Daily Thrifty Tips - December 11, 2008

What Have You Done To Save A Penny?

We have been asked to be on a call in radio show for the LA NPR on Friday, December 12th. They would like to know how far someone will go to save money. Post your unusual or funny stories about adopting a frugal lifestyle. You might hear them on the radio tomorrow.

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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.

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Craft Project: 2x4 Snowman

Snowman made from 2x4 inch piece of wood.

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Craft Project: Plastic Canvas Snowflakes

Cut Plastic Canvas Snowflakes with yarn and beads.

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Clever Ideas Using Photoshop

I am a graphic designer and an expert with Photoshop, my family expects a creative, homemade Christmas card every year. This is the one I did for 2007. I had only one santa hat so I had to take each of the kids photos at different times and put them together in Photoshop. I have them stand against a plain wall (no artwork on the wall) so it will be easier to "drop out" the background and use my own.

I designed this one for my daughter's 18th birthday. I googled People magazine covers, downloaded an image as something to go by and reset the magazine using photos of my daughter and my own captions. This was a big hit with everyone and I received numerous requests to do one for other people. Have fun!

This poster I did for my son for his birthday. He was on the HS football team that year and used the digital images from the teams website. I did this one in InDesign but you can use any page layout program. I then bought a real nice but inexpensive frame at Michaels. It will be something he can cherish forever.

By Tina from Rochester, NY

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Knifty Knitter Flower Loom

This I got on sale for $4.50, was 6 dollars. Totally worth it. It makes the cutest flowers in yarn or raffia. You are supposed to make three passes around the pegs but I used two different colors of yarn so was a total of 6 times around pegs and was so cute and they are so easy. One flower takes me about 5 minutes to make. I am adding them to the scarves I made with the Knifty Knitter spool loom. If you like to crochet or knit or even just want to add embellishments this is for you.

By Christina from Paducah, KY

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Craft Project: Crochet Gingerbread House
By Debra Frick

This project is a scrap yarn project. You need very little yarn to complete this project maybe an ounce of the main color and just scraps of the white yarn. At my local craft store I found lots of miniature tree ornaments that I put to use in this project plus I had some left over jewels from another project I had. This would be a great way to use up those tiny leftovers that you have from other craft projects. The milk container is standard issue at most schools. I just collected a bunch of empty ones and washed them out. So ask you child to bring you home some. I used hot glue to glue the roof and gable ends on. I know crochet purist will think it was cheating but it made for a better bond . Also it was faster. Most milk containers are about the same dimensions but you can measure your chain along the edges to make sure you have it big enough and add a few more rows if your container is bigger.

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Craft Project: Padded Fabric Stocking

Approximate Time: 30 minutes or Less

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Tiger The Cat

Tiger is 3 years old. I got her from a friend. She likes to play with purses, she's always searching people's purses.

By Janet from Moberly, MO

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You Don't Have to Spend $20 for Your Dog's Nails

Seeing the Pediaws on TV made me want to have one for my Chinese pug. She has very sharp claws and for some reason it is her joy to scratch the living day lights out my legs. But it is just my laziness that causes the sharp nails.

If I walk her everyday for about a mile in the morning and a mile at night, her nails are shaved down naturally for free and I get exercised, too. Of course I am trying to walk more than two miles a day anyway. I heard it takes at least 30 miles a week to be beneficial for one's own health.

My uncle has a husky that I walk and her nails are quite rounded also. I think it is necessary to make sure they walk on a lot of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

By Tim from Science Hill, KY

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Reuse Fancy Chocolate Containers

Although I never could afford Godiva chocolates, my friend always got them for her birthdays and anniversaries. The boxes make the most beautiful containers for earring storage! That pretty gold covering looks so elegant. And just about the time it begins to wear out, another one comes along. My mother did the same thing with a Whitman's Sampler box way back when!

By fab4mom from Walker, LA

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Saving Coupon Savings

Here is an easy way to save. Whenever I use coupons, I put the amount that I have saved in a jar (usually an old, well cleaned mayonnaise jar). When it is full, I take it to the bank and make a deposit into my savings account.

By Georgetta from Waterloo, IA

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House Training a Rabbit

When house training your rabbit goes bad, you probably move your rabbit out of the house right? Here's a way to successfully house train your bunny. First only let your rabbit romp in one small room. Place a litter box in that room with some of the rabbits poop in it. Block off electrical wires and small areas that your rabbit can squeeze through. Pick up books and toys and leave a completely clear path for your rabbit.

After a while give your rabbit more romping room but leave the floors clear and have no wires around. Place a litter box with your rabbits poop in it in every room your rabbit will go. If your rabbit pees or poops out of the litter box put white vinegar on the spot where he did. Rabbits hate the smell of vinegar. Give your rabbit treats every time he uses the litter box, and soon you will have a nice house trained bunny!

By Kailey from Elizabeth City, NC

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Use Hair Conditioner for Fabric Softeners

Instead of spending money on liquid fabric softener, I use hair conditioner--the cheaper the better! Combine about 1 cup of conditioner with 1 gallon of hot (NOT BOILING) water. Stir until conditioner has all dissolved. Before using, just lightly swirl container. Add +/- conditioner, according to how hard your water is. I've been doing this for years.

I keep a gallon milk jug and top, to use. Put the conditioner in, add hot water from the tap, cover and shake.

By Connie from Hartwick, NY

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Pinecone Fire Starters as Christmas Gifts

A basket of pine cone fire starters is a wonderful gift to make. It is fairly inexpensive and I have fun making them every year. Carefully melt paraffin or old candle ends in a double boiler and use tongs to dip your pine cones. I Sprinkle some of them with glitter and leave some without then set each dipped cone on wax paper to dry. I pick up very inexpensive baskets and containers at sales all year long. I also get candles at these sales for change, it does not matter if they have already been partially used. If you do not have a few baskets and containers on hand, save this tip for next year.

Source: A friend gave us a basket of fire starters many years ago and she shared with me how to do them. Enjoy.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Use Cereal For Crumb Crusts

Left over or stale sweetened cereals can be crushed and made into crusts for ice cream and other fruit flavored cream pies,also chocolate cereals for other flavors. Stale cheetos, corn chips, potato chips, can be used to top casseroles, coat chicken and thicken soups and sauces.

Source: just my old cheapskate self

By Eula from Killeen, Texas

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Hard Candy Decorative Lights

When I originally made these about 20 years ago, I used clear plastic food containers which I can no longer can find, it also works over small clear plastic bowls stapling 2 together, you will need small water bottles, colored cellophane, twist ties and a string of white Mini lights or rope light.

Carefully cut the cap end off of the water bottle a little tiny bit larger then the plug on the lights and do the same in center of the bottom, stretch your lights out, now thread the bottles on the lights to the middle from either end. Cut your cellophane just a little bit larger than the bottle is round and 3or 4 inches longer on either end, with a very small piece of tape, tape cellophane to bottle and use twist ties to secure it to the lights. Leaving 1 light expose between candy pieces or leave approximately 3 in. between cellophane tips, repeat alternating colors of cellophane.

Because the bottles are of various sizes I cannot give you exact measurements for the cellophane or the amount of bottles you'll need to cover a strand of lights. I always try to put the connection an extra cord inside of a bottle when connecting strands together. These can be stretched between candy canes or bushes; these are cute indoors or out

By Babbie from Lemon Grove CA

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Use Carrot Cooking Water For Jello

Use enough water for boiling your carrots to use for your gelatin. No one will notice the extra vitamins, and you only heat up water once, and you have one less pot to wash.

By Bethany from SC

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Try McCain Baby Cakes For Latkes

Instead of messing up the kitchen making latkes, try the Baby Cakes by McCain. I purchased them at Target, in the frozen potato section. Yummy! The family loved them and I didn't spend hours grating potatoes, wringing out the moisture, and then messing up the stove top by frying. Although I usually do this chore outdoors on the patio, it's still a big greasy, spattered mess by the time I get through and I always say to myself that there has to be a better way to do this.

I found the better way! Baby Cakes by McCain! I served them with my home made applesauce.

Take a few different varieties of unpeeled apples, remove the cores, cut into wedges, add 2 cups of water, a sprinkling of cinnamon, put the lid on the pot and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it looks like a rough applesauce. This takes about a half hour or longer depending on the quantity of apples. If it's too watery, just raise the stove temperature on the apples with the lid off and boil off the excess liquid for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

The potato information: McCain Home Style Baby Cakes, /www.mccainusaretail.com, UPC 0 7271403969 0, phone 1-877-804-6198. It also has the kosher U symbol.

I served them for dinner tonight and before DH even got to taste one, he was asking me to serve them at least 4 times per year (he knows how messy it gets). When he tasted them, he asked for them more often, considering all I had to do was take them out of the package and bake them for a short while in the oven.

Usually, everything is pretty much homemade in this house, but these are definitely going to be the exception.

I have also had their, "Smiles", potatoes shaped into smile shapes. Very good.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Ice Cream Cone Ornaments

Quick, easy, and fun for children to make.

Materials

• cones (ice cream cones)
• solid colored Christmas ball ornaments
• small white pom-pom's
• clear fishing line or string
• glue (white - like Elmer's - is fine)

Instructions

Glue the ornament to the mouth of the cone.

Cut about an 9 inch piece of fishing line or string and knot the two ends together (mom or dad may have to help with this).

Glue the pom pom to the top of the ornament with the knot of the line/string underneath the pom pom.

Voila! A brilliantly colored ice cream cone ornament for your tree! A tree decorated entirely with and nothing but the ornaments (and maybe some beads draped around the tree) is really cute.

By Susan from Birmingham, AL

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Use Curtains to Wrap Pillows for Bolster

I have been redecorating my bedroom and found many items at yard sales, trash day, etc. I have a "new" hand made quilt for my bed that was given to me, and I needed something to accent it. Since I live on a fixed income, my brain went into gear. I had found some curtains, near a dumpster that I had brought home and washed, and I had put aside for whatever use I needed them for. I took one of the long curtain panels and wrapped 2 bed pillows in it lengthwise. I twisted it tight on each end and tied them with the same color ribbon. Voila! A bolster for my bed and it didn't really cost anything.

Source: This was my own idea.

By Barbara from Virginia

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Developing Old Film

I have 100 year old negatives and they are fading fast. I have tried many places to get them developed but no one will do it around here. I have tried Walmart, a photo shop, and even a tech school. I would like to know how to do it on my computer if possible but don't have any idea how. Any ideas?

Deb from Carlisle, PA

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Removing Grout from Tile

Is there a secret to grouting and the cleaning it up? There is a film on the tile and the grout has gotten stuck in the indentations of the tile. It's a bugger to get out! We are in the midst of finishing our shower and it's just taking so long. Now, the floor is next. We used sanded grout if that helps. Thanks!

Sheena

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

What color should I paint my kitchen? I have cream counters, oak cabinets, and slate floor in beige and gray tones. I collect cobalt blue glass that I want to display above the upper cupboards.

Patti from Eestern, NY

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Wedding Reception Locations in Linden, NJ

I live in Linden, NJ and I am preparing for my wedding that will be coming up in September 2009. I have been checking at some restaurants for wedding receptions but their cost is way over my budget. Does anyone know of a community center that I can use for 300 guests. I also need to find a videographer/photographer for the occasion. I would appreciate any help or suggestions.

Jane from Linden, NJ

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Furniture Left Scuff Marks on Hardwood Floor

How can I get marks off of my white oak hardwood floor, the polyurethane is scuffed? I moved a piece of furniture and have these clear marks on my floor!

Lisa

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Researching Greek Mythology

What are some good sites on the internet or books for looking up Greek mythology. I need help. Thank you.

Bella from Loveland, WI

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Purple Avon Jewelry Box

I am looking for an Avon purple jewelry box. Does anyone know where I can find one?

Barbara from Big Stone Gap, VA

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Where Can I Buy Butcher Paper?

Does anyone have an idea where I could buy regular butcher paper?

Mary from Newark, California

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Ideas for Using Stand from a Bird Bath

The neighbor's cat knocked the bowl off of my bird bath and broke it in two. Any ideas for the stand that is left?

Mary from Newark, California

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Manual for Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven

I need a manual for the Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven.

Debbie

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Sticker Residue on Satin Placemats

How do you remove gummy residue left after removing price tags from satin placemats? Thanks in advance.

Yvonne from El Paso, Texas

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Paint Not Sticking to Glass Ornaments

How do I get paint to stick on glass ball ornaments?

Elizabeth from Alabama

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Min Pin Smells Bad

I have a Min Pin and he stinks. I have been bathing him once a week. I know that bathing him that often is not good but lord I can't stand his smell. Anyone have any advice?

Tracy from Grand Rapids, MN

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Treatment Options for Cat with Luxating Patella

My 2 year old female cat has been diagnosed with luxating patella. The cost of an operation is about $800 Au. There is also medication which is like Nurofen for cats. I can't get this unless I go to the vet. This will cost me $82, the medication is only $25 but the cost of the visit takes up the rest. Is there any other way of managing this problem besides the two I have mentioned. There are two vets in this town, one is very expensive but nice and clean and professional. The other is very smelly and cheap. I can't bring myself to take my babies to the cheap one for fear of cross infection.

Sharyl from Jamestown, Australia

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Blimpie's Vinegar and Oil

I am searching for the ratio used for Blimpie's vinegar/oil combination. How much of each? I think it is a combination of red wine vinegar and olive oil. (I could be wrong.) Thanks for any help!

Bonnie from Salt Lake City, UT

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Paint Colors for Kitchen with Blonde Maple Cabinets

I am contemplating a color for my kitchen and need some suggestions. I have light blonde maple cabinets and dark countertops. The adjoining room is SW paint color Toasty Chocolate brown.

I am thinking about either a sage/olive green or a golden tone. I would like for the cabinets to stand out against the wall color as well as something that is not too dark as the adjoining living room is a dark color.

Amanda

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Recipes Using Rutabagas

Does anyone have good recipes for rutabagas? My grandmother used to cook them almost like carrots in water, but added something for seasoning. Thanks!

Peggy from Cortland, OH

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Replacement Parts for Gott Stainless Steel Thermos Bottle

I am searching for parts for a one quart Gott stainless steel Thermos Bottle. I would be willing to purchase the whole thing. This is such a good product. Does anyone know where I can find them?

Rowena from Keno, Oregon

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Getting Nail Glue Out of Hair

How can I get nail glue out of my hair?

Judy

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Freezing Homemade Cream of Celery Soup

How do you freeze homemade cream of celery soup?

mudpie from Wake Forest, NC

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Percolator Coffee is Very Weak

I have a Farberware electric percolator that seems to have a problem making coffee. It comes out very weak. Any hints as to why?

Bill from NJ

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Changing My Family's Eating Habits

I am looking for some advice. I am planning on changing my family's eating habits on Jan. 1; we are a typical American family who loves hamburgers, fries, sweet cereals, etc. I am working on losing weight on the Flat Belly Diet (see Prevention.com), which follows the idea of burning fat using MUFAs, mono-unsaturated fats, such as avocados, nuts, olive oil, etc.

We WILL NOT use Splenda or any sugar substitute, but I know we especially need to cut out the sugar and bad fat in our household. Any ideas to help me out? My husband is fairly receptive but I still have three teenagers at home.

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Breeding a Shih Tzu

How old should a Shih Tzu be before having a baby?

Rhajiah from Newark, NJ

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Netscape Won't Load Anymore

I use Netscape as my browser and today it loaded fine earlier in the day, but when I tried to load it a second time it won't load, in fact there's absolutely no response when I click on the icon. I know that Netscape is not the best browser these days, but all of my bookmarks I've saved up throughout the years are on there. I tried downloading a newer version of Netscape but it won't load either. Please help!

Cyinda from near Seattle

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Poem for Gift Bag of Small Items

As so many others, I am trying to think of cute, cost effective gift ideas! I remember a friend got a really cute and memorable little bag of goodies at her work last year. The bag had things like a Hershey kiss, a piece of string, and a little poem/note for each item in the bag.

The only thing is. I can't remember for the life of me what everything was! If anyone has an idea of what I'm talking about please help! Thank you!

Michelle from Albuquerque, NM

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Trimming Stocks on African Violets

I read on the internet that you had to trim the stock of an African violet when transplanting it. My plants have very thick stocks and one plant actually has two that have joined together to make an arch that is breaking through the soil. Since I have never had violets with thick stocks I am bewildered what to do.

They are all being pushed upwards out of the soil by these stocks. The outer leaves are starting to droop but the center of the plants are healthy and growing new leaves and beautiful blooms. Any advice would be gratefully appreciated. I am very fond of my plants and wouldn't want to lose any of them.

Annette from Cambridge, Ontario

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Getting a Safe Unjammed

How do I get into my jammed safe?

Matthew

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Starting a Homeschooling Blog

I have several people tell me that they think I could make a small amount of $$ by doing an online homeschooling/farming blog. I have no idea at all how to go about this or where to even look to investigate the possibility of this. Any suggestions?

April from NW Missouri

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Game Ideas for Elementary School Dance

I need a game to play at an elementary school dance. We've tried limbo and hula hooping but we're looking for something else for a large group of kids. Any ideas?

Ceil from Chicago, IL

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George Washington and Christmas Decorating Ideas

Does anyone have any ideas on how to incorporate George Washington and Christmas into decorating for the holidays? It for something at my work. We can do just about anything. Any help would be appreciated.

Needs some help from Omaha, NE

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Using a Dremel to Drill Through Glass

I'm trying to drill a hole in a 1/4 in. piece of glass with my Dremel tool. I have a diamond tipped bit with a rounded end. The Dremel is a single speed Multi-pro 30,000 rpm. It just seems to be taking a really long time to get through it. How long should it take?

The instructions that came with the bit indicated that I should go slow and moisten frequently which I am doing. My concern is that perhaps I have the wrong Dremel model? Any suggestions from the experts would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

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Apple Cider for Acid Reflux

Has anyone heard of using apple cider being used for acid reflux?

Donnie from Portsmouth, VA

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Using Salt to Clean Drains

Can you clean drains with salt?

Pete from Aurora, CO

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Suggestions for Easy-to-Use Cell Phone

I'd like to purchase a cell phone for my husband for Christmas. He's 73 and just needs a real basic, easy to use, no frills phone. Any suggestions? Thanks all.

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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Dessert Recipes Using Fresh Pineapple

I am looking for a dessert recipe that uses fresh pineapple. I know it cannot be gelatin. Thank you for any help.

Nelliemary

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Sticker Remover Made Plastic Cloudy

I have a clear plastic cover for a jewelry box. It had some stains on the top. I tried to removed them with sticker remover. I totally ruined the finish and now it's all cloudy. Is there anything I can do to save this piece? It can't be replaced.

Erika from Tallahassee, FL

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Dog has Dry, Crusty Skin Patches

My miniature schnauzer has dry, crusty patches on her skin on her back and stomach. She has been treated for a bacterial infection for 4 weeks. She has been off the meds for 2 weeks and they are coming back. Does anyone know why this is happening?

Kathy from Tarpon Springs, FL

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Cat Rolls in Litter Box

Have any of you seen a cat who rolls in his litter box? When I caught him doing this the cat box was fairly clean with almost new litter except in the bottom corner where he wasn't rolling. He had used this box to go in 2 times so it wasn't brand new litter. He's a strange cat that hardly ever cleans himself. In fact we call him Pig Pen because he loves to lay and roll in the soft dirt outside to "powder" himself in the summer time.

He has no fleas and doesn't seem to scratch so that's not the problem. Have you guys ever seen a cat roll in it's own cat box or in the dirt for that matter? I'm wondering if I buy a cat box with a lid if that will stop him. Gosh, now that I've caught him rolling in his litter I don't want to even pet him, let alone let him sleep on my bed! How do I stop him?

Cyinda from near Seattle

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

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.

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What Have You Done To Save A Penny?

We have been asked to be on a call in radio show for the LA NPR on Friday, December 12th. They would like to know how far someone will go to save money. Post your unusual or funny stories about adopting a frugal lifestyle. You might hear them on the radio tomorrow.

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Christmas Tree Care
By Debra Frick

Here are some very simple ways to keep your Christmas tree green and thriving through the Christmas season. Many of us are lucky enough to live in an area where you can actually buy a Christmas Tree permit and go and cut our own trees. But many of us just prefer to go to the Christmas Tree Lot and buy a tree. Either way you really need to know how to care for your tree when you get it home. Here are 7 easy tricks to care for your tree and make this the best Christmas ever.

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Doll Clothing Sets Recalled by Manhattan Group Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: Surface paints on the pajama pants contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

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OKK Trading Recalls Toy Army Figures Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: Surface paint on the face of the Army figures contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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My Frugal Life: Relearning a Frugal Upbringing

Frugal this, frugal that. I have always read the frugal news articles and magazine tips about living frugal with not just a little disdain.

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