May 19, 2006

Daily Thrifty Tips - May 19, 2006


Volume Five, Number 96, May 19, 2006
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

We are very pleased to be publishing the first Frugal Travel Guide on the website. The guide is for Peachtree City, GA, you can find a link to it in the More Reading section of this newsletter.

To submit a frugal travel guide, visit the link below.

Submit a Guide
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You may have noticed some sluggish performance on the website. We hope to make some enhancements over the weekend that should clear it up. We are running behind today, we won't be able to announce the winners of last week's contest until Monday.

Here are the results to yesterday's poll:

How often do you wash your car?

Weekly (14) 11%
Monthly (31) 24%
Every Other Month (14) 11%
Not Very Often... (63) 50%
I don't have a car... (5) 4%

Here's the new poll:

Do you cook most of your meals from scratch?

Post your answer:
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Have a great weekend,

Susan

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Today's Tips:

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Today's Photos

Chickadee In Flight

Chickadee In Flight

Chickadee in Flight

By Rose from Zion, IL

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Planting a Hard to Mow Ditch Bank

Here's an idea for a hard to mow ditch bank. My mother was afraid to cut the grass on this bank so I planted it with perennials for her.

Perennials Planted on the Ditch Bank

Perennials Planted on the Ditch

By Teresa Spittel from Spencer Wi

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Jada (Siberian Husky)

Jada is a 5 month old Siberian Husky. I got her 3 months ago, from a breeder.

She likes to unzip anything

Jada the Husky

By JJ from Riverdale, GA

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Today's Tips

Grow Your Own Food

Groceries, believe it or not, are the absolute easiest place to cut back your expenses. So I figure, whatever you can grow, especially if it re-seeds itself, you don't have to pay for except when you buy the seeds. My husband raises a great big garden because that's what he loves to do. We also have fruit trees and berries.

In my flower beds along with lots of blooms there are Egyptian walking onions, parsley, spinach, mustard greens, sage, tarragon, lettuce,lemon balm, feverfew, garlic, comfrey and more. I planted them 20 years ago, and they still come back every year. There is no garlic better than fresh (not dried) garlic to turn your entrees and garlic bread into pure ambrosia. All fresh herbs have better flavor fresh than dried. The green (Egyptian) onions and parsley are the main ingredients for tabouli, one of our favorites!

The thanksgiving turkey has sage in it, as do our cottage cheese patties. On top of using these herbs and veggies in cooking, I dry some for winter use and enter some in the fair. A blue ribbon pays $2, and a Best of Show pays $5. Last year my premium checks totaled $51! If I'd had the time, I could have entered the same items in the next county's fair the following week. They pay more for their premiums.

Maintaining a flower bed with herbs in it is a snap. I keep the weeds pulled and put composted manure on once or twice a year.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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Baby Sock Contest (Baby Shower Game)

Get a ton of baby socks - like twenty pairs or more! Separate them and scatter them in the center of the floor. The guest who can match up the most socks and bundle them within a set time limit (3 minutes is good) wins a prize. Of course after the game is over mom can keep the socks!

By Hope

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Keeping Track of Medications and Supplements

If you're on any medications or taking any vitamins or herbs, keep a list of them on your refrigerator, at all times, in case of an emergency, either paramedics or any of your family members can grab it easily to inform your physicians of what medications you're using. Be sure to update it, if a prescription is dropped or added.

By Terri from NV

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Coffee Exfoliate
By Patti McKenna

Ingredients:

  • 5 Tbsp. fresh brewed coffee grounds
  • 1 Tbsp and 1 tsp. iodized salt

Directions:

Mix together. Use as a scrub on face and/or body to remove dead skin cells.

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Storing Onions and Potatoes

I had many a potato and onion go bad until I learned to Never refrigerate potatoes or dry onions (as opposed to scallions or the sweet varieties). Never wash them until I am ready to use them. Store them in a dark, cool space like a closet, garage or pantry. These vegetables require good air circulation.

To get onions to last for months, cut one leg from a clean pair of pantyhose. Drop an onion into the toe, and tie a knot close to the onion. Drop in another. Repeat until filled. Hang from a nail in the pantry or garage. When I need an onion I cut right below the lowest knot.

Air circulation encourages long life and discourages sprouting. This technique works well with garlic and potatoes, too. And you won't believe how many you can fit in one pantyhose leg, plus you are finding a use for pantyhose that have a run in them. Of course, take time to put your worn panty hose in the wash before using to hang and store your root vegetables.

By Bobbie G from Rockwall, TX

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Look for Giveaways

Use giveaways as much as possible. I have a little pocket calendar that I re-covered with some art from a brochure and then covered with a scrap of clear contact paper. I always look for post-its, pencils, pens, magnets, erasers, notepads, key chains, maps, cups, mugs and the like at any fair, convention or other such event. They make them in the thousands. I even got a gorgeous umbrella at one event!

By Pam from L.A., CA

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Sunshine Box for College

When my daughter went away to college, she was away from home for the first time and living with a total stranger roomy. I took a page from my Amish friends and made them each a "Sunshine Box." Whenever an Amish person needs a boost with a long recovery from illness or is down about something, the community and family make a Sunshine Box. There is a little gift to open each day for a month.

That is a small gift every day for a month.. I wrapped up anything from a couple of packs of gum for each girl to Ramen noodles or spiced cider to pens, mechanical pencils and scratch pads. I put them all in plastic milk crates and they had a little shelf unit after the gifts were finished. It really helped break the ice between the two girls, helped with the homesickness, and they confessed that on bad days they unwrapped more than one little gift.

Though I pretty much did this on my own, the Amish have all of the friends and relatives contribute a little something to the boxes so the person who is a little down or doesn't feel good due to illness or an operation has something to open every day of the recovery. I just wanted to let the girls know how proud we were of them, and that we missed them, too.

It really seemed to help them over a big hump, and helped them to bond for the rest of the year.

By Margie Minard

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Checking Out the Neighborhood Shopping

When looking for a new home, in a new neighborhood and you're undecided if you'd like to live there, check out one of the local grocery stores, to see if they're clean, etc. We have a pal who sells homes, this is what he does if a couple is indecisive. He said most of the time, it works.

By Terri from NV

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Have a Plant Swap

Have a block or community exchange of plants: seeds, plants, gardening tools, etc.

By Anne from Nevada

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A Treat for Your Hands

Over a wash basin, Put half a teaspoon of salt into the palm of one hand, then add a teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Rub your hands together as though washing them. Rinse with cool water, then pat dry.

Your hands will be softer than you've felt for a long time.

It's especially good after gardening, or if you are going out and will be shaking hands with people.

Your feet will also benefit from this lovely treatment - especially if done just after a bath (use the bathwater to rinse off.

The sweet almond oil can be bought cheaply from your health food shop.

Cheers!

By Wendy M. from Oz. from Australia

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New Requests

Reuben Sandwich Casserole

I am looking for a recipe that is like a reuben sandwich except it is made in a casserole dish. It was casserole that had sauerkraut, corned beef, cheese, topped with bread crumbs? I think it was posted around St.. Paddy's day.

Thank you in advance,
Tuey from Fort Collins, CO

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Hair and Skin Questions

I have a bunch of questions and I was wondering if anyone could help me with them. My hair always gets frizzy after I take a shower and it's horrible because my hairs already is really thick. I don't always have time to straighten my hair and that damages my hair too.

I have really oily skin and I have breakouts on my face, back, and chest. I've been trying to get it to clear up for years and I really need help. My skin is really dark and I want to lighten it up. I know there's papaya soap but are there any other ways to lighten up your skin that's faster and more effective?
I have this dark outline around my lips and it makes my lips look horrible and big in pictures when I don't smile.

I know that is a lot of questions but if you know of any ways to help please tell me.

Thank you so much.
Katrina

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Gamble 'Coronado' Brother Sewing Machine

I found a wonderful little sewing machine at my local goodwill but I can't seem to find any information on it. I was hoping someone could direct me toward a site that might be able to shed so light on my little machine. It is a Gamble 'Coronado' Brother sewing machine in a hideaway cabinet. I would really love to find a manual or anything on it. It runs but may need repair. I feel so lucky to have found it and would love to use it. Thanks for any and all help!

Amanda from Lamar, MO

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Nail Polish on Carpet

My ferret spilled blue nail polish on my beige carpet! How can I get it out? I tried nail polish remover but it didn't help. Can anyone help?

Dana from PA

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Honey Wax Stain on a Car's Seat

I spilled honey wax on my car seat. Does anyone know how I can get it out.

Kriss24 from Virginia Beach, VA

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Caring for a Baby Kitten

Hello my pet loving friends. Yesterday I brought home a 2-3 week old kitten from one of my friend's home. The mother cat is very young and will not take care of her. I have never taken in an orphaned babe such as this, so I need all the help I can get. Can someone please tell me what I need to feed her and what actions I sould take to help this precious kitten. Please hurry with your needed feedback. Thanks again.

Loriszoo from Phoenix, AZ

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Removing a Urine Stain From a Mattress

I need help removing urine from mattress.

Cristalboone From Marrero, LA

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Making Sea Shell Jewelry

I'd like to make shell jewelry but small shells are so fragile. Any suggestions on what I can coat them with?

Thanks,
Cindyluhu from Melbourne, FL

P.S. I'd be glad to send seashells to anyone who'll pay the postage.

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Chili Crispitos Recipe

I'm looking for how to make chili crispitos. I ate them in school and I've looked all over the internet for the recipe. All I can find are school lunch menus. Please help me!

XWingsxxOnxxFireXx from Wisconsin

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Making a Pot Rack

I need a pot rack and I don't have a space for the ceiling type. What about a wall type? I looked at some and they stick out, I want one that is flat to the wall. Can you make a pot rack out of lattice or maybe some wainscot?

Any ideas.

Thanks,
Karen from Winona, WV

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Repairing Tears in Microfiber Furniture

What can I use to repair a tear in my microfiber chair? The tear is on the side of the chair.

Tonya from Philadelphia, PA

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More Reading

What's A Cookie Cost?
By Sandy Baker

Do you wonder if it is cost effective for you to purchase that $4 bag of cookies or to make your own? While there may just be a good amount of savings in making your own desserts and snacks you should take into consider the time factor. But, if you can squeeze in 20 minutes here and there, everyone will win with great tasting and less expensive cookies for their snacks.

To purchase a bag or container of cookies, it will likely cost you about $4 for a container that has about 40 cookies in it. Now, this varies depending on the type of cookie that you choose, the location you are in as well as several other factors. But, let's just use it as an average here.

To make the same cookie at home, determine what ingredients you would need and price them at your local store.

  • Flour: Entire bag will cost you less than $2, but you probably will only use about $.75 worth.
  • Chocolate Chips: One bag, $1.29
  • Butter, One pound package is $2, but you only need half at $1
  • Spices, oil and eggs, let's round to being $1 total.

Did you save anything by making your cookies at home? You probably will make many more than that package. But, there is also something else to consider here. You should also consider the quality of them. There is nothing better than warm cookies from the oven. Since it will only take about 10 minutes to prepare the cookies and another 10 to bake them, this is time you may be able to sneak in.

If you make cookies for your family with them, which the kids will love you for, you'll create a bond that is wonderful for them too. All in all, there are many things you are losing by not making your own cookies at home. What's it really costing you?

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Growing: Potatoes
By Ellen Brown

Botanical Name:
Solanum tuberosum
Description:
The potato is a perennial plant from the nightshade family, grown for its starchy tuber.
Planting Time:
fall, winter or spring depending on zone
Exposure:
full sun
Soil:
light, well worked, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.8, that is rich in potassium and phosphorus. Avoid using lime which raises soil pH that can result in potato scab.
Planting:
Cut large potatoes into pieces for planting or use whole seed potatoes egg-size or smaller. Leave at least 3 eyes (buds) on each piece. Cure pieces for 1 to 2 days until they harden before planting. The most common planting method is to dig trenches 4 to 6 feet deep spaced 3 feet apart. Place potato pieces 10 to 15 inches apart at the bottoms of trenches and cover them with compost and soil.

Another easy method is to mulch up leaves in the fall and place potatoes on the partially decomposed leaves in the spring. Cover the pile with 1 to 1 _ feet of straw, mulching as needed to keep tubers covered.

Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist (not wet).
Maintenance:
Hill up dirt around plants as needed to prevent light from reaching the tubers.
Harvesting & Storage:
Most potatoes need 90 to 120 days to reach maturity. You can begin to harvest as soon as the plants flower. These tubers will be small, thin-skinned and good for boiling. Dying foliage indicates that potatoes have reached maturity. Dig up tubers or store them in the ground for several weeks during cool, dry weather. If you planted your potatoes on a mulch mound, simply removed the straw and harvest your potatoes. Store potatoes in a dark, humid place at 30º to 40ºF for long-term (4 to 5 months) storage.
Diseases and Pests:
Potatoes can suffer from several serious fungal and bacterial diseases. Minimize potential problems by selecting disease resistant varieties and practicing crop rotation.

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The Old Fashioned Way is the Cheaper Way
By Kelly Ann Butterbaugh

Today people look for items to make life easier. Yet, those items cost money which is earned by working, thus defeating the purpose of making life easier. In the "olden days" things were done more economically than today, and life seemed simpler. Sometimes, the old fashioned way is not only the simpler way it's the cheaper way.

Laundry Day

Take some time to calculate the price of a clothes dryer per year. The initial purchase of the dryer costs several hundred dollars. Then, there is the cost of the energy needed to run it. In the end a clothes dryer could cost $380 in the first year for a basic electric model or $310 for a basic gas model.

Instead, do it Grandma's way and hang clothes on the line to dry. In the warm months of the year this is a practical and fresh solution. Not only do the clothes smell fresh, but the initial cost of $10 for a clothesline and clothespins doesn't compare to the mechanical method.. Hanging clothes outside also allows for a chance to enjoy nature's sights, sounds, and refreshing air; consider it a free trip to a health spa.

Put Up Some Savings

Learn to can items while they're on sale. Canning is a simple process once it is learned, and supplies are reasonable. However, don't feel that making jellies and "putting up" beans is the requirement. Instead, think creatively. Canning

While green peppers can be expensive in the winter months, they are much cheaper in the summer. Purchase a bushel in the summer months along with a bushel of onions. Then, in quart jars layer one half cut green peppers and one half sliced onions. In the winter, or even on a busy summer day, prepare sausage or meatball sandwiches with the canned peppers and onions. It saves not only money but time as well. Consider other combinations or "quick fixes" to prepare ahead of time.

A Seed Swap

The old-fashioned idea of a seed swap is fun and economical. Plantlings are expensive when they need to be replaced each year. While landscaping can be based around perennials which do not need to be replaced each year, nothing beats the sunny smile of a marigold. As the seeds form on the dead flowers, snap them off and place them on a tray in a dry place. When the seeds have completely dried in a week or more, store them in an air tight bag in a dark place until next spring. In March start the seeds indoors and move them out as the weather allows.

Get Out There and Walk

Walking could possibly be the most beneficial exercise. The pace can be adjusted as needed, and it can be done with a friend. Instead of hopping in the car to go down the block for a paper, walk. The benefits are limitless. Not only will it aid in overall health, but it will save on gasoline and car costs. Remember how Great Granddad walked to work each day? He must have been on to something.

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Travel Tips for Peachtree City, GA - Frugal Travel Guide

Travel Destination: Peachtree City, GA

Country: United States

Free Things to Do:

There are a lot of cart/bike/walking paths in our city, approximately 100 miles. 2 lakes. Several ponds where you can feed ducks and geese. Bring your bikes and enjoy a bike ride and a picnic lunch by Lake Peachtree or Lake Kedron.

We have a dog park so they can socialize as well and several play parks. Even a park for special needs children.

Tennis Courts, basketball courts. Frisbee golf, soccer, baseball, BMX track and skateboard ramps. Then there is the Senior Citizen center with everything from crocheting to trips away from home.

Low Cost Things to Do:

  • Rent a golf cart and drive everywhere. To eat, play, swim.
  • Go to our Ampitheatre to see the latest singing group.
  • Drive to Fayetteville or Newnan to see a movie or Dixieland fun center with bumper boats, bungee jumping, putt putt, arcade games, race track.
  • Swimming at Kedron Aquatic Center and skating.

Expensive But Worth It:

  • Brunch at the Convention center.
  • Plane ride or helicopter ride at our own airport.
  • Shopping, shopping, shopping!
  • Golf

Nightlife:

Less than an hour away from beautiful Atlanta, GA.

Just for Kids:

Lots of parks and paths.

Seasonal Information:

  • Shakerag festival in September and May.
  • Ampitheater shows in the spring and summer.
  • Taste of Fayette in May.
  • Fourth of July Golf Cart parade and fireworks.

Inexpensive Lodging:

  • Days Inn Of PTC
  • Hampton Inn

Interesting Facts or History:

This is a planned community. We are growing. But only according to plan.

Chamber of Commerce Contact Information:

www.peachtreecityonline.com

Additional Comments:

This is a beautiful city. We have lived here for 15 years. It is a great place to raise a family and even retire. Lots of things to do or just drive a little and find more things to do. Or just relax and enjoy the weather!

By Brendalu from Peachtree City, GA

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Camping Food Safety
By Brandi M. Seals

There are a few basic cardinal rules when it comes to food safety - especially when conditions are not ideal -such as while camping, hiking, boating, or even tailgaiting. These rules will keep you and your family on the right track and help avoid a trip to the emergency room for food poisoning.

Keep cold things cold and hot things hot:

Bad for you bacteria can grow on food at astonishing rates in the "hot" zone. The "hot" zone is considered to be anything above 40 degrees Fahrenheit and below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why it is important to keep food out of that range. When you cook anything it should be above 140 degrees. If it is not going to be eaten within two hours, you will need to chill it to below 40 degrees before you pack it for the camping trip. It can always be reheated later. Cold foods will need to be chilled to at least 40 degrees.

Anything that stays within the "hot" zone for more than 2 hours should be tossed or you risk food poisoning.

Clean, Clean and clean some more:

You will want the food prep and cooking area to remain as clean as possible. Wash up using soap and water or if that is not readily accessible, bring along some disposable disinfectant wipes. Be sure to keep meat separate from all other ingredients when preparing as you can inadvertently cross-contaminate dishes if meat juices make its way into your potato salad.

Drink safely:

Water from lakes or streams should never be consumed without pre treating them. You can boil water for a minute to kill the microorganisms in it, or drop in some purification tablets (usually found at any camping supply store). The purification tablets contain iodine, chlorine or halzone and can kill most bacteria, viruses, and many parasites. You will also want to filter the water before it is consumed to remove any large parasites, bacteria, or debris.

Packing the Cooler:

Packing the cooler is one of the most important steps in camping. You will only want to bring along enough food to be consumed within a short period of time. Because coolers are not the most effective at keeping foods at the proper temperatures, it is best to avoid overcrowding the space and leaving food in the cooler for days and days. I would say 2 to 3 days worth of food is all you would want to stock at one time.

The order in which items go into the cooler is also important. You will want to plan your meals in advance and then divide the ingredients up. Items to be consumed on the first day go on top. Food for the second day goes on the bottom. The only exception is meat. All meat products should be stored at the very bottom of the cooler to prevent any juices from dripping down into the food below.

Be sure to use plenty of ice or frozen gel packs. Ice blocks will last longer than ice cubes - so try freezing plastic baggies of water to use in your cooler. Once the ice melts - the food is no longer at the proper temperature and must be disposed of. To keep the ice from melting, resist the urge to open the cooler more than is absolutely necessary. Place it in the shade and wrap it in a blanket to keep the contents cool. Also replace the ice as it begins to melt. I would suggest keeping sodas, juice and water bottles in a separate cooler to cut down on the number of times the one holding the food needs to be opened.

Remember, when in doubt, it is always best to toss it out.

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