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Junior (Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua)

Junior is 2 years old and is a Jack Russell/Chihuahua mix. I got Junior in January of 2007 from a friend who could not keep him because his wife had just had a baby.

He likes to play with his toys, go to the dog park and play with other dogs. Junior is a very special pet very caring and loyal also very protective of us..

By Juan from Seffner, Fl

Junior (Jack Russell Terrier/Chihuahua)

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Craft Project: Patch Potholders

Use those scraps of material for a quilted potholder.

Patch Potholders

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Filling Display Jars

If you are like me, you love displaying things in jars. I do it with rice, 16 bean soup, buttons, etc. However, if you are doing something crafty and you want the effect without the wasted stuff on the inside that no one sees (not so important with rice but a real loss with old buttons), then do what I do. Keep a TP roll or for a taller jar, a Paper Towel roll and slip inside the jar. Then fill around it with your pretties. I am submitting two examples, one done and the other not finished so you can see what I mean.

As a special bonus, one of those jars can be a secret stash for jewelry, cash, etc, by slipping it all down the center where no one would think to look.

Happy Crafting!!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

Make Display Jars With TP Roll Inside

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Craft: Button Necklace

1. Fold the string in half, and create an end by tying two slipknots 2 inches down from the fold.

Button Necklace

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Craft Project: Colorful Caterpillar

This fluffy and colorful caterpillar craft is a perfect quick activity. It's cheerful pom-pom body and sweet red foam smile helps bring charm to any room.

Colorful Caterpillar Craft

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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
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Meet The Teacher Night

If your school has a "Meet the Teacher Night", this is a wonderful chance for your child to view their new classroom, learn where it is located, perhaps meet a few of their new classmates, and most importantly, get to actually meet the teacher while Mom and/or Dad are there to make them feel a bit more comfortable. Look at where their desk is and note 1 or 2 of the names on the desks closest to them and talk to your child about something that they could say to Susie or Johnny to help encourage them in making that first overture of friendship.

This may sound obvious but it never ceases to amaze me how many parents don't do this. At least 2 weeks before school starts put your student back onto their school time sleep schedule, also have them eat breakfast and lunch as close to the time that they will be doing so once school starts as possible. Remember that until age 12 your child needs a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night.

This all comes from years of teaching and loving children. Enjoy them, all too soon they will be grown.

God bless.

By Shari from Greer, SC

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Use Your Old TV for a Security System

I just have to tell you what we have done with our TV that will not be used after Feb. 2009. We bought a security system at Harbor Freight an now when someone comes to the driveway or the door we can see who it is in the TV set.

You only have to install a very small camera (comes with the kit) in a place where no one will know its there. This has been a blessing as where our drive is we do not have a window. Now when someone drives up we can see them. My husband installed a light that comes on with a sensor so it comes on an lights up the place where the camera is aimed.

This is using a TV set that otherwise would not have been used an one of the greatest security systems we could have. I might also add you can have any size TV and also it can be black/white or a color set. This was a very inexpensive system around $40.

By Jodi from Texas

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Re-cover Chair Seats With Found Fabric

Recover chair seats (such as dining chairs) on the cheap by using alternative fabric sources such as curtains found at second hand/thrift stores or clearance fabric table covers or sheets found just about anywhere.

By Freds Tips from Marysville, WA

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Use Salt to Keep Your Drink From Sticking to Your Napkin

Ever have the paper napkin stick to the bottom of your glass while at a restaurant? Just sprinkle a small amount of salt on to the napkin when first receive your drink. The salt will cause the napkin to not stick to the glass.

By Julie from Rome, Ohio

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Unique Baby Shower Ideas

Instead of the traditional games at a baby shower, the hostess introduced us to a representative from the Red Cross who instructed us on how to help a baby who is choking, and also how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation for a baby.

This is quite a different idea for a shower. A friend of a friend lost all of her belongings in a house fire. An ad asking for help in the local paper brought little response. Why not have a disaster shower? People in need of baby clothes have baby showers. This person needs everything. So we did it. Lots of people came, bringing bags of new and used items.

Happy occasions aren't the only times for showers.

Source: this has happened to friends in the last two months

By Cinnamon from Williams Lake, BC

Editor's Note: What are some other unique or enriching baby shower ideas have you seen? Post them here!

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Product Review: Raid Flea Killer

Product: Raid Flea Killer

Model: purple can

Cost: 7.50

This actually worked very well. I applied it very easily. I loved that there weren't any strong odors. but I still washed my hands afterwards to be safe. I checked a couple hours later to see if any fleas would jump on me in our basement and there weren't any. I would buy this product again.

By Emmy from Elsmere, KY

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Major Store Identity Theft Warning

40 million identities hacked! I'm sure most are aware that 40 million identities have recently been hacked; if you're a past customer of any of the following, the safest thing you can do is contact your credit card carrier, cancel your card and request a new replacement.

Some of the accounts hacked include: TJ Max, BJ's Wholesale Club, Office Max, Barnes and Noble, Sports Authority, among others and keep a daily review of your accounts.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/08/05/card.fraud.charges/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

By cajun from Collinsville

Editor's Note: This identity theft is from 2006-2007 so it is possible that you have already been reissued a new card. Contact your financial institution regarding this matter.

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Good Power Foods

These foods will give you strength and energy

Grains:

whole wheat cereal
oatmeal
whole wheat bread, pita, bagel, pasta
brown rice
deli rye
pure bran muffins
cream of wheat
raisin bread

Fruits/Veggies:

oranges
berries (especially blueberries)
cantaloupe
watermelon
apples
avocado
chili peppers
spinach
sweet potatoes
tomatoes

Dairy/Protein:

low fat or skim milk
low fat yogurt
salmon
tuna
chicken
almonds
peanuts
walnuts and hazelnuts
beans
eggs

Source:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/main.asp

By LRP from LWL, MA

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Emery Boards for Sanding

I always try to think of ways to use things as much as possible before tossing them out. I recently realized a great use for partially worn out fingernail emery boards. I keep them in a container and use them when I refinish antique furniture. You can pop off just the length you need and they are thin enough to get into the crevices of detailed pieces, and ,they are so much easier to handle than regular sandpaper. I use them when I need a fine grade sandpaper and they work really great! When finished and completely used up, into the recycling bin they go. I feel so much better knowing that they have been completely used!

By southeastgeorgiapeach from Jesup, GA

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Craft: Photo CD

This "CD" is fun to make. I print a photo sent to me. Position the CD over the center of subject and draw around the CD. Cut it,I used Mod Podge to adhere it to the CD. I wrote who is the picture. In this case my pen-pal and her new baby brother. I embellished the outside with a sparkle glue. I signed and dated the back, added a hanger and/or a magnet. It can hang on the Christmas tree or adhere to the fridge. To send as a gift, I placed it in a plastic CD holder. Any questions?

Source: my own creation.

By Keeper in NC

CD Photo Craft

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Buy Frozen Spinach To Keep Your Groceries Cold

I stopped at the grocery store on my way home from work and bought a package of pork chops for that night's dinner. I was concerned about keeping them safely cold in my hot car because I had other stops to make before I got home about two hours later.

My solution was to purchase 2 boxes of frozen chopped spinach also. I placed them on top of the meat package and wrapped it tightly in the grocery store bags and put a blanket (which I carry in my car at all times) around that package to further insulate it from the heat. When I got home the spinach was still frozen solid and the meat was still cold.

The added bonus is two packages of frozen chopped spinach in my freezer and someday I'll have them on hand for a dip recipe or soup, etc. Spinach is not an expensive item to purchase, and we all know how many hours it takes to defrost one of those packages.

Source: From my own experience.

By Ruth from Louisville, OH

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

As I left the grocery store, I noticed two little kids, maybe six or seven years old, selling candy bars in front of the store to raise money for their school band.

"I'll buy a chocolate bar on one condition," I said to the boys. "You eat it for me."

I bought one and handed the candy back to one of the boys. He shook his head. "I can't," he said.

"Why not?"

Looking me in the eye, he responded gravely, "I'm not supposed to take candy from strangers."

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

Hanging Tulle From The Ceiling

How do you measure for how much tulle you would need to hang from the ceiling to form a swag several times? How do you hang it?

Julie from Muskegon

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Removing Alcohol Stain On Credit Machine Screen

What can I use to get the cloudy spot of the screen of my credit machine? Rubbing Alcohol was accidentally spilled on it.

Sheryl from Miami

Removing Alcohol Stain On Credit Machine Screen

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Orange and Pearl Color Scheme In Kitchen

I just bought a small house and am having trouble decorating the kitchen. We want the kitchen to have some cozy color thus we looked for orange and pearl (for the cabinet) with black for the surfaces and edges. However, we do not know which color for the floor.

We have selected 2 different tile colors, one is with orange, yellow, pearl, white stripes and the other is very dark green with very thin lines (also with pearl, yellow and white).

Which tile should we go for? Will the stripes make my kitchen smaller? Is orange and pearl a good combination for the kitchen? Thank you.

Vivian from Kuala Lumpur

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Homemade Shoe Shine Using Gumamela

Does anyone have any materials and procedures on how to make a "shoe blackening shine" using gumamela as the main ingredient instead of banana peel.

Also, how about making paste using antol seeds? Do you think is possible? Do you know of any similar experiments that have been done?

These are questions which my daughters in 6th and 7th grade are trying to find out for their investigatory projects. Should there be any feedback, please email me at gomezmgz AT yahoo.com. Thanks

Grace

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Removing Hot Pepper Juice From Skin

I got some hot pepper juice on my hands and it is burning. Does anyone know how to sooth it?

Beth from Bloomfield, IN

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Storing Potatoes

I am just about to dig up a main crop of potatoes, having never grown them before. What is the best way to store them? Can I freeze them straight away? Any help appreciated please.

Sara from Wales, UK

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Redoing Blackberry Jelly

I had to do my blackberry jelly over again. I don't think it is going to take again. Can I redo it? If yes, do I do it the same way or some other way?

gabday123 from US

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Harvesting Black Walnuts

My friend has a huge black walnut tree, and has not found a good way to harvest the black walnuts. They drop to the ground with a green shell around them, and they are very difficult to get the outer shell off. Any ideas? Thanks.

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Restore-4 Cleaner

Where can I find Restore-4 cleaner at a retail store?

Kermit from Lenexa, Ks

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Recipes Using Cake Mix

I've come into about 80 boxes of cake mixes, mostly chocolate, a few white and a few yellow. I would welcome any ideas for these cake mixes besides the obvious. I had a great recipe for brownies using cake mix, but I lost it. They were delicious! I imagine they could be used for cookies, etc. but I am not an accomplished baker and really need some tips. Thanks ahead, and I will be anxiously waiting for your ideas and hints.

Mary from Paris, Ohio

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What Kind Of Lizard Is This?

This lizard lives in our backyard garden. Can anyone ID him for me? Thanks for your time and efforts.

Kazzu from Monte Rio, CA

What Kind Of Lizard Is This?

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Plants That Are Safe for Cats

I love plants and have several Silk hanging plants, as I have heard that plants are not good for cats. But I would prefer the real ones. Besides I understand that they also keep oxygen in the air. I do have some places where I can put them up really high, but would love to have one of those tree plants in the corner. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

(I just love, love this site...don't know about you but I spend a couple of hours a day here.)

Linda from The Big Apple

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Removing Wallpaper In Stairwell

I'm trying to remove the wallpaper from our 3 story townhouse. There is a staircase in the middle of house, with very tall walls. Most of the wallpaper is along the stairwell. How can I get to the tops of the walls to remove the paper? I have a 2 meter tall ladder, but how can I balance it on the stairs?

Michelle from Sydney, AU

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Looking for Ant Repellent Product

Our area of the state is well known for having to battle ants in the summer. Irregardless if it is indoors, outdoors, food on counter, bleached counters, it doesn't matter. Last year my husband found a wonderful product he sprinkled around our home and we had no problems indoors or directly around the home, and it lasted all summer. Unfortunately, he cannot remember which one it was. We have tried two that he thought it might be and they do nothing. Does anyone have a clue what will work? These are not fire ants. These are the little ants that everyone calls picnic ants, moisture ants, etc.

T

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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

How to Create a Child's Dress Up Box
By Claire Bush

Kids love imaginative play, and one of the best ways to encourage creativity and self expression is through dress-up. Allowing kids to be their favorite action hero, cartoon character, or even an imaginary friend with the help of a few costume props helps to keep kids away from TV and video games, too. Here's how to create a child's dress up box that you can pull out on the next time kids say, "I'm bored!"

How to Create a Child's Dress Up Box

Mother Hubbard's Cupboards Recalls Cribs Due to Fall Hazard

Hazard: The cribs fail to meet the federal safety standards. The distance between the mattress support bracket in the lowest position and the top of the side rail in the highest position is less than the required 26 inches, posing a fall hazard to children who climb over the railing.

Mother Hubbard's Cupboards Recalls Cribs Due to Fall Hazard

Halogen Work Lights Recalled by Harbor Freight Tools Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Hazard: The halogen work lights can overheat and melt, and pose a risk of fire and electrical shock to consumers.

Halogen Work Lights Recalled by Harbor Freight Tools Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

Bicycle Pedals Recalled by Look Cycle; Pedals Can Break Causing Cyclists to Fall

Hazard: The steel axle inside the pedal can break, posing a fall hazard to cyclists.

Bicycle Pedals Recalled by Look Cycle; Pedals Can Break Causing Cyclists to Fall

Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled By Kids with Character Due to Strangulation Hazard

Hazard: The garments have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines (pdf) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.

Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled By Kids with Character Due to Strangulation Hazard

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Daily Thrifty Tips - August 14, 2008

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