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Wedding: Watering Can Centerpieces

I had an outdoor wedding in June and made these pretty centerpieces. I bought the watering cans at Big Lots and bouquets of flowers at Costco. A good friend arranged the flowers in the cans, using florist clay in the bottom, and filling them half full of water. They really made the reception tables beautiful at our garden wedding.

By Kathy from Indianapolis, IN

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Wildlife: Blue Butterfly

I was so thrilled to be able to capture a shot at this lovely blue butterfly! I suppose it may be because blue is my favorite color and also, I really haven't seen blue butterflies very often around here.

By myneurotica from Topeka, Kansas

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Rent a Cottage for a Summer Vacation

For my family's summer vacation, we rented a cottage for a week and truly enjoyed the solitude. Who could ask for better than getting up to fresh coffee while enjoying the sounds of birds singing and the site of a beautiful lake off the balcony. It is one week in my year that I did not have to worry about laundry, housework, work, or any number of other things I do regularly at home. Here is a photo of the tranquility of my days while camping.

By Karyn01 from Ottawa, Canada

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Heidi Ho (Toy Poodle/Shih Tzu)

Heidi Ho is 1 year old. She is a Toy Poodle and Shih Tzu mix. I fell in love with Heidi in a pet shop window when she was only 3 months old.

Heidi loves her swimming pool and loves to chase the water coming out of the hose, only when it's "jet stream" though :) Heidi enjoys lounging in the yard while I do my yard work. Heidi loves all people and all dogs, no matter the breed or size. She loves to play!

By Claudettte from Kent, WA

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Fleur (Persian)

Fleur is 5 months old and a Persian. My friend's husband read about her in a newspaper and was so nice to bring her up 5 hours in the car from the Metro Detroit area.

She likes to play with her jingle balls, bite my hand, chase legs, and play hide-and-seek with my husband. Fleur is so sweet, she is like a dog. She'll follow you around and cuddle, she's so awesome!

By Vanessa D from Northern Michigan

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Use Hand Sanitizer To Clean Whiteboards

Can't get the dry erase marker completely off of your white board? Use a paper towel and a dime size amount of hand sanitizer. Repeat if needed until marker is gone, then allow to dry (which is almost instantly).

Source: My husband tried it one day and it worked and we've done it since.

By ScottishYankee from Indianapolis, IN

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Link: Shoeboxed.com For Storing Reciepts

I have to keep all my receipts for tax purposes. I hate searching though files of them and have found that it is so much less clutter and easier to find by using shoeboxed.com. It is a free service if you spend the time yourself to scan and type in the info yourself. Or you can mail them in and they do all of it for a small fee, which depends on how many receipts you have. If you do it yourself, it take a while to get all your receipts plugged in but once that is done, I just do mine weekly or so, and it much better that searching by hand.

www.shoeboxed.com

By m_melchert from South Bend IN

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Lick Your Fingers to Open Plastic Bags

My disabled husband watched me trying to open a trash bag. He told me to lick my thumb and finger and try to open the bag. LOL it worked. Be sure your fingers are clean before licking. I also do this at the grocery store with those little produce bags that are so hard to open. I've told everyone I know about this little trick and they can't believe how easy it is to open a trash bag now.

Source: My sweet disabled husband.

By Pmcbee from Jesup, GA

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Use a White Prom Dress as a Wedding Dress

I purchased a beautiful wedding dress and saved a lot of money by purchasing a white prom dress. Yes, these days prom dresses are available in so many colors and sizes that if you want something elegant yet simple, it fits the bill.

By Routtingaround from Steamboat, CO

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Button and Ribbon Bookmark

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I use my Bible on a daily basis. My Bible only has 1 piece of ribbon as a place mark. During my Bible reading, I find a lot of Scriptures I would like to remember, so this is what I did.

I bought a spool of inexpensive narrow ribbon. I measured the length of my book and doubled it twice. So I end up with 2 long pieces of ribbon double the length of the book. I found a pretty 4 holed button and threaded the 2 pieces of ribbon in the 4 holes. Now my Bible (or any book you choose) has not 1 but 5 place markers now and a beautiful little decoration.

Most of us have extra buttons around anyway, and the spool of ribbon didn't cost me more than 50 cents.

By Heidistars from Jax, FL

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Use Castor Oil for Better Eyelashes

A great way to get better eyelashes it to put castor oil on them. I read reviews of how it made peoples lashes better over night, made them grow in fast, etc., and I didn't believe it...until I tried it! It makes a difference overnight. Just think of how different it is to put makeup on moisturized skin vs. unprepared skin. It makes a huge difference. Even without mascara, the oil made my lashes stand out amazingly.

Source: Makeupalley.com

By Dorinmoz from Sugar Land, TX

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My Cleaning Made Simple

Instead of keeping specific cleaning things for specific jobs, I have learned to "generalize"; my supplies. So now, I keep on hand the following things for cleaning any room in the house.

General cleaner (409 or whatever brand you use): I keep 3 bottles. One in a spray bottle, and 2 larger refill bottles.
Window cleaner and paper towels: Again; 3 bottles. One in a spray bottle, and 2 larger refill bottles. I also keep 3 rolls of paper towels, one that is in use, and 2 spares.
Scouring powder: 2 cans; one in use, one spare
Furniture polish: 2 cans; one in use, one spare
Ammonia: 2 bottles; one in use, one spare
Disinfectant: 3 cans; one in use, 2 spares
WD-40: 2 cans; one in use, one spare
Oven cleaner: 2 cans; one in use, one spare
Drain opener: 2 cans; one in use, one spare
Febreze: 4 bottles; one in use, 3 spares

These 10 items will take care of any household cleaning that needs to be done. I keep spares according to how much the item is used. For instance the general cleaner, window cleaner, and disinfectant are used all over the house and get used up fast so instead of one spare, I keep 2 spares. And the Febreze is used literally everywhere; furniture, drapes, carpets, rugs, etc, so it REALLY gets used up fast.

Cleaning tools:

Paper towels: I buy packages of 8-12 rolls (I look for no less than 2 ply, and check the number of sheets per roll and get the package with the most). When I get down to 2 rolls of paper towels, I know it's time to buy another package.
Rags: I made a large bag out of canvas with a handle on it and hang it on the shelving unit. I keep a separate smaller laundry basket specifically for these to go into when dirty because with the different chemicals that get used with them I don't want them in with my regular laundry.
I have a scrubber with a telescoping handle that I use for cleaning the showers and the tubs. It saves strain on my back.
I also have an electric steamer that sprays a strong jet of steam onto what I am trying to clean. I use this to clean shower doors, shower stalls, tubs, and around the toilet. (For an added bonus, this steamer is the best thing going for cleaning stains off the carpet!)
Another huge time and effort saver I have is my Roomba vacuum. When I get done cleaning a room every day, I put the Roomba in there and close the door and let it run till its battery runs down. Then I simply pick it up, empty its cup and put it back on it's charger. To keep the living room looking presentable every day, before I go to bed each night, I set up the virtual walls that come with it and turn it on just as I'm heading into the bed. When I get up in the morning, all I have to do is pick up the virtual walls.

Now For My Actual Cleaning:

Instead of trying to keep the whole house clean all the time, I've learned to let the house look "lived in". I give one room each day a good general cleaning. Once every 4-6 weeks instead of a good general cleaning, it gets a good thorough cleaning.

The difference being a general cleaning means basically "surface" cleaning. Wiping counters, sinks, tubs, showers. Putting scouring powder in the toilet and swishing with the toilet brush. Cleaning the mirrors. Vacuuming, mopping. Wiping inside appliances. Feather dusting.

Thorough cleaning takes longer. This is when I bring out the big buckets and give everything a good scrubbing. I also get under the sinks and clean then straighten. This is when I do the windows (insides only. Outsides have their own day). Also this is when I bring out the furniture polish and really polish the furniture. I also get down with a pumice stone and really scrub the toilet, followed by a dose of bleach in it to disinfect it.

By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC

Editor's Note: Here is Cricketnc's cleaning schedule, posted previously:

House Cleaning Schedule

My Cleaning Made Simple

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"To Go" Coffee Cup for Cooking Oil Management

Know those "to go" coffee cups? The ones with the little plastic lids that form a natural drinking spout? Instead of disposing of barely used cooking oil from your skillet after frying, use a rinsed out to go coffee cup to pour it up in. The cup can even be flattened slightly at the rim as your pour, to better accommodate the size of your skillet rim. Then pop the lid on the cup and use the drinking spout as a pour spout, to pour the oil back into its container.

The cup can withstand higher temperatures since it is made for hot coffee, but don't overdo it! This also works great for other liquids, and things such as sugar, rice, glitter, and seed beads as well.

Next, take the cup and stick it in your bag of charcoal, or your firewood box. Next time you grill out or light a fire, you have a handy fire-starter helper. Then don't forget to put the wood ashes in your compost bin!

And finally, enjoy another cuppa joe. You've earned it!

Source: Mother to six, my best friend is necessity, the mother of invention!

By dollyslaffn from Darien, GA

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Save Old Scrubbies to Clean the Tub

Save those worn out scrubbies used with liquid bath soap, and use them to clean your tub and surround. They are great to scrub off soap scum and hold enough water to rinse the walls of the tub surround effectively.

By TxTiket2Ride2 from Fort Worth, TX

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Be Good the First Week of School

In the first week of school, don't act bad. You will really be considered the "bad kid" and teachers won't be nice to you during the school year because they know how you act.

Source: Advice from my mother

By Tashea from Charlotte, NC

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

An old-timer is someone who remembers every detail of their life story, but cannot remember how many times they have told the same person.

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

Cleaning an Old Doll

I have ball point pen on a vintage doll's face. How do I remove it?

By yikes from Alberta

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Yahama Wave Blew Waterbox Off

My 94 Yamaha Wave, running at 3700 RPMs backfired hard enough to blow the waterbox off.

By fisherguy92

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Agencies That Assist With Stray Animals

We take in stray cats and dogs and have them spayed and neutered, but right now the economy is bad and our resources for food and cat litter are pretty tight and low. We love what we do for the homeless pets: 10 cats and 3 kittens 4 months old, and 4 loving dogs. The kittens and dogs are house pets and the others stay outside. Does anyone know of any help out there? Thanks.

By lisa45764 from Nelsonville, OH

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Buying Wholesale Dented Canned Food

Does anyone know where to purchase dented canned goods such as soups, pasta meals, dog food, etc by the truckload? I need these types of items for distributing to my various businesses nationally.

By Tom C. from Pottstown, PA

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Dog Won't Go Outside at Night

I have a 6 year old, 150 lb rottweiler/shepherd mix. Recently he has started fighting me to go outside after dark. I have to literally carry him up the stairs and shove him outside. He's too heavy for that. Nothing has changed and I do not know why all of a sudden he has started doing this. I have had him for 3 years. What do I do?

By I Nic from Detroit, MI

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Ideas for a 50s Dance

We are having a 50's dance for our Township in November. Does anyone have ideas for this? We are on a tight budget.

By joycem from Pittsburgh, PA

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Cleaning Bare Wood

I have a small shelf of bare wood that is a lovely color-except where the dust is ingrained into it. The previous owner left it either in the garage or outdoors somewhere. How do I remove the ingrained dust from it? I tried baby oil, which a standard cleaner in my house, but it didn't work. That's been a while ago so hopefully the oil's dried up and won't inhibit cleaning it.

By nekocat from OR

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Homecoming Date Idea

I am going to homecoming in two weeks and I am looking for ideas for a day activity. I'm looking for a really good one that she will really like. So if you have any good ideas just tell me. Thanks.

By spence521 from Layton, UT

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Reducing Blood Pressure

Anyone have tips to reduce high blood pressure especially upon awakening in the morning? I have been on several different types of BP meds and they all have side effects. I am on an ace inhibitor now, but it does not keep the BP down. I have also tried several natural remedies with very little improvement. Any tips out there? Thanks.

By animalsangel from TX

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Recycling Window Curtain Packaging

Forgive me if this question has been asked before, but I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how they re-use the packaging that curtains come in? They are thick plastic and have a zipper at the top. I have used the large ones to store blankets and clothing. This time I have small ones (smaller than a sheet of paper). Just looking for ideas and suggestions to spark my own imagination. Thanks.

By khilde80 from SD

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Keeping Mold Out of Packaged Foods

I have food stored in my basement, but I have mold in my basement that keeps coming back. The food is stored in a stand alone pantry with doors that don't close very well. Should I be worried about mold spores getting into my food, even if the food is unopened? (ie. flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.) Thanks for your answers.

Aeowyn

By Aeowyn from OH

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Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?

Is a dog eating grass a sign of worms?

By Penny S. from Portland

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Removing Film from Mason Jars

How can I get the film off old Mason jars? They have been in my father-in-laws cellar for several years. I have tried soaking them in Lime Away for a week. I scrubbed them with Comet. I even soaked them in soapy water. They still have a film on them. Any suggestions would be great.

By wiedy34

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Removing Tar from Cat's Fur

My cat is very old and she somehow managed to get tar on her back legs, I think she has it on her mouth. She's very hard to get a hold of for very long, so I need to know the best way to get the tar out without making her sick. She is eating and drinking, but she is having problems chewing. I need help ASAP.Thank you.

Cathy

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Changing the Belt on MTD Riding Mower

How do I go about changing the front belt on a MTD task force riding lawn mower?

By swalker125 from Lecanto, FL

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Installing Baseboard Heaters

I have been trying to find out how many watts of baseboard heaters can be put on one 20 amp breaker. Thanks

Lildodad

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Alternative to Swiffer Sweeper

I've never had any other dry mop other than the Swiffer Sweepers, and it's simply not enough, and not economical. I'm looking for a dry mop suggestion, because I'm clueless. (3 adults and 3 big dogs, yikes.)

By izzytheterrible from Tampa, FL

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Alternative to Swiffer Duster

I'm pretty sure anyone who has used a Swiffer duster, loves them. My problem is, with an extreme allergy and asthma sufferer in the home, I have to dust constantly and Swiffer dusters aren't cheap. I'm trying to find an alternative. I don't mind buying something as long as I don't have to keep buying refills. I need something for dusting that can work for dusting things like books, etc.

By izzytheterrible from Tampa, FL

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Change of Seasons Style Wall Clock

I purchased a change of seasons on face wall clock from QVC or HSN. It is marked: PCC Ocoee FL. on the back and has time designs on the front. Does anyone have a clue where this company is located? So I can purchase more clocks?

By Donna L. from Summit Hill, PA

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Removing Thrift Store Smell from Clothing

How do I remove the thrift store smell from clothing and the store?

By lupat from TN

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Instructions for Poker Tiles Game

We purchased a game in a thrift shop In VA, which we thought was complete. Back home in NJ we discovered that the instructions are missing. The game is called Poker Tiles Game and it is put out by MasterPieces Puzzle Co. Does anyone have this game and could they give me a copy of the directions? Thanks in advance.

By GraNita from Montclair, NJ

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Repairing a Nixon Riding Mower

I have a Nixon riding lawn mower that has a broken bendix (starter). I am trying to get to the bendix, but there is a clip at the top that I guess snaps off some how. I don't want to break it because I don't know if I will have to buy a whole lot more parts if I break it. How is the clip supposed to be removed? Thanks.

By rendanrich from Fort Myers, FL

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Buying Cereal in Bulk at Closeout Prices

Can anyone tell me where I can buy large stocks of cereal at closeout or liquidation prices in my area or beyond?

By Jack T. from Philadelphia, PA

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Skin Reaction to Carefree Pet Bedding

Has anyone had a bad skin reaction from "Carefree" pet bedding? I bought a bag of it at a local pet store supply and the next day when I held my house bunny my face got really scratchy and started to break out. My hands are still burning and oozing. Any advice?

By lrrn567 from Bristol, CT

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Vintage Marcel Wave Techniques

I am looking for techniques to pull off the Marcel wave. If any of you ladies know how to create the look I would appreciate it. Thanks. My hair is short to medium length, it touches my shoulders.

By tomnsaby from Albuquerque, NM

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Leather Label Bled on Jeans

The leather label on my jeans bled. How do I get out the stain?

By bass69 from CA

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Preventing Neighbors from Using Wifi

We have 3 computers that share our internet service on linksys. Are there any easy instructions to block neighbors from using out network, without me really goofing up and not having service for our 3?

By ilovemacca from USA

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Using EZ Breathe Ventilation System for Mold

We are considering buying a EZ Breathe machine to rid us of mold in our basement. Looking for advice and solutions.

By MLH631 from Bluefield, Va

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Determining the Gender of a Parakeet

How can I tell a parakeet's sex?

By Pansy1616 from MD

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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.

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Saving Summer's Bounty
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Summer offers a plethora of berries and fruits that are both healthy and tasty. However, sometimes nature's bounty provides more than we can eat. Even at the best roadside stand bargain price, the produce costs too much if it's thrown away. That's why finding ways to put summer's surplus to good use before it spoils is crucial.

Saving Summer's Bounty

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Daily Thrifty Tips - August 31, 2009

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