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Hello,
We have two new photo contest entries today and 14 new requests. Tomorrow's ThriftyFun News will be about Evaluating Monthly Expenses. If you have any tips to offer on that topic, feel free to submit them on the contest form.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photo Contest Entries:
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
I previously replied to a request of what to do with excess shells. I explained how I decorated wooden or chipboard (MDF in Australia) mirror or picture frames with shells.
I recently made one for a friend who celebrated her 40th birthday on the weekend. She was delighted with it so I thought I'd share the picture I took and how I made it.
Firstly, clean the frame with a dry cloth to get rid of any dust and grime.I chose acrylic paints in tubes and used a bristle brush in a circular and criss-cross fashion to give it a suede look. In this particular instance I chose a bright yellow with cream overtones to make it less bright.
I painted both the front, back and the backing piece to the mirror.
While the paint was drying I went onto the computer using the Word Art tool.. For the uninitiated, you go to the Insert tab, then scroll down to picture, and across to a menu, until you find Word Art. It will let you type in whatever you want and give you options for colours and the shapes of the text you want. What it does is that your text will go in waves or whatever shape you have chosen. It can give your text a nice touch.
I then cut out the text and also cut enough gold braid to go around the cut out paper. That way it defined the text and showed me where the shells should stop. I then spread PVC glue (wood glue) thickly onto the frame in sections and placed the shells (big and large) in a haphazard way. If you become too regimented about symmetry, it can look too contrived. On the top where I placed the text and trim, I found a nice small colourful starfish to cover the join in the gold trim. It covered it up nicely.
Before the glue dries, sprinkle gold and silver glitter (not too large grade) in amongst the shells and inbetween where the smaller shells are. In between the bigger shells I had placed minute tiny shells to take up the spaces in between the larger shells. I found a zip lock back of tiny mother of pearl coloured tiny shells. Ideal for filling in spaces and giving added colour. If you have larger shells that may look a little boring, don't be discouraged. I found I needed some fan shells, but the ones I had were old and had lost their colour. I grabbed my youngest's pencil case and used some of her pencils to add a bit of colour. As you ended up spraying the whole piece anyway, the colour won't fade.
Once the glue has dried clear and hard, spray with a clear matt or shiny spray varnish (lacquer) to seal everything. The glitter will fall off if not sealed properly.
You don't have to have a message or text up top of the mirror, that's just what I chose for this particular frame. I included a scripture verse about God throwing our sins into the depths of the ocean, which I thought was really appropriate since I was using shells- and added a note to the verse which said, "And that means absolutely no fishing!"
There you have it, a really inexpensive present which ended up looking like a million dollars and great fun making it. My 14 year old daughter and I had so much fun making this present and it gave us some time together. You can even get your littlies in on the action, placing a shell here and there and it makes them feel special as well because they're able to help out.
Enjoy!
Regards
Bev in Western Australia
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This is Angel, our Saint Bernard. She'll be three years old the 26th of January. Angel is just one big 150 pound baby and mama and daddy's little princess. She shares a home with her 2 cat sisters and 1 cat brother. Pictured here is Angel and her "baby".
Jack was a stray and she just took him under her paw. He gets baths from his surrogate mom whether he likes it or not. She cleans him on one side, rolls him over with her nose and cleans him on the other side. If he squirms too much, she puts her paw on his tail till she gets done.
We bought Angel from a breeder in OH. Angel's favorite past time is going to the dog park and hanging out with "the girls". She's well known and loved at the dog park she frequents here in Louisville.
By Jenny in KY
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
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Today's Tips
Whenever I make a pot of soup, or spaghetti, I take ziplock bags, and portion out the leftovers in each bag. This is usually just the size for a single serving of either.
This is great because you always have a quick lunch or supper with the zap of your microwave! They can also be taken to lunch in an insulated bag, and not eating lunch out will save you at least 5.00!
By Gloria Hussar
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Washing And Drying Tennis Shoes
After washing tennis shoes in the washing machine, STUFF them tightly with balled up newspaper to aid drying. The insides of the shoes will dry perfectly in a matter of hours without any weird smells.
By Nicole Steinc
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When you need a numeric password, use a phone number of a family member (Aunt, mom, etc.) to remember the password, post a note on or near your computer with the name of the person whose number you used. Only YOU will know the reference, and you will never have to hunt for your password.
By Doggy
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Using Up Eggnog - Egg Nog French Toast
It's hard to gauge how much food and drink to provide, especially for holiday feasts. After the recent holidays, my family had about a gallon of perfectly good eggnog leftover! I pushed it on every caller, but each was "full up!"
Finally, I added whipped eggs to quite a bit of it and made LOTS of French toast, which I then froze 4 slices to the bag for later consumption. It can be warmed with a double trip through a toaster or on medium heat in a microwave oven.
I also used eggnog in place of the milk called for in my meatloaf recipe and it was fine!
By Janet Hounsell
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Keeping Christmas Wrap Rolls from Unrolling
When putting my Christmas wrap, ribbon, bags etc. away I noticed the rolls wouldn't stay rolled up without the aid of tape (which ruins the paper). I'd just removed a pair of knee high nylons, with a run in one of them. After washing the nylons, I cut across the legs in strips, slid them on the rolls of paper and Voila! Neat rolls and recycling too!
By Marian
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Since the ends closest to the leaves of celery aren't dirty, when needing chopped celery, just slice through the whole bunch, instead of pulling off one stalk at a time. You will be well aware when you need to start pulling the stalks off and washing them. A real Time Saver.
By MCB
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Tips and ideas for making mashed potatoes. Post your ideas.
Making Special Mashed Potatoes
I add about 1/2 cup of Ranch dressing to my mashed potatoes.
By Annette
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Homemade Ranch Flavored Crackers
Know how expensive those specialty crackers are? Just thoroughly mix one package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing powder with 1/2 cup olive oil. Place all four tubes of saltines in a giant storage bag. Pour the oil mixture over the crackers. Close bag and turn gently over and over to coat the crackers. Lay on waxed paper for at least two hours to dry. Store in sealed container. Voila! Ranch flavored crackers at a fraction of the cost.
By MCB
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The filter for our well water is about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. About every 2 months or so our water stops flowing and we have to change it with a clean one. They are expensive and it is hard to remove the rust and hard water sediment. We used to try soaking them in bleach, then scrub with a toothbrush the best we could. This still didn't clean them.
One day I squirted "Sno-Bowl" toilet cleaner on it. Instantly it was like new. I know it is some kind of acid so then I scrubbed with dish detergent and rinsed. We do this every time now. It also lasts longer than before. We rotate 2, so 1 is always ready.
By Julie
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Gift Bags Instead of Gift Jars
If you're going to be sending gift mixes, put them in a quart-size freezer bag instead of a glass jar. It will weigh less and cost less to ship.
By Camilla
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Store out of season clothing in a garbage can topped with a round table top and cloth. This can serve as a side table, night stand, etc. This is an especially good space saver for a small home or apartment.
By Linda Tyson
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Keeping Track of Reader's Requests
There are often excellent questions posted in this e-zine, many of which I have been eager to see the posted answers to. When such a question arises, I copy the question and link to it into a blank mail, put the date in the subject line and mail it to myself.
I keep as new for a few days, and after there has been time for answers to collect, click the link to read the accrued advice. : )
By Doggy
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What are your favorite smoothie recipes? Post ideas below.
Smoothies for Dessert
To make fruit smoothies use frozen fruits from the grocery store such as strawberries, peaches, mixed fruit, etc. Then blend with vanilla yogurt, ice and a 100% juice of your choice. You can slice and freeze bananas to add to smoothies as well.
Another idea is to blend together ovaltine, peanut butter and yogurt (or milk). It tastes like a Reese's Cup with less fat.
I make these for my boys since they eat too many sweets and are gaining weight, when they want dessert I make these instead. It's much better for them.
Sue
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Keep leftovers moist while heating in the microwave. Take one paper towel. Wad it up and run it under the faucet. Squeeze the excess water out. Unfold and cover food. Not only will this keep your leftovers moist, but it'll prevent food from "popping" all over the inside of the microwave. For extra moisture, drizzle a little water over the damp paper towel to provide a steam heating for your food.
Pookie
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Here are some uses for old or unmatched socks. Post your ideas below!
Another Use For Old Socks And Unwearable Clothing
I cut down the socks to fit onto my "Swiffer" for washing floors or dusting. I also use unwearable old clothing (holey shirts, etc.)
By Kathy
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Wrap each tortilla in a paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds, or warm in a cast-iron pan on low. Spread 1 tablespoon cream cheese over each tortilla, add carrots and lettuce, and roll. Makes 2 sandwiches.
By Anna
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Prepare dinner as directed on package. Brown meat, celery and onion. Stir in corn, tomato paste, water, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and cheese and mix well.
Pour into 2 quart casserole and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, 350°F for 15 minutes.
By Anna
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Place all ingredients in large pot, cover with water, heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 2-3 hours, or until peas are tender.
Serve over rice, or alone. Stir in plain yogurt for creamy soup, or place dollop yogurt on top to serve and sprinkle with dill weed.
By Anna
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Cook spaghetti, drain, and place in a mixing bowl. Stir in soup, milk, tuna, mushrooms, onion, cheese, and green beans. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Bake at 350°F. for 45 minutes. Top with 1/2 cup cheese and return to the oven until cheese melts.
By Anna
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, orange juice, basil and ginger. Add remaining ingredients and toss lightly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
By Anna
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New Requests:
Is it a Rat or a Squirrel - What do I do?
I work at least 70 hours a week and winter is here and something has decided that since I am never home it will move in and has taken over.
It has eaten the cord on my clothes dryer, all the tubing to my dish washer and garbage disposal, it has been in the closets eating holes in my clothes, wood picture frames in the closets, plastic bags & aluminum foil in the kitchen drawers insulation from the walls in the kitchen.
I have put bait blocks behind everything, sticky traps and mothballs all over, and I still can't seem to find it or get rid of it. It did get stuck to 1 sticky trap, I heard a commotion in the kitchen and by the time I ran to the kitchen he had freed himself and was gone. No sooner than I lay down at night to go to sleep I hear him in a different part of the house and off I go with my flash light,to play hide and go seek, I am tired of this game will someone PLEASE help me?
Rita
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Fruit Punch Stain in Gray Vehicle Carpet
We went to Burger King the other day and my 5 year old forgot her Fruit punch drink in the vans cup holder. Needless to say the cup leaked and I just spotted it yesterday. I have tried Shout concentrate, Woolite Oxy Deep, Aquanet, and 20 volume Hair developer (I am a hairdresser and was tryng to pull ideas out of my backside and it is really strong peroxide). So far nothing has helped. Any ideas? Jessie
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Please tell us what to do with Puppy Bad Breath. He is a Silky Terrier. Your help appreciated.
Linda
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I have black streaks on the roof of my house, I understand this is some type of mold. I would like to know if anyone has any ideas on how to safely remove these black streaks? I was told that you shouldn't use bleach, a powerwasher or anything involving scrubbing the shingles since all of these solutions will ruin my shingles.
Debbie from New Jersey
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Does anyone know what the differences is between Oil of Olay versus Mary Kay products. Both seem to be good, but I would like to get one product and stick with it instead of switching all the time.
-penguin21
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What do I use to clean my absorbent stone coasters? My coasters have off-white "frames" around the perimeter which have gotten stained from various beverages. I've tried Clorox and OxiClean but haven't had great success. Any suggestions?
Tori
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Need to Find a REPUTABLE Himalayan Cat Breeder
I have a 10 month old Pure Bred Chocolate Point Himalayan and am really in need of some help finding a REPUTABLE Himalayan Cat Breeder near my Home of Elmira, NY. I've tried EVERY website imaginable and am unable to find anyone. The breeder has to have breeding papers.
How do I find one and what do I look for in TRUE Himalayan Breeders?
Betty Baldock
From Elmira, NY
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I'm starting to plan my daughter's baby shower. Do you have any ideas of what I can put on the tables. The shower is on 4/3 and I work a full time job so I would want something cute and simple.
Thanks,
Pat
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I was opening a can of fruit the other day and thought to myself, "What a waste of good juice". Does anyone have recipes that use fruit juices from canned fruits in them? I am assuming these can be put into the freezer for later uses.
Apricots, peaches, pears, pineapple, etc.
Tawnda
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Need Help Applying For Social Security Disability
I am about to apply for Social Security Disability. In my mind, I have been eligible for 12 years, but have continually been turned down. The head of the heart transplant team at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City even sent a letter saying I had to have a transplant or I would die. (I did improve so that the transplant was not necessary). But I still can't work enough to earn a living. Do you have any tips for me on how to meet their requirements and document my medical condition? I really need help! Thanks in advance!
Coreen
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Putting Color Back Into Black Garments
Can someone tell me how to put color back into faded black garments. Will appreciate any tips. I have read that putting them in a dryer will fade black color.
Elles
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Troubleshooting Electrical Outlet
We bought an older home and the gfci circuit in our bathroom did not work. I quickly replaced the circuit with a new gfci and added an extension. All seemed fine-green indicator light was on etc. However at some point the outlet did not work.
Thought to trace the wiring and was sure it went to a kitchen switch? Well it seemed as thought we had to have a switch turned on for the outlet to work. BUT we were wrong because one night before we went to sleep the outlet was active but when we got up and before we turned anything on (i.e. hair dryer etc.) the outlet was out?
So we started turning switches on and off to discover none of them had any impact. It is a mystery to us today to have an unreliable circuit (on and off) in our house we are nervous. Please advise any additional troubleshooting tips. Thanks.
- Brandon
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My friend's 17th birthday is Feb. 9th. I have no clue what do do for her. We are having a party at her house and her boyfriend will be taking her out for the day. We were thinking about taking a limo to the falls then out to eat but we didn't want to spend too much money because we also wanted to get her a cute gift. Please help! it will be much appreciated!
Jessicalynn
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Cleaning Rust And Dirt From A Steam Iron
I need to clean the rust, dirt and other stuff from my black & decker steam iron. It stains ironed clothes. What is a good way to clean the iron and remove the rust?
Joe from NC
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More Reading:
Tips to Make Reading Fun
By Angela Billings
This list is for both young and old. I love reading and want everyone to love it as well. So I hope you will find at least one thing helpful in this list and that it will inspire you to come up with some of your own.
View Article: Click Here
Family Time
By Rondi Hillstrom Davis
When you pick up any magazine, it's easy to find an abundance of articles to help you organize your life. Most offer tips for cleaning out the closets, shuffling the papers on the desk, finding ways to organize the kid's toys.
View Article: Click Here
Recordkeeping
By irs.gov
You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year, the IRS advises. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which may help you out on your taxes.
View Article: Click Here
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