Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 83, March 29, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
9 new requests today, please see if you have any advice to offer. Both the Photo Contest and the Tip Contest will end it a couple days.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Enter The Photo Contest:
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Theodore and Paddington (Ferrets)
- Looking for Frugal Wall Decorations?
Today's Tips:
- Vacuum Cleaner Salesman Joke
- Keeping Grocery Bags from Falling in Trash Cans
- Soup, Bread and Salad
- Sharpening Dull Pins
- Identifying Luggage
- Coupon Tips
- Sand Toys For Kids From Recycled Items
- Entering Contests
- Natural Weed Killer Recipe
- Adding Iron To Trees
- Rotating Your Tires
- Saving Money on Gas
- Power Steering Leaks
- Picture Frame Wedding Favors
- Removing Stains From White Clothes
- Crafting Advice For a New Baby Gift
- Jelly Rolls
- Egg Noodle Dough
- Favorite Rolls
- Cloud Biscuits
- Cresanta Bread
- Potato Wedge Fries
New Requests:
- Cats Spraying In My Yard
- Krazy Glue on Silk dress
- Motivating Myself To Clean and Organize
- Helping a Scared Dog, Rescued From a Puppy Farm
- Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe
- Silver Cleaning Cloths
- Lee Wards - Shell Stitch Baby Afghan
- 50th Anniversary Ideas?
- Dry Bulk Yeast vs. Yeast Packets
More Reading:
- How Simple Mirrors Can Save You Money
- Chinchillas As Pets
- Remodeling Your Kitchen
- Save Big By Being Patient
- Have A Simple, Small, Green Wedding
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Roast Coffee At Home
Roasting coffee at home is fun and inexpensive! For more
information on roasting coffee at home visit RoastAtHome.com.
Feel free to post a coffee related question if you are new to
home coffee roasting.
http://www.roastathome.com
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Theodore and Paddington (Ferrets)
This is Theodore Heyn, one of my four ferrets. He is about two years old, and I adopted him from a ferret shelter near me last summer.
He is a real rascal; he loves to chase dogs, knock things over "just to see what happens" when they land, and wrestle my two other male ferrets and one female ferret.
Despite his big size (for a ferret - three lbs.), he is gentle enough never to hurt the others. He's a real sweetie who will fall asleep in my lap when he is worn out, and greet me with kisses when I come home at the end of the day. :-)
This is my ferret Paddington Bear Heyn. He is about five years old; I adopted him during a big rescue from a breeder who passed away in New Jersey.
Paddington is very gentle and sweet. While his main hobbies are sleeping and eating, he also enjoys grooming my little female ferret and loves to meet new people. He likes sweets (like frosting!), and will beg for a raisin or other sweet treat. He is a real doll. :-)
By Ela Heyn
View Photos and Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for Frugal Wall Decorations?
As a college student on a budget - and one living in an apartment where white walls prevail - I was stuck for cheap decorating ideas.
Then it came to me - CD covers! It's amazing how elaborate some of the CD artwork can be, and I had so many of them sitting on my shelf gathering dust. Ten minutes and about 30 CD inserts later, I had some fabulous wall art. All it took was some tape to hold them in place and voila!
By Ashley
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
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
Vacuum Cleaner Salesman Joke
A little old lady answered a knock on the door one day, only to be confronted by a well-dressed young man carrying a vacuum cleaner.
Good morning, " said the young man. "If I could take a couple of minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners. "
"Go away!" said the old lady. "I haven't got any money!" and she proceeded to close the door.
Quick as a flash, the young man wedged his foot in the door and pushed wide open. "Don't be too hasty!" he said. "Not until you have at least seen my demonstration." And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure onto her hallway carpet.
"If this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this horse manure from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder."
The old lady stepped back and said, "Well I hope you've got a darn good appetite, because they cut off my electricity this morning."
By Terri
View Article: Click Here
Keeping Grocery Bags from Falling in Trash Cans
I like to use plastic grocery bags as trash liners for the small trash cans in my house but they have a way of falling inside the can which is annoying. I have found that by sticking two plastic coat hooks, one on either side of the wastebasket, upside down, you can use the hooks to hold the handles of the grocery bags and voila - bags that are cheap and secure! The hooks can be put on with double sided foam tape or Command strip hooks that come with their own removable adhesive.
By Tony
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Soup, Bread and Salad
I make soup and stews with beans or leftovers and just a bit of meat for flavor once or twice a week. I serve it with bread and salad. Soups are very cheap but hearty and delicious!
By Holly Dawson
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Sharpening Dull Pins
If your diaper pins or straight pins get dull from over use, run them through your hair and they will work every time.
By JUDY RASICO
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Identifying Luggage
What I do with my luggage is put a cloth type red tape, like the gray duct tape, around the luggage. Then I put big angel stickers on the tape, and I always get my luggage the first time around! I travel quite a bit and the stickers have yet to come off! I'm an angel lover so I know what to look for!
By LasVegasAngel
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Coupon Tips
Tips for finding and using coupons. Post your ideas.
Any time that I run out of a product that I normally buy (brand name), I check out the manufacturer's website to see if they have any coupons available before I go to the store.
By Crystal Allen
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Sand Toys For Kids From Recycled Items
If you have young children, this tip is for you. Recycle common household plastic containers and turn them into sand toys! Good examples for great sand toys are applesauce cups, laundry detergent scoops, powdered formula scoops, empty play dough containers, and of course the containers from margarine, sour cream, cream cheese, etc. My son always has plenty of containers to share at the park!
Diaper wipe containers make great storage bins. I use them everywhere in the house. They are great for sorting little socks in drawers, home-made first aid kit, storing medicine (kept in a cabinet out of reach, of course), storing small toys, etc!
Of course, I only buy diaper wipe containers when they are on sale plus a coupon. Otherwise, I just buy the re-fill packs.
By Vickie
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Entering Contests
Enter every contest you find. You can't win, if you never try!
By Christine
Editor's Note: One of my problems with contests is a lot of businesses will gather your information for a contest and sell it to marketers. This seems especially true of the contests that you fill out at the mall. So keep in mind that there is often a trade off. My son won a trip to Expo 88 in Vancouver Canada by filling out a mall contest form, so if you don't mind the junk mail, it can be worth a try.
ThriftyFun's contests are both junk mail and spam free!
Photo Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
View Article: Click Here
Natural Weed Killer Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 Squirts Liquid Dish Detergent
- 1 Gallon Vinegar
- 1 lb. Salt
Directions:
Stir salt in just enough water to dissolve. Add rest of ingredients after the salt dissolves or the salt will clog your sprayer. Also, do not spray this mixture anywhere that you might want to grow anything in the future.
By T.H.
View Article: Click Here
Adding Iron To Trees
If any of your tree leaves or shrubs turn yellow before frost, it means they need iron. There is an excellent product on the market called Ironite. Pour this product around the base of your tree or shrub and water. We used this on our cottonwood trees, their leaves turned the darkest shade of green within a week or so.
By T.H.
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Rotating Your Tires
Have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles. When you do, also have them check the air pressure in each of them. Some of the time, spare tires are usually found low or already flat.
By T.H.
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Saving Money on Gas
Tips for saving money on gas. Post your ideas.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure, you'll get more mileage out of your tires plus it's safer driving with properly inflated tires.
By T.H.
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Power Steering Leaks
If your power steering is leaking from the seals, try using a power steering conditioner. It worked for us.
By T.H.
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Picture Frame Wedding Favors
A great idea for baby or wedding shower favors. Buy small metal picture frames from your local dollar store and print out a label with a special saying for the occasion. Tie the labels on with colored ribbons -- an inexpensive way to celebrate a wonderful day!
By Jess Russell
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Removing Stains From White Clothes
Tips for removing stains from white clothing. Post your ideas.
Spray white vinegar and warm water on white clothes with stains before laundering.
By Kelly Letterman
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Crafting Advice For a New Baby Gift
Base your gift to the new baby on the month of the baby's birth. Crochet/knit/quilt/purchase a baby blanket in the color of the baby's birthstone, and include a package of seeds/bulbs for the birth month flower (a chart for both can be found on Hallmark's website). Include a note to the new parents explaining the color and flower choice.
By Trudy in KC
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Jelly Rolls
Ingredients:
- 4-5 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup flour
Directions:
Heat oven to 400 degrees before you start mixing. Beat eggs, baking powder until real light. Add sugar and vanilla. Fold in flour. Place on waxed and lined cookie sheet. Bake 13 minutes at 400 degrees. Trim edges and roll at once. After it's cool, spread with a lemon pie filling or your favorite jam. This has been a good dessert to be able to make in a short time.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Egg Noodle Dough
Ingredients:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 2 Tbsp. cold water
- 2 cups flour
Directions:
Beat eggs and water. Add flour all at once and stir until too stiff. Then knead with your hands. Roll out until thin. Cut while still damp into narrow strips. Lay on dish towels to dry. Allow to dry somewhat if going to use right away.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Favorite Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 cup scalded milk
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 pkg. yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1 beaten egg
- 3 1/2 cups flour
Directions:
Combine milk, shortening, sugar, and salt and cool to lukewarm. Add yeast which has been dissolved in warm water and beaten egg. Add flour and mix well. Knead and place in greased bowl to raise until double in bulk, about 2 hours. Turn out on board and shape as desired. Cover and let rise until double. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Makes 2 dozen.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Cloud Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cup all purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 beaten egg
- 2/3 cup milk
Directions:
Sift dry ingredients together; cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Combine egg and milk; add to flour mixture all at once. Stir until dough follows fork around bowl. Turn out on lightly floured surface; knead gently with heel of hand, about 20 strokes. Roll dough to 3/4 inch thickness. Dip 2 inch biscuit in flour; cut straight down through dough. Place on ungreased baking sheet, 3/4 inch apart for crusty biscuits or close together for soft sides. If desired, chill for 1-3 hours. Bake at 450 degrees for 10-14 minutes, or until golden brown. Increase milk to 3/4 cup , omit kneading and drop dough from tablespoon to make drop biscuits.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Cresanta Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 pkg. yeast
- 2 1/2 cup water (warm)
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 Tbsp. salt
- 1/4 cup oil
- 6 cups flour
Directions:
Dissolve yeast in water then add remaining items. Knead until smooth (will be a bit sticky). Let raise 2 hours (1 hour if using rapid rise yeast). Divide in half, flatten onto cookie sheet. Let raise until double. Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix garlic salt and butter to butter slices. This recipe will freeze well.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Potato Wedge Fries
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes (about 10 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons melted margarine or butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray a baking sheet with vegetable spray.
Scrub potatoes and cut lengthwise into 8 wedges. Put on
prepared baking sheet. Combine margarine and garlic in a
small bowl. Combine Parmesan and paprika in another small bowl.
Brush potato wedges with half of the margarine and cheese
mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, turn the wedges, brush with
remaining margarine mixture (reheat if necessary). Sprinkle
on remaining Parmesan mixture, and bake for another
20 minutes or just until potatoes are tender and crisp.
By Chell
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 March 31st.
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:
Cats Spraying In My Yard
There are about four cats (not sure if they are stray or not) that are always going in my yard. The problem is that they have been spraying all around my house, my kids bikes smell like it, and now that it is getting warmer you can really smell it when you even walk outside. Is there anything I can plant or put down so the cats stop spraying? And is there anything I can do to get rid of the odor that is already there?
Sarah
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Krazy Glue on Silk dress
I recently spilled Krazy Glue on my favorite silk black dress. How can I get the glue out without hurting the fabric or fading the color? Is there any hope for my dress? Thank you very much.
Jennifer
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Motivating Myself To Clean and Organize
I just turned 18, and I live with my parents. My room is a COMPLETE mess. I have laundry all over, and books, jewelry, makeup. Can anyone help me get motivated to clean and organize?
I need some tips on how to keep it clean and organized too!
jkitley
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Helping a Scared Dog, Rescued From a Puppy Farm
We have adopted a problem dog from the local dog rescue who spent the first 18 months of his life locked in a barn of a puppy farm. He is of a beautiful nature but has not had any socialization and is a nervous wreck. He is scared to death of anything and everything and even has a problem going into the garden as he is terrified to leave the sanctuary of our kitchen. He is basically a dog with agoraphobia and we could do with advice on how to proceed with him. He is neutered and is two years old and otherwise very healthy.
Margaret from Swansea UK
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Creamy Italian Dressing Recipe
Does anyone have a recipe for homemade creamy Italian Dressing?
Thanks,
Rhonda from WI (rhondak!)
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Silver Cleaning Cloths
My daughteer and I have those treated cloths for cleaning silver. I know there is a way to retreat them after laundering. We would appreciate the recipe.
Shirley Dobie
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Lee Wards - Shell Stitch Baby Afghan
Here's the pattern I am trying to track down:
Lee Wards Creative Crafts Center
Shell Stitch Baby Afghan
Art. No. 06-36662
Finished Size: 36 X 48
I need the pattern or kit for this baby afghan. It was made with the following yarn colors: White, pastel green, pastel yellow, pastel lilac, baby blue, and baby pink.
The pattern was sold at Lee Wards from 1975 till the 1990's. I have eight months and counting down!!!
Could someone please help me find this?
Thank you,
kathleen
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50th Anniversary Ideas?
I am in charge of a 50th anniversary and I need ideas for food, sloppy joes, etc. I also need some decorative ideas. And of course we are on a budget. This happens in June. Thanks so much,
Joyce from Missouri
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Dry Bulk Yeast vs. Yeast Packets
Hi,
Does anyone know how much yeast is in a packet? I have bulk yeast but forget how many teaspoons or tablespoons are in a packet. So many recipes call for packets.
Thanks,
Susan
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Roast Coffee At Home
Roasting coffee at home is fun and inexpensive! For more
information on roasting coffee at home visit RoastAtHome.com.
Feel free to post a coffee related question if you are new to
home coffee roasting.
http://www.roastathome.com
More Reading:
How Simple Mirrors Can Save You Money
By Dave Orlowski
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what's the weirdest way to save on electricity of them all?
View Article: Click Here
Chinchillas As Pets
By Valerie Garner
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible pet. They are of the rodent family, (but it doesn't seem that way).
View Article: Click Here
Remodeling Your Kitchen
By Mark J. Donovan
Remodeling a kitchen is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. For most homeowners it is the most important room in the house. It is used for cooking, eating, and gathering, and is typically a focal point in the home. Consequently, though a great investment, a kitchen-remodeling project can be very disruptive to the family. And the length of the disruption can take as long as two or three weeks.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Save Big By Being Patient
By Jeffrey Strain
When people claim they have saved money or found a great deal, you usually hear about the time, effort and research they put into getting the bargain. This gives the impression that getting good deals takes a lot of work. While good research and organization can go a long way to getting you great deals, the truth is that doing nothing is often your best resource when getting a great deal. The personal quality of patience is rarely mentioned when reading about how to get the best deal, but if you are a person who can simply wait, you'll save yourself thousands of dollars a year.
View Article: Click Here
Have A Simple, Small, Green Wedding
By Debra Lynn Dadd
A wedding is one of life's major rites of passage. It is certainly something to celebrate! Today, wedding books and magazines promote large weddings so that more and more wedding products can be sold. Wedding expenditures run into many thousands of dollars. And after this major outlay of money, most of what is purchased is never used again.
View Article: Click Here
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