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Hello,
Today we have an article about my recent trip to a pumpkin patch with my grandkids. It's in the photo section.
We had a new circuit box installed in our office yesterday and what was supposed to only take 4 hours took until 8 PM last night. We are sending a double issue today since we were unable to send yesterday's issue.
For any Halloween (or Fall Decor) photo contest entries that are submitted before October 25th we will donate $3 to the American Red Cross to help with their hurricane relief efforts. You can submit a photo contest entry at the link below:
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Susan
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Today's Photos
Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
By Susan Sanders-Kinzel
As I told you last Friday, I was going to my grandson's birthday party. I live in Washington State, near Seattle. Two of my grandsons live in Hillsboro, Oregon. Part of the festivities were held at Plumper Pumpkin Patch: http://www.plumperpumpkins.com/
We spent several hours petting animals at the petting zoo, sending rubber duckies down some water shutes, playing in the playground, going on a hayride, riding ponies, watching pumpkin hurling and hurling a few, and going through all the mazes and of course, picking out some gourds and pumpkins. For only $3 dollars per person we got to participate in numerous activities. It was a fun and frugal birthday party.
It was a fun place to go on a cloudy autumn day. They have a pumpkin throwing Trebuchet (catapult) and a pumpkin air cannon which sends small pumpkins hurling towards some targets many hundreds of feet away. They also had fixed slingshots which the kids used to hurl pumpkins.
The patch is 62 acres in all and includes a corn maze and two hay mazes. One hay maze is short for little ones and the other is larger for adults and big children. Luckily when going through the hay maze I had a little tour guide nearby. She was just one of the visitors to the patch who took me under her wing. She kept me on track by telling me "no not that way, it's a dead end" and "go right", so there was no chance of getting lost.
There are plenty of pumpkins of the regular and more exotic varieties to buy, plus gourds, dried ears of corn for decorating and small bales of hay.
My 3 grandsons (Beck in blue coat, age 5; Quinn, age 3 in orange coat and Ethan, the birthday boy in the navy blue coat, age 3) and the rest of the family had a great time.
If you are near Hillsboro, it is a fun day trip. If not, many places have pumpkin patches at this time of year.
The Birthday Boy
Here's a link with a list of Pumpkin Patches (scroll down on the page to Pumpkin Farms and Festivals):
http://www.darklinks.com/dhauntpumpkins.html
If you have a good pumpkin patch in your area, post its location in the feedback section so others in your area can know about it.
For dessert we made the Googly Eyed Cake that we recently published on ThriftyFun.
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This is a photo of my bunny. His name is Starbuck. His favorite thing in the world is little bunny yogurt treats. He goes crazy when he knows I'm going to give him a treat. He is so sweet and gentle. By the way he is my first bunny and any info or tips any of you can send in your reply would be very much appreciated! Sincerely ~ Alma
By Alma
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This is a picture of my niece, Tehra (a few years back), in her homemade witch's costume! That particular year, she needed a Halloween costume, but money was tight, so my mom and I made her this costume at a cost of probably $2 or so!
Her witch's dress was two leftover pieces of black material that I sewed together into a very simple a-line dress (and trust me, I'm not a good seamstress)!
Her necklace was a piece of curling ribbon with a glow-in-the-dark plastic star hot glued onto it. Her wand was a stick, painted purple, with sparkly curling ribbon and decorative Halloween wire with spiders on it.
The only thing that probably cost anything was her plastic witch's hat! I think she just wore black shoes to complete the costume. It was very easy to make, but as you can see, she looked REALLY cute! We were glad the costume turned out so well, and cost so little to make.
By Lisa from WI
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Here's our baby girl Roxy (Jack Russell Terrier)
By June
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Today's Tips
Here's a tip on how to get the most out of a lemon:
Many recipes call for a squeeze of lemon juice. Well, after wasting many lemons in cutting them open, I found a more thrifty way for a dab of lemon juice. Here it is.
For a small amount of fresh lemon juice, poke a hole in the lemon with a toothpick and squeeze out the desired amount.
Just put the lemon in a plastic bag in the fridge and save for the next time.
By Carolyn from East Northport
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Tips for Those with Fibromyalgia
I have fibromyalgia, as well as other forms of arthritis, so between pain and fatigue, I often don't know what I will be able to accomplish on any day, so I make the most of good days. On not so good days, I break essential tasks into miniscule parts.
I may not be able to fold a load of laundry, but I can manage to get it out of the dryer and into a basket. Every time I walk down the hall I grab a handful and put it away. Soon its all gone! Or I dump it on my bed and watch TV sitting on the bed while I fold laundry. Most of it goes into closets or dressers in my bedroom anyway.
When the dishes are clean, I may only put away one rack at a time, or while my computer is booting up I may put away just the silver or just the glasses.
I use my speaker phone a lot so while I am on hold I can do a small task. I pat myself on the back often even if for only completing a small piece of a task.
I have groceries bagged with persishables separate so I can put those away ASAP. The canned goods and staples may stay in the car for a while. Since there is no one else at home but me, I just do what I can when I can and don't sweat the small stuff.
By Linda L from Vista, CA
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Growing Wheat Grass for Your Pets
For those of you that have pets that like to graze on grass, buying it is expensive. You can go to the health food store and get a pound of wheat berries for about 50 cents and plant your own.
I like to use organic potting soil with no fertilizers, I keep small pots on hand, the more sparse you put seeds in the better. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, take a mister and dampen.
Put in a dark warm area for 3 days, I put mine in the oven and keep it misted (I put a note on the oven to remind me its in there!)
After 3 days place in a sunny location and watch it grow a bit everyday. It is so easy and so cheap, and always fresh on hand! And the bag of berry seeds produce many plantings, will last a long time, I keep it refrigerated until needed to plant more.
By Linda Jonson from Oceanside, CA
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A local busybody, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, asked an expectant mother point-blank whether she was going to have a baby. "Oh, goodness, no," the young woman said pleasantly. "I'm just carrying this for a friend."
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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Using it All, Dishwasher Detergent
Here's a great handy hint: When I am finished with my dishwashing detergent, I turn it upside down on one of the prongs in the dishwasher and there is plenty of detergent in the bottle to do one more load of dishes.
After all, A penny saved, is a penny earned.
By Carolyn from East Northport
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A quick and easy craft, great for school stalls:
You will need:
eucalyptus leaves
'fridge magnets (many businesses give them away, but you can, if REALLY stumped, actually buy them)
tiny, sparkly craft pom-poms
top quality contact adhesive
craft eyes.
Glue a strip of magnet on to the leaf FIRST. Let it dry.
On the other side, glue a crooked, but touching, line of alternating colour pompoms (you can see why they have to be little!).
On the end one, place two of the wiggly eyes.
If you are really clever, you may work out a way to get an indentation mark on the leaf, as though your new caterpillar has been eating!
By Leonie from Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia
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Frugal Tips for Winter
By Cyndi Roberts
Cold weather is coming...for some parts of the country it's already here! These warm tips will help you stay comfy and cozy, and hopefully, save on heating and repair bills.
1. Before using your furnace the first time this winter, check furnace filters to make sure they are clean. Replace if needed. And vacuum vents.
2. Open your drapes during the day to let sunshine in and close them at night to keep cold air out.
3. Insulate your hot water heater and any outside pipes.
4. Install insulating kits behind electrical plugs that are on outside walls.
5. Lower your thermostat at night.
6. To help prevent frozen pipes, open the cabinet doors under sinks and let the warm room air circulate around pipes.
7. Make sure your fireplace damper is working properly. Use a screen to keep children and pets from getting too close.
8. Make sure your chimney is clean...dirty chimneys are a fire hazard.
9. Also be very careful if you use space heaters. They may not be very energy efficient and it's easy for children and pets to get burned by them.
10. Reverse the switch on your ceiling fans to they blow upward, toward the ceiling so heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.
11. Outdoors, make sure your shrubs and perennials are mulched. It can be expensive to replace these plants in the spring.
12. Your outdoor dog uses more calories in cold weather in order to keep warm, so he needs to be fed more.
By Cyndi Roberts
About the author: Helping you live the good life...on a budget! Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly e-newsletter and founder of the website of the same name. Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the e-newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
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Organize with clear plastic containers
Here are a few small tips for getting and staying organized.
1. Shoes: I keep our shoes in clear plastic shoe boxes with lids. They can be easily stacked on the floor or shelf and take up less room if they are stacked. They keep your shoes dust free, no more hunting for the other shoe and with just a glance you can see which shoes are in which box.
2. Bathroom: I use the same clear plastic shoe boxes in the bathroom. I label one box for each person. Everything belonging to that person goes into the box, lid goes on and they are stacked under the sink. I have one larger box as the Family box. Extra soap, toilet paper, cotton balls, etc. goes in this one. No clutter, and everyone knows where their stuff is. No more 'Do you know where my __ is?'
I use the same system basically in every room. In the kitchen cupboards are clean and everything is easily identified and FRESH when you keep all your dry goods (sugar, spices, cereals) in these containers of various sizes.
I keep all my sewing notions the same way. Everything has its own container, even material, and I can see find what I need at a glance.
The containers are inexpensive at the dollar store or Wal-mart, etc.
Lastly, clutter can make you crazy and if you don't use it you lose it!
Terry Lynn
By Terry Lynn from Toronto, Ontario
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Paint Pumpkins with Acrylic Paint
Paint your pumpkins with Acrylic paint. Lightly trace face you want on pumpkin and then paint with acrylic paint. When dry spray lightly several times with acrylic spray to protect from damp weather.
Connie - Ballwin, Missouri
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It had been stressed to the instruction of airborne troops that the psychological approach was of utmost importance. "Above all," his superiors cautioned, "don't do or say anything that might cause sudden fright to trainees." Thus, when one engine conked out on a flight and another began smoking badly, the instructor strove for nonchalance as he adjusted his parachute on his way to the hatch door. "Now I want you men to keep perfectly calm," he said, "while I go for help."
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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A man browsing in a pet shop was approached by an attractive young clerk who asked if she could assist him. "Well," the customer replied, "I'm thinking of getting a pet for a client of mine. He is a semi-invalid; can't get out of the house. Man about 60; very wealthy; nice person. He has no relatives-so the idea of a pet came to me." The girl considered, then brightening, "I think I have just the thing!" "Good!" said the man. "What kind do you suggest?" Said the young lady; "Me!"
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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A New Kind of Vegetable Peeler
I used to use a regular standard potato peeler for taking the skins off fruits and veggies. If I had many to do, I'd always get a blister below my index finger. A pal suggested that I go to a kitchen store and request a potato peeler shaped like a elongated triangle (weird shape for a peeler, but the blade is at the top of short end), small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and it's got a miniature grater on the rounded top side portion of the peeler. I did and it's the best thing! It was not expensive at all, it's all metal and best of all, it doesn't give me any blisters if I have many veggies and or fruits to peel.
By Terri from Pahrump, NV
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Tip for a Moist Cake Everytime
For a moist cake every time, place a pan of water in the oven while the cake is baking, this way the heat will take the moisture from the pan and not the cake.
I do this with most baking items that I bake and it hasn't failed me yet.
By Carolyn from East Northport
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Organizing Magazines in the Bathroom
There can be a lot of magazine clutter in a bathroom, to make it look tidy but accessible buy a square wicker basket and set by the toliet, or better yet, buy a cheap wine rack and many magazines can be rolled and stored in it.
By Linda Jonson from Oceanside, Ca.
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There was a traffic jam and the inevitable horn tooter was blasting away. Then a young woman in the car next to his leaned out and inquired sweetly. "What else did you get for Christmas?"
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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How to Select, Ripen, and Peel an Avocado
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The other day, when i was cooking dinner, I burnt it so bad, I ended up burning the inside of the pan. It's a "Chefs All Clad" pans, so, it was fairly easy to get the food of, but the pan is still burnt. Anyone have any hints to cleaning it so it could look some what silver again?
Thanks,
Jeffrey
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John Moore of Michigan, tells about the fellow who swaggered into a hotel elevator and, as it moved upward, started trying to impress the pretty young operator. But she wasn't having any, thank you. Finally, moving a little closer, he cooed: "I"ll bet all these stops and starts make you mighty tired." "No. I really don't mind the stops and starts," she said irately. "I sure do get tired of all the jerks!"
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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Getting the Most Out of Face Powder
For all of us who use loose powder this is a good one.
Store your powder in a salt shaker to make it last longer. Everyday you brush powder on your face you lose at least one day's worth because it falls away and is easy to spill. With the salt shaker you can apply it to the palm of your hand and apply with a large brush.
I have been doing this for a long time and have found that my powder goes a long way.
By Carolyn from East Northport
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It was a blow to my heart when the young girl helping me with my children gave notice but I very fond of her so I was really glad that she was bettering herself with a job as a housekeeper.
"Is it with a large family?" I asked.
"No, ma'am. Just two."
"A man and his wife?" I asked.
"No," she answered. "A man and me!"
By Edie from Detroit, MI
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New Contest - More Prizes
We are giving away 17 $25 prizes in a variety of categories.
Tip Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_photocontest.ldml
Contest ends October 31, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests
I need help with an inexpensive gift for the holidays for my staff at work. I am a manager at a healthcare facility and I have alot of staff both men and women.
Kate from Maryland
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I am looking for tips about buying a used boat. I have never bought a boat before. What should I look for?
Thanks,
Jim
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Rats or Squirrels Chewing on Wires Under the Hood of My Car
I live out in the country and have a problem with rats or squirrels, not sure which. They get under the hood of my car and chew the wires or cables. Does anyone have suggestions on what I can do to prevent them from doing this. The car is kept under an open carport. I would appreciate any helpful information.
Bonnie from Porum, Ok
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My 2 teen sons recently bought some t-shirts. The shirts are white with colorful pictures of trucks, etc. on them. My problem is that when washing them something red got in with the shirts. Needless to say now we have 7 new "pink" shirts that the boys refuse to wear. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get them white again? I have tried washing them in clorox, peroxide, bluing & have even sprayed them & washed with resolve. Thanks for any ideas.
Betty from Ruckersville, VA
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Substitute for Canned Cream Soup
I need a recipe for a substitute for canned cream soup.
Nancy from Lancaster, PA
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Preparing Plants To Bring Indoors
Ellen,
Now that it is beginning to become winter (finally), what are some suggestions for bringing plants indoors? How do you get rid of any bugs that might be on the plants when you bring them indoors?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Bekkicat from Charlotte
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I have 2 photos stuck together. How do I get them unstuck? I've tried freezing them and that didn't work. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheryl from Missouri
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Growing a Grapefruit from Seed
Ellen,
I have a grapefruit tree that I actually rooted from a seed that was germinating inside a grapefruit I bought. It is now outgrowing its pot. Does it have any chance of bearing fruit?
Hardiness Zone: 7a
Bekkicat from Charlotte
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I'm thinking of getting a miniature poodle. I would like to train the dog to do its business indoors. Has anyone tried the Wiz Dog for their small dog or do wee-wee pads or litter training seem to work better?
Thanks!
Enmenc from US
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Removing Candle Wax From Stove Top
I desparately need help in removing a stain from my stovetop. I accidentally left a candle on my stove and the heat seems to have caused the color in the candle to penetrate the metal of the stove. I have tried all sorts of cleaners but nothing seems to remove the discoloration. It looks similar to a rust stain from a metal shaving cream container. Any suggestions?
Pinkshoes from Upstate, NY
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We have a large Hibiscus growing in the front garden. We want to trim it back now that the blooms have stopped, and eventually move it to another location, possibly splitting the root pack. When can we trim the stems back and how far can we cut? When is the best season to transplant to another location in the garden? Richard Hardiness Zone: 7a Richard McCormick from Bristow, VA
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Restore a Permanent Ink Marker
Is there any way to restore a permanent ink marker when they get exposed to the air and dry out? Crayola markers can be restored with acetone.
Pat from North Chelsford, MA
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Converting Bread Recipes For Use in a Bread Machine
Does anyone know how to take an old fashioned recipe and convert it to a bread machine recipe?
Thanks,
Karen from Oklahoma
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
More Reading:
10 Steps to a Happy Clothes Closet
By Maria Gracia
The clothes closet is one of the least respected areas in the house. It's often stuffed from floor to ceiling with clothing, briefcases, purses and shoes. Valuable clothing rod space has been taken over by vast armies of mis-matched hangers. Books and magazines have managed to somehow sprout out of nowhere. Bed linens are mixed in with towels, umbrellas and shoes. You can barely see the floor. Before you know it, your closet has become clutter central!
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10 Minute Organizing Tricks
By Maria Gracia
Whoever thought you'd be able to get organized in just 10 minutes?! Here are a few simple ideas.
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Water, food, and clean air are the essential items for survival. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula.
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Get Into Your Growing Zone - USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Explained
By Ellen Brown
As every gardener knows, different plants are adapted to growing well in specific climates. An orange tree will not tolerate a Minnesota winter (outdoors anyway) any more than Arizona's Saguaro cactus will tolerate the warm humid conditions of Florida. Plant hardiness zones help to define the optimum growing climates for particular groups of plants. By knowing what hardiness zone you live in, you can properly select the plants that are best suited to your growing conditions.
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Poached Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
By Charlie Burke
A simple and often overlooked method for preparing chicken is poaching. Many "roasting" chickens weigh four to five pounds, which is larger than the ideal size to roast.
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