Volume Five, Number 116, June 20, 2006
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Hello,
Here are the results to yesterday's poll:
Would you subscribe to a weekly Crafts newsletter if ThriftyFun published one?
Yes (115) 80%
No (17) 12%
Maybe (12) 8%
It looks like there is a lot of support for a Crafts newsletter!
Here's the new poll:
Poll: Have high gas prices changed the way you commute?
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Susan
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Today's Tips:
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Today's Photos
| Molly the Cat
Molly Is 2 years old. I saw Molly at a pet store. Which the place I didn't really care for. She was in this very small cage where she could hardly move. She did not look healthy. Molly looked scared, thin and not playful at all. My heart was totally broken. I decided she was not going to spend another day/night in that place they so called a "pet shop"! Molly came home with me that day.
Molly likes to take walks with me and my other cat, Mouse, in the woods. But Molly likes when I put Mouse in the house so we can go on our own walks. Because you see Mouse is on a leash. Molly does not need a leash because she listens. Molly and I can walk and walk and she is always right by my side. Molly loves to hunt.
Molly is a very "in charge" kind of cat. When I go down the road to check my mail, Molly is not allowed to come with me. I'll tell her to stay in the yard and I'll be right back. Molly will wait for me at the top of the driveway until I call her to let her know that it is ok to come to me. Then Molly will run like a dog to greet me. She sometimes hops a little in the air. That is so funny. She loves to run under the leaves when I rake the yard. Sometimes you can't even see her. I always tell her she is a good girl and she will always be my Babymolly.
By Margarita from Greentown
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| Sparky and Pepper
Pepper is a 7 year old Siamese Lynx Point and Sparky is a 9 month old Orange Tabby.
I got Pepper at the Arizona Humane Society and Sparky was a stray kitten in my parents barn in Michigan. He was so cute I took him to Arizona and he loves being an indoor kitty.
They like to chase each other around the house and harass my dog Kobi.
Pepper is the little blue eyed queen of the house. What she wants she gets and it's on her terms. Sparky is Mr. Lovable. He's a bit of a runt but big on attitude and affection.
By Elizabeth Diethelm from Cave Creek, AZ
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| Picture Frame from Recycled Items
I was sorting my stuff in the garage and found this old picture frame. It was covered with paint stains around the wooden frame and looked so dirty. The glass was still in good conditon as well as the stand. So I told myself, I can recycle this and use it for my nephew's baby picture.
How did I do it? I found a hard paper with a tiny squares and colorful design in my paper box. I cut those tiny squares, glued them neatly around the frame. Since my frame is half inch thick, I glued another strip of white paper around the frame.
To make my frame look more fancy, I got my leftover ribbons, white and blue, and glued it around the framed.
Now, I have a recycled picture frame for my cute nephew.
By Janice from Boise, ID
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Today's Tips
| My Frugal Life - An Active, Frugal Family
I am 43 years old and my husband is 40. He has just recently completed nursing school so, for the last 2 years, money has been extremely tight. We have 3 children, two teenagers and a five year old. Prior to my husband's schooling, we both worked extra to pay off all outstanding debts. He only worked 32 hours a month while in school, I worked full time as a waitress. We started shopping at Aldi's grocery store and saved about $40 a week there.
For the past two Christmases, we have only taken cash to shopping and a list with the amount we can spend on each person. The teens got $100 cash wrapped in a big box, $30.00 worth of movie tickets, a gift certificate to a local science center, roller skating rink or things like that. I know it sounds expensive but to those of you who have children, you're going to end up spending the money anyway, so give it as a gift. The way we see it is two for the price of one; more stuff under the tree and they have the means to go do what they enjoy (shop and hang out with their friends).
Check into family passes at your local pool or amusement park. Usually 2 visits takes care of the price. In our local area, we can get a family pass to the Louisville Zoo for $65.00, good for a year. Then when we vacation, it will get us into other zoos for free or half price. Last summer, we went to Cincinnati. We went to Kings Island Amusement Park where we got two for 1 tickets through my husband's job. We went to the zoo for free, then to the Newport Aquarium for 1/2 price. We camped at a nearby state park. We had a nice vacation for 5, including meals and gas, for about $550.00. This year we are going to a state park in Kentucky. This will include camping, hiking, river rafting, rock climbing, swimming and fishing for the total cost of $400.00. We will be spending 4 days there.
We also hit every free festival that we can make. I usually have the older kids earn their own spending money by doing chores around the house and that is what they can bring with them. Last week, our town had its festival and the teens spent their money on climbing the rock wall and a snack. On the fourth of July this year, we are going to a free concert, Trace Atkins in Louisville, Kentucky, just across the Ohio river from where we live. It also has free fireworks. You can only bring in bottled water so there is the cost of food. Last year, we went and saw Jo Dee Messina there and wound up spending $30.00 for food. I didn't think that was too bad for 5 people for an all day outing. They have free tents set up for kids activities, plus the adventure sprinkler park is on the same property, which is free and a GREAT WAY to cool off.
This year, we are Walking For Fathers, a prostrate cancer awareness walk. If you raise $100.00 in donations, you get 2 free tickets to Six Flags, 4 tickets to Churchill Downs and 4 tickets to the local minor league baseball game. Do a good cause and get something in return. If nothing else, you teach your children to give. We always do our local river clean up of a section of the Ohio river bank, it is a fun morning with the kids.
My husband is very handy. Last year, he built our patio. Out of found driftwood, he built the furniture and a privacy fence for our backyard. This year, he has almost completed a treehouse for himself (oh, I mean, for the 5 year old) made almost entirely out of salvaged driftwood. The entire cost of the treehouse project will be about $150.00. That includes the play features: rock climbing wall, hammock, rope swing, and swinging bridge, and a chalkboard inside for those important secret messages. Everyone is helping on this project, the kids are learning something and it is fun.
I shop at the Goodwill for most of my things and the 5 year old. The teens are a different story, so I give them a set amount of money. If they choose to spend it all on two or three items, then that is what they have. They are learning to be careful shoppers. Hey, Walmart and the Goodwill don't look so bad to them anymore.
We frequent the local library for day camps for the little one, and movies for all volunteer days for the teens. We also joined the YMCA. The kids take free karate lessons there, they have an indoor pool (great for the winter), nice teen room and activities for them. Midnight basketball is the last thing that they did there. Plus, I get to work out too. If you're really tight for money, they have a student rate or a sliding fee scale. My 13 year old daughter also goes to the local boys and girls club for cooking classes, dance classes etc., the cost is $15.00 a year. My 5 year old takes gymnastics free through our church, plus they have Fun Fridays once a month all year long; with stories, plays, games food, everything. I could go on and on with all there is to do to save money. You do have to get involved, spend a little time but it is well worth it. The kids are up and ready to head out to the library and then to the Y. I'm set for a fun free day with my kids.
Billie Jo from Jeffersonville IN
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| 10 Ways To Reuse a Potato Chip Bag
Here are 10 ways to reuse potato chip bags.
- On Picnics or parties, use for most any food that doesn't need a lid container.
- Use in car trunk to store either clean or dirty rags.
- Use to wrap up breakables for transporting.
- Put babies dirty diapers, especially throwaways when you are going to use a public trash can.
- Use to store or carry baseballs. You can get about 12 hardballs in a large bag or 6 softballs.
- Use the bag to collect berries, pine cones, or any other little treasures you find on your nature walks.
- Use to carry your caught fish home.
- Use to bury your desceased pet parakeet, fish, gerbils or hamster. Just wrap them up in a bag and bury.
- Use as a trash bag for your vehicle.
- A large empty potato chip bag will make 2 one time picnic table place mats.
So don't trash your chip bag. Reuse It.
By Mr. Thrifty from Shermans Dale, PA
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| Cleaning Tomato Sauce Stains from Plastic
I grew up knowing this simple and free way to remove tomato stains from fabric and plastics (like Tupperware and high-chair trays), I thought everyone knew. But apparently not. It couldn't be easier or cheaper! Simply wash the item as usual, then lay it in the sun to dry. Pure, natural God given sunlight will remove the tomato stains!
By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX
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| Using Styrofoam Blocks
From Styrofoam blocks taken from a new TV box, I created 4 different organizers and a wall flower display with dried or artificial flowers.
I made organizers for my desk, bedroom night stand, bathroom sink top and kitchen counter. Each block came with 2 holes, 6 1/2 inches long and 3 inches deep, 1 inch wide and one other hole 3 inches long, 3 inches deep and 1 inch wide
The length of each entire block is 22 inches by 6 inches high and 4 1/2 inches wide.
On the desk and bedroom organizer, I cut their size to 13 1/4 inches in length.
The Desk Organizer stores craft knife pens and pencils glue stick note pad, bills to be paid, postage stamps in book, a few different size envelopes, and even a small chain of paperclips.
The Bedroom Organizer holds 3 plastic tubes to put loose change in It also holds various change wrappers, a pencil and pen, a note pad and a place to hold an empty cd case or to put my wallet, keys and watch.
The Bathroom Organizer had a built in soap dish or a place to lay your watch or rings tray.
In the kitchen, the whole small section was used to store plastic utensils, while the 2 larger ones stored favorite recipes cards and coupon organizers. The soap dish side holds about a dozen dish rags. And, yes, I kept the kitchen organizer away from all heat.
Now for the wall centerpiece/artificial or dried flower planter.
Cut it to size and turn it to the solid side. Decorate with colored magazine pictures. Arrange your flowers then either hang on wall with picture hangers or display on tables or counters.
Decorating these Styrofoam blocks should be done to your tastes.I prefer using parts of landscape from magazines pictures cut to fit. This is, in my opinion, the hardest part. I cover the picture over with plastic wrap. I fasten the pictures with plain straight pins.
So, there you go! The next time you buy a TV or other appliance, don't just right away discard the Styrofoam. Make something useful out of it.
Oh I guess you want to know what tools I used.
- My Imagination
- A craft knife
- old magazines (pictures)
- scissors
- A box of plain straight pins
- Either picture wire or just plain hangers
- Dried or artificial flowers
- The time it takes to create these things
For me it took a many an hour to select and cut out the right pictures to size. I wish I could show you them, but I don't have a scanner.
Good Luck To You All, Happy Crafting.
By Mr. Thrifty from Shermans Dale, PA
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| Homemade Sidewalk Chalk
Sidewalk chalk art can be a lot of fun for kids and the chalk is easy to make yourself using Plaster of Paris.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Plaster of Paris
- 1/2 of water
- powdered tempera paint
- Something to use as a mold *
Directions:
Mix the water, Plaster of Paris and powdered tempera paint. The more tempera paint you add, the deeper the color of the chalk will be. Then pour the mixture into you mold.
* Mold Ideas
Toilet Paper Roll: A toilet paper roll works as a mold. Just seal one end with duct tape and pour the mixture into the mold and let it dry. When I use toilet paper rolls I like to let it dry for over 24 hours. You can line the toilet paper roll with wax paper so that the chalk will easily slide out.
Egg Cartons: Egg cartons are nice because you can do numerous different colors in one mold.
Dixie Cups: 5 ounce dixie cups also work well.
Film Cannisters: Just line with wax paper and the chalk will slide right now.
Note: Be sure to follow all safety precautions on the Plaster of Paris box. And, this makes a mess!
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| Water Conservation - What You Can Do
Considering the fact that we are now in a Stage 3 Water Conservation, I was wondering what else could be done to support our city's situation.
I have heard about people who keep extra containers in the kitchen in which to pour the water that is used for rinsing veggies and other light kitchen duties, but not suitable for drinking.
I always thought it was a great idea, but never got around to doing it until now.
The results of this morning's efforts at water conservation:
I watered two very large planters for free by using water from rinsed veggies and running water through the purifier for a couple of minutes, first thing in the morning to clear it out.
Not bad for a couple of minutes' worth of work.
By the time I ran the disposal I was feeling badly that the extra water was going into the sewer instead of in the garden.
If you do this, you will be surprised at how much water actually goes down the drain when you quickly fill up double quart pitchers doing routine kitchen maintenance.
Once the Water Conservation ends, I think that the water jug from veggie washing will continue.
By Holly from Richardson, TX
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| Uses for Pillsbury Refrigerated Crusts
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
I love to purchase the Pillsbury refrigerated crusts when they are on sale. They are also a great price if I have a coupon. You can use the crusts to make yummy shaped cinnamon-sugar cookies. Sprinkle the cutouts with the sugar and cinnamon mixture to taste, then bake on a ungreased cookie sheet at 350 F until light brown, about 10 to 12 mins.
Strawberry Shortcake
Or use the crusts to make a great strawberry shortcake. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees F. Unroll the pie crusts and place them on a ungreased baking sheet. Place one egg in a bowl and whisk it well. Brush the crust lightly with the egg, and sprinkle with a teaspoon of sugar. Use your pizza cutter and cut the pie crust into eight wedges on the pan so they will not stick together when baking. Bake uncovered for 10 to 13 mins, until lightly browned. Remove from oven, cool on rack for 5 to 10 mins., or until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, place a wedge on a serving plate, spoon about half a cup strawberries and juice on top. Cover with whipped cream or light cool whip. Top with another crust wedge. Spoon more strawberries and juice over each serving. Top with more whip cream and enjoy!
By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX
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| Grocery Shopping With Kids
When grocery shopping with my younger children, I would give each of them 2 quarters to spend in the gumball machines at the end of our trip.
While shopping, they would see all kinds of things that they didn't need, like a certain cereal just because of the toy inside or some over priced item in the toy row. I would just say to them, "Well, if we buy that, you will have to give me your quarters and not get anything out of the machine." They would always keep the quarters and save them for the end of the trip.
Sometimes they would save the quarters to buy themselves a toy at a later time.
By Suzy from Rocklin, Ca
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New Requests
| Reupholstering Wicker Furniture
I found a nice old wicker couch someone had thrown out. It needs new cushion covers. It also only has the arms and back in wicker while the whole base is also upholstered. I will need to remove the cloth from the body of the couch but never have done this before. If anyone who has done this sort of thing who could give me pointers, I'd appreciate it. What tools do I need? Brand names? I wonder if an electric staple gun would be a good idea? Thanks to all.
A.Papaya from Satellite Beach, Florida
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| Preventing Silk Flowers from Fading in the Sun
The silk flowers I place on grave sites seem to fade very fast in the sun. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make the colors stay brighter longer?
BSW66 from COSHOCTON, OHIO
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| Cincinnati Chili Recipe
I am looking for a copycat recipe for Cincinnati Chili (aka Greek chili). A friend of mine brought me a packet, which I lost, but it wasn't specific for ingredients anyway. She was only to find it in Kroger, and doesn't know the recipe either. It is boiled with the hamburger and usually served over spaghetti. IT IS DELICIOUS!!!!! I get good herbs relatively inexpensive at my bulk food section, so I would love to make my own "dry."
camo_angels from Willamina, OR
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| Morning Glory Growing Slowly
I planted Morning Glory by seeds and they have sprouts. They are now 5 inches long but growing slowly. They are in full sun. What is the problem? I expected them to be full and climbing by now.
Hardiness Zone: 6a
Sal from Philadelphia, PA
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| Make Your Own Chain for Eyeglasses
I have been looking for eyeglass chains,the ones that you put around your neck and they hold your eyeglasses. So far, the ones I have found are just plain cords and rather dull. The ones with chains and decorations from optical stores are very pricey. So... I was wondering if anyone knows how you can make them for yourself?
Also, I have been told that the cheaper ones (bought in drugstores and supermarkets for a few bucks) are no good because the glasses just slip off. The cords are 26" long and seem to me, anyway, to be too short. The most expensive ones are very pricey.
Anyone have any suggestions. It would be greatly appreciated because I am always "losing" my glasses.
Thanks,
Anjeena from NY
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| Tips for Growing Sunflowers
I am having a sunflower growing competition with some friends! Could you give me some tips on how to help it grow and can I plant it and leave it in a pot.
Thanks,
Dizzymilly from Suderland, England
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| Chlorine In My Hair
Do i need to hunt down some special shampoo for hair that is getting a daily dose of chlorine? I know it exists but too expensive for my wallet. Does anybody have a homemade remedy for me?
Edie from Owensboro, KY
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| Removing Hard Water Stains From Glass Shower and Tub Doors
Can anyone PLEASE tell me how to remove hard water stains/soap scum from my shower doors? I have tried scrubbing.
Thank you,
Sherri from Petaluma, CA
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| Hair Dye Stains on Hardwood Floors
How can you get hair dye stains off of hardwood floors?
Jerilyn from SK, CA
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| Inexpensive Vacation Ideas
I am wondering what can I do for some sort of vacation. I have been working 2 jobs for the last 9 months and school is out. I don't really have any money to spend. I am somewhat handicapped in that I have to have electricity at night so I can't camp. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sandy from Baltimore, MD
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| Creative Potty Training Ideas
I have a son who just turned three. I am having a really hard time potty training him. I have tried all I can think of. He does not like having a dirty diaper on, but still will not tell me when or if he needs to go potty. Any new and creative ideas are welcome!
Sharlateague from Ashland, Ohio
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| Storing Bagels
What's the best way to store bagels? I am wondering if I should just keep the bagels on the counter in the original bag or should I perhaps keep in the refrigerator? I don't think I need to freeze them as we will probably use them up fast enough. I just wondered if they will go stale or moldy. They are the Thomas' brand.
Thanks,
Debbie from IL
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| Saving on Gas in Australia
I am looking for ideas for saving on gas in Australia. Anything would be great. I saw the poll results and wished that the results were the same here in Australia. Think of us here. I had to convert it to metric and was shocked by the results. For every 1 gallon of gas, here it is about 3.78 litres. We are paying anything up to $1.40 a litre for gas and more in the rural areas. I worked it out (and I hope my calculations are correct) to mean that if we were using the old measurements, it would cost us $5.29 a gallon for gas.
I have a V6 engine car and we are thinking very seriously of trading it in for a smaller engine car but it seems that everyone else has the same idea and there are a lot of ads for my car in the local paper and trading post.
So, apart from walking more (which I'm already doing), I appreciate any tips or gadgets that may get more mileage from our car.
Anyone in Australia have any ideas?
Thanks,
Bev from Rockingham, Western Australia
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| Cleaning Crayon Out of Dryer
I opened the dryer to find an entire load was washed with guess what, crayons in a pocket! So far, I have not had any luck getting the crayons off the clothes or the dryer drum. Lots of things work to get the blue and yellow off the dryer drum, but not the red. I've tried WD-40, toothpaste, a citrus solvent, Soft Scrub, a degreaser and nothing works. On the clothes, I've rewashed the clothes twice with detergent and Oxy-Clean in hot water and now I'm trying it again with baking soda and vinegar. Can anyone help?
Marla from Rocklin, CA
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| Elderberry Jelly Recipes
I need a recipe for elderberry preserves and/or jelly. Thanks in advance for your help.
kmcl59 from Pensacola, FL
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| Snakes Under Our Deck
I just found out that we have lots of snakes under our deck, I am afraid of snakes, please give me an idea of how to get rid of them for good.
Tatijed from New Brunswick, Canada
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| Pet Urine Stains On Hardwood Floors
Can anyone help me with cat urine stains and smell on hardwood floors? I plan on refinishing them so anything will help.
Ginny from Quincy, MA
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| Low or No-Cost Medicine
My sister is in need of low or no-cost medicines. I have seen e-mail address for them but do not remember them. If you can help her, please do and we will be forever grateful. Thank you in advance.
Abbyrose from Maricopa, CA
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| Fire Theme Wedding
We are planning our wedding on February 20, 2007 at the fire hall. We are looking to do a fire theme based wedding and are trying to find things to do with the fire department for the wedding. If you could help us and give us some ideas that would be appreciated!
Sabrina from Westville, NS
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| Creating the Base of My Mohawk
When styling a hair into a mohawk, how wide should the base be? My hair is down to my shoulders, and I've always had a problem with my base width, not to mention trying to keep it up. but I've got the glue thing down now, but the base always looks awkward.
Trishelle from NC
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More Reading
Freezing Bread
By Ellen BrownSelecting High-Quality Breads: If purchasing bread or bread dough for freezing, be sure to check the "sell by" date on the packaging to make sure its fresh. Frozen products, including dough, should be frozen rock solid in air-tight packaging that contains no rips or tears. Allow fresh baked breads to cook completely before freezing.
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