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Craft: Night Light Lampshade

These cute night lights would make nice gifts or stocking stuffers. So easy to make that you'll want to make several. A good way to use up all of those short pieces of lace and trim leftover from other projects.

Approximate Time: Approximately 15 minutes

Supplies

Nightlight
9 oz (3 3/4 inch dia. x 2 3/4 inch high) clear plastic cup
Scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
7 inch piece of 2 3/4 inch wide wired ribbon
Assorted trims

Instructions

Use scissors to cut cup in half vertically. (One cup will make two shades.) The bottom of the cup will become the top of the shade. Wrap ribbon around cup half and fold ends to inside. If necessary, trim the ribbon ends to about 1/2 inch from side edges of cup. Glue ribbon to cup. Glue trims along top and bottom edges of shade. Glue top of shade to top of night light. Note: The picture shows the style of night light that seems to work best for this project.

By Momof1 from Wilkesboro, NC

Night Light Lampshade

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Keep A Smile On A Little Gardener's Face

How to keep the smile on a little gardener's face. My grandson loves sunflowers, but every time his seeds sprouted, the bunnies ate the sprouts. He was so upset! I bought him a grown sunflower in a pot, and that put the smile back on his face! We are already planning the new garden for 2008!

By Linda from Pewaukee, WI

Keep A Smile On A Little Gardener's Face

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American Queen River Boat

This is a photo I took of a river boat, the American Queen, that came to our town. It books cruises up and down the Mississippi River.

By Judy from Burlington, Iowa

American Queen River Boat

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Husker (German Shepherd)

Husker was born on September 11, 2003. He is now 4 years and 4 months old. He is a pure bred German Shepard I got him from this retired farmer in Kansas back in '03. Husker was one of 80 pups his mother has had. Husker is the only one of the 80 that had white patch mark on his chest.

Husker and I go to the park at least twice per day, with sometimes three visits. If not for Husker, my apartment would have been burned down twice due to leaving a pan on the stove still cooking. His barking alerted me to the hazard just before the pan was to catch on flame.

By Larry from Hastings, NE

Husker (German Shepherd)

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Scrap Fabric Wreath

I made a yo-yo quilt for my mother-in-law for Christmas and had 4 bags of scrap material. I made a fabric wreath using the scraps. I took a wire hanger, cut off the "hook" and bent one side to make a "U" turned sideways. then I took the scrap of material, pierced it (or cut) and "threaded" it onto wire form. Repeat until you have completed circle. At other end, make another "U" turned the opposite way so you can hook the 2 sides together. I crimped it so it would not come apart. I then added a ribbon bow where the crimp was. It turned out beautiful. I had enough to make 2 3/4 wreaths. kept one and gave other 2 as gifts. not bad for "free".

By Kat from PA

Update: Here is the picture of the scrap material wreath I wrote about a couple weeks ago. My daughter taught me how to load the image.

Scrap Fabric Wreath

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Tip Contest
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Photo Contest
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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!

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Don't Throw Away Your Christmas Cards!

They can be used for so many things next Christmas: decoupage, wreaths, ornaments, decorations, collage, etc., etc., etc.

Put them in a ziploc baggie and store them with your other Christmas things.

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

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Recycle Plastic Coffee Containers for Storage

I have been using my empty plastic coffee containers for organizing my kitchen lately. I have one full of cookie cutters, one contains my decorating supplies, etc. The small ones are also wonderful for the kids' tiny toys, like plastic dinos or army men.

By Cynthia from Pittsburgh PA

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Washing Tips to Keep Jeans Looking New

When washing blue jeans, be sure to turn them inside out. This keeps your jeans looking new. Also, be sure to fasten the zipper and snap before you wash them.

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Save Trial Shampoos for Kids

I have kids who sometimes have trouble knowing how much shampoo to use. I have gotten several single use shampoo samples in the mail that I am now saving for when they go to church camp this summer. Now, this summer they will not use it all on their first shower!

By April from NW Missouri

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Watch Out for CD Maturity Dates

Make sure you check with whoever is holding your CD at maturity. If you do nothing, the financial institution could transfer your CD to a saving account rate, big loss of interest and still tie your money up for an extended period of time.

They almost got me on this one. The teller said "You snooze, you lose!". I cashed the CD in and I'm heading for the Credit Union.

By Bud from Bradenton, Florida

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Reflexology For Fussy Babies

If you have a fussy baby try the Reflexology method. It's therapeutic and relaxing. Even babies enjoy a good foot massage.

STUFFY-UPPY-RELEASE ZONE (SINUSES): Gently press your thumb up your baby's foot, from heel to each toe. Finish up by lightly squeezing each toe.

CRANKY_BABY_RELIEF ZONE (TUMMY): Focus on the area between the ball of the foot and the heel. Move your fingers in a gentle massaging motion.

GLEEFUL PANTS AND GIGGLES ZONE (LUNGS): Focus on the ball of the foot. Massage this area by pressing lightly with your thumb across the ball of the foot.

Source: Huggies

By Randa from San Marcos, TX

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Shredded Wheat as a Dog Treat

My dogs love bite-size shredded wheat as a treat. There's no sugar, no salt, and it adds fiber to their diet. It also helps clean their teeth because they have to crunch it. Don't over-do it, though, a little goes a long way, tummy-wise. I give each of my dogs just a few at various times of day.

By Jan from Champaign, IL

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Use Salt Water to Prevent Ice on Car Windows

This tip is especially helpful for this time of year, the winter months, when layers of frost accumulate inside our car windows. To prevent this from happening, rub your windows with a solution of two tablespoons of salt in one gallon of hot water. Wipe dry.

By Esther from Baltimore, MD

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Homemade Dog Treats

Here is a great idea for dog treats that are easy to make, high in fiber, all natural, and your dog will LOVE them! I started making these when my lab got a case of chronic diarrhea and they helped a lot.

In a large bowl, combine any of these ingredients (you don't need to use them all and you can be flexible with the amounts):

1 can of pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not the sugary filling)
1 can of yams or a cooked sweet potato (rinse the yams)
1 bag of boil-in-a-bag brown or white rice
1 can of chicken
1 cup of frozen or fresh blueberries

Mix together (I use my hands, it's messy but easy). Pack the mixture in spare ice cube trays and freeze until solid. If you use the ingredients exactly as above, using normal can sizes, it will fill about 2 trays. When frozen, just pop out and store in Ziploc bags.

Good even for most sensitive stomachs and a nice, cool treat for a hot summer day. I microwave one cube for my dogs and mix with their kibble in the AM. They absolutely LOVE them!

By Beth from Jackson, MI

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Support Girl Scouts Without Adding To Your Waistline

I've been doing this for years.

I ask the girls which one is THEIR favorite cookie and I'll buy one box. I'll open it up and tell them, "Girl Scouts are THE best salespeople -- here's a marketing technique that you'll never forget." After I "test" one or two, I give them back the opened box.

I tell the girls to now ask passersby "Would you like a free Girl Scout cookie sample?"

I've done my good deed by buying a box and supporting the Girl Scouts, I've tasted a couple of cookies, I won't eat the whole box when I get home, and these women of the future have learned early in life that free samples help sell products.

By LuvMyGingerKids from Long Beach, CA

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

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

Hair Styling Ideas

Does anybody have any good ideas on styling hair? From pony tail to leaving it down.

Aliesha

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Need Help Planning an Inexpensive Wedding

I am starting to plan my wedding for May 2009, and am looking for reasonably cheap wedding reception ideas. I can get a ballroom for about 1K. But am needing all of the rest to be somewhat cheap.I would like to keep it under 3K for everything. There will be about 100-150 people. If anyone knows anything that might please let me know.

Erin Smith from Novi, MI

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Looking for Sweetheart Gown style 2425

I am looking for a Sweetheart Gown style 2425 size 16 or 18. If anyone has suggestions on where to find one please let me know! I really love this dress and it has been discontinued.

Traci from ME

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How Do You Apply a Spray-on Tan?

Are there any people that have their kids in pageants? Can someone tell me how you do the spray-on tan?

Kelli from Cocoa, Florida

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Hunting Themed Afghan Pattern

I'm looking for an crochet afghan pattern for my son who is an avid hunter. I've checked some of the free patterns sites, and I may just use a pattern with camo yarn. But I would love to have something with deer or other hunting related design. Thanks!

CarolinaGirl

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Kitten Urinating on Everything

My kitten started urinating on my bed. She did this about 3 times so we close our door so she can't get in. She then urinated on our son's dirty laundry so we started closing all of the bedroom doors in our house. She then urinated on my other sons backpack.

She still also uses the litter box. We have now confined her to the basement where her litter box is and we only let her up when we can watch her. She has done really well this week, but will we ever be able to trust her so she can have free roam of the house?

Carin from Detroit, MI

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Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Would love to have a recipe similar to Ruby Tuesday's Jumbo Lump Crab Cake recipe.

Johnette from Brunswick, Georgia

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Safe Way to Clean Possum Urine from Glass

Just wondering if anyone has any 'Green' tips for cleaning possum urine off glass pool fence which the possums run over at night? Thanks.

Liz from Sydney, Australia

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Removing Urine from Couch Cushion with Non-removable Covers

My child just peed on my microfiber couch and the cushion covers are not the type you can take off to wash. How can I clean this and not leave a bad stain?

Tricia from Iowa

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Dried Beans Vs. Canned Beans

Do dried beans actually work out any cheaper than tinned beans when you factor in the gas/electric used to cook them?

Myrtle from UK

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Using Vegetable Oil Instead of Corn Oil

Can you use vegetable oil if you have no corn oil?

Deb from Largo

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Stabilizing a Papasan chair

I bought an oh so comfy Papasan chair, the ones with the big round bowl shape. When we sit in it, it slips and slides! I've tried the drawer sticky liner and a towel, but they were no help.

Michawn

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Is Our Puppy a German Shepherd Mix?

We adopted this wonderful puppy on December the 21st. We were told that he is a German Shepherd mix. Does anybody have any idea, maybe mixed with Belgian Malinois or Lab? As you can see his tail got broke in 3 places, making a kind-of 'M'. We love him more for it!

Sam from Little Rock, AR

Is Our Puppy a German Shepherd Mix?

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Outdoor Themed Centerpiece Ideas

I need any idea for an outdoor themed centerpiece for a 50th birthday for my brother in law?

Penny102 from Ft. Lauderdale, FL

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Painting Bedroom Furniture

I have just painted my daughter's room to match a comforter set we bought. The top half is white, the bottom is chocolate brown, and a dark pink stripe goes around the middle. I repainted an old bedroom set tan (it was originally off white/yellow?). I'm afraid that now the finish may be too light. Should I try using the brown wall paint and a decorating finish on the furniture or leave it alone?

Melissa

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Dog with Recurrent Feet Sores

My dog has recurrent feet sores between her toes and the doctor keeps putting her on oral antibiotics. I've tried a natural salve but that doesn't seem to help. Anyone else have any cures? Thanks.

Toni from Atlanta, GA

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Boston terrier with Gas

I have a 3 year old Boston Terrier and she has become increasingly gassy over the past few months. It's so nasty, it could knock you over. I don't know how to express the glands nor is that something I think I want to do myself! Are there any other options?

Pamela from Illinois

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'Suzy's Zoo' Birthday Party Supplies

I need to find Suzy's Zoo paper products or birthday supplies for my sons 1st birthday in a couple of weeks.Please let me know where I can find it. Thanks

Monica from Rochester, NY

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Removing Red Sharpie from Pink Satin Dress

How do I remove red sharpie permanent marker from a pink satin formal dress? I made the dress my self and I need it in two weeks for a wedding. Can anyone help me? I do not want to wreck the dress. It already leaves spots when it gets wet.

Christina from Delano, MN

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Free Wallpaper Sample Books

Where can I find free wallpaper sample books?

Net M. from Stockton, CA

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Do All Un-neutered Dogs Mark Their Territory?

I would like to know if all un-neutered dogs mark their territory? I know my mother's dog did, but I am wondering if mine is also going to do that. What are the odds? I just need to know if I should get him fix, as I am interested in breeding him.

schubunny from Moncton, NB

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Ideas for Hosting a Super Bowl Party

This is my first year of hosting a Super Bowl party. There will probably be close to 20 people. I need simple, cheap and quick ideas for food and/or decor. I'm a little nervous. Every time we have gone to another football party there usually is a huge spread of food. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Bonnie from Zion, Illinois

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Decorating Boy's Locker Room at School

I am in charge this year of decorating the boys football teams locker room. Anyone have any ideas? The school is Governor Mifflin and the mascot is the Mustangs. Our colors are Maroon and Gold.

Susan from PA

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Troubleshooting Kenmore Refrigerator Ice Maker

My ice maker in my 2 year old Kenmore refrigerator stopped making ice. The troubleshooting section of the owner's manual was no help. Any suggestions?

David from Phila, PA

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Roses Made with Hershey's Kisses

How do you make roses out of Hershey's Kisses?

Michaela from Morgantown, WV

Roses Made with Hershey's Kisses

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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

Quick Tips Worth Remembering
By Debra Frick

I don't know about you but I am always looking for little tips that will make my life easier. Here is a quick list that can be printed off and stuck in one of your cookbooks for future reference.

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Daily Thrifty Tips - January 29, 2008

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