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Our New Neighbors (Doe and Fawn)
Here are our new neighbors, mom and baby. This is just one of at least two pairs that live in and around our yard in rural Washington near the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Baby is about a week old now and follows mom very closely everywhere she goes.
Sherry - Port Townsend
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Ornament Made from a Recycled CD
I took an old CD and took two piece of cardstock paper and traced the CD onto the paper. I then took an exacto knife and made three holes in the bottom of the CD (for the beads) and one hole in the top (for the hanger). You can use a dremel, or you can use a drill with a small bit, you can even get a metal skewer hot and poke a hole thru the CD.
I then attached the cardstock onto the CD using decoupage medium. Let it dry. After it is dry then you can hollow out the holes in the paper.
I painted my paper with craft paint of one color let dry, (both sides). Then I used a crackle medium and brushed it on, let dry, (both sides). I then painted contrasting color over the crackle medium, let dry, (both sides).
Then I added a picture I printed off the Internet. I attached the picture with decoupage medium. You can do several coats of the decoupage medium. Let dry in between coats. I then put some wire thru the holes and attached the beads.
Very simple and easy to do. Let your imagination soar! You can use scrapbook paper and images too.
Michele
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Today's Tips
Recycling Meatloaf
After having a meatloaf that didn't get eaten up, "recycle it" as one of my friends say. Cut the meatloaf up into chunks and mix sauteed veggies & with a jar of pasta sauce to serve over spaghetti, ramen noodles or rice.
By Terri
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Get Exercise When You Are Crafting
It seems as though everyone has a hobby, but it can be dangerous to your health. Yes, especially for the people who sew, or create something while sitting. Even for young people sitting for too long at a time can cause blood clots in the legs. You need to move around and take breaks.
I am middle aged and have a lot of arthritis, so when I hurt I don't want to move. But I find that the more exercise I get, the less I hurt. It can seem like a catch 22, but you need to know your own body and remember to get some kind of exercise every 15 minutes or so, even if it's just a break to get a drink or walk outside for a minute.
By Ardis Barnes
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When neighbors and friends come around trying to sell items, if it's not something that you're going to be able to use or give as a gift, don't feel like you have to buy from them. Learn to say "no" to frivolous spending.
By Terri
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While you're dusting, make sure you consider your smoke alarm(s). Dust in or around your smoke alarm can cause it to malfunction when you need it the most. Clean the front cover, take it off and vacuum the inside of the cover, as well as the inside of your detecter. So this a few times each year. While doing this, it is a good time to test your batteries & see if you need to replace them.
By Terri
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If a gift giving occasion has arisen and you've found you're running low on funds, pal up to friend or loved one who'll also be giving a gift for the same person. Let the 2 (or more) of you all go in together on a gift. The more allowed in on this gift the better as you're more likely to acquire a gift that the receiver has had his or her eye on!
By Terri
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While growing up in an area with lakes & rivers all around, my family did a lot of fishing. All my family would save all their empty 1/2 gallon milk cartons. Wash them and put them up to dry, and then give them to the fishermen of the family. When the fresh catches of the day were scaled, cleaned & ready for the refrigerator or freezer. The fish were put in a clean, dry milk carton with some salt water.
The top of the carton closed as you would if it had milk in it, then folded down. This way the fish smell didn't go into the refrigerator with all the other foods. If put in the freezer, you put enough salt water in to cover the fish but also enough room to allow the carton to expand. By using the milk cartons, it freed up other freezer containers for garden produce or leftovers.
By Terri
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Yelling Accross the River Joke
Ole lived across the river from Clarence--and they didn't like each other at all. They were yelling all the time across the river at each other.
Ole would yell to Clarence, "If I had a vay to cross dis river, I'd come over dere an beat you up good, yeah sure ya betcha by golly!"
This went on for years. Finally the state built a bridge across the river right there by their houses.
Ole's wife, Lena, said, "Now is your chance, Ole, why don't you go over dere & beat up dat Clarence like you said you vould?
Ole said, "OK, by yimmy I tink I vill do yust dat." Ole started for the bridge but he saw a sign on the bridge & he stopped to read it, then he turned around & went back home.
Lena asked, "Vhy did you come back?"
Ole said, "Lena, I tink I change my mind 'bout beatin' up dat Clarence, you know, dey put up a sign on da bridge dat says "Clarence is 13 ft. 6 in." You know, he don't look dat big vhen I yell at him from across da river."
By Terri
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Encouraging Kids to Eat Fruits and Veggies
Encourage your children to eat more fruits and veggies by giving them something healthy to dip them into. A yogurt based salad dressing is good for dipping veggies, and fruit yogurt is great for dipping fruit.
By Linda
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Homemade Apple Juice - Tips and Ideas
Tips and ideas for making your own apple juice. Post your ideas.
Make Apple Juice In Late Summer and Fall
At the beginning of fall or late summer, the price of apples go down. I usually have apples offered to me by loved ones, because the apples are getting old. Old apples make good apple juice. I juice the apples and freeze them in milk cartons, (with the lids off till completely frozen). In the summer time the apples can be mixed with any kind of fruit juice, tea or even kool aid. I don't care for straight apple juice, but I love it mixed with other fruit juices, or even punch.
By Ardis Barnes
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There must be a hundred recipes, but mine works so well, here it is. Mix honey with a little 20 mule team Borax, just enough borax to make the honey not run. If there is too much borax it won't work. You'll be able to tell very soon. Using grits in Eastern Washington doesn't work too well because we have the very tiny ants. Cream of Wheat will also work. On the Seattle side, the grits would work better, because grits are larger and so are the ants.
By Ardis Barnes
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Making Homemade Tear-Off Notepads
Recycle scrap paper by cutting it into same size pieces (use a paper cutter), then stack the paper evenly. Tap the top edge that you will glue, to make sure it is as even as possible. Clip with binder clips to hold secure, then using Elmer's Rubber Cement, coat the top edge of your note pad.
I use the spring type binder clips to hold it near the glued part. Once dry, repeat several times until it is quite secure. You can also add a piece of heavy cardboard to the back of the note pad.
The first time it is trial and error until you get the knack.
By Syd
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Recycle Old Plastic Shower Rod Covers
While this does not cover the entire closet pole, slip it on the top part where the hangers rest. It makes the hangers slide much easier!
Tip: If they are old be careful, because they will split easily.
By Syd
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Keeping Ants Out Your Pet's Bowl
If ants are eating pet food from your pet's bowl, create a moat around the bowl. To do this, place the food bowl into a pie tin or similar low pan and add soapy water to create a barrier around the bowl.
By KimMcG
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Pit Bulls - What did you expect?
I am surprised to see three requests in the first three pages of topics about the nature of pit bulls. Dog lovers, be aware, pit bulls are bred to fight. So if you are seeing agressive behavior or biting, this is natural for them.
I've known incredibly sweet pitbulls but they are very strong and will defned themselves in a way that can harm others.
My daughter, at three years old, was bitten on the forehead by a pitbull that only meant to snap at her - very young children spooked him a bit and we didn't know someone had let him in the house. We were visiting the friend who owned him. Now she has a scar across her forehead and it hurts her as she grows.
We certainly did not demand that the animal be put down, but we all did learn something. This was a docile animal but he simply didn't know his own strength.
Again - they are bred to fight. It's their nature. They are not bred to be Lassie. Please love them but be careful.
rabbithorns
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After re-decorating my dining room area I cleaned out my buffet cabinet that held my linens. I had accumulated so many tablecloths, runners, napkins, doilies and other linen pieces. My buffet was overflowing! I found a pretty large basket and organized some of the linens in this basket; I tied groups of napkins with pretty ribbon, grouped tablerunners, napkins and tied with a pretty bow. To further decorate the basket I placed a teapot, teacup and a silk flower on top of the linens in a decorative manner.
To store the smaller items, I placed them in decorative baskets with demi-cups and smaller teapots.
These baskets sit near the buffet on the floor. At season changes, holidays, I will change ribbons, teapots, teacups, flowers to reflect the change.
The buffet drawers are filled with the extra linens; the side panels hold candles, candleholders and ceramic pieces I use on my buffet and dining room table.
I keep clothes dryer sheets tucked away in the linen baskets and in the buffet drawers; they are changed about 2 two weeks to keep linens fresh smelling.
I love table linens and the display of them. I use table linens (doilies, napkins, etc.) In other parts of my home. I even have tea towels, decorative napkins at my windows as "curtains"! - Wanjoy
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Blueberries are coming into season here in Texas. I buy them when they are at a low price, rinse, drain them and put in freezer bags. They are great to take out of the freezer for recipes, to put on cold cereal, or use in smoothies. Blueberries are so good for you, too.
By Bobbie
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Inexpensive Battery Powered Clock Works
Need to replace a clock works in your favorite clock? Go to the Dollar Store and buy a clock and remove the clock works and place into your clock. Cheaper than buying the new clock works at Wal-Mart.
By Syd
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Inexpensive, Healthy Snack Mix
I make my own trail mix snack baggies with 1/2 cup multi bran chex, a couple tablespoons of dried cranberries and a dozen or so almonds. It is not as fattening as the prepackaged trail mix, you can also add some cheerios and raisins. My husband likes to keep snack baggies of this in his desk for the afternoon dip in energy.
By Bobbie
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Have some bar soap that has split? Wet the soap and put in a plastic baggie and microwave it for a few seconds, then gently press it into shape.
To add slivers of soap to a new bar, moisten and stack and put in plastic bag. Microwave for a few seconds it to cement the bars together, then gently press them together. This holds together better than putting moistened bars together in the shower.
By Syd
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I've noticed several requests for sites that carry free printable cards. I found one yesterday,and it really has some nice printables and you don't have to sign up to buy. Quite a few nice cards for different occasions. It's http://www.MYCARDMAKER.com
By Sharon,Ky
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in the following categories!
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Contest ends July 15, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests:
Can anyone help with my problem of cutworms? I have quite a large garden and am looking for a relatively cheap way to get rid of them.
Thanks,
rvnwdr
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I would like a pattern for koolaid jammer purses, checkbook covers, and I'm wanting to make a lampshade out of them also.
Thank you,
Cindy Silva
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I am trying to make training pants for my son. I was thinking of using my old gerber cloth diapers for absorption and I am not sure what to use for a cover. Also I want to make sure the 'pattern' is correct. So if anyone has experience or and ideas about making cloth training pants I would greatly appreciate you sharing it with me. Thanks!
Jennifer
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Poaching Eggs - Tips and Recipes
Does anyone have a fool proof method of making poached eggs?
Thanks.
Holly
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I want to find a recipe for killing ants.
Susan
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Why Is Dawn Detergent Recommended So Often?
So many recipes for cleaners, insect control, plant food, etc and all-round-solutions-to-everything specifically recommend Dawn Dishwashing Liquid as one of the ingredients. Can someone tell me just what is so special about Dawn that it is recommended by name? What makes it superior to any other dishwashing liquid?
Seagrape
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I have a lot of old books. Is there anything that will remove the 'foxing' and other stains from them? Thank you,
Barbara
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Newport News Deferred Billing Code
Does anyone have the new Newport News deferred billing code?
Thanks!
Lisa
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Blackbirds Dropping Poop and Worms on Our Pool
We have these nasty blackbirds constantly bringing poop and worms and droping them on the top of or in our pool, I tried the CD thing and also bought an owl thats head moves around. Nothing helps, they do this all day long. What can I do?
Sue
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There are ants infesting my trees! I have four maple trees and a walnut tree and the ants are eating them from the inside out. there are numerous trees arround this area with the same problem! We live in North Central Indiana near the Illinois border. Any idea on how to get rid of these ants without killing my poor trees?
Patty
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I want to strip and stain a wood front door that is currently painted. What is the best and easiest product to use?
Diana
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Looking for Black Ellemeno Shoes
I bought a new pair of shoes at Mervyn's made by Ellemeno; style: Renee. They only came in white and beige but I would love a pair in black. Does anyone know how or if I can contact the company to see if they make it in black? I tried surfing for this information and I keep getting links to other shoe stores. I'm not very good at surfing the net.
Joanne
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Each Sunday after Church I make lunch for 10-12 people. The problem is I have run out of ideas. Everyone is getting a little tired of roast, brisket and chicken. What do some of you do who have large families for Sunday Dinner?
I need help!
Beth
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I have 2 large dogs and the flies are eating on their ears. Does anyone have a home remedy that I could use to repell the flies from my pets safely. Thank You,
Shanon
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My son wants a golf theme party. I need help finding places that sell decorations for that or any useful ideas. I've searched the web and all I can find is plates and napkins. I need things like decorations, pinatas, etc.
Kristen
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I am asking for help concerning a possible den of snakes found in my basement. We've lived in our house for about four years. This is the first time we have had a problem, it was the spring after we bought the house. I saw something moving in the ceiling of our unfinished basement and then suddenly realized it was a black snake. Every spring, it's the same story - just when you think you've gotten rid of them-they're back.
I say they, because for a long time I thought I was seeing the same snake. We even named him, "Henry." But Henry was quite elusive and refused to be caught, until about two months ago when my very courageous neighbor came over and devised a snake catching kit, and caught him unharmed.
We let him go in the woods behind our house, and naturally I thought snake-gate was all over with. Wrong! Two nights ago, two black snakes nearly fell on my head. We don't have mice.
Any advice,
B.J. in Virginia
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Solution for Extremely Oily Hair
My handicapped sister has hair that is far more oily than any I have ever seen or heard of. It's a terrible problem and even washing every day doesn't help much. Does anyone have any ideas for something that would help? There used to be a dry shampoo that was used mostly for people who were hospitalized or bed ridden, but I haven't seen it in decades. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Jeane in Texas
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More Reading
The Ultimate Yard Sale Guide for Home Decorators
By Pamela Cole Harris
We all have perfectly good furniture and art pieces that no longer fit with our decor and yard sales are a good way to get rid of them while earning enough to buy something new that really fits. And visiting those sales is one of the most inexpensive ways to add new life to your home decorating style. The piece that doesn't fit in someone else's home may be just what you were looking for! - And at a fraction of the piece of a new piece!
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Pay Your Children to Work for You with the Blessing of the IRS
By Chris Bird
You've heard that you can't have your cake and eat it, too. But hiring your own family is one case when you can. Pay your minor or adult children to work for your business, then write it off as an expense.
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