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Vol. 8, Num. 84, April 29, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any gardening tips or photos to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages. Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Morning Glory vines have started to climb my garden fence. I planted them from seed early in April, having in mind that they will eventually grow tall and thick enough to provide afternoon shade for the vegetable garden in a very pretty way. By Susan from Rio Grande Valley, TX
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Rate It: Craft Project: Spring Flower Mini Wreath This cute wreath is covered with foam flowers and pink pom-poms for a quick and easy spring craft. It can be made as simple or as elaborate as the child's patience allows.
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Rate It: Peonies and ants, what to do? You can't have Peonies without ants. (As far as I know from experience). The ants love the sweetness of the budding beauty. Don't let that stop you from cutting them and putting them in a vase. Shake them, gently tape them on the ground or flick those little trespassers off with your finger. The perfume will fill your room. I've brought hundreds of Peonies into my house and never have I gotten invaded by ants. You might get a few, but they won't overtake the premises. If that bothers you, then put them on a covered porch so you can sit and enjoy their scent. By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ
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Rate It: Cadberry Juanita Bonita is 3 years old. A friend gave her to me in 2007. She runs around and slides on the floor a lot. She loves the calmness but she is scared of kids. By Sandrad72 from Bedford, TX
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Rate It: It was during a real nice afternoon here in Iowa that I happen to see these two visitors walking along our apartment building. I quickly got my camera and walked quietly down to the ground level to get this picture. I like the lighting on this picture of the two ducks that were paying a visiting near our apartment building. This pair comes by to visit every spring, they don't stay long but they are a welcome site. By Tootiepunkin from Cedar Rapids, Iowa
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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!
Recycle Aluminum Foil as a Scrubby I have started keeping my "used" aluminum foil and reusing it for a scrubby. I use it to scrub my pots and pans and to clean anything stuck on the stove or counter. By bjarrett from Cameron, Missouri Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41829351.tip.html
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Rate It: Stretch Muscles in Hot Tub Before Swimming I've been swimming at the gym to help my back pain and I like to go into the hot tub before and after swimming. I've found that when I'm alone in the hot tub it's a great place to do my warm-up stretches. The heat from the hot tub helps increase my flexibility and decreases my back pain. A second thing that helps my muscles is before I go from the hot tub into the much cooler swimming pool, I'll first cool myself down gradually in the shower instead of jumping right into the pool. By slowly cooling my body's temp down, it's less of a shock to my muscles which means there's less chance I'll hurt myself. By Cyinda Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56791967.tip.html
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Rate It: Caution: Don't Burn Treated Wood From Building Sites Some building site wood is treated with chemicals that can cause long term damage to your health, if you are exposed to the smoke. Use caution. By gvandellen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53345141.tip.html
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Rate It: Magic Eraser for Clean Sneakers I can't stand having dirty sneakers. I used to use white shoe polish but it smells, takes a while to dry and can stain. I've found that using a Mr. Clean magic erase block (or similar store brand erase block) works wonderful at whitening even the oldest dingy sneakers. I tried using bleach on one shoe and the erase block on the other and I was surprised to find the shoe I used the erase block on looked much better. By Rachel G. from Port Orchard, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68989478.tip.html
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Rate It: No Shredder? Burn Your Personal Paperwork Clearing out that pile of old bank statements, getting rid of old pay stubs or old income tax forms? If you have a paper shredder, you're good to go! I don't have a shredder, but I do have a chiminea! I burn them! Just a few at a time while we're relaxing around the fire. It's fast and easy! By Deb H. from East Brunswick, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77537714.tip.html
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Rate It: Product Reivew: Viva Paper Towels I buy the thicker, stronger VIVA brand paper towels for cleaning dirty jobs with. Most of the time they can be rinsed and reused. I use them for windows and mirror cleaning. And even for wiping up spills in the kitchen. The last use would be in the bathroom. Then I just toss in the trash. I also keep some in a zippered bag in my car, along with bottled water. I always have access to a wet and/or rag in the car for spills and sticky grandbaby hands. By Debbie Jennings from Hawkins TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77053596.tip.html
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Rate It: Save Potato Water for Watering Ivy When boiling potatoes, save the cooking water. Let it cool off completely. Then you can water your ivy plants with the potato water. You will be surprised with how pretty, green and shiny the leaves will get. By Annette from Tyler, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57833679.tip.html
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Rate It: Plant Shade Trees to Conserve Energy I have a large shade tree on the south side of my property that keeps the summer sun off of my mobile home. This shade tree makes such a big difference that I rarely need air conditioning. It's a large cedar, but any fast growing tree will work. If you plant a tree that looses it's leaves in the fall, then you'll still get the benefit of winter sunshine to help heat your home! By Cyinda from near Seattle Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95992413.tip.html
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Rate It: Put a House Key on Your Dog Leash Keep an extra key to your house and/or car on the end of your dog leash. When you take your pet for a walk in the neighborhood, or in the park, you will not have to worry about locking yourself out accidentally. You also won't have to worry about losing your keys if they are in your pocket when your dog starts running, you won't have to take your purse, your keys will always be there, handy and useful! By Chichijunk from Cleveland, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41279134.tip.html
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Rate It: I am planning a wedding for July 12, 2009. I feel like I have a VERY tight budget ($2000 for food for 100 and decorations). I have learned some GREAT things from this website. I was attempting to create a palm tree made from pineapples for a fruit display. In the process, I discovered a creative way to "cut up" my pineapple. I always see pineapples cut into squares or triangle slivers, and I was looking for something different and unusual. I cut the top and bottom off of my pineapple. I took a canolli tube (metal) and tapped it down into my pineapple til it went all the way through. I pulled it out, and then had a long round tube of pineapple. We pushed the pineapple out of the tube. It almost reminded me of something we would have done as kids with Play-Doh! From one pineapple I was able to make 8 tubes (one in the center and 7 around it). They are about 5 inches long each. I'm not sure yet if I will place the pineapple "tubes" in a punch or simply cut them into 1 inch sections and place them on a dish in the fruit section, but if I do this with 2 or 3 pineapples, I will end up with a lot of unique-shaped treats for skewers. I also thought about taking a pineapple tube and placing a toothpick on one end. Then putting a pineapple ring (the kind you get from a can) over the toothpick and a cherry to secure the ring. It would almost look like an umbrella, lol. Anyway, just thought I would share this idea! If anyone has any other creative fruit ideas Please post them! By Brittsmama from Atlantic Beach, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77082615.tip.html
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I was given 2 huskies, one male and one female. I have always wanted them so I couldn't say no. The problem is I already have a 5 month old pit which is my 9 yr old daughter's and 5 month old lab mix which is my 6 yr old son's. Can I make this work and how? Both huskies are full grown already and my other dogs are pups. Somebody please help. I don't want to get rid of my pups since I have had them since them were 6 weeks old but I don't want to let go of the dogs I have always wanted either. By Michelle1115 from Pasadena, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21368075.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me if my dog is a pitbull? Everywhere I go I've been told she is but I need to know for piece of mind. By Daniel2 from NY
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Rate It: I don't know what to do with all my bills. My wife and I work but cannot save anything. Everything goes to bills. I know that you shouldn't beg anyone for money, but sometimes I wish to do it. Just pay it off and to start over. I'm so tired of all this. What can I do? By Mogge from Norway Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88302788.tip.html
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Rate It: I suspect the greyish marks on my timber flooring are from sprays (insect repellent, sunscreen) being used and the polish has been stripped. Is there any cleaning method or product I could try without having to have the floor re-sanded? By Jimmyjohn47 from Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11795323.tip.html
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Rate It: Reviews of Northstar Nutritionals Products Has anyone used any products made by Northstar Nutritionals? What were your experiences? Are their claims accurate? By Jumpius from Glen Ellen, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67402732.tip.html
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Rate It: Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive? I am worried about the root system on a crepe myrtle tree. I want to plant one or two in my back yard close to my house and patio. Will the root system grow underneath my cement patio? How far away should I plant them? Thank you. By Kgminer from Port Richey, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64383938.tip.html
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Rate It: DeLuca's Restaurant Basil Vinegar Dressing Anyone have a salad dressing recipe similar to DeLuca's Restaurant in Detroit? I had it yesterday while in town for a funeral and they said they sold the dressing, but I forgot by the time we finished our dinner and headed home. It was a sweet vinegar and oil with basil. It was outstanding! By Jinzed from IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66879183.tip.html
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Rate It: Freezing Homemade Cream of Potato Soup Can homemade cream of potato soup be frozen? It has cream of celery soup, milk, onion, carrots, ham and potatoes. Thank you in advance! By jmz2005 from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68453010.tip.html
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Rate It: I have several plastic 3-ring binders that have been stained with copier toner that comes off the printed page facing the inside covers. Is there any cleaner that will take this off the plastic? By Libadmin from Clovis, NM Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15757999.tip.html
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Rate It: John Deere 325 Lawn Tractor Manual I need a repair manual for a John Deere 325 lawn tractor. By Cget Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22695982.tip.html
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Rate It: Ice Forming in Back of Refrigerator I have a 2 door fridge/freezer, not the side by side ones, the half and half type. The freezer works perfectly but I have a problem with the refrigerator section. I defrost and clean it regularly but a week or so after defrosting, a very thick layer of ice forms at the back of the fridge. After a month or so, the ice is about 1 inch thick! It still works fine and everything is cold as it should be but I'm sure this thick layer of solid ice isn't normal. What is worse, if anything happens to be at the back like a jar or similar, the ice actually grows around it and the container is embedded in the ice. If I delay defrosting for more than two months or so, the layer of ice is so bad that the jar that embedded itself in the ice, completely disappears into the ice. It is not on the coldest setting, just normal for the time of year. It is not opened excessively, just normal for getting things in or out. Does anybody have suggestions? I'm getting tired of having to hammer the ice off the back of the refrigerator every couple of months! By Cett from Malta, Europe Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44551762.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a huge question to ask about weddings, mine is 5/9/09. I am having an outdoor wedding at my home and I have bought a wedding runner. But I found out it has no backing and am afraid of high heel shoes going through it. What can I do or use that is not going to cost me a arm and leg? It is very thin and don't know what to do. By Harpo9590 from Plains, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91223992.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to know if you play another song before the wedding march song for your maids of honor and brides maids to walk down. What song can you use? I don't think they walk down to the wedding March song. Sorry but this is the first time for me. I am doing all of my wedding planning myself. Thanks. By Harpo9590 from Plains, Ga Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62613723.tip.html
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Rate It: Can someone help me to answer some questions on lovebird behavior? What does it mean when the lovebird just hides around on the bottom of the cage? What does it mean when the lovebird sits in an empty food holder? What does it mean when the lovebird rubs its beak hard between the cage wires or on the dowel that it is sitting on? By soyzicks from hawaii Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61436324.tip.html
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Rate It: I am a teenage guy who is looking for ways to make money this summer. Do you have any suggestions? By Calvin from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14525543.tip.html
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Rate It: Adopting a Labrador/German Shepherd Mix Can anyone tell me about the disposition of a Labrador/German Shepherd mix? Are they high energy or low key? Do they feel comfortable outside on their own? Are they good for a family with two teenagers and working parents (one of whom works at home)? We live in the city with a fenced yard but not with huge space and we've seen a shelter dog we like, but we want to make a good decision for all of us! Thank you! By Prospetivemom from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11548987.tip.html
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Rate It: Jewelry Made from Trellis Ribbon Yarn At a craft fair last fall I saw a vendor with necklaces and earrings made from the trellis (also called ladder) ribbon yarns. I went back to buy some in a couple of hours and they were sold out. The vendor was selling them for her sister and did not know the pattern instructions and I can't remember them well enough to make them look right. I have found patterns for the necklaces but not the earrings. Can anyone help? By Melodybh from Oak Ridge, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74775571.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Help With Past Due Rent How can I get help with past due rent due to a recent job loss. We are facing eviction today. The job loss is due to slow down in work available not personal reasons. By TIM74868 from Seminole, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82145207.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to move a nest with duck eggs in it. Where and how can I make new nest? By Poe 135 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94602078.tip.html
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Rate It: My neighbor mentioned hearing that placing potted basil beside doorways, on the patio or near the grill will repels flies and other flying pests. I have not heard of this. In looking online I see that mint will do the same thing. What type of basil and mint? I would like more info on this. Also, is basil as a companion plant for tomatoes? Thanks. By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52895911.tip.html
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Rate It: What breed is my dog? We got our boy from a rescue where they say his Mom was Australian Cattle Dog and not sure about anything else. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thinking of doing DNA test but until then just curious. By Frantil from White Plains, NY
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Rate It: What could stain a black Silgranit sink? By Karplop from Calgary, AB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21026118.tip.html
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Rate It: I got grease from my 5th wheel on my clothes. Does anyone know how to remove it? I do know that rubbing it with a baby wipe will remove a lot of it. But how do you remove the rest? For those who don't know about 5th wheel grease, there is not much that's harder to get off of anything, much less clothes. By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86273364.tip.html
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Rate It: I'd like to learn about trading coupons. This is my first time here. The site looks like lots of fun. I am also new to couponing and live in a small rural area where there is not a huge variety of coupons in my local newspaper. Most of what I get is not for items I use, so I would like to trade for the ones I do use. Any advice for a beginner would be greatly appreciated. By Rhetta from Lumberton, MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92851787.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a stand of bamboo (a Himalayan variety) that has done well for the past two years since planting them in San Francisco. A few months ago I noticed that the leaves were turning brown and the plants were looking stressed. I haven't changed what I've been doing for the past couple of years. I believe that the plants are well watered, but not over watered. I thought that it may be frost damage, but with the spring leaves coming out, even a significant number of the small new leaves turn brown within a few days. The browning starts at the tip and works it's way back. Any ideas? Thanks. By Bozlogjam from San Francisco Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64854801.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for web sites for group trips on a bus or train in the US for one person. I presume it costs more. Thank you. By Bird Watcher from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36749026.tip.html
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Rate It: Marie Callender's Frozen Pie Crusts Instructions Could someone give me the directions for baking a Marie Callender's frozen pie crust? DiAnne Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67815745.tip.html
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Rate It: We are looking for crinkled paper confetti to fill a large glass cylinder. Does anyone know of a company that carries this product? Thanking you for your time. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64829862.tip.html
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Rate It: My Shih Tzu has bad breath. Is that common? I would like to know what to do about it. It does not bother me but my daughter and son cannot stand it. By Bird Watcher from Niagara Falls, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82303358.tip.html
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Rate It: Instead of flour is there another product that I can grind and use to make bread that has no carbs? By Carol from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34769002.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:
My Frugal Life: Share Your Blessings I live in west Michigan, which is experiencing unemployment rates far higher than the national average. I live on Social Security Disability with a small allowance for food stamps. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66172638.tip.html
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Rate It: It's almost camping season! Here are tips for saving money on camping trips from the ThriftyFun community. By WandaJo
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