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Craft Project: Milkweed Ornaments (Angel Pods)

This project, using milkweed pods, is a little tricky and probably more suitable for adults or teens. It is somewhat time consuming because of all the paint drying time, unless you leave it natural (see photo). These angels are reminiscent of corn husk dolls. They remind me of flower faeries. You could use corn husks for the dresses. Search your own area for similar materials or check out the dried flower section of the craft store.

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Craft Project: Painted Bottles

With the holidays coming up, many people will be celebrating with wine and champagne. Or, if you're like me, sparkling cider. Save those bottles. These bottles can be used for numerous things, or just look nice as decorations. The tops are "after Christmas clearance replacement bulbs."

Painted Bottles

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Craft: Glitter Wooden Ornaments

At just about any dollar tree, or craft shop, you can find these wonderful wooden shapes. I found these at a yard sale which made each ornament cost me about 15¢! Simply cover with dollar tree glitter paint, decorate the neck, glue on a loop and you are set!!

By Sandra from Salem OR

Glitter Wooden Ornaments

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Craft: Infant Football Costume

We needed a costume for my sister's baby for their Church's Fall Festival Block Party. She and her husband both enjoy football and already had jerseys, so I made the baby a football costume with about a 1/4 yard of fleece. Easy, fun and inexpensive. cost less than $3.

By Serina from Fayetteville, AR

Infant Football Costume

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Coors (Short Haired Cat)

Coors is a 9 year old short haired cat. I received him 9 years ago through a friend.

He likes to sleep and play. He loves to go into boxes or anything like them. Our cat has distinct features of 6 toes on each of the front paws. Another reason we got him.

By Shari from Poughkeepsie, NY

Coors (Short Haired Cat)

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Poncho (Weimaraner)

Poncho is 4.5 years old and a Weimaraner. I got him at a pet store, 8-2004.

He likes swimming. He is very loyal and smart

By Yana from Brooklyn NY

Poncho (Weimaraner)

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Applying Eye Shadow as Smudge Proof Eyeliner

For easy to apply, smudge proof eyeliner, just use eye shadow applied with either a slightly moistened sponge eye makeup applicator or a cotton swab. I prefer to use dark brown eyeshadow applied with a cotton swab. The best thing about using a cotton swab is that they are relatively inexpensive (usually 150 for $1) and you can toss it once you are done.

Source: The cotton swab package does state it can be used for makeup application.

By Adriana from San Antonio

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Have a Swap for "New" Toys for Christmas

My daughter and her friends are not buying their children any new toys for Christmas. Instead, they are having a toy swap among themselves. Their kids will get all "new" toys without having to spend a dime!

By Anne from Green Bay, WI

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Pot Of Gold Christmas Gift

A nice Christmas gift is to make a pot of gold usually found at the end of rainbows! This is a good present for people who are difficult to buy for.

Take a gold container (paper, plastic, glass, anything gold), fill with chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil, (the sort they sell at Christmas wrapped in gold foil in net bags), or any chocolate or candy wrapped in gold. Then tuck in a few scratch cards or lottery tickets or real gold currency, wrap in cellophane and add a gold gift bow or ribbon.

By Carol from England

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Get Professional Photos for Free

I wanted to get some photos done but could not afford to pay anyone and did not want the typical "Sears Portrait" type photos either. I placed an ad on kijiji.com (you can also use craigslist.org or your local paper) and requested a student or photographer who was looking to expand their portfolio. I got half a dozen replies within a day, and will be working with a few people who will give me free photos in exchange for me modeling for them!

To be safe, ask if they have a website, meet up with them to check out their portfolio or get references. I chose a woman photographer who already did a lot of work so I know she was reputable. Be careful of the hobby photographer who just wants to take pictures of women! yikes! If you're a woman and weary of going anywhere alone, bring along a male friend or partner.

You can also do the same looking for a hair/makeup student to work on you before the photographer shows up. This way you can get perfect glamor shots for free! Some of these photographs will be given as gifts for the holidays! And it was all free!

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Dryer Sheets for Purse Odors

If I go to a thrift store or garage sale, I love to look at purses, lol, and so when I find what I like I purchase it take it home. Then I find the fabric softener sheets that you can buy at any store for your drying clothes in the drawer and cut them into a few strips and put a strip into each zipper pocket or compartment. I leave it in there for a day or two depending on odor and the next time you check it will help the odor incredibly! Then toss the sheet in the trash and it will help that odor too! Awesome huh? Thanks for reading and considering maybe trying it too:-)

By Sue from Goshen, IN

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Storing Fireplace Wood

Get 4 wooden shipping pallets and two 8 foot steel fence posts. Lay two of the pallets on the ground away from the house. Have someone hold the other pallet on end then drive one of the steel posts into the ground about three feet. This will leave five feet sticking out above ground. Do the same at the opposite end leaving the pallets standing against the post. Now you are ready to stack your firewood.
When you have the wood neatly stacked take a measurement about halfway down from the top on each side and over the top. This is the size of the poly tarp you will need to cover the wood.

You're not done yet. You will need to get an "S" hook for each of the eyelets (grommets) in the tarp. You will also need a one gallon milk jug for each of the "S" hooks. Fill the milk jugs about 3/4 full of water, DO NOT PUT THE TOP BACK ON, leave it open so the water can expand and freeze without splitting the milk jug. Now hang a milk jug from each of the eyelets using the "S" hooks.

When you need wood just remove a couple of the milk jugs and throw the tarp back. After getting the wood cover the pile back up again and replace the milk jugs.
This works really well, it give you good dry wood for burning. The bottom pallets allow air to circulate on the bottom of the pile so you won't have any rotten wood to remove in the spring. TRY IT, YOU'LL LIKE IT.

Source: I read this in a Popular Mechanics magazine many, many, MANY years ago.

By Herman from Midland, MI

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Hang Family Calendar In The Bathroom

Hang your family calendar in the bathroom, right next to the commode. I know this sounds odd, but it is a great way to keep track of things. Everyone in the house will see it, and you'll have just the few moments you need to catch up and jot things down! I was amazed at how well this worked, and how my hubby complained when it wasn't there! I keep a pen on a string here as well. Everyone who's seen it comments on what a great idea it is and swear they're going home to move their calendar!

By Diane from Chicago

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Check the Dollar Store for Holiday Supplies

Before you go out to the discount stores like Wal-Mart or Target to buy Holiday supplies like gift wrap, bags, bows, cards, and basic ornaments, look for your local dollar store! Ours here is called 'DOLLAR TREE' and tonight I was able to get enough wrapping supplies for my entire load of gifts for about SIX DOLLARS. Dollar stores are a wonderful resource for a quick inexpensive gift or for everyday essential items. I saved enough on the supplies to buy 'real' gifts for 3 more people!

By Belinda from Las Vegas, NV

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Make Personalized Tags With Old Christmas Cards

I save Christmas cards (my own and from friends) and cut out any large shapes on the front (nativity scene, angel, snowman, Santa playing soccer or tennis or football, candy canes, reindeer, etc.). I embellish the cut-out with tiny cotton balls (for snow), candy cane (candy), a star for the nativity scene, etc. I punch a hole on the top of the cutout, thread a ribbon through the hole and add a punched shipping tag (on which I've printed the recipient's name). It's fun trying to match the package/and tags with the person receiving the gift, and everyone looks to see which package belongs to them based on the tags! I also write on the blank tag why I chose the picture tag for that person (in case it connection isn't obvious!).

By Casey from Plano, TX

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Reusable Plastic Lunch Meat Containers

Luncheon meats, such as Hillshire Farms Select lunch meats, come in nice reusable Gladware type containers. Often I find coupons for it in Sunday papers. If your store doubles coupons, you get both the meat and a handy container for later use at a great discount!

By Cheryl from Trinity, NC

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Save Spaghetti Cooking Water to Wash Greasy Dishes

Save your spaghetti water and wash your greasy dishes with it. The flour in the water somehow causes oil and grease to get trapped, and you don't have to scrub as much.

By Tim from Science Hill, KY

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Use Applesauce In Holiday Baking

When doing all your holiday baking, try substituting 1/2 the oil called for in the recipe with the same amount of applesauce. The result will be more nutritious, moister, and less costly. The taste will not be affected.

By Anne from Green Bay, WI

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

At the local coffee bar, Carol, couldn't help but overhear a young woman that was expounding on her idea of the perfect mate to some of her friends. "The man I marry must be a shining light amongst company. He must be musical. Tell jokes. Sing, Entertain. And stay home at night!"

Carol interjected, "Girl, if that's all you want, you should save yourself a lot of trouble and just get yourself a TV!"

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

How To Determine Spacing Of Grommets On Curtains

I am using large grommets in the top of my curtains. I need to know how far in should my first one be? The rest will be 8 inches apart.

Carrie L. from Eugene, OR

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Kool-aid Stains on Carpet

How do you remove red Kool-aid stains from carpet? Thanks.

Tricia

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Fading from Homemade Laundry Detergent

Right now I use 1 cup powdered fels naptha, 1/2 cup of borax, and 1/2 cup of washing soda which I mix and make a dry mix laundry powder. I use 1/4 cup every time I wash a big load. Do you know how much this recipe fades clothes in comparison to Gain or Tide in particular Gain?

Is there anyone who used Gain and now uses this recipe or a very similar recipe that can tell me how the fading on clothes between the homemade powder and the Gain compare?

Mary

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Double Pane Window Has Fogged Up

Does anyone know how to unfog a double pane window? One pane of a 4 pane picture window is all fogged up between the thermal windows. It looks awful! Help!

Amy from Prospect, CT

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Making a Gift Box Using Old Christmas Cards

I need instructions to make a gift box out of old Christmas cards.

Nancy from Pryor, OK

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Christmas Crafts Using Baby Food Jars

I am looking for ideas for using empty baby food jars for Christmas crafts.

Nancy from Pryor, OK

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Cleaning a White Patch on a Red Jacket

My husband has one of those heavy cotton racing jackets with the name of the car manufacturer on it. It is red, white, and black with patches embroidered on it. It says DRY CLEAN ONLY. He got a stain on the white patch on the front that I tried to wash off with a soapy rag. Well, I didn't realize the white patch is sewed over the red fabric and the red bled through to the front.

I've taken it to 2 dry cleaners that both told me this type of jacket will "bleed" onto the white part and they won't even dry clean it. The rest of the jacket looks fine. Do you know how I can clean the patch without getting it wet enough to cause the red beneath it to bleed?

skwerlgirl from Wentzville, MO

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What Breed is My Dog?

This is Sassy, I got her when she was 8 weeks old. I was told she was a boxer/pit mix, she is 7 months now and weighs probably around 50lbs. I don't know what she is, can anyone help me out?

Melissa from Tennessee

What Breed is My Dog?

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What Breed is My Dog?

This is Tank, I got him when he was 8 weeks old. I was told that he was a pit bull. He is now a year old and I'm starting to question that. Can anyone tell me what he is?

Melissa from Tennessee

What Breed is My Dog?

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Keeping Chrysanthemums from Falling Over

My chrysanthemums grow nicely and bloom beautifully, and then promptly collapse! Am I supposed to pinch them back as they're growing so they're shorter on the outside of the plant and more supportive?

Polly from Cedar Springs, MI

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Removing Valve Covers

I have turn-off valves above my washer and they have covers on them like on a bathtub valve, not the round type. I need to change out the washers but I can't get the covers off because of lime and calcium build up. I have taken the screws out and have been spraying Lime Away into the little holes but of course that is not working.

Any brilliant ideas on how to get these covers off? Because the stick straight out from the wall, I can't put a bag of vinegar over them. I've been toying with using a hacksaw with a diamond blade to saw them off!

Gayle from Scottsdale

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Selecting a Dog Breed

Does anyone know how to pick the best dog for your family? I know there are quizzes but not sure where to find them.

Kathy from Wooster, Ohio

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Making a Jacket Out of a Blanket

I need instructions for making a jacket from a throw blanket.

Rose from Brookhaven, MS

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Manual for Pillsbury Bread Machine #1016

I bought a Pillsbury bread maker model 1016 at a charity store. There is no manual and I have no idea how to use it. Pillsbury quit making this years ago and cannot send me a manual. Any suggestions are welcome.

Tina from Knoxville, TN

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Dog Not Eating after Other Dog Died

I had litter mate Bouvier des Flandes (male and female). The male was put to sleep on October 27th, 2008 and the female has not eaten very much since then. When she does eat, she vomits it back up. I have tried just about everything I have read on the internet, except to get a new dog. Please help me! What can I do?

Edie

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Problems With Yahoo Messenger

While I'm chatting in Yahoo Messenger I can't see my written words or see what the other person writes to me. Although I can speak to him by mike.

Alaa

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Making a Cookbook with Pictures

How do I make a cookbook and add interesting food pictures. I would like it to have a cover to give as a gift. I got one many years ago. It was printed with pictures and it was in a 3 ring folder. Any easy ideas? Thank you.

Passarello from South Carolina

Making a Cookbook with Pictures

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Bowl Stuck Inside Glass Pot

I was warming up some food in a large bowl by putting water in a glass pot and putting the plastic bow on top. Now the bowl is stuck inside my glass pot and I can't remove it. There is still a small amount of water in the pot but the bowl is embedded.

Staffney from Baltimore, MD

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1994 Ford Ranger Heater is Not Working

My 94 Ranger has a heater problem that I can not figure out. First off the the temp gauge does the windshield wiper thing, up and down, up and down. To make matters worse, often there is no heat. I have changed the thermostat and that didn't help. The top hose from the radiator does get warm, sometimes the heater hose gets hot. I've flushed the system once already. Any ideas?

Richard from Waterford, CT

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Homemade Banana Pudding

How do you make banana pudding using Eagle Brand milk and whipping cream?

Jessie from Dallas, TX

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Icebox Fruitcake Recipe

I need a recipe for icebox fruitcake. I know it has marshmallow cream, pecans, raisins and graham crackers. I just don't know how much of each.

Wanda from Hinesville, GA

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Nu-Wave Temperature Conversions

What are the corresponding temperatures on a Nu-Wave ovens with a dial from 1 to 10?

Don

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Gluing Glass to Glass

What type of glue should we use to glue decorative glass to glass blocks?

Denis from Ottawa, Ontario

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Growing Spearmint from a Cutting

Can you "root" in water or grow a cutting from a spearmint plant. Has anyone done this, or do you have any information. The research I've done so far hasn't turned up with any real results. Thank you.

LaLa from North Augusta, SC

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Using Condensed Milk Instead of Evaporated Milk

Can sweetened condensed milk be used in sweet potato pie instead of evaporated milk?

Rebecca

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Homemade Chai Powder

How do you make Chai coffee or tea powder with powdered milk, coffee whitener and coffee. What quantities do you use?

Pam from Moss Vale

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What is Utility Shield?

Has anyone heard of Utility Shield?

Sedrick from Mississippi

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Looking For Quick and Easy Fudge Recipe

I have heard of a easy, few ingredient fudge recipe that has 4-5 things in it. Can anyone help me with a great fudge recipe that is quick and simple?

Sue from Goshen, IN

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Making Christmas Pins

I would love to make some cute Christmas pins for the ladies at my church. Anyone have anything quick and inexpensive?

Karen from Clemmons, NC

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Chocolate Cookie Crumb Pie Crust

I'm looking for a recipe to make my own chocolate cookie crumb pie crust, like the kind you can buy at the grocery store. I know I've seen a recipe in the past that called for chocolate wafer cookies, but I don't know what kind they mean. With the holidays coming up I sure could use that recipe soon. Thank you in advance.

KK from Rochester, NH

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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

Avoiding Charitable Bankruptcy
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

It feels good to donate to a charitable cause. I write the check that I know will buy the last ingredient needed to find the cure for cancer, and it feels good. Then, I write the check to help pay for books at a school ravaged by floods, and it feels good, too. Next, there are the checks to preserve historical monuments, to feed homeless puppies, to cheer co-workers during times of loss, for multiple sclerosis, for women's shelters, polar bears, fire stationsgasp. All this charitable donating is leaving me feeling broke. How can I stay charitable and stay out of the poorhouse myself?

Avoiding Charitable Bankruptcy

Saving Money on Christmas Ornaments

Tips for saving money on Christmas ornaments as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Saving Money on Christmas Ornaments

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Daily Thrifty Tips - December 2, 2008

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