Daily Thrifty Tips - April 18, 2008

Earth Day is next Tuesday so we hope to publish some earth friendly tips next week. If you have any tips to share for Earth Day, feel free to submit them on the contest page.

Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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: Shell Plaque

Use left over scraps of wood and any collected shells to make a nice plaque for your walls. Also uses craft paints, stencil, and tile grout.

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Lady (Staffordshire Mix)

Lady is 4 months old. She is Staffy x. If anyone can tell me with what, it would be appreciated. I got her 2 months ago. She loves to run.

By Garry from Seattle, WA

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Craft Project: Bowling Ball Gazing Ball

Bowling Ball transformed into a Gazing Ball to display in a flower garden, backyard deck or a campsite

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Raised Beds With PVC Greenhouse Frame

Making it easier on the back with raised beds (20 ft. x 4 ft. 2 block high). PVC pipe looped over to put plastic on to get plants out early.

By George from Roanoke VA

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Reducing Spring Weather Damage

Here are tips to help reduce spring weather damage (and save you repair and cleanup $)

Spring is now upon is, and for a good part of the USA, this means the beginning of another storm season. Depending on where you live, a storm may mean different things, from heavy winds and rain with flooding, to tornadoes and thunderstorms to hurricanes.

While there is nothing we can do to stop adverse weather, there are numerous things we can do around our homes to lesson any damage we may receive. Very often ones property sustains more damage from falling debris than it does from the actual wind itself.

First I would recommend that every commuter, parent, teacher, childcare provider, retailer - EVERYONE take a class in storm spotting. During this class, (the basic class ranges from 2-3 hours in length) one learns the basics of a storm, and reading of the sky. This tells you when to take cover and be prepared. True, modern science has enabled us to be warned in many cases ahead of time, but we are not always within range of siren warnings and they do not always go off.

I also strong advise every home and business to have a good working weather radio, with good backup batteries. An all-electric one will not do you much good in a severe storm if the power goes out. Listen to the warnings and follow the directions you are given.

Prepare yourself for a storm well ahead of time. Most importantly, make sure all family members know where to report to during a storm. If you have a basement, this will be the time to use it. If not, find a nearby shelter, preferably underground away from basement windows and gas lines. If there is no nearby shelter, then find a room, closet or hallway with no windows in the center of your home and on the lowest floor possible. Avoid mobile homes!

In your shelter, I would recommend having a storm kit in a large Rubbermaid type container or something else that is waterproof. Clearly label it to the effect that is for storm use only. Keep an inventory on the lid as to its contents, and remember some items in it will need to be rotated to avoid expiring and to stay fresh. In it, I would recommend you keep at least 2 flashlights with extra batteries and bulb. (They make ones now that you can wind up to recharge), a portable radio that picks up your local station for weather updates, medication that may be needed for those within your home-such as insulin or heart meds (stress often brings out the worse of an illness), blankets and pillows, copies of your medical and property insurance and your agents name and number, quick energy snacks such as granola bars, bottles or jugs of water, perhaps baby formula, bottle, diaper and wipes if you have a little one, empty trash bags, battery run clock, a small air horn or whistle (to sound in the event you are trapped in your shelter, pocket knife, matches, first aid kit notebook and pen, personal hygiene items, feminine supplies, TP and an empty large coffee can with a lid (for a makeshift toilet). Heavy gloves would come in handy if you come out to find broken glass. Rain ponchos for each family member could also come in use. You can buy them for under a dollar at Wal-Mart in a small plastic pouch in the sporting goods section. I also would advise that you keep a list of all emergency phone numbers, family names and their medications. If you will be taking a pet with you, you may consider a zip lock bag of pet food. You may also want a small amount of cash in your kit as well.

These contents may seem like overkill, but you have 2 things to consider:

First, you have no idea how long you may be in your shelter. It could be 30 minutes or several hours.

Second, if your home above you is blown away, and you survive in your shelter, your storm box most likely will survive also. So, you may need those items longer than just the duration of the actual storm itself. If your storm area has the room, I would add a second tote of canned no-cook foods, such as canned meats, canned fruits, peanut butter and crackers. Be sure to include a non-electric can opener. I would also add toiletries and perhaps even a change of clothes and some soap.

You can also use your imagination with your kit. If you could not use your kitchen, how and what would you cook? If you have a stocked pond on your property, then you may want to include some fishhooks and line in your kit. A reading book or board game may also be desired for a family with children.

Every 3 months, go though your box and rotate out your snacks, medications and water.

On a day of good weather, take note of your property. Do you have any trees that have dead limbs or loose limbs? The time to trim those is now, before the storm. Why have a dead limb fall on top of your home, car or even a person during a storm? Also look at trees and bushes grown next to your home. Trim back any that the wind could cause to brush against your home causing windows to break or siding damage.

Look around your yard. In a high wind, many objects become airborne to injure, break or kill. This includes trampolines, grills and smokers, trashcans and lids, doghouses, garden tools. Put outside things away where they belong. Anchor down what you can. You can anchor down such items as swing sets, doghouses, trampolines and such to prevent them from becoming airborne weapons during winds.

Keep your rain gutters cleaned out, and make sure they are well secured to your house. Also make sure any shutters are well fastened.

Take note of any loose shingles that may need replacing. Its much more inexpensive to replace one than to let it blow off and take more with it and have to replace more and risk having a leaking roof.

Make sure all members of your family know how to turn off the gas, electric and water at the main. Also instruct family members ahead of time to stay away from downed power lines.

Make it a habit to not park under power lines, poles or trees when possible.

Keep your garage or carport cleared of clutter and organized so that you can actually use it to park in. This will help protect your vehicle from damage it may incur if parked outside.

Get a storm buddy. A storm buddy is someone you call after a storm passes to verify they are safe. They in turn, will try and contact you. If you can not reach each other, then you would contact emergency contact number, such as their closest neighbor or a relative to see if they have had contact with them.

Know your facts! A watch means conditions are right. A warning means take cover now.

Do you have a CD of your homes inventory? If not, take one now of your jewelry, furniture, antiques, furs, appliances, cameras. Don't forget about items that may be inside drawers and cabinets. You would want to stand in the center of each room, and take pictures from each angle of the room. Open cabinet doors to show contents. Don't forget about items that may be in your yard or storage areas such as mowers, chain saws and tools. Obviously you do not want to keep this CD in your home, but at a separate location such as a safety deposit box, and perhaps another copy at your work location. This CD can come in handy to identify stolen, blown away and destroyed items for insurance. (You may also decide at the same time to engrave tools in the event of theft.)

Once a year take a look at your property insurance. Make sure it is up to date for replacement costs. If you have outbuildings, make sure they are covered. If you have new items, make sure they are covered, especially if they are antiques, coins or historical vehicles - some are not covered unless you add them on to your policy as a rider. Make sure you are covered for flood, hail, and possibly even earthquake. All these things do not automatically come on your policy.

When you are aware that a storm is approaching, check your timeline and plan accordingly. If you are hearing on your way to work, that there will be one later that night, you have some time to prepare. Make sure you know where all family members will be and instruct them to call you should their plans change. Make sure your family is going to be at a safe location-not outside at soccer practice. If you can, sleep in your shelter, rather than waiting for the sirens to go off after bedtime to race to the shelter. During the tornado season, I like to keep my shoes beside the bed. If I have to go to the basement, I don't have to worry about possibly stepping on broken glass or nails when I come back out.

Make sure your pets have their ID collars on. Some pets tend to be scared and run off during storms and this will help aid their return back home.

Make sure your children all know their address and phone number, as well as any allergies they may have.

Be sure all household members realize they do not leave the shelter until they can verify the storm is over AND the all clear has been given by the local radio station or through the warning siren system. Many injuries and deaths have occurred because people left their shelters too soon.

After a family has left their safe area, it would be wise to first send one adult member into the house to check for damages and other safety issues. Do not reenter until the house has been verified as safe by both a visual check and also by a smell check if you have gas. Often it is dark, so do your check with a flashlight, not with a candle or any type of open flame. Be sure to watch your step for any power lines that may be down. Do not go outside and "explore" for damage until daylight and power lines are up. Report any downed lines ASAP.

We can't stop the storms from coming, but with some preparation, we can help to ensure our safety and prevent some damages and injuries.

By April from NW Missouri

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Can't Beat the Paw Prints?

I have 3 large dogs and was so tired of washing up paw prints I decided to join the dogs. I painted my vinyl flooring in my foyer with primer then a coat of white paint. Then I stenciled on the paw prints with black paint. Of course I still have to wipe up the floor but it makes me laugh every time! Can't beat 'em join 'em! I used a latex wall paint and poly sealer.

By Jackie from Middleton WI

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Use Coke For Removing Smoke Odors

Several years back we had a fire in our home and the pros came in to help us with the clean up. Everything smelled like smoke, even our clothes. One of their cleaning secrets was to put one can of Coca-Cola in the washing machine, per load with your regular laundry soap. They said: "Do NOT use sugarless and do not use Pepsi, just REGULAR name-brand Coca-Cola." It worked wonderfully! It was amazing how well just adding one can of Coke per wash load would take out every trace of smoke smell from our clothes and other washables!

I've since used this trick to get rid of that campfire smell from my jackets and other clothes after camping and it also seems to get rid of nasty nicotine smells from my clothes when I've been around smokers. I don't know if a knockoff brand of Coke would work, I used the real thing but you could always give a cheaper brand a try!

Source: Professional smoke damage cleaners gave me this tip.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

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Clean Your Lint Screen With Dish Soap

Wash your dryer lint screen with dish soap and water about every three months and your dryer will work better. Dryer sheets leave a film on the screen and block the air flow.

Source: From a friend

By Jack from South Beach, OR

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Recycled Container Gardening

Container gardening sounded like a good, thrifty way to feed our family healthy organic produce, except for one thing: landscape timbers to build a raised bed, big flower pots for vegetables, and other containers are expensive! Then, my eye landed on the dozen empty kitty litter containers (Fresh Step--about the size of five-gallon jugs) I'd saved because they just seemed likely to be useful one day. A few holes in the bottom and a can of spray paint (used on the outside only) turned the whole dozen from kitty litter buckets into bright flower pots, with a total expense of less than $2!

I happened to have kitty litter buckets--and they could probably be had readily from your local Freecycle community--but they're definitely not the only containers that would work well. Look at the groceries you bring home anyway. Herbs would grow in a row of margarine tubs, wouldn't they? What about empty plastic coffee containers? What other containers are you throwing away?

All you need for functionality is to be sure the plastics aren't going to leech dangerous chemicals into edible plants (easy to look up online) and a few holes in the bottom of each container for drainage. But again, a bit of paint and whatever other decoration you like will keep you from feeling like you're living in an overgrown garbage pile.

From what I've read, even apartment dwellers with a bit of balcony space can raise enough produce to feed a family of four with careful planning ... really! Google [balcony vegetable gardening] for lots of good how-to information that applies equally well to container gardening in any other space. And, with recycled containers, there's enough money to buy clean dirt to fill the pots ... healthy, organic food for very little investment! Hooray!

Source: This was originally my own idea, although I'm certainly not the first to grow food in recycled containers!

By Sterghe from Pennsylvania

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Too Many Toys?

A wise friend once told me when my children were young that the best solution to CONSTANTLY picking up toys was to go through the toy box and pick out toys to pack away for later and narrow down the choices the child has to make. Trust me it works!

I passed this tip down to my daughter for her young son, when she too got tired of picking up toys. There are so many nice crates nowadays at a reasonable cost. When you pull out a toy, pack away one or two that he seems to be bored with. It is exciting to the child and a little less work on Mom. Too many toys to choose from is overwhelming to a small child and they naturally play with them only for a while and eventually toss them aside.

I now babysit for a 3 year old granddaughter and tried this again to see how it would work. I found a little kitchen at a flea market and cleaned it up and bought the little plastic foods and dinnerware. She'd outgrown the "Baby Days" toys so I packed them away and brought out the new one. She loves to play cooking and we have meals and tea parties for fun. She feeds her dolls as well.

The point I am making is: too many choices are mind boggling to a child as well as to an adult. Think of it, you know how it feels to go to a crammed closet and try to choose what you really want to wear, yet you really don't want to get rid of the extras you don't need. Make it easy on both of you. Moms: reduce and recycle toys. Trust me, it works!

By Sharon from Ravenna, KY

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Freezer Maintenance Tips

My freezer purrs like a kitten!

When I go away at Xmas for two weeks to visit family, I make sure to completely defrost my freezer. The food is given away to someone in my local Freecycle and the freezer is completely turned off for two of those weeks.

When I come home, it's time to give my freezer a good wash through then back on with the electric and a 'big shop' at my freezer food store.

But here's my little trick. To save the build up of ice: after I have washed and dried the insides of my freezer, I coat the walls and shelving runners with a good smearing of Glycerin. Glycerin is available cheaply in your local pharmacy.

No ice build up and I extend the life of my freezer as it's not working so hard. It purrs like a kitten all year long! =^..^=

Source: I think I got this from a book of hints and Tips called Trade Secrets.

By Monique from Somerset, UK

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Link: Paint Calculators

Ever wonder how much paint you'll need to buy? Here's a list of sites for you:

• http://www.recyclespot.org/paintcalc.asp

• http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_calc_index.asp?page_id=35720769

• http://www.artsparx.com/paintcalculator.html

• http://www.paintquality.com/diy/calculator/calc.html

• http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20083&ca=34

• http://www.amstarrealty.com/howmuchpaintdoineedcalculator.htm

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Buy Small Amounts of Veggies at the Salad Bar

We love salad, and the healthier the better. Here is a great money tip I use constantly. I will buy my main "green", such as romaine, or iceberg, etc. But I will go to the SALAD BAR and get spinach to make the salad even more nutritious. Spinach weighs so little it is MUCH cheaper to buy this way than in a bag. I also find it cheaper to buy small amounts of shredded red cabbage to add here as well, as I usually don't need a whole head and the small bags are expensive. The salad bar is a great place to go for veggies that do not weigh much!

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Grease Free Gravy

Making gravy; I start with the drippings from a roast, chicken or pan fried meat and letting cook until all the liquid is vaporized and the meat juices are caramelized. Drain grease off; what's left are the caramelized juices; add water or broth and stir until caramelized juices are dissolved; add thickening of flour or cornstarch and water, stirring until thickened. Add seasoning to suit taste. Your gravy will be flavorful and nearly grease free.

By Nell from Alabama

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Making Your Own Evaporated Milk

How do you make evaporated milk?

Rose from Natchez, MS

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Saving Money on Pudding

Tips for Saving Money on Pudding. Post your ideas below.

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Scrapbooking Certificates And Awards

I would like to put all my kids school awards/certificates, school pictures, etc. in a photo album or scrapbook. Which would be more appropriate? I also want to be able to write notes maybe with a gold pen on each page about what was going on at the time the award was received. I can't decide if a photo album or scrapbook will be easier as I have no knowledge about scrapbooking. Your opinion will be appreciated.

Onesummer

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Ideas For Son's High School Graduation Party

I'm looking for graduation ideas for my son who is graduating from high school. I know it's going to be an outdoor event but I looking for ideas that a guy would like and not be embarrassed when his friends come over.

Donna from Cincinnati, OH

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My Computer "Freezes" All The Time

My computer "freezes" all the time. I turn it off and on several times a day, to get it to work again. Some days it is fine, some days worse. Why does it do this? And what do I do (besides what I already do) to fix it? It drives me crazy!

Thanks,
Donna from Victoria, B.C.

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I Need Bankruptcy Advice

I had to file chapter 7 bankruptcy 3 year ago due to getting disabled and now when I try to get a debit card from any bank I am turned down. The Chex system has me owing one bank 300 dollars even though it was included in the filing. I know life isn't fair but bankruptcy is supposed to give a person a fresh start, this just does not seem legal to me. Any help would be appreciated.

Jeff from Anderson, Indiana

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Looking For A "Bake Sale Kit"

I am looking for a "Bake Sale Kit"?

Chancerie from Gallatin, TN

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Kids Movie Theme Birthday Party

I'm helping to plan my nephew's 3rd birthday party. The theme is movies, like Meet the Robinson's and Cars. I'm stuck for an invite idea. I'd like them to be unique. Any other ideas for this theme (i.e. cake, decorations) would be helpful.

Milena

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Making Mossy Terra Cotta Pots For Wedding

I am doing the flowers for a wedding on May 17th. My sister-in-law (to be) wants mossy terra cotta pots. What is the best way to do this faux or not, in a month? Help! Thanks.

Cher from Provo, UT

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Elastic Tops for Sundresses

How do you make the elastic like top on sun dresses instead of buying the sun dress material that is already made?

Lynn from CT

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Wedding Advice for New Jersey

Please help! We're looking to get married this October 4th. In either a Bed and Breakfast in Cape May, NJ or an indoor solarium in Bayonne, NJ. I've never been to Cape May, we'll be going in two weeks. Has anyone had a wedding in Cape May, NJ or Bayonne, NJ?

Our budget is $3000 for about 50 guests. Where else can I have a nice Northern/Southern NJ wedding within that budget or lesser? Also, does anyone know of any inexpensive young violinist and young singer? That'll be our entertainment, along with our own music/MP3s. Also, does anyone know of a reasonably priced bakery in Bayonne, or Cape May?

We're skipping an open bar and will buy wholesale wine, beer, soda and bottled water. We may have a buffet setting of Filipino, Italian, and Latino food. I will do decorations myself. And no bridal party. It'll be a VERY simple, Sunday morning wedding and short brunch reception.

GG from Jersey City, NJ

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Removing Mildew Smell From Carpet

We have fairly new wall-to-wall carpeting in our living room. It is thicker pile called "California Berber", it is only about three years old. We had an unfortunate incident and there was a lot of water on an area of the carpeting. Unfortunately, there is still a mildew-ish smell that comes from the carpeting.

I am sure there is mildew underneath. We are not in a position right now to rip up and replace the carpeting, although I know that is the ultimate solution. In the meantime, does anyone have any ideas on removing the mildew smell? Thanks!

Tracey from Westerville, OH

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Knifty Knitter Video

Where can I find a video on how to use Knifty Knitter? I lost my instructions. Help.

Elsie from Brandon

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

What color should I paint my kitchen/den area? The counters have sage green, rust, grey, and an olive/beige tone. Cabinets are a dark mahogany. Living area is connected to my kitchen, so very open floor plan. Sectional sofa is light beige color. I don't want a cave, but don't want it too light either. Please help!

Shawna from Surprise, Arizona

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Uses for Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces

I have jigsaw puzzles that are missing some pieces. I would like to find some use for these pieces. Does anyone have a craft idea using these old puzzle pieces? Christy from Fulton, MS

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Removing Dye That Transferred in the Wash

I washed a pair of red slacks with my colored clothes. Now I have red color on everything where the slacks bled. How can I get the red out of the other clothes?

Debbie from Kingsport, TN

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Homemade Grand Marnier

I need information on how to make homemade Grand Marnier. I had one before, using vanilla beans, lemons, oranges, 100 proof vodka and sugar. But I don't remember the amounts. Can you help?

Tom

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Recipes For New Vegetarians

My daughter and I recently converted to vegetarianism. Does anyone have any good, easy main dish recipes?

DeeDee from Mo

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Pet Health Insurance

Several weeks ago I had to borrow over $900 for an operation to save my cat's life. I'm now thinking about buying pet insurance for around $20 per month. Do any of you have pet insurance? Is it worth the money, or do the pet insurance companies rip you off? What do I look for in the way of a good provider? What have your experiences been?

Cyinda from near Seattle

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Recipes for a Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven

Is there a cookbook for the Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven, Model C200?

Jack

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Flavoring Old Dog Bones

My dog has some perfectly good dog bones (the chewy type you buy at the pet store) but he prefers the new $6.00 ones straight out of the package. Am thinking there may be something I can dip them in that will have a non-staining healthy flavored coating. Suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Engagement Party Ideas

I'm having an engagement party in two weeks at my apartment and its going to be mostly family with a few friends. Does anyone have any ideas of things we could do so that its not just standing around and talking? I want everyone to feel involved and not awkward or out of place.

Erin from Syracuse, NY

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Instructions For Making Silk Flowers

I would like to find a site that gives you free instructions on making satin or silk flowers using the starching method for fabric.

Carmen from Trinidad

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George Foreman Jr. Rotisserie Instructions

I have a George Foreman Baby Rotisserie and have lost the instructions to it. Can I down load or have one mailed to me?

Gwen from Lou, KY

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Recipe For Creamy Macaroni And Cheese

Looking for an easy no-fail creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. The one I have is ok just not as creamy as I would like. Will you share yours?

Onesummer

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Cigarette Carpet Burns

How to remove multi burn cigarette burn marks from carpet?

Kendra from Revere, MA

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Ideas For My 17th Birthday

Where should I go for my 17th birthday?

Taylar from Saint Louis, MO

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Bamboo Plants In Fish Tank

Can I put a bamboo plant in my fish tank?

Eva from CT

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Planning A "Social Work" Themed College Graduation Party

I am *finally* graduating with my master's degree in social work. Neither myself nor my parents (who are traveling 3000 miles for the event) have the money or the space to have a big expensive party. Instead, we'll be throwing a party at a local park. In order to make it more fun and less costly, I'd like to do a potluck but request food that's has to do with social work, graduation, etc.

For example, "whine" instead of "wine, Hamburger "Helper", etc. Does anyone have any good ideas on phrasing, how to ask this, etc? I'm not especially creative in this area. Thanks!


alynn1741 from San Jose, CA

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Starting Cactus From Seeds

I have recently purchased some seeds for cactus. I have seen them growing here in KS, so I know it's possible. My question is, how to start cactus? How about soil, or should I just use rock to plant them in? I love cactus, but this is my first attempt to grow some. Any help would be great! Thanks.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

kandomom from Leavenworth, KS

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Removing Wallpaper

How do you remove wallpaper?

Gary from NJ

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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:
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Find Earth Day Events in Your Area

Earth Day is April 22nd. Many events will be held this weekend. Search for events in your area.

http://ww2.earthday.net/search/location

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Saving Money on Batteries

Remote Control Batteries

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Vegetarian Ethiopian Feast

Want to impress your friends at your next dinner party? If you are having a party and need to feed lots of people for very little money, have an Ethiopian Feast! Not only is it inexpensive but it's a lot of fun (get to eat with your hands!) I made this for guests recently and they were so impressed. Ethiopian food is not eaten with cutlery yet they use injera (kind of like a crepe) to pick up the food. The food is served on a large platter or plate (see photo) with salad in the middle and the other dishes around it.

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Push Toys Recalled by Santa's Toy Corp. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: Surface paint on the glove, shirt, and pants of rider toy contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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Michaels Stores Recalls Seasonal Writing Pens Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: The seasonal writing pens' surface coating contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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FUNTASTIC Recalls Fake Teeth Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: The gray surface paint on the teeth contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

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