If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Craft Project: Seashell Soap Dish

A cute soap dish made from sea shells.

Seashell Soap Dish

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11917860.tip.html

Craft: Recycled Camping Lanterns

Our Cub Scout Pack is involved in Fall Camping. We made lanterns out of recycled plastic peanut butter jars. We used modge podge and affixed the Scout Promise to the outside. We used glow sticks to light their way. Loads of fun in the tent or outside after dark.

By Wendy from Coopersburg, PA

Recycled Camping Lanterns

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Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Cookie and Chocolate Kiss (Chihuahua)

Chocolate Chip is 6 years old, Chocolate Cookie is 3 yeard old and Chocolate Kiss is 3 years old and are all chihuahuas. I got them all at different times.

They love to eat, run around their yard, chasing anything. We just love them. Chip is the daddy and cookie and kissy are his daughters.

By Carolina-Carol from Henderson, NC

Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Cookie and Chocolate Kiss (Chihuahua)

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Forest (Cocker Spaniel)

Forest is a Cocker Spaniel and is 5 months old. He is an early Christmas gift from my parents.

When I am crafting he sneaks up and grabs the bags of fabric on the floor.

I must say I do a lot of more walking and that's a good thing!

By Laura from Newberry, FL

Forest (Cocker Spaniel)

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Magic Wand from Recycled Coat Hanger

I made matching wands for the daughter's dance class. Their costumes were bright green with boas. I took the cardboard portion of a wire hanger and hot glued a little fur to the top. They loved it!

By Wendy S from Coopersburg, PA

Magic Wand

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"Oh No" Pumpkin

When we asked my 3 yr. old grandson how he wanted his jack-o-lantern's face to look, he told us he wanted an "Oh, no! pumpkin" and made the face. This is what it looks like. We carved the top opening zig-zag and we lifted it up, turned it a little and set it on top to look like a hat.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

"Oh No" Pumpkin

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My Frugal Life
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Free Carpet Cleaning Wth Your Apartment Lease Renewal

I live in an apartment. My neighbor told me that when a person renews their lease, they can have their carpets shampooed for free. I called the office Tuesday morning and they sent someone the same afternoon. I have lived here for over 4 years and they sure don't advertise this! The man pre-treated the carpets and they look really nice. So, if you live in an apartment, it might be worth checking out.

By Mary from Tulsa, OK

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Paper Clip Christmas Tree Garland

1. Dip sticky cheap paper clips into glitter.

2. Let dry.

3. Clip clips together as to your length and color preference.

4. Hang on Christmas tree. The tree lights will reflect the glitter.

By Cindy from Key West, FL

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Use Existing Thread When Changing a Hem

When hemming up a new pair of pants, I use the original thread from the pants to re-hem them. If you cut and pull the right piece of thread from the beginning (seam area) of the hem, you will wind up with a very long piece of thread. This is especially good for pants, that you don't have matching thread for in you sewing box.

By Val P. from Westhampton, NY

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Dog House for Firewood Storage

Re-purpose your Igloo Shaped Dog house for storing some firewood. Our dog refused to use the Dog-Loo we bought her years ago. I got the idea to store a stash of firewood in it to keep it dry and easily accessible by our back door. Our woodpile is located in the far end of our yard, which is exposed to the elements.

So having some dry wood stored in the 'dog house', keeps it available for when my husband gets the urge to use the fireplace. He also uses the dry wood for his smoker grill. I see the dog-loo's at Garage Sales and on the roadside for trash pickup, and it seemed they would be handy for other uses.

By Mary C . from Orange Park, FL

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Frugal Carnival Party

I had a very frugal carnival party for a 6 year old. All the games were made from items we had on hand. Prizes came from Freecycle but you could do the same for a very little more expense by purchasing from Oriental Trading (or the Dollar Store). Games were bean bag toss, fishing booth, basketball, bowling, duck pond and candy walk. The main costs were the cake and punch, and candy for the candy walk.

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Saving Powdered Beverage Containers for Crafts

We drink a lot of drinks made from a powder mix at our house (such as Crystal Light, Tang, or other generic mixes). I save the individual container cups the mix comes in. When it is craft time, they make perfect little cups for paint, small pieces of material like googly eyes, glitter, etc., or even as a material to make something else. I also sometimes put a small amount of glue in them so my daughter can use a paint brush to paint small amounts of glue where needed instead of trying to squeeze from the bottle. These are pretty handy little cups!

Source: I thought of it once we got old enough to get into craft mode. I use lots of recycled materials for craft time.

By Jayme from Harrisonburg, VA

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Using Baby Wipes for Cleaning

Baby wipes aren't only great for wiping a baby's bottom but are also good for dusting, cleaning counters, toilet seats, trash can lids, car steering wheels, handles, light switches, door knobs, baseboards, and computer keyboards. Any thing that needs wiping. Use your imagination.

By Mindi from Henderson, NV

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Retirement Planning Tips

Planning for retirement can be sticky. We have not been in a position to save due to high medical costs. But there are a few things you can do.

Pay off your home well before retirement, even if it means settling for something smaller than you had planned. Start young. Twenty is not too soon.
Learn to garden and can. Other than hiring someone to till up your garden each spring, most of the associated tasks are possible for most people. It is a thrill to see all that food lined up in jars, and also in the freezer!
Keep debt to the absolute minimum. Hold down expenses so you can always pay them off monthly. This includes utilities, credit cards, and car repair bills.
If you qualify for medical assistance don't be shy about it. You paid into it with your taxes. If you need it, apply and fight for it.
Keep house, car, etc. in good condition.
Save money as you are able. It is unnecessary to spend the national average of almost $900 for Christmas, for example. In some cases a card and a current photo of you will be more welcome than a new stereo.

Hope this helps someone.

Source: This is from personal experience.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Get Chocolate Morsels to Ease Cravings

While I was shopping, I wanted some dark chocolate to please my craving. I decided to get the Hershey dark chocolate morsels instead of candy bars, one it is cheaper and two, it lets me just do a few at a time so I can control the calories. This bag seems to be lasting, and lasting. It seems to hit the spot and keeps the calories at a minimum.

By Lee from Columbus, Ohio

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Helpful Hints to Avoid an Upset Stomach

If drinking soda is giving you an uncomfortable tummy, here is a tip I have found to be most useful. Once the carbonation is done fizzing (assuming it's in a glass), shake a couple shakes of salt on the top. When the new fizzing is gone, so is the carbonation. You can do the same if it's in a can or bottle, but you may have to use your hand with some salt in it. It doesn't take much.

If eating tomato products does the same thing, add 1 tsp. of sugar for every 4 oz. of tomato product. Whether you are making spaghetti, goulash, stew, or any food that requires tomato paste, sauce, juice or whole/stewed. Your item will come out the same, with perhaps a hint of sweet. The sugar reduces the acid in the product and enhances the taste, at least my family sure thinks so!

Source: Just things you learn along the way!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A man goes to the doctor and tells him that he hasn't been feeling well. The doctor examines him, leaves the room and comes back with three different bottles of pills.

The doctor says, "Take the green pill with a big glass of water when you get up. Take the blue pill with a big glass of water after lunch. Then just before going to bed, take the red pill with another big glass of water."

Startled to be put on so much medicine the man stammers,

"Jeez doc, exactly what's my problem?"

Doctor says, "You're not drinking enough water."

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

Nail Polish Remover Spilled on Table

How do I remove a nail varnish remover stain from a varnished table?

M Lees

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Keeping Soup Noodles from Absorbing Broth

I made homemade chicken noodle soup. After storing overnight in the refrigerator, I noticed the noodles had absorbed most of the broth. How do keep this from happening?

number9 from North Carolina

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"Happy Birthday Jesus" Parade Float Ideas

My Church is doing a float for our Christmas Parade. We thought of doing "Happy Birthday Jesus"! Can you give me any idea for making a birthday cake to go on the float and something else to go with it?

Sherry from Fayette, AL

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"Holly Jolly Christmas" Parade Float Ideas

My church in looking for ideas for a Christmas Parade Float, the theme is "Holly Jolly Christmas". I need ideas help! Anything will help as we have nothing.

Ashlea from Kansas

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Tan Heat Mark on White Table

How do you get rid of a tan/brown heat marker on a white wood table?

Susan from Long Island, NY

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Craft Ideas for Two Liter Bottles

I am not very crafty but what can I do with 2 liter pop bottles? I don't like throwing them away, so I would like to find something to do with them. Thanks!

JSKA980405 from Goshen, IN

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Painting Laminate Furniture

How do I get paint to stick to the shiny laminate finish (only on the top) of my dresser? The rest is wood and I know I can refinish it, but what about the top? Help!

Jeanne from Austin, TX

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First Holy Communion Speech Ideas

I am looking for ideas for the speech at my son's first holy communion and a toast speech.

Delene

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Mr. and Mrs. Santa - Made from Reader's Digest Magazines

Does anyone have the pattern for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus made from old Readers Digest books? My great aunt made them years ago, and I'd like to make some now. I'm sorry but I don't have a picture to post. I know you folded the pages somehow, then painted them, added red felt, a black belt (felt I think), belt buckle, cotton for the beard and hair. Any help is appreciated.

Paula from Kosciusko, MS

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Painting Metal Cabinets

I am wondering if anyone has painted metal cupboards. I have two that need to be painted or replaced. I thought if it isn't too major of a project, I might try it. Help!

Chris from Oshkosh, WI

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Removing Drink Rings from Furniture

We have a dark wooden table with a lacquer on the top and there are many white ring marks from mugs and water glasses. We don't know how to remove them. We have had quotes from professionals but they want between 2-3,000 pounds! Does anyone know how this can be done cheaply?

Karen from London, UK

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Lipstick Stains on Clothing

I tried to get lipstick out of my clothes with dish soap and laundry soap but it didn't work. Help!

Rita from Pinckney, MI

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Preserving Natural Items for Crafts

How can you preserve sweet gum balls, miniature pumpkins and small gourds to use in crafts? Also if pine cones are used in a center piece or wreath should or could the items be sprayed with lacquer to maintain the craft pieces? Thanks.

Diane from Myrtle Beach, SC

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Pests Eating a Sweet Potato Plant

I have a sweet potato plant that something is eating on, it has little holes. I looked to see if I could find what was eating the leaves but did not see anything. This is a border plant or used for hanging baskets.

Darlene from Carriere, MS

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Repairing Massaging Sectional Chairs

How can I fix my massage chair in my sofa? A week ago I purchased a used sectional sofa for my apartment. I was going to buy a new sofa at one of those close out furniture store when I saw, online, a great deal on a green sectional sofa. It is a beautiful 3 piece unit. To my delight the sofa came equip with two massage chairs and a built in phone.

It is an added bonus, for sure, the only thing is that the massage chairs do not have a power chord. I have no clue as to what to do with the darn thing, I am thinking of just cutting any new loose chords and forgetting about the whole thing. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Arthur from Orlando, FL

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Puff Paint on Men's Tie

How do I remove Puff Paint from a mens' tie? Thank You in advance.

Yvonne from El Paso, Texas

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Getting Rid of Bedbugs

Is there a fumigator to get rid of bedbugs? Does anyone have advice to get rid of them?

Lucy from Silver Spring, MD

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"Spirit of Christmas" Themed Parade

I am participating in our town's Christmas parade and need some help. The theme is "Spirit of Christmas".

Debbie from Gatesville, TX

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Celtic Women and High Kings DVDs

Where can I purchase Celtic Women and High Kings DVDs? A store or website that anyone might know of. Thank you in advance.

Yvonne from El Paso, Texas

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Displaying the 50 State Quarters

I would like suggestions on how to display the 50 state quarters. Each one is on a flat decorative pewter mounting with a gray ribbon for hanging. Maybe some type of grouping,etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance.

Yvonne from El Paso, Texas

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Growing a Plant in Water

I am growing a plant in water. How do you keep the slime and mold out of the container.

Nancy from Austin, AR

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Potholder Scissor Covers

I am looking for instructions for making scissor covers from potholder.

turtlelady from Orlando, FL

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Using Black Tights for Tying Plants

Have you ever used these for tying plants, Opaque Black nylon tights? These were my 17 yr old granddaughter's. I know tan color are used but what about black?

Karina

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Party Favors For 20 Year Reunion Slumber Party

We are having a 20 yr. class reunion Slumber Party (Girls Only!) of course! I was wanting to put some party favors together for fun and was looking for some ideas!

Tonya from Texas

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Passion Plant Has Sour Fruit

I have a very healthy passion fruit plant that is producing hundreds of fruit. Unfortunately, the fruits are sour, although the original parent plant had sweet fruits. Now my plant serves mainly as decoration as the fruit is too sour to enjoy. Is there a means, maybe by way of using specific fertilizers, that will make the fruits sweet?

Hardiness Zone: 11

marangman from Malaysia

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Smears on Windows After Cleaning

When I wash my windows and later in the day the sun shines through, the window has smear marks. I have tried various cleaners and I still get smears which are hard to remove. Any suggestions?

Jean from Palm Coast, FL

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FlavorWave Roaster Reviews

Does anyone have a FlavorWave roaster? How do you like it? I want to know if it's worth buying and using my little counter space. Thank you for this info.

bdon1 from Praireville, LA

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Diabetic Asparagus Soup Recipe

I was wondering if anyone has a low-fat, low-carb asparagus soup recipe? I am diabetic so something low everything (it seems). I heard you can use the harder ends for soup instead of throwing them away and thought this would be great. Thanks for all your help.

Ruth from Ontario, Canada

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Fabric Wrapped Hangers

My grandmother, in Minnesota, use to wrap wire hangers with material approx. 1 in. wide, kind of in knots or a braid. Unfortunately I was not able to learn this craft from her. She's gone now and I was wondering if any one knows how to do this craft. Thanks.

Paula from Perryville, MO

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10 Tips for Saving Money on Your Power Bill

How do I lower my power bill?

Kent from Dalton, Ga.

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Applying Color to Dark Hair

I have very dark (nearly black) hair. I wanted to put a few streaks of fun color in my hair myself, but I know in order to do so I would need to lighten the strands first. I have dyed my hair years before and I often got highlights in middle school, but my hair is natural right now and has not be dyed in at least 4 years.

I'm a college student and I live in a dorm. I don't have the money or the ability to get to a salon, and I wanted to try out a home remedy, so please do not suggest the obliviously better idea of getting it professionally done.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to lighten a few strands and then dye over it? If so, how do I apply hydrogen peroxide? How long do I wait before dying over the lightened strands? Is there a specific type of dye to use after lightening? If hydrogen peroxide is a bad idea, what is a better alternative? Thanks for the advice!

Cara Monaco from STL

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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

Preparation for Voting

Well, it's finally here, after nearly 2 years of primaries and the last month filled with political calls, mailers and commercials, it's time to vote if you haven't done so by absentee, mail in voting or early voting.

Preparation for Voting

My Frugal Holiday: Homemade Gift Ideas

Our family on my side has decided to have a completely "homemade Christmas", due to the economy. Since not all people like "crafty items", my daughters and I try and make items I already know they like (or requested) and will be used. I also make cloth gift bags that can be reused-easy to make from pillowcases or old jeans (that can them be used as a purse or tote bag)

Standard Time - Fall Back This Sunday

It's time to change our clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2, 2008. It may take some by surprise because it is one week later than in some previous years. Clocks should be moved back Sunday morning at 2 AM, making it now 1 AM. This is true in most states in the U.S.

Standard Time - Fall Back This Sunday

How To Afford Your Child's Wish List
By Jess StewartMaize

I planned so hard for my baby's first Christmas. I individually wrapped everything in tissue paper with lots of sparkly ribbon. I divided things so it would look like more presents. There was a gigantic pile of gifts under the tree for my little guy!

How To Afford Your Child's Wish List

Storing Root Crops Outdoors Over Winter
By Ellen Brown

Storing garden vegetables whole is quicker and more economical than freezing, canning or dehydrating them.This is especially true for certain root crops. Potatoes, carrots, beets, turnips, rutabagas, winter radishes, and parsnips, adapt well to winter storage. No room indoors? No worries. These crops store best at cold temperatures with a high relative humidity and temperatures between 33 and 45 degrees. Under the right conditions, they can be kept outdoors all winter long. Here are 5 cheap and easy ways to store root vegetables outside over winter.

Storing Root Crops Outdoors Over Winter

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Daily Thrifty Tips - November 3, 2008

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