Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 37, February 6, 2005
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Hello,
We have two new photo contest entries and 10 new requests. If you would like to view all of the photo contest entries so far, you can do so at the link below:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo%20contest_maincat.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Chopper (American Eskimo/Sheltie)
- Aidan and Charlie (Pekingese)
Today's Tips:
- Healthier Baby Food
- Hash Browns for Soup
- Every Little Bit Counts, Of Spinach That Is
- Cutting Hard Boiled Eggs
- Arm and Hammer Dual Sponge
- Saving Money on Baking Supplies
- Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Cleaning Silver
- Reclaiming Scented Candles
- Tips for Smelly Shoes
- Stop Bleeding While Shaving
- Prevent Rust on Toilet Seat Screws
- Removing Blood from Fabric
- Uses for Empty Babywipe Containers
- Removing Drink Rings From Furniture
- Cutting a Birthday Cake
- Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- Cinnamon Twists
- Carmel Pecan Turtles
- Carrot Cookies
- Rice Krispie Ice Cream Dessert
New Requests:
- Valentine's Shoe Box Designs
- Cleaning Wallpaper
- Wrinkles Out of a Leather Purse
- Problem with 220 Line
- Removing Dry Erase Marker from Back of Couch
- Any Clue What EXTREMELY miniscule Fuzzy Pest This Could Be?
- Carpet Damage
- Craft Ideas Using Twist Ties
- Repairing Dry Wall After Wallpaper Removal
- Decorating a Metal Garbage Can
More Reading:
- The Best Gifts
- Tips for Taking Photos of Monuments
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Chopper (American Eskimo/Sheltie)
Meet Chopper, oh and that is Mongo the Gorilla that is giving him the right hand punch. Chopper is a little over 6 months old, he's half sheltie and half american eskimo. We got him last November, he was just so darn cute! Besides his boxing matches he loves to play in the snow and run as fast as he can on carpet. He's also big on fetch with any of his numerous toys.
By Casie
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Aidan and Charlie (Pekingese)
This is a pic of my 10 month old nephew Aidan and my 6 yr old Pekingese, Charlie. This was my first time babysitting my nephew. Charlie was fascinated w/Aidan and had to be wherever he was. I was snapping lots of pics and got a 1 in a million shot of Aidan smiling at Charlie. Maybe I'm a proud Aunt and Mom of a spoiled dog, but I think this is a great photo!
By jblum
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Healthier Baby Food
If your baby still is still on strained baby food, instead of expensive store bought jars, just put fresh cooked or steamed veggies and fruit in your food processor. If you have leftover, you can also freeze it.
By Aeromama
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Hash Browns for Soup
I have successfully used frozen cubed hash browns in soups and in "soup kits" that I make for the freezer.
By K. Cooper
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Every Little Bit Counts, Of Spinach That Is
I keep a bag of fresh spinach on hand and add a leaf to top a cracker with a smidgin of cream cheese, crumble it in scrambled eggs, add it in my spaghetti sauce, under a slice of cheese on cheese toast, layer it under black beans and cheese on nacho chips before microwaving, and of course, use it in sandwiches. This helps me get the calcium and vitamins that spinach provides in an inexpensive way.
By Lillian T.
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Cutting Hard Boiled Eggs
Tie a one foot piece of thread to your kitchen tap. Hold the end tightly in your left hand while you bring up a peeled egg from underneath the thread. You will have a perfectly clean cut hard boiled egg. It works like a charm.
By Marianne
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Arm and Hammer Dual Sponge
The best item I have found to clean your cupboards, stove, microwave and lots of other things including rust stains in the tub is the Arm and Hammer dual sponge. They are quite inexpensive for about 1.99 Each.
By Laura
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Saving Money on Baking Supplies
Tips for saving money on baking supplies. Post your ideas.
Buying Holiday Candies
After holidays, I buy up the clearance holiday candies - such as Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, etc. I chop them up and freeze them in a large freezer bag. When I make cookies I just scoop out what I need. The kids love them.
By Cheryl
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
In one big pot, fill pot 2/3 full with water
Put 1/2 to 1 pound of chicken (if you use chicken with bones you will have to de-bone at some point), one pound of carrots (cut up or baby), 2-3 sticks celery (cut up), one large onion (quartered), 3 chicken bouillon cubes, 1/2 tsp. powdered garlic, 1/4 tsp. sage, 1/4 tsp. thyme, 1 tsp. salt.
Bring to a boil, then turn down and simmer for about 1 and 1/2 hours. Then take chicken out, (bone it if needed) break into smaller pieces, and put it back in.
Mix 2 cups Jiffy mix (or equivalent other brand or homemade mix) with 2/3 cup milk. Place tablespoon of Jiffy mix mixture on top of your boiling chicken soup. Turn heat to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes uncovered. Cook for 10 minutes covered. This is my family's favorite meal.
By Cindy
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Cleaning Silver
Absolutely the best way to clean silver: Line a sauce pan with aluminum foil, fill it with water and add 1 Tbsp. of baking soda per 2 cups of water; heat over burner to boiling and remove. Lay silver items in pan, touching aluminum foil. Remove, rinse, and polish lightly.
By Brenda Cole
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Reclaiming Scented Candles
I had many glass candle jars that have burned down to the bottom that could not be re-lit but still had quite a bit of wax at the bottom. What I did was purchase a candle warmer. It looks like my plug in coffee cup warmer I keep on my desk. I bought mine at Michael's for $5.00.
What this does is melt the candle in the glass and it omits the aroma of what ever candle you are burning. You no longer have to worry about a flame because you don't light the wick. But you do have to be careful not to spill the hot wax which is now liquified.
What I did with my glass candle jars is melt the remaining wax and pour it into another jar with a new wick secured to the middle. I made different layers of different aromas and colors so none of the wax went to waste. The warmer is mainly for scented candles.
By Firefly 1985
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Tips for Smelly Shoes
Tips for help deal with and prevent smelly shoes. Post your ideas!
Removing Shoe Odors
To get rid of stinky shoe odors, simply fill a sock with kitty litter or baking soda; tie the end closed, and place the filled socks in the shoes when you're not wearing them.
By Brenda Cole
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Stop Bleeding While Shaving
Dab on some ChapStick if you nick yourself and the bleeding will stop, works great for legs and face.
By Chrystal
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Prevent Rust on Toilet Seat Screws
Paint the screws with Maybelline Crystal Clear Nail Polish. It will seal the screws and if needed to unscrew them just apply polish remover! It works like a charm and your toilet seats stay looking nice..
By Chrystal
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Removing Blood from Fabric
Tips for removing blood stains from clothing and other fabric. Post your ideas.
Removing Blood Stains
To help get blood out of clothing including jeans, use a capful of peroxide with liquid laundry soap, rub in and let sit for a few minutes then just throw in the washer, an wallaw, no more blood stain.
By Kaylasmom
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Uses for Empty Babywipe Containers
Here are some ideas for reusing babywipe containers. Post your ideas below!
1. Give them to you child's teacher. When I was teaching first grade I used them for everything!
2. Use them to pack up gifts for soldiers overseas. They are the perfect size and sturdy enough to make it there. They can use them to send things back, keep them, pass them on, or toss them.
3. Use them to store extra grocery bags wherever you need some-in the car, the babies room, the kitchen, etc.
4. Keep the covers on them and let you toddler use them as building blocks.. Extra bonus you can teach them to put things away by filling them up-an activity that they love anyway!
By Deanna
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Removing Drink Rings From Furniture
Tips for removing beverage rings from furniture. Post your ideas.
Removing White Rings on Furniture
Remove those annoying white rings and spots from wood furniture, caused by drinks and such. Wipe on Miracle Whip, let stand for an hour, wipe off, and polish the furniture. I know it sounds strange but it works, give it a try!
By Chrystal
Editor's Note: I have never heard this before. I would recommend testing this solution in an inconspicuous spot first.
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Cutting a Birthday Cake
Cut a birthday cake with ease. Oral-B Mint Waxed Floss cuts cake into neat slices. No messy knife or crumbs all over the place.
By kayla
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Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp. margarine or butter
- 1/4 cup pancake syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tube refrigerator biscuits
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In 9 inch round baking pan, melt margarine in oven. Remove; stir in next 5 ingredients. Arrange biscuits in syrup mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until biscuits are well browned. Let stand in pan 5 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Makes 10 servings.
By Robin
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Cinnamon Twists
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 4 cups flour
- 1/4 cup margarine (melted)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Dissolve yeast into water. Add flour, margarine, sour cream, and eggs to yeast mixture, one at a time. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Roll out into an oblong shape. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Fold into thirds. Cut 1 inch strips. Twist strips and place on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees until golden. When slightly cool, drizzle with icing, if desired.
By Robin
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Carmel Pecan Turtles
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Crisco or 1 Crisco stick
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 t. vanilla
- 4-5 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 tsp. salt
Caramel and Chocolate topping:
- 28 caramels
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 1 (6 oz.) bag semi sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Cream Crisco shortening & sugars together. Add milk. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, cream of tartar & salt. Mix into creamed mixture. Chill one hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out 1/3 of dough at a time, to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out with 2 1/4 inch cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 5-6 minutes, until edges are slightly golden. Remove to cooling rack.
For topping, combine caramels & milk in microwave safe bowl. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir, repeat until smooth. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls on top of each cookie. Place 3 pecan halves around edge of caramel. Place chocolate chips in microwave safe cup. Microwave at 50% power for one minute. Stir. Repeat until smooth. Spread rounded teaspoonfuls over top of caramel. Don't cover pecans.. Cool completely. (You can also melt caramels and chocolate on the stove on very low heat.)
By Robin
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Carrot Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 t. salt
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Stir in carrots. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to carrot mixture. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
By Robin
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Rice Krispie Ice Cream Dessert
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 cups Rice Krispies
- 1 cup coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
Directions:
Melt the butter and the sugar. Pour over the Rice Krispies, coconut, and the nuts. Press 2/3 of this mixture into a 9x13 inch pan. Freeze this until firm. Remove the box around the ice cream and slice into 1 1/2 inch slabs and spread over bottom. Cover with remaining mixture. Freeze.
By Robin
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Tip Contest
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New Contest! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card at one of the following stores: Home Depot, Jo-Ann's Crafts or Amazon.com. If you are the winner, you get to choose which gift card! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on February 15th.
Enter the contest!
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:
Valentine's Shoe Box Designs
Ideas for creative Valentine's shoe box designs for cards? - Thiah
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Cleaning Wallpaper
My wallpaper is in good shape, but, there is a lot of smoke film on it. How do I clean this without destroying the paper? Maddy
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Wrinkles Out of a Leather Purse
I have a very expensive purse! I need to get wrinkles out! How? - Debbie
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Problem with 220 Line
I am in the process of installing a subpanel using a pre-existing 220 line that is not being used now, but was used for a water heater. The problem is, measuring accross the hot wire and ground I get a normal reading of 115. Measuring across the neutral and ground I get a reading of 94v. at the main panel, both lines read correctly, 110-115. The cable from the main to the subpanel is short, not more than 3 feet. Both boxes are the old edison type fuses and have been converted to s type. Any input would be appreciated. thanks. Randy
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Removing Dry Erase Marker from Back of Couch
My friend has a daughter who was spending the night and she got into the dry erase makers I left out. She marked on the back of my brand new couch. Does any one know how to remove this? - dipnz
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HELP!! Any Clue What EXTREMELY miniscule Fuzzy Pest This Could Be?
I have reached desperate mode at this point. I live in a apartment (ground level) in Ohio. Since Early December 2004 have been dealing with some type of black flying bug that is about half the size of a tiny pin head - a mere fleck! It has a lot of the characteristics of a no see um. It hides during the day and comes out at night.
The most active hours are between 2:00 and 6:00 am. It bites me under the covers and leaves my body feeling like it has hot prickly bristles on it. It gets in my ears, mouth, eyes and nose while I am trying to sleep. I've resorted to masks, scarves etc., but it somehow gets inside of them. I had an exterminator spray and bomb. He took my samples but couldn't find anything. I know I am not hallucinating because when I stay at other peoples homes I have no problem. I've been in apt. for 2 yrs., carpets have been steam cleaned, no pets and no plants. I never keep trash out or fruit.
THIS IS THE DISTINGUISHING APPEARANCE - these tiny black dots appear to be intertwined in clothing/carpet fuzz. So when people look at my samples they look very hairy/fuzzy and people dismiss them as fuzz! The only thing I can think it may have come from was a box that I bought an artificial xmas tree near the time this started. The box was labeled Japan and was most likely shipped by boat and then stored in a warehouse. Any ideas on a tiny, fuzzy, biting bug possibly from Asia? I'll be happy with any help so I can sleep!
Thank you
Sarah from Ohio
PS At night it also makes this PINGING NOISE like it's hitting my pillow near my ear.
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Carpet Damage
I need ideas on how to fix my carpet from pet damage. There is a line of bald carpet damage under my bedroom door. How can I fix that and not spend a lot of money. Help! maria_mccas
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Craft Ideas Using Twist Ties
I have been saving the twist ties of trash bags for a very long time thinking i can use them for something. Can you help me in thinking of something i can make with them, a craft or something? I have looked everywhere. thank you bonnie
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Repairing Dry Wall After Wallpaper Removal
I have removed wallpaper in my bathroom. The sheetrock walls were damaged with gouges, backing paper tears, fuzzy backing paper surfaces, etc. How can I repair this? Do I need to put a skim coat on it? Should I seal it before the skim coat with Kilz or Guardz? Any ideas or techniques are appreciated.
Derby from NC
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Decorating a Metal Garbage Can
I am looking for a way to decorate a metal garbage can. i have a friend who received one a few years ago as a gift, it was painted like an apple tree. i don't know what type of paint to use or how to finish it. Her garbage can has a very shiny finish, we assume to be varnish but are not sure.
Thanks,
Grammyx3
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More Reading:
The Best Gifts
By Arleen M. Kaptur
Malls are everywhere - in every town, city, village and nook. They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products they stock are numerous and the array is mind-boggling. There are items for the home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture, and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item - we are not all carpenters, gardeners, and artists. All people are not gifted with the same talents and abilities. We are unique and what we produce or create is a shadow of ourselves. But mass-produced items are nameless, and machines will never add that very "special" touch that makes a gift item or home decor piece something that reflects the person who bought it, the person it is intended for, or the lifestyle it is to be a part of.
View Article: Click Here
Tips for Taking Photos of Monuments
By Patty Hankins & Bill Lawrence
Recently, we've been taking advantage of the weather to update our
photos of some of the local
monuments. The metro Washington, DC area is one of the top places for
monument photography, but
many places have their memorable monuments. We thought this month we
would suggest a few tips for
monument photography.
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