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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Craft: Mooning Scarecrow

Scarecrow for Halloween. Build a frame out of wood. Dress and stuff with hay. Add a few pumpkins. Great for doubletakes from passers-by.

By Vickie G from Earle, Arkansas

Mooning Scarecrow

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Craft: Using an Old Window Frame

I was given this old frame, and decided to make it look realistic. I put a cut up poster behind the places where the panes were, and it looks like I am gazing out into a serene waterfall in the woods.

Some of my snail collections are on it, and for the photo, I would have taken them off. However, I have cats, and everything in this house is glued down! But, this may inspire some of you just the same.

By Sandra from Salem OR

Reused Window Frame

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Bacardi (Blue Heeler?)

Bacardi is a 7 year old Blue Heeler? He was a Rescue League Special!

He likes to harass his pit bull sister and is a big old teddy bear.

By PatPlays27 from TX

Bacardi (Blue Heeler?)

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Craft Project: Autumn Leaf Print Placemats

Bring the beauty of fall indoors with these easy to make, leaf-printed placemats. The kids will have a ball making these.

Autumn Leaf Print Placemats

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Halloween Tree

I noticed on my tree Box in the closet, it said Holiday tree so I decorate it for every holiday. Each season gets a new tree. This is my Halloween Tree and below it is my 4th Of July Tree. The grandkids love it and it gives them something to work on each Holiday

By Janet B. from Moberly, Missouri

Halloween and 4th Of July Tree

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Tip Contest
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Submit a tip with photo!

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

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Winter Tip: Keep Clean, Dry Socks Handy

Keep a clean pair of dry socks under the seat of your car, in your bag or in a coat pocket in case you get your feet wet! You'll thank yourself for this thoughtfulness especially if you have to spend an entire day with cold wet feet and catch a cold due to it!

By Melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Spray Alcohol for Cleaning Windows

Clean your windows by putting rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, spray the window and wipe with a lint free cloth. The windows come out so clean that they shine and there is no streaking. And best part if you have sticky tape from hanging up a holiday display in the window, the alcohol takes the sticky residue right off.

By Shirley from Fulton, NY

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Pumpkin Centerpiece

Materials

1 8 inch Craft Pumpkin, carve out 4 diamond shapes on each equal side of the pumpkin
1 8 inch Fall wreath, or make your own with leaves and flower and wire
1 small jar candle, Fall scented
1 battery operated candle lite for inside the pumpkin
8 inch wooden base, or dish
Craft glue (Do not use hot glue!)

Instructions

Start by carving the pumpkin designs. Glue it to the base. Glue the candle jar on top, first cut off the stem, so the jar will sit flat! Then glue the wreath around the candle jar. Put the battery operated candle lite inside. Turn on the switch and light the top candle for an elegant table centerpiece!

Source: All materials purchased at Michael's Craft Store!

By Jackie from Norton, MA

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Using Vintage Doll House as Paper Organizer

For the vintage little girl in all of us, use your old, err I mean, vintage open backed multi-storied doll house as a paper organizer on your desk. Looks cute and each "room" can be labeled or decorated accordingly.

By The Recycle Queen from Zionsville, IN

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Keeping Track of Which AC Adapter Goes to Which Item

My AC adapters all black and all belonging to different items. I purchased a white permanent marker. I wrote on each one, (ie: cell phone) then used velcro strips to secure the cords and now store them all in a storage container that I got at a yard sale. They're on my list each time I go to get one. Big money saver. Now,I'm not guessing which goes to what, they're organized in one place and in a Thrifty container.

Source: My idea out of frustration.

By keeper60 from NC

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Saving Money Using Electricity at Cheapest Times

I saved $8.50 this past month by being on the "Time of Use" plan for our electricity usage with Wisconsin Public Service. The rate for off-use hours is 1/4th that of regular hours. The off-hours are 8 p.m.-9 a.m., M-F, and all day weekends/holidays. Contact your provider to inquire about like plans.

By Anne from Green Bay, WI

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Using Storage Bins for Traveling

You know those storage bins that you buy with the lock on lids? Well when they are not in "use" and it is time to go on vacation, use them as your suitcase. When hubby and I go to the beach, we pack all of our clothes and necessities in these bins, put them in the back of the truck (does not matter if it rains, they are waterproof) and off we are. Not a lot of cumbersome luggage and at the end of your vacation, put all your dirty clothes in these too. Easy packing, easy traveling. If the lids do not fasten real tight, secure with a bungie cord. Happy vacationing.

By Julie from Liberty, NC

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Craft: Picture Books for Little Children

My little one doesn't seem to like board books with drawings for pictures, and rather than go out and buy more books, I decided to make them. I used ziplock bags (not the zipper lock bags), construction paper, old magazines, and yarn. I cut out pictures of animals, babies, trucks, etc. from the magazines and cut the construction paper to fit inside the bags. I grouped the pictures by subject and glued 1 picture to each side of the construction paper. Then I slipped it into the baggie, sealed it closed, made holes in the baggies by the ziplock, and threaded and tied the yarn.

Source: I found it on a website, but I don't remember what it is.

By Jenn T from Lenox, MA

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Stretch Whole Milk With Powdered Milk

To stretch milk, I have mixed up powdered milk and added it to the regular milk. Instead of 1 gallon, I had 2 and, since they were mixed together, no one was the wiser. I have also frozen milk in ice cube trays, when I wanted milk for tea or coffee, I just added a cube. No waste, and the milk did not sour on me.

By Debbi from Blairsville, PA

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Make Dog Treats Out Of Hotdogs

CHEAP dog treats! I was spending a fortune on dog treats training our puppy. I have since begun buying hotdogs and I slice them into thin discs. About half I cut again into 4ths. I use the smaller ones for training, when you need to use many in one sitting. I have done them in the dehydrator and in the oven on a rack. I cook until crisp. They not only store well, but one pack makes A LOT of treats. Our dog even prefers these over the expensive store bought treats.
The price is about $3.49 for 8oz of store bought "real beef flavor treats vs. $1.00 lb (on sale of course!) 100% beef hotdog treats!

By Jen from Kennett Square, PA

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

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

Looking for Portland, Oregon Subscribers

I'd like to find some subscribers in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Thanks.
Lisa
KOIN
503-200-9397

Editor's Note: Although we know we have some Oregon subscribers, we don't know of any that are in the Portland, Oregon metro area. If any of you would like to call her, please do.

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Manual For Regal Kitchen Pro Breadmaker (C6743)

I'm looking for a manual for a Regal Kitchen Pro Breadmaker - Model C6743. Does anyone know where I can find one? Thanks!

Verona

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Cat Seems To Be Sick

My indoor cat is about 8 years old. She is fed dry food, but also a bit of wet food everyday as well. She doesn't seem to be quite herself lately, and today while cleaning her litter box, I noticed that she has had some loose stools recently. She is eating the same, but drinking slightly more water than usual. Do cats get under the weather like people and recover on their own?

Or if they're sick, do they need to see a Vet? I don't know if I am over reacting or not. This is my first cat and I got her by default. Is there a way to feel if she has a fever or can you only find out the temp. with a thermometer? What about the cold nose thing? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Alice from Saratoga Springs, Utah

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Collecting Seeds from a Thunbergia (Black-Eyed Susan)

I would love to know how to collect seeds from my Thunbergia (black-eyed susan vine). Sorry about the picture, it doesn't do the plant justice!

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Ellen from St. Pauls, NC

Collecting Seeds from a Thunbergia (Black-Eyed Susan)

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Is Cat Food Bad for Dogs?

My rat terrier likes cat food better than dog food. Could someone tell me if its bad for her. I would like to feed her dry dog food but she won't eat it. Any suggestions?

Catbuttons from Kansas

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Dog Has Fecal Incontinence When Sleeping

My beautiful Boston Terrier has a problem with fecal incontinence when very relaxed or asleep. He is fully house trained but sometimes releases a very small 'rabbit dropping-size' poop in his sleep.

We have tried asking the vet if he has a problem and have contacted our breeder, but nobody seems to know what to suggest. We have tried dog nappies and home made devices for catching the poop, but with no success. If anybody has advice or has encountered the same problem, please let me know.

Thank you,
Denise

Dog Has Fecal Incontinence When Sleeping

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Discount Grocery Store in Newnan, Georgia

I am looking for a salvage/discount grocery store in Newnan, Georgia?

Mom

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Do Rechargeable Batteries Save You Money?

Does anyone know if rechargeable batteries really save you money when you have to pay for the electricity to recharge them?

Freezingjsalyers from Alaska

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Bringing Ferns Inside for the Winter

I have 2 big Boston ferns hanging outside that will need to be brought in for the winter. How can I keep the leaves from falling off and keep it alive through the winter?

Vickie from Earle, Arkansas

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Salvage Grocery Stores in Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas

I am trying to locate a salvage grocery store near home. If anyone knows of one in the Dallas Ft. Worth area please let me know. Thanks!

Lisa from Kennedale, TX

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Making Paper String

I found a great project for a spool knit necklace made out of paper string and I need instructions on how to make the string. I'm not sure what kind of paper to use, but it's definitely not ordinary copy paper.

Angela from Sault Ste Marie, ON

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Transferring a Picture to a Cup or Plate

I want to know how to transfer my kid's picture to a cup. What kinds of photo paper can I use and kind of cup? Thanks for any help.

Abdolqader

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Saving Money on Pet Prescriptions

Tips for Saving Money on Pet Prescriptions. Post your ideas below.

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Musty Smell on Laundered Towels and Wash Cloths

I have musty smelling towels after washing. How do I get rid of the smell? Our water smells like rotten eggs, too. It's a new house. Please help!

Jillann from Belleville, IL

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Recycling a Vinyl Pool

I have an 18x4 Intex pool that has fulfilled its duty as a pool. However, it now has a very, leaky ring that will not hold air. I would love to hear of some ideas for recycling or reusing all of this vinyl.

Ellen from St. Pauls, NC

Recycling a Vinyl Pool

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Training a Boxer Puppy

How do you train a 10 month old boxer puppy?

Rhale from North Olmsted, Ohio

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Painting Wicker Furniture

How do I paint wicker furniture? I have a huge set that my boyfriend bought me for Mother's Day. I love it! It is vintage wicker. I'm not even sure if I should paint it. Thanks!

Jan from Atlanta, GA

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Does Treated Puppy Still Have Parvo?

I just got a puppy yesterday and the previous owner said she had had Parvo. But they caught it early and were able to get her treated. Does she still have the disease?

Katy from Mt.Morris, PA

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Looking For "Pink Solution" Cleaning Product

I would like to know where I can purchase a $50 container of pink solution. My sister bought it at Costco and it included other cleaning aids as well.

Mona

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Does Zotes Make Body Soap?

Does Zote make body soap? Where can I buy some? Thank you very much and have a great weekend.

Peter

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Getting Rid Of Sofa Odors

My sofa stinks. I went out one afternoon, and when I returned my sofa smelled like death. My husband has no clue. I thought one of our dogs threw up. We checked for a dead mouse and found none. I've used Febreze, upholstery cleaner, etc. to no avail. It is too large to take outside, but I am tempted. Any ideas other than taking an axe to it? There is no stain and it is a regular cloth sofa.

Pat from Coplay, PA

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Christmas Float Themed "Jingle Bells and Sea Shells"

I need ideas on how to decorate a Christmas float with the theme "Jingle Bells and Sea Shells".

Kim from Port Lavaca, Texas

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Reviews Of Wide Mouth Thermoses

My honey has requested taking soups, stews, etc. with him to work. He is a carpenter, and here in Vermont it gets below zero. Does anyone have a suggestion on the best wide mouth type thermos to keep foods hot?

Jill from Rutland, VT

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Pop-up Virus (Anti-Virus 2009)

Has anyone out there had experience with a pop-up virus - Anti-virus 2009? I delete it constantly but it keeps recurring. It's seems like it's trying to take over my computer. Any ideas on how to get rid of it? Thanks.

Joan from Chesterfield, MI

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Dying Material Without Coloring Box

How do you dye material without buying a coloring box?

Emily from Branson West, MO

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Vinegar-Proof Covering For Canning Jars

I have started making pickles and chutneys again after a gap of about twenty years. I used to use Porosan synthetic skin to cover the jars but cannot get it now. Does anyone know a cheap vinegar-proof alternative for use on all sizes of jar? Cheers.

Marg from England

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Snails Eating Mastic Around Windows

Why have snails suddenly started eating the mastic around my windows?

Matthew from UK

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Do Possums Hibernate?

Do possums hibernate?

David from Stockton, CA

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Saving Money on Cars

Tips for saving money on buying a car. Do you have any strategies keep you in reliable transportation without spending a bunch of money? Feel free to post your ideas.

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Removing Stickers From Painted Wall

How do you remove stickers from a wall without removing the paint?

Danielle from Sumte, SC

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Making Cushion For Porch Swing

I have a new wooden porch swing and I'd like to make my own cushion for it. I sew but I don't know what fabric would hold up in the outdoor weather. It's underneath my porch, but I'm afraid the moisture might ruin it. I need some ideas.

Vickie from Earle, Arkansas

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Dishwasher Not Washing Dishes

My Kenmore dishwasher is about 8yrs old and all of a sudden it doesn't seem to do the wash cycle. It fills, makes some noise and then drains out. It had been cleaning poorly for a while prior to this. I am probably going to take it apart, just hoping for some idea on what to look for.

Sheila from MI

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Storing Large Kitchen Utensils

Where do you store your kitchen utensils like your large cooking spoons and forks, spatulas, potato masher, can openers, turkey baster, etc.? I have a small kitchen and would like to store them somewhere other than the wall and counter. Do you have any suggestions?

Onesummer

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Using Natural Tones With a Navy Couch

I am receiving a navy couch from my soon to be mother-in-law. Its a nice couch with recliners on both sides and it is leather. I am a big fan of browns, blacks, tans, and animal prints. Any tips on how I can make a huge navy couch fit my motif?

Crystal

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Sebaceous Cyst on Back

Does anyone have any ideas for how to get rid of a sebaceous cyst on the back. It is about the size of a fifty cent piece and the center is draining yellow pus and blood. Around this it is red.

jho from Chassell

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Learning To Use Knitting Looms

I was at Walmart and I saw a Loom Craft kit with several different shaped looms. It said that full instructions were included in the kit. The cost was $20.00. I don't really know anything about Loom Crafts, I assume that I use the loom to help me make hats, scarves, etc. I was wondering if anyone knows of this product and has any feedback?

As far as crafting I am a novice. I have just started crocheting and it's coming along well enough. I am teaching myself and have nearly mastered the single crochet. Any advice about this product would be really appreciated.

LeAnn from Gaffney

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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.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

How to Host a Book Club for Seniors
By Claire Bush

Want to volunteer with an activity that really makes a difference? Offer to become a book club leader at your local senior center or assisted living facility. Many seniors can be limited in their physical movements, but still crave an activity that will engage their minds. Book clubs provide a place to discuss ideas and exchange opinions as well as generate enthusiasm for reading as an enjoyable pastime.

How to Host a Book Club for Seniors

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Daily Thrifty Tips - October 14, 2008

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