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Vol. 8, Num. 199, October 12, 2009 (Read It Online) We are publishing the first batch of Halloween Costume Contest contenders today! We've been receiving a lot of great submissions. If you like a costume idea, be sure to give it a "thumbs up". You can view all of the current entries here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/Special%20Contests_Halloween%20Costumes%202009_15504_15505.html The top three costumes, based on your ratings, will win a $25! Share your Homemade Halloween Costume ideas here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_costumecontest.ldml Also, be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like! 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:
Before you get rid of your old shower curtain liner, be sure to cut out the weights in the bottom, they're excellent and useful little magnets! I love 'em! Source: Wanted to see what the little weights in the bottom of the shower curtain liner looked like one day. I've been using them ever since! By Stacey from West Jordan, UT Contest Contender!
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Halloween: Brown Eyed Susan Garden Dog Costume Note: I am a sewer, not professional but you should have some machine sewing experience to make this costume. Materials:
Instructions Our dog is only 6 1/2 pounds so you will have to adjust the pattern for your size dog. Measure around the widest part of the body and also the length of the back area. Cut your felt to wrap all around the stomach/back area, you will need to sew on an additional length (second piece of felt) to make it go all the way around. You will need a dart on the top center and two darts at the top back end of the felt, this gives it a better fit. Next attach the Velcro strips to the ends (this part is on the under side or belly area). Cut the green ribbon in half and attach near the neck area to keep the felt in place on your dogs back. Once you get this, the rest is much easier, I promise! Iron on interfacing to the yellow felt, covering it completely. Measure around your dogs head with a string in front of the ears. Now find a dish, cup or something round that is about 1/4 inch smaller around than the string to use as a circle pattern for the opening in the flower. Trace this circle in the middle of the felt then cut a straight line from an edge to this circle, cut out the circle. Next fold your piece in half and cut around the edges "petals" about 2 inches from the center circle. Unfold and tweak if necessary. Sew a straight stitch about 1/3 inch from the inside edge then clip 1/4 inch cuts all around to allow for a snug fit around the head. Cut the yellow ribbon in half and attach one end to the corner edges to be tied and kept on the dogs head. Using your leftover yellow, cut different size flowers, then pin them all over the back side of the green felt, place a button on top and sew by hand or a simple zigzag by machine, this will hold the flower and the button on. If you have a lady bug, she looks good on one of the face flower petals. Hopefully the photos will help but if you have questions let me know and I will try to help. By NoRulesArt from Sunny Florida
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Rate It: Halloween: Peanut Butter and Jelly Family Costume Supplies:
Instructions: We took two pillowcases and cut head and arm holes in them for the peanut butter and jelly. We used plastic coffee can lids for the top of the jar and tied it on like a hat. The labels were sewn on felt with the words written in marker. The bread was cut out of a large piece of cardboard. Source: Family Fun magazine gave us the idea of a sandwich and we went from there! By Jennifer from Millington, MI
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Rate It: Lenard is a one and a half year old Miniature Dachshund. I got him January 2008, a gift for upcoming 'empty nest.' He likes to watch birds from his window seat, and play with his toy raccoons. He never meets a stranger, and loves everyone! By fatboyslimsmom from Many, LA Contest Contender!
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Punkin is a 2 months old Heinz 57 cat, given to me by a neighbor. She likes to play with "the others", make me worry and make me laugh. Punkin is so cute and such great company for me. She gives me a lot of laughs. She is a very good friend. I would miss her terribly if she ever decided to move to greener pastures. By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO Contest Contender!
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Tootwo is a mini schnauzer mix, approximately 5 years old. We got Tootwo just days after having put our sweet dog to sleep after 16 + years of loving companionship with my family. Tootwo was a pound rescue. The lady that had gotten her couldn't keep her. We were at the vets office when she came in to try and find someone to take her. Her name came easy. We kept trying to call her by the name of our dog we had just lost, which was toots. We just said this is a toots number two, thus the Tootwo. She likes going camping with us when we go. Especially when we have had to run from hurricanes. She prefers her food in a "treat ball" and will roll it around to get every last bite. If it rolls under furniture she will do her best to get it, but if she can't, she will get one of us to get it for her. The one precious thing about this little girl is the way she seemed to know, even as a young dog, (probably less than 1 1/2 years old), when I was very sick. I had gone through a mastectomy, and was getting chemo. then radiation therapy. I would come home feeling so bad, but she would lay quietly on my lap, sometimes for 2 or 3 hours, and seemed to know that it gave me comfort. I know she is a dog, but she seemed to know at that time that I needed some quiet comforting. By Loretta from Theodore, Alabama 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!
Joke: Who Is Your Best Friend? Is your dog or your husband your best friend? To find out, put them in the trunk of your car and drive around for a while. Stop. Open the trunk and see which one is the happiest to see you. Have a good day! Source: Reader's Digest By msweed from Ontario, Cananda Contest Contender!
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Have all the girls sleep in a tent and put out a fire pit or a smokey Joe. Cook hot dogs and hamburgers over the fire and roast marshmallows and have s'mores. Give each girl a s'more kit to take home. If you have a large property, consider having a bonfire. Have everyone bring a pillow and a sleeping bag. For activities, play Bear. One girl hides and is the bear and everyone chants "ain't no bears out tonight cause grandpa shot em all last night". Then the other girls try to get around the house without getting caught by the bear. It is really fun and you almost always end up turning around and running the other way. For movies, have them watch a camping movie. Also buy a big book of Mad Libs. Let them laugh the whole night away. The best part is telling ghost stories, so gals have fun! By slumbergirl234 from MD Contest Contender!
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Gift: Almost Free Spa in a Bag Everyone is on a tight budget these days and now more than ever, people are more understanding with regards to receiving more frugal and thoughtful gifts. Here is something you can do for a friend or family member that may not cost you a dime. I call it the Spa Bag but it can be a Beauty Bag too :) The idea is to get as many good samples as possible and I mean the fancy stuff. Two stores that come to mind are Lush and The Body Shop. Both stores are always eager to give out samples so if you go there perhaps once or twice a week, try collecting samples of nice products. Hit the department stores for samples of creams and perfumes as well. Kiehls also gives out samples as well as Aveda (sometimes). If you already shop at Sephora.com, they send good samples with every order as well. If you plan it out well you can have a spa in a bag which includes: body scrub, mask, eye cream, face cream or serum, body cream, shampoo, conditioner, foot cream and perfume. Then they have all they need for a "Day at the Spa" in their own home. You can place the samples in a small basket and perhaps purchase a bath puff or mitt and small candle and place it in the middle. Another thing you can do is add a fashion magazine to the basket (a lot of them have trial subscriptions where you get 1-2 issues for free before buying). Right now I have samples from Aveda, Body Shop, Exuberance Beauty, Kiehls and a few other organic companies. You can even go as far as just having a "Facial Spa Bag" and just focus on facial products or even Body Products. I collect samples throughout the year and I am making one of these spa bags for a friend as a thank you gift. Teenagers might really like this one too because often times they don't have the cash to try out these types of products. This can be a really fun gift for anyone :) Source: Written by me, post from my blog By freya1970 from Halifax, NS Contest Contender!
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Want your hair to really shine? Put vinegar mixed with a little water in a spray bottle. After shampoo and conditioner, towel dry a bit, spray it on and comb through. My hairdresser explained how acids lay the hair shaft down and therefore light reflects better. I don't know. All I know is, it works! Source: Hair by Carl, DeBary, FL By av8rs3 from Eustis, FL Contest Contender!
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Use Shower Curtains for Drapery I have five large windows close together in my living room, and love to change my decor often. However getting curtains for all five can cost a bundle! I found that "Shower Curtains" go on sale quite often, and some styles are just stunning! You can use one curtain to cover two windows, and they still go on with the regular curtain rings (plain or fancy). If you try it just once, you'll be hooked! Using one shower curtain per window will give you a very plush look. Source: Lack of funds, and need of curtains! By dollyddg from Lynn, MA Contest Contender!
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Natural Treatment for Rust and Mildew Stains Here is a natural way to remove mild mildew and rust stains from clothing: Use lemon juice (1/2 cup) and salt (1/4 cup). Mix ingredients together, creating a paste like substance. Rub in clean areas where mild mildew or rust stains have affected the material. Set to dry in direct bright sunlight for a day. By Diana from Rochester, NY Contest Contender!
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It is not that easy to get rid of fleas, you have to be aggressive and treat the pet and premises at the same time. The trick is to catch the fleas early when you first find out you have them on your pet. The longer you delay in treatment, the more infested your house will become.
Cats should be combed with a tiny flea comb every other day. All the live fleas and black specks (eggs) you comb out (or hand pick off of your cat) should immediately be put into a pill bottle filled with alcohol to kill the fleas. (I sit and watch TV, combing my cats, handpicking fleas. If you stop after a day or two, the fleas will come back. You have to do this continually until the fleas are really gone.) House should be bombed or sprayed (all animals removed for at least a day, house aired out thoroughly before bringing them back in). The vet sells a good spray for about $15.00 which will treat 4 rooms. Use sparingly, and remove all pets, birds, birdcages, food dishes. Air out room thoroughly before bringing pets back in. Fleas can spread to cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, your bedding. Eggs can hatch anywhere, jump onto your pet, pet will be miserable, scratch, cats commonly get scabs (allergies) from flea bites. The only thing that works in getting rid of the scabs is to totally get rid of the fleas. Dogs/cats can start losing their hair with the scratching. The longer you wait in treating your premises, the worse the condition will get. It is not that easy to get rid of fleas, you have to be aggressive and treat the pet and premises at the same time. The best drops to put on the back of the pet is Advantage (expensive), only works for about 2-3 weeks, though. You have to keep putting this stuff on the cat. Frontline did not work for me. Sergeants is the cheapest and will work ok, but one treatment (one month) will not be enough if you use drops. Any drops have to be continued until the cat and premises are clear of fleas. I used Sevin powder (cheap-from Ace Hardware) on my carpets. The vet told me you can put a little on the pet's back where they can't lick it too. Use it sparingly. Sevin powder is mainly used to kill bugs outside. There are lots of other commercial sprays/powders you can use for outside too. Be sure to use a mask and wash up when you are done using any sprays. I have used diatomaceous earth, especially around the windows in the basement where the cat like to sit. You can put sevin and DE into the cat's bed too. Be careful the cat does not ingest any powder that you use, though. Vacuum daily with a mothball in the bag to kill fleas and eggs you pick up. I am going to try the light bulb over water treatment next and whatever other idea anyone else may have suggested here next to help. By furfinfeathers from Ohio Editor's Note: The lightbulb over water treatment is from the feedback of an archived request. I have repeated it here: Set a lamp on the floor without the shade and place a bowl of water with a little dish detergent in it under the light. The fleas will go to the warm bulb and fall in the water and die. That way you can see if there are still any fleas left. Contest Contender!
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Halloween: Jack in the Box Costume
Pop out of a Jack in the Box and surprise people at their doors this Halloween. Supplies:
Instructions:
Note: On all box costumes, you will need to secure the box shut with tape (preferably from the inside, tape on the outside will interfere with the paint). Then cut the holes you need for your body parts to come through. Find a box big enough to fit inside but not so big that it is hard to carry around. Cut a hole in the bottom of the box for your legs, big enough for you to walk and squat inside comfortably. Cut three sides of a square in the top of the box to make the the flap where the jack in the box pops out. Spray paint the whole box a solid color, like white, and let dry. Paint the outside with big primary colored shapes on the sides. Some jack in the boxes have curtains and a picture of a jack in the box. Have fun and be creative. Let the paint dry. Fold the fabric in half and cut a half circle where the fold is, big enough to fit your head through (you can hem the circle, or leave it unhemmed, since it will only be used for one day). With the yarn and the needle, sew the fabric into the top of the box, inside the flap. Make sure you sew at least one inch in from the edge of the box and in from the fabric. You could also staple the fabric in and reinforce with duct tape (This method may not be as strong). Now you should be able to get into the box put your head through the hole in the fabric and you will be transformed into a jack in the box. The box should hang off your shoulders by the fabric. You can duck down inside the box and sing the jack in the box song ("Pop Goes the Weasel") and pop out. Contest Contender!
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I am strongly considering buying a hamster. Can anyone provide me with information about owning a hamster. Thanks. By Carla from Huntington, WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81280612.tip.html
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Rate It: Dog Food Recommendations for Small Dogs I have a new little puppy that will be a small dog when full grown. I would like to know what kind of dog food is best for small dogs. I have heard so many stories of supposedly big named dog foods being harmful to small dogs. By PICO from St Paul, AB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68968771.tip.html
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Rate It: Any suggestions to get my Conair foot spa to bubble again? By Becky from Pulaski, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77620790.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anybody give me an advice how to remove chalkboard paint from a door? By Leila from NL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70545869.tip.html
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Rate It: Painting Room With Red and Black Furniture I have contemporary leather/stainless steel furniture. I have a black couch and love seat, a red sofa, red rug, and red and black accents. What color should I paint my walls? By Jackie from Brooksville, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89671060.tip.html
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Rate It: I need help organizing my jewelry. Yes, I am an earring addict. Now I have three dresser drawers consumed by my jewelry and I need the space in my dresser; we have a really small house and space is so limited. I can't find jewelry boxes or jewelry organizers, even the kind that hang on the wall, to hold my stuff. I also have a lot of necklaces. Any jewelry box I've ever seen has a lot of space for rings, but I hardly have any rings. They don't even have half the space I need for earrings and necklaces and bracelets. Does anyone have any suggestions, please. I've tried tackle boxes, but maybe I haven't found the right brand yet. I'm also aware that my bracelets collection is being enlarged. Any good ideas out there? Thank you. By metroplex from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf360489.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 14 1/2 yr old Cocker. Her ear flap is covered again in black crud and the ear canal red and moist. I do use Drying ear creme and have cleaned the black from the flap before, but it is back. What is it and is there anything I can do besides visit the Vet? By El from Jacksonville Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27556968.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best way to clean a La-Z-Boy recliner? Especially where the head and arms are. It's either ultrasuede or leather. We bought it second hand. Thanks. By Christie from Shreveport, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67310235.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking for Buy Now, Pay Later Sites What are some of the buy now pay later sites? By Cindy S. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf419810.tip.html
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Rate It: Online Tests Similar to Accelerated Reader Program Where can I find a free accelerated reading test for second graders? By Melanie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93282836.tip.html
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Rate It: I need ideas for my mother's 90th birthday party. By BonnieBonnie P. from IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001241.tip.html
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Rate It: I need help finding places that help needy families for Christmas in Utica, NY By Carol G. from Utica, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67164326.tip.html
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Rate It: Key Symbol Displayed on Bosch Exxcel 1600 The "key" symbol has come up in the display of my Bosch Exxcel 1600 washer, and now it doesn't work. Any idea what that is? By Markus B. from Essex, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80588254.tip.html
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Rate It: I need help organizing my closet. Should I sort my blouses/tops by color, or by style and fabric? Thanks. By Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87332549.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Ball Point Pen From Paper I received a letter and the person scribbled with ball point pen over the address and I need to reply. How do I remove the ink to read? By Pat Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21367392.tip.html
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Rate It: "Celebrate the Champion" Christmas Parade Float Ideas Our girl's softball association will be in the city Christmas parade in November. The theme is "Celebrate the Champion" and they must also be based on a Christmas theme, but no Santa Claus replicas allowed. Any ideas would be appreciated (quickly, please). By Jaci McC. from Niagara Falls, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85821604.tip.html
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Rate It: Red Highlights from Apple Cider Vinegar My dyed black hair is turning red from an apple cider vinegar hair rinse. I decided to use a vinegar rinse to get rid of the excess shampoo; but now I am getting highlights of red in many parts of my hair that were formerly black. Has this happened to anyone? I must admit that I like the red highlights. Is there anyway I can speed up the process of getting all of the black out of my hair? Has anyone else had similar experiences? By Susan from Halifax, NS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76665059.tip.html
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Rate It: Who makes Autozone oil? By Ralph from SLC, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27747810.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Skunk Odor From Under The House I would like information on how to remove skunk smell from under the house. By Karyn C. from WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57375417.tip.html
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Rate It: Corning Ware Electric Percolator Basket Too Tall We found a Corningware percolator, labeled 10 cup, in excellent condition. But the metal "basket" seems to be too tall to fit. There's a small lip attached to the stem that carries the electric current to the heater on the bottom. The lip apparently is meant to fit over the rim of the "basket". Trouble is, the rim of the basket comes up over an inch higher than the lip, and so it won't fit into the pot at all. My question is: can we find a shorter basket assembly? Or is there something about putting our pot together that we don't understand? By Donald H. from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97783855.tip.html
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Rate It: What can I do about a puppy with an itchy bottom? By J. Fiorello from Colonial Heights, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57392949.tip.html
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Rate It: We bought a Poulan push mower around May or June; it worked fine till around August. My husband had neighbor look at it and he cleaned, I think, the filter and then added some kind of treatment to the gas. He said the ethanol causes problems. Of course, my husband didn't ask what was put in and the neighbor is away. We are both challenged when it comes to this kind of stuff. By Linda from Onancock, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58943538.tip.html
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Rate It: Olly we have had just 2 weeks, he is very good in the home and his manners. He is crate trained, but barks now at 5:30. When I go down to let him out he has wet in his bed and it is still warm. We have got him in a routine as we had him barking and howling at night, but ignoring him has been achieved and now we are left with him wetting in the morning. As soon as I hear him barking I go down, but I think he is barking either to tell us he has done it or to go, but with excitement. Then he has already done it. Help. By Nancy M. from Dinnington Sheffield, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55959555.tip.html
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Rate It: What causes my guppies to die and disintegrate overnight? By Arleen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37339452.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing a Plate Stuck in Frying Pan How do you get a plate unstuck from the inside of a frying pan? By Shasta B. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74630153.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid of Fleas in the Car What is the best way to kill fleas in my car? By Dave Evans from UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30468404.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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