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Vol. 8, Num. 162, August 19, 2009 (Read It Online) We have lots of great tips today, including a house cleaning schedule. Here are the contest winners for the contest that ran from August 1st to August 7th. Congrations to the winners and thank you for all great submissions! Pet Contest Winner Podna (Pomeranian) Photo Contest Winner Cooking Two Things At Once In The Microwave Recipe Contest Winner Peanut Butter and Hot Fudge Cake (Crockpot) Tip Contest Winners Use Paper Towels for Temporary Curtains Use Playdoh Fun Factory for Pasta Maker Summer Education Tips 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:
Naya is a 10 week old Chocolate Lab. We had the pick of the litter and we chose her. We visited her weekly, she was the runt of the litter. When the other puppies eyes opened, hers did not. She went to the vet, was given a prescription of eye drops, and they were told to massage the eyes. Her eyes still didn't open, and it was beginning to look like maybe they weren't fully developed. We had already fallen in love with her, and decided to adopt her anyway. She went to our vet after we brought her home, and she is blind. What "eye" she does have, there isn't much there. But, other than that she is a healthy, beautiful Chocolate Lab! At 10 weeks, she knows the commands "sit", "come", "down" and "stop". She also know the command "careful" means she is going to run into to something. She is learning "No bite"! We have scented our back door, and she is pretty much housetrained. She has "mapped out" our house now, and doesn't bump into things, unless you have moved something! She knows where her bowls are, where all her toys are, and how to find and torment her older sister "Bella", a 5 year old black lab! She has been an absolute joy and we are so thankful she came into our lives! She loves to go to the field, where big sister "Bella" plays frisbee. She has lots of room to run safely. She runs right to us when we tell her "Come Naya"! When she gets close to us, running all out, we give the command "Stop". She stops immediately, and sits or lays down! She is such an intelligent girl! Her favorite indoor play is her ball that has a bell in it. She always finds it somehow, and brings it back to me to throw it again. She sleeps and constantly plays with her new fluffy, soft stuffed dog "Puppy". Her favorite stuffed toy that is the same size as her. BIG toys are easier for her to find! By Connie from Kane, PA Contest Contender!
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My kitten, Zephy, jumped in this empty soda box the other day. I need to take her to the vet to get shots soon and thought, "Wow, an instant PET TAXI! Now I won't have to go buy one! Source: Zephy's idea! By Brenda from Tupelo, MS Contest Contender!
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More delightful photos from my sister. There were two baby eagles in the nest, and as they grew, both seemed quite healthy. One day my sister went to check on them and there was only one. They were nearing, but not near ready to fly. She felt so bad, but had enjoyed watching and following their growth, as I did, vicariously, from nearly 3,000 miles away. Source: My Sister who lives on Camano Island, WA By ljf from Theodore, AL Contest Contender!
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If you have some clean cans and some strong bulldog clips, you can have a catch all to keep handy. Just put the clip everywhere the tins meet, and fill evenly with things like I did. I put in office, tool, and craft supplies. But, since this was just for show, you could use like things. Camping utensils, napkins, and plastic silverware. Stationary supplies like pens, markers, and such. Art brushes, scissors and paint tubes. Craft hooks and needles, a small skein of yarn or pattern books. Beauty supplies like emery boards, tubes of creams or items for skin and bug protection. Screwdrivers, pliers, and small tools. The nice thing about this is you can throw it together for a special project or event, then put things away when you finish or get home. Keep the cans together or separate for later. If you find the right box or tub, you can do this without the clips, by just setting them inside. I can tell you that a 6.5 by 6.5 inch box is perfect for four cans, so you can plan accordingly. Got a big picnic? Set this, as big as you need it, on one end of the table for all your utensils. Fixing the house up? Set this up in the center of the project area and keep all phillips in one, flat heads in another and so on. Art project in the future? How handy would this be for all the same colored markers, florescent and crayons, art brushes, foam brushes and more to stay organized? You can leave them uncovered for the "unfancy" event, or decorate or paint them for picnics, parties, or BBQ, etc. If you have smaller things to put in them, but don't want to have to dig, just put the smaller things in a yogurt cup and it will set in the top just about perfect. N-JOY! Source: I used cans a lot for separating things in the medicine cabinet and inside cupboards, so I thought why not take them out and see what can be done with them separately and together! By Poor But Proud from Salem OR Contest Contender!
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CoCo is a 1 1/2 year old pin min and chihuahua mix. In December of 2007, a co-worker's daughter's dog had a litter of pups to give away. She loves to play with other dogs and grand-daughters. CoCo looks forward playing with Alason and Arianna. It's like having 3 small children. Her favorite dog friend is a black lab across the street named Lady. By Cathy from Lewistown MD 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!
Here is a Kitten Formula better than any you can buy! I found a new recipe for Kitten Formula for newborn and too young kittens that don't have a mother from Best Friends Magazine the May/June 2009 edition. It is about the Best Friends Sanctuary and it is a great formula for kittens:
Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. A kitten should eat 7 -15 CC's per feeding. Warm by placing a bottle of the mixture in a bowl of hot water. Source: Best Friends Magazine By Robyn Fed from Hampton TN Contest Contender!
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I have developed the following housecleaning schedule after years of trying to do it all every day and winding up with not much getting done any day! I've been using this schedule now for a couple of years and it works great. It's easily adjustable to fit anyone's home. Also if a day has to be missed, I either let it go till next week or pick it up the next day, depending on how I feel. (By the way when I say Roomba, that's my vacuum). General CleaningMonday: Kitchen
Tuesday: Living Room
Wednesday: Master Bedroom
Thursday: Small Bathroom
Friday: Master Bathroom
Saturday: Craft Room
Sunday: Corner Bedroom
Thorough Cleaning (done every 6-8 weeks)Monday: Kitchen
Tuesday: Living Room
Wednesday: Master Bedroom
Thursday: Small Bathroom
Friday: Master Bathroom
Saturday: Craft Room
Sunday: Corner Bedroom
By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC
Contest Contender!
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Create a Personalized Recipe Card Template One of the things I always loved about collecting recipes was the pretty recipe sharing cards you wrote your recipe on. They gave your shared recipe that "personal touch"! In this computer age, most are typed. I hated sharing a recipe with no cute "frills", and found the recipe card templates awkward to use, so I created a cute top boarder template to use for all of my recipes. On Microsoft Word, I created a top boarder, and found a few cute clip art pieces to place with it, and then saved it. Now when I have a recipe to copy for my folders, or to send out and share, I copy and paste it onto my unique and easy to use recipe card to share, Walla! A recipe card with a personalized touch! By Jamie from Minneapolis, MN Contest Contender!
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Need a funnel in a pinch? Cut off the bottom of a 2 liter or 1/2 liter bottle. This works great, and only costs 10 cents (which is the deposit price in Michigan). You can make it as tall or short as you want. By melmarr from Michigan Contest Contender!
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Attach Coupons to Products as a Reminder I do not use many coupons. However, the ones I do keep, I would forget them when I went to the store. I found a way to help me. I simply tape the coupon on the item in the cupboard. Then when it's gone, I grab the coupon and put it with my grocery list. The dog food I take out of the box and store in a canister type container. Therefore, I tape the coupon to the outside of that can. I tape the coupon for my vitamins on the inside of the cupboard where they sit. The bottle is too small to tape coupon to it. I also have short hair and only use 1/2 a tube of hair color. I tape on the inside of the door in the vanity the measurements I need for splitting the portions when coloring my hair. That way I do not have try to read the small print on the tube and figure out 1/2 portions of color and 1/2 portion of developer. I also tape from the hair color box the color and product I use inside the door. I know it by heart but you never know when I may forget. By Little Suzy from Ohio Contest Contender!
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I play online scrabble and one of the ladies who knows I like thriftyfun.com gave me an emergency tip. She ran out of Clorox Cleanup so she put 1/4 cup of Clorox in a spray bottle with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, she then filled the bottle with water. She says it's as good as, if not better than the product which costs about 4 bucks a bottle. This one costs pennies. Source: From leigh5258 who plays scrabble at Internet Scrabble Club. She said I could share this. By MartyD from Houston, Tx Contest Contender!
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Use Square Basin to Store Plastic Lids Use a large square basin to put plastic storage container lids into in your kitchen. You can then stack your containers inside each other. When you need a lid, you go right to your bin and find what you need. It's neat storage so they're not falling out all over the place and you don't clutter up your cabinets and you always know where to find them all. By ssnotary from Loretto, PA Contest Contender!
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Store Party Drinks In Your Washer If you need to keep a large amount of canned beverages cold for a party, use your top load washing machine. Fill the top load washer with ice and your canned beverages. Keep the lid closed. When you're done, drain the washer. Source: My sister By mkymlp from NE PA Contest Contender!
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Clean Lint Trap To Improve Dryer Efficiency Here's a tip I got from my repairman when he came to do the yearly maintenance on my clothes dryer. He said to take the lint screen out of the dryer and get all the lint off of it. Then take it to the sink and run water over it. Most likely the water will bead up on it. If it does, then do the following: squirt some dish soap on it (Dawn is best for this). Then take a scrub brush and wet it and scrub the screen all over on both sides. Rinse well, dry and put back in the dryer. He said to do this about once a month, but I usually do it once a week. It only takes a couple of minutes to do, but it will prolong the life of your dryer by years. Plus it'll save on your electric bill because it won't take so long to dry things. I've been doing this for 2 years now and my 12 year old dryer is running like a new one! By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43170069.tip.html
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Rate It: Consumer Awareness When Choosing Doctor Be a good consumer when looking for a doctor. We did not realize that, since the surgeon we selected for my husband's surgery is affiliated with a hospital, each visit was charged to us as an emergency room visit because the hospital does the billing. A $50 copay turned into a $550 surgery. Neither the hospital or the Medicare type insurance company will adjust the bill. While we are grateful for the insurance this unexpected amount is something that we are struggling to pay off. So, as the call center employee said, "It's the patient's responsibility to be aware of the costs." (And yes, I'm writing everyone in the companies and government to see what can be done.) By frazzled Leslie from Metairie, LA Contest Contender!
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I rescued a stray dog, we really love him, but he chews everything in sight. Need help to cure this so we can keep him. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97338607.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 3 month old puppy who tries to bite me whenever I take her food bowl or any object she may have in her mouth or near her. Can anyone please give me some advise on how I may be able to stop this? I have children and I don't want them to get bitten. By LYZZYB from Clacton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90231555.tip.html
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Rate It: What products can be used on a pop up trailer canvas By Redsoxsharvey from Bristol, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39102498.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you stain a concrete floor? By jcmid2 from Germantown, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61804563.tip.html
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Rate It: I have good natural homemade recipes for bites and stings. Can anyone help with a natural recipe for prevention of mosquito bites? By h.arnott from Manchester, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91174728.tip.html
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Rate It: I am fostering two baby kittens about 8-9 weeks for our local humane society. I have had them for about two weeks. I plan to adopt them once they have had their shots and are spayed. They are both female and will not use the litter box. I have been keeping them in the bathroom to confine their mess. They are small and if I let them roam the house I may not find their little pee spots. I noticed that they are unrolling the toilet paper and will potty on it, so I tried putting some toilet paper in their box and they still won't touch it. The box is small so they can easily get in it. I really don't know what to do. I thought it was instinctual for cats to use a litter box. By tiffcamchloe from Fredericksburg, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf531285.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I remove red juice stains from carpet? By kimw67 from VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85000279.tip.html
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Rate It: My cat peed in my plant. Is there a way to get rid of the smell without re-potting? By vkmcgee2 from AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74171250.tip.html
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Rate It: My 13 year old daughter wants a boyfriend. Should I let her? By mommy101 from Cincinnati, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45343323.tip.html
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Rate It: I am 60 and my hair is thinning. Would anyone have a treatment for this? By H. Arnott from Manchester, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89762873.tip.html
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Rate It: I love making homemade skin care products. I would like to know where I could buy online, some pretty little jars and bottles for gifts to give to friends? By h.arnott from Manchester, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59641888.tip.html
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Rate It: Steam Mop Leaves Water on Floor I have purchased a steam mop and I notice that it leaves more water on the floor than I would like. Any tips on using the steam mop with less water results? By grandmasusan from Atikokan, ON Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37318835.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Semi Permanent Hair Color Will Dawn remove semi permanent hair color? By Genie47 from Spokane, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38392964.tip.html
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Rate It: Best Mattress for Back Problems What is the best and most affordable mattress for people with back problems? By LisaKay from Stanford, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76394485.tip.html
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Rate It: 50th Class Reunion Award Suggestion I need an award suggestion for a 50 year class reunion. By bluedevil59 from Warren, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14563781.tip.html
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Rate It: Scratch and Dent Appliance Stores I just moved to Greensboro, NC and I have heard a lot about scratch and dent stores for appliances such as washer and dryers and TVs, etc. What are some stores that have scratch and dent appliances? By ccri2369 from Greensboro, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17188604.tip.html
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Rate It: I am trying to find "Ocean Pine" pine oil cleaner. Their office is in Shreveport, LA and is named Ocean Coffee Co.. I called them to request to purchase from them since the only store I know of is not supplied by their distributor. I don't know if there is a store anywhere near me, but I would gladly order it from wherever needed. Thank you. By Nellie from Stigler, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97924585.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing Sewing Machine Reverse Switch My sewing machine's reverse switch is creating problems in sewing. It moves all the time in and outside. Would any one help me in correcting this? By Saimeen from VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57994999.tip.html
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Rate It: I have been suffering from post nasal drip for the last 3 weeks. I am currently using a nasal wash (saline), Vicks Vapour Rub, a decongestant cough syrup, garlic, C and Horseradish tablets (Nature's Own), and I have also started drinking a lot more water. The symptoms seem to have reduced a little, but I still have the lump in my throat which is very annoying and frustrating. I find it hard to sleep sometimes, although laying down seems to make it feel a lot better than sitting up. I was using a nasal spray as well which I used for approximately 2 weeks, but I found was making me feel worse. I find talking a lot seems to make it a lot worse as well, which makes it hard considering I work as a Customer Service Representative. Can anyone recommend anything else for me to try? Thanks. By Mel585 from Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48783859.tip.html
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Rate It: What color should I paint my kitchen cabinets? What color should I paint my kitchen cabinets? I have black granite countertops, stainless backsplash and a butcherblock built in table/bar? By erice from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72825790.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Dye Transfer on Colored Clothing I washed colored laundry and had a blue towel in with them. Now all my colored laundry has blue spots on them. My children wear these clothes alot. How can I get the blue dye out of my colored clothes? By happygirl0923 from Lawrenceburg, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12756498.tip.html
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Rate It: My daughter dropped half the plastic toilet paper roll holder down the toilet. Now of course the toilet will not flush. Is there any way to clear the toilet with out taking the toilet apart or calling a plumber? My husband is dreading the possibility of taking the toilet apart. Looking for some help. By pumy from Cleveland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf251786.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing a MTD Riding Lawn Mower I changed the top part of Bendix on the starter of my MTD riding lawn mower, because it wasn't spinning the flywheel. Then after reinstalling the solenoid, which was just clicking I changed it too. But it is still just clicking. What else could be wrong? By Bill W. 1968 from Croswell, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37025310.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Patio Umbrella into Half Umbrella How do I convert a patio umbrella into a half umbrella? By ticapet20 from Boynton Beach, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79675014.tip.html
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Rate It: I received feedback from a fellow ThriftyFun reader. She had mentioned carpet cleaning in a dry cleaning method. Do you have any idea who would do that? I checked around today and no big name places in our area had ever heard of anything like that. I have tried Stanley Steamer before, but my carpet was soaked when they left. Just curious. Thanks again for all your help. By on no! from Fort Wayne, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13890829.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get ketchup out of carpet? By sandra4397 from Omaha, NE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83701263.tip.html
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Rate It: Singer Magic Steam Press Trips the Fuses I have a Singer Magic Steam Press 7 and when it heats up it keeps tripping the fuses in the house. Anyone got any idea of why this is happening? By exswanage from Channel Islands Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50800672.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Oil Based Paint from Washer I accidentally washed a white towel with oil-based paint on it with a load of towels. Now my towels and washer have oil-based paint all over them. How can I get rid of the paint on the inside my washer? Help. By darmac from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65247999.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Oil Based Paint from Laundry I accidentally washed a white towel with oil-based paint on it with a load of towels. Now my towels and washer have oil-based paint all over them. How can I get rid of the paint on the towels? Help. By darmac from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18243896.tip.html
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Rate It: I have white laminate kitchen cupboards and the material on the back of the cupboard is coming loose. I would like to remove it and put something in its place. Any suggestions? These are low grade particle board cabinets and I can't afford to replace them yet. Any ideas? By beeboo from Brooksville, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96361091.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:
My Frugal Life: What Works For Me What works for me? Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71931713.tip.html
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