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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Spot Color Your Wedding Photos

This is one of my favorite pictures of my son's wedding. The photographer said this was very easy to do and could be done with any picture that he took. He used a digital camera to take all the wedding pictures. Just thought I'd share with this year's brides-to-be.

By Patty from Turbotville, PA

Spot Color Your Wedding Photos

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Gardening: Wood Shavings in the Garden

Place wood shavings around your plants to prevent them from getting sandy from rain or watering. This also retains moisture, conserving water, and prevents weeds from growing through. Wood shavings can be bought at many garden shops. They may also be available from cabinet builders or wood workers.

By Marilyn from Colfax, LA

Wood Shavings In The Garden

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Gardening: Lilies

Picture of lilies in my flower bed last year. They come back every year.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

Gardening: Lilies

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Craft Project: Bunny Jar Vase

Create this cute bunny vase for your Easter table from a pint jar, felt, and few other supplies.

Craft Project: Bunny Jar Vase

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53400898.tip.html

Denver (Brittany Spaniel)

Denver is a 2 year old Brittany Spaniel. She was a birthday gift for our daughter when she turned one. They have been good buddies. We named her Denver because that is where our daughter was born.

Denver loves to play fetch. She will run after objects we throw for her for hours and bring them right back. She also is a good bird pointer although we haven't done any training with her.

Denver has more energy than any other pet we've ever had. She is crazy! Brittany Spaniel's are known for their good personality and gentleness with children. That is why we got her for our daughter. We think she will always have the energy of a puppy. In this picture she is playing in the snow. What fun!

By Jayme from Harrisonburg, VA

Denver (Brittany Spaniel)

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Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Keeping Colds at Bay With Coldeeze

For the last 2 school years, I have put 1/2 tab of Coldeeze into my 3 boys orange juice every morning. I swear that it has had an impact on their not getting ANY colds or illness this school year, and only one last school year.

By Amy from Granite Bay, CA

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Take Your Lunch in a Cloth Tote Bag

To save paper and money, I take my lunch to work every day in a cloth tote bag that I bought at the Dollar Store. It is about 10x10 inch square and has a nice handle. When I come home, I just put my lunch bag in the fridge so I can find it fast in the morning. I never run out of paper bags, I save money, and it's a good way to reduce waste.

By Laurie from Portland, OR

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Boil Burnt Pans With Soap Powder

If you have any burnt pans: instead of scrubbing them, simply fill pans that are burnt on the stove with boiling hot water and simply put a little soap powder in the pan. Boil gently for about 10 minutes then rinse out thoroughly before use.

Source: This is my own tip as i have had lots of burnt pans in the past and, believe me, this works!

By Joanne1012 from United Kingdom

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Make Your Own "Name Brand" Hair Products

When my 3 boys hit puberty, they wanted name brand hair products. I bought one bottle and as it emptied, I added about 1/4 cup Dawn regular dish detergent and then filled with water. It thickens and I never bought another bottle of expensive shampoo again. Inexpensive shampoos and conditioners, like the Suave brand at Walmart, can have water added to them and they thicken and work very well.

Also I took the labels off the Walmart clothes I bought them and put them in old "acceptable" store bags. They never suspected.

Source: Many people know this and many don't. I have been a frugal mom for nearly 40 years.

By Jeanne from Elysian Fields, TX

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Dispose of Prescription Bottles Safely

Be especially safe with your old prescription bottles. Be sure and mark through the name of person and drug name with a marker before putting in trash as some people would try to get it filled, especially if it is for a pain pill. God Bless you and stay safe!

By DCW816 from TN

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Thrifty Toddler Entertainment

We have a lot of toys for my 16 month old son. He's really rough on them, throwing them around and stepping on them. While we have bought a few toys brand new, we prefer to buy them used.

Our local thrift stores have great toys at a good price. One that we frequent bundles them together and many times we get 5 - 10 toys in one bag for $0.59 - $2.00. Also we noticed that he love to play with diaper boxes and paper towel rolls.

I've seen so many people buy brand new toys that will be played with once or twice and then given to the very place I buy used at. Thrift stores are a great way to make your dollar stretch for kids toys, but don't forget about boxes and other safe things around the house that can occupy them for hours.

By Joely from Ceres, CA

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Crisco as Frugal Face Moisturizer

I know this will sound crazy to most of you but I use Crisco on my face and neck at night for a moisturizer! It takes only a very small amount for a light coat. My face has never broken out. It doesn't clog my pores and it makes my face feel soft in the morning. If you look at the ingredients, you'll find that Crisco is made with soybean oil, cottonseed oil and antioxidants. I just turned 50 in August and everyone says that I look like I'm in my 30's.

By Beth from Springfield, MO

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Microwave Doggie Doughnuts

The great thing about these dog treats is that you can make them in your microwave. It's really nice in summer so you don't heat up kitchen.

2 cups whole wheat flour
3 Tbsp. oatmeal
1 egg. lightly beaten
1 tsp. garlic powder
2/3 cup beef or chicken broth

Place flour in bowl, add egg and broth, mix well. Blend in oatmeal and garlic powder. Roll dough into a ball, then roll out on lightly floured surface to 1/2 in thickness. Cut with small doughnut cutter. Re-roll scraps, arrange in shallow baking dish or parchment paper, in a single layer. Cook on high 10 minutes or until firm. If baking half the doughnuts, only bake for 5 minutes. Let cool until hardened. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

Source: I got this from my local veterinarian.

By Elaine from Iowa

Editor's Note: Many veterinarians advise for pet owners to avoid feeding garlic to dogs. There are some who recommend it. Speak to your vet or just omit the garlic powder from this recipe.

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Wash and Store Lettuce Right After Buying

Wash lettuce when you come from the store. Shake it a little to remove excess water then put a clean folded tea towel into a large plastic bag (I use a plastic grocery bag). Insert lettuce and twist so no air can get in and put the bag in fridge. This keeps the lettuce crisp for at least a week. Since we have salad everyday, I always check the tea towel and replace it with a clean dry one if it gets damp.

By Chris from West Des Moines, IA

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Candle Wax on Microsuede

I have a microsuede sofa that got hot wax from a candle on it. The wax splashed all over the side and top of my sofa (which is less than a year old).

I had no idea how to get hot wax off of a microsuede sofa so I went online and came upon this website. Someone suggested using an iron over a washcloth to get the wax off. It worked like a charm, without damaging my sofa! Place the hot iron on top of the clean, dry washcloth and gently rub back and forth. My sofa looks brand new!

Thanks Thriftyfun.com!

By Heather from Jacksonville, FL

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Two good Catholic boys passed an Episcopalian minister. At the sight of the reversed collar, one of them automatically said, "Hello, Father."

The other boy elbowed him in the ribs. "He's no father, you dummy," said the second youth, "He's married and got three kids!"

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

Finding Donations for the Troops

I am the new FRG Leader for the Charlie Co. of 1-82 ARB in Ft. Bragg, NC. I was wondering if anyone had any idea about which companies donate to troops going overseas? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Claudia from Fort Bragg, NC

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Homemade Sanitary Pads

How do you make cloth sanitary napkins? I've seen them on the internet. I can't afford to buy the ones online, but think I could make my own.

Jan from Atlanta, GA

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String Easter Eggs

Why does no one have a picture of the string Easter eggs? How much string do I use? How much of the balloon should be covered? Does anyone have pictures for this craft?

Barb from Weidman, MI

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Instructions for Knifty Knitter Long Loom

While on vacation I bought the Knifty Kniiter long loom series kit and did not open it until I was home. I opened the sealed package and was very disappointed to find no step by step instructions and no hook and needle . Now what do I do? The kit was over $20, am I suppose to buy the tools and instructions that should have been in the sealed kit?

Cathi

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Bottle Caps with Pictures on Them

I've been making bows and would like to know if anyone out there knows where and how do people make these bottle caps for their bows with different pictures on them? Thanks.

Lizette from Fresno, CA

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Tape Residue on Mirrored Wall

Any idea how to remove scotch tape residue from a mirrored wall?

Kris from Randolph, MA

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Cell Phone Battery Isn't Charging

All of a sudden my cell phone battery won't charge with any of its chargers. It's not the battery, the front of the phone shows no indication that charge is reaching the phone at all. Could the "leads" be dirty? Thanks!

Barbara from Cleveland, OH

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Favorite Bulbs and Plants Catalog

What are everyone's favorite catalog for bulb and perennial ordering? I just thought I'd take a poll. Thank you!

Barbara from Cleveland, OH

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Hard Water Stains on Auto Glass

There have been a lot of great answers for how to clean shower glass but I'm concerned about how some of these suggested cleaning agents will react with rubber and auto paint. So I want to ask what people have found effective and safe for getting rid of hard water stains on auto glass. Thanks.

Daniel from Ocala, FL

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Mice Urine Odor in Ventilation

How do I get rid of mice urine odor in the ventilation?

Betty

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Home Remedy to Strengthen Nails

I am looking for an inexpensive home remedy to strengthen nails.

Patti from Kansas City, MO

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Low Cost Veterinary Care

I have a dog that is bloated and is short of breath all the time. I am trying to find free or low-cost vet care in my area.

Judy from Lutz, FL

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Unclogging a Toilet

I need advice! I have two toilets (back to back) that are clogged. I have had 4 plumbers try to fix it with no luck. The last guy snaked it all the way to the septic. He recommends I replace the toilets. I have asked around for opinions and I have not had anyone endorse the "toilet replacement idea". Can you please give me suggestions?

wahoo from Lebanon, NJ

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Releasing a Domesticated Dove

About a month ago, a pair of ring-necked doves (also known as Barbary doves) showed up at my house. Yesterday I realized that one of them is now gone, we have hawks and owls here. I am sad that this one is alone especially since they were likely domesticated doves which were released or escaped. Can I tell which sex the remaining dove is? Can I buy more domesticated doves like this one to release in my yard?

Robin from Meridian, Texas

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Quick and Easy Crochet Patterns

I am looking for crochet patterns.

Judy from Traverse

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Softening Brown Sugar

How do you soften brown sugar?

Rosaland

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What Breed is My Dog?

What breed is my dog? We know his mother is a Long Hair Chihuahua and we think he's Pekingese. What do you think?

Geri from St. Augustine, FL

What Breed is My Dog?

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Using Aloe Vera on Oily Skin

How can I use the aloe vera plant on my face. I don't know how to use it direct from the plant. My face is oily. Thanks.

hemlata

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Buying Marble Chase

Where can I buy the game Marble Chase?

Susan from Carlisle, PA

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German Shepherd Puppy is Becoming Aggressive

My german shepherd puppy just turned 5 months old. She lives with me and my boyfriend and was fine until about a month ago. We were at the dog park and this lady walked past to get her dog, and my pup jumped up and nipped her hand. She was okay, but it took me off guard, because she had never shown aggressiveness before.

When my boyfriend was alone with her, him and even his cousin would play with her in the yard and she was fine and really liked them just as well as she did me. In the past few weeks, whenever I'm around my boyfriend, she won't come near him and growls, but alone with him she was fine?

Yesterday night, he let her out to use the bathroom. He was trying to get her back into the house, which she really doesn't enjoy and runs because she LOVES being outside. So he was calling her name to no avail so he went to pick her up (like he usually does) and out of nowhere she grabbed onto his wrist and arm and wouldn't let go. Needless to say she hurt his hand and arm.

We've taken her to obedience school and in public almost every single day to socialize her. I have owned many dogs, from chihuahuas to border collies to pit bulls, and they've never suddenly did a 180 like this, so I'm not sure what to do? I LOVE my dog, she is extremely loving and loyal, but I'm so worried. She's UTD on all her shots and just got back from the vet at the beginning of Feb and everything was in great condition! Any advice or personal experiences would be so helpful!

Gabriella from SC

German Shepherd Puppy is Becoming Aggressive

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Decluttering Tips

I am going to be single if I do not attend to clutter that I've accumulated! But to me, it's a mess not a throw-away kind of clutter. Can you give me ideas, like where to start? I have accumulated many 5 gallon buckets for tool carriers and this season's container garden. All wrenches, hammers, paint brushes in their own bucket?

Should I pick a room that I need to conquer? Or pick a singular flat surface I would like to see again? I want tried and true suggestions, not a link please. The tough part is that I will be without help. So I've got to start somewhere. Please let me know how to declutter my workbench, which is what my entire house has turned into! Thank you, and my family thanks you, big time!

Jane from Baltimore, MD

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Flattening Curved Seat Cushions

We have just put together the pine bunk bed that was ordered last month. Mostly it is fine but there are a few slight problems. The two large seat cushions are warped and don't lay flat on the seats.

The chair cushions are not flattening out yet after we tried lots of methods. My daughter has been sitting on them. In fact they have even been slept on several times and are still bowed and curved. What should I do at this time?

Yuan from CA

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Repairing a Couch with Cigarette Burns

I stupidly dropped a cigarette while standing next to my sofa and it went in between the cushions. Before I could catch it the cigarette burnt a dime size hole in the inner side of the cushion cover. Is there anyway to repair it?

Robin from NJ

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Maintaining a Swimming Pool

We have a 90,000 litres painted pool in New Zealand. Can someone suggest cheaper maintenance to keep it clean as we are constantly spending heaps on chemicals from the pool store. Also any tips on best practices would be welcome as I am new to this.

Roshni from New Zealand

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Recipes for a Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven

I am looking for instructions and recipes for the Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Oven model #2000. Thank you.

Delisa

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Inexpensive Chair Covers For Wedding

Does anyone know a place where I can rent cheap chair covers and sashes for my wedding. My colors are in the brown family. Everywhere I have looked it will cost me about $800 to cover chairs for my 160 guests, which is way past my budget. Please help!

Katina from Raleigh, NC

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Defaulting on Student Loans

I have around $80,000 of unpaid student loans, in default. Can I be sent to jail for not paying this amount? How many years in jail for such action? I made some payments, but due to life difficulties I didn't make any more. Are there any other options to repay these loans? Please help me, I'm desperate. Thanks!

Tucker5 from Baltimore, MD

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Curtains Over Sliding Glass Door

How do you decorate sliding glass doors with curtains?

Cheryl from Walstonburg, NC

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Dying Sheer Curtains a Different Color

How do you dye polyester sheer curtains?

P from Peoria, IL

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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

My Frugal Life: Living On Less

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Daily Thrifty Tips - March 4, 2009

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