Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 221, December 23, 2004
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Hello,
Lots of requests today, we have 10 new ones.
Happy Holidays,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Celebrating Christmas with My Italian Relatives
- Packing Peanuts for Decorations
- "Silver" Chain Outdoor Tree Decoration
- Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- Hiding Gifts From Children and Other Family Members
- Cookie Baking Tips
- Saving Money on Wrapping Paper
- Cauliflower Salad
- Taco Salad
- Second Use For Paper Towel
- Melanie's Greatest Ever Granola :)
- Picture Collage on Matte Border
- Finding Items Dropped on the Floor
- Looking Up Words In The Phone Book
- Keep Receipts & Watch For Sale Prices
- Picking Up Pins and Needles
- Turn Out the Lights
- Wax Paper For Stubborn Paper Punches
- Paperwhites Make Great Greenery During the Winter
- Open the Shades
- Weather Strip and Caulk
- Insulation Saves Money
- Saving Energy by Landscaping
- Clean Your Can Opener
- Quirky picture Frame
New Requests:
- Question About Vinegar
- Paint on Leather jacket
- Cleaning Washable Suede
- Electircal Wiring Problems
- Pre-cooking Potatoes
- Removing Snail Slime Trail
- January Birthday Party
- Removing Stuck Fudge
- Recipes That Use Ramen Noodles
- Solution For Killing Gnats That Won't Harm Dogs
More Reading:
- Easy Holiday Activites to Do with the Children
- Wedding Day Beauty
- Wedding Budgeting Tips
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Today's Tips
Today's Family Tradition...
Celebrating Christmas with My Italian Relatives
Because we now have 4 generations of relatives we hire a hall. We do this about the 2nd Sunday of December. That way everyone knows every year when to plan to celebrate. The hall is decorated with a tree with ornaments and we have holiday music playing (a boom box). Folding tables provided by the hall are set up with chairs and disposable holiday tablecloths are put on them. (We wait until after Christmas each year and when they go on sale, we buy them and put them away for next year).
Everyone brings their special dish to share and this is displayed on a separate long large table. This year we had chicken wings, ham, turkey, meatballs, potato salad, macaroni salad, tossed salad, homemade bread, dinner rolls, pizza, and many, many delicious desserts. One of my aunts makes a traditional dish called bacala which is a fish dish made from soaked codfish and then cooked into a soup like dish. It is so good and it is the only day out of the whole year that I get to eat it. I even bring a little container with me and bring some home and the next day I cook some linguine and heat the bacala up and pour it over. I feel like I have died and gone to heaven. It is so g.o.o.d.
Santa pays a visit dressed in his royal attire with a beard thrown in and offers gifts to all the little ones as well as the big ones. It's nice to see how the little kids have grown, to hear how they are doing whether in nursery school, regular school, college or in the working field. My aunts, cousins, their children and their children (4 generations) mingle and laugh and break bread. This is a tradition that my nona and nono had when they were alive in their home. Then when they died their children took turns every year hosting it at their home. It finally got to a point that there were close to 60 of us so we rent a hall now. I hope this continues for the rest of my life and then is handed down to the next generation to keep doing it. I look forward to it every year.
By Joesgirl
View More Christmas Family Traditions
Share Your Christmas Family Tradition
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Packing Peanuts for Decorations
You can use a large needle with fishing line to string together packing peanuts for draping over trees in the yard at Christmas. It won't hurt the tree but if you live where there is significant wind, forget it. You can also use them indoors on the Christmas tree.
By Great Granny Vi
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"Silver" Chain Outdoor Tree Decoration
Have the kids or grandkids make you a chain of silver for the tree. Mine made me enough to decorate my dwarf peach tree when they were in grade school. Now they are grown and it is still used. They made a "paper chain" using foil. I love it. It has been rained on and windblown, and has lost a few links but still looks great on the tree. HUGS
By Great Granny Vi
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Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
- 7-8 potatoes (peeled & boiled until tender)
Drain and mash. Add:
- 2 T. butter
- 1/4 c. cream
- 2/3 c. light sour cream
- 3 oz. cream cheese
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 T chives
Directions:
Continue beating until light and fluffy. Put into a well greased 9x13 inch pan or casserole. Sprinkle with cheese and bake in 325 oven for 15-20 minutes.
By Robin
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Hiding Gifts From Children and Other Family Members
Tips for hiding gifts from pesky and curious family members. Post your ideas.
Hiding Gifts
I keep all of my bought gifts (Christmas & other) in the attic. The problem is, every time I pull down the attic stairs, it's like a magnet for my daughter to follow me up there. To be sure that she doesn't accidentally see any gifts, I hide them in suitcases, until they're ready for wrapping and giving.
By S. Dixon
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Cookie Baking Tips
Tips for making cookies. Post your ideas!
Powdered Sugaring Cookies
When baking cookies that need to be "rolled" in powdered sugar, it is much easier to put a few at a time in a paper sack or plastic zip lock and just shake them while still warm. Be sure to do it a second time after the cookies have cooled. You can add a drop or two of food coloring to the powdered sugar and shake before you add the cookies.
By Great Granny Vi
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Saving Money on Wrapping Paper
Tips for saving money on wrapping paper. Post your ideas.
Using Tinsel as Basket Filler
Pick up tinsel (icicles) cheap at the after-Christmas sales. Use it next Christmas as "nesting material" for your homemade gifts -- put a layer of tinsel in a Christmas-themed tin, cover with a layer of plastic wrap, then lay your homemade cookies, etc on top. Or use tinsel in a basket you've turned into a themed gift basket -- use the tinsel just like you would use easter grass in an easter basket, and top it with your goodies! Looks very festive and it's CHEAP!
By Becki in Indiana
Old Christmas Cards for Tags
Use old Xmas card & cut into shapes using pinking sheers to make gift tags for presents.
By palma
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Cauliflower Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed veggies (cook slightly)
- 1 c. celery (chopped)
- 1 c. onions (chopped)
- 1 c. green peppers (chopped)
- 1 small head cauliflower (washed and cut into flowerettes)
Dressing:
- 1 c. vinegar
- 3/4 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. oil
- 1/2 t. celery seed
Directions:
Boil 5 minutes. Pour over mixed vegetables. Chill.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Taco Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 3/4 envelope Old El Paso seasoning mix
- 3/4 c. water
- 1 medium head lettuce (torn)
- 1/2 c. sliced black olives
- 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded sharp cheese (cheddar)
- 1 lg. tomato (cut in wedges)
- 1 sm. onion (thinly sliced, separate into rings)
- Coarsely crushed taco shells
- Old El Paso taco sauce
Directions:
Brown ground beef. Drain fat. Stir in seasoning mix and water. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, olive and cheese. Toss well. Top with meat mixture, tomato, onion, and broken taco shells. Serve with taco sauce.
By Robin
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Second Use For Paper Towel
After washing your hands, use a paper towel to dry. Once you're done, use that same paper towel to clean the counter and sink and faucet. You'll always have a clean sink.
By Vonetta
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Melanie's Greatest Ever Granola :)
Mix:
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 4 cups of quick oatmeal
- 1 cup of slivered almonds
- 1 cup of coconut
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
Stir well then add:
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup of honey
Directions:
Combine it all well breaking up clumps then place on large cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees till golden brown. Use a spatula a few times and scootch it around now and then. Can add raisins or dried fruit when done. Store in air tight container when cool. Great for breakfast with milk as a cereal or can use in a granola bar recipe.
By Melanie
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Picture Collage on Matte Border
For an adorable picture matte border take the regular picture frame and then for the inner border matte cut out pictures of family or friends and glue on as a collage all the way around. This looks really great around a poem about family or the families last name printed or calligraphied.
By Melanie
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Finding Items Dropped on the Floor
When you drop something tiny on the floor/carpet, like a pin, screw or earring. Take a flashlight and put it level with the floor for the light to pick up the shine of the lost item.
Another idea to find something small that you've dropped and can't see. Put a piece of net, cheese cloth or old pantyhose over the end of your vacuum cleaner hose,secure with a rubber band. The suction will bring it to the hose but the material will keep it from getting into the machine.
By Great Granny Vi
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Looking Up Words In The Phone Book
Have your children look up words in the phone book when they don't know how to spell something. (In The Yellow Pages) They can find a lot of words PLUS learn how use the phone book. Those information calls are no longer free.
By Great Granny Vi
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Keep Receipts & Watch For Sale Prices
Have you noticed, it never fails, when you purchase an item it goes on sale at a cheaper price only days later? If you take your register receipt back to customer service, most times they will refund the difference. Check with the stores to find out what time frame that store allows, then make a note of it for future reference. Be as prompt as you can on requesting refunds.
I have had as much as $11.00 refunded on a toy that went on sale! Target said they allow two weeks.
By Syd
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Picking Up Pins and Needles
Use an old magnetic bingo wand for picking up spilled pins and needles.
Tip: Some pins may not be the type that can be picked up with a magnet. Something to consider when purchasing new pins, so check them before you buy with a magnet!
By Syd
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Turn Out the Lights
Do not use more lights in a room than needed. Turn lights and other appliances off when you leave a room.
By Robin
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Wax Paper For Stubborn Paper Punches
When your paper punches don't seem to spring back as quick as when new, use wax paper to punch designs and lubricate the paper punch.
By Syd
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Paperwhites Make Great Greenery During the Winter
Paperwhites make great greenery during the winter and don't need a period of cold in order to bloom. They can be planted in a bowl of rocks or sand with garlands to make them look more festive.
By Lynn
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Open the Shades
Use the sunlight to light your rooms. Instead of turning on lamps, open your shades and curtains and let the sun shine in. It'll save you money and brighten your day.
By Robin
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Weather Strip and Caulk
One of the quickest, best ways to save money is to weather-strip, caulk, and seal all of the seams and cracks in your home. Reducing air leaks can save you 10% of more on energy costs.
By Robin
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Insulation Saves Money
If you have an older home, consider having it insulated. There are several programs available to help with this, but if you do not qualify for them, it is still something that can be done for a reasonable price and it is an excellent way to save energy.
By Robin
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Saving Energy by Landscaping
If you own your home, consider landscaping as a means to reduce energy costs. Believe it or not, positioning trees carefully around your home can save up to 25% of a typical household's energy for heating and cooling.
By Robin
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Clean Your Can Opener
Use a chenille "pipe cleaner" type stem to remove the dirt that collects on the wheel of the can opener.
By Syd
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Quirky picture Frame
To make a quirky picture frame try varnishing favourite sweets, jelly babies or liquorice allsorts look quite colourful, then glue them to a cheap picture frame. I suppose you could do the same by varnishing cookies, but make sure who-ever you're giving it to knows it's not really edible!! Julie (UK)
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Other Active Topics
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Syndication Spotlight:
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New Requests:
Question About Vinegar
Has anyone heard of undiluted distilled white vinegar? I have a humidifier that calls for cleaning with this. All I can find in the store is the diluted to 5% acidity distilled white vinegar. I really need to get my humidifier up and going. Clara
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Paint on Leather jacket
Can some one tell me how to get White interior paint off of a black leather jacket? Will saddle soap work with out damaging the jacket? - Patricia
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Cleaning Washable Suede
I have a washable suede jacket that has stains on it that do not come out with regular washing. Any suggestions on what to use to remove the stains. One stain is lipstick, there's a ring around the collar from my makeup and there's a stain on the back from when I was carrying it and dropped it on the floor in a store. It seems to hold on to stains very tightly! Thank you. Bisquit
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Electircal Wiring Problems
Ground wire has become hot, any idea where to start looking? Problem is between the Service Panel and the first receptacle.
Robnoxious SoCal
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Pre-cooking Potatoes
Does anyone know if one can pre-cook or partially cook potatoes to be mashed for upcoming dinner? If so, will they taste as good as freshly cooked potatoes? Thanx for any tips on this. Luvyabye
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Removing Snail Slime Trail
Request from Washington. How do I get rid of snail trail slime that has penetrated through the material on pair of black jeans? My attempts so far have not removed this slime trail or do I just wait for it to wear out through repeated washings? Kathy
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January Birthday Party
I have a birthday party to plan for January 3rd. It is an office party for our woman administrator. She love Americana and Country stuff. I need ideas for decorating without having to go out and buy Americana items at top dollar. Help. Mary Ellen
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Removing Stuck Fudge
Hi All - I made Christmas fudge, didn't butter or line the glass dish & now I cannot get it out of the pan without destroying it physically. Hmmm, my first time - Any suggestions on how to remove the fudge without ruining it?
Thanks!
Debra
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Recipes That Use Ramen Noodles
I have two cases of Ramen Noodles to use and no one can eat that much soup! Does anyone have any recipes to use some of these up? Thanks for the help!
Judi in Orlando
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Solution For Killing Gnats That Won't Harm Dogs
Please help, the gnats in my kitchen are getting out of control. I have to be careful what solutions I use because I have two dogs.
Cookie
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Today's Sponsor
Eversave.com...
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name savings, free samples and much more.
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More Reading:
Easy Holiday Activites to Do with the Children
By Angela Billings
Scented Pinecones
Let the kids gather pinecones from your yard or buy them. Let
them dry out and paint the tip with glue and sprinkle with
glitter and cinnamon. Let dry.
View Article: Click Here
Wedding Day Beauty
By Tara Sabeti
Your wedding day is quite possibly the most important day of your life. It's a day where you will be the center of attention, so it's only natural that you will want to look as beautiful as you feel.
View Article: Click Here
Wedding Budgeting Tips
By Laura Thomas
Budgeting for a wedding: rule number 1 - decide what you can afford and stick to it. Here are some money saving tips to help you cut down on expenses.
View Article: Click Here
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