March 17, 2005

Daily Thrifty Tips - March 17, 2005


Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 73, March 17, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

We have a great newsletter today. We have 4 photo contest entries, numerous tips and 20 new requests. Please take a moment and check out the requests if you have time.

So far, we have received a lot of postive feedback from AOL users who are now receiving their newsletters. Welcome back folks!

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photo Contest Entries:

  • Happy St. Patrick's Day
  • Cat Loves Photos
  • Muffin the Cat
  • Jack and Faith

Today's Tips:

  • Pistachio Pudding Recipe
  • Sealing Cans and Small Round Dishes
  • Windex as a Stain Remover
  • Meatloaf Tips
  • Giraffe and Leopard Paying Poker
  • Mushroom Joke
  • Saving Money on Electricity
  • Joke: Why did the rooster cross the road?
  • Saving Money on Hot Chocolate
  • Plastic Cake Container for a Salad
  • Opening a Sealed Envelope
  • Dog Grooming Tips
  • Insomnia Aid For Thrifty Folks
  • Cleaning Window Screens
  • Saving Money on Dentistry
  • Growing Aloe Vera
  • Saving Money on Lunch Box Food Items
  • Love Letters
  • Library Book Sales
  • Compare Prices When Buying a Mattress
  • Decorating With Clear Wine Bottles
  • Faux Painting With a Grocery Bag

New Requests:

  • Organizing Photos In Acid Free Boxes
  • Repairing Leather Couch with Scratch Marks
  • Uses for Air Pillows from Mailings
  • Coupons in Canada
  • Cleaning Up a Beauty Shop
  • Detergent Stain on Bernardo Washable Suede Coat
  • Removing Acrylic Nails
  • Black Soot On The Outside Of An Oven
  • Controlling Underarm Wetness
  • Academic Recognition Dinner Centerpieces
  • Ink Stain On White Mattress
  • Corn Flour for Stains?
  • Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine
  • Real Vanilla - How can you buy it inexpensively?
  • Surprise Retirement and 60th Birthday Party
  • Easter Ideas For Teens
  • Paint Advice For Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Oak Floors
  • Make Your Own Ottoman
  • Wax on Hardwood Floors and Walls
  • Slovish-Polish Nut Rolls

More Reading:

  • Installing Ceramic Tile
  • Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
  • Blue Wild Flowers for Your Garden

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Today's Photo Contest Entries


Happy St. Patrick's Day

Don't spend a lot of money to decorate for the holiday at hand. Holiday themed tablecloths can work for a number of different things. Here we used the table cloth to make a diaper cover and back drop.

By Marsha Anderson

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Cat Loves Photos

My cat, Purrdina, loves to lick the ink off of photographs. She has done this since she was a kitten. She is now a healthy, slender, 10 year old cat. I have to guard the printer when printing pictures. There is something she loves about the photo paper and the photo ink. She will lick the picture clean. She even licks processed pictures. She also loves to lick the inside of plastic grocery bags. Obviously, these obsessions are not harmful to her health. Maybe they keep her healthy and slender! Mitch

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Muffin the Cat

This is a picture of my baby Muffin. I got him when he was 4 weeks old and I had him for 20 years. He had to be put to sleep 4 years ago. This picture we took of him about 2 months before he died. He loved to play fetch and we would play a string game. I would grab a long string by the end and take off running with it. He would grab the end I was dragging in his teeth and then run ahead of me so that I was then chasing him also holding the string. We would go back and forth like that so that we both got our exercise!

By Missy

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Jack and Faith

This is Jack and Faith. Jack is on the right and is about 3 1/2 years old. I got him at a cat rescue adoption home. He, his mother and brothers and sisters were found in a box on the interstate. He loves to play fetch and he sits up and begs like a dog. Faith is on the right and she is 2 years old. We found her under a pile of leaves in our backyard, she was less than 2 weeks old and I had to feed her with a bottle every 2 hours. As you can see here Jack and Faith love each other very much.

By missy

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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


Pistachio Pudding Recipe

Prepare Pistachio Pudding according to package directions. Add 1/2 container of Cool Whip or other whipped cream. Add 1/2 cup pecans. Add 1/2 cup pineapple. Add marshmallows. Great idea for Wearing o' the Green!

By Betty H. Andrews

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Sealing Cans and Small Round Dishes

I save the fat elastic bands off newspaper deliveries. Then I use cheap sandwich bags and the elastic to cover small round food items such as partially used cans of food, or half eaten yogurt. I don't use this if it will be more than one day but it seals it very tight short term.

By sandra williams

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Windex as a Stain Remover

This tip was serendipitously delivered to me this morning by our secretary at my office. She said last week she opened the junk closet at work and a can of paint fell out and the top came off. To get all the paint out of the carpet, she used windex. She said it also works on ink stains on clothes.

Well tonight my husband came home having had a pen leak all over his sport coat. It should have been ruined, but I got almost every speck of black ink out with Windex! It still needs to go to the cleaners, but it's saved! Makes me wonder if the father in My Big Fat Greek Wedding was right...that Windex IS good for everything.

By Kathleen

View Article: Click Here


Meatloaf Tips

Tips for making great meatloaf. Post your ideas.

Spicing Up Meat Loaf

Spice up your meat loaf by adding a tube of Jimmy Dean spicy breakfast sausage. Makes it so spicy, the kids will love it.

By Michelle Draveski

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Giraffe and Leopard Paying Poker

What did the giraffe say to the leopard at the blackjack table?





Answer: I thought you were a cheetah.

By Catherine Stulik

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Mushroom Joke

What did one mushroom say to the other mushroom?




Your one fungi to be with.

By DAVID

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Saving Money on Electricity

Tip for saving money on electricity. Post your ideas.

Energy Saving Tips

Use your small kitchen appliances whenever you can. Microwaves, toaster ovens, and slow cookers can use 75% less energy than a large electric oven.

Use lids on all your pots and pans to reduce cooking times and don't put a small pan on a large burner.

Turn off and unplug any electrical items that are not being used. Many appliances, especially computers, televisions, and VCR/DVD players draw power even when they are turned off.

By Robin

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Joke: Why did the rooster cross the road?

Why did the rooster cross the road?








To prove he wasn't chicken.

By Richard Morgan

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Saving Money on Hot Chocolate

Tips for saving money on hot chocolate. Post your ideas.

Hot Chocolate Mix

I've found that hot chocolate mix is cheaper in cans than the pre-measured single serving packets. AND I can mix it without using so much. In my opinion, it tastes better, and I save money on every cup.

By zballoongirl

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Plastic Cake Container for a Salad

When making a large salad to carry to a potluck dinner, use a plastic cake server, turned upside down. I did this for a seven layer salad. The salad showed nicely through the clear plastic, and the "bottom" of the container makes a convenient lid.

By zballoongirl

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Opening a Sealed Envelope

Forgot to put the check (or other item) in the envelope before sealing it? Instead of tearing it open, use scissors to cut a THIN strip off one narrow end. You can insert the forgotten item, and then use cellophane tape to close the envelope back up before mailing. And since the tape is on the narrow end, it won't interfere with the envelope being opened by the recipient.

By zballoongirl

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Dog Grooming Tips

Tips to help you groom you dog. Post your ideas.

Grooming the Dog

To groom my dog easily without making an indoor mess or hurting my back, I stand on the ground, and put the dog on the porch. Our porch is just the right height, so I can reach him easily. I tie his leash around a porch post for extra security. All the fur stays outside, and we both get some fresh air!

By zballoongirl

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Insomnia Aid For Thrifty Folks

Can't sleep? Instead of taking a sleeping pill, try counting fifty ways you've saved money this year. It's great mental exercise, and it challenges you to come up with more money saving ideas. I always fall asleep before I make it to thirty... "zzzzzz"

By zballoongirl

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Cleaning Window Screens

To easily clean your window screens, use a vacuum cleaner to suck all that dust out!

By sandykza

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Saving Money on Dentistry

Brush your teeth and floss after every meal and have a professional cleaning every 6 months! Saves in the long run from having cavities filled, teeth pulled, gum scrapings, etc.

By Holly Dawson

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Growing Aloe Vera

Grow a pot of Aloe Vera in your kitchen. Break off a piece for a burn, rash, or scrape. Pat some gel on your face for a moisturizer. Use some as a hair gel. They reproduce quickly so repot and give as gifts!

By Holly Dawson

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Saving Money on Lunch Box Food Items

Tips for saving money on food that you pack in a lunch box. Post your ideas.

Leftovers for Lunch

Brown bag your lunch with the previous dinner's leftovers! It's amazing how much money my husband's co-workers spend on lunch everyday. They are always envious of the yummy homemade things he brings!

By Holly Dawson

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Love Letters

Nicer than a bouquet of expensive flowers, a love letter is something to be cherished forever. Check out a book such as "How to write a Love Letter" from your local library and start writing!

By Holly Dawson

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Library Book Sales

Go to your local library when they have book sales. All libraries do it. My Library here in Orlando did it a few weeks ago. I picked up old issues of Food and Wine, Bon Appetite, and Good Housekeeping for 25 cents an issue. A great price for a collection of recipes!

By RRementer2003

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Compare Prices When Buying a Mattress

When buying a mattress from one of the telephone/delivery mattress services, they all guarantee the lowest possible price. Try calling two, back and forth, a few times, and watch how they keep lowering their prices to beat the competitor!

By Jennifer Maslowski

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Decorating With Clear Wine Bottles

Save all your clear wine bottles after use. Rinse them out and clean the labels off. After you have collected about 5-10 of them, fill them with water and add food coloring of your choice. Line them up on a buffet table or fireplace mantle, light some tea light candles in glass cups, and place behind the bottles. In an instant you will have an elegant glass sculpture or centerpiece for your dinner party.

By RRementer2003

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Faux Painting With a Grocery Bag

You can faux paint by using plastic grocery bags instead of sponges or rags.

By kspadelover

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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:


Organizing Photos In Acid Free Boxes

I have tons of photos to organize and I purchased many acid free boxes. I can't figure out what would be the BEST way to actually utilize them and make it easy to view the pictures. So far I have only separated them by each childs name, my husband & me and one for friends and family photos. My problem is how to then organize them within. Any advice?

Julie

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Repairing Leather Couch with Scratch Marks

The cat clawed my new leather couch. The cat has been sent to be declawed, however, I still have three claw marks on the front of my new couch. Can I repair this on my own?

Thanks,
Edam

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Uses for Air Pillows from Mailings

What do you do with those small "air pillows" you receive with items in the mail? I have a box full and no ideas. When someone asked what I was going to do with them, I thought of all of you right away. You are all very creative.

Thank you in advance.
Sandy

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Coupons in Canada

I live in Canada. Both hubby and I work. He works for a call center and I work for home care. Money is a very tight issue for us. How can i get my hands on coupons? I would love to use them but never can find or get my little hands on any. Things are just getting so pricey that it's start to kill us.
Thank you for your time,
Karen

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Cleaning Up a Beauty Shop

I have been hired to clean a beauty shop. How can I remove all the hairspray build up off the walls, blinds, and floors. It hasn't been cleaned this good for years! Help, I don't want to have to spend a week on it.

CARLA

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Detergent Stain on Bernardo Washable Suede Coat

I just washed my Bernardo washable suede coat and when I took it our of the washer there were a few large spots where it looks like the detergent stayed in it.

I tried washing it out by hand and this did not work. I then stuck in back in the washer, but the stains are still there. Does anyone know how to get the stains out? The coat also has stain-guard so I don't understand why the detergent stained it? Help!

Thanks.

Stacy from Connecticut

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Removing Acrylic Nails

I would like to know what the best form is for taking off acrylic nails without causing any rips to my already grown nails.

Thank you.
Erica for Jersey

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Black Soot On The Outside Of An Oven

My friend was cleaning her oven and the outside of the stove now has black soot/smoke marks on the outside. How can she get this off, she said she's tried a few things, but needs help.

Thanks,
Wendy

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Controlling Underarm Wetness

Please inform me on some ways to control underarm wetness.

Wendy

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Academic Recognition Dinner Centerpieces

I need to come up with an inexpensive centerpiece for an Academic Recognition Dinner for our high school. I need to make 45 centerpieces and would like them to cost only a few dollars each.

School colors are Green and Gold. Any ideas? Thanks!

Linda from Northern Michigan

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Ink Stain On White Mattress

Ink pen opened by cats and chewed have stained brand new white mattress with dark blue, sticky pen ink. I have blotted it. What should I do next?

Mary from Maryland

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Corn Flour for Stains?

I saw your recommendation for corn starch to remove stains from suede. Will cornflour do the trick? And does it take the colour out? The skirt is a lovely shade of Irish green.

Camilla from Ireland

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Cleaning Smoke of a Porcelain Figurine

I have a porcelain figurine with a lot of smoke damage. My husband once smoked and the figure is all yellow from the smoke. How can I safely clean it?

Mollylena

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Real Vanilla - How can you buy it inexpensively?

I need a source for inexpensive real vanilla. Gordon's Food Service is about the most inexpensive but it's watery and I don't like the flavor.

I don't like immitation at all!

Frugal in Ohio

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Surprise Retirement and 60th Birthday Party

My mother retires and turns 60 in the same month. I am planning a surprise party to celebrate both and am looking for any and all ideas to help make this an unforgettable celebration.

Thanks,
Allison from Kentucky

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Easter Ideas For Teens

I have two teenage girls and not sure what to do for easter. They are not real big into candy. Any ideas would be wounderful. Thanks.

Twila

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Paint Advice For Kitchen With Maple Cabinets and Oak Floors

Please help me pick a paint color for my remodeled kitchen. I need to pick out paint this week. We have light stained maple cabinets to ceiling. Matching new oak hardwood floors. Tropical brown (black/brown) granite countertops with Stainless Steel Applicances. I just orders 2" light wood blinds.

Currently no backsplash because I can't decide. Do I pick a neutral color for the walls around the seating area or do I pick a color - I sort of liked Sherwood green by Benjamin Moore. If I do have a backsplash what color tiles?

I also put in new 6 panel oak doors. Two of the doors are very visible in the kitchen. I would also like a new kitchen set. I was thinking about glass table instead of adding more wood. I would love your suggestions.

Eileen

View Article: Click Here


Make Your Own Ottoman

I want to make my own ottoman, something simple with 4 legs, a piece of wood and a really thick piece of foam with a washable slip cover. Doesn't this sound too simple? What am i missing? Does anyone have any advice?

jmk02

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Wax on Hardwood Floors and Walls

Renters caused problems for us: How can I take spilled melted wax off hardwood-floors, it also splashed up on the walls and metal closet doors.

Thank you for your help

Mary in Pueblo, CO

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Slovish-Polish Nut Rolls

Looking for recipe for slovish-polish nut rolls

By ptreskovich

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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here


Today's Sponsor


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More Reading:


Installing Ceramic Tile
By Mark J. Donovan

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can be installed in any room, however they are most frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways, where they serve as a transition point from the outside to large carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.

View Article: Click Here


Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
By Louise Roach

Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or little league? What sports are high on your priority list -- running, golf, tennis?

View Article: Click Here


Blue Wild Flowers for Your Garden
By Kathy Burns-Millyard

Planting wild flowers in your garden, or simply scattering wild flower seeds around an area of your yard are both ways to take advantage of Mother Nature's treasured gifts. Wild flowers are carefree, colorful, and tend to attract bees, butterflys and birds. So planting wild flowers not only gives you an easy maintenance flower garden. it also promises to be a constant source of interesting activity throughout the year.

View Article: Click Here


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