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Vol. 7, Num. 112, June 9, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Due to continually rising gas and food prices, there has never been a better time to stock up on food. Make sure you get food just like you would need to store for emergencies, canned and dried foods, etc. We have two, non-food related, Saving Money On topics this week. Do you have any advice to share? Saving Money on Office Supplies
Saving Money on Software
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:
This is the first bloom of my irises. For two years all I have gotten were leaves! Irises multiply rapidly, so it is imperative that they be thinned out every year or two.
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Rate It: This is what I do with old cans. They make great gift "buckets".
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Rate It: It works! Steep 2 tea bags in 1/2 cup of boiling water; add 1 cup of alcohol; dissolve 2 aspirin tablets in the solution; apply to the area with a cotton ball; let dry thoroughly. Apply 2 to 3 times a day as needed.
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Rate It: Craft Project: Father's Day "Muffin" Card Here's a simple and fun Father's Day card that even the youngest children can make. The center of the flower can be decorated with sequins, small seeds, or a photo. Approximate Time: 30 minutes Supplies:
Instructions:Fold a piece of construction paper in half to make a card. Cut out a flower stem and leaves from green construction paper. Glue the leaves and the stem onto the front of the card. Glue the two muffin cups onto the top of the stem (one on top of the other) to form the flower. Flatten out the bottom cup a bit more than the top cup so you can see the petals. You can use more than two cups if you want... the more cups you use, the more petals your flower will have. Print "Happy Father's Day!" on the outside of the card. You can decorate the card further by coloring in grass. Glue a photo into the center of the flower. Fill the inside of your card with hand drawn pictures, a photo, stickers or a special message.By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC
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Rate It: Phoebe is a 4 year old Chihuahua. My little girl came to me because her previous owner had to go into a nursing home and couldn't take her with her. So, I fell in love with Phoebe at first sight, and took her home with me!
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Rate It: Henry is 6 years old and a Cockapoo. I got him a year ago. My mom and brother found him on the side of the road at a gas station where he was dumped off.
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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!
Set Up Webcam for a Virtual Birthday Party Our grandchildren live out of state and we couldn't be there for our Grandson's 5th birthday, so we sent all the party favors and money for food and presents. They set up their web-cam and we set up ours and we watched the WHOLE thing! LOL! It was just like being there, two thousand miles away! We could hear all the goings on and TALK WITH them too! It's the neatest thing ever. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35734932.tip.html
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Rate It: Plant Garlic Around Your Roses I have a few pots of Society garlic in between my rose bushes. It keeps the bugs away and the leaves nice and dark and shiny. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91775631.tip.html
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Rate It: After being stung, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Pat the paste solution onto the sting area and watch the swelling and pain subside. Another remedy (when more people smoked cigarettes) is to place some tobacco in your lower lip and liquify (make a 'chew') with your saliva; then place the 'chew' onto the sting. It also will relieve the swelling and pain. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf210168.tip.html
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Rate It: Ways To Save Money While RV-ing Due to the price of fuel, many people may find that going on an extended trip in their RV is now out of the question. However, there are several things one can do to ensure that money is saved when possible. Plan ahead for the best savings results. Obviously the first concern is the price of fuel. While there is not much one can do at the pump to lower the price per gallon, there are a few things. First, make sure your motor home or pull vehicle is in the best possible mechanical condition. This includes clean air filter, properly inflated tires and good spark plugs among other things. Don't overload your rig, or hang items on the front or side that can increase the amount of wind resistance. Plan your trip ahead of time, and use the Internet. There are several sites online that post current fuel prices. While on your trip, you can usually access the Internet for free in most public libraries for updated prices. Avoid gassing up on the interstate, as you usually pay for the convenience of staying close to the highway. Often, if you drive just a block into town, fuel is several cents a gallon cheaper. Some states have higher fuel taxes. Be aware of who they are and fuel up before you cross over the state line. Be open to getting your fuel at truck stops which often offer a discount if you pay in cash. Some gas stations offer a discount if you use their gas credit card at the pump. Check out all these options BEFORE you leave home. Also, check into joining a camping club before you leave home. Clubs such as the Good Sam club give you discounts when you park and stay in their campgrounds. You also receive a large book from them that lists and rates campgrounds all throughout the USA. Many also offer senior citizen discounts. Some also lower their camping rates during the "off season" or on weekdays. If you belong to an auto club, use their trip route before hand. Many also offer an RV trip route, which lists things that could cause you trouble and to avoid; such as tunnels that are too low to drive through, or towns that have only 1 gas station with an awing you can't drive under. They will also list which mountain roads to take and which ones to avoid, as well as listing travel stops that have free dump stations. Plan out your route several months in advance, then look up your destinations and write to them. Most states will send you a free state map (cheaper than an atlas). Call the chamber at towns you will be driving through and many will suggest or send you an area guide and coupons. Look for festivals and free activities. When staying in the same place for several nights get a local paper to see what else may be going on that you can attend. While planning your route, take note of any toll roads. Most toll roads charge by the axle. This includes axles on your motor home or if in a trailer on both the pull vehicle and the trailer. Be sure to either route your trip to avoid toll roads or take along several rolls of quarters and change. Do not speed while on toll roads. Your incoming ticket is stamped with your entry time. When you exit, you may be ticketed if you went too fast. National Parks have a free ranger club for kids. Kids take a free class while at the park and learn from it. Parents also get to attend free. A newspaper comes with the class, geared for kids. Many state and national parks offer a program where you can camp for free in exchange for volunteer hours at the park. This is something you would want to check into probably a year in advance. Just call the park for more information and to see if they participate. Take your food items with you, including your snack items. This helps you to avoid pulling into fast food stops along the road. Instead, pull into a park, rest stop or even a Wal-Mart parking lot or truck stop and eat. I like to take several empty plastic jugs, and just one with water. I take the powered drink mix and make our drinks, as we are ready to drink them. Having one jug of water ensures me that if we stop where there is no water, I have some. Providing there is water, we get it there; most parks have a hydrant. Using dehydrated foods and powered drink mixes helps keep the weight down and save fuel. I also take along a crock-pot. This allows me to slow cook a meal while we are out sightseeing during the day or to cook on a rainy day when we can't cook outside, and reduces the high cost of eating out. If you are a coffee drinker, take your coffee maker to avoid buying coffee every morning. Don't over pack your clothes. Usually it is just as easy to do a load of laundry while on the road. Remember to take a small container of laundry soap with you. Remember to take your basics, so you don't have to buy them while on the road. This includes cell phone charger, flashlights and extra batteries, film, camera batteries and memory cards (or take your laptop with you so you can download your photos onto a CD as you go along). I happened to note the prices of batteries, film and memory cards while at Yellowstone National Park, and they were 3 times higher than at Wal-Mart. Also don't forget rain poncho, umbrellas, extra shoe or boot laces, swimsuits, first aid kit, patch kit for bike tires if you take your bikes, and rainy day activities-such as deck of cards, board games or books. Take along water bottles you can refill that have a carry strap. Suggested packing list for family with children: Clothes for each person
If you don't have an RV, check out the rentals. Sometimes you can even find private individuals who rent theirs out, just be sure you know who is responsible for what, and have proper insurance. If you can't afford the fuel for a long distance trip, try out the state parks in your own state, or the next state over. Last of all, have fun! By April from NW Missouri
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Rate It: Use Banana Peel as a Fire Ant Remedy FIRE ANTS! How I hate the buggers! I found if you immediately rub the inside of a banana peel on the bites, they won't form the little pustules or even itch! This has worked every time, even on my grandbaby! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77133727.tip.html
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Rate It: Mark Back of Drawers When Moving If you plan to refinish or move a dresser, chest, or any furniture with more than a couple of drawers; an easy way to remember where each drawer goes is mark on the back of the drawer with a marker pen with "A", "B", "C", "D" or "1", "2", "3", "4". On the inside, after removing the drawer write the corresponding letter or number in the opening. This will not show on the outside and will come in handy the next time you have to move the furniture. Some drawers appear to be the same size until you try to replace them and they don't seem to fit. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72087206.tip.html
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Rate It: "Rescue Remedy" for Travelling With Pets You can calm most cats or dogs before taking them to the vet or on a trip in a car, train or plane with a safe and simple homeopathic-type remedy called "RESCUE REMEDY". It's available in Health Food Stores (for people, but pets can also use it) but many pet stores and vets sell an alcohol-free formula made just for pets. My mother's vet recommended she give it to her sick cat before giving him his daily IV. He also said it works great for pets that are going on trips or any stressful situation, like introducing another pet into the home, or if your pet hates being left alone. You simply give your pet several drops of this remedy. The directions are on the back. Rescue Remedy has no side effects & really works! I've seen the results myself. Learn more at these websites: By Cyinda from near SeattlePost Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75937233.tip.html
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Rate It: Some folks think that you have to have a bunch of expensive exercise equipment to get a good workout. Walking is completely free, just start doing so. A comfortable pair of shoes does help out tremendously. A couple of 1 gallon milk or water plastic jugs filled with water or sand, closed off with a tightened lid can work as weights to lift. Pushups are free to do, same with crunches. It's all in the mind, self motivate and get started or better yet, find a friend to help you get on the right track and stay on it. Good luck! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85212747.tip.html
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Rate It: It's that time of year when fruit flies can be a problem to get rid of. Recently when an old banana attracted them I had a "light bulb" moment. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69160966.tip.html
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Rate It: Use Every Bit from the Margarine Tub I always add a little margarine to my macaroni after it's cooked and ready to be served. When I opened the tub of oleo, I saw that it was almost empty but contained just enough oleo to do the job. I placed a large spoonful of the hot macaroni inside the tub, replaced the lid, gave it a few swirls, removed the lid and poured the macaroni along with every drop of the melted oleo into the pan with the bulk of the pasta. Cleaned out every bit of that margarine in a jiffy! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59626002.tip.html
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Do you have any tips for saving money on computer software? Post your ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf235142.tip.html
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Rate It: Will An Air Fern Hurt My Puppy? My puppy got into my air fern. Will this hurt her? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39971525.tip.html
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Rate It: Puppy Won't Go Potty In The Rain I have an English Bulldog and he is 12 weeks old. I am finding it very hard to potty train him. I am with him most of the day. I always leave the back door open so he can go out as he pleases and will always go to the toilet out in the garden. Problem is if it is raining he will not go out and will just go on the floor. On rainy days I put down newspaper and he generally will pee on the paper but he will not poop on it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46649773.tip.html
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Rate It: I used to use tea tree oil for cuts and scratches, it was the best. Last October a store near my house had it on sale so I bought several bottles. Around Christmas I suddenly developed an allergy to it. I got the worst rash ever. It's only just now completely gone. What can I do with the rest of it? I can't find anyone who wants it. Thrift stores around here won't take anything that is medicine. Could I put it around the windows to repel bugs? Any suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99854035.tip.html
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Rate It: Training Puppy Not To Chew On Everything We have adopted a 1 year old American Bulldog who is constantly chewing up everything! Can you please help me with some training tips? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60144805.tip.html
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Rate It: Ideas For A Mudsy-Sudsy Birthday Party I found an idea for a Mudsy-Sudsy Party. Basically water, swimming, mud and/or sand pies and bubbles are involved. Since my son's birthday falls in Nov., I thought it would be a fun way to have his friends over during the summer. So I am looking for any ideas or suggestions for maybe some games and food, on a very low budget. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69889824.tip.html
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Rate It: Can I Cook Rice In A Crockpot? Does anybody know if you can successfully cook rice in a crock pot? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25014048.tip.html
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Rate It: This is Abbey. She looks like a golden but has a curly tail. What kind of dog is she?
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Rate It: Making Meal Using Corn Tortillas And Queso Fresco If you had the usual refrigerator and pantry items, a huge stack of corn tortillas and lots of queso fresco, what would you do with them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86266317.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Elastic Instead Of Drawstring In Pants I have a pair of pants with a drawstring waist. The drawstring opening is very narrow, so it can't be reused for the elastic. I'd like to attach a wider piece of elastic and do away with the drawstring. Suggestions? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39192898.tip.html
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Rate It: My puppy Jewelz gets very runny and it leaves stains under her eyes. It seems like its getting worse. Could this be something serious? We think she is a little under six months, which brings me to another question of when will she start to menstrate? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59200312.tip.html
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Rate It: Saving A Storm Damaged Gum Tree I have a sweet gum tree that was damaged in a storm a couple years ago. It lost a large branch and is now rotting the tree. Is there anything that can be done to save this tree? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37942315.tip.html
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Rate It: My spouse is thinking about shaving off his remaining hair and doing the bald, oiled scalp style. How does one go about proceeding with this hairdo? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79438226.tip.html
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Rate It: Can Diet Affect A Dog's Disposition? My daughter has a dog with a nervous disposition. Is there anything we can feed him (I am not talking about drugging him) that will help to calm him down? Is there anything we might have been feeding him that contributed to this? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23189657.tip.html
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Rate It: What Is A Balance Bar On A Serger? I would like to know if anyone can tell me what a balance bar is on a serger sewing machine? The thing is skipping stitches bad and no matter what I sew it still skips. I have cleaned it, changed needles, checked tensions, rethreaded,etc but it is still skipping. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42687621.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Rid Of Thick, Yellow Toe Nails How do I get rid of thick and yellow toe nails? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27297290.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking For Recipe For Swiss Tart Does anyone know of a recipe for a little cake called a Swiss Tart? I had it years ago in a big cook book (now long gone). I've Googled, but the only ones I can find are for things called Swiss Chard tart. Not the same thing. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51107273.tip.html
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Rate It: Can you use Lysol on dogs? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96370912.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Odors Out Of Insulated Bags I bought some chicken and put it in my insulated grocery bag to bring it home. I thought I had taken it all out, so I put a couple other of my insulated bags inside this one and put it out in my car for my next shopping trip. My car began to smell and when I looked in my bags I found I had forgotten a piece of chicken (it was wrapped individually). Now all 3 of my bags smell really bad. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60607910.tip.html
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Rate It: Frugal Meal Recipe For New Parents Does anyone have a really yummy FRUGAL recipe (other than the usual lasagna or spaghetti) for a family that had a baby recently? I really want to make a meal for them, but usually make a recipe that has a lot of expensive ingredients. Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97388469.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I cover scars, just for one night? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14575052.tip.html
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Rate It: Clothes Come Out Of Washer Covered In Fuzz Every time I take a load of clothes out of the washing machine, they come out with fuzz balls all over them. What is the problem? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28219869.tip.html
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Rate It: Was My Puppy's Shot Administered Wrong? What happens when you administer a puppy shot wrong? My puppy is sore where the shot was administered. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41472301.tip.html
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Rate It: Small Green Worms On Plant Leaves This evening while checking my garden, and dead heading the flowers and removing dead leaves from plants, I noticed two small green worms on my rose bush. My vegetables, plants, and flowers all have leaves with yellow on the edges. I have had it planted for about two weeks now. Some of the bottom leaves on the rose bush have small holes on them as if something is eating them. What are the worms and what can I do to help promote the health of my plants without removing and starting over? HELP Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13124644.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Hot Dog Stain From T-shirt How do I remove a hot dog stain from a cotton tee shirt? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99828299.tip.html
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Rate It: I just dyed my dark brown hair red the other day with Herbal Essence's Deep Red #44. The results turned out rather purple and not the deep red that i was hoping for. The hair color I want is similar to Julianne Moore's. Could you post some recommended hair dye (brand and color) that would work over my first dye job and give me good results? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37967093.tip.html
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Rate It: Salads For Mexican Food Themed Party We are having a Family Party in Aug. with approximately 40 people including children. I will be serving Mexican food. I have recipes for nearly everything except salads and appetizers. I will NOT be outside grilling nor do I want to heat up the inside of my house with cooking! So I'm looking for recipes that are easy to prepare. (I have an 'ice bath' to keep the food cold). Thank you in advance. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52622437.tip.html
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Rate It: I have searched the internet and called my mother who is an expert in house plants and can not find the name of this plant. Please could you help me. I thought it was a rubber plant, but my mother-in-law says it is not. Thank you in advance for your help!
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Rate It: Fixing Overlap Marks From Paint Roller After applying a second coat of paint (after a coat of primer) to my 40 ft long ceiling, I noticed really obvious overlap marks from the roller. Is there a way to fix this problem, short of doing a third coat? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98871377.tip.html
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Rate It: We have creeping thyme in between pavers in our front walkway. There are 4 leaf clovers overtaking the thyme. Is there anything that can kill the 4 leaf clovers and not the thyme? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56217281.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a 5 yr old male Poodle that has sneezing fits, inside and outside. Should I be concerned? Is there some disease related to this? He feels good, no runny eyes or nose. Just starts randomly, may sneeze 10 times or twice, no pattern.
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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:
Do U Promise a College Education to Your Children?
Whenever I hear the words 'college fund' I nervously change the subject. It's one of those things that I've put off until my mortgage is paid off. By that time my son will be ten, and I may not have enough time to tuck away enough savings to pay for ever-increasing tuition fees. Unless he earns a scholarship, his road to community college may already be paved. That is, unless UPromise holds up its end of the bargain. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22896389.tip.html
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