Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 136, September 27, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
I hope all our readers in the Southeast are surviving yet another hurricane. You guys deserve a break. :-(
Over the weekend we had 24 requests, which I believe is a record (Seems like we say that every Monday). Be sure to glance at them and see if you have any help to offer.
We published the TF News over the weekend. This week's issue was about Baking Goodies with Cake Mixes. You can find a link to that newsletter in the More Reading section. Feel free to submit your recipe ideas.
We have a new section in this newsletter called Syndication Spotlight. It's right before the More Reading section and it features publications that have recently featured tips by us.
Thanks for reading,
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:
- Save Money Using Powdered Milk
- Dry and Cracking Foot Remedy
- Cleaning Raw Egg Off Carpet
- Get To Know Your Batteries
- Make Syrup From Leftover Jelly
- Make A Lamp Out Of a Wok Lid
- Opening Jars
- Staying Caught Up On Ironing
- Easy Peanut Butter Cookies!
- Soap Scum Build Up
- Strawberry Pudding
- Metal Binder Clips for Closing Bags
- Cooking Crispy Chicken Nuggets and Fries Quickly
- Carmel Dip
- Laziest Lasagna
- Feedback: Decorating a Guest Bedroom
- Feedback: Great Big Ideas for Little Jars
- Feedback: Uses for Metal Ends from Frozen Juice Concentrate Cans
- Feedback: Make Your Own Quilt Batting
- Feedback: Removing Stickers from Windows and Mirrors
- Feedback: Drying Red Cayenne Pepper
- Feedback: Removing Odors from Dishwasher
- Feedback: Problems with Neighbors Cats
- Feedback: Craft Ideas Using Wooden Spoons
- Feedback: Curtains from Tablecloths
- Today's Recipe: Tuna Crescent Rolls
New Requests:
- Office Party Prize Ideas
- Ship to Shore Wallpaper Border
- Uses for Mini Reese's Pieces Containers
- Diabetic Recipes for Muffins and Brownies
- Ink on Vinyl Lee Middleton Doll
- Gas Out Of Beans: Beano Alternative
- Keeping Dogs Out Of Flower Beds
- Looking for Ways to Use Cascade
- Centerpiece Ideas for Girl Scout Luncheon
- Horrible Smell in Freezer After Hurricane Ivan
- Featherbed Urine Smell Removal
- Looking for Crockpot Cake Recipe
- Mysterious Bleach Stains on Clothing!
- Dish Stuck Inside Pot
- Clothes Pin Rocking Chair Instructions
- Making your own gift certificates
- Ideas for a Girl's 16th Birthday
- Flea Remedies in England
- How to Remove Underarm Sweat Stains from Light Clothing?
- Crocheted Cat Hat Pattern
- Water Stains on Antique White Delicates
- Home Remedies for House Flies
- Sunbonnet Sue Renuzit Air Freshener Cover Pattern
- Growing Vegetables in the Mountains
More Reading:
- TF News - Baking Goodies With Cake Mixes
- Credit: Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
- Saving Money in the Kitchen
- Dealing with Mice
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Links to Coupons and Deals at MyCoupons
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Today's Tips
Save Money Using Powdered Milk
When making oatmeal, why not substitute the milk with powdered milk. My children have never found out my secret. They think our "porridge" as us Aussies call it is fantastic and they are none the wiser.
My MIL who passed away last year had a recipe which she refused to pass down (don't ask me why, I have no idea). She used to put so much oatmeal, water and a couple of tablespoons of powdered milk and cooked it on the stove top in a non-stick saucepan. It tasted great. I'm trying to recreate the recipe.
I don't know about you, but if it tastes the same and is cheaper to make using powdered milk, I know what I'd be using. In Australia the store brand (generic) skim powdered milk is only $4.75 Australian. This will make up 10 litres of milk. That's under 50c a litre (just over 2 pints). Here in Australia milk has risen in price and is about $2.70 for 2 litres. I can make up 2 litres for under $1.
I use it in tea, coffee, cereal and my girls don't seem to mind. Once they realized it tasted okay they were fine with it.
Hope this may help someone who may be hesitant to try using it instead of fresh milk. You could at least have it on hand for when you run out of fresh.
Cheers
By Beverley in Western Australia
View Article: Click Here
Dry and Cracking Foot Remedy
For dry cracking feet that even doctors have a problem with. I have found that Blue Stuff with Emu Oil heals your feet even if they are bleeding from being cracked. You can get it at Wal-Mart or on TV. I am a diabetic and it's the only thing that helped me.
By Helen DeVance
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Cleaning Raw Egg Off Carpet
Dropped an egg on the carpet? Or anywhere for that matter. Not a problem. Don't try to clean it up until you pour salt over the egg (and I mean lots of salt), cover it well, give the egg time to absorb the salt. It will become quite firm and you will be amazed how easy it is to pick up.
By Barbie
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Get To Know Your Batteries
When using a cell or cordless phone, learn about the type of battery you have. Some are designed to last longer if continually charged and some will last longer if left to go dead in between charges. Save on the pocket book, and the irritation of battery failure, get to know your batteries.
By Barbie
Editor's Note: Check your owner's manual for the best way to charge your particular battery.
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Make Syrup From Leftover Jelly
When you get to the bottom but the sides and bottom of the container still have the jelly, jam or preserves clinging to it, try adding a tiny bit of water to it. Place the cover on it give it a few fast shakes. You now have a nice syrup to pour over either fruit or ice cream or pudding. Happy eating.
By joesgirl
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Make A Lamp Out Of a Wok Lid
Got an old Wok that doesn't work anymore? Don't throw away the lid, make a hanging lamp shade out of it. Remove the knob and string a standard lamp kit into it. You can decorate it to match any decor!
By Katz
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Opening Jars
To help open those hard to open jars, I give a smack on the bottom of the jar and it releases the pressure inside. If that does not work, I smack the edges of the lid with a spoon. I do this after I have watched my husband turn red with effort. Giggle factor. My husband has "Popeye" arms and it makes him feel he is helping out in the kitchen.
By SusanHaving a hard time opening tightly closed jars? Well my husband is gone so that option is gone. I don't have some plastic gadget that will do it for me, and I don't have one of those things you lay on top of it that helps you twist. So what do I do? I take a butter knife and use the handle and bang it against the edge of the seal on the lid. I turn it all the way around making about eight dings in it. Now I use my hand again to turn and VIOLA! it comes lose. This works especially well with jellies and jams. No need to call the husband ladies, don't tell him what you did. Tell him you've been working out. Let him stew on that for a while ;)
By Suzanne S.
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Staying Caught Up On Ironing
As I really dislike ironing, I never do a wash load until the previous wash load has been ironed. That way it's always under control. Hope this helps someone.
By reb 1234
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Easy Peanut Butter Cookies!
Ingredients:
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp. water
Directions:
Just mix together and teaspoon onto cookies sheet.
Pre-heat oven to 350 F and bake until golden (about 12 minutes)
Remove from oven and allow 2-3 minutes for cookies to set
Makes about 36 cookies!
By Samantha
View Article: Click Here
Soap Scum Build Up
To remove heavy soap scum buildup on clear shower doors without the heavy cleaning fumes use Avon's original Skin-so-soft bath oil. Be sure to rinse well as the shower floor gets slippery.
By Debi
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Strawberry Pudding
I think that anybody will love this recipe, our family loves it so much. It is strawberry pudding, you make it like banana pudding but you make it with strawberries.
Ingredients:
1 box of vanilla wafers
2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding
Strawberries (amount you use depends on how you cut them up)
Directions:
Layer the bottom of the bowl with vanilla wafers, then a layer of vanilla pudding, then a layer of strawberries. I use frozen strawberries that I have frozen during the summer. I always pour some of the juice over the strawberries as well. Then just keep layering until your bowl is full or you run out of ingredients. End with a layer of vanilla pudding with some crumbled wafers on top to make it extra yummy!
By Erricka
View Article: Click Here
Metal Binder Clips for Closing Bags
A great way to re-close packages of frozen foods such as French Fries and large packages of veggies is with the Metal Binder Clips that are available in the office supply stores. I usually just cut a corner off the package, then fold it over a couple times and fasten it with the binder clip. I use the large size.
By Harlean
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Cooking Crispy Chicken Nuggets and Fries Quickly
My son loves frozen chicken nuggets and french fries. I place them in the microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes to take the chill off and finish crisping them up in the toaster oven. Otherwise it just takes too long in the toaster oven.
By Jenny B
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Carmel Dip
Ingredients:
1 8oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 powder sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Mix together well, chill and serve with apple slices and other fruit.
By dsbaby14
View Article: Click Here
Laziest Lasagna
Quick and easy Lasagna recipe.
Ingredients:
1 jar/can spaghetti sauce
1 small tub cottage cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
small package egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef (optional)
Directions:
Brown ground beef and add the spaghetti sauce, stir in cottage cheese and half of the mozzarella. Fill cottage cheese tub with water and add it to the mixture. Fold in noodles, pour into casseroles. Bake uncovered at 375F for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Yield 2 servings.
By Jacqui
View Article: Click Here
Feedback: Decorating a Guest Bedroom
What a great idea! Last summer we spent the weekend with a favorite aunt in her more than beautiful home, but the guest bedroom and bath had quite a few "difficulties", the bed squeaked loudly with every movement; the big picture window coverings were sheer, so there wasn't a place to dress without neighbors being able to see in; there was only one towel we could find, etc. Of course, we would never complain and thoroughly enjoyed the weekend with her, but if it were my house I would like to know.
By roboref
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Feedback: Great Big Ideas for Little Jars
You can also make snow globes out of them. The kids love it! Glue a little figure on the inside of the lid. Fill the jar with water and add a few drops of glycerin. Add some glitter or confetti or both. Screw on the lid tightly - you can glue it shut if you want. Flip it over and you're done!
By prplel8dy
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Feedback: Uses for Metal Ends from Frozen Juice Concentrate Cans
If you had a lot of them you could make your own "chain mail" vest or tabard for a knight's costume. Drill holes in 2 or 4 sides (as needed) and use jump rings or fishing line to link them in a simple over-the-head pullover.
By Heather
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Feedback: Make Your Own Quilt Batting
I have successfully used the guts of an old sleeping bag and an old comforter for batting-the stitching is easily removed and you can cut off the zippers (on sleeping bags) for possible reuse.
Often comforters made for children are of cheap nasty fabric that pills and fades instantly but the batting is polyester and fine. Kids probably have such items at home that they could bring in for a school project.
By teaysvalleygirl
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Feedback: Removing Stickers from Windows and Mirrors
Use cooking oil that you have warmed in the microwave. It will remove the stickers then just use glass cleaner and soapy water to remove the oil. I have done this for years!!
By Tami
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Feedback: Drying Red Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne's are beautiful when dried! I take fishing line (clean of course) and string them through the stems and then just hang a decorations or hot glue them onto a grapevine wreath to make a nice decoration for your kitchen or if you have a dehydrator you can use it and then grind them for hot pepper flakes to be used on chili, pizza, etc. You can also dry them in your oven on the lowest temperature setting until they are dry. Good luck and enjoy!
By karen
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Feedback: Removing Odors from Dishwasher
Every so often I put vinegar in the soap dispenser and run it through the light or shortest cycle. This works really well.
By pats/az
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Feedback: Problems with Neighbors Cats
I put chicken wire down in the gardens in between the plants, and the cats do not like to dig in wire. Our neighbour had the same problem and we put big rocks in between the chicken wire and planted in the wire, so there was no space to dig and squat. The plants grew up and there was no room left.
The stuff in the drive way is dog doo. We also had a squirt bottle handy, when a cat came wandering. Just water in the bottle works.
By Susan from Hamilton
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Feedback: Craft Ideas Using Wooden Spoons
A few years ago, we used small counted cross stitch designs and glued them into the oval of the spoon. Then use the small, colored, zig-zag type of rick rack and glue around the edges. Use coordinating colors to make it more decorative. Use colored yarn or ribbon in the hole at the top of the spoon. If there's none, you can easily make one since the wood is usually soft enough to drill. Hang on the walls or give as gifts. Mine have a yellow chick in the middle trimmed with orange ribbon. There are many books with small Christmas designs available.
By Karen from NY
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Feedback: Curtains from Tablecloths
Tie backs. I'm sure you can arrange to have left over fabric, you may want to fashion some sort of tie backs to hold them open in a nice way.
If you have a pattern on the material, and you sound like an experienced seamtress, just pay attention to the pattern direction. You'd hate to save money and end up with funky curtains that need to be re-made.
If you do have left over material, think about throw pillows for the couch. They are SUPER easy and will bring the room together and make the curtains look professional. Or, even use the table cloth on a table in the room, lol.
By Jade
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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: Tuna Crescent Rolls
Ingredients:
1 can chunk white tuna
4 oz. cream cheese
dash of lemon juice
1 can crescent rolls
1 can or jar of chicken gravy or 1 powdered chicken gravy mix (optional)
Directions:
Let cream cheese sit out until room temperature. Mix cream cheese, lemon juice, & tuna together. Unroll unbaked crescent rolls until you have 8 triangles. Put approximately 1 Tablespoon of the tuna mixture in each crescent roll & roll up. Bake according to directions on crescent roll package. Serve topped with chicken gravy if desired. My son likes it without the gravy, but my husband & I like it with the gravy. It depends on your preference. Enjoy!
By Leslie
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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:
Office Party Prize Ideas
We are holding an around-the-town polaroid scavenger hunt for our office party this year. We'll give teams of four lists of things around town to take pictures of, such as themselves in the back of a police car. The items on the list will have different point values depending on difficulty, and we're giving prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Does anyone have any ideas for what to give the team members as prizes? Thanks in advance for your help!
Kaz
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Ship to Shore Wallpaper Border
I am looking for a wallpaper border to match my shower curtain. I fell in love with the shower curtain at a friends house and finally found it on e-bay. The shower curtain was originally sold at Target Store abou 3/4/5 years ago. The design is called Ship to Shore, made by Bathworks. I am looking for the bathroom border that matches the curtain. It is really cute with bright colors. On the shower curtain it has sailboats, sunglasses, bathing suits, beach bucket and other beach related items. The little that I know about the border is that it has the sailboats on it in bright colors. If anybody know where I can find the border or if you have some left over I would love to have it.
Thanks,
Margaret from Maryland
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Uses for Mini Reese's Pieces Containers
I have collected a half dozen of the orange plastic containers in which mini Reese's Pieces are sold. They are too cute to throw away! What can I do with them?
- Coreen in Idaho
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Diabetic Recipes for Muffins and Brownies
I am looking for some good diabetic recipes for muffins and brownies. Also, any other good recipes would be appreciated.
Corkie
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Ink on Vinyl Lee Middleton Doll
I have a beautiful Lee Middleton baby doll that has been damaged with a ball point pen (ink). Can you help me remove the ink without damaging the natural beauty of the doll. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Connie Roukey
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Gas Out Of Beans: Beano Alternative
Is there something that will take some of the gas out of beans that I can use, instead of buying Beano?
TabbiC
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Keeping Dogs Out Of Flower Beds
I need to know of a natural, inexpensive way to keep dogs out of flower beds. I know that they like to lay in the mulch but they are killing my flowers. Help!!
Tabitha
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Looking for Ways to Use Cascade
My friend gave me a big bottle of Cascade but I DON'T HAVE A DISHWASHER! What are some other useful ways to use use Cascade without putting it to waste?
Jessica from Texas
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Centerpiece Ideas for Girl Scout Luncheon
I am on a committee to host a adult volunteer luncheon. I need to come up with a cheap centerpiece for our tables. The theme of the luncheon is "You light up the world".
Penny
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Horrible Smell in Freezer After Hurricane Ivan
After Hurricane Ivan, power was off for 8 days, lost every thing in the freezer. I could not get home for a while, now the freezer has a horrible smell and I can't get it out. Tried bleaching the entire inside and still nothing. Also have baking soda inside.
Thanks in advance,
S. Robertson
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Featherbed Urine Smell Removal
In an effort to remove urine stains from my featherbed I soaked it in my tub. I hung it outside to dry, then replaced it on the bed. It has a horrible smell. Is there something I can do to remove the smell?
Sharon from PA
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Looking for Crockpot Cake Recipe
I am looking for a crockpot version of lazy day cake. It consists of a cake mix, butter and pie filling and is done in a crockpot, I saw it somewhere on the web. Now I can't remember where. I sure would appreciate it if some one give me the amounts and time
Sonya
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Mysterious Bleach Stains on Clothing!
Hello, everyone. I have lost so many clothes, valued probably over a $1000, in the past five years from my washer. Every third load or so, I get bleach stains on colored clothing and they are ruined. I have tried everything from buying a new washer to calling several washer mechanics to my house for help, receiving no advice that has helped. With my new washer, which I have had for about three years, I have never used bleach in it, however my colored clothes are still being bleached and ruined. It is driving me CRAZY!! Eventually I'll have only one T-Shirt left to my name. Thanks Everyone. I am looking forward to your advice.
Ron
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Dish Stuck Inside Pot
Any advice on how to remove a dish that fell inside an aluminum pot? Would freezing or just cooling both cause them to shrink and separate?
Thanks
Mike
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Clothes Pin Rocking Chair Instructions
I would like to have directions for making a rocking chair out of clothes pins.
Amina
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Making your own gift certificates
How can I make gift certificates?
Bigdc
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Ideas for a Girl's 16th Birthday
This is Gloria from Miami. my daughter will soon turn 16 years old, and i need an idea for a get together or party for her birthday.
Gloria
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Flea Remedies in England
I live in England and we do not have things called bombs here but as my friend's dog has been in my home she brings fleas. I have been bitten raw this week ang help for your English friends would be welcome as my friend will not admit her dog has fleas. I have had to ban the dog from my home but how can I get rid of them with a household cure. And if my friend comes round and brings them on her clothes I need some thing that I can use after she has gone. if she wants to have bites all over her so be it but not me. So something potent but safe please that I can get in England.
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How to Remove Underarm Sweat Stains from Light Clothing?
I have a bunch of otherwise in good shape white blouses with yellow underarm sweat stains. Is there any way to remove them, or do I have to throw these out?
Megan from DC
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Crocheted Cat Hat Pattern
Hi! I have been looking on the internet for a pattern for a CROCHETED cat hat (basically a hat with little ears). Knitting patterns abound for this hat, but alas, not for crocheted versions. Does anyone know of one?
Thanks!
Aline in VA
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Water Stains on Antique White Delicates
I was recently given some white embroidery (placemats, tableclothes etc). These pieces were stored for many years in a closet in a house with a leaky roof, and as a result have beige/brownish water stains. I'd really appreciate any suggestions for getting rid of these stains so I can return this wonderful work to its former glory.
Thanks!
Anna in San Francisco
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Home Remedies for House Flies
I would love for anyone to give me any home remedies to get rid of house flies! I live in the country, and like to leave the door open, but can't always because of all the flies! Please help!
rebelady
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Sunbonnet Sue Renuzit Air Freshener Cover Pattern
I am looking for the Sunbonnet Sue Renuzit air freshener cover sewing pattern. Does anybody happen to have the pattern? I have seen them and they are so precious. I would like to make a coupe for my daughters-in-law for Christmas.
Kathie
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Growing Vegetables in the Mountains
We live in the mountains west of Canon City, Co. For many years I have tried to grow a vegetable garden that would yield a crop of more than just a few items from the plants. We have tested the soil and put in several things. Watered every day or every other day as suggested but don't get a very good crop. Has anyone had this problem and been able to overcome it? Our growing season is short. We plant about the first or second week in June due to frost problems. Thanks for your help.
RoseMary
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
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
Homemaker's Journal
Tons of home and garden how-to's!
http://homemakersjournal.com
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
More Reading
ThriftyFun News September 25, 2004 - Baking Goodies With Cake Mixes
Online version of the ThriftyFun News. Baking Goodies With Cake Mixes. Volume Six, Number 37 September 25, 2004
View Article: Click Here
Credit: Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
"If you use your home as security for a loan, the Truth-in-Lending Law gives you the right to change your decision in three business days."
Read more...
View Article: Click Here
Saving Money in the Kitchen
By Naomi Knudsen
I think everyone, whether living alone or in a family, would like to make the food budget stretch. Here are some ideas that may help.
Thanks to those who contributed tips.
View Article: Click Here
Dealing with Mice
"It's that time of year when those distant cousins of Mickey and Minnie Mouse come out of the woods and decide to move into your home for the upcoming winter. They have no shame. They come without an invite and plan to stay as long as possible. They expect you to feed them, provide them with a warm place to live, and raise their family." - University of Illinois Extension
Read More...
View Article: Click Here
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Susan
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