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Craft: Baby Shower Diaper Cake

I made this adorable diaper cake (my first one) for my first grand child's shower. I just finished it today. I was amazed at how easy it was to make.

I used 56 size 1 Luvs diapers and rolled each one then secured each with a rubber band. Use a larger rubber band to hold them together as you add them to make each layer. Mine is a 3 tier. I used 1 8oz and 1 4oz baby bottle in the center to hold the layers together. I secured each layer with tulle (tie kind of tight). Then I started decorating. I used 3 receiving blankets, 2 onesies, 2 washcloths, a few rattles and different things to decorate it.

I also search the net for pictures and printed them on matte finish photo paper, cut them out, then used them as decorations as well. I was able to personalize the cake this way. I used 3 different colors of ribbon. I also used tulle and curling ribbon. I think it turned out adorable.

By Tammy from Herrin, IL

Baby Shower Diaper Cake

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Craft Project: Advair Doll Chair

If you have empty Advair Diskus inhalers around, start saving them. With just a bit of Super Glue and felt, your Barbies and maybe even larger dolls will have space-age customizable seating.

Craft Project: Advair Doll Chair

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Max (Tabby)

Max is a 7 years young male Tabby. He picked me while I was in a pet shop.

Max fetches toy mice and brings them back to me over and over again. He loves to take a walk in the hallway of our apartment building. He will stand at the door and ask to go out. He also loves to jump inside any open empty box, so we always make sure we bring one home for him to play in.

Max loves his own window perch and is my constant shadow. He cries for me when I am away and wakes me up seconds before the alarm clock every morning. Max loves me and I love him.

By Grayce from Toronto, Canada

Max (Tabby)

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Princess 'ChaCha' (Yorkshire Terrier)

Her registered name is Princess, but she has never acted like a Princess. So we call her ChaCha! She is a 3 year old Yorkshire Terrierist!

We got her from a private breeder in NY State. She likes to play hide and seek. Every morning I hide 5 treats around the house for her to find during the day. She usually finds them all in about 10 minutes!

By Kaye from Acworth, GA

Princess 'ChaCha' (Yorkshire Terrier)

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My Frugal Life
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Install a Fire Alarm in the Loft

My mum got my brother up in the loft today to install a fire alarm up there. Until I spoke to her on the phone today I never even thought to do that. I have smoke alarms in all rooms except the bathroom but never thought of the spacious loft above me. I am 'alarmed' at myself for not thinking about this also. So, I am passing on this tip; it could save your life one day.

Source: My mum!

By Monique from Somerset. UK

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Frugal Eye Make-Up Remover

A much cheaper alternative for eye make-up remover is to use the 'Johnson and Johnson No Tears' baby shampoo. All you need is a little dab on a wet wash cloth. Plus I always had to use a cotton ball with traditional make-up remover, but with the shampoo, no wasted cotton ball!

Source: My mind drifting as usual.

By Sunshine from Carlisle, PA

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Buy Name Brand Flea and Tick Remedy in Bulk

I've got several dogs and cats at home, and we live near fields with tall weeds. Therefore, summer time is a flea nightmare! I've bought the "cheaper" flea/tick remedies from the pet store, but they didn't work too well. Recently, I found my premium flea/tick products (Frontline, Advantix) on eBay.

They aren't sold in the individual packets, instead they are packed with a syringe and bottle. You pour the large dose of medication into the glass bottle, measure it into the syringe (no needle, of course) and apply it to your pet based on weight. It is exactly the same as having the vet apply it, but much cheaper!

I bought a one year supply of Frontline for my Sheltie, and spent less than $30! That is even cheaper than the brands that don't really work. All you have to do to save money in this case is measure it yourself. In my opinion, it is definitely worth it. Make sure you double check the seller's description, EPA approved Frontline doesn't have an expiration date. Good sellers will display this info, and feel free to ask questions.

By Stacey from Dorr, MI

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Using Masking Tape to Label Screws

When taking apart something that has a variety of screws, I use masking tape. Label the tape with what part the screws go to, then stick the screw right to the tape. No more lost screws or trying to figure out what screw goes where!

By Debi from Corona, CA

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Use a Timer With Your Heated Blanket

We have a heated mattress pad. I had tired of getting into a cold bed when I had forgotten to turn the blanket on earlier. I thought why not use a timer just like I do with my small appliances? Now I set my timer to come on an hour or so before I plan to go to bed, and to turn off after I get up.

By Viki from Abbeville, AL

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Switching to Stainless Steel Pot and Pans

I switched to all stainless steel pots and pans a few years back when the news came out about the fumes from scratched non stick pans was potentially caustic. It took some getting used to cooking wise. I kept having stuff stick and I had a hard time cleaning the pots and pans. The scrubbers made specifically for the stainless steel pots and pans were costly and did not last.

I was frustrated with some baked on egg in my pan and grabbed the baking soda from the fridge and instantly cleaned the dried on egg I had been wrestling to get out. I have perfected it now. If there is any grease residue in the pan I will first let it soak with a drop of dish liquid and hot water while I do the other dishes, then I dump the liquid from the pan, squeeze out my scrubby sponge of most of its liquid, and sprinkle some baking soda around in the pan and with my sponge scrub it around both the inside and out. It makes a paste and removes anything stuck on and polished the stainless as well. Rinse well and your pots and pans will be clean and look like new. YEA!

By Cheryl from Smithsburg, MD

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Buy Generic And Save Money

Some time ago, we needed some cable to connect a computer to the router and it seemed quite expensive in the store. I checked online and finally bought some for about half what the stores wanted for name brand cable.

I have found the same thing with other things lately. I found a Varilux floor lamp in Goodwill on 50% off day, which didn't have a bulb. I knew there was a possibility that it didn't work but, my daughter pointed out, we have an electrician in the family (her fiancee). Now the Varilux lamp generally costs over $100 and the bulbs are at least $20 but since I paid $4 for the lamp, it would be worth buying the bulb. As luck would have it, I checked in Walmart and found a 'brand x' bulb for around $6, making the whole thing cost just slightly over $10 and it works! So, when things seem outrageously priced, look for generic brands, you may be surprised.

Pat in Phoenix

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Saving Money While Feeding Active Teens

My teenage son swims at least 25 hours a week, and usually rides his bicycle the 5+ miles each way back and forth to practice. At 6 foot tall and 200 lbs, you can imagine how much our athlete can eat! I needed to cut the grocery bill, but didn't want to limit his food or discourage his already very healthy eating habits.

So, here's our solution:

Breakfast has to include a big bowl of oatmeal. Later in the day, he has to eat either a potato or a bowl of brown rice. Beyond that, he can choose whatever healthy foods he wants from what we have; these very cheap (but still healthy) options add enough extra to his diet to bring his other food intake back into the realm of the reasonable. He doesn't feel restricted, because these are "in addition to" what he feels like getting, preventing anyone from having to limit the rest.
I always keep a big pot of beans (from inexpensive dried beans) and a big bowl of rice cooked up and in the refrigerator. Again, these are cheap and healthy choices, and if it's easy to grab, it'll be chosen more often.
I also always keep cheap lettuce cut and available, as well as cheap frozen veggies (in winter) or fresh produce (when the farmer's market is open). I make sure the more expensive things take more work to prepare. I don't buy chips and expensive snacks like that, but do keep popcorn kernels on hand--again, both cheap and healthy, since we use an air popper.

The result? We spend "dramatically" less on food than any other family I know. And we still have happy, healthy teenagers, including the boy who, just before the new plan, ate 3 pounds of grapes at once and called it a snack!

Source: Sheer desperation!

By Sterghe from Pittston, PA

Saving Money While Feeding Active Teens

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Save and Refill TV Dinner Plates

Even though the kids are grown and away from home, I figured out a way that I could save a lot of money and we could still eat the meals that we've grown to love over the years. When TV dinners were on sale, I purchased a number of them. We used these dinners when we were in a hurry rather than eating fast food. When done, I washed and saved the "plate". Then, whenever I fix a roast, I create TV dinners with some of the leftovers and create a beef stew or a casserole with the rest. The trick to doing this is to have a variety of dinners on hand (turkey, roast beef, chicken, or even left over casserole).

My husband figures we've saved a lot of money by not having to pay for fast food. There's also the energy savings because I don't have to heat the oven every day and the A/C doesn't have to work as hard as it does when the oven is on. If I don't want to fix a meal or if we're in a hurry, all we have to do is take out a homemade TV dinner and we can eat a good balanced meal that is seasoned the way we like them.

Just because the kids aren't here now, doesn't mean that we can't eat the good meals that my husband loves all the time. For example, if I fix a large roast beef for dinner, I'll fix perhaps 4 or 6 TV dinners with sliced roast beef and then get another 4 to 6 meals from the leftover beef when I fix it as a Beef Stew or Shepherd's Pie. That saves me from having to cook a minimum of 4 additional meals. It is a little extra work, but in the long run, it's not that much extra work.

Just make sure you place the "plate" in a freezer bag and make sure it's flat in your freezer to keep everything on the "plate" and reheat in the microwave just like the TV dinners you purchased at the store.

By Bobbie from Mesa, AZ

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Use Ramen Noodles in Your Main Course

I make all kinds of meals using ramen noodles. This is one of my faves. Use the same type of meat as the seasoning. Make the ramen noodles as usual. Drain water. Fry your meat with the seasoning. Add noodles and Alfredo sauce to taste. I have also added mushrooms and cheese

Jenn

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A man was stranded on the proverbial deserted Pacific island for years. Finally one day a boat comes sailing into view, and the man frantically waves and draws the skipper's attention. The boat comes near the island, and the sailor gets out and greets the stranded man.

After awhile the sailor asks, "What are those three huts you have here?"

"Well, that's my house there."

"What's that next hut?" asks the sailor.

"I built that hut to be my church."

"What about the other hut?"

"Oh, that's where I used to go to church."

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

Emailed Pictures Not Working

Why do I not get pictures in most of my e-mails? I get small squares in the left hand corner of the boxes, they are red. Please help if possible. Thank you.

Donna from Galion, Ohio

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Freezing Pistachio Nuts

Can you freeze pistachio nuts?

Hannah from St. Pete, FL

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Painting a Metal Bench

I am painting a metal bench with oil-based paint and the paint is bubbling. Any suggestions on why this is happening and what I should do?

Sherri

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Pillow Dye Transferred onto Sofa

I have a tan microfiber couch and recently purchased two red microfiber throw pillows for it. My boyfriend was sick for three days and slept on the couch on one of the red pillows, and now I have a pink/red stain from where the pillow had been. What should I use to remove the red dye without ruining my couch?

Rhonda from Topeka, KS

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How long should I wait to re-dye my hair?

Recently I got an olive oil perm and color the same day but the color did not take . In fact around my temples, where I am gray, my hair turned almost gold. How long do I have to wait to color my hair?

Barbara from Pembroke Pines, Florida

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Piriformis Muscle Syndrome

Has anyone been diagnosed with Piriformis Muscle Syndrome? If so what do you do for this? How long have you had it? Does it ever go away?

J.R. from Aberdeen, MD

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Holding a 2-Piece Sofa Together

I have a chaise and sofa that are not connected and they keep slipping apart. How can I keep them from separating without permanently attaching them together?

A.K. from Minneapolis, MN

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Butter Stains on Leather Shoes

I got a pair of Sperry top-sider leather boat shoes, tan/camel color, for Christmas. They are more than a boat shoe to me and they feel like heaven. I went to a buffet last night and now I noticed 2 butter stains right on the front of them! They are suppose to be water and stain resistant. I tried water and dawn dish detergent, white vinegar, and talc/baby powder. Nothing seems to be helping! Can anyone please help me? Thanks.

Kathy from Philadelphia, PA

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Crafts Using Styrofoam Peanuts

I am looking for Styrofoam peanut crafts and recycle crafts about and making horses.

Delilah from Columbia, SC

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Moist Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Recipe

I have been looking for a good, moist Lemon Poppyseed muffin or bread recipe. I would prefer to make it from scratch if possible. Does anyone out there have a good recipe? Thanks in advance.

Lisa from Lena, WI

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Plunger Marks in Toilet

How can I remove black rubber marks left from using an old plunger in my toilet bowl. I've tried Comet, Goof-Off, Bar Keepers Friend, etc. with no luck. Thanks for any help.

Shaun from Lees Summit, MO

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Putting Food in Candle Jars

Can you reuse candle jars to put foods in?

Eleni from Hemet Sage, CA

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Sewing Fleece on a Sewing Machine

I have been trying to make fleece scarves and blankets and have had to sew them by hand. My sewing machine will not stitch over the fabric. Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Donna from Middletown, NY

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Indentation on a Patent Leather Shoe

I have a pair of red patent leather shoes that have been sitting in my closet. Apparently something was sitting on top of them because now there's an indention on the top of one of them. Is there any way to get this out? It's very small but noticeable to me. It looks like it might be from the heel of one of my other shoes.

Michele from Monett, MO

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Easter Gift Ideas for Teenager

Does anyone have some cute gift ideas for my teen friend for easter?

Cocoa Girl

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Used Cat Litter

What can I do with used cat litter?

greersville from Indiana

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Not Getting Enough Hot Water

I have two 50 gal. water heaters tied together, and I still run out of hot water. What can I do too increase recovery time? Will a bypass help?

Tom from Indianapolis

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Garden Soxx

Where can I purchase something called Garden Soxx? Has anyone tried these?

Peg from Springboro, OH

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Washing Machine Not Rinsing Soap Out of Clothes

I am have a problem with loads of washing not rinsing properly. I never overfill the machine, always use half or less than half the amount of detergent on the box/bottle, clean my machine at least once every 2 months (with either ammonia or soda and vinegar). Yet, still, I frequently open the load to find that there are soapy streaks on items and I have to re-rinse with a good amount of vinegar to get rid of the soapy residue.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is my machine just too old? I've tried various detergents, including a brand new gel that is supposed to wash at 15 degrees so it should dissolve more readily, but they all have the same problem.

Laureland from UK

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Patterns for Easy Crocheted Baby Items

I am looking for easy crocheted hats and baby blankets patterns.

Patty from New York

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Toilet Isn't Flushing Well

My toilet is bubbling and doesn't flush real well. Can someone tell me what might be wrong?

Nancy from North Vernon, IN

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Creating a Budget for Buying a House

I need to put the money I'm paying for rent into buying a house. Surely if I can afford $750.00 rent, I can pay for a house. However, I need to get a budget plan with contingencies. I currently pay rent $750, car insurance $60, utilities $400, and groceries/gas/misc. approx. $100. My weekly income is $380.

The weekly income is tricky to me for some reason. The only successful part is I put $250 up every week for rent. Every week I pay a bill. I should have money to save, but I don't see it. I make $1,520 a month, with $1,310 a month for bills which means that $200+ is unaccounted for. Any suggestions? I would like to start saving at least 75% of that $200+.

If I do, that would give me at least $2,000+ to add to income tax refund which is usually about $4,000. This should pay off creditors and open doors to being a first time home buyer. I know what I want I just need the right plan to be in place.

Cowanda from Savannah

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Cleaning Underwear

My mom is starting to soil her undies. How do I get out the feces and urine. I put tried bleach and water, then soaking and washing them in detergent but the smell of bleach is there. Any other suggestions would really help. Thank you.

Lamie

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Surprise 16th Birthday Party

My son is turning 16 in a couple of months. I would like to have a surprise birthday party for him. But like everyone else we are on a tight budget. One of my biggest problems is where to have it. My home is way too small for all the family and friends and everywhere I can think of costs a lot to rent. His birthday is in April, sometimes it is not warm enough for an outside party. Anyone have any ideas?

Angel from Catlettsburg, KY

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Menu Ideas for a Masquerade Party

At my school I am part of a club and this club is wanting to gain awareness in the community so we are planning to throw a masquerade ball. I was put in charge of food but sadly I am completely lost. I have no idea what kinds of food are eaten at these types of events. I am also on a very tight budget. So if anyone has any ideas please feel free to share.

Walter from Chillicothe, OH

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Starting a Bent N Dent Grocery Store

I want to start a bent and dent or salvage grocery store. I need wholesale information.

Basil from Alabama

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Homemade Liquid Shoe Stretch

What kind of alcohol do you use to stretch leather shoes?

Alphonzo

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Applebee's Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Does anyone have a good recipe for creamed spinach like that served in restaurants, particularly Applebee's. Theirs is the only spinach my daughter will eat. Thanks in advance for your help.

Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC

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Growing Vegetables in an Apartment

I would like to know if there is any way that I can raise some vegetables especially tomato plants this summer? My husband and I live in a small second floor apartment with no porch or yard. Any help would be appreciated.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Sandra from Pennsylvania

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Decorating with Wine Bottles

I would like ideas on wine bottle decorations.

Tammy from Nederland, TX

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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

Utilities: What's Mine and What's Theirs?
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

At the moment when the phone line to your home stops working, you don't expect a large bill for repairs. After all, isn't the phone company's responsibility? My company offers a repair plan with a monthly fee; is it worth it? When it comes to utilities, it's important to know what's yours and what's theirs before repairs are needed.

What's Mine and What's Theirs?

Saving Money on Beans

Tips and ideas for saving money on beans as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Saving Money on Beans

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Daily Thrifty Tips - February 16, 2009

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