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Hello,
In the TF News, our weekly newsletter, we have been publishing Gardening Questions and Answers by Ellen Brown. You can read the latest issue at the link below:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf820100.tip.html
If you have any gardening questions, feel free to submit them here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
We have our first request related to Hurricane Katrina. Can you help this person?
Cleaning The Freezer After a Power Outage
We just survived Hurricane Katrina and are now beginning the clean-up. We emptied our chest freezer of all the contents right after the storm hit, but now it smells awful. The power has just now come back on after 10 days. How do I clean it and get rid of the awful smell before I can use it again?
Denise from Mississippi
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
Lights on Palm Trees for Wedding Decorations
Take lighted palm trees or wrap lights around an artificial palm tree. Then take tule and wrap up the trunk. It looks great.
These aren't the greatest photos but you can see them in back. This was for a 25th anniversary but I used them for my daughter's wedding too.
By Debi Spear
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I took this Sweet Pea photo a few weekends ago.
The woman who gardened here before I arrived thirteen years ago planted Sweet Peas that grew up a string scaffolding behind the garden shed. I've never maintained the string so the Sweet Peas come back year after year and meander through the garden. Though that woman is long gone, it is comforting to think her artistic spirit still haunts this garden.
I planted the Rosemary many years ago and it has grown three feet tall and at least as wide. Neither the Sweet Pea nor the Rosemary require any attention from me other than admiration. For many summers to come, the two plants will mingle and reflect the artistic vision of all who have tended this garden.
By Dineen
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CoCo loves her bones, especially at Christmas Time when she gets a really big one. The small ones only last a few minutes but bigger bones can last a few days. CoCo lives with her sister Moxie, and they are 2 sisters from a family of 11 live births. They were adopted from the Animal Shelter in town. Belgium Malinois is her main blood line but there could be more to her. She loves to be loved.
By kittyhassparkle
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Sock Can Holder
By Rela Ann
If you are like my family, then you would have a lot of "orphan" socks (one of the pieces got lost or something). Or you may have a collection of worn-out socks (specially on the sole and toe areas). You are saving them for something you could use it for in the future. Here are 2 ways you can use them, both using it with cans.
1st way is to use them in making a holder or sorter for anything that needs to be held in a container. In this example, we designed it for the boys.
Ingredients
Method/Instructions
1. Cut the socks where the ribbed portion starts. If you are using a non-ribbed sock, then cut it above the ankle area so that you have a straight tube.
2. Insert the can with the open side in the direction of the sock top. Folded part of the sock top should remain inside the can. This will serve as an extra protection when putting your hand in the can.
3. At the bottom part of the can, tuck in the extra sock length to the sides of the can so it is flush with the can length.
4. Adjust the sock so that the ribs are vertical. You can opt for a diagonal look as well. If your sock has a design on it, you can also make sure it is not deformed by tugging on the sock in the appropriate direction.
Optional: Instead of tucking in the sock to the can sides, you can use a needle and thread to close the sock at the bottom. This is useful if you plan to put the can holder on a surface that you don't want to be scratched. The sock cloth underneath will serve as a scratch protection. However, this will work only for high-bottomed cans. Otherwise, the can holder will not lay flat.
For girls, you can use the dainty-colored sock and add in more decors! Or if you want to use the thinner trouser socks, then you can do a double layer - a plain white sock first then the trouser sock - this will emphasize the trouser sock design they are known for. It's fun!
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Today's Tips
Considering the fact that winter will soon be here and that the TV news is full of the misery affecting the Katrina survivors, I have been thinking about stocking up on pantry staples in case the power goes out. For starters, I have a non-electric can opener. Any one been there and done that? Suggestions?
By Holly
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Have Spices and Seasoning When Cooking From Scratch
One of the keys to cooking from scratch is having a good supply of quality spices. There can be sticker shock when shopping for spices but a little goes a long way. Keep an eye open for sales or buy spices in large containers from a warehouse store or by weight in some health stores and refill your spice bottles. You can also grow some of your own herbs and use them in cooking. Substitute about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
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Gladys was a pastor's wife and went with him to church every Sunday. One Sunday the sermon was particularly long; some people were getting sleepy. When the pastor finally ended the service, his wife went over to one of the gentlemen who had fallen asleep, and in an effort to help him wake up, she expended her hand and said: "Hello, I'm Gladys Dunn." The man replied: "Lady, you're not the only one."
By Joan in CT
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Stocking Staples and Cooking From Scratch
The key to cooking from scratch is making sure that you have staples on hand. Potatoes are one of the best and most versatile staples. Potatoes are cheap, can be stored for a long time and can be used in a variety of dishes. Other staples to keep on hand are rice, beans, cooking oil and flour.
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Shopping For Meat By The Seasons
If you are a veteran grocery shopper you know that many items can be drastically cheaper when they are in season. By preparing meals with foods that are in season you can save a lot of money. Other seasonal deals to look for are meat sales around the holidays. Some examples are:
Stock up on these meat items and store them in your freezer.
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All your best intentions will be for not if you end up throwing away food. Make sure to freeze leftovers if you don't think you will be able to eat them soon. Don't buy more dairy, fruits or vegetables than you can eat before they go bad. When you buy meat, always have a plan for it. Make sure to use it on a day well in advance of it's expiration date or freeze until you will need it. If you buy a food item that spoils before it's expiration date, return it to the store.
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Meat Tip: Planning More Than One Meal
Try to incorporate meat that you buy into more than one meal. For example, if you buy ham or roast, plan on making a large pot of soup with the leftovers. Buying whole chickens can be a real bargain because they are usually less expensive than chicken pieces and the bones can be used for soup stock. Freeze any of the leftovers you don't expect to use in the next day or two.
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When buying dairy, always buy the largest container possible. When buying perishables, like dairy, check the expiration date and make sure you will be able to use it before it expires. Especially with items like milk and eggs that are difficult to freeze.
Don't pay extra for shredded cheese, you can buy a large block of cheese, grate the the block and freeze any that you don't think you will use quickly. Don't buy small yogurt containers when you can buy a large one for much cheaper.
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When buying meat, always calculate how many meals you think you can get out of the purchase. From past experience you should have a pretty good idea of how much meat your family consumes in a meal, divide the number of meals you can make from the cost on the package.
For example, if you use 2 pounds of ground beef to make a meal and you buy a 6 pound package of ground beef, that will make 3 meals for the cost of the package. This is a better way to look at it than the price per pound since the weight of meat (in the case of roasts, steaks or chops) also includes any fat and bones that may be present.
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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/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
To enter, visit: http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.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 was just given 3 grocery bags full of organic McIntosh apples. These are not pretty apples, but they are delicious. I made apple pies over the weekend, but then received these 3 more bags and need something to do with them that fits a busy weekday schedule.
Some are already bruised or have gashes in them, so I wanted to use them before they all spoiled. Can you freeze pie filling? If I do, what do I mix in with them to keep them from turning brown? I had heard lemon juice, but wasn't sure how much to use as I didn't want to affect the flavor too much.
Any other quick suggestions would be appreciated.
Suzi from PA
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I know this is similar to some other questions, but I thought I would give it a go. I am trying to figure out how to get the underarm odor smell out of my t-shirts. Febreze does not help and no matter how many times I wash them, after a few hours they armpits of the shirt start to smell. Any ideas?
Cheers.
Joanna, UK
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Cleaning The Freezer After a Power Outage
We just survived Hurricane Katrina and are now beginning the clean-up. We emptied our chest freezer of all the contents right after the storm hit, but now it smells awful. The power has just now come back on after 10 days. How do I clean it and get rid of the awful smell before I can use it again?
Denise from Mississippi
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I have too much oregano in my chili. What can I do?
Deb
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I was given a 4 week old pit and I don't know why but all of a sudden her stomach seems to be twice the size and her tummy makes a lot of rumbling noises. Also I've been giving her is regular milk instead of a formula milk. I've had other dogs but never a baby.
Angel
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Getting Perfume Smell Out of Clothing
I bought a cotton shirt from a thrift store. I can't get rid of the previous owner's nasty perfume smell, even after multiple washings. I have been hand-washing it so tips on that angle are appreciated.
SLK from Colorado
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I need to take up particle board to make the floor the same level as the hallway. I will then put down Hardibacker Cement Board and then ceramic tile. Any suggestions on tearing up the vinyl flooring and then the particle board? Wow, this is hard! I think I need a guy!
Thanks, anyone?
DeLayne
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I would really love to know if anyone can help me with this. I believe in investing in things that help me live more frugally, or that pay a good return. So my question is this: If you had a hundred dollars, how would you invest it to get a good return? I've already got a pressure canner, and started a calf that I will sell in 18 months or so. I do rebates and coupon like crazy. But how to increase the cash stash -- that is the question.
Coreen
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A friend brought us peaches from a tree in his yard and these are the sweetest, juiciest peaches I've ever had! I saved some pits but now don't have any idea how to plant them. I would appreciate any help in telling me how or even if I can plant them. We have peach trees but they were bought as trees, as was his. I have no idea what kind of peaches they are and neither does he... the tree is about 5 years old.
Thank you for any help!
Linda
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Painting Techniques for Covering Flaws With Paint Or Texture
My kitchen could use painting but the walls aren't in the best shape. Is their an easy and of course inexpensive way to paint or texturize it so the flaws are less noticable? Thanks so much for any ideas!
BBB
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Paint Technique To Lighten a Dark Room
My fairly small bedroom is painted a beautiful, but unfortunately, pretty dark blue - sort of royal blue. I would like to keep the color, but maybe lighten it in some way - maybe some sort of glaze rag rolled on or something. Anyone have any ideas that aren't terribly expensive?
BBB
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Lots of great art supplies at DickBlick.com
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Tips for Traveling Green
By Ellen Brown
Even with the best of intentions, it's easy to generate waste and pollution while traveling. By following a few simple guidelines, you can reduce your impact on the environment and save money at the same time. Here are a few tips for traveling green.
Get There Greener
Airplanes: Purchase electronic tickets to reduce paper waste.
Automobiles: When renting, request the smallest you can get away with and request fuel efficient models. Unnecessary engine idling wastes fuel and contributes emission pollutants. Turn off your engine when idling and encourage tour bus drivers and cab drivers to do the same. If you drive your own vehicle, you have it tuned-up and properly serviced before you travel.
Motor Boats: Unless you have a new boat motor, you're probably still using a 2-stroke engine. Upgrading to a 4-stroke engine is quieter, 40 times cleaner, and 2-4 times more fuel-efficient than a 2-stroke engine. Gas up the motor on land instead of in the water to avoid fuel spills. Protect wildlife from lead poisoning by using non-lead sinkers for fishing and keep campfire ash away from lakeshores to protect water quality.
Cruise Ships: Cruise ships generate enormous amounts of waste and the industry has long been notorious for unfriendly environmental practices. Each year, dozens of popular cruise lines pay millions of dollars in fines for illegally dumping contaminated bilge wastes at sea. Recently, some cruise lines have voluntarily adopted initiatives to reduce their impact on the environment. Royal Caribbean, for example, now employs environmental officers onboard their ships and regularly schedules themselves for outside environmental audits. Before booking your next cruise, research the environmental practices of the cruise lines you're considering sailing to find out what steps they are taking to protect the environment.
 Each year, dozens of popular cruise lines pay millions of dollars in fines for illegally dumping contaminated bilge wastes at sea. |
Go Public & Motor-free: When possible, utilize public or non-motorized forms of transportation. Share taxis, use hotel shuttles, take buses and sign up for walking and bicycle tours. Do your part to help curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Be a Green Guest Many hotels and resorts have adopted conservation practices. Book your lodging at places clearly interested in protecting the environment and make sure you let them know that is why you've chosen their establishment. Leave the little complimentary bottles of bathroom amenities unopened. Take shorter baths and showers to help conserve water, and let housekeeping know that it's not necessary to provide fresh towels and bedding each day. Close the drapes and turn off the lights, television and air conditioner when you leave your guest room. Be sure to turn off exercise equipment, whirlpool or sauna lights or lights to the tennis courts or game room when you're finished using them. Participate in your hotel's recycling programs and if available, use the hotel's electronic checkout program (review and approve your bill over the room's TV) to reduce paper waste.
Greener Ways to Eat The best way to reduce food waste while traveling is to bring along your own. Pack a cooler with bulk foods (which usually have the least amount of packaging) like meats, cheeses and snacks and buy fruits and vegetables without packaging. Carry reusable (not disposable) flatware, plates, napkins and travel mugs. Look for organic restaurants and grocery stores that buy their meat and produce from local producers. Ask for smaller portions eating out and forgo the straws, extra plates and napkins. If you're taking food to go, consider going without a bag (or bring your own) for smaller orders. Refrigerate your leftovers promptly to avoid waste.
Set Eco-Friendly Examples Eco-tourism is a philosophy. Use reusable bags, totes, storage containers, napkins and towels. Try to rent equipment when you can, and take only as many brochures and maps as you really need. Be an example for others by picking up litter and showing respect for the environment, especially at places with lots of tourists. Protect the environment by leaving nature's "souvenirs" where you find them. Take pictures and leave only your footprints.
Reward Green Heroes Businesses respond to their customers. Let them know you appreciate their environmental efforts by passing along compliments to owners, managers and staff. Likewise, when you have a suggestion on how a business might improve their environmental performance, let them know and tell them you appreciate businesses that show an interest in protecting the environment.
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Links for Stranded Pets Relief
Humane Society of the United States Disaster Relief Fund
The Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) is offering temporary placement for animals displaced by hurricane Katrina on case-by-case basis.
Order a Be Kind CauseCollar for your dog to raise money for the rescue and care of animals displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
If you are in the affected areas and have any more links to add to this, please add them as feedback.
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