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Hello,
In this week's TF News we published tips sent in from readers about Saving Money in 2006. If you aren't a subscriber to the TF News, be sure to read the tips here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10447304.tip.html
We also have a new poll on the website: "Are you planning on saving more money this year?". Post your response here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34311017.tip.html
We won't be publishing a newsletter tomorrow but will be back on Monday. Have a great weekend.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
This is Kahlua. She was my Xmas gift from my daughter and son-in-law. She is an adorable little 6 wk. old chihuahua pup!
By Deb from Saginaw, MI
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Fancy Tea Party for a Birthday Party
The perfect birthday party for a 6 yr old was a tea party where all the girls dress up in fancy hats, dresses, high heels and of course put on your own make-up and jewelry. It was an evening the girls will never forget!
By Amy Bell from DeFuniak Springs, FL
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The best way for me to take photos of pets is next to a big window. It's always a good detraction, and you can control how much light comes threw, with filters and shutter speed.
By Paw Prints Pet Grooming from Sweethome Oregon
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Today's Tips
Stretching Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
When cooking macaroni and cheese out of the box, add a couple handfuls of plain elbow noodles to the boiling water. Follow the directions on the box using dry milk and water as a substitute for regular milk (have a cup made up and ready for such purposes kept in the fridge). The sauce made following the box directions should still be enough, if not add a tiny touch more milk. This always gives me atleast one extra serving!
By Debbie Ryan from Ontario, Canada
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Keeping Measuring Cups and Spoons Handy
I keep a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons on a short row of cup hooks on the inside of my kitchen cabinet door. They are easily visible when the door is opened and whats more important easily accessible. I think the inside of cabinet doors are perfect places for some items.
I also keep a set of baking measurements, pan size equivalents, etc. inside another cabinet door.
Saves searching cookbooks to find how many teaspoons make a tablespoon or how much a square pan holds compared to a round baking dish.
By PatsAZ from Arizona, in the desert
To keep measuring spoons handy, I placed a magnet with a hook on the side of my stove and on the side of my refrigerator. I hang a pair of measuring spoons on the hook and I always know where they are and I don't have to rummage through the kitchen drawers when I needed measuring spoons. By WandaJo from Tennessee
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I have kitties that love to romp and play after breakfast in the morning. I just couldn't keep them from getting into my trinkets around the house, so I opted to make a simple little toy box from a cardboard box from my local grocery store. I filled it with little toys such as little balls with bells inside, some have soft velvety cloth around the outside in tiger stripes, little toy mouses in a six pak, which by the way teaches the little ones to keep the predators away, and they love paper that makes noise rolled up in a ball, and maybe one or two with catnip for a little treat, all of which you can buy at your local grocery store, or Wal Mart.
You can decorate the outside of a box with your favorite left over material from old clothing or just plain news paper with cartoons as they love colors or something soft and velvety if you have older kitties as they like to snuggle, or something of a thick material like a piece of left over carpet which entices the young and old to scratch on and that keeps them from scratching up your home as they like to mark their territory. My kitties love their toy box and the great selection they have to pick from. The downside? You might have to go around and gather them all up, after all their just kids ya know!
By Suzee from Vanderpool Texas
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After spending 3-1/2 hours enduring the long lines, surly clerks and insane regulations at the department of motor vehicles, a lady stopped at a toy store to pick up a gift for her son. She brought her selection - a baseball bat - to the cash register.
"Cash or charge?" the clerk asked.
"Cash," she snapped. Then, apologizing for her rudeness, she explained, "I've spent the afternoon at the Dept. of Motor-Vehicle Bureau."
"Shall I gift wrap the bat?" the clerk asked sweetly. "Or are you going back there?"
By Terri from NV
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I have a hook in the corner of my bathroom that holds my robe. When I finish my shower I put on my terry cloth robe and by the time I dry my legs my body is dry too. Then I complete my bath routine, hair, face, body lotion. When I leave the bathroom my robe is back on the hook and I get dressed. Saves me time and energy which is good since I have been ill. Hope this helps someone else.
By PatAZ from Arizona, in the desert
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Treating Ink Before Laundering
If you ever get any ink on your clothing, you can remove it by spraying hair spray on it and then gently rubbing it with an old toothbrush. Then just laundry as usual. You have to do this first, before the stain goes through the dryer. Otherwise, the heat will set the stain.
By Lynn from Kansas
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Getting Rid of Ants on the Patio
Trouble with ants on your patio or yard? Just peel a cucumber and spread the peels around the deck or over the patio, you don't have to cover the whole area just scatter them. Fresh peelings every day and they should be gone in 2 to 3 days, depending on how bad they are. This is also very safe for pets.
By Hal Foster from Calgary Alberta
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Getting Your Priorities Straight
I've put this under "Frugal Living", as anytime you can save yourself money down the road or later in life, I figure it's being frugal with your money. My tip is:
I have a pal who doesn't think anything of playing the slot machines. I don't know how much she and her husband "invest" in slots or poker machines, but it's a "hobby". She talks about her back hurting several times a year. I've suggested her getting a massage, but she won't do it as, "it's too expensive". I think sometimes that people don't have their priorities straight.
First priority should be to her own health. Why not "invest" in her own health, instead of some slot machine. Not only would a massage be a great feeling, but it might help her back pains, as well as her circulation and general well being, heart and soul.
If you're ever indecisive on a gift idea for someone, a massage is a great way to go. It'll be money well spent. I know, a good friend gave me one for my birthday, last year. I've started going once a week, and since going there, I've been able to quit going to the chiropractor and my primary Dr. has commented in how well I'm coming along (the power of prayer, also helps immensely). Be good to yourself, as well as others. As long as you're in good health, you have the world in your hands.
By Terri from NV
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Contest ends January 31, 2005
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New Requests
I was wondering if you have any advice about using empty wine bottles for stuff around the house.
Thanks,
Renee
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During a recent snow storm heavy a neighbor kid shoveled snow off the roof of a low porch area at my house. I discovered later that 3 asphalt roof shingles were broken. I used some roof cement that could be put on with a trowl but it now looks like they were framed like a picture, surrounded by the cement. Is there a way to get some of the cement off without making it looking worse?
Thanks for any advice or help.
Anne from Lewistom, Maine
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I have a vinyl graphic on both sides of my BMW but I want to mark it out with tape, then take the actual vinyl off and spray it on. I would like advice on the best way to do this as I do not wish to mess it up. Please let me know the best way to go about it and what is the best paint to use. Should I use any primer or sand the area down? Do I need to put a lacquer on afterwards?
Also, the paint on the wing on my passenger side has faded abit and I would like to get it back to the same colour as the rest of the car. If you could advise me on the best way to do these this I would be grateful. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Kerry
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I love scented candles, but some name brands are very expensive. Has anyone used less expensive candles with good results? Also, I love your site, and I would like to thank everyone who replied to my previous requests on other topics! The information I received has been very helpful. If there are any candle lovers out there, I would welcome their replies.
Thanks,
P.J. from Delaware
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Does anyone know the legalities of rainchecks? We have a store here that routinely runs out of "sale" items -- none of which are posted "until supplies last." When I ask for a raincheck, I am told, "We don't give them out." They used to tell me to, "Tell the cashier the next time you are in the store," leaving it up to me to (1) remember, (2) bring in the store ad to prove the price the next time I shop, (3) prove that I bought at least $15.00 worth of groceries to get the special price, and (4) fight with the cashier.
Several cashiers have told me that the store owner tells them not to honor the old sale price. But now they refuse to give a raincheck and refuse to honor the price at a later date either. I already shop at this store as little as possible, but live in a small community with few other choices. So my question is, "Is this legal?". If it isn't, who do I contact to get the problem looked into? Obviously, the store owner cares only about his bottom line.
Susan from AR
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I have what appears to be orange spots and run marks on the outside of my garage door at the top. I thought it was rust but it is not coming out where the nails and screws are. My garage door is white and just barely 2 years old. It goes all the way across the top and has run lines about 12 inches long and runs all the way down on both edges. Has anyone ever encountered this problem or know what it is and how to remove it? So far, I have tried ammonia, Awesome, CLR, hydrogen peroxide, Clorox Cleanup and Windex. It seems to be cleaning the garage door but the spots and runs aren't budging!
suzi_homemaker01 from Central Texas
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My Pomeranian has dry itchy skin. She just had blood tests run and everything was ok. The vet gave me some shampoo for her but I'm wondering if I should be adding some oil or something else to her diet to help also. She is 10 years old. She eats mainly dry dogfood.
Karen from Bakersfield, CA
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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean a burnt Revere stainless steel pan (burnt from cooking oatmeal). I can't seem to get the black off the bottom of the pan. I have tried to soak it in water and cream of tartar - that barely made a dent on the burnt bottom.
Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!
Cnil from No CA
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More Reading:
Snowbound!
By Steve Goodier
It was the heart of winter. A raging blizzard left the white stuff piled 30 inches deep - and deeper where wind had blown it into drifts. We were stranded in our mountain cabin for days. But with schools and businesses all closed due to the storm, where would we go even if we could have left?
I shoveled heavy, wet snow all day long. My back, arms and shoulders ached. I shoveled more the next day. But while I shoveled, I thought, "I can either grumble all day long or use the time to learn important life lessons." So I gave thanks and learned a few things about tough times in the process.
First, I was thankful that we received much-needed moisture. Sure, it came all at once, but after the summer's drought it was needed more than ever. There is usually some good in every problem. Look for it.
Second, I was thankful I was able to work. I had good health and the fresh air probably did me more good than a typical sedentary day. Be thankful you can solve problems! Only dead people are without difficulties.
I was also thankful that the snow was temporary. Problems may come, but it helps to remember that they almost always pass, too. Months from now your problem may be no more than a distant memory.
Finally, I was thankful for neighbors who helped one another clear a road to their homes. Adversity brought us together. Too many weeks had passed without much more contact than a nod or a wave -- but those days we talked. Can your problems bring you closer to other people?
You've got problems? Be thankful!
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How To Make New Year's Decorating Resolutions Come True (On a Budget!)
By Kathy Wilson
Many of us welcome the New Year with resolutions to make changes in our lives. At least some of the changes ought to involve your creative pursuits! And what's more creative than learning to create a warm comfortable home for your loved ones while saving money! (Another resolution I bet is on your list!) Here are the 7 best decorating resolutions for those needing to save some cash this year, to get your list started!
1. Resolve to make a plan!
The best rooms, even ones decorated on a very tight budget, need a plan. You wouldn't write a story without a plot, would you?
2. Start a decorating notebook.
You can just pick up a cheap notebook from the discount store, and use it to keep ideas, samples, and magazine clippings as you create your plan. If you are decorating more than one room, use dividers and have a section for each room. Now use your notebook! Write down favorite styles, tear our pictures from magazines of rooms or paint finishes or fabric you like, use colored pencils to work up different color combinations. Try furniture combinations and arrangements on paper first, and print out project instructions from the internet. When you finally have a plan you like, you will know just what you need!
3. Give your decorating project a name.
Most people don't decorate in one particular style; it's usually an eclectic mix. It may help you keep your direction to give your room style a name that represents the important facets of your style. For instance, my family room is "Casually Elegant Rustic Garden" and my kid's bath is "Bright, Playful, Contemporary". That way, if you are ever tempted to pick up that roman statue for your "Country Americana" family room, you might simply consult your style name to find that it probably isn't a good fit.
4. Add color!
So many people are afraid to add color to their rooms. Paint and fabric can both be very affordable. If you are just starting to use color in a room, here are two easy guidelines. First, White plus one color always works! Think blue and white, red and white, or sunny yellow and white schemes. Never fail! So pick your favorite color, add white in approximately a 60/40 ratio, and you've succeeded in adding color to your room! If you are a little braver, you can add three colors easily. First, make sure all three colors have the same intensity. That is to say, they are all equally muted, or equally bright. Then, add them to the room in the following ratio, 60/30/10. Usually the brightest or strongest color will be the accent, and the 10% of the room, and the lightest color will cover 60%but feel free to experiment. Use each color in at least three places interspersed throughout the room, and you will have color, style, and balance!
5. Mix things up!
Had the couch in the same place for years? Try it on the diagonal, or jutting out into the room to create conversation areas. Try the dresser you never use from the guest room as a linen chest in the dining room. Or mount a small bookcase to the wall with anchors and use as a display shelf for your china. Look at the things you already own in new ways, and you'll be surprised at the freshness in your rooms!
6. Put some of yourself in your rooms.
Try a new craft or project, and proudly display your creativity in your home. Learn to stencil, and stencil some inspirational quotes over doorways. Paint and old wooden fence board like an antique market sign, and hang it in your kitchen. Start a collection of inexpensive objects such as tea cups or antique postcards, and display them as a group. Let your rooms share some of yourself with the people who share your life!
7. Utilize the internet to help you achieve your decorating goals.
You can receive ideas, tips, and ebooks from online sites such as TheBudgetDecorator.com, or you can even get a custom decorating plan made up for you at their website. Furniture arrangement programs help you to find that perfect arrangement without moving a stick of furniture first! A good one is the room planner at HGTV.com . BenjaminMoore.com has a great program that allows you to try out paint colors before you buy!
Making your house a home despite your desire to save money need not be a faraway dream; it can be part of the changes you make for the New Year, with the help of The Budget Decorator!
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