|
|
|
Vol. 7, Num. 166, August 26, 2008 (Read It Online) Here are the contest winners for last week. It was a very difficult to choose this week. We are receiving so many deserving entries. Keep them coming, it's a pleasure to be able to share all these wonderful tips and recipes. We couldn't decide on one recipe winner this week, so we have two winners. There were several others in contention. We really appreciate the effort people are putting into their recipe submissions with anecdotes, variations and sometime even photos. Photo Contest Winner Craft: Towel Cake for Beach Wedding
Diane does a great job of turning something from the couple's gift registry into a beautiful wedding decoration. Pet Contest Winner In Memory of Taffy (Yellow Lab)
Thank you Sheila for sharing Taffy with us. It's a very nice picture and description. Tip Contest Winners Freezing Produce In Paper Bags
Harlean shares a method of freezing some types of veggies that doesn't require blanching and doesn't use any plastic. Tips For New College Students
Concetta shares 4 tips that are sure to help new college students. Recipe Contest Winners 4-H Breadmaker Rolls
Elaine share her version of 4-H Breadmaker Rolls along with a picture. She even took time to submit the original recipe in the feedback forum. Spring Rolls
This is a wonderful and healthy recipe. Scott also shares several variations you can try. Do you have a tip or recipe to share with the ThriftyFun community? Feel free to submit it on one of the contest pages! Thanks for reading, Susan
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Freeze Dinners for Entire Month in an Afternoon In just three hours, I made dinners to freeze for the entire month. I do this each month and it's so much easier than freezing the raw meat, then thawing it then cooking. This way, the kitchen is only hot for a few hours. The shots you are seeing are lemon pepper chicken, tuna kabobs, tip beef and polska kielbasa, fajita chicken, and a turkey casserole. Lemon Pepper Chicken
Tuna Kabobs
Fajita Chicken
Ideas: If you like this idea, it makes a nice meal. Once this chicken is done, I make sure there is ample juice in the container when I freeze it. When I am ready to heat and eat, I make sure I put the "frozen chunk" in a larger container. Once the chicken and juice is almost cooked, I add some instant spuds to make a nice creamy "casserole" without having to do much more to it. I also add some corn and when it's done, you have a wonderful meal in just one container. Tips and Kielbasa:
I bake these together because the juices can mix without changing the taste, as they are both similar meats. They will be used for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles and freeze great as is. Idea: I like to cut up Kielbasa and add it to red beans and rice. The tips go great in a box of au gratin spuds and a drained can of corn. I always add just a bit of real cojack shredded cheese before I put in in to bake.
Turkey Casserole:
Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes. I serve it with a package of gravy over each serving, and some cranberry sauce. It's like Thanksgiving any time you want! I hope you enjoy this. Keep in mind that a little work now, (a Sunday or a day off?) can save you lots of time in the kitchen when you are tired or rushed. I hope these ideas have helped. By Sandra from Salem OR
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42939367.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Photo of the double rainbow we saw today.
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62648548.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Fluffy is 3 years old and a Tuxedo cat. Every night when I walk my dog, the cat Fluffy loves to tag along. I always end up picking him up and carry him home and he gets rather heavy. He loves to be held and is so content to go on our evening walks. I got the bright idea of getting a baby snuggle sack to put him in and take him on our walks and he loves it!! Now I can walk the cat and dog at the same time. Oh my crazy pets are so funny.
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21290984.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Now you can't say MY husband isn't frugal! I finally burned it one day when he was gone or he would still be wearing it!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83902844.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Craft Project: Baby Shower Door Prize/Game These are diaper pins to wear at a baby shower. Every guest gets one. One diaper has a sticker inside labeled "dirty". I put a larger pin on that one so I know it gets handed out. Whoever gets that diaper (everyone opens theirs up to check for the sticker) gets the door prize. Or you can use them as a game. Whenever someone crosses their legs or says a prearranged name (such as the guest of honors name), the person who catches them gets their pin. At the end, whoever has the most pins wins a prize. You could also attach them to a stick-on label and use as name tags for each guest. Approximate Time: 2 hours to make 40 pins. Supplies:
 Instructions:
Cut fabric in 4 inch squares. At a corner of the square, fold the 2 sides in to make a point. Fold the point up. Fold each side in and over the folded up point. Adjust to make it look like a diaper.
Stick a small safety pin in the center. Cut off the access material above the pin. Cut a 10 inch piece of ribbon. It goes quicker if you cut all the ribbon and squares at once. Tie a small knot at each end. Glue diaper onto the ribbon at the cross over point. Attach a straight pin at the top to attach to clothing. One diaper put a sticker inside. Write "dirty" on it. Use a larger safety pin on this one so you know someone does it get. By D.L. from Millbury, Oh
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19494722.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Use Elmers Glue As a Face Mask I know this is going to sound crazy, but I saw this on T.V. a couple weeks ago, can't remember where I saw it, but I thought it was interesting. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97575095.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: You can make your own "Pin the Patch on the Pirate" game by looking for coloring pages online. Then print it on your computer as a poster size. Then create eye patches for the kids to pin on the pirate Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74207418.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Before the first frost sets in, take cuttings from annuals like coleus, begonias, fuchsias, and impatients. Remove any buds, then dip the ends in rooting compound, and plant the cuttings in a mixture of vermiculite and peat moss. Once the plants begin to grow, you can plant them in regular potting soil, care for them throughout the winter months as you would normal household plants, and then you'll be able to replant them in your outdoor garden in the spring - it's a great savings! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80792377.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Use Children's Artwork for Scrapbooking Use children's art work as a basis for a scrapbook with headings, other related pictures, etc. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63270019.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: In my efforts to control clutter, I like to make it into a game of sorts which I call 23 Skidoo. I have to find 23 items to put away or throw away every day. Sometimes I get very inspired and play 23 Skidoo twice. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46965522.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Spacesavers in the Laundry Room I went to an estate sale and purchased two very rough bathroom spacesavers (you know the ones that go over the commode) they were only $5.00 for both and I thought if nothing else I could use them for shelving. I brought them home and my husband, Robert took them and combined them in the middle using a pole to stabilize them and shortened the leg in middle. He then installed them over my washer and dryer. Instant space for all kinds of laundry supplies. I've seen similar items advertised in furniture stores for $150.00. Works great! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23668817.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I just read of a wonderful way to pray. Draw your prayer. Draw what you see as the problem and then draw how you see God resolving it. I think this would be a wonderful way to teach children to pray. All kids love to draw. This seems like it would work for kids to express their feelings, as well. As an artist myself, I loved this idea! I don't think God cares how we pray, just that we do so. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25684674.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Metal Binder Clips for Closing Bags I have become so frustrated by chip clips. Or whatever other name they go by. Every time I'd use one, it would either break (cheap plastic) or it would pop off the bag that it's supposed to be clipping shut. They are also big and bulky, well at least for people who live in close quarters. Finally I found a solution that works ALL the time. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf954681.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I had an extra 1/2 package (3-4 oz.) of cream cheese left in the fridge and wanted to use it up. Well, we were having fajitas last night, and I had very little fajita seasoning. As I was looking for more fajita seasoning, I stumbled upon a packet of Ranch for veggie dip/what have you. I knew I didn't have sour cream, so instead, I mixed that half package of cream cheese with 1 Tbsp. of the Ranch mix and slapped it on our fajitas and boy was it gooood. I'm probably not the first who has discovered this, but I sure am glad I did. You can use more or less Ranch mix/cream cheese if you'd like. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78626895.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Don't Make Divinity or Fudge In Wet Weather Don't try to make divinity or fudge when it's raining cats and dogs! In my previous life (young and dumb as opposed to old-er and smart) I tried to make divinity and totally burned up a mixer trying to get it firm, wound up eating it with a spoon. A good friend tried to make fudge at about that same time (also young and dumb) and she ate that with a spoon. Young cooks take a lesson from us old-er gals! :-p Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87782927.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
Ideas For Small Quilting Projects I have saved lots of old clothing to make crazy quilts. Unfortunately I don't have time for a big quilt project. Does anyone have suggestions/patterns for small but useful items I could make with this fabric? I am a relatively new quilter and any help I can get would be most appreciated. Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73695623.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: What are the do's and don'ts of canning broccoli soup? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41579271.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: We adopted this shepherd mix from a rescue. We want to know what the other 1/2 is? Anyone have any ideas?
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50155846.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Teaching Puppy Not To Chase Hens What's a good way of teaching my 6 month old puppy not to chase my G. hens when I let them out of the pen? I was going to put him on a leash and walk around in my chicken yard but couldn't even get him into it. He just cried and lay down. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43813243.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Putting Artwork On Wine Glasses Desperate artist here! I have some great, fun artwork I've done and would like to get in on wine and martini glasses,coasters,etc. without hand painting or baking each one! I have tried expensive waterslide decals, lazertran paper, mod podge, everything and cannot find an easy, great looking solution! I would so appreciate any feedback! The product must be somewhat waterproof, i.e. able to hand wash, etc. Thank you so much! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21413324.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Puppy Dog Food for a Nice Coat What food would produce the best coat on my American Eskimo puppies? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21583693.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Lace On Underwear Turns Gray After Washing Why does the lacy on my underwear/singlets turn a nasty gray when I wash them? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91405694.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Planting Pepper Plants in Pots for Winter I have four banana pepper plants and was wondering if I could put them in pots for the winter? They are about three feet tall and still putting out peppers. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92511873.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My dh and I had a bad case each of the "twitches" the other night. Neither his legs nor mine would stop twitching for quite some time, and even getting up and walking around did not help. It made sleeping impossible until finally our legs calmed down. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99895937.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Making Real Peanut Butter Fudge How do you make or bake real peanut butter fudge?
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71882855.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I am turning 16 this year and have no idea what to do for it. I am looking for lower budget ideas, themes are okay, and preferably for both guys and girls. Thanks so much! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62566073.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: "Babies Don't Keep" Cross Stitch Pattern I am trying to find the cross stitch pattern for "Babies Don't Keep" but the one with rabbits, bears, a tiger and an elephant. I have nearly finished it but I have damaged the pattern. Can anyone help me please? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83124678.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Replacement Tray For Gott 50 Qt Cooler Looking, without luck, for a replacement tray for Gott 50 Qt. Cooler. Model #1950, Tray #719. Anyone know where I can get one? Thanks! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64320009.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My Husband and I are living in our first house where we expect to stay for another 2-3 years before moving to a house further out of the city with a bigger garden. We'd like to invest in some fruit trees which can be grown in large pots now (possibly trained against a fence) and then planted out to grow into bigger trees once we buy the "Forever House". Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82446156.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: We have some small, brown bugs in our couch. They look like ticks. So far we have just seen them in the couch. Do you have any ideal what these are? When you pinch them some of the bigger ones bleed. Please help. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46316242.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Decorating For Pastor Appreciation How should I decorate the table for our pastor on his appreciation day? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13842962.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: I have a four year old blue spruce tree. It's almost five feet tall. I kept running over the lower branches with my lawn mower so without thinking I cut off the bottom branches around the tree. It's doing good but I'm worried that when it grows taller it might have a empty spot in the middle were I cut the branches off. Also I heard that I'm supposed to cut the top down a little so the tree fills out. How and when do I do this pruning? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18013206.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Brown Spots On Ripening Tomatoes My tomatoes are beginning to get color but on the bottom of each tomato is a brown spot that grows as the tomato ripens. The inside of the tomato at the bottom is black. Any ideas? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70871758.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Tropical Themed Melamine Plates I'm looking for melamine plates with the name "Ipanema" on bottom of them. They have a bright, multi colored tropical theme. Some plates have parrots and some have flowers. I found them at Target 2 yrs ago and need more please. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93229456.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Manual For Welbilt (ABM3000) Bread Machine Need instructions for a Welbilt Bread Maker Model ABM3000. Does anybody know where to get a copy? Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70112790.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Homemade Recipe For SoyJoy Bars I love SoyJoy bars but they end up being expensive after awhile. Does anyone have a recipe for making something similar? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49636480.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: My husband bought a new smoke alarm about a year or two ago. I can't find the instructions that came with it. Last night it started 'beeping' and when he pushed on the button to silence it the noise stopped. But now the little green light is on all the time and I don't think it was on all the time before. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf672758.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: How do you prepare fresh apples for freezing? I plan on making pies later. Renae from Newton, KS
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36698999.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter I would like a copy of the recipe for cinnamon butter that you can get at the Texas Roadhouse Restaurant. Does any one have it? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51288120.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
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:
My Frugal Life: Making Something Out Of Nothing It seem like I have been thrifty all my life. Saving things to be used later on. Taking a little bit and making it stretch (hopefully). I used to find scraps or bits of anything at thrift shops, garage sales, even on the street, trying to make something out of nothing. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50191581.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It: Keeping Animals Out of Your Vegetable Garden Question: How do I keep animals from eating my garden? Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf361624.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Rate It:
|
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
I usually fry strips in butter, but have been trying to cut down on fats. So, I put the lemon pepper on the chicken, poking holes in the breasts for good saturation, added 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup water. I bake it at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes. If the inside is still pink (I use pretty big pieces), just add another 15 minutes to the baking time.
I get these in a vacuum packed package at the local warehouse store for $2.99. I bake them for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees F, but the smaller ones need to be taken out when that time is up, leaving the larger ones in another 10 minutes or so. Or, you can make the larger ones smaller if you are not worried about the looks.
I cut up into chunks (4 per breast) the amount of chicken I want to cook, then add two packages of dry fajita mix (the powdered kind you get in the gravy mix isle). Then I add enough water just to cover in my crock pot, and turn it up to high. Once boiling, I turn it to low and leave in over night. The next morning, I have chicken you can eat with a spoon.
You need a 4 quart casserole dish or pan with a lid. Line the bottom "layer" with a package of stuffing mix, or left over from a meal. Then, a layer of sliced turkey. I always use Winco's Garlic Herb Turkey, but you can use leftover turkey or even chicken. Then, I put on a layer of drained corn, and one of cojack cheese. The top is a package of Idahoan Instant Spuds, my favorite being 4 cheese flavor.
Cross over forming a loop at the top and glue in the center.
