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Trip To Petoskey, Michigan

This picture was from our trip to Petoskey, Michigan last summer. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! This particular picture was taken at the bay.

We fed this little guy at the bay in Petoskey, Michigan. He was one of many!

This picture is of a lighthouse that we saw at the bay.

By Robin from Washington, IA

http://www.petoskey.com/

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Hangover Juice

This juice is a thirst-quenching concoction and contains lots of vitamin C and A to help your body recover if you smoke or drink. It gives a recovery time of about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(200 g) carrots
1 eating apple
(1 cm) ginger
ice cubes

Directions

Mix together in juicer or blender all the ingredients, except ice cubes. Pour in a glass and serve with ice cubes.

By Farrell from JOS

Editor's Note: I believe the conversion would be about 7 ounces of carrots and a 1/3 inch of ground (fresh) ginger.

Hangover Juice

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Apple Field Candle

A great way to spice up a gift of a candle.

Approximate Time 10 minutes

Supplies:

jarred candle
faux grass or ivy
miniature apples or other fruit
clay pot saucer
ribbon
foam

Instructions:

Take 8 inch clay pot saucer, take foam and cut to shape of saucer cut out whole in center the size of the jarred candle you will be using. Glue done foam inside saucer, pin or glue in faux grass (or ivy or anything greenery), simply place candle in middle. Make a bow and glue to lid on jarred candle. attach apples on bow and glue some in grass. This can work for many other scents. Lemon, lime, blueberry, strawberry take a scented candle and add accessories that correspond.

I got candle for $2.00 at Jo Ann Fabrics, saucer at Michaels for $1.00, grass at Michaels for $2.00 and I had ribbon and apples but you can find this on sale. Great for a teacher gift.

By Carol from Massachusetts

Apple Field Candle

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Stuart (Red Tabby)

Stuart will be 2 years old in December. He is a semi-long haired, red Tabby. We took in a stray pregnant female cat and ended up keeping Stuart and then finding good homes for the mom and the rest of the kittens.

He likes to catch and eat grasshoppers, watch hummingbirds and antagonize the other cats and dogs of the household. We are kind of concerned about his size. He weighs 17 pounds and he is not even 2 years old yet!

By Sue from Garrettsville, OH

Stuart (Red Tabby)

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Corner Fence

My boyfriend "Bubba" built this also for his Mother's yard.

By Tena from Champaign, IL

Corner Fence

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Tip Contest
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Photo Contest
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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!

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Saving Money on Office Beverages

I saw the tip on saving money on snacks and wanted to add my own take.

I am a administrative assistant at a small office. I noticed that all of us were going out to the local convenience store and buying cans of Diet Coke (the most inexpensive pop) for 79 cents.

I got everyone together and told them of my observation. We then decided that we could save money by buying more together instead of buying a few cans at a time.

What we do now is every weekend I buy a case of regular pop and a case of diet pop. Each person wishing to have one puts 30 cents into the money box, and we have our drink!

The bonus is that our business has improved from all of us being around more, plus when we entertain we don't have to rush out and buy drinks - we just charge the business the same rate.

30 cents x 12 cans = $3.60, which is a 12 pack of pop plus tax. We stock up when they're on sale as well - so there's plenty around.

Its just a thought to watch people at your office and building and try to work together to save money for everyone!

Concetta from Westmont, IL

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Tip for Purchasing Store Gift Cards

Please be thoughtful when purchasing store gift cards for others. Generally they're a great idea, but keep in mind they cannot be turned in at the store for cash. Be sure the card is from a store that the giftee actually shops at and that isn't going to move or close or go out of business within the next year. Also, check for any expiration dates and fees that reduce the amount on the card.

It's true that many cards can be traded on the internet for cash, at 40 - 60% of their value, but that's just a waste of time and money.

I have gift cards in my purse right now for a chain store that closed its store here some months ago, and now the nearest one is 40 minutes away. They have a website but they do not accept payment via gift card on it. I may end up giving them to someone who can use them in the near future. Otherwise, it's a gift to the store.

Jantoo from Kenosha Co, WI

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Eggshells for Birds and Plants

Over the many years that we kept chickens, people told us we could cook their egg shells in the oven for 30 minutes at 350, then crush them and feed them back. It reduced the amount of oyster shell we had to feed them and made their egg shells stronger.

Now we have parakeets and they do consume the chicken eggshells. The eggs they are laying have stronger shells; so much the better for hatching strong chicks. We have not had to supplement with cuttlebone since starting this practice.

When we get too many, I put the shells in the blender to powder them, and sprinkle it over the flower beds that have tulips and daffodils and other bulbs. The flowers are improved, and I can keep even tulips for 15-20 years instead of having them peter out.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Moisturizing Exfoliating Mask

Winter is around the corner, now your skin will start getting drier and rougher. You have to take proper care of your skin to prevent it from losing its moisture, Specially people with dry skin, be extra cautious. Try this moisturizing and exfoliating mask for softer and smoother skin.

Ingredients:

6 Almonds. (Soaked Overnight and ground to form a thick paste)
Two teaspoons of Oatmeal.
Four tablespoons of Milk Cream.
Some mashed Avocado (Use Banana if Avocado is not available).

Steps:

Mix all the Ingredients properly. Apply on face and leave it for 20 minutes. Dampen cotton wool with cold milk and wipe it off. Rinse your face with cold water.

By Lyon from India
http://www.mynaturalbeautytips.blogspot.com/

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Fancy Ice Cubes For Iced Tea

My mother used to make iced tea in the summer as many people do, but she would freeze lemonade in freezer ice cube trays and in each compartment she would alternate red and green marachino cherries. When she had guests she would serve the tea with these flavored cubes in tall clear glasses.

By Snoonie from Baltimore, MD

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All Purpose Cleaning Solution With Sudsy Ammonia

One quart rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon dish washing liquid, 21 oz .409 and one cup sudsy ammonia. Pour ingredients into a one gallon container that is empty (do not use an empty bleach container). Shake up ingredients and add water to make a full gallon of cleaning solution. Pour liquid into the empty 409 bottle. This will last at least a few months.

Tip: Never use bleach in combination with this formula.

By Birthaleen from Burbank, CA

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Nutritional Information Website

I would like to share an awesome web-site with all of you looking for nutrition values for recipes shared on here and are also calorie counting. This site has a lot of 'food' listings but because different brands are sold in parts of the country they also have a place you can type in the brand of food you wish more information on.

When I first started using this 'Calculator' I had my favorite recipes close by so I could transfer data to my recipe. Now I know how many calories and the nutrition value of each :)

Here is an example page:

Food Calories and Nutrition Calculator

List: Balance Bar

Food: Chocolate Caramel Crisp 100 Calorie Balance Bar

Serving Listed: 1 bar, 1.0 oz=28 g.

Here is the link:

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/index_food.html

Laurie By Laurie from Pahrump, NV

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Recipes for What You Have in the Fridge

Here's a site that utilizes what you have in your fridge and pantry to create delicious recipes:

www.cookingbynumbers.com/frames.html

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Editor's Note: Also, be sure to check out ThriftyFun's recipe search. Just list the ingredients in the search field and it will try to return recipes with those keywords. You can find it here:

http://www.thriftyfun.com/recipes.ldml

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College Survival Kit

This is an idea for a going away gift for anyone going to college. My neighbors daughter is leaving for college and I wanted to give her something special to take with her. I found a very nice small vintage looking suitcase at an estate sale. I have had such fun filling it with inexpensive necessities and I am really proud of myself at how thrifty I have been. Items included in the suitcase are, cookies, instant ramen noodle soups, instant hot chocolate, a pretty mug, again purchased at a estate sale. Pencils, pens, highlighters, a dayplanner, a phone card which was a buy one get one free at Walgreens drug store, a pretty package of notecards and a book of stamps. Gifts do not have to be expensive to be a blessing! All of the items I have purchased at estate sales, or at a very good sale price!

By Bobbie G from Rockwall

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Friends of ThriftyFun

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/

More Information:
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Controling Garter Snakes In Doorway

I have a problem with garter snakes between my storm door and the door to my house on the lower level. They like to lie there to sun themselves. Also, they have been known to have their young in the crack between the concrete pavement and the cement slab of the basement for the house. It is very annoying. I'd appreciate any input anyone might have as this problem is recurring yearly. Thanks in advance.

Hardiness Zone: 5b

Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Advice For Updating Kitchen Decor For Resale

I have white cabinets with peach hardware, peach wallpaper, white trim, peach laminate counter tops and dark brick colored linoleum floor tile. We are thinking about replacing our counter tops from laminate to granite. What stone color would go with the peach wall paper?

In terms of resale, we would like to keep it neutral. Is it a good idea to update the kitchen only for reasons of resale? Any advice would help.

laks from Houma, LA

Peach Kitchen

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How To Hang Shelves On Cinder Block Walls

How to hang shelves on cinder block walls in a dorm?

Debra from, New jersey

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How To Make Homemade Hot/Cold Packs

Need instructions to sew hot/cold packs mad from dried bean or rice and aromatic herbs for neck or muscle aches. Have some time during surgery recovery to make these as thank you gifts.

Rosemarie from Tampa Bay, Fl

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Urine Odor in Elementary School Bathroom

What removes urine odor from an elementary school bathroom? I am a custodian, and little boys seem to "miss" quite often. The products provided by the school aren't working very well. There always seems to be an underlying urine odor. I haven't been at this job very long, so any help would really be appreciated!

Barb from Kellogg, IA

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Removing Urine Odor From Wood Flooring

A friend has dogs and cats, and they have had accidents on the floor which is wood. Does anyone have a solution on removing the odor from the wood? I would appreciate any advice.

Nanny from Lake Ariel

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Starting a Butternut Tree

Does anyone know on how to start a butternut tree? I do know plant the nut but does it have to be dried out first or planted with the green shell on it or what can someone help me?
Thank You

Joyce from Janesville, Wis.

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No Walnuts This Year

Does anyone know why my walnut tree is not throwing walnuts this year. It is 5 yrs. old now and it has been giving me walnuts until this year.

Joyce from Janesville, Wis.

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Substitute For Buttermilk

Can anyone tell me what I can substitute for buttermilk? I can't find it in my country.

Also, as it does not seem to exist in my country, can I use boric acid instead of borax to make my own laundry detergent? Many thanks.

Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Safety of and Getting Rid of Bat Guano

I want to install a bat house in my yard. If I do, how do I get rid of the guano? Is it safe to handle?

Linda from Kansas City, KS

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Funny 30th Birthday Ideas

My cousin is turning 30 in a few weeks and I want to do something funny for her, nothing over the hill. She lives in Vegas and I live in WI. Something I could send. Any ideas? Help!

Erika from Somers, WI

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Pine Tree Along Leech Bed

What type of pine tree can be planted along a leech bed and the root system doesn't go towards water?

Kathy from Corning OH

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Locating Hot Pepper Varieties Chart

Has anyone ever found a chart that lists the hot pepper varieties with some indication of what's hotter and what's milder? I see peppers in the store and with no information. I'm not going to buy them, unless I know how hot the peppers are. Tender mouth here!

Kim from Moses Lake, WA

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30th Birthday Party for My Husband With Sci-Fi/Video Game Theme

I need help! I would like to plan my husband a 30th birthday surprise party. I have never done anything like this. Can anyone help? He likes playing computer games (shooting, role playing, strategy), football and anything sci-fi (Star Wars, Stargate, etc.)
Thanks!

Maria

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Foods for Dry Skin

I think I need more water because my lips and skin STAY chapped and dry. Please help! Is there a certain food/drink that make your skin dry?

Mackenzie from Millington, Tennessee

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Cheap vs. Expensive Silicone Scrapers

I have a number of silicone scrapers that I use in my kitchen. Some were expensive to buy, others I purchased at a dollar store. The cheaper ones tend to "sweat". It is an oily type liquid. The expensive ones do not do this. Does anyone know what that "sweat" is? Are they safe to use?

With all the recent reporting of things manufactured in China, which probably the cheap scrapers were made, being recalled, I wonder how safe some of our household items are?

I recently read that the majority of our microwave ovens are made in China. Now that's a scary thought.

Thanks for your help.

Mike from PA

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Perfume Stain on a Leather Couch

I have accidentally spilled perfume on my partner's new, brown, leather couch? Any ideas as to how to get the color back?

Kelly from Edinburgh

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4 Seasons Fairy Needlework

I'm looking for a needlework, of an angel/fairy. She is wearing a big green coat, and she is blonde. There is a tree leaning over top of her, she is looking left, and there is a bird at her fingertips. Also, there is a rabbit on the bottom left corner of the needlework. It's a doll looking figure needlework. It's part of a set, called the 4 seasons, I have the one in the pink coat. I'm mainly looking for the green coat one, but I would like to purchase the other two, too. See attached photo.

Sabine from Hamilton, ON

4 Seasons Fairy Needlework

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Selling Handmade Crochet Items

I would like to start selling my handmade crochet items, but I don't know what would sell and what won't sell. I also need to know what to price the items. Thank you bunches!

Mackenzie from Millington, TN

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Question About Account Receipts

Instead of saving all my bill receipts, wouldn't it be easier to just save my account statements showing I paid the bill? Then I won't have much clutter of every bill statement? Any advice?

Bridget from Mesa

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Captain D's Green Bean Recipe

I am looking for the green bean recipe from Captain D's.
Thanks,

Elaine from Rockwell, NC

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Looking For Basic Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

I am looking for a very easy and basic, but good, spaghetti sauce recipe. My problem in finding one is that I am VERY picky. I like the canned sauce but not the dehydrated onions. Even though they are tiny, I do not like the crunch. I have to spend about 5 minutes before every meal picking them out of my plate. So, if anyone knows of a sauce with only a few ingredients, PLEASE let me know. Thanks!

Tana from Fayette, AL

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Mango Stain on Clothing

What's the best way to remove Mango stains from clothing?

Thanks,
Diane

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Preventing Growth In Driveway Cracks

How do I kill grass growing in driveway cracks?

Ernest from Kansas City

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Back To School Party

My children are having a back to school party, they are each allowed 5 friends. I have 2 ten year olds, one twelve year old and one fifteen year old, could you help with some ideas, decorating, food, activities because all different ages.

Thanks,
Tina from Michigan

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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

Keeping Dogs from Digging

Q: My newly adopted dogs have made a mockery of the lawn and garden in my back yard. Besides rocks, what can I use that is bug free and safe that will keep them from dragging mud in my house and deter them from digging up my flowers?

Keeping Dogs from Digging

Save Money on Kids Clothing

Keep kids in nice clothing can be a major expense for parents because kids are always growing. Here are some tips from the ThriftyFun community to help you save on clothing for your kids.

Save Money on Kids Clothing

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Daily Thrifty Tips - September 4, 2007

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