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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Weeping Cherry In Bloom

My Weeping Cherry is finally flowering. It started budding a month ago and I have been waiting and waiting. All the regular Flowering Cherry and Japanese Cherry trees in the neighborhood are already in full bloom. It doesn't really feel like full spring until I get my showers of pink blossoms.

Jess in Oregon

Weeping Cherry In Flower

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Craft Project: Raggedy Andy Pencil Holder
By Harlean Greathouse

Materials

empty clean vegetable can
flesh color spray paint
Sharpies, red and black
few yards of red yarn
ribbon for bowtie
hot glue gun
cardboard, 2 inches wide and 10-12 inches long

Instructions

Spray the can with the flesh color paint. Let dry. Add features to face with Sharpies, using picture as a guide. Start eyes about 1-1/2 inches from top of can and leave room for the bow tie at the base. Cut the cardboard to fit around the can. A cereal box works well for this. Wrap yarn as shown at right, then sew about 1/4 inch from one edge. Clip yarn along opposite edge, and carefully remove the strip. It will tear along the stitches. It is not necessary to get the strip out along the sewn edge. Turn the can upside down and hot glue the strip around the edge of the can, You may have to hold it in place for a bit until the glue sets. Turn can right side up and smooth the hair so it hangs down. Fashion a Bow from ribbon and hot glue in place at base of the can.

The instructions are also in a PDF file for which you may need Acrobat Reader to view. Download Acrobat Reader

Click Here to download the Raggedy Andy Pencil Holder Instructions in PDF format.

Raggedy Andy Pencil Holder

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Reuse Plate Holder for Towels

I wanted something different in my bathroom to hang my decorator towels on and I had an unused plate holder in the closet. It's very decorative in itself up with the towels draped over it in the bathroom, it's a new look. I didn't use it for plates anymore so it's getting a second use!

By Jill from Albert Lea, Minnesota

Reuse Plate Holder For Towels

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Mogwie (Chi/Pom Mix)

Mogwie, Moggie, Moggers, Moggie the doggie; all of these names are hers, just depends on what she's doing! We've had her 2 years. She is a Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix. I rescued from a nice family who couldn't take care of her and their 5 kids.

She likes to BARK!and chase her toys and us around and snuggle. You can't put your shoes on, grab keys or your purse without her knowing. She'll come from out of nowhere to go bye bye, even from a dead sleep in the back of the house. It's so funny!

By Shasta from Hoquiam, WA

Mogwie (Chi/Pom Mix)

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My Frugal Life
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Gas Tips

Here are some great tips on saving money on gasoline. I received this morning and thought I would pass these tips along. Gas is over $3.00 a gallon here. Some of these tips are new to me.

Adjust Your AC: Stuck in slow-moving traffic? Roll down the windows to save fuel. Coasting down the highway? Turn on the AC with the windows up to prevent wind resistance, says Steve Magnante, host of DIY Network's Classic Car Restoration.

Don't Be Idle: Is your car always humming while you wait for your pal during your daily carpool? "If you'll be waiting for more than 30 seconds, turn the car off so you don't waste gas," says Ronnie Kweller of the Alliance to Save Energy.

Stick With the Speed Limit: Speed demons beware, every five miles per hour over 60 is like paying an extra 20 cents per gallon, according to Kweller.

Change Clogged Filters: Engines mix air and fuel together, which means a dirty or clogged air filter requires your motor to use more gas, says Jack MacDonald, director of training and development for Pep Boys. Check your manual for guidelines.

Test Tire Pressure Monthly: "Having your tires inflated to the proper air pressure can improve your gas mileage by more than three percent," says Melissa Montisano, general marketing manager for Goodyear. Translation: a sweet $2 savings at the pump!

End Fuel-ishness: Don't buy a higher octane gas than you need, advises Jamie Kitman of Automobile magazine. "Your owner's manual will tell you whether your car will run just fine on regular gas." Then, close your gas cap tightly to prevent leaks!

Be a Smart Topper: Instead of piling your luggage and camping equipment in a big square box on the roof of your car, use an aerodynamic car-top carrier (try roofbag.com, $49 and up). The wedge shape reduces wind resistance, which maximizes efficiency.

Time Your Station Stops: "Fluids expand when they're hot and contract when cold, so you might get a few ounces of extra fuel by getting gas at night when it's chillier," explains Magnante.

Drive With Discretion: Not only are aggressive driving habits unsafe, but they also waste valuable fuel. Avoid rapid acceleration, jackrabbit starts and hard braking, which can cut your highway mileage by up to 33 percent, according to Kweller.

Left Foot Liftoff: Tend to rest your left foot on the brake pedal while driving? You could be wasting fuel. "Riding" the brake pedal causes mechanical drag since you're creating slight friction at the corner of each wheel while moving forward.

Source: I received these in an email from Quick and Simple. Hope they will also save you some money.

By Bobbie from Rockwall

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Links: Dollar Bill Origami

I was going to give my brother money for his birthday, and decided to do something besides stick it in a card. Here are some web sites describing how to fold dollar bills into interesting forms. Since I have never done origami, it will be interesting to see how it will turn out!

This one has lots of different origami diagrams.

By Alyssa from Mo

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Alternative to Commercial TV Viewing

When my kids were little, I didn't want them to watch much television. But, their friends got to watch TV, and they wanted to watch, too.

So, I videotaped them reading their picture books out loud. They'd hold the book up to the camera and read the text. (With pre-readers, a parent could read the text instead.) I also videotaped us doing science projects together.

When they wanted to watch TV, I'd put in the tape of them reading. They thought it was great fun to see themselves on TV, and I thought it was better than filling their heads with cartoons and commercials!

Homemade tapes are also cheaper than purchased movies or cable access, so we had a winner all the way around. :)

Source: This was just us, no outside source to cite.

By Sterghe from Pennsylvania

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Septic Tank Care and Feeding

Spring is the time of year when those of us who use septic tanks are more aware of them. As Erma Bombeck once said, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank."

I like to think of the septic tank as if it were a large compost heap. Both systems work pretty much the same way. They use natural bacteria to make the contents rot. If you have something, like a chemical, that you wouldn't put in your compost, you shouldn't put it in your septic tank.

Because I use a lot of detergent and cleaners, I find it helpful to add a product made for septic tanks to restore bacterial function. To my layperson's point of view, this is similar to a person who has taken antibiotics and needs to restore natural bacteria in the digestive system by eating yogurt. (No, yogurt isn't probably right for your septic tank. I'm thinking its different bacteria. lol) I don't use yeast. It does have something in it that "grows" but I'm not sure what it is. I don't think it's bacteria that makes things rot. We want the solids in the septic tank to break down and become watery so they can be flushed out into the earth via the drainage field.

I am careful about the type of toilet paper I use at my house. I always look for a brand that specifically states that its safe for septic tanks. My favorite brand is regular Scott tissue. One way you can tell for yourself if paper is safe for the septic tank is to see if it "melts" in water. If it can absorb a lot of water without "melting," I wouldn't use it. We want solids that decompose quickly so we don't need to get the tank pumped out. That's expensive.

I don't recommend a garbage disposal for households that use septic systems. I think they generate extra solids in the tank. Also, I don't flush solids from my cat's litter box for the same reason. I used to flush solids from baby diapers, but that was a very long time ago when people used cloth diapers.

If you reuse cleaning cloths, you need to think about what products you use to clean. Ammonia will kill bacteria in the tank, but vinegar wont. I'd say its a catch 22 because the antibacterial products that we have on the market are great for killing harmful bacteria in the home, but they're hard on septic systems. They kill bacteria there too. Consider dumping dirty water from your cleaning pail outdoors and not down the drain. Maybe you'd consider rinsing your rag with the hose before running it through the washer.

All these tips add up to a healthy septic system. Wear your thinking cap and you'll be all right.

Good luck!

Source: myself

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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My 7 Favorite ThriftyFun Tips

I want to share my seven favorite - all tried out tips. These are my favorite tips that were posted that I tried and really are effective!

Using a thin latex glove to run over fabric to collect pet hair very quickly and easily! Worked great.

Put a bit of honey in your shampoo. I did this last night, and apparently honey has something in it that makes your hair moist and soft. As a matter of fact I forgot to use conditioner and my hair came out great!

Put a laundry basket in your trunk to load and unload groceries by picking up the whole basket in 1 trip, to carry into the house, and keeps bags of food from sliding around in your car.

(Weird, but it worked) Use warm water and cornmeal and a soft cloth to wash mirrors. The real tip was to use cornstarch and I confused it and used cornmeal, the mirrors on my closet bedroom doors have never been so clean and dust and streak free. So my boo boo paid off anyway. There was no grittiness or scratches, I dried it all off with a soft cloth. {Buy some cloth diapers and they will last for years, great to have on hand.}

I loved the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I had mark and ground in stuff and on my linoleum floors that nothing would ever clean it. This eraser did it quickly and got it all up!

Slice of bread to pick up tiny broken glass slivers off the floor.

Toss a dry bath towel in with your wet load in the dryer to reduce drying time and energy!

By Linda from Bellevue, NE

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Recycling Old Stained Clothing

Don't throw away those old clothes with stains! Donate them to a charity. They sell them off as rags by the pound and it all gets recycled eventually!

By Pamphyila from L.A., CA

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Good Backgrounds Make Good Photos

When you take a photo, don't just make sure the person is smiling and looks good. Make sure you have a nice background. A simple background works best, be it a plain white wall or a dark green couch, or even your full length curtains. Outside, you can use a tall green bush or a flowering hydrangea, or even the side of your house. If you think about not only your subject matter, but also your background, you'll get the very best pictures! If you don't have digital software, you can ruin a perfectly good photo by just having something as simple as an electric outlet in the picture!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Tips For Staying Within Your Grocery Budget

Groceries continue to go up and I have been determined to not go over my grocery budget. Here are several things I have started doing to stay within our food budget.

I only grocery shop once a month. This has been a little difficult to do, but I am savings more money!

I sit down once a month and plan a menu for the month. Once that is accomplished I go through my coupons and put the ones I am going to use in a envelope so I have them ready for the shopping trip.

I buy the store brand, unless will known brand is on sale for the same or less. I do not have any complaints about the store brand. Why pay for all that advertising for well known products?

There is a bread outlet about five miles from my home. I go there once a month and stock up on bread, rolls, tortillas, etc at excellent prices. These products freeze and keep. I always run other errands in that direction on the same day. The half price bookstore isn't far from the bread outlet, so I can usually pick up a real bargain there, too.

Check with you store, they may give a senior discount. I shop at Krogers and filled out the short application for their Kroger card, which gives me another 10% off on all of their Kroger and their Private selection brand.

I watch the cashier as the items ring and thus am able to catch an error while I am checking out. The last time I shopped an item rang up wrong, and the cashier gave it to me at no charge because it scanned wrong.

The store I shop at has a markdown area for items they are no longer going to carry, I check that and usually find several great deals. For example, a box of Lara Banana Nut Bars, which were out of date by one day. I got the whole box for $3.99! These sell for 1.99 each and the box had ten in it.

I do have to stop for milk and a couple other items during the month. When I do I just pick the items up at the convenience store where I get gas. This way I am not going into the grocery store and buying more then I need. The gas station I stop at has competitive prices on milk, eggs and a few other items.

This shopping once a month has been very good for me. It has caused me to be better a better shopper and the great thing is, it is saving our family money. Hope you will try it.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Substitutes For Egg In Meatloaf

If you are on a diet to lower your cholesterol or want to limit the use of eggs for other reasons, you can omit the egg when you make meatloaf. Substitute 1/4 cup tomato sauce, beef broth, or even applesauce for the egg in your recipe. I made meatloaf last week using ground turkey and extra-lean, ground beef mixed half and half. I used tomato sauce in place of the egg. It not only tasted delicious, but the tomato sauce made the ground turkey look reddish like beef. Ground turkey is not only cheaper than ground beef, it is better for your health.

Warm wishes for good health always.

Source: Joanna Lund in her cookbooks.

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Use Lemon Juice To Reduce Onion "Tears"

I have found that putting lemon juice on my cutting board before cutting an onion keeps me from tearing up while cutting. Just pour some on the board take your onion, cut in half and make sure to put your newly exposed ends into the lemon juice. Then just cut like you usually would!

By Morgan from Newburg Missouri

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

It was young Anthony's first ride in a railway train, and the succession of wonders reduced him to a state of hysterical astonishment.

The train rounded a slight bend and, with a shriek of its whistle, plunged into a tunnel. There were gasps of surprise from the corner where Anthony was kneeling on his seat. Suddenly the train rushed into broad daylight again, and a small voice lifted in wonder.

"Wow! It's tomorrow!" exclaimed the small boy.

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

Pattern For Sofa Organizer

I am looking for a sofa organizer I can make myself. I made a bed organizer just with material and sewed in pockets. I have somehow lost that. But I have my chair I sit in and would love a place to keep the current needle work, glasses, remote and the phone all in one place. Any ideas?

Sandy from Baltimore

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Burned Food On Emerilware Skillet

I burned sloppy joes to my Emerilware skillet. It is an expensive nonstick skillet. I can't get the burned mixture off. Does anyone have an solution? Help, I don't want to lose my skillet!

Kem from Monroe, LA

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Cat and a Newborn Baby

I'm looking for some advice. I just found out that I'm pregnant, and we have a cat (Destiny). My hubby thinks we need to get rid of the cat but I can't. She's another baby, if you know what I mean. I love my cat, but do cats and newborns get along? Any helpful hints on what we should do to keep the place clean, etc? Thanks much!

Stacey S. from Eagle Mountain, UT

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Non-Traditional Wedding Shower

My sister is having a non traditional wedding shower. I need ideas for games for couples to play together or men vs women. It's going to be in a park. Thanks for any ideas!

Sandra from Wichita Falls, TX

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MTD 18 HP Motor Won't Turn Over

I have a 18hp MTD mower that won't turn over. I've replace the starter switch, starter solenoid, and safety switch, as well as replaced the 7.5 amp fuse. Any ideas?

Chuck G. from California

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Growing Grass On Top of Concrete

I have a small garden, and in it is a patio. I have taken up the slabs and there is some concrete mixed with stones, hardcore and seems very porous. I want to lay grass there. Do I need to break up the concrete, or could I just drill a load of holes on it. to help with the drainage?
I thank you for your help in advance :-)

Spinkminky from Brighton, UK

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Treating Auto Rust Spots

Just washed our vehicle and noticed spots where it is starting to rust. Anyone have any ideas as to how to keep these spots from getting bigger?
Thanks, and also thanks for all the other replies. Great to hear from you.

Gloria S.

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Preventing Dog from Digging Under Fences

Does anyone have any great suggestions to prevent dogs from digging under fences? My friend's young dogs constantly dig under their fence gate. The owners even filled in the holes with gravel, but the dogs still dig in the gravel. Any ideas?

Tracey from Westerville, OH

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Vegetarian Alternative to Gelatin

Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin? Does anyone have recipes that use it?

Angela L from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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Federal Law Regarding Refills On Vet Meds

I was just told by my vet that I would no longer be able to get the medicine we need for our pet's eyes without coming in for an exam. He said it was a federal law. Does anyone know what federal law it is?

I have a chronic illness but my doctor has never told me I couldn't get my meds without specific exam because of a federal law.

Linda from Mpls, MN

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Making a Cross from Plastic Canvas

I am looking for instructions on how to make a plastic canvas cross using yarn. It has several layers and uses a diagonal stitch. Thanks.

Joan from Enola, PA

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Widening Windowsills For Cat

My cat just loves to look out the window (especially at night). I have screens in the windows for safety. My problem is that my window sill is narrow and he barely fits his fat butt on it. I would like to extend my window sill by maybe a few inches. Any ideas how this can be done? Thanks.

Linda from New York City

Widening Windowsills For Cat

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Bissell Powersteamer Recipes

We need to know how much vinegar and water to put in the Bissell Powersteamer.

Nora

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Looking For An Air Potato

Looking for Air Potato . I used to have one years ago. Does anyone know where to find one?

Charlotte from Sumrall, MS

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"Olive And Grape Harvest" Themed Tent Decorations

I am looking for ideas for a fundraiser I'm helping with in October. It is a gala dinner and auction and we are expecting about 300 people. It will be held outside in a tent. I have never decorated the inside of tent and I have a very tight budget to make this a WOW experience when people enter. The theme this year is olive and grape harvest. All ideas will be warmly welcomed. Thank you in advance.

Stacia from San Rafael, CA

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Identifying Bromeliads

Can anyone identify either of these bromeliads for me? I bought them at a farmers market and she didn't know the name of them, just that "they're the easiest things in the world to grow" lol..

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Jeri from Southern Mississippi

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Diverting Water Going Through Yard

We live on a high hill and water is washing sand (in the woods) onto our driveway that winds down to the street (steep hill, steep driveway). We have one person think it is rainwater runoff and another saying it could possibly be an underground spring (which we know we have anyway). Would the best solution be to put a drain to divert the water, or a catch basin in the yard hooked to a pipe to divert the water? What are your thoughts?

Gordon from Madison, MS

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Getting Rid Of Scars

I have scars I need to get rid of. Does anyone know what I should use?

Brittany from Sallisaw, OK

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Guinea Pig Is Pregnant

We got Lola, our guinea pig, a couple of months a ago from a pet store. We did not even think to ask if she stayed in a cage with males. Well today I found out that she is pregnant! This happened at the pet store before we ever got her. Now I am worried that something may happen to her while she is giving birth. What all should I know before this happens?

Emily from Guntersville, AL

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Saving Money on Cheese

Tips for Saving Money on Cheese. Post you ideas below.

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Repairing a Tear on a Microfiber Sofa

I have two tears in a fairly new microfiber sofa. One is about 3 inches, the other is 2 1/2 inches. How can I repair this?

Janet from Palm Beach Gardens, FL

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Removing Fabric Imprint On Table

Something sticky seeped through a table runner onto my dining room table. It has stripped off some of the color and left the imprint of the fabric. It smells like a liquid room freshener. How do I get it out?

Donna from High Point, NC

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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

The Skinny On Trans Fats
By Claire Bush

Your morning muffin may no longer contain trans fats, but are the replacements any healthier?

Studies have shown that the use of trans fats increases risk of coronary disease, raises levels of "LDL" (so-called 'bad' cholesterol), and may place consumers at risk for cancer, diabetes and infertility.

The Skinny On Trans Fats

Do-It-Yourself Trash Can Composting

Composting is an easy, economical way to keep nutrient-rich plant food at the ready. Not only is it good for your plants, if you pay by the can for waste removal, it can also be good for your garbage bill! Here is an inexpensive way to get started.

Do-It-Yourself Trash Can Composting

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Daily Thrifty Tips - April 7, 2008

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