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Vol. 8, Num. 181, September 16, 2009 (Read It Online) Here are the contest winners for the contest that ran from August 29, 2009 to September 4, 2009... Pet Contest Winner Leo (Ginger Tabby) Photo Contest Winner Wedding: Watering Can Centerpieces Recipe Contest Winner Asian Marinated Grill Kabobs Tip Contest Winners Practice "Stranger Danger" With Your Children Shop Restaurant Supply Stores Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone that took time to submit something. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and recipes that you like. Your ratings are used to pick the winners. 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:
During my Son's wedding they had a butterfly release in honor of their little two year old daughter in Heaven. One of the butterflies flew up, came back and landed on my son's jacket. She would not leave, staying right there on Brian for the longest, longest time. You have to look close because the butterfly is the same color as his jacket tie and handkerchief. It was incredible! By Jackie from Orlando Contest Contender!
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Dusk moon with a bird flying by. By Moonseekerjade from Onset, MA Contest Contender!
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My favorite flower pot in our yard, which sits at the corner of our walkway along the house. So pretty and full of bloom! By Morbetomommy from Topeka, KS Contest Contender!
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Artemis is three years old and a Tortie. But I think there's some T-rex in there too. She's a shelter cat, I got her when she was six weeks old and all of two pounds. She doesn't remember that though; her version is that she fell from heaven as a blessing to me. Artemis is mostly into attacking the neighbor's dog through the window when she isn't chewing up my plants. Artemis lies on her back like a sea otter. It's the cutest thing! By Stephanie from Anchorage, Alaska Contest Contender!
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Brady-Moss is 2 years old and a mini long-haired doxie/beagle mix. I had just lost my golden retriever of 11 years and a friend called me on the phone to come to their house and see one of their pups. Lying there in a little ball was a little mini version of our late golden. To this day, he still looks like a golden retriever puppy. It was love at first sight! It was Sept.30,2007. He loves to swim in the ocean or in lakes when we go camping, loves to go hiking in the mountains and loves simple things like just going for a car ride. He loves to give lots of kisses and get belly rubs and loves to greet everyone with a tail-wag and a kiss! By Brenda from Dartmouth, MA Contest Contender!
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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!
Warning: Don't Use Bleach To Clean Up Mold I have posted this many times when I see the request for mold or mildew clean up but I continue to see the question asked so I felt this would be a better way to get the message across. Using BLEACH to clean up MOLD can be extremely dangerous to your health! Certain molds react to the chlorine in the bleach and creates an invisible gas and can/will damage your lungs permanently the first time you use it and you won't feel a thing. I know it is the most common form of mold clean up but I found out how bad this is since it happened to me. Not only the lung problem but also it can cause an extreme reaction and you will end up with headaches that leave you almost physically paralyzed, pain so bad that you can't function at all and many trips to the ER. When they would hit me (several times a day, every day) I couldn't even stand up and would have to crawl if I wanted to go any place. I couldn't keep anything down, even water and lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I live in the "great northWET" and we have a lot of problems with mold/mildew; I used bleach and wore a face mask and gloves but still have paid the price for not knowing about this. The Red Cross online finally solved the cause of the headaches, etc. and told me to only use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water on mold. They said do NOT rinse it off since it will leave an acid base where the mold was and help prevent it from growing back. I had to live in a tent in my backyard while my entire house was being painted with a special paint to prevent the mold spores from getting inside, everything, including all the natural wood had to be completely coated. It took me 2 weeks of living outside to finally stop getting so sick but my body is infiltrated now and I get sick if I am around mold, even if no one can see it. PLEASE, please tell all your friends about this so no one else gets as sick as I was. Source: Red Cross online, nurse call back By wolfbytez from Brownsville, OR Contest Contender!
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Don't throw away your empty cleaning spray bottles. I usually save a couple or two for other purposes. Just clean them out really good and use again. I have the one with cleaner, one for my own window and mirror cleaner, and one I use just for plain water when washing the leaves of my household plants or watering my seedlings in the spring. Just make sure to label them so as to not get them mixed up. By Morbetomommy from Topeka, Kansas Contest Contender!
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For those people who get bit by bees, mosquitoes and any other bugs, make a paste of aspirin and water and put on bite. Voila! The itch and swelling goes away immediately. P.S. For red ant bites use Vicks vapor rub. By Artplus from Upper Jay, NY Contest Contender!
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Curfew Time Set to Grade Level A good way to set a time for curfew is to let the time home be whatever grade they are in. When in 9th grade - 9:00, 10th grade - 10:00 and so on. At our house, the time changed on the first day of each school year. We didn't have an argument about time because they were responsible for getting to stay out later, by passing to the next grade. By Knotwrong Contest Contender!
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Soak Sponges In Fabric Softener This isn't home made but it stretches your softener. Get a 5 gallon bucket with a lid and add to it:
Stir the ingredients together and when you add a load of clothes to your dryer, squeeze out 1 piece of sponge and add it to your load. After the load is dry, replace the sponge in the softener. This stretches your softener 3 times as long. By Jesjospig Contest Contender!
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Save Money With 3 Wick Candles I love to burn candles every evening but they have been getting so expensive I needed to find a way to make them burn longer. I bought one of those 3 wick candles, that they have at the Dollar Store. I would only light one of the wicks instead of all 3. Each night I would light the wick next to the previously burned one and so on, to keep the candle burning evenly. Believe it or not, I managed to burn that one candle for almost 3 weeks nightly and one wick burning smelled as good as if all 3 were lit. By Gypsy Gina from Oklahoma City Contest Contender!
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I always keep a number of return address labels in my purse. They come in handy when there is a form or contest that asks for your name, address in stores, at tricky trays, etc. It is easier then writing it out a dozen times a day! :D By AHA! from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf491074.tip.html
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Rate It: Mark Computer Cords for Easy Set Up I am by no means electronically gifted. And any time I have to unplug my computer, then plug it all back in again I used to invariably have to holler for help! I finally came up with a simple solution. I turned the tower around so I could get to the back easily. Then I took small pieces of paper and printed bold numbers on each one: 1, 2, 3, etc. I covered each paper with tape (front and back) and then taped a number to each cord close to where it plugs in at. Then on the tower itself, I took a medium find permanent magic marker and marked the corresponding number on next to where each cord is plugged in. Now if I replace a piece of equipment (get a new printer for instance) if I can't use the same cord, then I simply mark the new cord in the same way with the same number and plug it into the same place. If I get something new, I mark it the same way. Now when I get the computer back from being repaired (believe me I threaten the repair shop with their LIVES if they remove my markings!), it only takes me a couple of minutes to hook everything back up! This method has saved me many hours of frustration, tears, and words that the fella down below would blush at! By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender!
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Being 7 months pregnant, working full-time, with a 5-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a husband overseas, energy is at a premium. I just don't have the energy to do long bursts of cleaning. What has worked for me is setting a kitchen timer. My usual is work for 10 minutes, rest for 10 minutes. The timer on the stove or microwave is even better, because I have to get up to turn it off. I can't just ignore it and take a longer rest period. I also use waiting time during fixing dinner (waiting for water to boil, waiting for oven to heat) to tidy around the kitchen.
Another thing I do to save my sanity is doing all the thorough cleaning at the first of the month. That helps me remember to do it. This includes cleaning the coffee pot, microwave, dishwasher and fridge, mopping the kitchen floor, washing the blankets and shower curtain, and cleaning the toilet. By Camilla from Atchison, KS Contest Contender!
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Mark Christmas Presents With Numbers Instead Of Names If you have little impatient gift-peepers at your house who can't stay away from their gift under the tree, here's what I do: Pick a number you associate with each particular child: how many home runs he hit in Little league, how many months old she was when she said "Mama", etc. Then instead of writing their names,write : TO:#3, FROM: (Mom,Dad,Aunt Susie,Grandma. whoever sent the gift). If you have to,make yourself a reminder note and tuck it away somewhere. They won't know which gift to peep at, and after opening Uncle George's new pipe and Grandpa's foot massager, etc., and down the line, they will give up. Even if they get to theirs, they won't know for sure if it is theirs or someone else's! Then Christmas morning, tell everyone their number and let them dig in and pass the numbered gifts around to each other. There is always confusion at some point, like when Great Aunt Nellie opens the newlywed wife's frilly nightie, thinking it was for her. The expressions are priceless, and the day starts of with the whole family roaring with laughter! Next year, assign each one a new number. Merry Christmas, and may God richly Bless You! Source: I am a mother of six and grandmother of more By dollyslaffn from Darien, GA Contest Contender!
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Removing Cigarette Smoke Odors We recently bought a brand new dishwasher off Craigslist. The dishwasher had never been used, but had been stored in a garage that apparently had been used as the "smoking room". It smells so strongly of smoke. We have put baking soda in it for 24 hours. We have used vinegar. I have run it several times with various cleaners hoping to work the smell out. I made the mistake of running a few plastic cups in it early on and now they have a permanent smoke smell. Help. We can't afford to replace another dishwasher (this is our 3rd in 5 years.) By cdsals from ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54239796.tip.html
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Rate It: Water Not Getting to Fridge Ice Maker Water for drinks is working, but not for making ice. I was told that there is a separate line going to the ice maker and that there is a filter that might be clogged. I do have well water and it clogged up the line to the washing machine, until I cleaned out the filter. Where do I find this filter? Do you think that can be it? By JIIMYB. from Islip, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24835944.tip.html
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Rate It: Coating on Computer Monitor Scratched My computer screen has a film on it that has gotten scratched or scuffed over time. The glass is fine, it is the thin film covering that is coming off. Maybe it is an anti-glare coating? I have tried to remove it with acetone, ammonia, Goof Off, and gas. Help. Nothing works. By Mikes Prism from Southern CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84383736.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there a poem for a nursery book, wishing well for a baby shower? By Lynn C. from Queens, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47054377.tip.html
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Rate It: Uses for Plastic Clothing Hangers Does anybody have any ideas for broken plastic hangers? By zeke47 from Boise, ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf756294.tip.html
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Rate It: I have been trying for years to find a product or something to clean glass shower doors. Anybody got any ideas? By dayrt from Mechanicville, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf968399.tip.html
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Rate It: Makeup Stains on White Face Cloths How do I get makeup out of white face cloths? I tried washing with Clorox, but it doesn't help. Thank you. By Onesummer Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28332862.tip.html
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Rate It: What breed is my dog? We were told Alaskan Husky and German Shepherd, but she seems to be full grown at 48 lbs. We think there may also be some terrier in her. Some people ask if she is some kind of pit bull. She rarely ever barks, but loves to run and run. She was hard to train, but is now very good. She's a year old and her tail is starting to get bushier. Also, she has a soft grey undercoat that came out in handfuls when the weather got warm. By MissyDoodle from Brooklyn, NY
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Rate It: My husband's work requires us to move every 4 to 6 months. The entire house and my car is in storage. I am looking for ways to be more organized, so when it's time to move again, I know where things are for the nights we have to stay in hotels. We are usually on the road 3 days before we get to the provided rental home. By Sharon Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72514111.tip.html
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Rate It: "Hollywood Christmas" Themed Float My father is in the Amvets, they are wanting to make a float for the Christmas parade. The theme this year is "Hollywood Christmas" any ideas? By lllls from Clinton, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52290446.tip.html
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Rate It: Would anyone have the ingredients to make homemade builders mix, aka, concrete? Thanks Thrifty Fun for this fabulous site. Cheers. By Thil from Wellington, New Zealand Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64920515.tip.html
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Rate It: I have just acquired a 5 yr old Pomeranian. Her breath and teeth are terrible. I am taking her to the vet next week, but cleaning usually lasts only a few days. She needs to be on a dry food instead of canned, but she will not eat it. Also, I have heard of the raw diet, but it can't be just raw meat is there veggies and rice in it also? Is it better than dry food for the dog ? By Sassier299 from MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96085014.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Battery Operated Lights Inside Has anyone used battery operated lights inside? By mg1159 from MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84738216.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the best vacuum sealer for food? By ThePhoenixLives from Bellingham, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38892729.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Swiffer Wet Mop Replacement Cloths I am looking for a way to make my own "Swiffer" Wet Ones sheets. I don't use them very often because of the price, but I do like to have them for a fast clean up. By Romalue from Sarasota Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf871775.tip.html
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Rate It: I just got Advantix for my dogs, a doxie and a chihuahua. I bought the large dog size which was the same cost as the small dog size. I need to know what the drop to pound ratio is. Thanks. By Grami2sami from Everett, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18380115.tip.html
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Rate It: Finding the Value for Antiques and Collectibles Anyone know the value of an antique typewriter ribbon tin, or where I can find information? Thank you. By Frugalelf from Bridgton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57879285.tip.html
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Rate It: How to Find Free or Inexpensive Furniture I want to know where to get a sofa for free, I'm in need of it. By Marleni from Providence, RI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30725891.tip.html
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Rate It: What is the easiest way to clean a baked on oven? I have an electric stove, apartment size, and I have a hard time getting down on my knees. I need an easy solution please? By Rocksey42 from Oelwein, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000610.tip.html
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Rate It: My chihuahua is three years old and has suddenly stopped eating dog food. She'll eat "some" people food. What to do? If she doesn't eat her blood sugar drops, etc. We've tried everything and we want her back on dog food. By legalgal from Tomball, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38504892.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking for information on how to get spots off shower doors. By Katspot Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf234637.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get a red stain out of carpet? It is a large area rug. By stainsite from Washburn, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf840930.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I stop a young lab from jumping on people to greet them? By dahs75 from West Islip, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35076362.tip.html
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Rate It: Stains on Clothing from Dye Transferring in the Wash I borrowed a jacket from a friend. The jacket has 2 colors, red and grey. The red has bled into the grey areas. Can somebody help me? By Lilian N. from Singapore Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96616080.tip.html
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Rate It: When do I stop feeding the hummingbirds? This is the first year I have ever put out a hummingbird feeder, and I would like to know how much longer I should keep the feeder available to the hummingbirds. I live in northwestern PA. Thanks for the replies. By truerblue from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33591282.tip.html
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Rate It: Whirlpool Ice Maker Not Working I have a Whirlpool fridge freezer with an ice maker. The water dispenser is not dispensing water and the ice maker dispenser is not dispensing ice. I think the ice is still being made inside the machine. Any ideas what the problem is? By meederman from Panama City Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77688633.tip.html
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Rate It: 3 Year Old Birthday Party Themes I have a soon to be 3 yr. old girl and she likes both boy and girl things. I have no idea what party theme to do and we are on a budget. Any ideas? Thanks. By jacquibeach from Tucson, AZ
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Rate It: I purchased a Sharp men's bracelet watch on clearance for $7. The original price was $15, but it doesn't run. I am thinking that it needs a new battery. Where can I purchase a not too expensive battery for it? Is it better to have a repair shop do it? What is more economical? Or should I just return it and get my money back? It was probably not worth it, but I didn't know it didn't work. Thanks. By rose2781 from Orlando, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55212924.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting a Job as a Longshoreman How can I become a longshoreman? By GDAUGHTRY from Twin City, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11579236.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: One Income Family You may be a single mom who is having to raise her child on her own, looking to hear about others who are also in the same boat as you. You may just want to pick up a few tips on how to make ends meet. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56076635.tip.html
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