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Volume Six, Number 136, July 17, 2007 (Read It Online) We have lots of new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. We also have an update about the Veggie Booty recall in the More Reading section. 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:
Add a bow if you like and hang. By Carol from Massachusetts
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Rate It: Here are some crochet projects that I made. By Neneth from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Rate It: This is a photo of Jake and my son. He's sooo happy to be loved, he's smiling! Jake is a 4 year old Maltese. We got Jake from our aunt who saved him from a pet shelter in Florida and she was unable to care for him. She saw how I took such good care of him for her in grooming and bathing him for her! About a year ago, she decided he should come home to live with us so we raised the money and paid the deposit and brought him to live here so we could love him up!
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Rate It: I found this little cutie in my garden last night when I was weeding. So small I almost tossed him. Anyone know what he is? By Tracy from Battle Creek
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Rate It: We put in a river rock feature in our front yard last year; we added to it during the course of the year. The river rock came from my late sister's home in the Ozark Mountains; we added pea gravel around the feature. It has special meaning to me because of all the rock I gathered from my late sister's yard and surrounding area of her home. The fern in the back of the feature was from a cutting that my daughter gave me a few years ago; it has grown very large. There is a birdbath for the birds to splash in, ceramic frogs, a ceramic lizard, a resin frog balancing a gazing ball; there is a bench nearby where my husband and I can enjoy listening to trickling of the water over the rocks and the lights around the feature at night give it a soft glow. By WandaJo from Tennessee Here is Wanda's Water Feature at Christmas:
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Rate It: Here is a picture of my beautiful daughter
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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!
Reuse Laptop Carrying Cases For Craft Projects Do you have a laptop that is not working anymore? Save that case! Especially the type of case that unzips all the way to lay flat, and is lined with a flannel-like material. Those are great for organizing your craft supplies. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72477061.tip.html
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Rate It: MySpace, It's not just for kids! As a single mother of three now grown at with homes of their own, sometimes life can get pretty lonely. The day I discovered ThriftyFun was a real pleasure for me. Computers have opened the door for many a lonely person. Granted there are risks of giving personal information, just don't do it! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73651337.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Crochet Hooks Easier to Handle To make crocheting easier for people with arthritis or other joints and muscle aches, slip a large bead over the handle of the smaller crochet hook to grip onto rather than trying to hold the tiny needle. This also might work for ink pens or pencils if you can find macrame beads large enough. If you can't find beads, try rolling paper or foil and securing it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61480035.tip.html
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Rate It: When you get a new shower curtain, if there's nothing much wrong with your old one, keep it. It can be used as a drop cloth for a painting project. Use to lay yard sale items on, or as a tarp to cover items with, in your garage, in your yard, or in the back of your truck. You might come up with other ideas on using it than I have, as well. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36634058.tip.html
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Rate It: I love this idea of prepared-in-advance, individual servings for a child but mostly for introducing all sorts of healthy new veggies, fruits, and grains to a child, all the way up to age 4 or maybe even 5. I am suggesting to allow the child in on the making of their OWN left-overs-in the muffin tins, and with some on toast squares, some with rice mixtures, some with noodles, some with potato "nests", and a few with potatoes/layered veggies. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84770783.tip.html
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Rate It: How To House Train Your Puppy Without A Crate Crate training seems to be all the rage these days although it's relatively new. Possibly because more people are spending more time away from home. Both spouses working and so on. It's trendy, I suppose. But in the not too distant past, people house trained their dogs successfully without a crate. Crates are useful for transporting and to keep your pet safe in certain instances. But in my estimation, not such a good way to house train an animal who will likely be spending his entire life with you. Yes, this may be just opinion but I have house trained all my dogs successfully and they have never been in a crate. It is such a sweet and wonderful time having a new puppy in the house. But please, before you get him, do research, inform yourself on what his needs are. Do some research even to find what kind of dog will fit best in your home and lifestyle; high energy, low energy, loyalty to small children and so on. The more time you spend picking out a dog makes it better for all concerned. Of course if he is a rescue and needs you right away, just be sure you are prepared to make a few sacrifices and to be very understanding. For those of us who rescue dogs it doesn't feel like a sacrifice but there are families who are not so prepared to deal with soiled carpets, chewed things, including people, inappropriate barking and all the other things that can come along with a dog whose needs haven't been met. It is between you and your family to honestly decide if you are willing to embrace a new animal and do what is needed to meet his needs and your own. Make an active effort to have a responsible person around the home for at least a week or two at all times when your puppy first comes to your house. The more time you can spend with him when he is little ensures that he can be a safe, happy and well adjusted adult dog. Puppies don't have very big bladders and can pee a lot of times in a day. Which is great for training. If you notice him circling and sniffing the floor you can be relatively certain he is thinking about going for a pee. Gently pick him up and take him outside. He may lose interest in peeing once he gets outside, but be patient. If and when he does let him know how pleased you are, Lots of praise and lots of love. Sometimes he will totally forget about peeing and you can let him back inside--but watch him closely and repeat going outside when he starts to sniff and circle. If you take him to the same place outside he will quickly learn from the puddles he has already made that this is a good place to pee. That's what he is looking for when he is sniffing the floor. Accidents do happen though with puppies. If you catch him in the act, gently pick him up, don't say "good dog/bad dog", just suggest that we should go outside. Likely he's done but give him 5 minutes outside and don't play with him at those times. Play time is for after he pees. Poops. Right after meal time is poopie time. And you will see him doing the poop squat. Of course take him outside right after eating if you can, love and praise for a job well done. He might go poopie other times too. just watch him. It's like having a toddler around the house. If he does have an accident, don't make a big deal about it. I find the SpotBot is great for such things. But any spot cleaner will be useful. Take the dog outside, don't reprimand. And deal with the mess later. Ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior. Your puppy is motivated by wanting to please you. And he really is just a little kid--so be understanding. Watch the look on his face and the waggle in his tail when you tell him what a good dog he is. He loves it! And will do almost anything to get it. Teach him what behaviors will get the "good dog" approval. If you must be away from home when he is new to your house, well I feel sorry for him. He has just lost his mother and his siblings if he had any and now he has to spend the day alone? And to add insult to this still is it fair to stick him in a crate? People often fail to realize what a big deal it is for the puppy. You could confine him to a puppy safe room and do what you can to paper train him in the same way you would for outside, then move the papers outside as he gets bigger. A dog will suffer and bear a lot of things because he loves you. But he has needs and as a responsible and loving dog companion, you can make the commitment to give him the love and patience he needs when he is little so that you can be assured that you warrant the abundance of love he gives you. A lot of dogs end up in shelters with behavior problems because people failed to educate themselves on the needs of these beautiful animals before they got them. Animal shelters are sad places. And good heavens, dogs are such loyal, responsive, smart and loving animals. Dogs are not born with behavior problems. And since it is us humans who are bringing dogs into our homes, it is up to us to teach them responsibly and with respect and love for the wonderful creatures that they are. By Sheraone from Ontario Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88123974.tip.html
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Rate It: If I'm running into a store for just a few things I will think of the words for each item I need, then with the starting letter from each word make a new word. For example if I need rice, bread, icecream, and donuts. I will use the word "bird". Then I'll repeat I need bird, bird, bird, B is for bread, I is for icecream R is for rice etc. Strange, but it works, especially if there isn't a note pad or pen around. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf381545.tip.html
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Rate It: Using the Crockpot to Keep Food Warm Make sure when entertaining to use your crockpot to heat up side dishes such as canned veggies, or use it to keep mashed potatoes or a soup warm. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf300850.tip.html
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Rate It: Saving on Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash With Pump Containers Here's a simple method to use less shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Transfer the shower products into pump containers (empty hand soap dispensers work great). Each push is a measured amount that prevents waste. This is especially great for kids that tend to use large blobs of products when bathing. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf101099.tip.html
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Rate It: 18 Baking Tips: Cakes, Icing and Cookies 18 frugal and time saving tips for baking cakes and cookies. 1. Add a pinch of baking powder to powdered sugar homemade icing. It will help it stay moist and not crack. 2. If you have time, freeze the layers of your cake before frosting. It makes your frosting job much easier and no crumbs. 3. Frosting will look more professional if you first frost with a think layer and let it set. Then apply a second coat of frosting. 4. After adding batter to your cake pans, tip slightly from side to side to level the dough and put a little on the sides of the pan. When the cake rises, it will make a flatter layer. 5. Form drop cookies by dropping them on a cookie sheet and then press them with the bottom of a water glass dipped in sugar. 6. Preserve the creamy texture of frozen cheesecake by thawing it in the refrigerator for 12 hours. 7. Dip your cookie cutter in slightly warm salad oil for a cleaner cut. 8. Quick frosting can be made by adding a little chocolate syrup to prepared whipped topping. (Cool whip type) 9. Sprinkle powdered sugar on each layer of your cake before filling or frosting. This will keep the filling from soaking through the cake. 10. Uncooked spaghetti is great to use instead of toothpicks for holding a cake together while waiting for the icing to set. 11. Uncooked spaghetti works well to light birthday candles. 12. Substitute two egg whites stiffly beaten for each whole egg in a recipe for lower cholesterol. 13. Add a pinch of salt to the sugar and your icing won't become grainy. 14. Use cocoa instead of flour to "flour" your baking pans so your cakes and cookies won't have that floury look. 15. Trace the bottom of your baking pan onto waxed paper and cut it out. Use this in the bottom of the pan and grease the sides like normal. When the cake is done, it comes out easily and the paper can be removed while the cake is still warm. 16. Roll the dough directly onto a greased and floured cookie sheet, cut the cookies out then pick up the scrap for thinner crispier dough. 17. Cookies wills stay moist if a slice of bread is placed in the cookie jar. 18. A pinch of salt added to chocolate dishes enhances the flavor. Do you have any baking tips? Post them below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf925771.tip.html
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How do you get ink markings out of a green velvet couch? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29283383.tip.html
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Rate It: Finding a Job in Southeast Idaho I am looking for jobs in southeast Idaho. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14602651.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Grape Vine Decorations How do you clean grape vine decorations? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18814574.tip.html
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Rate It: My daughter has just come back from a trip to New York and brought me back a bag of New York bagels. I put them in the freezer but I have no idea what to do with them. How do you eat them, toasted or no? Do you put fillings in between or just toppings on each half? I'm vegetarian, please could anybody tell me what to do with them? They are just plain bagels with poppy seeds on top. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67360429.tip.html
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Rate It: I recently bought a pair of shoes that I thought had rubber soles. I keep getting shocked on the doorknobs at work so they must not be rubber. I heard you can reduce or eliminate static shock with duct tape. I put some on the bottom of the shoes but it didn't help. Can anyone help me get rid of this shockingly irritating problem? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53089299.tip.html
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Rate It: I've been able to collect several unframed mirrors with a few chips and several wrong sizes. Before I spend time searching the Internet, has anyone had success in cutting mirror? I know it's silvered glass, and yet, the glass companies will NOT cut it for me, saying it's too risky with older mirrors. I've never even cut GLASS, but have seen it done. Any detailed suggestions or personal experience with secrets to cutting mirrored glass? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14954068.tip.html
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Rate It: Sewing Machine Patterns For Baby Moccasins Does anyone have patterns for baby moccasins that are sewn on a sewing machine? I have the normal moccasin patterns that you sew by hand. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10911948.tip.html
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Rate It: Which one would dry faster? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29186863.tip.html
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Rate It: Recipes For Rice Cookers Other Than Rice I am looking for recipes for my new rice cooker. Does anyone have any recipes besides rices? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91463401.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the easiest way to hang and center a 8x10 inch picture on a dry wall? I am trying to hang a picture but the nail keeps sliding out. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20790267.tip.html
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Rate It: I have fairly new oven in my apartment, but I was wondering about something. There is a fairly large drawer underneath the oven that can store pots and pans, are there certain pots, pans, racks or trays that I should or should not store underneath the oven? I'm asking because my girlfriend told me that putting items with Teflon coating would be damaged if I put them down there. What is the real deal here? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50849185.tip.html
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Rate It: How To Make A Child's Play Crown Does anyone have a pattern or set of instructions to make a child's crown (for dressing up, etc.)? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36317640.tip.html
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Rate It: Decorating Tables For A Buffet I'm having a buffet party.How do I decorate the dining tables since the plates,napkins,silverware,etc will be on the buffet table. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35785214.tip.html
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Rate It: Bird Feed Mix With Seeds, Nuts And Fruit? I have 3 bird feeders in my garden, the birds go through the seed very quickly. Does anyone have a mix of seed that they make from bulk seeds and nut and dried fruit. We get woodpeckers, finches, songbirds, blue jays and cardinals Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60312522.tip.html
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Rate It: My grand daughter has decided she is now a vegetarian and seems to be pretty committed to it. Does anyone have any quick, easy recipes I can make for her? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10288616.tip.html
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Rate It: My puppy left an awful stain on my carpet! I've cleaned it up and even shampooed the spot but there is still a dark stain. Any ideas how to remove it? It's already dried and I'm not sure what to use. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86397784.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventing English Ivy From Climbing On Trees I have read all the info on getting rid of English ivy and the salt, vinegar and soap sound good. My problem is, is that I can get rid of the ivy surrounding my fence but beyond my fence is what is called "common ground" between my house and the house below me and there is a lot of common ground that is completely full of the ivy. Since it is common ground, no one wants to take care of it but it is in my view. What do I do with that much ivy so that it doesn't keep coming onto my property? Do I spray the whole thing or just spray what is surrounding my house? I have a beautiful view of the mountains beyond the common ground but the ivy keeps climbing up the trees and hangs from tree limb to limb and looks terrible. Do I just spray the salt/vinegar solution around the trees so the ivy doesn't grow there anymore or will it hurt the trees (these are big trees) What do I do? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45445459.tip.html
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Rate It: Craft Ideas For Plaster Of Paris Any ideas for crafts using Plaster of Paris? I have a container left over from a sculpture mold project. I am doing a slumber party this fall for my 7 year old daughter. Maybe we could make a craft with the party guests from Plaster of Paris? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79749881.tip.html
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Rate It: Birthday Package Ideas For Navy Husband Overseas My Husband is in the US Navy, and his birthday is August 13th. He is overseas and will be back in November. I need some good gift ideas. I want to send him a package, i just don't know what to send him. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63149483.tip.html
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Rate It: Mixing Sand Into Floor Paint For Better Traction The concrete porch floor on our 82 year old house had been painted. We put carpet on it when we bought the house but it has now died and so I've scraped the chipped paint, put 2 coats of Kilz primer and 1 coat porch and floor paint on it. (Valspar brand, satin finish from Lowes). Planned on another coat but I stepped out after a big rain yesterday and see that the porch floor is going to be dangerous in the winter snow and ice. It is slick in just rain. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71139843.tip.html
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Rate It: What is good to get rid of plantar warts? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65867759.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing WD40 From Dried Clothing I tried using WD40 as a first step in removing crayon that melted onto clothes in the dryer. When I put the wet wash in the dryer, no stains were visible. I was dismayed to take out the dry clothes which now have large blotches wherever WD40 had been applied. Is there any hope for these clothes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48488091.tip.html
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Rate It: I have misplaced my Chocolate Roll Cake recipe. I have surfed different web sites and none of the recipes sound familiar. My recipe used a cream cheese filling. Does anyone have this recipe? Thanks for your help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66810321.tip.html
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Rate It: McCormick Mediterranean Pasta Mix Recipe Does anyone know the ingredients for McCormick Mediterranean pasta mix? It has been discontinued and my family loves that pasta salad. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70834092.tip.html
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Rate It: Need a recipe for a good sudsing cheap homemade dishwashing soap recipe. Please help guys, my mom thoroughly enjoys washing dishes but we live on a shoestring budget. I would like to be able to afford moms clean habit. Thanks to all. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10626011.tip.html
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Rate It: About a month ago, I adopted two 1 year old poms, one male and the other female. They were not housetrained and left outside all the time. Neither of them were altered. We have just had that procedure done for each. I understand that because the male was not neutered before he was six months old that we may have a tough time in housetraining him especially with him cocking his leg. Does anyone know how long it may take to housetrain (especially for the male)? Any help with this would be appreciated. Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34335595.tip.html
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Rate It: I'll be turning 17 this November, and I'm looking for ideas on a party. I'd like to have a big one, since I haven't had a birthday party in years. I'm thinking about renting out a hall and having a semi-formal/casual party. I want a DJ. And I'm in need of a theme. I don't want anything like Casino Night. I want something extremely original, but really fun. I want to have things that the guests will enjoy, too, maybe like a cotton candy machine or something like that. Any ideas? They're greatly appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf414502.tip.html
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Rate It: Once a peace lily leaves starts browning on the edges, will they continue to brown or will it eventually stop? What can I do to make sure that the new leaves don't start browning? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf948099.tip.html
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Rate It: Help. I have many shells that i would like to make into necklaces but I don't know how to drill a hole in them? Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf608196.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:
Update on Tainted Veggie Booty Snack Food - FDA Testing Confirms Presence of Salmonella Contamination
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77509259.tip.html
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Rate It: Managing Insect Pests in Vegetable Gardens Here are tips from the ThriftyFun community for managing insect pests in your vegetable garden.
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