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Hello,
Here's today's featured request:
How do you cut paper snowflakes? - Sarah from Phoenix, AZ
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53866988.tip.html
And we have a new poll today:
Are you buying a new video game console this Christmas?
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26615992.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
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Today's Tips:
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| Today's Sponsors
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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Today's Photos
| Heart Ornaments from Scrap Fabric
Sew on a gold ribbon or color of your choice for hanging. I sent them to my chat friends for Christmas. They are very light and don't cost to much to send and my friends loved the. - Mamo By Connie from Ballwin, Missouri Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Sophie (Pitbull Mix)
Sophie is a 3 year old Pitbull mix. She was "shopping" when we found her, running in and out of the automatic doors. She came right to me so we made an announcement, no one claimed her. We did newspaper ads and signs around the neighborhood. Still, no one claimed her which was fine by me because I was already in love! She likes to play with her "chewies" (rawhides) and of course protect the family from that food/toy stealing man that drives around in the big brown (UPS) truck. He is such a threat to the neighborhood well being. By Danielle from Spokane, WA Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Recycled Girls Skort and Wool Sweater Purse
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| Wall Mountable Custom Decorations
These are super easy to make and only cost about $12.00. I purchased the letters, pre-primered and with holes in the back to hang them, at Target. I just covered them with some scrap pieces of paper and tied a few ribbons. I added a few rhinestones stickers. Everyone I have shown them to say they want a set for their own rooms. You can spell out whatever you want. The longer the word the more costly though. Each letter is approx. 5 x 5 x 1 inch By Scrappinfairy from California Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Contests!
The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
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Today's Tips
| Worldwide Ebay
Did you know that it's easy to use worldwide eBay? You can even pay through PayPal and they will convert whatever foreign currency into dollars for you! I just got some musical instruments and music that way. Good deals, too. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs
When making deviled eggs for your holiday meals try this tip. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Nature Made MoodPlus Coupons Online
Here is a link for Nature Made MoodPlus Coupons Online. By Terri from NV Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cheap Christmas Gifts
I hope this helps those of you on a tight budget who would like to give something but find it difficult financially. Please add some of your suggestions as I would love to hear of other people's ideas. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Family Keepsake Christmas Tree
This weekend, I saw the most lovely little Christmas tree. The decoration were a string of lights and then, the best part! It was covered with "things" from the family such as a silver baby spoon and fork tied with a lovely piece of ribbon, an old salt shaker attached in the same way, and various other family items - both crystal and silver/silver plate from years gone by. It was very lovely and very effective. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Find Out What You Wear
Keep your closet organized by getting rid of clothing that you no longer wear. A good way to find out what you wear is to take all the hangers and turn them around so they are facing the wrong way. As you wear, wash and return clothing back to the closet, hang the clothing the correct way. After a month or two, any clothing still facing the wrong direction should probably be stored or donated. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Ikea Art Paper For Gift Wrap
I found a large roll of paper, designed to be used with a child's art easel at Ikea. It has a wonderful vellum texture and does not rip easily. Not only have I used it for the kid's art projects, but also to wrap Christmas presents. The ivory paper with a gold ribbon or bow looks very elegant. I've wrapped up all my gifts and still have the art roll! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Aftercare For Holiday Plants
By Ellen Brown The holidays are full of traditions, many of which include giving, receiving and decorating with potted seasonal plants. With the proper care, many potted plants can be carried over from season to season. Here's a handy guide to keep yours looking and blooming their best, long after the holidays fade. AmaryllisThis easy-to-grow tropical beauty comes in a festive array of colors and sizes. After the flowers (and the holidays) finally fade away, don't throw your amaryllis out. It can be made to flower again next year. As the stem starts to die back, cut it down to 2 inches above the bulb. Place the pot in bright light and continue to water and fertilize as normal. Once the temperatures warm up (to at least 70º F), place it outside for the duration of the summer, letting the stalk and leaves develop as normal. When the leaves begin to yellow in early fall, cut the stem back again to about 2 inches from the top of the bulb, only this time, remove the bulb from the soil. Clean the bulb and place it in a cool (40-50º F), dark place for a minimum of 6 weeks (the fridge is fine, just keep apples out of the fridge or they will render the bulbs sterile). Anytime after 6 weeks of storage, remove the bulbs and replant them in pots. In about 7-10 weeks you should see new blooms.*Christmas Cactus (also Thanksgiving Cactus and Easter Cactus)After the holidays, encourage you're Christmas cactus to branch out by removing a few sections from each branch of the plant (pinch them or use a sharp knife). These sections can be saved and rooted to propagate new plants. While it's indoors, keep your Christmas cactus in bright light. A plants can be kept on the dryer side until it starts actively growing again in the spring, when its feeding and watering schedule can return to normal. Move plants outdoors for the summer, but keep them our of bright sunlight or their leave will burn and become permanently discolored. When it's time to bring the plants back inside in the fall, slowly adjust the plants to life indoors by gradually increasing the number of hours they spend indoors each day. Once inside, keep them in a cool location ( 50º F). Around mid to late October, begin giving them at least 12 hours of complete darkness every day while keeping them in a cool location. Once the flower buds set, do not move the plants. Any changes in light positioning can weaken the buds and causes them to suddenly fall off.CyclamenMany people find cyclamen difficult to carry over from one season to the next, but with some effort, it can be done. To trigger them into a period of dormancy after the holidays, withhold water and store the plant in a cool location (50º F) until June. In June, repot the corms in equal parts soil, peat moss and coarse sand, leaving the top half exposed to bright (not direct) sunlight. Feed twice monthly when watering with a high phosphorus fertilizer formulated for houseplants. In mid-September, move the plant to a location with full sun and cooler temperatures (50º F night and 60-65º F day) to encourage holiday flowering.* HollyThere are dozens of types of holly and holly-like species, all with different types of growing requirements. Most species are intended to be outdoor plants, and are only hardy in certain growing zones. If possible, consult with a local nursery to find out what type of holly you have and the best way to take care of it after the holiday season. Generally speaking, holly needs frequent watering. Give indoor plants well-drained soil and place them in a sunny location.KalanchoeThe Kalanchoe is often kept around after the holidays just for the beauty of its foliage, but this beauty can easily be coaxed into blooming again providing you're willing to monitor its light conditions. When the flowers start to die back after the holidays, cut them off and let the plant go dormant. Remove the spent flowers and reduce watering during this period, but keep the plant in direct sunlight until spring. When the weather warms up, resume a regular feeding (every 2-3 weeks). Give water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. You can put the plant outdoors in the summer, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Unless you the control the light, the flower will continue to bloom and rest at its own pace regardless of the season. To get the plant on a holiday schedule, put the plants in complete darkness (10-12 hours per day) for a period of 30 days starting in early September.Norfolk Island PinesKeep Norfolk Island Pines in bright, indirect sunlight with temperatures from 50º F to 70º F. Prevent branches from getting brown tips by keeping the tree's soil evenly moist and misting frequently to increase humidity around the plant.* PoinsettiaTo keep poinsettias looking their best long after the holidays, keep them in bright, indirect sunlight and away from drafty (hot or cold) locations. There's no need to fertilize them while the bracts have color, but keep a close eye on the plant's moisture level. Don't over water them, but don't let them completely dry out either. If your poinsettia came wrapped in decorative holiday foil, remove it or punch drainage holes in the bottom to allow water to drain freely from the pot. After the holidays, cut back the stems by 1/3 as soon as the color on the bracts (leaves) fades. Be patient, poinsettias can stay colorful for many months! Move the plant to a cool room in the house and reduce watering. In the spring, move the plant back to a sunny location and resume a regular schedule of feeding (twice monthly) and watering (when soil is slightly dry to the touch). Starting in mid-September, give the plant 10-12 hours of total darkness per night for a period of 8 weeks to encourage blooming.* Pets and Plants: If ingested in large enough quantities many plants can be GI irritants. These particular plants have been known to cause minor to severe intestinal upsets and other health problems in dogs and cats. Companion animals face extra hazards around the holidays. Keep them safe by keeping all holiday plants out of their reach. For more information on keeping your pet safe for the holidays, visit www.aspca.org Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Planning A Cruise
When planning to take a cruise, talk with a travel agent. Discuss things with him/her. If you're wanting to be on a cruise ship with people your own age, for instance. Some cruise lines or destinations are more popular amongst younger or older travellers. Also, different times of the year, produces families with young children, travelling. I have a friend and her hubby that tend to take cruises when most children will still be in school. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Uses for Coffee Filters
Ideas and tips for coffee filters. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/ More Information:
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New Requests
| 60th Birthday Party Ideas
My dad is turning 60! I need some good, fun ideas for the party, games or some entertainment for the guests! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Homemade TV Dinners
Does anyone know any good recipes for homemade TV Dinners? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Flooring for Bad Knees
Which type of wood flooring is recommended for bad knees? What are the advantages/disadvantages of bamboo flooring over cherry wood? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cleaning Whirlpool Jets
Do you have any tips for cleaning whirlpool jets? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
I am looking for a recipe for cream cheese frosting. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Problems Making White Chocolate Fudge
My white chocolate fudge always falls apart while trying to cut it and it's very grainy. I'm not sure if I am cooking it too long, my other fudges turn out great! Any Ideas? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Painting Appliances
Can l use a roller to paint appliances? I need to paint a refrigerator and stove hood. I've had trouble in the past getting an even look with spray paint, so do not want to use that! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Kitchen Paint Color Advice
We are getting ready to paint our kitchen. It has darker cabinets, yellow countertops and a brick like beige laminate floor. It is a pretty big area and you can see it from the living room which is a yellowish beige. I am lost at a color. I was wanting to do a brownish? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Gum from Leather Clothing
How do I get gum off of my leather jacket? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Uses for Shower Curtain Rings
I received new shower curtain hooks and am wondering what I could do with my old plastic clips. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Toys for Tots
Where can I apply for toys for tots in San Bernardino area? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Keeping Poinsettias From Withering
How do you keep cut poinsettias from withering in a floral arrangement? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| How do you cut paper snowflakes?
How do you cut paper snowflakes? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Carpet Dents
I was moving furniture, now have carpet dents. I need to remove them, having new furniture delivered in an hour. The carpet is berber. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Nail Polish from Microfiber
I have a biege Micro Fiber couch, one of my children got red fingernail polish on it. How can I get it out? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Blood From Suede
How do I remove blood from suede boots? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Painting Over Contact Paper
I have terrible old fashioned vinyl contact paper up in my kitchen. I did want to paint over it but the fear of it coming off has halted me. Any Advise? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dealing With Panic Attacks
Panic attacks? Has anyone had them? I'm thinking I've been having some lately. Can they be caused by stress? So far, I've been able to calm myself down. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Jelly From Juice?
I was given several free bottles of Juicy juice with no sugar added and was wondering if I can make jelly for Christmas gifts, any recipes? I do have 3 boxes of surejell ready for use also. I have made jelly from fresh fruit but never from bottled juice. Please help! I am currently unemployed and money is tight but I still want to give some gifts of LOVE. All help will be appreciated. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Laundry Soap
I want to make Laundry soap and powder. Please tell me the ingredients which are easily available. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Fingernail Glue
How do you get fingernail glue off of an eye glass lenes? Does anyone know? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Water Damage on a Countertop
I would like to know how to repair a countertop with water damage. It has bubbled up. It also has stains from kid mouthwash. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| How far can fleas jump?
How far can fleas jump? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Bear Creak Potato Soup Recipe
I am looking for a recipe to make a potato soup like the Bear Creek brand. Basically, it is potato flakes but there is something else in there that we can't figure out. If you have a recipe that uses potato flakes, please post. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Repairing a Couch Cushion
My dogs jumped a lot on the couch and wrecked the zipper on the back of one of the cushions that you sit on. Is there a way to just sew this together. Do you need some special thread or something to make sure it stays put? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Burgundy Paint Didn't Work Out
I have painted a wall in my bedroom a dark burgundy color. 5 coats later it still looks bad. It has roller marks everywhere. I have given up. Any tips on how to get rid of the color now? The carpet is blue and the other walls have a slight pink tone to complement the burgundy. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Little House on the Prairie Gift Ideas
My son is 8 years old. In his class they have been studying "Little House in the big Woods" I think that is what Little House on the Prairie is based on. He has to make a Christmas gift for another child that would be relative to that time, or something homemade like they did. I have NO IDEAS! Please help me. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Hibiscus Not Blooming
I have a hibiscus tree that has not bloomed in quite sometime. Someone has mentioned pruning the tree down. What do you recommend? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Preventing Pine Boughs From Leaking Sap
Is there a way to prevent freshly cut pine boughs from leaking sap? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fake Snow for Snow Globes
Does anyone know what I could use for fake snow on glass Christmas balls? I need it to be permanent and frugal as I'm making several dozen. I'll post a pic when I'm done with them, IF I get done LOL. Please help! Post Feedback: Click Here |
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More Reading
| Is This Weed Killer Safe For Pets
Question:Is the vinegar, salt and soap weed killer harmful to pets? I would like to try it on my paved area however my puppy is likely to lick the area. Should I apply and then keep her away for a week? Hose it in after a few days?Read More: Click Here |
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Take old scraps of Quilting if you have some or your favorite fabrics and cut out a few hearts and sew up leaving a small place to stuff them and then whip stitch them shut. Then Hot glue Green and Red antique or old buttons on them for extra charm.
I found these cute girl's skort at the thrift store. I cut the shorts out of the inside, hand stitched the bottom with a coordinating embroidery floss. Then I used the sleeve of a wool sweater from another project for the purse straps. I cut the sleeve into eight one inch wide by 6 inch long strips. I braided two sets of three to use as the purse straps. I hand stitched them to the inside at the top of the skorts. I used the other two strips to make a belt.
By Jenny from Springboro, OH
