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Vol. 8, Num. 105, May 29, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any gardening tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit them on one of the contest pages. Give a thumbs up to photos and tips that you like. Your ratings will pick the winners! Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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:
I found another use for styrofoam meat trays! I needed a nice surface to put a hot pizza on that wouldn't heat up the counter top. These are invaluable for all kinds of things, but a hot pad was the one I thought was the most useful at the time. They are also great for under planters, draining bacon and sausage on with a paper towel or two, spoon and utensil rests when making multiple meals, and so much more. N-JOY! Source: My own need to keep the counters safe and clean. By Poor But Proud from Salem OR Contest Contender!
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My brother made this bench for his entryway. He calls it a Mexican bench because it is so colorful. It is made of fir and poplar. It took him a week on and off to make. Source: This was an idea he thought up on his own to give his entry some color. By Laniegirl from Iowa Contest Contender!
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This picture is my Confederate Rose. It is just blooming and can be grown as a tree or large bush. As a tree it gets leggy. They also come in white. I have rooted many to give away, by just cutting a branch and putting in water to grow roots. This picture was taken while I was on another Group and does have a copyright. By Sherry from Valdosta, GA Contest Contender!
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In Loving Memory Of Rock (Pitbull) My sweet little 7 month old pit Rock died this weekend from parvo. I only have this advise for dog lovers, get them the shots they need. It cost us $500 to give him IV at home along with antibiotics and he died any way. This has to the most heart breaking event in my life with pets so far. If I could do it all over again I would have taken the shot thing much more serious. By inluvwithmypup from Texas Contest Contender!
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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!
Roomba Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Review Product: Roomba vacuum Model: Discovery Manufacturer: iRobot My husband got me the Roomba 6 years ago, because I have a very bad back and vacuuming hurt me so bad it would take me 4 days to do our house (2000 sq ft). Ever since the first time I used it, I have been thrilled with it. It does an even better job than my big vacuum does, gets along the walls beautifully and under most furniture where my big one won't go at all. The virtual walls that come with it keep it confined to the area I want it to clean. And best of all I don't have to do anything other than set up the virtual walls and use the remote to get the Roomba going. I can either go about doing other things while it does my vacuuming for me, or what I usually do is start it just before I go to bed and it works while I sleep. Then in the morning I only have to pick up the virtual walls. The Roomba puts itself back on the charger. My pets didn't have a bit of trouble getting used to it. Now when I start it, my dogs know to gather up their toys and move them to a different room. I love my Roomba. And I'm looking forward to getting a Scooba to mop my kitchen floor for me, too. By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender!
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Product Review: Poulan Weed Eater Product: Weed Eater Model: Gas Powered Dual-Cut Wheeled #WT3100 Manufacturer: Poulan This product is a life saver. I have always had to wait for my husband to do all the trimming (and he's only home one weekend a month). So in summer it would be badly grown by the time he got to it), because the gas powered ones are too heavy for me, and the electric ones are too short. With my bad back I couldn't stay bent over to do it. But this one is gas powered and on wheels. I can go anywhere with it, and I'm able to do the whole yard in one day and not be in tears from back pain when I'm finished. Also, the string isn't the coil type that most use. It comes in pre-cut lengths. I can pull the old one out and put the new one in, in just a matter of a minute or so. I rigged up a pouch for them on the neck of the machine so they are always handy. This is the best product for lawn care since the invention of the riding mower. I only have one complaint about it. And that is that the only place to buy it is at Wal-Mart. Poulan will not sell it through any other dealer or any other method. And more and more Wal-Mart's are not stocking them. I don't understand why either, because whenever they do have them, they can't keep them in stock because people are buying them so fast. But if you can find them, they are worth their weight in gold. By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender!
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Digital TV Transition Reminder Do not forget that when the digital TV transition occurs on June 12, 2009, you will need to re-set your TV stations.
By Cookwie from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68776451.tip.html
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Rate It: Label Reusable Containers With Dry Erase Markers I buy most of my dry goods in bulk and store them in the pantry in re-used glass or plastic containers. Rather than labeling the containers with tape which sometimes leaves the sticky residue, I use erasable markers (vis-a-vis), the kind that wipe off with water. We use the same markers on the wipe-off calendar to keep up with the family schedule. I write on the side of the container what it is, and the basic directions, and the date. Several items appear the same, and the kids can easily tell the difference now between flour and pancake mix. The marker will smudge if handled with wet hands, but when that happens I just re-write it. By jwheeler from Stockton, IA Contest Contender!
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Sport Shirts Decorations for a Graduation Party A graduation party we attended had the cutest idea for decorating. The graduate was very athletic and had t-shirts from many activities she was involved in. Her t-shirts were hung on the fence like a clothes line in many sizes as she grew up. Lots of memories! By Jeanne from Ohio Contest Contender!
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Reusing Plastic Baby Food Containers Our baby grandson just began eating solid foods and I am now saving the handy Gerber oblong plastic containers and snap lids for neat little storage tubs. Thus far, we have re-used them for powdered formula and rice cereal on the go in his diaper bag. They will be quite useful for organizing small items, such as safety pins, paper clips, and my scrap booking supplies. They can be used to store hardware in the workshop and tiny clutter from the junk drawer. When an item is dismantled for storage, they are perfect for hardware. One could also store Band- aids and small tubes of Neosporin ointment neatly in the car and quarters for the car wash. The possibilities go on and I am quite sure, I will be sharing them with friends and family until the baby is old enough to eat Grammy's meals. By Kathy from Western, PA Contest Contender!
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I want all of you to become familiar with "tending your garden." If you don't tend your garden, you won't get much of anything out of it. Many years ago, when my mom was teaching me about gardening, we had a neighbor. Every year, our neighbor would till/break up the land, put some tomato plants in, and then completely ignore them for the rest of the spring/summer. By August, they might have had 4 tomatoes on a plant, but they never ever tended their garden. You have to be willing to tend your garden. You have to be willing to water it when mother nature doesn't supply. Tending a garden doesn't mean spending countless hours outside in the garden, although in critical times that could happen. Tending a garden means paying attention. Paying attention means watching the weather. If you aren't getting a lot of rain, then supplement it. If your area doesn't have a lot of nutrients in the ground, then supplement them. Pay attention, tend your garden. Some days I spent as little as 5 or 10 minutes in our garden, but our neighbors wouldn't even look at what they had planted. We had so many tomatoes that we were giving them away, whereas our neighbors had nothing. We shared with our friends and family. The first year my mom taught me to garden, we had really high temperatures, and a drought, so I came up with a routine that I will share with you, for watering your garden. Get a bucket, and know how many gallons the bucket holds. Then turn your garden hose on, and put it into your bucket. Count how many seconds it takes to fill your bucket from your garden hose. Thousand one, thousand two, etc., then you will know how many seconds it takes to get how many gallons of water on a plant. For instance, if it takes 20 seconds to fill a 2 gallon bucket, then you know if you hold your garden hose on a plant for twenty seconds, you will have given that plant 2 gallons of water. If it takes 20 seconds to fill a 2 gallon bucket, and you put the garden hose on a plant for 10 seconds, you will have given that plant one gallon of water. That first year my mom taught me, I was plenty scared, I went to our local government library and read stuff, I got info from my mom's girlfriend, and that is where I came up with the system of run your water into the bucket, and say "one mississippi, two mississippi," etc., that way you know how many gallons of water you have on each plant. I thank God that my mom and her girlfriend taught me about gardening some 20 or so years ago, with all of the problems going on. I'm no master gardener, but I can grow veggies, and that is thriftyfun! By Carol L.
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Use Safety Straps to Secure Purse While Shopping Whenever I'm shopping, and shopping carts are available, I "strap" my purse into the child seat. Doing this allows me to shop and not have to worry about my purse being stolen. By ptbyarspp from Lockney, TX Contest Contender!
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Cooking Oil Spray Kills Kitchen Ants I learned today that the cheap nonstick cooking oil spray kills black kitchen ants on contact, even if it lacks the ability to keep them from coming back. By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN Contest Contender!
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My boyfriend works at UPS and he uses a black crayon to mark boxes. He called me at work to ask me how to remove melted, dried crayon from his work clothes and the dryer. Needless to say I was not a happy camper, lol. He used a magic eraser on the dryer and it worked completely. Then he sprayed his clothes with Simple Green cleaner, let them soak for 20-30 minutes. He washed them in hot water with Oxyclean, a regular cup of laundry soap, and a regular cup of Dawn (regular being the cup you use with the laundry soap). He let washer agitate for a little bit then let them soak for 30 minutes then rinsed and they were clean. All I can say is thank God I was at work, LOL. Also no WD40 smell. The Simple Green is organic so it won't hurt septic systems which I have. Thanks so much for this site. It saved us about $300.00 in clothes for work. By jwalkjes from Gulfport, MS Contest Contender!
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Can a Peppermint Air Freshener Repel Mice? If the odor of peppermint oil is a repellent for mice, then wouldn't using an air freshener with peppermint fragrance do the same thing? By Fairhope from Alabama, Gulf Coast Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28529706.tip.html
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Rate It: Tips for Traveling With an Infant Does anyone have any tips for a woman traveling by plane, alone with her 8 mo. old son? Thanks! By MarionO from Alta Loma, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63825404.tip.html
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Rate It: Chocolate Milk Stains on Seat Belts How can I cleaning chocolate milk off of the seat belts in the car? By Louie#7 from Sturgis, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28515087.tip.html
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Rate It: Storing Rolls of Wrapping Paper I would like some tips for storing Christmas paper rolls. I hate when the cut end of the roll gets torn and wrinkled and hung up on the others. Then you have to waste a large amount to get to the "good" paper. I know rubber bands help some, but is there something even better? Thanks. By minnabird from VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64051748.tip.html
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Rate It: I have underarm odor. I have tried all kinds of deodorants. I have tried alcohol and vinegar. Nothing seems to work for long periods of time. Does anyone have any other suggestions? By susiebaker Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37104898.tip.html
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Rate It: Product Review: Magnetic Laundry System Product: Magnetic Laundry System Manufacturer: Powerful Life Green Products Has anyone brought the Magnetic Laundry System? It costs $50.00 and does away with using detergents. The idea sounds too good to be true! By bundibund from Daytona Beach, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22902126.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing Snags in Microfiber Shirt How do I repair the numerous "pulls" in the new microfiber, polyester "stay dry" golf shirts? I have tried pulling the fabric in different directions and pulling the threads to the inside of the shirt, nothing works. By JoAnneB1 from Central NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90206005.tip.html
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Rate It: Planning a Small 10th High School Reunion I am planning a 10-year reunion for a very small class. I don't expect more than 30 people to attend, including spouses. Some guests will also bring their young children (3 years and under). What can I do to motivate people to come? I think we will be doing it at the High School we attended, as it was recently renovated and it would be interesting to see the changes. But what then? Any suggestions will help. Thanks. By kraw from Nova Scotia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41303515.tip.html
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Rate It: Any ideas to insulate my mobile home? The floors and walls are cold and I am restricted on money. By lrrn567 from Bristol, CT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39903627.tip.html
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Rate It: Table Covers for Graduation Party I am having a college graduation party and I was wondering if I should use cloth table covers or plastic tablecloths? I am using paper plates and cups. By czarate from Visalia, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57584082.tip.html
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Rate It: Ideas for a Black, White and Red Wedding Is anyone selling damask items for a wedding? Does anyone know where I can find ideas for a black and white wedding, with a touch of red? By KathieR from Middletown, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60756271.tip.html
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Rate It: My sisters and I are planning a surprise 75th birthday party for my mom in August and we are looking for some ideas on what to do. We are using black and gold for the colours. Help. By Doolahin Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47302816.tip.html
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Rate It: I have my garden in containers. My dog has never shown interest in my garden until today. He's destroyed 3 of my okras already. He's not eating the plants just playing in the dirt in the pots. He did it once early this morning, and when I just went out to water, he had done it again. How can I keep him out of my containers? It's only the okra right now for some reason. Hardiness Zone: 9b By leitharenea from Tarkington Prairie, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81932575.tip.html
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Rate It: I am a female who has very coarse hair on her legs. I can not find a razor that gives smooth results. Any suggestions? By Balber from Buffalo, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47523409.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Wheel from Toro Lawn Tractor I am trying to pull off the right rear wheel from an old Toro lawn tractor in order to put on a new tire. I tried rust free oil hammer, but I am afraid I will damage the cast aluminum trans case. A small puller will not work. By Ed from Winnfield Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92261216.tip.html
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Rate It: I want to buy a new set of curtains for the used Pop Up camper we bought. Does anyone know where I can get them? By redstone from NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98485034.tip.html
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Rate It: Decorating a Small Master Bedroom I am looking for ideas to decorate a small master bedroom. By hjasso05 from Fontana, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53130694.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Candle Wax from Carpet and Wall I had a red candle sitting on a candle warmer on top of the old radiator (doesn't work anymore). My cat knocked the candle onto the carpet. I scraped as much of it as I could and vacuumed the rest. I then used the paper towel and iron method, but it didn't pull all of the wax out of the carpet. There is still some left. I am at a loss as to what to do now. Any further suggestions? Also, it did stain the radiator and window sill. Should I just paint over it, or are there any suggestions to get the pink color off of the paint? By Briannaleam from ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42469480.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Scuffs from Prada Shoes How do I remove black scuffs on Prada shoes? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87719950.tip.html
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Rate It: I'm trying to find out how or were I can get a TWIC card for work as a longshoreman? By JamesL from Jacksonville, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60285582.tip.html
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Rate It: Reprogramming Keyless Car Entry How do I reprogram my keyless entry code on my car? By Kdillon Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94758185.tip.html
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Rate It: We have a family of raccoons, babies and all, that has started living in a shed we have by a house are trying sell. Does anyone have any humane tips for getting these critters to find a new home? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34654049.tip.html
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Rate It: Homemade Cleaner for Glass Stove Top Other than baking soda and vinegar, what inexpensive ideas would you have for cleaning a glass cook top stove? By bevstoy from IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59499606.tip.html
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Rate It: We are seeking to go green, totes, food, and other items. Also really cheap, if not free ways to go solar with our home or wind power. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thank you. By ladyward from Las Animas, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22031301.tip.html
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Rate It: Do you know of any hair conditioners without lanolin or perfumes? By Suedevine from Cucamonga, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94509843.tip.html
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Rate It: How do you remove TSP from glass? It was used to clean bugs off of the car and it got on the windshield. We've tried glass cleaners, Mr. Clean, Softscrub, razor blade, etc. By sltracy from TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24696462.tip.html
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Rate It: Hair Relaxing Product Caused Hair Loss I am in a hair fashion emergency. I dyed my hair back to its original color which is black about a week ago. I relaxed my hair today. I was washing it out and all my hair started falling out in clumps, I freaked out and had a panic attack. Now my hair is very thin and looks and feels weak. I have a weave sewn into my hair and now the hair that is suppose to cover the track is gone or the hair is very short like it was cut or chopped off. I need to know if there is something that I can use to cover up the area where the tracks are showing and make the hair look longer, fuller or thicker until the hair starts to grow back. Is there a hair mousse that I can use or spray? Or maybe clip ons? I don't want to spend a lot of money just to fix one spot or area of my hair. Where can I go to find a clip on piece for no more than $20-30? Also I need the mousse or spray to have a coloring effect as well because now the hair that was dyed had changed color to like maybe a cooper or a brownish color. I am traveling this week to a very important event and I cant have my hair look like this. Can somebody help me please? By crlyn30 from Brooklyn, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38734121.tip.html
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Rate It: Grass Growing in Cracks in Concrete We have a concrete floor in our garden, some of it is a foundation of a previous building and quite deep. There are several cracks in the concrete where there is grass and weeds growing. We want to put tiles on the whole floor, however we are not sure how to stop the grass and weed growth in the concrete for good. We want to be sure that the grass don't grow in cracks once we have tiles layered on top of concrete and eventually cracking the tiles too. We are not sure using weed killer in the cracks will stop weeds growing in the future. How about laying a membrane on top of concrete and then putting another layer of concrete and then tiles, will that stop grass growing in the cracks ? A third suggestion was putting glue in the cracks, will that stop grass growing through cracks? We tried filling the cracks with some cement mixture, but the grass still grew through minor cracks. Any suggestion will be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Hardiness Zone: 10b By s1d from London Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf731086.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a homemade recipe for carpet cleaner. By pajama36 from Howell, mi Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf248794.tip.html
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Rate It: Names for a Child Care Business What is a good and creative name for a child's daycare center? By trae24 from Columbia, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43706947.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: Saving Money is Easy Saving money is easy! Try some of these tips and you'll see how much difference it makes to the budget. I only shop now once a month and we go without nothing. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58868375.tip.html
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