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Vol. 8, Num. 69, April 8, 2009 (Read It Online) Earth is coming up. Do you have any recycled craft ideas to share with the ThriftyFun community? You can submit them to one of the contest pages or to the Crafts for Fun and Money program. You can find more information about Crafts for Fun and Money here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Beautiful blue "Crocus."
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Rate It: Don't have a place to hang your calendar? Loop a string from your blinds through the hole in the calendar and knot it (not too tight). Now you don't have to have push-pin holes in your walls! And you can pull the string and make the calendar as high or low as you want it. Source: I didn't have a place to hang my calendar, so I tried this. It works! By Stacey from Eagle Mountain, UT
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Rate It: Como Park Zoo: Majestic Zoo Lions My husband and I took a recent day trip to the Como Park Zoo in St. Paul Minnesota. We came across these lions and couldn't get over how majestic they were. It was as if the they were very graciously allowing us a moment of their time for pictures. By Crazylena from New Prague, MN
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Rate It: Charlie is a 5 year old mixed breed (Heinz 57) I rescued from a shelter in July of 2005 when he was a puppy. He likes to play in the backyard. Charlie is an amazingly smart dog. He's calm, behaved, and I even taught him to wipe his feet on the rug before he comes inside from the yard. He's a big baby!
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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!
Have a Bonus Chore on Your Chart When making a chore chart for children, at the end I have printed in large flashy letters BONUS! If all regular chores are finished, they are allowed to ask for bonus chore if they wish. No one knows what it is or what the prize will be (except me). If they ask for the bonus chore they get it, and when completed receive a reward; sometimes a dollar or sometimes a candy bar. Whatever you can use your imagination but it gets some of the "why me" chores done in a pleasant way. And I don't tell them what the reward is until the job is done either. It's more fun that way. By Beth from Ft. Blackmore, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85814100.tip.html
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Rate It: Plant and Harvest Asparagus the Same Season If you planted asparagus this year, you would normally have to wait 3 years before you could harvest it, but there is a way that you can plant and harvest the same season. Instead of planting the asparagus the usual 12 inch deep, try planting it with the crowns 5 or 6 inches deep. I'm gonna give it a try. Source: http://gardeningtips.today.com/ By Amuck from Fairview Heights, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17524932.tip.html
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Rate It: Make some cute, all-natural flower pot air fresheners! You will need: Supplies:
Instructions: First, stop any holes in the bottom of the pots with tape. Fill them with baking soda and mix in about 10 drops or so of your favorite essential oil. Place the circle of fabric over the pot and secure by tying the ribbon around the rim with a bow. To freshen just stir in a few more drops of oil, and change the baking soda every few months. I love these little pots, they leave a nice, subtle scent without chemicals or synthetic perfumes. They're lovely in smaller rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, and inexpensive to make. I even used some old lace curtains for the fabric. The only trick is to place them where kids, pets (or you!) won't knock them over too easily. By Tapestry Lady from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28940412.tip.html
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Rate It: Preventative Maintenance for Your Appliances Words of advice from my Service Tech husband; preventive maintenance is always the cheapest maintenance! Refrigerator: Have the condenser cleaned and checked by a professional at least once a year. Dust and dirt in the condenser causes it to run more often wasting energy. It will also cause the compressor to run hot too. If you have pets, twice a year would be good. Clothes Dryer: Always clean the vents screen after use. Lint buildup can cause a fire in your dryer and cause long run times wasting energy and money. Room Air Conditioners: Once a year before summer use. Have the filter cleaned or replaced and the motors oiled to keep it from running hot. Range: A word of advice from an expert; NEVER clean your oven before you have a houseful of people coming over. When you use the clean setting on your oven, you are subjecting it to temps of 800 degrees. Nothing will short a computer board faster. And I know sometimes it can take weeks to get a replacement. Clean it afterward and be on the safe side. Be nice to your service technician. Schedule your multiple service work ahead of time. Who knows, maybe he will give you a break on his service call for multiples. Do it before it gets hot! I know June, July, Aug and Sept here in the Midwest is a very, very busy time for appliance techs. DEBRADJ from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23880799.tip.html
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Rate It: I store my dry laundry detergent in a plastic bin that has a tight fitting lid. This keeps the powder grainy and loose, so there is never any clumping. If you mix it with the water in the washer before you add the clothes, you don't need to use the expensive liquids. By Quiltmum from Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45468762.tip.html
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Rate It: I have four children and Easter baskets can get messy, expensive, and just full of junk, so every year I give them everything they will need (and ask for anyway ) for a fun summer. The basket is always a big sand pail. I fill it with: sand toys, goggles, inflatable water toys such as beach balls, tubes, and swimmies, water guns, kick boards, beach towels, hats, sunglasses, sun block, chapstick and so on. The kids love it because they know that winter is over and summer is on its way. I love it because it is a fun cute basket, no candy, and when the first hot day rolls around we are ready for the pool, beach, lake, whatever! By Mae11197 from Branford, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42354736.tip.html
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Rate It: This is an inexpensive Easter greeting, treat or egg hunt idea that keeps the true meaning of Easter while incorporating the fun/bunny aspect. Purchase a bag of jelly beans which have the following colors: red, green, yellow, orange, black, white, purple and pin jelly beans (Brach's miniature beans have all these colors!) Type or write up the poem (use the color to match each line is a nice touch) and attach to a bag of jelly beans OR place 1-2 of each color in a snack bag and attach the poem (postcard or business card size) Jelly Bean Prayer
Happy Easter! By Diana from Prospect, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51004944.tip.html
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Rate It: Rice Krispy Treat Easter Baskets For many years I have been making Easter baskets for my children and, now grandchildren from Rice Krispy Treats. I use a few more marshmallows than usual and tint them green. I then turn whatever size bowl I want to use upside down. This will be the size of the basket. I cover it with foil, then spray with non-stick spray. Cover with a fairly thick layer of Rice Krispies and mold over bowl. This needs to be firmly packed Then make a strip on a cookie sheet for the handle. Let cool until set. Unmold. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83938144.tip.html
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Rate It: Saving Money on Passover Groceries People tend to really over-spend for the week of Passover. There are so many things we "need" for the holiday; Passover mayonnaise and ketchup, Passover cookies and cakes, Passover mixes for pancakes or soups, Passover frozen blintzes and ice creams. My grocery bill used to quadruple in the weeks leading up to Passover, because there is such a wide variety of Passover-certified foods and they all had to be mail-ordered. No more. Now that I've finally got all the cooking vessels and utensils and all the tableware I need, my Passover shopping list is only a tiny bit more expensive than my regular grocery bill. Here's how it works:
By Chayil from USA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78603152.tip.html
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My microfiber red couch is dirty and I can't find the label in the back to show me how to clean it. I am afraid to clean it. Please help. Fawn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf544599.tip.html
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Rate It: We want to put out a simple container veggie garden this spring to help cut grocery bills even further than we already have. We're focusing on a few simple things we eat a lot that aren't especially cheap at the local farmer's market. Such as various lettuces, heirloom tomatoes, and some herbs. We're using 28-lb kitty litter buckets for large containers and cut-off 2-liter soda bottles and similar products for smaller containers. Both will have rocks and holes in the bottoms for drainage. We have a relatively small area of yard that gets enough sun for a vegetable garden, so our space is limited. Because I don't trust the dirt in our yard to be free of contaminants, we'll probably buy bagged soil. We have lots of rabbits here, will setting our containers up on large cinder blocks be enough to keep the rabbits from reaching them? What else could we do without spending money? Where should we look to find unusual heirloom tomatoes to plant? Should we look for plants, or try to start from seed? What other tips can more experienced gardeners here share with us? We want to minimize expense and keep the work simple, while harvesting yummy produce. Thank you in advance! Hardiness Zone: 5b By Sterghe from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf853959.tip.html
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Rate It: My patio umbrella has faded. I have tried cleaning it. Is there a paint or dye you can use to refresh it? It is in perfect working order but doesn't look very good. I would really like to get another year out of it. By Robb from Sayreville, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10550385.tip.html
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Rate It: Child Support Payments and Social Security I have recently found out that my ex is receiving some sort of SSA. I have contacted DOR in MA and they have forwarded the court order papers for support to SSA. My fear is that he will find a way not to pay. Is this possible with a court order? He owes approx 28k and has never made one payment to my daughter. By Judez from Lynn, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78901620.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a recipe for laundry detergent. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf433879.tip.html
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Rate It: Inexpensive Wedding Reception Ideas I am getting married on September 19th and we don't have a lot of money not to mention that my fiance got laid off from work. I am trying to plan an inexpensive wedding reception that doesn't look tacky. Please help me with any and all ideas that you may have. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks all. By Sunshyne77 from East Chicago, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf676631.tip.html
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Rate It: Real Estate Business Name Ideas I need a catchy name for a real estate company using letters d and g or dlg. By neodot from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60189031.tip.html
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Rate It: I am throwing my boyfriend a 30th birthday party. I am having a guitar cake made because he plays the guitar and loves music. Does anyone have any ideas of any finishing touches I could add related to the guitar theme? By bs1030 from Baltimore, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36933595.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you clean a fiberglass bathtub and sink? By church1040 from Dubuque IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf982959.tip.html
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Rate It: Has anyone ever hear of an apartment warming party? I was thinking of having one when I get my own place. By missy424 from Akron, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69391999.tip.html
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Rate It: Art Appraiser Near Ottawa, Canada Where can I get art appraised near Ottawa, Ontario, without spending "an arm and a leg"? By timo1963 from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49615953.tip.html
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Rate It: My son is 2 and he is getting bitten by something that is in the house. The bites are small white lumps under the skin on his hands and feet. What could the bug be? By Mirandy Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47694029.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a sugar-free rusk recipe since I am a diabetic. By vanderme from Kimberley, RSA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12578317.tip.html
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Rate It: I had the cutest pattern for a shirt that was literally two pieces, a solid front and the matching pieces in the back. It had a single front and a back that buttoned at the meeting point. It was a very cute summer top, and I can't figure out where I can get another one. Does someone have the number and the manufacturer? I would love some help from my wonderful friends on TF! Thanks in advance. By Poor But Proud from Salem, OR
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Rate It: I struggle with acne and have recently started using Clearasil Ultra fast acting. I had actually noticed improvement. I went to a cookout last night and had a little bit of chocolate, then had some mini Reese's later that night. I went in the bathroom and noticed my face, especially one side, was broke out worse again. This is about the 2nd time I've noticed this when I eat chocolate. Is it possible I could be allergic to it? By Monk'scornerdeli from SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63844991.tip.html
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Rate It: Knifty Knitter Patterns for Baby Items I want some cute baby patterns for the Knifty Knitters. I have made lots of things: scarves, hats, purses, belts, and lots more. My aunt just had a baby and I want to make something really cute. I tried to make a blanket but it didn't work. Please help! By LeAnn13 from Dannebrog, NE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52735973.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me how to decoupage tiles and trays? I'm a really new beginner crafter, so please be specific. I've seen some of the tiles, for example, that are decoupaged and they are so beautiful that I'd like to try it for myself. I also have this plastic tray that I'd like to decoupage to match my kitchen, since the tray is the wrong color. Thank you so much! By Metroplex from Houston, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83912139.tip.html
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Rate It: Ticks are early around here this year for some unknown reason. And they are really bad! We have cut the walking distance for our 2 dogs down considerably and they still get them. My 9 year old Golden has had a season's worth already. He doesn't do well with the topicals, and I'm getting scared of all the stuff out there. Anyone have any suggestions? By Stormwatcher from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86741658.tip.html
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Rate It: How to Find Free or Inexpensive Furniture How do I get free used furniture? By Tatiana from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30725891.tip.html
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Rate It: Round Table Cloth Crochet Pattern I am looking for a pattern for a crocheted round table cloth. The table is 42 in. across and I would like it to hang over about six or eight inches. Please help. By Ronnie from SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68933865.tip.html
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Rate It: Weight Watcher's Quick Start Menu I am looking for the Weight Watchers Quick Start diet plan. Does anyone know where I can find it? Thank you. By ALZboril from Saskatoon, SK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19834583.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Dog Poop Stains From Carpet How can I remove dog poop stains from my carpet? By Daisy May from Coconut Creek, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51041812.tip.html
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Rate It: Can you give a dog a laxative like Milk of Magnesia? He won't eat or drink so I can't give him pumpkin like many people suggested on another site. Thank you in advance for reading this and sending suggestions. By GrandmaChris from Tunkhannock, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31342504.tip.html
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Rate It: We have a rotten smell in our house that I can't get rid of. No matter how much I clean, it doesn't help. Does anyone know what I can do to eliminate the smell? By hoju83 from Otwell, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36285440.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a young lemon tree that is losing leaves. Hardiness Zone: 10b By Ray from CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22533363.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get rid of the little "blister" looking bugs on my red tip tree? Hardiness Zone: 8a By conbabe from Carthage, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15123168.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I get high oil content paint out of clothing? Thanks. By Beccar from UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20192441.tip.html
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Rate It: My dog had worms. I think they are tape worms but I am not sure. They are small and very flat. We treated her about a week ago and today she went poop and it came out all gooey and there was blood in it. Is that normal? Thanks. By titekilyz003 from Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74665395.tip.html
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Rate It: Paint Color Ideas for Pink and Brown Bedding I am decorating my 2 year olds room and I just purchased new bedding that is pink and brown. I do not want to paint her room pink because my older daughters' room is pink. Does anyone have any suggestions on what other colors would go with this. Do you think a light purple would be ok? I don't know what to do. I have attached a picture of the bedding. By Javoletta from NY
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Rate It: Can I use fresh cut tree bark as mulch? By golfgirl from Hawkin, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60358631.tip.html
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Rate It: Yeast Infection on a Dog's Paw Has anyone dealt with a yeast infection on a dog's paws? It is really bad and the vet has him on a special shampoo and medication. He is a shih tzu that was gave to me. He was sick and I have been doctoring him for 2 months. He has a raw spot on one paw. Can I put Neosporin on it? By Anna50 from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59762051.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Solution for H2O Steam Mop Does anyone know of a cleaning solution that can be used in the H20 steam mop? By motleycrew from IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40060187.tip.html
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Rate It: I have about 20 or more little 2 oz. glass jars with lids. Seems a shame to throw them out. Any ideas what to do with them? Thanks! By Batwing from Virginia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22565305.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I remove an ink stain on a vinyl purse? Hair spray did not work. By simonkiss Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46056512.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best way to grow a herb garden outside? Last year, I put several in a planting box, but did not use them often enough and it became overgrown. Hardiness Zone: 6a By Becky Ann from Madison, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82989022.tip.html
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Rate It: What are some uses for old acrylic cups? We have a bunch that are too worn out (many are cracking) to use as drinking cups. I have already replaced them with a set of drinking glasses. They are pretty tall ones. I was thinking of using them for growing plants, but I'm not sure if they'll provide adequate drainage. Thanks for any ideas! By Mahna from Portland, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84755713.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband has just been put on a salt-restricted diet due to a heart attack. I have no trouble finding or inventing low salt recipes but I'm curious if he will eventually not miss the salt. He salts everything (at least he did before I got rid of the salt shaker) so it's going to be a big change for him. I personally never could stand anything salty so it won't make a difference to me. By thursday_next from IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91000630.tip.html
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Rate It: Water Tank for Steam Press QFB10 I need a water tank for my Steam Press QFB10. Where can I find spare parts? By Davyb from Belfast, NI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96418792.tip.html
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Rate It: My friend is turning 18 and we want to give her a surprise birthday party. The party will last about 3 hours. We are on a budget and need some ideas for what to do. By Palak Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73925392.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:
My Frugal Life: Living Frugally in Puerto Rico No one plans to be old, alone, disabled and broke. But things happen. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24946776.tip.html
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