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Crane Visits The Yard

This beautiful sand crane was wandering around my front yard on Monday looking for his breakfast of tasty bugs and worms.

By Florida Gal from Spring Hill, FL

Crane Visits The Yard

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Craft: Recycled Dog Food Bag Tote

I recycled this dog food bag into a tote bag. I sewed the sides and boxed the bottom. then I attached a band around the top and added straps. I can use it for groceries, vegetables, or grass clippings.

By Patty from Turbotville, PA

Recycled Dog Food Bag Tote

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Petey (Jack Russell/Pointer Mix)

Petey is a 1 1/2 yrs. old mix between a Jack Russell and a Pointer. Petey came from Petco. We got him when he was just 3 months old.

Petey is CRAZY. He loves to play with all of his toys. He sure loves to jump and run. He's learning how to skateboard! So far he only gets his front paws on it and runs with his back paws.

He absolutely loves everybody. He also loves to kiss, kiss, kiss! He also tilts his head a lot making him look simply adorable. He's as graceful as a deer when he runs. He's got one white eyelash and one black. He also has 2 distinctive profiles because of his different markings making him look like two different dogs! Petey is beautiful. There's no other word to describe him.

By Mary Lou from Flanders, NJ

Petey (Jack Russell/Pointer Mix)

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Use a Child's Wading Pool as a Garden

My grandchildren out-grew their little pool, I didn't want to throw it away so I made a small vegetable garden out of it. I am disabled and I can pull my lawn chair up to the pool and work in it. Best of all, I never had any weeds in it all year. After the Spring and Summer veggies. I just planted some green peas and bush beans for Fall. They were wonderful.

By Sharon from Van Buren, Arkansas

Use A Child's Wading Pool As A Garden

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Craft Project: Fused Plastic Valentine's Heart

Here is a quick fused plastic bag craft idea for Valentine's Day. This project involves no sewing or crocheting. It's makes a perfect kid's craft project that focuses on using recycled materials. This project was inspired by a recent comment I received from someone who wanted a recycled bag for Valentine's day but didn't know how to crochet.

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Craft: Hand Knitted Hat and Mittens

I enjoy knitting and crocheting during these long cold winter months. My Catholic Church has a collection box for children's hats, scarves and mittens which will be sent to an orphanage. I've saved all my new left over yarn from other projects, and now I'm on a knitting craze.

Craft: Hand Knitted Hat and Mittens

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Prepare for Tax Time

Tax Time... I hate it. However, there are a few things I do to prepare.

Start only when feeling sharp, refreshed, and clear headed. If there are errors, it will only delay that return you need so badly.
Have a space where you can leave your papers and documents out for a day or two, and do not have to be gathered up for the evening meal.
Use the free tax services online instead of the expensive tax prep places. Even this old non-tax-savvy granny can do it.
Read the instructions on the site carefully. Mistakes can be made. Read your answers over carefully and double check your figures, even if you are sure you made no errors. You may be surprised to find that info you type often (name,soc. sec. # etc.) can have a typo because of haste.
If you get too frazzled, stop and take a break. A walk, cup of coffee, time with the family etc can give your brain a fresh jump-start.
Have a quiet environment to do your taxes in. Pets running, or kids playing loudly are not helpful to detailed work.
Have all your papers together before you even start. Searching for important stuff can break your concentration and cause some confusion. (Where was I now?)

These sound almost too simplistic, but are important. I always have to relearn a couple of them each year. Hard to form good habits in this when it is only an annul occurrence.

Hope all of you do great financially this coming difficult year.

Source: This is just what I have learned to keep things simple while preparing taxes. I help raise four grand-daughters, and need to be organized as possible.

By Phyllis from Wisconsin

Prepare for Tax Time

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Tips for Job Hunting

When hunting for a job, do not confine yourself to the newspapers, or online ads, as less than 30% of the available jobs are ever posted there. One of the reasons for this is the cost, and another is the time that would have to be wasted screening applicants.

One way to find a job is to get out and truly pound the pavement. I have seen MANY help wanted signs out there, and even if it isn't your dream job, it may be the one that gets the bills paid until something else can be found.

Next, network, network, network! Let ALL of your friends, family, friends, and acquaintances know that you are looking, and would very much appreciate any leads that they can give you.

If you are using a resume, make sure that it is neat and concise. You may want to tailor each resume to point out how your training and experience suit that specific position, and don't forget that volunteer work also gives you some great experience.

Once you do get an interview: be on time, be polite, look professional and learn all that you can about the position, and company beforehand. Remember to thank the interviewer for their time immediately after the interview. Of course you should always smile and make good eye contact during the interview.

Do not start out asking about salary and vacation days, instead let them know what you can do for the job through your previous training, experience, and also eagerness to learn. Find ways to illustrate that you are a team player and easy to get along with. It is an employers market so it is up to you to show them that you are someone that they will be very happy to have working for them.

Wait a day or two and send a note to the interviewer, thanking them for their time. It will leave a pleasant memory of you in their mind even after you are gone. Good luck and God speed.

By Shari from Greer, SC

Tips for Job Hunting

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Use Plastic Hanger Clips for Food Clips

When shopping for clothes that are on the plastic hangers with clips, like skirts, shorts, slacks, always ask for the hanger. You can cut the little clips out away from the plastic hanger and then smooth any rough spots with sandpaper and you have some of the best, strongest clips for your chip bag, bulk cereal bags, etc. You can even ask for them at the stores. They will hand them over to you, the hangers that is. Enjoy the idea and get to saving that money!

Source: I give the credit to this idea to my wonderful, selfless neighbor Isaac. He is an amazing man, recovered from an aneurysm which changed his life dramatically at a tender age, he is always helping others, and an inspiration to us Christians in the world. He has a whole tub of these they use. Gracias, Senor Isaac!

By Dori C from Harlingen, TX

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Make Cat Toys Out of Recycled Materials

Reduce, reuse and recycle! That seems to be my mantra now. Hmm, need more cat toys? Take an empty toilet roll tube and cut into 1 inch rings and toss one on the floor, lightweight, easily batted about, cheap (lol) and an endless supply!

Take thesame empty tube and place in an old tube sock (lots of those around since washer and dryer eat matches daily), a pinch of catnip and a jingle bell. Close tight with a rubber band or string and fold top down to cover closure. They love hugging and attacking this one, so be sure to check for signs of wear and to make sure closure stays secure.

Busy cats are Happy cats!

By Katklaw777 from Peotone, IL

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Label Your Cords To Prevent Pulling Out Wrong Ones

Behind my entertainment center you will find a variety of cords running to power bars. Pulling the wrong one when changing something can start a chain reaction of having to reset everything.

I use labels of any kind or masking tape to write big on, and label the end of the cord, 3 inches before the power bar so I can read what it is I am searching for, needing to check or unplug. Saves so many headaches and time undoing mistakes!

By Joyce from Benson, MN

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Vinegar to Control Dust and Mold Allergens

My son is 7 and has suffered from asthma and lung problems since birth. When we have been to the hospital before we came home, the doctors gave me a cleaning tip to control dust and mold allergens, (anything that could cause a flare up). Use plain white distilled vinegar and water, you can use this through the house and it gives you a clean smell.

By Rhonda from Spring Hope, NC

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Use Needle Nosed Pliers when Hammering Nails

Hammering nails into wood is absolutely fraught with peril! You smash your thumb instead of the nail or bend the nail and have to start all over again with a new nail. Avoid both problems with this simple tip -- hold the nail with needle nosed pliers! Hammer away. Your thumb is now definitely safe and the likelihood of a bent nail is greatly reduced.

By Katherine from Manakin Sabot, VA

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Cupcake in a Cone

Great for children's parties!

Instead of preparing cupcakes using the paper liners, you can eliminate a waste of paper as well as making the cleanup a snap when serving them to your little guests with this tip I have used. Put the flat-bottom type ice cream cones in your muffin pan. Fill about 2/3 full with the cupcake batter and bake until done. Times will vary, but it will take about the same time as it does when using the liners. If the children are old enough, they can create their own topping choices if you'll set a variety out for them to access. You may want to present the cones to them already iced and let them do the rest. If you're transporting them, just leave them standing in the muffin pans.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

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Use Bouillon Cubes in Cooking Water

When I cook veggies or almost anything else, I put bouillon cubes in it and some garlic powder,. No meat is needed, as we know too much meat is not good for us. I also broil most of the meats I cook. Or I cook in it microwave until very tender, covered with paper from empty cereal box, (cut larger than container), with a little vinegar and seasonings.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Make Two Meals at Once

Save a night of cooking by doubling up on another night. Whatever you're cooking; stew, chicken, meatloaf, chili; prepare another batch at the same time. It won't take any more time than one meal but you'll have two. Eat one that evening and freeze the other for another evening when you won't have to cook, just thaw and reheat.

By Trace from Wartburg

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A man was being proselytized by group of friends: "Come join our study group. We want to discuss mankind's relationship to God."

"I'm married; I learned long ago that my opinions don't matter."

"But, when you die, will you go to heaven or to hell?"

"Wherever my wife tells me to."

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

Reed Diffuser Oils

Does anyone know what kind of oil is used in the reed diffuser bottles? I've found sets, but would like to refill the bottles with the bamboo reeds already in them. My oil ran out. Can I use Potpourri oil, or something similar? Thanks.

Kim from Crawford, CO

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Overflowing Toilet

My toilets started overflowing after Roto-Rooter can out.

Karla from Fleming Island, FL

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Cleaning Copper Pots and Pans

Can someone please tell me how to clean copper bottom pans. I have had a set of Revere Ware for over 30 years. I use them everyday. I have used the stuff you buy in the store but it doesn't work well. Thank you in advance and have a great spring. Sherri from Rohnert Park, CA

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Squeakers for Dog Toys

I would like to make my dog's toys but I need the round squeaker that goes inside them. Does anyone know where I can get these?

DDJT from IL

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Prepared for a New Vegetable Garden

I'm just starting a vegetable garden and I've never done this before. There is grass on the plot of land right now. I plan on renting a sod cutter and pulling it up. After the grass is up, I have tilled and added whatever the soil needs, will I be able to plant this spring? Or is it better to wait for the following fall to do this and then plant that spring?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

Erika from Vancouver, WA

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Church Float Ideas for Summer Parades

We will soon be having meetings for a church float for 3 summer parades. We use the same float. We are a small church so need an inexpensive themes with ideas. All ideas will be appreciated.

Judy from Indiana

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Yorkie Smells Really Bad

I have a Yorkie dog that emits a terrible odor even after bathing her. Please tell me what I can get for her?

Wendy from Dozier, Alabama

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Sour Dough Starter is Runny

My Sour Dough Starter has a very thin, runny consistency. Is that the way it should be? I thought it would be thicker. Is there anything I can do to save it?

Janet from Niagara

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Geranium Leaves Turning Yellow

I am having trouble with my Geraniums. What am I doing wrong? About mid season the leaves start looking wilted and turn yellow. Am I not watering enough or too much?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Peg from Springboro, OH

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Shih Tzu Puppy Bites

I have a Shih Tzu dog who is 15 months old and he bites. You can not tkae anything from him as he growls and then bites. I have little grandchildren and i am afraid he will bite one of them. He is loved by everyone, and has no reason to bite. Please help me to stop this, as I am in a state right now that I want to give him away.

Kathleen

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Cleaning Food Off of a Grill Grate

What is the best way to remove food from a grill grate? I heard something about putting it in a garbage bag with ammonia overnight.

John from Elmhurst

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Homemade Remedies for Feminine Dryness

What is a good homemade remedy for a 50ish woman and feminine dryness? Thanks

Jamish from Tribune, KS

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Problems with a Tongue Piercing

I have a tongue piercing and next to it there is a hard ball piece of skin. WHat can it be?

Nicole from South Africa

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LG Cell Phones Recall

Have anyone heard of a recall of cell phones made by LG?

Shirley from Dawson Creek, BC

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Reporting Fraudulent Emails

I received an email (yahoo account) asking me to update my bank account with a bank that I don't have an account with. As a matter of fact I think they (bank) went out of business. Who do I report it to and how do I forward the email without opening the content?

Juliet from NYC, NY

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Great Dane Needs to Gain Weight

What should I feed my Great Dane for weight gain?

Cindy from Spokane, WA

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Thawing Shrimp

How do you thaw shrimp?

Kathy from Indiana

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Tips for House Cleaning Business

I am wondering if there are others who clean offices or homes for a living and what tips you can offer. Such as time savers, tried and true materials (even out of the ordinary), safe cleaners, your overall "go to" tactics, what cleaners or tools you always have on hand, your routine upon entering the offices or houses, etc.

I clean for a living and have found some great cleaning tips from ThriftyFun and thought what better place to ask others for their surefire tips and tricks. Hopefully this will help all of us out a little bit, perhaps shave off a little time, save a little money, that sort of thing. Thanks in advance!

LaLa from South Carolina

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Making a Pot Rack

I received a really nice set of Earthchef pots and pans for Christmas, and would like to know how to make a pot rack to hang them from. This is the first set of pots and pans I have ever had and I'm over 50, so I would like to hang them up so they will stay scratch free. I have no room in my cupboards unless I stack them and then they will scratch. The rack has to be wall mounted as I have a small, galley-type kitchen and can't hang them from the ceiling without bonking my head on them! Thanks.

Catastrofy from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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Crocheted Poncho Pattern

Does anyone have an old pattern for making ponchos that came out in the 60's? I lent my pattern out, never got it back and would love to make some for the grand kids. They tied at the top and were knitted or crocheted.

Barb from Greenwood, SC

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Removing Nail Polish Stain from Berber Carpet

How do I remove dark blue nail polish that spilled all over my beige Berber carpet?

Marquita

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11th Birthday Party Ideas

I am having a birthday party at our home for my 11 yr. old son next week. I need fun ideas please. We are having a pinata but other than that I don't know what to do with 6 boys and 2 girls. Thank you very much!

Tammy from TN

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Scars From Acne

I'm getting married on the 27th of Feb. and I have not yet started my bridal beauty care. I have no idea where to start and what to do and since I'm working, by the time I come back all of the parlors are closed. I have a mild acne problem and some acne scars on my face. Is there any quick method that I can make use of and at least lighten these scars a bit in 2 weeks?

Shwetha from Bangalore, India

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Gas Smell on Clothing

How do you get gasoline off clothes?

Teresa from Cincinnati, OH

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Drainage Problems in My Back Yard

I have a retaining wall in my back yard because my yard is a few inches higher than the house level. This is my first winter in this house. In a corner of my yard is a low spot. Due to the retaining wall the water cannot drain. I tried drilling holes through the brick so the water can drain out. It did not work. Does anyone have any other ideas?

Jon from Carlin, NV

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Cleaning Laminate Cabinets

What is best for cleaning laminate kitchen cabinets?

Marcia

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Recipes for a Celiac Diet

Does anyone one have recipes for the Celiac Diet? The more I can get the better.

Adella from Minneapolis, MN

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What Breed is My Dog?

What kind of puppy do I have? I know she is part German Shepherd but I am dying to figure out the rest of her heritage. She has some white on her paws and a black line gong down her back. She does not have a bushy tail, although it is quite long.

Linda from New Jersey

What Breed is My Dog?

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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

Chocolate IS Valentine's Day
By Debra Frick

Many of us are wondering what we can do to save some money this Valentine's Day and still say "I love you" to the wonderful people in our lives. So I scoured my mom's and aunt's and cousin's database for some fun and unusual chocolates for Valentine's Day just for you. Chocolate is Valentine's Day in my opinion. Add a sweet valentine or a love letter from my hubby and I am all set for the day. I love giving my daughters and grandkids chocolates to say I love you to them. I love to wrap each piece in a bright piece of tinfoil and find a great tin that I can paint and decorate for the day. So here we go with some great chocolate recipes.

Chocolate IS Valentine's Day

How Microclimates Affect Your Garden
By Ellen Brown

Chances are your garden has one or two areas where, despite growing successfully in other parts of the garden, plants seem to struggle. This might be due to a microclimate; a small area in your garden where the climate differs from the surrounding area due to small differences in topography. Things like hills, valleys, trees, and large bodies of water all have an influence on the growing "climate" of your plants. Once you understand the advantages and disadvantages that each type of microclimate has, you'll be better equipped to successfully meet your plant's growing requirements.

How Microclimates Affect Your Garden

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Daily Thrifty Tips - February 13, 2009

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