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Vol. 7, Num. 208, October 24, 2008 (Read It Online) If you have any Halloween costume ideas, decorations, recipes or crafts, feel free to submit them over the weekend. We should be able to get anything submitted over the weekend published before the holiday. That goes for Crafts for Fun and Money submissions as well. Have a wonderful weekend. 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:
Since its coming up for Halloween, I thought after making my soup I'd put my pumpkin to good use. With some of my summer plants gone, I think this adds a bit of colour.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Halloween Scary Outside Monster This is made of scrap wood, a scary mask, recycled children's clothes and shoes. It looks like a small child with a big mask.
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Rate It: I tried to take a photo of the most awesome looking moon tonight through the trees but couldn't capture it the way I wanted to :-( Emailed it to a friend even though I was disappointed and he said, "You tried to take a picture of the moon but a ghost got in the way" ;-)
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Rate It: Skippy at 4 (Jack Russell Terrier) Skippy is a 4 year old Jack Russell Terrier. My husband brought her home along with our other jack after our oldest dog passed away. Skippy loves to play with her sister Tuffy, wrestling and tumbling. She loves to nuzzle her little hedgehog, squeaky toy. She loves our two cats and cannot wait to take walks in the field with them and her sister. They have a special playtime when we all walk in the field. By Nelliemary from West Virginia
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Rate It: Use Dried Greenery In Your Fall/Winter Displays Although the outdoor flowers are dying, you can still use lots of garden items for decoration, inside and out! I like to make fall and winter arrangements in antique milk jugs that I got from auctions of relatives. In one, I have just filled with corkscrew willow. The dried leaves just come right off when you run your hand across it. In the other, I have filled with a type of tall grass and dried hydrangeas.
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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!
Glue "Legs" on Your Laptop for Airflow Hot glue things, such as a row of pencils or a medium size bead (like beaded car seats are made of) or clothespins or any other thing, to each corner of the underneath side of your laptop to give way to circulation. It can be cool rather than buying a product made especially to do the same thing. You wouldn't even have to go so far as to glue it - you could cut a sponge in 4 pieces and sit the laptop on it or to use it over and over. Attach with velcro if you feel it isn't secure enough for you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83240292.tip.html
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Rate It: Decorate Cheap Christmas Stockings If you need Christmas stockings because you missed out on last year's after Christmas sales, you can make really fun ones without sewing and for a little cost. Just buy the cheapest red felt stockings you can find (try drug and discount stores) and sheets of felt at a craft store. Cut out shapes from the felt and glue! Last year I did stars, old-fashioned Christmas bulbs, a spotted dog with red bow, ringing bells, a Christmas tree, a snowman, snowflakes, polka-dots, mistletoe...all were very simple die-cut-like cut-outs and colorful, and they looked fantastic and unique hanging in front of the fireplace. For an extra fun flair, use non-traditional Christmas colors and shapes to glue onto the stockings - like pastel polka dots, stripes or spirals. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65897633.tip.html
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Rate It: Every year I buy those little sponge creatures that grow when you put them in water from Walgreens like spiders, creepy bugs and things like that. About 2 weeks before Halloween, I fill those big pretzel containers with water and food coloring and then line them all along the sidewalk. For an eerie look, I put patio candles behind them to really illuminate them. I even had some little kids get too scared to come up the walk... lol Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35042576.tip.html
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Rate It: I found a website that has free plants: I haven't read all of the info but from what I have read you pay for shipping and handling. They also have gift certificates. These folks employ handicapped people. Source: Erin Huffstetler - About.com Frugal Living Guide By Alice from Big Lake Ranch, B.C., Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16245049.tip.html
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Rate It: Plant Grass Seed after the Snow Flies I noticed that several gardening centers around here marked their grass seed to 50% or more off. This is a good time to buy it on sale. However if you live in a part of the country that gets snow, don't plant it yet. Wait until it starts snowing, then throw down your seed. The snow protects it from the birds eating it, and as the snow later melts off. The weight of the snow and the movement of the melting will cause the seed to be pulled into the ground. In the spring you will have a nice patch of new grass coming up. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95361424.tip.html
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Rate It: We live in an area that is ANT CENTRAL. The house had been invaded time after time and never just a few but armies of them. The problem was growing! I finally did have a pest company begin a regular schedule of spraying but it has taken about two years to actually get them under control. They had built a thriving metropolis under the cement pad the house was built upon. They could move throughout the house through the walls by coming up through the cracks in the cement pad. Along with the spraying, the pest company also put down granules and a syringe filled with a clear gel that ants love, then take it back to the nest thus killing vast numbers of ants. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69899465.tip.html
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Rate It: When traveling, I make sure I bring along a variety of ziplocks, rubber bands and various sized twist-ties. These come in very handy for saving left-over snacks and other food, such as restaurant remnants. Ideally, I have along an ice chest for perishables. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35570255.tip.html
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Rate It: If you garden, buy mulch now! All the garden centers and other stores that sell mulch in bulk bags, have them on super sale right now. I just bought 5 bags (1.5 cubic feet each) of mulch for only $5! It's usually $2.79 a bag, so this is close to be only a third of retail. Yay, me! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75222261.tip.html
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Rate It: Eat A Leaf Of Poison Ivy To Prevent Reactions I must share something that has helped me tremendously. An elderly neighbor told me how to get rid of poison ivy, of which I had known the horrors of. She said to me, the old timers would pick a leaf of the plant each spring and eat it. I now pick a small leaf and eat it each spring, and I can pick wild blackberries with my hands all in the poison ivy and never have a reaction. Most folks are scared of this when I tell them, but blessed be my neighbor, it works for me. By Rexe from Junction City, Arkansas Editor's Note: Warning! Eating poison ivy can be very dangerous and can cause shock and severe breathing problems. Advice similar to Rexe's can be found all over the internet and in some cases, this may be an effective way to increase your immunity to poison ivy. But I would strongly recommend against trying this approach. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82766377.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Free Shower Caps for Bowl Covers I keep the free shower caps at hotels and sometimes the maids will give you a few extra. I also buy hair perm caps at a salvage store. I use these to cover bowls for leftovers instead of buying the bowl covers at the store. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79317760.tip.html
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Getting Prepared To Homeschool I would love to eventually homeschool my 2 year old daughter and 2 month old son. Does anyone have any suggestions for organization, projects, curriculum, etc. I was homeschooled for 3 years, 7th-9th, but I don't know much about how to get started. Any help would be much appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93661703.tip.html
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Rate It: What can I do with polyester batting? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91203802.tip.html
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Rate It: Bread Pudding Recipe Without Liquor Looking for a great bread pudding recipe. One that doesn't contain liquor, but has LOTS of raisins! Anyone got one they'll share? The richer the better! Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90745898.tip.html
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Rate It: Dodge Caravan's Electric Windows Stopped Working I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan with only 15,000 miles and my warranty has expired. Both electric windows have stopped working. I checked the fuse but it is fine. Do you think both the left and right electric motor broke at 15,000 miles? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95994537.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing Scratched Sunglass Frames Does anyone know how to get scratches out of sunglass frames? Not the lenses but frames. I accidentally left them on top of my car and drove off. I'm having the lenses replaced but the frames got kind of scratched up. They are my favorite pair of sunglasses and not to mention they were expensive so I want to try to salvage them. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76300487.tip.html
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Rate It: Does anyone know where to get an "Over The Moon" throw pillow? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47677003.tip.html
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Rate It: My daughter was being helpful by cleaning her fish tank in our brand new bathtub. In so doing she made some deep scratches in the finish. Is there something I can do to remove deep scratches and refinish the areas, short of a professional job? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21439999.tip.html
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Rate It: Pit Bull Puppy Possessive Of Owner I have a 9 week old pit bull puppy named Sophie. She has become very possessive of me towards my other older male pit lab mix. She growls and goes for him when he starts to come close to me, usually when I'm on the bed. What do I do? I'm afraid he will hurt her. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86543262.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I know what my dog is mixed with? I know he's half border collie, and they think other might be pit but I don't really see it. I wonder what else it could be?
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me how to stop my cats from peeing on my stove and countertops? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18329555.tip.html
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Rate It: Tingling Feet Caused By Neuropathy I am looking for treatment ideas for tingling feet caused by Neuropathy. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82424577.tip.html
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Rate It: Restoring Shine To Dull Stone Countertops How do I return the shine to my dark silestone countertops? They always look dull after cleaning with soap and water which was recommended. They are only 2 years old. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40248301.tip.html
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Rate It: Support For Foam Halloween Decorations We have foam Halloween gravestones that have fallen over in the wind. They came with metal stakes, which have busted. My husband poked nails in them, but the wind still knocked them over. Does anyone have any ideas about bracing the gravestones so the foam doesn't break apart? Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49432089.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there a way to remove cat litter smell? Can something be added to the litter box? We have tried different foods for our two male cats and even different litter and their poop just stinks up the place. I wasn't sure if perhaps we were using the wrong food or litter brand. Does anyone have any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf897514.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for Regal Bread Maker model #k6745s recipes book. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17250217.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a thrifty way to container garden my vegetables this year. Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf404852.tip.html
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Rate It: My brakes squeak when I am backing up. The ones that are squeaking are the front pads, how can I fix this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf291194.tip.html
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Rate It: We received a 1 yr old hamster about 1 week ago, and he was very active. He got out of his cage one night and now sleeps a lot. He does not run like he used to when in his ball, and does not run between his cages like he did before (we have 2 cages connected). Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60658100.tip.html
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Rate It: I dried some jeans and now the washer is stained with blue spots. I tried cleaning it with soap and water, but it didn't work much. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32794387.tip.html
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Rate It: How Can I Get Fabric Donations? I am in need of free fabric. As part of this years Project Graduation decorating committee, I need to transform the school into a magical place. Project Graduation is an all night party which is hosted by parents of graduating seniors. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49932451.tip.html
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Rate It: I cooked a pot of yellow-eyed beans. They simmered down to no liquid and a horrible odorous smoke filled the house, mostly the main level. My fire alarms never activated. I was outside and unaware the house was filled with smoke. I have stripped all curtains, slipcovers and washed them. I have wiped surfaces down with a Zep product that says it's for smoke neutralizing. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf260389.tip.html
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Rate It: Scuff Marks On Laminate Floors The protective covers came off the feet of my settee and left scuff marks on my laminate floor. How can I remove these scuff marks? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46194221.tip.html
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Rate It: Wind Spinner Patterns Using Canvas and Beads I am looking for any and all patterns for plastic canvas wind spinners. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42708476.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone help identify the name of this plant? It's a hanging pot plant, that I am learning blooms in the fall. I purchased it this past spring, and totally forgot what kind of plant the seller said that it was. I would really like to be able to look it up online to see how to take care of it in fall and winter, but don't know the name of it or what family it's from. I can send a closer picture if requested. Please help, and thank you in advance.
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Rate It: What breed is my dog?
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Rate It: Deodorant Stains on Undershirts How do I remove underarm deodorant stains on black cotton poly blend undershirts. I really don't want to get rid of them. They still have wear to them. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93815545.tip.html
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Rate It: Repairing Damaged Laminate Flooring My laminate hardwood floor has been damaged due to the rollers on my chair. Does any one know of a way to fix this without having to replace sections? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32627281.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Pet Urine Smell From Carpet What really gets rid of cat urine odors, cheaply? No, I won't give up my babies, but something has GOT to work. Has anyone had any success at all without it costing an arm and a leg? The smell is in the carpets. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf250655.tip.html
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Rate It: We are having an end of season soccer banquet. I am looking for ideas for centerpieces. Our colors are blue and white. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf114665.tip.html
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Rate It: I need to reupholster my metal frame kitchen chairs. I'd like to add extra cushion to the seat and would like to add upholstery to the backs of the chairs. They currently have a metal frame back with an "X" shaped design in the middle. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94655319.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:
Tips For Raking Up Fallen Leaves
Part of keeping your lawn and garden healthy means that most of the accumulated debris, including fallen leaves, should be removed in the fall. Raking is still the most environmentally friendly option for removing fallen leaves, and the best way to get some exercise (the average person burns approximately 283 calories per hour raking leaves). Rakes are cheap, quiet, and they don't contribute to global warming. Here are some tips for making raking the lawn easier and more enjoyable.
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