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Vol. 8, Num. 83, April 28, 2009 (Read It Online) We have been receiving a high number of requests recently. Please look them over to see if you have any advice to offer. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
Craft: Baby Shower Diaper Cake This a picture of a diaper cake that I just made for a friends baby shower. It was the first one that I made and found that it was very easy to do at half the cost of buying one. By Tami from Mount Pleasant, SC
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Rate It: We moved into our bungalow about 3 years ago and found an enormous garden, (never had a garden before). We set about slow and tentatively, bit by bit, my husband being a joiner and me trying to be a gardener. The first thing I wanted was hanging baskets in the front to welcome people and on we went from there. We won the gardener of the year for our housing group the first year so good luck. The photo added was where we first started a rockery. We love it. Happy gardening all. By redjan1 from Liverpool, England
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Rate It: Shirek is a 20 month old Chipin (I think). I bought it from a pet shop. By DrPoet from Turkey
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Rate It: Binky is a 1 year old Terrier. Last winter and my husband's buddy called and said there was something living under his shed. Somebody had dropped off this little puppy in the dead of winter. It was love at first sight Binky likes to terrorize the cats and go to the park. All I can say is she has brought joy to our lives and I thank God everyday that we have her By binkyboo from Niles, OH
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Rate It: Craft Project: Elegant Country Ribbon and Roses Basket This lovely basket is wrapped with sheer ribbon and decorated with mini fabric roses. It's perfect for placing in the bathroom to hold soaps or towels, in the living room to hold mail, and makes a wonderful gift basket. Simply put, it's an elegantly decorated basket that has a million different uses.
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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!
Try this the next time you have a yard sale. I buy a package of seed starter cups (cost $1) and fill them with starter plants from my yard (ivy, daisies, etc.). Yard sale goers love plants! This makes my yard sale better and also thins out my flowerbeds at the same time. You may also meet someone that wants to trade plantings with you, so you can have a start of something new for yourself. By Vguy from Earle, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12567054.tip.html
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Rate It: Check Under Furniture When Babyproofing Check under the furniture when childproofing a home for a new baby, very important and potentially life saving! Before my first baby started crawling, I thought to myself "I better check and double-check everything." I ran my hand under the entire body of the couch and ran across a furniture staple that had worked itself loose and was plunging downward like a dagger. I had to get pliers to pull the thing out. It was a very sharp, spiraled, metal furniture staple and I was aghast that it had been there for many years without even knowing it. Had I not found that staple sticking downward out of the bottom of my couch, it is very disturbing to imagine what kind of damage that could have done to my very young son's arms or legs. When my baby started crawling, he was always near, under, or around that couch. Please check underneath all furniture, love seats, recliners and chairs for anything sticking out that you're not expecting to be sticking out! We all check the obvious, but that one was an eye-opener for me and I am fortunate that devastating damage to my precious one was avoided! By Chichijunk from Cleveland, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33388254.tip.html
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Rate It: If you ever had to change a tire and you lose some of the hub cap bolts, take one off of each of the other three tires and you can limp on into a service station. Hope this helps! Source: Tried and true from years of experience. By Poor But Proud from Salem OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51320599.tip.html
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Rate It: Frugal Gift List: "Things I Love About You" I was low on cash around my boyfriends birthday last year. I got him a little gift but wanted to do something special, personal and on the cheap. Then I remembered something my mom had done for my grandmother a few years back. So I started to write out a list, "27 Things I Love About You". You get the idea, one for every year of age. Some of the things I wrote were serious and personal. Others were silly and lighthearted. I put everything in a recycled shirt box that I had decorated with ric-rac, old buttons and scrapbook paper. Cheaper than wrapping paper because it was all stuff I already had around the house. When my boyfriend read the letter he cried. He said he loved it because it wasn't something I just went out and bought, but something I put a lot of time and thought into! He saved the letter and the box. Years ago when my mom did this for my grandma, she also cried because she was so touched. It's so important to let people know how you feel about them. (By the way I only had to think of 27 things, my mom had to think of 75!) By Glaittli from Port Orchard Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69035791.tip.html
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Rate It: Let Toilet Brush Dry and Sanitize Above Bowl Toilet brushes can get very stinky and mold-infested. To avoid this, flush the toilet after cleaning it and dunk the brush up and down to rinse it. Dunk again when the water refills, then put the handle of the brush under the seat with the brush over the bowl (keep the cover up for air circulation). The brush will dry cleanly. After it's dry, put the top down and then the brush can go back into the holder. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47102292.tip.html
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Rate It: Several weeks ago I planted a variety of vegetable seeds for my garden. I now have several trays of seedlings that need to move to a bigger pot but it is too early to put them in the garden. After using up all my saved 4 inch pots and various yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese containers I still have a couple hundred seedlings that need a bigger home. I went to Walmart to see if they had any cheap pots. Nope, nothing unless I was willing to spend $1 per pot. Then I walked by a stack of plastic picnic cups, bingo! I sprang for the sturdier version and spent $3 for 60 cups. I'll put holes in the bottom and these will make great pots that can be reused each year. By Kristy from Forest Grove, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13984410.tip.html
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Rate It: My neighborhood has an extremely bad mole problem. The only yards that don't have mole holes are the homes where people let their cats go outdoors. I think it's just the smell of the cats that keeps the moles away because my cat doesn't hunt them. When we first moved in we had a mole hill every few feet, but now that we have an indoor-outdoor cat our problem is solved! We didn't notice right away, but after several months the moles got the message and moved on. My neighbor paid $250 to have the little buggers trapped (and they came back) all we did was get a cat that needed a home. By JLS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85709596.tip.html
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Rate It: Uses for Parmesan Cheese Containers You can use baking soda as a toxin free cleaner. I fill an empty Parmesan cheese container with the baking soda. It's the one with the a lid and pouring holes. It's easier to use than trying to sprinkle from the baking soda box. Then I spray vinegar over the sprinkled baking soda. This gives more control over where these products will cover. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf433704.tip.html
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Rate It: Lettuce With Peanut Butter and Onion My Dad had a heart attack in his 50's. His doctor told him to stop eating bread. And for snacking he gave him this hint: 1 large leaf lettuce, spread with 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Add a THICK slice of red onion. Roll it up and enjoy. I tried it and it was remarkable good Source: Dad's Doctor By Great Granny Vi from Moorpark, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76814438.tip.html
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Rate It: Rosemary helps to relax muscles, including the smooth muscles of the digestive tract and uterus. Because of this property it can be used to soothe digestive upsets and relieve menstrual cramps. When used in large amounts it can have the opposite effect, causing irritation of the intestines and cramps. A tea made form the leaves is also taken as a tonic for calming nerves and used as an antiseptic. Rosemary makes a pleasant-tasting tea. Use one teaspoon of crushed dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for ten minutes. Good luck. By kffrmw88 from Dothan, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32035234.tip.html
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I do not know much about composting. I am a scuba diving instructor who lives in the Philippines. Each summer we get a lot of green algae (sea weed) wash up on our beach here and it is unsightly to our customers.
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Rate It: How do I remove ink from a photo? By Carolinebk from Carthedral City, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf893921.tip.html
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Rate It: What happened to Carnation Breakfast Bars of the 80's and 90's. I have written the company but got no response. Does anyone out there know? By Rjones1952 from Evans, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21800530.tip.html
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Rate It: Lawn Mower Woes: Starter Cord Won't Pull I replaced the starter cord on my Troybilt lawn mower. It works perfectly until I re bolt the cover, then it locks up and can't be pulled. Any ideas of what the problem is? By Jessy12 from Fairfax, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf274890.tip.html
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Rate It: Games for a Coed Wedding Shower I will be hosting a coed wedding shower at the end of May at our church for the couple after the wedding. Mainly to get them connected to other congregation members. The menu is simple: hot dogs, potato salad, chips and lemonade with sheet cake for dessert. I need some help with games or favors. What are some favors and some games that can be done within a reasonable budget? Please help. Thank you. By Rader1 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47255979.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I clean tart wax from the burner? By Neets from Beaumont, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf350389.tip.html
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Rate It: Would anyone know what breed my german shepherd is mixed with? The shelter did not know. I feel certain it is lab but, I would like other opinions. By Jta0976 from Atlanta, GA
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Rate It: Last fall I was given little shoots of some red maple trees. They all have a great root base established now, however, they are very tiny, some are less than a foot tall. My concern is we live in a very open area with a lot of wind. Should I continue growing them in small flower pots until they grow a little more, or should I transplant them now. Hardiness Zone: 5a By Newfarmgirl from Monroe, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56676553.tip.html
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Rate It: I need ideas for a Cinco de Mayo float. By Lisa from East Carbon, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79652182.tip.html
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Rate It: Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Windows Have any of you used a power washer or pressure washer to clean your home's windows? We have a power washer, and I'd like to use it to clean the windows. I'd welcome a few tips from those of you that have already cleaned your windows with one of them. Thanks. By Tsiegl from Ashland, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80436618.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a free easy crochet pattern for a tam hat with a picture. By Joe K from Pittsburgh, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15044347.tip.html
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Rate It: White Mold Growing on Plant Soil I loved an idea a few weeks ago on here about putting seeds for your garden in egg crates, and then putting them in a homemade "greenhouse" to grow them. Somehow white mold grew on the soil (special soil for starting seeds). Maybe from too much water and not enough circulation? My mom told me that baking soda applied a few times should kill the mold. But I would like to know if my seeds are now destroyed because of the mold? Some of my plants started, but many haven't. I just discovered the mold 3 days ago. They had been in the "greenhouses" for a week or two. Do I need to start over? Thanks for any help. Hardiness Zone: 4a By Wife2jfbuilder from Minneapolis, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30502980.tip.html
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Rate It: Ladies Circle Magazine Sauerbraten Recipe Years ago, I believe it was the early 70's, I found a recipe for Sauerbraten in a Ladies Circle magazine. I think it was the best one I ever tried, but during a move I lost a lot of my recipes. If any of you have it I would greatly appreciate it. By LJD7988 from Nedrow, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24830004.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a flour sifter. It has two layers of wire screen (the sifting mechanism is between them). However, some flour has gotten stuck inside and no matter what I do, I can't get it out. I've tried drying it in the sun and using a high-pressure water stream. Nothing works and it does not come apart. Any ideas? By Doxiemom from Coplay, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52829349.tip.html
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Rate It: I have really oily skin and all related problems like opened pores and pimples. No matter how many times I wash my face I can't keep it from being oily. I don't put on makeup very much. I want to use some homemade remedies if possible. Can you suggest any? By Couponalbum from CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17185436.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I unclog a tub drain without the use of harmful chemicals? By geo1202 from Pasadena, CA. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28092296.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Salt Stains from Carpet How do I clean winter salt stains out of the carpet in my car? By Cnichols from East Lansing, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf926151.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know how to make their own homemade Tomato Paste? By Jetts691 from Granite Falls, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf142642.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a chemical to use to control fire ants. Can anyone tell me what we can use? By Gdampier from Bastrop, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf210088.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to stop smoking. I have tried with no results. Any suggestions that really work? By Vguy from Earle, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55069344.tip.html
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Rate It: I plan to paint my countertops, and the question is what do you do with the metal on the seams? What would be the best colors? I want to do the granite look. By Writer10 from Birmingham, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80673719.tip.html
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Rate It: Keeping Asian Beetles Out of My House I have a chalet in WV and use it two weekends a month. In late Fall millions of Asian beetles (that look like ladybugs) fly in mass from the mountains and head for my chalet for warmth. When I arrive my 22' windows are black with bugs, the tub is filled, and the ceilings are alive. I cannot figure out how they are getting inside of the house. I'm thinking around the tracks of the two sliding doors maybe? I've asked what to use at DITY stores and folks say you can't fill up the sliding door track and still use the door. Is there an experienced person with the answer or some other suggestion? Thanks. By Manorris01 from Dunkirk, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19114327.tip.html
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Rate It: Putting Photographs on Glass Blocks How do I put photographs on glass blocks? I would like to do this as gifts for family this year. By KIA730 from Goshen, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19240990.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have any unusual recipes using pancake mix? Thanks. By Jey40 from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86551563.tip.html
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Rate It: I got brown permanent hair dye on my jeans. Can anyone help me? Thanks! By Metroplex Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74467536.tip.html
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Rate It: What is a natural product I can use to prevent mulberry (or any tree) saplings from sprouting and coming back? Hardiness Zone: 5a By Nimminoodle from Peoria, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27412664.tip.html
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Rate It: Reviews of Generic Wrinkle Creams Does anyone know what the best drugstore wrinkle creme is? I prefer generic brands since they are cheaper. Thanks. By Dee80 from San Jacinto, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33457017.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband and I are wanting to renew our vows. We eloped when we got married so we want to have an actual ceremony. But we are wanting to do a Celtic themed wedding. I am having a very hard time finding anything for it. Most of the dresses I have found cost in the 5-7 thousand dollar range. I have found nothing for a cake idea. Can someone help me with finding somewhere to look online? By Ellicemoffitt from Paragould, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63054011.tip.html
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Rate It: Refrigerator's Door Ice Maker Not Working My Kenmore thru-the-door ice dispenser stopped working. It doesn't make any sound when pressing either the cube or crushed button. The screw device that feeds the ice to the dispenser can be turned by hand. The ice maker works fine. Thanks for any tips. By Eglan69 from Panama City, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10886393.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a burn ring from a hot coffee cup on the arm of my leather armchair, does anyone know how I could remove it or at least make it look less ugly? Thanks By boe cat from Scotland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf778043.tip.html
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Rate It: I have these white curtains, 70% Polyester and 30% cotton. I want to dye them a medium tan to go with my new couches. I was wondering if anyone ever used coffee or teabags as a dye. Or should I buy that RIT dye? I've heard you could use coffee and tea, but I'm not sure how much to put in a bucket and how long do I keep it in the bucket? Thank you very much! By Patti102007 from CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75982620.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:
School Lunches With Pizzazz
The prices of school lunches, like most other things, are rising. Yet, parents need to question whether these lunches are providing their children with healthy lunch options and whether or not the lunches are worth the money. Some schools pack the trays with healthy a la carte items that are financially friendly as well as healthy. Meanwhile, others are charging $2.25 or more for peanut butter sandwiches, milk, and a celery stick.
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