Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 174, November 6, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have a packed newsletter today. A ton of new requests and tips. We also have Christmas and Thanksgiving Topic Sites finished.
Thanksgiving Topic Site:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/Thanksgiving/index.html?mode=clear
Christmas Topic Site:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/Christmas/index.html?mode=clear
We look forward to adding to these topic sites over the coming weeks. If you have any holiday tips, recipes, requests or craft ideas be sure to send them in.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Feeling helpful? Check out the loney requests page at:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board_lonely.html
Enter the tip contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Leftover Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers
- Cold Relief Herbal Soak
- Your Fireplace Can Help You Beat Stress
- Soothing Oatmeal Facial Cream
- Keeping Brushes and Combs Static Free
- Box Lunches That Boost Grades
- Save on Batteries
- Rainy Day Clothes Line
- Perfect Fudge Tip
- Freezing Bread
- Removing Carpet Stains
- Homemade Carpet Shampoo
- Cleaning TV and Computer Monitor Screens
- Cleaning Wooden Food Preparation Surfaces
- Cleaning and Preventing Mildew Around the House
- Soda Tab Crafts
- Watering Hanging House Plants
- Dishwasher Gel for Sink Stains
- Stocking Up On Food Pays Off During Hard Times
- Spend Time on Your Grocery List and Save Extra Trips
- Buying in Bulk
- Saving Money vs. Saving Time
- Return Address Labels
- Winter Squash Recipe
- Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Smoked Turkey
New Requests:
- Looking for Lightweight Gift Ideas for Family Overseas
- Making Anti Dust Mite Pillowcases Mattress Covers
- Coffee Stains on Corian Sink
- Spilt Sour Milk Smell in Car
- Removing Mothball Stench form Wool Blankets
- Removing tar From Clothing and the Dryer
- Solution for Bad Smell in Chinese Antique Wood Bucket
- Anyone have a simple recipe for making soap from leftover pieces?
- Does anyone know how to start a bartering group?
- Preventing Insects and Taking Care of Apple Trees During the Fall and Winter
- Recipe Needed for Fabreeze
- Looking for Wallpaper
- Nail Polish on a Leather Suite
- Cleaning a Dishwasher
More Reading:
- Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person Who has Everything!
- Greeting Card Tango: How to Impress, Not Stress, During the Holidays
- Christmas Ham
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Today's Tips
Leftover Chicken Stir Fry with Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper or 1/2 red and 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1 can baby corn
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- Oil for stir-frying, as needed
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken thigh meat
Directions:
Wash, remove the seeds from the bell peppers and cut into thin strips.
Rinse the can of baby corn in warm water to remove any "tinny" taste. Drain thoroughly.
Combine the soy sauce, water or chicken broth, wine or dry sherry, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk in the cornstarch and set aside.
Heat the wok and add oil, drizzling it around the sides. When the oil is hot, add the garlic, and stir-fry until aromatic.
Add the baby corn, stir fry briefly, and then add the green bell peppers, red bell peppers. Continue stir-frying.
Give a the sauce a quick re-stir. Make a well in the middle of the wok and add the sauce, stirring quickly to thicken.
Add the chicken, mix everything together, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
By Kathy
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Cold Relief Herbal Soak
If you do manage to get a cold this season, even with all the anti-cold tips, the following herbal soak may help you feel better.
4 parts dried lavender
4 parts dried rosemary
4 parts chopped fresh ginger root or 2 parts ginger powder
2 parts dried eucalyptus
Use 1/2 cup of dried herbs or one to two cups of fresh herbs. Crush the herbs first to release their essential oils. Mix the herbs and tie them into a square of muslin or a handkerchief. Hang the bag under the faucet as you fill the tub. The bag can be used to scrub your skin as well.
By Kathy
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Your Fireplace Can Help You Beat Stress
For extra stress relief during cool autumn days, pull up a chair in front of a fire and stare at the flames. Focusing on the flickering colors, experts say, is proven to induce a mild meditative state that'll help you release worries and concerns.
By Kathy
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Soothing Oatmeal Facial Cream
Water poured over a small amount of oatmeal and rubbed on the face is very soothing and good for the skin. It is easy to do, just use a small amount. For more treatment, add water to oatmeal and put the whole glop on your face and leave until it feels a little tight. Then wipe off the solid oats with a tissue and throw away and then wash the rest off with warm water.
By racing2elrod
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Keeping Brushes and Combs Static Free
This tip is especially apropos with winter's cold weather approaching. Keep your comb and hairbrush lying on a fabric softener sheet in your vanity drawer, it discourages static electricity. If you need a little extra help while combing or brushing just wipe the comb or brush against the sheet. This also makes your drawer smell really fresh.
By Kathy
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Box Lunches That Boost Grades
The right lunch can boost kids' brainpower, cut down on sick days and give them steady energy. Here are the best foods to keep school kids in tip-top shape:
Peanut butter: a great source of essential fatty acids needed for brain cells.
Hard-boiled eggs: loaded with amino acids, selenium and zinc - nutrients that strengthen the immune system.
Red grapes: deliver nutrients that prevent infection.
Hummus: for its bone-building calcium and magnesium, its energy-boosting B6 and iron and its cold-dashing vitamin C.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Save on Batteries
We find the TV remote controls take a lot of battery power. After a few months, the remotes won't respond to changing the channel, etc. However, we find that those same used batteries are still powerful enough to operate stereo headsets for some time!
By D. Heil
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Rainy Day Clothes Line
If you have a patio umbrella, weave a string as parallel as possible between the tips. It's no good for large sheets, but works well for the slow drying stuff like socks or jeans.
Have FUN
DearWebby
http://webby.com/humor
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Perfect Fudge Tip
When making fudge cook to soft ball stage. Add 1 tsp. vanilla and at least a half an 18 oz. jar of peanut butter and you will never have fudge that isn't delicious and perfect.
By ooms
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Freezing Bread
When freezing a loaf of bread, wrap newspaper around the plastic bag and secure with masking tape. This will keep the bread from drying out in the freezer.
By Mary B.
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Removing Carpet Stains
If the carpet stain is still wet, try pouring a little club soda on the stained area. Wait a moment and blot until moisture is absorbed.
If you don't find the stain right away, mix a diluted solution of vinegar, soap and water. Dampen a cloth with this solution and press firmly against the stain for several moments. Blot dry with a rinse cloth.
Shaving cream is a great emergency carpet stain remover. Use on ketchup, chocolate, tea, coffee, wine and even blood.
Salt is also a great for absorbing mud stains. Sprinkle it liberally on fresh stains and allow to soak up the moisture. Then Vacuum.
Never rub a carpet to soak up liquid that has been spilled. Using as much dry cloth as you need, blot the area until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
If your first treatment fails, let the carpet dry before you try something else. You'll have a better idea how much of the stain remains once the carpet is dry.
By Donna Gros
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Homemade Carpet Shampoo
Use 1/2 C. powdered detergent, 1 tsp. ammonia and 1 quart of warm water. Mix in a bowl, stirring constantly to work up a layer of froth (an egg beater might be good for this). Using froth only, rub lightly with a sponge or cloth over the entire carpet. When necessary, continue stirring solution to get additional froth. Allow carpet to dry. Vacuum entire area.
By Donna Gros
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Cleaning TV and Computer Monitor Screens
Both screens accumulate fingerprints, dust and grime as a result of static electricity. With the set or screen turned off, use glass cleaner sparingly. Wet a rag or paper towel with the cleaner rather than spraying it on, to avoid getting cleaner on the cabinet.
By Donna Gros
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Cleaning Wooden Food Preparation Surfaces
Butcher blocks and other wooden work surfaces used for food preparation should be cleaned after each use. Use chlorine bleach to kill germs from raw foods such as chicken, fish, and meat. Wash any surface that touches these foods. Then cover the surface for two minutes with a diluted solution of unscented chlorine bleach, rinse thoroughly, and air dry.
By Donna Gros
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Cleaning and Preventing Mildew Around the House
Mildew is a common name for household mold that thrives in dark, damp, poorly ventilated places. Chlorine bleach, diluted according to label directions, is a good mildew remover for use on colorfast waterproof hard surfaces.
Mildew can also be controlled by lowering the humidity in a closed-in space such as a closet. In very humid weather, when mildew growth is greatest, use a continuously burning 60 watt bulb in a large closet to raise the temperature (and thereby lower the relative humidity). A smaller bulb can be used in a smaller enclosure. Be certain that the bulb is well away from any stored articles.
By Donna Gros
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Soda Tab Crafts
You can make items using soda tabs, sell them and give a large percentage to the Ronald McDonald House or other children's charities.
By Patricia Bledsoe
Editor's Note: Anyone have some ideas for what can be made with soda tabs?
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Watering Hanging House Plants
Water hanging plants with a few ice cubes, rather than the watering pail. The cubes will melt slowly and will be absorbed whereas water poured in often runs straight through and pours out.
You can also take your houseplants outside for a drink of rainwater when it rains. Only do this if there is no chance of freezing. Rainwater helps flush out accumulated salts and minerals from tap water buildup.
By Linda
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Dishwasher Gel for Sink Stains
Dab dishwasher gel on any stains in your sink, and let it set overnight. In the morning the stains will be gone!
By Linda
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Stocking Up On Food Pays Off During Hard Times
Here's another grocery tip. When the Y2K scare was going on we decided to go ahead and stock up on dry products and other items that might be needed. Even though nothing came of it we kept from getting into those items. Later that year my husband got laid off from his job and could not find work. In a small town it's very hard to steady work. Boy, were we thankful for the stockpile of stuff we had.
I was working only 3-4 days per week as my employer would allow so that took care of electricity and such. The food and the gas we saved really came in handy as well as the candles and batteries, as our area in this small mountain town tends to lose electricity in the winter.
We use a fireplace to heat so that was a good thing and my stove is propane without the electronic ignite. We found we couldn't use the oven if the electricity was out so when we had to buy a new one it was all pilot and no electric to it. I was very thankful for the stockpile of food we had. We had done a good job on variety, and I had canned a lot of meat.
The gas we had in our out building had really been a great help, we spent 85 cents a gallon to fill several cans and when we needed it, the gas prices were 1.50+. So we now keep many things on hand for the outages and just a few gallons of gas. We have been able to help many people with our stockpile in rough times. So when I can, I get extra and put it in our pantry for a rainy day or to help someone else.
By RoseMary
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Spend Time on Your Grocery List and Save Extra Trips
When getting ready to go grocery shopping I always need to make sure I have a list. We live 30 miles from Canon City, Co in the mountains and can't run to the store every time I need something.
I put a piece of notebook paper on the refrigerator and every time I run out or get close to running out I put it on the list. Two days before I go shopping I sit down and go over the list and put it in categories, such as meat, dairy, etc. I rewrite this on a new paper and then make my rounds about the house to check one more time to be sure I have everything. This was hard to get used to 10 years ago when we first moved here since we were 5 minutes away from the store then. Having this list has saved me from not having something I needed for a particular recipe I was going to make.
By RoseMary
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Buying in Bulk
When shopping I always try to buy in bulk. A better deal for hamburger is always bulk. When I get home I take all of the plastic bags that had my veggies in them and set aside. I then divide the hamburger into 1 pound pieces, I know they aren't exact since I don't weight them but they are close, then I put a pound into the bag press all the air out and tie shut, I then put in another pound and tie it shut.
I can get two pounds bag and just pop into the freezer. When needed I cut the bag above the tie and put the other piece back into the freezer. The other pound is ready to thaw in a bowl with the exposed side down. I then can throw the bag away and have not spend a dime for a bag. I also do the same with the 5 pound bag of leg quarters, however, I put only the amount I need per meal as it takes up more room. This has worked out great for me for years. Hope it helps others cut their grocery bill.
By RoseMary
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Saving Money vs. Saving Time
To me, thriftiness is not just about saving money. It's about making the best use of the resources you have. For me, one of my most precious resources is TIME.
Don't get me wrong; I'm a great admirer of frugality and have enjoyed reading and using many of the tips published here. I love finding ways to be more efficient and effective. But while spending hours refinishing furniture and searching the grocery store aisles for the cheapest brand is admirable (and fun), please consider what you're giving up to save a few bucks.
At this point in my life, playing with my kids, and studying to finish my degree are more important than the few cents I'd save searching for the cheapest can of corn. In a few years, my kids will be at an age where they won't want Mom to play with them anymore. And by finishing my degree earlier I'll be able to support my family better that much sooner.
Spending a bit more money now to gain time for family and education is a wise long-term investment, to my way of thinking.
By Lynne from Albuquerque
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Return Address Labels
This tip was given to me by my great uncle. Instead of trying to write your address in the tiny places provided on some reply cards stick on an address label. It is easier to read and better than trying to write really small.
By bet24
Editor's Notes: I use this tip as well. Often charitable organization send address labels this time of year in their mass mailings or you can buy large roles of labels with your address on them for fairly cheap.
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Winter Squash Recipe
Buy a large winter squash at the farmer's market or when on sale, cut in 1/2 and bake on cookie sheet in oven at 350 degrees F. until tender (about 1 hr.) Scrape out seeds, then soft cooked squash, put squash in mixing bowl. Add butter, brown sugar and salt and pepper to taste, mix, and serve hot. Freeze the excess in small freezer baggies (laid flat for easy freezer stacking). Easy and delicious future side dishes!
By Ness
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Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Smoked Turkey
8 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons butter or stick margarine
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (16-oz.) cans fat free, less sodium chicken broth or 4 cups
- homemade chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups chopped smoked turkey breast (1/2 pound)
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 3/4 cups 2% reduced fat milk
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add carrot and next 5 ingredients (carrot through garlic). Sauté 8 minutes or until browned. Stir in broth, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in turkey and rice; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and milk in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add to pan. Cook over medium heat until thick (about 8 minutes), stirring frequently. Stir in sherry and salt.
By Kathy
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Other Active Topics
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http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Tip Contest
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Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
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New Requests:
Looking for Lightweight Gift Ideas for Family Overseas
I have a daughter and son-in-law living overseas and need gift ideas for Christmas that don't weigh too much. These could include novelty, fun ideas from the good old USA, and also nice gift ideas. The first couple boxes were easy, we called them our 'Weightless Gift Projects", and the whole family participated. It's getting harder to think of things.
Thank you.
Frenchmom
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Making Anti Dust Mite Pillowcases Mattress Covers
I'd like to know if anyone knows how to make mattress and pillow covers at home that keep out dust mites. Every morning when I rise my eyes look and feel like I have the flu, in fact, this starts as soon as my head hits the pillow.
I have priced the special pillowcases and choked from sticker shock. My Mother is a very talented sewer if we just knew what kind of fabric to buy and even I can sew a pillowcase by hand if necessary.
We just need to know what fabric to use and where to find it.
Thanks.
Linne from Florida
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Coffee Stains on Corian Sink
I have a white corian sink. How do I get the coffee stains to go away. I constantly use softscrub, but it doesn't come out. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks.
Penny from NJ
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Spilt Sour Milk Smell in Car
How can I remove the strong odor of spilt milk from the carpet on the floor of the car? I have tried some products without success, and the smell is just getting worse
Tom Carlin
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Removing Mothball Stench form Wool Blankets
We purchased two beautiful wool blankets from Sierra Post and they arrived smelling of horrid mothballs! As we live in the NW the option of placing them outside is not always available. They have been on a covered porch outside and in the sun (when it shows it's face) for about a week... but still stink. I'm am presently trying to wash one in cold cycle with Oxyclean, since I read that it is possibly an ozone reaction in the sun that can remove the smell and oxyclean is packed with O3. I'll probably end up bleaching the blanket and am wondering if anyone has any advice other than sending the remaining unwashed blanket back.
Thanks
Anna
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Removing tar From Clothing and the Dryer
How do i get hot oil tar out of clothes and dryer?
devourer45
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Solution for Bad Smell in Chinese Antique Wood Bucket
I bought a beautiful old chinese rice bucket. I started noticing the smell when driving back home. The wood smells of urine. I left it on
the porch for more than a week and it still smells. Is it the wood? Does enybody have a remedy for it? There is no way i can bring this thing in the house.
Thank you!
Julia
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Anyone have a simple recipe for making soap from leftover pieces?
I know nothing about making soap, but I would really like to know how to make bars of soap from all those pieces I have been throwing out. Is there a simple way or do I have to buy all the soap-making stuff to do it? Thanks for your help!
glomax56
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Does anyone know how to start a bartering group?
I live in a small town and most people here don't have alot of money. I would like to start up a bartering group, but I have no clue how. Anyone know how?
glomax56
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Preventing Insects and Taking Care of Apple Trees During the Fall and Winter
Does anyone know of something I can treat apple trees with over the fall and winter so the leaves won't be infested in the spring? My husband and I moved into a house in the country with two apple trees (the apples are light green and soft red when they are ripe). They both yielded fruit this year but the leaves have something on them that makes me think of aphids and I was afraid to try to eat the apples. I would like to preserve all the fruit next year, but don't know how to take care of apple trees. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks for your help. I LOVE this website!
glomax56
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Recipe Needed for Fabreeze
I volunteer at a thrift shop that benefits abused women and children. We are in need of a recipe to make Fabreeze. We use quite a bit and this gets expensive.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Joyce from NC
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Looking for Wallpaper
I am looking for i roll of imperial wallcovering Item number KC5083 can anyone help? havelnator
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Nail Polish on a Leather Suite
I have a problem, I splashed pink nail polish on the arm of my green leather chair and I can't clean it off I tried nail polish remover and scraping it off but neither of these worked it hasn't come off at all can someone help? Christina from England.
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Cleaning a Dishwasher
How can I clean the inside of my dishwasher. I have hard water build-up and soap scum on the inside of dishwasher and the dishes do not get properly cleaned.
Pat
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your request here: Click Here
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More Reading:
Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person Who has Everything!
By Heather Diodati, DDesign
Tired of giving the same old-same old? Embarrassed to give out
those impersonal department store gift certificates because
you're stumped and don't know what to buy for the person who has
everything? Well, here are some wonderful ideas for unique gifts;
some unusual, some personal; something for everyone on your list!
View Article: Click Here
Greeting Card Tango: How to Impress, Not Stress, During the Holidays
By Lydia Ramsey
When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or not to send is often the question. Once you have decided in the affirmative, you then have to determine who to include on your list, what kind of card to choose and how to address the envelope.
View Article: Click Here
Christmas Ham
By Cindy Sanchez
So, you've decided on having ham for Christmas dinner this year but you don't want to stick with a plain baked ham? Glazing or spicing up your ham can add just the right festive touch!
View Article: Click Here
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