Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 202 August 22 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Since we didn't publish an issue on Saturday we have a lot of new requests in this issue. Please look them over and see what advice you have to offer.
There is just a little over a week before our current contest ends. There are some categories that have very few entries in them. For example, the organizing photo tip contest has only one or two entries so far. If you have an organizing photo and tip to share, be sure to submit it. For more information about the photo contest and to submit your entry visit:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
Buddy, Our New Found Friend
Our new dog was found on a busy street. No tags, collar or chip. We put up flyers and sent one to the local pound. No one has claimed him after 35 days, so we have named him "Buddy". He doesn't like frozen dog food or treats, dog biscuits, dry or canned food. He really likes chicken. He doesn't know how to play. No balls or chew toys or rope/sock tugs. He likes to go for walks/car rides and for people to rub his chest. He doesn't like cats. But is good with kids and other animals. He is a good little guy, and we have fallen in love with him.
By Great Granny Vi
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Snowman Ornaments
Cardboard Snowman Ornament
Cut pieces of cardboard out as a snowman shape and wings. Paint with white paint and texture snow. Add embellishments.
Can Lid Snowman
Paint the can lid white. Cut a straw hat in half. Glue to the top of the lid. Paint the tip of a toothpick and add it for the nose. You can either paint on the eyes or use little black beads. Add a hanger at the top. Glue a ribbon bow on the bottom and add a jingle bell.
By Michele
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Fish Collage (metal and wood)
By Shauna Smith Duty This art project is for the true recycler. By combining old pieces of metal, a scrap of wood, and leftover paint, you can create a primative work of art that depicts the synergy of man and nature. My father creates these unique pieces in his spare time, and they are indeed works of art.
What you'll need:
- A scrap of wood 3/4" to 1" thick, and at least 10" wide and tall
- Metal scraps: These can be gathered on the street or found in the garage, use an assortment of screws, nuts, bolts, washers, nails, and pieces of broken metal from appliances, cars, and other objects.
- Chisel and hammer
- Pencil or marker
- Paint and brushes
- Varnish or polyurethane
- Hanger for the back or two cola can tabs
 First, sketch the animal (fish, cat, bird, etc) in a basic outline form on the wood. Use a hammer and chisel to carve the inside of the sketch so that your metal scraps can be embedded into the wood. (Take your time. This project could take a few days.)
Arrange the metal scraps into the carved area. You may want to arrange them so that one represents and eye, a few others resemble a mouth, and so on. (Again, take your time. Search for the perfect piece.) Remove the metal pieces, but try to keep them in order. Pour varnish or polyurethane into the chiseled out area. Arrange the metal pieces into their prior places within the wood. Let dry. Pour another coat of varnish or polyurethane onto the metal pieces. Let dry.
Using your left over paint, add color to the background. For a border, you can brush uneven dashes or geometric shapes onto the wood.
Attach a purchased photo hanging assembly or two cola can tabs to the back of the art piece to hang it by.
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Making Dish Gardens
I make and sell dish gardens. The first picture is an old pressed, clear glass bird cage feeder. In it I put little hens and chicks and and English daisy.
The second picture was made from a vintage Fire King cup and saucer. Hens and chicks, sedum/groundcover which will get yellow and red flowers have been planted.
I have lots more ideas, today I plan to make butter dish gardens from some old Pyrex butter dishes I have!
By April
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Today's Tips
Make Your Own Postcards
Tips for making your own postcards. Post your ideas.
Making Postcards
I had a hard time finding postcards to buy in bulk for a reasonable price. I decided to make my own. I save bits of old fabric scraps, wallpaper, scrapbook paper, magazine paper or those annoying inserts that drop out of magazines. I use the this leftover material and paste on 4 x 6 index cards, making post cards for entering sweepstakes and sending thank you notes.
By MaryBeth Isaac
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Deer Deterrents
Yarrow as a Deer Deterrent
If you're having trouble with deer eating up the bushes, shrubs, trees or gardens. Plant Yarrow. This plant will keep the deer from enjoying the scenery in your yard & property.
By Terri
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New Mouse Pad for Less
I've been needing a new mouse pad for ages. All of them that I saw were small ones that cost upwards of $6. I just replaced the old pad with a plastic place mat that cost $1.47 and it works great! The palm trees are very trendy, too.
By Margie Minard
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A Matching Bow for Your Wrapped Package
This is an easy way to always have a bow that matches your wrapping paper. Take a leftover rectangle of paper and cut it into 1/4 inch strips, leaving about 1 inch of uncut paper at the top. Gather the uncut portion and wrap scotch tape around it. Now, curl the wrapping paper as you would curling ribbon. You will have any size bow you like and it will always match your wrapping paper. The downside is you won't have small pieces of wrapping paper you hate to discard and are too small to use!
By Tedebear
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Saving on Swiffer Dry Cloths
I use both sides of my Swiffer dry cloths before I throw them out. I purchase the dollar general brand which is 20 for 2.00. I saw Save-a-Lot has a 20 pack for $1.00, but I haven't tried them yet. My mom does the same thing!
By Lydia
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Banana Peels for Roses
For Anyone Who Loves Roses
Don't ever throw your banana peels away, save them to put them in your garden.
We do! My wife loves her rose bushes. Take the peels and bury them skin side up around your Rose bush, not too deep but deep enough so the small animals don't dig them up. You may have to do this more than once, but the more the better. You will see a big difference in your bushes.
I know the season may be over for some but keep it in mind for next year.
By Charlie
Editor's Note: The photo is by Sandra Hemstock who has also posted below in the feedback.
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Saving Money on Books
Tips for saving money on books. Post your ideas!
Buying and Selling Books
I buy books for $.10 or $.25 each, read them and then sell them back to the used book store for more. I usually get a credit at the store and buy books, videos, DVDs or CDs for myself or for my children.
By MaryBeth Isaac
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Storing Eggs
Tips for storing eggs. Post your ideas.
Keep your eggs in their original cartons til time of use, so they'll not be exposed to the changes every time your refrigerator door is open. They'll keep fresh longer.
By Terri
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Cartoon Characters on Products for Less
Do your children beg for products emblazoned with their favorite characters? I know my children do, and it makes me crazy! The same yogurt can cost up to two dollars more because it has some kind of cartoon character on it. What I have taken to doing is going to my local Dollar store and buying several large package of stickers bearing my children's favorite characters. One dollar will usually garner me four sheets bearing about 15 stickers each.
I then will buy the lowest price brand of cereal, yogurt, body wash, shampoo, what have you, and place character stickers on the products. Voila, my sons are suddenly thrilled to be eating/ using the lower priced product! This probably wouldn't work for older kids, but it works usually for the preschool through early elementary set that whines/ begs for the "Scooby" yogurt, the "Shrek" yogurt, etc., anyway. Hope this helps!
By Karen
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Saving Money on Gas
Tips for saving money on gas. Post your ideas.
Buy Gas at the Right Time
I saw on the news that if you want to save a few cents per gallon of gasoline, buy your gas before 10:00 a.m., as that's the average time the gas prices go up. They also said,if at all possible, do not buy your gas on Mondays or Thursdays. The reasoning was that because most people start their family vacations on Monday or Thursday.
By Terri
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 16 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
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Photo Contest!
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Contest ends August 31, 2005
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New Requests
DESPERATE: Melted Crayon Dried on Clothing
I have now had 2 loads of laundry that have been dried with a crayon in it. Load one consisted of whites.. mostly cottons with a purple crayon. And load two: lights, mostly cottons again, with a red crayon. Any suggestions on what to use to get it out. I don't mind replacing socks, but my husband's poly/cotton dress shirts will get expensive.
Thanks,
Erin
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Repairing Cat Scratches on Leather Sofa
I have a new brown leather sofa and a crazy cat who has scratched the heck out of the arm rest. Any ideas to make the scratches less visible?
Amber
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Chocolate Stains on Clothing
I spilled the kind of chocolate that hardens onto my favorite pants. The chocolate came out but some kind of oily(?) residue has remained. They are 100% cotton.
Thanks for the help,
Barbara
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Advice About Peeing Cat
I have a cat that I love that has begun the horrible habit of peeing on, well, just about everything, but especially our microfiber couch. She's only 2 and seems to do it out of spite, like after we come home from a vacation, when guests are over, etc. She's particularly shy. Any tips for curbing this bad habit?.
Shae from Oak Creek
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White Clothing Dyed Blue
I have dyed an item of clothing from white to blue (through another item bleeding in the wash). Is there anyway to take this colour back out or am I now stuck with a blue top? The item is made of cotton and I have left it to soak in normal water.
Thanks,
Sarah from UK
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Rust Stains On Leather Car Seats
I need to clean rust stains off leather car seats. My beige leather car seats have rust stains on them. What can I do to get them out? I tried Lexol, but it didn't work.
Steve
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Pouting Doll Pattern
I am wondering if anyone has the pouting doll pattern. I would like to make one for a Christmas gift.
Thank you,
Lori
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Centerpieces for Teachers Welcome Back Luncheon
We are planning a Welcome Back luncheon for the teachers at our school. I was trying to think of a neat centerpiece to put on the tables. I need 12 of them. I was thinking of tying a ribbon on one chair from each table so that a lucky teacher could have a keepsake from the event.
Thanks,
CF from Virginia
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Growing a Lawn in The Shade
I would like to know how to get a lawn to grow next to the woods in Northern Delaware. There is sandy soil, large trees, and a lot of shade. Crabgrass grows and so does plantain. Why does my attempts at seeding a regular lawn fail? It goes back to weeds quickly. The soil is very compact and quite dry due to its composition and the big trees requirements of nutrients and water. Shall I try a mulched leaf yard? I love flowers and snails are a problem in leaf mulch here. Is it a no win situation?
Jackie Hintz
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Black Spots on Tomato Plant Leaves
I have Roma and Grape tomato plants that have loads of fruit on them -- the vines are another story! They were all in good shape until a month ago, when leaves started turning yellow with black spots. I sprayed some insecticidal soap on them a few times, and cut off the bad foliage but they continued to deteriorate. Again my tomatoes are great, but the vines are nearly bare because leaves turn yellow and dry up and fall off. What causes this and what can I do in the future to prevent it? Thanks for your help.
Monica from PA
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Acrylic Paint on Clothing
I would like to know how to get acrylic paint stains out of cotton fabric and cotton/polyester fabrics. My kids were doing crafts at camp and got paint on their good clothes, how can i remove the unwanted stains?
Marleen
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Title of a Horror Movie Where a Doll Becomes a Girl and a Girl Becomes a Doll
I hope someone can help me with the title of a horror movie I saw years ago. I'm not sure if it was a movie or an episode of a series, but it was in black and white and was made in either the late 60s or early 70s (I'm giving away my age here!).
Anyway, here is what I can remember of the plot: A little girl has a doll. She and the doll at times trade places, meaning the girl sometimes becomes a toy while the doll becomes a human. One time the girl's mother comes into her room and sees her daughter as a doll in a box waving to her and the doll as a human. The mother screams in terror.
If any of you can tell me the title of this show, I would greatly appreciate it. I have been thinking of this show for quite a few years now and it drives me crazy. Thanks to all of you for your help.
Blondie
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Helping a Dehydrated Dog
My friend has a three year old boxer has had weight loss but still is eating normally. He is kept outside in a dog pin. Last night he was barking very unusually for him at night. He put him in the garage. When morning came he want to check on him. He did not want to stand up on his legs. His back end of his body looked very, very week like he can not support it. His gums in his mouth had a dry pink look. The temperature outside is 90. I dont know what the temperature was inside the garage.
When I went over there to look at him he was also sweating from his tongue like he had been for walk. His coat feels dry and brittle. All he wants to do is lay around. I am thinking he is dehydrated and/or in the early stages of hip dysplasia. He cannot afford to take him to the vet at this time. What can he do at home to get his dog back to feeling better?
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Pickets Falling Off Fence
I had a handy man put up two picket gates and some fencing about a year ago. The pickets are falling off. I have used liquid nails and it lasted for a while but now they are falling off again. The handy man is long gone. Also how do you get liquid nails off the white vinyl? What a mess!
Thanks
Liz from Jersey
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Presa Canario Keeps Itching
My friend has a female Presa Canario who has a terrible case if itchy skin and she is chewing herself to ribbons. She is 18 months old and nothing seems to stop this. No signs of fleas are on her at bath time. We are in Hamilton Ontario and the weather was hot but is still humid and has cooled down to the 20's C. The highs being 29 lately. Any suggestions to cool her skin and stop the itching and biting It is not her diet as she eats the same food. No human food. I suggested Calamine Lotion but am waiting to hear if that might be harmful. Suggestions please.
Thanks,
Susan from Hamilton
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Homemade Sanitary Pads
Does anyone make their own sanitary pads? I need to know what to use and measurements. If someone could help me I would greatly appreciate it.
Jenn Pa
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Hip-Hop Hollywood in Hawaii Sleepover
I am turning 13 soon and I want to have a Hip-hop Hollywood in Hawaii sleepover theme. My mom doesn't want it to be expensive. If anyone has any ideas on how I should decorate or games we could play, please let me know.
Taylor
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Paint Color to Match Santos Mahogany
I am installing wood floors (Santos Mahogany) in all rooms in my house. I would like to paint the walls before the wood is installed; but there are too many choices. I have already removed and painted all the baseboards white.
I want to start with the foyer/family room which is about 400 sq.ft. I am thinking of a light tan or sand color. I prefer furniture with darker wood.
Any ideas on color coordination?
Frank
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Preparing Soda Can Tabs for Crafts
I wanted to make a soda can tab belt. But then I was thinking, what should I put on them so they won't rust?
Thanks!
~Tip
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"Gluing" Bird Sead Together
I saw some hanging bird seed feeders, like the bell shaped ones but these were shaped like eggs and hung from colored bits of yarn. I thought they were very clever but I am not willing to pay $12 for a dozen. I was wondering if I could make them but upon searching the internet I couldn't find a glue like substance to use to hold the seed together in the desired shape. I am not wanting to use suet or peanut butter. Does anyone have any ideas what I might be able to use that wouldn't be harmful to birds but allow the seed to be "glued" together in a shape?
Sandra
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Using Knox for Your Hair
I have a mohawk, around 8", and my hair is stubborn about staying up with glue and hair spray. I have have heard that knox works wonders, but I'm not sure how much or what to mix it with and so forth, any help is much appreciated.
caitlib
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Dog is Too Submissive
I have a 5 year old long-haired dachshund that I rescued last December named Doodad. I know a little about his previous life in a household with 4 other dogs, but what I wasn't told but suspect is that he may have been abused. When I reach down to pet him, he acts like he thinks I am going to hit him and frequently flops down onto his side and squirts out a little urine. I believe this is submissive behavior because he also does this when he thinks my other dog is mad at him and about to 'attack.'
Obviously, this presents clean-up issues for me. In every other way he is a delightful pooch and I love him dearly, but this habit is getting old fast. Anyone know how I can train him to not do this?
Claudia
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Tiny Red Ants in Packages of Food
I have these itty bitty red ants. I don't know what kind they are or how to get rid of them. They have actually gotten into packages of food that haven't even been opened yet. I can't afford to throw away groceries so if any one knows how to get rid of them I sure would appreciate it.
by imaqt1962
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Protecting Roses
I have James Peirce roses, the ones that bloom are insanely beautiful, but it's rare that they bloom and they are not growing in height. It seems like they have been stunted by dogs, cats, fungi or something else. Any tips, suggestions or thoughts?
My roses say thank you,
Rosebud
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Is Night Gallery being shown on TV anymore?
Are any of you Night Gallery fans? Do you remember that show, from the early 70s? If so, the reruns were once shown on the SciFi channel but then were picked up on the Mystery channel until last year. Does anyone know if the Mystery channel will be showing it again? If so, please let me know because I really love that show but can't afford the DVD set right now. I greatly appreciate any help you can give me.
Thanks to all of you,
Sweetie
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Flair Pen on Cotton Clothing
How do you get flair pen ink out of 100% cotton clothing. I have used shout and cold water.
Di
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Ink on Suede Sofa
My 1 year old wrote on my suede sofas with a ink pen. How do I remove it? Please help!
Thanks!
Cassandra
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Uses for an Old Crib
I have the crib my father used when he was a baby and do not wish to give it away (it is probably no longer considered safe for a baby today anyway). It is about 3.5 feet high, is on wheels, is 3.5 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. The sides are not moveable.
I am looking for suggestions for a new use for the crib. I am currently using it for a stuffed animal collection and have stored quilts in it. Any other ideas out there?
Laurie in VA
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Decorating a Nail Salon
I am doing remodeling for nail salon. I am having a very difficult time in choosing the carpet and the wall painting colors. I have already ordered all the furniture. All 10 nail stations are light and shiny hardwood floor color. Clients' chair have a yellow backrest with light cream seat cushions. The workers' chairs are in cream.
All the furniture is basically light hardwood, yellow & cream. What color do you think I should paint the walls with and what color should the carpet be? I've been going crazy about this. Would you please give me some advice?
May God always keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Thank you,
Thi Hoang, NJ
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Dark Blue Stains on a Stainless Steel Pan
I got busy and forgot a small stainless steel sauce pan on the stove. It is the heavy duty kind called Lustre Kraft. It was on the burner with nothing in it for quite a long time before I noticed it. When I finally took it off the burner, it was very discolored, not burnt, however. I tried cleaning it with soft scrub and I thought the stain was gone, but when it dried, the stains are still there, like dark blue and dark stain. How can I clean it and get it back to the shiney stainless steel color again?
Thanks for your help.
Linda
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Melted Crayons Off Car Seat
My children left a crayon on the back seat of my car. Neither one of them have admitted guilt. It melted. It is a neon green color. It doesn't match too well to the grey fabric seats. Anyone have a suggestion on how I could remove this stain without replacing the seats? The car isn't even a year old yet.
Laura Lange
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Chiggers Love Me
I am an avid gardner but am getting frustrated. I live in the Piedmont area of NC and for some reason, this year I have had the WORST time with chigger bites. They seem to go out of their way to bite me! I slather myself in bug repellant, wear light, neutral colors while gardening and I still walk inside after a half hour of weeding or picking ripe vegetables only to scratch my arms or legs until I almost get a bruise. No one else seems to get attacked by these mealy creatures. Any solutions?
Bekkicat
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Dollar Shops in Australia
I've recently returned from a trip to America and Hawaii. I absolutely LOVE those Dollar shops over there. I've been raving to all my friends about them. Now that I'm back in Austalia, I was wondering if anyone knew of any similar cheap Dollar-style shops over here, especially in North Queensland. I normally frequent ones such as Overflow, Treasure Kingdom, Solly's Warehouse, etc, but still love the range and cheaper prices from the American stores. Please help! I miss them!
Cathy
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Juice Spilled Between Glass Doors On New Stove
I spilled a glass of orange juice and it ran between the glass oven doors on my stove. It has a few slits and I guess that's how it got in. I tried pouring soapy water in the slits and some of it came off. There are still a few drips. The stove is a month old. Help!
Thanks,
Liz
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Freezing Acorn Squash
Can I freeze acorn squash? Do I cook it like I would for dinner, cut in half - brown sugar, butter, bake in oven... let cool then scoop out and freeze?
Thanks,
Pam
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Repairing a Wood Dining Room Table
I have a cherry dining room table that has some small strips of wood missing on the edge of the table. Can this be repaired or does the top need to be replaced? If it can be repaired, what do I need to do?
Lillie from NC
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My Dryer is Stealing Fresh Scent from Clothes!
I've never had this problem before. I have always used liquid fabric softener when washing my clothes, and they always smell so fresh and clean when I'm transferring the wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. But now, after the load is dry, the fresh smell has dissipated from the clothes. There is no smell whatsoever! What is happening? Now I feel like I'm wasting my money!
JO in TN
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10 Money-Saving Ideas
By Cyndi Roberts 1. If you have your haircut every 3 weeks, try going 4 or 5 weeks in between haircuts. If you pay $10 for a haircut, you could save $70 a year by having a cut every 5 weeks instead of 3.
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