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Volume Six, Number 98, May 18, 2007 (Read It Online) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Happy Birthday to Jess, on of ThriftyFun's editor's. Her birthday is tomorrow. Here's today's feature request... Gypsy Moth Caterpillars Does anyone know of a good "GREEN" solution for those horrible Gypsy Moth Caterpillars? They are eating my petunias and other flowers,last year they ate all my petunias. Not letting them eat them this year. Hardiness Zone: 6a Thanks,
Thanks for reading, Susan
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No Knitting Required! I'm a cheater, I made a felted purse out of a really too bright mens XL sweater I bought at a second hand store. Has to be 100% wool, no blends. After I purposely shrank it by washing it in the washer (hot water), and drying it in the dryer, I cut off the arms to use for handles later. Then I turned it so that the waist band is now the top, I layed it flat and cut a straight line from side to side through both layers right above the neck hole. Note: Here's where you have to decide which side is the prettier side and turn your felted sweater accordingly, all sewing should be done on the wrong side to hide the work. I sewed up the cut sides and along the newly cut bottom, then I folded in my corners until I got the width of my purse right. I pinned them, sewed them across the widest part and tacked them down along the bottom seam of the purse, make sure you center this. This might be called "the bag technique". I turned the bag right side out and folded the waist band down over the edge, just to where the ribbed stitching ended or the colors changed. I got one sleeve, cut off the inner felted seam and layed it flat. I cut two equal strips 2 inches wide, these are your handles. I folded each strip in half length wise and sewed the sides together, you'll have two 1 inch rope style handles. I pinned them inside the purse and stitched them so that the work would be hidden under the folded over-hang of the waist band, make sure NOT to stitch down the waist band. Adjust the handles to your preference before you stitch. I sprayed the purse with warm water, and stuffed it with plastic trash bags to dry after I had gotten it to the shape I like most. On the first bag, I got a crochet hook and added eyelash yarn in the same color as the waistband to it's entire width, right to the point where the colors changed. On the second purse, I added beaded embellishments to the waist band, because I like shiny things. Because the waist band is knitted in rib stitch, it never really felted tight, but I made it work. Hmmm, what did I do with the other sleeve? Why I made a jacket for my Chihuahua of course. :-) I'm not just Fickle, I'm thrifty too! By ficklephonebug from Bakersfield, CA
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Rate It: I made a pin with teabag folding (package) and a button. You only have to fold your teabags envelopes to make the medallion and then put some water resistant varnish and use a nice button to decorate. Then glue a pin to the back and it's ready to use.
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Rate It: These are our two Red Oscars. They are both about 8 inches long and live in a 50 gallon tank in our dining room. They don't really have names, they are just "The Oscars". The fish and the tank were given to us by our next door neighbors who could no longer keep them. We have had them about a year now. Oscars are very intelligent fish, they are always moving rocks around in their tank and rearranging things. They also seem to be aware when people are watching and will swim up to that side of the tank, probably looking for food. They eat Cichlid pellets most of the time but we often get feeder fish for them too. They will eat 20 little minnows in about 5 minutes. Jess in Portland
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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!
There is so much support out there on the net, that you can get therapeutic advice for almost any issue through all the self-help blogs and boards and chat rooms. You don't have to wait until you can afford therapy or have transportation - by participating online. My own therapist is out of town for a month or so and I am compensating by spending more time with my online supports. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32580013.tip.html
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Rate It: I saw an article in a magazine with two websites that offer good prices on clothing. They were: By Carol from Massachusetts Editor's Note: What are you favorite online discount clothing stores? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95034976.tip.html
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Rate It: Remember all exchanges are not monetary ones. There is something which, in the non-profit sector, is called non-cash donation - which is sort of like barter. Say the office has paper they want to get rid of and you have a kindergarten which needs paper for coloring. You pick it up and everyone is happy. This principle works out very well in lots of situations - as you can reward people for service, say - not in cash, per se - but in trading in goods and services, etc. I love win win situations. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57279899.tip.html
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Rate It: Well since summer is almost here, you will probably want to make some sun tea. If you don't want to pay for the pricey sun tea jars in the department stores, just take a clean gallon milk jug, put your cold water and your tea bags in and set in the sun. Works as well as the pricey ones do. Make sure you put the lid on to keep out ants and bees. Just one of my frugal tips. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82473938.tip.html
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Rate It: Use the Dollar Store for Shopping Sprees When I get the urge to shop and don't want to spend a lot of money, I go to the dollar store. It's a great way to squelch the urge and I can get a few inexpensive items that I usually need. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25430315.tip.html
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Rate It: Company To Repair Outdoor Jackets And Equipment (England) I needed my gore-tex jacket repaired, and my windstopper jacket. They got damaged while walking in the hills. I found a company called inflate4u Ltd who fixed them both much cheaper than normal. Took a week. Fantastic job. There aren't many companies which fix outdoor clothing and equipment who repair for the big companies like mountain equipment. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96790662.tip.html
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Rate It: New Year's Resolution: Save, Save, Save My name is Misti and I'm 27 years old. I live with my husband and 7 year old son. I started living a frugal life after I realized one day that I've been working for 10 years and I only have $200 in savings to show for it. The first step I did was make a budget. I went through all my spending and bills and cut out tons of unnecessary expenses. I went through my entire checking account statement and called everyone that was making automatic debits from my account. I didn't even realize most of them that were still doing it. I paid off my credit card and put it away for real emergencies only! Then I looked up money savings tips and frugal ideas online and bought cheap books from Amazon on the subjects. I thought a couple bucks on these books would be ok since I knew I would learn a lifetime of information. I've learned how to organize my stuff using free stuff around the house, how to shop garage sales for everything I need, how to save on groceries, how to cut utility costs, and lots of other little tips that have added up to big savings. We now make our own pizzas at home which saves us $20 a week and joined the Blockbuster DVD program that mails DVD's. I figured we needed one entertainment luxury while still being frugal and this is the one we choose and it's still cheap at only $17 a month. We have rented all kinds of movies well more then the cost. The challenges that I do face is that sometimes I think I'm being so frugal that I can be lazy and spend today. I end up spending on stupid stuff that I haven't spent in months. I just try to stay focused. One of my #1 rules is to not spend one dime on Friday's. That way, I go into the weekend already saving money. (My biggest spending weakness is the weekends). Life has become so much simpler. I don't have to worry about paying bills anymore. I always have the money ready and still have leftovers. My husband and I have a much better relationship as the result of being frugal because we feel like we are becoming financially secure. And we don't argue about the money each other spends anymore because we only spend out of necessity. If we do splurge, we really deserve it. I hope this story inspires others to be frugal everyday! Misti from Burbank, CA Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50141076.tip.html
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Rate It: Tear-free Homemade Bubble Solution Dissolve 2 tablespoons sugar into 2 cups warm water. Slowly add 1 cup tear-free baby shampoo. Stir well but gently. This is GREAT for kids birthday parties and for the younger kids that can't play with the big brother's and sister's bubble solution! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf807922.tip.html
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Rate It: Keep a small coin purse in your purse and when you make a purchase put the receipt in the coin purse. You will always have your receipts with you if you need to return an item. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf637953.tip.html
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Rate It: Put That Lotto Money in Savings Every day that I don't buy a lottery ticket I put $2 in an envelope and do the same with coffee at work, where I used to buy one or two cups a day. At the end of the month I either put what I've accumulated into savings or against a debt I owe. It's easier to see the savings this way Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf400212.tip.html
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Does anyone know of a good "GREEN" solution for those horrible Gypsy Moth Caterpillars? They are eating my petunias and other flowers,last year they ate all my petunias. Not letting them eat them this year. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31625590.tip.html
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Rate It: I have pine cabinets in my kitchen. Pine is very soft, so there are several indentions, nicks, and scratches on them. They could also use a good cleaning. Would you suggest that I use some kind of good cleaner first, even if it removes the finish and then go back over them with a satin urethane? They really look bad. HELP! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37902812.tip.html
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Rate It: Sweet Potato and Butternut Muffins Could someone please help me with a recipe for Sweet Potato and Butternut Muffins? These Muffins were served last week at a meeting (with a wee bit of caramel sauce on top!) and were absolutely devine! However, the caterer will not give away the recipe. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48556421.tip.html
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Rate It: Mildew Smell Coming From My Sink I am in need of some help with my kitchen sink. It has a mildew/mold smell coming out of it, it has the slots in it so i can't stick anything down it and I don't have a garbage disposal. I have tried lemon juice, bleach, baking soda and don't know what else to try. Does anyone have any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87089918.tip.html
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Rate It: Pets No Longer Allowed on Freecycle? Does anyone know anything about this new law? Does it really pertain to individuals? You can no longer give an animal away? This was posted on free cycle site: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14859156.tip.html
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Rate It: Converting a Knitting Pattern to a Crochet Pattern Does anyone know how to convert a knitting pattern to a crochet pattern? I have problems with my hands holding onto 2 hooks much less just one! :) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99090067.tip.html
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Rate It: Clothing Wetter Than Normal After Washing My clothes come out wetter than before in the wash.It seems like the spin cycle doesn't work, or it's just not draining the water out right anymore. Any advice? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57804612.tip.html
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Rate It: Buying Oxygen Bleach in Albuquerque Where can I buy oxygen bleach in Albuquerque? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27940154.tip.html
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Rate It: I have flood damage to my carpeted floor and need advice. I fell asleep while running a bath and the tub ran over for about an hour, the carpeted floor ended up being flooded by almost 2 inches. I have been vacuuming and running both a heater and 2 fans on the floor but it is still somewhat wet, my guess would be from the padding, the floor underneath is particle board. Should I pull up all the carpet and padding or should I just keep doing what I am doing to try and dry the floor? Any advice would be awesome. This is a complete emergency for me. Thanks in advance for your advice and helpful hints. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39444953.tip.html
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Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more: More Information:
Garden Savings
Spring gardening can sometimes add up to quite a chunk of cash. Instead of burying your money in the soil, plant some of these seeds and grow some savings.
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Rate It: Saving Money on Clothing Patterns Does anyone know where I might be able to find free or really cheap clothing patterns? New patterns are a bit expensive and, although some people can use a pattern several times, mine seem to fall apart after the first use. They are discounted sometimes, but only the most god-awful ones. Are there ways to extend the life of the tissue the pattern is printed on?
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Rate It: Protecting Plants From Rabbits Tips for keeping bunnies out of gardens from the ThriftyFun community.
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