|
|
|
Hello,
Do you have any food fixes? Solutions for when a dish is too spicy or too bland? Tomorrow's ThriftyFun News will be about Food Fixes, feel free to send yours in.
Tomorrow In the Daily we will publish New Year's resolutions for ThriftyFun and will also start a new contest. Our current contest ends at midnight tonight.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year. May all of your troubles be little ones and may their solutions be within sight. Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2005 to your and your loved ones.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Enter The Tip Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
$20 FREE off your first order at Gardens Alive!
Click here for more information.
Today's Tips
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, salt and baking powder until smooth. Stir in diced chile peppers, sour cream and cheese. Add hot sauce to taste and cilantro.
Melt butter in an 8" square baking dish. Pour mixture into dish and spread with a spatula.
Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then turn heat down to 350°F and bake an additional 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly, then cut into squares to serve.
To freeze, wrap - uncut - in foil, then place in airtight freezer bag. Reheat, unthawed, in foil wrapping in a moderate oven until heated through, about 25 minutes.
Yield: About 24 squares.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Tips for organizing shopping receipts. Post your ideas.
Keeping Receipts
I keep all my receipts in a old check file. I have put new labels on the dividers for each store. This way if an item goes on sale or needs to be returned I know where the receipt is.
By annw139
Post Feedback: Click Here
4 servings
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large saucepan cook broccoli and pasta in a large amount of boiling water for 6-8 minutes or just until tender, stirring once or twice. Drain. Add oil to pasta mixture and toss. Add cheese, sesame seeds, garlic, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Buffing Leather Seats on Dining Chairs
To buff the leather seats of dining room chairs. After cleaning the leather with saddle soap I use a hand mixer to buff them. I wrap a soft cloth around one of the beaters. Low speed. The leather looks great.
By Alexis
Post Feedback: Click Here
Panty Liner for Removing Nail Polish
When I remove red nail polish using a cotton ball, my hands become covered with the red polish I am removing. I found that if I take a panty liner, cut it in thirds, remove the paper protecting the adhesive, I can pour nail polish remover on the pad and it does not seep through to my fingers!
By Susan Bateman
Post Feedback: Click Here
Next time you make brownies take a dry tablespoon of instant coffee and add 1 tablespoon of water and add it to your batter. This small amount of additional liquid will not alter the consistency of the brownies but it will give you a nice cappuccino flavor. Enjoy.
By joesgirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
For a change, try adding turmeric to scrambled eggs. I never buy my spices or herbs from the supermarket as the price you pay goes mainly to the packing. Try to find a nature store that you can buy as little or as much as you like. The product will be fresher and also very inexpensive compared to the supermarket price.
By joesgirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Remembering Birthday Cards and Anniversaries
At the beginning of every year I go through my prior calendar and make a notation of important birthdays and anniversaries. I write a column for birthdays and another for anniversaries. In the column I write the persons name. Then I go to a store that sells cards for 2 for $1. I purchase all of my cards at once and I don't have to worry about that for the rest of the year. After a while it becomes a habit just like transferring pertinent information about the birthdays and anniversaries to your new calendar.
By joesgirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Stringing Popcorn for the Tree
Popcorn for stringing will crumble less easily as you string it if you pop it the day before you use it and let it sit out and get a wee bit soggy.
By Linda
Editor's Note: This one got past us for a Christmas tip but it will be in the archive for next year.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Sunscreen isn't just for summer. Sunlight reflecting off snow can give you a bad burn. Wear sunscreen and sun glasses when out in the snow.
By Linda
Post Feedback: Click Here
De-icing Salts and Antifreeze Are Dangerous To Pets
Salted sidewalks will injure your pets paws. If he goes outdoors on salted surfaces, get some booties and teach him to wear them, or be sure to wash his paws when he comes in.
By Linda
Editor's Note: Here's what the Humane Society has to say: "De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can be poisonous if licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon as the animal comes in from the snow. Other options include doggie boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido's feet, and making cats indoor pets."
Also a good time to note that Antifreeze is deadly for pets...
"Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities; one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The HSUS recommends pet owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested in small amounts."
View Article: Click Here
With the cold weather approaching we can also look forward to chapped hands. About once a week before you go to bed slather your hands with good old fashioned vaseline and put on cotton gloves. I'm talking about the thin ones that you can purchase like a half dozen for a buck. In the morning wash your hands with warm water and soap and your hands will feel like new.
By joesgirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Don't Let Cats Eat Tinsel Or Ribbon
Cats will eat the darndest things, including Christmas tinsel and ribbon. This could necessitate surgical removal, so be kind and careful with your cat.
By Linda
Post Feedback: Click Here
Slicing Onions, Bagels and Other Round Foods
To prevent an onion, bagel, or anything round from rolling while you slice it, cut a small slice from an edge and use that as a base. Then it it will not roll as easily and is much safer.
By Janet Fox
Post Feedback: Click Here
Keep Your Microwave Clean For Accurate Timed Cooking
Keeping a microwave oven clean will ensure accurate timed heating. Also, a small glass of water set in corner of microwave will help food from becoming too dry.
By twstr2u
Editor's Note: Be sure to remove the glass of water when you are done cooking.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Tips for saving money on meat. Post your ideas below!
Save money on meat. Shop early in the morning at Sam's (Walmart) for good meat at discounted prices if its a day or two old. The meat is still good!
By Pat White
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Trim excess fat from meat. Sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper. Brown in oil in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add water and bay leaf; simmer, covered, 2 hours or until meat is almost tender. Skim off fat. Place onions and carrots around meat. Add Hunt's Sauce, garlic and onion salt. Cover; simmer 50 to 60 minutes longer until meat and vegetables are tender. Add parsley. Just before serving, remove from heat and gradually stir in sour cream, if desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Don't throw away that last bit of bar soap. Save them up. Take and old panty hose leg, put the pieces of soap in it, tie it up and hang it in the shower for shower soap! Or, using a food grater, shave the soap pieces into a recycled jar and use it with some baby oil for bath bubbles. Or, when the are still wet, simply press them together to make a new bar.
By Denise
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Whip sweet potatoes, 3/4 cup sour cream, milk, egg, sugar and cinnamon. Add salt. Put mixture into 1 1/2 quart casserole. Microwave on medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through. Spread remaining 1/4 cup sour cream over the top. Microwave 1 more minute and serve hot.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a large skillet, melt butter. Cook onions and peppers 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add cleaned livers to skillet and cook. Stir to coat on all sides. Stir in sauce and juice. Reduce heat to low. Cover pan and simmer 10 minutes more. Serve hot.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat 1 tablespoon oil. Combine flour and seasonings. Dredge cutlets through flour. Saute 1 1/2 minutes per side.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Wash and dry a head of cabbage. Boil 3-5 minutes. Drain. While cabbage is cooking, make your cream sauce using:
Cream Sauce Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat cream and butter together. Dissolve cornstarch in 1/2 cup cream and slowly pour into heated cream. Stir constantly until sauce reaches desired thickness. Then pour over cabbage. Reheat and serve. Any favorite vegetable can be creamed in this manner.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Brown meat in heated shortening. Season meat. Add water and garlic. Cover tightly and cook slowly for 2 hours. Prepare vegetables. About 45 minutes before meat is tender, add potatoes, onions, carrots and celery. Cook until meat and vegetables are tender. Remove stew to a heated serving dish. Thicken cooking liquid with flour, mixed to paste with water, using 2 tablespoons flour to each 1 1/2 cups liquid. Season to taste with salt. Combine stew mix and thickened sauce. Reheat and serve piping hot. This will serve 6.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Chop cooked bacon. Set aside. Cook onions in bacon drippings over med. high heat until transparent. Add flour stirring to prevent lumps. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until mixture begins to turn golden. Add broth gradually, stirring constantly with whisk until thickened. Reduce heat to simmer and add potatoes, cream, bacon, parsley, garlic, basil, tabasco and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Do not boil. Add cheese and green onion.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
This is a very easy sugar scrub. Just mix olive oil and sugar in a small rubbermaid bowl with lid. Keep it by your kitchen sink and use it after doing the dishes. Gently rub it into your hands and cuticle, rinse with warm water. Works on dry feet too. A lot cheaper than buying some fancy scrub with a lot of additives and perfumes.
By Anne Pagliai
View Article: Click Here
Stocking Up on Baking Supplies
This is the time of year to stock up on cooking and baking supplies. Most grocery stores run loss leader specials in December. Supplies can be stored in a pantry, extra refrigerator or freezer. I usually buy a six month supply of butter and two months of eggs because the prices are so low.
By Lynn
Post Feedback: Click Here
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 December 31st.
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:
How to Find the Store When Returning Presents
I am sure other readers have incountered this problem. What do you do with all the Christmas presents that you do not want or need.. Also how do you find the store where they bought the item. My father gave me a full set of National Geographic for the computer. This is not something I will ever use. I know it was expensive, and I would like to return it, but do not know where to start. Any idea or information would be greatly appreciated.
- Karen in Florida
Post Feedback: Click Here
Making Keepsakes for Bridesmaids
I have two slightly-stained white-satin wedding dresses that I purchased at yard sales. Both dresses are full-skirted and have attached net slips and train. I also have the veil for one dress.
My daughter is getting married in June and I would like to make keepsakes for her bridesmaids from some of this material, perhaps incorporating some of the beading, pearls, and lace trim.
I need ideas and patterns. Thank you. - Belinda
Post Feedback: Click Here
My daughter will be turning two on Feb. 28. I want to throw a party for her but not in our home. I also want it to be fun for kids AND adults. So far I've only found ideas for outdoor parties, but it's way too cold for an outdoor party in Febuary. I thought about Chuck E. Cheese's, but for 30 adults and 12 kids, we're talking well over $600 (including pizza, cake, and beverages for all). I'd like to spend about half of this amount. Any ideas or advice would be much appreciated! Julie from Illinois
Post Feedback: Click Here
Turning An Electric Pottery Wheel Into a Kick Wheel
I recently acquired a Creative Industries Model JR pottery wheel that has had all of its electrical components removed. Does anyone know how I could convert this to a kick wheel? I have an idea in progress that works along the lines of the old manual sewing machines. I am stuck on the pulley positioning, any advice would be appreciated.
Renee'
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have a whole year worth of disposable cameras that need to be developed. I'm sure a great deal of pictures have been taken by a three years old, floor shots. Any ideas on the cheapest route for processing?
Thanks you all so much!
Suzanne
Post Feedback: Click Here
Removing a Dry Wipe Marker Stain from a Wool Scarf
I have recently got a wool scarf as a gift. It is a gold and beige scarf with glittery bits in it. I left it overnight at a friends house and my friend accidently put a big black line down the middle of it. The problem is that it is a big black line off dry wipe marker. I need to know is there anything that will get this stain out without damaging the colour of my scarf? PLEASE HELP ME! - Kelly B
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
MyBudgetPlanner Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.
http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm
More Reading:
Counted Cross Stitch: Mounting and Framing
By Rachel Paxton
Counted cross stitch can be a very fun and rewardable pastime. It's one of the few crafts I enjoy and that I feel confident about the finished results.
View Article: Click Here
Counted Cross Stitch: Mounting and Framing
By Rachel Paxton
Counted cross stitch can be a very fun and rewardable pastime. It's one of the few crafts I enjoy and that I feel confident about the finished results.
View Article: Click Here
Setting Financial Goals, The First Step In Turning Your Dreams Into Reality
By Teresa Kaufman
Setting financial goals is the single most important thing you can do to take control of your finances. Your life can't go according to plan if you don't have a plan. You will continue to spend every penny you earn if you don't plan for where you want that money to go.
View Article: Click Here
Setting Financial Goals, The First Step In Turning Your Dreams Into Reality Part II
By Teresa Kaufman
I decided to resurrect this article (with some changes due to events that have happened this year) from my website because of the time of year it is. With New Year's Day being less than a week away, this is the time of year where many of us reflect on the past year, re-examine our dreams, desires and goals and make resolutions for the upcoming year.
View Article: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
More Stuff
Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.
Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.
Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
