|
|
|
Hello,
We will be publishing a Christmas Issue of the TF News. If you have some last minute Christmas tips please send them in. It will be the last issue of our weekly ThriftyFun News for the year because next Saturday is Christmas. Also, if you haven't been to the Christmas Topic site recently it is really starting to fill up.
Christmas Topic Site:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/Christmas/index.html?mode=clear
Correction: We published a Gingerbread Pancake recipe yesterday that called for 6 Tablespoons of baking powder, which is way too much baking powder. Thank you to Joesgirl for pointing that out. We don't know what the proper measurements are so have inactivated that recipe for the time being.
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
For more information... Click here
Today's Tips
Today's Family Tradition...
Stephenie's Favorite Christmas Memory
When we were growing up, we had VERY little money for extra things, in fact Santa gifts were never even wrapped, but the gifts that we exchanged with each other were wrapped in flyers (circulars) from stores like Kmart, Zellers (Canadian, eh?) and other places that had toys in the flyer. My siblings and I used to spend a lot of time figuring out what was in the packages, since we were sure that the gift in the box was on the paper it was wrapped in.
I cannot convince my hubby that we should do this because his family always did things differently, but maybe when the kids are a little older I will be able to get him to go along with this, because it is still one of my fave Xmas memories!
By Stephenie
View More Christmas Family Traditions
Share Your Christmas Family Tradition
View Article: Click Here
I heartily recommend you check out http://www.petfinder.com. This is the ASPCA's online database of adoptable pets. It contains information from shelters and rescue organizations all over the country. One of the neat things about this site is that many of the animals listed have been in foster care homes, and their characteristics (housetrained, good with kids, chases cats, terrified by thunder, etc.) are posted on the website.
Just a word of caution to parents who want their kids to find a new pet under the tree on Christmas day: PLEASE DON'T get a pet unless you are willing to love and take care of it yourself. No matter how much the kids plead and promise that they'll do ALL the work, and walk it EVERY DAY, don't you believe it. Even if the kids manage to keep their promise most of the time, you'll still have to take up the slack.
There is also maintenance work to consider (cutting nails, brushing and bathing, cleaning teeth, vaccinations and regular checkups, inevitable emergency care, etc.). Adopting an animal should be a considered, thought-out committment. The only thing sadder than an animal at the shelter, is an animal that's been sent back to the shelter because the owners decided they "didn't want all the hassle" anymore.
By lhxavier
View Article: Click Here
Keep a few envelopes in the glove compartment of your car to use to make after hours bank deposits or to use as needed while on the go.
By June S.
Post Feedback: Click Here
When making jello, always add the dry jello to the boiling water rather than the other way around and it will disolve faster and more completely.
By June S.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Shopping With "Credit Type" Gift Cards
Put a piece of masking tape on the card and write the amount left on the card after you make a purchase. Then there is no doubt how much is left to spend.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Binder For Important School Papers
I keep a three ring binder with my kids' school papers that I will need for future reference. For example: medication permit forms, schedule of events, concert announcements, classroom parties, etc. I always know where to look for the information I need.
By June S.
Post Feedback: Click Here
When making poofy gift bows, use craft chenille-type "pipe cleaners" in the center of bow you are making (rather than string). It makes for easy attachment and removal later for recycling.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Stir together flour, baking powder, salt and seeds.
In large bowl, beat together orange juice, honey, eggs and cereal.
Let stand 2 min.
Add flour mixture, stirring only until well combined.
Spread evenly in greased 8.5 x 4.5 x 2" loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F about 40 min.
Let cool 10 min and remove from pan.
Cool completely before slicing.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Turn off when putting in cookies.
Fold sugar, salt, nuts and chips into egg whites.
Drop by the teaspoonful onto a well greased cookie sheet.
Leave in the oven for 2 1/2 hours or overnight, but do not open oven door until time to remove.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Buying a New Computer? Computer Buying Tips
Check out the type of computer you are considering and keep track of pricing. Rather than purchase before Christmas... purchase after Christmas and before the new year. Sales people have more time to give you and they may want to meet year end sales quotas. Generally prices remain good through the end of the year.
Secondly, do not buy an extended warranty from the selling dealer. You have one year automatically and you can purchase additional warranty from the manufacturer later for a cheaper price, if you feel it is necessary!
By Syd
View Article: Click Here
Sole Strategy - Trace Your Child's Feet
So that I don't miss out on kids' shoe sales when I am out shopping without my daughter I periodically trace her feet on a piece of paper, cut it out and tuck it in my purse. Then if I see shoes on sale I just measure up the soles.
By Wanda Ann
Post Feedback: Click Here
This was a tip from my dentist. Mix a teaspoon or two of peroxide and equal amount of water and swish around in your mouth. Let it sit in your mouth for a short time, then rinse.
Tip: Don't rinse your mouth thoroughly, before sipping the peroxide and water mix and it will foam in your mouth. There is absolutely no taste to this mixture!
Coffee and tea stains your teeth!
By Syd
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In large bowl, combine green chiles and cheeses.
Turn into well-buttered shallow 12- by 9-inch 2-quart casserole.
Beat egg whites just until stiff peaks form.
Combine yolks, milk, flour, salt and pepper, mixing until well-blended.
Using rubber spatula, gently fold beaten whites into yolk mixture.
Pour egg mixture over cheese mixture in casserole, using a fork to "ooze" it through cheese.
Bake 30 minutes; remove from oven and arrange sliced tomatoes overlapping around outer edges.
Bake 30 minutes longer, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Garnish with chopped green chiles, if desired.
Serve with chips, salsa and refried beans.
Makes 6 servings.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Tips for making cookies. Post your ideas!
Make Big Batches of Cookies
It is no more trouble to make big batches of cookies than a small batch. You can cook some and make rolls of cookie dough, wrap and freeze for later use.
Be sure to label the cookie dough with baking instructions.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Servings: 1 Combine ingredients and pour into an unbreakable bottle. To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners formed into loops, strawberry baskets from grocery store, spoons with holes in them and other items you think of.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Butter an 8 inch springform pan and line the edge with lady fingers. Melt chocolate chips with butter and coool. Separate eggs; beat yolks with water, then slowly add to chocolate mixture. Beat egg white until stiff, but not dry. Then fold in whipped topping. Add 3/4 of this mixture to the chocolate mixture. Pour into pan, gently filling the center of the lady finger wall. Top with remaining egg white mixture. Chill until serving time.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Just blend and bake. This makes it's own crust.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Place milk, chocolate, butter, eggs and sugar in electric blender container.. Blend at medium speed for 15 seconds. Pour into a 9 inch pie pan and sprinkle with coconut and pecans. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool. Store in refrigerator.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Slice into 1 9 inch shell.
Mix the following:
Pour over apples. Sprinkle grated cheese over top. Cover top with second pie shell layer. Brush with cream. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teasopon cinnamon. Bake 45 mintues at 400 degrees.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Heat pineapple and sugar together until sugar is dissolved. Cool. When cake is cooled, poke holes. Spoon pineapple mixture over cake. Cool completely.
Prepare 1 box instant pudding (vanilla or banana). Spoon over cooled cake-pineapple mixture. Layer 3 sliced bananas over cake. Spoon 2 containers of Cool Whip over the top.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
While cake is still warm, poke holes all over cake with meat fork. Pour Eagle Brand milk over warm cake. Follow with caramel topping. Cool completely. Spread with Cool Whip and top with crushed Heath Bars. Refrigerate. Delicious!
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 in. pan with marshmallows. Prepare cake mix per package directions Remove enough batter for 6 small cupcakes. Pour remaining batter over marshmallows. mix dry gelatin into cherry pie filling and spread over batter. Bake in 350 degree oven for 50 minutes.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Spread a little shaving cream on the mirror and wipe it off ... no more fogging.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Remember Appointments - Dry Erase Board
Use a small dry erase board on the 'fridge. You can't help but see it since you are in the 'fridge all the time!
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Mount an appropriate sized mirror on the wall. Then you can always see what's behind you. It's better than looking at a blank wall!
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Tips for ironing clothing. Post your ideas.
Clothes Dampener
Fill a trigger spray bottle with water and keep it with your ironing supplies. Always handy.
Reuse a detergent bottle (cleaned of all detergent traces) by filling it with water for filling your steam iron.
By Syd
Post Feedback: Click Here
Helping a Skunk Caught in Yoplait Container
Skunks sometimes get their heads caught in Yoplait containers and will die if someone does not go to their aid. I take a shoebox and cut into one of the short ends, about one inch down, one inch across and one inch back to the edge. This forms an opening for the skunk's head to stick out when I sneak up and put the shoebox over it's body. It then cannot spray me. I step on the box to hold the skunk still and pull the container off the skunk, and then I run away as fast as I can. The skunk walks out from under the shoebox and is saved from the predicament it was in.
By Lucille
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 31st.
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:
I bake and decorate cakes, as a second income, and use washable bags for my frosting. Over time, the bags seem to develop an odor of stale shortening, which I can't seem to get rid of. The bags are not cheap, so I can't keep replacing them, and the odor doesn't seem to transfer over to the cake I am working on, but it just bothers me that I can't get rid of the odor. I don't like the disposable bags, because they are too stiff, and they're not cheap either. I don't have a dishwasher to wash them in, but I try to use really hot water, and even let them soak, but it doesn't matter. Any suggestions on what I should use?
Mrs. Mutt
Post Feedback: Click Here
Buying a Month's Worth of Utilities as a Gift
Does anyone know if Utilities still let you buy a month of someone's service for a gift? I know some let you but wasn't sure if any still do?
HELP! Last minute shopping is not working!
Casey
Post Feedback: Click Here
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsor
For more information... Click here
More Reading:
Frugal and Creative Christmas Gift Wrapping
By Cyndi Roberts
Opening all those packages under the tree is one of the most enjoyable parts of a holiday celebration--a part that everyone enjoys, from youngsters to oldsters!
And, even the most frugal gift can be transformed into something special by using your imagination and a little creativity!
View Article: Click Here
Credit Card Shocker
By Rosella Aranda
Have you ever looked at your credit card statement? I'm not talking about just making sure that all the transactions are correct. I'm talking about looking at the finance charges. I daresay that sometimes that figure is almost as great as the minimum monthly payment you're making. After all, as long as you can keep the creditors at bay by paying the minimum, that's all you care about, right?
View Article: Click Here
Pay Off Debt Now: 5 Steps To Getting Your Finances In Order
By Drew Harris
In our world of dizzying change, nothing is more true than the time honored statement that circumstances always change.
No where is this more true than with financial issues.
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.
By Lois Ann fromy New York (Guest Post)
12/17/2004
It had been a particularly warm winter that year in the 80s....no snow at all. The temps were extremely high for the Buffalo, New York region. EVERYONE was depressed because of the lack of snow.
At church choir, we would be singing 'The Snow Lay on the Ground" in practice, but it just didn't seem to fit the season. This year, December seemed like May or early June. The weather forecasters were uncertain about a white Christmas. Playing "White Christmas" and hoping for the best was all we could do at that point. (except for those Grinches who didn't like snow!)
At our church at that time, the choir would sing for the Christmas program at 11PM, then sing the entire Midnight Mass and then occasionally there would be the Mass of the Angels at 1AM. So, dutifully, we went upstairs to our places and sang our hearts out. JOY to the WORLD, SILENT NIGHT, O Come all Ye Faithful....the glorious songs of times past and times present.
We sang from 11 PM until we went to downstairs for Holy Communion. I looked out the church window and coming down in HUGE fluffy snowflakes, was the season's first snowfall.
Silly as it sounds, we all rejoiced at seeing the wonderful snow in our own Winter Wonderland of Joy...a winter gift of nature to a group of warm-weary snow angels!
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
