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Hello,
We have a new poll today...
Have you sold a car to a private party?
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
| Beautiful Handmade Table Runner
Here is a picture of a table runner I made. I found the pattern on the JOANN's web site. I purchased the material from there with a 40% off coupon that comes in their flyer. By Jo Anne from Copenhagen, Ny
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| Monarch Butterfly
This is a picture of a butterfly (monarch?), that I took on my sunflowers. The colors all looked so pretty together and he opened his wings and just posed for me. What a beauty! By Timmie from St. Louis, MO
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| Sugar, Booger, and Patches (Kittens)
Sugar, Booger and Patches are approximately 5 weeks old. These three kittens showed up in our backyard last week. Apparently they were born nearby and the mother came to eat here since we feed all the animals in the woods behind our home. Only this time, the little ones came too. There were originally four, but the mother must have taken the other one off in the woods. For some reason, she left these three. So now we are caring for them until they are big and healthy enough to get out on their own. They love to play fight and climb up their cage. One of the babies, Patches, (she has a black patch over her left eye) has a short little stub of a tail and very fluffy fur. She is gorgeous! She is slightly larger than the other two but I have to encourage her to eat solid food. The others eat frantically four times each day, but she doesn't eat quite as heartily as the other two. We have just begun to give them solid food. When we got them, they were wild, but now they seem very contented and gentle. All seem to be healthy, playful, and energetic. I will surely miss them when we have to put them outside, however, I can't keep them since I already have a beautiful and loving cat named Xena. She most probably wouldn't tolerate having another cat in the house. But, hopefully they will stay near us and come back to feed each day. I wish I could find them a home. By First Lady from Knoxville, TN
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The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
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Today's Tips
| Reusing Containers for Other Uses
You can recycle small plastic containers for other uses. I just found out that the little plastic ball that my pantyhose sox came in is just the right size for keeping my temporary dental device when out of my mouth! I also recycle small orthodentic wax containers - which with labels make good little containers for pills while traveling. Of course, our mothers always kept pins, needles, etc in old metal sucrets boxes. Altoids still uses them - and some other European candies. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Easy Yule Logs
These make great Christmas gifts with just a little work. Supplies
Tools needed
Cut your small log to length. With hole saw a little bigger than the diameter of your tea lights cut holes in one end of the log. This is your top. Now take the log and turn it over and run it through your table saw to take off a small slice so it will sit flat. Turn back over and put in your tealights. At the other end of your log on the top drill a hole the size of your decoration and glue in place. Add some ribbons and this card: Light the first on Christmas Eve, To light the way for Christ so all may see, Light the next On Christmas Day to celebrate your joy, That God sent us his own baby boy, And now light the third on New Years Eve, It will bring in good luck as the New Year leaves. By Debra from Colorado Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Otter Pops for Cold Drinks
If you're making cold drinks and you run low on ice, try using those "otter pops" you have stashed in the freezer for the kids. Leave whole or break in pieces and put in your drink. It not only cools down the drink but also adds an extra bit of flavor. It's especially tasty to add them to mixed drinks, like a Mai Tai, Margarita, etc. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Paying for Home Improvement Projects
Whenever you hire someone to do a home improvement project or yard work never pay the full amount upfront. Get an estimate in writing and pay no more than half upfront and then half upon completion. Even if you are hiring a family member or a friend, never pay the total amount upfront. It will insure that the worker is motivated to do the job the way you want it done. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Selling a Car to a Private Party
If you sell a car to a private party, make sure to transfer the title. If you don't do this, and the car ends up on the side of the road or in a ditch, you will have to pay for any fines or impound feeds associated with the vehicle. It doesn't matter if the car doesn't run, or is older than the hills, always transfer the title and file the proper paperwork with the state. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Vinegar for Whitening Corelle Dishes
When we moved 5 years ago, my Corelle dishes were all white. However, after time using the dishwasher that was in the house, my dishes have turned dingy gray, especially on the bottom and around the edges. I've tried baking soda (that worked on my glasses) to no avail. Today, while hand washing them I thought 'let's see what vinegar does' So I poured some in a dishpan and put some bowls in - and lo and behold - they came out white. I really should have tried that sooner since I knew what other miracles vinegar performs. I just wanted to share this. I wrote Corelle and they never answered. I've also tried different cleansers but no good, the whole time the best and cheapest cleaner was in my cupboard. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Frugal Life - A Fun Adventure
For 21 years, I've lived the "frugal life" so, I guess it's really a way of life for us now. I've done all the classic frugal things. Most people say I have a knack for being in the right place at the right time, but I think it's really about being aware of what's going on. I recently went to a store and noticed they were having a "sidewalk" sale. From where I was, it looked like it was all beer and patio furniture, but I walked over anyway. Past all that was a small canopy with the stores used floor decorations on sale. I got a huge valentines table cloth and two pieces of burlap (that I'll use for my rug making) for $1 each. Watch for things out of place. When I'm at the grocery store and I see a worker's cart just sitting, I go check it out, that's usually where the bargain produce is. A couple of months ago, I spotted a big box marked "deer apples" $4. I had no idea what "deer apples" were, but for $4, I could find something to do with them. Well, a little research taught me that deer apples are any apple considered inedible. For the store, it meant any apple with the slightest blemish. I got 30 pounds of perfectly edible apples for $4! The biggest lesson I've learned is to watch my attitude about money with my children. My 20 year old son is on his own now and called to ask if I had any ideas how he could make a little extra cash. I mentioned picking up cans and redeeming them. He didn't think it was worth it. I said, "We used to do that all the time. We'd go to the state park and pick up the cans, redeem them, then go get the bargain foods from the fast food place, go back to the state park and have a picnic." What he said next still leaves me smiling. He said, "I remember the picnics, but I don't remember the cans." Make it fun. And make it normal. Being frugal, doesn't have to mean being a miser. My frugal life is more than just making it, it's a fun adventure. Laura from Coupeville, WA Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Herb Cubes
To have fresh chopped herbs, basil, marjoram, chives, dill weed, italian parsley, etc. all winter long: Wash herbs, shake dry, process in food processor with about 1/2 c. water. Freeze in ice-cube trays, filling to top with additional water as necessary. I dump the frozen cubes into a zip-lock type freezer bag, excluding all air, then seal that bag in an additional bag of the same type, in the same manner. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. More Information:
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New Requests
| Saving Money on Car Rentals
How do I minimize car rental charges and fees? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Lip Balm in a Rectangular Gold Tin
When I was younger, I used to have lip balm in a rectangular gold tin. I believe it was old fashioned lip balm. Does anyone know where I could get that now? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Rescuing Aggressive Breeds
My fiance and I have recently taken home two puppies from the shelter nearby! One of them is a black lab, he is 1 1/2 years old. The other is a mix breed, 11 weeks today, Tay. The problem I am having is that the dog appears to be a mix of, Akita, Rotti, and Pit bull. If this is true then I worry that the person was perhaps breeding fighting dogs? What other reasons would there have been to breed those types of dogs? I want to know what other people think I should do so that I can make the best decision for both my puppy and society! He is a brilliant dog! He sits, shakes, sits pretty, stands, comes, and is paper trained already (we are working on outside potty training). So in all, he is a genius dog. Though he is OVERLY aggressive towards other dogs and when I try to stop him from being to aggressive he will bite at me... we are working to stop that by discipline him. My mother, who lives with us, used to own two pits and one bit me as a child so she is afraid of dogs. Any suggestions based on this info? Thanks,
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| Locating Smocking Plates
I am looking for two smocking plates: Fluttering Friends by Mary Pelsynski Buckwalder and Butterflies and Bows by Debbie Glen. If anyone can help please respond, I have been looking for some time. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning a Christening Dress
How do you clean a 30 year old christening dress? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Preserving Okra
I am looking for ways to preserve Okra. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Spicing Up Rice
I am trying to eat more rice (both brown and white), but even after adding onion, garlic and onion power and Frank's Hot Sauce, it is very bland. Any suggestions as how to spice it up? Thanks in advance. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Washing Machine Not Spinning Properly
My washing machine is not spinning properly! The clothes are soaked at the end of the cycle and the fabric softener ball is not emptied. Any ideas that I can try before paying for a repairman to come to the house to take a look? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing the Pickle Smell from Glass Jars
I am trying to get the pickle smell out of glass jars. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Shopping "Clicker"
Long, long ago I had a little hand held "clicker" that you would use when shopping. As you put items into your cart you would click little buttons and it would continually add up your purchases. Unfortunately, it stopped working (they just don't make things to last like they used to!). I know that many people will suggest just using a calculator, but do you know how many times I accidently bump the clear button and lose my place?! If anyone knows about those little clickers and where to buy one, please let me know. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Using Hexol as a Room Deodorizer
I used to visit someone that used Hexol as a room deodorizer (they smoked and it was right by the front door). What are the other purposes for Hexol and can you still purchase it? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Housetraining a Yorkshire Terrier
My 6 month old yorkshire terrier has been very difficult to housebreak. She goes to the bathroom outside 3 times a day but is "sneaking" pottying in a couple of places in the house. There are puppy pads in a designated part of the house, but she will only use them if she's confined there most of the day. How can I remove the odor (so she doesn't want to go there anymore) and how can I get her to stop pottying indoors unless it is on her puppy pads? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Purchasing a Small Dog
Can any one help me find a small dog? We just lost our faithful companion of 14 years. I have been searching all over with no luck. We had a shihtzu. Can anyone tell me where i can purchase another small dog? Hopefully in central ny. Any thing you do will be greatly appreciated. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Growing Lilacs in the Mountains
We have a cabin up in the mountains at this location. It is about 9000' above sea level. The ground totally freezes in the winter and is usually covered with snow until mid May. Will lilac bushes grow here? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Adjusting the Tension on a Serger Sewing Machine
I received a serging sewing machine for mothers day and I finally took it out to use. The tension is all goofed up and the instruction book's tips are not helping. The stiches are all loopy like is was crocheted instead of serged. Has anyone else found a solution to adjusting tension on a serger? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Brownies With Cherry Pie Filling
I am looking for a recipe for Brownies and Cherry Pie Filling. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning a Dooney & Burke Purse
How do I clean the inside of my Dooney & Bourke? There are make-ups marks on the cloth. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Covering a Mirror Frame with Fabric
How can I cover a carved mirror frame with fabric? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Preserving Permanent Marker On Clothing
I've drawn on my pants with Permanent Marker and I LOVE the designs I did. How do I preserve it? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dish Soap for Aphids
I was told that mixing Dawn Dish Soap in water will kill aphids on your plants. Is this true? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Ancient Greece Decor
I am wanting to decorate my bedroom using an ancient Greece theme, any ideas? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tips for Hang Drying Clothing
I need advice on hanging laundry on a clothes line so that they smell nice and don't have funky spots where they were hung and aren't stiff and scratchy! Help Please (my dryer is broken and can't get a new one). Thank you! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Storing Bread
Where do you keep your bread? I am trying to unclutter my kitchen countertops and was wondering where everyone keeps their bread. If you put it in a breadbox or cabinet, doesn't it mold real fast because of the darkness? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Plastic Smell in a Humidor
I have a humidor that has had a strange plastic smell in it since I bought it. I need to remove the smell before I humidify it and load it with cigars. I have tried airing it out for a few days, but once I closed it back up, the smell returned. Right now I have a box of baking soda in it with a fan blowing air into the box. I have been doing this for about a day now and the smell is still there. What other stuff can I try? Mind you that I cannot use harmful chemicals because of the cigars. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Reviving Dry Erase Markers
Is there any way to recondition a dry eraser marker? I know it still has plenty of ink, but the cap didn't click well enough. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fleas in My Yard
How can get rid of the fleas in my yard? They have taken over! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Wool Pants
I would like to try to clean 2 pairs of wool pants without taking them to the drycleaners or using the dry cleaning stuff you put in the dryer. I don't feel like these methods really freshen the clothing - they still smell dirty to me. Is it safe to wash them in the washing machine and hang them up to dry? I was thinking about using woolite. The fabric content on one pair says 99% wool and 1% other and the other pair says 60% rayon, 37% wool and 3% mohair. I'm not as nervous about washing the pair that is 60% rayon but I thought I'd better seek advice first. So, any advice would be appreciated! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Male Shitzu Peeing in the House
We have had a male Shitzu for about two years now and he is house trained. Just recently we had our motor-home broke into, so we got a second dog. Now this dog is an outside dog but we allow our female in the house so that she does not feel so left out. The problem that we are having is now the male is peeing all over the beds in the house and the other dog doesn't go anywhere in the house except for the living room. Why is the male doing this and how can we get him to stop. Neither are fixed and she was just going through her very first heat. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Bleaching Yellow From White Hair
I have complete white hair. I would like to know how can I clean the yellow stains from it. In other words, bleach it whithout using chemicals, if possible. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Locating a Sew Beautiful Magazine
I am searching for the Sew Beautiful magazine that carried the Fluttering Friends smocking plate and another called Butterflies and Bows. Can anyone help? Post Feedback: Click Here |
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| Zip Lock Omelets
Ran across this recipe a few years ago and I am still using it. Read More: Click Here |
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