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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Create Display Shelves Above Windows

I had collected many tin containers and had no place to display them. We decided to put small shelves over the windows in the guest bedroom to serve as display shelves. It also frames the windows and makes them look a little more substantial. We then mounted the valance inside the window frame. This gives you some added shelf space if you have limited space.

By Susan from Mulberry, FL

Create Display Shelves Above Windows

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Craft: Valentine Candy Bar 'Vase'

Valentine's gift idea but can be used for any occasion.

Materials

Hot glue gun and glue sticks (preheated to start)
3 flat candy bars all the same size (Hershey's, Nestle Crunch etc.)
Styrofoam or newspaper
1 single silk rose or a real one
1 20 inch strand of red ribbon
Red or Pink tissue paper

Instructions

Take the 3 candy bars and hold them vertically so the sides touch each other forming a triangle in the center.

Once you see how this forms then you will put a small line of glue on the inner edge of the candy bars and glue them together to permanently form the triangle model.

Then cut a small piece of styrofoam or wad enough newspaper up in a ball so you can stuff in in the center of the candy bars (should fit fairly snug).

Then remove it and poke a hole with the stem of the silk flower (or real one).

Then put some glue around the edges of the styrofoam or newspaper and put it in the center of the candy bars quickly so it will be more permanent and let the glue adhere for a minute or so.

Now take the silk or real rose stem and poke it in the hole you previously made in the styrofoam or newspaper centerpiece you just glued.

Stuff some tissue paper from the bottom to cover the styrofoam or newspaper. Finish off with stuffing more tissue paper around the stem to cover the remaining glued centerpiece.

Last, tie the red ribbon around the flower stem about 2 inches above the edge of the candy bar model.

For added fun, you can glue Hershey's kisses around the top.

Now you have a inexpensive but thoughtful gift for your woman. If you wish to give this to a guy, replace the rose with whatever you want.

You can also write a note and then punch a hole big enough for the ribbon to go through and then tie it to the stem.

By Donna from Northlake TX

Valentine Candy Bar 'Vase'

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Craft Project: Valentine's Day Fan Card

This is a cute card kids can make themselves to let the special people in their lives know that they are their "biggest fans".

Approximate Time: 30 minutes.

Supplies:

2 paper doilies, round or heart shaped
red construction paper
pencil
scissors
glue
craft stick
ribbon
marker
length of ribbon, red or pink

Instructions:

Draw and cut two hearts from the red construction paper. Glue each heart to a paper doily.

Glue the top of a craft stick to the back of one of the doilies, at the bottom of the heart. Glue the back of the other doily-heart to the back of this one, covering the top of the craft stick. Allow the glue to dry.

Write "I am You're Biggest Fan" on one of the hearts, and "Happy Valentine's Day" on the other, and don't forget to sign your name.

Tie a piece of ribbon into a bow around the craft stick, just below the hearts.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

I'm Your Biggest Fan

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Cha Cha (Chihuahua)

Cha Cha is a 5 year old Chihuahua. I got her about 1 year ago from a family that had to let her go. She likes to go on car trips. She doesn't know she is a dog, she knows she special and gets a lot of attention. She also enjoys modeling for photos.

By Kathy from Palm Coast, FL

Cha Cha (Chihuahua)

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Leo (Domestic Shorthair)

Leo is a 2 year old domestic shorthair cat. He was adopted from the PAWS in Philadelphia in August of 2008 along with Cleo and Moocher.

Leo is such an easy going cat, and he just loves attention. He's so "there" all the time, just love, love, loving us humans. He's not extremely playful, but he will bat things around if they're offered to him.

We're not completely sure of his age or whether he's Cleo's brother or son. There's much debate about this in our home. They were surrendered together, but it seems PAWS didn't get much info. He is declawed (and was before we adopted him) and neutered. He has the most awesome fur pattern and an adorable irresistible face!

By Jackie from Feasterville, PA

Leo (Domestic Shorthair)

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Valentine's Day Candy Bar Treat

I have done this candy card for my husband a few times in 11 years. It is cheap and easy. All you need is a piece of poster board, a marker, and candy bars. Write a letter on the poster board to go with the candy. I use tape to put the candy on the poster board. My husband loves it! Here is the latest one I gave him:

To my HOT TAMALE,
I hope you SNICKER when you read this. I love you to PIECES (REESES). Your love is as exciting as getting 100 GRAND on PAYDAY to spend on 5th AVENUE. My HEART skips a beat each time you KISS (KISSABLES) me. You are a-MAZING and MOUNDS of fun. So sit back and TAKE 5 BABY (RUTH). Love your NUTRAGEOUS SWEETHEART!.

PS: I used a marker to darken the words on the candy I didn't use such as ABLE on KISSABLES.

Source: I came up with the idea for a letter after seeing all the "one-liners" (You're such a "SMARTIE") out there.

By Holly from Red Lodge, MT

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Use Extracts or Perfumes Instead of Deodorizer

Before company is due, put one or two drops of vanilla, lemon or almond extract on the bathroom light bulb. Turn on the light before you leave the room. As the bulb heats up, a most pleasant odor fills the room. Sometimes I use just a small spritz of my favorite perfume. Perfume should not be overpowering. I also use this instead of deodorizer, when needed.

By Joan

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Deter Mice With Crushed Red Pepper

When I was young, I lived in a lot of rented houses that had mice. After not controlling the population with traditional methods, we tried this with much success. Locate the mouse hole, if you are that lucky, and cover it with a piece of duct tape that has been sprinkled with a good amount of crushed red peppers, like you get from the pizza parlor.

By Jackie from Hollister, CA

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Sock Washcloth for Kids

To make holding soap easier for a child, put the soap in an old sock. Not only does the soap not slip out of their hand it also acts as a wash cloth. Just throw in the wash when it needs to be cleaned.

By Mary C. from Newark, California

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Rummage Sale "Grab Bags"

Small items ranging from 10 to 25 cents, can be a hassle to have to deal with at a rummage sale, and they take up a lot of table space! Try wrapping them (after sorting them into cost categories: 10 or 25 cents) in odds and ends comic paper, magazine pages, brown paper bags or WHATEVER. Sell as "white elephant gifts", used as little trivia prizes or Bingo prizes. Sell them in 1 or 2 dozen batches for 1 price. Be thankful to get rid of them!

If you find you are STILL blessed with them, find a veterans home or other care home or local hospital or other worthy group to give them to to do likewise with! Or sit them in a basket near the door to give away just for fun or to brighten someone's day! I have a lot of this type of item that I am more than willing to part with so I don't have to dust it or store it! It never seems to go away!

By Melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO

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Use Crafty Cheats to Mend Clothes

To mend clothes, I use hot glue, iron on patches or hemming tape. This saves me time and money

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Orange Peels to Keep Cats Out of Plants

Put orange peels in your potted plants, cats hate the citrus smell. Replace every week when they start to get dry. Store the extras in the freezer in a plastic bag so that when you run out of oranges you'll still have the peels.

By Melmarr from Michigan

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Rinse Browned Ground Beef to Remove Excess Fat

To keep ground beef recipes from being so high in fat, I brown the ground beef, then rinse the beef in a strainer using the hottest water I can. This allows the fat on the ground beef to run down the drain!

My family cannot taste the difference!

By Gina from Kentucky

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Use Turkey for Freezer Meals

I make our own TV dinners so I can control the salt content and avoid other additives. Several times a year, I cook a turkey with all the trimmings. We have dinner for that day and the next and maybe a turkey sandwich. While the turkey is warm, I slice and debone the entire thing just like I was going to serve it that day, making sure to get every piece of edible meat. Dad gave me some of his Corell plates several years ago. I make up dinner for two on each plate, cover with freezer wrap and freeze. Whenever we are running late, we can take out a plate, heat it and dinner is ready. I store the leftover cranberry sauce in the freezer also to go with these meals. If there are more in your family, you could freeze in a larger container.

Then I toss the bones and less desirables in the crockpot and cook overnight. I keep the liquid and toss the bones and skin. I then divide the dark meat into several containers and fill with liquid from the crockpot. Now I have the basis for some really good stew or soup. All I have to add are some potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions and my husband thinks he is in heaven. Even though he knows I do this in advance, he acts like I have slaved over the stove all day. Such a sweetie.

By Deanna from SLC, Utah

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Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating Kit

While my friend was recovering from hip surgery she was unable to bake and decorate Valentine's Day cookies with her granddaughter. Both of them were pretty disappointed. So I made up a batch of my sugar cookies, cut them into Valentine's shapes and baked them. I got a few containers of ready-to-spread frosting, food coloring, sprinkles and other toppings and packed them (carefully) in a festive container and delivered them to her.

My friend was elated with the surprise of the care package I had put together, and the ability of partaking in the annual cookie decorating event that they always had together! This made their day, and mine!

This idea can also be used for kids off to college, elderly folks, birthday gifts, housewarmings and more!

By Shirley from Hastings, MI

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Jill's husband was called into his bank to discuss his accounts.

"Your finances are in terrible shape," the lady behind the counter stated.

"Your checking account is overdrawn, your loan is overdue."

"Yes, I know." said the man. "It's my wife Jill, she is out of control."

"Why do you allow your wife to spend more money than you make?" asked the bank teller.

"Frankly," replied the man with a deep sigh, "because I'd rather argue with you than with her.

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

Painting a Bathtub

Can I paint a bathtub?

Deborah from PA

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Kim Anderson Wall paper

I am looking for Kim Anderson wallpaper border. Does anyone know where I might find some? Have a great day!

Jamie from Cavalier

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AM Radio Has Stopped Receiving a Signal

My 2006 Subaru Outback AM radio has stopped receiving signals. Has anyone had that problem and know a solution?

Aldoster

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Puppy Ate Bra Straps

Puppy ate straps off 3 bras. Will he be able to pass these or should I start to worry?

Kathy from Milaca, MN

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Dog is Acting Strange Since Taking Rimadyl

Does anyone have a dog start acting odd after taking Rimadyl? The lab work came back OK but since my 17 old pit mix started taking Rimadyl, she goes off by herself at home which she never used to do. The vet doesn't see anything wrong. Her eating and bathroom habits are all normal. She'll even go off into another room to sleep all night which never happened before. Previously it was more like we'd wake up to her snoring and realize she's laid across our legs for half the night!

She still likes her long walks and all that but at home I have to call her out from the back room several times a day this past week. I have 2 other dogs so she has company. We do lots of hiking and as much playing as her hip allows. Anyone have a similar experience?

D.H.

Dog is Acting Strange Since Taking Rimadyl

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Gardening Therapy for Someone with Alzheimer's

Does anyone have any information about home gardening with a relative with Alzheimers as therapy?

barbara1E from Akron, OH

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Removing Fabric Softener from Washing Machine

I have a fairly new front loading Kenmore washer. The fabric softener dispenser is clogged and I can't get it out of the machine. It doesn't just slide out, like my last machine. How do you get it out?

Peggy from LaCrosse, WI

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Keeping Kitchen Sponge from Getting Stinky

How do you keep your kitchen sponge from smelling bad in between uses? I have done the microwave thing, where you put it in there for a few seconds, but no matter it still comes out stinky. I have to use a new one way too much. Thanks for the advice!

Teresa from Richlands

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Gasoline Spilled on Gravel Driveway

I spilled 10 gallons of gasoline on a gravel drive. How can I get rid of the odor?

Joe from Spokane, WA

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Beer Stains on White Leather Jacket

I spilled beer all over my white leather jacket. Any suggestions on how I can get the stains out? Would dry cleaning it even do anything?

Matilda

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What Breed is My Dog?

Is my dog a Miniature Pincher mixed with a Chihuahua?

Jen from Orange, CA

What Breed is My Dog?

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Tomato Jam Recipe

I would like a recipe for Tomato Jam that doesn't have ginger in it please. It tastes a lot like Raspberry Jam. Many thanks.

Averil from New Zealand

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Sponge Painting Cabinets

I painted my kitchen cabinets a Cinnamon Spice color, but now they look bland and boring. Is there anything I can put on top of the paint, like a faux wash of some sort that would make them look better? Can I sponge paint another color over that?

RS3159 from Staten Island, NY

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Recipes for a Mini Crockpot

I purchased a mini crock pot at the local Goodwill Store, I couldn't resist, its so cute. However I can not figure out anything to make in it. I am assuming small appetizers and dips. Does anyone have any recipes they can share with me. Thanks!

monnat96 from Pingree Grove, IL

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Filling Out a W-4

I am a newlywed and a bit confused on how to fill out my W-4. When I was single my employee helped me fill out the W-4, later to realize she put 3 dependents on me so I had to pay the money back. Together we make about 35k. My husband has 1 dependent, I currently have zero dependents and a lot of money is taken out of my check weekly. Will it be fine to put 1 dependent? Since I make more money, I pay most of our cost of living.

Clara from Whittier, CA

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Does My Dog Have Mange?

I think that my dog has mange. She is loosing bits of hair everywhere. What can I do?

Lynn

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Planning a Birthday on a Tight Budget

My daughter wants the best birthday but I don't want the expense to be over my limit. What should I do?

Tatianna

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Cheap Ideas for a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

I'm getting married in May '09 and want to get some cheap ideas for our rehearsal dinner. Should I do it at home or should I pay more and go out?

Becky from FL

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Removing Odor from a Leather Jacket

I am trying to get the terrible chemical smell from my new leather jacket. I have it in a large sealed garbage bag with baking soda in the bottom. Did anyone ever have this solution work? If this doesn't work, did anyone ever really put their leather jacket in a clothes dryer with a fabric softener sheet? I don't want to ruin my jacket by putting it in the dryer. I realize you are supposed to use low heat. Still, I've never heard of doing this. I really like my jacket but I can't wear it until I get the disgusting chemical smell out.

Birdie from MI

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Recommendations for a Steam Mop

I am looking to buy a steam mop and am confused as to which one to buy. Does anyone out there have one and/or can anyone recommend a good one?

az2010 from East Hampton, MA

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Eliminating Carpet Beetles

How do I get rid of carpet beetles? My entire house is infested, I find the shed skins and larvae everywhere. I sweep daily! Now the shed skins are coming out of the heater vents! What can I do to get rid of these black carpet beetles forever?

Heidi from Clearfield, UT

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Removing Odor from a Coffee Pot

I have a Cuisinart coffee maker that I no longer use. I would like to use the thermal pot as it is still good for keeping soup hot etc., but I cannot get the coffee smell out of it. Does anyone have any ideas? I already tried CLR and soda and vinegar. All to no avail. All input appreciated.

Orva from Toronto, Canada

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Instruction Manual For Good Housekeeping Sewing Machine

I bought my wife a Good Housekeeper sewing machine however it didn't have a manual for it. Does anyone know how to find one?

Robert from CA

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Travelling With a Dog

In August, my husband and I will be driving to Missouri from California to take my mom a car. We will be flying back. Along on this trip, we will be taking our 1 year old Pomeranian puppy. We flew on an airplane with him last August and he did great. I am concerned about how he will handle the drive for 2 days straight. Should I be concerned about car sickness? Any suggestions on traveling with my lovely pet will be appreciated.

Teresa from California

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Recipes for One

I am looking for recipes for one person living alone on a fixed income.

Barbara from Evington, VA

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Food Container Ideas

What can I use for food containers without buying ones?

Joanne

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Men's Swimwear with Suspenders

I'm looking for swim wear for my husband. He needs to have water therapy and doesn't have anything appropriate to wear. He has to wear suspenders with his slacks to keep them up so we know that swim trunks would slide right off. I haven't been able to find a wetsuit to fit him because he's very large and they don't make them that big. I was wondering if anyone has seen swim trunks with suspenders built in or where I might find the old-fashioned swimsuits that had the over-the-shoulder straps. Thank you for any help you can give us.

Terri from Indianapolis, IN

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Recipe Using Smoked Sausage

I am looking for a recipe with smoked sausage. I think it has spaghetti sauce, brown sugar and I think pineapple. Can anyone help?

Grace from Washington, PA

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Getting Rid of Weeds in Rocks

I have all rock in my yard, but weeds are coming in like crazy. I need a money-friendly tip to get rid of all of these. It is a huge area, and I have been spraying vinegar, but I may not be using enough. Anything else you can recommend? We have had 80 degree weather after a large rainfall, so that is against me, too.

Susan from CA

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Clear Red Paint

Is there such thing as clear red paint? I just purchased a red glass kitchen canister set and love them! I was just informed that these red sets contain high levels of lead. My question is, if I buy another set identical to this; only clear, if there is a red clear paint I could safely use to paint the clear canisters red? Or better yet, does anyone know where I can find a red glass canister set not made in China that is under $50? Thanks so much!

Victoria from Greenwood, AR

Clear Red Paint

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Winter Tires for Chevy Cobalt

I drive a 2007 SS Chevy Cobalt and need tires for winter. Any suggestions for winter tires?

N.A. from Canada

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Repairing a Hollow Core Door

How do you repair a hole in a hollow core door? I need to repair a 2 in. x 4 in. hole in door. Can it be done without resurfacing the whole face with veneer? Thanks in advance.

Al from Collinsville, IL

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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

Painting Laminate Countertops

Here are the best step by step tips as suggested by the ThriftyFun community for painting over your old laminate countertops. Do you have any advice to share? Post it here!

Painting Laminate Countertops

Be SMART About Your Money
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Those who want to manage their money wisely and be smart consumers need only to learn a few basic rules. It's important to teach children these rules so they grow with the ingrained knowledge about how to care for their earnings and avoid difficult fiscal situations. Leading financial education programs advise people to follow similar guidelines to the ones below. In other words, be SMART about your money.

Be SMART About Your Money

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Daily Thrifty Tips - February 3, 2009

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