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Photo: Scrunch!

By wm miller from Terre Haute, IN

Scrunch!

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Peppermint Patty (American Shorthair)

Peppermint Patty is 3 years old and an American short hair Tuxedo cat. We found her online.

She has a pet monkey that we bring to the basement every night and she will bring the monkey up after we retire and wake us for recognition. She loves to chase birds and mice

By Fred from Townsend, Delaware

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Craft Project: Berry Basket Frame

For a unique Father's Day gift, use the bottom of a berry basket to create a one-of-a-kind frame for dad on his special day.

Berry Basket Frame

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Craft Project: Best Dad I Ever "Saw" Magnet

This is an easy recycled craft for Father's Day that kids can make for their dad out of an empty Pringles container. Since you are using hot glue, an adult needs to help.

Best Dad I Ever "Saw" Magnet

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Craft Project: Photo Wallet Card

This compact collage serves as a portable photo album and keeps Dad's favorite faces all in one neat place.

Photo Wallet Card

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My Frugal Life
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Use Wood Ash for Cleaning

Have a chimney? Here's a different use for your wood ash. It could be used for any household cleaning needs that requires scouring. It can also be used in the garden as fertilizer and if you have a pen for livestock, the ash can be sprinkled on the floor and animal droppings before sweeping. Saves you a few pennies that would have been used to buy cleaning detergents. (Did you know that wood ash, specifically that of the palm tree, is one of the two ingredients for making native soap (the other being palm kernel oil) in some parts of Africa)

By NY from Upper Darby, PA

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Product Review: SunSilk Shampoo and Conditioner

Product: SunSilk Shampoo and Conditioner

Cost: $5 or less

My hair is Very fine and thin, always has been. I need to wash my hair everyday because it gets really oily and flat within 24 hours.

So my friend told me to get Sunsilk and my hair wouldn't be as flat. So very true. I'm using Sunsilk in the yellow bottle, I wash and towel dry and my hair is full and bouncy. My hair has never been like this without help from big rollers. So I am very impressed with the results. If your hair is flat, try this shampoo and conditioner and see if it helps you too.

By Susan from Columbus, IN

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Organizing With Your Computer

I started doing this in January 1997 and it's amazing how helpful to my family and myself it's been! I use my computer and on the desk top, I opened a "new text" and titled it "Diary". I don't have to be "online".

I write on the top of the page, what month and year it is. Then I number it down from the first of the month to the end of the month.

I keep track of doctor appointments, special events, or just things I want to remember. At the end of each month, I copy and paste onto a blank "text" and print it off. In my file I have one page for every month going back to 1997.

At the end of the year, I just put that year together so I can go back to what ever year I need. I'm going on 60 years old and I tend to forget a lot of things but if you give me a few minuets, I can tell you from looking it up. Every time you add something new to the page, don't forget to save it!

By Donita from Colorado

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My Frugal Life: Frolicking On The Sand

Life can be quite challenging and interesting, if one applies some ingenuity and has an open mind. I tend to walk everywhere which is borne from not wanting to pay the bus fare. When I realized that not wanting to pay bus fare was another way of saying "I'm cheap" I then realized that this could turn into something for me. I began grocery shopping starting at the "reduced for quick sale" produce shelf. Then I discovered that a packed lunch (with perhaps a Tetrapak half quart of wine) and a nice hike was a splendid way to spend an afternoon. I live close to the shore of Lake Ontario and I can walk for miles along the sandy beaches.

On one of my long walks (10 miles) from work to home, I came across a picnic bench with a small cairn erected out of skipping stones. (Cairns are common in the far north - made of large stones and thought to be erected as a direction beacon.) How perfectly Canadian, and frugal. Although I am Canadian by birth and life, I am frugal by choice. I see so much more than what I would notice from a bus, much less a car. It's a great feeling and environmentally friendly -- but I'll leave that discussion for another day. Here's to frugal frolicking on the sand.

Sam from Hamilton, Ontario

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Use Vicks on Your Feet Before Bed When Sick

Have a nagging cough from a cold? Rub Vicks Vapor Rub into the bottoms of your feet and then put on heavy socks and go to bed. You will be amazed how fast you stop coughing. I don't know how or why this works but it does. My kids even ask me to do this for them so they can sleep when they have a nasty cold. And it's a blessing for the rest of the household that is trying to sleep!

By Tracey from Thomasville, GA

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Have Doctor Check Your Magnesium Level

If you have muscle spasms a lot and are diabetic, when your doctor sends you for lab work, be sure he tests your magnesium level as well as your vitamin B-12 level. I've been deficient in both, all because of my diabetes medicines deleting these valuable nutrients from my body. Low magnesium will cause muscle spasms, constipation, etc. Low Vit. B-12 will cause you to feel tired, draggy, no energy. If you are low in Vit. B-12, receiving it in shot form is a GOOD thing. If your doctor suggests it, by all means have it.

Low magnesium levels or Vit. B-12 levels don't just strike diabetics, anyone can be be depleted in these minerals. I'd saw recently, on TV, Dr. Becker's homeopathic show, where the U.S. has more folks deficient in magnesium than in any other country.

Good Luck and God bless!

By Terri from NV

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Beware the Cost of Repairing Your Car

I wanted to mention to all Thrifty car buyers to beware of the cost to replace parts on your economical car. I firmly believe the manufacturer does not make money on an economical car you purchase because they make up for the loss through the replacement parts you will need to fix your car. When thinking of buying a really reasonable car, please call a reliable automotive shop and ask them their opinion on common replacements and repairs. The prices I have seen for a common part are astronomical in price. More than a car payment!

Susan from South Haven, MI

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Granny Quilt With Novelty Prints

I had a lot of novelty print scraps of fabric. I started cutting my scraps into 1 1/2 inch strips for rag rugs. Then I thought, "What better use can I get of these cute motifs?", a quilt of course. Then I sewed squares together using a piece with a picture on for the center and built around it to get it the size I wanted to use in the quilt. I decided 9 inch squares would work. Some pieces were already cut into 1 1/2 strips strips so I used them too. I had cows, ants, hearts, tractors, lady buds. flowers, trains, teddy bears, bunnies, doggies, sheep, western, apples, frogs; anything a youngster would love to look at and talk about. I decided it would be my granny quilt for a child to use as a learning tool. However, it got a little big and turned out to be a full size quilt. I guess I was having too much fun.

By D.Lockwood from Millbury

Granny Quilt With Novelty Prints

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How To Paint Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a basic element to many craft projects. It can be used with different shapes, styles, and mediums. However, because of its bland appearance, Styrofoam also often needs to be painted. This tricky item can be much more difficult to paint than it might seem.

The first rule for painting Styrofoam is to use the correct paint. Only craft paints that specifically state they work with Styrofoam can be applied to the raw item.

Every other paint, especially spray paint, can contain chemicals that will react with the foam. Regular spray paint on Styrofoam causes the foam to actually MELT, making huge craters and holes in the item, not to mention a rather unhealthy mess.

So if you have a Styrofoam friendly paint, you need to follow a few steps. Since Styrofoam has holes in it, paint does not just slide on smoothly. You must "scrub" the paint into the foam, working the color over the rough surface. This will usually mean you need to do two coats, one to get into the holes and one to smooth over the surface.

If you need to use a paint thats not Styrofoam friendly, you must first cover/seal the Styrofoam. There are many products used for this task, Plaster of Paris being the most popular. However you can also use products like Mod Pod or surface textures. The best product to use is "Foam Finish". It is easy to put on and can be thin or thick depending on the look desired.

When covering Styrofoam it can be difficult to keep a smooth shape. A perfect covering is done by applying the cover/seal in a thin layer and letting it dry. Then sand off any rough spots until the surface is perfect again. Then cover with another coat, let dry, and sand again. This should give you a perfectly shaped item with a strong cover.

After the covering is dry, you can apply any paint or other decoration desired without worrying about the Styrofoam reacting and melting away.

By Aysha from Boise, Idaho

How To Paint Styrofoam

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Mend Clothing Right Away

I learned early on, as I learned to sew, to keep small areas on home made or store bought clothes repaired before they got worse. I have known people who never repaired these areas. They would wear the item till it was unrepairable or very obvious, then get something new. If these areas are caught early, the items will last much longer and save the cost of replacing them too soon. I have 5 kids (I am 66 now) and taught this to them early on. If they or the grandkids had clothes that needed repair, they brought them to me to fix.

Source: I learned this on my own, as I learned to sew, just after high school. To me, it is common sense.

By Linda from Bloomington,Illinois

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Quilt Batting With Recycled Plastic Bags

I normally use cloth bags for groceries, but occasionally forget to put them back in the car, so I have a few plastic bags in the house. I picked up a footstool with a vinyl top and wooden legs at a yard sale for $1.00. I wanted to use left-over material from the curtains to cover the vinyl. I also wanted it to have a quilted look. Rather than buying quilt batting, I decided to recycle plastic grocery bags. I flattened a dozen bags and added a backing, then tacked them together. I cut my material the size I needed for the stool cover, then used the sewing machine to quilt the bags and backing to the material. This gave me a thinly quilted pad which I finished with material to cover the stool. I would NEVER suggest using plastic grocery bags for a real quilt, but they are quite durable for a stool cover and I recycled them.

By Dianne from Wilsonville, OR

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

It was three o'clock in the morning, and the receptionist at a posh hotel was just dozing off, when a little old lady came running towards her, screaming.

"Please come quickly!" she yelled, "I just saw a naked man outside my window!!!"

The receptionist immediately rushed up to the old lady's room.

"Where is he?" asked the receptionist.

"He's over there," replied the little old lady, pointing to an apartment building opposite the hotel.

The receptionist looked over and could see a man with no shirt on, moving around his apartment. "It's probably a man who's getting ready to go to bed," she said reassuringly. "And how do you know he's naked, you can only see him from the waist up?"

"The dresser!" screamed the old lady. Try standing on the dresser!

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

Are Tomato Products Safe From Salmonella?

The US is having salmonella issues with tomatoes. My question is: If these tomatoes were used in processed foods like tomato paste or spaghetti sauce will the salmonella still live in the paste or sauce?

Kim

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Using Acidolphilus For Dogs' Ear Infections

Can I just give the dogs acidolphilus which is found in yogurt to ease the ear infections?

Marie

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Recommendations For Donut Chains

We haven't had decent donuts in years. None of the ones we've tried over the last decade can compare to the donuts from our youth. So, is there a donut chain that you'd like to recommend that comes close to what we remember? Don't think we're over indulging - this is just for the occasional treat several times per year.

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Removing Stains from White Clothes

I made a mistake and washed my very nice white skirt with something red. Now the skirt is red tinged. How can I get that red color out? I'm soaking it in clorox all fabric detergent now, but the stains remain.

Thank you,
Shirley

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Am I Charging Enough for a Cleaning Job?

Have been in Alabama 2 years now from London, England and have been cleaning houses. I do windows, walls, housework and takes me 4 hours. I move things around to clean, they have 7 kids, and I really work hard nonstop. I get $40 dollars for the 4 hours. Their friends want their houses cleaned too and they all live in big houses. I don't think they are paying me enough. I don't know what to do about asking for more money. They will not have anyone else to clean their place, they say I do a GREAT job and I do.

I clean everything that needs cleaning. I have undercut myself somewhere and being new to America, my hubby think I'm not being paid enough. What do you think? Thank you.

Nina from Alabama.

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Will "Magic Jack" Work for Collect Calls from Jail?

Will "Magic Jack" work on collect calls from someone in jail?

Bonnie from Mableton

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Removing Beer Bottle Labels

How do I remove beer bottle labels?

A.E. from UK

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Removing Sharpie from a Painted Brick

I need to remove sharpie from a painted brick. It has been settled for about 5 days now. It is very important that I do not damage the paint on the brick. I've read that the magic eraser does wonders, but I cannot risk the chance of it messing up the paint. Please help! Thanks.

Alex

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Prepare for Winter Before It Arrives

What can I do now, to be prepared for this year's winter? Any ideas on anything will be appreciated. Thanks. Teresa from Richlands, VA

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Freezing Ribs

How can I freeze ribs before I BBQ them?

Clinton from Michigan

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Saving Money On BBQ For 50 People

I have planned a backyard BBQ for my daughter's 8th birthday. Our guest list this year became a little larger than expected. My daughter wanted to invite a lot more of her school friends and we usually do not do this as her birthday falls after school has ended. We allowed her to invite about 6 boys from her class and 6 girls. Then we got hit with another 25 guests that we usually do not have.

My father in law will have family arriving from New Jersey, Louisiana, and California this includes adults and many more children. Now I am really worried. I did not budget so many extra mouths to feed. I need some advice on low cost recipes. Where can I find coupons for Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Buns, Drinks, Chips and everything else needed? Can anyone help me save money on a party for atleast 50 people or more? I don't know where to start.

Nicolle from Stafford, VA

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Repairing Rubber Flip Flops

Does anyone have a simple, fast way to repair flip flops? My DD's are slightly torn where the strap goes into sole. The strap will not stay in so she can wear them, and not sure what kind of glue would work on foam rubber flip flops. They are cheap ones from the Dollar Store.

jmz2005 from Illinois

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Using Microfiber Clothes In Shark Steam Mop

I have the Shark Steam Mop S3101A. Instead of spending $40 for 4 extra pads I was wondering if anyone has used the microfiber cloths sold in the stores? Did you have to double it?

Charko from Deerfield Beach, FL

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Infestation Of Tiny Red And Green Bugs

Overnight there was a bug infestation of tiny red and green bugs, what are they? More than 90% are dead. We sprayed and washed and a couple pop up, even in other rooms.

One of us got cut on the foot and blood was on the carpet. We washed it and put it in the window to dry so the window was closed. Was it the blood that attracted them?

Itchy from Bronx, NY

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Removing Sudo Cream From Microfiber

How do you remove Sudo Cream from a microfiber couch. My two year old had a little fun the other day.

Meadbh

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Using Leftover Lemon Slices

I ended up with a gallon bag of lemon slices from a friend's wedding. What can I do with them all? Thanks!

Stephanie from Anchorage, AK

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Curling Leaves On Stevia Plant

My Stevia plant has leaves that are curling, why? What should I do?

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Joyce from Forksville, PA

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Using A Wooden Gun Cabinet

My husband has a beautiful cedar gun cabinet with a glass door and double door storage space on the bottom. However, for safety reasons, we just bought a large gun safe and now we would like to use this wooden gun cabinet in another way. Other than a curio cabinet, any suggestions?

Abby from Illinois

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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

FDA Warns Consumers Nationwide Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes
By FDA.gov

Updated... The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting consumers in New Mexico and Texas that a salmonellosis outbreak appears to be linked to consumption of certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes. The bacteria causing the illnesses are Salmonella serotype Saintpaul, an uncommon type of Salmonella.

FDA Warns Consumers Nationwide Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes

Uses for Empty Pill Bottles

Does anyone have ideas for using medicine bottles? I have a bucket full of clean, empty plastic pill bottles. Hate to just toss them. Any good ideas out there?

Rainbowgirl from Bogalusa, LA

Uses for Empty Pill Bottles

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Daily Thrifty Tips - June 12, 2008

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