Daily Thrifty Tips - August 29, 2008

In a previous issue we asked for clutter control and organization tips and we have been receiving some great ones. Thank you to everyone that answered the call and sent a tip in.

Does anyone have any tips for keeping the laundry room and laundry in general organized? Feel free to share you ideas on the contest page.

Monday is Labor Day in the U.S. so we will not be sending out newsletters. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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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

Craft Project: Floral Ball Table Decoration

These small and elegant decorations are perfect for throwing a formal, black-tie affair, such as wedding, prom, anniversary, graduation and the like. The small black ball holds two black flowers on black stems. Each flower contains a clear gem center and the ball is decorated with a simple white ribbon.

Approximate Time: 5-10 minutes without drying time

Supplies:

• Styrofoam Ball - 1 - 3 inches big
• Glossy Black Spray Paint
• Clear Gems - 3 - 1/2 inch big
• Fake Flowers - 2 - 4 inches long with stem and leaves
• White Gift Wrapping Ribbon - 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick and 15 inches long
• Craft Glue Or Hot Glue

Cover the ball in a light layer of the finish and let dry. Sand everything smooth, clean off, and apply another thin layer. Let dry. Sand everything smooth and clean off. Your Styrofoam ball should now be hard, smooth, and still ball shaped. Now it's ready to paint black, as detailed in the instructions.

The fake flowers can be any size, just make sure they are fabric. You're going to spray paint them black, so it doesn't matter what color they are. If they have anything sticking out from the center, make sure you can remove it or cut it off. The flower center needs to be pretty much flat, so that you can glue the gem there.

The flowers need to be on the delicate and/or small side. Not only does this look better, but it keeps the flowers from being so heavy that they knock over the ball "vase" holding them.

Instructions:

Flatten the bottom of your foam ball, so that it sits securely on a table. Spray paint the ball black, as shown in the "Step 1" picture. Let the ball dry. Paint with a second coat and let dry if needed.

If you are using Styrofoam with a finisher, such as Plaster of Paris or Mod Pod, you can use any kind of black paint. If you are painting raw Styrofoam, make sure you are using "Styrofoam safe" black craft paint.

Cut the flower stems to the right length if needed. Stick the end of the stem into a piece of scrap foam, or anything else that will hold it upright and in place. Hold the can back from the flowers and cover them in a heavy, even layer of black paint, as shown in the "Step 2" picture. Before the flower is totally dry, separate any petals that may be sticking together. Then let dry.

Take the flower from whatever was holding it and turn them upside down. Spray an even layer of black paint. Let the paint drip for a few seconds, then turn the flowers right-side up. Place the flowers back in their holder and let dry.

Your flowers and stems should now be covered in black. The paint should soak into the fabric petals, making them black and a little stiff, but still flexible. If the spray paint has caused any fraying of the leaves or petals, just carefully nip them off with sharp scissors.

Dab a little glue to the back of a clear gem. Press the gem into the center of a flower and hold for 10 seconds. Let dry, then repeat with remaining gem and flower, as shown in the "Step 3" picture.

Using either the flower stem or a toothpick, poke a small hole in the top of the ball. Add a little glue to the end of the stems and push the flowers into the hole. Push at least 1 inch of stem into the ball, or however much you need so that the flowers stand up. Let dry.

Tie the ribbon around the base of the flowers and secure with a knot. Make the ribbon spiral by running it against the edge of a scissor, as shown in the finished project picture. Glue a clear gem over the knot. Let dry.

Note:

We made several of these decorations for a high school prom. Each table had a big place card that read "Class Of 2007, Black And Bling Formal Ball." Under the card we placed the small ball and flowers. We also scattered a few around a black vase filled with white flowers on the refreshments table.

If you want to make the decoration a little more steady, try painting a small square of wood or metal and gluing to the bottom of the ball. This will give a wider platform and make the base heavier.

By Aysha from Boise, Idaho

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Bella and Her Babies (Boston Terrier)

This is Bella. She was 4-years-old this past April. My girl is a Boston Terrier and can scale a 4-foot-fence without a lick of effort. My daughter bought this girl for me a month after the loss of my Boston Terrier Bubba. We got him when he was about two, he had never been treated for heart worms prior to our getting him and died from the treatment. I was crushed.

Bella's love of life is to chase her ball. She will run until it makes her sick, so we have to really be careful and watch her close on hot days.

Bella has had two beautiful sets of puppies. They were about four weeks old. They are Boston Terriers too. Their main enjoyment is eating, sleeping, playing, and of course the usual, pottying all over the place.

My 12-year-old son says they are so cute and fat that he wants to just eat them up, they are like (his words, not mine) little blubber nuggets.

By Susan from Millwood

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Simply Enjoy

Tip is to simply enjoy.

Enjoy the planting, enjoy the seedlings sprouting to life, enjoy the sights and smells too but most of all, enjoy the healthier lifestyle that gardens provide to all that see it.

By Maryjo from Salem

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My Garden By The Sea

My Garden by the Sea

By Mary from Hat Island, Washington

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Craft Project: Mini Clay Pot Bird Bath

This decorative little bird bath can work as a place to keep stamps, paperclips, safety pins, or even potpourri. It also seems very popular as a Barbie or dollhouse decoration. A small clay pot, clay dish, paint, glue, and wooden birds are the only materials you need to make this a simple and cost-effective craft.

Approximate Time: 10-15 minutes, without drying time

Supplies:

• Clay Pot - 2 inches tall
• Clay Dish - 1 and 1/2 inches wide
• Wood Or Plastic Birds - 1/2 to 1 inch big
• Dark Or Forest Green Paint
• White Paint
• Yellow Paint
• Blue Paint
• Paintbrush
• Craft Glue
• Varnish/Sealer (optional)

Instructions:

Turn the clay pot upside down and paint it a dark green. Turn the dish upside down and paint the sides and "bottom" white. Paint the lower sides on the dish dark green, as shown in the "Step 1" picture. Let the paint dry. Use second coat if needed.

Flip the clay dish over so that it's facing up again. Paint the bottom and lower sides of the inner dish blue and the upper sides of the inner dish dark green, as shown in the "Step 2" picture. Mix a little white with the blue paint to lighten it up before using. Let dry.

Make a small yellow dot on the painted clay pot. Surround the yellow dot with 5-6 small white dots, making a small flower. Repeat decoration across pot, as shown in the "Step 3" picture. Let dry.

You can leave the pot as is, or use a clear varnish coat to help protect your artwork. If you add varnish, let it dry completely before beginning to glue. Glue the dish to the pot, as shown in the finished project picture. Glue the birds to the side of the dish and let everything dry.

Notes:

Depending on what you plan on using the mini birdbath for, you can leave the inside of the bath green, or paint it blue. For example, if you plan on filling the birdbath with blue potpourri, then you probably don't need to paint it. If you plan on putting it in front of a dollhouse, then you probably should paint it. But in the end, the choice is all yours, because this is your little work of art!

By Aysha from Boise, Idaho

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Use Clothes Pins for Chip Clips

This tip is so easy, maybe everyone already does it. Don't worry about buying chip and bag clips, use clothes pins! I use clothes pins to seal any bag I need to, from pasta and rice to chips and such. Much cheaper, they don't take up much room, and so handy to use!

By Kim from Crawford, CO

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Don't Use Cardboard For Long Term Storage

If you are storing long-term, do not use cardboard boxes. Anything can happen to them, be it roof leakage or bugs or mice. I use polystyrene boxes. I get them from the greengrocers, they've been used to transport broccoli. A quick swish out with warm water and dry off with a towel.

Place articles inside. Use cloth tape to seal. Clearly mark what is inside on all sides and top.

Clear plastic shoe boxes are excellent, I have found, for storage. I have ones I bought on sale at my local supermarket very cheaply. I use them for storing many different things but put like with like. For example: household glues and picture hanging nails. Small screwdrivers and other tools. Earphones and cords (amazing how many of those one collects in a short time and then can't find!). Greeting cards.

Dominus tecum.

By Leonie from Warrnambool, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

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Make a "What To Do" List for Idle Moments

Have you ever wondered how some people get more done than others? I have always believed that wasting time is as bad as wasting resources or money. I started taking stock of how much time I spend waiting for something, and the numbers will astound you!

EXAMPLE: I spend 30 hours a year waiting for my coffee to brew! If you spend 5 minutes a day, that comes out to be just about 30 hours per year!

I spend about twice that waiting for a bus! And don't even get my started on the 20 minutes per hour that is nothing but commercials on each and every show I watch!

So, I compiled a list of what I do while I...

I hope this will help you not only in your time management, but perhaps even help you eliminate some things you may be doing that you don't even like!

While I Brew My Coffee I:

• load or unload the dishwasher
• water the plants
• see to the cat bowls
• thaw something for dinner
• plan next weeks meals

• delete my cell memories and menus
• read
• crochet a small project
• make lists of thing I need to do

• set up the VCR to tape a show
• roll yarn
• cut up veggies for a salad and zip lock them
• put a casserole together
• clean out the fridge

• mute!
• mend clothes or work on a crochet project
• cut coupons or recipes
• catch up on articles I have saved
• submit cool things and read cool things on Thrifyfun!

• put a stew in the crock pot overnight
• let some spray cleaner sit in the tub
• run the dishwasher
• soak out some stains in the sink
• defrag the computer
• charge the phones

It sure helped me and I am sure it will help you all too.

Source: I thought of this myself. I have been a multitasker from before it had a name, so this is old stuff to me. This is a way to get it out to all "like minded" people. Enjoy all your newly saved time!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Cleaning a Hairbrush or Dog Brush

Once I've pulled out as much of the trapped hair from the brush with my fingers as possible, I take an envelope opener and run the pointed end through the brush's "lanes", pulling the embedded hair up to the top of the bristles. I do this until I get a good amount then pull it off, and repeat those steps until the brush is virtually hair-free. It works like a charm! This also makes washing the brushes much easier. (This technique works on all brushes, but better on vent and dog brushes than regular bristled brushes).

Source: I 'accidentally' discovered this technique when I was desperately trying to remove my dog's hair from her brush without poking my fingers on the needle-like bristles. I figured if I could find something long and skinny enough that could slide through and pull up the hairs in the center that I couldn't get to, I'd be able to utilize more of the brush. I looked on my computer desk, saw the envelope opener, and "wellah"! A tip is born!

By Charla from Colorado Springs, CO

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Use a Light as a Pill Reminder

I used to be so sleepy when I'd go to the bathroom to take my morning pill that later in the day I couldn't remember if I'd taken my pill or not. On a nightly basis, we keep a night light on in the same bathroom. So now, when I take my early morning pill, I turn out the bathroom night light, so later, I'll know I've taken my pill, or not.

By Terri H. from NV

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Keeping Small Space Organized and Clutter Free

I have a small trailer so I have 2 plastic stands that I brought at Wal-Mart. One I use for putting items for cooking and baking and extra stuff I don't use right away. I have a small one for my computer. I have my printer and since I have an old computer, I have my box on there. On my table, I have just the monitor I can put the keyboard up and same with the mouse. On top of the stand, I have folders that I keep for my daughter's medical and other stuff that is important. We have small cabinets up on top so on one I have a plastic tote to put the mail in. Then hubby and I will go through it and pay what bills that need to be paid.

I try to only buy stuff that I need and not just what I want. I did buy the dryer balls, cool in a way like them so far, and found a place to get them for 6 bucks. Daughter likes VCR tapes so go to goodwill or auctions. If I have too much paper work, I just sit down one night and go through it and read what I want and the rest trash or recycle. Motto is "buy it if you need it, save money if you don't". Still having a bit problem with the food and pocket book is sometimes empty because of not learning to say no on some things.

By Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA

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Household Items That Do Double Duty

Here are some household items that can be used for something other than their intended purpose.

1. Remove crayon marks with WD-40.
2. Clean your toilet with Alka Seltzer.
3. Use dryer sheets to freshen stinky shoes.
4. Keep your earrings together with buttons.
5. Wine bottles can make your boots stand upright.
6. Lemon and salt can shine copper and brass.
7. Makeup brushes can clean your keyboard.
8. Brush your teeth with baking soda. Run out of toothpaste? In a pinch, you can make a paste of baking soda and water.
9. Shave your legs with olive oil.
10. Lotion can be used to shine shoes.

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ThriftyFun Updates
By ThriftyFun

Here is a list of recent updates to ThriftyFun.com

Changing Your Email Address

August 28, 2008 - When you update your email address in your account, it now updates the email address in both your alerts subscriptions and your newsletter subscriptions. Sorry this fix took so long! Thank you for your patience.

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Uses for Milk Jugs

Cleaned out milk jugs are so handy around the house. Of course I take them to the store to fill for drinking water. I mix up plant fertilizer in them to feed the plants. So easy to grab and pour. I mix up hummingbird food and store in the frig. I mix up powdered milk for the kitty that comes to eat. I put pebbles in and use as a door stop. We freeze water in ahead of time to use in the cooler instead of buying ice. It's so handy to have it stored in the frig. Be sure not to fill completely full. Leave room for expansion. I cut a heavier jug up at the handle area and use as a scoop for my bird feeders in the windertime. Put nuts and bolts in for a baby to kick around to make noise. They love that. You can also cut the bottom out and remove the lid and put around young plants in the early spring to protect from the cold. You can cut the top larger but keep the handle and use to carry smaller items in to the garage. Another good use is to cut the top open more and use to collect seeds from flowers. Be sure to always mark the outside with a permanet marker so you know what's inside. And do not use it for anything else. You don't want to mix plant food with hummingbird food.

By Donna from Millbury, Oh

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Inexpensive Ways To Fortify Your Garden Soil

With fall and winter coming up, it is time think about fortifying your soil for next year! Don't run of to purchase expensive fertilizers - free (and often better) material is easier to find than you may think. Contact a local stable to attain unlimited amounts of horse manure; take home those shredded bits of paper from the office; lighten your garbage load by composting veggie scraps (and solicit friends and neighbors for theirs); turn your raked leaves into mulch by running them through the lawn mower. Perhaps you know someone who raises rabbits or keeps grass-fed cows. There are countless simple ways to boost next year's garden while keeping those pennies in your pocket!

By Amy from Clyde, NC

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Brown Paper Bagging Wallpapered Walls

I am currently looking to brown paper bag the walls in my living room. Can you tell me if you can do this procedure over existing wallpaper?

Julie from Cameron, TX

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Burn Mark On Corian Counter

I left a hot pan on Corian and it made a white circle burn mark. How can I remove the burn marks without damaging the Corian surface?

Jerry

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Long Lasting, Smudge-Proof Eyeliner

I desperately need a smudge proof, long lasting eyeliner pencil. One that won't fade, smear, or lose the shape that I draw! I've tried waterproof kinds and smudge-proof kinds. I've tried setting the liner with powder or powder eye shadow. I've tried liquid eyeliner, waterproof liquid eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencils.

I've tried mixing a drop of eye drops on the eyeshadow brush and then applying it as eyeliner (also tried using eye pencil and tried to set it with eye drops and eye shadow) with no luck. I've tried eyeliners that are supposed to last 24-hour from the drug store.

I have had absolutely no luck. I never had this problem before and always had 100% luck with regular, plain eyeliner pencil set with eyeshadow. Does anyone have a trick they use? Can anyone recommend an eyeliner brand for me - drug store brand or otherwise? Thanks so much.

Smoochie from Houston, TX

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Helping Stray Cat and Kittens

This morning a neighbor's cat had kittens in my tree (a hollowed out hole in the trunk, not out on a limb.) It has rained a couple of days and the tree is wet. The two kittens lay at the bottom of a hollowed hole. Not only do I fear it is too cold and wet, I know the mother has terrible fleas as well.

The neighbor has no concern for the cat at all, their only contribution being the old bag of cat food they had before she ran off. I am faced with several problems. Do I move the kittens out of the wet tree? How do I care for the fleas? They are only a day old. It is not my cat, do I call a vet or take her to an animal shelter (I think we all know what will happen there!)

I love animals but I don't have the money to invest into spaying, shots, flea meds etc. to a cat that isn't even mine. Oh, lets not forget the three kittens she brought with her from her previous litter. They were a few weeks old but we were able to give them a flea bath, flea collars, and worm pills since we noticed that mother has worms as well. Please help!

Kathy from Campbellsville, KY

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Giving Parvo Puppy Gatorade

We adopted a collie/retriever mix yesterday and today found out he has Parvo. My 4 year old is heart broken! They gave him IV fluids and some injections to help with vomiting and diarrhea. Is there anything else we can do at home? Can we give him Gatorade? This puppy has had a rough beginning, I don't want him to have a rough end too. Please help.

Tamara

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How Often Should You Trim Hair?

My wife had our three daughters' waist length hair cut very short. They are ages 7, 10 ,and 12. My wife is planning to keep our daughters' hair very short from now on. How often should we trim their hair? Every 3 or 4 weeks?

Frank from Hempstead

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Cary's Sugar Free Maple Syrup

I am looking for a local store where I can purchase Cary's Sugar Free Maple flavored pancake syrup. I live near Binghamton, New York, 13760.

Gene

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Figs Are Not Ripening

I have a fig tree in my yard. It has many figs on it, however, summer is almost over and none of the figs have ripened. They are still medium-sized and hard, they would probably need to grow a bit larger, then ripen.

With the end of summer, the cooler weather will be coming in and I'm afraid I will not eat one fig at all! Any suggestions? Also, what do I do with the fig tree after the summer? Do I cut it all the way down and wrap it, or do I just prune it to, say, five feet tall, then wrap it to keep it warm? Thank you!

Hardiness Zone: 7a


Kelly from Long Island, New York

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Peach Jam Is Liquidy

I recently made several batches of peach jam. In one batch all the jars had a peachy color liquid layer at the bottom of about 1/2 inch. Also the jam is a slightly liquidy. Is the jam edible and what happened?

E.E. from Ames, IA

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Muffin Pan Biscuits

I'm looking for a recipe that I thought was posted on this site. It's a biscuit recipe made in a muffin pan. I believe there was cheese in them.

Jo from NY

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Cleaning Suede Couch

My dog rubs herself on my suede couches when she passes by them, now they look dirty! Any suggestions on how to safely clean them? Thanks!

Pattie

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Southern Living Magazine's Cook-Off

Does anyone know why Southern Living Magazine didn't have it's cook-off this year? I couldn't find anything about it in the magazine or on their website.

Curious Cat from Hampton Roads, VA

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White Material With Chili Peppers

I have been searching high and low for chili pepper curtains or chili pepper material and can't find but one. They are black with chili peppers on them. I'm looking for white with chili peppers on them. Can anyone tell me where to buy them? Or what web site to go on? Thank you much.

Linda from Canton, OH

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Sister Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer

I just found out my sister/best friend has cervical cancer. I'm very shocked and heart broken over this news. We are both scared because I just lost my Mother-in-law to cancer so the word alone is so scary to me. I told my sister and she knows I'll be there for her through it all but I just want to know what I can do for her? What should I say to her?

April from Belford, NJ

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Tie Dying With Bleach

I got bleach marks in various places on a long beach cover-up type dress. Can I do a reverse tie-dye to bleach out other areas to make the bleach marks more uniform?

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Replacements for a Willow Tree

I had to chop down a beautiful 20 year old willow tree. It was a fast grower that started to drop huge heavy branches all over the ground and the alley. We wanted to stop the process before it attacked any of the neighbors or their cars in a high wind. What would you suggest as a replacement? We'd still like to shade that part of the lawn.

My requirements are minimum leaf drop in the fall, small to med. sized, and slow growing. Live oaks are too large for this yard unless they just developed a mini that the local nurseries don't know about. Magnolias are not OK because the leaves are so sturdy, they are difficult to rake up and become slippery when wet. We want to keep it a danger free zone.

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Soup Base Recipes For Home Canning

Where can I find a good soup base for home canning? I want to can soups for my mom for the holidays. I know that you cannot can dairy products, so I am looking for a good base for broccoli cheddar soup and potato cheese soup.

Jamie from Monterey, CA

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Pumpkin Filled Jack-o-Lantern Cookies

I'm looking for a recipe for Pumpkin Filled Jack-o-Lantern Cookies. My mom got the recipe from either the Pittsburgh Press or Post Gazette some time in the mid-50's. She sometimes talks about them and since her memory isn't so great anymore her details are pretty sketchy. She does remember that they were good. :)

The outside of the cookie was kind of a rolled out sugar cookie with a jack-o-lantern face cut out. The filling was a pumpkin filling. She lost the recipe before I came along so I have to go by second hand descriptions. My older brothers and sisters remember it VERY fondly. I hope it rings a bell with someone. Thanks!

emgoodrich from Pittsburgh, PA

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Removing Paint from a Cotton Duvet Cover

I have got some dried emulsion paint on a lovely new duvet cover (cotton). How can I get it off? What is Goof Off?

Janine from Great Britain

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Using Fabric Softener With Vinegar

I use vinegar in my final rinse when I do my laundry because I've found that my towels don't have so much lint, but I love the smell and softness of fabric conditioner. I was wondering if I could mix the vinegar with the fabric conditioner to get the best of both worlds, so to speak. Vinegar is great to prevent lint, but my laundry is much softer and smells much better with fabric conditioner. I don't want to use essential oils. They are very expensive here in Malta which makes them very uneconomical. Any suggestions or ideas please?

Cettina from Malta, Europe

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Dog Is Aggressive After Owner Died

I have a 3yr old American Bulldog. Since my husband past away he's become worse then ever. He's very aggressive when on walks and chasing my neighbors. He barks and cries all the time inside, he even play bites. He went to Petsmart 3 different times when younger, it didn't really help. He is also fixed. It didn't calm him down. He listened to my husband but never me. Now I'm not sure what to do. Any advice would be helpful.

Arryn from St Louis, MO

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Puppy Keeps Running Away

My 8 month old Male Sheltie has recently decided that he likes to run around the neighborhood, and not respond to return commands. I follow him on foot, get a couple feet from him and he just takes off running! I have never physically hit or spanked him. It's becoming very frustrating.

He stays in the backyard all day by himself. I think he is just at the age where he wants to play and socialize with the neighbor kids and dogs. My husband is furious! He wants to get a shock collar, but I refuse. He was neutered just 10 days ago, but he has done this before that. I need help!

Annie from Severance, CO

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Power-Save Solar System Review

Has anyone been successful with purchasing from this site? http://www.power-savetv.com/solar.html Thanks!

Heather from Lamoille County, VT

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Removing Mold From Books

How do you remove mold from books?

Carmela

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Recipe Ideas For Someone Who Hates To Cook

Does anyone have any tips or advice for someone who can't stand cooking? Besides frozen foods and take-out?

Ann from MA

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Downloading Ring Tones

Is it safe to buy and download a ring tone for your cellphone from a website not run by your cellphone provider? I've heard that it can download a virus to your phone, so you should stick with downloading ring tones from your provider's site only.

However I just changed my cellphone provider to Verizon and they don't have much choice in ring tones, plenty of ring-back tones but not much for ring tones. If anyone out there has found a safe website with more choices, please let me know Thanks!

Lynn from Chico, CA

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Information From "Quilt In A Day" Book

I had a quilting book by Eleanor Burns from her Quilt in a Day series that was all about the Log Cabin quilt. In our latest move I lost (or can't find) my book. Could someone please tell me how much fabric is needed to make a king size quilt. I can't remember if there are different measurements for different styles. Help me out if you can please.

Judi from Elgin, Oregon

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Canning Cauliflower

I'm trying to find out if I could can cauliflower? I'd like it in a sweet brine with onions and banana peppers. Could I just cook the cauliflower until it's almost done, then pour the cooled brine on top? Then keep it in the refrigerator? I would appreciate any input you could give me. Thank you.

Judy

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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:
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Plan a Backyard Campout
By Claire Bush

When the idea of stargazing, s'more toasting and campfire singalongs beckons, but time and money are in short supply, consider a backyard campout. Before the long, lazy days of summer are over, plan for a memorable evening out in your own backyard by using the following ideas.

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Saving The Natives: Wild Flower Rescue Groups
By Ellen Brown

Most of us are familiar with the concept of pet rescue groups, groups that take in unwanted, abused, or stray animals and attempt to find suitable homes for them. However, did you know that there are similar groups dedicated to rescuing native wildflowers?

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How Do I Grow A Bonsai Tree?

Question:

How can I grow a Bonsai Tree? I need info about the tree, soil and container.

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