Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 74, March 18, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
I hope everyone had a fun and safe St. Patrick's Day. Easter is coming up soon, feel free to submit Easter recipes and tips and we will do our best to get them posted before the holiday.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Chloe - Beautiful White Cat
- Beautiful Engagement Cake
Today's Tips:
- Ripening Avocados
- Chill Your Cake Layers
- Dusting Crystal
- Buy Bulk Nuts for Baking
- Oven Rack Placement For Cake and Cookie
- Chicken Spaghetti With Velveeta Cheese
- Removing Bubble Gum
- Cleaning With Alcohol
- Googling for Coupons
- Corny Horse Joke
- Keeping Track Of Your Vitamin Supplies
- Saving Money on Books
- Ordering Books from the Library
- Bathroom Necessities Bag for Road Trips
- Saving Money on Magazines
- Removing Tough Grease Stains
- Addressing Postcards Before You Leave
- Dangers of Drinking Milk Joke
- Rolls Of TP and Paper Towels Without Holes in the Wall
- Stale Bread For French Toast
- Bacon Quiche Tarts - 5 Star Easter Brunch Recipe
- Coffee Maker Cleaner
- Starting Seedlings
- Joining Curves In March
- Freecycle
New Requests:
- Craft Uses For Empty Wine Bottles
- Confirmation Gifts for Boys
- Recipes Using Canned Salmon
- Rust off Stroller Wheels
- Making a Green Clay Facial Mask
- Graduation Party Centerpiece Ideas
- Recipe for Spiced Apple Rings, Apple Cake and Banana Cake
More Reading:
- Making a Duct Tape Purse
- Cool Heads and Warm Hearts
- A Guide To Dog Training Collars
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Frugal Long Distance!
Cut your phone bill with FRUGAL LONG DISTANCE! 3.9 cents per minute state-to-state calling and low intrastate rates as well. With service provided by ACCXX Communications, there is no monthly fee, no signup fee, six second billing and low international rates. Check out our website for the rates in your area! www.frugallongdistance.com or email Agapelongdistance@hotmail.com
Click here for more information...
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Chloe - Beautiful White Cat
This isn't a tip it's a pet picture. My cat's name is Chloe. She's about 4 years old and is the most beautiful cat I've ever seen. I have hundreds of pics of her so it's hard to pick one.
By Dave
View Photos and Post Feedback: Click Here
Beautiful Engagement Cake
I am a cake decorator. This cake is my favorite cake and it was a huge hit.. This was for an engagement party- I am doing the wedding cake, but bigger and more elaborate.
By Liz
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Ripening Avocados
Everyone knows of how to keep an avocado from browning but I found out a lot of people don't know how to make it brown. Ripen that is. I find that if you set it on your windowsill for a day or 2 it will soften to touch instead of waiting about a week for it to ripen in the refrigerator.
By Paula B
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Chill Your Cake Layers
Put your cake layers in the freezer for an hour or two before frosting them. They will firm up and won't crack and crumble when you apply the frosting.
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Dusting Crystal
Hate to dust and rewash crystal constantly? Here's a simple way to achieve great results. Wash the item with plain water (if very dirty add vinegar to water). Dry immediately, making sure that the item is spotless.
Using 1/2 of a dryer softener sheet, gently rub on the crystal. The item will get a dull residue on it. Then with a paper towel (I use Bounty or Brawny), buff the crystal to remove all of the residue. The result is crystal that gleams and repels dust. I now only need to dust my crystal once.
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Buy Bulk Nuts for Baking
If you are planning on baking be sure to buy bulk nuts. You can store any that you don't use in the freezer and you will save a lot of money. In fact, most baking ingredients can be bought in bulk at significant savings and be stored long term either in dry storage or the freezer.
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Oven Rack Placement For Cake and Cookie
Cakes and cookies bake more evenly in the center of your oven. If you are baking more than one item, try to place them as close to the center of the oven as possible but leave about an inch between them.
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Chicken Spaghetti With Velveeta Cheese
Whenever you make chicken spaghetti, and the last thing you add to the dish is the velveeta cheese, just cut the cheese in cubes and stir in chicken spaghetti, and turn the pot off. It will be hot enough that the cheese will melt, and all you have to do is stir. This way it will not scorch.
By Gail Crawford
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Removing Bubble Gum
To remove bubble gum, put ice on to freeze it, comes right off.
By fats82439
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Cleaning With Alcohol
Instead of spending money on high priced cleaners, to clean stainless steel appliances. Use plan old ALCOHOL.
By mccallabetty
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Googling for Coupons
Before shopping online I find it best to google for a coupon on the store site I wish to visit. Such as typing in amazon.com coupon. Sometimes there is potential for great savings and better to know this beforehand then find it out after you checkout.
By Terry McGovern
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Corny Horse Joke
A horse walks into a bar... The bartender asked "why the long face?" :)
By Nyla Whitehall
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Keeping Track Of Your Vitamin Supplies
By purchasing vitamins and minerals on sale and clearance, I soon ended up with a bag full that I had to empty out each time when searching for a desired item. This got old pretty quickly. Sometimes I'd guess what I needed and would end up with too many extras when I'd spot a sale.
To keep from having to search through the bag, I made a list on my computer on a spreadsheet and now I can see at a glance which categories are overstocked and which need replenishing.
This happened because Kroger grocery store had a wonderful final clearance on Sundown products a long time ago and Vitamin World has one weekend a month when they run great sales on their goods and that's when I purchase the more expensive supplements.
By Holly Gates
View Article: Click Here
Saving Money on Books
Tips for saving money on books. Post your ideas!
It's fairly easy to save money on books. For new books, check http://www.amazon.com . Make sure you get enough to qualify for the free shipping, or your savings will be eaten up. If you're willing to take used, there are even bigger savings. If you're lucky enough to have a decent used book store near you, you can try that.
However, you can also try http://www.half.com or amazon's used book store prices. The longer you wait to buy a book, the lower the price goes, so I recommend waiting as long as you possibly can. Remember to factor in the shipping costs when doing your price shopping!
The best way to save, however, is to go to your local library and check the book out before making the determination to buy it. Or better yet, check out the hardback from the Library for instant gratification but wait to buy the paperback. By doing this, you can often save 40% or more off the price of books. And by using the Library, you don't clutter up your house with un-read books.
By Kathleen K.
View Article: Click Here
Ordering Books from the Library
Most people know that you can go to your local library to order a book from another Library. What most people do NOT know is that the process is a lot quicker, and more fool-proof, if you give the Librarian the ISBN for the book. You can look that up on http://www.amazon.com. It's listed under "Product Details". Make sure you get the ISBN for all the editions and different versions. Hardbacks and paperbacks, for example, will have different ISBNs.
By Kathleen K.
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Bathroom Necessities Bag for Road Trips
When traveling long hours on the road it is usually necessary to use Rest Stop Bathrooms. The following items will assist you well in having a cleaner, more pleasant experience on your stop. Carry the following in a small tote or toiletry bag:
- Toilet seat covers
- A roll of bathroom tissue
- hand sanitizer gel
- a small air freshener can (ex: oust wall spray..very tiny to fit into bag)
- Small can of disinfectant if you wish.
These items will definitely help you to stay clean and feel a little bit more comfortable while using Rest Stop Bathrooms.
By Bridget P.
View Article: Click Here
Saving Money on Magazines
Tips for finding cheap magazines. Post your ideas.
Read Magazines at the Library
Make good use of your local library. Cancel magazine subscriptions and enjoy them for free at the library.
By cynthia conley
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Removing Tough Grease Stains
To get out a tough grease stain on laundry, use lighter fluid. Apply to spot, wash as usual. And remember, no smoking.
By Tonya Vest
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Addressing Postcards Before You Leave
When going away on a long trip, I always like to send postcards to friends and family at home. Instead of lugging an address book around. I write all the addresses out on a sheet of blank address labels. Then I fold it up and tuck it neatly away in my purse. That way, I will spend less time trying to mail out the cards on vacation, and more time having fun.
By RRementer2003
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Dangers of Drinking Milk Joke
Did you hear about the guy who was killed drinking milk?
The cow fell on him!
By Cary Dennis
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Rolls Of TP and Paper Towels Without Holes in the Wall
If you don`t want to have too many "things" up on your walls making lots of holes when you want to move things around; try this: Instead of rollers attached to the wall for paper towels, Saran, etc. Wse paper towel holders on the counter top, under the sink, or in cupboards and closets. I even have them in my two bathrooms (inside the vanity) holding extra rolls of toilet tissue. No more holes in my walls!
By Marian
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Stale Bread For French Toast
I cut stale bread up into chunks and put it in the freezer. When the ziploc bag is full, I make a batch of oven french toast!
By Elaine O.
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Bacon Quiche Tarts - 5 Star Easter Brunch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 slices bacon
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 (10 ounce) can refrigerated flaky biscuit dough
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups.
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until crisp and evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Place the cream cheese, milk, and eggs in a medium bowl, and beat until smooth with an electric mixer set on Low. Stir in Swiss cheese and green onion, and set aside.
Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Press into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, forming 1/4 inch rims. Sprinkle half of the bacon into the bottoms of the dough-lined muffin cups. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each cup.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until filling is set and rims of the tarts are golden brown. Sprinkle with the remaining bacon, and lightly press into the filling. Remove from pan, and serve warm.
By Marn
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Coffee Maker Cleaner
Mix 1 cup warm water and 1/4 cup baking soda. Let it drip through the coffee maker. Then drip a pot of plain water to rinse. It will keep your coffee maker clean and fresh
By Chell
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Starting Seedlings
Tips for starting seedlings to plant. Post your ideas.
When planting your seeds to start seedlings to plant in your garden, if you have the room, use your biggest aluminum baking pan. It'll need to be shallow. This way will be easier than planting them in eggshells or yogurt cups.
By Terri H.
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Joining Curves In March
If anyone was considering joining 'Curves for Women' (the 30 minute exercise - gym for women only, but haven't for what ever reason, check out http://www.curvesinternational.com.
During March, if you bring a sack of groceries to Curves, they'll waive the $29.00 enrollment fee for this month. All the foods go to the local food banks, in your area. Whether it's something that you've gotten at the grocery, at the dollar store, or something homegrown & home canned.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Freecycle
I don't know how widespread this is, but in our area, we have several "Freecycle" groups. People post things they would normally throw away, and you can go get them - or ask for things. I wanted to paint my 2 bathrooms, living room, and doghouse, and I got 20 cans of paint for free (about 7 gallons, the others pints)!! To see if there is a Freecycle group in your area, go to Yahoo Groups and search for "Freecycle" and your city name. Or maybe you can start one! http://www.freecycle.org
By Tracy Jennings
Editor's Note: We have been advocates of Freecycle for quite a while now. I read an article today in E Magazine (Environment) which says that with 1/2 a million members Freecycle is keeping 33 tons a day out of the landfill. We highly recommend starting or joining a group in your area.
View Article: Click Here
Other Active Topics
Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/board.html
Tip Contest
Submit a tip and you could win:
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 March 31st.
Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests:
Craft Uses For Empty Wine Bottles
I have about ten empty wine bottles and would love a crafty way to reuse the. I was thinking of using dishwashing liquid and putting the bottles on my windowsill, but what kind of "top" would i use? Any suggestions would be appreciated! (I'm starting to look like a lush:))
Terese from North Carolina
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Confirmation Gifts for Boys
What kind of gifts can you get for a teenage boy for confirmation?
NHilligas
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Recipes Using Canned Salmon
Anyone have recipes for making tasty fishballs or a fish meal from canned (not fresh) salmon?
Thanks
YT in London
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Rust off Stroller Wheels
I have a Peg Perego stroller and the front wheels are stuck. The bolts have rusted. Any suggestions for unrusting so I can change the bolts? Thanks,
Julie
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Making a Green Clay Facial Mask
Does anyone have any suggestions for making a green clay facial mask. I have purchased the clay powder but I am not sure if you mix it with water or what. If you have any ideas it would be appreciated!
smathis123
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Graduation Party Centerpiece Ideas
I need ideas for centerpieces for graduation party.
Please Help,
Karen
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Recipe for Spiced Apple Rings, Apple Cake and Banana Cake
I want recipes for spiced apple rings, apple cake and banana cake.
By ptreskovich
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Frugal Long Distance!
Cut your phone bill with FRUGAL LONG DISTANCE! 3.9 cents per minute state-to-state calling and low intrastate rates as well. With service provided by ACCXX Communications, there is no monthly fee, no signup fee, six second billing and low international rates. Check out our website for the rates in your area! www.frugallongdistance.com or email Agapelongdistance@hotmail.com
Click here for more information...
More Reading:
Making a Duct Tape Purse
By Stella Rivet
Need a purse? You can make one out of cardboard and duct tape. They are easy and cool!
View Article: Click Here
Cool Heads and Warm Hearts
By Steve Goodier
If you've ever struggled making the right decision, you may appreciate this story:
View Article: Click Here
A Guide To Dog Training Collars
By Gina Marie Capatar
As more breed of dogs are domesticated, the number of available dog training collars are also steadily increasing. Sometimes, it is so hard to keep up on what dog collars to use for your dogs.
View Article: Click Here
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