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Vol. 8, Num. 29, February 11, 2009 (Read It Online) Here are the contest winners for last week... Photo Contest Winner Garden: Paint a Village of Rocks Isobel shares a clever way to decorate rocks! Pet Contest Winner In Memory of B'Louie (Procambarus Alleni) B'Louie certainly is one beautiful Crayfish! Tip Contest Winners Simple Household Bookkeeping System This is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to organize your bank statements and receipts. Valentine's Day Candy Bar Treat A sweet and clever Valentine's Day idea. Recipe Contest Winner Curry Butternut Squash This is a tasty recipe using Butternut Squash. Thank you to everyone that took time to share something! Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
Don't forget that even if it's cold, beauty will be there...
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Rate It: Be Creative When Hanging Pictures You don't always have to hang your pictures at eye level. I have two "half walls" separating my kitchen from my family room. These two little walls needed something to jazz them up so I hung two of my 'Gregg Brown' prints on the short walls and and long/narrow print on the tall wall. All of the prints have basically the same theme which is fruits and vegetables and coordinate very well together in my kitchen.
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Rate It: This could be all sorts of categories, but for me it was safety. Having Parkinsons, I find showering sometimes harrowing. Shower mats get yukky and the peel and stick don't last long. So, I came up with something that is safe and can be used in any shower.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Three Surprise Hearts My husband purchased 3 hearts (4x3 inches) at a craft shop. He knotted them all together with a fancy knot (Sapajou). He put our names on them and surprised me by hanging them on our kitchen door! Approximate Time: 30 minutes Supplies:
Instructions: Drill holes 1/2 from the middle of the hearts (below the top center point) and paint them red. Knot one end of the rope. String rope through each heart. Bring the knotted end of the rope up to the other end of the rope. Space each heart approximately 22 inches apart. Between each heart, pull the center of the rope so that you have a loop. The unknotted end of the rope should be looped as well to match the two loops. Take the knotted end and wrap around the loops about 6 to 7 times from top to bottom, leaving the wraps slightly loose because the knotted end needs to be slid in between the wraps so the knot comes out the top of the wrap. Pull the knotted end while holding the bottom of the wrap so that the wrap tightens around the loops. Adjust loops and hearts as needed to align hearts in top to bottom order. Click Here for the Three Surprise Hearts diagram and instructions. By Sally from Buffalo, NY
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Rate It: Bugsy is a 5 year old Boston Terrier that we got from an Amish family in Oden, Indiana in 2004.
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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!
Mark Keyboard With Glue to Find Commonly Used Keys I have been typing for many years, but I still find I have to look for some keys. For instance, F11 is a great key to maximize a page, but I always have to look for it, until now! I applied a few dabs of hot glue carefully to the key. Now when I want 'F11' I can feel it rather than look for it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72217277.tip.html
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Rate It: Clean Blinds With Magic Eraser I admit I am a bit of a clean freak. I hate dust, streaky glass, spotted stainless steel and appliances. Therefore, I was in quite a state with dirty/dusty blinds (36 windows worth) and an ivory leather couch (what were we thinking) that was dirty and dingy. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69629427.tip.html
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Rate It: With the jobless rate soaring and the media reporting only the bad news, it's easy to get depressed if you are looking for a job. My husband and I have both been in the job search for over a year and the one thing that has made a huge difference in our attitudes and job searching abilities is the local Joblink. This resource is amazing! Besides having the inside scoop to many job listings, the Joblink provides resume assistance, computers, fax machines, copiers, phones, books, classes, and job fairs all for FREE! But the number one resource is SUPPORT! We both attend a job club every week and the networking and support that it provides is unmatched. And when you find a job (like my husband just did), the people there are genuinely happy for you. You can find your local Job Link through the unemployment website or online. If you are unemployed for any reason, get a positive support system in place first, it can save your life. By Patricia from Cocoa, FL Editor's Note: There appears to be Job Links associated with many of the state governments. If you don't have a Job Link in your area, check your State's website to see what other unemployment resources they might have available. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57404920.tip.html
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Rate It: Safe and Friendly Drain Cleaner To safely clean drains, I pour baking soda into the drain followed by table salt. If the clog isn't bad, I just use cold water to flush it down. If the clog is bad, you will need to use boiling water. Since this will not harm pipes or the environment, you can use this weekly to keep drains from becoming clogged. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16363715.tip.html
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Rate It: Valentine's Day Tradition: A Home Cooked Meal My husband has everything and is difficult to buy for. So, on Valentine's Day every year, I make him a fancy, multi-course meal that I research a couple weeks ahead of time. I create a festive menu on my word processor complete with cupid clip-art and fancy fonts one week before V-Day. Then, I post the menu in an highly visible location on the wall. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50186727.tip.html
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Rate It: No Need for Extra Oil When Frying Ground Beef When frying hamburger meat, instead of using grease or oil, rub the skillet inside with the hamburger meat. This way you don't have to use oil or grease. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95545244.tip.html
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Rate It: I save a lot of money on pizza by buying a plain cheese with nothing but cheese and tomato sauce on it add our favorite ingredients. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49226454.tip.html
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Rate It: Make Your Own Nut and Seed Milks Not only are nut and seed milks much better for you then cow's milk but also very easy to digest as opposed to the dairy alternative. Perfect for those with soy allergies and who are lactose intolerant. They are also very simple to make! I use these often and make oatmeal every morning with them! Also great for baking, making hot chocolate, anything you'd use milk for! Almond Milk
Ingredients
Directions
Blend soaked almonds with water (the more water you use the less creamy, the less water the more creamy). Strain through a cheesecloth and then stir in salt and sweetener if using. Cashew Milk
Same recipe as above but use unsalted raw cashews and there is no need to strain this one! It's a lot creamier. If you make it with 2 cups of water it'll be as thick as half and half cream. Sunflower Seed Milk
Same as almond milk but use unsalted raw sunflower seeds. Strain through a cheesecloth as well. Sesame Seed Milk
Ingredients
Directions
Blend and strain if desired. You can also use 2 Tbsp. of *tahini(sesame seed paste) instead of the sesame seed. Rice Milk
Rice isn't technically a nut or seed but thought I'd add it in here. Rice milk isn't my favorite (I find it a bit gooey), but some people might really love this! Ingredients
Directions
Mix in a blender till smooth. Let the milk set for about 30 minutes, then without shaking pour the milk into another container (glass jar is good) leaving most of the sediment in the first container. Source: Written by me. Recipes from various sources. By Lisa from Halifax, NS
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Rate It: Shop at ALDI's for Grocery Savings We have become regular ALDI shoppers because of the consistently low prices for very good quality products. For those who aren't familiar with this name, it is a company based in Germany and has been around Europe for quite a while. While many people are put off because of their warehouse style of display and no bags or credit cards, as our economy becomes more and more tenuous, these "inconveniences" will not be quite so distasteful. Yesterday on the Clark Howard radio talk show, he was discussing this very topic and put numbers with it. He said that ALDI is across the board 20% lower in their prices than the big discount grocery stores we are accustomed to. Their house brand of double stuffed chocolate cookies were selected 100% of the time over the name brand ones in a blind taste test. If there's one anywhere near you, you might want to give it a try. By Sandy from Elon, NC Editor's Note: Here is a link to Aldi's, if you want to check to see if there is one in your area. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87868847.tip.html
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I have trouble opening puzzle boxes neatly. Jigsaw puzzles come in boxes which are sealed under on all four sides. After I open it the ends are jagged and the box is not neat on the bottom anymore. Does anybody have tips for opening the seal of jigsaw puzzle boxes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32686840.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know how to make a loom for making potholders. I have 2 grandsons and would like to teach them how to do this. I don't want to go to the expense of buying 2 looms. Thanks for any suggestions you may have. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80400707.tip.html
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Rate It: Adjusting Sewing Machine Feed Dogs The feed dogs on my sewing machine won't stay up and I wonder how to adjust them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40941084.tip.html
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Rate It: Wind-Up Music Boxes for Stuffed Animals Where can I find wind-up music boxes for stuffed animals? I am looking specifically for "You Are My Sunshine" and "Teddy Bear's Picnic". Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11067743.tip.html
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Rate It: Making a Cardboard Wishing Well How do you make a wishing well out of cardboard? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98332482.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid of a Kerosene Drum I would like to know how to get rid of a kerosene drum. It still has kerosene in it. Please help. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55067184.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Logos from a Leather Jacket I plan on painting my leather jacket with fabric paint that I use to make T-shirts. Ironically enough my question is, if I wanted to change what was on my jacket, logos etc. how would I get that paint off? I figured I'd ask as a different question since the other similar ones were concerned with paint spills and obviously less paint applied to the article of clothing. Thank you! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95672313.tip.html
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Rate It: My dog, a Newfoundland and Border Collie mix, spends a lot of time biting his feet. The vet recommends Benadryl and Prednazone to stop it. I would like to find a natural and healthier solution to the problem. Can anyone help? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42125599.tip.html
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Rate It: Afghan Pattern for a Serenity Loom I have a serenity loom and I lost the instructions. Does anyone know where I can get instructions or patterns for an afghan using this loom? Thanks a bunch! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44117064.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a homemade orange citrus cleaner recipe that really smells like oranges and cleans as well as a store bought. Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94537534.tip.html
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Rate It: Flower Arrangement in a Sundae Glass I am looking for instructions on making a flower arrangement in an ice cream sundae glass. I have seen them and they are really cute but expensive to buy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79213060.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have an easy way to clean fireplace brick? Also, living in the south we have a lot of humid days even in the winter. Does anyone know of a way to keep the fireplace smell away during those humid days? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78017835.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Peanut Oil from Vinyl Siding About two months ago I used my turkey fryer with peanut oil in it. I left it out over night due to my neglect. Well that night we had wind and rain and the rain filled up my cooker and the wind blew the used peanut oil onto my vinyl siding. I've tried dishwashing soap and heavy duty degreaser but it did not come off. Can someone help me? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53241741.tip.html
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Rate It: Planning a Ladies Tea at Church I'm planning a Ladies Tea at my church and would like to have a Rainbow Tea. I need information to help get started. Can I use colors other than the primary colors? What is the significance of the colors? Any ideas on programs? Thanks for any information! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83068965.tip.html
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Rate It: Dog Food Brand Recommendations What is a healthy and affordable food brand for teacup/toy chihuahuas? I am in a tight budget and can't afford to spend a lot of money on food for my little babies. I was buying them Eukanuba. But they were finishing this really fast. I leave home around 6am and leave their tray full. By the time I come back 5pm it's empty so I refill it. Sometimes I have to refill for the 3rd time before I go to bed. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44926273.tip.html
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Rate It: I'm 21 and really into making stuff. I have a big wedding dress that I bought as a Halloween costume, its a bit dirty but still in perfect shape. It has no tags and its too expensive to get dry cleaned (80 pounds). I love the fabric and its shape and want to convert it into a trendier dress by dying it electric blue but I'm having trouble finding the right color. So what I want to know how to clean it and if it can be dyed? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88988389.tip.html
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Rate It: Finding an Organization for Senior Women There is a nation-wide organization with the word Federation in it. It employs senior women at a very small salary to work as "grandmas" in kindergarten classes assisting teachers. I can't find anything online and wondering if anyone can help me find the full name. Thanks so much. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46981722.tip.html
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Rate It: Calculating Fabric for Table Runners I have 20 60 in. round tables that I would like to have runners for. I would like to make them myself unless I could find them cheaper to buy. My dilemma is how much material is needed and where online is the best site to purchase it. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51404120.tip.html
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Rate It: Electric Skillet Dinner Recipes I recently moved in with my boyfriend and there isn't a stove/oven in this apartment. I am so used to one and its a challenge at times. I have managed to make Enchiladas, Stuffed Manicotti, Alfredo, and normal things like burgers. I am dying to cook more but don't know where to start. We are on a strict budget as well, so that puts a damper on things. Oh how I miss my frozen pizzas. Someone help, please! I would like dinner recipes for an electric skillet. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73341358.tip.html
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Rate It: Can vanilla be grown in Egypt? I am starting a small horticultural business on the Red Sea Coast. Does anyone have information that would direct me to find out if this is possible? Do you know of any websites that have information on this subject for Egypt? I tried to find information from the Egyptian Agriculture Ministry but no luck. Would a green house with irrigation be OK for vanilla production? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58910949.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Something Stuck in the Dishwasher I know there is something that is stuck in the bottom of our dishwasher. I can hear it "crunching" when the dishwasher get to a certain point in the cycle. I had an appliance man here but because it wasn't making the noise at the time. I should have thought to have it run until it got to that point. He couldn't fix it. He said it would be a "big issue" to pull it out. Is there any way to find what the culprit is without pulling it out? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59860722.tip.html
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Rate It: I am a homeschooling parent of a 5th grader. I thought it might be fun to learn to churn our own butter (the only problem is that I don't know how). Does anyone have a recipe and directions? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54652922.tip.html
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Rate It: I want to know how to make liqueur chocolates at home. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43236294.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you get wood stain out of blue jeans? We were staining a desk and I got stain on my new blue jeans. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30716839.tip.html
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Rate It: I have 2 Shih Tzu's, a 6 pound female age 1 and a male age 10 months. I am having potty training troubles and I am getting discouraged with them. The female was doing great, then took a turn for the worse. She is very finicky about the weather but I do make her go outside. If I use pee pee pads inside she uses these no problem, but as far as going outside she will but she still has accidents in the house. The male is a little better than the female. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33579949.tip.html
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Rate It: What color should I paint my kitchen walls? I have black appliances, brown/tan granite countertops, and a 50's style red and chrome table with chairs. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf342905.tip.html
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Rate It: I live in a manufactured (double-wide) home. The walls are vinyl-coated panels with strips of vinyl-coated wood at the meeting of two panels. I'd like to remove the strips, then re-surface and paint the walls. I'm thinking of using a technique which comprises painting the walls, applying crinkled tissue paper to the wet paint, then painting a second coat. I'd apply spackle to the gaps, then apply the tissue. Is this feasible? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16832224.tip.html
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Rate It: I moved and the washer I am using is leaving my colored clothes dingy, I can't get them clean. I read to use Iron Out on whites. Can you also use it on colored clothes? What would be best for soaking my colored clothes? They are mostly my 4 year old daughter's clothes. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf664488.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know a solution to use to clean hardwood floors? The floors are sealed. I have smudge marks all over them from attempting to clean them with pledge for hardwood floors. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000724.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:
Intermatic Recalls Digital Timers Due to Shock Hazard Hazard: The recalled timers can have a faulty ground connection, posing a shock hazard to consumers.
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79588852.tip.html
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Rate It: Playland International Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard Hazard: The metal around the weld at the top of the swing frame can fail, causing the top bar to fall, posing a fall and impact hazard to the user or by-standers.
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38901390.tip.html
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Rate It: Dorel Juvenile Group Recalls Safety 1st Stair Gates Due to Fall Hazard Hazard: The hinges that hold the stair gate in place can break, posing a fall hazard to children if the gate is placed at the top of the stairs.
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Rate It: Bicycles with R-SYS Wheel Rims Recalled by Mavic USA Due to Crash Hazard Hazard: The spokes on the bicycle's front wheel rim can break during use, posing a fall and crash hazard to riders.
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Rate It: Children's Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled by Jerry Leigh of California Due to Strangulation Hazard Hazard: The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
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Rate It: My Frugal Life: Shop With a Target Price in Mind
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22914900.tip.html
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