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Hello,
Lots of interesting requests today, please look them over.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
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Today's Photos
| Ethan Loves Peanut Butter
My son, Ethan, loves peanut butter. He is always asking me to make a peanut butter sandwich. He doesn't have much patience, being 3. When I wrapped up what I was doing and went into the kitchen, this is what I found. How can you be mad at a face like that? Jess in Portland, OR
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| Bubba Bear (Chow-Siberian Husky)
Bubba is 5 years old and is Chow-siberian Husky in the pictures. We got Bubba back in 1993, our youngest son left him with us, and of course we would and did. He liked to play in the ocean waters in Morro Bay, CA. Bubba is now gone from us, but we loved him dearly. We think about getting another dog, but we do a lot of comparing. He was a real loveable dog. By Cricket Girl from Atascadero, CA
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| Treasure Boxes (From Wine Crates)
A few years ago I was looking for a way to help supplement my son's savings to pay for his 8th grade trip from San Diego to Washington , D.C. I am very fond of watching the HGTV network and finding ways to recycle everyday items into something new and useful. As luck would have it, I noticed my neighbor regularly discarding wooden wine crates in the alley. On one of my evening walks with my dogs, I dragged one of the crates home, and the rest is history. I have probably made hundreds of these by now, and have actually done pretty well selling them at local craft fairs. It took a few trials and errors, but I am quite satisfied with the finished product I have come up with. First I take the crate and sand it smooth, removing all staples or stickers that may be on it. Next I measure the top, and cut a piece of 5/8 inch thick plywood or wafer-board (also scavenged from the alley,) to fit neatly on top. I drill holes on the bottom at each corner and attach wooden knobs, usually scavenged from old discarded dressers etc. which act as feet on the bottom of the footstool. After sanding the ply-wood top, I measure a piece of fabric to line both sides with, one piece about 1 1/2 inches larger on all sides, than the actual lid. Initially I used remnants from sewing projects, but it only requires 1/2 yard of fabric, so I can afford to go a little wild when fabric goes on sale. I cover one side with spray adhesive, and carefully cover it with the smaller piece of fabric. Next I cut a piece of 10 oz. quilt batting to the size of the lid. Laying the batting against the other side of the lid (the unlined side,) I cover it with the second, larger piece of fabric, turn it over , and staple it tightly around all four sides. I cover the staples with gross-grain ribbon, which matches the color of the fabric. After the glue has dried, I place the lid on top of the box (padded side up,) and attach 1 1/2 inch hinges to the back edge about 2 inches from each end. When it's finished, it makes a great storage footstool or bench, strong enough to sit on. They make great gifts, and are a wonderful conversation piece to give as a gift to a wine collector, perhaps including a nice bottle of wine. My son uses his to store all of his video game junk. I put casters instead of wooden feet on the bottom, so he can just roll up to the TV, sit on it while he plays, then put everything back inside, and roll it back into the corner. You can make them to match any decor. They make especially wonderful baby gifts, which match the nursery, and can be filled with a matching quilt, or any other baby gifts you can think of. As the child grows, they make a great toy box! I think they would make a great addition to any college dorm room. When any gift giving occasion comes around, I just go down to my work room, and pick one that suites the recipient. Making these little storage footstools, has become my own personal therapy. By Donna Napolitan from San Diego
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Today's Tips
| Microwaving Fresh Corn
The best way to enjoy fresh corn if there just you or you and your husband, is to microwave each ear with husk, silk and all for 5 minutes. Let it sit for an extra minute and remove the husk. You'll find that the silk comes off as you shuck. Easy, nutritious and economical. For more servings, I microwave each singly. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| DVD Subscription Services - Use It Or Lose It
Movie subscription services like Netflix can be a great deal, but only if you use them. Keep track of how many movies you receive from them each month and divide that by the monthly service fee. Makes sure you are actually getting a good deal. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Replacing Your Rear View Mirror
When and if you ever have to change out your rear view mirror in your vehicle, do so very carefully. By pressing to attach the adhesive on the back of the mirror, you can break your windshield. A fellow my husband works with passed on this bit of info. So for this, it's better to allow a certified garage service worker to change it out. If they break your windshield, they have to replace it. If you do it, yourself, it's all out of pocket, for you! Post Feedback: Click Here |
Make a Mason Jar Oil Lamp
Supplies
DirectionsPunch hole in center of lid. Bring wick up through hole. Secure wick with washer on underside of lid. Fill jar with potpourri. Add lamp oil. Tie a ribbon bow around neck of jar. Cut the ribbon very short so it is not near the flame. *I put colorful Autumn Leaves and Twigs in the jar for the Fall and pine cones, foam snowflakes with potpourri for the Winter. Adjust decorations according to the seasons. By Laurie from Pahrump, NV Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Refinancing - Points Vs. No Points
When refinancing a home mortgage you will get a lower interest rate if you agree to pay 1 or 2 "points". The loan manager may offer you "6.75% with no points" or "6.25% with 2 points". 2 points means that you will have to pay 2% of the total amount of the mortgage to the lender in addition to any closing costs. On a $200,000 loan, that's $4,000. Even with the lower interest rate, It can take 5 to 10 years to cover that additional expense. So if you aren't going to be in a house long term, it's better pass on the points. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Phone Tree Cheats
I happened across this a couple of weeks ago and sent it out - but there is a way to "go to the head of the class" (so to speak) instead of waiting through long lines on the phone and wading through miles of menu options! Save valuable time by printing off a copy of the chart and follow the instructions! U.S. phone cheats http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/travel-tips/cheatsheet.html By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Missouri Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Frugal Life - Homemade Christmas Gifts
Homemade Christmas gifts? We love them in our family. My aunt always gives homemade dishcloths, etc. My parents, who are in their 70's, loved their gift last year. I went to the store, bought a couple of big boxes of Q-tips, Ivory soap, toothpaste, everything they use in the bathroom, careful to use their usual brands. What do you buy the people who have everything? I knitted afghans for everyone, one year. Another year, I made homemade throw pillows. I always include a homemade Christmas tree decoration. Another gift I do for my parents and did for the siblings and their spouses a couple of years, was go to the grocery store, buy 5 or 6 small packages of different cheeses I know they like and different crackers and turkey kielbasa. They loved it. This year, I've knitted each recipient 4 dishcloths, and am in the process of finishing four kitchen handtowels that attach to the oven handle for each. I'll include dish soap, dishwasher soap also for the sister and a few other goodies as well as the homemade Christmas tree decoration. One year, my sister went to the dollar store, got a pair of hand towels for everyone and knitted fancy edging and sewed on. Beautiful! It's not the amount of money, it's the love behind it. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season. Tanya from Oshawa, ON 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 |
| Browning Meat for a Stew
When you are preparing a stew or pot roast recipe that calls for browning the meat, put your meat on a rack in a shallow pan and broil on high until the top is browned. Turn it and brown the other side the same way. The fat will drip to the bottom and you will be ready to continue with your recipe. If you are adding carrots and other vegetables to your dinner, you can clean them under running water with a small natural bristle brush, rather then peel off the extra nutrients contained in the skin. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Buying High End Cosmetics for Cheap Prices
I just got some color shampoo at the dollar store (which would cost $8/bottle) - and face cream (another $7/8 a tube)! So, for $7, I ended up getting about $50 worth of stuff! I always check out the 99 Cent store for upscale beauty items and them stock up, saving lots of $ as opposed to the drug store! (Also sales and clearances at drug stores, too.) The products start off at the high end, then trickle down to retail to discount - so now I can get cellulite/firming cream for 99 Cents - so keep your eyes peeled! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Decorating a Room Nautical Theme
I just did my own anniversary party. If you are in a room with a strong decor, don't fight it! Ours was a yacht club room with a definite nautical decor - so I went with it, using blue and gold out of the palette - and emphasizing the marine aspect with table decorations of candles mixed with shells. I put around white lilies (in season) in clear glass vases sparingly around the room and saved on flowers because I used the candle/shell table decorations. (The candles were from the dollar store and the shells had been picked up on a local beach!) Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
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New Requests
| Dead Fish Smell on a Dog
I need a remedy to get dead salmon stink off a dog. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Do Mothballs Work as a Snake Repellent
Do mothballs get rid of snakes in the attic? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Nail Polish Stains on Jeans
How do I get nail polish out of jeans? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning a Stainless Steel Thermos
Coffee stains in Stainless steel thermos. How can they be removed? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Grape Juice Stain on Polyester
I need to know how to get a grape juice stain out of a pair of lime green polyester slacks. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Homemade Febreze
Is there any way to make "homemade" Febreze fabric freshener? It's very expensive, but I like to use it occasionally on my mattresses, sofas and in my car. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Giving a Dog Medication
How can you give a dog medication if he won't take orally? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Hair Off The Bathroom Floor
I am having a horrible time trying to get hair of my bathroom floor. I pretty much have to get on my knees and look for the hair before I mop. Does anyone have any ideas? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Algae From A Boat
How can I get green algae off the bottom of a boat? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Vacation Spots From Virginia to Key West
My future husband and I are planning an early spring wedding. We are Seniors (64 & 69) and agility is not our best suit. We are looking for vacation spots in the southeast and beach areas from Virginia to Key West. We don't like big crowds and long walks don't really work for us. We especially appreciate the beauty of nature and quiet, restful places. We love sight seeing, old plantations, sea shell collecting, metal detecting, and, of course, great seafood! If you are familiar with any of these areas and can suggest a place to visit, please write a post. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Starting a Leaf Collection
I wish to start a leaf collection. Should I use the long leaf press method or the short iron- wax paper method? Which method keeps the leaves preserved the longest? Which method keeps the leaves the most realistic looking? Any information on collecting, identifying, and preserving leaves would be most appreciated. Thank you Post Feedback: Click Here |
| What Color Countertops Should I Get?
I am currently redoing my house due to hurricane Katrina and it's a bit overwhelming to be doing everything at once. My question is concerning my countertops. I have to cut back on some costs and unfortunately that means no granite tops... so now my concern is what color laminate will work best in my kitchen? The cabinets are a dark cherry and the floors are brick (relatively dark, mixed colors, overall red brick). The walls aren't painted yet, but they'll be light (either a european white/tan color or a lighter sage color). FYI: I'm not ruling out the granite "look" laminate (unless it looks really fake when I see it in person), but I am still unsure whether the light or dark look would look best? I hope my winding blab isn't too confusing, lol. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Red and Yellow Bugs
What are the little red and yellow bugs on my hibiscus? It appears to have a web attached, but looks like a beetle. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Adding a Hitch to a Mobile Home
Does anyone know if you can put the hitch on the opposite end of a mobile home to move it a short distance? We need to back our manufactured home down the hill on our farm, but since we have graded the road in front where the hitch is located, it is impossible to get a moving truck up to the hitch. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Sidewalk Chalk Off My Carpet
How can I remove pink (or any other color) sidewalk chalk from my carpet? I've vacuumed it repeatedly, which removed the chalk itself, but left the color. I tried sprinkling with cornstarch and letting it sit for a couple hours THEN vacuuming, but no results. It is against the baseboard of a small wall and extends out about 3 or 4 inches. Pretty color but not exactly what I would like to see on entering the house! By the way, this was the powdered sidewalk chalk, not a stick. Thanks! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Pecan Resin Statues
Does anyone know where to find pecan resin statues? My mother and I used to paint beautiful santa clauses. She recently died and I cannot find these pecan resin forms. Thanks. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| What is artificial crabmeat made of?
What is artificial crabmeat made of? Is there shellfish in it, or will it affect shell fish allergies? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dry Callused Feet
I have very thick skinned feet (callused) and I have tried pumice stones, foot scrubs, lotions, you name it, I have tried it but I can't get soft feet. My feet are also very dry and scaly. Does anyone know what athlete's foot is and does this sound like it and if so what do I use to get rid of it? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Deli Tuna Salad Recipe
I am looking for "Deli Tuna Salad". I know that it has chopped celery, purple grapes and Tuna in it but I don't know what else. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Freezing Spaghetti Squash
I would like to know if spaghetti squash can be frozen once it's been cook. Can it be frozen at all? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dog Won't Pee Outside
We recently adopted a small dog from a shelter. We believe her to be around 3 years old. Since day one she has been having accidents. We thought it was just her getting used to the new living situation. We have tried crating her, but now she pees in the crate as well. She doesn't seem to understand that when we take her outside, it is with the intention for her to go to the bathroom. Instead, she is extremely distracted by every little sound or movement. It has also been raining a lot recently and she refuses to pee when it's raining. Please help! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Crab Shell Ornaments
How do you make crab shell ornaments? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Permanent Marker on 100% Polyester
I have black permanent marker on a red polyester top. How do i get it out? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Ink from Glossy Pictures
I just came back from China and took many pictures. Unfortunately, I wrote on the back with a permanent black pen and put each one on top of each other. Now the pictures are smeared with ink! How do I get the ink off glossy pictures? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Spray Nozzles from Perfume Bottles
How do you remove the spray nozzles on perfume bottles. I'd like to transfer the perfume into smaller bottles. I heard it could be done but I just forgot how. I'm having a hard time spraying the fragrances into the bottles and the funnel that I have seems to be too big for the hole of the atomizer. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| How can I fix the discoloration of leather jacket?
How can I fix the discoloration of leather jacket? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Repairing Holes in Sheetrock
How do you repair holes in a wall made from sheetrock? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Olive Oil Stain on Clothing
How can I remove grease stains (olive oil) from cotton? I hate to spend $25 at the dry cleaner for a pair of khakis and a polo shirt! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning a Silver Bracelet
How do you clean a tarnished silver bracelet? I went swimming with it on and it was shiny but when I was done it was a dark silvery/gray. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Weekly Menu for the Elderly
I am looking for a cost effective weekly menu for elderly people. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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