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Vol. 8, Num. 62, March 30, 2009 (Read It Online) New Recipe Page! We have updated the recipe submission form with some additional fields. If you have a tried and tested recipe to share with the ThriftyFun readers, feel free to submit it on the new recipe contest page here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_recipes.ldml Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
We needed some cute vases for a baby shower, but funds were running low. So, I bought some Monetta Luxury cream wafer cookies, $1.00 a can at The Dollar Tree. I removed the cookies (and served them at the baby shower). I covered each can with a large size yellow napkin from Wal-mart (also $1). They fit great. No cutting involved.
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Rate It: Decorating: Ceiling Fan Facelift Giving Your Ceiling Fan a "Facelift" with Paint. My family is currently working on a house to get it ready for sale. We have gone room to room cleaning and doing updates as we go. We had a ceiling fan in one room that was totally out of place. We decided, rather than going to the expense of buying another fan, to take the fan blades off and give them several coats of paint.
We sanded the blades well on both sides and painted both with white paint. We also added a ceiling medallion to add more white with the brass fan. As you can see with the "before and after" shots that it made a huge difference. It doesn't even look like the same fan at all. (Sorry that one half of the fan is larger than the other side. It really is the same fan). I plan to do the same thing with fans in my house as well. Source: Me: Trying to make changes and be FRUGAL at the same time. My Mother would be so proud of all of us being so frugal. By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA
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Rate It: Craft Project: Cotton Ball Lamb Basket Recycle an empty box or plastic container to create this little lamb basket.
View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53149495.tip.html
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Rate It: Sara is a One and a half year old dog. I'm not sure what breed she is. She looks like a chow and...? I got Sara while stopping at a yard sale in a somewhat bad area, when I got out of the car, I heard a puppy crying.
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Rate It: Riley is a 2 year old puggle (half pug, half beagle). After being married about 6 months, we realized we needed an addition to the family, we weren't ready for a baby at the time so we added a puppy!
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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!
Repair Vacuum Cleaners Instead of Replacing I replace inexpensive ($100) bagless vacuum cleaners about every 3 years, figuring that I have saved that value in disposable bags. But, when my latest vacuum lost its power, thrift overcame expensive habits. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57588937.tip.html
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Rate It: I have been feeling a little guilty about spending money on make up with my husband losing his job recently, but I was talking to one of the sales people at my local Ulta and she said do not hesitate to ask for samples and try before I buy. This is a great idea, after all I would not buy a dress without trying it on. Also, take advantage of coupons in your Sunday newspaper for make up items. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82869637.tip.html
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Rate It: Emergency Bag for Electrical Outages Instead of trying to look in all areas for your emergency candles during a power failure, have a few stored in a bag with a lighter and flashlight. Hang your bag in the utility room or other out of the way spot. Then no more hunting, just retrieve your emergency bag and have light. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81222466.tip.html
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Rate It: There are lots of uses for clothes pins! I have a hard time holding little nails still while I am getting ready to hammer them in the wall. Then I found about a great little tip - I hold the nail in place with a wooden spring type clothes pin. Besides using as clip chips, I also hot glued a couple inside my cabinet to hold my rubber gloves. They also can hold small objects together while waiting for glue to dry. And hold curtains back in a pinch (you could even glue cute buttons on the front as a decorative touch). By Carol from Landisville, PA Editor's Note: What are some of your favorite uses for wooden clothespins? Post them here! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46858351.tip.html
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Rate It: Refill Mouthwash Squirt Bottles Do you want to use mouthwash, but find it too strong? I purchased a little purse-size squirt bottle from the dollar store, used a little funnel and filled the small bottle. Now I just open my mouth, give myself 3-4 minty squirts, and my mouth feels refreshed! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66799434.tip.html
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Rate It: Be Aware of Driving Laws in Different States I spoke with someone who received a traffic ticket. In his home state of New York, drivers stop when the bus stops on the same side of the street as the motorist. In Georgia, all traffic stops when a school bus stops. I strongly advise motorists to go to Motor Vehicle or online to get a copy of the driver's manual when driving in another state. None of us need a bill these days, certainly not for something we can avoid. Many of our friends, family, and co-workers are moving to another state. Please be advised that the driving laws differ from state to state. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50959710.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Paint Brush for Cleaning Pleated Shade When cleaning pleated lampshades or slatted windows or doors, I use a paint brush. It is really easy to get in the corners where the dust collects the most. By ditzy46 from Nahunta, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45308462.tip.html
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Rate It: Satisfy Wild Rabbits With a Swiss Chard Patch Love the Easter Bunny, but not in your garden? If you plant a patch of Swiss Chard away from your garden, bunny rabbits will be thrilled and content to eat the Swiss Chard rather than your garden. Make it a good size patch, if possible, as you want the rabbits (wild only) to have plenty of Swiss Chard to last as long as possible. Do not feed domestic rabbits Swiss Chard or lettuce for that matter, as it will give them diarrhea and they will die. Wild rabbits are use to eating this type of foliage and don't get sick. Growing up on a rabbit farm, it was important that wild rabbit's not be hanging around the domestic rabbit's as they could bring disease. My father would always plant a field of Swiss Chard, way down in the north forty, so all the critters would be happy. Wild rabbit's stayed away from our gardens, close to the house, as well. By Suzy from Clinton, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29999028.tip.html
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Rate It: At this time of year, your dog will be starting to shed its winter coat. Save all the 'fluff' and hair you remove and put it in hedges or wherever is handiest. The birds love it for lining their nests! Alternatively, if you have lots, stuff it into one of these fatty ball containers and hang by your bird table. Source: We've always done this, although the idea of using a container came from a bird seed catalog. By Skinnyjinny from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69901540.tip.html
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Rate It: I spilled oil on my Ugg boots. I tried water and then tried baby powder. Neither worked. Someone said try chalk. I rubbed the chalk on the spot and it is completely gone. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78241836.tip.html
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How long do you heat a medium tin of homemade frozen lasagna that has already been cooked. At what temperature? Also should it be covered or uncovered? By Jo from Buffalo, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33377850.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have any ideas to the breed of my dog? She's 7 months and weighs 55 pounds. We think she has some chow in her due to her sisters purple tongue. Thanks! By Kasey
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Rate It: Crocheting a T-shirt Round Rug I would like instructions for crocheting a t-shirt round rug. By Dee Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53756398.tip.html
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Rate It: I planted a crepe myrtle tree 4 feet from my house. It's 4 yrs. old now. Should I be worried the roots will do damage to the foundation of my house? It has grown higher than the roof line. How much should I cut back? It has never been pruned. Thanks. jholtie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30985479.tip.html
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Rate It: Dried Potato for Making a Dolls Face Does anyone remember the dolls made out of real potatoes, and if you do can, you tell me how they're made. By Sherry from Deming, New Mexico Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70340323.tip.html
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Rate It: Ideas for Baby's 1st Birthday Party I would like some tips for a birthday party for a 1 year old baby girl. By Pam Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf989712.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Scratches on a Microfiber Couch One of my dogs scratched the microfiber fabric on the couch. Is there anyway to fix it? By Rorieh from Seattle, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35578077.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get rid of gnats on house plants? By Monicaclancy from Harlingen, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf949883.tip.html
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Rate It: I have seen and read how to paint over laminate counter tops. I loved the colors that were used. They were more of the earth tones or neutral colors. I need to know how much paint I need to buy or can I use acrylic paint from a craft store? Can you add some metallic flakes and where do you find it at? Please help. By Janab9970 from Maiden, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf999197.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there any plants I can plant that repels snakes? Hardiness Zone: 6a By Bennett from Vincennes, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19376286.tip.html
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Rate It: I have been using hair relaxers since I once young. However, now I am going natural and getting my hair straightened every two weeks. One question: Does the mayonnaise treatment help with dandruff? My hair is growing but the dandruff is ridiculous. Please help. Due to my hair going back to the natural state I do not want to wash in between my appointments. DB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88545315.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventing Rust from Forming on Floor Vents How can you prevent rust from forming on new floor vent covers? By Buckdoe Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86961705.tip.html
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Rate It: TGI Friday's Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe I'm searching for Friday's recipe for broccoli cheese soup. Can anyone help me? Thanks. By Shaya from Pennsylvania Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69451245.tip.html
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Rate It: I have tiny brown hard bodied bugs with a body and then a head attached. It has front antennae. They die underneath grates on top of kitchen stove and I've found them on front living room window sill. They must fly, because they land on me and crawl. Don't bite. I have seen them on top of refrigerator, dead. I've seen a few flying insects but don't think they're fruit flies, so they must be these brown bugs flying. Help! By Elyag from Rochester, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf665628.tip.html
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Rate It: Adding a Bike Rack to a Pop-up Trailer How do you make a bicycle rack for a pop-up trailer? By Pblackstock from Temple, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82228403.tip.html
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Rate It: Every time I buy new towels (they cost me $30 each) when I wash them before we use them they are just full of fluff and it takes me ages to get it off! Why oh why? By REEZIE from AUSTRALIA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51864958.tip.html
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Rate It: What type of paint to should I use to give my drawer pulls a new look? By Cherylarthur from Coeur d Alene, ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49089133.tip.html
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Rate It: Like the name says: I have 6 bad dogs. My house gets so dusty! I'm not sure if it's the pet dander that causes it. After dusting, I see the build up of dust on everything by the very next day. Any advice or do I just need to hire a doggie maid? =)
By 6 bad dogs from Texas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56223864.tip.html
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Rate It: I have seen that human hair can be used as a deer repellent, I was wondering if dog hair can also be used. I have a German Shepherd that sheds a lot. I could use her hair if that would also work. Also , what about lavender plants, is that successful as well in a vegetable garden? Thanks you. I am a 1st year gardener so I hope to learn a lot from this site, lots of good info. Hardiness Zone: 8b By Moekelly24 from caryville, florida Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27674882.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing Tears on Microsuede Furniture How do I repair tears in my microsuede couch? I can't find anything on the web other than some goop which magically bonds to all fabrics. By Amginnc from Sanford, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89416392.tip.html
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Rate It: Substituting Normal Oats for Quick Oats in Baking Recipes Can I use ordinary rolled oats in a baking recipe (muffins) instead of quick oats? And if I can, do I use the same amount that is being asked for in the recipe? Seems like every time I read a recipe there is something that I either don't have or I have the ingredient but not the exact type the recipe is asking for, like quick oats as opposed to ordinary oats. By Avalon99 from Coquitlam, BC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80394788.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for instructions on use of a Daisy Maker or where a new one can be purchased. By Rosina from Stillwater, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69195273.tip.html
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Rate It: After a big rain I found 20 or so earthworms inside my house in different rooms, including my garage, is this strange or what? Hardiness Zone: 7a By Joeltw69 from Oklahoma City, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65689306.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a recipe to make homemade coconut cream eggs using powder milk. Can anyone please help? Thanks mec11 By Mec11 from McAdoo, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60501191.tip.html
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Rate It: Paint Colors That Go With Brazilian Cherry I am picking out paint colors for my open floor plan home. I am thinking I'll do a tan throughout the common areas with some accent walls in the family room, kitchen and dining room. My kitchen and dining rooms have cherry cabinets and Brazilian cherry floors. What color would work with them? Should I lean towards a certain tan for my common area color? I.E. one with more green in it, etc? What colors would look good as accent wall colors with the tan? By sonali33 from Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48061790.tip.html
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Rate It: 50th Anniversary Centerpiece Ideas I am planning a 50th wedding Anniversary for parents. Money is tight for everyone so we decided to have a family get together at restaurant. My parents think that my brother is taking them out to eat and well the rest of us will already be there. I want to make a nice centerpiece for the table but am on budget sort of speak. Does anyone have any good ideas for me? By Jenwoodard from Columbus, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89652110.tip.html
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Rate It: Who Actually Needs Our Social Security Number? Although many places will ask for your social security number, you don't have to give it out, such as the phone company or gas and electric company, and hospitals. Does anybody know where one can find a list of those times when you absolutely need to give it out? By Lynn from Albany, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28817994.tip.html
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Rate It: I bought bulk powdered sugar and stored it in plastic containers. Now it is hard and difficult to use. Can I use a piece of bread to soften it like I do with brown sugar? Any ideas are welcome. Thanks in advance! By Scrappinmom30 from Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28057255.tip.html
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Rate It: Postal Station Parade Float Ideas I need ideas for a parade float for a wellness/weight loss clinic and yoga studio. The parade theme is the town celebrating 100 years as a postal station. By tkabatoff from Sundre, AB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29762091.tip.html
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Rate It: Tree Recommendations for Shade The sun beats all day on our outside garage wall, the inside garage wall being attached to the house. It can get to 100 degrees in the summer in the garage. I'd like to stop the sun starting with the great outdoors. The brick sunny garage wall is next to a very slender side yard walkway. Anything we grow needs to be up against the sunny garage wall. I was thinking about Sky Needle Holly, but they may not be tall enough. The instructions said 6 to 10 feet tall. Considering the soil, 6 feet or less is what we'd get.Any suggestions? DH purchased an attic fan (not installed yet) so the garage can vent into the attic, but I'd like to do more. By Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85278808.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:
Save Money and Shop Natural
With today's push to "go green" it's not a bad idea to try some natural products in the home rather than chemical products. Even more motivating is the cost of the natural products versus the man-made ones. Try some natural remedies for all of your problems, from health to hygiene, and see if it saves a bit.
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14504869.tip.html
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