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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Pencil Jar As Gift

Here is a cute idea I made for my children's teachers. This can be used as a vase for fresh cut flowers (or even an artificial bouquet) or even as a pencil/pen container.

I found some straight sided glass jars as the thrift store for 15 cents each. I bought (2) 24 ct. packages of the 97 cent papermate wooden pencils at Wal-mart and hot glues them all around the jar. Then I attached a ribbon & bow (again with hot glue) and some miniature tree teacher/school ornaments (bought at Hobby Lobby during the 50% off sale) and voila! Pretty gifts for the teachers at around $5 each!

You could use a different ribbon and decorations and it would also be nice for co-workers in an office setting!

By Renee from Dickinson, TX

Pencil Jar As Gift

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Puddles (Yorkshire Terrier)

Puddles a 3 year old Yorkshire Terrier. I got him from a pet shop when a baby.

He loves to help mom with house work, keeps floor clean from crumbs and helps with the dishes.

By Bonnie from Port Coquitlam

Puddles (Yorkshire Terrier)

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Craft: Greeting Card Finger Puppets

This is a no-cost project that will occupy your kids for a while.

Greeting Card Finger Puppets

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Craft: Jingle Bell Ring Ornament

Cute Christmas ornament made from bells and wire.

Jingle Bell Ring Ornament

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Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Simple Oatmeal Face Mask

You will need oatmeal and water. Mix it together and put it on your face for 9 minutes and soon you'll have a smooth face! I saw this in a movie Called Cadet Kelly.

By Taylor from Warsaw, KY

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Before Buying Online, Look for Coupon Codes

Before purchasing anything from an online retailer, search the Internet for coupon codes for that retailer. You can save a lot of money just by taking a few minutes to look for a discount. It is well worth it.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Reuse Entire Juice Concentrate Container

The container itself makes a great pen holder, it even can hold pair of scissors. The lid can be used as a picture magnet. Take a photo, cut it to fit the lid, glue a magnet on the back and stick it to the fridge.

By Dawn from Studio City, CA

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Decorate Cheap Plain Paper Tableware With Holiday Stickers

The cost of holiday napkins, cups, etc. is more than you need to pay. You can get the same effect for much less by buying your paper goods at the dollar store and decorating them with holiday themed stickers. This also works for kids themed birthday parties.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Java Sleeves/Coffee Cozies

These sleeves are great! Store them in your purse or bag and when you go out for coffee, you won't need a coffee sleeve anymore. Save a few trees! Ideally it's best to bring our own cup too, though often times we forget, which is why these sleeves are fantastic. These are easily stored in a purse or bag and can be left there all the time. Here's how you make them:

Materials

Existing Cardboard Coffee Sleeve from a local coffee shop (this will be your pattern)
Some tracing paper
Scrap material (recycle used clothes or denim jeans!)
Batting
Velcro
Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions

Take the cardboard sleeve and open it up carefully. Trace it onto the paper, then pin some material to it and cut out the pattern. You may use two different material types to do this. Sew the two pieces inside out leaving a little space for the batting. Put a layer of batting inside and sew it up. Place velcro on the ends to attach. You can also use buttons or snaps but velcro seems to work best and is easier. That's it! Feel free to adorn it with other pieces of material, buttons, patches or anything else you can think of!

Can't sew? You can reuse old socks to make these! Cut out the middle of a sock and use it as a coffee sleeve. Make sure the socks are rather thick though. Thermal ones are good! You can even dye the sock a cool colour and iron on patches to make it more interesting. You can also crochet or knit these coffee sleeves too!

Enjoy :)

Source: These are my own directions for making a coffee sleeve. The idea was taken from several places on the internet.

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Handy Uses for Address Labels

Address labels can be used a number of ways. Stick one on the bottom of a dish of food you're taking to a potluck. Carry some in your wallet for that unexpected sweepstakes promotion you see in a grocery store. Keep some in your vehicle's glovebox compartment, for that greeting card, etc., you forgot to mail. Anything to keep you from having to handwrite your name and address over and over.

By Terri H. from NV

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Frugal Winter Canned Salsa

This is a recipe I came up with when wanting to make salsa in the winter and give them as gifts too! Makes about 8 250ml jars! This recipe cost me about $6 which means a gift salsa jar costs me 75 cents if I used recycled jars (which I did!)

For canning, you can use most commercial pasta and salsa jars. As long as the jar has a pop top (when you press in the middle of the lid, it pops), then you can use it for canning. I save all my jars so I can do this.

Ingredients

5 cans 28 oz. diced tomatoes
1/2 cup vinegar
6 cloves garlic
3 onions
1 tsp chili sauce or hot sauce
1 tsp salt
2 green peppers - diced small
1 jalepeno pepper (optional)

Directions

Put all the ingredients in a large pot, bring to a boil then heat on med-low for 30 minutes. Place in canning jars and process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Source: This is my own recipe.

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Potato Candy

This candy has been in our family ever since I was a small child. We all love it and it is easy to make. It is called potato candy. This the recipe 1 small potato - 1 (1lb) box powdered sugar- peanut butter. Peel and boil potato until tender. Mash with powdered sugar. Roll on flat surface and spread with thin coat of peanut butter. Roll like a jelly roll. Chill at least one hour and slice into thin strips.

Carol from Missouri.

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Nancy was studying to be a counselor always went into her counseling sessions with an ear muff over one ear.

After a while the supervisor became very curious and asked her about it.

She replied, "It's for confidentiality."

"Confidentiality?" asked the bewildered supervisor.

"Yes, confidentiality," Nancy explained, "I've been told what goes in one of my ears comes out the other, and I don't want anyone else knowing what my client says."

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

Painting Walls with Dark Oak Cabinets

I would like advice on what color to paint my kitchen. I have dark oak cabinets, brown counter tops and black appliances. The current paint color is chili pepper red. I love it but I am wondering if I should go lighter.

Lori from Champlin, MN

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Severe Back Pain

Does anyone know how to get rid of severe back pain. I go to a Chiropractor, I have used moist heat, dry heat, ice; you name it! The muscles are in spasm to the point that the only way I can get comfortable is laying flat on my back on the bed with a heating pad underneath me. But that's no way to live, especially when I have a puppy named Lilli (see articles on her) who needs daily exercise. I can't even take her for walks.

Hearts1 from San Diego, CA

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Mold and Mildew in Vehicle Carpet

How do I remove mold and mildew from carpets in a vehicle?

Pdavwelch from New Mexico

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Removing Oil from a Leather Chair

Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove oil from a leather chair?

smoochie

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Old Dirty Dishes in Dishwasher

My sister has a problem with dirty dishes left in her dishwasher. She has been having renovations done to her condo, and before she could run the dishwasher, her building crew turned off the water. Now the dishes have been in there a while and she's afraid that there will be a lasting odor in the dishwasher. I told her to run the cycle with a box of baking soda in it, but maybe some one out there has a tried and true solution.

smoochie

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Razor Rash and Bumps

Does anyone have any tips for treating and preventing razor bumps and razor rash on my neck?

Thanks,
LS

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Putting Decals On Wood

Hello everyone, I am new to this site and was wondering if anyone could help me with how to put rub on decals onto wood, as I have been trying to add small pictures to my pyrography (woodburning) and they don't seem to be working for me. :(

Jan

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Is There a Brush On Then Hose Off Brass Polish?

I have an outdoor garden eagle solid brass, Measures 4' high x 5' wing span. It is quite detailed, to hard to try and polish! Is there any solution or mixture that could be brushed on and hosed off to bring back the brilliant luster? Thanks for any idea's.

John from Sunrise Beach, MO

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Dryer Magic Dryer Balls

Who makes Dryer Magic dryer balls with Life-time Guarantee? I purchased these at the Wisconsin State Fair in August 07. They came in a tower-type 6-sided box. They are not the same as the ones I purchased last year. They are very hard and snag my good towels. I don't know how to contact the maker. I should have gone back to the store where I got the first ones.

Terry from Green Bay, WI

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Recipe for Outside Window Cleaner

Can anyone give me a recipe for window washing solution that can be used for outside windows in the winter? I just moved into a new home and the windows are filthy.

Clark12

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Robotic Rug Cleaner on Vinyl Floor

Will a Robotic rug cleaner clean a vinyl floor?

Mary from Grapeview, WA

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Recipes for a Juice Extractor

I just purchased a juice extractor. Do you have any recipes for juicing? I've only been juicing pears and carrots. I also find it kind of hard to clean.

Onesummer

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Cookies Not Spreading When Baking

My cookies are not spreading at all. What is going on? This just started happening in the last year. Can any one help me?

Marleen from Las Vegas, Nevada

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Bathtub Plug Linkage Broken

I have a bathtub with a concealed plug that's activated from the overflow cover. The linkage broke at the small hook where it attaches to the plug.

My question is how do I remove the plug (which is in the closed position) from the drain so I can replace the linkage? In the alternative, is there any way I can move the plug out of the way so the drain will run? This tub is NEVER used for baths.

Thanks for your help.

Bill from Cincinnati, OH

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Getting Rid of Static in Hair

I need advice. My hair has lots of static electricity. I always use a conditioner rinse. What can I do to get rid of the fly away hair in my face?

Donna from Millbury, Oh

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Repairing Scratches on Mirrors

Is there any product at all that can repair scratches on mirrors? I'm just sick: we just installed new mirrored doors on one of our closets; there were a couple of places where there were dirt marks just on the surface; glass cleaner and paper towels didn't do the job.

So I used a special scrubbing pad that is SUPPOSED to be safe to use on glass or mirrors, HA! Well it scratched my new mirrors! I checked at the hardware store and the clerk said there is nothing that will fix the scratches, but I thought I'd check with the ThriftyFun community before I give up.

Lynn from Chico, CA

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4th Birthday Party Ideas

I'm looking for ideas for my daughter's 4th birthday party. She has had Dora, Hello Kitty and Princess party already.

The party will be indoors and there will be both boys and girls. She likes ballet and dancing but with boys coming to the party I did not want to have an Angelina Ballerina party. Her birthday is in January, which means after Christmas. Money is limited so, I'm looking for affordable ideas.

Claudia from Houston, TX

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Making a Base for Fragrance Oil Reed Diffusers

How do I make the base for the fragrance oil used in the reed diffusers?

P Sanders from Deep South Mississippi

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Using Listerine For Toe Fungus

Can someone please tell me that if you use Listerine on your toe fungus - can you reuse the same Listerine again. I soaked in it but it is so expensive to buy, I do not want to keep buying it.

Leila from Australia

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Looking For Parts For Old Guardian Service Cookware

I'm looking for a company that sells "over pressure plugs", "seal rings" and "pressure gauges" for the old guardian service cookware anyone know of a company anywhere that sells these?

Kristi from Southern Ohio

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How to Open Nail Glue

I don't know how to open nail glue. Will you PLEASE tell me how to open it?

Ida from Richmond, VA

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Advice For Severely Itchy Skin

My husband suffers from severely itchy skin. I've tried expensive soaps and sprays, but they haven't worked. Any other ideas? Thank you !

Kris from Randolph, MA

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Keep Necklaces From From Getting Tangled

I am looking for a way to store my necklaces. Jewelry boxes are so expensive. Right now I have a jewelry box but my necklaces get all tangled up in the drawer. Any one have any suggests for a neat and nice way to store my nice necklaces? I also have two cats, so they can't be within reach of them either.

Thanks in advance!

Kathy from Wooster, Ohio

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Unemployment Advice

I'm 27 years old and I just got fired from my job. I can get unemployment but that only last so long. When I had unemployment before it took me forever to find a new job. I'm just worried that I won't be able to find a job. Any suggestions that would help me through this tough time would be appreciated.

April from Henderson, NV

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Purchasing a Steam Cleaner

I am thinking about purchasing a steam cleaner for the carpet because of the dog. Suggestions? Warnings?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Help Identifying This Plant

We have had this tree like plant in our house for almost two decades and all of a sudden in the past couple years it sprouted flowers out of the top of it with a clear sticky sap. It smells wonderful! It happens between fall and winter every year since we moved it's location to a very sunny room. I am unsure what this plant is and if it is supposed to bear any type of fruit from the flowering. Any help to identify it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Angela from Cleveland, Ohio

Help Identifying This Plant

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Orange Juice on Faux Silk Rug

My faux silk rug had orange juice spilled on it and it dried. The rug is antique and I'm afraid of damage. Any ideas on how to get it off and also clean the whole rug.

Mary

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Crochet Pot Scrubber

I would like the pattern for crocheted nylon net pot scrubbies, starting out with a chain five.

Lilynun from Paragould, AR

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Caring for Orchids in the Winter

When do orchids stop blooming and how do you care for them in the winter?

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Rebekah from Shelbyville, KY

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Full Dinners That Can be Frozen and Reheated

I am looking for recipes for dinners that can be put in divided plates and frozen. Any ideas? My parents have take out every night. I want to make it so they can put the dinner in the microwave, still be eating healthy and not much effort on their part.
Thanks for your help!

Patti

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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

Three Holiday Fudges

Basic Fudge

Have everything prepared and ready to go. All three fudges start the same way: line an 8x8-inch pan with a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to hang over the edges. Grease heavily with butter. Set aside.

Caring For A Christmas Cactus

How do I care for my Christmas Cactus? Advice from the ThriftyFun community.

Caring For A Christmas Cactus

CPSC Warns: Avoid Hazards Related to Holiday Decorating

Holiday decorations, like candles and Christmas trees, add to the festive mood of the season; but when decorations are not used properly, they can result in fires, injuries and death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging families to keep safety in mind when stringing holiday lights, purchasing Christmas trees, and lighting candles this holiday season.

CPSC Warns: Avoid Hazards Related to Holiday Decorating

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Daily Thrifty Tips - December 7, 2007

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