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Hello,
We have a full newsletter today. We have nearly 30 new requests, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer. We also have some Gardening Q&A in the More Reading section (towards the bottom of this newsletter). We have included some recent gardening questions that Ellen Brown has provided answers for. If you have a gardening or green living question for Ellen Brown, don't hesitate to submit it here:
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We are donating $3 to the American Red Cross for every Halloween and Fall Decor photo contest entry submitted before the 25th of this month. Submit your Halloween decoration, costume or fall decor photo here:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
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Today's Photos
Bogey (Bogart) is 4 yrs old. He is my dachshund black and tan long hair. We got him from a breeder in Connecticut that we became friends with! He has a squeeky chicken leg he likes to play with. My son likes to get him to play!
By Maureen W
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Houdini loves his perch on our cat pole! He's 8 yrs old and is a shorthair white with orange areas. He was in a litter from a stray and the lady was taking him to the pound the next day! So, I rescued him and he has been my best friend ever since. I am a senior and cannot work part-time anymore because of serious health problems. So, he is such a comfort to me. He follows me around my home and sleeps close by me every night. He loves a laser light and will even chase it up walls as far as he can go! He is the best that a cat can be.
By Elaine - Ohio
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Tip: Always watch your child in the bath, never leave him/her!
By oceangoddess
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Today's Tips
Hardiness Zones (Plant Hardiness Zones)
Growing regions designated by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) which divides the United States and southern Canada into 11 planting zones based on a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the average annual minimum temperatures. Using these zones as a guide, seed companies and nurseries label their horticultural products based on which zones plants will grow most successfully in. Higher numbered zones are generally warmer.
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If you're a sales rep. for Avon, or some other jewelry company. The items you get for show or for very cheaply yourself. Keep all the boxes, even if you wear some of the items. Keep them in their original boxes. This will keep them from getting scratched up in your jewelry box or where ever.
After you're tired of them or every in a tight spot financially, you can sell them, as nearly new. This way, you'll be able to charge a larger price for the actual item, having the original box, the same with anything else, whether it be a doll, a radio or something else, especially when gently used.
By Terri
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For an inexpensive lip gloss use a little petroleum jelly. Also works for treating dry lips.
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A frisbee will add support to paper plates when the plate is place inside the frisbee.
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Make a camp washing machine with a five gallon bucket and a toilet plunger. The plunger does a good job of agitating the water.
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An empty plastic soda bottle, cut off to a convenient height, will work as a camp bowl. You may want to sandpaper the cut to smooth the edge.
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I used an empty mechanical pencil lead container to store needles in. I lucked out and had one that was a good size and had a magnet on the back to stick to the fridge. I always know where a needle is.
By Tawnda
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Handmade costumes are fun. They can dress like a hobo with a stick and bandana item. Carry a pillowcase for treats. Did this one year for fun at Halloween.
By Susan Merry
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I always have trouble opening nail polish bottles, especially if they have been used more than once.
Today I was trying to open one and nothing was small enough to fit around the top and then I ran across a nut cracker, and it worked wonderfully. Never again will I have to ask my husband to open my nail polish. It is a perfect fit for a small bottle.
By Pat437 in GA
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Contest ends October 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests
Uses for prescription bottles?
My friend Mary was collecting empty prescription containers. She said she received money for them. Before I could find out how -- she died. Does anyone have a use for the containers or know of someone who needs them? Juanita from Homewood, IL
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Sticky Residue From Ficus Plant
One of my ficus plants is leaving a sticky residue on the floor. Can I do something to eliminate what I am calling 'pitch' on the leaves and surrounding area from this ficus? And is this plant still healthy? Hardiness Zone: 9a Mrs Jean from Northern California
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Lightweight Mummy Halloween Decoration
My place of work has a door decorating contest every year. This year, my office is planning on entering. We are in need of suggestions on how to make a lightweight mummy, so that we can suspend it from the top of the door frame. Any idea of what materials we could use that would be lightweight and cheap?
Mary from Langhorne, PA
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Making a Nice Christmas on a Budget
Two years of medical setbacks have caught up with us and while everyone is finally well, it is going to be a lean Christmas. I have great crafting skills, can knit, sew, and cook, so I know I can make Christmas gifts. The problem is, my attitude. I just can't seem to get motivated to make Christmas gifts when I miss being able to to go out and charge the "right" gift. I'm feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of making a nice Christmas on a low budget. Any advice?
Katie from Connecticut
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I am planning a disco night club theme party for active seniors (mostly women). Any theme planning, decorating, food ideas on a budget would be helpful. Last time one of the things we had was a non-alcohol "bar". Any recipes or fun, but not wild, ideas would be great. I am looking forward to giving these women a grand time.
Thanks,
Pat G from Brooklyn
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Caring for a Tuberous Begonia Q: I was given a tuberous begonia, which is beautiful, but I don't know how to care for it. Should it rest for a while after the blossoms go by?
Anna from Maine
A: Anna,
In the summer, tuberous begonias appreciate consistently moist (not wet) well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. Over-watering can cause stems to rot off at the base and can make plants susceptible to powdery mildew. Tuberous begonias do best when located in light shade positioned so plants get plenty of air circulation. Fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer and remove spent blooms. After your tuberous begonia spends the season producing beautiful flowers for you, it will need to rest. If potted, bring it indoors before the frost and let it die off naturally. When stems become brittle, dig out the tubers and dry them in a sunny window for 3-4 days until skins harden. Place them in sand or peat moss and store them in a cool, dry place at temperatures of 45-50 degrees). A month before you expect to replant them outside, place tubers in small pots and bring them into warmer temperatures until they sprout.
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I have two peace lilies that were given to me by a relative. One has struggled from the beginning. It wouldn't get any taller, only got new growth and bushed out. I transplanted it about 3 months ago and it started growing well. It is 3 times larger than before. My problem is that it is pale looking. Its leaves aren't as dark as the other one I have and it still hasn't bloomed. I have tried plant food. Neither one of them are in direct sunlight. They both get about 5 hours of sun in the afternoon. What else can I do?
Hardiness Zone: 8b
Krys from Milton, Florida
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My little sister spilled fingernail polish, red and blue, all over my carpet and one of my sweaters. Does anyone know what I can use to get it out? I tried fingernail polish remover but it made it worse.
Chelsea from Paulding, Ohio
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Removing Paint From Electrical Outlets
I have been painting and have managed to get paint on the plug in receptacles. How can I get the dried paint off of these without shocking myself and messing up the outlets?
Cookiepom from Owensboro, KY
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Inexpensive, Unscented Liquid Soap
I have been looking for inexpensive, unscented liquid soap. I like to make my own bubble bath soap. I found some at a whole foods store, but it seems to be so expensive. Any other ideas?
Olivia from Baton Rouge, LA
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The apartment I rent has old hardwood floors. They are starting to chip. Is their anything I can do to cover or fix this problem? My landlord does not want paint on floor.
Thanks,
Ldyinpa from Lancaster, PA
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Removing Contact Paper From Walls
The previous owner used contact paper as wallpaper. How do you remove it?
John Hurley from Westerly, RI
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Name Ideas for an Interior Design Business
I am thinking of starting a business to make some extra money. I want to eventually make the business grow into a full time opportunity for me. I eventually want to own my own interior design business. I thought for now to just make extra money I would put the many talents I have, like faux painting and upholstery sewing experience to work, by doing small jobs around town. I am having difficulty with a name though. Any ideas? My first name is Debbie, unfortunately the last name is not Travis! :o)
Debbie from Dayton, OH
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Removing a Singer Sewing Machine From a Cabinet
I have an older Singer sewing machine. I wish to take the machine out of the cabinet but do not know how to get wire out of hole on the side. it has a box insde for knee use instead of on floor. Any ideas?
Joan from Canada
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Looking for Privacy After Divorce
My partner has been divorced for 12 months. He has two children with her. She left him but he is still in the family home which is up for sale. The house will be split 60/40 to her when it is sold but she still has a key for the house and comes and goes when she pleases. I am sure this is not right, everyone is entitled to privacy which we are not getting.
I have just found out that I am pregnant and my partner wants me to move in the house till it is sold. His ex wife has gone mad and has said she will move back in if I move in. What i wanted to know is if it possible for her to do this because surely I can live with my partner who is just trying to provide for me and our unborn baby. Could you give me some advice on this matter.
Kaz from England
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Painting By Bill Pluck in 1959
I aquired a large oil painting on wood at a auction in Charleston, SC. It is signed Bill Pluck 1959 and is a mountain scene with a barn and farmer wearing overalls. It could be appalachian and is a little folk artish. I really love it, but, it haunts me. If the artist is no longer alive, he may have children or grandchildren that would love to have it. Anyone with any info please contact me by me. lacreeta (at) juno (dot) com (Add an "@" sign and "." to email Lacreeta)
Lacreeta from the Boonies
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My kitchen grout was white when I moved in and now after 3 months,it's turning darker, I am sure it's not mildew, it's just getting dirty. I cleaned it with every available cleaner, but nothing has worked. Does anyone have some ideas on how to make it white again? I am thinking about grout paint, is it a good idea?
ZA1 from VT
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What Bottle Will Fit The Swiffer Mop?
My neighbor gave me swiffer wet mop. I do not want to spend all the money on cleaning stuff so I will make my own. Does anyone know what kind of bottle would fit the swiffer? It had no bottle when he gave to me.
Thanks,
Ldyinpa from PA
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I am making a canoe in math class. It must float. Should I use paper mache or foam?
Alvin LI from Srircha, Thailand
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I am trying to get my 2nd gardenia plant to bloom. The first one died. Please help! First, small blossoms form, turn black and drop off. I mist it, and give it lots of light. What am I doing wrong?
Hardiness Zone: 7b
Judy from Portland, OR
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I bought a pair of Skechers at the thrift store, the only problem is one has silver glitter on the design and the other looks like it has been remove. How could I remove the glitter from the design that still has it?
Nanadeedee from Millers Creek, NC
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I have decorating dyslexia. I am stuck on what wall color for my living room and what type and color of curtains. The furniture is a forest green, the tables have iron legs in dull black with a touch of gold, the carpet is wheat. New lamps that are tiffany mission with amber, green, and a touch of red are going in.
The living room is an open concept and I love the light coming in. One wall which you can't see has a 6 foot fish tank surrounded by a wall unit bookcase in black. The room has a 6 foot pation door and two windows approx 5 ft high and wide.
Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.
Teri from Barrie Ontario
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I need easy and inexpensive Homecoming float ideas using a turkey mascot.
Andrea from Pittsburgh, PA
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Fun Entertainment Ideas for a Home in the Country
We just bought some land that we are planning to set up for living pretty soon now. It's kind of far out from town so we want to make it mega fun for guests to be more excited about driving out. We have some ideas like an archery corse, a swing, a tree house, hamocks and a guest room library. Even with these things in mind we would like as many cheap ideas we can get to make our house more entertaining.
Gloria from Paso Robles, California
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A friend past out on my leather couch after a long night drinking and urinated on it! How do I clean it? What can I do?
Amanda from Atlanta, GA
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I have a toilet in a newly added bathroom which sat for about 2 years. On renewing use of the toilet, it began showing a brown, oily residue. It looks like rust, but is not. It wipes off easily with a finger swipe. It is in the tank and the bowl. It is even in the supply line. Has anyone ever seen this problem before? This residue does not manifest itself in any other fixture in the house.
Ray Dunbar from Provo, UT
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I would like to know the best product or method to clean soot from bricks, which are around an internal fire place.
Thanks for any help,
Bob from New Zealand
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I am doing a DT project and need some ideas for ways to treat glass (eg: stained glass, etching).
Any suggesttions would be great!
Frances from Seattle WA
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I am getting a pit bull puppy and i just want some advice on traning her. Advice about potty training, chewing, biting, ect. would be great.
Loretta from Calgary, AB
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What can I use to remove superglue from skin?
Markl From Grand Rapids, MI
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Today's Sponsors
More Reading:
Mini Pumpkin Tarts
By Stella Rivet
Ingredients:
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Protecting Asparagus In The Winter
Q: This request is for Ellen Brown. How can I protect my asparagus ferns from the winter months so they don't die back. Would covering them with plastic where they are hanging help them or hurt them? Do they require water during the winter if covered?
Any ideas you may have would be helpful.
Thank you.
Eletha from California
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Q: Ellen,
A neighbor of mine asked if I could give her a cutting to root from my hydrangea. It is the type that has the "flat blooms." I have the rooting hormone to dip the cutting in but want to be sure where to take the cutting from the plant and if I can take it in now, in the fall, and possibly start it through the winter. I have a bay window that has wonderful southern exposure.
Bekkicat
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Dealing With Pigeons and Their Droppings
Q: I live in an apartment complex where there is a bunch of pigeons and no nest but lots of droppings. I noticed there is an owl statue on the roof and the pigeons must have realized its fake because they are still coming back. What can I do? Also, I've read that their droppings can cause diseases and it has collected in the dirt by my front door. How do I safely rid the soil of their droppings so I can plant things?
Shell from CA
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Caring for Lavender and Fuschia in the Winter
Q: Does anyone know if Lavender and Fushia can stay outside in zone 6 during the winter months? I have all types. If not, can I bring it in as a houseplant? And how would I do that?
Thanks,
Eve
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