My wonderful pet's name is Webster, A.K.A. Dale Barkhardt, Jr. He's a Yorkie and just turned 8 on February 20th. I got Webster when he was 3 months old in Indiana.

He likes to chase lizards and sometimes even catches them! YICK! I do discourage that!

Thanks to the creative skill of my friend Renee Lemay, Webster recently won best of sports in the DeLand Mardi Gras Dog Parade! He stood on his race car all the way through town and back again. Have you ever seen anything so cute in your entire life? Is my friend a great and creative person or what? I wish you could have been there. It was soooo fun!

By Mitzi from DeLand, FL

Webster (Yorkie)

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Easter Mini Lites

As Easter is a Comin', I have something that I do to get in the Bunny Mood. I remove the string that connects the eggs and put small slits with a knife on one side of the egg; enough to slip on mini lites. I use LED as they are not hot but others I know have used the cheap mini lites and no problem so far. This is so pretty to put anywhere around your house...I put them around a big bouquet of flowers and it looks quite nice. Happy Easter Decorating!

By Terry from Fall River, NS

Easter Mini Lites

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Prom-tastic Fashion for Less
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Paying for clothing, sports, field trips, and every other high school activity is taxing on the bank book as is. Then, Junior and Senior Proms loom, costing more every year. Isn't there a better way to have fun without hurting the wallet?

Plan Ahead

Girls spend hundreds of dollars on dresses which can be bought at reasonable prices. Plan ahead for next year, and shop for dresses on sale after the holidays. Often formal dresses find themselves with yellow clearance tags during the week of Christmas and the week after New Year's. Post prom is a great time to find next year's dress on sale as well.

Hit the Racks

Need a dress now? Shop the bridal shops and head for the clearance rack. Often great dresses find their ways there because they no longer can be ordered for weddings. However, if you can find your size, you can get a great deal. Don't overlook the basic dress. With some stellar accessories and a few sewn (or pinned) additions they can really pop.

Ties and Tails

Guys can save money on their tuxedos as well. Brand name and pricey tuxes are still basic black suits. Instead, opt for a cheaper tux and add some accessories that shine. While the suit itself is one purchase, the cummerbunds, vests, and ties are separate; splurge on these little details. The details are what get noticed.

Pair and Share

Try a dress swap. What did your friend wear last year? Do you wear the same size? Get together with friends and swap dresses. Then, pair different shoes, different accessories, and a new hairdo.

Host a multi-school fashion show where girls can bring last year's prom dresses, and others can "bid" on which one they want to buy. Give a portion of the bid (half works well) to the original owner of the dress, and give the other portion to a local charity. Check with schools' rotary club branches for help with the organization of the event.

Surf the Web

Would you wear a dress more than once? Think of possibilities such as eBay or resale stores. One can find a dress on eBay for a relatively low price, and many are brand name designs which were worn once. The market is usually flooded with dresses, keeping bids low. Be sure to check measurements as well as sizes; eBay sellers will answer questions that you have before you bid.

Return the Favor

Once you find your frugal favorite, return the favor. Donate your dress to an organization which allows girls to purchase dresses for all formal occasions at minimal prices. Most of these organizations operate under the Cinderella Project which has many local branches; check for drop off areas or mailing addresses on their websites.

Related

Prom-tastic Fashion for Less

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Use Baking Soda To Tenderize Meat

When making stews or soups, and the meat will not get tender, try dipping a large wet tablespoon in your baking soda box and stirring it into your pot. It will foam up and disappear, with no effect on the texture or taste, tenderizing your meat. It really works!

By Jayme from Mansfield, TX

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Dilute 35% Hydrogen Peroxide For Home Use

Here's a tip for diluting technical grade Hydrogen Peroxide to 3%. Find a local reseller of fresh food grade or technical 35% H2O2. Reuse a plastic 1 gallon jug and add 1 cup of the 35% H2O2 and fill jug with filtered water. This wonderful environmentally friendly mix can be sprayed on everything except hair (will bleach to very blond). It helps degrade toxic buildup in home and yard.

By Zuni from Austin, TX

Editor's Note: Be very careful when handling and storing 35% Hydrogen Peroxide. It is much stronger and more dangerous than the 3% solution you get at the grocery market. You won't want someone confusing 35% for 3% so make sure it is clearly marked as poison and not somewhere that it might be confused with 3%. If you spill it or get any on your skin, you want to dilute the effected area immediate. If ingested, immediate medical attention is require. For more information: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/MHMI/mmg174.html

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Check For Coupons At Manufacturer's Website

If you are a coupon user and are always looking for the coupons for the foods you like to buy, here is an idea I have been using. Use any name brand of your choice and key that name brand with .com following it or look on the package and see if they have a website and use that and go into their site. I find free recipes and, best of all, printable coupons. These companies want your business. So why not use to this to your budget's advantage! I do, and it really helps! :)

Happily coupon cutting,

By Jackie from Norton, MA

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Dual Flush Toilets

When replacing your old toilets, don't just buy the standard replacements. Think about installing dual flush toilets. These toilets have two options for flushing, using less water for smaller needs. You will pay more initially, but will save money every day when you flush. If you can't find these toilets locally, you can order them on-line. There are several companies that make them, and most are imported from Europe. Compare ratings and prices before you order, and check with your plumber for compatability with your system.

By Loftworks from Pennsylvania

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Organizing Tupperware in Your Cupboard

Tips for organizing plastic storageware (i.e. Tupperware, Rubbermaid) from out ThriftyFun community. Post your own techniques here.

Dishpan For Lids

We have a dishpan that we keep all of our lids in. We haven't really figured out a way to organize all the bowls/containers themselves, but it does help keep the lids well organized. We store them sitting up on the lid edge, so that we have them in rows sitting in the dishpan, which we keep in a cupboard.

By Ann

Organize Brands Together

I stack all my Tupperware together, then all the Rubbermaid, and other brands, i.e. Zip-Loc and Glad Loc. I keep lids for each specific brand in its own basket. This really helps when looking for a lid. You don't have to dig through all of them to find the right one, just the ones of that specific brand.

By Connie

Stack Same Shapes Together

Put all the same shaped items together. Put round containers all nested together, without lids, square containers all nested together, large ones with smaller ones inside and so on and so on. Do the same with the lids. It will be easy to find the lid for the container if all the square lids are sorted and lined up together, small to large. They will nest a bit too, saving room. All Tupperware and similar items should not be stored with lids on, it takes too much room and may trap odors.

By Denise

Corral Tupperware In Large Pot

I have huge pot for lobsters under one of my cabinets. I throw all my tupperware in there with the lids on and it works for us. Tupperware also sells lid holders that are great for holding tupperware lids and you can stack the containers in each other.

By fffoote0525

Create a Cereal Box Lid Organizer

One way to keep your lids in one place is to use a cereal box or anything similar. Measure 5-6 inches from the bottom, now cut on a diagonal to the top corner, do same on other side so both sides match. Now place lids in by letter, tupperware uses a lettering system. If you look under the bowl, there is a letter (ie: cereal bowl is a "C" bowl, so there is a "C" on the tab) lid fits on it. etc. You could decorate the boxes to match the kitchen, I use them to keep my crafts magazines in order, soft covered cookbooks, and I used leftover wallpaper to cover the boxes.

By Diamondee

Deep Drawers

Several people I know have designed their kitchen cabinets to include large deep drawers for their Tupperware. Although I hope to someday do this as well, until then, I am considering using a Rubbermaid and storing it at the bottom of my pantry.

By Tawnda

Too Much Tupperware

Have you ever thought that if you have a cupboard full to bursting with plastic containers, you may have too many? I would think the first thing would be to consider your needs. What do you use these containers for and how many do you have in use at any one time?

If you use them for leftovers, lunches and dry goods storage, most of these containers should be in continuous use, therefore not cluttering up a cupboard most of the time. If you only use some of them intermittently (e.g. in autumn for freezing produce), do they need to be stored in a kitchen cupboard? Box and label "autumn freezing containers" or whatever and store somewhere else. Are there any containers you never use - get rid of them. Are there any stained ones, one's with missing lids or bottoms, warped ones - get rid of them.

When you have weeded out the extras store lids, graduated from small to large, in lidded plastic container(s) and bottoms 'nesting' in each other in another plastic container(s). This keeps them dustfree and makes wiping out the cupboard shelves much easier - you don't have to remove every container individually. When you need a container you can take out the whole boxful and search for it at work top height - saves poking around in the back of the cupboard.

By Jo

Keep Lids In Ziplock Bags

I keep the round containers on one side of the cupboard, and the square/irregular-shaped containers on the other side, smallest in front, most frequently used on the shelf that's best within easy reach. For each side, in a large ziplock bag for each shape, I store the lids, round in one baggie, square in the other. The lids that won't fit, along with the baggies themselves, are stacked between the round and square areas/middle of my cupboard.

It helps to put the container away in the same area after unloading the dishwasher, instead of cramming them in the cupboard to "sort out later."

Also I try to store the containers upside down, which looks funny in the cupboard, but it's in case any dust settles or the dishes aren't quite dry, etc. It all drains off the containers or doesn't affect the inside of the containers where the food actually goes.

Angie W.

Organizing Tupperware in Your Cupboard

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Homemade Baby Wipes

Save tons of money by making your own baby wipes. It's much easier than you might think. I use only the Bounty paper towels because they hold up better. Fold them in thirds (accordion style--like when you were a kid and made fans in school with your old papers!) Make sure to leave the paper towels attached at the perforation because it helps them feed through the wipes container. When the paper towels are folded cut them in half (this means each roll of towels should make about 200 wipes) and set them in your wipes container. Boil water, let it cool and measure out about 1 1/2 cups of water per wipes container. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic) for each 1 1/2 cups of water. Pour it slowly over the towels. Allow them to sit of a couple hours and you're set.

I use old wipes containers that I already had around the house. If you don't have some, ask neighbors, co-workers, family, church members. Most people just throw them away so it shouldn't be hard to find 4 or 5 of them. I pre-fold my paper towels when I'm on the phone, watching our toddler in the tub, etc. This way when I run out, they're already folded. All I have to do is add the water. If your buy the paper towels on sale with coupons, you can make the wipes for about 1/2 cent or less per wipe as opposed to the 2-3 cents per wipe they cost at the store. It may sound like a small amount, but it REALLY adds up in the long run. Good luck!

By Heidi from Washington, DC

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Buying Galvanized Pots for Centerpieces

My niece is getting married this summer. I am looking for inexpensive galvanized pots/containers for table centerpieces and very small ones (2" high) for placecard holders/favors. I searched the web but couldn't find any small ones. Can anyone help me?

Valerie from Westhampton, NY

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Color Advice for Kitchen Counter Tops

We have maple cabinets with a light finish and bamboo floors in our kitchen. What kind of countertops should I buy? Also, what color would look the best with light cabinets and floors? The appliances are stainless (but not shiny).

Robin from NYC

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Building a Swing Set

Does anyone have a free blueprint for a wooden swing set they could send me? Or does anyone have ideas for building a nice swing set for not too much money.

Nicole from Rockford, IL

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Lipstick Stains on Clothing

How do I get lipstick off of a white slacks?

Clarice from South Bend, IN

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Paint Color Advice - Painting Over Peach Wallpaper

I have white cabinets with peach hardware, peach wallpaper, white trim, peach laminate countertops and dark brick color linoleum floor tile. I want to paint the wallpaper. I am not sure what color would go with the existing countertop? The rest of the house is softer tan and macadamia (sherwin williams) paint. Any advice would help?

Laks

Paint Color Advice - Painting Over Peach Wallpaper

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Durable Stove Burner Covers

Where can I buy stove burner covers that are durable? The ones I have seem to easily slide around on the stove. I am having a hard time keeping my burner dripping trays clean and I want to cover them.

Onesummer

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Calcium Deposits on Faux Marble

My 1980's faux "marbly" type shower stall and counter tops are dull and have calcium deposits. How can I get them to sparkle again?

Sylvia from California

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Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage

I always do my corned beef in the crock pot. My question is, at what time during the cooking do i put in the potatoes and cabbage? My cabbage always turns out mushy. I usually cook on high. Thank you for your help.

jmz2005 from Illinois

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Keeping Paper Flat When Painting With Watercolors

I bought a watercolor tablet and tried my hand at painting flowers. The flowers looked nice but the paper puckered. Did I get my paints too wet? Do you have to do something special to keep the paper flat?

Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Drilling Holes In Sea Shells

I have several beautiful polished and unpolished sea shells and I would like to put holes in them so I can macrame a lamp or a table decoration with them and I am having trouble finding a way to do this. Can you help with this and do you have any shell ideas and patterns?

Thanks,
Sandy from Kalamazoo, Michigan

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Cleaning Sticky CDs

My 3 year old got into my DVD cabinet when I left him with a baby sitter - the CD's are covered with - well - I am not really sure. Sticky fingerprints, jelly, etc. How do I clean DVD's without damaging the content?

Elizabeth from Romeoville, IL

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Jacket Potatoes Recipes

How do you make jacket potatoes? I need ingredients and method.

Thanks,
Sharon from Launceston, Tas

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Crochet Stuffed Animals Patterns

I was looking for some free patterns for crocheting stuffed animals. Our church group has a quarterly baby shower, and the gifts go to local women shelters and pregnancy centers. I thought that these would make nice gifts. If anyone could help me out that would be fantastic.

Thank you,
Candace

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Eggplant Plant Not Bearing Fruit

My fiances grandfather died and we got his eggplant to put in the ground. Since we've transplanted it, it continuously flowers but I cannot get it to bear fruit. It's been in the ground for about a month now. It is in direct sunlight as directed and is watered infrequently. The plant looks healthy overall and all of my other vegetables are doing magnificent, but this one is frustrating me to NO avail. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 10b

Jillian from Jupiter, FL

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Emptying a Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

I have a bagless upright vacuum cleaner and I hate it. Whenever I try to empty the dirt canister I get filthy dirty. Is there a trick to doing this so dust doesn't fly everywhere and get all over everything, including me?

Grandma B from Coshocton, OH

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Stain on Ceiling

Here's a good one. You know those decorative jello like window clingy thingy's that you put in your window for holidays, etc.? Well, my husband and son thought it would be fun to throw them on my white kitchen ceiling. Needless to say - they stuck and left a greasy type spot and even left color. HELP! How do i get that off without repainting the whole ceiling?

Elizabeth from Romeoville, Illinois

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Recipes Using Canned Chicken

I already requested recipes for canned corn and dried beans. Now this one is again from the food pantry. I have several large cans of chicken. It is meat from a whole chicken, 4 cups worth actually. I don't know what to do with it. I am single and when I make a recipe, it is always too much. i have to do with what is on hand, so I don't have the nerve to give it to a neighbor.

Help please,
Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Crochet Sleeveless Top

Does anyone have a pattern for a sleeveless cotton crochet top for summer that is not a halter neck nor too revealing? Not a jacket please, some sort of sleeveless t-shirty top would be fine. The easier to make, the better!

Many thanks.
Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Streak Free Mirrors

What is the best remedy for obtaining streak-free mirrors?

Bryan from United Kingdom

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Uses for Used Tea Bags

I'm finding that I'm going through a lot of tea bags lately, and as good as it is to throw them in for composting, I was wondering if anyone here knows of any other uses?

Chicky from UK

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George Foreman Replacement Parts

How can I get a drip tray and a spatula for my George Foreman grill? Model: GR38SIL

Valinda from Howard City, Michigan

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Recipes Using Canned Corn

Thank you in advance for any feedback given. I go to a local food bank for my canned goods etc. I don't normally eat canned corn. Does anyone have a frugal recipe using canned corn, all types?

Thanks,
Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Glider Rocking Chair Cushion Replacements

I can't seem to find replacement cushions for my glider rocker.

Trudy from Croydon, PA

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Recipes Using Dried Pinto Beans

Thank you in advance for any feedback given. I go to a local food bank for my canned goods etc. I don't normally dried beans. Does any one have a frugal recipe using dry pinto beans?

Thanks,
Sandy from Baltimore, MD

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Making Your Own Futon

How do you make you own futon and futon chair frame?

Andrew

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Stop! Don't Pass Up That Yard Sale!
By Cyndi Roberts

In some areas they are called garage sales, or rummage sales. Sometimes they are called yard sales. In Britain, they have what they call "car-boot" sales.

Easter Egg-stravaganza!
By Tawra Kellam

OK, so the kids noticed on the calendar that Easter is approaching and they want to make a huge production of dying eggs. In the past, the little stickers you bought at the store sufficed, but now they want the real thing. Here are some old standards with a few new ideas for you.

Easter Egg-stravaganza!

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Daily Thrifty Tips - March 16, 2007

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