Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 70, March 14, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
If you are wondering why you didn't get a newsletter yesterday it's because we didn't publish one. We just ran out of time. We are going to change our publishing schedule to not include Sundays. That will allow us to have 1 full day off a week to recharge our batteries. Which is a good tip for any self-employed person, take atleast one day off a week where you do nothing related to your business.
We have a great newsletter today, numerous tips and interesting reader's requests. I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Dollar Store Photo Album For Recipes
- Magic Ball (English Springer Spaniel)
Today's Tips:
- Funiture Tip - Choosing a Couch
- Adopting from the Animal Shelter
- Removing Furniture Polish Stains from Carpet
- A Cure for Hiccups?
- Brown Gravy Recipe
- Finding Your Luggage at the Airport
- Organizing Shoes
- Savings on Cola
- Removing Broken Light Bulbs
- Add Extra Rice or Veggies to Canned Soups
- Planned Leftovers with Mac and Cheese
- Using Leftover Lemons For Cleaning Copper Bottomed Pots
- Think Before You Buy More Storage Bins
- Almond Oil Moisturizer
- Using Turkey Roasting Bags In Your Crockpot
- Egg Shell Seed Starters
- Flea Collar In Your Vacuum
- Uses for Shoe Organizers
- Brass Cleaners
- Saving Money Going To The Movies
- Coring Lettuce
- The Many Uses For Vinegar
- Inside The House Tool Kit
- Balloons For Shipping
- Keep a List Of What You Have
- Spray Pre-soak Stain Remover
New Requests:
- Problem With Varathane Floor Finish
- "Who Done It?" Party
- Middle School Dance Ideas
- Anniversary Party With a Luau Theme
- Painting Ceramic Tile
- Decorating a Stage With a Soccer Theme
- What to Use for Bunny Litter
- Stain Left From Wax On Tablecloth
- Truck Heater Problems
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Redecorating 16 Year Old Boys Bedroom
- Can Shrunk Material be Unshrunk?
- Bagless Vacuum Build-Up - Cleaning a Bagless Vacuum
- 11th Birthday With A Mariachi Singer
- Recipes for Leftover Pork Roast
- Acne On Face, Back and Chest
- Sesame Street Party for 1 Year Old
More Reading:
- Control Snakes in the Garden
- Great Happiness
- Saving Time by Asking Why
- Poem for Mommies - When Mommy's Your Name
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Dollar Store Photo Album For Recipes
I use inexpensive (dollar store) 4 x 6 photo albums to store all my favorite recipes. Works equally well for neatly typed recipes, or those recipes hastily copied from the TV screen.
By Barb
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Magic Ball (English Springer Spaniel)
This is Magic, whose middle name is Ball. He's our six-year-old black and white English springer spaniel, who came to live with us in 2000, when we found him at the local shelter. He's smart and agile. He taught himself to "juggle" his rubber ball, by lying on his back and holding it between his front paws. He lifts the ball up and balances it in midair, before tossing it away. He loves to make us laugh!
By zballoongirl
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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:
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Today's Tips
Funiture Tip - Choosing a Couch
When shopping for a new couch or chair, especially for us short, vertically challenged people, bring a good book. Make yourself comfortable and sit and read for 15 to 30 minutes. I have done this for the last 2 couches I have bought. No more uncomfortable furniture, regretfully bought and unreturnable!
Gardencraft
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Adopting from the Animal Shelter
I personally think that adpoting is the way to go. All of those animals in those cages need a home. I adopted a black then 3 month old cat in August of 2004. I am 15 and it was the best experience.
I paid $130.00 for her plus spaying. I love her so much. I named her Molly and I adopted her from the O.S.P.C.A in the city I live in. Adopting is something I would do again. Good luck to all of you who are thinking about it!
Meg from Ontario
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Removing Furniture Polish Stains from Carpet
I spilled "Old English Scratch Cover" over on my green carpet. It left an ugly brown stain! We tried a lot of things but nothing worked. Finally my husband tried his automotive hand cleaner, smearing it in good. We let it set a few minutes then using warm water and began to wipe it up and out. When we finished the stain was gone. You may have to do this a couple of times to get it all but, patience pays off.
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A Cure for Hiccups?
Hiccups can be stopped by putting a frozen mug or ice pack on either side of your neck (main artery). Sam Jones
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Brown Gravy Recipe
If you like beautiful brown gravy you will love this receipe. Use all purpose flour or self rising it does not matter. In a small sauce pan measure out the amount of flour you will need and turn the burner on low. (Keep a close eye on it not to burn!) Stir constantly until flour has a nice light to medium brown color. I like to sift it to ensure no lumps.
Pour the flour into a large measuring bowl, add very hot water and stir making sure there are no lumps. You will find that it smells like chocolate. Pour the mixture into your meat essence, and season to taste.
You will have really dark brown gravy that your whole family will love, and you did not get it from a can. Enjoy!
By Carla
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Finding Your Luggage at the Airport
When traveling put brightly colored ribbon on your luggage. The more colors the better. When your pieces come around you will be sure to get them on the first go around.
By Delores Alvey
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Organizing Shoes
Keeping Shoes Together
In order for my shoes not to become separated I use the large elastic bands that are wrapped around my newspapers and I wrap them around my shoes. So far, so good!
By Barbara
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Savings on Cola
I have a tip for people who like my husband just has to have coke in the morning and throughout the day, that's my husbands coffee.
He was going to the convience store and buying 20 oz cokes and they are at least $1.19 a bottle, he was buying at least 3 per day and that adds up to $3.57 not including tax, for a 30 day month thats a $107.10 just for coke.
So one day I was at Kroger and saw their 2 litre bottles of cola for only 55 cents, I got one and asked my husband to give it a try, he really liked it, so I went back and got 30 more of the 2 litre bottles of Kroger cola for only $16.50 and put them in the refrig. as needed.
He takes one every morning, reuses a 20 oz coke bottle and ends up getting 3 1/2 bottles out of it. This is a savings of $90.60 a really big savings per month for my household. This can be used to put in your savings account or maybe to help pay off a bill or save for a vacation or christmas. Its really helped us to save and hopefully will help someone else also. Most store brand are as good or better than the name brands, and at a great savings. - Becky
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Removing Broken Light Bulbs
Use a cut potato to grab and pull a broken light bulb out of its socket to avoid cutting oneself.
By blterri
Editor's Note: The first thing you should do is make sure the light is turned off or lamp is unplugged. One thing you can do that's even better than a potato is crumple up newspaper into a tight ball and use that to turn and unscrew the broken light bulb. The ball of newspaper won't contain as much water as a potato does.
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Add Extra Rice or Veggies to Canned Soups
To add zest and value to your canned soups, add instant rice or extra vegetables to them. Spice them with varieties of Mrs. Dash or your favorite condiments.
By Nancy Black
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Planned Leftovers with Mac and Cheese
Left-Over Mac and Cheese makes great planned-overs.
1. Add celery, onion, relish, mayo to make a great mac & cheese salad. (For additional pizzaz, add a can of tuna)
2. Add to veggie or tomato soup for added texture.
By ww65barb
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Using Leftover Lemons For Cleaning Copper Bottomed Pots
Here's a way to get more use out of that lemon you just squeezed into your iced tea: dip one half in salt, then use it to scrub your copper bottomed pots. The acidic juice cuts right through the tarnish and the salt provides scrub power. When you're done, rinse with warm water and dry.
By chell
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Think Before You Buy More Storage Bins
When you find yourself searching for and buying more storage bins and baskets, step back and question whether it's a good investment. Would you save money by cleaning out and donating unused items instead? Simplify to save money.
By cowleyh
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Almond Oil Moisturizer
100% Pure almond oil is a terrific moisturizer. I buy mine at a health food store. It costs $3.95 And is called heather loraine. Inexpensive and great for the skin.
By Barbara
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Using Turkey Roasting Bags In Your Crockpot
Add one cup water to the bottom of your crockpot. Then insert one Turkey bag (the ones you use for roasting oven bag), fold edges over the outside of crock pot - so that is has been lined with the turkey bag. Add ingredients and cook your favorite recipe as normal.
After you are through just throw away the bag -or- if there are left overs just tie it up and put the in the fridge for later use.
By chell
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Egg Shell Seed Starters
I read somewhere and looking forward to trying this with my Granddaugher. Start seeds in empty egg shells. Treat the carton like a lil green house. After plants have reached a size to plant put egg shell which you've crushed into the ground. I've not tried this, but it sounds like a really neat idea and a fun time with my granddaughter too.
Pam
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Flea Collar In Your Vacuum
Put a flea collar in your vacuum bag to catch fleas, etc. that you vacuum.
By catlady13711
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Uses for Shoe Organizers
Tips and ideas for using hanging shoe organizers, other than for organizing shoes. Post your ideas.
Bathroom Organization
I am always in search of inexpensive and easy ideas for organizing I happened upon hanging a shoe bag on the inside of the bathroom door for hair products, gel etc, toothcare stuff wash clothes and extra items it is great. I took it a step further and hung a small shoe bag on the inside of the shower door for soap, shampoo, cream rinse, bath oil, razors and shaving cream great way to clear out clutter and you can check for levels for replacement at a glance.
By LISA SMITH
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Brass Cleaners
Ideas for cleaning brass. Post your ideas.
Vinegar and Ketchup Brass Cleaner
Post by Thrifty_Fun (2063) Your Post! edit this post | delete 2005-03-14
To make your own brass cleaner, mix equal parts of vinegar and ketchup. Apply with a cloth and buff with another cloth till shining. A lot cheaper than buying a commercial brass cleaner.
Sewingmamma
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Saving Money Going To The Movies
Money saving tips for going to the movies. Post your ideas.
Don't purchase food at the theatre, eat before you go.
By joni514
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Coring Lettuce
To easily core your lettuce just hit the core firmly on the counter. It will come right out.
By Kitchen
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The Many Uses For Vinegar
Vinegar Soaks
Use vinegar soaks to clean dentures, rusted tools and faucets
By imaqt1962
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Inside The House Tool Kit
Use an old purse to hold the essentials for an inside the house tool kit.
By imaqt1962
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Balloons For Shipping
Pack air filled zip lock baggies around items you are shipping to help prevent items from breaking, balloons can be used too.
By imaqt1962
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Keep a List Of What You Have
Keep a list of all the foods in your fridge and freezer on a dry erase board and add/subtract foods as you eat/replenish them! It is great for being able to scan and see what you can make or what you need at a quick glance!
By pou099
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Spray Pre-soak Stain Remover
This does not leave a residue like some sprays you purchase in the supermarket on the laundry aisle.
In a spray bottle mix equal parts of hand dishwashing soap, water and ammonia. Shake and pretreat stains, rub fabric together and wash as usual.
By Lisa Smith
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New Requests:
Problem With Varathane Floor Finish
I had a floor redone down to the bare wood and the floor guy put oil base stain with a water based varathane (Varathane Diamond Polyurethane) on top. It's grainy and there are some rough spots like the grain has been raised. Is this a product mix problem? a prep problem? or both? I am concerned about mixing oil and water but he said it was fine and I believed him. Now I am unhappy and my floors are a mess. Any ideas?
burgundr
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"Who Done It?" Party
I'm interested in having a Who Done It Party. Can anyone tell me how to do one?
Thanks
James
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Middle School Dance Ideas
I am planning a dance for the Middle School at my school. We have decided to have mini games or contests before the dance. Does anybody have any dance ideas or games to play? Thank you; any help is welcome.
Schuyler
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Anniversary Party With a Luau Theme
I would like to plan a luau party for my anniversary. Something just for the two of us. Does anyone have any ideas for recipes, decorations and music? Thanks.
Linda
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Painting Ceramic Tile
Can I paint the ceramic tile in my bathroom instead of putting new tile on? Dule Grasso
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Decorating a Stage With a Soccer Theme
I need some ideas on decorating a front stage of a muti-purpose hall. The theme is soccer. Beside hanging up banners and balloons, what can can I do to make the front stage looks attractive?
Cherrie
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What to Use for Bunny Litter
Can I use scoop away cat litter as bunny litter? I have a netherland dwarf bunny. brattykitty
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Stain Left From Wax On Tablecloth
I got red wax on my white tablecloth last night. I was able to get all the wax off, but it left a nasty red stain. I haven't done anything yet because if it fails, I may lose the cloth. Any ideas?
Thank you.
Rosemary730
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Truck Heater Problems
Hi Everyone, I have 96 ford ranger pickup, reg cab 4 cyl, 2.2, engine with 122,000 miles runs great. but the heater keeps blowing out hot air? Thanks
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Homemade Enchilada Sauce
I'd love to make homemade enchiladas for a Fiesta themed party I'm planning, but most of the recipes I find use store bought enchilada sauce. They don't sell any at my local grocery store, so I was wondering if anyone had a tested homemade recipe I could use. Thanks! Trix
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Redecorating 16 Year Old Boys Bedroom
My son will be turning 16 in April and I would like to redecorate his bedroom, but am not very creative. He is very mild-mannered. Please help with ideas. Thanks. Janice
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Can Shrunk Material be Unshrunk?
I failed to read the washing instructions on a tweed skirt and put it in a coloured wash at 100 degrees. The instructions advised dry clean.
The material is a mixture of 60% wool, 32% acrylic and 8% polyamide, with 100% acetate lining. Despite the man-made content, it has shrunk and the skirt level is now about 2" above the hem of the lining.
I really love this skirt and can't get another. I've never heard of shrink material regaining its original length, but does anyone have any suggestions about how to get it back to nearer its original length?
Clovis
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Bagless Vacuum Build-Up - Cleaning a Bagless Vacuum
Is there any way to clean the middle inside part of a bagless vacuum? You know the center of the canister where the holes are? There's a build-up of fine dust and I just can't get it spick n' span. I've tried vacuuming over baking soda, and putting a half dryer sheet in the canister, but neither idea worked.
Tressa
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11th Birthday With A Mariachi Singer
I need help with my daughter's 11th birthday party. I have no ideas for a theme. But my husband has hired a mariachi singer to sing at it.
Tamara
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Recipes for Leftover Pork Roast
I need some really good recipes for leftover pork roast. Thanks,
Amy
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Acne On Face, Back and Chest
I have a problem with acne on my face, back, and chest. It is ruining my life because I can't change in front of my friends in track, I can't wear certain bathing suits, and more. Acne is running my life and I want to take it back. There are so many products out there and they either have side effects or cost too much. I need help fast before summer comes and it won't be a happy one with acne. What kinds of homemade things can I make? What can I do?
If anyone else has battled acne and can offer some advice, I would appreciate it.
-Jane doe
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Sesame Street Party for 1 Year Old
I was having a party for my son who is turning one. Does anyone have any cheap ideas for decorations or party bags?
Thank you!
Carla
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More Reading:
Control Snakes in the Garden
By Marilyn Pokorney
To have a snake or two in the garden is good. Non-poisonous snakes, such as the common garter snakes, are beneficial creatures because they eat pest insects, mosquito larvae, slugs, snails, crickets, rats, mice, voles and even other snakes which may be poisonous.
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Great Happiness
By Steve Goodier
The telephone rang and I reached to answer it.
"Hi, Steve," said the voice on the other end. "I just wanted to see how you're getting along."
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Saving Time by Asking Why
By Maria Gracia
This is an old fable I heard a long time ago that continues to have enormous impact on the things I do today. I thought you'd enjoy it.
View Article: Click Here
Poem for Mommies - When Mommy's Your Name
By Jacey Reynolds
The telephone's ringing, the TV is blaring.
Sister is crying' cause Brother's not sharing.
There's a spill on the carpet that no one will claim.
There's no time for sitting when Mommy's your name.
View Article: Click Here
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