Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 38, February 7, 2005
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Teff - A One-Horse-Powered Lawnmower
- Winter Storm
Today's Tips:
- Freezing Soups or Chili in Bowls
- Making Designer Pancakes
- Packing Toiletries Tip
- Beauty Washcloths
- Wooden Crates From Clementines For Storage
- Remembering Your Keys
- Cleaning Candles
- Clearing the Air with Vinegar
- Pantyhose for Plants
- Uses for Old Tablecloths
- Helping Someone Who Is Choking
- Uses for Junk Mail
- Chalk For Ring-Around-the-Collar
- Soap for Fleas
- Counter Top Paper Towel Holder Uses
- Shower Cleaning Tips
- Pillow Case Laundry Bag
- Make a Photo Storage Box
- Homemade Bread Crumbs
- Fruit Pizza
- Cowboy Stew
- Special Stew
- Snicker Bars
- 100 Year Old Cookies
- Classic Chicken With Broccoli
New Requests:
- All my college kid's whites just came out yellow!
- Cat peeing in the same place.
- Preventing a Dog From Digging
- Emulsion Paint on Cord Carpet
- Bathing a Cat
- Uses For Plastic Hooks From New Socks
- Homemade Wedding Cake Topper Ideas
- Keeping Silverware Polished
- Agressive Lab
- Single Person, Cooking For One
More Reading:
- Used But Not Used Up (Repairing Power Tools)
- At Home with Bakelite
- 5 Reasons to Get Rats
- Making Your Browser Easier to Read
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Teff - A One-Horse-Powered Lawnmower
Here is the coolest, most "green", one-horse-powered lawnmower anyone could ever have! This is Teff, our 6 year-old, miniature, "sea"-horse. Since we got him at 8 months old, he has kept the lawn on our lighthouse station mowed beautifully. How does he travel, you ask? He's been by both ship and helicopter and takes either mode of transportation quite in stride.
By Rene
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Winter Storm
This was a picture of the ice and snow storm we had this last Christmas. We had no electricity and no heat or water for four long days and nights, PLUS a live power line over the driveway so we couldn't get out or have anyone get in. It was bitter cold but we had the fireplace and some good, inventive meals, and we really found the true meaning of Christmas. We had the Lord in our hearts and each other safe and sound.
By Margie Minard
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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
Inexpensive Cherry Flavored Oatmeal and Applesauce
Prepare oatmeal according to package directions. Add sugar free cherry koolaid, to taste, stir, and eat. This is very yummy!
Works great for applesauce also. The little flavored applesauces are too expensive. I buy the huge and cheap jar of applesauce, and add the koolade, whatever flavor we are wanting at the time. One pack of the koolaid lasts a couple of weeks, because a little bit goes along way.
By Rummy
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Freezing Soups or Chili in Bowls
Make a big pot of soup, chili, or stew and freeze the rest in bowls, thaw and heat up for the next meal. Out of one large soup pot I can get 5 meals or more depending on what it is.
By Nikki
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Making Designer Pancakes
I use a large empty catsup bottle or any squirt/squeeze bottle with a screw on lid for pancakes or funnel cakes. Just put the ingredients in and the bottle shake, you can mix right in the bottle. Then squeeze out designer pancakes. If you have leftovers you can even store the batterin the squirt bottle for another day.
The grandkids love making pancakes. They squirt out some pretty fancy animals, mickey mouses and smiley faces. We are all kids at heart and that is my favorite one to make, a heart. And yes, circles come out perfect if you stay direct center and squeeze.
By Ladydi
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Packing Toiletries Tip
When you travel, have all your toiletries and pharmaceuticals packed the day before. Then the night before and the morning of the trip only use the things that you have packed, if anything is missing you will know before your trip.
By CHEAPERTHANCHEAP
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Beauty Washcloths
I find the Olay and Ponds beauty washcloths to be expensive so I cut them in fourths and they clean great for a lot less money.
By CHEAPERTHANCHEAP
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Wooden Crates From Clementines For Storage
In our area Clementines come in nice little wooden crates. I have a bunch, which I have turned upside down on the computer monitor and the TV. Because they are small, they fit that ridge, so I can use it for storage.
By CHEAPERTHANCHEAP
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Remembering Your Keys
Tips to help you remember you keys. Post your ideas.
I was locked out of my apartment when I first moved in. It now costs fifteen dollars for them to let you in. I have a plastic key holder that can fit around my wrist and I hang my keys on the door knob. A lanyard would do too. This is also a good idea if you have to remember to take something with you when you go out, hanging it on the doorknob is a great reminder.
By CHEAPERTHANCHEAP
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Cleaning Candles
I rarely light candles--just use them as decorations. But I'd throw away many because they got to dusty. A salesperson at a home decor store gave me this tip: use an old nylon stocking and rub on the candle--removes dust like magic. Also works on dusty blinds!
By Tamasa
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Clearing the Air with Vinegar
In the winter months the air inside our homes becomes very polluted. Putting vinegar in water and setting it on a woodburning stove puts vinegar in the air to kill bacteria floating in the air.
By Jill
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Pantyhose for Plants
Use old, clean pantyhose to gently adhere plants to stakes while they are growing.
Simply stretch pantyhose and cut both legs into rings. Stretch out
and tie together as many as needed for the size of the plant to reach the stake.
By Rhonda Snorek
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Uses for Old Tablecloths
Ideas for using old tablecloths that are stained or you no longer want to use on a table. Post your ideas.
Making Placemats from and Old Tablecloth
If you have an old tablecloth that you don't want to use anymore just cut it into place mats for use on your table.
By Robin
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Helping Someone Who Is Choking
Tips for helping you are or someone else who is choking. Post your ideas.
Choking
I was home alone and had a ham sandwich for lunch--and I choked on the ham--with quick thinking I grabbed a regular straw and put it in mouth and pushed the ham down. I feel this saved my life.
By Cup H. - Jerusalem, Ohio
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Uses for Junk Mail
Ideas for using junk mail in a productive way. Post your ideas!
Junk Mail for the Kids
Keep some junk mail around for your children to play "post office" with or to just draw or write on.
By Robin
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Chalk For Ring-Around-the-Collar
Clean ring-around-the-collar. Mark the stain heavily with white Crayola Chalk. The chalk will absorb the sebum oil that holds in the dirt.
By chrystalkay
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Soap for Fleas
My son is a PhD chemist. 8 years Duke University, 8 years Federal government, now employed with a private firm. More money was offered I guess. He travels extensively for his employers, travels worldwide.
He says the safest and best way to rid yourself of a flea infestation is a very old fashioned remedy, can be used safely on your hair, your animals and your hardwood floors. Soap and water. Not detergents, real old fashioned soap, like for instance Fels Naptha. Hope this is helpful I TRIED everything before contacting him.
By Fran Merrill
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Counter Top Paper Towel Holder Uses
When we moved into a house there was a paper towel holder installed in the kitchen and I no longer needed my countertop paper towel holder. I discovered that it was very handy in the bathroom to hold extra rolls of toilet tissue.
By vinnyswoman
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Shower Cleaning Tips
Tips for cleaning the shower and keeping it clean. Post your shower cleaning tips below.
Wiping Down the Shower
Wipe down your shower with vinegar at least once a week and it will help them shine and help stop hard water deposits, soap scum, & mildew.
By Robin
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Pillow Case Laundry Bag
If you are taking a trip I suggest taking along an old pillow case to use as a laundry bag.
By Robin
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Make a Photo Storage Box
This is a great and very cheap, an almost free craft to do. I called around to shoe stores and got a ton of free shoe boxes. Then I went and picked up free sample books at a wallpaper store. I decupauged it onto the shoe box to make a photo storage box, but you have to use acid free paper on the inside to line the box, it will protect the photo's and they won't fade. I use scrapbooking paper. Have fun :-)
MrsMoted2
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Homemade Bread Crumbs
Ingredients:
- Day old or older (some of those ends not eaten) slices of bread.
- Melted margarine
- Spices of choice (I use garlic powder and onion powder and even a touch of celery salt)
Directions:
Mix spices with melted margarine and spread evenly over one side of bread slices. Lay on large piece of heavy duty foil and put under broiler for about 2-3 minutes. WATCH carefully and when brown, turn and toast other side.
Let cool and place in zip lock bag.
Roll over with rolling pin to make crumbs.
Store in freezer till ready to use.
These are great for rolling chicken or fish in or sprinkle over mac and cheese or even sprinkle over salad.
By barbnov55
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Fruit Pizza
Crust:
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 stick margarine
Filling:
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 (8 oz) Cool Whip
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Fruit:
- Strawberries, peaches, kiwi, bananas, etc.
Directions:
For crust: Mix, press onto pizza pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
For filling:
Mix until smooth and spread on cooled crust.
For fruit:
Slice and arrange on top of filling.
For glaze: Cook over medium heat until thick. Cool and pour over fruit. Refrigerate.
By Robin
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Cowboy Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. hamburger
- 2 cups water
- 1 can tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans (undrained)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup long grain rice (dry)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 pkg. sloppy joe mix
Directions:
Brown meat and onion in large 10 inch skillet. Add remaining ingredients. Stir and mix well. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
By Robin
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Special Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. stew meat
- 2 cups raw potatoes (cubed)
- 3-4 carrots (thinly sliced)
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 Tbsp. tapioca
- 2 tsp. salt
- 12 oz. can V-8 juice
Directions:
Place first 7 ingredients in a large casserole. Pour the V-8 juice over them. Bake 5 hours at 250 degrees.
By Robin
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Snicker Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 jar marshmallow creme
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts
- 40 caramels
- 2 Tbsp. water
Directions:
Melt 1/2 chocolate and half of butterscotch chips. Reserve other 1/2 for top. Spread in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Chill. Simmer sugar, milk, butter for 5 minutes. Add marshmallow creme, 1/8 cup peanut butter, and vanilla. Pour over hardened chips. Put peanuts on top of the cream mix. Melt caramels in 2 Tbsp. water. Spread over nuts. Melt the remaining chips and 1/8 cup peanut butter and spread on top. Chill. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour or so before serving. They will be easier to cut. Store in airtight container.
By Robin
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100 Year Old Cookies
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 lbs. butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 1 lb. raisins (chopped)
- 2 cups nutmeats
- 2 tsp. soda
- 2 tsp. vanilla
Directions:
Mix with 9 cups flour - if you roll in balls and press.
Mix with 8 cups flour - if you roll for cut out cookies.
Bake at 350 degrees F. until light brown.
Dough keeps well if refrigerated. Cookies freeze well.
By Robin
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Classic Chicken With Broccoli
Take about 2-3 broccoli stalks and steam in microwave for approximately 6-7 min. While that is cooking, cut up 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes and saute in a frying pan until opaque.
Then add in to one bowl: 1 can of cream of chicken (or cream of celery) soup, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 tsp. of lemon juice. (add 1/2 tsp of curry powder if you go for the flare) Combine mixture.
Take broccoli out of microwave, put the chicken on top of the broccoli. Take wet mixture and poor over chicken and broccoli. Then take some shredded cheddar cheese and cover. Put in oven to bake for approximately. 35-40 min. Very rich, but tasty!
Trisha from.. home!
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Tip Contest
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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 February 15th.
Enter the contest!
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.
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New Requests:
All my college kid's whites just came out yellow!
My son just took his whites out of the communal apt. washing machine and they came out yellow. He says that they are evenly yellow and one shirt has two dime sized orange spots on it. All that was in the wash were undershirts and a white pair of pants. I've trained the kids to religiously empty their pockets before washing. He also checked the machine before starting. I told him to simmer down, not do anything and to wait for my email to tell him what to do and would ask here. How can we fix this expense catastrophy that neither of us can afford to replace?
Laura J. Orr
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Cat peeing in the same place.
My cat keeps peeing in the same place. She has always been a clean cat and has never done this before until recently. We have a dog too, but the cat is definately the boss.
I am pregnant and i understand that cats/dogs have a sixth sense and can feel this... do you think this has anything to do with it?
Comments most welcome...
Rachel, UK
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Preventing a Dog From Digging
My dogs digs terribly. I need a way to keep her in her pin. Please help.
Thank you,
Lorissa
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Emulsion Paint on Cord Carpet
A couple of months ago a tin of emulsion paint was spilt on my cord carpet. We wiped up alot of it but it has stained the carpet badly. Does anyone have any ideas for getting dried paint off cord carpet?
Elaine from England
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Bathing a Cat
How can I bathe a stray cat that evidently got into some nasty smelling stuff, like swamp water.
Thank you,
Cynthia in PA
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Uses For Plastic Hooks From New Socks
I was wondering if anyone had any uses for the little plastic hook things that come with new socks? I hate to just toss them in the trash.
Thank you,
MrsMoted2
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Homemade Wedding Cake Topper Ideas
Does anyone have any frugal, creative ideas for making a wedding cake topper? The bride is a nurse, the groom is a fire fighter and there will be 3 children in their new family.
Thrifty Readers: put your thinking caps on!!
Thanks a bunch!
Lee-Ann
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Keeping Silverware Polished
I have a wonderful full set of hotel silverware that I use for everyday eating. Unfortunately, they get tarnished and become so time consuming to keep clean. So far a gentle rub with SOS or Brillo has gotten it very shiny but doesn't last and is probably destroying the surface. As everyday silverware, tarnished ware is rather unappealing and chemical polishes may not be the healthiest choice. What can I do to keep longer lasting brilliant silver? How in the world do the fast-paced hotels maintain their silver?
ZSU
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Agressive Lab
I have a 1 1/2yr old Chocolate Lab. He is a great dog, sweet, and well behaved. The only problem is he does not like my one son who is 12. This all started happening about 6 months ago. He had surgery and was away from us for about 5 days,(for swallowing a ball that blocked his intestines) about a week after he was home he started showing signs of agression with certain children, (but not all, like I said he is very sweet)
He loves my 9yr old son, but will not go near my other son and has growled at him when he goes by him. My 12yr old is just crushed over this. He is a huge animal lover and a very sweet child, and there is no doubt in my mind that he has never done anything to contribute to this behavior. I need advice or I will have to think about getting rid of him.
Jen from NJ
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Single Person, Cooking For One
Do thriftyfun folks have any good recipes for a single person to cook for one?
Jessie
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More Reading:
Used But Not Used Up (Repairing Power Tools)
By Gene Miller
Some DIY Maintenance will put Used tools back in Main Stream Operation:
Professional grade tools are made to withstand long hours of use and abuse. Many home shops have a number of Professional grad tools but for the most part most home shops have tools that are some what less in quality.
View Article: Click Here
At Home with Bakelite
By Linda Grossman and Evelyn Roth
"Plastic" objects are part of our history. These items represent a significant example of Americana. The Smithsonian, the Museum of Modern Art and the Philadelphia Museum all include "plastics" in their collections.
View Article: Click Here
5 Reasons to Get Rats
Here are the five pluses of keeping rats, an often overlooked pet.
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Making Your Browser Easier to Read
You can increase or decrease the reading fonts in your browser:
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