Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 131, September 20, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We had a busy weekend. We published a new TF News about preparing for winter, you can find a link to it in the More Reading section. We also had numerous new Reader's Requests posted over the weekend. I hope those in Ivan's path weathered it safely, if you have any requests related to clean up or dealing with the aftermath don't hesitate to send them in.
We have been getting a lot of great contest entries so if you haven't seen your tip posted yet, don't worry, we are working through them all and will get to it soon.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Submit a tip and enter our contest: Click Here
If you are looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem,
submit it here: Click Here
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Uses for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Use Less Splenda
- Squirt Bottles as Toys
- Starting Morning Glories
- SecondHarvest: Finding a Local Food Bank
- Save Your Coins
- Buy the Leanest Beef Available
- Egg Nog Icing
- Swiffer Replacement Pads
- Sock Drink Cooler
- Hang Clothing On An Oven Rack
- Easily Cleaning a Microwave
- Wine Cork Recipe Card Holder
- Pantyhose Punching Bag
- Fresh Scent on Clothing
- Feedback: Grease Stains on Clothes
- Feedback: Removing Odors from Dishwasher
- Feedback: Frost In My "Free Freezer"!
- Feedback: Stray Cat Problem
- Feedback: Economical Way to Get Rid of Fleas
- Feedback: Looking for Meatloaf Recipe
- Feedback: Avocado Pits Grow into a Nice House Plant
- Today's Recipe: Freezer Egg "McMuffins" Sandwiches
New Requests:
- Nicotine Saturated Walls
- Uses for Oatmeal Containers
- Free Home Renovation?
- Bill After The Merchandise Is Recieved
- Stinky Vacuum Bag
- Making Scented Oils From Herbs
- Recipes for Coffee Jello, Cake and Frosting
- Furniture Repair: Upholstery Damage From Cats
- Green and Healthy Grass
- Coffee Table With Stuck Drawer
- Unpleasant Urine Odour
- Chair Made out of Clothes Pins
- Spilt Varnish on Carpet
- Frost In My "Frost-Free Freezer"!
- Removing Red Food Coloring?
- Sewer Smell Coming from Garbage Disposal
- Steam Iron Not Working
More Reading:
- Creative Makeovers for Leftovers
- The Cotton Ball Game
- Protecting Annuals from Frost
- The Ease and Convenience of Homemade Baby Food (Really!)
- Credit Reports - Quick Facts
- A Wedding Shower Checklist
- Simplify Your Menu Planning
- ThriftyFun News - Planning for Winter
- Classic Creme Brulee recipe - the real thing!
- Selecting Carpet - Quick Facts
- How To Quickly Design Your Own Doll Dress
- To Clean Or Not To Clean Porcelain and How To Do It
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Editor's Pick
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Dear Webby publishes a daily ezine with clean humor and tech tips. We get it here at ThriftyFun and really enjoy it. They offer 3 versions: Text, HTML, and large font HTML versions for vision impaired people. As an added bonus, they have begun publishing our syndicated thrifty tips! Check out Dear Webby's Humor Letter by clicking the link below.
http://webby.com/humor
Today's Tips
Uses for the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
A lot of people have mentioned using the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to effectively clean otherwise difficult to remove stains. What have you cleaned successfully with this new cleaning tool?
Here's one success story...
I had tried EVERYTHING to clean the textured handles on my refrigerator! The new sponge that Mr. Clean has out is the only thing I found that works!
By Sandi G.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Use Less Splenda
According to Splenda's advertising, "Anywhere you can use sugar, you can use Splenda." I, personally, think Splenda is sweeter than most sweeteners, so I use less of it in my recipes, instead of equaling the amounts of sugar the recipe calls for.
By Terri H.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Squirt Bottles as Toys
My daughter-in-law told me about this one. My family is adamantly against guns and we didn't even feel comfortable letting the kids have squirt guns! So she decided to buy those cheap squirt bottles like you find at the drugstore and Walmart and let her kids use those for squirting water. They love it and it doesn't compromise our values!
By cheryl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Starting Morning Glories
I use coke bottles, the small regular ones, to start morning glories. When the vine gets too long, I cut it off and put it in a coke bottle with the top cut off. I then put a string through either end and attach it to a clothes line with a paper clip or twine. They are so pretty.
By Racer
Post Feedback: Click Here
SecondHarvest: Finding a Local Food Bank
There is a zip code locater to find the nearest food bank. Excess from the garden can be given to them. They will come to pick up barrels of food also from any event.
By Racing
Post Feedback: Click Here
Save Your Coins
Save all your coins everyday and place them in a container and after a year use that money for something you want to do, like a vacation.
By Carol
Post Feedback: Click Here
Buy the Leanest Beef Available
When eating ground beef, make sure you use the leanest available. It is not always the least expensive, but physicians show children by the age of 18 usually have enough fat/cholesterol in their system to have early stages of heart disease. Taking care of your health from the start can save lots of money in the future.
By Carol
Post Feedback: Click Here
Egg Nog Icing
Ingredients:
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 1/2 Cup Confectioners' Sugar (sifted)
- 1 T. Rum Flavoring or Extract
- 1/2 Cup Whipping Cream
- Freshly Grated Nutmeg
Directions:
With an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks at medium speed till thick & lemony colored. Beat in pre-sifted confectioners sugar & rum extract. In a chilled bowl, beat the whipping cream till stiff. Fold into egg mixture. Serve on any cake you're serving for the Christmas Holidays, topped with the fresh grated nutmeg.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Swiffer Replacement Pads
Here's a money saver tip. I have a Swiffer wet/dry mop and use it often, but I simply cannot bring myself to keep buying those expensive throw-away cloths. So I use finger towels (what ELSE do you use them for?) or any small terry cloth towel to wet-mop my floors. Also you can cut old flannel shirts to the size and use them to dry-mop the floors. Works great! And when you accumulate a bunch, simply throw them into the washer, hang them on the line and Voila - they're ready for use once again.
By Harm0ny
Post Feedback: Click Here
Sock Drink Cooler
To keep your frozen water bottle frozen longer during the day, put it into one of those spare socks that have no mate. I was surprised at how much longer the water stayed frozen. I got the idea from remembering that my grandpa used to put his mason jar of cold well water into a wool sock to keep cold while he was harvesting.
By Katz
Post Feedback: Click Here
Hang Clothing On An Oven Rack
An old oven rack hung on hooks in the closet helps keep clothes organized, I hang lots of clothes on one rack.
By Racer
Post Feedback: Click Here
Easily Cleaning a Microwave
Need to clean that nasty microwave? Don't waste your money on those expensive towelettes, simply place a mug of water inside the microwave, heat for around 1 to 2 minutes, carefully remove the mug and easily wipe the inside of the microwave clean as a whistle.
from ~Harm0ny~
By Harm0ny
Post Feedback: Click Here
Wine Cork Recipe Card Holder
An inexpensive recipe card holder is a plain little cork. Just cut a slit into the narrow end of the cork at a slight angle. Then slide your recipe card into the slit. You will be able to follow your recipe easily and it will keep your card clean.
By Katz
View Article: Click Here
Pantyhose Punching Bag
Make a punching bag by putting a soccer ball into the waist section of a pair of pantyhose. Knot the waist. Using the legs, tie it to a hook or a beam.
Now start punching.
By Katz
View Article: Click Here
Fresh Scent on Clothing
Ever wonder if there are any other uses for dryer sheets? Well wonder no more, you came to the right website! I use one in each dresser drawer for a fresh scent to my clothing. Also you can use them in clothing packed away or even in closets to keep everything smelling fresh. Yes, even shoes!
By Harm0ny
View Article: Click Here
Feedback: Grease Stains on Clothes
The best thing that is also very fast to take out grease stains is a liberal spray of a cleaning substance called "mean green". You can get it at most general stores and such. All you need to do is spray the spot with the mean green and then throw it in the wash. If it does not come out the first time try spray then making a paste with some laundry detergent and water and rub it on the spot and throw it in the wash.
By Andrew
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Removing Odors from Dishwasher
Check to make sure that there isn't food/grease built up in the door hinge area. They can get pretty nasty overtime. Just bend open the door and where the bottom of the dishwasher meets the door run a wet rag along in there to see if you pull out any junk. Yuck! The older dishwashers have grooves that just kind of collect stuff there. Newer dishwashers are better about it but still need to be cleaned out or the build up will stink. Good luck.
By Melanie
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Frost In My "Free Freezer"!
Hi, I've never tried this but I heard a tip years ago that you can defrost the freezer and wipe it dry. Then wipe it over with Glycerine. Apparently it helps defrosting next time as it supposed to slide right off. Hope it works. You may also want to check that your seals are gripping properly or this will rapidly cause a large build-up of ice.
By Cathy
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Stray Cat Problem
It may be a little bit of a hassle, but cats do not like, and will not dig in wet soil. I never have a problem if I keep the garden area wet.
By Steve
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Economical Way to Get Rid of Fleas
I use regular table salt. I sprinkle it all over our carpets and vacuum up after a few days. I then put more salt and wait a few more days and all the fleas are gone. Keep salt on your carpets all summer it doesn't bother us at all.
By jboy
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Looking for Meatloaf Recipe
This is a simple but tasty recipe. I keep trying new ones all the time.
ITALIAN-STYLE MEATLOAD
1 cup Prego Paste Sauce (don't know if you carry it in your area).
2 lbs. ground beef
1-1/2 cups Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
By Rosalie Shoeman
Post Feedback: Click Here
Feedback: Avocado Pits Grow into a Nice House Plant
Avocado's make excellent trees, I just stick mine on nails or toothpicks, three of them and point them towards the sky and wait. They all have their own time. Some of them never grew, some of them did.
I never pinch mine back either. They are so wonderful, I have had my most recent plant since last spring, while it was still cold. I also put tomato seeds in the soil of my other potted plants. I have become kind of tomato crazy, I love them! After they sprout I move them to another plant holder. They kind of keep the soil happy and the avocado plant seems to love having plants growing around it. Mine is now three feet tall, and I talk to it each day. They like it a lot, and they like being in a pot which is big enough so they don't become pot bound. OK I admit it, I occasionally name mine.
By Racer
Post Feedback: Click Here
Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Today's Recipe: Freezer Egg "McMuffins" Sandwiches
Ingredients:
A dozen eggs
12 english muffins
Any deli ham about 1 lb. or less
Sliced cheese, cheddar or yellow American
Directions:
Fry all the eggs in 1 big pan, then slice english muffins in half.
Put cheese on one muffin half then ham on the other and broil in oven until they are lightly cooked.
Then put egg on one side of the cooked muffin, let cool a bit. Then wrap each one in foil and put in freezer.
When you are ready to cook an egg sandwich, remove foil and wrap in a paper towel and cook for about 90 seconds in the microwave.
Sue from Washington, State
Post Feedback: Click Here
Tip Contest
New Contest! Submit a tip and you could win:
Foodsaver Vac 300
This is the entry level Foodsaver. It offers commercial-quality vacuum packaging and is great for storing meat and cheese. It has a retail price of $79.99.
Enter the contest!
New Requests:
Nicotine Saturated Walls
Hi everyone, I have recently discovered this site and have to say that the tips on here are SO helpful, especially to a young newleywed!
I was wondering if anyone knows how to get rid of nicotine that has saturated the walls. I live in an apartment, and while my husband and I are not smokers, the previous resident(s) were. In our bathroom, I have cleaned the walls and ceiling many times, and the nicotine drips on the wall dissappear easily with regular bathroom cleaner. However, they always come back within a week. When we shower, and the steam condenses and drips down the walls, the drops become yellow again with nicotine that I think has saturated into the paint.
I think this is the place in the house where the most recent resident did most of her smoking, since there are several burns on the sink top that appear to be made from cigarettes (don't you just love your first apartment).
My apartment complex isn't likely to fix the problem for me, so I'm turning to you all. I simply can't do a full scale wall and ceiling cleaning every week, and this is just too gross.
Sara
Post Feedback: Click Here
Uses for Oatmeal Containers
Does anyone have any ideas on use for oatmeal containers? They seem to good to throw out.
Janet
Post Feedback: Click Here
Free Home Renovation?
I need to know if there are still places that renovate or use a person's home to do renovation for free? Or just a room or 2 for free?
Felicia
Post Feedback: Click Here
Bill After The Merchandise Is Recieved
I was wondering if anyone knew of any companies that let you shop then bill you by mail? I've used LTD, ABC and Lakeside already. I am looking for something else to help with Christmas shopping.
Jennifer
Post Feedback: Click Here
Stinky Vacuum Bag
My vacuum cleaner bag (Hoover vacuum) smells terrible and stinks up the whole house when I vacuum. I tried several things to freshen it such as, a downy sheet, carpet fresh, a cotton ball soaked with perfume inside the bag, etc.. Nothing has worked. I used to store the vaccum in my coat closet but it made the whole closet stink so I've moved it to the garage. I currently change the bag once a month and feel it would be too expensive to change it more often... so I'm asking for any advice to solve my dilemma.
Thanks,
Eve
Post Feedback: Click Here
Making Scented Oils From Herbs
Hi. I am looking for a way to make scented oil, using mint and other herbs in my garden. If someone could send me some pointers I would greatly appreciate it.
Flagg in Alabama
Post Feedback: Click Here
Recipes for Coffee Jello, Cake and Frosting
I would like to get the receipe for the coffee jello, coffee cake and coffee frosting?
Thank You,
Toveann
Post Feedback: Click Here
Furniture Repair: Upholstery Damage From Cats
My two adorable cats have used the sides of my couch and chair as a scatching post. Other than the frayed corners the furniture is in excellent condition. Any creative ideas as to how to repair those edges?
Susan1151
Post Feedback: Click Here
Green and Healthy Grass
Does anyone have a method for lawn care which makes your grass look green and healthy? Thanks, Paula
Post Feedback: Click Here
Coffee Table With Stuck Drawer
How do I get a drawer in a coffee table "unstuck". It seems to have been pushed in too far and now it is "locked" and I cannot get it opened. Thanks!!
Charlene from Ontario
Post Feedback: Click Here
Unpleasant Urine Odour
Recently, when visiting an elderly family member in a nursing home, I couldn't help but notice the strong smell of urine in the areas where he spends most of his time. Is there anything that I could suggest to the nursing home to do/use to mask this smell, at least in the room where he sleeps. I know it sounds ghastly but the staff are always cleaning up "little accidents", surely there is something that can be done to make it a little more pleasant?
Kay from Albury, Australia
Post Feedback: Click Here
Chair Made out of Clothes Pins
I would like to know if any one has directions for making a rocking chair out of clothes pins.
Brenda
Post Feedback: Click Here
Spilt Varnish on Carpet
I have spilt wood varnish on my carpet and can't remove it. My carpet is all hard, any tips?
David Ramsay
Post Feedback: Click Here
Frost In My "Frost-Free Freezer"!
I have a frost free freezer only about 5 or 6 yrs old and lately I have been getting frost in it on the top. I thought maybe I was getting left open so I put a piece of velcro on it to secure the door shut, but still there is frost. What could be happening here?
Kim in NJ
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing Red Food Coloring?
How do I remove red food color from a pair of new blue jeans?
View Article: Click Here
Sewer Smell Coming from Garbage Disposal
I would like to know how to get rid of the awful odor that comes up through the garbage disposal... it smells like the sewer. I asked a plumber about it, and he said to grind up a quarter of a lime without using water every so often in the disposal--didn't work for me. Any suggestions?
Carolyn from Kansas
Post Feedback: Click Here
Steam Iron Not Working
My steam iron does not issue steam; it just spits out water and drenches the clothing. Any ideas?
Kate King
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
More Reading
Creative Makeovers for Leftovers
By Brandie Valenzuela
As a young child, there was never leftovers in our home. We
were lucky if there was enough to fill all of the tummies at
our table. So, when I married, I vowed to always cook enough
to fill the bellies of my family and guests. I am sure those
bellies have been full over the years, but my fridge has also
been full -- full of leftovers because I tend to always cook
too much.
View Article: Click Here
The Cotton Ball Game
Do you need a fun game to play at a Shower or Party? Well I know one that is absolutely hilarious... The Cotton Ball Game.
View Article: Click Here
Protecting Annuals from Frost
I don't know how many Gardeners Know this, but use this tip at the end of the Summer. I always dreaded losing my annuals, until the year before last when I discovered this tip. Snip your annuals off just at the bottom of the stem and put new soil and mulch around them right before the first frost. They will return the next year with your Perennials.
Mary from Berea Ky
Post Feedback: Click Here
The Ease and Convenience of Homemade Baby Food (Really!)
By Meredith Edwards-Cornwall
Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small spoon and a jar of baby food. It looks like something right out of a parenting magazine, and its a scene that is played out several times a day in the majority of homes with small babies. Unfortunately, its also a powerful marketing image that can cost a family a great deal of money in the long run.
View Article: Click Here
Credit Reports - Quick Facts
You have a right to receive one free copy of your credit report from each credit bureau each year.
View Article: Click Here
A Wedding Shower Checklist
By Claire Bowes
Bridal showers are one of many pre-wedding parties and are great fun. They are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their new home or for the bride to assemble a trousseau. Not only that, but they are a good excuse for the bride to get together with her friends and family to play hilarious games and to enjoy the food and wine.
View Article: Click Here
Simplify Your Menu Planning
By Leslie Sausage
Ever said to yourself, it's 5:00 o'clock and what's for dinner?!? Yikes!
A simple menu plan can eliminate this stress!
View Article: Click Here
ThriftyFun News September 18, 2004 - Planning for Winter
Online version of the ThriftyFun News. Preparing for Winter. Volume Six, Number 36 September 18, 2004
View Article: Click Here
Classic Creme Brulee recipe - the real thing!
By Fred Fisher
Creme Brulee is one of those classic French dessert recipes that chefs seem to insist on "enhancing" - adding bits of fruit, nuts, or - worse still - oatmeal. I suppose their reasoning is that nobody could possibly be interested in such a simple dessert in these complex foodie days. They are wrong. Creme Brulee is Creme Brulee. It is beautiful. If you want to add foreign bodies to it, then it isn't Creme Brulee anymore. Got it? Good!
View Article: Click Here
Selecting Carpet - Quick Facts
To make an informed choice about carpet consider your budget, how much traffic the carpet will receive, and how much maintenance is required.
View Article: Click Here
How To Quickly Design Your Own Doll Dress
By Maria Vowell
It doesn't matter what type or size doll you have, you can easily design your own doll dresses following a few simple steps.
View Article: Click Here
To Clean Or Not To Clean Porcelain and How To Do It
By Stewart Hopewell
Yes, by all means, clean your porcelain and I'll tell you how to do it in just a minute. But first, believe me, you can only make it look better if you give your porcelain a careful and loving cleaning. So, go ahead and get rid of the dust, dirt, nicotine, house paint, and I don't know what all, by cleaning your porcelain. As a seller/dealer of quality porcelain, I can certainly tell you that after I have cleaned my acquired porcelain, I have been able to increase my investment because the piece looked so much better. Bottom line, I think, is to always and periodically clean your pieces of porcelain.
View Article: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
Support ThriftyFun
Three ways to support us:
1. Be sure to visit our website and check out our advertisers
from time to time. They keep the lights on.
2. Post feedback and send us requests for frugal solutions to
everyday problems.
3. Tell a friend about the Daily Thrifty Tips.
Click Here
Thanks
Susan
http://www.thriftyfun.com
| 
