|
|
|
Hello,
We have a great newsletter today. Kathy sent in some recipes for cat treats. We have a Holiday Family Tradition Recipe submitted by Tawnda. And we have lots of new tips and requests.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Enter The New Tip Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Holiday Travel Tips Ebook
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
Bsweetgifts.com - Gifts from around the world!
Bsweetgifts.com shops the world to provide the best merchandise to our consumers at tremendous value prices--from housewares and gifts, to toys and apparel--by providing the ultimate shopping convenience by allowing consumers to utilize our online catalog and printed catalog.
Visit us today to buy that perfect gift!
Today's Tips
Today's Family Tradition...
Buckeye Candy (Grandma's peanut butter balls)
Every year my grandma made what we called "Peanut Butter Balls". She never went by a recipe and they always turned out perfect!
Over the years family members moved away and family gatherings became extinct (literally) and so we all missed out on Grandma's peanut butter balls.
Later, I found this recipe for Buckeye Candy that is almost exactly like Grandma's peanut butter balls!
Buckeye Candy
Line cookie sheets with wax paper.
Beat peanut butter and butter in a large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar until mixture holds together and is moist. Shape into 1" balls; place on cookie sheets. Freeze one hour.
Melt chocolate chips and shortening in medium, uncovered microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 min., stir. If necessary, continue every 10-15 seconds until melted completely.
Dip peanut butter centers into chocolate using a toothpick, leaving a small amount of center uncovered (hence, the eye). Shake off excess and place on cookie sheet. Refrigerate, covered, until chocolate is set. Store in covered container in refrigerator.
Variations: My grandmother used completely cover her peanut butter centers or another idea is to set the centers on top of a bakers cooling rack and drizzle chocolate back and forth over the peanut butter center.
You could do all three variations for gifts and put a few of each one in a little tin.
Yields approx. 6 dozen.
By Tawnda
View More Christmas Recipe Family Traditions
Share Your Christmas Recipe Family Tradition
View Article: Click Here
Another way to make your grocery money go further is to make items from scratch.
I buy dry beans and soak overnight, wash and then put into my pressure cooker. I make enough for several meals.
I put in a package of dry kidney beans as well as pinto beans. Once cooked, half is made into chili and the other mashed and ready for Mexican dinners. I freeze whichever I don't use for that night and then when I'm in a hurry I take out the other one and microwave it.
By RoseMary
Post Feedback: Click Here
Have Food Backups In The Pantry
To make sure I always have a back up of certain items I try to buy two of them when I can and then put the extra into the pantry area and forget about it. When I can't spend too much on groceries for some reason. Like an unexpected car expense, a birthday or a bill that was forgotten I always have the extra items I can count on.
By RoseMary
Post Feedback: Click Here
My friend sends her mother a bouquet on her own birthday. After all, it was a big day for mom too!
By CGH
Post Feedback: Click Here
What vegetable did Noah not take with him on the Ark?
The Leek, of course.
By CGH
Post Feedback: Click Here
Styrofoam Beads for Christmas Ornaments
You can make beads to string on thread or thin elastic for bracelets or necklaces or Christmas ornaments by punching holes with a hole punch in styrofoam egg cartons and meat trays. The black meat or frozen food trays make great beads for teens and adults. Add beads from old broken necklaces or alternate different colors of styrofoam. Use the pastel colored egg cartons for Easter. Just thread a needle, poke in the center of your little holes and string them up. Have fun.
By Linda in GV
Post Feedback: Click Here
Organizing Extension Cords and Other Wires
Tips for preventing extra cords and wires from becoming a tangled mess. Post your ideas.
Duffle Bag for Storing Extension Cords
I have found that if you have a few extension cords laying around, take that beat up duffle bag and place the cords in there. This keeps all the cords neat and tidy and you'll never go looking for those cords again!
By Kay N.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Slip "I love you" notes into lunches, pockets, or between pages of school books for your children or spouse. Costs nothing but means everything! But be careful! I know a woman who put a note inside her husband's sandwich and he ate the note right along with his sandwich and never knew the difference until she told him what she had done later!
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
A special thing my daughter's fiance did for her is to take a picture of them together and have it made into a calendar. He had it done at Wal-Mart and it didn't cost much at all and what a special memento for her!
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
Getting Candle Wax Off Wood Furniture
I have a large candle with four wicks on an oak dresser and I attempted to blow out all of them on one huff/puff. Guess where the hot red wax went? Anyway, I used a hairdryer to remelt the wax and rubbed it off with a very soft cloth. It worked great. I then put some furniture spray on the oak dresser and it looked like new. Try using the low setting on the dryer first and if not, go with the high setting carefully.
By Dan from NY
Post Feedback: Click Here
You can make your own special hand cream by just getting unscented lotion and adding a few drops of your own essential oils, such as lavender, etc. to the lotion. Unscented lotions sometimes are cheaper than scented.
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
Reminder of Love For College Students
We have started a tradition for our children when they go off to college. Each time my daughter comes home for a break from school, she is met with a single red rose. Just a reminder of how much we love her! Many times roses are only $1 each so this is also not expensive!
By Robin
Post Feedback: Click Here
Remove Unwanted Odor from Any Room or Vehicle
Remove mildew smell and other unwanted odors from any room or even a vehicle by placing an open bag of charcoal in the middle of the area. In three days the odor should be gone! This has even worked for a car that had fish and worms left in for over a week. Man did it smell! By Daisy
View Article: Click Here
I recently posted some recipes for dog treats - possible Christmas gifts for man's best friend. If your best friend happens to be a feline, however, you may want to make him or her the following:
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl, mash the mackerel into small pieces. Mix in the oil and water. Add the mackerel mixture to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. The dough is tough, so use your hands. Roll dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut into 1/4 inch bits, using a knife or pizza cutter. Mound the bits onto greased cookie sheets and bake for 25 minutes. During baking, occasionally toss the bits with two wooden spoons, so they brown evenly. Turn the heat off and allow the treats to cool thoroughly before removing and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This recipe freezes very well for longer storage.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Crunchy treats for your cat.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix all ingredients together. Roll out and cut into narrow strips or ribbons. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until lightly toasted.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Fishy treats for your furry little friend.
Ingredients:
Glaze:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine yeast and warm water. Let rest 5 minutes. Stir in broth and molasses. Add 1 cup of all purpose flour and all other ingredients (except egg and milk for glaze). Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead in enough of remaining flour to make a very stiff dough (5 minutes). Divide dough in half. Cover and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Roll out each portion to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes, preferably 1 inch fish shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Combine beaten egg with milk. Brush over biscuits. Bake for 35 minutes. Turn off oven and let biscuits cool in oven overnight.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Tasty tuna puff treats for cats.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Dissolve yeast in warm water. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add yeast, oil, egg, cat food and water. Mix well (dough will be very stiff). Drop 1/2 teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 25 minutes. Store in refrigerator. Yield 13 dozen.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease cookie sheets with cooking spray.
In large bowl, mash the tuna (or chicken) into smaller pieces. Then add flour and milk. Mix well. After all is mixed, pour in water and oil. Mix well again. Next beat egg in separate dish until egg gets a foamy texture. Add to mix. Mix well. The dough mix will be sticky, so don't worry. Using your fingers, shape dough into small bite size balls about the size of a marble. Put balls on greased cookie sheets. Flatten balls with hand. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove treats from oven; wait five minutes and turn treats over so other side will cook. Bake 10 more minutes or until golden brown in color. Place treats on cookie rack to cool. Cool for 15 minutes. NEVER give treats to your pet right after cooking. You can add the catnip in the recipe or sprinkle on top of treats. They like it either way. Store in air tight container in refrigerator or cool dry place. Makes approximately 60 treats.
By Kathy
View Article: Click Here
Using Cornstarch to Thicken Gravy or Sauces
When making gravy or sauces, always remember to add cornstarch to cold liquid before adding it to the gravy or sauce. Memory Trick: cornstarch and cold both start with "C".
By Linda
Post Feedback: Click Here
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 December 15th.
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:
Keeping My Apartment Smelling Fresh
Hi. I live in a small one bedroom apartment, and there really doesn't seem to any air circulation so it smells musty, especially if i'm gone for the weekend and there is little garbage and it's closed, when i come back and walk in it smells bad. i can't take out the garbaje right before i leave because i am only allowed by the city to take out the garbage on certain days. i use febreeze but i really do not have time on my hands to constantly clean. is there anyhting i can do to keep my apartment smelling fresh? please help.
Erica from Jersey
Post Feedback: Click Here
What Should We Put Hospital Goodie Bags?
I am taking my children to visit children in the hospital. I would like suggestions of FRUGAL ideas for goodie bags that my children may hand out to those in the hospital. I am on a very tight budget but believe in teaching my children the importance of thinking of others-- this time of year kids often want, want, want! And I want them to realize the needs of others.
Any suggestion would be very welcomed. -Lisa
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for Inexpensive Shelves and Dresser
I need bedroom shelves and dresser for my granddaughter's room. I don't have very much money and want to surprise her for Christmas. I am raising her and she is nine years old. I live in northwest section of Tucson. Any suggestions? Thank you,
mperry
Post Feedback: Click Here
I recently bought a wooden farm type kitchen table. The previous owner started a decoupage project on the base and quit 1/2 way through. Is there a simple way to remove this? Susan O
Post Feedback: Click Here
I need help, I washed and dryed a load of clothes and then found the gum. Well I've removed it from the dryer with WD-40, but I can't get it out of some of the clothing items. It's no longer a chunk of gum, it's set into the fabric and is very stiff and looks stained. Any ideas on how to remove it?
Thanks!
Beth
Post Feedback: Click Here
Printing a Recipe Book Cheaply
I am trying to put together a recipe book for a family reunion. Does anyone know a company that would print them for a low cost?
Penny
Post Feedback: Click Here
Question About Using Vinegar In The Kitchen
I am a big fan of natural, non-toxic cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. My question is, can you use vinegar to kill germs? For example, would vinegar be sufficient to kill germs from raw meat on your counter? Also, I am assuming that vinegar is totally non-toxic - please let me know if this is not correct! Thanks.
Ann in Mint Hill
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
Bsweetgifts.com - Gifts from around the world!
Bsweetgifts.com shops the world to provide the best merchandise to our consumers at tremendous value prices--from housewares and gifts, to toys and apparel--by providing the ultimate shopping convenience by allowing consumers to utilize our online catalog and printed catalog.
Visit us today to buy that perfect gift!
More Reading:
10 Ways To Find The Money Hiding In Your Paycheck
By Robert Dickson
No matter how tight things are financially for you; no matter how bleak you think that 2005 might be, if you are earning a paycheck then there's extra money hiding in it. You just need to know where to look. Here are 10 ways to bring that money out into the open.
View Article: Click Here
Christmas is for the Frugal
By Nikki Willhite
There are many that are going to read this article and say that it is "sour grapes". There are also others to which this may not apply. However, there are things that I want to say to all those who are going to have a frugal Christmas this year. Rejoice! Christmas is for the frugal.
View Article: Click Here
Got Kids? Holiday Decor with Safety in Mind
By Colleen Langenfeld
Do you wonder how you're going to safely decorate for the upcoming holidays with preschoolers in your home? Here are some kid-friendly ideas to help you create a festive home during this special season.
View Article: Click Here
Review on Sony DSC-V3 Digital Camera
By Anna Lim
Sony Electronics, Inc. continues to dominate the digital camera industry. With its wide range of digital cameras, here comes the latest addition to its roster of amazing models, the Sony DSC-V3 Digital Camera which is so far one of the best 7.2 megapixel cameras in the market.
View Article: Click Here
Let's Do Something Different For the Holidays This Year!
By Pamela Cole Harris
Each year, for too many of us, the holiday season just doesn't live up to our expectations. Instead of joy, it brings stress; instead of peace, it brings tension; instead of love, it brings animosity. This holiday, let's do something different. Let's let ourselves and our family enjoy the season! Here's how to begin:
View Article: Click Here
Why is it so EASY to GAIN WEIGHT during the HOLIDAYS?
By Diana Keuilian
I'm sure you have pondered this question, for it is no secret that we all tend to put on a few pounds during this magical time of year! For many of us across the globe it is a tradition to ring in the New Year with our belts loosened and seams bursting. Read on for 5 reasons why it is so easy to gain weight during the month of December, and what you can do to avoid them!
View Article: Click Here
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
More Stuff
Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users:
Tip Contest!
Submit a tip and enter our contest.
Submit a Request
Frugal solutions to everyday problems.
Search ThriftyFun!
Use Google technology to search ThriftyFun.
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
