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Garden: Bumblebee on a Flower

Walk softly and carry a good camera.

By Travis from Columbus, OH

Bumblebee And Flower

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Decorate Your Own Birthday Cupcakes

Instead of serving cake at your child's next birthday party let them decorate their own cupcakes! We did this for my sisters 8th birthday and it was a huge hit. Clean-up is a breeze too, just pull up the table cloth all around the mess and toss in the trash!

By Dominique from Kalamazoo, MI

Decorate Your Own Birthday Cupcakes

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Craft Project: Tole Painted Woodcut Birdhouse

This small birdhouse and bird decoration is a classic example of country style painting. It uses a woodcut birdhouse and bird as the canvas. Various crafts paints are used to do a type of "Tole Painting" to create a wholesome, country theme.

Tole Painted Woodcut Birdhouse

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Dallas (Yellow Lab)

Dallas is a 6 year old yellow lab. We got her on 2/28/2003. She was a gift for me from my husband and daughter.

She loves to play ball, swim, go jetsking or kayaking with her daddy. We play hide-n-seek too!

By luv2boat24

Dallas (Yellow Lab)

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Craft: Recycle a Bookcase Into a Stool

I took a simple bookcase (one large board with two smaller boards nailed on each end) and transformed it into a "potty" stool for my grandchildren. I painted it and put the children's names on the legs of the stool.

If I want to recycle the stool after it has served its purpose, I will paint it again, "flip" the stool over and use as a small bookcase.

By Jose from Tennessee

Recycle A Bookcase Into A Stool

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Tip Contest
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Photo Contest
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The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners, 2 photo winners (1 photo and 1 pet photo) and 1 recipe winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

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School Shopping at an Outlet Mall

We plan an all day trip to Reading, PA to shop at the Vanity Fair Outlets on a weekday or a Saturday. It is a beautiful scenic trip. We make a list of all the clothing, shoes, sneakers, and school needs, etc. and spend most of the day there. We'll eat there and shop. It is a fairly large outlet mall.

Then we set our navigator to go to ShadyMaple Smorgasborg in East Earl, PA to have a divine supper. Bring a camera, the view is gorgeous!

Then it is back on the road to home.

By Stephen from Jackson, NJ

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Buy Gift Cards For Christmas With Every Paycheck

Every payday throughout the year I buy gift cards. I mix them between cards for stores that I know people I buy for buy from and Visa or AmEx gift cards. Some folks get the gift cards for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas/Related Holidays and for the ones that "have to have a gift", I use Visa/AmEx cards to purchase them.

It sure helps out a lot through the year, especially when you forget someone and need to scramble for a gift -- you don't have to scramble for money as well!

Source: Necessity

By Michael the Moe from Forestville, MD

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Folding Plastic Bags For Storage

To store plastic bags in an even smaller space, take and fold the bag in quarters, lengthwise. Take all the air out, starting at the bottom fold it so it is a triangle shape and fold it this way to the top.

Take and tuck in the handles, and there you have it a small triangle to store (fold it the way they do a flag). You can put about 35-50 of these in a Ziploc bag . They are easy to carry in your purse or pocket or back pack if you use a store where you need to bring your own bags.

It is a little time consuming, but not much in the long run.

Happy folding.

By Debbie from Owen Sound, Ontario

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Hurricane Tips Learned from Hurricane Dolly

Having just survived Hurricane Dolly, I discovered a couple of things we should do to be prepared if we have to evacuate. Of course pictures/inventory of all your belongings is important and should be put on disc, which I have been lax in doing.

Also in a bag to be grabbed should be copies of your User Guides for appliances etc. When I purchase an item I staple the receipt to the book and keep them all in a large ziplock bag. I need to put it with the pictures and VCR tapes of personal family experiences. (I also haven't put them on CD's as I don't know how to do it) Also copies of Insurance policies should be there too.

I was lucky and didn't have any big damage except for a bowed in vinyl fence which is fixable. A lot of neighbors lost shingles and the whole area suffered wind, flooding, power outage for several days and mosquitoes. Guess we don't think about all this until it happens to us.

By Ruth from Harlingen, TX

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Johnson Baby Shampoo Will Kill Fleas

Johnson Baby Shampoo will kill fleas on your dog. We had a real bad flea outbreak this week, I had no idea how badly my male was infested out in the kennel. I was desperate and I know liquid soaps will smother fleas usually.

I didn't want to bath my dogs in Dawn, or other shampoos so I decided if baby shampoo was safe for a newborn, it couldn't hurt my dogs, not to mention I didn't want it burning their eyes.

I really didn't expect it to do the job it did. After wetting my dog, I squeezed a line of Johnson baby shampoo from the top of his head to his rump, I smeared it around a little to keep it from running, then I squeezed out more in my hand and started under his neck, I worked from his head to his rump.

I was amazed let me tell you, I rubbed and scratched and worked up a good lather, I saw dead fleas dropping everywhere, I did not see one flea crawling.

He was in such bad shape I bathed him twice. I told my husband I was so ashamed that he had gotten that infested and we didn't even notice.

Anyway, after a good rinse, and I do mean a really good rinse. I pulled him out of the tub, towel dried him and ran the flea comb through his fur, I pulled out fleas, but not one was living.

I ended up bathing all five of my grown Bostons and six puppies. They all had a few fleas, but not one flea lived through the Johnson's Baby Shampoo.

I believe it is very important to rinse them well, even something as gentle as baby shampoo can dry the skin out.

I have been walking around with a flea comb in my pocket so I can do a constant check. We are in the process of treating all the area so the dogs are staying close to the house.

We haven't quite figured out the best yard treatment yet. We want something safe and effective.

By Susan from Millwood, GA

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Frugal Faux Wedding Cake

My fiance Ken and I just pushed up our wedding date from November 1st to October 5th. So we don't have a lot of time and most definitely not a lot of money. We just found out that Ken's son has enlisted in the Marines and will be leaving on October 17th.

So one of the many ideas I have swimming inside my head was a how can we cut the cost of a wedding cake? So why not a fake 3 tier box cake and then have a sheet (real) cake in the back. The idea is to have a slot on "cake" and have note cards for our guests to put their well wishes into or they can use it to put their wedding cards. This way we still have the feeling of a cake but not the expense. Here's what I did.

Materials

1 (top) box - Wedding Card box from the dollar store (what a lucky find!)
1 (middle) box - Toy Castle from the dollar store (this needed to be put together and was a little bit bigger)
1 (bottom) box - case of beer that holds bottles (not the one for cans)
Wire ribbon - 3 spools, white in color, from dollar store
Tulle - 15 yds cream in colored, from dollar store
Silk flowers - 4 packs, cream in colored, from dollar store
Pull Bows - 3, white in color, from the dollar store
Glue gun and pins.

Instructions:

Cover the beer box with white computer paper. Spray painted the toy castle box white. Stacked the boxes according to size, I made sure the slot in the top box faces the front not up. This way I can put a wedding topper on the top. Take tulle and start wrapping snuggly from the bottom up until you get a nice smooth look. You also want to include the top and cut and glue down and cover with ribbon the tulle when you get the slot in the box. Kinda play with it a bit to make sure it's all even.

Take the white wire ribbon and wrap around the bottom of the each box and secure with glue gun. I took the silk flowers and put them in the middle of the bottom tier and on the center tier, I found this wonderful ribbon that had my fiancés and mine favorite colors in it and centered that on the center tier.

I cascaded the pull bows on each tier. Next to the top bow I'll have our cake topper that has our initials on it and in each bow I'm going to have 2 little charms with my kids names on it and the other bow I'll have 2 little charms with Ken's 2 kids initials on it also.

This is our third time around for both of us... :-)

My picture is not the finished version but when it is I'll send it.

By Karen from Tinley Park, IL

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Removing Labels from Plastic Containers

It's nice to use the clear plastic bakery containers from Superstores for your own food giving, but what about the label? Try to pull very slowly so it comes off in one piece, then use the label itself instead of commercial products to remove the glue residue. Place it over the glue spots, scrape your fingernail across it, and pull it up. Much of the glue will come off. If you keep dabbing the label on, then pulling off, then dabbing, etc., soon you will have a residue-free container with no scratch marks that you can re-use.

By Patricia from Imperial, NE

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Steaming Outfits in the Shower

Here's a tip that I do on a daily basis. I hang my outfit in the shower and the steam from it takes all of the wrinkles out of them (even hanger lines).

I put up an extra shower bar (spring type that you have to twist to fit your shower stall) right above my head... of course, I'm short and maybe this is why it works for me. LOL

To hang pants, use a hanger and two clothes line clips. Put the hips on the hanger and clip them there so it doesn't fall off.

I haven't had to iron a thing since I've started doing this. Of course, as soon as I take clothes out of the dryer or off of the clothes line, I hang them on hangers. Preventing extra wrinkles ahead of time saves you time and energy as well.

I hope this helps someone out!

Misty from Wooster, Ohio

Editor's Note: Don't let the water hit the clothing while you are showering, just the steam.

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Tips For Reusing Canning Jars

To save money on canning, most jars that food came in will work just as well as "canning jars." Save the ones that are the size you need and are nice thick quality. The important thing is to use canning jar lids that are in excellent condition with no evidence rust and chips, and that securely fit your jars. It's ok to re-use the metal lid twist on "band" part, as long as the sealing center part is good.

After canning, always test the seal. It should cause a "popping: sound when cooling. That let's you know it is vacuum sealed. If you have one or two that don't seal, all is not lost. Simply refrigerate and use soon.

This will salve money, since jars can be costly.

Also, I find canning jars and sometimes new boxes of lids/ and or bands at rummage sales, yard sales, and sometimes on sale at the end of canning season in the grocery store.

By Grayce from Fort Pierce

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Track Grocery Prices To Find Deals

I saved grocery receipts for 1 month, then created a spread sheet with the prices of the items I buy frequently. I continue to add to it each time I shop. Now, when I see "a sale", I check to see if it really a good price or not.

By Leslie from Brandon, MS

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

A young mother of a newborn girl announced to her husband, "I've made up my mind. We'll call our daughter Eulalia."

The new father did not care for this choice at all, but he was a very tactful young man. He said, "That's fine, honey. The first girl I loved was named Eulalia, and it will evoke pleasant memories."

The wife was silent for a moment, then said, "We'll call her Mary after my mother."

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

Removing Sap from a Deck

How do I remove pine tree sap (already white - dry) from a wooden deck?

Warren

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Anyone Used the Shark Steam Mop?

I'm looking for reviews on a product called the Steam Shark. Do you like it, and is it worth the price?

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Reusing Honey Bear Containers

I am looking for cute, crafty ways to reuse bear shaped honey containers. Any suggestions?

Carol from Iowa

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Nail Polish on Leather Furniture

How do you get nail polish off of leather?

Nancy

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How long does puppy house training take?

My 15 week old Jack Russel poops outside but she pees in the house. She is a good dog and she has had all her injections. How long does it take to train a puppy like her? Is it ok to give her raw mince meat, as she won't eat dog food? She is very active and healthy. Please help. Thank you.

Lesley

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Removing Gum From Clothing

How do you get gum out of clothing?

Monicaann from Staten Island, NY

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Pastor Appreciation Ideas

I know this is a little early for this question but I want to get a jump on it and know ahead of time. I was wondering if you all had some good ideas on what to do for a pastor and his wife for Pastor Appreciation which is in October? Any ideas will greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch.

Teresa from VA

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Where can I buy sweet gum balls?

Where can I buy sweet gum balls?

Rebecca from West Midlands

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Fix a Squeaky Shoe

I have squeaky tennis shoes. How do I stop it?

Jack from Tampa, FL

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Injury To Bottom Of Dog's Paw

I originally thought my Shih Tzu/Maltese could have hip dysplasia, but I looked at the bottom of her foot (paw) last night and saw that one of the black dots (I don't know what they are) is gone. She is limping on this paw. Can anyone tell me what this black thing is called and what I should do?

Pamela from Saginaw, MI

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Reusing Ziploc Freezer Bags

Can you reuse Ziploc freezer bags after you have defrosted what was already in it? It seems like a lot of money to keep throwing them away.

Joyce from Danvers, MA

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Looking For Hawaiian Woodrose Seeds

I am looking for Hawaiian baby Woodrose seeds/pods. Can anyone help me please?

Rebecca from West Midlands

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Using Vintage Railroad Spikes

I have a box of vintage railroad spikes. Any suggestions on what to do with them? Ideas welcomed and appreciated.

anbsmommy from Spanaway, WA

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Removing Embroidery Transfers From Fabric

How do you remove iron on transfers (the kind for embroidery) from fabric? They are not clear enough to see the design. They have been washed several times but that did not remove the blue color.

Cinnamon from Williams Lake

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Natural Diet For Bladder Cancer Patient

Does any one have a good natural diet for bladder cancer patients? One with no red meat, etc. I am looking for help for a cancer patient family member

Mary from Florida

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"Tough As Tile" Tub Epoxy Product

Where can I buy "Tough As Tile" Tub Epoxy for refinishing a bathtub?

Ruth

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Self Propelled Mower Takes Off Without Depressing The Handle

I have a Poulan Pro self propelled mower that when it is turned on will take off without depressing the handle that is suppose to make it move. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Ricardo from Alice, Texas

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Removing Scratches On Glass

How do I get rid of scratches on glass?

Joy from Long Island

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Getting Rid Of Caterpillars

Does anyone have a home remedy to get rid of caterpillars? I had several yesterday climbing up the sides of my house in the backyard. They're hairy, green striped with black heads, and reddish orange stripes underneath.

Our yard was mowed yesterday and I have flower gardens with roses, salvia greggi, victorian lace salvia, butterfly bushes and a pecan tree. I've never had trouble with caterpillars in the seven years we've lived here. Help!

Hardiness Zone: 8b

dkgrammy from Fort Stockton, TX

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Painting Bathroom With Light Pink Fixtures

I just got married, and we live in a house that was built in the 1800s. I am trying to make the place look better and have done the kitchen, office, and two bedrooms. Now I am on the hardest yet, the bathroom. I can only afford to repaint it right now. The ceiling is a very textured white with gold specs in it, the tub and sink are both light pink, and above the tub/shower there are light pink little tiles. I have no ideas on what colors to paint the walls and trim! Help!

Audrey from Maine

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Places In New Jersey To Take My Daughter For Her 11th Birthday

I am looking for places to take my daughter for her 11th birthday in Northern New Jersey.

Angela from Newark, New Jersey

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Repairing Holes in Aluminum

I'm looking for ways on how to repair a hole in my aluminum storm door.

Judy from Traverse

Repairing Holes in Aluminum

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Saving Money on Houseplants

Tips and advice for saving money on houseplants. Please share you ideas below.

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Removing Drink Rings On Veneer

I have a couple of white ring marks on my dining table. It is veneer, would the iron and cloth technique work?

Valerie

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Using Vinegar for Fleas

Can I get rid of fleas on my pets with vinegar?

Karen Burley From Norwood, GA

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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

Beware "CNN.com Daily Top 10" emails; actually malware

Thousands (possibly millions) of users are receiving what looks like an innocuous daily missive from CNN.com (it sails right through spam filters), offering links to the "Daily Top 10" stories and videos. Flag these emails as spam, and do not click the links inside. The links will direct you to a malware website and attempt to install dangerous software on your PC. Link to Article

Budgeting for Teaching Supplies
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Teachers have many words that cause them to cringe; standardized tests, after school meetings, and budgets. While some are part of the job, there's a way to beat the last one. Try some of these budget saving tips for your classroom; whether it's your budget you're watching or your district's budget.

Budgeting for Teaching Supplies

Saving Money On School Clothes

It's back to school time again. Here are some tips and advice for saving money on school clothes.

Saving Money On School Clothes

Saving Money on Canning Supplies

Tips and advice for saving money on canning supplies.

Saving Money on Canning Supplies

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Daily Thrifty Tips - August 11, 2008

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