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Hello,
I hope everyone is having a happy Monday. We have 22 requests that have been submitted since our last newsletter. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
Make Your Own Spaceship or Submarine
Got a garage full of broken electronics? Turn them into your child's dream toy! Broken remotes, radios, telephones, smoke detectors, and the like may seem like so much junk to you, but to a child they're the makings of a spaceship, a time machine, or a submarine! Just mount the stuff on some plywood and let their imaginations soar.
By Anita Fite
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Unique Milk Jug Backpack
By Teri Clark
If you always seem to be "on the go" then you surely understand that kids don't go anywhere without their "stuff." That is why this craft idea is so handy. With this easy-to-make backpack, your child can take their treasures with them wherever they go!
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Savannah - Natural Beauty Queen
This picture was taken on my daughter Savannah 1st Annual Ballet recital and I wanted to make her to have natural beauty so I bought her organic make-up and look she's a natural beauty queen.
By Maria Lozano
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Put one vitamin tablet, I use Pre-natal Vitamins sold at Walmart, at the bottom of a dug hole for new transplants. As the tablet dissolves it feeds nourishment to the young plant.
By Sabrina
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Today's Tips
Inexpensive ideas for last minute gifts. Post your ideas.
Many times you will need a small inexpensive gift at the last moment. Rarely am I caught off guard. My secret? I find MANY brand new TREASURES still packaged and unused at yard sales and thrift stores. I have a stash of gift items, books, pretty coffee mugs (which I fill and make into candles), and always have on hand new material scraps which I make into nice throw pillows.
I also buy new gift bags, wrapping paper and assorted cards as well as rolls of ribbon. I recently found two brand new books which sell for $15 each, and a gold trimmed Lennox picture frame (with certificate) all for $1 a piece. Buying in advance saves a lot of money when you need a gift. These three items alone saved me close to $30, and are things I will be proud to give when the appropriate time comes. Money saved on gift giving frees up funds for my family's necessities.
By Sharon,Ky
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Making Windshield Wipers Last Longer
To make your windshield wipers last longer, when you think you can't use them much more, try running the edges with a knife or the striking side of a matchbook cover over the blade. This will expose softer rubber. My husband said this won't work in all regions since wipers may have dry rot in some places.
By Terri H.
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Floral Fourth of July Decorations
A nice, thrifty 4th of July holiday decoration is to gather a bouquet of the flower called "Queen Ann's Lace" (it is white and grows wild along highways and in fields). Add a few drops of red food coloring in a vase and a few drops of blue food coloring in another vase. Put some flowers in each vase. In a few hours the flowers absorb the coloring and you will have some red flowers and some blue flowers and some white flowers to make a beautiful red, white and blue bouquet.
By Kim Mocca
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Consider buying 'gently used' items instead of paying full price at the mall or other stores. Try checking out consignment shops. If you've never been to one, you'll be surprised at the good deals you'll find.
By Terri
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Craft Projects You Can Make Out Of Your Christmas Cards
Crafts that you can make with old Christmas cards. Post your ideas.
Use Old Christmas Cards as a Book Cover
Make a little book using the front of the Christmas card. Glue them back to back (or on colored construction paper -- which can even be folded in half to save paper), punch some holes down the side, put some yarn through the holes, and make a book. The kids will enjoy having something (different) to look at, and maybe some of the older kids can even go over the items that they see in the pictures for the younger kids. This can be done with all holiday cards.
By Meari
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Have you ever thought of making your own wine or beer. Do it yourself kits are out on the market. For wine, either grow your own grapes or buy some from someone nearby. In advance, gather as many bottles with lids, wash and sterilize them, allow to dry completely. My parents made wine once when I was a teenager. It was an experience to say the least. Interesting gifts to pass out for the holidays! Not everyone can brag about making their own beverages!
By Terri
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Ideas for using photos (extras or duplicates) that you don't plan on saving. Post your ideas.
I have a habit of taking too many photos. Here's an idea of what you can do with extra photos. Try using them as post cards to send to loved ones. They will appreciate seeing this personalization from you and it helps to keep your photo storage down.
By Patricia Fielder
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When you double a recipe, there is no need to double the spices that are called for in the recipe.
By Ardis Barnes
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Ideas for using shower caps, other than in the shower. Post your ideas!
No need to buy those expensive plastic food covers, Most dollar stores sell disposable shower caps. You can get like a dozen of them for a buck. These are SO very handy. HUGE savings.
By Kimberly Birdsall
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Men's Hearts Beating Faster Joke
Why do men's hearts beat quicker, go weak in the knees, get dry throats and think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
BECAUSE SHE SMELLS LIKE A NEW TRUCK!!
By Terri
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To save money on your power bill - use a toaster/convection oven to cook your meals and for your baking whenever possible. Mine will hold an 8x8 pan and has two racks. It keeps the kitchen cool as well.
By Annie
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Using Soaker Hoses With Hard Water
Do you live in a hard water area and use soaker hoses to irrigate your garden area? Do the pores plug up with mineral deposits after a few months and then not ooze water where you want it? Try punching holes in the hoses with the finest needle you can find in the exact places you want it to water a plant. The finest needles are hypodermic needles but these are hard to come by.
If you have a diabetic friend who takes insulin maybe you could get a needle from him or her or maybe someone who works in a hospital could get a short 22 guage needle for you. Your vet would be another source.
Sterilize a used needle first by soaking in 1 tsp. bleach in 1 cup water for 1 hour and rinse thoroughly. BE CAREFUL! It's easy to puncture a finger with these and keep them away from children.
By Seagrape
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If you live close to your job, consider walking to work, or taking a bicycle, motorcycle, moped or scooter to save on gas and wear/tear on your car. Don't forget the protective gear!
By Terri
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Set a daily allowance on spending, once it's gone don't go to the ATM or bank for more money. Keep track of your expenditures. Weigh them to see if you want to keep on the way you are or if there's something that you'd like to quit buying to either put that money towards another purchase or even, in a savings account.
By Terri
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Removing Photos from Magnetic Page Albums
Some of us Grandmas still have old magnetic photo albums and I've found that many photos have now stuck to the pages. A good way to remove these without ruining them is to slide a piece of dental floss behind the photo to release it from the page... it works!
By Bobbie Raffaeli
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
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Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Contest ends July 15, 2005
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New Requests
I am looking for instructions on how to make homemade rag rugs out of old sheets and other material. My daughter needs it for a project in college. She has to teach the class how to make somthing. She chose rag rugs.
stella8carl
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Problem With Child Wetting Herself
My daughter's boyfriend has a 5 year old daughter and she's constanly wetting herself for no apparent reason, that we know of anyway. She has been to the doctor and they said she has no problem, and I was wondering if you all knew what she could do to help her learn that she needs to go to the bathroom. Their patience are wearing thin with this.
She will be starting school this fall and I don't know what they will do with her then. Thanks for any help you may give me.
Teresa
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Black Scuff Marks on Kitchen Floor
How can I remove black scuff marks from laminate kitchen flooring?
TexasTeacher
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Suede Bag (Clean it or Dye it?)
I have a light pink suede bag that has pen marks on it. Silly me tried cleaning it off with a damp cloth and ended up with big discoloured patches. Is there anyway of rectifying this?
I have thought about dying the bag a chocolate brown. Does anyone have any tips on dying suede before I mess it up again?
I would really appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Kelda in Sydney
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Now that Summer is here, I'm finding it hard to think of new creative ideas to fill the days on a dime. I want to know what creative ways you fill the days with without spending a alot of money! Any ideas? Thanks :)
Natasha From Ontario
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I have terrible trouble washing anything polar fleece. It always comes out with fluff which a clothes brush does little to fix. Any tips?
Camille from Canberra
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How do I remove egg smell from a porcelain kitchen sink? I've tried comet, this does not work!
Melinda
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Use old tires painted and stacked two deep for raised beds.
By Wakaliz
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Bathtub Damage As House Settled
We live in a house that has an issue with settling. The tub was installed prior to us living here and since that time one of the pipes moved and has resulted in a hole near the faucet of our tub. Any ideas on repairing this, other than replacing the tub?
lorilwayne
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Making Steel Doors Look Like Wood
I would like to find out how to make my steel doors look like wooden ones? Where do I go to find out about this? Thank you.
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Foiled Burned on Glass Stovetop Burner
I have a smooth glass top stove. I put a peice of aluminum foil on the hot burner. It only was on the glass for a moment. When I removed it, some of the foil melted into the glass. It is not "a lump of foil" that can be easily scapped off with a razor. It actually seems that the foil melted into the glass. I have tried using vinager, salt, oven cleaner,oxiClean, lemon, and baking soda paste. Any other ideas out there?
Victoria
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I was wondering if you could help me come up with an idea for my 4H project. I'm in Division 10, which is the last division, and I'm having trouble coming up with something really creative, that I could get a really good ribbon on. (All I have ever gotten was a blue). I hope you can help, thanx.
NASCARwcgrl
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Kitten with Discharge From One Eye
I rescued a kitten one week ago (June 19) which was abandoned by his feral mother. He is now about 5 weeks old and only weighs 16 ounces. He was flea ridden and had one eye that was oozing with a discharge. I have no money for a vet check up. Someone at Petco told me to bathe him in the original Dawn blue liquid dish soap to get rid of the fleas. It paralyzes the fleas and you need to brush with a flea comb until dry. It worked!
He still has the eye problem, though. Any suggestions on what I can use to clean his eye with and or get rid of the infection? I heard a mix of Boric acid and water is used with cleaning pets eyes but I don't know the ratio of water to boric acid. I wonder if any human over the counter salves or drops would help.
Thank you for any advice!
Linda from Portland
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I really want to start a scrapbook for the summer as a new project with my friends and I. i have never done this before and I know a lot of you are experts at it! If anyone could give me tips and hints on how to develop it or how i should create it I would love that! Please, don't be shy :) Thanks for your help!
Natasha from Ontario=
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Cleaning Coffee Stain Off Plastic Carafe Lid
I am trying to clean the coffee stain off of a carafe lid. The lid is white plastic and although I have cleaned all the residue off, the plastic has been stained. Any help? I have tried everything I can think of, including denture tablets, but nothing touches it.
Laurie
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My 2 year old was drawing with a pen and the tip broke off and got ink all over her and my linoleum floor. I've tried everything that I could think of to get it out. What do you suggest?
Ginger from California
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Making Tote Bags From Recycled Items
I love making creations out of everyday things. I would really like to know other people's ideas on how to make great purses and tote bags from material and objects that people might not think of to use. They can be any size or shape! Any suggestions?
Natasha From Ontario
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How do I remove dog hair from car upholstery?
The back interior of my car is covered in dog hair from us taking our dog from place to place. We have tried laying an old blanket down and that helps some but most the hair is just embedded in the upholstery. Any tips on how to lift it? We have tried vacuuming and that magic magnetized wand that supposedly lifts pet hair (didn't work).
TexasTeacher
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Bug Repellent for Tomato Plants
Does anyone know the recipe for homemade bug repellant for tomatoes? I once saw a recipe with dish soap and water but i don't remember the amount to use.
Thanks in advance,
Jojogirl.
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Lambs & Ivy "Little Lambs" Upholstered Rocking Chair
I am looking for a Lambs & Ivy "Little Lambs" upholstered rocking chair. I know this bedding/design has been discontinued since my daughter was born, but this would really add to the nursery.
Thanks!
Becky
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I grow garlic but it does not keep long enough to be all used up. Does anyone know how to preserve garlic so it will last for a long time?
Suzq from NE
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Something is Eating the Leaves of My Plants
I'm new at container gardening. I've noticed that something is eating the leaves of my plants! I have basil, and my neighbors have pepper plants -- both with the leaves eaten. I also have some flowers that the leaves are being eaten off of. Cucumber leaves, too! Does anyone know what could be doing this? What can I do to stop it?
Meari
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Community Gardening
By Ellen Brown
For many adults and children, our shift to a more urbanized economy has resulted in a lack of access to healthy food. In areas with limited resources, this can also mean living without access to nature. Community gardens help solve these issues and provide access to so much more.
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