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Vol. 8, Num. 75, April 16, 2009 (Read It Online) Here are the Saving Money On... topics we are working on this week. Do you have any advice to share? Saving Money on Pants Saving Money on Dinner Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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If, like me, you are tired of your bottle of canola oil dripping down the sides of the bottle every time you pour out of it, just cut the ribbed cuff off of one of your husband's old stocking and slide it over the bottle. It will catch all the drips and keep your cupboard shelf clean. When it gets soiled, either launder it or replace it. Source: My own idea. Necessity is the mother of invention! By Harlean Hot Springs, AR
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Rate It: Mable is a 4 month old Great Dane. My youngest son (18) brought her home for me for Valentine's Day with love. She loves to sit or lay on any one. I have wanted a Great Dane all my life, and now I have one and she is beautiful.
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Rate It: Here's a San Antonio, TX sunset. Beautiful morning sky, just before a cold front blew in. Color was gone in a few seconds. By Msburny from San Antonio, TX
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Rate It: Craft Project: Crocheted Drying Hanger Wooden hanger has a crocheted cover and clothespins attached to use for drying your hand washables or small items.
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Rate It: Craft: Silk Floral Centerpiece I used styrofoam cones and silk carnations to make this centerpiece.
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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!
After 3 months of severe back pain I found the one thing that has removed nearly all of my pain, swimming. Find yourself a two week pass for your local gym. Try it to see if it will help you before you spend the money to join a gym. These two week passes are usually sent in the mail. First ask your doctor and start out slowly. Don't kick your feet very hard in the beginning. If they have a hot tub, it helps to warm up in it. I went from not being able to walk, sit or drive a clutch three weeks ago (because of a bulging disc and sciatica), to being nearly pain free after swimming nearly every day. WOW! By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97242147.tip.html
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Rate It: Safety Pin to Mark Front When Sewing Clothing When I am sewing for my granddaughter I always put a small safety pin on the front garment piece when I remove the pattern pieces. This is a big help on those days when I have to stop and come back to it. Little kid garments look pretty much the same front and back, so this helps me to get her sun dresses assembled properly without a lot of stress. By MartyD from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20702811.tip.html
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Rate It: Have Toilet Necessities Accessible for Guests As a courtesy to guests who may need to make use of your bathroom facilities, store extra toilet paper, deodorizing spray, a toilet plunger, a roll of paper towels and bowl brush in an easily accessible place. From my own experience, I know it can be embarrassing to have to ask for these items in case of a little "emergency". By Sandy from Elon, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45316945.tip.html
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Rate It: The supplies you will need to make an extension cord keeper are: a small plastic pail, a 2 inch paint roller handle, and an extension cord. Measure on bucket high enough for the handle to turn without scraping the floor. Fit the ends into the holes you may need to remove the plastic handle, insert, then reattach to outside). Then make two more holes on opposite sides of the bucket to poke cord through near bottom. Weave a short section of cord through tines of the paint roller to secure. Then place the male plug end through one of the holes. The female end goes out the other hole. When used, plug into power source, pull other end out for use (the roller will spin releasing cord). When done use handle to crank the cord back up like turning an old-fashioned ice cream maker, unplug and carry away to next job. No tangles and no kinks. By trace from Wartburg, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23682975.tip.html
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Rate It: Summer is almost here and so is cat shedding time. This is a tip to keep the animal hair cleaned up. Take a piece of terry cloth (I use old towels cut up) wet a good size piece, and wring it out. Wrap it around four fingers and rub it in a circular motion. Lift up after about four motions, and you will be amazed at the cat hair you have picked up. Take the hair off the rag, and do it again and again. This works on couches cloth chair, seats, bedspreads,and in the car, anywhere! By letageraldine from Tucson Az Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63876140.tip.html
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Rate It: Assign Colored Nylon Scrubbies for Bathtime Save on laundry and hand soap! Assign a different colored nylon scrubbie to each member of your household. No more wash clothes to launder! A scrubbie creates a ridiculous amount of suds thereby reducing the amount of soap used. Just try it. It really makes a big difference. Also, no mildewy smell as you would get from a wet cloth during humid weather. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14394772.tip.html
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Rate It: I was going to get rid of the nursery monitor I had used for my grandchildren, but just hadn't gotten around to doing so. My mother-in-law had surgery and had to stay with us for a while when she got out of the hospital. Our bedroom is on the opposite of the house from our guestroom where she was staying. I was a bit concerned about her needing us during the night and not being able to hear her calls for assistance. Then I remember the nursery monitors I still had not gotten rid of. It is said that in our senior years we go into our second childhood. I pulled them out and used them to keep an open ear for my elderly mother-in-law. I slept comfortable and so did she. Now THAT is re-cycling! By Sandy from Elon, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66948700.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Faux Stainless Paint for a Range Hood Over the past two years we have been gradually replacing old appliances in our kitchen. All of them have been replaced except for the range hood. We want to have the cabinets redesigned to hold a microwave and it is going to be expensive. The beige rusting range hood was looking rough and I just could not take it anymore. I did research to see what other people had done and decided to give it a whirl. I bought a 4 oz. can of Rustoleum Silver Metallic paint and two sponge brushes. I really only needed 1 - 2 oz. to do this project. Lightly sand the range hood. This will not take more than 3 minutes. Clean it with your regular household cleaner, rinse and make sure it is dry. Tape off everything and use drop cloths! Since my hood was beige I painted a base coat of gray latex paint that I had already, but later realized I could have easily skipped this step. Allow the paint to dry. Follow the cans directions and paint a coat of metallic paint on using long straight strokes. Let dry for 30 minutes and then use the same brush without adding paint to it to make light X's all over the range hood. This will help get rid of brush marks that make it look very DIY. The X's actually make it look more realistic. After drying anywhere from a few hours to overnight, apply a top clear coat to make it shine like stainless steel. Enjoy. By Amy from Greenville, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66129302.tip.html
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Rate It: Make a Drink from Fruit and Veggie Peels I have always hated the idea of throwing out food. I like the idea of getting "something for nothing". When I peel vegetables (except potatoes), I boil the skins for a free (and healthy drink). I boil fruit peelings separate then vegetable peelings. Some of the time, I add a tea bag with the fruit peelings. I never add sugar. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64689487.tip.html
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Rate It: To tell if butter is still fresh, cut off a small slice. If the outside is darker than the inside, the butter has oxidized and should be replaced. Source: AOL's main page. By Ashleybunkin from WV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87624122.tip.html
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White Streaks on Bathroom Mirror I have a friend that has a huge mirror above her bathroom sinks. There are streaks of some sort on this mirror that will not be cleaned off. She said she has tried everything, but nothing will remove these streaks. What could this be from and how might they be removed? These streaks are white and very noticeable. They start at the top of the mirror and run down in streaks in different places. They can be wiped off, but come back just like some kind of a haze. Thanks. By Shedra from UC, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97786394.tip.html
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Rate It: My son joined the National Guard and will be going to basic training in September. He is looking for a book about the physical for boot camp training that will help him get ready for the demands of basic. A video would probably work also. Does anyone know the title of such a book? God bless America and those who protect us. By Zoodad from Peshtigo, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97288184.tip.html
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Rate It: Permanent Marker Stains on Clothing I got a few spots of black permanent marker on my blue school uniform. It is a cotton blend material. How can I get it out? By MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf151533.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I make really good coffee at home with flavored syrups? I want to discontinue using flavored coffee creamers and have tried the syrups. I can't figure out the ratio and exactly how to make it. I can't afford a home espresso machine. Any ideas? Thanks. By Seeme Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf766698.tip.html
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Rate It: Cigarette Burns on a Wood Table I've been given a pine dining table but there are several cigarette burns on it. Someone has tried to remove them with sandpaper, but this has only lifted the varnish. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could repair this? By Filynne from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10247402.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a zipper that sticks all the time. What can I do with it to make it better? By Toybox45 from Glasgow Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41708065.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have any ideas how to get rid of earwigs in the yard? They are coming into the house and are just everywhere. I would really love to find something that is tried and true, something that is proven to work. Please help! By Joanneb63 from Tide Head, NB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97166541.tip.html
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Rate It: Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe I am looking for Crock Pot recipes for my children's favorite comfort foods, Macaroni and Cheese and Fettuccine Alfredo. I want the children to be able to help themselves, it's safer than a pot on a hot stove. I'm very over-protective, as you can see. I would be most grateful. Thanks very much! By AnnahFM from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13323915.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Odors from New Leather How do you remove odors from new leather? By Drguy from Clinton, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12845726.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a fiberglass bathtub with the walls and shelves attached. I can't seem to get black mold spots out of the grout attaching the tub to the walls no matter how hard I scrub. Do I have to re-do the grout? Any advice regarding effective store-bought or homemade fiberglass-safe cleaners would be much appreciated. I have a heck of a time getting the fiberglass clean, the dirt seems to stick to it like glue and scrubbing is useless. It's very frustrating. Thanks so much for your help. By AnnahFM from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf982959.tip.html
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Rate It: One of my toilet bowls (including the seat) and one of my bathroom sinks appear to be permanently stained. I've tried scrubbing and several different toilet bowl cleaners, but no luck. Please help. I am mortified that people will think that we don't clean our toilets! Thanks very much for your help. By AnnahFM from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98934807.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I get rid of Goutweed (Ground Ivy)? It's taking over. Please help! Hardiness Zone: 8a By BearDreamer from Vancouver Island Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40749306.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventing Tears in a Screen Door I have a front screen door and the kids keep pushing their hand on the screen to open it. Is there something to put there to stop the screen from ripping? I looked at metal grating, but its really ugly and they didn't recommend Plexiglass. By Robellen from Boca Raton, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33202496.tip.html
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Rate It: Grease Build Up in the Kitchen I live in a condo and unfortunately we don't have a kitchen exhaust to the outside so that when I cook, although the fumes go into my overhead hood, they end up in my kitchen. Thus my kitchen gets that grease buildup. Any suggestions? Thanks. By Okko57 from West Hartforc, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf772740.tip.html
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Rate It: John Deere Riding Mower Won't Start My John Deere riding mower won't start. It tries to turn over, then gets weaker, it actually sounds like it's very stiff as it turns. I tried a brand new battery which eventually got drained trying to start the engine. I checked the gas line, it looked good, the spark plug looked okay. It did backfire once during the process. Any ideas? Thanks! By The Cobra from Cincy, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39705771.tip.html
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Rate It: Reviews of Hardwood Floor Steam Cleaners We want to purchase one of those steam cleaners for hardwood floors that are all over the TV lately. The ones with washable pads. We have done lots of research but can't find any feedback from people who have used them. Do you have any personal experience with one of the machines? We are looking for a recommendation and to find out the best place to find one (internet or store) Thanks! By Pghgirl40 from Pittsburgh, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72544430.tip.html
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Rate It: Permanent Marker on Canvas Oil Painting How do you remove permanent marker (Sharpie) from an oil painting on canvas? By Pam from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74817915.tip.html
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Rate It: Keeping Cats Off Window Screens My grown cat keeps climbing on my window screens, wanting to come in the house. Any suggestions of how to keep the cat from climbing and tearing my screens with her claws? By Vguy Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39713093.tip.html
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Rate It: New Furniture Smells Like Mildew I have lived now for a year and a half in our new custom built home. Everything is new, but for the last few months I have been smelling a mildew smell in the bedroom. We have pin pointed it to the Cherry wood of the dresser and headboard of the bed. The furniture store laughed me off since we have had it for over a year now. Any suggestions on why the wood would start to smell or could this become a health issue? I am not sure where to go with this. Thanks. By Eyeris_angel from Hanover, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11810343.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a bad habit of taking in stray kitties so I now have 8 of them. In the past I have always purchased Front Line Plus for their flea and tick protection but it is getting really hard for me to come up with $80 each month. Does anyone know of a flea and tick collar that really works? Is there any type of concoction I could try putting in their food? Thanks for any advice. By Aintnomarthastewart from Guyton, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97767687.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a female boxer who is 2 years old. This is not my first boxer and I have had her for a year. She will not stop jumping on me and she hurts me. I have even tried a choke collar for the first time in my life. If I turn she jumps on my back. I don't want to give up on her. Nothing has worked. I know she loves me because she was so ignored in her past. I think she will be in this puppy-baby stage for at least another year. I am 5'3 and single and I am using a stern deep voice but to no avail. Please help me. Thanks. By JD60 from Sulphur, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35076362.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get cat urine out of my carpet? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32822650.tip.html
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Rate It: Drain Pipe on Side of House is Leaking Why is drain pipe on the side of the house leaking? By Eic from Katy, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84419383.tip.html
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Rate It: Where can I get the best price for floating candles? I need enough to cover 20 tables and I've searched and searched. Would I come out cheaper making them? This is for a 40th anniversary party that's being done on a strict budget. Please help By Ocdg from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32427690.tip.html
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Rate It: Wedding reception favors are great for adults but does anyone have ideas for the children that will be there? I don't want to have a kid's table as there will only be about 5. By Ocdg from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70785675.tip.html
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Rate It: My laptop's key 1 is not working. It does not respond at all. Everything else is working. By Bivu from Blackheath, Lewisham, London Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64636218.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Weatherproof Garden Markers I'm looking for some ideas to make markers for my various herbs in my garden. I would like them to be weatherproof. By RealtorRose from Malvern, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78308902.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a nice wood cocktail table. It is a very lightly stained wood with no finish on it. It is very rustic. My nephew found a black ball point pen and wrote on it. We have only had it about 2 months. Can someone suggest how to get the marks off without damaging the wood? It is only a surface mark. The pen did not indent the wood. Thanks! By Patsfan from Lebanon, MO
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Rate It: Yellow Stains on Cotton Fabric How do I clean yellowish marks from a white cotton cloth? By Naziamuhsin from Bangladesh Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25733131.tip.html
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Rate It: I see in a lot of recipes they use Bisquick. What is it? By Snazzy from Pretoria, South Africa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85833427.tip.html
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