Daily Thrifty Tips - May 19, 2005

Hello,

My youngest daughter is about to graduate from college so I wrote an article about how we put together inexpensive, but nice, graduation announcements. If anyone else has ideas to share on that topic feel free to share them.

Tomorrow's TF News is about quilting, do have any quilting tips?

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photo Tips:

• ChiChi (Jack Russell Terrier/Dachsund)
• Tips for Butterfly Bushes
• Decorating Your Guest Book Cover
• Making Your Own Graduation Announcements

Today's Tips:

• A Toy Wagon for Garden Tools
• Removing Make Up
• Cleaning Silk Flowers
• Hair Highlight Tips
• Burned Out Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments
• Unclogging a Toilet
• Tree Pruning Tips
• Blackhead Remedies
• Make Mini Meatloaf in Muffin Tins
• Preventing Dirt Under Your Finger Nails
• Using Craft Paint as Touch Up Paint
• Removing Fat from Broth
• Killing Weeds In a Rock Garden
• Removing Rust From Tools
• Preventing Rust and Maintaining Your Garden Tools
• Dandruff Remedies
• An Easy BBQ sauce Just for You
• Courting a Collie Joke
• No Bake Twix Bars
• Pumpkin Chip Bars
• Louisiana Dirty Rice
• Tuna Melts
• Italian Beef
• Popcorn Balls
• Stretching Specialty Products
• Caramel Oatmeal Chew Bars

New Requests:

• Cooking Oil Stain on Leather Couch
• Covering Existing Embroidery On a Shirt
• Removing Carpet Adhesive from Concrete
• Need 40th Birthday Party CenterpieceIdeas
• Fortune Cookie Recipe
• Golfer's Birthday Party
• Cambridge Kitchen & Bath vol 3 page 30 Pattern Number 3008
• Salsa That is Too Vinegary
• Removing Super Glue From An iBook
• Pool Party Ideas
• Removing Gum From the Dryer
• Soft Line Dried Clothing

More Reading:

• The Four D's of Effective Paper Management

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Today's Photo Contest Entries

ChiChi (Jack Russell Terrier/Dachsund)

We got our wonderful dog ChiChi when our dog died that we had had for years. We were so broken up we said "no more". But 5 weeks later a friend at work practically insisted I take this little dog. She is part Jack Russell Terrier and weiner dog she is precious. Her favorite time is when she is between us in bed.

By Joyce

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Tips for Butterfly Bushes

Be sure to cut your Butterfly Bushes right back to 4 - 6 inches from the ground in the spring.

Since the growth comes from the ground you need to keep them trimmed quite low.

Some people trim them back right to ground level but I leave a bit of the trunk showing.

Butterfly Bushes can also be controlled by trimming them back throughout the season. They won't mind one bit, nor will the butterflies.

By Sandra Hemstock

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Decorating Your Guest Book Cover

It doesn't matter if your guest book is an expensive one or one with little covering and embellishment.

(1) Lay it flat and using white satin material cut and measure it to fit the book with about 2-3 inches to be turned back inside the covers of the book and hot glued down to secure your material cover.

(2) After your book is covered hot glue gathered lace around the entire book (laid down flat for a proper fit).

(3) To cover your raw edged of the lace glue a pretty braid or trim over it.

(4) Decorate with a small cluster of flowers and a 2 loop bow with tails to hang.

Sharon,Ky

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Making Your Own Graduation Announcements
By Susan Sanders-Kinzel

The cost of graduation announcements can be very steep, but I wanted to send out something nice to all our friends and extended family to let them know that my youngest child was graduating from college.

What I did is buy some graduation announcement kits at Office Depot. We needed about 50 announcements so I bought 2 kits with 25 each. The kits included 25 announcements (black and silver lines framing each section that folded into 4 panels after laser printing), 25 foil add-ons in the shape of a graduation cap, and 25 envelopes.

I picked out a picture of my daughter to include with each announcement. Many of our friends and relatives live a long way away so haven't seen her recently. The picture was taken with a digital camera and I was able to get a bunch of copies at a local store with a photo/electronics department.

On the front I did the normal "Graduation Annoucement for (name) from (name of school). I used one of the inside panels to talk about her future plans and the other to announce the date, time and location for the graduation ceremony and a barbecue that we are having after to celebrate.

The announcements look good, are unique, and cost just over $1.00 for each announcement including postage. The announcements were $13.95 a box. I printed the announcements on my own laser printer. If I had had more to do I may have printed one (on blank paper) and then photocopied the design onto the rest. The digital photo prints were $0.19 each. A grand total of about $58 for 50 invitations ($28/invitations, $10/photos, and $20/stamps).

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Today's Tips

A Toy Wagon for Garden Tools

Keep an eye out for an old toy wagon at garage sales. They can be useful for pulling around your garden tools and keeping them together. Even a rusty wagon will do the trick. Sand down the rust, repaint and it will look great in your yard.

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Removing Make Up

Tips and ideas for removing make up. Post your ideas.

Removing Make Up

Sleep at a friend's home unexpectedly? Well how are you supposed to get your make-up off, clean your hair, even moisturize your lips without your magic bag of tricks at home?

I hate using someone else's products because they cost so much it almost feels like stealing. So instead all you need are 4 low cost items and you'll be good.

Rubbing Alcohol
Petroleum Jelly / Vaseline
Cotton balls
Baby powder / cornstarch

By Suzanne S.

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Cleaning Silk Flowers

Tips for cleaning silk flowers. Post your ideas.

Make your silk flowers think Spring. Place the silk flowers into a large bag and pour in one cup of Morton's Salt. Shake vigorously. Remove. And voilà Your flowers are clean.

By MrsMoted2

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Hair Highlight Tips

Tips for giving yourself highlights and caring for hair with highlights. Post your ideas.

Natural Highlights

Rinse your hair with one-quarter-cup Lemon Juice with three-quarters cup water.

By MrsMoted2

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Burned Out Light Bulb Christmas Ornaments

Use old burned out light bulbs as Christmas Bulbs: Paint and decorate with glitter, sequins, spray snow, and then add a decorative string or ribbon around top (base) of bulb for hanging.

By Aurelia Casson

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Unclogging a Toilet

Tips to help you unclog a stuck toilet. Post your ideas.

Add 1 cup of liquid dish soap and flush to unclog toilets.

By pat

Editor's Note: I've never heard this one before. I did a little reseach and it does appear to be a tip that has worked for some people.

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Tree Pruning Tips

Tips and instructions for pruning trees. Post your ideas.

Never trim trees without having your safety lines and a ground man on the ground helping you.

By Anthony Russell

Editor's Note: This is a good safety tip for anytime you are using a ladder to clean the gutters or getting on the roof. If the ladder falls, make sure there is someone on the ground to help.

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Blackhead Remedies

Tips and advice for dealing with blackheads. Post your ideas.

Rub Lemon Juice over blackheads before going to bed. Wait until morning to wash off the juice with cool water. Repeat for several nights until you see a big improvement in the skin.

By MrsMoted2

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Make Mini Meatloaf in Muffin Tins

Mix up your favorite meat loaf recipe. Instead of baking as a loaf, fill muffin cups 3/4 with the mixture and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

By Mary

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Preventing Dirt Under Your Finger Nails

Here's an old trick for people who don't like to use gloves when they garden. Rub your finger nails over a bar of soap. Your nails will fill up with the soap and prevent dirt from building up. When you clean up, scrub your nails with a nail brush to easily remove the soap.

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Using Craft Paint as Touch Up Paint

I do tole painting and therefore have several "jars" of acrylic paints on hand. There are other uses for these paints: touchups on walls, furniture, small spots on clothing, appliances, tiny scratches on cars, toys, etc.

By Mairmie

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Removing Fat from Broth

I recently boiled a whole chicken to use later for chicken salad. I wanted to save some of the broth but did not want to fat/grease that I usually get in it. I put a narrow bottomed funnel in my jar and put a coffee filter in the funnel. I ladled the broth into the funnel, letting broth drain to bottom. If filter seemed to be getting full of the fat, I changed the filter. I saved a half gallon of broth and no fat, even after being in frig. I suppose this would work with beef broth, too.

By Knitter in Illinois

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Killing Weeds In a Rock Garden

Keep the weeds down for over a year in a rock garden by using white vinegar. It may even last longer than a year. I no longer have weeds in my white rock. It kills everything, so keep it away from the lawn and flowers.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Removing Rust From Tools

Tips for removing rust from tools. Post your ideas.

Here's a sharp idea: remove rust from household tools by using Morton's Salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply the paste to rusted area with a dry cloth and rub.

By MrsMoted2

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Preventing Rust and Maintaining Your Garden Tools

You can prevent tools from rusting while you keep them in the shed or garage by keeping them embedded in a bucket of sand

By MrsMoted2

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Dandruff Remedies

Tips and ideas for treating dandruff. Post your ideas.

Apply one tablespoon of Lemon Juice to your hair. Shampoo, then rinse with water. Rinse again with a mixture of two tablespoons Lemon Juice and two cups water. Repeat every other day until dandruff disappears.

By MrsMoted2

Editor's Note: This tip is best for light colored hair since the lemon juice can lighten your hair.

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An Easy BBQ sauce Just for You

Ketchup and cola mixed together. More or less cola as needed. Yes it really tastes just like BBQ sauce.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

For a more difficult BBQ Sauce click the link below:

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Courting a Collie Joke

A chihuahua, a doberman and a bulldog were approached by a good-looking female collie. Each of them wanting a date with her.

To settle the dispute, she requests, "Whoever can say liver and cheese in a sentence can take me out on a date".

So the doberman said, "I love liver and cheese."

The collie said, "That's not good enough."

The bulldog said, "I hate liver and cheese."

She said, "That's not creative."

Finally the chihuahua said, "Liver alone.... cheese mine."

By Terri

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No Bake Twix Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup graham crackers
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 pkg. Club or Waverly crackers
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 2 Tbsp. milk

Directions:

Bring to boil: margarine, sugars, milk, and graham crackers. Stir continually. Set aside. Butter a 9x13 inch pan, sides and bottom. Layer bottom with crackers. Spread 1/2 of boiled mixture on top. Over this another layer of crackers. Spread on remaining mixture. Met chips, peanut butter, and milk. Spread over top. Cool and cut.

By Robin

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Pumpkin Chip Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oil (Crisco)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cup pumpkin
• 2 cup flour
• 2 tsp. soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour a 9x12 inch pan. Mix in the usual way, adding the chocolate chips last and just folding in. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

By Robin

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Louisiana Dirty Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 Pound Sausage
• 1 cup Chopped Celery
• 1 cup Chopped Onion
• 1 C Chopped Green Pepper
• 1 Sm. Pkg Uncle Ben's Wild Rice And Seasoning Pkt
• 1/2 cup Plain Minute Rice(Uncooked)
• 2 (10 3/4 Oz) Cans Chicken Broth

Directions:

Cook and drain sausage. Saute onion and green pepper. Until tender. Mix all ingredients in a large pan. Cover and cook for 25 minutes over low to medium heat. You can also add crushed red pepper to this if you like it spicy. I add 2 tbsp. to mine.

By IMAQT1962

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Tuna Melts

1 Can Tuna, Drained
1/4 C Mayo
Chopped Eggs, Or Celery If Desired

Mix together

Layer On 1 Slice Bread
Add 1 Slice Cheese

Place Under Broiler Until Cheese Is Browned

By imaqt1962

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Italian Beef

Ingredients:

• 3 Lbs Chuck Roast
• 1 Can Beef Broth(Large)
• 1 Can Beer
• 6 Small Peppers(Jalapeno)
• 1 Tsp. Oregano
• 1 Tsp. Salt
• 1 Tsp. Pepper
• 1 Can Water

Directions:

Add all ingredients in slow cooker and cook meat until tender falls apart 5-6 hours. Serve on rolls.

By imaqt1962

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Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

• 5 qts. popped corn
  
• 2 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup water
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt
  
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  
• 1 tsp. vinegar
  
• 1 tsp. vanilla
  

Directions:

Place sugar, syrup, water, and salt in pan. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking until syrup forms brittle ball in water. Add vanilla and vinegar. Stir. Pour over popcorn and shape into balls.

By Robin

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Stretching Specialty Products

Stretch the expensive, flavored rice (which I only buy with coupons) with unflavored. There is plenty of seasoning in the flavor packet.

I buy Cold Brew tea when I have a good coupon. I make two half-gallon pitchers of cold brew with one tea bag, I'd say medium strength, and then I make a third one by microwaving the bag in about 1 and1/2 cups water for 3-4 minutes.

Aunt Sharon from Texas

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Caramel Oatmeal Chew Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. soda
• 3/4 cup margarine (melted)
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch, fudge caramel topping
• 1/4 cup flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 inch pan. Combine oatmeal, 1 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, salt, and soda. Mix well. Stir in margarine. Reserve 1 cup of the mixture. Press the rest in pan. Bake 10-12 minutes until light brown. Cool 10 minutes. Top with nuts, chocolate chips. Mix caramel topping and 1/4 cup flour until smooth. Drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts to within 1/4 inch of edge of pan. Sprinkle with reserves oat mixture. Bake an additional 18-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool. Chill until set.

By Robin

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New Requests:

Cooking Oil Stain on Leather Couch

Can anyone suggest how to remove cooking oil stains from a brown leather couch ottoman?

I'm tempted to rub a light layer of olive oil all over the piece to mask the two spots given the ottoman seems to be lighter in color than the couch anyway. Thoughts?

Thanks,
TBrad from CA

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Covering Existing Embroidery On a Shirt

I have a black knit shirt that has a company logo embroidered on it. The logo is about 4" tall, and is approximately in the shape of an upside-down pyramid/triange. I would like to cover up the logo so I can wear the shirt without being a walking advertisement. Any suggestions?

Lynne

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Removing Carpet Adhesive from Concrete

Help! Does anyone know how to remove yellow carpet adhesive from concrete? Is there a way without using harsh chemicals? Dan from California

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Need 40th Birthday Party CenterpieceIdeas

I would like to do something creative for my husbands 40th birthday. I went to an event where they had dumptrucks filled with flowers for the centerpiece and my husband thought that was pretty cool. He is a big mopar car fan and I want to incorporate his love for cars in the centerpiece. I know there are many ideas with tablecloths and the whole bit, but I'm really just looking for centerpiece ideas. If anyone could help , I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
Sharyn from NJ

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Fortune Cookie Recipe

I would love to have the recipe for fortune cookies. My niece made them at school in the 4th grade, but I can't remember the ingredients. Does anyone out there have the recipe for FORTUNE COOKIES. Send it to me at ardierudy @ yahoo.com (remove spaces)
Ardis Barnes

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Golfer's Birthday Party

Can anyone suggest any 70th birthday games, themes or ideas for a male golfer's birthday? We will be in an outdoor setting.

Thanks so much,
Deb from California

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Cambridge Kitchen & Bath vol 3 page 30 Pattern Number 3008

i would like to know if anyone has a source of discontinued wallpaper. I am specifically looking for a cherry border found in Cambridge Kitchen & Bath vol 3 page 30 pattern number 3008. Distributor is Blonder I need 4 spools. Thank you!

April from Long Island

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Salsa That is Too Vinegary

Last year I canned salsa, but most of it ended up too vinagery. Does anyone have an idea on how to take away the vinegar taste. I have about 30 pints that I hate to throw out, but my family won't eat it, and I don't blame them!

Thanks!
Dawn from IN

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Removing Super Glue From An iBook

i got some super glue on my iBook. I can't use acetone to remove it because it will eat away at my monitor. Help!

Annete Ludly

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Pool Party Ideas

My husband Shawn turns 30 this July and I am planning a surprise pool party for him at my moms. I am inviting some of his old friends and also his friends at work. There will be alot of 2 and 3 years olds there because all of us have kids. Could you guys please send me some ideas my way. Thank you,

Angie from Virginia!

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Removing Gum From the Dryer

Does anyone have any suggestions on getting chewing gum out of a dryer? Apparently, my daughter left gum in her pants pocket and I missed it. It is now dried to to drum of my brand new dryer.

Please help if you can.

Linda

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Soft Line Dried Clothing

I love to hang clothes on the line but hate the sandpaper, stiff feeling. How do I get them to feel like they came out of the dryer and not so hard after coming off the clothes line?

Jodi

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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:

The Four D's of Effective Paper Management
By Maria Gracia A recent article that I came across in the Wall Street Journal reported that the average U.S. executive loses six weeks per year retrieving misplaced information from messy desks and files.

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