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:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Craft Project: Scrap Paper Bookmarks

Make your own bookmarks as inexpensive gifts using things found around the house.

Scrap Paper Bookmarks

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24010962.tip.html

Craft Project: Tile Trivets

Trivets or small hot pads made from tiles.

Tile Trivet

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77045152.tip.html

Fall In Ontario

This picture was taken at my work in Ontario Canada. Fall is such a pretty time of year with the changing colours. I can not identify the bush, but thought you would like to see one of my favorite photos.

By Sheila from Ont Canada

Fall In Ontario

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Minnie (Terrier/Poodle)

Minnie is 13 years old. She is a Terrier mix with Poodle. For fun, she likes to follow us around and likes eating carrots from the garden. She is very loving.

By Diane from Canada

Minnie (Terrier/Poodle)

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Lacy (Chihuahua)

Lacy is a 4 year old Chihuahua. I got her from a breeder when she was only 6 weeks old.

She loves to run and play ball. She loves to roll over on her back and let you nuzzle her tummy, "getting sugar". She loves to play with her "Aunt Pam", she has her wrapped around her little finger!

Lacy only had one litter of puppies and I just could not do that to her again. A few months ago she brought her stuffed animals to bed and layed down in the position of nursing them! She is even holding up her little leg so not to mash them! She wants to become a mama again sooo bad but it is too late now as I have had her spayed. I could not bear to see her in so much pain during birth and she grieved her babies so bad when they left her.

By Faye from Pink Hill, North Carolina

Lacy (Chihuahua)

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Tip Contest
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Photo Contest
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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!

My Frugal Life
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Make Mother's Day Cards On A Dime and In No Time!

Kids of all ages love making Mother's Day cards. Even if you're working with a large group of kids, this activity costs next to nothing and is lots of fun.

Step 1: Gather all the address labels you've received in fund-appeal mailings from nonprofits.

Step 2: Make stickers by cutting the labels so the graphics are separated from the text.

Step 3: Gather all the greeting cards you've received in fund-appeal mailings from nonprofits.

Step 4: Hand out the stickers, greeting cards and envelopes (along with pencils, pens and markers) to kids and let them make Mother's Day cards.

Participating kids' enthusiasm for making their cards just right will wow you. Mothers' delight at receiving the cards will surely be equally awesome.

Want to see a visual demonstration of this tip? Check out the photos of La Roca kids making Mother's Day cards:

http://picasaweb.google.com/dariadster/LaRocaKidsMakeMotherSDayCardsApril2008

Source: Actually, I just made the activity up, because often I need a craft activity for a large number of kids and because I was looking for something to do with all the address labels and greeting cards that nonprofits keep sending me.

By Daria from San Diego, CA

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Baking Soda to Clean Outside of Refrigerator

To clean the outside of your refrigerator and make it look like new, use baking soda. Take a wet rag, pour some baking soda on it and start cleaning. This cleans the textured parts of the frig, like nothing I have ever seen before.

By Sarah from Vandergrift, PA

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Use Milk Jugs For Garden Water Reservoirs

I have found a very cheap way to water plants and vegetables. I cut off the bottoms of all plastic bottles, dig a hole next to the plant and set the bottle (neck side down) into the hole. Now when watering or it rains it will fill up with water and water the roots at the same time. Thought this might save on water bills. Also we are not filling up the landfills at the same time.

By Jodi from Texas

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Ask Store For Promotional Backdrops

If you're getting married in a bland chapel (which, let's face it, most are pretty bland), a good way to spruce it up is with backdrops, which you can sometimes get for free from a store! If you've ever walked by a Pottery Barn window, you may have noticed that they use a lot of large posters. One year, they had a poster depicting white birch trees. My mother thought that the posters would look fantastic as backdrops in my winter-themed wedding, so she went inside and asked the manager when the windows would be changed. The manager agreed to let her have the two huge posters for FREE! We cut these to fit inside several arches in the chapel, and put several fake firs in front of them. It was spectacular, and no one could believe that we scored those beautiful backdrops for free!

Source: My wonderfully creative and supremely thrifty mother. :)

By Katy from Nashville, TN

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Use Ceramic Tile to Protect Work Surface When Soldering

Protect your work table from heat damage with large ceramic tiles. When I'm soldering or using my heat gun, I use a 12 or 18 inch ceramic tile to help protect my work surface from the heat. These large ceramic tiles are resistant to heat, and can be found for under $2 at any Home Depot or hardware store in the flooring area.

By CDR

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Use Aloe Vera To Make Eyebrow Gel

Here is a great idea I found while searching (and searching...) on the net for a way to make my own eyebrow gel. The stuff out now is so expensive! Just mix a tiny bit of aloe vera gel (from the dollar store, of course :) with a dark eyeshadow that suits your brows. Mix on the back of your hand and apply with brow brush. I was so excited about this because the person who suggested it is Annastasia who is selling the most famous eyebrow kit and is considered a brow "expert" to the stars!

Source: HGTV

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Product Review: Ped Egg

Product: Ped Egg

Manufacturer: Ped Egg

With sandal season upon us I have a great tip if you suffer from dry, cracked heels use the ped egg. It is the easiest, fastest way to remove that dead skin from your feet. I no longer have to drag my foot spa out every week for a pedicure. You rub it up and down on your heals and any other rough spots and it stores the "gratings" inside it. No mess. I bought mine at Walmart for $9.95 but just saw them at lakeside.com for $6.95. It's worth every penny!

Melissa from Logan, Utah

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Make Your Own Cat Box Odor Neutralizer

After reading the backs of several brands of cat box odor neutralizer, I've found they have basically the same 2 active ingredients BORAX and BAKING SODA. Here's an easy recipe that works to decrease cat box odor: Mix equal amounts of (20 mule team) BORAX and BAKING SODA together. Next time you clean out your cat box, sprinkle 1 - 2 cups in the bottom of the litter box then add your favorite brand of litter on top. These safe and simple ingredients will greatly decrease the odor from your cat box.

By CDR

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Make Your Own Bottled Coffee Drinks

Bottled coffee drinks are better if the coffee is from home.

Wash out any single-serving size plastic bottle and allow to dry upside down in a dishrack. I personally prefer 1-liter bottles but any size will do.

Meanwhile, brew a pot of coffee as strong or as weak as you generally make it. Once brewed, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. When cool, use a funnel to pour coffee from coffee pot into the plastic bottle, being sure to fill the bottle only 1/3 full. repeat with as many bottles as you have or as much coffee as you have. Once the bottles are one third full of coffee, place in the freezer for 4-8 hours. I like to put the bottles in the freezer partially on their side, so the coffee is lining one side of the bottle but not all the way to the bottle neck.

Make another pot of coffee. To this pot of coffee, add a stick of cinnamon or a bit of cocoa powder or teaspoon of vanilla extract. When the pot is full, remove from heat and add the condiments you normally add to your coffee to include cream or sugar or peppermint. Allow to cool thoroughly, then pour into a (previously washed out) water jug or 2-liter bottle and store in the fridge.

Just before you are ready to go to work or elsewhere, remove the frozen coffee from the freezer and using the funnel, pour the coffee from the fridge into the bottle with the frozen coffee. Replace the lid and you're set to go. Iced coffee exactly the way you like it and it won't water down before you drink it all because the "ice" in your iced coffee is coffee.

This easily converts to hot coffee if you have access to a mug and microwave and it's already the way you like it.

Source: My own love of coffee and unwillingness to buy what I can make at home.

By Susan from WV

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Tip for Pie Crusts and Pastries

Keep some butter or margarine in the freezer. When you make a pastry, grate the butter or margarine needed into the flour and salt mixture. Then, it will need just a little mixing before sprinkling on the water in sections. It keeps the pastry dough cooler and eliminates much of the handling so it is very flaky.

Source: my mom

By Harriet from Lakewood, CA

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

It was Saturday night and the preacher still hadn't been able to think of a sermon for the next morning. About 9 PM he finally said to his wife, "Dear, I think I've come up with the perfect sermon. I'm going to give a sermon about horseback riding."

She said, "Don't be silly. You can't give a sermon about horseback riding."

He replied, "Well, it's going to have to do because I've preached on just about every other subject I can think of."

The next morning as they were driving to church, she said, "I can't believe that you're insisting on doing this. You know, if you're going to give that silly sermon on horseback riding, I'm just going to stay in the car during the service."

He said, "OK, then, suit yourself," so she stayed in the car.

Entering church, the preacher had a sudden inspiration and gave a hell-fire and brimstone sermon on SEX that had the congregation in awe. As the congregation filed out of the church, some of the members saw his wife sitting in the car and approached her. One of them said, "Wow! You just missed the best sermon your husband has ever given. '

She said, "Yeah, right! What does he know about it? He talks big, but he's only tried it twice in his life. Once before we were married and once after, and he fell off both times!"

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

Looking For Recipes Using Tofu

My mother is looking for recipes using tofu.

Irene from Bridgewater

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Instructions For Love And Money Looms

I recently purchased a set of Love and Money Looms at a yard sale but they came with no directions. I searched the web but the links that I did find are no longer there. I was hoping someone could tell me a website or have the directions. I have already tried Ebay. Any help would be appreciated.

Michelle from Tennessee

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Looking For Old Fashioned Blackberry Cobbler Recipe

I'm looking for an easy blackberry cobbler recipe with a lot of dough in it. The old fashion type. Thanks.

Rolayne from Beasley, TX

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Dogs Are Always Smelly

I have 2 mastiffs and I can't get rid of the stink. They both have allergies. They are on a vet approved diet, bathed once a week with a vet approved shampoo and still come out with a wet dog smell. It just gets worse as the week goes by. I can't get rid of it. What can I do. Any suggestions.

Linda from Harrisburg, PA

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Dog Is Afraid Of People After Being Hit By Car

Ever since my dog got hit by a car he has been afraid of people and other dogs. What should I do to help him regain human trust? He barks and growls at them, but would never bite, in fear of being hurt! Please help me!

Megan from NH

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Looking For Kwik Sew Pattern #3558

I am looking for the pattern Kwik Sew 3558. Does anyone know where I can find it and the price? I have asked JoAnn Fabric in Grand Island, NE and they do not care the Kwik Sew patterns.

Michaela

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Ideas For Mother's Day Party

I need Mother's Day Party ideas. I've been asked to come up with a list of "Mother Types" ie oldest mother, youngest mother. I really can't think of much beyond those, and am not having any luck searching. It is at my Church May 10th. Any help would make my day. Thanks in advance.

Gina from Maine

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Fast Growing Evergreen Trees

I am looking for suggestions for fast growing evergreen trees. However, I am not interested in the cylinder shaped "privacy" trees that I see everywhere. Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 8-9

Laurel from Port Orchard, WA

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Growing Hibiscus Trees In Tennessee

I have moved from Florida to Tennessee and found they are selling Hibiscus trees. Can I plant them here? I was told at the nursery that I bought them that they are a perennial and I wouldn't have to bring them in for winter. True or false? I live 40 miles north of Chattanooga. Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Jan from Madisonville, TN

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Getting Nails To Grow

My nails don't grow, I wonder why? Can anyone tell me how to grow nails?

Nabiha

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Getting A Job At The Port Of Tacoma

I am a hostler for a large logistics co. How do I get a job at the Port of Tacoma?

Kirk from Tacoma, WA

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Products Containing EDTA

Has anyone used any of the products containing EDTA? I have been diagnosed with 90% clogged carotids. I have no insurance to pay for surgery and ran across several ads online for products with this chemical. I have read there are tests being done with it but no definite results yet. I would appreciate any feedback anyone can give on this.

Joyce from MI

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Looking For "Icing Chocolate Cake" Recipe

There was a recipe sometime back called "Make your own icing chocolate cake" and it used marshmallows on the bottom and some other ingredients before the cake was ever poured in. I missed getting it. Does anyone remember it? It might have been on Robin's Corner. Thanks

Vera from Waynesburg, Ky

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Converting Built In Dishwasher To Be Portable

My DH (bless his heart), got a dishwasher for me from a friend, unfortunately, it is a built in. I need a portable one. Is there any possible way to convert this into a portable that I can roll up to my sink and hook the hose up to my faucet so I can use this? Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance!

jmz2005 from Illinois

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Creamy Rice Pudding

I am looking for an easy, creamy rice pudding recipe. All the recipes I have tried are too dry to enjoy. Thank you in advance for any help.

jmz2005 from Illinois

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Dog Is Aggressive Towards My New Dogs

I have had my Jack Russell Terrier since she was a couple of months old and she's 3 now and very aggressive for no reason. If anyone goes near her bones or toys, she snaps. If anyone tries to move her off the bed, she snaps. I had another dog a few months back that I had to get rid of since my Jack Russell kept attacking my other dog and I felt it wasn't fair to my other dog. I have had to get rid of 2 dogs because of my Jack Russell so far.

She even bit me one time and I have scars on my hand from her. I recently got a new puppy as well who is 5 months old and anytime he tries to play with toys or touch bones, she snaps on him bad. Every dog I get I seem to have to get rid of because she won't stop attacking them and I just don't know what to do anymore. People have told me maybe she needs to be euthanized now since she's so out of control anymore.

Earlier today I had both of my dogs outside and she found a stick she was chewing and my other dog went to smell it and she attacked him yet again. I just don't know what to do anymore. She is my baby but I don't want to have to keep getting rid of every pet I get because of her. What should I do?

Jessica from PA

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Decorating Old Wooden Windows

I need some ideas on decorating old wooden windows. I would like to put some outside as well. Thanks.

bcj01

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Looking For Information On Convection Ovens

I would appreciate some info on convection ovens. If possible could someone send in a picture of one because I have no idea what they look like. I would like to find out the size and the approximate price. I am sure there is a range of prices. Also, could you tell me what you like or dislike about them.

I am handicapped and because of the layout of my apartment, it is hard to get to my oven or to even use the top burners. I have to stand up to use stove and that is not always possible, so I was wondering if a convection oven would be easier to use.

Linda from Bloomington

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Instructions For Pixie Bow Maker

I purchased a vintage pixie bow maker at a garage sale. It doesn't have instructions with it. Are there instructions on the web for using it? Thanks.

Kirthi from San Diego, CA

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Pattern For Crocheted John Deere Slippers

I know I saw somewhere a pair of crochet John Deere like slippers. Would anyone happen to have that pattern? I have a cousin that loves to ride on the JD with his Grandpa, and I know he'd love these.

Susan from Attica, OH

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Getting Rid Of Ants Using Peanut Butter Recipe

Looking for the post about getting rid of ants using peanut butter, sugar and 1 other ingredient.

imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Looking For Recipes Using Dried Beans

I know that using dried beans is more economical and that we should get more protein and fiber into our diets. I just haven't been able to find any recipes that actually look GOOD. Does anyone have any tried and true recipes that are tasty too?

Lisa from Lena

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Growing Morning Glories

I purchased two Heavenly blue morning glories and was wondering what the temperature needed to be so I can plant them outside? I live in New Jersey and we haven't had consistent temperatures yet. Anita

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Lamb Curry Recipe Request

I have fallen in love with curry! I have bought some red curry paste. Can anyone suggest any lamb curry recipes?

Margie from Mount Vernon, OH

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Looking For Peacevine Tomato Plants

I'm looking for Peacevine tomato plants and I can't seem to find any gardening site or nursery catalog that carries the plants. Not even the company "Seeds Of Change" that developed it. Can anyone tell me a source or maybe have plants I can buy or trade for. All I can seem to find are the seeds and that's not an option where I live.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Anna from Northern Indiana

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Stripping Paint From Wooden Walls

I have painted (white) knotty pine walls in my kitchen/dining room. Does anyone know the best way to strip the paint so that I can sand and varnish it and make it beautiful again?

Jennifer from Lancaster

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Septic System Loam Is Full Of Debris

We just had out septic-system replaced. The loam that they used when they were finished to cover up the lawn that was dug out to install it is full of glass, trash particles, etc. What is the solution? I guess I could complain to them but that really isn't the step I want to take right now. Thank You.

Ann from MA

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Using Olive Oil To Remove Paint

How can I get paint of my sofa? I did read a thing about olive oil but I don't know how to apply it. Thanks.

Ozalp from Barton Mills

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Pruning a Jasmine Plant

I have never pruned my jasmine. The bottom third is bare. Leaves and blooms are only on the top 2/3, which is trailing. What is the best way to prune in this situation? Hardiness Zone: 7b C.H. from Corinth, MS

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Is Firefox Better Than Internet Explorer?

I'm not very knowledgeable about computers, just enough to get by, so I would appreciate some information please. Is Firefox REALLY better than Internet Explorer? I don't want to download something that will take up unnecessary space in my computer memory but if it REALLY is better, maybe I should try it. Is it difficult to use? IE is simple, which I can manage. THANKS TO ALL YOU COMPUTER SAVVY PEOPLE OUT THERE. I will be grateful for any advice about this.

Cettina from Malta, Europe

Editor's Note: Here is an article on ThriftyFun that might be useful. It is a few years old but the information should still be accurate.

7 Reasons to Switch to FireFox

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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.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Better Vacation Planning
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

The time is near to start planning this year's summer vacation. There are some great ways to save on trips such as airfare and pre-season hotel rates, yet there are some things that are worth the extra expense. Try to save money where you can, but don't cross these options off your expense list.

Better Vacation Planning

Saving Money on Yogurt

Tips and advice for saving money on yogurt as posted by the ThriftyFun community.

Buy On Sale

We buy Yoplait when it goes on sale 3 for 99 cents at the local grocery store. My husband takes those to work with is lunch. For my 5 year old and I, we buy the bigger yoplait containers on sale and put them in our own 4 oz gladware containers. 4 ounces is less than the single servings, so it stretches it that way too. and usually 4 ounces is plenty for us.

By QT

Make Your Own Yogurt

It's very easy to make your own yogurt. You can buy a yogurt maker from Amazon for maybe $10. Then all you need is a candy thermometer to measure the temperature of the milk.

Saving Money on Yogurt

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Daily Thrifty Tips - May 6, 2008

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