Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 51, February 22, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
To celebrate the opening of our Cars, Trucks and Transportation topic site, this week's TF News will be about... Cars, Trucks and Transportation. If you have any tips on that subject, please send them in. Also, if there is a topic that you would like to see us create a topic site for or cover in a future TF News, feel free to recommend it. ThriftyFun News is our weekly publication.
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Susan
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Teddy (Shiba Inu)
- Bailey (Labrador Retriever)
Today's Tips:
- Rooting Plant Cuttings
- Purchasing Yeast In A Jar
- Too Early, Too Late For a Great Sale - Not Anymore
- Imperfections Equals Discounts, Even Packaging
- Forgot Your Extra Savings Coupon - No Problem, Just Tell the Cashier
- Training A Cat To Not Scratch
- Cleaning a Coffee Pot
- Replacement for Airbake Pans
- Removing Paint From Hands
- Returning Items Without the Receipt
- Swiss Steak
- Japanese Chicken Wings
- Taco Appetizer
- Russian Tea
New Requests:
- Woven Tote Bag Made From Plastic Bags
- Removing Onion Smell From Kitchen
- Rubber Odor Coming From a Pedal Exerciser
- Removing Paint From Hands
- Free Printable Bingo Cards
- Replacement Wax For A Paraffin Spa
- Homemade Notepads - Gummy Adhesive Material for Notepads
- Cat Scratching Woodwork
- Recipe For Peach Dumplings
More Reading:
- The Guide to Changing Your Name after Marriage
- Cut the Costs of Your New Baby... Devour those Yard Sales
- 18 Tips for the Frugal Cook
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
Lower your phone bills with Agape Long Distance
SAVE with AGAPE LONG DISTANCE! In cooperation with ACCXX
COMMUNICATIONS we offer:
3.9 cents per minute on all state-to-state calls--24 hours/day, 7
days/week! NO MONTHLY FEES, NO SIGNUP FEES, NO MINIMUM CALLING
REQUIRED! In-state rates as low as 3.9 cents per minute!
Visit our website at http://www.lowermyphonebill.com/pnarva or
call toll free TODAY 1-866-482-4273!
Click here for more information.
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Teddy (Shiba Inu)
Greetings from Arkansas!
This is our family dog Teddy, adorable isn't he? Teddy is a Shiba Inu (the Akita, sporting dog family from China) he is 2 years old. Teddy is alot of fun and full of energy, he loves to play with the basketball and go on walks. He truly is an important part of our family.
- DeAnn
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Bailey (Labrador Retriever)
Bailey, our 4 year old yellow Lab likes to be competetive with Ella, our 6 year old Rottweiler, but only when "mom" is available to referee.
By Debbie in S.C.
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Submit a tip or craft 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
Rooting Plant Cuttings
All those leftover clear glass vases from the florist, here's a great idea for rooting a plant cutting. You'll need 2 vases, both should be same height and you'll need one small bud vase and one larger vase.
First, carefully insert the bud vase into the larger vase. Then fill up the spaces between the two with colorful marbles, rocks, buttons, whatever you have on hand. The water, of course, is then filled into the bud vase where you place your cutting. If you place this in a window where it catches the light you'll have a pretty root starter (and good use of those empty vases). :)
By Pam Irie
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Purchasing Yeast In A Jar
For many years I have been making my own bread, mainly because I like to know that I am eating healthy bread with no preservatives, etc. I used to purchase the yeast in a glass jar that had to be refrigerated once it was opened. It recently increased to $7.29 for a 4 oz. jar. Outrageous.
I decided to go to the health store where I purchase loose herbs & spices. The yeast is sold in 8 ounce containers (refrigerated) for $2.99. Very decently priced. Also purchase your herbs & spices loose in the health store as you are not paying for the containers as you do in the supermarkets plus they are fresh, fresh, fresh. Happy day to you.
By joesgirl
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Too Early, Too Late For a Great Sale - Not Anymore
Most retail stores have an unpublished policy that allows customers to receive the sale price for an item either a day before or a day after the begin and end dates of an advertised sale. You just have to ask to receive the sale price.
By Jona Kessans
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Imperfections Equals Discounts, Even Packaging
Everyone probably knows about getting an additional discount on imperfect merchandise, but many don't know that imperfect packaging gets the same discounts. The store I work at, like most stores, has a policy that allows at least an additional 10-20% discount on damaged items. Even if the only damage is to an item's packaging, we gladly give this discount when someone asks. As a result, I have learned to purposefully seek out items that have damaged packaging and to always ask for this extra discount. To date, I have always received it.
By Jona Kessans
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Forgot Your Extra Savings Coupon - No Problem, Just Tell the Cashier
Many stores send out extra savings coupons to holders of their credit cards or loyal customers on their mailing list. Sometimes, however, customers get to the register only to realize that they forgot to bring their Extra Savings Coupons with them. If this happens to you, no problem, since most stores have a policy granting the discount to the customer anyway just by telling the cashier that you forgot your savings coupon.
By Jona Kessans
http://www.simpleandfrugal.com
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Training A Cat To Not Scratch
We have a new kitty in the house and she is fascinated with the edges of the carpet where it joins the tile or hardwood. She scratches and pulls at it, tearing up little pieces of yarn (and, yes, she does have a scratching post, too!) I decided to try sprinkling a tiny bit of Cayenne pepper on the places she continues to return to. After two of the funniest little sneezes I have ever heard, she has learned her lesson. Even after vacuuming it up several days later, she thinks it is still there! Problem solved!
By Deborah from Dallas
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Cleaning a Coffee Pot
Tips for cleaning a coffee pot. Post your ideas.
Pour a handful of table salt into the dirty coffee pot. Use a wet sponge/dish towel to rub it around on the stains. Rinse clean.
By rajalakshmiashok
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Replacement for Airbake Pans
Do you love to bake, but hate the cost of the Airbake pans? I know I do, but instead I buy the cheaper cookie sheets with the non-stick finish and stack them on top of one another. It prevents scorching, burning and bakes cookies beautifully but for a fraction of the cost of one pan!
By Michelle
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Removing Paint From Hands
Tips for cleaning different kinds of paint from your hands. Post your ideas.
Spray Paint
I found an easy way to remove spray paint from my hands -- I used a little Pine-Sol and it took all the paint off without having to scrub!
By Michelle
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Returning Items Without the Receipt
You can return your items to Robinson's May, Old Navy and Home Depot without a receipt if you paid by a credit card.
How many times have you not returned something because you lost the receipt?
Hurray for Robinson's May/Old Navy/Home Depot for doing this!
By Lara~
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Swiss Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 round steak
- 2 cups flour (can be whole wheat)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt & pepper
- 2 Tablespoon shortening
- 1 (4 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 sliced onion
- 1 sliced bell pepper
Directions:
Cut meat into serving size portions. Combine dry ingredients in medium size bowl. Roll steak in flour mix till completely covered. Heat shortening in skillet till hot, add meat and brown on both sides, but don't over cook. Place meat on paper towels to drain. Drain shortening off as much as possible. Place meat back in frying pan with rest on ingredients, heat to high till steaming and then turn down and let simmer for 35-45 mins.
Another way this is good, after browning the meat, lift meat to your crockpot and cover with remaining ingredients (can also use any garden veggies you have on hand such as fresh tomatoes quartered, fresh zucchini, fresh summer squash).
Good served with rice.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Japanese Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
- 6 pkgs. chicken wings (48)
- 2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 inches ginger root (peeled and grated)
- 1/2 bunch scallions (chopped)
Directions:
Cut chicken wings into 3 sections. Dispose of wing tips. In paper bag add flour, salt and pepper. Shake chicken wings until coated well. Brown chicken wings in oil or shortening.
For Sauce:
Bring to boil the sugar, soy sauce, ginger root, and onions. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Pour over chicken wings and toss. Serve warm. May be put in crock pot on low until time to serve.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Taco Appetizer
Ingredients:
- 1-2 ripe avocados (peeled & pitted)
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup dairy sour cream
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- salt to taste
- 1/2 medium head of lettuce (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 can pitted ripe olives (sliced)
- Hot peppers (opt.)
- 6 oz. cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Mild taco sauce
Directions:
Place avocado, cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice in blender. Blend until smooth. Using 2 dinner plates, spread half of mixture on each plate. Salt to taste. Layer lettuce, tomatoes, onion, olives, hot peppers, and cheese over the spread. Sprinkle taco sauce over all. Serve with taco chips.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Russian Tea
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup instant tea
- 1 cup Tang orange drink mix or generic
- 1/3 cup lemonade instant mix
- 1/4 tsp. cloves
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and store in a jar. Add 2 tsp. and mix to hot water for 1 cup tea. For a cool summer drink, alter the recipe by adding mix to cold water. Add 1/2 cup mix to teapot of water for a larger tea party.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Check Twist Ties For Freshness
When buying bread, look at the twist tie and it will tell you how old it is ... Each day has a different color, as follows: Monday = Blue, Tuesday = Green, Thursday = Red, Friday = White, Saturday = Yellow
By Brenda Cole
Editor's Note: I had never heard of this tip before. I wonder if this system is specific to one grocery store or chain or universally used.
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Homemade Leather Cleaners
Recipes for leather cleaners. Post your ideas.
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Give Flowering Shrubs Instead of Flowers
I would prefer to get a nice flowering shrub or bush to cut flowers any day. I put them in my little greenhouse until the proper planting time. Then I have beautiful flowers that last for more than a couple days and get thrown away.
By Dee C.
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Family Picture Calendars
For Christmas gifts for grandparents and aunts and other family I take pictures with my digital camera. I then upload onto my computer and put them on a calendar for the following year. What family member would prefer a nice personalized calendar to a tie or purse ?
By Dee C.
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Composting Dog Waste
When you clean up that nasty doggie poo out of the yard, don't throw away in garbage can, bury it in the garden. It will make free fertilizer for plants.
By Dee C.
Editor's Note: You can also compost it in a separate compost pile adding grass clippings or saw dust to use on ornamental plants for fertilizer. Using dog and cat manure is not recommended for a vegetable or garden anytime you are growing food.
For more information on composting dog waste, this site seems to have helpful information and precautions.
http://www.compostinfo.com/tutorial/DogWaste.htm
View Article: Click Here
Using Leaves for the Garden
When you rake your yard in fall, don't throw the leaves away in trash bags. Spread them over the garden spot and wet it down. When you till the yard in spring, till the leaves in. It makes free mulch nutrients for the plants as leaves will decompose.
By Dee C.
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Prevent Scratching of Hardwood Floors
In order to prevent scratching your hardwood floors, just glue some soft felt to the bottom of your furniture legs.
By Robin
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Removing Black Heel Marks
To remove black heel marks, etc. from your linoleum or hardwood floors, just use an ordinary eraser.
By Robin
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Drying Slip Covers
If you have slipcovers that are washable don't dry them completely. Put them back on your furniture slightly damp. It will save you having to iron them and they will conform to the shape of the furniture or pillow as they dry.
By Robin
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Drying Curtains
I never dry my curtains. I wash them in my washing machine on gentle cycle and then rehang them wet. They dry there well and they don't have to be ironed.
By Robin
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Removing Wallpaper
Wallpaper removal tips and instructions. Post your ideas!
Loosening Wallpaper for Removal
To loosen wallpaper to remove it just use a mixture of hot water and white vinegar applied to the paper to take it off. For speed, dip a roller in the hot water and vinegar and roll it on. Paper comes right off!
By Robin
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Storage for Brooms and Mops
Brooms and mops left standing on their bristles or heads wear out sooner. It is worth the investment to buy a plastic hanging storage piece for them.
By Robin
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Hairdressing for Bridesmaids
Instead of taking your bridesmaids to a pricey salon, find a hairstyling school in your area. They usually charge 1/3 (or less!) the price then a regular salon.
By Ashley Arvidson
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Yummy Garlic Biscuit Poppers
In an oven-proof small saute-pan (I use my Pampered Chef one), take 1-2 Tbsp margarine/butter, and saute 2-3 cloves finely diced garlic. After butter has melted and the garlic has infused the butter, take a small tube of refrigerated biscuits (the cheapo variety works well for this). Cut them into 1/4's, and lay in butter. Move them to the edge as the pan starts to fill up.
Then place pan in 350 degree oven for time set on the biscuit tube. Usually, 10-15 minutes, depending on variety you use. Then pull from oven, and flip onto a pie plate. Have fun pulling off a biscuit and popping them into your mouth. YUM!
By Wendy
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Thrifty Curtain Rods - Electrical Conduit
Using electrical conduit to hang your curtains is super inexpensive and it has that industrial look. It can be purchased at your home improvement store in 10 foot lengths for a little more than a dollar for the entire piece. You can easily cut to fit with a simple pipe cutter or hacksaw. Remember to file down ends. Then use larger screw eyes or hooks mounted into the wall or window frame to slide the conduit through. Lastly, I purchase inexpensive rubber furniture feet for outdoor patio furniture; these I put on the ends of conduit to prevent it from sliding out of the wall hooks. :)
By Pam Irie
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Tips for Smelly Shoes
Tips for help deal with and prevent smelly shoes. Post your ideas!
Smelly Athletic Shoes
When my son was in high school athletics, his basketball and track shoes could really smell bad at the end of the day. I used an old pair of pantyhose, cut off both legs and put fresh kitty litter inside the legs. Tie a knot and stick inside the shoe. Much Better! Refresh as needed. :)
By Pam Irie
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Frugal Pet Shampoo
Instead of using expensive flea shampoo's try using dawn dish liquid. It works much better and you should always have it on hand.
By Tina
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Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 Tbsp. cocoa
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with a mixer for approximately 2 minutes. Pour into a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Stays moist. Can frost if desired.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Caramel Suckers
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cream
- 1/2 cup white syrup
- 1/4 lb. butter
Directions:
Mix ingredients together, stirring constantly. Boil until temperature is 265 degrees. Put on skewers on aluminum foil.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Salted Nut Roll
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 2/3 cup oleo
- 1 egg
Mix together and press onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees F for 16 minutes. Sprinkle with 2 cups miniature marshmallows and bake for 1 minute. Spread marshmallows evenly over the cake mixture.
Melt together:
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tsp. vanilla
- 1/4 cup oleo
- 12 oz. pkg. peanut butter chips
Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups Rice Krispies. Spread over the marshmallows. Top with one large bag salted nuts. Rich and good!!!
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Apple Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup milk
Directions:
Cook above 5 minutes. Set aside. Mix the other ingredients like pie crust.. Put layer crust on bottom of long cake pan. Put in sliced apples. Cover with rest of crust. Then pour the liquid over the raw crust and bake at 400 degrees until done.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Zucchini Dressing
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1 box chicken Stove Top Stuffing mix
- 1 small carton sour cream
- 6 cups zucchini (unpeeled)
- 2 sticks butter
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Directions:
Mix carrots, zucchini & onions together. Cook for 6 minutes. Drain. Melt butter, adding stuffing mix & mixing well. Add this to zucchini mixture. Mix soup & sour cream. Layer, starting with zucchini mixture & ending with chicken mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
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 28th.
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.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests:
Woven Tote Bag Made From Plastic Bags
I have seen the crochet tote bag and will make it sometime. But right now I need instructions for the WOVEN tote bag made from plastic bags. This is for grade school kids and we do not have time to teach them to crochet, but they do know how to weave. Its done on a loom made from cardboard, was rather pretty red white and blue. I saw it but can't find it now. Any help would be GREAT.
Thanks,
Trashcrafter WA
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Removing Onion Smell From Kitchen
I recently was given a 50 pound bag of onions, which I dutifully sliced up and froze. But the smell of onions persists in the kitchen. Help!
T. Kirwan
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Rubber Odor Coming From a Pedal Exerciser
My elderly mother uses a Pedal Exerciser, as per the following URL:
There is a very strong rubber smell coming from it, that she can't get rid off. I would appreciate any suggestions as to how to get rid of the smell.
Thank you.
Faye
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Removing Paint From Hands
Tips for cleaning different kinds of paint from your hands. Post your ideas.
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Free Printable Bingo Cards
Looking for free, printable bingo cards for a baby shower.
Thanks,
Zane
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Replacement Wax For A Paraffin Spa
I have a paraffin spa for treating hands. The wax seems to have something in addition to paraffin which makes to wax softer and strips off easier. Anyone know what this is and how much to use per pound of paraffin?
Kathy H.
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Homemade Notepads - Gummy Adhesive Material for Notepads
I am curious on how to make the gummy stuff that connects the notepad paper. I am interested in recycling my one sided printer paper. Thank you for replying. Enjoy your day.
Lydia
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Cat Scratching Woodwork
I have a 4 year old cat that has most of the woodwork (trim around doorways) looking awful. I want to sand it all down and refinish, but know he will continue to use them as a scratching post. Is there any way to stop him? He already has one of those huge cat houses (7 feet) with a built-in rope type scratching post attached which he never uses, even though I have put catnip on it numerous times. There has also been a wooden ladder installed to the top bunk that has one leg looking like my woodwork. Any help would be appreciated.
Betty
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Recipe For Peach Dumplings
Does anyone have a recipe for peach dumplings that you make on the stove? Growing up in the deep south, we had a neighbor who made the most awesome peach dumplings on her stove. I don't remember much except that I think she used canned peaches and dropped canned biscuits into the boiling peaches on the stove. I remember her sharing this with us when we were kids and would love to make it for my kids! Thanks!
Maureen
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
Lower your phone bills with Agape Long Distance
SAVE with AGAPE LONG DISTANCE! In cooperation with ACCXX
COMMUNICATIONS we offer:
3.9 cents per minute on all state-to-state calls--24 hours/day, 7
days/week! NO MONTHLY FEES, NO SIGNUP FEES, NO MINIMUM CALLING
REQUIRED! In-state rates as low as 3.9 cents per minute!
Visit our website at http://www.lowermyphonebill.com/pnarva or
call toll free TODAY 1-866-482-4273!
Click here for more information.
More Reading:
The Guide to Changing Your Name after Marriage
By Rachel Greenberg
Whether or not to change your name after marriage is a personal decision that each person must make on his/her own. But once you've decided to take the plunge, you need to be prepared for the administrative tasks that await you. Trying to get all of your IDs and accounts updated can be tedious, and even just knowing where to start is a major task itself. The following checklist should make this process much less worrisome, and hopefully hassle-free:
View Article: Click Here
Cut the Costs of Your New Baby... Devour those Yard Sales
By GranMamma
Baby products are a huge market. However, these products are soon disposed of after being used. Why not save some money and get your baby products at huge discounts among your local yard sales.
View Article: Click Here
18 Tips for the Frugal Cook
By Cyndi Roberts
1. When you make mashed potatoes, make an extra big batch and freeze leftovers in muffin cups. Once they are frozen transfer to a zipper bag. Just get out as many as you need and heat up in the microwave.
View Article: Click Here
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