Daily Thrifty Tips - March 13, 2008

We have a lots of great tips today, including some Home Safety Tips that everyone should read. Ever wonder what to do with old sweaters that are past their prime? We have a nice post about recycling them into yarn to use for other projects. I hope you are having a wonderful day!

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

Craft: Sean The Lucky Leprachaun
By Debra Frick

This is a fun and challenging project. But I think you will agree that the results are well worth it. Sean the Leprechaun is made to sit on a table or to hang on your door or wall. He is my adaptation of the Santa Heads that were so popular a couple of years back. I tried to use materials that were easy for anyone to get or that were recycled. That being said his parts can be any thing you have already around your house. The only things I bought at the Walmart were the felt and the goggle eyes. I had the ribbon left over from Christmas and also the chenille sticks.

Time to complete: 4 hours

Tools

• Scissors
• Spray glue
• Hot glue gun
• Assorted plates and saucers
• Sharpie marker
• 1 CD case
• 1 DVD case

Materials

• Yarn I bought 1 Super Saver Skein of yarn color was carrot
• Green and pink felt
• 1 bleach or gallon size container shaped like a bleach bottle cut in half
• 1 Country Crock butter container
• Cardboard
• Scrap of red felt for mouth
• 1 set of goggle eyes
• 1 clear or pink flat gem for nose
• 1 package of chenille stems - Color does not really matter as the yarn covers in up.
• 1 foamy Shamrock
• Some wide gold ribbon
• Some thin gold ribbon

Instructions

In the area of the bottle where the label would be, cut a piece of felt and cover this area. Using the CD cover as if you were going to open it, Wrap the yarn around it 30 times. Slide off and wrap the center with a piece of a chenille stick. This is a yarn pouf. You will want to make 7 poufs of these to go across the front of the bottle. With scissors, poke holes in the bottle, push the two ends of the chenille stick in and open them up on the back. Use the CD case again but this time the long way, Wrap 6 poufs for each side of the face. Then using the DVD Case, wrap 8 poufs for the beard putting these on the bottom part of the bottle. Using the CD case again long ways, make 7 more poufs to go above the row of the beard. Make one more with the long way CD case for the mustache, centering this above the second row of the beard. Glue on Google eyes above the mustache and glue one flat gem on the mustache as a nose. Glue red scrap of felt under mustache for mouth.

For the brim of the hat: On corrugated cardboard, draw a half circle that is circumference of the bottle, Go out one inch from that line and make another half circle. This is the brim that you will cover with green felt. Go in one inch from the circumference line and draw another half circle. Cut around the line that is the brim line around the half circle. Now cut from the first line inward toward the circumference line so that you have tabs that can be bent up and glued to the bottle. Cover rim part of half circle with green felt. Cover bottom of the Country Crock margarine container with a circle of green felt. Cover sides of the margarine container, making sure to have a 2 inches longer that the container. Hot glue the margarine container to the bottle. Stretch the extra two inches down and glue to the brim of the hat. This will cover the tabs that you used to glue on the brim of the hat. Decorate hat rim with gold braid to cover the edge of the cardboard. With wide gold braid, make hat band and hot glue to hat. Decorate with foamy shamrock.

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Just Playing Around

These are my kids. Yes they are in a deer blind but they thought it was so cool to play in it. plus they had to show off their new toys. but I think it was funny that they were in the deer blind. My youngest boy said this is the new meaning of hunting. "Just playing around is better" he said

By Susan from Towanda, PA

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Recycle Yarn From Old Sweaters

If you have an old bulky knit sweater that you no longer wear, you have a good supply of yarn. This requires patience, so save it for a time when you're sitting quietly. I do it when I get insomnia. It is very soothing, because at 3:00 in the morning, there's no pressure to do other things.

This is a sweater that I am taking apart for the yarn. The ball represents the yarn from one sleeve, and the sweater was given to me years ago. The scissors came from a sterile bandage changing kit.


Pick the sweater apart at the seams using a pair of sharp-pointed scissors or a seam ripper. Carefully stretch the two sides of the seam apart so you can see the joining stitches, then clip them. Some sweaters have the kind of seam that allows you to pull on one end and it will undo the entire seam, kind of like a feed sack. Pull out whatever little loose pieces of yarn you can see and discard or use for stuffing. Starting at the top of the shoulder, find the beginning strand and very gently tug. It should start coming unraveled. If it doesn't, you may have to pick out a couple of rows to get down to the smoothly knitted part. Then pull and roll into a ball. Manufactured sweaters have a different kind of yarn than hand-knitted ones. They are 3-ply yarn, but the three strands are not twisted together. Each one is fragile. If you break one as you are unraveling, it may be easiest to break all three strands and then tie them together. That way the next project you make from that yarn will work evenly. Leave long tails, and when you are done knitting or crocheting, untie the knot and thread a darning needle with the loose end. Run the loose end invisibly through about five or six stitches, then reverse directions and run it back through about three stitches. Trim off the excess. Do it on the inside if it's a garment, so it won't show.

I got my sharp-pointed scissors from a sterile bandage changing kit. The nurses have to throw them away when they have changed the bandage. If you have a friend who is a nurse, you might ask her to keep her eyes open for a pair for you. So far the pair I have has lasted a year. I like knitting washcloths and crocheting afghans with this "bonus" yarn.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Noel (Shih Tzu)

Noel is 3 months old and a Shih Tzu. She was a Christmas gift from my hubby and parents. My Mom picked her out and they surprised me with her 2 days before Christmas. But our 3 year old daughter thinks it's her puppy! ;) Noel loves to incite a chase from our two older cats, who could care less. Noel really loves to ride with me to pick up my daughter from Pre-school. Her little tail just wiggles so fast when she sees all the kids lined up outside. Sometimes I think that tail will helicopter her right out the window! She thinks our daughter is another puppy and our daughter Ellie refers to Noel as her little sister.

By Sarah from Chattanooga, TN

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Craft: Blarney Stone Pin
By Debra Frick

Here is a teenage craft for St. Patrick's Day craft that is quick and easy and does not take a whole lot of time. It could even be adapted to younger kids by using larger stones that could be used as paperweights. The origins of the Blarney Stone's magical properties aren't clear, but one legend says that an old woman cast a spell on the stone to "reward" a king who had saved her from drowning. Kissing the stone while under the spell gave the king the ability to speak sweetly and convincingly.

• http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/shamrock.htm

Materials

• Small polished stones, you need ones that are pretty flat. You can purchase these at Walmart in the floral department they are used in the bottom of vases.
• Permanent markers - I used gold first and then went over it with black sharpie to make it stand out more.
• Pin back - you can buy these with an adhesive back which is what I used but the ones with out are less expensive and are fine for teenagers who can handle using a hot glue gun.
• Hot glue or E-6000

Instructions

May this give you the power to be as eloquent as any old leprechaun!

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Pullover Made From Blankets

You can make a pretty nifty man's pullover robe with acrylic blankets

By Pat from White Cloud, MI

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Tips For Frugal Home Decor

Texture Paint: Prior painting, add candle shavings to your paint to get a texture affect.

Bathroom Mirrors: I use left over molding/trimming and make a border around the mirror to make it more appealing.

Curtain Rods: I took a piece of PVC pipe spray painted it silver and attached two elbows at the ends. Then screwed two caps to the wall so when I mount it - the elbows will fit into the caps.

By Michelle from San Jose, CA

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Find Out If Clothes Fit Without A Dressing Room

I live for Garage Sales and Thrift Stores. When I find a piece of clothing I like, I want to be fairly sure it will fit me BEFORE I go to the trouble of standing in line for the dressing room! (and sometimes there is NO dressing room!) I learned this very useful trick from a friend back in the 1980's and I still use it: Our necks are about half the size of our waists, so we can use our necks to measure if something will fit our waists.

What you do is: take the skirt or pants your are interested in buying and lay them so they are flat (the front touching the back) then pick up each side of the waistband with your pincher fingers and hold each side of the waistband up to your neck and pull the 2 sides together to see if they will touch each other BEHIND your neck. If the pants, or skirt's waistband won't touch, or feels a bit "tight" on your neck, then the pants will be too tight to fit your waist. If the waistband feels "loose" on your neck (when you hold the 2 sides together) then the waistband will be loose on your waist. By the same token, if the waistband feels "just right"; on your neck, the garment will most likely fit "just right" on your waist.

This only works for those of us who wear our skirts and pants on or close to our waists. It won't work for teen-agers and those who wear their pants super-low on their hips (like "low-rider jeans"). But this technique does work for 501 Levis, which ride just a bit below the waist. It works for both men and women!

I use this technique every time I shop and have for the last 25 years! It really works! PLUS, it saves all kinds of time! Try it and you'll be a believer too!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Tips For Getting The Perfect Bridal Gown, Cheap!

First of all, if you take your time and plan it one year or at the least a few seasons ahead, go to the bridal store and choose a dress from the clearance rack. Dresses for a dream wedding are already pictured in your heart for the style you want. If you find it but the train is short or not right you can get alterations done for free or close to it at these places.

Another thing is I know of a lady that specializes in parties for reduced rates. She charges a percent on the amount she saves you not on the amount that you pay. You send her your colors, a picture of design described to her and the prices that you wish to pay. If she takes the assignment, it is because she believes she can make some money and you will save plenty. I would need to print it for her because she is Amish, but if this is something that could help, email me and I will help.

By the way This site is the best one that I go to daily and I look forward to seeing it in my email, Keep up the great work.

By MsBLChew from Auburn, IN

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Home Safety Tips

Years ago, I used to teach first aid, CPR and home safety. These tips are still just as sound today as they were 25 years ago. Being safe does not mean you have to spend a ton of money.

1. If your car has an alarm, keep your keys beside your bed. If you have an intruder during the night, hit the button. The alarm will scare him off. This can also work if you have a medical emergency. After your alarm goes off for a length of time, you have a pretty good chance of a neighbor either coming over or calling to check on you (or to tell you to turn the thing off!). I tried mine, and I can activate my car from all rooms of the house except those in the basement.
2. Keep your cell phone plugged into the charger at night, beside your bed. If someone cuts your phone line during the night in an attempt to silence an alarm and break in, you can still call 911.
3. Parents/adults should sleep with one of the homes fire extinguishers in their bedroom, located between the bed and the bedroom door. If a fire breaks out at night, you have a way to get out of your room and help your family. Make sure your fire extinguisher is properly charged, and is properly rated for its location in the home (the fire department can give you information and recommendations regarding extinguishers)
4. Have working smoke detectors and keep the batteries current. A good rule is to change the batteries when the time changes (twice a year). Most fire departments will help you install them or change the batteries. (You provide the device and the battery). I let them install mine as I knew the FD knew better the best locations for them (and had a better ladder!!). In some towns, they will also provide the smoke alarms for elderly persons, people who are on food stamps or for renters.
5. Every parent/caregiver should take First Aid/CPR. It can also save time to know by name drug allergies that your family may have.
6. Keep the following in your first aid supplies. These are often overlooked and can save a life: aspirin and ipecac syrup. Study their uses and administer them (if the situation calls for it) as someone else calls 911 or AFTER you have called 911. Call for your help first, so they are on their way. Check your first aid box at least quarterly for expired items and to restock it.
7. Make sure your family knows escape routes for a fire, hiding places for a tornado, and where to meet during a major emergency.
8. When out, don't let little ones wear shirts with their names on it. A stranger can lure the child away more easily by calling them by their name.
9. When in a crowd, moms find it useful to dress the family alike. Ours family still does it - when we go to the amusement park, or the racetrack, we all wear red t-shirts. When mine were real little, I even went as far as to write my cell number on their stomach in ink - just in case they got lost. I learned this tip from a co-worker whose daughter was lost at the zoo. The security officer who found her told her to do that on their next trip.
10. Use common sense. It doesn't hurt to keep poisons and cleaners up out of reach even if you don't have little ones in your home. This also includes those found in the garage as well as those under the kitchen sink. For some reason, pets love to try to drink antifreeze.
11. Outlet covers can also be of use to stop curious little fingers AND they can also act as a form of insulation outlets on outside walls as well.
12. Teach little ones how to dial 911.
13. Keep medicines in a safe place (top of the refrigerator is good) and out of the bathroom. The bathroom should NEVER be used to store medications for 2 reasons: first, little ones are in there alone, with the door shut---and two, heat and moisture are bad on medications. Ours are in a Rubbermaid type container in the kitchen on top of the refrigerator where little ones can't get to it. Throw away expired medications. Some can turn toxic as they age.
14. Irons should never be kept on the ironing board when not in use. Even if they are cold, a little one or a pet can knock it off and onto their head.
15. Don't let a car sit and run for a long period of time in a garage.
16. Check windows in the bedrooms of younger children to make sure children can not climb out of them. When my girls were little, I had to screw a small block of wood above the top of the bottom sash so that the window could not be opened more than 8 inches. I did this after I found a two year old preparing to climb out the window-which was on the second floor.
17. If in doubt as to the safety of your home for your pets or small children, get down and crawl! Become the height of a 2 year old and see what you can find to put into your mouth, pull on, tip over, climb on.
18. Don't keep tools and ladders out and unlocked. This only serves as an invitation to a burglar to use these items to break into your home. Same with guns-you are best to keep them in a gun safe. If you don't have a gun safe, then keep them hidden where an intruder won't find them to use against you.
19. Watch your storage of flammables. This includes lighter fluid, newspapers, paper plates and even all that TP you bought on sale. Make sure you are not keeping it in an area next to something with a pilot light or that puts out heat. Coats and linens should never be stored in the hot water heater or furnace closet.
20. If you burn your trash, make sure you are doing it safely. Some items explode when burned; including light bulbs, batteries and aerosol cans to name a few. Others put out toxic smoke and smells such as paint cans and plastics. Recycle what you can.
21. Have a professional inspect your gas burning appliances on a regular basis. Change filters as recommended. Have necessary carbon monoxide detectors in your home if you burn gas, wood (or any fossil fuel) or have a garage with indoor parking.

By April from NW Missouri

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Use a Hot Water Bottle to Comfort Young Puppy

My daughter's boyfriend just adopted a 7-week old puppy from the pound. To keep it quiet at night, my daughter told him to fill an empty soft drink bottle with hot water, wrap it in a towel, and put it in it's bed. No more whimpering puppy!

By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Tips For Planning The Perfect Vacation

Want to get away from that hectic schedule of yours and spend some time with your family? People often dream of a perfect holiday with white sands, blue beaches, palm trees and so on. But traveling or sometimes even planning a trip can be more of a stress. So many things have to be considered before planning for that perfect holiday - accommodation, places to visit, What to buy?, etc. Here are some tips to make your holiday a memorable one.

Set a Budget: Before chalking out a plan for the holiday, the most important thing is to set a budget. It helps you to plan and enjoy the trip within your limits. Always estimate a little more than what you might need.

Plan Ahead: The first thing you need to do is to be sure of what you need from this trip. Do you want to experience the local culture or just have fun on those sandy beaches? Do you wanna mingle with the locals or fade away from busy people and the world? Strategize your trip according to your needs and likes.

Read Up Before you Go: Prepare yourself before plunging into an unknown holiday destination. Buy a good guidebook and read up on the culture, history, local attractions of the destination. You can read the local publications on-line or surf the net for more information. The more you know, the better you can enjoy or appreciate the place and their traditions.

Pack Light and Right (Pack Only the Essential Things): Avoid carrying unnecessary things around. A heavy luggage may sometimes dampen your holiday spirit. Carry clothes that are comfortable and right for the season. As much as possible try to stuff everything you need in a single carry-on bag.

Always Reserve your Stay: It's always better to book your stay if possible because all you need is a good night's sleep after an exciting day.

Have Realistic Expectations: Unreasonable expectations can lead to unwanted stress, so enjoy the holiday by managing what you can with the time you have. Embrace each moment, whether good or bad.

Hope you find this article just before you plan your next holiday!

By Ajax Z from Dharwad, India

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Save Room In Your Trash Bin By Recycling

I use one trash bag per week since I started recycling. I have cheap dollar store barrels to collect flattened boxes and cardboard, plastic bottles, glass, etc. I put it all into one barrel in my laundry room all week, then separate it on trash day.

By Marilyn from Terre Haute, IN

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Craft: Origami Garbage Bin

Another neat way to recycle newspapers is to fold an origami garbage bin!

I have only managed to make one so far. Because I don't subscribe to the local newspaper, I made mine from an advertising poster. You can sometimes get free movie posters at the video rental place, they have them rolled up in a basket behind the counter here and are FREE for the asking!

Follow the HOW-TO provided on this link

• http://www.origami-club.com/en/newspaper/garbagebin/index.htm

VERY handy little useful origami. If you have a cold your tissues could be thrown there and the whole thing discarded to prevent more germs! In the kitchen it would be handy for peels if you can't compost them! In the craft room or in the CAR! The possibilities are endless!

By melody_yesterday

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Use Microfiber Cloth For Windows

To clean glass mirrors and windows, I use a microfiber cloth. Wet the cloth well and wring out as much water as you can. spray the window with glass plus, that is what I use, then quickly wipe the mirror dry. It should sparkle like a diamond. If you have large windows or mirrors, do a section at a time.

By Judy from Rapid City, MI

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Van Gogh Earring Holder Link

This is slightly twisted, but way too creative not to share:

• Vincent-van-Gogh-Severed-Ear-Earring-Holder

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Planning a Birthday on a Tight Budget

I am having a 13th birthday. I want it to be big but we are on a very tight budget, please help!


Heather

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Is Hazel Peppergood Inc. a Scam?

Is Hazel Peppergood Inc. a scam?

Gary from Peterborough, Ontario

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Is 'World Wide Publications' a Scam?

Is World Wide Publications a scam?

Gary from Peterborough, Ontario

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Avoiding Brush Strokes in Poly Coat

Can anyone tell me how to not get brush strokes in my poly coat when painting laminate counter tops?

Sharen from KY

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Making Sea Shell Jewelry

I am looking for books on how to make jewelry from sea shells. Any suggestions where I can find a book?

Patricia

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Games for Church Mother's Day Party

Does anyone have any ideas for games and decorations for a Mother's Day church party.

Marjorie from Michigan

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White Porcelain Top for Vanity

I'm up to my ears trying to remodel a bathroom. I recently bought a sink vanity at a certain big box home improvement store without a top. I didn't like the ones they had, and no one was willing to help me, so I got mad and left. Now I have a topless vanity, and can't find a top to go on it.

I'm looking for a porcelain top and sink, preferably one piece. Nothing granite or marble. Just plain white porcelain. Do they even exist? Everything I find is marble or granite, and costs a fortune. Doesn't it seem like you should be able to buy just a plain white porcelain sink top? Help!

Beth from MA

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Birthday Goody Bags for 35-40 Kids

I need some good ideas for favors for my son's first birthday (July 2007). We are doing an animal theme. I found the invites on sale for $1.00 at Walmart. It will be a barbecue at our house with a jumper and face painting (my mom is doing the face painting). We are making the pinata and we'll have the kids decorate their own cupcakes. We'll order a whole bunch of mutli-colored balloons with little color animals printed off the internet attached by ribbon to hang all over. Nothing fancy. The only area I'm having a little difficulty with is favors.

We will have 35-40 children (DH and I both have huge families). I found white craft bags on sale at Walmart but have no idea what to do for favors. The kids coming range in age from newborn to preteen. Any ideas? I am trying to keep each goody bag under $1.50.

Misty from Antelope Valley, CA

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Kids Choice Awards Sleepover Party

I'm having a Kids Choice Awards Sleepover Party. Can you give me some ideas on what to eat, do, and decorations. The girls are in seventh grade and are 13. Anything on this is helpful. Thanks!

Stephanie from Brockton, MA

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Making Outdoor Miniature Castle Ruins

Does anyone have any ideas or plans on how I can make miniature castle ruins out of small stone for my garden? What can I use to make it durable and lasting? (This will be no larger than a foot tall by a foot wide.)

Aeowyn from Cincinnati

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Burning Crayons

Why does it take colored crayons longer to burn than white crayons?

Ronald from Savannah, Georgia

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Planning a Surprise Sweet 16 Party

I need some ideas for a surprise sweet 16 party for my friend. I don't want to spend too much money and I've done some planning already. I really need ideas for food and stuff to do at the party. Thanks!

verdell123

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Looking for Collectible by Tom Rubel Titled 'Bedtime at Granny's'

I'm looking to purchase a collectible by Tom Rubel titled 'Bedtime at Granny's'. It's a combination of the Retired Angel line and the Heavenly Angel line. Please contact me if you know of anyplace I might find one. Thanks!

Kurt from Indianapolis, IN

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Removing Smoke Smell from Apartment

We just had a family member move into an apartment. The person who lived there before was a heavy smoker. Does anyone have ideas on how to get the smell of smoke out of the apartment? The carpets have been shampooed and the landlord painted, but the scent is still there. Any idea would be great. Thank you!

Stacy from El Paso, IL

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Cleaning Body of Leather and Wool Jacket

My jacket has leather sleeves and wool body. I can clean the sleeves. How can I clean the wool body?

Janice

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Urine Stains on a Sofa

I need to clean urine out of my cloth sofa from my son having an accident during a nap!

Patti

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Trouble Painting Laminate Counter Top

I need help painting laminate counter tops. Already sanded, primed, painted and did 1 coat of water base sealer. I now have brush marks where I used the sealer. I tried to sand and it's chipping the paint. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it? Thanks in advance.

Sharen from Kentucky

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Puppy Is Losing Hair

I have a Pomchi (15 weeks old). As soon as we got him at 8 weeks old he started to lose fur on his face and then around his bottom and back legs. The hair on his face has grown back but the hair on his back legs and bottom has not. He has very dry itchy skin on his back also that flakes.

I have seen remarks on how to cure itchiness but I don't know what to do about the hair loss. His coat is really sparse all over. He has very short fuzzy, soft hair that would be only 3/4 in. long. Actually he really doesn't look like what I though I was getting. Any suggestions?

Laura from Hornsby, Australia

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Parakeet Is Losing Its Feathers

My parakeet is losing feathers from the neck region and the underside of the wings. He is starting to slowly lose feathers around his chest and I really want to know what is causing this. Can someone please tell me?

Michael from Irvine, CA

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Dog Treats to Put in Kong Toy

My dog has a Kong toy (www.kongcorporation.com), size large, red which we purchased at the Kroger grocery store. Also sold at PetCo. Suggestions for low cost replacement crackers?

I've tried stuffing Milkbone doggie cookie chews inside, but dog doesn't get them out. He just bites off the part that protrudes from the Kong. This is a pooch with a yearn to chew, usually likes a challenge and has strong jaws.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Paint Peeling of Indoor Wood Doors

We primed and painted our indoor wood doors, but the paint is peeling off. What can we do? We are moving and really don't want to buy new doors.

Denise from Pennsylvania

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Mower with a Briggs & Stratton Engine Won't Start

I'm working on a 12Hp Briggs which powers a ride on mower. It won't start and a compression test revealed it had only 7psi dry and 10psi wet. I've stripped the engine bare and can't find a single thing wrong with it. The engine has completed perhaps 100 hrs. Everything inside the engine is as it should be. It has electric start so I would have expected more than this small amount. Has anyone any idea what the compression pressure should be?

David from England UK

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Planning a Prom Dress Re-Sale Event

I am very interested in whatever info you can share on organizing a prom dress re-sale event. With the dresses accumulating here in this house and knowing it is the same in other homes, it would be a wonderful idea!

Krista

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Sleeves on Old Letter Jacket Are Sticky

I still have my son's high school letter jacket from 20 years ago. Guess I am waiting for a grandson! Lol! Anyway, the sleeves are made of a type of vinyl, I am sure you know what I mean. Keeping it in the closet for so long, I think the heat or age has gotten to it. The sleeves are sticky or tacky.

Is there any way to clean this or to salvage the jacket. I hate to throw it out, I would rather give it to a needy teenager if possible. Otherwise it is in perfect condition. Thanks so much for your help.

Nolasandy from Kenner, LA

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Crafts Using Unmarked Paint Cans

Recently I spotted some Gallon and Pint sized unmarked paint cans for sale at a hardware store for a decent price. They are regular cans like you get paint in, only all shiny silver, no labels - with the circular press-on lids and the wire half circle handles. What crafts could be made from them? Any ideas? Thanks!

Cathy from Delaware

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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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