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Volume Six, Number 237, December 10, 2007 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a great weekend. We have lots of new recalls in the More Reading section, be sure to look them over. Here are the contest winners for the week before last. Photo Contest Winner Use Soda Can Box To Organize Bags
Tip Contest Winners Thrifty Gifts For The Family
Homemade Christmas Gift: Blue Jean Purse
Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something! Thanks for reading, Susan
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:
Candy Decorated Christmas Trees Try these as an alternative to making an entire gingerbread house. My school's PTA had this as one of the crafts this weekend and it was a big hit with all the kids.
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Rate It: This is Kharma. I gave her to my mom last Christmas, and in the year since she has been nothing but spoiled! As you can tell from the photo she's the perfect combination of cute and gorgeous! Just had to share, don't be jealous! (lol)
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Rate It: Craft: Wooden Gingerbread Ornaments Materials
InstructionsDrill hole first if you need to do that, paint shapes if you want, let dry. Take ice cream stick and apply snow to look like cookie frosting. Apply sprinkles if you like, be sure to do that before snow dries. It usually takes 12 to 24 hours for snow to dry, I let mine sit overnight.By Sandy from Bluff City, TN
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Rate It: Here's a quick and easy way to dress up to those plain glass ornaments in your Christmas box. While you're at it, make several. They make great gifts if you need a unique Christmas gift idea. Approximate Time Less than 30 minutes Supplies:
Instructions:Keep ornaments in their tray, if possible, to make a sturdy placeholder while you work. Using a cotton swab and black paint, paint on simple dot eyes and mouth. Use orange paint to paint on a carrot-shaped nose. Fashion a headband for earmuffs by cutting a strip of black felt that is 4" long and 1/2" wide. Glue in place across top of ornament, just in front of hanger. Glue pom poms at each end of the headband to form earmuffs. You may need to trim one side of each pom pom to "flatten" it a bit to allow for easier application. Cut a piece of 1/4" wide satin ribbon to make a hanger.By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC
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Some time ago I purchased a package of new chef's aprons which I always keep on hand for whenever I'm baking or cooking. So I added one in the gift basket. I purchased a new Tea for One Teapot from a website and attached the following label:
My husband and I buy foods in bulk to keep on hand for emergencies, so we don't have go grocery shopping every week. I bought the basket from a garage sale this summer and added a ribbon. The only items that I had to buy was the teapot, and the tea bags. Total cost for making the basket was about $20.00 or less. By Marge W. from Sanborn, NY
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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!
I buy dollar store soaps in holiday scents, like peppermint or even gingerbread scent. From thrift stores or again the dollar store or any outlet, buy cheap children mittens. Shave the soap with a potato type peeler and add it to the mittens, sew the top half of the mittens closed, (where your hand would go) and us as a shower/bath scrubby to feel refreshed and in the holiday spirit. Makes a great stocking stuffer or gift too! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83547128.tip.html
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Rate It: Advice for Planning a Spouse's Birthday Party For my husband's upcoming 30th birthday, I am renting a beach house on Pismo for a weekend party. It's not more expensive than two hotel rooms. I'm sending the guys down a day before the girls to have a poker competition and Xbox tournament. The day after, the women will join up and we're all going ATV'ing on Pismo. That night, we're having a bonfire and a night-surf contest. The next day after a big breakfast, we're heading back home to a relaxed family barbeque. It's good because some of it is planned out of the ordinary activities but most of the time isn't and we're in a great spot so everyone can hang out and really enjoy the party. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73887134.tip.html
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Rate It: For those of us who tend to use saline solution to calm allergic reactions, this recipe is a great money saver. Combine 1/2 tsp. of sea salt with 1 cup warm water in a bottle with a lid. Add a pinch of baking soda, place the lid on the bottle, and shake. Pour some of the mixture into a nasal spray bottle and you're ready to go. The rest of the mixture can be stored in your medicine cabinet or even in the kitchen so it will be readily available when your spray bottle needs a refill. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63306692.tip.html
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Rate It: String Nuts on Fishing Line for Target Practice For preparing for target practice for the upcoming deer season, my sister and her daughter picked up walnuts on the ground during a nature walk. Upon getting home, they tied a strand of fishing line between 2 trees (about chest high) and placed the nuts hanging from the fishing line. From an appropriate distance, they used their rifle and a shotgun to hit the nuts with. My Dad said they both were doing great shooting the nuts. He said with them being able to shoot something as small as nuts from 100 yards away, they'd have no trouble shooting and hitting deer! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25417580.tip.html
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Rate It: Send A Christmas Card To A Recovering Soldier (Urban Legend) I've just received this from a friend. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91696537.tip.html
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Rate It: Several years ago before I retired, I made some interesting lunch bags for my supervisor and some other fellow workers. I took a brown lunch bag and cut it into pattern pieces, down the back and around the bottom. I cut my fabric pieces a slight bit larger to allow for seam allowance. I went to Hancock's remnant table and found some brown calico, deep chocolate brown with tiny orange flowers. I found some beige quilted fabric for a lining. I sewed strips for two handles and some velcro at the top for closure. All this was topstitched in orange. There might be 6 of these on the earth now. I never did finish mine. Calico brown bags. They were a big hit. By Marty from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55116362.tip.html
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Rate It: I find it challenging to give all the gifts I'd like to without exploding my budget. For many friends and their children, I have a $5 budget. I feel like this can work when 1: the gift is thoughtful and original and 2: the gift is well wrapped and comes off looking more expensive. In order to stay within the $5 budget and to fulfill #2, you need to be well-stocked with wrapping elements that you have recycled, gathered, gotten at the thrift store or dollar store. Here are 5 ideas which can usually be done for $5 at Wal-Mart or other similar stores:
Source: These are mainly my ideas, but I read about gift giving all the time. By Amy from Cedar Hill, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83684937.tip.html
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Rate It: Christmas Traditions: Making Ornaments When I was a kid, I always wanted a themed Christmas tree like you see in stores or in the movies. We had the kind of tree with mismatched ornaments that had been handed down or picked up secondhand. No one can really afford to have all their ornaments match, right? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15969870.tip.html
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Gray Smoke Coming from My Van's Tailpipe I have a 1990 Caravan with 178K miles on it. Recently it started smoking from the tailpipe intermittently, though the engine was running smoothly and there was no noticeable loss of power. The color of the smoke is gray. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72819390.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Glue from Front of Microwave How do I clean the glue off the front of a new microwave? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83405457.tip.html
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Rate It: Has Anyone Tried Roopamrit for Acne? Is the e-book 'acnefreein3days' safe to download? Has anyone tried the program in India? What were the results? And what about the product Roopamrit? Is is effective? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77204449.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Foaming Carpet Cleaner Early last summer, I was watching Channel 6 - Joey Green was sharing some of his recipes for different problem cleaning issues. He gave a recipe for foaming carpet cleaner using pine scented ammonia, clear dish detergent -- and something else. I can't find where I put the recipe and can't remember the ingredients/measurements. Does someone have this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17499235.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I soften ice melt? I bought a 20 pound bag last year, and it is in one solid block now. Is there any way to put it back to it's original state, other than chopping it up? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13175600.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Free Calendar Templates Online Does anyone now of a web site with free calender templates. Prefer one where I don't have to give them my e-mail address or sign my life away. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94410844.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I remove kerosene from wool or an unwashable fabric. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28616801.tip.html
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Rate It: Health Advice For Pus Bump on Tonsil Someone please help me!! Before this I have never had any trouble with my throat! Back in mid Sept. I was brushing my teeth and saw a small pus spot in my left tonsil. I popped it several times but it kept coming back. I gargled with salt water and it disappeared. A few days later my throat on the left side (side the pus spot was on) was throbbing! My lymph node swelled for about a week then my left ear starting hurting! I have been to the E.R. numerous times, the regular doctor and an entomologist had strep tests, mono tests, an x-ray, ct scan, the entomologist scoped my throat. None of these doctors can tell me anything! I was even put on penicillin and azithromycin BEFORE I was tested for strep which obviously was negative! Now I'm on amoxicillin because I found a pus bump in my gums, went to the dentist and found out I had an abscess tooth, had a root canal. I even asked the dentist if this all could be connected but he said no. So here I am 3 months later still having this throat pain, just on the left side, sometimes I even have a gagging sensation when I swallow, and my ear is hurting so bad and here recently been having headaches. The only thing doctors can say is maybe you need your tonsils taken out, but I don't think that is the problem. One pus spot EVER, and I need surgery? Not what I want to do. If anyone has had these symptoms or has them please let me know if you found out what was going on or what you did. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51572836.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Christmas Tree Flocking I have looked for spray flocking ( heavier than the normal snow spray used for Christmas trees, etc.) No one seems to carry it--when I checked on line, cheapest price was 39.95! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43729864.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have a pattern for a two or three fold wallet? I would like to use magazine pictures to make it. How many plys of plastic will I have to use and were can I buy it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53436764.tip.html
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Rate It: Materials to Make a Magazine Purse Can someone tell me what type of material to use for the magazine purse, if you want to make them out of magazines. Iron-on vinyl did not very well. What size do you have to have for it to come out even. Do anyone have a picture to send me? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40988842.tip.html
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Rate It: Recipe for Spicy No Bean Chili Does anyone have a good no bean chili recipe that's spicy but not ridiculously spicy to where you can't eat it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43392635.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you score a wall? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51861610.tip.html
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Rate It: I'm a golfer and I have ruined many shirts and shorts due to the sunscreen. How do I get rid of these stains? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf325054.tip.html
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Rate It: Oriental Themed Christmas Decorations I am hoping that some of you can help me with ideas on making Christmas Tree ornaments to be hung on a tree in my Oriental themed living room. My knickknacks, wall pictures, rug, etc. are oriental style. I wanted my tree to fit in with that theme but can't find ideas or patterns for ornaments. Can anyone help me with ideas/patterns? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95952166.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get paint stains out of Velour pants? It is the kind of paint that you use to paint a house. I have used color safe bleach and all kinds of other laundry powders, and even used a toothbrush, but it left a small spot that looks like it has been rubbed like a small chunk of material is gone. Can anyone tell me how to get it out that wouldn't ruin the material? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91739957.tip.html
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Rate It: Organizing Art Supplies and Materials How do you organize art supplies and materials? The things I'm trying to organize range from all sizes of scrap paper, to oil paints, yarn, buttons, and oddly shaped small trinkets. My main concern is paper. I use and collect it to make collages, but I can't seem to find an effective way to organize it! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54305520.tip.html
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Rate It: Main Dish Ideas for a Holiday Potluck I need a main course recipe for a potluck. Now, here comes the tough part! The potluck is a holiday celebration for my co-workers, we are school bus drivers. Since I leave my house @ 5 a.m. and the party is not until 10:00 a.m. I would like something that would keep and still be yummy. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10643518.tip.html
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Rate It: Recipes for Canned Poppy Seeds or Canned Apricots I was given a case of canned Poppy Seeds and canned Apricots, from a friend who knows that I like to cook. But I haven't a clue at what to make with these. What can I use these in? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90087166.tip.html
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Rate It: Pattern For Miniature Christmas Tree Made With Pipe Cleaners Many years ago, while at a craft fair with my mother in law I learned to make a miniature Christmas tree from green pipe cleaners (or chenille stems for you language purists!). You started with a small block base with a thin dowel sticking up. Then you took a length of pipe cleaner (about 6" or so) and twisted around the dowel. But, and this is what made them look so real, before you twisted each length, you took about an inch long piece of cleaner and twisted it a bit down from each end (for branches). You used several lengths the same then decreased the length around the dowel to get the tapered effect.
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Rate It: Advice for Fixing Up Wooden Wheelbarrows I have just purchased 2 small wooden wheelbarrows that are meant for the garden. They've been exposed to the elements for a long time and the wheels are badly split. Should I oil, varnish, paint or what? I would like to use enamel paint on them as they will be in the garden. My main concern is making them sturdy in the elements. Thanks so much for your help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23191711.tip.html
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Rate It: What to Do With Coke Bottle Caps I collect Coke plastic bottle caps for the Coke Rewards program. After entering the codes, I then have lots and lots of plastic bottle caps. Is there anything useful I can do with them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82824898.tip.html
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Rate It: Melting Candy Canes To Shape For Gifts Does anyone know if you can melt candy canes so that I can shape them for gifts? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96816298.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Review of 'Package Shark' Has anyone tried the "Package Shark"? (http://www.packageshark.com/) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57976396.tip.html
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Rate It: Recipes For Making Fresh Ham Steaks Taste Better We had a pig butchered by mistake we didn't get our ham steaks cured they are fresh any recipes out there to make them taste better do not like the taste of them plain. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49649839.tip.html
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Rate It: Cheese-free Recipes For Canned Pink Crab Meat I have a couple dozen cans of BumbleBee "premium select" pink crab meat, and I've run out of things to do with it. Here's the catch: I'm allergic to dairy products (milk and things made from milk). I can substitute easily for milk itself, so don't worry about that, but any recipes that require cheese won't easily turn out right. So, what are your favorite cheese-free recipes for canned pink crab meat? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93985960.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Handles of Dooney & Bourke Handbag I have a tassel tote Dooney and Bourke bag. The handles and the strap have begun turning brown and dark. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can clean it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29028836.tip.html
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Rate It: What Can Be Added to Water For Boiling Chicken Before BBQ? A friend boils her chicken pieces before putting them on the gas grill to brown along with a heavy basting of BBQ sauce for flavor. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22771052.tip.html
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Rate It: Broccoli, Cauliflower and Cabbage Not Forming Heads My broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage have many large leaves and look very healthy. However they haven't started to form any heads. Have just large plants. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24348538.tip.html
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Rate It: College Graduation Party Decorations I am doing a surprise college graduation party for my sister. I am having 30 people at my house with not a lot of room or money and I have no idea how to decorate for it. Her favorite colors are bright colors like hot pink green blue! Any suggestions? Help please! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40066367.tip.html
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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:
Children's Sunglasses Recalled by FGX International Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: Surface paint on the sunglasses can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23220351.tip.html
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Rate It: Starbucks Recalls Coffee Mugs Due To Burn Hazard; Product Manufactured by lab921 Hazard: The plastic handle can detach from the body of the mug when filled with hot liquids, posing a minor burn hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88712207.tip.html
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Rate It: The Home Depot Recalls Holiday Figurines Due to Lead Paint Hazard Hazard: Surface paint on the holiday figurines contains lead. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17393107.tip.html
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Rate It: Boys' Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled by Scope Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88227886.tip.html
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Rate It: RC2 Recalls The First Years Children's Feeding Seats Due to Fall Hazard Hazard: The restraining straps can pull out of the waist strap slots, posing a fall hazard to young children. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66803745.tip.html
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Rate It: RC2 Recalls Potty Training Seats Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: Decorative plaque inserted into the back of the potty seat could have orange paint that contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66729328.tip.html
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Rate It: Personal Identity Children's Sweaters with Drawstrings Recalled by Sears Due to Strangulation Hazard Hazard: The recalled sweaters have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48184669.tip.html
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Rate It: Basic Editions Girls' Clothing Sets Recalled by Kmart; Drawstrings at Waist Pose Entrapment Hazard Hazard: The recalled pants have drawstrings at the waist, which are longer than the maximum length set forth in CPSC guidelines. This poses an entrapment or entanglement hazard to children. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55771935.tip.html
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Rate It: TKS Children's Pants Recalled by Sears; Drawstrings at Waist Pose Entrapment Hazard Hazard: The recalled pants have a ribbon belt at the waist, which are longer than the maximum length set forth in CPSC guidelines (pdf). This poses an entrapment or entanglement hazard to children. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14507941.tip.html
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Rate It: Collins International Co. Recalls Oscillating Ceramic Heaters Sold at Menards Retail Stores Due To Fire Hazard Hazard: The heaters can overheat, smoke, or ignite which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34296495.tip.html
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