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Vol. 7, Num. 113, June 10, 2008 (Read It Online) It was very difficult to pick contest winners for last week. We had a lot of wonderful entries. Here are the winners... Photo Contest Winner Dakota's Garden
Tip Contest Winners Healthy Living Tips To Keep Weight Off
Baby Wipes For Quick Bathroom Cleanup
Recipe Contest Winner Darlene's Spaghetti Pie
Thanks for reading, Susan
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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:
T-Shirts for a Navy Homecoming My son, a US sailor, was deployed for 7 months. These are the shirts I made for his nieces and nephews to wear to his homecoming . I used sharpie markers to write Freedom in bubble letters on front then used cheap crayons to color them in. If you iron the colored area covered with a sheet of paper, it will stay in cloth. Under that I put "Thank My Uncle David And The back has a US flag and a list of all the countries he went to. By Randa from San Marcos TX
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Rate It: They told me the weather changes so fast in Montana, to be prepared for any kind - they did not however tell me to watch for the 'eyes in the skies'!
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Rate It: Misty is a one year old mini dachshund. I bought Misty from a breeder in Alabama, and highly recommend her, in May of last year.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Firecracker Flower This cute kids craft is perfect for the "Fourth Of July." It has a simple flower shape with a glitter like a bursting firecracker. Make one to hang on the wall, or have a group of children each make one, then hang along the wall with red, white, and blue streamers for decoration!
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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!
Always keep your TV or stereo remote controls FACE DOWN when you're not using them. It's a lot easier to wipe off or clean the smooth backs of the remotes than dust in between all of those little buttons all of the time. Saves a lot of time and aggravation. Now don't you wish you would have thought of that sooner? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40456823.tip.html
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Rate It: I decided to finally re-do the kid's bathroom after finding a great bargain at a yard sale for a bathroom set. The kid's bathroom has really ugly wallpaper and border on the wall it was stuck on there good and tight - 2 layers in fact! I filled a spray bottle (new one from Dollar Tree) with equal mix of water and white vinegar. I sprayed the wall paper and used a pan scraper and started peeling. It took the paper off quickly and without much work. I thought I would share this as a safe, environmentally friendly, and best of super cheap - less then $1 for a large bottle of vinegar. I was able to do the entire bathroom for less then $1! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94989933.tip.html
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Rate It: Vinyl Blinds For Plant Markers I make plant markers by cutting strips of vinyl blinds into 5 inch sections. I write the name and flower color on it using a Sharpie permanent black marker(fine-tip). Then I insert the printed end into the soil next to the plant. When you pull it out, the printing will remain visible indefinitely and you'll always have the name handy. It does not fade, as does the name exposed to the elements. I find a lot of my "recycled" blinds at the curb on garbage-pickup day. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84205234.tip.html
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Rate It: Make a Gift Wishlist for Your Next Holiday Have you ever wanted to do something or go somewhere so bad, but the cost of it, stopped you from doing so? When it comes around to your next birthday or Mother's Day/Father's Day, where you'll be the recipient of a gift. Give a suggestion or wishlist to the loved ones, co-workers, etc. who'll be giving you your gift. Let them all pitch in and get you a gift certificate for whatever you've been wanting to do, Ex: a massage, a hot air balloon ride, etc. Even if you have to pay the difference if their gift certificate is just a tad short of the needed money, you're still that much closer to achieving your dream. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14247170.tip.html
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Rate It: If you use a hair dryer to dry your hair, put a little of your favorite perfume on the back of it, near the air intake, and your hair will take on the scent of the perfume. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94364966.tip.html
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Rate It: I just wanted to throw my two cents in about the generic Zyrtec. My husband does real well on Zyrtec, the allergy medicine. Well we tried to save a little money and bought the Walmart brand equate, there are some differences in the ingredients but we didn't think a lot. NO! Please watch the labels, even small difference can make a BIG change. I was able to contact Zyrtec and I will be getting coupons, so we went back to Zyrtec. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46261464.tip.html
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Rate It: Magic Eraser for Removing Ink From Leather My children's school work got wet and the ink transferred to my light beige leather car seats. I could read the school work on my seats. I went to this site quickly before I left for work. I grabbed a few items suggested: alcohol, hairspray, soap and worked on the spots at red lights. Nothing worked. Went into work and someone told me about MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER. It's by the cleaning products in the store. IT WORKED! No fading! I even tried it on a old rust spot on my sink I could never get out, and it worked! I had to submit this today. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74729280.tip.html
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Rate It: I have two large dogs weighing 88lbs each. It was difficult for me to put them in my SUV. I searched for inexpensive ramps but, was not willing to pay the price. A search on google for "inexpensive dog ramps" turned up a site that gave my directions for making my own dog steps. They are made from cutting a sheet of styrofoam insulation into rectangular pieces, bigger pieces for the bottom and smaller pieces for the top step. These are glued and taped together until they are the height you need. I covered the sides of mine with "wood" contact paper and the top with astroturf. I put a cabinet door handle on the end to make it easier to pick up. This is so lightweight but strong enough for my dogs to climb up on. They just walk right up into the truck. Didn't even have to train them! Love it!! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24955255.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Your Bicycle For Everything I drive very little as I have a bicycle with huge baskets on it. Yes, I always wear my bike helmet and wear proper clothing. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97225937.tip.html
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Rate It: No need to go to the gym or buy anything: exercise equipment, medicine, harmful powders. You can reduce your weight very easily, just from your available kitchen stuff. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87582145.tip.html
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Ideas For Float Themed "Everyone Is Family" Our local community has a parade in the summer with the theme "Everyone Is Family". Any ideas for a simple float? Thanks so much. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30457036.tip.html
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Rate It: Can I Use Peroxide To Get Rid Of Ear Mites? Can I poor peroxide in my dogs ear to get rid of ear mites? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27492316.tip.html
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Rate It: Can Eucalyptus Be Rooted in Water? Can you root eucalyptus in water and then plant in Tennessee? I have a cutting from one that is growing here. Its been in water for a long time but I don't see any roots. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94061098.tip.html
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Rate It: Can Yorkies Eat Homemade Dog Food? I have heard that it is not good for Yorkies to eat homemade dog food, made with meat and veggies? Aren't they better for the dog than most dog food? Considering how they make dog food and what they put in it. What is right? Can you please tell me. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38977964.tip.html
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Rate It: Nail Polish Remover Spilled On Phone I spilled nail polish remover on my phone. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24420469.tip.html
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Rate It: Saving Money on Office Supplies What are you tips for saving money on office supplies? Feel free to post them below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86805130.tip.html
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Rate It: Ford Focus: Light On Dash Keeps Flashing I recently bought a 2008 Ford Focus. Today after putting gas in the car a light started flashing intermittently. It's located on the very bottom left of the dash, it looks like a car with a giant lock symbol. We can't figure out what its for, and how to stop it. It doesn't flash while the car is running, only once its stopped. It's still flashing and the keys out of the ignition. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38712747.tip.html
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Rate It: Weeping Cherry Trees Keep Dying I have planted two different weeping cherry trees, one last year, and one again this year. Both have died within a couple of months after I planted them. Does anyone have a solution to the problem? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94187809.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting a Replacement Canopy for a Garden Swing Does anyone know where I might find a replacement canopy for an outdoor/freestanding garden swing that's not too expensive? We've had the swing for several years, and it's been a good one, however the canopy has weathered and is becoming threadbare. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10556128.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone have ideas for using medicine bottles? I have a bucket full of clean, empty plastic pill bottles. Hate to just toss them. Any good ideas out there? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38464658.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Email Addresses From an Email How can I forward an email without forwarding all the names and email addresses that are included, other than my own? I don't want to take credit for anything, I just don't want the email info of my son and sister to be sent along to the next recipient. Is there a simple way to eliminate those names and addresses and still forward an interesting email? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36648183.tip.html
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Rate It: I am having problems with rats eating my tomatoes. Is there any thing that I could do to stop them? I am not the only one around here that is having this problem. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53650240.tip.html
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Rate It: I had a recipe for potato fudge that was out of this world and I lost it. It was something someone brought to work and he shared the recipe with me and now I have no idea what I did with it. That was two eons and four states ago. Does anyone have a great recipe for potato fudge? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27645578.tip.html
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Rate It: Crochet Patterns For Beginners Does anyone have crochet patterns to share for a beginner. I am home a lot due to arthritis. I would really appreciate any ideas for ornaments or anything small. May god bless. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26413374.tip.html
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Rate It: Dehydrating Fruits and Veggies in the Microwave What do you use to dehydrate fruit and veggies? I'd rather microwave to use less power. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70093140.tip.html
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Rate It: Gift Ideas for a Long-term Boyfriend My boyfriend have been going out 1 year on the 17th of this month. I'm not sure what we can do or where we can go to celebrate it, any ideas? Also, I'm not sure on what present to buy him, as the only things he's really into are cars and computer games. I want to buy him something he'll remember forever. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19951793.tip.html
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Rate It: Painting a Space Saver Cabinet I bought a bathroom space saver a couple of months ago and couldn't figure just why I was not so pleased with it after a couple of weeks. I finally figured out that the dark color (dark brown) made my bathroom appear smaller. It's not that large in the first place. I would like to paint it white, but do not know if I need to prime it first and what kind of paint should I use? (flat, semi-gloss, etc.) Also thought about decoupaging the drawers. What do you think? The bathroom is blue, green and white. Thanks for any and all suggestions.
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Rate It: Protecting Martin Babies From Black Birds Our Purple Martins are being attacked by huge black birds. Is there a way to keep them from stealing the martin babies. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46729193.tip.html
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Rate It: I have recently stopped using all of my favorite scented cleaning products due to all the chemicals and such. I have replaced them with vinegar, baking soda and others. What I miss is the scents. Any ideas on how to scent your home without chemicals, sprays and air fresheners? Thanks to all. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75135459.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a friend who just lost an entire trellis of morning glories. Seems a rabbit is making him or herself at home in her yard. Are there any safe ways to repel rabbits without harming them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68852277.tip.html
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Rate It: Cleaning Baking Dishes Using Peroxide I used to have a formula to clean the brown stuff off baking dishes. I think it had peroxide in it. I tried a few combos but just can't remember what it was. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50040832.tip.html
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Rate It: Online Resources For Teaching Preschool I teach preschoolers. I would really appreciate any help with some internet addresses that may help me with handwriting, alphabet, number work etc. Even craft ideas to go with these subjects. I have looked at some, but seem to go back to the same ones all the time, so I would love any other suggestions any one out there has been on. Thanks for your help Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62750452.tip.html
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Rate It: Slim Fast Type Powder For Diabetics I'm diabetic and I would like to know if anyone has a recipe for SLIM FAST type powder that's diabetic friendly. The regular kind has too many carbs and too much sugar in it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59326051.tip.html
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Rate It: Putting An SOS Pad On A Handle I truly love SOS pads for just about everything. But I was wondering why they don't put them on a handle? I have so many jobs that I need to have then on a handle so I can reach places that need cleaning, but just can't get my hands in the spaces. If they could somehow put the pads on a thin handle to reach under stoves, spills under fridgs. etc. It would truly be a blessing to me. I have tried using paint stirs but cant seem to get the right something that makes the pads stay on the paint stir. Any suggestion? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22188908.tip.html
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Rate It: Recommendations For Mopping Products What do you think is the best mop or cleaning product for mopping floors? I find nothing I use is doing well enough. Does anyone know how well the steam mops work? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66715546.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Potato Pancake Recipe Does anyone have a recipe for mashed potato pancakes? My mother made the best ones on the planet but she passed away before I could get the recipe. All I remember is that she put in an egg, salt and pepper. I tried adding flour but then the pancakes tasted like flour. She was from England, in case that makes a difference. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53765124.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:
FDA Warns Consumers Nationwide Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes The Food and Drug Administration is expanding its warning to consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to consumption of certain raw red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes, and products containing these raw, red tomatoes. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59011535.tip.html
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Rate It: I grew up in a very practical family. However, although we were taught to carry our load and watch the cost of not being frugal, we did not do without. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17262106.tip.html
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Rate It: It's grilling season! Here is some advice from the ThriftyFun community. Do you have any tips for saving money on grilling food this summer? Post your ideas below.
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Rate It: Summer time is coming and gas prices are sky high. Here is advice from the ThriftyFun community to keep boredom at bay without spending much money. Do you have any tips for saving money on summer fun? Feel free to post them below.
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