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Volume Six, Number 160, August 20, 2007 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We have lots of great tips and photos today. If you get a chance, please do us a favor and recommend this site to a friend. Thanks for reading, Susan
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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:
Sunflowers Wedding Centerpieces Centerpieces can be things you already have around the house. This is an antique pitcher that belonged to my Mama, I added some fresh cut sunflowers from a nearby field and ended up with a beautiful centerpiece for my reception tables that didn't cost a dime!
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Rate It: Grapevine Wreath Cross Stitch Gift Tired of just framing your cross stitch project or turning them into pillows for gifts? Here's a unique way to display your work or create a special gift. Glue your project to a piece of round cardboard and glue the cardboard to the back of a grapevine wreath. Embellish the wreath and hang it on the wall or give it as a gift.
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Rate It: Little mercy sleeping after a busy day.
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Rate It: I had several items in my yard that I was using as yard art; wear and tear of these items in the weather elements caused rust and corrosion. I changed these items; painted them and they are again a nice addition to my yard art collection. I had an old milk can that the bottom had rusted out; it was painted black a few years ago and had been placed in a flower bed among the day lilies and irises; it had no top on it so i used it as a vase to put fresh flowers in; i painted it and used a spatter technique to finish it; i put a flower pot in it and placed a peace lily in it; i will change the flowers now according to season or holiday. It sits at the entrance of my back door on my backyard deck. I also had an old tea kettle that was bent and had rusted; I painted it and used the spatter technique on it; it sits on an old rusted small pot bellied stove that sits on our backyard deck; I punched holes in the bottom of the tea kettle; this fall it will have pansies in it and will bring lots of color to that area of our deck. The rusted pot bellied stove is inoperable and is used as a garden ornament; I like the rusty color so I will not paint it. By WandaJo from Tennessee Editor's Note: Here's is WandaJo's earlier post with the tea kettle on the old, rusted stove:
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Rate It: Fluffy is a 7 year old Pekingese. A friend gave him to me. He likes to run after a ball. He's so fluffy!
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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!
This is something my sister and I used to do as kids. Materials
Instructions It's really quite simple to make. Cut out a stocking pattern from the wrapping paper, so that you have both sides. Glue, staple or tape JUST the edges of the stocking but leaving the top open (you'll need to be able to put gifts in there, remember?) If gluing, be sure to let the glue dry before going on to the next step. Next, glue the cotton balls or batting around the top, stockings have to have that fluffy top! After it's all dried and completed, fill it gently with little gifts (pencils, pens, book marks, erasers, candy, ornaments - depending on the size of the stocking). Get creative but be sure that the stocking won't rip. Since the stocking won't be hung up anywhere and you can just hand it to the person your giving it too you won't have to worry too much about weight, just be sure that what ever you place in there won't rip the paper before you give your gift. By AJ from Westmoreland, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19363333.tip.html
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Rate It: To avoid smashing your fingers while hammering nails into the wall, hold the nail with a wooden clothes pin. So if you miss, you won't get hurt! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47494435.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Plastic Bedding Bags For Craft Supplies The plastic zipper bags that bedding comes in are wonderful in the craft room! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95486004.tip.html
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Rate It: Keep Cooler Odor Free with Baking Soda Another great way to keep camping cooler fresh and odor free between uses is to wash and dry, then sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda inside before closing the lid. This also works with your thermos and drink cooler when stored between uses. I always do this and have no problem with odor or mustiness from season to season. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76272139.tip.html
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Rate It: Repackage Frozen Veggies In Smaller Portions I buy frozen vegetables in the bags. Then when I get home I divide the veggies into the proportion size I want and put them into a sealed container. That way if I want some corn, for example, for a dish I'm making, I don't have to try and break up the corn in the bag. And it doesn't get freezer burn either. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36365505.tip.html
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Rate It: Having moved countless times/lived in 5-6 states, I've used this tips many times! I bought a new outdoor garbage can with lid and 2 wheels. When I moved, I put a contractor's garbage bag inside, filled the can with canned goods and boxed groceries. It was very easy to move, rather than using big boxes full of food! Plus I used the new can at my new home! Also, I filled suitcases with sheets and blankets, as they can be bulky and heavy in boxes too! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36761851.tip.html
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Rate It: The Beauty of the Dryer Sheet
Dryer sheets are relatively cheap items (think bargain stores and generic boxes) which can be used in a variety of ways. Stock up when you find a great bargain on these scented, or unscented, boxes of versatile sheets. Cleaning The main purpose for which dryer sheets were invented was to eliminate static cling. Yet, this problem is not exclusive to laundry. Static cling is the reason why the television screen attracts that circular dust pattern before anything else in the room. It's also a great tool for cleaning, as static cling is what makes items like the Swiffer systems work so well. Use dryer sheets to wipe the dust from the television screen, and it will build up slower the next time. The dryer sheets leave behind an anti-static quality which stops the attraction of the dust. Use dryer sheets to clean window screens. They attract those small particles that cling to the screen even with a good spray of water. Wash them the traditional way, and then wipe them over with the dryer sheets to grab excess dust. Use dryer sheets to pick up some pet hair from microfiber fabrics. If it's Paws' favorite chair this might not work, but it will work for lighter jobs. Repellent While some people don't like the smell of dryer sheets, thus the unscented varieties, animals really don't like them. Pick up a box of the most powerful smelling sheets you can find and use them to repel unwanted pests from your garden or home. The common practice of using moth balls can be replaced with using dryer sheets which are healthier and safer than the carcinogenic and toxic moth balls (and they smell much better!) Groundhogs are a constant problem to gardeners, and they're difficult to repel. However, by hanging dryer sheets around a fence or shed the groundhog will resist his urge dig underneath due to the smell. It also works with mole invasions in the garden. Stuff small basement cracks with dryer sheets to prevent the invasion of mice. The smell of the dryer sheets can also overpower the smell of food, so hang a few outside your pantry cabinets or birdseed storage. Don't put them with the food as the smell can penetrate consumables. Air Fresheners The smell of dryer sheets can be used to replace many items that refresh the smell of the home. Place them in clothing that will be packed away for some time; this will avoid the stale smell. Put them in cubby holes or storage areas that are prone to the musty smell of closed areas. Provided you can tolerate the smell of the dryer sheet, this is a better choice than the natural smell of closed areas. Read More Ideas
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Rate It: When making deviled eggs, put cooked egg yolks in a ziplock bag. Mash with your fingers. Add mayo and whatever you add to your deviled eggs (some people add mustard). Mash with fingers until mixed. Open one corner of the bag and squeeze into egg halves. If you don't need it all, then you can refrigerate the rest. No mess. No cleanup. Just throw bag away when finished Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf619492.tip.html
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Rate It: I attended a meeting and potluck. The tables were decorated with red and white gingham checked tablecloths, with red napkins and red drinking cups. Small individual dishes of jelly beans were the favors for everyone to take home with them. The biggest hit of the decorations was the plain, white paper placemats with black ants drawn and colored on, along with word "Picnic". Cute! Eye catching! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf655657.tip.html
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Removing Fish Oil Smell From Cotton Bedsheets Long story short: my beagle ate a bunch of fish oil capsules and, fortunately for her health, she threw them up on my bed. Now I can't get the smell of fish out of my beautiful new cotton woven bedspread and sheets! Any suggestions before I have to replace them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58121866.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best way to store tomatoes? I have been told never to refrigerate because tomatoes lose their taste. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20381248.tip.html
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Rate It: Advice For Tree With Small Sour Apricots Why does my apricot tree produce plenty of little sour rotten apricots each year? My nectarine tree puts on a few sweet fruits although they also get brown patches and curly leaves. Is this a fungus or a nutrient problem? I have other trees on the premises that do just fine. Does anyone have an answer on what I can do to save my fruit trees? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32538516.tip.html
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Rate It: Advice For Tree With Small Figs My fig trees are mature and have plenty of figs, but they are no bigger than a quarter for 1 1/2 months. Why? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87535240.tip.html
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Rate It: Has anyone ever been to Cascade Locks in Oregon? We are going there and plan on seeing the waterfalls, Bridge of the Gods and the lavender fields. We are wondering if there is anything historical there or anything we shouldn't miss. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61346661.tip.html
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Rate It: Help With Invitation For 30th Birthday Party My husband is turning 30. I'm throwing a surprise party. I don't really want people to bring a gift but if they do, I'd like something fun. For example, 30 pennies, 30 gum drops. How would I word this in an invitation? Those are my only ideas. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75538812.tip.html
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Rate It: Maytag Washing Machine Doesn't Spin Out All The Water On Delicate My 10 year old Maytag washing machine doesn't spin all the water out when I use the delicate setting (we use this most often). I've been re-setting the dial to a different selection to remove the water. Considering its age, is this repair worth doing? Any idea about the cost? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61440026.tip.html
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Rate It: We have been looking a home that is being sold to move from its location. This home is in good condition but will be demolished because of new development going up. We have property and a pad ready. I would like to hear from folks who have had an entire house (not mobile home or manufactured home) moved onto their property and what to look for. We don't know anyone else who has done this so we have no idea. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66624546.tip.html
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Rate It: Experience With Hom Vector Electrolysis Hair Removal Anyone use a home Vector Electrolysis Hair Removal? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69104854.tip.html
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Rate It: Help Identifying Black Snake With White Head What kind of Florida snake has a black body and a white head? I have a small one in my flower bed, and although I have seen many black snakes (nonpoisonous) over the years, I have never seen one with a white head. He was a cute little guy who watched my every move. If he is safe, I will leave him there, but if not, he has to go. Sometimes I will see a snake near the A/C drip pipe where they go to get water. I know the little snakes are beneficial to the garden, so I leave them there unless I know they are poisonous - then I would call Animal Control to get it out. Sorry I didn't take his picture to help identify him. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95671648.tip.html
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Rate It: Advice For Night Blooming Cereus I have a wonderful night blooming cereus and as the blooms are growing (two inch tips) they turn black and do not bloom. Can anyone help me ? I would love to see it in it's full glory. Am I over watering it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60798758.tip.html
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Rate It: Zep hardwood floor cleaner RUINED our brand new wood floors which cost us $9000! We used the product for the first time a few weeks ago and it left a gray haze over our floors. I cannot get the haze off. I have tried Windex. I even used my steamer and steamed the floors 4 times to no avail. I called the company who installed them, and was told that we would have to move all of our furniture out of our lower level of our home AGAIN and move out for 2 days again while they re-buff and re-apply polyurethane, at a cost of $750! If anyone has other ideas we are desperate to hear them. I have seen recommendations for using paint thinner, but we are pretty nervous about trying that. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53904591.tip.html
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Rate It: I am putting new seat covers on my dinning room chair. I am using vinyl and I can't figure out how to cut the corners so they won't be so thick. Is there tricks to this and what are they. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50559071.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a framed mirror that got a crack in it at the top. It has since run down the entire length of the mirror. Does anyone know how to repair it without replacing the entire mirror? I've considered using stickers to cover it up but would love to be able to repair it instead. Thanks for any help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78314219.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Carrot Stain From Microwavable Bowl How can I get the orangey stain left by cooking a few carrots off my white microwave cooking bowl? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71580767.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the "Thrifty" way to get to Disney World and still enjoy all it has to offer? We would like to go next summer '08. Any advice from those who have gone? Thank you! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15836901.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Good youth Sports Program I am looking for a good sports program for my 2 sons ages 12 & 15 in GA. They like basketball and football respectively. Because I work, one son has had to quit his HS football team due to missed practices. Evening or weekend programs would be wonderful. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53190854.tip.html
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Rate It: Hair Color Advice For Dark Brown Hair What would red hair dye for light brown hair (eg. Warm Red Shaders and Toners) look like on dark brown hair? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33358621.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Facial Hair Naturally How do I get rid of facial hair in a natural way? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58718189.tip.html
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Rate It: I have 2 pregnant nieces, and they both want bumper pads for a crib. Does anyone have directions to make a bumper pad? Please help, and FAST! Thank you! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82423601.tip.html
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Rate It: How Old Should a Girl Be To Go Places On Her Own? My mom is smothering me and I feel like I can't grow up because I am the last baby. I would really like some freedom. How can I ask for freedom? She has already turned me down more than once. All my friends parents are allowing them more freedom, but my parents just don't understand. I need to grow up, I am 13 and in 8th grade please tell me your opinions. Thanks Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70073442.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventing Stray Dog Droppings In Yard Can anyone advise regarding stray dog droppings on the front path of the house. We sometimes have to walk around them to get out. They are done in the same place each day. We clean and disinfect the area and we have tried naphthalene flakes, but nothing seems to work as a deterrent. Would appreciate any suggestions. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65278906.tip.html
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Rate It: Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business I desperately need a name for a cleaning business, it will offer extras such as a cooked meal and window cleaning. Nothing corny please. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86502935.tip.html
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Rate It: How to get rid of fleas in human hair? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf560410.tip.html
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Rate It: Feeding Birds without Feeding Pigeons I love feeding the birds and squirrels but in doing so get tons of pigeons and they take over my bird feeders. How can I feed my birds but not welcome pigeons? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf122539.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:
My Frugal Life - Frugal And Loving It First off, I LOVE this site! When I told my son what I'm doing, he said I should write a book! :o) A year ago, I moved from an apartment to a house with a gas furnace and water heater. I got real frugal! (I live alone.) Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36911721.tip.html
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Rate It: Starting a Rose Bush from a Cutting How do you start a rose bush form a cutting? Tips from the ThriftyFun community.
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81542154.tip.html
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Rate It: Saving Money On School Supplies School supplies can be a big expense at this time of year. Hear are some tips from the ThriftyFun community. What are your ideas for saving money on school supplies?
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