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.

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Craft: Fish Bowl Snowman

Here's a cute snowman head made from an old fish tank.

Fish Bowl Snowman

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22250144.tip.html

Lilli at 20 Months (Golden Retriever)

Lilli is 20 months and is a purebred Golden Retriever. I looked in the paper and visited folks who advertised Golden Retriever puppies for sale in late April 2006

She likes to be with me everywhere I go, play ball - she has taught herself to put 2 balls in her mouth, run around the backyard like a maniac, relax on the bed or sofa with me - right beside me. I call her Lilli - Sweetness and Light because she is exactly that. She is very intelligent, can be taught any trick or behavior, and loves learning new things.

By Hearts1 from San Diego, CA

Editor's Note: To see a previous post of Lilli, follow this link:

Lilli (Golden Retriever)

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Ms. Sofi (Standard Poodle)

Ms. Sofi is 11 months old and is a Standard Poodle - (20 inch shoulder). I got her 3 weeks ago , gratefully a friend, who realized more attention and action.

She is a comic of mimicry - anything I do, including gardening half hour after I do - LOL Just playing toss and walking proudly in the condo complex. She now has so many friends and keeps track of them by names. Understanding that gifts are received almost always when not expected. Keep it all precious.

By Lee from Palm Springs, CA

Ms. Sofi (Standard Poodle)

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Brown Paper Gift Bags

Create your own gift bags using ordinary brown lunch bags, fabric, and fusible web. I cut out the words "Ho ho ho" from plaid fabric and fused them on a bag. On another, I cut out an angel that was pre-printed on the fabric and fused it to a bag. I also cut out a reindeer head and bow tie and fused them onto a bag and then added details using craft paint, moveable eyes, and a pom pom for the nose. You can even use white lunch bags; I created an elf on the white one. The possibilities are endless.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Brown Paper Gift Bags

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Craft: Milk Jug Lights

Materials

C-9 transparent indoor/outdoor lights- the lights with the big bulbs
10-25 one gallon milk/water jugs

Instructions

Rinse out your jugs and let dry. If it is windy in your area, you may want to put sand or rocks in the bottom of the jugs to keep them in place. Place one light into the mouth of each jug.

By Stella

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Callie The Kitten

Callie is 3 months old. She is a feral kitten hand raised since she was 1.5 weeks old. She was orphaned. Her mom was feral but I fed her mom and became friends with her.

Chase her special needs kitten (blind in one eye) brother around the house and terrorize the other pets! She and her brother sleep in the bed with me, snuggled up at my side every night.

By Allison from Elmendorf, TX

Callie The Kitten

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Tip Contest
Submit a Tip or Recipe!
Photo Contest
Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Watch Out for Lead on Christmas Lights

With all the lead turning up in toys this year, it is important to be aware of other sources of lead. Christmas light strands are almost always made with lead, even the new LED ones. California requires that they are marked with warnings so most of the new boxes will have this warning somewhere on the box.

If you have young children, it is best to keep them entirely away from Christmas lights, because of the lead AND the electricity. If older children are going to help with the lights, be sure to have them wash their hands and change their clothes afterwards. Another possible source of lead poisoning can be from older ornaments, especially painted or metallic ones.

Jess in Oregon

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Mail Coloring Pages With Return Envelopes

I like to send cards to my brother's family out of state for each holiday. The little nephews, ages 4 and 1, love to get mail. I love to receive pictures from them to post on my fridge too. I decided instead of spending money on a card, I printed off pictures to color on the internet and put in envelope with a return one for me. This way, for Thanksgiving they can color me a picture to hang on my refrigerator and mail it. They enjoy giving the mailman something to send. I am still cheaper then sending a card, even with the price of postage.

By Esther from Plainfield,Ohio

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Safe Toy Site

I just this very moment heard of another safe toy site. It was broadcast on MSNBC. Go to http://notinmycart.org to find info on safe toys and recent recalls.

By MartyD from Houston,TX

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DIY Hair Coloring Tips

Just got a compliment on my hair color from a professional stylist with whom I shared my use of hydrogen peroxide for highlights and a mixture of red and blonde colored shampoo and conditioner. Very economical and gradual so no one knows you are doing it.

Just read some great and sometimes weird tips from the e.l.f. cosmetics newsletter for more coloring ideas...

BRUNETTES - Make a pot of strong coffee, let it cool, and put into a spray bottle. Then spray hair with it heavily before and after conditioning. (I have also heard of using sage tea for dark hair.)

BLONDES - After condition, rinse with 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, then rinse with cool water. (Remember using lemon juice to lighten, too.)

REDHEADS - Make a hair mask with mashed avocado mixed with tomato paste. Apply to damp hair. Wait for 10 minute., then rinse. (I have also read about using black tea for reddish highlights, and cranberry juice.)

"SILVER FOXES" - Make a lemon and sugar rinse with 1/4 cup white, clear, Karo corn syrup and the juice of a lemon. Put on hair after conditioning. Wait 2-5 minutes, then rinse.

(Remember you can probably use these remedies in patches, if you just want to touch up...)

Here's to DYI Beauty!

Source: e.l.f. beauty email - Tips/Blogs/News (with tips of my own, too)

By Pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Deposit Allowance in a Real Bank Account

I have 4 young kids that each have a piggy bank for collecting coins and putting their allowance in. When the banks are full we take them to the bank and deposit them in their accounts, usually around twice a year. When there is an extra chore to be done, I will give them a quarter or 50 cents to do it and that also goes in the bank. When they get their allowance it is also in coins, and I was finding that I kept having to go to the bank to get change to pay them their allowance and for the chores.

I finally figured out that when the banks are full, we count out the coins and I write each child a check for the amount they have in their piggy bank and we deposit that in their real bank account. Then I keep all the coins that they had in the piggy banks to pay them for chores and allowance for the next 6 months or so. It works great and they have gained so much from having their own money to spend at Christmas, at yard sales and when they want to save up for something. This way it's just a little easier on me to keep a good thing going.

By Miss Jen from Provo, UT

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Homemade Christmas Gift: Blue Jean Purse

Get a pair of old jeans worn by your friend's children. Cut off legs and sew cut bottom under pockets closed. Gather it a little before sewing. Use legs fabric to form a sturdy strap and sew on. Get pretty fabric to make lining and iron on interfacing for stiffness. Measure width of purse and make the liner about 25 inches long by that measured width. Then by folding and stitching until your liner is only 18 inches long, you can make pockets for cell phones, etc. Stitch liner as separate bag and insert into jean purse. Sew up top edge and add zipper across top or flap to button to jean top button. Also, a long strip of the same pretty fabric can be fed through belt loops and tied in front. Very cute and low cost and they will love that it was their child's jeans too.

Source: figured this one out myself!

By Susan from the Chicago area

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Cook a Turkey Breast Side Down

Do you feel that the turkey breast during the holidays is dried out? I have learned to roast the turkey with the breast side facing down. This way, all the juices constently marinate the bird. So white and dark meat remain moist. I put apples, onions, sage and celery around my turkey, so it makes even liquid to work with.

By Daphna from Alachua, Florida

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Thanksgiving E-cards

Just sent out all my Thanksgiving ecard through email, keeping in touch with everybody. I like to use Dover's FREE ecards - check out the designs at www.doverpublishing.com - They specialize in old time illustrations.

By pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

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

Recipe For Frito Lay Like Bean Dip

I love the bean dip made by Frito Lay but it's a bit pricey. I'm sure I could make a similar dip using refried beans as the base. Any ideas on what spices I would use?

DeeDee from MO

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Ideas For Office Christmas Decorating Contest

Does anyone have ideas for an office Christmas decorating contest? I can't find much information at all on the internet. I'm in an office with 4 women and one man. We'd like to do something fun and unique. Thanks for any ideas you might have!

Kathy from SD

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Adding Bra Strap Retainers to 100+ Choir Dresses

I would like to help out the local middle school choir teacher by adding some bra strap retainers into the 100+ choir dresses. (We currently have to safety pin the straps out of the way for each performance.) I was thinking of using snap tape (like Dritz) and sewing a male and female piece to the shoulder seam giving about a 3/4" loop. Then straps could just be snapped in place. Does anyone have any other ideas or ways to make my idea easier to implement. (200+ loops is a lot!) Does snap tape fray when cut?

The dresses a royal blue & satin bodiced so I can not sew directly to the fabric and need to use the seams. Thanks for any help you can give, including locations for multi-yards of snap tape.

Melody from Eastern, Tennessee

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Removing Sticker From New Toilet

Can anyone tell me how to get the sticker off the new toilet. It will not come off easy.

Heleen from Palm Bay, FL

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Need 50 Small Gift Ideas For 2 Secret Sisters

I need 50 small Christmas ideas for my 2 secret sisters at church. I had the daughter-then her mom moved in with her after it was too late to draw a name for her-so I adopted her also.

I am wanting to get a large gift bag with 25 small gifts in each-one for each day of December. The envelope or small package will have the date on the outside of each so they know what day to open them. I'd like each to have different items-not the same. And they need to be inexpensive. So far I have small candles, pack of gum, mints, small soaps and bath beads. I just need more ideas for little items I can wrap. Thanks

April from Missouri

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Removing Redwood Stain From Vinyl Siding

Looking for something to remove redwood stain from vinyl siding. Previous owners slapped it on a deck and it is all over and I mean all over the vinyl siding. I don't want to damage the siding. I am not sure if the stain is a latex or oil base, but really believe it to be water based.

Ronnie from Rock Hill, SC

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What Color To Paint Kitchen With White and Beige Cabinets & Counters

White cabinets, beige counters, white appliances, white/beige floor, what color should I paint the walls?

Selling the house, removing dated wallpaper.

Carol from Fort Mill, SC

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Arabian Nights Birthday Party

I have my daughter's 18th party and she wants to have Arabian nights as the theme. There are 150 guests invited. How can I bring the theme with that many people and a wide range of areas; Back year, patio area, living room and dinning area.

I need to make the area confined and it is hard for me to picture where this should be done.

Please advise.

noushin from Los Angeles, CA

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Stopping German Shepherd From Being Jealous of Other Pets

How do I stop my 1-1/2 yr old Female, spade, Belgium German Shepherd from being jealous. I have 2 cats also. She doesn't like it when the 17year old is near me. Especially on my lap. She nudges him and lightly nips at him. She's even jealous of the fish. She gets a lot of attention. Play ball etc. She's possessive of me it seems like. No other animal is allowed near me.

Joanne from Medford, NY

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Help Acquiring Gourds For Crafts

Does anyone grow gourds? I am looking for some kettle gourds or other large type gourds. I paint and craft these and I am running out of my favorites. I have plenty of the apple gourds and others that I paint. I love to make birdhouses as well as other crafts from gourd. Please contact me if you have any gourds!

Hardiness Zone: 6b

Kathy from Beattyville, KY

Editors Note: Here is a ThriftyFun article if you would like to know more about growing gourds yourself:

Get Started Growing Gourds

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Inexpensive Ideas For Feeding 150 or more

Inexpensive recipe ideas for feeding a large crowd (150 or more people) at a dinner party/ how to know how much is needed.

Bonzai from Orem, UT

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Painting Home Radiator

I would like to paint my home radiators the same color of the rooms they are in. Do I need a special primer on the radiators before I start painting?

Jennifer from Dayton, Ohio

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Western/Cowboy Themed Christmas Float Ideas

I am looking for a western/cowboy themed float idea for the Christmas Parade.

Shanon from Mt. pleasant, NC

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Parts For George Foreman Toaster Oven Model# GRV660

Where do I find parts for my George Foreman toaster oven Model# GRV660?

Tam from Zanesfield, OH

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Removing Dye The Bled Onto White Poly Cheerleaders Uniform

I washed a brand new black sweatsuit with my daughter's competition cheerleading uniform. The uniform is poly with black/red/royal blue with WHITE banding around the bottom of the skirt and banding on the top. The WHITE is now a dingy light blue. I washed on delicate/cold water, but the dye from the sweatsuit still deposited on the white areas. I have tried OxiClean, washed 3 times didn't work. PLEASE HELP! Her next competition is in 2 weeks. Thanks!

Debbie from Suwanee, GA

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Advice For Owning Siberian Husky

Does anyone here have a great experience with Siberian Huskies? I would really like to know a few personal experiences before I get her and-to tell you the truth!-I really don't know what to expect!

Casey from Salem, SC

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Arch Supports Squeak in Tennis Shoes

How do I stop my tennis shoes from squeaking when wearing arch supports in them?

Patricia from Youngstown

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Removing Brown Stain on Linoleum Caused By Refrigerator

The heat from our refrigerator has caused a brown stain on on my no-wax linoleum floor. I have tried oxy-clean, clorox, etc. with very little success. I would appreciate any suggestions.

Margaret from West Nyack, NY

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Getting Rid of Bed Bugs

I have bed bugs. I think a pet brought them in but who knows. Anyway I have caught a couple and have been bitten. What can I do to get rid of them? There has to be something out that I can use that is fairly safe.

Timothy from Gallitzin, PA

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Linen Snowman Towels from Target

I am looking for snowman linen kitchen towels (red, two shades of green, beige with snowman that has light blue snow flakes on him). It was sold at Target. I need it to finish making curtains. Thank You

Delores from Ofallon, Illinois

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Homecoming Theme Ideas

Instead of calling our homecoming theme "A Black and White Affair...what are some names we can use?

Mitch from Murfreesboro, TN

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Broccoli Casserole Recipe

I want the broccoli casserole recipe from Piccadilly.

Angie from Chattanooga, TN

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Alternatives to Spray Bottles

Does anyone know an alternative to spray bottles? I have bought several at the dollar store and even the expensive ones at Home Depot but they always break on me? The pump part always breaks. I need something that will replace these for cleaning.

Amy from Evansdale

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Caramelized Onions

How do I make caramelized onions?

Linda

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Carrot Cake Recipe With Canned Carrots

I am looking for a carrot cake recipe that uses canned pureed carrots. I saw one but I lost it. I want to make it for someone that doesn't like carrot shreds in the cake. Please let me know if someone has the recipe! Many thanks!

Mary from Paris, Ohio

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How Much is a Stick of Butter?

How much does a stick of butter weigh?

Elizabeth from Santiago, Chile

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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

What Are We Saving All This Money For?

I love ThriftyFun. It's the nicest, friendliest newsletter around, and is just so full of so many money saving and helpful tips.

Yet, I was reflecting this morning what are we all actually saving this money for? I guess there are as many diverse answers as there are readers here: Are we saving to reduce our bills and get out of debt? To buy a house? To take a special holiday? Sounds a bit morbid, but for older readers, even to pay off a funeral (in advance!) so our children won't have that burden.

Me? Older, now single, low pension income, paid work just one day a week. Renter, not home owner. So I had to think what am I penny pinching for? Well, apart from rent and utilities and food, to be able to buy my children and grandchildren birthday and Xmas gifts without resorting to using a credit card. To be able to contribute financially to a few charities, to be able once in a while to have a little (budget) holiday, to be able to adequately feed and care for (when vet bills come around) my two cats.

It would be interesting to hear what others 'savings' goals and dreams are.

By Ellie from Melbourne, Australia

What Are We Saving All This Money For?

Read Feedback Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87993111.tip.html

Children's Metal Jewelry Recalled by Buy-Rite Due to Risk of Lead Exposure

Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Children's Pencil Pouches Recalled by Raymond Geddes & Co. Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Hazard: The paint on the pencil pouches' zipper pulls contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Slipcovers Used With Boppy Pillows Recalled Due to Choking Hazard and Risk of Lead Exposure

Hazard: The zipper pull on the slipcovers can break, posing a choking hazard to young children. In addition, paint on the zippers contains excess levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

Elmo USA Corp. Recalls Visual Presenters Due to Fire Hazard

Hazard: Improperly installed fluorescent top lights in the presenter can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Flashing Pacifiers Recalled By Sailing (U.S.) International Corp. Due to Choking Hazard

Hazard: The nipple can detach from the base, posing a choking hazard to young children.

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Daily Thrifty Tips - November 26, 2007

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