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Craft Project: Noodle Fish

These noodle fish are super fun for kids to make. They will be so excited with the finished product. Use macaroni noodles as scales on this cute fish craft. Then hang the fish from the ceiling so you can be swimming with them in your own home.

Noodle Fish

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Lulu (Maine Coon)

Lulu is a 6 year old Maine Coon cat. I got her at an Animal Shelter, 4 years ago.

For fun she likes to sleep, zzzzzzzzzzz. She brightens our day regularly!

By Jen from VIC. Australia

Lulu (Maine Coon)

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Garden: Anita's Flowers

This is my garden this year. I planted phlox, gold barberry, impatiens, Mexican heather, petunias, celosia, and a barberry pillar. I am so proud of my garden.

By Anita from Hazel Crest, IL

Anita's Flowers

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Garden Craft: Bentwood Arbor

I made this arbor with benches over 10 years ago. I put planter boxes down both sides and then put benches inside. The planter boxes are lined with old tarps over plywood and then stick wood. The stick wood can be alder, cedar, fir, etc. I use all of the above, just make sure it's not rotten. I try to use fresh fallen trees or standing scrub trees. This is also a good way to get rid of old tarps, the tarps can protect your planter boxes not rot so fast. You can use three round logs with thick branches for the top as benches or treated wood. I have done both here. It's a great place to enjoy nature and small children really like playing in the arbor and eating treats. It's a fun project that you can share with your family, collecting thick branches and building the arbor.

Have a creative day!

By Cathy from Stanwood, WA

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Craft: Rag Wreath

This is a rag wreath and is so simple to make! Take a hanger, leave the hook on, and shape the hanger into a circle. Cut your material into 1x6 inch strips. Simply tie the strips onto the hanger sliding them tightly together as you go. When you cannot squeeze any more fabric strips onto the hanger you are almost done! Fluff the strips to make the wreath full. For the hook, take a half inch strip of fabric, about 16 inches long and tie one end to the hook and wind the rest around the hook to cover it and fabric glue the end to stay put. Top off with ribbons or any other embellishment you wish and voila!

By Andrea from Radom, Illinois

Rag Wreath

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Rotate Your Sponges

Get more use out of your sponges without worrying so much about the germs. Rotate them. Say I have 3 sponges one red, one green, one yellow.

The first week I use the red sponge for the dishes, disinfecting it every other day with lemon juice in the microwave.

The second week, the green sponge is used for the dishes, and the red becomes the kitchen sponge for wiping down counters and such.

The third week, the red sponge becomes the bathroom sponge to clean the sink and tub, the green sponge is the kitchen sponge and the yellow sponge is used to wash the dishes.

The fourth week, you discard the red sponge and get another new one for the dishes, and rotate the others down the line.

This way you get lots of use out of your sponges, but always have a clean fresh sponge for your dishes!

Source: My own idea and experience.

By Jana (bailegirl) from Reidsville, NC

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Use An Open Door To Scratch Your Back

When your back really itches and there is no one to scratch it and no way to reach it, try rubbing the itch up and down on a corner of an open doorway. Isn't that much better? I know! It works!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Birthday Pizza Party

We held my daughter's 8th birthday at a small local pizza restaurant at 11 am on a Saturday. We were the only guests because of the time.

The restaurant agreed to set up seating for 12 guests. Soft drinks were given out while we waited for all the kids to arrive. The staff then gave the kids a short tour of the kitchen. Afterwards, the kids returned to their seats, individual pizza boxes were brought out with raw dough and all the fixings to put on top of a pizza. Each child made their own pizza. The pizzas were placed into their boxes, names were written on each box, and the staff took the pizzas into the kitchen to cook.

The staff then talked to the kids about making pizza and brought out dough for the kids to play with. The kids used the raw dough just like playdough.

Once the pizzas were cooked, each child got to eat their masterpiece.

1.5 hours hours well spent and enjoyed by all.

The Invitations:

I had wanted to buy aprons for each child, but I could not find aprons that I liked at a reasonable price, so I bought red, royal blue, and green twill fabric on clearance for 50 cents/yard. 6 yards was used total. I made 12 pizza aprons in a child size. I put a wide, rectangle pocket across each one at waist level. Cutting them all out together, and sewing them at one time was very quick. I then machine embroidered each invited guest's name across the bib of an apron. Each apron was packaged into a very small pizza box. We created and printed up invitations to look like the Pizza Coupons that are usually attached to a pizza box. The invitation requested that each child wear their apron to the party.

My daughter did a "Pizza Delivery" to each guest's home to deliver the invitation and apron.

We had a 100% attendance rate. Each child came in their apron. At the end of the party, I put hard candy into the front pocket of each apron as the children walked out. They LOVED the party, and they loved taking home their aprons.

The restaurant charged me the price of a small drink and a child's size pizza; $67.00 was my total restaurant expense. The restaurant had 12 new families into their restaurant, and they were pleased with the exposure.

We served a cake Grandma made that looked like a train. Each kid got a train car. It was not part of the pizza theme, but the kids loved having an individual train car to eat.

Source: A friend had been to a child's party at this restaurant. She gave us the idea for the place. The owner told me that he had seen kids given aprons and that they were well received. We added the pizza boxes for delivery.

By Amateur Parent from Plano, Texas

Birthday Pizza Party

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Use a Junk Mail Envelope as a Bookmark

You'll never be without a bookmark if you get junk mail. Just clip off a corner of an envelope in a triangle. Either use it plain or let one of your children decorate it for you. Then just slip the corner over the page of your book to mark your place.

By soochatty from Middletown, DE

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Use Ice To Water Houseplants Slowly

I have a gazillion houseplants, most of which have been started from cuttings. Watering hanging plants can be hard, especially when they get a bit rootbound. To make this easier, I freeze empty water bottles and yogurt cups of water and when frozen put them into the plants. As the water melts, it is absorbed into the soil slowly, rather than just running down the sides and out the bottom. This saves water, frustration and also, since a full freezer is more energy-efficient, it saves electricity. Sometimes I mix soluble fertilizer/food into the bottles and feed the plants this way, too. None of the fertilizer is poured out into the saucer, either.

By Linda from Vista CA

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Add Salt and Cinnamon To Coffee

A pinch of salt and a little bit of cinnamon in your coffee grounds in the morning makes coffee special. It also takes the twang out of the coffee.

Source: I got this advice from a friend that cooks a lot. His wife has a deteriorating muscle disease, please pray for April.

By Charles from Lebanon, MO

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Make Your Own Buttermilk

Though many people have an aversion to buttermilk, this tasty, cultured dairy staple has a place in every frugal household. Apart from being a delicious, nutritious drink, it is also used in making many a tasty treat such as biscuits, pancakes, waffles - but also in pies, cakes, breads, and even soups and ice cream. In a pinch, it also makes a super substitute for sour cream on a baked potato, and can be used in making dressings and dips. It isn't hard to make your own buttermilk, and good to have on hand for many frugal recipes. You must start with a little of the "store-bought" kind, but after that, you can keep a supply going indefinitely for only pennies.

The supplies for making one's own buttermilk are few - all you need is a few pint jars, a bit of powdered milk, a small amount of the "store-bought" stuff, a dash of salt, and 24 hours. It's as easy as this:

Mix up a quantity of about a pint of dry milk - a thrifty staple in all frugal households. Having it at room temperature works slightly better than chilled; Sterilize a pint jar in the dishwasher, or with boiling water, and fill halfway with your mixed dry milk. I find that a mayonnaise jar is just the right size for me. Fill the other half with the store-bought buttermilk - you must have this for the "culture" that's in it. It works the same way as yogurt, sour cream, and sourdough or "friendship" bread. Add a dash of salt, give it a good shake, and leave it on your kitchen counter for 24 hours to "clabber". Oddly enough, it does not spoil. After the 24 hours, refrigerate it, and it's all ready to drink, or to use in biscuit recipes, and a plethora of others.

When you've used half, simply add more mixed dry milk (or the regular kind) and leave to clabber another batch. I use it so often that I keep two jars going at once. That's all there is to it! Think of the money you can save mixing up your own buttermilk for all sorts of wonderful baking recipes - all for the cost of one pint of cultured buttermilk, and a little powdered milk mix. Enjoy!

By Savannah from The Deep South

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Plant Daffodils To Prevent Pests

If you are having trouble with something eating your flower bulbs, try planting daffodils around your flower bulbs. Daffodils are toxic to mice and voles. Worked great for me.

Source: Tip by Gardening Made Easy

By Susan from Morristown, TN

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Freeze Canned Biscuits

I found out just today that you can freeze the biscuits-in-a-can! Find a sale, stock up, and throw them in the freezer. You can either let the can thaw out, pop it open and then bake the biscuits or (frozen cans will NOT pop) pry the frozen biscuits out of the can and bake them. I've done it both ways. The frozen biscuits are harder to pry apart and don't look as pretty as the thawed ones, but SOMETIMES you just can't wait for a hot biscuit.

By AuntyC from Anderson, MO

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A property manager of single family residence was showing a unit to prospective tenants and asking the usual questions.

"Professionally employed?" he asked.

"We're a military family," the wife answered.

"Children?"

"Oh, yes! Ages nine and twelve," she answered proudly.

"Animals?"

"Oh, no," she said earnestly. "They're very well behaved."

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

Work From Home

I am looking for a no or low startup cost work from home LEGITIMATE opportunity. I work full time, but recently purchased a home and the costs are more than I had anticipated! I need an additional $600 + per month. Any suggestions?

Jacqueline B. from Grand Rapids, MI

Work From Home

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Hydrogen Peroxide Stain Remover

Since I intend to use hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover, what is the strength of the peroxide I should use?

Nadia

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Recipe For Cheese Filled Corn Dogs

Can someone please tell me how to make cheese dogs. I guess that's what you call it. It has cheese in it instead of a wiener. I don't like wieners but I love the corn dog that has cheese in them instead. I have eaten them out at our mall and love them. How do you make them with cheese in the center and the cornmeal outside and deep fry them? Can anyone help me? Thanks and God Bless.

Kay from Clyde, TX

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Listing of Discount Grocery Stores

It would be so helpful if there was a central listing of where to locate these discount grocery stores that sell salvage food and household items. Some people call them banana box stores. I've asked around and located two, but both have already closed. Many don't advertise in phone books, so it would be helpful to see a listing by state/city of where you are so we can visit and give you business. I am sure this would be helpful to others too. Thank You!

Lynn from Greenville, Ohio

Editor's Note: Feel free to post information about Discount Grocery Stores that are currently operating in your area in the feedback forum below.

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Removing Buildup On Marble Shower

Our shower floor is made of 4 in. tumbled marble squares. We put it in five years ago, and some sort of hardened scum has developed around the drain. It could be soap or some chemical deposit from out water - it is hard as a rock! It is in the grout but starting to spread across the tiles.

Is there a chemical I can use and not hurt the marble? Should I scrape it somehow? Please help! (The rest of the shower looks fine, it's just this area around the drain)

Luz from Yonkers, NY

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Jessica London Promotion Codes

Does anyone have any Jessica London promotion codes?

Barbara from Hinesville, GA

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Discontinued Wallpaper: Super Fresco #10602, Batch 035

I am looking for 2 or 3 rolls of Super Fresco pattern number 10602, batch 035 to complete my hall, stairs, and landing.

Tracey from Bungay

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Recipe For Jello and Egg Dish

Does anyone know of a recipe with orange Jello, crushed pineapple, and either whole eggs, separated or egg whites? I know this is an old recipe, maybe from the 30's or 40's. My Mom had it handwritten and it was called "Heavenly Delight". It was made in an 8x8 pan and I believe you cooked it on top of the stove and then mixed it together. It was fluffy and was an interesting combination. My Mom can't find the recipe either. Thanks for any help.

Colleen from Blair, NE

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CSI Themed Child's Birthday

My 12 years old is in love with CSI and wants her birthday party to be a CSI theme. I need some help with ideas for decorations and games.

DJ from Amarillo, TX

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50th Anniversary Gifts

My parents will soon celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary, any suggestions for a gift?

Countrygirl2828

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"Country Living Past and Present" Float Ideas

I am needing a float idea with a theme of "Country Living Past and Present"? Any ideas?

Dana from Colorado

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Making Tissue Paper Centerpieces

I saw at a party store, centerpieces made out of tissue paper mostly for kids birthday party. They were around $13.00 each. Does any one know how to make these centerpieces. I want to make two for my daughter's 2nd birthday party. Please Help!

Jazzy and Mia

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Cupboards Smell Musty

We bought a older home (1890) about a year and half ago. My problem is that my cupboards smell musty. I was wondering if their was anything I could put in them or hang in them to help with the smell. Thanks.

Denise from Marion, NY

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Removing Stain From a Washer Drum

My blue jeans left a blue stain on the inside of my laundry drum. How can I get rid of it?

Beth from Riverview

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Removing Marks from a Laptop

I got a new purse and set it on my yellow laptop one day. Now there are black marks all over it that I can't get off! I've tried the Magic Eraser and nail polish remover. They didn't work. Can anyone help?

Katie from Newberg, OR

Removing Marks from a Laptop

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Kitchen Paint Color Advice

I have real pine cabinets with the knots, cream counter tops with some gray and tan/gray linoleum in my small kitchen. What would be a good color to paint my kitchen walls?

Kathryn from Lynchburg

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Poop On Cat's Bottom

Why does my cat have poop around her butt?

okko57 from West Hartford, CT

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"Restful" Paint Color

What is a good (restful) color to paint a bedroom?

Ellen Wagner from Taft,CA

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Something Is Eating My Garden!

First of all, I lost my entire garden to the severe hail we experienced. I have babied back what plants I could salvage and have been very protective of them. I was able to produce 1 pumpkin that I have promised to my granddaughter, but when I went to check on garden this morning something has eaten the whole side of it off. I spread blood meal all over the garden. They're even getting into the tomatoes, ate the lettuce and the carrot tops. Now what can I do, except raise my arms in defeat? I have worked so hard on this garden this whole summer.

Hardiness Zone: 5a

Grammamare from Charlotte, MI

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Low Cost Veterinary Clinics in San Fernando Valley, CA

Where could I find a low cost veterinary in San Fernando Valley, CA

Jessica from Sylmar, CA

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Other Uses for Laundry Detergent

I just bought a new front-loading wash machine and I have to use special low suds detergent in it. So, I am left with a very large box of regular Tide detergent. Any ideas on how I can use the Tide in other cleaning tasks?

Marcie from Prairie du Sac, WI

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Paper Mache Pumpkin

Does anyone have any ideas on how to make a paper mache (sp?) pumpkin for Halloween? Instead of buying a pumpkin I'd like to make some that I can keep and reuse. Any ideas would be welcome.

Thanks,
Melissa from Arizona

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Blackberry Dumplings

I am looking for a recipe for blackberry dumplings.

Ruth from Springfield, Oregon

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Does Heat Ruin Batteries?

Could keeping a battery that goes to a battery-operated vehicle in our shed ruin it due to the high heat? The vehicle just stopped working one day and the battery says it was fully charged. Could the charger also have been affected?

Susan from AR

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Steam Build Up on Windows

I need to know how to get rid of old steam build up on windows.

Karen from Smiths Grove, KY

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Removing Scale From Aluminum

How do you clean scale from aluminum? We have an old cast aluminum tea kettle with heavy mineral-scale deposits inside and a little around the openings on the outside.

Warren from Corning, CA

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Giving Private Piano Lessons

I'm a musician and I would like to give private lessons in piano but I don't have a degree. Should I pursue a degree first or should I go ahead and teach privately?

Jerryl from Yonkers, NY

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Low GI Diet

Does anyone use the Low GI Diet? If so, can you give me some information on what to look for on packages of food, to see if it has a low GI. Thanks

Sandie from Madison

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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

My Frugal Life: 106 Ways To Save In The Kitchen - Part 3

Don't grocery shop when you are hungry.

What To Look For When Buying Bulbs
By Ellen Brown

Bulbs are containers. Each of them houses all of the necessary ingredients (except water) to grow a beautiful flower. It should come as no surprise then, that the quality of the flower you end up with depends a lot on the quality of the bulb you start with. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you shop for bulbs.

What To Look For When Buying Bulbs

Growing a Burning Bush

Question:

I am looking for tips on growing burning bushes.

Saving Money on Outdoor Furniture

Tips for saving money on outdoor furniture as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas here.

Saving Money on Outdoor Furniture

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Daily Thrifty Tips - September 19, 2008

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