Daily Thrifty Tips September 13, 2004

Hello,

I hope everyone had a good weekend. ThriftyFun was very busy over the weekend. We have a record number of requests posted since Friday, be sure to check those out and see if you have any advice to offer.

We also published an issue of the TF News about Homemade Cleaning Products. You can find a link to that in the More Reading section. If you have any homemade cleaning recipes to add, please submit them on the contest form.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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If you are looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem, submit it here: Click Here

Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Tips:

• Baby Shower Gift Wrap
• Lemon Juice and Vinegar for Soap Scum
• Buy Baby Clothes in Neutral Colors
• Cut Onions Wearing Swimming Goggles
• Use for Crystal Light Canisters
• Making Your Own Laundry Soap with Fels Naptha Soap
• Uses for Junk Mail
• Cornstarch Antiperspirant
• Citrus Vinegar Cleaning Recipes
• Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew
• Feedback: Homemade Facial Mask
• Feedback: How to get Your Children Brand-Free
• Feedback: Vinegar Tips: Cleaning with Vinegar and other Frugal Tips
• Feedback: Keeping Your Home Prepared
• Feedback: Decorating Old Furniture
• Today's Recipe: Chicken with Ramen

New Requests:

• Keeping Pet Cats Out of the House
• Converting Muffin Recipes
• Plastic Milk Jug Skeleton
• Foggy (Or Hazy) Windows in Car
• Removing Mold/Mildew from Baby Clothes
• Italian Seasoning Recipe
• Removing Odors from Dishwasher
• Cleaning Dog Pee Stains Off Cement Floor
• Washing Red Clothing in Well Water
• Looking for Seeds on Coral Bells
• Can I Have Another Kitten?
• Black Flying Bugs in Pot Soil?
• All-purpose Cleaners
• How Do You Remove Tree Sap From Clothes?
• Restoring Color to Formica
• Leather Furniture and Dogs
• Cleaning Dry-Erase Board Erasers
• What is Washing Soda?
• Painting a Small Room
• Preserving Mistletoe and Magnolia Leaves for Christmas Wreaths
• Removing Dried Egg from Egg Poacher
• Looking For Places To Go On My 16th Birthday
• Movie Party on the Lawn

More Reading:

• Ready.gov
• Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
• Great Big Ideas for Little Jars
• College Bound: The Organized Dorm
• Towel Bar Hanger
• All Season Tree
• Chips & Dip, Dessert Style
• ThriftyFun News September 11, 2004 - Homemade Cleaning Recipes
• Tips for Encouraging Children to Write
• Simple Living
• A Word of Advice for a Beginning Crafter

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Today's Sponsor

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Today's Tips

Baby Shower Gift Wrap

Wrap baby shower gifts with a recieving blanket and secure with diaper pins. Or for a larger gift use a crib sheet. No wasted wrapping paper! :)

By Kim in NJ

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Lemon Juice and Vinegar for Soap Scum

When your dishes have soap scum on them from the dishwasher, use lemon juice on a sponge to wipe them off. Vinegar also works.

By Cinamon

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Buy Baby Clothes in Neutral Colors

If you have a baby or young child still in diapers, purchase clothes in shades of yellow, orange, or red. Not only are these gender neutral colors, stains from poop blowouts don't show nearly as badly as they do on pink or blue! (I'm speaking from experience here.)

By Lynne from Albuquerque

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Cut Onions Wearing Swimming Goggles

I keep a cheap pair of swimming goggles in the kitchen and wear them when chopping onions. No more tears!

By Kim

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Use for Crystal Light Canisters

I use the canister containers that 'Crystal Light' comes in for freezing soups, etc., in small serving sizes, to take to neighbors and other shut-in pals.

By Terri H.

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Making Your Own Laundry Soap with Fels Naptha Soap

I have saved a ton of money by making my own laundry detergent. I grate a bar of Fels Naptha soap (I buy it in the grocery store for about 79 cents) and add 4 cups of water to it. Heat it on low until the soap is dissolved. I like to add some extras (I think it adds extra cleaning power ) like white vinegar, dish detergent, or if I think I'll need extra, extra power Oxy-Clean. I put the soap mixture in a 5 gallon bucket and add 4 gallons of hot water. Stir, put on a lid and let it set overnight and it becomes thick. I use 1 to 1 1/2 cups per load. It works great.

By Christine Kita

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Uses for Junk Mail

Ideas for using junk mail in a productive way. Post your ideas!

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Cornstarch Antiperspirant

The last few weeks here have been extra humid. Even though we have central air conditioning in our home there are times that you must leave the house or do yard work. Perspiring is a problem, especially for those of us who may be going through menopause, are heavy, having radiation treatments or just plain old reacting to the heat.

I bought an extra box of pure cornstarch and a powder puff & put them in a round plastic container with a lid. I leave it in my bathroom and after getting washed up in the morning I proceed to dust my problem areas with the cornstarch. Sure does help.

By Joesgirl

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Citrus Vinegar Cleaning Recipes

Fill a glass quart jar with the peelings (remove any of the white
pulp) of any citrus fruit-grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, etc. Cover
the peelings with white vinegar, cover and allow it to sit for about
2 weeks. Occasionally shaking the jar. Remove the peels, and you
can strain it as well. Use this vinegar in any of the following ways:

Pour into a small dish, and set in a room to absorb odors.

Make an all-purpose floor cleaner by mixing 1/2 cup to 1
gallon of water.

Glass Cleaner: Combine a quart of water with 1/2 cup of the
vinegar and add it to a spray bottle. Use as you would glass
cleaner.

Linoleum floor cleaner: Add 1 cup citrus vinegar with two
gallons water of water and mop as usual.

To clean ovens: Spray or pour the vinegar on burned or soiled
areas. Close the oven door and allow it to sit for 2 hours. Wipe
clean with a sponge or rag that has been moistened with warm
water. You may need to repeat.

By Lisa Trudeau

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Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

On the bottom of the crock, first throw in a bag of baby carrots. Then throw in some peeled and cubed up potatoes. On top of the vegetables add some cubed beef (stew meat). Then in a separate bowl mix in one can of cream of mushroom soup and an envelope of dry onion soup mix. Pour over meat. Cook all day on low (8+ hours) till veges are tender. Sometimes I serve this over noodles or add sour cream to it for a different flavor.

By Kim in NJ

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Feedback: Homemade Facial Mask

One incredibly helpful facewash that I found in a book was: 1 tablespoon of relatively fine-ground cornmeal and 1 1/2 tablespoon of plain yogurt. It makes a really good scrub to use on your body and face.

By Eileen

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Feedback: How to get Your Children Brand-Free

I'm only 15 but I thought this info was really smart. When I have to buy items with my own money I often decide to not spend it. And it helps out later in the long run.

By Becca

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Feedback: Vinegar Tips: Cleaning with Vinegar and other Frugal Tips

Vinegar is also proven to help dissolve Uric Acid (why it can be used in the washing machine to soften the water and your clothes). Fantastic on pet stains, or soiled laundry. Also you can set out a small bowl of vinegar to freshen the air in your house, and it's great mixed with water on no wax floors and will help break up any build up from commercial cleaners. I also like to put some in my carpet cleaner with water for general weekly cleaning & freshening.

By Jennifer

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Feedback: Keeping Your Home Prepared

Tornados are often a result of fall and early spring in Texas where I used to live. Just a reminder that open ing windows during a tornado will cause the roof to be torn off from the pressure. I remember the time we barely made it in the house, and shut the door on the tornado's eye, or low pressure. The door was hard to close, but it saved our house.

The bathroom will probably have water on the ground if the toilet lid is left open, so watch not to touch any outlets or switches.

The low pressure takes the pipe that releases pressure from the roof and forces pressure down it until the water the toilet sprays out. It is really weird, one more reason to keep the toilet flushed and the seat down.

By Racing against thimerosol

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Feedback: Decorating Old Furniture

Hello, we once had a women demonstrate how to repair holes in clothes by taking threads from side seams and reweaving the spot that was damaged. then one of our sisters went home and took threads from the back of her sofa and repaired worn spots on the front arms of her sofa. you can't tell where she repaired it. You would use a long needle used to do beadwork and weave like you darn a sock. Leave the threads longer then the worn spot and cut them off when your project is done. hope this helpful. It's time consuming but free. Millie

By mildred3

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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: Chicken with Ramen

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

4 packages of ramen noodles
4 1/2 cups of water
1 12oz can of chicken drained
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Put the 4 1/2 cups of water and ONLY 2 packages of the spice packets that come with the ramen noodles in a 3 quart pan and add the drained chicken from the can. Do not add the juice from the can because it will be too salty. Heat the water and break the ramen noodles into the pan and wait until the ramen noodles have absorbed the broth. Remove from heat when cooked (about 5 minutes) and immediately add the shredded cheese, stir, and serve. I also sometimes add some basil, chopped onion and minced garlic to the broth before adding the ramen noodles. It tastes wonderful either way. Everyone that has tasted this loves it. It takes more time to tell how to make it than it does to do it!

By Sheila S

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Tip Contest

New Contest! Submit a tip and you could win:

Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month
By Deborah Taylor-Hough

Frozen Assets is small in stature, but jam-packed with meal-planning advice. It contains recipe ideas, plus detailed instructions on how to get the maximum value from your food dollar, while also slashing meal preparation times.

Enter the contest!

New Requests:

Keeping Pet Cats Out of the House

I would like to request someone to tell me how to keep pet cats out of the house.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Converting Muffin Recipes

I recently bought a mini muffin pan. When I tried to bake a batch of mini chocolate chip muffins this past weekend, they came out overdone when I used the time/temp for my standard recipe. Does anybody know how long I should bake the mini muffins and at what temp? Thanks in advance for your help! NHdoubleK

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Plastic Milk Jug Skeleton

I saw a skeleton made out of plastic gallon milk jugs. the skull was one jug, the ribs were from another jug, the pelvis from one and then the arms and legs were made out of strips cut from other jugs. Just wondering if any one knows how to do this. It was very cute! Linda

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Foggy (Or Hazy) Windows in Car

Does anyone else have a problem with the inside of your windshield fogging up? It almost looks like a haze. Turning on the defroster does not help. I've tried water and ammonia. That works for a few days, then it's back again. Maybe I put too much water or ammonia in the bottle. TIA, Angie

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Removing Mold/Mildew from Baby Clothes

I have a keepsake outfit that has molded when baby's clothing was spit up on in daycare and placed in a plastic bag. The bag was forgotten about and the mold took over. I have washed it and used color safe bleach. It doesn't necessarily have to be worn again but I would like to save it. Help? TIA! Jacqui Cosper

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Italian Seasoning Recipe

Looking for a recipe mix for Italian seasoning similar to McCormack's mix. I have most of the ingredients on hand, but not sure what portions to use. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Karen

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Removing Odors from Dishwasher

I noticed that our dishwasher smelled. Is there a way to make is fresh smelling? Cliff in Colorado

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Cleaning Dog Pee Stains Off Cement Floor

I need some information on how to clean a cement floor. I have two dogs that have gone on the floor. I can't seem to find the right cleaning product. I have tried mopping my floors in lime juice and water, lemon juice and water, and vinegar and water. Please help me! Thank you! Cheryl from North Carolina

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Washing Red Clothing in Well Water

Since I have lived in my home with well water, I have the strangest result when I wash red clothes. They come out of the washer with a dingy greyish-blue cast and darker striations on them. I have tried vinigar, salt, baking soda, water softener, and now I just give them to someone with town water, so they can do them for me. What is that all about? Other people in the neighborhood said they have the same problem, but they don't seem to be as bothered by it, it drives me nuts! NinaL

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Looking for Seeds on Coral Bells

Needing some help on flower seeds. I am learning to get my own seeds from my flowers to plant next year as I live in Utah where it's going to freeze soon. I have this hanging flower I bought and threw its identity away. I think its called Coral Bells or Million Bells. Can anyone tell me where i can find the seeds off this flower? I have gone over it and over it and can't see them. Please help. Thanks, Sharyl

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Can I Have Another Kitten?

I have and cat and a kitten. Can I have another kitten in a 860 square foot house? - Lizzie

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Black Flying Bugs in Pot Soil?

How do I get rid of little flying black bugs that seem to be in my pot soil? Where are they coming from? Bigeyecat

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All-purpose Cleaners

All Purpose Cleaner. A good cleaner for spills and general, light cleaning.

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How Do You Remove Tree Sap From Clothes?

My son recently had a play encounter with a Pine tree full of sap and his sweater is full of it. I tried putting it in the freezer to freeze the sap so it would break off like gum does but nothing works. Can anyone help me? Thanks, TamClou

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Restoring Color to Formica

Does anyone know of a product or procedure to restore formica. I have a red formica table from the 30's that has lost color and is pretty dull. Thanks. Dee from Mass.

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Leather Furniture and Dogs

Can anyone advise me as to whether it is a good idea to buy a leather suite for a house with a pet dog? I am worried about marks on the leather, however much you watch a dog there are always going to be times when it could 'paw' the leather, any advice would be gratefully accepted. Many Thanks, Joyce from Lancashire

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Cleaning Dry-Erase Board Erasers

Any suggestions for cleaning dry-erase board erasers? I have some real black ones. Thanks, Callie from Carolina

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What is Washing Soda?

What is washing soda? Where can you get it? Rondr

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Painting a Small Room

I have a really small room, about 2x2.5 meters, and I have a bed and a desk in it. I also have one really small window and in a few weeks I am going to get a big closet. And I have green carpet, so i was wondering should i paint my walls to light blue and paint my closet to dark blue (my favorite colors)? Is my room going to be too colorful...u know to many different colors? And is it going to make it look bigger? Help please, Olja

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Preserving Mistletoe and Magnolia Leaves for Christmas Wreaths

I need info on preserving mistletoe and magnolia leaves for making wreaths and other Christmas items. Dana from Bham

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Removing Dried Egg from Egg Poacher

I can't get the dry egg out of my egg poacher wells, any suggestion? Thanks, Brigid

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Looking For Places To Go On My 16th Birthday

My 16th birthday is coming up and I really don't know what to do. I want to spend the day with my friends but I don't know where to take them or what to do so that we can enjoy ourselves. Ashleigh in Bracknell

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Movie Party on the Lawn

We would like to have a night for all the neighborhood kids where we watch dvd movies outside on beach blankets (before it gets cold again). We have a 12 ft wide enclosed trailer that we could project the movie on. Only problem is we don't know how to do this with a dvd player. Does anyone have any ideas or can tell me of any special equipment I could buy for this? Stephanie

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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request heClick Here

More Reading

Ready.gov

Great information to help keep your family prepared in case of a disaster.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Prescription Drug Assistance Programs

Some links for pharmaceutical drug assistance.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Great Big Ideas for Little Jars
By Leslie Sausage

Do you have some little jars from baby food, pimentos or bouillon? Think you can't do much with them? Think again!

View Article: Click Here

College Bound: The Organized Dorm
By Bridget Messino and Emily Steinecker

I can still remember my shopping list for my first dorm room. Years ago we kept it simple -- the must have storage staple was the old dairy crate and that was pretty much it. Those dairy crates organized everything from sweaters and sweatshirts to books. Today the storage choices are almost unlimited (although the budget may not be...), so outfitting a dorm room or first apartment can be a bit overwhelming. I have asked our summer intern (a college student) to share some organizing challenges she has experienced first hand.

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Towel Bar Hanger

My daughter had a very small bathroom with no room for storage. She hung a towel bar from the ceiling, attached to the studs. Then hung from it a hanger organizer that is meant to hang in a closet, but it worked very well. The organizer had 3 shelves on it. The girl takes after her mother!

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All Season Tree

I am going to use a small Christmas tree to leave up year round to decorate according to the seasons, or holiday: New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, 4th of July, kids birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. And of course Christmas! the possibilities are endless...

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Chips & Dip, Dessert Style
By Kori Puckett

Applebees and Chilis have been my two favorite restaurants ever since I was a kid. I can't remember if it was Applebees or Chili's that had the vanilla ice cream scroop with nuts, fudge and a cherry on top sitting in the middle of cinnamon chips in the shape of tortilla wedges. That was one of my favorite desserts. No matter how full I was, I always ordered that dessert.

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ThriftyFun News September 11, 2004 - Homemade Cleaning Recipes

Online version of the ThriftyFun News. Homemade Cleaning Recipes. Volume Six, Number 35 September 11, 2004

View Article: Click Here

Tips for Encouraging Children to Write
By Deborah Shelton

Want to encourage your child's love of writing? Or inspire one who would rather do anything but write? The answer may be as simple as finding the right pen. Just as your child may have had a security blanket or an impossibly dirty teddy bear that she refused to let you kidnap to the dark recesses of the washing machine, she may need a special writing tool that's all her own.

View Article: Click Here

Simple Living
By Arleen M. Kaptur

When we say "Simple Living" we mean enjoying and relishing the pleasures and wonder of all that nature has to offer, whether you live in a rustic setting, in a bustling city, or high on a mountaintop overlooking the hills and valleys of a remote destination. Simple Living is the way you feel, not exactly where you live or the location you call home.

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A Word of Advice for a Beginning Crafter
By Eileen Bergen

Even though my site is fairly new, I have been getting letters from crafters looking for advice on how to get started selling their wares. I thought that this letter and my answer would be of interest to anyone beginning a new home business.

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Thanks

Susan
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