Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 24, January 24, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We are sending out the issue a bit late today. Hope to be back on schedule tomorrow.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Laundry Soap Boxes for Magazine Storage
- Yard Art
Today's Tips:
- Saving Money on Books
- Make Favorite Books Tapes For Kids
- Clean Cast Iron
- Polishing Shoes
- Book Crossing
- Evaluating Monthly Expenses
- Hiccup Remedy
- Help With Children That Act Out
- Free Tetris Game at 007ArcadeGames.com
- Coke for Rust
- Uses for Coffee Cans
- Tip For Rethreading Drawstrings
- Using Bungie Cords To Help Fill The Freezer
- Keeping Saltines Fresh
- Organizing Medical Records at Home
- Cleaning Sand off Wet Skin
- Candied Pecans
- Rosemary Walnuts
- Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Squares
- Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
New Requests:
- Removing Mold From Painted Walls
- Frozen Pipes Keep Bursting
- Recipe on Brown Sugar Box
- Wax Craft Ideas
- Gymnastic Themed Party Favors
- Pineapple Cookies
- Crocheted Leg Warmer Pattern
- Flower Advice For a June Wedding
- Should I Paint My Walls Red and/or Black
- Creative Way To Ask Boyfriend To a Dance
- Gas Smell on Suede Boot
- Ice Fishing Care Package
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
ActivShopper - Free Comparison Shopping Assistance Service
Don't miss an opportunity to make bargain seeking a part of your
regular online shopping experience. ActivShopper provides just
that - Online price comparison where ever you shop. This is
a true money saver! Visit http://www.activshopper.com/tour.asp
to see our Online tour. ActivShopper is Free and does not require
registration.
Click Here for more information!
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Laundry Soap Boxes for Magazine Storage
A frugal way to organize magazines and small catalogs is to cut down a detergent box. They are just the right size for this job. Draw a line on the front of the box that is about 4 inches from the top. draw lines on each side of the box from the top of the box on the back side to the line you have drawn on the front. Now cut along those lines. If you want them to be a little more attractive, either spray paint them or cover with contact paper. If you prefer, you could make the cuts from side to side on the box instead of front to back as in the picture. If you use a liquid detergent and need boxes, check the local laundromat. These also make nice inexpensive gifts.
For more about this go to:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/organizing/tf318796_org.html
By Harlean from Arkansas
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Yard Art
You might consider it a decoration idea. My husband and I make and sell yard art. We also give yard art to our friends as Christmas gifts. This picture is one of my friend's snowman after a rare snowfall here in central Arkansas.
By Harlean from Arkansas
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Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Saving Money on Books
Tips for saving money on books. Post your ideas!
I use to buy all hardback books brand new, spending lots of money, until I discovered that you can buy used books from individuals at Amazon.com. You can just go to their web-site and find the book you want, then click on "New & Used" It will list all the New and Used books that people from all over the world are trying to sell. And at a MUCH cheaper price. It is awesome, you can do this with CD's, VHS, and DVD's. So you aren't buying from Amazon.com, just through them. I have never had any problems with this, and I have saved a TON of money!!
By Crys7881
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Make Favorite Books Tapes For Kids
Make cassette tapes of yourself reading favorite books to your kids or grandkids. These can be used by the babysitter when you are out, or you can even mail the tape to faraway grandkids to listen to as they flip through the book.
By Becki in Indiana
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Clean Cast Iron
Tips and ideas for cleaning cast iron. Post your ideas.
Clean an aged cast-iron skillet or pot. Spray with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner, let sit for ten minutes, then wash thoroughly.
By chell
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Polishing Shoes
Tips and ideas about polishing shoes. Post your ideas.
Polish leather shoes. Spray Endust on shoes and shine with a cloth.
By chell
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Book Crossing
Give your books a good home instead of having them kick around and collect dust.
By Gail
Here's a short description from their website:
"Our global community of book lovers and book releasers needs you - help us make literary history by turning the whole world into a library! BookCrossing is fun, friendly and free."
http://www.bookcrossings.com/
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Evaluating Monthly Expenses
The BEST way for me to evaluate my monthly expenses is to track every expense, no matter how small on an MS Excel spreadsheet. I compare those numbers to my budget and re-evaluate for the next month's budget. If I am over, I look to cut back and if I am under, I put the excess into savings.
By Cindy Graham
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Hiccup Remedy
Many years ago I was at work and had the hiccups. A co-worker got a paper towel and glass of water and told me to drink the water THROUGH the paper towel. It really works and I have used that hint ever since. Only takes a few sips to work. Try it next time.
By Great Granny Vi
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Help With Children That Act Out
These are troubling times. I was surprised at the number of people I talked to who did not know that when your child is having a really stressful or emotionally trying time, or acting out for some reason or another, that there are programs for them to go to. The steps to get the child some help are as follows:
Take the child to the ER and say you are having a psychiatric emergency.
An intake person will arrive and ask questions and talk to the child.
If the child meets criteria he will be taken or you can drive him to a facility that will help him de-stress with meds.
Please don't wait if your child is suffering emotionally. With all the vaccinations that still contain thimerasol, and all the toxins in the environment, there can be a real struggle. The earlier things are found the better.
Often Autism is Schizophrenia in its early stages. Don't let children scream and cry from fear and think it is anger. Get them help!
By Racer
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Free Tetris Game at 007ArcadeGames.com
This is a really relaxing game. They have pac man and space arcades with really nice sounds and video. Some cool games. I like to do them to de-stress from housework.
By Racer
Editor's Note: We've received complaints that Virus programs don't like the game
site. We are all Macintosh here and when
we tried it didn't have any problems but we were playing online,
not downloading anything. Just a warning. We certainly don't
want anyone to get a virus.
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Coke for Rust
Pour coca-cola on rusty bolts and screws let sit for a few minutes and will be easier to remove!
By Nell Collins
Editor's Note: If you are interested on why this works, there is a reasonable explantion at the link below.
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/apr2000/956110757.Ch.r.html
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Uses for Coffee Cans
Uses for coffee cans. Post your ideas.
I use empty coffee cans (well washed and thoroughly dried, of course!) to store pasta, etc. Keeps bug out of the cabinets!
By Becki in Indiana
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Tip For Rethreading Drawstrings
I sew a lot and often make things that need to have drawstrings threaded through. I used to clip large safety pins to the string and thread it through that way but my hands would get tight and hurt. Now I keep leftover chopsticks from take-out chinese and tape the string to the bottom and use them like a giant needle to thread the string. Not only does it saves my hands from aching but it cuts the time in half too.
By Carolyn S.
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Using Bungie Cords To Help Fill The Freezer
I can fully stuff my freezer shelves AND avoid things falling out when I open the door by crisscrossing bungy cord straps between the shelves.
By Elba Pilrose
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Keeping Saltines Fresh
Store saltine or any kind of cracker in freezer to keep them nice, fresh and crisp until used.
By Thelma
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Organizing Medical Records at Home
For every physician you see and for every place where you have a medical test performed (ex. if you have an ultrasound in a hospital), create a file folder with the following information: Full name and address of physician, telephone and fax numbers, date of service, and be sure to add all subsequent dates of services; make notes summarizing your visit with the doctor (exam, recommendations, etc), ask for and receive copies of your registration forms, HIPAA forms, privacy act forms, copies of lab work done in the office, copies of physician medical record notes, etc.
Then when the physician's office files the insurance claim(s) and the you (the patient) begin to receive Explanation of Benefits paperwork from the Insurance carrier, you have a file folder to store those documents into.
Be sure to accurately record on the outside of the folder, the dates you visit that physician and compare those with insurance claims filed. Having a file cabinet with a drawer or section dedicated to medical files is important for good medical history and filing. I have done this through the years and can attest to the fact that the 'system' works extremely well.
By Colgrey
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Cleaning Sand off Wet Skin
Clean sand off wet skin. Sprinkle Baby Magic Baby Powder on skin to remove moisture, and the sand virtually falls off by itself.
By Chell
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Candied Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons orange juice or apple cider
- 2 cups pecan halves
Directions:
Combine sugar and orange juice in a medium bowl; stir well. Add
pecans; toss gently to coat. Spread in a buttered 15 x 10 x 1" pan
and bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly
browned, stirring occasionally. Remove pecans from pan and
place on buttered aluminum foil to cool. Makes 2 cups.
By Chell
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Rosemary Walnuts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups walnuts halves--or pieces--or whole nuts
- 2 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons crumbled dried rosemary
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place walnuts in a single layer in a
shallow baking pan. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour
over walnuts. Roast in oven about 10 minutes, until browned,
shaking occasionally. 6 servings.
By Chell
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Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Squares
Ingredients:
- 2 pkg. refrigerated slice and bake choc. chip cookies
- 2 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 C sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Slice 1 pkg. of choc. chips cookies and place on the bottom of a cookie sheet. (Just fill the whole bottom of it, if they touch it does not matter)
Mix together the cream cheese, eggs, sugar and vanilla pour over. Slice the other roll of cookies and place on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hr.
Let cool a bit and then refrigerate.
By Chell
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Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 4 cups packaged granola
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Directions:
Line 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish with foil. In large bowl, stir together granola and coconut. Set aside. In saucepan, melt butter over low heat; stir in marshmallows until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in granola mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Using greased fingers, pat into prepared baking dish. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. Remove from pan. Cut into 16 bars.
By Chell
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Other Active Topics
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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 January 15th.
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Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
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New Requests:
Removing Mold From Painted Walls
How do you get rid of mold on painted walls. I scrub it off but a black stain is left. How can you get rid of this? Also, the mold is back within the week any ideas on how to stop it?
Elaine from England
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Frozen Pipes Keep Bursting
We live in a very old house in Maine. The subzero weather we have been having lately has our pipes bursting constantly. (we use mostly a woodstove to save on money, so our cellar is cold). Is there anything we can do to stop the pipes from bursting? My husband has been repairing pipes for 3 days straight. Our cellar is dirt and the pipes are only copper water pipes, (not heat, as we have forced hot air). We also we were wondering if its ok to turn off the water at the base where it comes into the house or will it make matters worse? Thank you for any advice.
Susan - Maine
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Recipe on Brown Sugar Box
I am look for a recipe that I had years ago and foolishly loaned out and it never came home. The recipe was off the back of a box of brown sugar, either Imperial or Domino, but I'm leaning toward Imperial. The recipe was for a cake and it contained brownsugar, nuts and the secret ingredient was instant coffee crystals. It was a delicious cake, not too sweet, not too bready. I've already checked the websites for Imperial and Domino sugars and had no luck. I've almost given up, but maybe someone can help. Moral of this story... never loan the original of a favorite recipe.
CJ From Dallas
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Wax Craft Ideas
I am looking for new wax crafts ideas. I like making a glass full of a beverage, something that looks real.
Brenda
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Gymnastic Themed Party Favors
Does anyone have any ideas for party favors for a 5 year-old boy's party being held at a gymnast center? He doesn't take gymnastic classes, but we're having the party there because the children LOVE playing on the training equipment - foam pits, varying heights of balance beams, trampoline floor, etc. Anyway, I'm looking for gymnastic-themed party favors for boys. All I've come up with so far is the standard candy and a plastic coach's whistle. Thanks in advance for your help!
Kindly,
Shannon from Kentucky
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Pineapple Cookies
I am looking for a recipe for pineapple cookies that was on the Clabber Girl Baking Powder can about 35 years ago.
Tuey
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Crocheted Leg Warmer Pattern
I need a pattern for leg warmers to crochet, can anyone help me?
vone from Iowa
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Flower Advice For a June Wedding
I am getting married in june 2005 and I don't know about flowers. What flowers do I use for a june wedding? What flowers should I put in the aisle and use for the banquet. I am lost with flowers but my mother wants flowers. I don't want to spend too much money.
Jennifer from Texas
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Should I Paint My Walls Red and/or Black
Hi everyone, I'm new and not sure if this is the right place to post this. But I want to change my room. Right now my furniture is mostly wood. My favorite colors are red and black and I was wondering about painting my walls those colors, but I'm not sure which walls to paint with what colors. Any tips?
Petra
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Creative Way To Ask Boyfriend To a Dance
Please give me some cute original ideas on how to ask my boyfriend to my girls choice dance! I want to do something that hasn't really been done and I'd like to be creative. I'm usually a really creative girl and I think my guy expects something cute! He wouldn't be mad if i didn't do it creatively, but how fun would that be?
Lisa
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Gas Smell on Suede Boot
How can I get the smell of gasoline out of a suede boot?
Georgia Nemecek
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Ice Fishing Care Package
Does anyone have any good food ideas to send with my ice fishing man out with his buddies for the weekend? They will have a stove when they get there.:)
Thanks,
Betsyb
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
ActivShopper - Free Comparison Shopping Assistance Service
Don't miss an opportunity to make bargain seeking a part of your
regular online shopping experience. ActivShopper provides just
that - Online price comparison where ever you shop. This is
a true money saver! Visit http://www.activshopper.com/tour.asp
to see our Online tour. ActivShopper is Free and does not require
registration.
Click Here for more information!
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