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Vol. 7, Num. 168, August 28, 2008 (Read It Online) Do you have any tips or strategies for saving money on school lunches? Feel free to post them on the contest page. 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:
Easy yet elegant curtains Approximate Time: 3 hours Supplies:
Instructions: Measure your window/windows. Purchase fabric to fit the window width and length. Use contrasting colors to make your window covering interesting. Use the same color of fabric on sides to tie the top of the curtain. This will provide contrast and make them stand out. Then use trim that matches the top part of the curtain. The curtains I made used a 3 inch rod. I hemmed the material to allow for 3 1/2 inches. I allowed enough fabric to make a slight ruffle at the top. Too much ruffle will cause the curtains to bunch up and they will not hang properly. Make them a length that you will feel comfortable with. For the sides, I used a contrasting color. I used fabric that would fit the length of the window after hemming. I hemmed all side of this fabric then used safety pins to hang them from the top corners of the top curtain and used the same trim that I attached to the tie at the top to gather the top ends. These are very easy to make and my parents "whom I made them for" love them! By Jean from Forest Lake MN
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Rate It: Using Swivel Hooks for Organizing Closets I find that room in my closet is essential to lessening my stress. If you are the same, I have a cool idea I came up with that you might like.
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Rate It: Sammy Jo is 6 months-1 year old, I adopted her on 8-11-08
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Rate It: Craft: Mini Lava Lamp With Glitter I get these wonderful glitter containers at Walmart for 97 cents. They have a neat screw on top and a handy handle. I keep mini sewing kits, first aid kits, camping matches, make up and more in them.
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Rate It: Craft: Halloween Rhinestone Shirt Buy a cheap black t-shirt. (I paid $2.50 for mine at Michael's) and then get a rhinestone Halloween themed iron on and iron it on your shirt. So simple, and NO sewing involved. As the month gets colder you can layer it with a white or orange turtleneck. Great for kids too! Inexpensive and takes about 5 minutes or less to do! Another tip: Some shirts can even be purchased at the Dollar tree, saving even more money! Source: Saw the rhinestone iron ons at Michael's crafts and thought it would make a cute shirt!
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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!
Disposable Cameras for Weddings Put a disposable camera on each reception table, these often capture very special candid moments! Do not buy the overpriced ones you see in wedding catalogs though! You can buy them in packages of 6 at walmart for $10.99 and there are many free templates for camera covers on the internet. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf463843.tip.html
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Rate It: Tips For Parents Sending Kids To College A few tips as your student goes away to college.
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Rate It: Make Sure The Lid Is Tight On Paint To avoid a "I cant believe how stupid..." moment. When you buy paint, MAKE SURE the lid is on tight! I just assumed they would pound it on, well they didn't and I spent all night cleaning latex paint out of my carpet. Yeah... Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57877247.tip.html
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Rate It: Stock up at Back To School Time I used to work in a daycare, and at back to school sale time, I stocked up on items I would need for the daycare for the year (scissors, colored pencils, markers, etc.). For example, I would buy a case of Crayola 24 pack crayons and ten boxes of the 64 pack - that way, when our crayon tubs ran low, I would throw in a couple of 24 packs to keep up the most used colors and occasionally put in the 64 pack to replace the rest. It was a real budget help. Now some people would wonder why I didn't buy cheaper crayons. We did try the cheaper ones, but these tiny, waxy particles would fall off the paper when the kids were done coloring. The "crayon shrapnel"; stuck everywhere, and we had to do much more cleaning. The extra crayon expense saved us in cleaner! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92221062.tip.html
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Rate It: My cat, Teddy, is impossible to bathe. Although normally cats do not require a bath, he sometimes seems to get dirty using his litter box and then smells, albeit rarely this happens. This is going to sound harsh, but he really does not cooperate usually, so I put him in the tub and then placed a tall plastic laundry basket over him and held it down, or you could have a helper do that part. Our shower has a hand-held hose, so then I just sprayed him wet through the holes in the laundry basket. He was unable to escape or scratch me. I avoided his ears and face. When he was soaked, I used my old Joy dish soap container with watered down shampoo to suds him, because by this point he had stopped meowing in protest and relegated himself to the whole procedure. I held his back down so he was squat to the tub bottom while sudsing. All the while I chat with him in a soothing tone, then place the laundry basket over him again and spray rinse. Have a towel at the ready, lift off the laundry basket, wrap the kitty and dry. Ta da, done! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13132758.tip.html
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Rate It: The Cost Of Leaving Things Plugged In Keeping our electric bill down is continually a challenge. We have had over 30 days over 100 this year. I keep a folder to store any tips I find in magazines. While cleaning the folder out last week, I came across a great article I would like to share about high tech's hidden cost. This is average annual energy cost for each item.
Source: This article I clipped was in Real Simple Magazine the April 2008 issue. By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74521090.tip.html
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Rate It: Link: Diplodocs.com For Manuals I just found a wonderful site for obtaining manuals for those great garage sale finds that you haven't a clue on how to use or even know if they are complete. It is free and I didn't even have to register to download the manual I needed. By GraNita from Montclair, NJPost Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41944160.tip.html
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Rate It: Here is a homemade recipe for cleaning your deck. This works as well as the store-bought cleaners and is far more thrifty. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23191230.tip.html
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Rate It: Meal Planning Notebook and Filing System As a working mom, I enjoy cooking but was getting a bit bored with what felt like limited menu choices. Our busy schedule had caused us to fall into a rut, eating the same items over and over again. A busy family needs a plan that allowed us to eat tasty, nutritious meals together. I created my Menu notebook and filing system and it has made this task much more enjoyable. Using a spiral notebook and an expanding file...
I found trying to decide what to have for dinner was the hardest part of my day. Now the decision is made for us ahead of time and meal preparation is a lot smoother. This has also saved us from running out of a specialty item that may have been required. We are trying new dishes, have more variety and a lot less stress! An added benefit has been the organization of my recipes which were torn from magazines or copied from this website. I store those in an expanding file by broad categories (see #1). Happy Eating. Source: My own compulsive organizing. By Diana from Prospect, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48785018.tip.html
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Rate It: Kitchen Tools For Deviled Eggs When making deviled eggs, I use 2 tools that help simplify the task and help in making the eggs look more uniform: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92338468.tip.html
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All of the postings that I have read so far haven't answered my question relating to finding the source and having a solution as to what to do about tiny holes in cotton t-shirts. If there is someone out there who can help, I would be most appreciative. I have found tiny holes in the front of thin cotton t-shirts or other fine cotton wear, like thin cotton summer wraps. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38944249.tip.html
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Rate It: I see these flowers on my way to work and have never seen them anywhere else, other than at this spot. Maybe someone dropped some seeds or the seeds found their way there by blowing in the wind? A friend tried to dig some up and put them in her garden but they didn't come back.
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me what this white substance is on our grape vine? It's a thick liquid that's running down and collecting on the stems of the grapes.
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Rate It: Decorating Rubber Kitchen Gloves Can anyone offer suggestions on decorating some rubber kitchen sink gloves? I would like to decorate with Malibu feathers and other things (similar to the gloves the BBC channel program English Cleaning women use). They would be gag gifts. Any ideas on materials and how to attach them? I would love to add a "diamond" to the ring finger. Thanks for any help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35965717.tip.html
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Rate It: What should I give a grasshopper to eat and drink? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf564854.tip.html
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Rate It: Neighbor's Cat with Day Old Flea Ridden Kittens This morning a neighbor's cat had kittens in my tree (a hollowed out hole in the trunk, not out on a limb.) It has rained a couple of days and the tree is wet. The two kittens lay at the bottom of a hollowed hole. Not only do i fear it is too cold and wet, I know the mother has terrible fleas as well. The neighbor has no concern for the cat at all, their only contribution being the old bag cat food they had before she ran off. I am faced with several problems. Do I move the kittens out of the wet tree? How do I care for the fleas? They are only a day old. It is not my cat, do I call a vet; take her to an animal shelter (I think we all know what will happen there!) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51560746.tip.html
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Rate It: Puppy Is Jealous Of Other Puppy I recently obtained two pit bulls from a horrible situation. I got them when they were only about 3-4 weeks old due to their mother not wanting to feed them anymore. We had to feed them puppy formula by hand for around 4 weeks. I named one Thade (from the planet of the apes) and the other Hancock from the new movie. My husband and I love the little guys, but Mr. Thade is very jealous of any attention directed to Hancock.
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Rate It: Outdoor Furniture Leaves White Marks On Clothing What causes my white outdoor furniture to leave white chalky marks on my clothing when I sit on it? How do I get it to stop? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17055288.tip.html
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Rate It: Angel Food Ministries In California I would like to know where in California there is a Angel Food Ministries for people to get food. I have children in Ukiah and Willits California. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82935704.tip.html
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Rate It: I want to can apple juice. I have juiced fresh apples from the farm. How long do you heat or boil before putting in jars? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78804099.tip.html
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Rate It: I have some tomatoes which I started a bit late in the season. They are doing well in outdoor pots but I'm worried now that the weather is changing. Does anyone have any tips on bringing them inside so I can keep them? Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91515566.tip.html
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Rate It: I have purchased several totes that are offered in various stores to use when I grocery shop in keeping up with being echo-friendly. The problem I seem to have is that the stores are not willing to help with bagging the items for you. Most larger grocery stores now have the carousels with their bags in place (plastic bags) so there is no room to put your totes. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84553950.tip.html
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Rate It: I love Ivy and would like to start up an outdoor pot of mixed Ivy. Does anyone have any advice on taking a cutting? My neighbors have a lovely mixture of Ivy plants. Thank you. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65061528.tip.html
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Rate It: I bought some Durum Semolina on sale and don't know what to use it for! I am willing to try to make homemade ravioli but want interesting recipes for ingredients inside them! Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56017599.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I support a scarecrow? I know many of you have made up scarecrows for Fall seasons. What are some of the ways you have supported them? I'd like to make it so I can re-position him every few days. I would love photos and/or ideas. Thanks so much. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35753427.tip.html
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Rate It: My dog woke up unable to close his mouth or eat on Sunday. The first vet said he had a throat infection. The 2nd vet said his jaw was dislocated and put it back in place. I can now close his mouth but he still does not close it or eat very well. Am I expecting too much after a day? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83756546.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Nail Polish From Hardwood Floor How can I remove dried pink nail polish from a hard wood floor? I don't want to damage my floor, but need to remove a dried fingernail polish patch about the size of an adult hand. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20790758.tip.html
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Rate It: If I can paint the back splash of my Formica counter tops with a semi gloss, will I have to prepare them by sanding? The space all total might be 6'x6'. I just want a change, without getting new ones. Thanks for all the help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87667896.tip.html
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Rate It: Is Dog's Shedding Caused By Lack Of Vitamins? Do you think there are any vitamins or oils my Lab may be lacking? She is shedding so bad. Any advice? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81494677.tip.html
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Rate It: Sewing Items To Make Extra Money I would like to start sewing again and would like any ideas on items to sew to sell on E-Bay or at flea markets, etc. to make some extra money. Any tips would be appreciated. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65827598.tip.html
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Rate It: Removing Black Scuff Marks On Floor Can someone please tell me how to remove black scuff marks on the floor? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59749333.tip.html
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Rate It: Instructional DVD For Making A Rag Rug I want to make a braided Rag Rug and have no one to show me the basics. Are there any good books or DVD's? I like the tee shirt idea but do not exactly know how to connect them. Thanks Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43431454.tip.html
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Rate It: Transplanting Maple Tree Seedlings I have a nice bunch of "volunteer" maples in my flower gardens. I would like to know when its best to transplant them? Do I separate each individual or are they better in 2's? Do I need fertilizer to transplant them? I hope to make a nice straight border with them. Thank you so much for your help. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11420160.tip.html
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Rate It: With my first front load washer, I continually had problems with the spin cycle not spinning the clothes properly. Clothing would be sopping wet and I would have to spin 3-4 times to get them in a non-dripping condition. My boyfriend and I moved in a house together and now we are using his front loading washer. I don't have the same problem, but now his machine smells like mildew (it did not before in his apartment). Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf452244.tip.html
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Rate It: Tips for Saving Money on Bedding. Feel free to share you ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39222083.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:
|