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Hello,
We have a good article on the website today about Chemical Free Lawn Care. You can read that here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf470949.tip.html
Friday's TF News is about Container Gardening. If you have any tips to share on that topic, please submit them. Also, if there is a topic you would like to see in a future TF News, feel free to recommend it.
We have a new topic site called Craft Projects. You can find it here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/Craft%20Projects_1309.html
We hope to add one or more new craft recipes to it each day. If you have any craft projects that you are proud off, feel free to submit them. Crafts with photos are prefered.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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2. Submit your favorite tips, recipes or craft projects on one of our contest forms.
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Thanks for reading!
Susan
Today's Photos
Foam 'Foto' Frame
By Marnie McCown-Guard
This is a fun, easy project for any family member. A great project for kids that allows them to express themselves and customize their favorite photos!
You will need:
Optional material:
You will want to be sure:
Children are supervised around craft knife and scissors
Estimated Cost:
*materials purchased at a large craft retail store.
Estimated Project Time: 20-30 minutes
To begin, be sure you have all your materials assembled and a clean workspace. This makes any project a lot easier.
Decide what size your frame will be and cut out the back piece. (Use a cutting mat)
Cut a similar size for the front and trim out a middle section for your photo.
Once you have cut out the middle out glue the front and back together using a small amount of craft glue on the top, bottom and right edges. DO NOT glue all the edges together because you need to slide your photo in somehow.
Once the glue is dry, you can decorate your frame any way you desire.
Once the front of the frame is to your liking, turn it over and apply 2 magnetic strips. One along the top edge and one along the bottom.
Remember: Be sure to use magnetic strips that are strong enough to hold your frame on a fridge, locker door or any metal surface. These are a great project for rainy summer days! Pull out a box of photos and have at it!
Optional embellishments:
© 2005 ThriftyFun
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Wedding Dress Quilt and Yankee Stadium Quilt
We have just started quilting, the first one didn't come out the way we thought it would but still had a lot of raves from family members. They also commented that they would make excellent gifts. The first one is just old material that we had around the house, except the white squares are left from daughters wedding dress. She was delighted with her birthday present.
The next one was a bigger project as son loves NY Yankees, so we made a pattern from a picture of Yankee Stadium which he was thrilled with his birthday present.
By granylou93
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The puppy is one that is from one of my pitbulls. I am a breeder and his name is Chopper. If these dogs are raised right there as sweet as any other dog. He's a male and six weeks old. He was from a litter of ten, 8 boys and 2 girls. I am hoping he will be accepted as a guide dog for the pitbull program for the disabled.
Sandra
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Today's Tips
Tips for removing blood stains from clothing and other fabric. Post your ideas.
Many of you may have seen this over the years, I know I have. However, I just tried it for the first time. While hospitalized, one of my drainage tubes backed up and soaked an area of my favorite pj's with blood. Needless to say, they sat for 3 days untreated. When I got home, I poured hydrogen peroxide directly on the spots. Washed as normal, no spots period! Can't think of a cheaper, quicker way of removing blood from clothing.
By Tambi
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With the low volume toilets required in homes these days, it's almost certain you'll need a plunger at least once a week. To keep mine from messing up the floor after use, I use a lid from a Cool Whip bowl to set it on. It fits perfectly and keeps the floor clean and dry! By Susan
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Tips and ideas for replacing and repairing bathroom faucets. Post your ideas.
I had 3 bathroom that had leaky faucets. I purchased 3 new faucets that have one handle instead of two nobs. I like the one handle faucets because when I have dirty hands I can use my arm to lift the handle.
I exchanged the pipes to the hot and cold so it would be the same as the old tap. This way my kids do not get mixed up and burn themselves. I purchased a set of red pipe wrenches and switched out the faucets.
I didn't buy any faucets with plastic inners. I went to the local plumber distributor and got a great buy on all metal faucets. They had all the parts for my 30 year old plumbing which Lowes or Home Depot did not have.
By Jill
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Fun games to play with children on a rainy day. Post your ideas.
Sometimes it's just too hot or stormy for the little ones to play outside, so fun games can be invented. This list was the favorite of my children and grandchildren.
Here is a list of items needed to play STORE; a toy cash register, or one from the second hand store, Monopoly money, items such as toys and household items placed on a card table or two.
Dad or grandpa can drive them to the pretend store via the couch. Let youngest drive back home of course, via the couch.
Another game that builds confidence is playing school. The oldest can be the teacher, using the eraser board or large piece of paper for him/her to write the lessons, such as 1 2 3's or A B C's
By Ardis Barnes
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Making Sun Tea - Tips and Recipes
Tips and recipes for making Sun Tea. Post your ideas.
You don't have to set a jar of water with tea bags outside. Put it near a window that gets the morning sun. It will be a wonderful brew with two or three tea bags.
By Ardis Barnes
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Making New Greeting Cards Out of Old
I had searched everywhere for just the right templates for a birth announcement. Finally I remembered an old "thank you" card I had kept. With a little cutting and pasting, I now have exactly what I wanted. Don't throw away those old card fronts, they may come in handy some day. By Sharon,Ky
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Tips for using fruit that is soft and a little too ripe. Post your ideas.
I take fruit that is has softened and put it into a blender. Pour into a container with a top and refrigerate. I use it on top of ice cream or in my baking recipes (in place of oil.)
By Sandi
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If you have had a new envelope seal closed and cannot open it to use to mail something, then put it in the freezer for a few hours. Take it out and slide a knife under the flap. Then after you have put whatever you want to mail in it, you can easily seal the envelope, address it, stamp it, and then send it on its merry way. No need to panic or throw those envelopes away ever again. By Shirley Little
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Tips for cooking good bacon. Post your ideas.
Cooking Bacon For Salads
When cooking bacon to use in a salad or other recipe, cut across the entire contents of package with your shears. Then fry it in a deep pan so it doesn't make such a mess. As it cooks, the pieces will come apart. Its just as easy to wash a deep pan as a skillet!
By Linda
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Some people like to eat them, but most people seem to avoid them. What are some ideas for using bread heel?
Saving Bread Heels
I save the heels from all sandwich bread that we eat. No one in my family will eat the heels. I then grate them up real fine in a food processor or blender and freeze. They can be used to top casseroles and anywhere crushed cracker crumbs are needed such as meat loaf, ham loaf mix, etc. This is absolutely free!! No more buying crackers when I can use the crushed bread crumbs instead! They will keep in the freezer for months.
By Beth
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Most people only use canned cranberry sauce on holidays. For diabetics, or anyone else, take a chilled can of cranberry sauce and one box of any flavor sugar free jello. Take a whisk and whisk together the cranberry sauce with cool whip after chilled. Or for no cool whip, I just take the box (small) sugar free jello and one cup of hot water and mix the can of cranberry sauce. I like the lumps. It is so tart, tangy and refreshing, plus it is great for bladder problems. If you use sugar free jello it is low on the carb index, tart and full of flavor. By Cindy Miller
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Exercises that Improve Your Balance
I was in a car accident and thought nothing was wrong with me. Wrong! It affected my inner ear balance. I am learning to walk using my heel, ball and toes. I march while turning my head from side to side, skate while turning my head or walk with one foot in front of the other. My therapist said everyone from age 45 on should be doing this and they would avoid falls and accidents later on. I had never thought I needed practice movements kids do all the time. I have improved my balance from just doing what I see kids do. I need a small one to follow as we walk the curbs around the neighborhood. I usually get up early so no one sees me doing these exercises. By Jill
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Repairing Scuffed Tennis Shoes
Tips for fixing scuffed tennis shoes. Post your ideas.
I had an expensive pair of tennis shoes that I couldn't polish and make them look good - so I got out the can of white spray paint and painted them and they look like new. Saved me from having to buy a new pair.
By Joyce from MO
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For an inexpensive alternative to solar drapes, go to a camping store and buy emergency solar blankets. Tacky glue can be used to make a pocket for a tension rod to slip through. Fold the solar blankets to the length needed and then make the pockets for the tension rod. The new solar curtain can be put up behind the existing blinds or drapes. It makes a world of difference in keeping your home cooler. The solar blankets are available at some tool outlets or camping stores and are very reasonable in price. They are sturdier and larger than the thin solar curtains on the market. By Meari
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Table Linens for Fourth of July Parties
Instead of buying throwaway, light plastic tablecloths, spend a few dollars more and get a flannel-back table cloth (about $5) for seasonal parties. I got 3 of them for a 4th of July party a few years ago and bring them out every year for Memorial Day and the 4th of July. I also got a big package of dishcloths, white with red and blue threads in them, and wrapped them around flatware and tied with a ribbon or raffia. The dishcloths made great napkins, and I just threw them in the washer and stored them with the tablecloths. By Linda
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Vegetable Blend For Cooking and Baking
Put your favorite vegetables in a blender with a touch of water or vegetable juice. Use in place of oil in your bread making or vegetable pie. If you want to, you can still add a little oil. By Sandi
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Get married on the beach. Have a very casual wedding outisde and then have a reception at your home. Just make sure the weather is going to to good. Less expensive and very enjoyable. By Sandi
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Make Drinking Glass Sweaters with Excess Yarn
I just saw an interesting tip on how to use up excess yarn by making baskets. Well, I use my excess yarn by making drinking glass sweaters. They are excellent for sweating glasses in the summertime. To make one, just make a circle the size of the bottom of your glass by increasing stitches each round; then make the side by making the same number of stitches each round until you get the sweater the height you want for the glass. If you use acrylic yarn, it will be machine washable and dryable and last for years. I usually make several different sizes as I have different sizes of glasses in my cabinet. I especially like to mix colors by making alternate bands. By Pat
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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!
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Contest ends July 15, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests
Does anyone know the shelf life of pasta (semolina) flour? It is in its original wax-coated paper packaging - no tears or holes in the bag. I have had it well over a year. It doesn't have an expiration date. There is only an address for the company, no phone number or web address listed. Thanks, I appreciate any responses. "Mike"
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My son is marrying a German Girl. I would like to have some ideas for the reception for them after the wedding. Ideas using a German theme. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You, Faye Clayton
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How to the Calcium Deposits Around Toilet
We a have major calcium deposit rings around our toilets from our hard water. They were there when we moved in the house. I don't know how long its been there. Any suggestions on removing them? TexasTeacher
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My new leather luggage has molded because of all the rain. i thought maybe I could spray with fungus medication because leather is just processed skin. I am to use bleach because it's black leather. What do the professionals use? Ms. Cynphey
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Hairspray Stain on Kahki Pants
Does anyone know how to get a hairspray stain out of 96% cotton 4% spandex kahki pants? I had gotten nail polish on them and my daughter told me to try hairspray. I did, but now I have a nail polish and haispray stain to get out. The hairspray is a lot worse than the polish. Any help is greatly appreciated! Beverly from Kentucky
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Nail Polish Remover Spilt on Table
My dauughter spilled nail polish remover (acetone) on my kitchen table, and then wiped it up. My table now has a large cloudy, rough area where the remover ate through the finish on the wood table. Are there any ideas on how to fix this, or am I stuck replacing this table or having it refinished? Help, the table is only 1 1/2 years old! Angela
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Painting Advice for a Room with a Kelly Green Carpet
My granddaughter's bedroom is carpeted in a Kelly Green carpet. What color should we paint the walls? She is 4 years old and loves "pink." Would it be o.k. to paint the walls in pink and if so what shade or tint? Or should we consider a more neutral color? Rose
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Oriental Trading Free Shipping Code
Does anyone happen to have the key code for free shipping from Oriental Trading Company? I received it in an e-mail, but I've deleted the e-mail by mistake. Thanks! Patti
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I have rust inside my metal birdbath. What can I do to remove it? Thanks, ladydi
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I have a back to wall push button toilet and am having a problem with the flush (I think). Water continues to trickle down into the pan and becomes annoying at night with the noise Can you tell me why and what I can do to stop it and could it be leaking at the back of the fitted unit? I have not had it in long, about a year. It has a single push button flush on the front of the unit. Thanking you and anticipating a quick response, Miss F Barber
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Problems Sending a Email to a Friend
I was wanting to know if anyone can tell me what the problem is. When I send a friend of mine an email or card she cannot recieve it. I usually can only send her an email through a new message. Do you think the problem is my computer or her's? Or just what is the problem? I can't hardly send her any cards from different sites, they are always returned. Yes, I have checked and double checked to make sure I have the right address. Anyone have any ideas? I would be glad to hear them. Teresa
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I scorched a stainless steel skillet after spraying it with PAM. It looks glazed on. Baking soda did not help. Any ideas? Thanks, Mike Serm
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Removing a Yellow Jackets Nest
We have been invaded by a yellow jacket nest in the middle of the front yard. We have sprayed twice with a 20 percent foam spray. They are still here. 1. Would there be an extra problem because we have mole trails beneath the yard? 2. Any ideas other than setting them on fire. I wouldn't want to break any city ordinance. bekkicat
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I am looking at buying a house with an above ground swimming pool. How do you take care of a swimming pool? JOJO
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More Reading:
Chemical Free Lawn Care
By Ellen Brown
We spend a lot of time trying to achieve the perfect lawn. Most of our energy is directed at discouraging the plants we don't want by using weed killing herbicides and insect eradicating pesticides-chemicals that are known to be poisonous. There is a healthier and easier way based on the principle that "less is more." The key is to encourage the plants we do want by optimizing the conditions that encourage grass growth.
Mow Less
Don't mow your lawn every week. Keep your grass at a consistent height and mow only when your lawn needs it. The depth of grass roots is directly proportional to the height of grass blades. Maintaining a healthy height of 3-3 1/2 inches is the single most important thing you can do to improve the health of your lawn. Mow when your grass reaches 4 inches so that you're always removing about 1/3 of the blade. Make sure your blades are sharp so they cut the grass rather than tear it.
Water Less
Maintaining your grass at 3 inches will help it survive dry periods without extra watering. Most grasses naturally "rest" during the dry, hot parts of summer. Your lawn may look more brown and dead, but this period of dormancy if often normal. Water your lawn only after 7 days without rain. Water early in the morning (between 6 and 10 a.m.) and thoroughly soak the ground with 1" of water. Avoid windy days to minimize water lost to evaporation.
Fertilize Less
Get your soil tested. If your soil isn't deficient in nutrients don't add fertilizer. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn to decompose can provide nearly half of the nitrogen needed for a healthy yard. Clippings break down quickly without promoting disease or thatch buildup. If you do use fertilizer, use it in the fall when grass plants focus their energy on root activity. Strong roots provide the best stimulation for vigorous growth in the spring.
Rake Less
Leaving grass clippings on the ground for fertilizer allows you to rake less, except to clean up fallen leaves. If raking in the spring, rake gently to avoid pulling up the young grass plants.
Grow the Right Grass
Plant varieties designed to succeed in your region's growing conditions. Most grass varieties need 6 hours of full sun each day. If your yard receives less, plant shade-tolerant varieties. Consider planting types of ground cover other than grass if your yard is very shady.
Don't Use Pesticides
Using pesticides to control weeds is like treating the symptoms of a cold. You may kill the weeds, but you won't change the condition that allowed the weeds to grow. A weed-free lawn isn't necessarily healthy. Weeds function to alert you to what needs improving: too shady, poor drainage, low in nutrients, grass is too thin, etc.
Optimize the conditions that favor grass and weeds won't have a chance to get established. If you do have weeds, interrupt their cycle of seed production by digging up the roots or cutting off the flowers before they go to seed. Make sure you replace the empty hole with the appropriate grass seed and keep it damp until it germinates.
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