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

Craft Project: Silky Scrub Bath Salts

These homemade scrubbing bath salts are fantastic as a gift to a friend or to yourself! They're easy and cheap to make, they work wonderfully, and are extremely simple to personalize. They combine exfoliating, moisturizing, and relaxing fragrance all in one product, yet are cheaper than store bought body wash and don't require a loofah or moisturizing sponge. The scrub can help with many different kinds of skin problems. All you do is mix the salt and oil a little, take a handful, and scrub your entire body.

Silky Scrub Bath Salts

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82128108.tip.html

Koolaid Jammer Purse

I got this idea from Thrifty Fun. My 11 year-old and I loved making it. Many kids in her school are interested in having one too. Great recycling too!

By Ellen from Ontario

Koolaid Jammer Purse

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Baby Opossum

A little visitor, he must have fallen off of his mommy's back, I just took the baby boy by the tail, put him in a little box and brought him to the Wildlife rehab center.
They had a lot of these little orphans there; they promised me they would release him into the wild when he was old enough.

By Babbie from CA

baby Opossum

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Lucy (Beagle)

Lucy is a 4 month old Beagle. We got her a couple months ago, I had to travel almost 2 hours one way after a storm.

She has many stuffed animals she loves to play with, and also has other dogs and a cat she plays with. She is very bright and a very happy girl, she sleeps in my lap every morning and dad's lap in the evenings. She really loves the snow, in and out all the time.

By Sharon from Hartland, Maine

Lucy (Beagle)

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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!

How To Throw A Shower EBook

I have very recently completed an EBook on "How To Throw a Shower." It covers baby, bridal and couples showers. I have placed it on my website. You may read it at How To Throw A Shower. Please keep in mind that since we are such an infant site, it will continue to improve and grow significantly. I look forward to your feedback.

By Jane Stefanowicz

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Chewing Gum Helps You Stay Awake While Driving

If you chew gum, you won't fall asleep. Helpful when driving.

By Nugs from Bethlehem, PA

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Some Stores Banning Plastic Bags

This is about reusable shopping bags for males and females both. Many stores are banning plastic sacks - so that might be something to consider in the near future.

Watch Good Morning America Video

There is a site mentioned on the video: Reusablebags.com

Another site is mentioned: Feedbag.org

Source: Simply Thrifty

Reuseable Bags: Good Morning America Video

By Melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri

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Updates on Your Answering Machine

When my husband underwent open-heart surgery in an out-of-town hospital, many friends and family were anxious to receive updates on his condition. Since I was staying at a hotel near the hospital, there was nobody at home to answer the phone. I left messages on our home answering machine about any news I had and told people to feel free to call anytime day or night while we were away.

By Sandy from Hagerstown, MD

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Shred Only Personal Information

When shredding paper you only have to shred the parts with your personal info. Toss the rest or use the blank side as scrap paper.

Source: Me, who got tired of always finding the shredder full.

By Patti from Oak Ridge, TN

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Bath Toy Storage

We keep a plastic bucket next to the bathtub for all the bath toys. This makes for easy clean-up and frees the tub area for adult showers and bubble baths - no nets of toys hanging above you or covered metal across the tub racks to fight with. It works and it's frugal.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Make Your Own Decorative Paper

I just had to share my technique for making my own decorative paper. All you need is copy paper (white or colour), pencil crayons or markers, and craft glue (glitter, white, 3D paint, etc.). I cut my sheets into squares from 3X3 to 5X5 inches for my projects before I colour them. All you have to do now is let loose like you're back in kindergarten! Colour your sheets with whatever you have - markers, paint, pencil crayons, or dye. I like to apply different colours in layers. Then I apply a thin layer of craft glue on the sheets using a spatula or spreader (Note: if you're using paint, let it dry before applying the glue). Depending on the type of glue, you can get some spectacular results! Just remember to place the sheets in a safe place to dry.

Source: You can find samples of my paper and my signature paper roses on Picasa. The link is http://picasaweb.google.com/ALantain

By Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

Make Your Own Decorative Paper

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Disposable LED Book Lights for Kids During Power Outages

Before you have a power outage or a Tornado Warning, buy several disposable lights at the dollar store. It's easiest to find them in the Fall, right before Halloween. They are great for kids (and adults) because they easily clip on to a book or to your coat or shirt. You can even clip them on to your headboard. If each child has their own disposable light, there's less of chance they'll be afraid, and they can take them to the bathroom with them. And at only one dollar each, it's cheaper than buying new batteries!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Substitute Powdered Milk Instead of Fresh When Cooking

Money is tight and milk is expensive! I have started using powdered milk in all of my recipes. I just mix enough for the recipe so nothing will go bad (and waste more money!) The kids don't like to drink powdered milk but can't tell the difference when I incorporate it into my baking and cooking. So a gallon of milk lasts twice as long now!

By Christine from Spanaway, WA

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Fixing Leftovers Instead Of Throwing Them Out

Recently, while running short on time, I prepared a boxed packaged meal for our dinner. None of us liked the flavoring of the sauce, but ate it anyway. We had quite a bit of the dish leftover for another meal. The next day when I had more time, I put the leftovers in a colander amd rinsed off all the sauce. After allowing the food to drain, I took a jar of Alfredo sauce that I knew my family liked and mixed it with the leftovers. I added a few favorite spices and had a successful meal that everyone enjoyed.

Source: With the economy the way it is, I couldn't afford to toss out this meal just because we didn't like it. It was my own idea to try to revamp it.

By Terri H. from NV

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Little Johnny's mother asked him, "Why did you get such a low grade on that test?"

"Because of an absence," he replied.

"You mean you were absent on the day of the test?" she questioned.

Little Johnny replied, "No, but the kid who sits next to me was."

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

Friend Needs Disposable Bags After Colon Surgery

I have a friend that recently had colon surgery and she is in need of disposable bags, she does not have insurance and she needs the help. Anybody know of any help out there for her?

By Sylvia

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Paying Back Insurance Benefits When Getting SSDI

I have a problem!

I had a heart attack and back injuries in 2001. I was not able to return to work. I was told my a number of doctors. It took till 2006 for me to get SSDI benefits. Before I had SSDI Benefits I had a long term Insurance that I had though work. They were paying me a monthly income from 2001 till 2006. It was based on 60% of my working salary.

When I started receiving SSDI benefits the monthly payments from the long term disability were cut so that the long term disability and SSDI would be equal to 60% of my salary of when I worked. This not a problem, I understood this.

My problem is in 2003, my wife did not like living with a disabled person. I made good money and I guess that is why she stayed, but she wanted a divorce. In 2004 we were divorced. My oldest son wanted to live with me. For this to happen I had to pay my ex-wife more money than the court ordered. I love my son and I wanted what he wanted. I was able to pay child support due to having long term disability and I wanted to take care of my children. So my oldest son lived with me until 2006. He moved back with his mother due to not wanting to change schools. I got married and he could have lived with my new wife and I but he did not want to move and have to make new friends.

This is where the problem begins. I qualified for SSDI in 2006. I lost the first time I saw the judge. So I had to start all over again with a new lawyer that was good. So the second time I won SSDI benefits going back to 2004. That is back to the first judge's decision of "no". The second judge would not go over the first judge's decision and I understand that.

So both of my sons were living with my ex wife at this time. So the back pay for the children went to my ex-wife. Now I was paying child support. More than I was ordered by the court. When I got back pay, it had to go back to the long term disability insurance. My ex-wife and I knew this from the time I started receiving long term benefits. I signed a paper to the fact and she witnessed it. Well she got the SSDI back pay and kept it and did not pay it back to the
long term disability insurance. The long term disability insurance said I would have to pay it back.

So I owe money that I never received in my name. My ex wife got paid child support and kept the back pay. She got paid twice for child support. Well I took it in stride and figured I would pay it back. My children run around in torn clothes and I have to purchase clothes for them to wear when they are my house, but I can't do anything about it.

Now a couple of weeks ago I notice I had a large sum of money in my checking account and it was from SSDI. I did not know why I would receive any money, that was all straightened out. I forgot to
tell you, I paid the back pay I received to the insurance company. I found out today it was not a mistake. The first lawyer that I had working on my SSDI filed an appeal for me and I had no idea. The judgment from the first judge was overridden.

So I got back pay going all the way back to 2001. Now my ex wife got back pay also and she will not pay this back to the insurance again. It is much more money. I can't pay this money back. I have not paid my
part back to the insurance company at this time since there was a mistake at the SSDI office. Now, my wife at the time, and both sons lived with me until 2004, this money goes back to 2001 and then my oldest son lived with me till 2006 and I paid child support and the backpay money needs to be paid back to the insurance company.

This is money that the check was never in my name. So I don't know what to do. I don't have the money to pay it and I do owe it. Please anyone if you know what I can do tell me. If you have anything for me to try please let me know. I don't know what to do so I am turning to all for answers.

SSDI will not help. They say the money is for future use. Also my oldest son is now 19 and my ex wife is still getting the same as she got for both children. I am sorry this is so long, but I wanted to tell the whole story. So please give me whatever you think. You may not know but it may help me.

Thanks,
Ron from LA.

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Is There A Miniature Jack Russell?

Is there such a breed of dog as a Miniature Jack Russell? If not, what is the breed that looks almost identical?

Emily from Launceston, TAS

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My Dog is Constipated

My dog is constipated. What can I do?

Benjamin from Greenfield, MA

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Acrylic Paint on a Ski Jacket

How do I get acrylic paint off of a ski jacket?

Laurie from Ironwood, Michigan

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What is a Duvet Cover?

What exactly is a duvet cover?

Imaqt1962 from Illinois

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Dish Soap Stain on Wool

How to remove color stain of the yellow detergent from my wool scarf? I dropped some "Trix" Lemon Dish washing liquid to remove many small oil stains on my wool scarf, then found the detergent left big yellow marks on my light pink wool scarf. I was stupid but I really love the scarf, which was a gift of my best friend. Would anyone help me to save my scarf?

Linda from NSW

Dish Soap Stain on Wool

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Gold Nugget Loquat With Yellow Leaves

I have planted a new Gold Nugget Loquat tree (came in a 15 Gallon pot, about 5.5 ft tall), and after a month, leaves have randomly started turning yellow. I am not sure if this is due to excessive water or something else. Any comments will be appreciated. (See attached picture.)

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Bani from Southern California

Gold Nugget Loquat With Yellow Leaves

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Cleaning Walls in a Mobile Home

I live in a mobile home, and the glue that they used in the panels is showing through. To make matters worse, yes, we are smokers. How can I clean these stains off? I've used every cleaning product that I can get my hands on, and I am concerned about scrubbing because it will wear the vinyl through. I'm too scared to use paint thinner, and as they are vinyl, I'm not sure how well that would ultimately work, I really need your help!

Shirley from Ohio

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What Ingredients are in Hair Products

If your need an ingredient to make your own hair product. How do you find out what it contains?

Ethel

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Chocolate Stains

Chocolate is my enemy in more ways than one! I have a bad habit of eating some chocolate during the night. I then fall asleep, and drool melted chocolate on sheets, pillowcases and nightgowns. Mostly cotton, and always Hershey's! I have tried Shout Extra, Tide, soaking, scrubbing, and lots more! Of course, by the time I can get to the laundromat the chocolate is hard and dry. I scrub the spot with hot water to melt it, then I wash in cold water, treating the stain with laundry soap. No matter what I do, I cannot get the brown stain out! Please help!

Dori Ann from Belvidere, NJ

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Rag Quilt Hand Bag Pattern

I am searching for a handbag pattern using the rag quilt method as in this picture. Can anyone help me out? Thanks

Marian from Danville, Va

Rag Quilt Hand Bag Pattern

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Where Can I Find Live Kefir?

Does anyone know where I can find live Kefir? Or can I make some with plain store bought Kefir? Any recipes would be appreciated.

Bleaue from Burbank, CA

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Establishing Credit With A Credit Card

Can anyone help me find a good credit card to get? I make $202/month and need to build my credit so that I can start getting things that I need.

Audriana from Conroe, Texas

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Making Dog Clothes Out Of Baby Clothes

I got a puppy for my birthday. He's a Chihuahua and gets very cold but I didn't want to spend that kind of money to buy dog clothes, so I went to the thrift store and bought a bunch of baby clothes and turned the legs, arms, and torso of the baby clothes into doggy shirts, p's, hoodies, and a pup pouch.

The pup pouch is so that I can zip him (its actually a bag with a hood on it) to keep him warm but allowing me to carry him around outside without having to wrap him up in my coat and getting covered in little black dog hairs. These are the first things I've sewn in a very long time! Please let me know what can I do differently? Thanks!

Marisa from Santa Maria, California

Making Dog Clothes Out Of Baby Clothes

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What Can I Do With Fermented Apple Cider?

I bought some fresh apple cider for a special occasion that didn't happen. Now I have 12 gallons of fermented apple cider. What to do with it?

Carol from Anderson, MO

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How to Make a Cupcake Cake

How do you make a cupcake cake? I've seen them in the bakery and they are so cute. It looks like it would be easy to make, but how do I keep the cupcakes together while icing them? How do I fill in the gaps between the cupcakes to make a smooth layer of icing on top? Any suggestions?

Patricia S from Alabama

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Saving Money on Eggs

Tips for saving money on eggs. Post your ideas.

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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

All About Composting

What is Compost?

Compost is the end result of the decomposition of organic material, or waste. This occurs naturally in the bush, or a forest, by the accumulation of debris from plant and animal material; and provided there is moisture present, either from rain, in the soil, or from the material itself, decomposition will occur.

All About Composting

Saving Money on Lunch Box Food Items

Tips for saving money on food that you pack in a lunch box as suggested from the ThriftyFun community.

Make Your Own Snack Sizes

To save money on snack items for lunches, I buy large bags of favorite chips or boxes of Ritz and put some in ziploc bags inside the lunch box. Those small bags of chips and packs of crackers can really add up!

Saving Money on Lunch Box Food Items

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Daily Thrifty Tips - March 25, 2008

What is Compost?

Make Your Own Snack Sizes

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