Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 137, September 28, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
You may have noticed that we are publishing more and more tips in this newsletter, that is because we are getting between 15 and 30 tips a day! Which is fantastic! We are going to try to get caught up on tips so that we only have a bocklog of a day or two. That way people won't have to wait as long to see their tips posted.
Thank you for submitting so many great tips,
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:
- Divide Chores Into Smaller Steps
- Washing Machine Tip
- Cocktail Sauce Meatloaf
- Less Fragrance in Lotion
- Make a Paper Clip Holder
- Dripping Wax Decorations
- Removing Lipstick and Other Oil Stains From Clothing
- Drying Clothes Inside
- Seasoned Fries Tip
- Government Benefits (U.S.)
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Early Bird Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
- Cheap Homemade Toy Blocks for Christmas
- Color Matching Game
- Baby Shower Gifts, Something for Mom Too
- Feedback: Underarm Sweat Stains...
- Feedback: Tire Planters?
- Feedback: Home Remedies for House Flies
- Feedback: Underarm Sweat Stains...
- Feedback: Staying Caught Up On Ironing
- Today's Recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos
New Requests:
- Artificial Plant Cleaner
- Brainstorm! Creative Uses for Buttons
- Making a Compost Bin With a Plastic Garbage Can
- Removing Yellow Spots (Lime?) From Floor
- Removing Lip Stick From Car Upholstery?
- Melted Red Pen in the Dryer
More Reading:
- Easy Crafts: Wrap Your Gift Inside a Plastic Bottle!
- Growing an Indoor Herb Garden
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Today's Tips
Divide Chores Into Smaller Steps
Do your kids refuse to pick up their rooms as quickly as you would like them to? I am sometimes overwhelmed by picking up after my children so I KNOW they are! I make sure I break the chore into bite sized pieces first. For example, they must pick up their books first. When this is done, they are instructed to move onto the next thing such as dirty clothes, clean clothes, toys, video games, etc. They are very eager to come and tell me when each step has been accomplished. I save a fun and special activity for these times as a reward. This has made my life SO much easier!
By Jacqui
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Washing Machine Tip
Hello All!
My Mother taught me this & I've "only" come across this tip, once in 5 yrs! It really amazes me how excited people get when I pass it along!
Set dials on your washing machine.
Turn "on" so water starts.
Add detergent and swish, to get bubbles mixed
Then ddd clothes to the washer!
It gives clothes a "little" prewash plus you know the soaps all mixed!
I Love "ThriftyFun!" Thanks
By Trish in Az!
View Article: Click Here
Cocktail Sauce Meatloaf
Hello All!
This is for the "meatloaf" request. I've "won" a contest with it!
Switch the Ketchup, or whatever you use, with Cocktail Sauce!
Wow! A lot or a little! Does it ever add "mystery" to a dull meatloaf.
Brown 1 lb Burger in fry pan,
Then add cut up onions, to taste, celery, or whatever you choose to add.
Add 1 egg per lb. of burger,
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, any spices available for meat.
Big handful of bread crumbs
Form into a loaf and place in a pan.
Mix a little ketchup and lot of cocktail sauce
or
A lot of "sauce" and no ketchup. Your tastebuds are in control now!
Pour and spread sauce on top last.
Bake 350 for 1 1/4 hour, maybe longer.
But, add some "sauce" on top of meat now, if you forgot it at beginning.
All WearYourSeatBelts, Please.
By Trish in Az!
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Less Fragrance in Lotion
I like the more expensive fragrance body lotions. They usually have a pretty strong scent so I use half of the lotion and half of an unscented low priced brand. The scent still lasts all day.
By Patti
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Make a Paper Clip Holder
To reuse the detergent lids of liquid detergent bottles. Attach a strip of magnet (can be found at a craft or fabric shop) around the inside top edge of container. Works great holding paper clips.
By Tammy C
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Dripping Wax Decorations
It is fun and easy to take bottles, such as jelly jars, or tall bottles like coke bottles, and cover them with candle drippings of different colors. I sit them around the house, but you can actually use them for pen holders, or candle holders. Just drip a long candle onto the bottle or jar and let dry. These are fun to make (not for kids without adult supervision).
By Racer
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Removing Lipstick and Other Oil Stains From Clothing
To remove lipstick, oil or oil based products - squirt a little Ronson's lighter fluid. That will break down the oil. Then a little soap to break down the lighter fluid. Works on everthing but silk.
By Marianne
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Drying Clothes Inside
I can't hang my laundry outside on a line, and I'm pretty limited on space indoors as well. However, I really wanted to avoid the cost of running my dryer. I solved my problem by hanging a second shower curtain rod in my shower. Clothes are hung up on hangers while wet, then simply transfered to the closet once dry. Smaller items and non-clothing laundry can be draped over hangers as well.
By Leann Daniels
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Seasoned Fries Tip
When making french fries in the oven, whether they be a name brand variety or wedges cut from your own potatoes. Sprinkle the fries with different seasonings to give your family different varieties of flavors. Make some lemon pepper flavored, sprinkle some with garlic powder, maybe some with Cajun seasoning. I got this idea when my husband decided he didn't like the way I flavored the whole pan. I usually make potato wedge with each 1/2 of a potato in wedges all in 1 row. Each row I season differently. Try it!
By Terri H.
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Government Benefits (U.S.)
Go to www.benefits.gov, simply answer some questions and you are then presented with a list of programs you qualify for and resources available to you. And there is no charge for this service.
By Suzie
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Ingredient Substitutions
Did you ever find yourself in the middle of making a recipe and discover that you're out of one of the ingredients? It happens to all of us at one time or another. The good news is that there are substitutions you can make--if you just know what they are!
Here is a list of substitutions you can use in cooking:
- 1 cup honey = 1 1/4 cups sugar + 1/4 cup liquid
- 1 cup whole milk = 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp.lemon juice = 1/2 tsp. vinegar
- 1 cup butter = 1 cup margarine or 7/8 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup yogurt = 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp. flour (for thickening) = 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch or 2 tsps. quick-cooking tapioca
- 1 cup buttermilk = 1 or 2 Tbsps. lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup
- 1 Tbsp. fresh herbs = 1 tsp. dried herbs
- 1 square unsweetened chocolate = 3 Tbsp. cocoa plus 1 Tbsp. shortening
- 1 tsp. baking powder = 1/3 tsp. baking soda plus 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup brown sugar = 1 cup white sugar plus 2 Tbsp. molasses
- 1 egg = 1 heaping Tbsp. soy flour plus 1 Tbsp. water
- 1 cup self-rising flour = 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion = 1/4 cup raw minced onion
By Dana
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Early Bird Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids
With school supplies on clearance now it is a good time to stock up on crayons markers and colored pencils to make art kits for the children on your list. You also can pick up rulers and glue really cheap along with the school scissors. Paper is also on sale. Put them all into a nice container and the kids will have something to keep them busy when the snow comes.
I also check out the children's books at the local thrift stores. Some can be had really cheap and look brand new. If one of these has been personalized add a book plate sticker or large sticker and re-personalize for your child. Add a small pillow and a maybe one of those fleece blankets for curling up in and you have a great gift for a teenage reader.
I also collect large Margarine tubs for use as snow molds. Painted with the new Fusion Spray Paint and they won't even look like they are old Margarine tubs. When given as a gift I put in a couple of hot chocolate packages and a pair of those one size fits all gloves that can be found for about a dollar. I also add a baggie of mini marshmallows. If you wanted to get fancy you could also add a cap and a cup bought at your local dollar store. Add a small note that the bucket is a snow mold. Kids just love this.
By Debra in Colorado
View Article: Click Here
Cheap Homemade Toy Blocks for Christmas
I make blocks for my three grandsons by going to the cutoff bin in my local Home Depot store. They have lots of short pieces of wood that can be cut into blocks. I sand them while watching TV. I round the edges, apply stain and then polyurethane them. I then get one of those handy paint buckets to store them in. My grandsons love to build with these and can even take them outside to their sand box if they want. They are pretty durable.
By Debra in Colorado
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Color Matching Game
While at my Home Depot store I saw that they sold the Disney brand of paint (very loud colors.) I got the idea to take their paint chips which are in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head and make a color matching game for my youngest grandson. 2 of each basic color and I had enough for the game. I then adhered the cards on to a full sheet of sticker stock and cut them out. The sticker sheet I found at my local dollar store and it was made by Crayola for an inkjet Printer. Don't worry about the store getting mad, at the end of the year the paint companies come out with new colors and all the old color chips get tossed anyway.
By Debra in Colorado
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Baby Shower Gifts, Something for Mom Too
I usually make up a basket for the baby with the usual baby bath lotion and such but here is where it really gets good, I also always make up a basket for the new mom. I include bubble bath and a scrubber, new soap a pretty scrunchie for her hair and some good lotion and perfume. This is always a big hit as the new mother is excited about being able to pamper herself after the big day.
By Debra in Colorado
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Feedback: RE: How to Remove Underarm Sweat Stains from Light Clothing?
Oxy Clean has been a miraculous cleaner for me. It removes about 99% of the stains that my family creates on its clothes (incl. baby stains). I put 6 of their pre-measured cups in the laundry and let it run for a while. Then I stop the washer and let the load soak overnight. The next day I run the laundry as usual and add detergent. Almost all the stains are removed this way. Give it a try!
By JOJ
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Feedback: RE: Tire Planters?
You can find the directions on how to make the tire planters here:
http://mercer.extension.psu.edu/Agriculture/TirePlanter.htm
By Sue from MN
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Feedback: RE: Home Remedies for House Flies
Try lavender. Bunches hanging near open doors and windows, bowls of it scattered around, or oils in a burner.
By veronica
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Feedback: RE: How to Remove Underarm Sweat Stains from Light Clothing?
Pour plain white vinegar over the stained areas and let it set for 30 minutes to an hour before washing. Much better on the material than bleach, which can be used occasionally if needed. I've used vinegar on my white uniforms with no problem.
By DL1052MCD
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Feedback: RE: Staying Caught Up On Ironing
I save time by [a] leaving the ironing board up and ready to go all the time, in a spare bedroom, and [b] ironing shirts straight from the washer - so much easier instead of steaming creases out when the clothes are bone dry. I never iron bed linen - take them straight out of the tumble dryer and either fold or put back on the beds. I will iron pillow cases for the guest room but that's all!
I also try to coordinate my ironing sessions with something interesting on the radio (preferably) or TV, or if all else fails put on some favourite, upbeat music.
By econ o'miser
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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 Breakfast Burritos
Here is a great recipe to make in bulk and keep in your freezer. This recipe makes 24 breakfast burritos that you can freeze and use as a quick and easy breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 12 to 16 eggs, beaten
- 1 lb ground sausage, cooked (or crumbled links)
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 24 large flour tortillas
Extras:
These ingredients are optional.
- 1 green pepper, finely diced
- 6 potatoes, shredded and fried
- jalapeno, sliced or diced
- 1 can chopped green chilies
- 1-2 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 tomato, peeled and chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced with tops
Directions:
1. Scramble eggs in large skillet until cooked. Stir in cooked sausage. Add any of the extras you choose. Save the salsa and shredded cheese.
2. Wrap the Tortillas in a damp paper towel and warm in the microwave until they are warm (about 1 minute).
3. Place 1/2 cup of scrambled egg mixture into a tortilla. Then add a little of the shredded cheese and a spoonful of the salsa. Then roll burrito-style.
To Freeze:
Wrap each burrito in foil and freeze in single layer on a cookie sheet. When fully frozen transfer wrapped burritos to large zip-top freezer bags and freeze.
To Serve:
Remove foil and wrap in a paper towel. Cook for about 2 minutes in the microwave. Cook times may vary depending on how much power your microwave has.
By Harlean from Arkansas
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Tip 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:
Artificial Plant Cleaner
I am looking for a homemade recipe for cleaning artificial plants. I know one of the ingredients is liquid fabric softener. Does anyone know about this recipe?
Jeri from Indiana
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Creative Uses for Buttons
Doesn't everyone have a tin or drawer full of mismatched buttons? I sure do. What are some creative & crafty uses for them?
Jayne
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Making a Compost Bin With a Plastic Garbage Can
I want to make a small manageable compost bin. I was wondering if I could just use a large plastic garbage can? If so do I need to put some holes in it so that air can get to the compost materials? Also what is the alternating materials I need to put in the compost pile?
Thanks in advance!
Jonnie from Ky
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Removing Yellow Spots (Lime?) From Floor
Hi, we recently moved into a new apartment in Denmark, and the bathroom floor is really yellow. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but it looks a bit like pebbles set in clear resin or something, but it's extremely hard wearing. I get the feeling that the colour might be due to limescale (as we have very hard water here, and the limescale on the tiles was yellowy), but I'm not sure. I've tried bleach and limelite gel (separately) but neither seems to have helped. Any ideas?
Thanks, from Ida.
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Removing Lip Stick From Car Upholstery?
How do I remove lipstick from the tan cloth seat of my car?
- Karen
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Melted Red Pen in the Dryer
I had a pen that melted in the dryer and now I have red melted pen in dryer help - how do I get the melted pen out?
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
MyCoupons
Links to Coupons and Deals at MyCoupons
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More Reading
Easy Crafts: Wrap Your Gift Inside a Plastic Bottle!
By Leslie Sausage
Perfect gift-wrapping for children's gifts! This is a great way to recycle some clear plastic soda or water bottles instead of a using gift bag. For a fun idea, mail the bottle with a gift or party invitations inside.
View Article: Click Here
Growing an Indoor Herb Garden
By Kate Gilby
If you live in the northern hemisphere, then it is likely that your garden is tucked up for the winter. However, this doesn't mean you can't enjoy freshly picked herbs. Many varieties will grow quite happily indoors on a sunny window ledge or porch. In addition to providing a source of fresh herbs, an indoor garden can look extremely attractive, and they are a wonderful introduction to gardening for children.
View Article: Click Here
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Thanks
Susan
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