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Hello,
We have a new poem by Doggypaddler about Thanksgiving in this issue, be sure to check it out.
We still are not finished picking winners for the two contests so we are going to have to announce them on Friday. I am hosting Thanksgiving tomorrow so I need to start working on that. Sorry for the delay. I hope everyone celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow has a wonderful feast. We will not be publishing newsletters tomorrow but if you submit a request, we will try to activate it as quickly as possible.
In the spirit of giving thanks:
Thank you to everyone that takes time to submit tips, photos and recipes.
Thank you to everyone that takes time to offer feedback on the website.
And ... Thank you to everyone that takes time to read this newsletter.
Your participation is greatly appreciated.
Susan
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Today's Photos
Wim (German Shepherd) on the Couch
This is my 2 year old German Shepherd "Wim", holding down the couch. It's proof that a large dog can fit on the back of a sofa. He started doing this as a pup and never outgrew it!
By Gailsue from Danville, VT
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Aries is a 4 year old Dachshund mix. I was working for a guy by taking care of his wife who has Parkinsons disease. His neighbors dog just had puppies and he knew I really wanted one. My birthday was around the time the puppy would be 5 or 6 weeks old and when I went to work on my birthday his wife was holding the puppy and there was a little yellow ribbon tied around her neck. That was the best birthday gift ever!
Aries loves to play tag with my 16 month old son.
By Heather from Holden, MO
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Here's a picture of my Son's dog Sadie dressed up for Halloween. She loves to dress up and last year she was a devil. We call her our doggone cowgirl.
By Shelly from Whitehorse, YT Canada
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Filet Crochet Heart
By Connie Decker Brown
Filet crochet is usually done with crochet thread. I chose to use yarn because I wanted more coverage than thread would allow. (I bought a green pillow that didn't match my décor as well as I thought it would.) For those of you unfamiliar with filet crochet, all stitches are either a double crochet or a chain & skipped space.
Level: Intermediate
Supplies:
Directions:
Chain 45
Row 1: sk first 3 ch (counts as first dc), dc in second chain and across (42 sts)
Follow the chart for the rest of the directions.
Download:
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Grape Arrangement
By Shauna Smith Duty
With the lasting popularity of old-world décor, this grape arrangement will add class and color to an end table, dining table, pedestal, or architectural niche. You can use the same concept with different varieties of fruit, or add seasonal flowers or ribbons to change the look of the arrangement.
What you'll need:
Directions:
Trim the foam so that it fits into the container and use hot glue on the edges and underneath to attach it. The foam will bear a lot of weight, so it needs to be secure. Cover the foam with a light layer of moss, and secure it with floral pins.
Unravel the grapevine wreath and separate it. You'll use only 1/4 or 1/2 of the grapevine. Press the ends of 2-4 lengths of grapevine into the foam, allow the vine to circle widely above the container, and secure the opposite end into the foam. Repeat this three times, alternating the direction of the grapevine to form a criss-cross pattern at the peak.
One at a time, arrange the larger grape bunches and secure them into the foam with floral pins. Let them drape over the sides of the container all the way around. Vary the lengths that drape so that they do not form a straight line at the lowermost grape. To build up the layers, attach floral stakes to the stems of the grapes and secure the stakes into the foam.
Snip the grapevine or ivy bush into pieces at the base that holds the bunch together. Tuck the individual stems into the arrangement and press the wire ends into the foam. Longer pieces can be wound up the natural grapevine.
Attach the mini grape bunches to the natural grapevine with floral wire. The mini bunches should hang freely with the wires hidden between grapes. Tuck in a few more stems of vine for the finishing touch. Turn your arrangement around to assess how it looks from all angles. There should be no front or back to this piece. The overall shape should resemble an inverted pyramid.
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Displaying My Glass Jar Collection
In my kitchen I have placed my Mason Jar collection on top of my kitchen cupboards. I like glass. I try to keep things off the counters unless it's food/fruit in glass bowls. I find if I put the fruit on the counters my kids will eat it.
By Tracey from Michigan
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The only thing more romantic than candlelight is candlelight softened by the faint glimmer of enameled glass. This beautiful votive candleholder started life as a yard sale cut glass goblet. A couple of coats of shimmering and glittered nail enamel transformed it into romantic fantasy in soft pearly silver and shimmering turquoise.
If you can paint your nails, you can duplicate this faux stained glass candle holder. I raided my daughter's nail polish collection for this project.
Nail enamels are made to cling to smooth surfaces - like your nails, or crystal. They're ideal for painting on glass. If you add a coat of nail hardener as your finish, the design will withstand washing in anything but the hottest dishwasher cycle.
To duplicate this design, you'll need:
Materials:
Instructions:
1. Wash glass with dish detergent to remove any oil or grease.
2. Using Electric Blue Nail Slicks, carefully paint the cut glass channels up the sides of the glass. Allow to dry completely. Add second coat. Allow to dry.
3. Apply three coats of glitter green to glass between channels, bringing color lightly just above tips of channels. Allow each coat to dry completely.
4. Apply one coat of pale green shimmer nail polish over glitter green, extending the color about an inch above darker green.
5. Starting at top of glass and brushing downward into pale green, apply three coats of Moonlight Frost, allowing each coat to dry completely.
6. Apply two coats of top coat to entire glass, allowing each to dry completely.
7. Allow glass to dry overnight before lighting candle inside it.
The glass is the perfect size to hold a votive candle. Other glasses that are just right for holding votives include shot glasses and rocks glasses. Painting on glass takes a little practice. At first your results will be streaky and have brushstrokes. Once you get a feel for how much enamel to use and how to flow it on rather than spreading it, you'll be able to create almost anything with nail enamels on glass. Shimmer nail slicks and glitter colors work best for candle holders. Their natural translucence softens the candlelight to a warm, romantic glow.
Once you get the hang of painting on glass, you might try your hand at delicate flowers on chunky whiskey tumblers, or butterflies decorating a champagne flute. With the variety of colors nearly endless, you can let your creativity have free reign.
By Abe
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Today's Tips
Keep an easy-to-reach list of emergency phone numbers by the phone and teach your child how and when to use them. If the child is too young to read but can pick out numbers, place pictures of a police officer, fire truck, etc., with the appropriate telephone numbers in larger writing next to each picture.
By Tracey
Keep emergency numbers, etc. near the phone. If you have speed dial make sure whoever needs it know what number to push. Minutes and seconds are precious during theses times.
By Sandi G from WPB FL
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Start by ironing sleeves, cuffs, belts and collars before ironing the body of the shirt. This will prevent you from having to re-iron the body of the shirt which is bound to get wrinkled when you iron the smaller part of the garment.
When ironing collars, iron from the corners inward to prevent wrinkles on the ends of the collars. Be sure to remove shoulder pads from shirts and jackets before trying to iron. If you leave them in it makes the shoulder areas very difficult to iron.
By ThriftyFun
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When ironing ribbons that are difficult to lay flat try holding the end of the ribbon down with your thumb and pull the iron towards you. It's much easier than trying to push the iron forward over an unruly and wrinkled ribbon.
By ThriftyFun
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Make Your Own Reflective Ironing Board Cover
You may or may not have seen those advertisements for reflective ironing board covers that are supposed to cut your ironing time in half because you heat up both sides of the item you are ironing. You can get the same effect for much less than the $40 dollars advertised by covering your ironing board in heavy duty foil, then covering it with your regular ironing board cover. The heat will reflect off the foil and iron the bottom while you are ironing the top of the item you are ironing.
By G. Stevenson
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Christmas List Budget Worksheet (Printable)
Here is the Christmas List Budget Worksheet I like to work off. I list the names of everyone I need to get gifts for, gift ideas and how much I am able to spend on gifts. Then, once I purchase a gift, I put a check next to the person's name and note what I paid for it. Once I have finished my shopping I can compare how much I spent with how much I had budgeted. You can download this Christmas list and print it out, it's in PDF format.
Download:
By Fisher at ThriftyFun
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Instead of dampening the clothing you are ironing, try spraying your ironing board's cloth cover. It will spread out the moisture more evenly. Or, toss wrinkled clothing into a dryer with a damp towel before ironing. Wait a few minutes and the clothing should be damp and ready to iron.
By ThriftyFun
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One of the best cooking tips I ever received, was from a co-worker and friend. He told me to get a pork roast, place it in the crockpot and pour a jar of pickled pepperoncini (juice and all) over the roast and cook till it the meat falls apart. He said to serve it with warm tortillas, could serve with rolls. Good eating!
By Terri from NV
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Car Buying Tips - Take Your Time
Realize how big a purchase a car is. It's the second-largest purchase most people make after buying a home. When you buy a home, you have so much help: a broker to help you find the home, and a mortgage broker for financing. An inspector, an attorney, a title search, a mover, and more.
But when you buy a car, nobody is there to help you. And the dealers want you to THINK you can waltz in to the dealership and buy a car in an afternoon... and you can, but you will pay much more if you do. So, just take your time and do a little bit at a time.
By Robin Segal
http://www.thecarbuyersbible.com
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When vacuuming, hang the additional vacuuming tools from the vacuum. You can easily put the most commonly used tools in a plastic bag from the grocery store, and tie it on to the main part of the vacuum. This will eliminate going back and forth for your extra tools.
By Rosemary from Brewster, MA
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Use a Spray Bottle When Ironing
Instead of using the sprayer in your iron, try using a spray bottle. A spray bottle on mist offers you much more control when applying water.
By ThriftyFun
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Scorched Clothing from Ironing
If you accidentally scorch a cotton shirt with an iron, you may be able to save it. Quickly put the shirt in ice cold water and let it soak overnight. Then treat the stain and wash as normal.
By ThriftyFun
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Ironing Heavily Wrinkled Jeans
For heavily wrinkled jeans, iron them on a damp towel. It will create steam on both sides and iron the jeans much faster. This also works well on thick cotton clothing, like sweatshirts.
By ThriftyFun
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Picture Plate - Craft For Kids
A good idea for a christmas craft for kids to do is to make a picture and then buy a clear plate. I found some at a craft store for around 1.00 each and put the picture on the plate and use modge podge to seal it and after it is dry you can fill it with cookies and give as a gift. Makes a great gift for grand parents.
By Lori from Dallas, TX
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Thanksgiving Day Poem
By Doggypaddler
These passed twelve months were quite a year.
They added inches to my rear.
Such calories, the girth they leave,
From Turkey day to New Year's Eve.
And so, this year, I did avow
To sit, and look, and just say "WOW!"
While passing on the yummy stuff
That makes my bod go puffPUFFPUFFF.
"I will control myself today.
To over eat just doesn't pay"
I'll bring some port that I'd been saving.
That should sate my sugar craving.
Maybe just ONE homemade platter.
(what could help me not get fatter???)
<<EUREKA!!>>
I'll make and bring a jello bowl
And promise from my heart and soul
That it will be my ONE dessert
A little jello cannot hurt...
I made my resolutions clear.
I would not backtrack, would not veer...
I'd start with salad, set the mood...
I'd pass on all the fattening food.
"Veggies, Oh, yes, veggies please!
(I'm doing fine) No thanks, no cheese"
"Oh, wait, ...did you say Camembert
To compliment this festive fare?
Well, just a little slice on top.
I'll taste a smidge, and then, I'll stop"
"Just look at that nice onion dip..
Ya, I guess I can have ONE chip..."
"Good! Broccoli! Just a drop of sauce
I'll taste your hollandaise, of course!!"
"A little corn...awash in butter..."
("It's only vegetables", I mutter)
Festive platters on parade.
I've lost my grip ...I'm SO afraid.
"Potatoes? Yams? Well, just a dab
And turkey? Yes, I'll take a slab."
"Is that a honey roasted ham
With marmalade and sweet peach jam?"
"I'll just have a teensy bite"
...And so I nibbled through the night.
Green bean casserole, tradition...
Cream of mushroom. Deep contrition.
"Your dressing's very, very good
Um, Seconds? I don't think I should...
Aww, I cannot insult the cook"
(and so I took, and took, and took)
A spoonful here, a spoonful there...
A taste test, so I could compare...
"No butter, olive oil instead
...A drop to moisten this great bread"
"Please hold the gravy. Oh, HOMEMADE?"
(I felt my resolution fade)
"Cranberry compote? Just a drop"
Oh, my gosh...I couldn't stop!!
"Now, where the heck'd my napkin go?"
I think I ATE it!!!! Oh, my...NO!!!!!!!!!
"You sure no one wants more of these?...
Just pass them here. I'll take them, please"
"You made this pie YOURSELF? How NICE!
Well, maybe just a tiny slice...
An itsy bitsy taste of that,
And that, and that..." (that's why I'm fat...)
Turkey stuffed, and so was I
On seven different kinds of pie
...And dang, there was that jello too...
"Whipped cream?...I'll have some, won't you?"
Nibble, nibble, nibble, bite
Indulgence loosed, the pants got tight
I gobble-gobbled it alllll up
And there I was, a stuff-ed pup.
Alas, here goes another year
Of added inches to my rear.
But it was worth it.. Yes indeed
A splendorous Thanksgiving feed...
And I'll have ALL the coming year
To get my pudgy bod in gear.
I'll diet, and I'll exercise
And trim my belly, butt, and thighs.
"Yes, things next year will be just dandy
Till then, please pass the Christmas candy."
~Doggypaddler2005
Happy Turkey Day to {{{{{all}}}}}
xoxox, U^u*U
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Use some sort of a pressing cloth when ironing delicate fabrics and don't use high heat. Lightweight cotton towels work well as a pressing cloth. Just lay the pressing cloth on the item you wish to iron and it will help protect it from the heat.
By ThriftyFun
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Contest ends November 30, 2005
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New Requests
Keeping Candles Upright in Candlesticks
I need help getting my candlesticks to remain upright in the candlesticks. They just seem to tilt and wobble even though they appear to be a standard size. I hate to dump everything and start fresh, but I am not sure if I need to slightly melt the ends, or if there is an amazing trick I don't know of! Thanks for help!
Cindy from Fishers, IN
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How do I remeove crazy glue from a formica counter top?
Kathleen from Turnersville, NJ
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My sister and niece have lice. My sister has taken her daughter to the Doctor. He told them to get Rid. They couldn't find it at the drugstore but they did find Nix. They used it and did everything they were told and It didn't work.
My sister called the Doctor back and was told to saturate both of their heads with mayonaise and leave it on for 8 hrs. They did that and for almost a week they thought they were gone. They hadn't seen any until today. The Doctor prescribed something called Ovine.
With the insurance they have the meds were still going to cost $123.00 and that was just for my nieces head. They don't have much money right now and $123.00 to her may as well be a million. Please, if anyone knows anything that will work I would love the feedback.
They were supposed to come to my house for Thanksgiving because they didn't have anything but now with the lice I can't take a chance of anyone else getting them. My niece is 2. Thank you so much!
Beverly from Louisville, KY
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Lost Radio Code for a Rover 45
I have recently had a new battery on my Rover 45. Unfortunately the radio does not now work and I do not have the code. What do I do?
Thanks
NK from Lincolnshire
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I have a parakeet and when I take her out of her cage I watch her and she starts to move her beak like she is speaking but no sound comes out. What is she doing? I have two other cockatiels and they do the same thing. What does it mean, what are they doing?
Jitterbug from Oneonta, AL
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What uses are there for nylon stockings with holes and runs in them?
Thank you,
Julia from Seattle, WA
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I have 4 indoor cats; 2 male and 2 female. The 2 female and the 1 male are fixed. The other male is 3 months old. I feed the cats twice a day, in the morning and evening. My problem is they want to eat constantly. If I go out in the kitchen they are there wanting to be fed. If my hubby comes in from work, they are there wanting to be fed. The male that is fixed will eat so much he will throwup. Does anyone have a clue what is going on with these cats. The male will also get into the trash and turn it over hunting for food. Help please, they are driving me crazy.
Pam from Lincoln, DE
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More Reading:
Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year
Q: I have a Hibiscus which was given to me as a gift and bloomed beautifully all summer. Now the blooms are gone and it does well while it is outside but if I bring it in the house, all the leaves fall off and it looks awful. Is there anyway to save it so I can enjoy the blooms next summer? I know it only blooms in warm weather and shouldn't be left outside in the winter.
Debbie Warfield
A: Debbie,
To bring a hibiscus in for the winter, while causing it the least amount of stress, you need to try and acclimate it to its new conditions for a few weeks before moving it permanently for the season. You can do this by letting it spend 2-3 hours each day in the location you plan to keep it over winter. Gradually increase the amount of time it spends inside over a few weeks until you're keeping it inside longer than outside.
Tropical hibiscuses don't go dormant in winter. This means they will do better over-winter if they receive more light, moist soil and normal feedings (although give them only 1/2 strength food if you're keeping them in darker rooms).
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Squirrels Digging in My Plants
Q: How can I keep squirrels from digging in my outdoor potted plants?
Georgia from N.O., LA
A: Georgia,
Commercial repellants (sprays, etc.) are usually only marginally effective for controlling squirrels. Your best line of defense is to physically separate them from wherever you don't want them to be. Here are some things to try:
Since the squirrel population is likely to outlive your potted plants, your best bet is to deploy a number of these methods, alone or in combination with one another until you find something that works. Plan on having a few victories and probably a few defeats.
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Cold Weather Flowers and Plants
Q: What plants and flowers do you recommend for planting in the cold weather?
Hope R from Oklahoma
A: Hope,
As long as the ground isn't frozen, there are a number of plants and flowers suitable for cold weather planting in your zone.
Examples of Annuals: Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Snapdragons, Dust Miller, Larkspur, Asters, Calendulas, Dianthus.
Examples of Perennials: These include Shirley Poppies, Winter Pansy, Ivy, Rudbeckia, Primrose, Chrysanthemums and Forget-Me-Not.
Don't forget the garden vegetables and herbs. Ornamental Peppers make a beautiful addition to the fall garden (and kitchen). Also try onions, leeks and garlic. Some herbs will also do fine in a milder winter if planted in a protected area. Examples include Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.
Now is also the best time to plant trees and ornamental shrubs.
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