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Hello,
We have ordered an additional server for ThriftyFun. We should have it installed sometime next week.
We have 12 new requests today, check them out and see if you have any advice to offer.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photo Contest Entries:
Today's Tips:
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
I made a 9x 13 cake for the base of the car and made a 8x8 cake for the roof and windows. After cutting the top of the smaller cake at an angle, I centered it on top of the bigger cake, then decorated it using a toy race car as a model. In mine, I used Oreo cookies for wheels.
By Shan
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Stuffed animals make a fun centerpiece for any party, when you follow a few simple guidelines.
First, be sure to match the animals to the theme. For example, in this photo, we were decorating for a December birthday, so we used Christmas animals. You could use bunnies and ducks for a spring shower, or dogs for a young boy's birthday.
Second, use only the very cleanest stuffed critters. No one wants to eat appetizers next to a grimy dog.
Third, add some simple props to tie it all together. In the photo, we used a large Christmas gift bag, with a small duck peeking out over the top. Baskets and paper-covered boxes work well, too.
Celebrating with your animal friends has one definite advantage. When you overindulge on chips and dip, you won't be the only "stuffed" party guest!
By zballoongirl
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
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Today's Tips
Horseradish Massage Oil for Aching Muscles
Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of Horseradish in a cup of Olive Oil. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief for aching muscles.
By Diana
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Honey remedy for skin blemishes. Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
By Diana
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Coffee Filters for Potted Plants
Use coffee filters in the bottom of flower pots to keep soil from running out when watered. I use several in mine since they do decompose over time, but by then the roots should be holding in most of the dirt or its time for you to replant anyway.
By Kat
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Using (new) disposable diapers in bottom of flower pots will help hold in dirt and moisture. Cut to fit into pot leaving some coming up the sides. Place dirt on top and place in the plant of your choice.
Even the disposable training pants work great. These I have left complete, but placed a coffee filter in bottom of pot first, then the training pants and added dirt and put a plant in. The training pants sides will keep moisture up in the sides of the flower pot, which is really good for clay pots!
This is great for those diapers or training pants that are left over when your baby outgrows them and you can't find anyone to give them to.
By Kat
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Thaw your frozen fish in milk for a fresh-caught flavor.
By Bobbie
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Shred soft cheese with ease, put the block of cheese in the freezer for 20 minutes before shredding. Your cheese will shred much easier!
By Bobbie
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With Summer coming we will have bees in the yard and the house. Reach for the hairspray, the hairspray will stiffen their wings, immobilizing them so you can easily remove them from the house.
By Bobbie
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To keep grass from growing between bricks, or cement sidewalk cracks, sprinkle the spaces with salt.
By Bobbie
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I found a very inexpensive way to kill poison ivy in my yard. Spray the area with a mixture of 2 gallons soapy water and 3 lbs. of salt. The already mixed solutions at the garden store are very costly. It only takes a few minutes to mix up your own.
By Bobbie
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Nicotine On Wood Molding and Cabinets
Thank you everyone so much for their responses re: the Nicotine residue left on plaster walls. As a follow-up, am I able to use the "TSP" on the original hardwood moldings, kitchen cabinets, etc? I am certain that the residue is imbedded in nearly every aspect of the home and am looking to get started cleaning this weekend.
Cindy
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Tips for saving money on tires. Post your ideas.
Tires for Rural Roads and Mileage Warranties
If you are a commuter and would like to save money on tires, make sure you buy tires with a mileage warranty and follow the warranty rules. Most commuters, especially on rural roads, wear out tires well before the warranty period has ended. When they look warn, have them replaced through the warranty and they will pro-rate your new tires every time!
By Chrissy
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Post your favorite deviled eggs tips and recipes.
When I make deviled eggs I use the small end of a melon baller spoon. The small spoon on the end of the melon baller is perfect for putting the deviled egg filling in the egg shell.
By Betty Boop
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Consequences Of Shopping Impulsively
Questions to ask yourself first:
DO I NEED IT?
If your honest answer is no, think about the things that you "really do" need.
CAN I AFFORD IT?
Tell yourself, if I have the extra cash yes but, If you have to reach for that credit card then you can't afford it.
DO I HAVE SOMETHING THAT WILL DO JUST AS WELL A HOME?
Re-evaluate what you have at home already and decide if this will fit your needs. If not, pack it up and give it to charity.
FIND A CHEAPER, MORE REASONABLE SUBSTITUTE.
Knock-Offs, need I say more.
HAVE I REALLY FOUND THE BEST DEAL?
It takes time and effort but comparison-shopping does make a difference.
AM I WILLING TO WAIT?
Play a game with yourself and walk to the opposite side of the store, wait 15 minutes, then decide if it is really worth it. Now a sale can really mess with your good sense of judgment. Simply getting away from the situation for a couple of minutes (or days) can do wonders. Have you ever noticed that you require your children to be patient but rarely put the same requirement on yourself?
WHAT IF I DON'T WAIT?
Think about the consequences, how you'll feel, does it make you "feel" better to buy something? Do you have any underlying issues that you may need to address?
WHAT WILL THE CONSEQUENCES BE FOR MY ACTIONS?
Make a list of what the consequences will be if you buy that $50.00 purse or shoes. If it is paying the rent, the consequence is the bank will be calling you looking for their money. If it is buying groceries for the family, they will go hungry. I think this is easy enough to answer.
If you don't know the answer to these questions, please don't use that old saying "what I don't know won't hurt me", take it from someone whose been there and done that. It eventually will.
By KarensKrafts
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Tips for storing peanuts. Post your ideas.
The nuts should be stored unshelled in a cool dry place. Unshelled nuts resist insects and aging longer than shelled nuts. Make every effort to prevent the growth of molds. The molds can produce harmful toxins.
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If your showerhead is not running as fast as it used to, take a small plastic bag and half-fill with vinegar and attach it to your shower. Leave this on over night or longer and when it is removed, you should notice a lot more water pressure. I've used a rubber band to attach the bag.
By sewingmamma
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I just saw the cutest table decorations for a mother/daughter banquet and these would be great for any occasion, even a wedding. They used REAL FRUIT. Green apples, yellow apples and oranges with a single artificial flower stuck down inside it (clipped,of course), with a raffia bow tied around it. Another idea which was used for an outdoor wedding I helped with was a small patted purple african violet with a raffia bow. Centerpieces don't have to be big, overwhelming clusters of flowers. Sometimes simplicity is so much prettier.. and more affordable.
By Sharon,ky
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Tips for saving money on buttons. Post your ideas.
To save money when I need to replace buttons, I go to our Goodwill bargain room and search for a garment with the same size and type button as the ones I need instead of buying them at a regular store which can be expensive. Most items in the bargain room are only 50 cents. I also look for items with pretty, cute or unique buttons no matter what the garment itself looks like. These can be used to make a suit or dress or top you already own look fresh and new just by changing the buttons.
By Diane
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No More Soggy Peanut Butter and Jelly
When making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for your toddler, my sons favorite, put the peanut butter on both slices of bread and then put the jelly in the middle. That way the bread doesn't get soggy!
D. Sposato
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I do a lot of crocheting on the go, I try to have a bag with a
project ready to go for when I'm riding in the car, or bus or
plane, or waiting in the doctors office and so on. I found it was
real easy to lose the patterns.
So now I photo copy the directions, and enlarged them, which
makes them easier or read in bumpy cars or dimmer light. I leave
the real pattern in the file so its always there if I need it. I
have found that most times when I finish the project the
directions or pattern is finished also, it's in such bad
condition that I throw the copy away.
I'm sure I have saved lots of pattern books by doing this. If it
is still in good readable condition I will file it in with the
original. But do be aware, that the ink on the copy will rub off
very easy, so don't put it on your project.
Clara in Wa State
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with a fork till mixture resembles coarse corn meal. Add milk and blend lightly with a fork only until flour is moistened and dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn out on lightly floured board. Knead lightly for 30 seconds and roll 3/4" thick. Cut your biscuits and place on lightly greased pan. Brush tops of biscuits with butter or margarine. Bake at 475 degrees for 12-15 minutes.
By Terri
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In a medium size saucepan, add some water and cook orange peel until tender and drain. Add 1 cup sugar and cook till syrupy; let cool. In a large bowl, beat eggs well; add 1 cup sugar and milk, beating well. Add melted butter, salt, flour, baking powder; add cold orange syrup mixture. Add nuts. Bake at 350 degrees till bread tests done.
By Terri H.
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine first 9 ingredients in a Dutch oven; cover and cook over medium heat 30 minutes. Remove turkey, and chop meat into bite size pieces; set aside. Strain broth, reserving 2 3/4 cup Return broth to Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add potatoes and mixed vegetables; cover and cook 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain, reserving broth. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add flour, stirring until mixture is smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add broth; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in turkey, vegetables, eggs, salt, ad pepper. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2 1/2 qt. casserole. Place pastry over filling. Trim edges; seal, and flute. Cut several slits in top pastry to allow steam to escape. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine, flour, celery seeds, salt, and paprika in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. With a fork, stir in enough water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, to moisten dry ingredients. Shape dough into a ball. Yield: enough pastry to top 4 individual pies or one 8 inch square pie.
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Sift into bowl: flour, salt, baking powder, sugar. Add chopped nuts. In small bowl beat egg with fork. Add milk, mashed bananas. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir gently until all mixings are moist (don't over stir). Pour batter into lightly greased loaf pan. Bake 1 hours at 350 degrees.
By Robin
Banana Nut Bread II
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a small bowl, dissolve soda in buttermilk. In a large bowl, beat eggs, then add sugar, oil, buttermilk mixture, soda, and salt. Mix well and add flour, bananas and nuts. When all ingredients are blended well, add vanilla. Bake in greased loaf pans 50-60 minutes or till it tests done.
By Terri
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Combine in usual way until well blended. Pour into large 9x5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
By Robin
Carrot Bread II
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix sugar and oil together. Add eggs and salt; mix well. Stir in carrots and nuts. In a medium size bowl, sift dry ingredients together and add to carrot mixture. Stir only until well blended. Pour batter in greased 9"x3" loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr.
By Terri H.
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Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
New Contest Prize! Now a 2 $25.00 Gift Cards
In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will
select to winners at random) at one of the following stores: Home
Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you
get to choose which gift card! This contest ends on May 15th,
2005.
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests:
Fun, Frugal Mother's Day Ideas For Mom and Teens
I have two teenage (14, 15) stepdaughters and a four month old son. I want to do something for my wife for mother's day. She has said she doesn't want to "get away" but would rather spend the day doing something with her children. Knowing how easily and quickly teens get bored - does anyone have any frugal ideas of how we could spend the day together and make it fun for all? Any help is very appreciated! :)
Will
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Ink Stain On Laundered Clothing
I need to know how to get out an ink stain from my pants. I want to use hairspray. I already wased them once. Can I still get stain out?
Jennifer
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Turning a Patio Into an Outdoor Living Room
We have an enclosed patio just off our living room. I would like to make an "outdoor living room" for the summer.
Any tips...?
Beth
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Sea Shell Wind Chime Instructions
I'm making my mother a sea shell wind chime for Mother's Day. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could put a small hole in the shells without breaking them?
Thanks to anyone who can help,
Brittany from Florida
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High School Senior Dinner Centerpieces and Favors
I need some inexpensive ideas for centerpieces and or favors for a High School Senior Dinner I need approximately 90. Thank you,
Beverly in PA
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My sister and I are both graduating this year and I need ideas of presents to get her without spending a lot of money?
Bailey Ann
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Tips for a Mom Expecting Twins
My niece ("But I only wanted two kids") is expecting twins. She also has a two year old. Does anyone have any information where she can find a web site or a group for helpful tips about preparing/anticipating for twins?
She is really happy about it, just completely surprised and overwhelmed at the moment.
"Mike"
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Using Glue to Make a Mohawk with Spikes
I'm going to try glue to put my hair in a mohawk with spikes... does glue come out easy?
realsk8er
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I have this rash on the top of my feet, mostly on my toes, just on top not between them and they get very red and burn. I have tried just about everything to get rid of it but to no avail. Please help!
Chelsie from Calif
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Nicotine On Wood Molding and Cabinets
Thank you everyone so much for their responses re: the Nicotine residue left on plaster walls. As a follow-up, am I able to use the "TSP" on the original hardwood moldings, kitchen cabinets, etc? I am certain that the residue is imbedded in nearly every aspect of the home and am looking to get started cleaning this weekend.
Cindy
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Airport Tips When It Is Difficult To Walk
I have another question about my florida trip. I don't walk very well. My question is when I go to the departure gate does that flight 1234 depart from the same gate every day or does it change? I am trying to prepare myself for how much walking I will be doing. I have a layover both days but in different airports. I have an hour between flights.
I am also concerned about where and what there is to eat and prices. I will be at (cvg) Cincinnati early morning and (atl) Atlanta in the evening. Any suggestions?
Thank you all so much.
Sandy
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Recipes That Use Ramen Noodles
Bought a case of Ramen noodles because my Daughter likes them occasionally and my Daughter-in-law does as well. The joke was - she already had plenty and now I'm stuck with all these. Does anyone know any recipes using them? A friend puts them in chili but that's the only thing I've heard of using them for.
Sharon,ky
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Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make 11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures of the crafts visit:
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More Reading:
List of files and visuals associated with this text. Increases in home heating costs have helped develop a market for portable kerosene heaters to provide localized or emergency heat for homes, cottages and service buildings. Many questions are being asked about the safety of these units. This publication answers typical questions and suggests practices to follow when using a portable unvented kerosene heater.
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Save More at the Store--With Coupons
By Cyndi Roberts
Even the most careful shopper can save even more money at the grocery store with coupons. If you shop once a week and use only $3.00 worth of coupons every week, that's $156.00 you will save in one year! But really smart shoppers will usually use more than $3.00 in coupons every week.
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Who Is Landing Your Plane?
By Steve Goodier
I heard a funny story: A small plane with an instructor and student on board hit the runway and bounced repeatedly until it came to a stop. The instructor turned to the student and said, "That was a terrible landing you just made."
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