March 06, 2005

Daily Thrifty Tips - March 6, 2005


Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 63, March 6, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Enter The Photo Contest:
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Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photo Contest Entries:

  • Picture of Bandit (out of his hair)
  • Truman (Yellow Nape Amazon)

Today's Tips:

  • In Support Of Martha Stewart
  • Paying Bills On Time
  • Store a Phone Book in Your Trunk
  • Saving Money on Paper Towels
  • Devout Cowboy
  • Prepare For Pattern Sales
  • Sizes of Patterns for Children
  • Quilting - Storing Large Pattern Pieces
  • Tips For Cleaning Chrome
  • Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
  • Quick Vegetable Chopper - A Tin Can
  • Reusing Parmesan Cheese Rinds
  • Cleaning stainless steel sinks, appliances and watering fountains.
  • Save Money With Soup
  • Puffy Eyes?
  • Buff Your Nails
  • Keep Your Knives Sharp
  • Vinegar Prewash
  • Check the Doctor's Hours On Holidays
  • Scenting the Air
  • Cleaning Hard to Clean Glass
  • FUN Wedding Guest Book Idea - A Poster
  • Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

New Requests:

  • Easter Craft for Nursing Home Residents
  • Doll Clothes For Yarn Dolls
  • Ideas For 10 Year Old's Golden Birthday
  • Athlete's Foot Remedies
  • This Sites Design Buttons?
  • Odor After Cleaning Up Dog Vomit
  • St. Patrick's Day Tips
  • Women's Bathing Suit Top
  • Cleaning Stained Suede
  • Cleaning Painted Surfaces

More Reading:

  • How Part-Time Work (Moonlighting) Can Save You Money
  • A Festive Easter Wedding Celebration Filled with Lively Colors

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Today's Photo Contest Entries


Picture of Bandit (out of his hair)

I previously entered the picture of my dog Bandit. Someone said I should send this in to show you what I did with all his hair that we got when we dematted & trimmed him one day! I couldn't resist making it all into a picture of him! It turned out pretty real! The birds loved it later for building nests with.

By Betty Reese

Click on the picture to see Bandit's original entry.

View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here


Truman (Yellow Nape Amazon)

Hi, my name is Truman. I'm a Yellow Nape Amazon. I think I'm about 2 years old, I'm not really sure because my new human rescued me from some really bad people!! My favorite hobby is eating, can't you tell?

By Lynn Williams

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


In Support Of Martha Stewart

I would like to give Martha Stewart a big nod of approval for the graceful way she has handled herself upon completing her prison sentence.

Martha has been the "Queen Mother" of thrifty home projects, food and beverage recipes, gardening tips and on and on. Besides being a smart business person, Martha has inspired millions of people to do home projects to look at detail and to enjoy a quality of life with simple means or much means.

I forgive Martha for her mistake. I believe she was given a rather harsh treatment by the court. I look forward to enjoying more of what Martha will share with us.

How do you feel about Martha?

Mr Zabe

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Paying Bills On Time

Tips and ideas to help you pay your bills on time. Post your ideas.

Pay as many of your bills as soon as you get paid to avoid late charges. These charges could cost you lots if you are not careful.

By gmor

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Store a Phone Book in Your Trunk

Keep an extra phone book in the trunk of your car, so that you'll have any number you need in case of emergency. Locksmith, directions to hard to find stores, anything & anyone you might need to contact from the road will be at your fingertips.

By Doggy

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Saving Money on Paper Towels

Tips for saving money on paper towels. Post your ideas!

Save those old paper towels, used for drying hands, on the kitchen counter for quick clean ups.

By Sharon Fernando

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Devout Cowboy

The devout cowboy lost his favorite Bible while he was mending fences out on the range.

Three weeks later a cow walked up carrying the Bible in its mouth. The cowboy couldnt believe his eyes.

He took the book out of the cows mouth, raised his eyes heavenward & exclaimed, Its a miracle!

Not really,  said the cow, your name was written inside the front cover.

By Terri H.

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Prepare For Pattern Sales

The price of patterns are very very high. Our local fabric store has sales frequently on patterns. So I go through the books or search online prior to the sale, write down what interest me on a small notebook, write what pattern company sells it. Then when there is a sale on patterns, I dont have to take time going through the books to see what I want. I can go straight to the patterns and choose what I like, sometimes its the only one available.

Its a lot easier to think about the patterns I need when there are not so many people around for the sale day.

By Dee

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Sizes of Patterns for Children

When buying seasonal patterns for children, I try to make sure there is a size for when I can actually make the item. If its for next year, make sure you get a bigger size. If the pattern is a classic you may want to get two sizes.

By Dee

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Quilting - Storing Large Pattern Pieces

To store larger pattern pieces for applique, I just roll them up and put them in a empty paper towel cardboard tube. I store them in a box large enough that if the pattern is longer than the tube it wont bend or tear I usually just use a shirt box just mark the outside, especially if you have a lot of projects going on a one time.

By Karen Propes

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Tips For Cleaning Chrome

Used dryer sheets clean chrome beautifully. I use them to clean my faucets.. They are great at water spots. I also use them to dust.

By Val

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Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Several years ago I discovered a tip for when you run out of automatic dishwashing soap. In the dishwasher dispenser - mine was in the door of the dishwasher - make a thick paste of 2 parts baking soda to one part liquid dish soap(Joy, Dawn, etc.). Run your dishwasher as normal.

The baking soda prevents the sudsing over that happens when you use liquid soap by itself. It also aids in getting your dishes really clean. You might like it well enough to use all the time!

By Elizabeth

View Article: Click Here


Quick Vegetable Chopper - A Tin Can

For a quick, cheap vegetable (or fruit) chopper use a clean tin can. The open(sharp) end will be your chopper - punch 2 to 3 air holes in the solid end. This tool will make quick work of onions, tomatoes, etc. Just make sure to keep it away from kids as the open end is sharp.

By Elizabeth

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Reusing Parmesan Cheese Rinds

Dont throw away those old rinds from buying big chunks of parmesan cheese. Throw them in soups such as minestrone and let simmer for extra good flavor.

By pistolwhip

Editors Note: I havent bought parmesan cheese in quantity for a long time. Ive never heard this before and have no idea whether it would work or not. Feedback on this as always would be appreciated.

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Cleaning stainless steel sinks, appliances and watering fountains.

Cleaning stainless steel sinks, appliances and watering fountains: The easiest and cheapest way Ive found (Im a janitor) is to use inexpensive Cameo stainless steel cleanser (cost $1.23 at the local grocier!).

Just sprinkle a small amount on surface or on damp cloth and rub on. Then clean cleanser off with a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth. This works fast. If you have really built up lime to deal with at first like I did, use the el cheapo method of vinegar soaked paper towels - put on and wait 30 minutes. May have to repeat but it is safer than expensive chemicals and if you put vinegar in a baggie tied to your shower head over night... it clears lime from there painlessly also!

By Karen608

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Save Money With Soup

Eat soup one night a week.

By Denise

Editor's Note: Soup is an inexpensive meal, especially if you make it from scratch. Why just one night a week? Soup is great! Make large batches and freeze extra for future meals.

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Puffy Eyes?

If you have trouble with tired or puffy eyes from allergies, fatigue, or strain, one of the most soothing things to do to help them is to make yourself a cup of tea and save the tea bag. Chill the bag and then put the tea bag on your eyes. It takes the puffiness out and makes them feel much better!

By Robin

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Buff Your Nails

Lemon peel makes a great buffing agent for your nails.

By Robin

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Keep Your Knives Sharp

Keeping your knives sharpened will cut your cooking preparation time considerably.

By Robin

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Vinegar Prewash

On your dishwasher dont fill the prewash container. just fill the 2nd wash container. I have saved a whole lot on soap since I learned that.

When starting your dishwasher add a cup of vinegar before turning the machine on. Your dishes will get cleaned off with the benefits of vinegar, the vinegar will be washed out in the wash and rinse cycles.

By Sandy

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Check the Doctors Hours On Holidays

Anytime when going to the doctor for a routine checkup like a blood pressure check or allergy shot make sure the office is open during the holidays.

At Christmas time we had many patients say they came in the evening expecting to come in as always and get the service. We close early during the holidays. We are closed all day on Good Friday.

So the rule of thumb would be if there is a question on other schedules check with your doctor too.

By Sandy

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Scenting the Air

Put a little perfume, fragrant oil or even flavored extract on a light bulb. then light the light bulb and you will have a pleasant aroma fill the room.

By Sandy

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Cleaning Hard to Clean Glass

Do you have a glass product you cant get clean? Try soaking it in vinegar. I work on the altar guild at church. I regularly soak a glass bowl that we have water sitting in. The water sits and creates a icky crust. I just soak the bowl and the icky crust is gone.

By Sandy

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FUN Wedding Guest Book Idea - A Poster

I hate guest books at family gatherings! Usually only a page or two is filled and afterwards they just sit in a box somewhere. Well, for my wedding we did something more fun!

We got a plain large (about 1/4 thick) poster board and a black pen. It had our wedding invitation in the middle and our guests were able to sign their name or write a little message to us around that invite. PLUS, afterwards, we framed it and it is hanging up in our home for us to treasure! Every time I walk by, I have a great memory from that beautiful day!

By dot7660

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Sweet and Sour Meatloaf

The Best Sweet and Sour Meatloaf!

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon instant minced onion
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce, divided in half

Topping:

  • Reserved half of tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Instructions:

Mix together beef, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and eggs. Add onion and one half of the can of tomato sauce. Form into a loaf in a 9"x5"x3" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine yopping ingredients and bring to a boil. Pour over meat loaf, and return to oven for 10 minutes more.

By Sjkuz

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Other Active Topics

Be sure to check out our active topics page to follow the discussion.

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Tip Contest


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Enter the contest!


Syndication Spotlight:


Here are some publishers that have chosen to publish our tips this week!

Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests:


Easter Craft for Nursing Home Residents

I am looking for an Easter craft for girl scouts to do for nursing home residents. Any help would be appreciated.
-Penny

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Doll Clothes For Yarn Dolls

I am making yarn dolls with a group of religious sisters and we are now making clothes. I would like to know where I can get simple patterns and accessories for these dolls. They are about 12 to 18 inchels long so patterns would vary.

Thank You.
Beth

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Ideas For 10 Year Old's Golden Birthday

I am looking for birthday party ideas for my son's golden birthday and he is will be ten in March. Any good birthday ideas will be appreciated. I want to limit the amount of money I spend.

From Susan in Oregon

Editor's Note: For people who may not know, your golden birthday is the birthday where you turn the age that is the same as the day of the month you were born. For example, someone born March 6th, would have a golden birthday when they turned 6.

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Athlete's Foot Remedies

Got any athletes foot remedies?

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This Sites Design Buttons?

I guess I'm the only idiot on this board who I can't figure out how to use the design buttons (Bold, Underline, Quote) when posting a message. Can anyone help? Don't worry, my next trip to the library I'm checking out "Message Borads for Dummies".

Tressa

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Odor After Cleaning Up Dog Vomit

My Siberian Husky became sick last week all over my carpeted bathroom floor. There were about 6 large spots of vomit and diarrhea. I spent half the day cleaning. I tried about 3 different carpet cleaners and finally got the majority of the stains out. My problem now is that I have a very strong wet, musty carpet oder smell.

I have tried 2 different pet enzyme cleaners, carpet foam freshener, spot shot, lysol and oust and NOTHING seems to be getting this nasty smell out. It has been almost 3 days since the incident and the smell is still there. I have left my windows open during the day, and placed 2 air cleaners at each end of the bathroom.

The carpet no longer feels wet to the touch so I don't understand why I am still smelling this oder. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Kristin

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St. Patrick's Day Tips

Does anyone have any tips for St. Patricks day?

kcrc

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Women's Bathing Suit Top

After you wash your women's bathing suits, how do you keep the top (bra) to keep the shape and keep from becoming deformed?

Peg from Tex

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Cleaning Stained Suede

I have a request on how to get stains out of a tan colored suede vest. I took to the dry cleaners but they wante 35 bucks to do it. Any way I can do it myself?

Dave

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Cleaning Painted Surfaces

Our bathroom cabinets are painted white and I have trouble cleaning all the dust, hairspray, etc off the painted surface. Most cleaning products are harsh and will strip the surface. What can be used to get the grime, etc off?
Peg from Tex

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Today's Sponsor


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ChildSafe Network Get 3 FREE Child Identification Kits with your FREE membership to the ChildSafe Network.

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More Reading:


How Part-Time Work (Moonlighting) Can Save You Money
By Jona E. Kessans

Moonlighting or working part-time has long been an option for many full-time workers seeking a little more income. However, what has long been overlooked are the fringe benefits or dividends that working part-time provides. Working this way reduces spending and is more than worthwhile for the minimum numbers of hours required.

View Article: Click Here


A Festive Easter Wedding Celebration Filled with Lively Colors
By Lizzy Mansfield

The dreary scenes of winter are quietly whispering that spring is just around the corner. With the blooming of colorful springtime flowers and comes many creative ideas for decorating an Easter Day wedding. From whimsical chocolate bunnies to candy-coated egg-shaped confections, decorate a delightful Easter wedding celebration using an array of festive colors throughout the wedding table decorations, as well as other wedding elements.

View Article: Click Here


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