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Vol. 8, Num. 164, August 21, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any soup recipes to share with ThriftyFun readers? Submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_recipes.ldml Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like. Your ratings are used to pick the winners. 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:
Maggie, Alvie and Nikki (Mixed Breed And Black Lab) Here are Maggie, Alvie and Nikki! Maggie is 10 years old, we got her from the pound. Alvie is a 6 year old black lab that we bought. And Alvie, age 8, was born here. They love to follow me around. They are big hams when I have a camera. By Penny from maggie3956 Contest Contender!
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I love vases and I am the recycling queen, so I use all kinds of bottles for vases: for flowers, beach finds, etc. For these, I painted one white and wrote symbols on it with markers. One has rub-ons. There is a vodka bottle, Prego jar, garlic jar and incense jar. By moonseekerjade from Onset Contest Contender!
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Product Review: Lock & Lock Storage Containers After returning from vacation, I pulled out the lettuce which had been in our refrigerator for three weeks thinking I would have to toss it out. I had stored it in one of my Lock 'n Lock containers and when I opened it, to my surprise the lettuce was crisp and fresh. I am sending a picture so you can see for yourself how effective these containers are. Just think of the money you will save by using these to store leftovers or bulk foods. By Sandy from Elon, NC Contest Contender!
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Here is a photo of a hybrid day lily that I have growing in a bed in my front yard. By mbnorton59 from Kingsville, Ohio Contest Contender!
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Luke is around 7 years old. She is a part Siamese domestic short-haired cat. My ex-husband's ex-girlfriend lived on a farm, and Luke was originally a farm cat. However, the cat loved to be inside and after my ex-husband and his ex-girlfriend broke up, he got custody of the cat. When it was the three of us (Luke, the ex, and myself) living together, Luke did not like me at all. One night, though, I got home from work to find that he had left us and had abandoned the cat at our apartment; ever since then, she has been very clingy with me. Still today Luke is the best thing the ex left me WHEN he left me. Luke loves to cuddle. She also likes to stalk apparently invisible objects throughout the apartment. Another favorite hobby of hers is going into hyper mode whenever a thunderstorm hits! Luke also enjoys getting on top of one of the fish tanks and drinking the water. A laptop bed or a window seat is never too far from her reach. Forget expensive toys; Luke loves anything that looks like yarn. I have made her several yarn balls to play with and she loves them. Luke is a girl. I assume the ex-girlfriend named her this because the ex-girlfriend's name was Lucy; also, it was originally assumed that Luke was a boy. When Luke gave birth, however, the proverbial cat got out of the bag! She knows her name, though, so I'm not going to change it. I have her name tattooed on the upper part of my left breast for several reasons: she is always in my heart; she lays on my chest at night and we sleep like that; finally, even when she has passed away, she will always be a part of me. By Jenni from Lincoln, NE Contest Contender!
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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!
I have started to date my foods that I put into storage; into the fridge, into the freezer, and into the pantry, my leftovers, everything.! An easy way to do this is keep a dispenser of scotch tape and a sharpie handy. If you don't want to write on the carton (because you're going to use it again at another time or it won't take the pen), just put a piece of scotch tape on the package and write on it. I do this with perishables as well as staples. I buy most of my staples in bulk, and keep them in an outside fridge. It's easy to read, and keeps me circulating my stuff, and I don't have to worry about how I'm going to get the writing off storage containers that I reuse over and over again. I put these removable labels on the tops, the sides, wherever I need them. I'm not the best organizer and this has greatly helped me. By Wondernana from Clovis, CA Contest Contender!
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Cover Toy Decals With Packing Tape After cleaning kids toys or dragging them in after they were caught out in the rain, I have found that the cute little decals on most of the really well built toys (even the ones intended for outside use) quickly become cracked, discolored, and peeling off. To remedy that problem I use the wide clear packing tape and put it over the decals to seal out the water and deter some of the fading. You can't even tell the tape is there, but eventually you can tell if it isn't! By Hates to Waste from Elon, NC Contest Contender!
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Use a Magnifying Mirror for Eyebrow Maintenance I cut out the cost of eyebrow waxing by investing in a magnified mirror that I keep in my handbag. I picked it up from Target for less than $10! I used to go and get my eyebrows waxed. Now I just use my magnified mirror to pluck the hairs as soon as they are seen, which is easy with this mirror! I used to visit the beautician every other week, now I don't go at all! What a great saving! By Justinsevaus from Yakima, WA Contest Contender!
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I think one of the most worthwhile expenses is getting a professional photo done of a pet. I had a professional photo done of my doxie when she was 5years old, it has been invaluable since her passing. Recently I had a photo and watercolor done of my current 8 year old Maltese, I will cherish that photo and artwork long after I have forgotten how much it cost. Link to Picture of painting: http://twitpic.com/bzcfd By Frugal for Life from Denver, CO Contest Contender!
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Buy and Use Refills for Cleaning Products Instead of buying the pricey spray room fresheners I buy the refills for the automatic sprayers. They last nearly forever and are more economical. The same goes for the automatic shower cleaner. Just pour the refill liquid into your own spray bottle and leave the bottle in the shower. The last person using the shower will then to spray the walls and tub. By Cookiesky from Splendora, TX Contest Contender!
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Super-affordable holiday gift that will work for every person on your gift list (with the exception of kids). Look through the craft periodicals (sales papers) from the newspaper, or check the craft website periodically. From time to time, they offer frames at a deep discount price. I go to Michael's and when the discount is offered i grab about 10 to 12 frames that cost about $4 on sale for a very large (14x18 inch), and also smaller sizes. Every one can use a frame, and are happy with the gift, while you only paid around $4 or so for the nice size one. Makes great wedding gifts, holiday gifts, even birthday gifts. A never-fail gift at a great budget-friendly price. Source: My husband. By Twilightgift Contest Contender!
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The problem: How do I rinse my hair out good after applying hair color and not splashing it onto my floor, wall and surrounding area? My solution is to rinse my hair under the garden hose. Before I apply my hair color I attach the spray nozzle double checking the flow and I put a towel and the little pack of conditioner right beside the hose. When it is time to rinse out the hair color I'm ready and I don't have to worry about my wall and floor. The only time of the year it was an issue was in December and that just made me step it up and move a lot faster. I consider it worth it though because I had to repaint a bathroom once due to splashing that would not come off. By Notwrong Contest Contender!
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Getting Stains Out Of White Shirts My husband is an avid fisherman and his favorite color of shirt to wear when fishing is white. As you can probably imagine, his shirts get pretty grimy. They usually come clean by spraying them with spray and wash prior to washing but, that did not work on his white tournament shirt. I tried EVERYTHING! The stains didn't even fade! I fought the stains for a solid week! Then my mother-in-law told me to spray the stained areas with spray and wash, then make a paste of spray and wash and oxiclean and put the paste on the stains. I did this and left it overnight. The next morning the stains were gone! I now use this on all stains. It has gotten out every stain I have tried it on. Even old stains! I use it on colors or whites and haven't had a problem with fading. Just thought I'd pass this on in case someone is battling a stain like I was. By 573dld from Missouri Contest Contender!
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Very Young Kids Can Write Books I was totally surprised when my granddaughter, who is 6, showed me a stack of six books she'd written. She came up with the idea herself to write and illustrate her own series of books. She uses only computer paper, colored pens and a paperclip to hold each book together. She came up with this on her own, but when she brought them to kindergarten the teacher liked them so much, she had the whole class make their own. Each book is about a cat or dog she or a friend owns. But your child's books could be about anything! She also numbers each book (Book #1 "Smokey the Dirty Cat") and numbers the pages, then on the back she lists each book in the her series. If she can't write up everything by herself, she tells her mother what to write. Me, being an artist, I get the biggest kick out of her illustrations! I'm sure she got the idea because her mother takes her to the library and reads to her so often. (They are poor but rich!) This could be a fun thing for you to do with your kids this summer, make your very own books! By Cyinda from near Seattle Contest Contender!
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If you're looking for second-hand textbooks, check out second-hand book stores and library book sales (I've found brand new textbooks for as little as fifty cents at these sales). You can ask former students and teachers if they're getting rid of their old books. If you need a bit of extra cash for books, you could also find out if the college bookstore buys back old books. By Angela L. from Sault Ste Marie, ON Contest Contender!
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Stinging Foot Pain After Back Surgery Two years ago, I had surgery on my back. A discectomy for 3 herniated discs, L4 L5, and S1. My back has been fine since so it seems it was a success. There is only one lingering problem. For the past 2 years my left foot has had a stinging sensation that is very bothersome. It comes and goes in severity and some days I can't hardly feel it at all. But when it is acting up it is pretty painful. It is on the outside of my left heel and the skin seems to be very sensitive. Back when I had the surgery and this problem lingered the neurosurgeon's office said it is probably just the nerves waking up and had been aggravated. They said 6 months, maybe a year worst case for this to go away. It's now been 2 years and is driving me insane. Anyone have any ideas? Also, it is worse if I have had alcohol the night before. As if hangovers weren't bad enough already now their accompanied by sharp stinging sensation in my foot. By Joe58 from MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98167897.tip.html
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Rate It: Keeping Dust Off Furniture Longer How to keep dust off furniture longer? By judyschil from Ft. Worth, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65520517.tip.html
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Rate It: Home Remedy for Diabetic Foot Pain My husband's feet are getting painful, swollen, and numb due to his diabetes. Even if he gets medicine for diabetes this pain never stops. Please tell me if someone knows of or has experience with some home remedies for this pain and numbness. Your suggestions would be highly appreciated. By butterfly20 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86338492.tip.html
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Rate It: My husband is having a bad dry cough. Specifically, he gets this cough when he gets very close to someone or something. He cannot even kiss a baby. He takes medicine for his diabetes and cholesterol, too. Is this cough maybe a side effect of that? He does not drink. By butterfly20 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94017054.tip.html
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Rate It: I am going to start a new interior design, so I need a name or a logo for my shop. Can you help me? By vjmonica_9 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78754277.tip.html
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Rate It: What breed do you think my dog is? By aurora79 from Chicago, IL
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Rate It: What breed is my dog? He is about 185 pounds, shipped from China. He has a skinny muzzle, fairly small head and long brown and bronze hair. I know he is a mixed breed of some sort. By flexas7969 from MCCausland, IA
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Rate It: 60's and 70's Weight Watchers Food Plans I'm trying to find the first Weight Watchers diet that Jean Neidich started in 1963. By skajj01 from Staten Island, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83805886.tip.html
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Rate It: Any ideas on a kiddie parade float with the theme being, "Hats off to Historic Grundy County"? By user20369 from Dwight,Il. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27665475.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know anything about dyeing carpet? I have a nice carpet in a small bedroom, that is 70's gold and would like to dye it myself. By Putsy from Harrisburg, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48997261.tip.html
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Rate It: Window Treatment for Sliding Doors Any window treatment ideas for sliding doors besides the usual vertical blinds? I have a sliding door in my living room and in my bedroom that both go out to a terrace. Thanks for any ideas. By Georgie6 from Queens, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85138900.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to purchase a curling iron with 220/110 voltage, but am having a hard time finding one. Anyone have any suggestions where I might buy one? I have already tried Sally's and Ulta. By Balber from Buffalo, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68786250.tip.html
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Rate It: Where can I buy lemon oil? By lenaole from Mesa, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68822792.tip.html
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Rate It: Mickey and Minnie Wedding Ideas I am planning my wedding (04/17/2010) and it is Mickey and Minnie themed. The colors are apple red, white, black, and silver. Anyone selling any of their pre-owned decorations, please contact me. We are on a very limited budget. Also, if anyone has any inexpensive decorating tips, please share. Thanks. By ChinkeeNDrii from Stockton, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24120295.tip.html
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Rate It: My feet get so hot they feel like they're on fire. It's not athlete's foot or a rash or anything, they've always been that way. My feet do not sweat ever. I moisturize and get pedicures, and the skin is fine. But my hot feet drive me crazy, and keep me awake at night. I have to get up and run cold water over them in the tub. I've bought gel socks, sprays, and lotions. I have tried wet socks at night. Does anyone know any thing that might help? By babygaige from Hermiston, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34630168.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a bowl from Target that I bought last year. It was described as beaded crystal bowl on their website. I would love to find another one of these bowls. Please help! I've tried my local goodwill stores with no such luck. By Mommytime from Tulsa, OK
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Rate It: I found this stray dog and I would like to keep her. I've already have a large dog and her size is a big consideration. I believe she's about 8-11 weeks old and about 3-4 pounds. She's mostly white but she has a little blonde in her fur. I've been to two different vets, one thought maybe she was a German Shepherd mix. The other said she would be much smaller like a spitz mix. Her ears tend to go up and down from time to time. Any ideas on what breed she might be? By ladyhannibal
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Rate It: What breed is my dog? By vig14 from India
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Rate It: I am a young stay at home mom. I moved in with my fiance, got married, then pregnant all with in a year. Don't get me wrong I love my husband and my baby girl to death and wouldn't trade them for the world, but some days (more than others) I feel constantly overwhelmed and unhappy. Not with my marriage or life in general, but just with myself. My husband and I have moved to a new town where we are 30-60min away from anyone we really know. We just bought a new house (which is rather big and a lot for me to clean). I take care of my 5 month old baby and keep our home spotless. While also getting ready to start online courses to finish my degree. I feel like I am an excellent mother and I take a lot of pride in our home and the way it looks, so I do a lot, but I still feel like I don't do enough and as though I don't have much of a life outside this house. I don't go do things without taking my baby, and even though I sometimes feel like a need just a few hour break every now and then from her when I get the chance I typically don't take it. When my husband's not working we do things as a family and I love it. When he's at work I sometimes feel as though I have no motivation to do anything other than take care of my daughter and house work. I think I sometimes find things like this to do to avoid doing other things. But why? I want to go meet people and do things, but it's like I am somehow scared. I never used to be like this. I've always been very outgoing and never had a problem making friends. I want to feel less emotionally dependent on my husband and have a little bit of my own life so what is stopping me? I feel overwhelmed and confused. Advice please. By Kitty from West Virginia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39200587.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid of Ants with Vinegar Does vinegar kill ants? By orbork from Deming, NM Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75238822.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I clean a plugged nozzle on a Clorox Ready/Swiffer mop? By delmooselech from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71969234.tip.html
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Rate It: Why do I feel thirsty a lot while I'm sleeping at night? By butterfly20 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56674656.tip.html
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Rate It: When I put my dog (who is a 12 week old lab) in his cage for the night he continues to poop and pee in the cage. He does this even thought I let him out before bedtime. When I wake up in the morning to take him outside he is laying in it. My cage is huge you would think he would lay on the other side of the cage, but no. By Anthony from San Antonio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87517722.tip.html
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Rate It: Planning a Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance How do I plan a father/daughter and mother/son dance at a church? By drenmyers from Memphis,TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68204727.tip.html
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Rate It: My horse won't stand still so we can shoe her. She tries to kick us and rears up. What can I do? By Justpeachy0717 from TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81868279.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know how to get dried ball point pen ink off a Formica counter top? I did not realize it leaked and left it on the counter top. It has been in the 90's. I tried paint thinner with some success, but cannot remove it all. Of course the counter top is about a year old and light colored. By dduff from Adirondacks, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26897455.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get glue off carpet? I had a friend put new tiles in my dining room, but he got it on my carpet. Does anyone know what to use to get it off? I have given up and it looks terrible. By Miss Elly Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39964876.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I clean a suede couch? By littlebit_pouty from Dallas,TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34388197.tip.html
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Rate It: Remove Hard Water Deposits from Stemware How do I remove hard water deposits from stemware? By andyandotcanup from Independence, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48748243.tip.html
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Rate It: Help Dealing With High Interest Credit Card Debt I cannot keep paying this credit card at 39%, what can I do? By yoyojoe from Las Vegas, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf502823.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:
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