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Craft Project: No Soliciting Door Hanger

I grew tired of being constantly disturbed by door-to-door salesmen, so I composed this poem and cross stitched it onto a sampler. I hung it on the inside of my outer glass door, and happily, most of the salesman now either bypass my house, or quietly leave literature.

No Soliciting Door Hanger

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Blossoms Close Up

When taking pictures of flowers, try doing something unusual like taking a close up inside a flower bush. I love closeup pictures and it's almost like you can touch the flowers.

By Susan from Gloversville, NY

Blossoms Close Up

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Craft: Thumbtack Orb

Cover a styrofoam ball with silver thumbtacks from the dollar store to make a cool orb!

By Veronica from Sedalia, MO

Make Your Own Orb With Thumbtacks

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Beautiful Flowers Without A Lot Of Water

This is my granddaughter, Kari, sitting in their front yard. The flowers are all natives of our region: dry west Texas. White broken stones are scattered through the plants for stepping stones. Also, there is a gravel path through the yard. Xeriscaping is encouraged in our area to conserve water and as the picture shows, you can still have beautiful plants that don't take a lot of water.

By Frances from Tarzan, TX

Texas Flowers With Xeriscaping

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Goko The Cat

Goko is 8 years old. I got this cat from a relative that found him half out of a tied trash bag in the middle of the road with 5 others that were dead. He was just a kitten then.

He likes to run all over the house like a nut, chasing his daughter pepe'. He loves to pose for the camera. He's the most loving inside cat I ever known. He thinks he's human and I do spoil him.

By Ruthie from Saegertown, PA

Goko The Cat

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Kyra (Rottweiler Mix)

Kyra is 3-4 years old. She is a mix of rott and others. We got her from the pound about 2-3 years ago.

She loves to run and play with her ball.

By Rachel from Port Orchard, WA

Kyra (Rottweiler Mix)

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Tip Contest
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Save On A YMCA Membership By Volunteering

I'd been reading a lot about the advantages of exercising in water, but felt my lack of access was an obstacle I couldn't overcome. Living in the Northeast, community pools are only open for a couple months a year. And, I wasn't sure how to fit a Y membership into my family's tight budget, especially since we don't actually qualify for a scholarship. (Never mind the more expensive health clubs with pools!) But ... guess what? The local Y is desperate for volunteers, and I was able to negotiate a free membership in return for volunteering some of my time. Now I can go to all the water aerobics and other fitness classes I like, as well as use their extensive facilities whenever I want!

I just thought I'd post this in case others were in similar situations. If you think you can't afford access to a pool (or other facility), call your local YMCA and talk with them. Different departments may even yield different results; the deal I hoped to negotiate wasn't available through the general Y contact person, but *was* possible through the Aquatics Department specifically. Who knows? In return for a little of your time--about 3 hours a week for me--you may be able to get a free membership, too!

By Sterghe from Pennsylvania

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Easy Backyard Composting

Composting adds free organic material to your garden which helps the soil retain and drain water and encourages healthier plants. Here is an easy way to compost

Dig a 2 foot hole in the back yard

Line the hole with a cheap PLASTIC garbage can that has had the bottom cut out of it (a great way recycle an old one that you were going to have to toss out!) About 1/2 of the can should stick out of the hole when finished. You will keep the lid on this when not in use.

Fill the compost bin layering GREEN and BROWN. GREENS are fruits/veggie scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds, grass clippings and the like. Avoid diseased plants. BROWNS are dry chopped leaves, finely chopped wood, shredded newspaper, straw and sawdust, etc.

Sprinkle with water regularly during the growing season or leave the lid off when a rain is expected. You are trying to create a sponge like consistency.

Turn weekly during the growing season

The compost is ready to use when it no longer emits heat and is dry, brown and crumbly.

Please watch carefully for rodents which love composted material before it is ripe!

Source: excerpted from Harmony Elementary's A to Z recycling newsletter

By Diana from Prospect, KY

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Use Bread To Clean Up Broken Glass

An easy way to pick up small pieces of broken glass without hurting yourself is to just scrunch up several pieces of any type of bread, then use this ball of bread to pick up the pieces of glass, by pressing the bread into the glass. This is especially important for those of you taking blood thinners!

By CKD

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Spending Too Much On Take Out Coffee?

Sometimes we don't realize how much money we spend on take out coffee. If you buy two cups a day, 5 days a week it can cost you approximately $60 a month. That's $720 a year on just coffee. Yikes! Here are a few solutions to cut down your Java costs.

A great way to budget your coffee money is to get one of those reloadable coffee cards (Many chain coffee places have them) and put a set amount of money on it once a month (say $20). This will allow you to keep track of your coffee purchases easily. Some coffee chains give you perks if you register your card as well so ask your local coffee establishment about it. Make sure you stick to the coffee budget you set for yourself.

If the establishment where you go does not offer reloadable coffee cards, have a separate tiny change purse in your pocket or purse with your set coffee money and only use this.

I had a $10 Starbucks card one week and in two days it was gone because I had splurged on a few lattes and a snack. I couldn't believe it. If you bring your own mug in, you get a 10 cent discount with them.

If this is much too complicated for your liking, purchase one of those Big Sky Bistro Coffee Presses (google it and you'll see where you can get one, Amazon sells them) and bring your own ground coffee to work/school. All you need is boiled water. The press is your mug as well. Great invention!

By Lisa from Halifax, NS

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Lestoil to Remove Gum

I have found Lestoil works to remove chewing gum. I would assume that it would work on clothing as well as my daughter dropped her chewing gum on her bed sheet.

By Norma L. from Pataskala, Ohio

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Beverages for the Christmas Cactus

I have a 55+ year old Christmas Cactus that I got after my grandmother's death. It didn't do very well and didn't grow much and I was about to throw it away; then, I remembered seeing my grandmother pour whatever she was drinking on the cactus. (Tea, coffee) I started giving the cactus a cup of coffee once a week and it has just exploded! It blooms twice a year and has grown by leaps and bounds. Try coffee!

By Liz from Birmingham, AL

Editor's Note: This works really well but make sure it is has no sugar or cream in it.

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Storing Large Bags of Dog Food

I use a 'dog food only' garbage bin with the locking handles to store 50 lb bags of dog food. The whole bag goes into the bin which is stored in the garage. It keeps the food fresh and keeps the dog out of it.

By Carol from Palo Alto, CA

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Vinegar for Cleaning Paint Brushes

Vinegar wins again. I was replacing a few floor tiles. I uses a floor patch that is sort like a cement. I used a old paint brush to feather the edges. The floor patch dried on the brush and parts became hard. I did not want to throw my $1.00 brush away. I am a bit thrifty. It has many other uses to come. I soaked in vinegar water for a day and the brush cleaned up, no more dried floor patch. I will get a few more years out of my paint brush.

By Shirley C. from Calumet City, IL

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Rulers Keep Mice and Roaches out of Cupboards

We were so disgusted when we found a mouse had made his way into our kitchen cupboards. We found a half inch space along the bottom of the cupboard doors where the nasty little mouse made his way in. I knew I needed molding or something to cover that space, but needed something right then (in the middle of the night) that wouldn't be an eyesore. What ended up working perfectly were several CLEAR PLASTIC RULERS I had bought (3 for $1) at a dollar store. They were JUST the right size and shape and had holes already drilled in them. I could have screwed them on, but instead I hot glued them to the bottom of the cupboard where the door meets the cabinet box and this worked just fine! Now those nasty creatures can't make their way into my cupboards and eat my cereal!

By Cyinda from Seattle

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Vent Pies With Drinking Straws

Cut drinking straws into short lengths and insert through slits in pie crust to prevent juice from running over in the oven and permit steam to escape.

By Gary from NJ

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A man walked by a table in a hotel and noticed three men and a dog playing cards. The dog was playing with extraordinary performance. "This is a very smart dog," the man commented. "Not so smart," said one of the players. "Every time he gets a good hand, he wags his tail."

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

Removing Contact Paper From Metal

Does anyone have a good way to remove contact paper from a metal surface? Thanks.

Sue from Blackstock, SC

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Getting Rid of Snails

This is only my second summer at my new home. Last year I was so pleased to see plants and trees growing nicely until I started noticing holes in all the leaves. It appears I have some very hungry visitors in the form of snails. I was told snails indicate good soil but I would prefer to do without them. How can I get rid of snails or at least discourage them from visiting this summer

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Lynn from Toronto, Ontario

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Homemade Spray On Conditioner

I want to make my own spray on, leave in hair conditioner with sunscreen. I would like to know if anyone has a recipe to make this?

Thanks,
Mindy

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Looking For Perfume Suggestions

I would like some perfume suggestions. I like DKNY Cashmere Mist, but it is pretty common. I like clean, powdery scents, not floral. I really like Yankee Candle's "Clean Cotton" fragrant candles, oils, etc. Unfortunately, they don't make it in a perfume! If anyone has any suggestions as to a perfume I might like, I would appreciate it!

Thanks!
Tracey from Westerville, OH

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What's your favorite crockpot recipe?

I know there are lots of past crock pot recipes posted on here, but does anyone have some favorites they would like to sharet?

Tammy

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Preparing Flower Beds

I have trouble getting flowers to grow. What should I use to get my flower beds ready for planting flowers? What kind of fertilizer is good? My house faces the sun in the afternoon. Last year I planted flowers and they looked the same months later as to when I originally brought them.

Pat

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Planning a Baby Shower

My daughter is expecting her first baby in November and I'd love to organize a baby shower. I live in the UK and I haven't the faintest idea how to go about it. Any ideas and suggestions would most appreciated. Many thanks.

Jan from Grantham, UK

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Clean Mildew Off Grout

What can you use to take mildew stain off tile grout?

Sally from Olathe, KS

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Riding Mower Won't Start

I have a John Deere STX 38 riding lawn mower that I can't get to start. It ran fine all last summer, but unfortunately, I left it outside in the winter. I changed the battery, spark plug and wire but nothing. The motor just spins. It doesn't look like I'm getting any spark in the plug wire at all. Someone said one of the cylinders might be stuck, but I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

bigzipper6 from Cuba City, WI

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First Communion Centerpiece Ideas

I need some ideas for a table centerpiece for my son's first communion.

Sue from Reading, MA

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Reupholstering a Couch

Can someone tell me how to reupholster a couch from start to finish?

Amanda from South Londonderry, VT

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Removing Paint From a Wood Floor

How do you remove paint droppings on wood floors without ruining them?

Kerry from Michigan

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Dog Pooping in My Bed

My dog has pooped on my bed on few occasions. How do I keep that from happening again? Why did that happen? She is a pit mix, rescue dog.

Kookie from Spokane

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Removing Mothball Smell

We used moth balls in our camper last season to get rid of the mice. Now the camper smells awful. Any suggestions how to get rid of the moth ball smell in our camper?

J.H. from Colorado

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How long do boiled eggs last?

How long can boiled eggs be stored in the refrigerator and safely eaten?

Thanks,
Lewis

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Nail Polish Stains on Clothing

How do you get fingernail polish out of pants or skirts?

Theresa from Mt. Olive, NC

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Removing Ink From Your Hands

How do you remove ink from skin?

Ray from Palm Harbor, FL

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Hydrosil Heating Question

I am researching info about these Hydrosil heaters. I currently have a houseful of the old electric style baseboards. They are efficient and I am able to keep my all electric household on a reasonable budget. I can't decide if I really need these new silicone replacements. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Rufus

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Removing Candle Wax From Furniture

How can I remove candle wax from a wooded chest?

Eddie from Panama City, FL

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Preventing Towel Lint

I bought some new kitchen towels and have washed them a couple of times. I am wondering how I can reduce or eliminate the lint I get from these. They are black and white and every time I use them, they leave little black threads on whatever I am wiping down. Any tips are gratefully appreciated. Thanks!

Janice from Illinois

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First Holy Communion Speech Ideas

I need a welcome speech for me to say on my Holy communion party.

Rinnu

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Homemade Thermos

We need to make a thermos that can keep an ice cube from melting with stuff from home. Any suggestions?

Sheri from Niagara Falls, ON

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Painting Counter Tops To Look Like Granite

I want black counter tops with a faux granite look. I am clueless on what to buy to start and what colors to get to complete the look. Does anyone have any pictures? Any help would be appreciated.

Abbey from Ohio

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

What would be a good color to paint my kitchen. I have oak cabinets and floor and granite counter tops with specks of browns.

Sue from Virginia

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Getting Rid of Fleas

I have a huge problem with house/pet fleas and have done all the usual things to get rid of them but they are still here. I have lifted all the carpets and there is just the wooden floor boards with little gaps and I would be very grateful for your help with my problem.

Alison

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Ideas For Graduation Party That Will Have Deaf Guests

My deaf daughter is graduating from college with her bachelor degree! Quick, I need help for party ideas. There will be hearing and deaf guest, young and old. Thanks!

Cyn from Ohio

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Saving Money on Carrots

Tips for Saving Money on Carrots. Post your ideas.

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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

Healthy Menu Choices by Cuisine
By Claire Bush

Don't let restaurant meals throw a curveball into your diet and exercise plan. With a little advance planning, ordering a healthy meal is do-able, whether the cuisine is Chinese, Indian, Italian or American. Here's a rundown of what to choose and what to avoid.

Indian Chicken Tikka Is A Healthy Choice

Growing Vegetables in the Shade
By Ellen Brown

A site receiving full sun is premium real estate in the vegetable garden. If sunny spots are in short supply in your garden, an easy way to free up space, expand your garden (and your yields) is to use the shady spots in your garden to your advantage. A wide range of delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs can all be grown in partial shade.

Growing Vegetables in the Shade

Converting Aquarium into Terrarium

Question:

I'm thinking about converting a 30 gallon aquarium into a terrarium. I would like advice from anyone who has done this successfully.

Converting Aquarium into Terrarium

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk art can be a lot of fun for kids and the chalk is easy to make yourself using Plaster of Paris.

Homemade Sidewalk Chalk

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Daily Thrifty Tips - April 28, 2008

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