May 24, 2005

Daily Thrifty Tips - May 24, 2005


Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 129, May 24, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photo Tips:

  • Banana Peels for Roses
  • Jessica and Muff

Today's Tips:

  • Styrofoam Egg Cartons For Paints
  • Using a Zester for Cheese
  • Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders
  • Poodle On Safari Joke
  • Keeping Drains Clear
  • Prioritizing The Easy Way
  • Quitting Smoking Tips
  • Cleaning Mirror Tips
  • Greasing Bakeware
  • Cleaning the Bathroom
  • Carpet Stain Remover Recipes
  • Reusing Aluminum Foil
  • Before Using Beaters
  • How To Detect A Two Way Mirror
  • Travel Safely this Summer
  • Idea For Reusing Tidy-Cat Kitty Litter Containers
  • Preventing Drawers From Sticking
  • Shining Stainless Steel
  • Coupon Tips
  • Fast And Easy, Low-Fat Dinner
  • 6 Minute Pecan Pie
  • Easy M&M Cookies
  • Hot Chicken Salad
  • Cottage Cheese Salad

New Requests:

  • Making a Quilt With Men's Ties
  • Perfume Spill in Luggage
  • Replacement Rings for Umbrella Table
  • Flying Bugs Outside Our Door
  • Homemade Soap with Pumice
  • How to cook with dried beans?
  • Ink Marks on a Nylon Backpack
  • Removing Tar from Clothing
  • Removing Smoke Smell from Memory Foam Pad
  • Direct T.V. vs. Cable

More Reading:

  • Garden Art...from Trash?
  • How To Attract Hummingbirds
  • Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch (in 2 hours or less)
  • Crustless Crab Quiche

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Today's Sponsors


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Today's Photo Contest Entries


Banana Peels for Roses

This is an old trick but maybe someone hasn't heard about it yet. I save my banana peel after eating the banana and gently dig out an opening around my roses and place the banana peel, spread out with the inside of the peel facing the ground and cover. It adds potassium to the soil. My roses love it! Thank you.

By Mary

Editor's Note: The photo is by Sandra Hemstock who has also posted below in the feedback.

HeritageRose.jpg

View Article: Click Here


Jessica and Muff

This picture was taken when after my daughter was sleeping my kitten Muff went and snuggled with her and Jessica snuggled with Muff.

kiitycatjess.jpg

By Danielle

View Article: Click Here


Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml


Today's Tips


Styrofoam Egg Cartons For Paints

When I am working on my painting crafts, I find it easy to use several paints at once by using an old styrofoam egg carton. I put each color in each section and it saves me time and most importantly, cleanup.

By Regina Burrell

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Using a Zester for Cheese

When I only need a small amount of grated cheese, instead of getting out my grater-which is a pain to clean-I use my zester.

By Doreen McWherter

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Cleaning Hummingbird Feeders

To clean the test-tube style hummingbird feeder, get a cotton bore mop from a gun store cleaning section. It fits perfect in the tube to get out gunk and is reusable, costs about $1.00

By Janet Armentani

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Poodle On Safari Joke

A wealthy old lady decides to go on a photo safari in Africa, taking her faithful aged poodle named Cuddles, along for the company.

One day the poodle starts chasing butterflies and before long, Cuddles discovers that she's lost. Wandering about, she notices a leopard heading rapidly in her direction with the intention of having lunch.

The old poodle thinks, "Oh, oh! I'm in deep trouble now!" Noticing some bones on the ground close by, she immediately settles down to chew on the bones with her back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the old poodle exclaims loudly, "Boy, that was one delicious leopard! I wonder if there are any more around here?"

Hearing this, the young leopard halts his attack in mid-strike, a look of terror comes over him and he slinks away into the trees. "Whew!", says the leopard, "That was close! That old poodle nearly had me!"

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree, figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for protection from the leopard. So off he goes, but the old poodle sees him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figures that something must be up. The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard.

The young leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, "Here, monkey, hop on my back and see what's going to happen to that conniving canine!"

Now, the old poodle sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back and thinks, "What am I going to do now?", but instead of running, the dog sits down with her back to her attackers, pretending she hasn't seen them yet, and just when they get close enough to hear, the old poodle says: "Where's that darn monkey? I sent him off an hour ago to bring me another leopard!"

By Terri H.

View Article: Click Here


Keeping Drains Clear

Every spring I used to have problems with my kitchen drain going slower and slower. Solution, put a cup of salt down the drains about once a week. Buy it in the box, so you don't run out too fast. It kills the little roots that sneak into the drains in the spring time. It really works.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Prioritizing The Easy Way

Anytime you are taking notes from a speech, making a grocery list, or just getting you chores organized, use any size paper that's handy, divide into four sections by either folding in it or drawing a line down the center and one line across the middle.

Any category can be put in one of the four section you choose. For groceries put canned foods in one section. non-food items in another section, meats and cheese in another section and pharmacy supplies in another.

Taking notes can be divided into sections that relate to however you prioritize the subject matter.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Quitting Smoking Tips

Tips to help someone quit smoking. Post your ideas.

Tips to help someone quit smoking. Post your ideas.

Quitting smoking is the toughest thing I ever experienced. I discovered that every time I wanted a cigarette, I replaced it with anything flavored with cinnamon. Red Hots candy worked for me and many others. Cinnamon gum helps.

There's something about cinnamon that shocks you out of the craving for a while. After the first dreadful seven days it gets so much easier. Avoid being around anyone who smokes for that first seven days. Tell yourself continuously that THIS IS NOT A NEGOTIABLE DEAL. Because after all, you don't want to go through it twice. This is ten times easier than it sounds, I promise.

By Ardis Ilene Barnes

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Cleaning Mirror Tips

Tips for cleaning mirrors. Post your ideas.

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Greasing Bakeware

A quick and cleaner way to apply grease to bakeware. Put your hand inside a small sandwich baggy and apply the grease. When your done turn the baggy inside out and throw away. No clean up!

By Dawn Lim

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Cleaning the Bathroom

It's not fun but has to be done. Tips for cleaning the bathroom. Post your ideas.

Cleaning Toilets

To clean toilet bowls use vinegar and baking soda. Makes them "just new white".

By terra_onyx

Erase Away The Grime

I use Magic Eraser with lemon juice and water for my shower glass doors.

By DomenicaNY

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Carpet Stain Remover Recipes

Cleaning recipes for removing stains from your carpet. Post your favorite recipes.

Got a stain on your carpet, use spray and wash before you clean it, spray and let it set for a few minutes and the stain will disappear, it works great for your pets accidents,it even gets the odor out.

By debby dee

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Reusing Aluminum Foil

It saves you money every month. Use your foil, rinse with baking soda and water mix. Make the final rinse water and carefully fold and put to the side. Change foil when it retains a hole or large rip and is not reusable!

By kathleen thomas

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Before Using Beaters

Spray beaters with Pam or nonstick spray before mixing cake batter for easy cleanup.

By suebowman

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How To Detect A Two Way Mirror

When we visit toilets, bathrooms, hotel rooms, changing rooms etc, how many of you know for sure that the seemingly ordinary mirror hanging on the wall is a real mirror, or actually a two-way mirror?

Just conduct this simple test: Place the tip of your fingernail against the reflective surface and if there is a GAP between your fingernail and the image of the nail, then it is a GENUINE mirror. However, if your fingernail DIRECTLY TOUCHES the image of your nail, then BEWARE, for it is a two-way mirror!

By Marti Maher

Editor's Note: Another way to detect whether a mirror is a two way mirror is to turn off the lights and put a flashlight up against the mirror. If there is a room behind the mirror, you will see it.

Post Feedback: Click Here


Travel Safely this Summer

On a sad note-- Yesterday morning I heard news that a friend and beautician who cuts my hair had been killed in a car wreck. Normally I wouldn't post an article about something of this nature, but in spite of the tragedy and loss to her family, there is a valuable lesson for drivers which should be passed along.

She,her Mother, and 16 year old daughter were returning from a shopping trip. On a busy interstate, a cardboard box they were transporting in the back of their truck, blew out of the truck and onto the highway. Instinctively, she pulled into the emergency lane, and attempted to back up to retrieve it and was hit by an SUV. She and her Mother both died and the Daughter went through three surgeries in a day to try and keep a nearly severed arm.

The point I am making is--I have seen so many people attempt to back up on an interstate when they've missed an exit or for some other reason. Better to drive several miles out of your way than to be in a prediciment such as this. Summer's finally here and there will be a lot of traveling. PLEASE Drive safely.

By Sharon,Ky

View Article: Click Here


Idea For Reusing Tidy-Cat Kitty Litter Containers

Great Uses For Empty (Plastic) Cat Litter Containers W/Lid:

(Wash with warm, soapy water first)

1) Great for keeping bags of birdseed fresh and away from squirrels!

2) Punch holes in the bottom with a nail and use as a large outdoor planter. You can decorate these easily with spray paints made for plastic, using mosaic tiles and grout or by handpainting or stenciling with any outdoor, weather-resistant paint.

By mommyMel

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Preventing Drawers From Sticking

Make sure the wood is very dry and sanded well. Shellac them and then rub with paraffin wax in order to lubricate them so they slide easily. Do this to all surfaces of the drawers.

By Marti Maher

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Shining Stainless Steel

Tips for shining stainless steel. Post your ideas.

Having trouble getting stainless steel sinks to sparkle? Try cleaning with rubbing alcohol. It's inexpensive and it makes stainless steel shine!

By Marti Maher

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Coupon Tips

Tips for finding and using coupons. Post your ideas.

Clipping Coupons

I purchase the Sunday newspaper for $1.50 and get the money back by clipping coupons from it, which usually total at least that much. Don't like to clip coupons? Then have your son or daughter clip them for you and give them half the savings. Not only does this allow them to see how you save, it allows them to make money to save as well.

By Marti Maher

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Fast And Easy, Low-Fat Dinner

1. Prepare one box of Zataran's red beans and rice following the package directions (leave out the butter for low-fat)

2. While the rice is cooking, heat 1 Tbsp. of coconut or olive oil over med-high heat in a wok or large non-stick skillet

3. Stir fry your choice of chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into inch pieces. Cook until no longer pink. For shrimp, use about 15 to 30 medium shrimp, shelled and de-veined. Cook shrimp until no longer transparent.

4. When rice is ready, stir in your chicken or shrimp.

5. Enjoy! Serves 2 to 3 people. Start to finish: 35 minutes

By mommyMel

View Article: Click Here


6 Minute Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

  • 3 Eggs, Slightly Beaten
  • 1 Cup Karo Syrup (Light Or Dark)
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Butter (Melted)
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla
  • 1 1/2 Cups Pecans
  • 1 Unbaked Pie Shell

Directions:

Stir together first 5 ingredients until blended. Stir in nuts. Pour into shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 50-55 minutes.

By imaqt1962

View Article: Click Here


Easy M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Shortening
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 Tsp Vanilla
  • 2 1/4 C Flour
  • 1 Tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1-1/2 cup M&M's

Directions:

Mix first 5 ingredients until well mixed, add remaining ingredients. Mix until well blended, drop by tsp onto cookie sheet bake at 350 degrees f for 10-12 minutes.

By imaqt1962

View Article: Click Here


Hot Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 4 cup chopped cooked chicken
  • 4 hard boiled eggs (chopped)
  • 3 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 pkg. slivered almonds
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 Tbsp. melted butter

Directions:

Combine chicken, eggs, rice, salt, lemon juice, celery, onion, mayonnaise, soup, and almonds in bowl. Mix well. Spoon into buttered 9x13 inch baking dish. Chill covered overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour. Sprinkle with mixture of bread crumbs and melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until bubbly.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


Cottage Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. pkg. orange Jello
  • 1 carton cottage cheese
  • 1 small carton Cool Whip
  • 1 can Mandarin oranges
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple

Directions:

Mix Jello with 1 cup boiling water until dissolved. Set aside to cool. Then add oranges and pineapple juice and all. Add cottage cheese. When this is slightly set add the Cool Whip and stir until mixed thoroughly.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


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Tip Contest


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In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will select to winners at random) 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! This contest ends on May 31st, 2005.

Enter the contest!


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

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New Requests:


Making a Quilt With Men's Ties

I have a large number of ties that belonged to my late husband. I would like to make a quilt with them but need some help and suggestions on how to get started.

Vicikie

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Perfume Spill in Luggage

We went away and when my luggage arrived there was a hole in a bottle of my perfume. The whole bottle leaked into the suitcase and now I can't get rid of the odor. Pease help! It was a borrowed suitcase and I need to give it back without the smell.

Thanks,
Ann

View Article: Click Here


Replacement Rings for Umbrella Table

Where can I buy replacement plastic rings for an umbrella table?

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Flying Bugs Outside Our Door

We have alot of flying bugs right outside our door. How can we get them away?

Trish

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Homemade Soap with Pumice

Hi Folks. I need a little help here. I'm looking for a recipe to make homemade liquid soap with pumice. (Nothing real involved or spectacular). You know, the kind you can buy in the expensive stores in the mall that you would use to wash your hands after working with greasy food in the kitchen.

Our children gave me some for Christmas, but I use it a good bit and am in need of more. I think I read somewhere that it could be made with baking soda (?) but I'm not sure. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

DV from SC

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How to cook with dried beans?

I have used dried beans in slow-cooker recipes for chili that cook all day, but would like to learn how to cook them for soups that don't take all day to cook.

How long do you need to soak/cook navy, kidney, pinto, whatever type of beans? I'm tired of soups with crunchy beans, and need to find a happy medium

K-Bug from Maine

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Ink Marks on a Nylon Backpack

I have ink marks on a brand new red nylon backpack. Cleaning suggestions would be appreciated.

Lydia Ellen

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Removing Tar from Clothing

I work at a used car lot and I just got tar on my new capris and my new tennis shoes. Could someone PLEASE help me? What can I use to get this out of my clothes and off my shoes?

SHANNON IN NC

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Removing Smoke Smell from Memory Foam Pad

How do you remove smoke smell from a 2" memoryfoam pad? I don't know the contents of foam, since it was gifted to me.

Lorrelle

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Direct T.V. vs. Cable

The new home I purchased doesn't have any sort of cable or dish connected to it. I am debating whether to have Comcast install a line to the house or opt for the "DirectTV" sort of dish. Any comments? Recommendations? Negative feedback is also appreciated.

Does the DirectTV work reliably in storms and inclement weather?

Cindy

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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:


Garden Art...from Trash?
By Jane Parr-Whitehead

April begs me to do something outdoors! How about you? The weather is about right all over the USA for gardening. Besides planning what to put into your garden as far as plants, you need to think of the special additions that make a garden unique.

View Article: Click Here


How To Attract Hummingbirds
By Marilyn Pokorney

Planting a garden full of red flowers is the best way to attract these beautiful jeweled birds.

View Article: Click Here


Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch (in 2 hours or less)
By LeAnn R. Ralph

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a dozen times:
"Make homemade cinnamon rolls? From scratch? Are you crazy?

View Article: Click Here


Crustless Crab Quiche

View Article: Click Here


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