The Best Art Supplies ... at the best discounts! Since 1911, artists have turned to D. Blick Art Materials for dependable savings, a huge selection, and fine customer service on art supplies.

Click the link below to visit D. Blick!

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/dblick.lasso

Today's Photo Contest Entries

For Smooth Hair

For smooth hair I use Biosilk. It gives great shine and reduces frizzies to nothing.

By Jennifer Brown

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Home Decorating - Bird Style

This isn't really a tip, but I really wanted to share this picture. Apparently these birds took extra care when decorating their nest for their new baby. See the flowers that are woven into the nest!

I don't know what kind of bird laid this single egg, but we get a new nest every year on top of the support column in our carport. It's hard to tell by the picture, but the nest sits on top of the roof support column, I actually had to get a ladder and hold the camera over the nest to get the picture. Had no idea what I'd see until I got the picture.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that our feathered friends are decorators too!

By Stacie

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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml

Today's Tips

Clothespin Alternatives

Today I ran out of clothespins as I was hanging my laundry out to dry. We recently purchased a house, and the previous owners left behind, among other things, a lifetime supply of coat hangers in the closets. I looked through them for the kind with clips to use as clothespins. Some of the clips were removable, so I removed those and they worked really well as clothespins, but that STILL wasn't enough. So then I tried clipping the clothes to the clothesline using the hangars with non-removable clips, and that worked great, too.

I know clothespins aren't that expensive, but I figure it is better to find a new use for something you already have than to buy something new.

Allison in TN

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Spray Foam Insulation Around Plumbing Access Holes

Use that spray foam insulation around plumbing access holes in the floor to stop cold air.

By joni514

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Getting Extra Paint off the Paint Brush

Use a Large rubber band to strain paint off your paintbrush. Simply place it over the center of the opened paint can and wipe over it to save on your paint instead of rubbing your brush against the edge of the can.

By Aurelia Casson

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Really Strange Joke

"If you're paddling upstream in a canoe and a wheel falls off, how many pancakes fit in a doghouse?

None! Cause Ice cream doesn't have bones!"

By Susannah

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Painting With Kids

Tips for painting with kids. Post your ideas.

When your children are wanting to paint. Put their paints into foil muffin pans. This way, when they're finished. All you have to do is toss it all in the trash. Easy cleanup!

By Terri

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Make You Own Body Powder

We use cornstarch for body powder especially in the summer months. It helps with chafing.

By Terri

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Hedge Apples Repel Spiders

Where you have a problem with spiders and other creepy crawling critters, put hedge apples, the "fruit" off an Osage Orange tree in the place where the spiders are and in a few days you'll not have your creepy crawling critters any longer.

By Terri

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Brewer's Yeast for Septic Tanks

Brewer's yeast can be used in the toilet once a month, to keep your septic tank leach lines flowing. It keeps the bacteria active in your septic system. No need for harsh chemicals.

By Terri H.

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Bring Bags on Dog Walks

If you have a dog and need somewhere to store all the empty plastic bags for walks etc. - put them in an empty Kleenex box by the door. They don't get in the way and they don't look bad either. We keep one in the car too for trips to the park.

By Amy

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Homemade Laundry Powder

The recipe for the laundry soap is as follows. Feel free to add the anecdote if you like.

1 c. shredded or grated bar soap (I use the food proc. to shred the little soap bars from motels, or buy soap at $1 store.
1/2 c. super washing soda (Arm and Hammer) This can be tricky to find but some grocery stores carry it. A & H toll free locator number is 1-800-524-1328.
1/2 c. borax (Borateem avail in laundry deterg. aisle.)

This doesn't suds up. Use only 1 tablespoon.

I make a double batch of this and it lasts 6 months.

I recently was away from home for a few days. I had just made up a double batch of this homemade powder laundry detergent. When I got home the canister was almost empty. The housesitter did some wash and since the stuff doesn't suds up-she kept adding more. She used like a 6-month supply of laundry soap! I was NOT pleased!

By Linda

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Peanut Butter in a Kong Toy

Want to keep your dog or puppy busy for a half hour? Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter and put it in the freezer. This is a perfect treat for a hot day or for when guests come over and you need to keep the dog off of them! The p.b. is good for the dog and it keeps their old toy interesting too.

By Amy

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Buy Extra Strawberries

With strawberries in season and so plentiful and cheap where I live, I often buy a 3 pack for $3 (Can't buy just 1/$1) I rinse and stem the excess and freeze them in baggies, loosely packed. Toss these frozen berries into the blender with milk, yogurt, juice and/or other fruit and sweetener of choice for a healthy and yummy smoothie.

By Linda

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Hot Weather Tips

Tips for dealing with hot weather. Post your ideas.

Quick Cool Off or Ice Pack

A wet, wrung out wash cloth or hand towel, frozen in a zipper bag is a good ice pack for injury or just to rub on your body for a quick cool off in the heat.

By Linda

Drink Lots of Water in Hot Weather

Avoid dehydration in the hot weather by keeping a water bottle handing and sipping all day. If you get a 32 oz bottle, just 2 full bottles gives you the 8 recommended glasses. Of course, always drink when you are thirsty, even if you've had your 8 a day.

By Linda

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Keep a Funnel in the Bathroom

Keep a funnel in the bathroom to use when draining contents of one bottle into another.

By Linda

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Printing Coupons

Use empty paper towel rolls to make fun binoculars for kids.

By Michelle Richards

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Training a Dog to Stop Barking

I have a suggestion for those of you with house dogs that won't stop barking. We have two Silky Terriers and one of them LOVES to bark. She watches TV and everytime an animal is on she goes crazy. LOL. I took a 1lb coffee can and put some loose change in it and put the plastic lid back on. When she barks and won't stop I tell her "No!" and if she won't stop I shake the can hard one time. Now if my "no" won't work all I have to do is to pick up the can. Hope this helps someone.

Mary

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Hammock Safety Tips

Be very careful getting in and out of hammocks this summer. If you are using a Mayan hammock (the kind with no spreader bars) stand straddling the hammock, spread the fabric or mesh as you sit, then gingerly stretch the hammock and yourself out. I flipped mine and landed on my back and hit my head by sitting on it from the side, so learn from my mistake.

By Linda

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Make Crafts With Empty Paper Towel Rolls

Save empty paper towel rolls - they can be used to make all kinds of kids crafts.

By Marg

Editor's Note: This question is for Marg, or anyone else... What craft ideas do you know of that use empty paper towel rolls?

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Cleaning Oil Paint off Hands

While painting, if you have stained your hands with oil paint, it is not easily washable with water and soap. Instead apply a little baby oil and wash, there will be no sign of paint and your hands will be smooth without any roughness of the paint.

By Krithika

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Homemade Pin Cushion

Tips and ideas for making your own pin cushion. Post your ideas.

Hair for Stuffing a Pin Cushion

Use cut hair to make a pin cushion.

By cindy yasuda

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Making Orange Juice Easier on the Tummy

Orange juice is, for some people, hard on the tummy in the morning, I add 2 cups of water to a gallon of juice. It still tastes great, but it's easier on the tummy.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Remembering All of Your Errands

Every time you have errands to run or a doctors appointment. MAKE A COMPLETE LIST. Or I promise you'll forget something. Especially questions you may have for the doctor. Keep a list of all your surgeries, medications, and any questions. (There is no such thing as a stupid question). I can't tell you how important this is. Even a grocery list is a real money saver.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Removing Onion Odor from Hands

Sometimes your can get onion odor or any stubborn odor that just doesn't seem to wash away. The secret it to get a large stainless steel spoon. Hold the bowl end of the spoon with ALL ten fingers and run cold water for a minute or two over your hands while holding the spoon. The worst odor in the world will be gone. I PROMISE

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Recipe For a Summer Day

Ingredients:

Wild Flowers
1 Large Grassy Field
6 Children, Various Sizes
2-3 Small Frisky Dogs
1 Shallow Unpolluted Brook
Small Pebbles
Deep Blue Sky
Hot Sun

Directions:

Spread the flowers across the grassy field. Mix the children and dogs into the field, stirring constantly. Pour the brook over the pebbles. Top with deep blue sky. Bake in hot sun. Remove children from field. Cool in shallow water in bathtub.

By Terri H.

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Oreo Dessert

Ingredients:

1 tub of Cool Whip
1 bag of Oreos
2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
1/2 cup milk

Directions:

In a 9x13 inch cake pan, layer Cool Whip, layer of pudding (mix instant pudding with 1/2 cup milk). Use all the pudding for layer. Layer of Cool Whip.. Crumble cookies on top (small them in a Ziplock bag.)

By Robin

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Barbecue Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 Tbsp. snipped parsley
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together well. Form into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees until browned. To keep warm, place in crock pot on low. Cover with Masterpiece Barbecue Sauce.

By Robin

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Barbecue Flapjacks

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 cup onion (chopped)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 tsp. tabasco
Chili powder, garlic and celery salt
1 tube 10 biscuits
1 cup grated cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, Velveeta)

Directions:

Brown meat and onion; drain. Add barbecue, Tabasco and spices; simmer. Spread biscuits in 9x13 inch pan. Spread meat and cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

By Robin

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Barbecued Green Beans

Ingredients:

5 slices bacon
1 medium onion (chopped)
1 can mushrooms (drained)
1 can tomato soup
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. sugar
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
2 cans green beans (drained)

Directions:

Cut bacon into pieces and brown onion with onion. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes.

By Robin

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Calico Baked Beans

Ingredients:

1 lb. hamburger
1 small onion (cut up)
1 can lima beans
1 can green beans
1 can pork and beans
1 can kidney beans
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup sugar
1/14 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. dry mustard

Directions:

Brown hamburger and onion and drain. Add remaining ingredients. Mix all together. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour.

By Robin

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Bar BQ Round Steak

Ingredients:

Round steak
1/2 cup catsup
1/2 cup water
1 can tomato sauce with mushrooms
1 med. onion (chopped)
4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 Tbsp. brown sugar
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Brown round steak in serving pieces. Mix remaining ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Add water, if needed.

By Robin

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Other Active Topics

Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.

http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html

Tip Contest

Submit a tip and you could win:

New Contest Prize! Now a 2 $25.00 Gift Cards
In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will select to winners at random) at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! This contest ends on May 31st, 2005.

Enter the contest!

Syndication Spotlight:

Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!

Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor

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http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html

New Requests:

Garden Gallary II "Sutton Place Studios" #GG3839

I am looking for a discontinues BLONDER wallpaper from Garden Gallary II "Sutton Place Studios" #GG3839.

Sara

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Recipes Containing Cooked Beets

I hope someone can help me get some recipes for beets. My sister-in-law does not like pickled beets but does like cooked beets, if anyone has recipes for cooked beet dishes it would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Judy

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Rotten Egg Smell in Dishwasher

We have a rotten egg smell in our dishwasher when it is turned on. We have rust in our water that I think turns the dishwasher black in the bottom. Please help me with this.

Laura from Georgia

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Stain from Nail Polish Remover on Black Plastic

I spilled nail polish remover on a black plastic surface. Is it possible to remove the dullgrayish stain that now appears?

Thanks.
Beverly

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Removing Mildew from Coleman Tent

How can I remove mildew on my coleman tent with out damaging it.

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Need Toddler Hair Cutting Tips

I cut my toddler's hair and he has good hair with just enough body. I want some toddler boy hair cutting tips. Thanks! FW Cook

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Is the Price of Fuel Keeping You Home for the Holiday Weekend?

I was just wondering if the price of gasoline was pinching your budget so that this year you are not going to travel anywhere for Memorial Day Weekend or are staying closer to home than you normally do?
Susan from ThriftyFun

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Cleaning Heavy Smoke Damage From Walls, Ceiling and Hardwood Floors

I recently had a house fire, what is the best way to clean heavy smoke damage on my walls, ceiling and hardwood floors?

Virginia Owens

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Pet Stains on Cream Colored Carpet

I just recently returned from a month long vacation. The neighbor girl that I had asked to watch my animals (2 dogs and 3 cats), did not keep her end of the bargain. She was supposed to stay at my house and look after the animals. I came home to find out she only came over to feed them and water them. So my cream colored carpets are now spot encrusted with dog and cat urine. I rent my home and cannot replace the carpet.

I did try the ol' vinegar and water trick and that didn't seem to help. I also read somewhere that vinegar only gets rid of the smell for human noses and animals will continue to relieve themsleves even after an area has been "vinegarized". I also have tried numerous cleaning products and have found nothing to get the smell or some stains out. Please help :-(

Yolanda Up North

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Cleaning Microfiber Furniture

Does anyone have any suggestions for cleaning a microfiber couch? Can any upholstery cleaner be used? Thanks!

AndieL

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Making Money at Home with Online Surveys

I would like any info on online surveys. I know that some can cause problems for your PC. I am looking for some good ones to make extra money at home.
Nanabn

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Today's Sponsors

D. Blick Art Materials

The Best Art Supplies ... at the best discounts! Since 1911, artists have turned to D. Blick Art Materials for dependable savings, a huge selection, and fine customer service on art supplies.

Click the link below to visit D. Blick!

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/dblick.lasso