reach them. Help me before they find a way inside the house from there. I was told not to seal the hole.
Pat from Kingston
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I tried to reopen an envelope by steaming it in the microwave. Stupid idea. I never gave it a thought though. it wasn't in long but went to ash! The soot stained the inside black and grey. I was able to clean off the loose soot and the dish, I used everything I could think of, ending up with baking soda wipe down. the stain goes from dark to light grey. Is the microwave ruined or can it be used? I can live with ugly for a while but is there any danger? Thanks for you attention.
Anne
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I am about to start looking for a used car. I hope to buy a car that is a few years old. Does anyone have any good advice to use when I start shopping?
Thanks,
Lewis
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I have one can of baby formula. At $30 a can I would hate to throw it out. Any one have any good recipes for cookies or cake to make using formula?
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I have an upstairs 1/2 bath that is never used. The commode in there is dry. I'm getting the house ready to sell and don't want to hire a plumber. Can I get the commode working again by filling the tank with water and then just going through the flush cycle?
Thanks for any help.
DeeDee in Wisconsin
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Is Dog Poop Bad For a Vegetable Garden?
I know that cat urine can burn up a lot of plants. I have a problem with dog dung in my vegetable garden. Does anyone know if this will hurt the plants?
BJ,Ky
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