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Wildlife: Butterflies

I went camping this past weekend up in northern Arizona. Butterflies were everywhere.

By Joyce from Apache Junction, AZ

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Abbie (Golden Retriever/Black Mouth Mountain)

Abbie is 7 years old and a mixed Golden Retriever and Black Mouth Mountain Cur (rare breed of hunting dog). She was a rescue dog.

Abbie likes to play ball. She keeps a ball with her at all times. She is the neighborhood dog. We live on a small island and when people walk by, they all seem to know her name.

By silviegirl2 from Dauphin Island, AL

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The Boys Club (Cats)

I call this shot "The Boys Club.": Leo, Sam, Matty, Bailey and Gabriel. Leo is 5, Sam/Matty 2, Bailey is 9, Gabe is 4. All are mixed tabby and all were giveaways.

All of the 'kids' (I have 12) get along great. Laying in the sun and eating are two of their favorite pastimes.

By ragteller from Tofield, AB

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Fused Reusable Plastic Bags

I learned that plastic shopping bags don't break down in dumps, so since this is terrible for our earth, I have tried to use them for many things. One way to use them I found, while searching online, was people ironing them together to make a thick plastic fabric. I loved the idea and goofed off with it. I even taught my students at school how to make book covers and wallets.

While playing around with the plastic bags I wondered what other plastic I could iron together. I was about to throw out my daughter's plastic tablecloths from her birthday party and thought "Well it has faeries on it, I wonder if I could use them on these plastic bags." Well it worked.

I have now created makeup bags, and purses out of plastic grocery/shopping bags and the tablecloths I would have thrown out. It's been great and fun. My daughter loves them. If you look up fusing plastic bags, there are instructions to how to do this.

By Mandee from Spokane, WA

Editor's Note: Here is a Valentine's project that fuses plastic bags together. It may give you a good starting point. Be sure to post your own creations and experiences here.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14052993.tip.html

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Use Cornstarch to Reduce Bleeding

After seeing one great tip about cornstarch, I thought I should share mine. A year or so ago, one of my dairy goats had a scurr (an incompletely removed horn that grows back poorly) that was becoming uncomfortable and pressing on her head. My husband was attempting to cut it off cleanly when it suddenly fell off, spraying blood everywhere!

I thought quickly about what might make it stop while I pressed on the wound (it wasn't slowing down a bit) and told him to run for the cornstarch. I figured that if it would thicken gravy, it would coagulate blood. A good dash of cornstarch shut off the blood like a faucet!

After the fact, I checked and found that this is the main ingredient in the bloodstopper powder you can buy from a vet supply store. It can be a very handy thing to have around animals or accidents!

By Gina J. from Montana

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Chlorine Bleach Alternatives

We all need to stop using bleach! Not only is it bad for our environment but also for personal health! There are plenty of bleach alternatives that are not harmful

Fabric Whitening: 1/2 cup vinegar and a 1/2 cup of baking soda for one load of wash

Disinfecting: Hydrogen Peroxide

All Purpose Cleanser: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle

Or here's a recipe for all three chores:

12 cups water
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup hydrogen peroxide

Pour some in a spray bottle for overall cleaning and add 2 cups for each wash load.

Source: I was recently diagnosed with Emphysema and my lungs can no longer tolerate harsh chemicals so I started doing homework on the net for alternatives.

By Deeli from Richland, WA

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Use Netflix for DVDs

Do not ever buy another DVD. Ever.

I finally realized that although there are some DVDs that our family would like to own, there is a far easier solution.

If you can afford it, join Netflix and use as your own private DVD source. If, say, I want to watch a favorite movie a few times, or at certain holidays and so forth, that by treating Netflix as a library I don't have to "own" the DVD. You request your favorite DVD and you can order it over and over again, as often as you like, the same ones each year or season or holiday.

Netflix (for those who can afford) is a great "library" of thousands of DVDs, at the cost of less than one DVD purchase. Also your library is a library. Check out the same book as frequently as you like. Over and over again.

I have found Netflix to be the best value as I do not waste any gasoline to get the DVD that I want to watch.I will never have to buy a DVD again.

By twilightgift

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Hang Decorative Flags In Your Window

If you have trouble with winds whipping your decorative porch flags or you don't have a place for a pole holder, try hanging them inside a window. Just place the flag on a tension curtain rod and position it between the glass and the mini blinds at the top of the window frame. It's still easily seen, and it prolongs the life of the flag.

By Betty from Goliad, TX

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Multitasking Beauty Routine

This project takes about 30- 45 of your time. For me, it is like the old saying "Killing two birds with one stone", I am attempting to kill three.

First I wash my hair and put in a deep conditioner (I use hot oil with a plastic cap).

Second, I set up a small tub (I got one from the dollar store which is actually dishing washing tub) to soak my feet. All my foot tools are within reach.

Third, I have set out projects that I working on whether it is reading, making jewelry, whatever I am working on that time.

By the time I have finished my feet, my hair is ready for a rinse and I have finished my project.

By Jetruth from Waterloo, IA

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Organize Unused Greeting Cards

In our family, we keep all the greeting cards contained in a nice plastic container. It works pretty well, but when you went to look for an appropriate card, you'd have to sort through all of them to find the right kind. I discovered a functional and thrifty way to organize the cards.

I took cheap paper folders (the kind you can get for 10 cents at back to school sales) and cut them in half, so that one half would have both pockets and the other half would not have pockets. I then put the cards, sorted by category into the little compartments. The pocketed ones are good for cards I had less of, such as graduation and get well. I took the top half with no pockets and used it as a folder for cards I had more of, like birthday, that could not all fit into the pockets well. Each pocketed portion hold a different category of cards. I used a permanent marker on the outside front to label the categories.

We keep them in a plastic container, but you could use a cardboard box or some extra space in a drawer. It is a good way to keep a close inventory on your cards and is much cheaper than pricey premade card caddies.

By Brittany

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Using Craft Paint as Touch Up Paint

When you need a small amount of paint for touch-up check the craft department. Walmart has every color and they cost about $1. I've used it on furniture, artwork, walls, cabinets, floors, and much more. If necessary you can buy two colors and mix them on a styrofoam plate. You don't even need a brush, use q-tips or tooth picks. I got the copper and painted the hinges on my cabinets when I changed hardware. That was over a year ago and they still look great.

By Conniek812 from Evansville, IN

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

The young couple invited their aged parson for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

"Goat," the little boy replied.

"Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Pa say to Ma, 'Might as well have the old goat for dinner today as any other day.'"

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

Buying Parts for a MTD Mower

I have a Mastercut riding mower; the wiring shorted out. Can you get a complete wire harness for the rider? The model is #13ah451f301 MTD. Roger Goodman

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Removing Anti-Reflective Coating from Glasses

The anti-reflective coating on my prescription glasses is so scratched I can hardly see out of them. Occulist won't remove it and wants to charge me for new lenses! Any suggestions as to how I can remove the coating myself?

By Sourcerer from UK

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Does Sweating Cause Acne?

I sweat constantly due to some the medications that I am currently taking. I've always had combination skin with a few breakouts and now it's like my whole entire face has broken out. Could it be because all the sweating, and it opens my pores and exposes it to dirt? If so, what can I use or do to clear it up?

By MSSLVLY85 from Far from Home

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Tiny Reddish Brown Bugs

I have a bookcase in my room and a few of the shelves have some old papers and magazines on them. I just was going through the papers and I noticed there were a lot of tiny tiny reddish brown bugs on them. They were about the size of a period.

They did not seem to jump, just crawled around in the papers. I can't even tell if they have legs (although they probably do). I also have on one shelf some beanbags that I have used outside for games, and I think the are coming from the bean bags. Any ideas? I'm about to go out of town and don't want to come home to a bug filled room.

By Joe58 from Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Paint Stain on a Linoleum Floor

How do you remove dried paint from linoleum?

By Pat P. from Lewiston, ID

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Removing Tree Sap from Clothing

How do I remove pine tree pitch from clothing?

By Teddyaj from Silt, CO

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Refacing Cabinets

I have no income to reface or replace my cabinets in my kitchen professionally. They are 36 year old pressed wood with plastic veneer over the top. They were badly painted white about 15 years ago. What can I do to update them?

My husband said he could cut new pressed wood and possibly buy wood veneer and re-face them himself. Has anyone done this? I have searched the net and can't find anyone who did this ?

By hanisrose from Fort Myers

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Earache Pain Relief

What can I do to help with an ear ache?

By amy beth from Dallas, TX

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Sharpie Marks on Walls

How do you remove sharpie marks from walls without rubbing the paint off?

By chinchilla90210 from Bend, OR

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Removing Sap from Concrete

How do you remove tree sap from a concrete patio? It's older rough concrete. I've used bleach, Comet, and concrete cleaner. Nothing works. I've scrubbed until my back ached.

By sappy from Dayton, OH

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Can Hot Water Damage a Wax Ring?

My plumber hooked up the wrong pipe and my toilet filled with 150 degree hot water, which burned my bottom when I flushed. He came back and fixed it, but do you think that I need a new wax ring? Do you think all of that hot water could have damaged the tank or inner workings? I would want him to fix it right away because I don't want to have to pay for another plumbing trip at a later date if the wax ring is bad.

By Rhonda21043 from MD

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Blister Inside My Mouth

I have small white bumps inside my inner lips and then they blister. What are they?

Centra

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Dishwasher Won't Drain

I have a General Electric Permatuf dishwasher and the water will not drain out. My line going to my garbage disposal is not plugged, nor my sink lines under the sink. The line going from my dishwasher to the garbage may be plugged, but I don't have any way of knowing.

By Triothree from Augusta, GA

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Making Solar Panels at Home

Can't find former post about DIY solar panels. It was by a woman and could be done for about $150.

By ladydaze from oak harbor WA

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Super Glue on a Countertop

I need help removing super glue from counter tops.

By hawkpointbarbie

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Pimple Marks on My Face

My face is full of pimple marks and small holes in my face. Please, does anyone know of any treatment? I would also like information on creams or soaps that would help with my skin. Thank you.

bhagavathi

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Burnt Oil on a Stainless Steel Pan

I have a burnt on food stain on my stainless steel pan from oil. I have tried baking soda, vinegar, simmering water with baking soda and vinegar and soapy water. Here is a picture of it below. I have also used a baking soda paste overnight twice now. I need help.

By BrianW43 from Hanover, ON

Burnt Oil on a Stainless Steel Pan

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Paint for Laminate Countertops

I am starting a project next week and I don't know what will be the best paint to get. I have salon stations that are laminate that I want to paint. The paint has to be strong enough to not chip or look terrible. Any suggestions on what is the best and the steps so that I don't make a mess?

By angelswithwings from Kenosha, WI

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Painting an Old Refrigerator

I want to paint my refrigerator white (it is now almond). Has anyone had success and what type of paint did you use?

By RealtorRose from Malvern, PA

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Save Money Cooling Your Home

Would a dehumidifier reduce air conditioning operating costs? I heard a rumor that it does reduce the power bill for air conditioning. The cost reduction is the result, both of reducing moisture and the drier air makes it more comfortable. Then we could set our thermostat for a higher temperature.

By bella swan from Forks, WA

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Removing Nail Glue from Skin

How do you remove nail glue from your skin?

By marchingace from nowhere IL

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Homemade Aloe Vera Juice

Do you have a recipe for aloe vera juice for diabetics? I have a lot of plants, and I would like to make this juice. Thanks. Mary

Mary G.

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Tapeworm Remedies for Dogs

I too am looking for a "home made" recipe for tape worms for my neighbor's 2 dogs. Is there anyone on this site who can help me and my neighbor? My neighbor will have to get her answers through me as she doesn't have a computer.

By crazyladyinalabama from south AL

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What Breed is My Dog?

This is my dog Henna. We got her from a shelter and they told us she was a pitbull terrier mix. We aren't so sure if she is a cross, pure breed or even not a pit bull. Any guesses?

By lilpitty from Abbostford, BC

What Breed is My Dog?

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What are These Bugs?

Help! I have small black bugs that resemble fleas all in my doorways, windows of my kitchen, and underneath the cabinets. I do not know how to get rid of them and the exterminator was no help! He could not identify them. Thank you for your help.

By bsandy1 from Tampa, FL

What are These Bugs?

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Discontinued Wallpaper: Striped Wallpaper

I am in desperate need of a double roll of the pictured wallpaper. Please help!

By nank68 from Durham, NC

Discontinued Wallpaper: Striped Wallpaper

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Sour Smelling Dishwasher

My dishwasher smells sour. I was using liquid detergent then switched to the tablets. I'm thinking the liquid might be the culprit. The smell remains.

I cleaned the gasket and the inside of the machine with vinegar and still the smell remains. The dishes come out fine and they don't smell, but the smell in the dishwasher is driving me crazy. Thanks for any input.

By Collinsmom from NJ

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog?

By A8F9F from Houston, TX

What Breed is My Dog?

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Buying a Gott Thermos

I am looking for a Gott 1 gallon thermos. Can someone please tell me where to find one? Keely

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Getting Dogs to Not Chase Cats

I have 2 small dogs that get along with my friend's cats, until one of cats starts to move! The dogs will sit next to the cats, be nose-to-nose with them and will even try to play with them. But when the dog is is another room and one of the cats walks by, the dogs chase them and become aggressive. Any suggestions on how to get them stop the chase?

By AndieL from Bristol, PA

Getting Dogs to Not Chase Cats

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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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My Frugal Life: The Gift Of Time

My 15 year old daughter, Tori died under horrific circumstances 11 years ago on 8/27/98. This was the worst experience that I have ever felt.

Cooking With Cast Iron Pans

Easy, excellent nonstick way to clean and care for cast iron!

Cooking With Cast Iron Pans

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Daily Thrifty Tips - August 14, 2009

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