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Vol. 8, Num. 179, September 14, 2009 (Read It Online) Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and recipes that you like. Your ratings are used to pick the winners. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Craft: Wedding Floral Decoration I have been "planning" my wedding for years. I have gradually picked up unusual wire frames, planters, silk flowers and greenery from resale shops when I can find them. The average price being around .75 each. I created this piece out of a stiff wire frame, some silk flowers and greenery. The best part was a lighted ball that I weaved into the "plant" with floral tape, also found at the resale shop. When I get married in November, it will be on the signing table. Check the rest of my photos in the Wedding for Less section for more that I have done on the cheap! By Dingybat from Vermilion, Ohio Editor's Note: We will be posting dingybat's wedding tips and photos every few days. Keep an eye out for them. Contest Contender!
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Tips For Traveling Cross Country By Train To all my wonderful friends on Thrifty Fun, I wanted to let you know I moved clear across the USA! I am in Yorktown, VA for a year, working on the craft kits business, and staying with some friends. I have a craft room, bedroom, and a humongous four bedroom three bath house to myself about 75% of the day. I lost my job and home, and sold or gave away half my things, put the other in storage and took a train from Portland, OR to Chicago, then Chicago to Yorktown, VA. The train ride was not that great, so I wanted to share a few things I learned if you find yourself traveling over several days. Take music, a book, a moshy pillow, a donut (if don't want a comotose bottom), and your own food, if you are thrifty or just broke like me. My daughter bought me an mp3 player, and the crying babies and constant loudspeaker announcements were not so bad. Pack light. My two check on bags would have been free from Portland to Chicago, but would have cost me money from Chicago to Virginia.
I weigh about 200 lbs, and it was all I could do to "back" into one of their "econo-potties", so I sometimes waited for the disabled one.
They pretty much talk to you like you were cattle, ordering you here and there, reminding you that if you get off for any reason and don't reboard in time, you will have to pay for another ticket.
So, take things to do, sleeping pills help your body ignore the rigors of sleeping sitting up for two or more days, and when you can, sit as far away from speakers as you can.
Once I was here, I was in love with the area. The humidity was horrible, but when it's gone, you have Crape Myrtle and Mimosa trees and some of the nicest people I have ever met!
I am sending one shot of the house from that back yard.
Source: Just sharing where I am!
By Poor But Proud from Yorktown, VA Contest Contender!
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Well, it's almost fall and the courtyard squirrels are reinforcing their nests for winter. It was so cute watching the determination of this little guy. There's an old fashioned bridge over the courtyard creek about 20 feet from my patio that has four wooden posts and heavy duty rope attached on both sides for hand rails. The rope hanging from one post is really frayed and this little guy worked for about a half hour collecting and tugging, and tugging and tugging until he/she finally broke the last strand and scurried away with a golf ball size of nesting materials. By Deeli from Richland, WA Contest Contender!
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This is Marley and he is 12 years old. We got him when he was abandoned at a friends house when he was about one year old. Marley loves to go outside on his leash. The vet told us he needed to be an indoor cat because his skin is pink and his ears are pink and he might get a sunburn. He has freckles on his nose. By Nancy from Bastrop, TX Contest Contender!
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Her real name is Sinew but we call her Baby Girl. She is a 4 month old Pitbull and Rottweiler. We got her when she was 8 weeks old, but we visited her every day before that. For fun, she likes to run in the back yard or take a car ride. She is a sweetheart and a lot of fun. She learns very fast and loves to help out doing things. She also helps carry the shovel when you are going to use it. She loves to help you do your push ups with the extra weight and by licking your face! By Joyce wis from Janesville, Wis. Contest Contender!
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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!
One of the best tips I can give a young homemaker is to always save money for flowers. If you don't have a garden and live in an apartment, they can get pretty dreary. When you buy your groceries at the store, most of the chain stores anyway, will have a flower department. I always buy a handful of fresh flowers. They usually put them in small bunches for around three dollars. It is money well spent. You will enjoy them all week. Next week you can replace them. That way you will always have pretty flowers. We need food for the soul, too. By eveh from Gulf Coast Contest Contender!
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Use An Empty Can As Utensil Holder When Cooking Here is what I use to prevent spilled mess on my counter when I am cooking. I usually use more than one utensil when I am cooking but never know where to place them during the cooking time as I am still using them. Well, since I usually use some type of canned goods with all my meals, I came up with the following. I rinse the can that I used, then I use it as a utensil holder while I am cooking. Once I am done cooking, I place the utensils in the sink, rinse the can again and recycle it. So it's kinda like recycling it twice. The bonus is that it saves a mess to clean off my counter or a plate. By tomnsaby from Albuquerque, NM Contest Contender!
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Make Flash Cards To Learn New Subjects Make a set of flash cards using index cards and the glossary in your text book. Review them during commercials, in the car, on the bus, while waiting for text messages, etc. Once you've mastered this list, you're going to find the subject much easier to comprehend. By Phyliss from Ranson, WV Contest Contender!
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Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires I bought a 50 cent tin to match the decor of the room and cut a square hole in the back. We pushed all the phone cord and extra computer line through, hooked it all up, put the lid on the tin and now all the mess is "contained". I do have to dust the tin once a while.This looks great and could be done in any room or even on the floor. By kurtzfolk from Van Wert, OH Contest Contender!
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Help Organizations Start A Recycling Program Compared to others, I am new to recycling or green living. I learn more each day. Many people say they don't have time to recycle. Help them get started by sharing the website, bottlesandcans.com. They will send out a bottles/cans recycling container to each address one time (you want to order the recycling starter kit). If you are an organization (4-H, BSA,GSA etc), you can make a label for your organization. Simply have each member have a container sent to their home. Place them in local establishments (the break room is a great place). Then offer to pick it up once a week,many places are happy to be part of the effort.They just need a little guidance. I work at a bank and when I joined the staff, I ordered one. They had never recycled before and were amazed at the return rate. In June we used our funds to donate to the local food bank. Next, we purchased lunch and an afternoon treat for the staff. All compliments of learning to be a little green. I hope this motivates and excites others as much as it has our staff. By sonoradollie from Sonora, CA Editor's Note: The website is for California residents only and they are currently out of the free kits. There is great information for beginning recyclers there, especially if you live in California. Check locally for your own community's recycling resources.Contest Contender!
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Pack Clutter Into Trash Bags And Organize Later Do you feel overwhelmed that your home is a big mess? Just looking at it, you do not know where to begin?Try this: Take a big green trash bag and go in each room, Put everything that is laying around into this bag; clothes, toys, shoes, just what ever is on the floor and such. You will have a clean home in 10 minutes. Then while you are sitting down watching a movie, go through this bag and put everything in place. It gives such peace of mind By halaluyah77 from MO Contest Contender!
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Homemade Stain Remover for Clothing I recently had gotten cherry stains on a off-white cotton top. I tried many things and the stains did not come out. I finally found this recipe and soaked the shirt for 30 minutes and all the stains were removed. I would think this would work for all type of fruit and other natural stains. My Oxy-clean
Ingredients
Directions
Make this recipe as you need it. Do not save any for later use. Any leftover would lose its' potency over time. Mix ingredients. Add clothes and soak for 20 minutes to overnight. Rinse; wash as usual. Makes 2 cups. If possible, try to test an area of the clothing in case any discoloration occurs. Source: A friend. By mkymlp from NE PA Contest Contender!
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Making Windshield Wipers Last Longer Before spending money replacing your worn windshield wiper blades, use a fine grit sand paper, about 10 strokes on the edge of the blade that touches the windshield and they will be just as good as new. By Mary W. from Camden, MI. USA Contest Contender!
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Reuse Silverware Basket for Tools I just suggested to a friend who is getting a new dishwasher, that she take the silverware baskets out of the old one, and use for storage of screwdrivers, trowels and such. She said "That sounds like a thrifty fun hint!" So here it is. Your reputation is spreading. By MartyD from Houston, TX Contest Contender!
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Vinegar As An All Purpose Cleaner Once a month, I run vinegar through the coffee maker to clean out the residue that builds up. Make sure you run a pot of clean water through before you make your next pot of coffee. Vinegar is also great for cleaning the microwave. Just microwave some in a small bowl, let it set without opening the microwave for a few minutes, and the gunk just wipes off. (Do be careful opening the door - the warm vinegar fumes can make your eyes water!) Use the warm vinegar to clean greasy messes. I use it on the top of our range hood, which gets that nasty greasy, dusty build-up. Wipes right off with no scrubbing. We have hard water and get calcium build-up in our cat's water bowl after a while. A soak overnight in vinegar and the calcium wipes off. Same thing for the tray under the water dispenser on the fridge. And these are just the cleaning uses in the kitchen! By Camilla from Atchison, KS Editor's Note: What are some of the ways that you use vinegar to clean your home. Post your tips here. Contest Contender!
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Replacing Liquid in a Barometer What is the colored liquid in a glass weather barometer (the one with a clear glass bulb with a tiny spout on it) and how do I replace it? By nekocat from OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98685430.tip.html
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Rate It: How can you tell if a roly poly is a girl or a boy? How can you tell if a roly poly is a girl or a boy? By Sereena214 from Jackson, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23917034.tip.html
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Rate It: I had all my teeth pulled and dentures put in a little over a week ago. I have been able to take out my top plate and put it in with no problem. I finally got my bottom plate out last night and now I can't get either of them back in. It hurts way too bad! Any suggestions on making it a little less painful for getting them back in? By chellbell from Duncan, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76919288.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a dog and have just used Ortho Max Bug B Gone granules on the lawn and flowerbeds. I watered thoroughly. When is it safe to let the dog out? Hardiness Zone: 9b By ddzak from Pasadena, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84163057.tip.html
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Rate It: Laminate Flooring on a Stairway Has anyone installed laminate flooring on a stairway? We are wanting to do this, but need some advise in doing so. By syoung53 from North Vernon, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87577380.tip.html
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Rate It: Salt Air Damage to Exterior Door Our house which is only 4 years old, it has a solid mahogany double door and transom inset with leaded glass. The winds hit it directly from the ocean. I want to restore its original rich shine. I can't find any good products. Please help. By joyjoy2 from VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50219033.tip.html
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Rate It: Inexpensive or Free Building Materials The Boss is preparing to ship a 40 ft. container to W. Africa; I'm looking for a cheap (or, free) source for gently used metal windows, doors, building materials, (which are next-to-impossible to find in his country) to add to the shipment. Any guidance, suggestions? Thanks, in advance. By vbartvbart from Orlando, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34200353.tip.html
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Rate It: I painted my deck; what can I put on it to seal it? My deck is covered. By memas from Mtn. View Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72148408.tip.html
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Rate It: What breed is my dog? He is now 5 months old and weighs 50 pounds. The people I bought him from told me that he was a golden Lab/Rott mix, but as he grows bigger and bigger people keep asking me if he is a German Shepherd? He is very active and barks a lot when people arrive at the door, and is extremely over protective. His paws are huge and his tail is too long for his body, but is not fluffy like a German Shepherd's. His ears are really big and tend to stick up from time to time. He also has webbed feet. Any ideas? By JesslicGV from MO
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Rate It: Making Faux Marble Tiles from Plaster How can I make faux tumbled marble tiles from plaster? By queenie123 from mountains, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62464578.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid of Ammonia Odor in Rug I am pulling my hair out. I have a synthetic rug and the last time that I cleaned it I used ammonia on it. This was the first time I have cleaned with it. Now I have just cleaned my rug again and used Bissel rug cleaner, but my rug smells of ammonia really bad. Can you help me please? I took it outside and hosed it on a hot day to try and push that terrible smell out, but no luck. By formidge from Vancouver, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14759910.tip.html
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Rate It: Accessories To Wear With a Green Dress What color of hose and shoes do you wear with a green dress? By Lynda123 from Lenoir, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52950731.tip.html
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Rate It: Buying Peppermint and Spearmint Oil Where do you find peppermint and spearmint oil? By CRAMBLITTM from Edgewood, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70345973.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Sharpie from Piano Keys My daughter put a Sharpie stain on one of the keys of our piano. Any suggestions on how to remove it? Thanks. By Hemakapadia from San Jose, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37712462.tip.html
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Rate It: Styling and Caring For Gray Hair Does anyone have any tips for long gray hair? I would like suggestions for attractive styles for older women and tips for keeping it looking healthy. Thanks. By Rose1953 from Greer, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27707765.tip.html
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Rate It: How Many Quarts of Oil in '92 Chevy Tahoe? How many quarts of oil does it take for an oil change on a 1992 Chevy s10 Tahoe? Whenever I go to the professional oil changer, my nephew tells me they over filled it by a half quart. I don't want to damage the engine and I know having too much oil in a vehicle can. By stonerchick from Yreka, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25012172.tip.html
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Rate It: My dog has been itching and scratching ever since she was given some chicken liver and hearts. She has had these before, but never itched liked this. Could this be the cause? By kerryh from Owosso, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60337646.tip.html
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Rate It: Cell Phone For User With Hearing Loss Can someone recommend a particular brand, etc., cell phone for for someone who has a hearing loss? I've turned up the sound on mine and it's still not loud enough. I'm available for an upgrade with my carrier. By txbetty from Lubbock, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24813614.tip.html
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Rate It: Fall Theme Table Decoration Ideas I am in charge of decorating a table for beverages and cookies for a fall meeting, does anyone have ideas for decorations? By mnvieau from Traverse City, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22615548.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing a Lamp Shade That Leans How can I fix a lamp shade that leans to one side? I've tried rubber bands, cardboard, tape, etc. nothing helps. Any info will be appreciated. The lamp is the type that you put the bulb in after you put on the shade. Thank you. By sherrylee from Dixie, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26011074.tip.html
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Rate It: Securing a Child's Swing to Deck How do I secure a child's swing to my wooden decking? It moves around when in use. By Julieb from UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13661851.tip.html
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Rate It: Washer Rinse Water Has Terrible Odor When I wash clothes and the washer is in the rinse cycle, the water has a terrible odor to it. This happens load after load and has been that way for a couple of months now. The tap water in the sinks does not have an odor. Any suggestions? By Becky Ann from Madison, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38251779.tip.html
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Rate It: I would like to buy the same kinds of towels that are sold by TJMax, Kohl's, and Dillard's at wholesale prices. How do I find the wholesalers? By kjensen from Smithfield, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10893164.tip.html
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Rate It: Who is the person that made this swing? It is in a park in Chicago, IL. By Uncle Bob from Wheaton, IL
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Rate It: I think these pieces originated in Holland, maybe in the 1800's, not sure. Can anyone tell me where they are from and perhaps a value or somewhere I could find out what they might be worth? By 1Dianne from Forest, Ontario
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Rate It: Recipes for Someone With Heart Disease My husband recently got released from the hospital because of his heart and this is the second time this year. I really need to cook healthier for him, actually all of us could benefit from a healthier diet. He is progressing faster with his heart disease than any of us realized, including his doctor. Any recipes for juice drinks, food, home remedies, exercises etc. would be appreciated. He loves salt and he's a steak and potato kind of guy, which we all know is not good. Please help. By A from Wheeling, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62932250.tip.html
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Rate It: My aunt gave me a pair of metal glider chairs. Each chair has 2 arms, 12 in. long, with bearings on each end that hold the seat to the lower bottom frame. Does anyone know where I can buy similar chairs? By George11546 from Monroe, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30288390.tip.html
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Rate It: I have tried without success to remove smoke stains from a white electric range. When using the broiler and when the stove is turned on for self-cleaning, smoke comes up through the oven onto the white backside of the range. Nothing I've used so far including Soft Scrub will remove it. I'd appreciate any suggestions. By fritzlouise from Ft. Myers, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50817233.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a home treatment for parvo. By robkingster1 from Burton, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57992618.tip.html
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Rate It: Washing Machine Isn't Filling With Water My washing machine only works on the spin cycle and there isn't any water entering the machine. By al from the cape from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94067298.tip.html
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Rate It:
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:
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