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Vol. 8, Num. 202, October 15, 2009 (Read It Online) There was a problem with the thumbs up feature on Friday which made it impossible to rate tips and photos. Please take a moment to look through all the contest entries for this week at the link below and give a "thumbs up" to the tips and photos that you like. http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml?contest=15454 Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
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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:
It's the season of Thanksgiving (Canada) and Halloween. The grandchildren are having a fun time trying to chose the pumpkin to eat at dinner and the one to carve into a jack-o-lantern. By Wilhelmina from Amherstburg, ON Contest Contender!
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Halloween: Slice of Pizza Costume Supplies:
Instructions:
Using dark-yellow felt, measure length and width of child, you want the slice to come out a little bit beyond the shoulders and below the crotch. Cut 2 triangles. Using Red felt, cut 2 triangles about 1 inch smaller on all sides to layer on top of the yellow triangles for the sauce. Cut out shapes for toppings, like mushrooms, onions, pepperoni, peppers and so on from different colors of felt. Before applying any toppings, use white paint with a swirl of yellow in it to lightly roll on some cheese, making sure you go all the way out to the sides. The slice can be enhanced with brown paint for the crust or more red for sauce or white for lots of cheese in whatever manner you prefer. Then you can hot glue some toppings on. To make the top of the slice puffy, use a paper towel or wrapping paper roll cut length-wise. Glue the outside of the roll to the top of the slice, this will make it puffy and hold it out so the slice is not floppy. Glue straps to the top so the 2 slices can be tied at the shoulders. You can cover the paper towel roll and strap ends with a strip of yellow felt if you prefer. By Melissa M. from Michigan
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Rate It: Halloween: Captured by Frank Costume Supplies:
Instructions:
This costume was so much fun to make and pretty easy too. All I did was, I bought a Styrofoam head from the local costume shop as well as the Frankenstein mask and green hands. I went to our local thrift shop and bought a small man's suit in black. I then went to Home Depot and bought a Styrofoam sheet and cut it into 3 equal pieces (around 36 by 41 inches and it is 2 inches thick). I also bought 5 or 6 -1/4 inch dowels and cut them the length I needed to create the bars. So once you have your Styrofoam sheets cut, take one of them, and cut a circle close to the back of it but not all the way so make sure you do not cut open the back, you want a circle big enough for the child to fit through but still leaving the foam intact. Once the bottom is complete I used a lot of hot glue and glued on a full piece of Styrofoam to the bottom piece at the back to create an "L" shape. Once that dried I attached the other Styrofoam piece to create the top. I then took the dowels and cut them the length I needed to create the bars, and I simply pushed them into the Styrofoam with a bit of glue on the ends so they would stay. You now have the cage complete. I spray painted the entire cage black and Grey. Now for the body, I took one of my husbands old gray turtle necks and tied off the bottom and arm holes with some string. I then stuffed the entire turtle neck arms and all with pillow stuffing (Walmart). Once stuffed I used probably 3 or 4 glue sticks and hot glued the turtle neck to the back Styrofoam piece of the cage until it was completely stuck on. I then cut 2 slits in the back Styrofoam piece on either side of the turtle neck about half way up so that I could feed a belt through each side (this will also go around the child so make sure its pretty big depending on the size of the child). Now take another dowel or paint stick around 12-14 inches long and insert it into the Styrofoam head at the bottom. This will allow the head to be a bit more stable. Now fit the head with the dowel into the neck of the turtle neck and pull the turtle neck up over the base of the head form. Take more hot glue and glue, generously, the turtle neck to the head form base. Once the head is secured you can put the mask over the head form. Make sure it covers up the any white parts (you can even spray paint the head form black if you want) I also added a scarf for added support. Now take the arms and hot glue on the green hands or you can use gloves what ever you want, just make sure you glue them on to the arm holes good. Once the hands are on take the suit jacket and put it on the turtle neck and pull the arms up and around the front of the cage to make it look like Frankenstein is carrying the cage. Do this with both arms (see picture). Have your child put on the pants (you will need a belt to hold them up) now Try it on your child by putting it over the head so the child fits into the hole at the bottom. My daughter has on a hat to soften the weight on her head. It's not heavy just feels weird she said. Take the belt and wrap it around your child's waist/chest as tight as they can handle.This will hold up most of the costume weight. You can dress your child how ever you like, I put a jacket on Courtney and I took a pair of baby jeans and stuffed them creating legs to hang over the front of the cage and I put on a pair of baby shoes to simulate feet. This is all just glued on too. She won 1st place at our local library Halloween contest. Good luck! By Lanaya Botbyl from Niagara falls,On
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Rate It: Belle Button is a 4 year old Pit Bull. I got Belle as a rescue at 4 weeks old from a raid at a house that bred dogs for fighting. She likes to play with tennis balls, stuffed toys, squeakers, and go swimming. She is the smartest dog I have ever owned. She learns really fast and is very obedient. By Elizabeth from Collinsville, IL Contest Contender!
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Leroy is a one year old Golden Retriever / Chow Mix. I adopted Leroy! He likes to play with his brother Milo, go for walks in the park, take car rides, fetch balls, and organize his toys. I'm so happy to have found Leroy at the shelter. He is the perfect companion for Milo and for me. We are so excited to have him as a member of our little family! By Missymls from Chicago, IL Contest Contender!
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My cat's name is Rascal. He just turned 1 year old. He is a tabby, we rescued him in June 2009. Rascal loves his favorite toy; a simple string tied to the end of a cardboard dowel! By Melody from San Pablo, CA Contest Contender!
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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!
List and Find Solutions for Your Worries If you are having problems sleeping, don't lay in your bed tossing and turning. Take a piece of paper and make list of everything that is on your mind. If it is a thought or worry write it down. Example:
Then go back through the list and jot a few notes on what can be done to address the issue. For the ones that there is no solution, strike it out and accept the fact right then you can't "fix" the problem. Example:
After you get through this step then put your list away. In two days, take the list out and strike out what no longer applies. Most of the time 90% of our worries never happen and the other 10% right themselves. Source: Dale Carnegie class years ago By notwrong Contest Contender!
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Using Toothpaste for Polishing Metals People think this is crazy but I've done it for many years, I have some silver and, instead of spending a lot of money on polish, I tried different things. I found that toothpaste (it must be paste, not gel) will take the tarnish off silver or copper.
By NannyQuacker from Pineville, LA Contest Contender!
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Thrifty Fleece for Ferret Furnishings Instead of buying super expensive fleece hammocks and bedding for ferrets or other small fuzzy animals, I buy old fleece winter hats and baby blankets from the thrift stores. The hats that have ties or velcro straps can be secured to the sides of the cage. My fuzzies love them and they are so cheap I can toss them out when they get too worn out or unwashable. By akGirl from Anchorage, AK Contest Contender!
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Coloring - Think Like a 2 Year Old While sitting down with our granddaughter, Shayla, with a box of crayons (not the baby ones), a coloring book about going to the apple farm, I told her "to color within the lines". I let her pick the page, the color of crayon, and off she went. There were scribbles everywhere. Shayla was having fun, but somethings wrong here. All of a sudden, I realized that telling her to stay in the lines wasn't working. She's only 2 and I thought, to her, what is a line? I then told her to color daddy's jeans. That is where she went with her crayon, and stayed there a little while. Next color she picked, and I said "now Shayla, go to mommy's apron". That is where she went with her crayon. Light bulb went off in grandma's head! Remember inspire a child while you take yourself back to thinking like a 2 year old. Enjoy every second. Priceless. Source: A Grandmother's eye-opener By Valentinesday from Liberty, OH Contest Contender!
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Add a Large Dry Towel to Dryer Load When using your dryer. if you add a large dry bath towel with the damp clothing, it will speed up your drying time and help with your electric/gas bill. But remember, it's never a good idea to overload your dryer! By Clutterfree from Charleston, SC Contest Contender!
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Here in the east there has been a rash of robberies, by breaking into people's homes. The thieves go through open windows. You can buy a window lock, that allows you to open the window, and lock it in that position. The lock allows for ventilation by securely holding double hung windows in partially open position. Windows open fully when guard is released. 1-9/16 inch guard/mounting area required. 7/8 inch minimum glass inset. 3/4 x 1inch strike. Screws included. So if you want just a little fresh air you can set the window lock, that the window is only open a few inches. You can either purchase them on the Internet or in a hardware store. They are also called window vent guards and are made by Stanley. By Lynda Contest Contender!
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Recommended Reading for Financial Security For anyone who wants his/her life to include financial security, I highly recommend the reading and putting into practice the suggestions made in the book by George S. Clason, "The Richest Man in Babylon". Source: This is easily found on Amazon.com at a good price. By J. Burden Contest Contender!
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Christmas: What is Important Gift When thinking of fun things to do at parties, I did this one several years ago when selling Tupperware. I adapted it today for a gal who needed holiday party ideas, and thought I would share it with all of you. Sometimes, we get caught up in the hype of the holidays, bombarded from August on with ads for this and that. Understandably, kids fall prey to this and we all do what we can to make their holidays happy. But, for the older set, like, 25 on, I think we need to be reminded of what is important. Sometimes, that is simply looking at yourself in a mirror. Find a box you have at home, or go to a craft or dollar store and find a box and a mirror that can fit on the bottoem. Tape or glue it to the bottom inside the box. Decorate the box as fancy as you can, and tell the recipient that "this is the best present I have ever received". When they open the box, most likely with a curious look on their face, they will see themselves in the reflection. In the hurry and worry of today's' world, one should never miss an opportunity to tell those we love how we feel. One never knows when they will get the chance again. This is a special way of doing just that. Source: I did something similar when I sold party products years ago. By Poor But Proud from Yorktown VA Contest Contender!
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A dog got locked the dog in the bathroom by mistake and it pooped and peed on the black with white veining marble floor. There is now a hazey film over one section where the pee was and the pattern of poop (just a haze) over the other section. I'm going crazy trying to figure out how to clean the film off. Any suggestions? By Candace from Tablerock Lake, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47878874.tip.html
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Rate It: Can anyone tell me what breed my dog is? I was told she was a Staff when I got her, but some think she's got Pit in her. It's not all that important as I love her to bits and she's part of the family. Please help. By Steve from Grimsby, Great Britain
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Rate It: Making Storm Windows for a Porch How does one make storm windows for a porch? By Fred H. from Middleboro, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38008123.tip.html
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Rate It: Helping Care for Grandchildren Everyone here seems to be so level headed. My husband's work forces him to travel and I'm traveling with him at this time and loving it, but I'm having a war in my mind and heart over my grandchildren. Their single parent works a rotating shift (between days and nights). There is nothing to do about the job. At this time they are being left with various babysitters overnight 2 nights a week. I've searched for a nanny and can't find one. An older person has counseled me that I have raised my children and now it is their time but in my heart I feel like I should be there to fill in if they are not able to because of work. My grandchildren are making good grades and have not complained. I'm just so worried! If I go and take over I will have to be apart from my husband which will cause marital issues. And not to mention I would have to go back to work full time to afford being there. I have prayed and prayed over this. What should I do? By notwrong Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16587750.tip.html
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Rate It: Using Fabric to Insulate Walls Can you use quilts or material to line and insulate exterior walls? Thanks. By Denise from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96667896.tip.html
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Rate It: Permanent Marker Stains on Clothing How do I remove black Sharpie permanent marker from a medium blue 100% polyester shirt? By Steve V. from Clinton, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf151533.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I fix squeaky steps? By Gael from St. Louis, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19352721.tip.html
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Rate It: How can I get rid of onion smell from my hands? By Linda M. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001108.tip.html
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Rate It: Multicultural Winter Holiday Celebration Ideas At Christmas, my family usually all get together to celebrate. Our family is very multi-cultural, and this year, our house will be the gathering place. We have family members who are from India, who are Jewish, and African. I know that in the past, we've only celebrated Xmas. I would like to be able to celebrate all, but I don't really know how to "integrate" everything in a smooth manner that won't offend anyone. Any suggestions? By Brenda B. from CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16837985.tip.html
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Rate It: Rotten Meat Smell in the Refrigerator Has anyone ever dealt with flies and fly larvae in every crevasse of a fridge? We rented a place and they dropped the rent with the understanding we would clean the place up. The last tenants left food in the fridge with a ton of meat and the electricity was turned off. So there was flies and larvae everywhere. We took to whole thing apart and cleaned it with bleach. It still smells. Any other ideas to clean it? And should we be concerned with larvae in any other areas? By Rachel from Royal Palm Beach, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91577549.tip.html
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Rate It: Is there an age limit for when a dog can get parvo? By Sandy H. from Bay Point, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84013239.tip.html
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Rate It: I have a cycling Jersey with a plastic zipper that will not unzip. There is no damage to the zipper, it just won't unzip. Any ideas as to how to make it work again? By Judy from Aiea, HI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30997335.tip.html
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Rate It: I'm looking for a healthy diet for my dog. Any suggestions? By Mary S, from Mastic, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26420165.tip.html
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Rate It: How do I get ink out of a suede sofa? By Kari Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf805656.tip.html
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Rate It:
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:
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