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Hello,
I hope everyone had a great weekend. We have lots of new requests that were posted over the weekend, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
Here are the contest winners for the week before last.
Tip Contes Winner
Pictures Help When Buying Parts
By WandaJo from Collierville
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80243501.tip.html
Tips For Eyeglass Wearers
By Kelly Ross from Anchorage, AK
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48601154.tip.html
Photo Contest Winner
Keeping Your Shoes Tied
By Kelley from Albuquerque, NM
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf488528.tip.html
Thank you to everyone that took time to submit tips!
We have a new poll today about Christmas Bonuses: Are you getting a Christmas Bonus this year?
Post your answer: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79418819.tip.html
If you have a tip, recipe or a holiday tradition to share, please submit it here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Have you decorated your house for the holidays? Take a photo of your home or your favorite Christmas decoration here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
If you have made any holiday crafts, submit clear instructions and a photo and we will give you $15 for each craft that we publish. For more information go here (be sure to read the page so you know what we are looking for):
http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
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Today's Photos
| Pretty Boy (Squirrel)
This little guy has been living in my backyard for about a year. You can see he loves to eat at the table and chair I got for him! By Kayray from Plainfield IN Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Nativity Scene from Ornaments
I got these little wooden nativity scene cutouts from Oriental Trading last season after Christmas. I re-found them this year, and decided to paint them up. Well, I didn't have enough paint colors, so I switched to markers and finished them up. They were originally ornaments, so I cut off the strings on top, and made this little diorama because we don't have a nativity scene to put under the tree. I took a small-ish cardboard box, cut the top and pieced it together to make it arched at the top. I then used a glue gun to arrange all the little figures in a scene, and made sure to cover up any logos or mailing info on the box. I did that by cutting up a small paper lunch bag and glueing it on top of the logos and such. I'm really proud of the way this turned out! I might add a bit of raffia to make it look more 'barn-like', but I'm really happy with the way it looks now as well! By Jackie from Feasterville, PA Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Contests!
The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Contest Started! |
Today's Tips
| Thrift Stores For Christmas Decorations
For years, I envied pricey holiday decorations from specialty stores but they weren't in my budget. But in the last few years, I have discovered that THRIFT shops are a great source of really nice and classy holiday stuff. Last weekend, I got a metal Santa, a Mexican tin Christmas tree (I have always admired that Mexican tinware, but it's expensive) and a great candle holder. And it was on SALE at the thrift shop! This is stuff we will have for years to come. And who will have any idea where it came from? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Buying A Christmas Tree
By Ellen Brown For many people, Christmas trees are the focal point of decorating a home for the holidays. The very act of selecting and buying the tree is a special part of the season and another great opportunity to make lasting holiday memories. Before heading out to buy your tree this holiday season, follow these practical tips for selecting and buying the perfect Christmas tree. Tools & Measurements: Don't Leave Home Without ThemBefore you leave the house, know where the tree is going to be positioned and how much room you need. Write down the height and width you need on a piece of paper and take it with you. Don't over buy. A tree can be the right height and still be too wide. Wear a pair of gloves that you don't mind getting full of sap and take along a small hand saw encase you need to do some trimming before you get the tree home. To make the trip extra special for the whole family, give everyone something important to do. Elect someone to be in charge of bringing along a Christmas CD for the car stereo and put someone else in charge of the hot chocolate. Above all, don't forget the camera.Shop Early or Shop OnlineBecause this is around the time many people traditionally decorate for the holidays, the freshest cut trees are usually ready for sale immediately before and after Thanksgiving. As tree supplies dwindle, some retail stores will replenish their stock with fresh shipments. Others will not. Every year is different, so if you have a preferred retailer, ask them when you can expect their freshest trees to be delivered.For people unable to get out and buy Christmas trees the traditional way, you can now shop for your tree online and have it delivered directly to your front door. This is a wonderful gift idea for someone physically unable to get out and buy a tree and it also saves you the time and headache of running around in search of a specific tree type. You won't have to worry about braving the elements, but expect to give up a little more of your Christmas cash for the convenience. If You Were A Christmas Tree, Which Type Would You Be?All pine trees and evergreen trees each possess their own unique physical qualities and characteristics. For example Noble fir, Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Douglass fir and Scotch Pines typically retain their needles the longest. The light scent and feathery dark green foliage of the Leyland Cypress is excellent for people with allergies, while the Balsam fir is highly aromatic. Do some research before you leave home so you know what type of tree you're looking for. According to National Christmas Tree Association polls, here are the favorite top 10 Christmas Tree species sold in North America. Remember that only some of these will be available in your area.#1. Fraser Fir
Shopping Tree LotsThe most important thing to keep in mind when shopping tree lots is to test for freshness before you buy. Take the tree out into the light and look for any outward signs of dryness like a musty smell, brown needles or excessive needle loss. The needles on a fresh pine tree will be green and pliable when you bend them. The needles on a fir tree should be green and snap crisply when bent. Give the tree a good shake. If more than a few needles fall off, select another tree. If you can't find one, go to another lot.Shopping Tree FarmsA trip to a tree farm is a trip to the country, so be prepared. Expect to be walking over uneven snowy ground and the possibility of frosty weather. Most tree farms will provide you with a saw and are happy to "blow" your tree of free needles and wrap it in a net before helping you strap it onto the roof of your car. Still, it's best to call ahead and ask about services and pricing (and if you can bring the dog) so you avoid encountering any unexpected surprises.Buying A "Living Tree"Finally, if you're in a growing zone where the soil doesn't freeze, consider buying a "living" Christmas tree. These are trees that come set in a container or pot (roots wrapped) and can be decorated and kept indoors briefly over the holidays (usually no longer than 10 days) and then planted outdoors. What a wonderful family legacy to look out on a yard of full living Christmas pasts!Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fresh Soft Pretzel
Shape refrigerated bread dough into a 15 inch rope; twist into a pretzel shape. Brush lightly with some egg white from 1 egg, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste) and bake at 350 degrees F in a toaster oven until golden, 9-10 minutes. Prep time: 5 min. 2 points for Weight Watchers By Evelyn from Greeley, CO Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dog Food For Almost Nothing
Yahoo! I am riding high! The reason is, I am getting dog food for almost nothing! It really pays to hang on to those high-value coupons! A dog food manufacturer put this one out a couple of weeks ago. It is good for a free four-pound bag up to $5 OR $5 off an 8-pound or larger bag. At one store they didn't carry the 4-pound bag, and the 8-pound bag is $7.99. But at the second store, they had the 8-pounder for $5.19! Needless to say, nineteen cents for eight pounds of good name-brand dog food is a deal! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Serving Coffee at Holiday Gatherings
For Thanksgiving, we had a number of guests at our dinner tables. Rather than purchase a coffee maker that brews large quantities and which would just sit on the shelf (or in the attic as I have no storage space left on the shelves in the kitchen) for the rest of the year, I made coffee in the 4 cup coffee maker a few times and emptied it into a pot on the stove. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Expensive Gifts Are Not What Christmas Is About
I came from a poor family, so did my husband and our parents. We never looked for charity at Christmas or any other time. I think people need to really think about what is most important, not a TON of toys, getting a GAMEBOY or all that other popular stuff. I've found most children delight to getting anything, from a homemade doll, even a made doll bed. My mother did that, she said one year that money was tight, so she got me the doll, but made the doll bed from a oatmeal container and a box. It was beautiful, she covered it with fabric and trim. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Easy Cure For Itchy Feet
For years I've worn running shoes and suffered the consequences with itchy feet. Lately, however, I've discovered a cheap and easy secret for keeping my feet clean and itch free. Use one drop of ultra Palmolive dish soap. Specifically, the anti-stress, aromatherapy, Lavender and Ylang Ylang Palmolive soap. Rub it on your feet before going to bed at night. It dries quickly, stops itchy feet, smells nice and it washes off in the shower. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Milk Crate Furniture
My neighbor's mother used milk crates to form all her furniture. Yep, those ugly blue crates. From them, she made a full size bed. She just laid them out evenly and put the top mattress on top. She used them to make a desk top, TV stand, end tables. She also used the crates that 2 liter pop bottles came in and I think she found some at garage sales. It takes a lot but I have heard also of college kids using them. She moved here from out of state, it was a cheap way to furnish her apartment. I guess some will do almost anything to make do. Sometimes anything is worth a try. These are also available in stores but they may not be as sturdy. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
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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New Requests
| Winter Party Ideas
I am going to be 17 shortly and i was planning on having a party with about 40 people. It's winter and I live in buffalo and I don't know what to do. Please post some ideas! They'd be greatly appreciated! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Super Glue on Granite
How do I remove super glue from granite counter-top? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Question About Using Picasa
Does Picasa go into other photo files to pick up the pictures? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| The Left Side of My Face Hurts
I recently drank too much wine at a party. A week later, I have severe pain in my sinuses, mouth and throat on the left side of my face. Is this just a coincidence? The doctor thought I had strep, but I tested negative. Even my teeth hurt! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Drilling a Hole in a Mirror
Can i drill a hole in a mirror? I would like to mount a store bought metal sculpture (intended for hanging on a wall) onto a large mirror that is glued to the wall. Thank you for any help. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Shoe Color Advice
I'm wearing red and black sweater with black shirt, should I wear red or black shoes. And if I wear red shoes should I wear black or sheer hose? This is a christmas party I'm attending. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tying Bows
I need to know how to tie a neat bow for Christmas, decorating, just simple regular bow. Some step by step instructions would be great. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Sand Fleas
How can I prevent getting bit by sand fleas (aka sand gnats) they are different than "no see ums? Anyone who lives on the coast in Georgia knows what I am talking about. What can I use to stop them from bitting me and my family? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Matching Paint Colors for Touch Ups
I'm trying to match the white ceiling paint on our ceilings. The old owners didn't leave the old paint behind and I got some red from the walls on the ceiling and I don't want to paint all of it. Please Help - any tips would be great! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Textra Stains on Clothing
Is there any way to remove texta (art line pen) stains from t-shirts? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Pumpkin Rolls
Does the cake have to be a certain width to make the pumpkin roll. I had trouble rolling the cake and it keeps breaking in half using the cookie sheet. Any advice? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tempura Paint Stain on Roman Blinds
I have tempura paint - the block paint that is mixed with water to make a powdery type paint, on my roman blinds which are poly cotton backed with blockout lining - triple pass. I have tried to sponge off the stain to no avail. Is there any way of removing? The blinds cannot be dry cleaned or washed - only spot cleaning. Help! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Storing and Using Garlic
I recently read where it is dangerous to cut up garlic and keep in oil because it can cause Botulism. I buy diced garlic already in oil in a jar, and cut up fresh garlic sometimes and add to the same jar. It has concerned me, because I love to use Garlic a lot in my cooking. Any advice or ideas on a safer method? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Urine Stains on a Mattress
Is there a way to remove an old urine stain from mattress? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Musty Odor on a Mink Coat
I have a mink coat that I just got out of a storage company. It has a musty odor. I brought it back and they cleaned it and it still has the odor. Can you tell me what it may be? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Smoky Mountain Mineral Makeup
Where can I find Smoky Mountain Mineral Makeup other than ebay? I don't really like using ebay to purchase things. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Blood Stains on Clothing
How do I clean blood stains on denim? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Christmas Presents for Parents
What are some good Christmas presents to make for parents? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Satin Ball Ornaments
I am looking for Satin Ball Ornaments and I have looked everywhere.. Can anyone help? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Toilet Tissue Holder
Do you have any ideas on how to make a toilet tissue paper holder easily? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Grease Splatters Off Walls
I need advice about how to clean grease splatters on glossy paint around stove? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Iron Mark on a Mattress
Is there a way to remove an iron mark from a mattress (lightly scorched)? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Silver
Tips for cleaning silver: I need to know a easy way to clean silver, is there a homemade recipe or what product will not scratch it. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Kitten Not Using The Litter Box
We have 2 kittens of uncertain age. They are at least 4 or 5 months old. They have used the litterbox since we brought them home, with one little problem. One, or both, leave their little messes on the floor around the litterbox. We keep the litterbox clean, and we put them in the litterbox when we see one of them trying to poo on the floor. They only do it around the litterbox. Nothing seems to help. I get so tired of cleaning up the messes! Any ideas? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Transplanting a Euonymus Shrub
How and when can I transplant a Euonymus Shrub? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| When did the first Michael's arts and craft store in California?
I need to know the exact date the first Michael's arts and craft store in california opened. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Mildew Spots on Sheets
Thanks to all for the hints posted to my last question (re: mildew oder), But what I should have said was mildew SPOTS! How do you get mildew spots off sheets? Anymore help out there? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Juice Pouch Sandals
Does anyone have the pattern for the sandals made from juice pouches? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Willow Tree Near Our Homes Foundation
I have a willow tree about 12-15 feet from the house and the base of the trunk is about 12 inches. I understand the roots can enter water systems, but can they also impact house foundations? To prevent any potential damage I am uncertain whether it is best to remove the tree now or to just manage its growth. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tax Receipts for Thrift Store Donations
The sales person who gave me a receipt for donation in the thrift shop refused to put an amount on it if it worth less than $500. Now I have 3 receipts which indicate only number of shopping bags. What amount will I put as a TAX deduction? Post Feedback: Click Here |
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
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