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Vol. 7, Num. 170, September 2, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing Labor Day weekend. Here are the contest winners for last week. We receive a lot of deserving entries. We ended up giving 3 tip contest winners because we couldn't settle on only 2 winners. Thank you to everyone that took time to submit something. Photo Contest Winner Freeze Dinners for Entire Month in an Afternoon
Sandra offers some Once a Month Cooking tips. Pet Contest Winner Bella and Her Babies (Boston Terrier)
This week's pet winner is Bella and her adorable babies. Tip Contest Winners Birthday Party Idea - Gifts for an Animal Shelter
This is a wonderful party idea for an animal lover. Meal Planning Notebook and Filing System
Diana tells us how she plans a months worth of meals and avoids making the same recipes every week. Meal planning and menu planning is one of the keys to keep your grocery budget under control. Make a "What To Do" List for Idle Moments
Recipe Contest Winner Country Ham and Cheese Biscuits
Shawna shares her recipe for Ham and Cheese biscuits which are good out of the oven and freeze well. She also shares a photo and a tip to make the recipe more frugal. Do you have an tips, photos or a pet to share with the ThriftyFun community? Thanks for reading, Susan
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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. More Information:
Decorate Paper Lunch Bags With Paper Punches Use decorative paper punches to make regular paper lunch bags into one of a kind favor/treat bags. If they are for a child's party have him or her decorate the bags with markers, etc., to make them even more special!
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Rate It: Gooding and Ducklings (Muscovy Duck) Gooding is 1 year old and a Muscovy Duck. My husband and I found Gooding and her siblings, Berry and Lawrence, at a flea market last fall. All three for the very thrifty price of $10! We had always wanted to have Muscovy ducks, and found these three to be so pleasant and interesting that we have gotten two more since then. And now, we have ten more, thanks to Gooding!
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Rate It: Craft Project: Mini First Aid Kit Tucked in a backpack or locker, this box of supplies stored in a travel soap dish will ensure that your child is well prepared for life's little emergencies. Approximate Time: About 30 minutes Supplies:
Instructions:Cut a piece of fun foam or felt to resemble a band aid. Using the tube of paint, draw a decorative bandage on the fun foam or felt. Glue on the wiggly eyes and pom pom nose, and paint on a mouth, as shown. When paint has dried, glue the bandage to the soap dish cover. Print your child's contact numbers on a piece of paper cut to fit inside the cover and glue it in place. Finally, fill the box with items your child may need, such as an alcohol wipe, band aids, cough drops, chap stick, dental floss, and a prepaid phone card.By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC
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Rate It: This is Ivan. He is 3 now, but this is a picture of him as a 5 month old. Ivan is an Abyssinian (red). My sister breeds Abyssinian cats and gave him to me as a gift. He like to chase strings or peacock feathers, watches birds out the window, and often plays with small toys by himself. He likes to eat green beans, broccoli and asparagus:) By Har'et from Lakewood, CA
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Rate It: This was made out of downed trees using recycled vintage furniture, old stained glass for windows, antique hanging chandelier surround with plants outside and a copper weathervane on top. By Cathy from Stanwood, WA Update: Here are some more photos to show the inside and detail of the gazebo.
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These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Save On Catering With A "Dessert" Wedding Have your wedding later in the evening and serve desserts only instead of a full dinner. It is no longer a "must" to serve a full meal as long as your ceremony and reception are late enough for the guests to eat before they arrive. For our backyard wedding, we had a "dessert buffet" that looked very classy but was only a fifth of the cost of serving full meals, plus it left us more time to have fun with our guests! Be sure to word your invitations so the guests know it will be desserts only. Our invitations read: "...Sunset ceremony will be immediately followed with dessert and dancing...". Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65360265.tip.html
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Rate It: "Office In A Bag" For College Students I am a mom/college student who commutes 30 minutes to campus - thus, if I forget something at home, I am out of luck! So, I created an "Office in a Bag" in case I need something. I got a pencil bag and put extra pens, pencils, highlighters, Post-it Note Flags and Notes, stapler, paper punch, pencil sharpener, paper clips, ear bud headphones, USB drive, etc. I also stash extra change and a small first-aid kit in my purse or backpack. Then, if a classmate or study partner needs something, I can share! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99971079.tip.html
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Rate It: Displaying Children's Artwork and Crafts Organize your child's art pictures by rotating them on a cable line screwed in to the wall, 1 cable per child. This can be 2 ft long up to 10 foot long. Add metal or plastic clips to the cable. Hang the artwork along the cable line, newest on the left moving to the right (just like reading a book.) When the line gets full, remove the oldest and move them on down for the newest to be placed at the end. Make sure to add the date to the back of every picture. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10578106.tip.html
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Rate It: Make a Stand for Your Older Dog's Food If you have pets that suffer from arthritis, the docs recommend you elevate their food to keep them from bending over to eat. We have a 15 year old dog with arthritis and we built a stand for her, instead of spending the 40 bucks to buy one. What we did was measured the dishes together for the width and depth and measured the dog standing for the height. We used old scrap lumber to make the stand and the dog is now better able to get to her food without bending. Besides it also helps if you have the pesky ants in the house and around the food. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14073034.tip.html
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Rate It: Scoopable kitty litter was put in toilet. Wouldn't go down, your website told me to use mouthwash. I had a few ounces of mouthwash. I poured it in plunged and it flushed. I was truly amazed!. I had been plunging and flushing and nothing. I put in a little mouthwash and away it went. Next I was going to try dish soap and hot water. I didn't need to. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40873596.tip.html
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Rate It: I never dry clean clothes. If it is wool, I just use Woolite and wash by hand. Anything else I use a mild detergent such as Woolite, Dreft, or Ivory and gently wash by hand in cool water. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85461164.tip.html
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Rate It: Cut out a paper doll you printed on card stock from this site. Paste a head picture of a friend or relative on it. Put it in a glass jar with tiny silk flowers, glitter paper, or other little things. Decorate the jar lid with lace, silk flowers and ribbons. You can paint a few words on the outside of the jar. I call them dream jars.I am using the Mrs. Santa paperdoll for several for Christmas gifts. Source: I have seen decorated jars with things in them, I just thought this one up. By Virginia from Bridge City, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12534035.tip.html
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Rate It: Ingredients:
Directions:Mix the children and dogs well together, put them on the field, stirring constantly. Pour the brook over the pebbles, sprinkle the field with flowers. Spread over all a deep blue sky and bake in the sun. When brown, set away to cool in the bathtub.Source: I don't remember where this came from but it sure brings back some fond memories. By Ellen from Taft, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf295935.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Auto Glass With Whiting Easy removal of road grime from automobile glass. Before washing auto, wet the window glass and let most of the water run off. Sprinkle powdered whiting (found in Paint Dept.) and scrub window with a plastic type kitchen sponge. Leave the powder to dry, now clean all the windows. As you begin to wash the auto, the soap suds will remove the whiting and the glass will be clean. (Whiting is a super fine polish compound; will not harm glass; but will leave a white powdered residue if you don't wash it off, the same as the old auto waxes...) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94614363.tip.html
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Rate It: I usually have a surplus supply of tomatoes from my garden and, while I give away many, I still have quite a few left. I've never learned how to can tomatoes, instead I freeze them and it's so easy to do so. Wash them first and let dry on paper towels. I then cut out the core and place them on a cookie sheet. Put them in the freezer and let freeze overnight. Take them out the next day and, either put in Ziploc bags or vacuum seal (they sound just like Billiard balls when you drop them in the bag and they hit). Store in your freezer until ready to use. When you remove them for use, let them thaw and watch how they slip right out of the skins! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67577928.tip.html
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My son spilled my chocolate Slimfast protein shake on my carpet. I did not notice it until it started to smell really bad, it was behind the couch. I tried my steam cleaner and Nature's Miracle, but nothing worked. What can I do? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80938593.tip.html
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Rate It: Why does my dog pull clean laundry off the couch? He has a bed and sleeps in it. He only does it if I walk out of the room. He has to be fast to do it as we live in a house with just one big open space. He's a Bernese and he's 9 months old. It's always clean white sheets that he picks, with his slobbery mouth! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40342200.tip.html
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Rate It: I want a natural slug repellent that doesn't kill the slugs, but just deters them. I don't want the bad karma of killing them just because they're hungry. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50224824.tip.html
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Rate It: Bisquick and Yogurt Blueberry Muffins I used to have a Bisquick recipe for Blueberry Muffins. It used Bisquick, vanilla yogurt and fresh blueberries. It was luscious! Does anyone have that recipe? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96130626.tip.html
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Rate It: What do you think of Beneful Dry Dog Food? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11481230.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Mold On Wicker Laundry Basket How can I remove mold from my wicker laundry basket? I've just discovered mold on the bottom of my almost new wicker laundry basket. My husband threw his sweaty gym gear in there and I think that's the problem! Please help! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95519606.tip.html
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Rate It: I've had tendinitis in both ankles for three months. Do any of you have experience with self-treatment or suggestions of which type of medical professional to consult? Happy Labor Day! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49704660.tip.html
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Rate It: Possum Came Into House Through Chimney I've had a possum in my house. It came down the chimney, but I haven't seen it since Thursday evening when it ran back up the chimney. Is there any chance it could climb back to the top and out of the chimney, or is that just wishful thinking? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33896077.tip.html
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Rate It: Pattern For Fabric Checkbook Cover I am trying to locate a fabric checkbook cover pattern. I found one at about.com/sewing, but I have tried to download and for some reason it won't download all the pages. Thank you for any help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58905278.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Burn Marks Off Glass Top Stove I have a white glass top stove and there are dark black burn marks on the top. I have tried every glass top cleaner made in addition to white vinegar, bleach, soft scrub, etc. The only thing that remotely works is a sugar cube but it is scratching a little. I've also tried the Mr. Clean sponge. Does anyone have the cure for my stove top issue? Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27747533.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Coated Eyeglass Lenses Last Longer I just bought a pair of $250.00 reading and computer bifocals with coated lenses. The clerk said that if I cleaned them with the proper cloth and solution, they'd last 1 year. ONE YEAR! Suggestions for making the coating on the lenses last longer? Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67346850.tip.html
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Rate It: Anyone have a simple recipe for shrimp gumbo and also seafood gumbo? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69151907.tip.html
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Rate It: I am brunette and I am graying. I color my hair myself however I have trouble with resistant grays. I start applying the hair color on the grays first (new growth and temple area). I leave it on these areas longer then apply to the whole head. I use shampoo for color treated hair but approximately a week later the grays are back! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18691888.tip.html
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Rate It: When growing pumpkins, is it necessary to remove female blooms to get larger pumpkins. How many fruits should be allowed to grow on one vine? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63879702.tip.html
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Rate It: Iron-On Transfers Sticking To Cover How do I keep iron-on transfers from sticking to the protective cover? We used waxed paper and then a cotton tablecloth when they stuck to the waxed paper. Is my iron too hot? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59384567.tip.html
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Rate It: Can I use vinegar on my Spider plant, to get rid of worms, and eggs? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25001447.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid Of Spiders Outside House Hi there! I have spiders in all my upstairs windows. I've tried cedar spray, cedar chips, vacuuming the windows out and even spider spray. They always come back within weeks. Does anyone know how to get rid of them for good? I can't open my windows and get some fresh air because I'm afraid of getting them in the house! I'm terrified of spiders! Thanks so much!! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88715106.tip.html
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Rate It: I need a topsy-turvey doll pattern for a swap I am about to do. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf311123.tip.html
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Rate It: My yellow trumpet vine had a lot of black ants this summer. Is that normal? I never noticed this other summers. They were so many that a few came into the house. If ants are normal, can I spray something on the ants, or will I kill the plant? My plant is huge, about 15', it surrounds my deck for privacy. Hate to lose the plant, but want to lose the ants. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26758306.tip.html
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Rate It: I am building a house and we have a light brown/tan coach and navy blue chair in living room. We are painting the walls a light tan color and have a darker brown carpet color. I am wanting to know what accent colors would look best with these colors? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16779852.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Grease From Painted Cabinets What would be the best way to clean cooking grease off of painted wooden kitchen cabinets without damaging the paint? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52536244.tip.html
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Rate It: My hair is falling out. How can I get regrowth? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41660579.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a balcony garden and would like to 'grow' earthworms. Does anyone have any tips? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11801485.tip.html
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Rate It: Moon Phase Calendar For Gardening I would like to find a calendar for Phases of the Moon for gardening. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61580088.tip.html
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Rate It: A friend was telling me about a "breast prosthetics" that are knitted. Is there any one that knows of a pattern? I use a knitting loom. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80342599.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have a good recipe for Chicken Alfredo? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55163239.tip.html
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Rate It: Tips for Saving Money on Windows. Feel free to post your ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95741340.tip.html
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Rate It: Useful Gift Ideas For Boyfriend I'm leaving for college in a week, and my boyfriend of 1 year is leaving in 3 weeks. His birthday is 3 days after he moves, so I need a birthday/going away gift that will be good for college! It kind of stinks because I can't do anything special with him. I'll be 4 hours away. But I still want to give him something meaningful, and something he will use! And ideas would be wonderful! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46528234.tip.html
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Rate It: Toro Riding Lawn Mower Won't Start My Toro riding lawn mower is a year old. When I started it this year it wouldn't start. When I did get it started, it died after 30 seconds. Now it won't start at all, it doesn't even crank. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21603021.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Remedies For Dog's Coughing My dog has a chronic dry hacking cough. The vet meds help some but are not enough. Does anyone have suggestions for some home treatments to calm the cough that aren't likely to interact with his prescriptions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35662018.tip.html
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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. More Information:
My Frugal Life: I Don't Want A Car Anymore My husband and I moved back from China a year ago and it's been rough keeping up with the economy. Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66869202.tip.html
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