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Hello,
10 new requests today. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
So Much for Keeping Them Out of the Tree
Yes, I caught you!
By Tina from Mays Landing, NJ
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These ornaments are easy enough for pre-schoolers to do. Just smear some Elmer's glue on the front of your pretzel and dip it in some glitter. Cut a piece of yarn for your hanger. Type up the label on your computer. You can get a lot on 1 piece of paper. Cut them out and use a hole punch on the side of the label. It says:
"The pretzel was first made in the 7th century in Europe. It was shaped to look like a praying child's hands. May this pretzel ornament on your tree remind you of the true meaning of Christmas."
Run the yarn through the hole in the label and then through the pretzel. Tie a knot in the yarn and you have a beautiful christmas ornament for your tree.
By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania
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I made these piggy banks for gifts this year for Christmas. I saved my empty Juicy Juice containers (46 oz.), washed them out, cut out a slit in the side for the money, and painted them. Acrylic paint is the best.
I still haven't decided if they need sprinkles or a cherry on top yet. Maybe both.
By luv2craft from Normalville, Pennsylvania
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Today's Tips
Sticking to the Budget at Christmas
The Christmas season is upon us, and with it one of the most difficult times to stick on a budget. It's so easy to go overboard on gifts for those you love. There's always some cute, cheap item that is just perfect, but when you find things like that over and over, they really add up.
It's no fun being on a tight budget at this time of year. You wish you could give your kids the gifts they want the most, and give other family members just the right gift too.
There are several ways to give well thought out gifts at this time of year without overdoing it on credit cards or adding to your financial worries. All it takes is a little planning and creativity. Here are a few ideas.
Draw names.
You'll still have to do the shopping for your kids, of course, but getting together with your siblings or other family members and drawing names can save a lot of money, as well as shopping time. This also allows a single, nicer gift to be given, as you can agree beforehand what should be spent on each person, and have it be a gift from all of you.
Give your time.
Make up coupons with favors you will do for the other person. This could be mowing the lawn for your parents or giving your husband a backrub. It could be babysitting a friend's kids.
Share your talents.
If there's something you do well that others have been expressing an interest in learning, give them a card saying you will teach them. This could be music lessons or it could be website design or organizing their home.
Note cards and stamped envelopes.
These are perfect for the person who loves to write. Find an attractive set and get some stamps, and you're ready to go. You could even take this a step further and create your own design on plain cards.
Family calendar.
This one takes a fair bit of time, and you'll need other family members to send you pictures, but makes a great gift. If they give you prints, you can make a collage, but if the photos are digital you can manipulate them for a wonderfully fun family calendar. Take the results to your local print shop and have them make them into calendars.
Make picture frames.
Get a cheap picture frame and decorate it with things that the recipient enjoys.
Bake!
Homemade treats are often welcome. If you have a great pie, cake or cookie recipe, you can be sure people will thank you even if they grumble something about calories.
Make Christmas ornaments.
There are all kinds of ideas for beautiful Christmas ornaments. You can buy the cheap clear glass balls and fill them or paint them. Another idea is to take a clear jar or vase, and put in some Christmas lights, then add potpourri. It looks beautiful when plugged in and smells great.
Make gift baskets or jars.
This doesn't have to mean cheesy, handmade stuff that you really don't do normally. You can make gift baskets with special items inside, such as bath salts and other items good for relaxation. You can print a card with a special recipe and include the ingredients in a jar.
The possibilities here are just about endless, both in terms of affordability and creativity. Think about the recipient's hobbies and put something together that relates; garden gloves with a plant or seeds for a gardener, gourmet coffee with a cup for the coffee lover, and so forth.
You don't have to go overboard with gifts to have a wonderful Christmas. A little planning goes a long way toward easing the financial strain that so many feel at this time of year. Getting creative with Christmas presents doesn't only save money - it makes the gifts more meaningful!
By Stephanie Foster from Poway, CA
http://www.homewiththekids.com
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Teaching Kids to Say Thank You
Encourage your children to develop the social skill of writing thank you notes-on paper, sent with a postage stamp, etc. Buy a pack of thank-you cards suitable for children's age/gender and tuck into Christmas stockings. You might even address or at least write name on each envelope as gifts are opened that will need notes. Jot what the gift was where the stamp will go, or on the inside of envelope flap.
By Linda from Vista, CA
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What Are You Giving for Christmas?
Instead of asking children "What do you want for Christmas?" or "What is Santa bringing you for Christmas?" I like to ask them "What are you GIVING for Christmas?' (to their Mom, sister, Grampa, etc). It helps take the focus off of the commercialism and "gimme gimme" attitude, and put it back on GIVING TO OTHERS.
By Becki from Indiana
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To keep plastic trash bags in place, I cut a length of 1/4" elastic and tie the ends together - like forming a large rubber band. Slip this over the bag, at the rim of the can. Works very well for kitchen trash cans and bathroom wastebaskets.
By Chris from Levittown, Pa
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I don't know if this would work on ALL kids, but it has really worked on mine. I flat out and out TOLD them where the presents where. I also told them that looking was THEIR choice but if they did, it would ruin the surprise, ruin their Christmas, and steal from my husband (their father) and I as we would not get to see their excitement. They have yet to look.
I've done this for as long as I can remember and the kids are all teens now.
Blessings and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
By Angie from Waco, Texas
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Contest ends December 31, 2005
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New Requests
I purchased 6 ostrich feathers, they are beautiful, but I quit smoking and would like to get them clean and bright again. Is there any way I can clean them? I have had them for 5 years and they are mostly white (kinda, lol).
Thank you in advance.
80di from Bow Island Alberta, Canada
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I pull an enclosed white trailer behind a diesel van, This weekend I ran out of gas and it blew black junk all over the trailer. What can I use to to get the diesel stains off of the trailer?
Judie from Augusta, GA
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I'm looking for the recipe for ruby tuesday's waldorf salad.
Thank you,
Martha from Saginaw, Michigan
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I was wondering if it is normal for my soon to be 2 year old male dog (Maxwell) to consume the urine from my new soon to be 7 month old female pup? I don't know about the rest of you, but I find this revolting... YUCK!
Lisa from Friedens, PA
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I use to love watching the show "Mama's Family". In one of the episodes she served Homemade Cherry Pudding. Has anyone ever heard of this and if so, do you have the recipe?
Mindy from Erie
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Using Small Marshmallows Instead of Large in a Recipe
How many miniature marshmallows does it take to equal 1 large marshmallow in a recipe?
Sue from Nashville, TN
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Low-Salt Seasoning Salt Recipe
I would like to have a low-salt seasoning salt recipe.
Ann from Colorado
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Does anyone have any good recipes for spritz cookies? Also any tips for working that press? Mine is a screw down type that springs back if you don't hold it tight.
Also, would love to hear about any good trifle recipes you might have.
Merry Christmas!
Lee from Bev. Hills
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Curious George Themed Birthday Party
Does anyone have any ideas for a Curious George birthday party for a four year old? The movie is coming out in theaters in February 2006. Peanuts and safari hats are all I can think of. Any activities?
Sara from Oklahoma
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I am looking for Kim Andersons shower curtains and or bathroom decor. I tried on Ebay but found nothing. They are the cute little kids dressed like adults in black and white.
Jay from Orlando, FL
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More Reading:
Big Decorating Ideas for Small Rooms on a Tight Budget!
By Kathy Wilson
Decorating a small room is one of the biggest challenges many families have in their homes today. Making a small room work for your loved ones can be frustrating and confusing. Here are some great low budget ways to simply transform your small rooms no matter what your budget!
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