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Volume Six, Number 245, December 20, 2007 (Read It Online) We have more Christmas ideas and crafts today. Hope you enjoy them. We also have lots of recent product recalls in the More Reading section. Be sure to browse through those. 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:
My husband made this snowman for his Holiday Potluck at work. Everyone loved it. It was much harder than a regular sparkleball but still doable. We just used an old hat and scarf that we had around the house but you could really decorate it up if you wanted to. If you want to see our previous article about sparkleballs, click on the link below. They are so much more beautiful in person than the photos show. By Jess in Oregon
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Rate It: This Rudolph ornament is made from a soda can. Bend the top of the can so the opening is in front and looks like a mouth. The top of the can is now the bottom of Rudolph's face. Spray paint brown. Paint on eyes and inside of mouth, let dry, then spray on a sealer. Glue on a felt hat and ears, stick antlers, and a pom pom nose. Glue a looped ribbon or cord to the back of the hat to hang your ornie. Rudolph is now ready for Christmas.
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Rate It: Cut a piece of lace 12 inches long, fold 1/4 inch and sew a seam then slip a pipe cleaner 5 inches long. If you bend the tip of it, it will slip so much better. Twist them closed and then glue a poinsettia in the center.
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Rate It: Take an empty jar (I used the 4 oz.), wash well and remove label. It doesn't matter if all the glue is off as long as all the paper is gone. I used a sponge brush to apply Elmer's glue all the way around the jar, but not the grooves where the lid went. While the glue was wet, I sprinkled with white glitter and silver stars. To hide the grooves for the lid, I wrapped ribbon around the top and tied a bow. I used a scented votive candle and wrapped each in tissue paper for gifts.
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Rate It: Craft: Chinese "Double Happiness" Ornament This is a modern version of the Chinese "Double Happiness" icon. It is considered good luck to display it in your home. It makes a nice Christmas ornament when cross stitched with black thread onto red 11 gauge material.
View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76478224.tip.html
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Rate It: Oliver always laughs at my silly jokes ... that's what best friends do.
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Rate It: Craft: Snoopy Tree Ornament
This little yarn Snoopy is dressed up with a Santa Hat, and ready to hang on your tree. Or you could add him as trim to a package, or make a lapel pin.
View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86037228.tip.html
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Rate It: Take paint brush. I got one that had no color or varnish on handle and used a red thick marker to color the top handle. You can you spray paint or paint but I like marker it dries quickly. Take piece of tan felt and adhere to front metal piece of paintbrush. Take the white felt and wrap around from one side along back to other side to make his hair, adhere this with glue. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96547101.tip.html
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Rate It: A girl I work with made these cute necklaces for all of our co-workers one year for Christmas. This would also be a great craft for kids. You could even hang one in your car with a note, "Don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly." View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54159230.tip.html
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Rate It: Craft: Tabletop Christmas Tree Glue the small round paper box to the bottom of the styrofoam cone for the trunk.
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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!
Give Consumables To Older Friends or Relatives If you are wondering what to give older friends/relatives for the holidays, here is an idea: Consumable gifts are always welcome since seniors do not want to get things that will end up collecting dust or ending up in a yard sale! They usually have enough stuff around the house already. Think of making a basket full of soaps, bath gel, shampoos, consumables such as homemade goods (cookies, gifts in a jar..) or purchased food items (tea, coffee, chocolates..) I've always had great feedback when doing this! :D Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20639364.tip.html
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Rate It: This takes a wire coat hanger, and a box of 25 of the thinner gallon size plastic bags (not Zip-loc) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60055323.tip.html
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Rate It: Using White Lunch Bags to Wrap Gifts When wrapping Christmas gifts there are always those smaller items that you don't have a box the right size for. Last year I used White Lunch Sacks. You can get these at most dollar stores and they work great to wrap a bunch of stuff. I just took several red and green marking pens and scribbled on them to add color. You can add a bow or ribbon if you like. They were a big hit! But this year, I let my 5 year old granddaughter do the decorating on them for me. She had a BLAST "making Christmas wrap bags" and was being helpful at the same time. You can't beat the price! At a dollar for 50, they cost about 2 cents each! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11522962.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Frozen Lemonade in Fruit Salad For added flavor to fruit salads, use frozen Lemonade. This will also keep fruit from discoloring. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85610680.tip.html
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Rate It: Create a snow globe online. By imaqt1962 from illinoisPost Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71618352.tip.html
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Rate It: National Geographic Maganize and Kids Magazine National Geographic covers a huge range of interesting topics. I like the fact that the reader can choose how deep they want to dig into the magazine.Sometimes you just want a little brain candy, so you look at the pictures and maybe read the captions. Other times you want it all, so you read every word of an article about some obscure topic like "leaf-cutting ants of the Congo". No matter how you decide to use it, you're guaranteed to find something new and interesting. National Geographic is possibly the most inspiring magazine I have ever read. I started reading NatGeo as a little kid and it really instilled a taste for adventure, science, and exotic locales/cultures in me. I have never lost that interest and always thought running NatGeo would be a blast.If you are curious, have kids, or just love to look at beautiful pictures, I highly, highly recommend getting a subscription to National Geographic. I am such a fan of National Geographic magazine and I remember pouring over the National Geographic World magazine as a child. So, I had no hesitation when I received an offer for National Geographic Kids magazine. My five-year-old son loves learning about the world and will choose areas out of the encyclopedia so that we read about them together. As I filled out my order form, I envisioned spending rainy afternoons snuggled up close to my son while we read his new magazine. Now I know National Geographic is considered a "science lite" magazine. While the articles are not going to be found in your average scientific journal, the magazine does skirt issues relating to science, nature and the world in a way the average non-science-minded sort of person could easily understand. I really expected the children's version of this magazine to do roughly the same, after all, I was given the promise that "NG Kids brings kids face-to-face with amazing animals, geographic adventures, incredible wonders of the deep, terrific technology and inspiring children all over the world." If you dig far enough into the each issue, you'll find some appropriate articles for your children. My son was fascinated with several articles including one on earthquakes, the debate about whether cats or dogs are smarter (and we learn that both are smart in their own ways) and what happens when people encroach into mountain lion habitat. Ask any person why they subscribe to National Geographic and the first word out of their mouth is usually, "The photos." Since the magazine is so well known for their photos, you'd expect the children's magazine to carry some of the more fun photos. The children's version does have some of the cuter photos but, again, the colorful, splashy advertisements on the opposing page often detract from the photos themselves. Click for more information: By maalikkhan Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90328251.tip.html
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Rate It: Recognizing Santa Gifts For Small Children 1. We never wrapped Santa gifts - just family ones. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44316642.tip.html
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Rate It: Beanies and Matching Mittens from an Old Sweater Look at the latest holiday edition of www.threadbanger.com for instructions how to make easy beanies and matching mitten from an old sweater! Kids are always losing theirs, so this would be great for a wintry mom. All you do is use the edge of the sweater for a headband of the beanie and cut a head shape and sew it up and a hand shape on the arms of the old sweater, also using the sleeve edge as the new edge for the mittens. Great Idea. Source: www.threadbanger.com By pamphyila from Los Angeles, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81465663.tip.html
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What should I use to get blood out of a microfiber couch? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21260506.tip.html
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Rate It: Getting Visitors to My Website Does anyone have any ideas for getting visitors to my website? It is geared towards kids and has many low cost items. I also have promotional items for just postage and handling costs. I will work with organizations that need low cost items for projects. Most of the sources that I had have closed or not doing things like that anymore. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31488511.tip.html
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Rate It: Can My Puppy Get Parvo Again if He is Not Vaccinated? My puppy just got out of the vet hospital. He was treated for Parvo. They gave me medicine for him to take. They don't want to give him his shots yet because his tummy is too sensitive right now, so can he still get Parvo again? I have not had my yard sprayed yet, but everything in the house was washed with bleach. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43711789.tip.html
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Rate It: Decorating a Damaged Christmas Gift Box Need to make a decorated gift box. The box that the vase came in is kind of beat up and that was the last one. I was trying to think of how I could cover the existing box, as this is a gift. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72602973.tip.html
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Rate It: Short Battery Life With My Digital Camera Product: Optio M20 Digital Camera Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43744108.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for a Crockpot bread pudding recipe for Christmas. Can anyone help? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59901271.tip.html
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Rate It: Making Fudge Using Bon Bon Candy Does anyone have the recipe to make fudge using Bon Bon candy? It is wonderful fudge and so easy to make. I've lost my recipe for it. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87513978.tip.html
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Rate It: We moved to the NC coast a year ago and what we did not expect was to find that Buddy came with our new home. Our new neighbors told us that this little fellow was a neighborhood stray for about a year. No one could get close to him, so we left food and water on our back deck for him. Every morning the food and water bowls would be empty and eventually we had a new member in our family.
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Rate It: Knifty Knitter Earflap Kid's Hat Pattern I'm looking for Knifty Knitter earflap kid's hat pattern. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26957804.tip.html
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Rate It: Canning on a Solid Top Electric Stove I need a new stove. It has to be electric. I hate cleaning under the 'snail' burners - so I am thinking about a solid top stove. I do a lot of canning. Anyone out there have any experience with canning on a solid top electric stove? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49932827.tip.html
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Rate It: Recipe for Authentic German Stollen My neighbor used to make wonderful Stollen for Christmas gifts. I miss them so much, now that she's passed away. Does anyone have an AUTHENTIC recipe for German Stollen? Thanks so much! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10795520.tip.html
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Rate It: Changing to a Differnt Type of Tub Stopper I am trying to convert my tub stopper to a pop up style or twist and turn because the lever style is jammed and i have no access to change the whole works out. My first pop up stopper had too big a thread so I got one that had a sleeve with two different threads on it. The smaller thread size would go in about a 1/4 inch and lock up. It turned out it has a fine thread pattern and my drain fitting has a coarser thread. Where can I get a drain stopper with the coarse thread on the smaller portion? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86580246.tip.html
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Rate It: Looking for Professional 3D Graphics Program I am looking for a 3D program, that does 3D object and character modeling. I would like it to be professional quality graphics with animation. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67703383.tip.html
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Rate It: Bleach Spots on Black Stone Vanity My wife used a spray cleaner that had bleach in it. Our black stone vanity top now has bleach spots. They are just dull spots, almost as if it ate through a finish. You can't tell when it is wet. Is there anything I can do? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37957867.tip.html
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Rate It: I made fudge and it's not setting. I put it into the refrigerator and now I know not to do that. I took it back out and its still not setting. Its not grainy or liquidy, just soft enough that its like pudding. This is my Dad's favorite holiday treat so I'm desperate to fix it (that and I made a huge pan)! Can someone please share their best knowledge on fixing this? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66115322.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:
Stocking Your Gift Closet
A Gift Closet or box can be a treasure trove all year long but especially at Christmas. I buy for Christmas all year long at yard sales and craft fairs and the thrifty store. I also love the dollar store. At these places, you can always find something to buy for someone on your list. I have found things in July that I have saved for Christmas. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99860093.tip.html
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Rate It: Horseshoe Magnets Recalled by United Scientific Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: Surface paint on the magnets contains high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standards. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85991079.tip.html
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Rate It: Outdoor Vacuums with Honda Engines Recalled By Billy Goat Industries Inc. Due to Fire Hazard Hazard: The vacuum's fuel tank could crack and leak fuel. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion can occur. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81477533.tip.html
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Rate It: Fishing Games Sold at Grocery Stores Recalled by Far East Brokers Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: The recalled game has parts that contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11277021.tip.html
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Rate It: Hooker Furniture Recalls Bunk Beds Due to Strangulation Hazard Hazard: The bunk beds have gaps between parts of the upper bunk that could allow a child's body to pass through but not a child's head. This poses an entrapment or strangulation hazard to children and exceeds the space allowed by the federal bunk bed safety standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13546247.tip.html
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Rate It: Codee International Corp. Recalls Children's Jewelry Due to Risk of Lead Exposure Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18417702.tip.html
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Rate It: Children's Toys Recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: The recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97754701.tip.html
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Rate It: AutoZone Recalls Booster Cables Due to Electrical Hazard Hazard: The booster cables clamps were assembled incorrectly resulting in reverse polarity. This poses an electrical shock and explosion hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98690814.tip.html
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Rate It: Infantino Recalls Infant Teethers Due to Choking Hazard Hazard: The plastic nose can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41028188.tip.html
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Rate It: Venmar Ventilation Inc. Recalls Heat Recovery Ventilators Due to Fire Hazard Hazard: The thermal protector in these units can fail, posing a potential fire hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69771071.tip.html
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Rate It: Bicycle Helmets Recalled by Specialized Due to Failing Helmet Standard Hazard: The helmets fail testing required under CPSC's safety standard for bicycle helmets. This can pose a head injury hazard to riders in a fall. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73780616.tip.html
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Rate It: Full Body Safety Harnesses Recalled by Gorilla Due to Fall Hazard Hazard: The harnesses could fail during use, resulting in a hunter falling from the tree stand and suffering serious injuries or death. ![]()
Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69701738.tip.html
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Rate It: American Honda Motor Corp. Recalls Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard Hazard: The cutting blades could rotate under power when the control lever is released. The lawn mowers do not comply with mandatory federal safety standards for lawn mowers. The spinning blade poses a serious laceration hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80242824.tip.html
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Rate It: AAFES Recalls "Soldier Bear" Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard Hazard: The surface paint on the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89758498.tip.html
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Rate It: Deadly Danger: CPSC Urges Parents To Not Place Infants on Air Mattresses Since 2002, CPSC has received reports of 16 tragic deaths, mostly infants younger than 8 months of age who were placed to sleep on air mattresses: 11 suffocated in a face down position on an air mattress and 5 died due to suffocation after falling into gaps between the mattress and bed frame and mattress and adjacent furniture or wall. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82805793.tip.html
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Rate It: CPSC Warns Winter Storm Victims: Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can't see or smell it. A generator's exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91315424.tip.html
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