Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 94, July 29, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have 10 new requests today, lots of interesting ones. The topic for the Thrifty Fun News this weekend will be "Back To School". I know it seems a little early to start talking about school, but it's less than a month away in some communities. If you have any back to school tips please submit them on the contest form.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
If you are looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem,
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- I got Disneyland Souvenirs on Ebay
- Homemade Chocolate Syrup
- Free School Supplies
- Homemade Ant Traps
- Milk Jugs for Picking Berries
- Tying Up Your Plants and Prevent Damage from Hail
- Featured Feedback: RE: Weed killer for flower beds?
- Featured Feedback: RE: Stubborn Tea and Coffee Stains
- Featured Feedback: RE: Stained Swim Suit
- Other Active Topics
- Today's Recipes: How to Make a Gooey Grits Cake
New Requests:
- Make Your Own Scented Drawer Liner Paper?
- Transporting a Horse
- How Can I Confirm Electrical Problems?
- Organizing Important Papers
- Starting a Family Reunion Tradition
- Recipes for Getting Rid of Ants
- Freezing Garden Produce (Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Zucchini)
- 3 Cat's that Don't Get Along
- Mexican Herb that Works like Beano
- To Peel or Not to Peel Green Peppers?
More Reading:
- Tips on Growing Roses
- Keep Preschoolers Cool about School
- To Clean Or Not To Clean Porcelain and How To Do It
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Today's Sponsor
Henry Fields:
$20 off at Henry Fields Seed and Nursery!
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Today's Tips
I got Disneyland Souvenirs on Ebay
As soon as my kids found out we are going to Disneyland they started talking about what they wanted to get there to bring home. Being a frugal mom can be hard, but I just can't see spending so much money on t-shirts, hats and other souvenirs. I looked at the local Disney store, but that isn't cheap either. So I did what any thrifty mom would - searched Ebay! Guess what, Disney has a partnership with them and they sell stuff from both the parks and stores! I've already got hats, shirts, little toys, pins and fans, all things they'd want, and I didn't pay more than $5 for anything! Now, as long as I can keep them hidden until the trip, we'll save tons!
By Christine J
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Homemade Chocolate Syrup
I save a lot of money with this recipe.
Ingredients:
1/2 C. Cocoa
1 C. Sugar
1 C. water
1 tsp. Vanilla
dash of salt
Preparation Instructions:
Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Add water, and mix until smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for one minute, be careful this does not over boil. Remove from heat, when this cools add the vanilla.
I adapt this to the microwave by bringing it to a rolling boil in the microwave (about 6 min in mine) probably less in everyone elses :-) just put it in a bowl that is large because it boils over easy and makes a big mess
By Paula
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Free School Supplies
School supplies for my children this year were free! What I did was sign up for OfficeDepot's rebate program which gives you money back in the form of a Office Depot Gift card when you make purchases at their stores. I watched for rebates on their software and supplies during the year and purchased items that were free after rebate. So I ended up getting the software and items free after rebate and also got money back in the form of a gift card for the purchases I made. (I believe the money back is 5% on what you buy when you sign up for their plan which is free). I used the gift card (which totaled $30) for my children's school supplies. A win for all!
By Deb
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Homemade Ant Traps
A safe way to trap pesky little ants without poison.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking yeast
1/2 cup molasses
6 3x5 inch index cards
Mix all ingredients together and then smear a thin layer on each of the index cards. Use a rubber spatula to spread the mixture on the cards. Put the index cards in places that you have seen ants.
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The following two tips are from our archive.
Milk Jugs for Picking Berries
They are great to give everyone when you go out to pick blueberries. Just cut around the spout, leaving the handle and bottom intact.
Peter
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Tying Up Your Plants and Prevent Damage from Hail
I tried using strips from those overabundant plastic grocery bags, and found they work just fine for tying up plants.
When a storm is approaching, I go out to my garden and make sure that I've secured as many as possible of the long flexible stems. This seems to minimize damage if there are high winds.
If hail is predicted, I put all container plants under the porch roof, and cover other plants with anything I can put my hands on to deflect the foliage-shredding ice. I've used such things as boards, buckets, empty coffee cans, lawn furniture, and the children's yard toys. I even use the rusty ironing boards that at other times serve for temporary garden work tables.
Rose B.
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Featured Feedback: RE: Weed killer for flower beds?
Preen is a great product to prevent weed seeds from germinating. If it is already too late and the weeds are already growing, you can use chemicals to kill the weeds but you must be very careful as some chemicals will kill everything they touch! Pull the weeds manually or use a thick layer of mulch (2+"), newspaper (covered with something to keep it in place) black plastic or cardboard. Kill the weed when they are small and NEVER let them go to seed or your job will be harder in the future! Work at it daily and keep up with it throughout the growing season and year after year your weeding job will get less and less.
Feed you garden with lots of compost too and your flowers will have an easier time competing with the weeds and will reward you with more flowers too!
Warmest Wishes,
Denise McCall
CHRISTIAN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
http://www.get-it.net/scriptures/dmccal5348/
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Featured Feedback: RE: Stubborn Tea and Coffee Stains
The very best way to remove tea stains from a cup is to sprinkle table salt in the cup and rub with a soft cloth.
My Mother passed this on to me and I have been using this method for fifty years. It works wonders and is not caustic.
By Jane
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Featured Feedback: RE: Stained Swim Suit
We swim in the Chesapeake bay a lot and my suits get pretty brown after awhile. A dip or two in the local pool seems to brighten them up a bit, so I am sure it is the chlorine.
By Sharon
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Other Active Topics:
Help Organizing Tupperware in Cupboard
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf920463.tip.html
MLM Success? - The Dollar Stretcher
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf878454.tip.html
Chocolate Frosting Recipe
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf678155.tip.html
Today's Recipes: How to Make a Gooey Grits Cake
By Kori Puckett
I was intrigued when I came across this unusual dessert recipe. Now, ordinarily, I wouldn't think that a dessert containing grits, of all things, would be appealing. But there was a time when I thought rice was a funny choice, too, and I'm now a huge fan of rice pudding.
So needless to say, I tried it and surprisingly it wasn't bad. In fact, it was sweet...maybe a little too sweet for some people, but I don't mind.
Here it is:
Grits Cake
- 1 yellow cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup grits
- 8 oz. pack cream cheese
- 16 oz. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Preheat over 350 degrees farenheit (careful here, ovens may vary. Mine does, a lot!). Mix cake, 2 eggs, butter, and grits in a bowl.
Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Spread first mixture into a 9 x 13 pan. Pour second mixture over cake batter, then bake for 35-45 minutes (once again, ovens may vary).
The top of the cake should be gooey. If you give this dessert recipe a try, I'd love to know what you think about it!
About The Author: Get Your Just Desserts twice monthly at Tried and true dessert recipes from an average Jane who just loves experimenting with baking.
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Tip Contest
Submit a thrifty tip and you might win...
How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out of Debt & Live Prosperously
by Jerrold Mundis
Millions of consumers have become trapped in a spiral of debt, but there is hope. If you wants to free yourself from the shackles of debt, this book is for you--it can help you "get out of debt, stay out of debt, and live prosperously." Jerrold Mundis writes in a friendly, engaging style, urging readers to stop the cycle of spending. Mundis knows what he's talking about--he, too, was once thousands of dollars in debt and didn't know where to turn. Anecdotes from Debtors Anonymous folks, plus multiple examples from the writer's own life and ledgers, make How to Get Out of Debt an encouraging read, not a condescending one. Once you start your program, you may want to periodically reread some chapters for inspiration--and fun. -Amazon.com
Enter the contest!
New Requests:
Make Your Own Scented Drawer Liner Paper?
How do I make scented drawer liner paper? Any one with any ideas other than fabric softener sheets? Tracey from Ohio
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Transporting a Horse
I am moving from Oregon to Idaho for a couple years to go to school and I need to get my horse there. I have a truck but no trailer. I need to find a trailer to rent. A one way rental would be nice? Anyone have any advice? Kandice
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How Can I Confirm Electrical Problems?
I have many outlets but only one outlet is out. I thought I would just replace the one so I got a free estimate and they want over 4 grand saying the whole house needed to be rewired. It's scary because I don't want a fire. How does one know if this is true, are there other signs to look for so I can make sure that this really needs to be done before I spend 4 grand? Chris
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Organizing Important Papers
I can't find a file labeling system that works for me. I can't find my important papers when needed. Does anyone have any filing system ideas for me? By Wendy
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Starting a Family Reunion Tradition
I want to start a family reunion tradition. We don't have one now but our family is getting pretty large with brothers and sisters moving away with kids, often to different states. My sister and I have decided to start to plan a family reunion and we hope to have it be a yearly event. What I am wondering is if anyone out there does this and if they have any advice? What works for you? Any tips or advice would be appreciated. Jules in TX
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Recipes for Getting Rid of Ants
What is the recipe for getting rid of ants, borax and powder sugar? How much do I use and is anything else needed? Thanks! Amy from New York
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Freezing Garden Produce (Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Zucchini)
We have a huge garden and I'm wondering what to do with some of the produce that we have an abundance of to preserve it for the late fall and winter. I don't want to can; I've never done it and I don't want the added expense of starting it right now. Has anyone ever frozen tomatoes, cucumbers, or zucchini? Any suggestions on how to prepare them before freezing would help. Thanks! GHT
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3 Cat's that Don't Get Along
I have three cats. The first being the biggest and the third still a kitten. The kitten is not the problem here, he gets along with everyone. The oldest cat lives in EXTREME fear of the middle cat, and pees everywhere because of it and cries all the time. The middle cat is aggressive with him and always looking to attack him when possible. I'm not sure what to do about this. My oldest cat barely comes out of the closet because he feel safe in there. How do I get the middle cat to stop attacking? How can I train him that it is wrong? Any suggestions would help. Thanks alot, Matao
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Mexican Herb that Works like Beano
There is a Mexican herb that diminishes bean side effects in humans and adds a hickory flavor. Does anyone know what this inexpensive "beano" herb is called?
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To Peel or Not to Peel Green Peppers?
I have noted that chefs on TV food shows sometimes peel green Bell peppers. Could someone comment on why this is done?
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
More Reading
Tips on Growing Roses
By LeAnn R. Ralph
I certainly cannot claim to be an expert on roses -- and I cannot claim to have a green thumb -- but I've got a couple of rose bushes that have been growing in my yard for quite a few years. And here's what I have learned about roses and how I take care of mine:
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Keep Preschoolers Cool about School
By Jane Lake
The first day of school is a momentous occasion for parent and child. Excitement, tinged with uncertainty, fills the weeks before September. Anxious mothers coax awkward five-year-old fingers to tie shoelaces (or give up and buy sneakers with Velcro), while proud fathers urge their children to write their own names or recite the alphabet.
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To Clean Or Not To Clean Porcelain and How To Do It
By Stewart Hopewell
Yes, by all means, clean your porcelain, and I'll tell you how to do it in just a minute. But first, believe me, you can only make it look better if you give your porcelain a careful and loving cleaning. So, go ahead and get rid of the dust, dirt, nicotine, house paint, and I don't know what all, by cleaning your porcelain. As a seller/dealer of quality porcelain, I can certainly tell you that after I have cleaned my acquired porcelain, I have been able to increase my investment because the piece looked so much better. Bottom line, I think, is to always and periodically clean your pieces of porcelain.
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Thanks
Susan
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