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Hello,
Congratulations to Gladys Hill! She won the latest gift card contest. Thank you to everyone that submitted tips. Your hard work is appreciated.
We have a 11 new requests again today, lots of people looking for advice.
If you have any Thanksgiving tips be sure to send them so we can get them published before the holiday. Now would also be a good time to submit Thanksgiving leftover ideas so that we have them set to publish right after the Thanksgiving.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Tips
Solar Window Heating Panel Plans
Here in Colorado they are talking about our ulitilies going up by 25 percent. I don't know about you but I can't afford to pay more to heat my home. I have Fibromyalsia and to get cold can knock me off my feet for days at a time. So my husband and I did a search on the internet for something that was cheap, could be made ourselves and could help out with the heating bills. Here we have a lot of days when we do have sunshine so we thought solar would be the way to go.
We found this web site and it gives very detailed plans for a solar window heater. Now don't freak out, these plans are very easy. With just a few tools and these plans you can heat a room with a solar heater. Of course these need to be south facing rooms but if you are lucky enough to have a south facing house you may be able to really reduce your heating costs.
http://www.mobilehomerepair.com/article17solar.htm
Hope this helps to keep you all toasty warm for the winter.
By Debra in Colorado
View Article: Click Here
Use Tomato Soup in place of tomato sauce in meat dishes. I use the soup with slices of onion on top of burgers, pork chops and chicken for a tasty change of pace.
By patsAZ
Post Feedback: Click Here
Most stores have reduced, marked down item bins. Always go there first when shopping early in the morning. You get the best of the bargains.
At a Supermarket, I found 2 boxes of Kleenex which had been reduced, because someone had cut the boxes with a box cutter while stocking shelves. These were marked down to 50 cents each for a total of $1. They would have cost $2.78 at $1.39 each
By Gladys Hill
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries. Spread evenly in loaf pan. Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool on rack for 15 minutes before removing from pan.
Cool completely. Wrap and store overnight.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix butter, sugar and egg thoroughly; stir in vanilla. Add flour and baking powder and mix well.
Chill dough until firm.
Roll on lightly floured board. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
I know that a lot of people with older homes have resorted to using plastic on their windows to eliminate drafts. I used to do this every year too. I checked into replacing the windows but the cost was a small fortune. So here is what I came up with.
Supplies:
Instructions:
I started out by measuring the inside of the window casing. I then ordered the plexi glass and had it cut to my dimensions. My husband then made frames that fit right inside the window casings and screwed the plexi glass to the wooden frames. He used metal screws with a rubber washer and then a metal washer on top. He then put the window clips on the outside edge of the casing.
Prime and paint your windows. The advantage to these windows is that you can still see out them, So you don't feel shut in for the winter. They give you a dead air space between your window and the new storm window. They can be used every year and can be cleaned and stored. They lay flat and can be bungeed together for storage in the eaves of a garage or in a shed.
They go up very easy, you could even get your kids to do :). Total cost of materials was about $ 250.00 dollars but when you think of the replacement cost of a new window that is pretty cheap. Oh by the way that was 8 windows for 250.00. Hope this saves someone some money out there. With heating costs going up these can be life savers.
By Debra in Colorado
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
In Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer 30 minutes. Discard spices. Serve hot.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Parenting Joke - Very Good Advice!
The best way to keep kids at home is to provide a pleasant home atmosphere...
And, let the air out of their tires. LOL
By Gladys Hill
Post Feedback: Click Here
To ripen avocados, leave them closed in a paper bag at room temperature for a few days.
By Gladys Hill
Post Feedback: Click Here
Recycling Preformed Small Bows
I save the bows off my gifts to be frugal. Sometimes they get crushed and out shape in storage. Can't use them again? Oh I can!
I take a styrofoam wreath, which I find at thrift stores, and either with straight pins or glue, I make a Christmas wreath.
Put straight pin in center of bow, even using the damaged scrunched ones together tightly. Start on inside opening, push them place, or glue on base of wreath. Continue until you have entire wreath covered. You can use just one color or mix them up. Add a raffia bow, tiny ornament or sprigs of greenery, attach a hanger of some sort to the back. I make severals at a time and take one to the SR Citizen centers, Hospital wards or to some of my elderly friends who can't afford decorations. Spreads cheer to so many!
By Gladys Hill
View Article: Click Here
Keeping Guacamole From Darkening
You can make guacamole ahead for use, today or several days later, by pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface. Make sure there are no air bubbles or a way for air to get to the top. Store in refrigerator. Making it ahead saves you time and stress while trying to prepare meals.
By Gladys Hill
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Perfect Cheeseballs for the Holidays
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix all ingredients, except the nuts and form a ball. Roll in the chopped nuts until evenly coated. Chill until serving time.
I prepare several at a time as the recipe can be doubled, wrap in air tight plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator and have them to use through the holidays. Also makes nice gifts for family and friends.
P.S. Serving with crackers or garlic toast, this recipe is perfect for any party. It is pretty when rolled in parsley mixed with the nuts.
By Gladys Hill
View Article: Click Here
Restoring Paint Hardened Paintbushes
My husband is really bad about letting the paintbrushes dry with paint in them. Anyone have one kin to him? It seems to be a man thing! View Article: Click Here
- 2 cups brown sugar Post Feedback: Click Here
When using a self cleaning oven, run the cycle directly after baking and take advantage of the built up heat already in the oven. Post Feedback: Click Here
To keep the cheap kitchen garbage bags from falling into the can, cut off the top of a pair of pantyhose and put it on the outside of the can. Once you've put the new bag into the can, pull the pantyhose over the edge of the bag. It can be used over and over again since it is on the outside of the garbage can! Post Feedback: Click Here
Once you've mashed them, keep them on low, covered in a crockpot. Butter melts well on them. Delicious! Post Feedback: Click Here
To hold a nail without hitting your fingers, put it between the tines of a fork! Post Feedback: Click Here
Keep Good Records And Save Receipts
To keep all your records and receipts buy a good 4 drawer filing cabinet at a yard sale or thrift shop. This saves me a lot of time. When the IRS audited me, for 2 years back, I pulled out my bank file from 2 years ago. It included all my checks and statements for that year, and I had my taxes for that year in another file. I was ready to go the next day if necessary! Post Feedback: Click Here
Frequent Thrift Stores For Clothing
Many times they have a super sale like a bag of clothes for $5. I've bought new hooded sweatshirts for my granddaughter with 6 fitting in a bag. Recently, they had women's clothing for $.50 each. The woman in front of me bought a nice suede and knitted ladies sweater for $.50. Many times they have new items, still in the box. These make nice gifts. Post Feedback: Click Here
Birthday And Anniversary Reminder List
In addition to having a reminder a few days prior to the birthday or anniversary of a family member or friend, I also have a list on my computer, wordpad program. I look at it at the first of the month when I send out my bills and send my cards then too. That way, I don't miss any birthdays and have it all done at once. Post Feedback: Click Here
Send An Address Label With Your Greeting Cards
I always insert a stick-on address label with my address inside cards that I send. That makes it easier for the receiver so they don't have to hand address a card back to me. They also don't have to spend time looking up my address. Post Feedback: Click Here
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New Requests:
Making Pie Crusts For The Freezer
I love to make pies, but I lose recipes a lot so i have to find a recipe again every time I absolutely hate the taste of refrigerated pie crust, (store bought), I was wondering if anyone had a recipe for making a lot of pie dough that would stay good frozen or in the fridge. Post Feedback: Click Here
Can you bake pies ahead of time and freeze them? I want to freeze pumkin and apple pies. If so, how do you keep them from going soggy when thawed? Post Feedback: Click Here
My highschool is considering having a lounge just for seniors. I'm on a committee to decide what we are going to buy for the room, with a budget of $1,000. What specific items do you think we should purchase/not purchase? Do you have any good ideas for saving money, but still having a cool lounge? - Emma
Post Feedback: Click Here
Does anyone have a recipe for baked doughnuts similar to Krispy Kremes? Post Feedback: Click Here
Many American recipes use the term "half and half". What does this mean? Post Feedback: Click Here
I am looking for a recipe for blooming onion sauce like they have at Outback Steak House. Post Feedback: Click Here
How do I make a head board for my bed?
I do not have a head board for my bed. Does anyone have ideas on how to make one? I was thinking of getting pressboard and covering it with some foam them material? Post Feedback: Click Here
A few years ago, I knew a lady in Dallas who crocheted baby cowboy boots for charity. I begged her for the pattern, but she wouldn't part with it. Does anyone have this pattern? I would be overjoyed to find it as our family has a new baby coming in April. Thanks for your help! Post Feedback: Click Here
I need HELP. I got candle wax on my sofa and need to know how to get it out! My sofa is called durasuede,it's like suede. I don't know exactly what that means but that is what they said it was called. Anyway, it is a new sofa and my little girl blew out a candle and got wax on it! Post Feedback: Click Here
Touching Up Bleach Stains On Carpet
I just moved across country a few months ago, and when I was unpacking the box I had packed my bleach in, I found that the bleach had spilled in the box, and also leaked through the bottom of the box onto the carpet. Does anyone have suggestions on touching up the carpet? I know I probably can't actually remove the bleach- that would be nice, though! It only left a few small spots, on tan carpet. Any suggestions, anyone? Post Feedback: Click Here
Long Term Mice Control Solution
I just moved into my brand new home and saw a mouse running across the floor. On the advice of family members, I bought a few mouse baits. One is the "stick on" type and the other is filled with rat poison. I even sprinkled bay leaves around (I know this works for weevils, but someone told me it works for mice too). I am looking for a long term solution for mice control--without buying a cat. I am terrified of mice, so any help would be appreciated. By the way, I will be planting peppermint around my house this spring. Post Feedback: Click Here
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Investment Returns
I have read lots on saving money and retirement. In most of the articles it states you can get a return of 10% or 12%. Where do you go to find this kind of earnings? If you have to invest in the stock market, where do you find a person to help you do this without them getting most of your money for helping you?
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Five Tips for EASY WEIGHT LOSS!
Whoever told you that weight loss was difficult never read this article!
Weight loss is a hot topic among people today, especially considering the fact that more than half of us are overweight. As we get older we often get busier, and before we know it, find ourselves in the prime of our lives and packing a few extra pounds. With so little extra time in our lives it is impractical to join the latest diet fad or commit to sweating in the gym for hours at a time. Are we all destined to grow outward with each passing year, or is there a simple way for us to reclaim our healthy figures? If you struggle with your own battle of the bulge read on for five sure-fire ways to drop a few of those unwanted pounds, and more importantly learn how you can prevent packing them in the first place!
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Heat a cup of vinegar (a bigger brush will need a bigger amount of vinegar) in the microwave. Heat to mildly warm, but not boiling, as you don't want to cook the paint into them. Soak the brush in it. Leave it to soak, say 15-30 minutes or more. Rinse it out, and it should be good as new. If needed repeat.
What would this world be without the magic of vinegar? LOL
By Gladys Hill
- 1 cup sour cream
Boil together for 20 min. or until it forms a soft ball in cold water. Remove from heat. Beat until creamy enough to spread.
By Anna
By Lynn
By Betty G.
By Betty G.
By Betty G.
Also, the computer company who fixed my computer "wiped me out of their system". My receipt saved me another $61 to fix the same problem!
By Betty G.
By Betty G.
By Betty G.
If the address labels are on a sheet, cut the label off with the paper still attached. If not, place it on a piece of wax paper. It will pull off easily and they can use it.
By Gladys Hill
New Contest! $30.00 Gift Card
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 November 15th.
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
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Juniorbaker
Sue, from FLA.
Christine from Sydney, Australia
Christine from Sydney, Australia
Shirley Sonksen
Thank you in advance!
ML from Alberta
glomax56
Thanks,
Jen
Emily in Mississippi
Brandi from IN
By Gary Foreman
By Diana Keuilian
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