Daily Thrifty Tips - May 26, 2005

Hello,

We got some great suggestions for future issues of the ThriftyFun News. What we have decided to do is create a schedule for future issues so everyone knows what to expect. Tomorrow's will be about Memorial Day Recipes and Tips, feel free to share you ideas on the contest form. We have added a pop up to the contest form so that people can select a topic which will help us organize the submission for future issues.

* Memorial Day Recipes and Tips (5/27)
* Inexpensive Summer Activities for Kids (6/3)
* Recycled Crafts (6/10)
* Computer Maintenance Tips (6/17)
* Container Gardening (6/24)
* Saving Money Digital Cameras - Tips and Advice (7/1)
* Creating a Budget and Budgeting Software Reviews (7/8)
* Cool Summer Recipes (7/15)

If anyone else has a topic to recommend, feel free to suggest it on our contact form. And if you have any tips to offer on any of the above topics, please submit them on the contest form.

Contact Us:
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We also have a lot of interesting requests today, please look them over.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's Photo Contest Entries

Tips for Growing Daylilies

Daylilies are easy to grow, being relatively disease and pest free. They like moderate to hot weather and lots of sunshine. They can grow in partial shade if they have 4 to 6 hours of sunshine every day.

They are very hardy and will grow just about anywhere in any type of soil but will benefit if you add some type of fertilizer. Lilies also love water. You should give them at least 1 inch of water a week, or a good soaking every three days.

Daylilies will be one of the hardiest perennials in your garden.

By Sandra Hemstock

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Angel (German Shorthaired Pointer/Dalmation)

This is our dog Angel by name and disposition. She is a rescued dog. She was found wandering along the highway in late winter 7 years ago and was put in care of a local animal rescue organization (New Mexico Animal Friends). She was fostered by a friend of ours, who recommended that we adopt her since he knew we were considering getting a dog.

She was named Angel by the rescue organization staff, and the name suits her well. She's lively, but sweet and gentle with everyone, even our two young children. We are guessing that she is a German Shorthaired Pointer and Dalmation cross. Her coloring and ear shape is Dalmation, but her disposition (very birdy! and very cuddly) and physical appearance are otherwise very Pointer-ish.

By Lynne

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Icing Designs For Special Cakes

I've decorated cakes for over 25 years and there are a few designs that even a beginner can learn and save money on cake decorating for special occasions. Make a batch of icing and experiment on an inverted cake pan or cardboard box until you've achieved the results you like.

Icing is made from 1 bag powdered sugar, 1 cup Crisco (DO NOT SUBSTITUTE) mixed with SMALL AMOUNTS of water until you get the consistency you desire and 1 tsp clear butter, vanilla or almond flavoring.

1. The easiest method is a plain iced cake. Using a long thin cake spatula, dipping it in HOT water while spreading to make smooth. After it has begun to dry using a textured paper towel, rub the design onto the icing for a nice texture.

2. Basketweave: This makes a beautiful cake. it looks difficult but is pretty easy. Using a Wilton Basketweave tip, do your top plain and on the sides draw straight lines with the textured side of your tip all around the side of your cake leaving less tha 1/2 inch between lines. When you've done this, starting at the top, (using the same textured side of tip) pipe icing across the line- leave next line blank -repeat this all the way around. On next row, begin on BLANK LINE and pipe OVER the blank line and leave the space UNDER the one you've piped plain. You have to THINK --OVER-UNDER-OVER-UNDER-- until you get the hang of basket weave. Repeat this process to cover sides. Practice until you feel comfortable with this method,on the top of a styrofoam plate.

3. Another is put icing on the sides sides and then using a writing tip and a ruler for marking, mark slanted lines all around sides. Then again mark lines slanted in the opposite direction so that it resembles a trellis or diamond shaped effect. Then using the WRITING tip draw down the lines-one direction at a time. This also a pretty effect on a cake.

If you don't care to spend that much time on decorating buy a cake spatula with TEXTURE on one side, ice the cake and then scrape across the cake and around the base for a textured effect. Keep practicing with the icing until you feel you can do these designs. Scrape off the icing and reuse to practice.

Cake decorating is lots of fun and can eventually earn you money. I never took classes, I just taught myself.

By Sharon,Ky

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Today's Tips

Uses for Citrus Rinds

Ideas for reusing Citrus Rinds. Post your ideas.

Save rinds from lemon and oranges in a baggie in fridge, use grated in recipes or simmer with spices as home freshener.

By Patricia Bradley

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Cheap Jewelry Cleaner

Use equal amounts of cold distilled water and ammonia in a container and soak your jewelry for 1/2 hour to clean it.

By Geri Taylor

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Make Preserves This Summer

Berry season is just around the corner! Teach your kids how to can their very own preserves. The equipment is not very expensive and will pay for itself when you stock your pantry for the winter.

By Cindy Merrill

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Saving Water When Using Sprinklers

When watering your lawn by using sprinklers, make sure the water is not hitting your house (ex. siding, windows, or foundation walls), only the grass, flowers and bushes.

By Terri

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Control Pests, Don't Eradicate Them

As a reservation raised Native American, I am sometimes surprised at the extremes other country living folk go to, to rid themselves of what they consider outdoor pests.

It's unfortunate that some animals are considered desireable or not because of appearance. Snakes keep down rodent populations as well as in turn, take their place in the chain of life by providing food for hawks and owls. Snakes are much more afraid of us than we are of them, and contrary to myth, will not 'chase you'. Snakes locate prey through vibration. Heavy vibration simply confuses them so though they may be moving towards you, in reality they are just receiving a sensory overload. (Try standing still)

Feel blessed if you find you have an abundance of toads and frogs in your locale because this is a true indication your surrounding area is healthy and poison free. Toads and frogs are extremely sensitive to harmful chemicals. They eat insects harmful to the products you find on your grocery shelves.
Field mice eat grubs and dangerous larvae. Bats eat malaria and west nile virus carrying mosquitoes.

Native peoples have always been aware of these animals being necessary to a balanced environment, not some evil entities to be feared. Let's educate ourselves and our children to help control, not eradicate. There are many resourses available via internet, library, county extensions offices, that can help you modify your environment if you have any of these in abundance. Please, don't let "kill" be your first response.

c.j.cox

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Buying a Home - Tips

Tips to consider when buying a home. Post your ideas.

When purchasing a previously owned home, make sure when you move in, that the same light fixtures and other items that were to be in the house, are still in it. I've been told that 'some' real estate agents switch out what the previous owners left for the new buyers and take them home for themselves, instead. So, new buyers, make sure you're getting all you're supposed to get!

By Terri

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Baseball in Heaven Joke

Two ninety year old men, Moe and Sam, have been friends all their lives.

It seems that Sam is dying of cancer, and Moe comes to visit him every day.

"Sam," says Moe, "You know how we have both loved baseball all our lives, and how we played minor league ball together for so many years. Sam, you have to do me one favor. When you get to Heaven, and I know you will go to Heaven, somehow you've got to let me know if there's baseball in Heaven."

Sam looks up at Moe from his death bed, and says, "Moe, you've been my best friend many years. This favor, if it is at all possible, I'll do for you."

And shortly after that, Sam passes on.

It is midnight a couple of nights later. Moe is sound asleep when he is awakened by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calls out to
him, "Moe.... Moe...."

"Who is it?" says Moe sitting up suddenly. "Who is it?"

"Moe, it's me , Sam."

"Come on. You're not Sam. Sam just died."

I'm telling you," insists the voice. "It's me, Sam!"

"Sam? Is that you? Where are you?"

"I'm in heaven," says Sam, "and I've got to tell you, I've got really good news and a little bad news."

"So, tell me the good news first," says Moe.

"The good news," says Sam "is that there is baseball in heaven. Better yet, all our old buddies who've gone before us are there. Better yet, we're all young men again. Better yet, it's always spring time and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play baseball all we want, and we never get tired!"

"Really?" says Moe, "That is fantastic, wonderful beyond my wildest dreams! But, what's the bad news?"

"You're pitching next Tuesday".

By Terri

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Preventing Food Poisoning

Tips for preventing food poisoning. Post your ideas.

Cutting Board Tip

Always use two separate cutting boards for meats and veggies.

By Tracy McBee

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Storing Childrens Offseason Clothing

When I change seasons in our kids' closets, I pack up the clothes in a Rubbermaid container and mark the size and gender. So when the next season comes around, I can either pass them down or sell them at a consignment sale.

By Michelle M

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Saving Money on Greeting Cards

Tips for saving money on greeting cards. Post your ideas.

Inexpenisve Father's and Mother's Day Cards

Buy a plastic box about the size of a small shoe box. After Mother's Day, Father's day or any holidays, buy a bunch of cards sometimes the are even 90 percent off. Store them in the box till next year. You will save money and always be prepared.

By Jessica Lynn Crawley

Making Cards

Have artsy kids? Save money on cards by having your kids make them!

By Joanne A.

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Review Of The Roomba Robotic Vacuum Cleaner - Effortless Vacuuming!

I know that some of you actually "like" to vacuum; But I'm one of those who don't. My husband works for Home Depot and they offer a 10% discount to employees 3 times a year; so he used the discount and bought me a Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner for Mother's Day. (about $90 after discount)

I was an extreme skeptic but to my surprise, now I LOVE IT!

It works better than my standard vacuum! I just turn it on and it cleans my entire living room in 30 minutes! It turns itself off when it needs emptying. And its very low maintenance. My dog is not a big fan of it! It even works on tile floors. It picks up the hair on my bathroom floor after I brush (and that's a LOT!).

I've got to say, it's my best gift ever!

By pojo

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Homemade Electrolyte Solution

Here is a recipe for homemade Pedialyte. It is very important for babies and children not to become dehydrated when they're sick! Use instead of juice or milk for diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. This will not aggravate a sick tummy.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 7 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid
• 1/2 teaspoon salt substitute

Directions:

The salt substitute and Kool-Aid are optional. Store in the refrigerator. Be creative; use your special Kool-Aid to make ice cubes so it will stay cool in their bottle or sippy-cup. Or, insert toothpicks into your ice cubes before freezing and make homemade popsicles.

By T.H.

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Cheese Joke

Q: What Do You Call Cheese That Isn't Yours?








A: Nacho Cheese.

By T.H.

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Creamy Scrambled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 12 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh dillweed
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:

Combine first 4 ingredients and set aside. Melt butter in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add egg mixture; cook, without stirring, until mixture begins to set on bottom. Draw a spatula across the bottom of pan to form large curds. Continue until eggs are thickened but still moist; do not stir constantly. Fold in sour cream. 12 servings.

By Robin

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Hardee's Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 1 stick butter
• 2 cup self rising flour
• 3/4 cup milk

Directions:

Cut butter into flour (like coarse crumbs) add milk, knead, roll 1/2 inch thick bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes after baking brush lightly with butter to keep them soft.

By imaqt1962

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Busy Day Chicken

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken breasts
  
• 1 jar (18 oz) apricot preserves
  
• 1 jar (18 oz) jar russian dressing
  
• 1 package onion soup mix
  

Directions:

Place chicken breasts in pan mix remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken breasts.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.

By imaqt1962

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Bran Muffins

Ingredients:

• 1- 15 oz box raisin bran
• 1 cup melted butter
• 2 cup sugar
• 4 eggs beaten
• 1 qt buttermilk
• 5 cup flour
• 5 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. salt

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together. pour into greased tin or use muffin papers. Bake at 400 degrees F. until spongy in center. Batter can be stored in fridge for up to 6 weeks in airtight container.

By imaqt1962

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London Fogs

Ingredients:

• 1 Qt Vanilla Ice Cream
• 1/5 Gin
• Club Soda Or Ginger Ale

Directions:

Mix ice cream with gin in blender.

Fill tall glass with 1/3 full with gin mixture.

Add ice cubes and club soda or ginger ale to top of glass.

By imaqt1962

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Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

• 2 Qt. Apple Cider
• 1/8 Tsp. Ground Ginger
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Sticks Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp. Whole Cloves

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and simmer 2-5 hours. (Great in a crock pot)

By imaqt1962

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Super Simple Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Lbs Hamburger
• 1 Can Cream Muchroom Soup
• 6 Slices American Cheese
• 1 Bag Tater Tots

Directions:

Brown hamburger in skiller, drain.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine hamburger and undiluted soup. Pour into small casserole dish layer cheese slices on top then tater tots bake for about 2- 25 minutes or until tater tots are crisp.

By imaqt1962

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Very Good Bleu Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

1 small jar Roka Bleu Cheese
2-8oz. cream cheese
1/2 C. sour cream
4 shakes Tabasco sauce
8 oz. sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1 t. Worcestershire
1 t. lemon juice
4 shakes garlic powder
onion powder to taste

Directions:

Cream 1st 3 ingredients and then the rest. Freezes well and is excellent for graduations and weddings. I froze mine for 6 months.

By Christine from IN

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Other Active Topics

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Tip Contest

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Syndication Spotlight:

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New Requests:

Getting Rid of Ants

I moved to Texas last November, and we have noticed that we are getting inundated by more and more tiny ants (sugar ants). At first we just saw them in the kitchen, but now, they seem to be travelling everywhere. I have seen them on the tile in the shower, the bathroom sink, the kitchen sink, counters and walls, and even on the top of my computer tower. How can I get rid of them and make sure that I won't be plagued by another infestation. We never leave food out, and keep all bulk foods in containers. Help!

Susan Beal, Texas

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Having Prints Made From Negatives

I have many black and white negatives that I would like to get copies printed from. Does anyone know where I could get this service? Also, I have a Kodacolor-X, color negative film that I would like to have developed but cannot find anyone that developes them. Any help would be appreciated. I have answered many requests, think this is a great service. Thank You.

Anna from Maine

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Citrus Fruit Juice Equivalencies

I've read recipes that have said things such as:

Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime

I want to use bottled juices... How much do I use?

Meari

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End of School Gift Ideas for Teachers

As the end of the year for school is right around the corner, I always have difficulties on what to give to the teachers. Any suggestions?

Laura

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Sharpie Marker On Jeans

I accidentally got Sharpie marker (not the laundry kind, but permanent) on my favorite jean skirt and I have no idea how to get it out!

Linea from Denver

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Organizing Pots and Pans

Would any of you happen to have some ideas on how to organize the pots and pans in my cabinets? The pots and pans just get thrown in the cabinet, where ever they can fit, and it is an absolute wreck down there! If anyone has some solutions or tips for my problem I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks,

Jordan from Arkansas

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Mice Nesting In My Car

I just found out that there are mice nesting in my car, inside the seat. Other than mothballs, are there any other suggestions for ridding my car of this problem? The repair shop is cleaning out the nest, but they warned me that mice tend to return to rebuild their nests. Any ideas for preventing their return?

Lisa from WI

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Keeping Cats Out of the Motor of Your Car

I need some help on how to keep a cat from getting up in the motor of our car. If anyone can give me some advice quick I sure would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Teresa

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From Germination to Transplanting

I have spent a lot of time, effort and money purchasing the best seeds for my garden, and seed germination is a 100%, when i keep them in a dark and moist place. My trouble begins after that when my baby plants die since I don't know the size where they are to be transplanted. I managed to save only 7 (or so) out of 20 plants. Please let me know tips about how I can evaluate when to transfer the plants and how to protect them once I begin to transplant them.

Zaufi from London

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Burnt Meat Smell In House

We had an accident with a soup bone boiling dry and filling the house with a horrid burnt meat smell. Has anyone had this experience and found a way of getting the smell out of the house?

Ray W

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Canker Sore Remedies

My 10 year old daughter has re-occuring canker sores. Anyone have a home remedy that actually works? Thank you.

DDSS2000

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Wearing French Hook Earrings

I haven't had pierced ears very long and need some advice. When I wear the french hooks, they work themselves out of my ear and fall off. Is that common? How do I prevent it? I appreciate your help.

Wendee from Oregon

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Questions About Soap Favors

This is a wonderful idea for favors. I have two questions: Can Wilton candy molds be used to mold them without melting? (2) What about Ivory soap? Can you add enough oil to cover up that AWFUL smell? My Daughter (bless her heart) bought a real good deal on it and none of us can stand the smell. It actually it makes me itch when I use it. This would be a good way to use it up, but I would want to know it would work before I invested in the oils. I've got a Baby shower coming up soon and I'd like to make some little yellow ducks. Anybdy seen those kind of molds?

Sharon,Ky

Editor's Note: This question is in response to a recent article about Soap Favors. You can read it here:
How to Make Your Own Soap Favors for Weddings and Baby Showers

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Removing Smoke Smell From a Car

I bought a car that was owned by a smoker. I've done a pretty good job of getting the smell of smoke out of the fabric but the heating/cooling system smells heavily of stale smoke. Anyone have any ideas of how I can 'clean' the smell? I've tried burning incense with the interior air circulation going full blast but the incense wore off and the smell of smoke is still there. Help. I'm desperate. Thanks in advance.

Jeff

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Norwall Pattern 48276, 1226497; Lot 207A or Lot 208C

I am looking for 1 or 2 rolls of discontinued wallpaper by Norwall Pat. 48276, 1226497; Lot 207A or Lot 208C (made in Canada). Can anyone help me locate and purchase if still available?

Charlene from Rhode Island

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Keeping Wasps Away From Your Home

Hello,

Can anyone help? I have a friend who is absolutely terrified of Wasps. I mean - PETRIFIED. She will close all windows in summer- just in case, she won't go out either until the colder months. This phobia is practically disabling this poor lady's life.

Does anyone have any suggestions to at least keep them away from her home? (This lady lives in a small bungalow on the edge of a small wood.)

Thank you in advance if you post a response :D

Monique x

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What do Moles Eat?

What to moles feast on for their food. Not that I want to keep them in my garden... but I'd like them to stop. I do not have any trees just those fragerant gardenias, jasmine, and azaleas.

Moled Jean

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Today's Sponsors

D. Blick Art Materials

The Best Art Supplies ... at the best discounts! Since 1911, artists have turned to D. Blick Art Materials for dependable savings, a huge selection, and fine customer service on art supplies.

Click the link below to visit D. Blick!

http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/dblick.lasso

More Reading:

Baby Shower Decorations
By Criss White

When decoration for a baby shower, there are a few key aspects that should be considered:

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Graduation E-Cards

Here's a site with e-cards just for graduation.
Congratulate a student who's a new grad, connect with your friend/ fellow grad with these cool ecards, share the pride and joy of Graduation with relative who's a new grad, thank your parents/ teachers/ friends/ well wishers for their support and appreciation.
Send one to your grads today!

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