Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 87, April 2, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. Yesterday we published a TF News about Spring Cleaning. If you aren't subscribed to the TF News, you can read the issue online here:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Save Money on Kleenex
- Zena (German Shepherd)
Today's Tips:
- Making Decorators Icing For Cake Decorating
- House Training Tip - Naughty Seat for Dogs
- Many Uses For Terry Cloth Dish Towels
- Spreading Salt on Sidewalks or Driveways
- Keeping a Pen and Pad Handy
- Blogging For Loved Ones and Family
- Spiral Notebooks for Recipes
- 15 Minute Clean-Up
- Bring a Small Pillow On An Airplane
- Taking Your Own Snacks On Airplanes
- Headache Cures
- Candle Too Big For Candle Stick?
- Adding Water To Your Iron
- Perfect Fried Rice
- Potpourri in the Vacuum
- Tax Organization
- Orajel for Baby Rash
- Removing the Air from Zip Lock Bags
- Removing Scuffs from Patent Leather Shoes
- Corn Bread, Iowa Style
- Hush Puppies
- Pork and Bean Bread
- Strawberry Bread
- Zucchini-Apricot Jam
- Donuts In Rhyme
New Requests:
- New Suede Jacket Problem
- Collecting Baby Items for Orphans in Romania
- Baby Modeling and Beauty Pageants
- How to Get Rid of Snakes!
- Extra Income
- Peanut Sponge Cake
- Ralph Lauren Garden Floral "sweet Petal" LWP09603w
- Kitchen Paint Color to Match Maple Cabinets
- Tea Stain On White T-shirt
- Value-Priced Clothing Catalogs
- Good Chocolate Recipes
- Silly Putty on Shirt
- Cleaning Window Tips
More Reading:
- Funky, Fun Garden Plants
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
- Flower Meanings
- Building Your Dream Home - Part 1
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make
11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures
of the crafts visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/columnists/harlean.html
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Save Money on Kleenex
To save money on kleenex, I refilled an empty square kleenex box with a roll of toilet tissue. Just carefully open the side seam on the box. Then pull the cardboard roll out from the center of a roll of toilet tissue. Pull the paper out from the center and thread it from inside the box out through the top. Then insert the roll into the box, fold the flaps back and tape to secure. Just pull out what you need. Much more economical than kleenex. And softer than the cheaper brands of tissues.
By Harlean from Arkansas
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Zena (German Shepherd)
This is my female german shepherd, Zena. She's about two years old. I found her at a local dog park. When I saw her, I fell in love with her. She was about 4 months old. The lady who had her was trying to find a home for her. She didn't know much about her past. She's a sweet dog.
By Christy
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Making Decorators Icing For Cake Decorating
On my first child's birthday I learned how to make decorator icing. This has seen me through lots of birthdays, made me money on cakes for weddings, anniversaries and I'd LOVE to share it.
PER BATCH:
1 bag confectioners (POWDERED) sugar, 1 cup CRISCO (Do NOT SUBSTITUTE--it will be greasy) and 1 tsp of butter flavoring. Then water added in VERY small amounts until this mixes to a good spreading consistency.
If you do make it too thin add more powdered sugar. Spread on a cooled cake with a long thin spatula. To make this really smooth dip the spatula in a glass filled with HOT water before spreading.
Cake decorating is really fun and stay at home moms can make LOTS of extra money doing cakes for family and friends. I never took a lesson--taught myself.
By Sharon Shearer
View Article: Click Here
House Training Tip - Naughty Seat for Dogs
When we first got our dog (10 month old rescue pomeranian), we got just so far in housebreaking her and couldn't get any further. We could tell that she wasn't getting the message clearly on what we wanted and we were sort of at a loss on how to let her know that she'd done something wrong without yelling or (god forbid) hitting her.
Then we had a brainstorm. We stole an idea from my (human) nephew's training and now have a "naughty seat" for her. The premise is that the child must sit on the naughty seat for a couple of minutes whenever he has done something wrong. We converted that to a bathroom with the light turned off for a couple of minutes.
It works perfectly. She got the message very quickly (we use it when she's broken training and has gone in the house) and we haven't had to use it much since.
By Kathleen K.
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Many Uses For Terry Cloth Dish Towels
Over the years I have accumulated many terry dish towels. My uses for them: coasters, napkins, bibs, doilies, covers for arms of chairs, cleaning rags, dust rags, pot holders/trivets, place mats. I made matching toaster and coffee pot covers out of dish towels. Cut some in half if necessary. Oh, can use to dry dishes too. Toss in washer as needed and they are ready to reuse. Though I haven't tried it yet, I think using the towels to make pillow covers or a quilt would be interesting too. Saves on paper towels.
By Linda Lush
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Spreading Salt on Sidewalks or Driveways
An empty parmesan cheese container works perfectly as a salt or gravel spreader for those icy spots in the winter driveway.
By Kathleen K.
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Keeping a Pen and Pad Handy
I try to keep a memo pad and pen or pencil by my chair in the living room, close by. You never know when a commercial might be for a certain store offering a special sale on specific days, this way I can jot down all the vital info, in a hurry.
By Terri H.
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Blogging For Loved Ones and Family
An easy way to keep everyone in your life up-to-date on the doings of your life is a blog. Standing for web log, it is software that allows one to post entries and have them available for all to read. It's especially useful in those situations, like medical condition updates, where you don't want to make a zillion phone calls all the time. Simply one post to the blog and everyone can check your news on-line at any time. There are many blog spots out there, but one free place to start is Livejournal at http://www.livejournal.com
By Kathleen K.
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Spiral Notebooks for Recipes
I keep cheap, bright and colorful spiral journals handy by my resting chair, to have close by when looking thru magazines, in case I see a recipe I think I'd like to try. This way, I don't tear up the magazine ripping out the recipe and can pass on my magazines for others to enjoy when I'm done with them. It also keeps me from trying to remember what magazine had which specific recipe in it & not having to go thru a pile of magazines to search for it.
By Terri H.
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15 Minute Clean-Up
One of the best tips on the flylady's web site (http://www.flylady.net) is the 15 minute clean-up. Set a timer for 15 minutes and clean during that period ONLY. When the timer goes off, you're done for the night.
It's amazing what you can get done when you're focused by the tick of the timer. I turned a Huge, falling-off-the-desk filing pile into a filed clean desk in two 15 minute sessions. And I'd been dreading dealing with this for months!
By Kathleen K.
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Bring a Small Pillow On An Airplane
Now days, so many airlines are taking the pillows they use to hand out to people on their flights, off the planes, to cut expenses. We, all, use carry-on bags anyhow, to carry valuables, etc. in. Why not make yourself a small, lightweight pillow to pack in your carry-on and have to use for yourself? I'd make it a pretty or vibrant color so someone else might think it belonged to the airline. Some flights are just too long to not have a pillow for!
By Terri H.
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Taking Your Own Snacks On Airplanes
When using our great airlines, for vacation, work related, etc., remember you don't have to pay the high cost of the restaurants or vendors in the airports. Save several dollars by making & taking your own sandwiches, snacks. We've done this several times and no one have ever said anything to us.
By Terri H.
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Headache Cures
Cures for a headache. Post your ideas.
To cure your headache drink Gatorade.
By tom ferrera
Editor's Note: This works because quite often headaches are caused by dehydration. A full glass of water could help too and be much cheaper.
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Candle Too Big For Candle Stick?
Candles too thick for your candle holders? Just dip the end of the candle into hot (just boiled) water for a few moments to soften the wax, immediately push the candle into the candle holders and the excess will be pushed out of the way.
By Irish Ellie
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Adding Water To Your Iron
I do a lot of quilting and, as you know, you have to iron a lot of quilt pieces. I was always running out of water for the iron. I have found a really neat way to have lots of water and be able to pour it in your iron without spilling it everywhere. Just take an empty dishwashing liquid bottle, clean it really good and fill with water. Use that to add water to the iron and you have no mess.
By Linda Leann
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Perfect Fried Rice
To cook Rice for fried rice or other dishes that don't call for "gluggy rice" simply cook in the usual way (as in packet instructions), the steaming method is best but any other way you like will do. Put in fridge until cold then give it a good stir with a fork to separate grains then freeze in freezer bags or whatever in serving size amounts.
This way you only have to get the amount you need out of the freezer a short while before cooking your fried rice, microwave till defrosted and stir in wok or fry pan with chosen oil and other ingredients for a perfect fried rice. This really does always make the best rice dishes and cooked rice freezes for ages, I always separate the grains before freezing but it probably doesn't matter you could do it on defrosting.
By Trish
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Potpourri in the Vacuum
Put potpourri in your vacuum sweeper bag before you use it for a pleasant odor as you vacuum.
By gramjjd
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Tax Organization
Staying organized for tax time. Post your ideas.
Tax Preparation
It is the dreaded tax season again, but my taxes will much easier to take care of. In my day planner, I have a plastic envelope, (pencil holder) that holds all receipts that should go on taxes. At home, I have attached, a bill binder (with months on tabs) to put all medical bills, medical visit receipts, all dental bills, etc. in the appropriate month. Taxes are now a breeze! You can forget that shoe box of information to dig through!
By Darlin Daisy
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Orajel for Baby Rash
Baby orajel on a baby rash not only eases the pain, but gets rid of the rash in record time!
By Christina
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Removing the Air from Zip Lock Bags
Zip lock bags are great and those machines that vacuum the air out of bags is great but expensive. I found a cheap (like in $0.00) way to remove most of the air from a zip bag.
Insert the product in the bag and close it to within 1/2 inch. Hang the bag, with the product hanging down over a counter edge and flatten the portion of the bag on the counter. While holding the bag on the counter top, close the opening the rest of the way. It doesn't remove all but it sure removes most of the air.
By wbuck341
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Removing Scuffs from Patent Leather Shoes
To remove scuffs from little girl's (and boys) patent leather shoes, just take a tissue with a small amount of nail polish remover. Rub lightly over the scuff and it is gone immediately. Be careful not to do it too often or get it on the surrounding areas.
By Debbie A.
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Corn Bread, Iowa Style
Ingredients:
- 2 cups buttermilk baking mix
- 1/2 tsp. soda
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup butter or margarine (melted)
- 1 can cream style corn
- 2 eggs (slightly beaten)
Directions:
Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, corn and eggs. Stir by hand with a fork until mixed well. The batter will be lumpy. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting. Yield: 12-15 servings
By Robin
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Hush Puppies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sifted flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 beaten egg
- 3/4 cup milk
Directions:
Sift together dry ingredients. Add remaining and stir until moist. Drop batter by teaspoon into deep fryer, 360 degrees, frying only a few at a time.. Fry until golden brown, drain on a paper towel.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Pork and Bean Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 can pork and beans (remove fat)
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup nuts
- 1 c raisins
Directions:
Beat eggs, sugar, oil, and pork and beans together enough to mash all the beans. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, soda, and salt. Add to pork and bean mixture. Stir only enough to moisten completely. Add vanilla, nuts, and raisins. Bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Sounds crazy but it's good!
By Robin
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Strawberry Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cup oil
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup nuts (opt.)
- 2 pkgs. frozen strawberries or 4 cup fresh
Directions:
Beat eggs and oil. Add dry ingredients. Mix together. Add strawberries and nuts. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. Makes 2 loaf pans.
By Robin
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Zucchini-Apricot Jam
- 6 cup peeled and shredded or grated zucchini
No water. Just low heat, simmer (10 minutes) stirring constantly, then add: 6 cup sugar, 1 cup crushed pineapple including juice, 1/2 cup lemon juice or real lemon juice.
Boil 6-10 minutes (all of it). Remove from heat. Add 6 oz. apricot Jello powder (2 small boxes and 1 large box). Makes 4 pints, put in jars and seal. Makes beautiful yellow jam. So very good!
By Robin
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Donuts In Rhyme
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
2 eggs (beaten, smooth as silk)
Salt, nutmeg, or lemon will do
Baking powder, teaspoons 2
Flour lightly, stir this in
Roll on pie board, not too thin
Cut in diamonds, twist, or rings
Drop with care, these doughy things
Into fat that quickly swells
Evenly, those spongy cells.
Fry until brown, keep on turning
Just enough to keep from burning
Cool on paper, serve when cool.
This is a never failing rule.
1/2 tsp. spices, enough flour for donut batter consistency
Fry in hot fat.
By Robin
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Other Active Topics
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Tip Contest
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Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests:
New Suede Jacket Problem
I recently purchased 2 suede coats.One in black, the other in tan/brown.On the way home, I placed the 2 of them together and hung them in my closet and when I went to wear them,I noticed a color transfer with each of the coats.The tan one is real noticeable with black marks showing from black coat. Is there anything I can try to restore them back to origianal state without ruining coat or leaving marks? These coats are brand new and have never been worn.
Please help!
Stephen
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Collecting Baby Items for Orphans in Romania
Does anyone know of any companies that would be willing to donate baby/toddler supplies (clothes/shoes/blankets/toys) to an orphanage in Romania? I will be traveling to an orphanage this summer for 2 months to work with 200 babies/toddlers and am looking for some help with gathering supplies. I am going through Greater Europe Mission here in Monument,Colorado.
In His Love,
Rachel from Colorado
russian_baker@hotmail.com
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Baby Modeling and Beauty Pageants
I have been very interested in getting my 8 month old daughter into baby modeling and beauty pageants, But I don't know where to start or if it is even worth it. I know that pageants are very expensive, so what are my other options and how do I go about getting her into modeling? Please help Mary
Do you think my daughter has what it takes to be a baby model or in baby beauty pageants?
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How to Get Rid of Snakes!
The nice weather is here in ny and soon the snakes will be out.... Yikes! Does anyone have info on how to lure snakes away from my flower garden without killing them? I freak out when I see them all coiled up laying there. I can't even take care of my flowers. Please Help!
Thanks
Amy
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Extra Income
Need advice! Does anyone have any information on making money on your computer? Like taking surveys or anything else besides ebay. And how safe is it? And do you need money to start?
Thanks!
Amy
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Peanut Sponge Cake
I am looking for a peanut sponge cake recipe. It has crushed peanuts on the butter cream frosting.
marland69
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Ralph Lauren Garden Floral "sweet Petal" LWP09603w
I am trying to get 1 roll of Ralph Lauren Garden Floral "sweet Petal" LWP09603w.
Any help appreciated,
Ralph
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Kitchen Paint Color to Match Maple Cabinets
We are trying to find a color for the kitchen walls to go with our new medium maple cabinets. Would appreciate your suggestions. specific brand and color code is welcome.
Thanks,
Brad
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Tea Stain On White T-shirt
I recently spilled tea on a white T-shirt and washed it and dried it and the stain is still there. Is there any way to remove it since I have already dried the shirt in the dryer? PS, I cannot use bleach on the fabric. Thank you.
Arlene of PA
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Value-Priced Clothing Catalogs
I am looking for some womens clothing catalogs that have reasonably priced value-conscious casual clothing in misses and plus sizes. Most of the catalogs I receive have an "upscale" price to match the upscale image. Any ideas?
Thanks a bunch!
Tori
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Good Chocolate Recipes
I just wanted to ask if anyone knows any really good tasting chocolate dessert recipes that you are willing to share with me. I've tried many different kinds of chocolate chip cookies but none are the kind that stay soft, chewy and tasty. If you know of any chocolate cookie, cake or any kind of dessert at all please tell me.
Thanks!
Meme
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Silly Putty on Shirt
My son got silly putty stuck to his shirt and I can't get it out. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Sarah
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Cleaning Window Tips
Tips for cleaning windows. Post your ideas.
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make
11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures
of the crafts visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/columnists/harlean.html
More Reading:
Funky, Fun Garden Plants
By Valerie Garner
I have a love for funky, fun and uniquegarden plants. Here's one to try. It's called Sea Holly, and it's actually in thethistle family. Sea Holly is a perennial garden plant, which means you plant it once and it comes up year after year, somewhat depending on your climate.
View Article: Click Here
Sweet & Sour Chicken
By Crystal Miller
In a large frying pan heat oil and add celery, green pepper and onion. Cook until veggies are tender and onion is transparent. Add chicken meat to this and heat up on low.
View Article: Click Here
Flower Meanings
By A. Heath
Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and you
don't want to send the wrong message if you give them as a gift!
Of course, not everyone knows what a particular flower means,
but you can never be too sure!
View Article: Click Here
Building Your Dream Home - Part 1
By Mark J. Donovan
For most of my adult life I had thought about someday building my Dream Home. Several years ago I finally got the chance. I had purchased a lake front lot with a small cottage on it. My initial intention was to use the property "as is", and someday raze the old cottage and build a new home in its place. After a couple of weekends in the musty old camp I came to the conclusion that I needed to speed up my timetable.
View Article: Click Here
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