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Hello,
We are publishing the first two entries in our photo contest today. They are "Party Table Decoration" and "Painted Memorial Rock For Garden" and can be found at top of today's tips. The photos can be viewed on the website. You can find information about the contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
We have 15 new requests today, it was a very busy Sunday.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Tips
Great idea for Christmas or party table decoration. Take a pretty bowl and turn it upside down, take another pretty bowl and place it on top of the other bowl. Fill the top bowl with Christmas balls of any color. Place greenery around bottom of upside down bowl.
By Mitzi
Read More And See Photo: Click Here
Painted Memorial Rock For Garden
Our son died in October and we made a small sitting area with a small maple tree, rock, monkey grass, and ceramics he had in his yard that we brought home. I painted a rock with a sweet saying in his memory - my first effort using acrylic paint and got instructions off the web. I plan to paint more.
By Granny Annie
(The text says: Eddie, If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven, and bring you home again.)
Read More And See Photo: Click Here
Removing Burned on Food from Pans
Getting burned on or stuck on food from pans: Sprinkle with powdered dishwasher detergent, add hot water, let soak overnight. In morning, pans come clean very quickly!
By Lesley
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Video Taping Your Christmas Decorations
I always video tape my house at the holidays, then the next year it's easy to see where I had put things and it makes decorating much easier to do and also time saving.
By Darija
Editor's Note: This is a good idea for insurance purposes also. Video tape appliances and expensive belongings in your house. Make sure to keep the tape in a safe place.
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Call 800 Numbers For Stain Advice
When in doubt on how to remove a stain from a product like a marker, call the manufacturer. Most have an 800 number right on them. It is easier to prevent a stain than remove - put all the pens and markers up and allow use only under supervision!
By Linda
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Almost any call or letter to company with a complaint or a compliment will get you a coupon or a freebie. One compliment to a company got me a trip from home in CA to NY with my dog to film a commercial!
By Linda
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Placemat Instead of a Mouse Pad
Here is a great tip to keep your computer keyboard area clean and tidy and save money too. Instead of wasting money on a mouse pad, go to the dollar store or somewhere you like, pick up one vinyl placemat and your mouse will still work out just great. If you have drinks there it makes the spills and heat from hot beverages from harming your work space. Easy to clean up too. Just swipe it with a damp cloth and then dry and your ready to go. Pick out a theme that goes with your room.
By Henny
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To make a temporary backpack for carrying your lunch on a short hike, bringing home trailside treasures, or transporting other light objects, just close the waist of a long-sleeved sweater or jacket with pins or string. Knot the sleeve ends together to form a strap. Stuff your cargo inside, slip the strap over your shoulders, and you're on your way.
By joesgirl
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Looking For Ways To Volunteer?
Want to work with a volunteer group but don't know where to start?
Check the town library, where civic-groups often leave pamphlets describing their activities.
Scan the classified ads of the newspaper for small display ads placed by nonprofit organizations.
Call the mayor's office; the superintendent of schools; or a local hospital, church, or synagogue. Say you're interested in volunteer work and ask if they can give you a lead.
By joesgirl
View Article: Click Here
Want to avoid long waits at the luggage counter or worse yet, lost luggage? Try to pack everything into carry on bags. Women can also fit some items into a large handbag. Wear your heaviest clothes; wear layers unless it's too hot.
By joesgirl
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Storing Freshly Ironed Tablecloths
To store freshly ironed tablecloths, attach a long, sturdy towel bar to the inside of a closet door. place tissue between folds of tablecloth and hang carefully over the rod.
By Marian
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Buying Clothing For Little Girls
When shopping for a little girl be sure to check the little boy sale items in the boy's dept. It is sometimes cheaper and some styles are impossible to tell whether the item was for a little boy or girl. This is especially true in stores like Gap, Old Navy, Oshkosh and Children's Place
By Angel
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PuzzleChoice - Free Wordsearch Fun Online
Here is a great site to do interactive word searches. The writing is kind of small.
http://www.puzzlechoice.com/pc/Wordsearch_Inx.html
By Racer
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Tips and advice for shipping packages. Post your ideas.
Mailing Packages Through The US Post Office
The postal service provides an envelope that costs less than four dollars to mail as much as you can get into it, regardless of weight. The envelopes are free at the post office.
By Lynn
Editor's Note: Here is the latest information on US Post Office's latest flat rate pricing. They offer envelopes for 3.85 and now have boxes available for $7.00, to anywhere in the US.
http://www.usps.com/shipping/flatrate.htm?from=priority&page=flatrate
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This is the address to get the Dogpile Toolbar. It has a ticker of the latest news. Each time you open internet explorer, you can go to view, explorer bar, and dogpile toolbar to have the ticker run the latest news at the bottom of the screen.
By Racer
http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl/tbar/
Editor's Note: One concern I always have about installing these type of browser bars is whether or not they are spyware. The FAQ on their website seems to address this
"Q: Is the Dogpile Toolbar spyware?
A: Absolutely not. On the Internet, spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather information about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. The Dogpile Toolbar does not secretly gather or relay information to any outside source. Any and all information (like ZIP Code and birth date) is used to customize your Toolbar with relevant information. It is never given to any outside source."
View Article: Click Here
Replacement for Air Cushioned Cookie Sheets
If you don't have the air cushioned cookie sheets, just stack two regular cookie sheets together. No more burnt bottoms and lots cheaper than the air sheets!
By Debbie
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Before Taking Your Credit Cards On Vacation
Notify your credit card company when you are going on vacation. Charges from strange areas may make them think your card was stolen and reject a charge you may want to make. We were going to Cancun, Mexico.
When I did that, the Visa representative mentioned that I should be very careful and keep the credit card in sight at all times. Don't let them walk away with it and return with a slip for you to sign. Something to keep in mind!
By Syd
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When the bottom of the decanter is discolored from wine, drop a few drops of Clorox in and it will disappear.
By Syd
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More Fresh Grapes Than You Can Eat?
Store some in wine in a jar and refrigerate. Then add to fresh fruit salads ... just not too many!
By Syd
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Recycling An Old 3 Ring Binders
When they are past their prime and ready for pitching. Cut the ring binder portion off ... use the rigid covers in file cabinets for dividers. Very sturdy!
By Syd
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They actually make one for the 'fridge that has a corner portion that keeps it in place better than the round lazy susan. It is clear plastic and a good size. I find it very convenient!
It was at either Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens & Things that I purchased it.
By Syd
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Cut the cooking time way down on dried beans by soaking overnight, then freezing them in usable quantities. Then cook them by boiling them until soft. The freezing breaks down some of the cell fibers allowing them to cook more quickly.
By Linda
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Cleaning the Microwave
A super easy way to clean your microwave (even easier than boiling a cup of water and letting it sit) is to throw in a wet dish cloth (wring it out a bit first). Then microwave it on high for one minute. Let it stay in the microwave for ten more minutes without opening the door. After ten minutes take the dish cloth and wipe out the microwave. Everything just slides right off.
By Debbie
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I always try to have frozen veggies on hand, and often use less than a full bag at a time. To keep from losing these partial bags, I keep a plastic crate/box without a lid in the freezer, and that is where all my frozen veggies go.The I know quickly if I still have a half bag of peas or if I should open a new one!
By Linda
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After Christmas Shopping Tips and Ideas
What are your tips for shopping the sales after Christmas? Post your ideas below.
Shopping Holiday Clearance Sales
Shop the clearances after each holiday and keep an open mind - Christmas sets can be split into gifts for Valentine's and St. Patrick's Day. Some stocking stuffer candy sets that don't have a Christmas theme can be given as part of a birthday gift.
By Angel
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, margarine or shortening for 30 seconds. Add the sugars and egg; beat until combined. Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and spices. Add flour mixture alternately with applesauce to butter mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts. Pour batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack. Serves 12.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
Beat together two 3 oz. packages softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter (or margarine) and 2 tsp. vanilla until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 2 1/2 -2 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar to make spreadable frosting. (A butter frosting could be used instead of the cream cheese.)
By Robin
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Cream margarine, sugar, and eggs. Sift flour, soda, salt, cocoa. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk. Last add boiling water. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Pineapple Cake That Doesn't Last
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center - add eggs, pineapple, nuts, oil, vanilla, and bananas. Stir, do not beat. Will take only a few stirs to mix. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 75 minutes.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
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In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on January 15th.
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests:
Tsunami Relief Drive for Kindergarten Students
Any suggestions for what Kindergarten students could do?
lshynes
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When Can You Let a Puppy Be Outside Alone?
I have a 6 week old puppy and I wanted to know when is the best time to start leaving her out in the backyard alone to play? Is she too young? Will she be permanently fearful if I leave her out? Will she be afraid of neighbor's dog when he barks? I would greatly appreciate some advice on this.
Thanks,
sphinx
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Looking For Cereal Box Purse Instructions
Does anyone have the instructions to making a cereal box purse or a candybar wrapper purse? I would love to make one.
Haley from NE
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I have a wood counter base, and I spilled whiteout on how do I get it off?
KM
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HOMITA DVD Player Only Playing Black and White
My father recently gave my kids a 7 inch portable DVD player. The model is HOMITA S2153. Although it is not brand new, it has worked perfect up until today. As of today it no longer plays in color...only black and white. We have tried adjusting all the settings to no avail. There's nothing about it in the manual either. Does anyone know what we did wrong, or anything I can try? I emailed the company and never heard back from them.
Thanks,
Kim in NJ
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I have a Licensed Home Daycare and I use a lot of wet wipes. I sure could use help on making my own.
Pam, IL
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Indoor Fountain Fogger Stopped Working
This site has been so much help. I love it. I have a tabletop indoor fountain with a fogger that goes in it. The fogger quit working. The red light still glows that's on it but it doesn't make any fog. I've tried soaking it all night in vinegar in case of water deposits (and I scrubbed it afterwards to get the vinegar off). I put it back in the fountain and still nothing. I'm keeping the fogger clear of the stones in the fountain as well. I'm stuck. Any ideas that won't harm the fogger. Those things aren't cheap!
Jenny in KY
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Bread Machine Recipe For White Bread
I am looking for an easy bread machine recipe for white bread.
Thanks,
imaqt1962
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Best Way To Attach Sea Shells To A Mirror
I want to glue sea shells around a large round mirror with no frame. The edge of the mirror is scratched and worn away in some places and I feel this would revive it in a creative way. Any hints on how to attach shells would be appreciated.
Sharr from Queensland
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Does anyone know some kind of home remedy for a "smelly" dog! I have a Llaso who smells like a gym locker! I can give her a bath and less than a week later she smells. I didn't think it was good to give dogs that many baths but I don't have a choice.
Thank you,
Susan from Conn.
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Hello, I have to refinance but I don't want to. Has anybody ever faced this situation? I have credit card debt for the first time in my life and most of the time I can't sleep at night. Thank you.
Eugenia
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Colorado Discount Grocery Stores?
I recently moved to Colorado from Pennsylvania, and am having a hard time finding any discount grocery stores. I live in Golden, which is near the Denver area. There used to be CUB foods around here, but they have all closed, as far as I can find. There are the regular grocery stores, Sam's club (which I do shop at), and Target & Walmart grocery. But I was wondering if there are any actual grocery stores that are inexpensive or discounted, such as in PA we had Aldis' and Save-A-Lot. And these were cheaper than Walmart/Target for food. So it would be greatly appreciated if anyone could tell me about any discount grocery stores in the area. And I don't mind bagging my own groceries. Thanks.
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Cleaning Nail Glue off of Countertop
My 10 year old daughter, who WAS NOT to be using the fake fingernails any longer due to this happening once before, has done it again - snipped off the tip of the glue and it spattered all over my 3 month old kitchen countertops. I was furious - mostly because she was NEVER to use that stuff after the first go around. Fingernail polish remover does not help, nor did several cleaning solvents - HELP!!! - Erin
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I am looking for a pocket "pouch" or some item to attach to the arm of a couch for holding writing equipment, such as pencils, etc. It must be attractive enough to put in a hostess area Not very bulky
I will be happy to purchase one or make it if I had a pattern.
Thank you very much in advance.
Mary Ann from Michigan
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I'm looking for a way to tint sheets of white tissue paper any other color. I picked up a bunch of plain white and would like to use them for upcoming holidays. Thanks!
Sara from Idaho
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Soups On
By Angela Billings
There is nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup on a cold winters day. I guess that is why January is National Soup Month.
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By donnie hood (Guest Post)
03/28/2005
please let me know how to get rid of the pesky foggy bathroom mirror, i have tried putting shaving cream on there but that just makes it blurry,new tips would be appreciated,
thanks,
donnie r hood
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