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Use a Milk Jug for Trapping Yellow Jackets

I saw this tip in "Country" magazine years ago and use it every year to trap yellow jackets and hornets. I have this one hanging in the grapevine. The yellow jackets like the apple juice better than the grapes. Lures them right in and they can't get out.

Take a gallon milk jug and cut an upside down V shape in the side 2/3 way up on the jug. Press the tab in. Pour fruit juice ( I use apple) 1 inch deep into the jug. Put the cap back on the jug and hang. Insects enter through the hole and can't get out.

By Betty from North Carolina

Use A Milk Jug For Trapping Yellow Jackets

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Organizing Your Makeup

I am always bothered that it takes me so long to put on my makeup, and realized finally that it was because it takes so long to find my items among the pile. Lip liners often look similar to eyeliners, the new slim lipsticks and the handles of brushes look similar to mascara containers, etc.

While trying to find something better to hold my most often worn articles upright and SEPARATED, I found a bag of poly-pellets (for making weighted stuffed dolls). You can fill any size container you have, depending on your own needs. Long thin items stand upright best in this, and it's easy to place matching items together. Now my morning routine takes about half the time.

I've used a plain container in the photo, but to hold only the thinner articles or your brushes, a single pretty stemmed glass would be nice for just liners or brushes, or maybe a grouping of different height glasses from the thrift store. My own un-decorated rectangular bin looks a lot better than my messy old flat makeup tray did, but you could really get creative!

By Mary from Mountain Pine, AR

Organize Makeup Upright

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Sweetie Mae (Golden Retriever)

Sweetie Mae is a 5 month old Golden Retriever. She was a Mother's Day present

She loves to play with my 4 kids, play tug-o-war, and chase balls and empty bottles

By Kristi from Deer Park,TX

Sweetie Mae (Golden Retriever)

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Use Drawers for Frequently Used Kitchen Items

I am about 4 ft. 12 in. tall, so in other words, I am pretty short. Standard cupboard shelves present a real problem for me. Then I thought "why do I have to use them for things I use everyday?" And the answer was, I don't!

I have these wonderful glide out and in drawers that are so easy to use, and deep to boot. So, I started putting things I use every day in them, to keep me from stretching and climbing! Works like a charm!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

Use Pull Out Drawers In Kitchen

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Tips for Having a Great Family Dog

Your dog needs to be socialized from the time you make him/ her part of the family. If you have them around different age groups and other home pets, you will have a friendly dog.

Remember that your pets are a lifetime commitment. They ask so little and give so much. Make sure that you are in charge and your dog will sense it. Talk to them as if they are human and they will understand a lot of your conversation as you continue to do this.

Two dogs are a good idea as they are companions for each other. If you can only have one,they can do very well with a caring person/family.

Source: Me - Simple information for new dog owners

By Bev from Chilliwack BC

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Make CDs for Wedding Favors

CDs featuring songs from your wedding make great favors. Your guests will enjoy receiving a gift that is thoughtful and not just a store bought favor that will sit in a drawer and collect dust. It is inexpensive and easy to burn custom cds on your home computer and create custom cases and labels. Many brands of printable labels have free templates on their websites. Don't forget to include songs that are appealing to guests of all ages and generations. You could even record a personal message as the first track.

By Dominique from Kalamazoo, MI

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Have A Painting Party

Have a painting party. When we moved in to our new home, we wanted to get the painting done before moving all the furniture. We supplied the paint and the food. Friends and family had an enjoyable time and the painting got done in no time.

By Kim from Franklin Park, IL

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Link: Free Online Books for Kids

If you can't seem to pull your kids from the monitor, get them interested in reading free online books by logging on to:

http://www.childrensbooksonline.org

These books are offered by the Rosetta Project, a volunteer organization striving to create an online library for children.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Cover Your Paint Roller With Saran Wrap

Save your paint rollers after painting a room. Wrap up you roller with paint already on it in Saran Wrap or a plastic grocery bag. Wrap it up tight. The next day, resume your painting without replacing another roller. Saves lots of time and money.

By Kerry from Flat Rock, MI

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Peroxide and Baking Soda for Finding Pet Stains

If your cat or dog pees on the floor or shelf, take some peroxide and baking soda. Mix it and spray it on the spot they pee and it will turn white. That's where they peed.

Source: a friend that deals with stray cats that are rescued in a shelter

By Heather from United States

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Make Sure Your Money Is Going Directly to the Charity

This tip is regarding charity solicitations via telephone. I've recently been contacted by a telephone solicitor to contribute to a Children's Leukemia Foundation and the envelope arrived today. I telephoned the 800-number identified in the letterhead and asked if this requester was the CLF or a hired collection firm; and how much of my contribution went to the CLF? This was indeed a hired firm and 18% went to the CLF... 82% goes to the firm! If you want to contribute to any Charity, do so directly.

By cajun62234 from Collinsville

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Use Zip top bag For Pouring Cupcake Batter

This tip is for a quick, easy, and clean way to pour cupcake batter in the baking pan or cupcake liners. After mixing up your batter, fill a zip top bag with batter. Cut a small hole in one of the bottom corners and squeeze the batter into the prepared pan. For easy filling of the zip top bag, fold over the top and insert into a container such as a plastic deli container. This will hold the bag up and open. No more batter drips on the pan or racing to fill the next cup before a drip escapes!

Source: I recently discovered this tip in a book called Hello, Cupcake! I had a moment of "Why didn't I think of this before..." so maybe many people already do this. I hope it makes life easier for someone else!

By Jayme from Harrisonburg, VA

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Freeze Firm Bananas Before Using In Recipes

If you have a recipe that calls for a ripe or mushy banana (such as for bread or ice cream) and you only have partly green or very firm ones, put the entire banana in the freezer and freeze for about 8-12 hours. Then let it completely thaw. The freezing and thawing break down the cell walls in the fruit and it will be ready for your recipe. After thawed, peel and use.

By mom-from-missouri from NW Missouri

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Make Your Own Brown Sugar

Save money on brown sugar by making your own. Keep a bottle of molasses on hand and add a little to your white sugar. Mix or put through your food processor and you have brown sugar in a snap. No worries about having to throw away brown sugar when it gets hard. Make your own fresh when you need it.

You can also use your homemade brown sugar to make a great table syrup. Just add 1 to 1 1/4 cup of water to 2 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

By Karen from Denver, CO

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A man drove his secretary home from a late afternoon get-together of coworkers because she was drunk and unable to drive.

Since nothing happened along the way between the two, the man decided not to mention the secretary to his wife.

Later that evening while the man was taking the wife to a movie, he noticed a high-heeled shoe under the passenger seat. So, he asked her to watch out her window for a parking spot close to the theater.

While she was busy looking, he picked up the shoe and tossed it out of his window.

When they arrived at the theater and were about ready to get out of the car, his wife asked,

"Sweetie, have you seen my other shoe?

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

Reviews For Dishwashers Under $500

Looking to buy a reliable dishwasher under $500 - any advice or reviews?

Jane from Gainesville, FL

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Can Dogs Eat Raw Oats?

Is it OK to give my dog raw oats or should I cook them?

Dorothy from England

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UFC Themed Birthday

I am looking to throw a UFC themed birthday and looking for ideas for food, decorations, etc.

Lisa from Brantford, ON

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Bent and Dent Grocers Near Wedowee, AL

I am a frugal shopper and am stocking a personal pantry. I would like to know of the bent and dent grocers within a 50 mile radius of my location. I already use T & W Salvage and would like to find other ways to stretch my budget.

Michael from Wedowee, AL

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Recipe For Zucchini Relish

Does anyone have a good recipe for relish, using zucchini or tomatoes (like chow chow or similar)?

Mary from Oregon

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Soap Scum Build Up On Acrylic Tub

I have a black acrylic tub. It has a thick buildup of soap scum. Can any one or has anyone had this problem? Please help.

David

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White Heat Marks on Wood Table

Is there anyway to remove this white ring from my coffee table? I am pretty sure it was caused by my son setting something hot on it, like a bowl of soup. I tried to scrape my fingernail across it but it won't budge. Before I get desperate and rub it with a piece of steel wool, I would like everyone's input.

Susan from Millwood, GA

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What Are Osage Oranges?

Someone on this site recommended Osage Oranges to repel spiders. Does anyone out there know what Osage Oranges are and where I can buy some? Thanks!

smoochie

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Wedding And Reception Locations in Dallas, TX

We want to get married on Feb. 14th, but we want something small. We don't have the money to make something big like other weddings. I need to know of places where they rent nice locations that are not too expensive to get. Please help me!

Aidee from Dallas

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Whitening Shirts With Colored Trim

What works to get whiter whites when there is colored trim on golf shirts? Will the vinegar or dishwasher soap options I've read about lighten the colors also or will they retain the color?

Sue from Green Valley, AZ

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Manual For Pillsbury Bread Machine 1015

I have acquired a Pillsbury Bread and Dough Maker, Model 1015. I would like to obtain an owner's manual for it. Can you help? Or direct me to a website and I could print one for myself. Thanks

Deanie

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Nikko Blue Hydrangea Not Blooming

I have three Nikko Blue Hydrangeas that used to bloom beautifully, but this year there are very little blooms, and most of them are near the bottom of the plants. The mop heads that bloomed are just as large as ever, but nowhere near the quantity of blooms we're used to seeing.

Any idea why this might have happened? We're wondering if the warm spell in the Spring and then a cool down (possibly even a freeze) might have contributed to the problem. We have other varieties of hydrangeas that performed well this year, but the Nikko Blue's were disappointing.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Ruth

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Removing Candle Wax From Clothing

I just splashed candle wax all over my brand new cotton shirt. My shirt has gold hearts and stars on the front, kind of like decals, or whatever they are called. Can someone help me save it without removing the decorative hearts and stars?

Jam

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Faded Leather Couch

Our cream leather sofa looks like some of the color has faded. It is not in the sun. Would it be because one sweats? Does it indicate no color protection?

Yvonne

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Elliptical Is Making A Loud Noise

I just bought an old elliptical. Every few minutes as I am riding it it will make this sudden loud bang/clunk/pop sound. Any idea how to fix this? It scares the bejesus out of me. Thanks.

schubunny from Moncton, NB

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Stratego Game Using Deck Of Cards

I had this crazy idea of creating a stratego game using a standard deck of playing cards but I can't figure out how to do this. Do I need 1 or 2 decks of cards and how do I use them?

Bob

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Pre-Washing Quilt Squares

I have done a lot of sewing, crochet and embroidery, so I have experience with materials. I recently picked up a lot of quilt quarters at a yard sale for almost nothing. I've always wanted to try a quilt. I've picked out a fairly simple pattern and plan to modify it to my wants. Most of the quilting websites say that if you plan to hang the quilt, just use the materials as is, but if you plan to use the quilt, you should pre-shrink the squares, then iron them flat before doing any cutting.

I understand this and agree, but I've never pre-washed any thing as small as this and I worry about strings from ragged edges. Should I baste the edges first, or use pinking shears or is there a secret to pre-washing quilt squares? Or, should I actually pre-shrink them at all? I do plan to begin a quilting class at my local senior center, but I'd like to have my squares and appliques cut before I go. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Di from Wilsonville, OR

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Repairing Foldaway Cupboard

I have a double stand-up cupboard type foldaway. It has broken parts and won't fold down. I need to get it repaired. Where could I take it?

Phil

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Homecoming Ideas

I am in charge of this year's homecoming. I go to Sam Houston High School and we are the Texans. Our theme this year is: "Time Warped Texans, a Retro Homecoming". Basically it's about the past music decades (50's, 60's, 70's, and 80's). It would be great if you can send some ideas for a float, and spirit week days. Thanks!

Clara from Arlington, TX

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Abundant Living System

What do you know about Abundant Living System that makes it legit or a scam?

Briana from USA

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Gum on Microfiber

How do I get gum out of microfiber?

Megan from Hutchinson, KS

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Buying Frozen Rhubarb

Can anyone tell me where I might be able to buy some frozen rhubarb? Or fresh would be better. Could it possibly come dried? I live in California's San Joaquin Valley and have searched and searched for rhubarb. It apparently won't grow around here, and I haven't found it for sale anywhere. Seems that Dole used to offer it frozen, but I can find no reference to that at all. Does anyone have any ideas?

wondernana from Clovis, CA

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Replacement Plates For Foreman Grill

I have a one year old George Foreman 12205. My son's friend used a metal tool to clean both sides of the non stick plates and now they are ruined. How can I obtain replacement plates for both sides?

F Feddo from UK

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Picture for a Baby Pink Wall

Does anyone have an idea for a picture to go on a baby pink wall? I love karate, singing, ballet, violin, my laptop and nature. I'd really appreciate it if you left some ideas.

Chelsea

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Getting Rid Of Spider Mites

Does anyone have a great way to kill spider mites WITHOUT using harmful sprays or pesticides? This year for some reason my entire herb garden (as well as strawberries) developed spider mites from hell. I have tried soapy water but they keep coming back.

Desiree from Kent, WA

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Concrete Burns On Dog's Feet

How do I treat concrete burns on dog's feet?

Glenda from Skykomish, WA

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Pruning A Japanese Holly Bush

When is it the best time to prune a Japanese Holly bush?

Sandra Lee

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Dry Wall Vs. Sheet Rock

What is the difference between dry wall and sheet rock?

Donna from Middletown, NY

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Leveling A Sloped Yard

How can I level my sloped front yard? Right now it is unusable space.

Donna from Middletown, NY

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Keep Bacon From Curling

How do you cook bacon to keep it from curling up?

Mary from Houston, TX

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

Air Purifiers That Run on Sunshine and Water
By by Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

As much of the country prepares to move indoors for the winter, air quality becomes a concern. Air purifiers are expensive to run not only due to electrical needs but also due to the cost of filters. However, there are cheaper air purifiers available. They're houseplants, and there are ways to add these beneficial friends to your home without paying florists' prices.

Air Purifiers That Run on Sunshine and Water

Getting Rid of Old Tires

We have a barn full of old tires that we "inherited" when we purchased our property. We have called around to tire recycling centers, but they want so much per tire. Does anyone know how we can dispose of them safely and economically?

Stephanie - Saline, Michigan

Getting Rid of Old Tires

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Daily Thrifty Tips - September 3, 2008

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