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Hello,
We have 20 new requests today, please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.
New User Blogs!
ThriftyFun is happy to announce new My Frugal Life blogs for ThriftyFun users. We created these blogs so that you can share your thoughts and tips about frugal living, crafting, gardening, or anything else you feel like writing about (as long as it is family friendly). The home for the blogs is www.MyFrugalLife.com and all you need to start blogging to to be registered at ThriftyFun. In fact, you can use your ThriftyFun login to access My Frugal Life today.
If you are a registered user, click the link below to create your blog...
http://www.myfrugallife.com/account.ldml?account_nav=blog
Note: These blogs are still in the testing phase, so if you encounter any problems, please let us know and we will fix them as quickly as possible. You can send us bug reports on our contact page.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contact.ldml
We hope these new blogs will give ThriftyFun users a new way to share their experience with others in this vibrant frugal community.
We are also pleased to announce a new Frugal Weight Loss blog by Fisher Swanson, a regular contributor to Thriftyfun. He's going to chronicle his effort to lose the weight that he has put on during several years of working at a "sit down" job. The blog is now in it's third week so several entries have already been posted.
Read Fisher's Weight Loss blog here:
http://www.myfrugallife.com/blog_fisherswanson.html
On to the photos, tips and requests...
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
| Today's Sponsors
Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 80 money-saving offers inside. More Information:
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Today's Photos
| Lucy (Collie/Shepherd)
Lucy is our 8 year old Collie and Shepherd (I think). We adopted her from Animal Rescue in 1998. She likes to lick me all over my face! She has suffered through several health problems but she always pulls through. I think she truly knows how much she is loved and doesn't want to leave us. By FirstLady from Knoxville, TN
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| 'The Two Shall Become One'
The Two Shall Become One By Leanne from Middleville, MI
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| Contests!
The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! |
Today's Tips
| Quick Stir Fry
You can reduce the time it takes to stir fry slow cooking vegetable like carrots and broccoli by blanching them. You can also reduce the cooking time by cutting them thinly. Just be sure to cut all you veggies and as uniformly as possibly so they cook evenly. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Watch for False Advertising
Try to look at your receipt when you buy big-ticket items like a flat screen T.V. My husband was alert enough to see that Best Buy advertised a high definition T.V. from Sony with higher pixels or some other technical term but were selling an older version. It may not be much for average folks like us, but we were able to switch the TV to a brand new model just out in the market after using the older one for more than 2 months since the TV had been falsely advertised. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Having Fun Saving and Making Extra Money
I'm a preschool teacher, but just started a month off of work without pay (we close in August for maintenance and teacher training). To top that off, we just received a large and unexpected bill in the mail! To try and get through this period, I've started a little "contest" with myself to see if I can go at least a week without spending any unnecessary money, or if I can even make some extra money. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| My Frugal Life - Bartering
I'm almost ashamed to admit it but I have not been a frugal person most of my life. Up until 5 years ago, my husband and I both had great jobs and brought home more money than we really needed, however, we weren't really happy. Our first step toward the life we have now was that we decided that my husband would quit his government job and start his own business, from desk job to manual labor overnight. We still have family members and friends that don't understand that decision. But Steve, my husband, has been so much happier without the stress, cubical, or back-stabbing environment that permeates so many office environments any more.
The next few steps were not ones of our own, but ones we dealt with. We suddenly found ourselves with two teenage girls living with us full-time. Then I found out I was expecting. As I made most of the money for the family, and money was much tighter, it was a concern. A few weeks after finding out I was expecting, I was laid off with only 6 weeks severance and no insurance. Now we were solely dependent upon Steve's salary. In 3 short years, we went from two people bringing home over 100K a year, to a family of 4-1/2 living off of about 1/3 of that. Talk about a quick lesson in humility. Knowing I was unlikely to be hired while pregnant, I set about finding ways to help stretch the money coming in as far as possible and I was amazed at what I was capable of doing. Almost all of our clothes over the last few years have been free (from Freecylce or Craigslist) or I've bought at resale shops on their "sale" days. The only thing I've bought my son is diapers. His bed, clothing, toys, everything is second hand; and he couldn't be happier. I've also became acquainted with bartering. When our microwave went out, I managed to barter for an extra one someone had. When our lawnmower broke, I managed to get us another one. I also found that a lot of the items my husband was removing from houses during his work were being sought by people on the lists I belonged to . . . so I started selling them instead of letting him throw them away. I found out about items I could recycle for cash or other items.
So now not only do I have a frugal life, I have a small and frugal company of my own. I trace my patterns on free leftover newspaper ends I get from our local newspaper or copy them on a free copier I got off Craigslist on free paper that I swapped old ink cartridges for at Office Depot. Then I mail them off in FREE misprinted envelopes I get free from a local publishing house. If someone orders actual shoes, I make them from recycled leather I buy at resale shops on their sale days on a sewing machine that I bartered some clothing for with thread I received off of Freecycle. My business isn't big, because it isn't the most important thing in my life. It's more a byproduct of my frugal life. mistymq from Buda, TX Do you have a frugal story to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit your essay here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_myfrugallife.ldml Post Feedback: Click Here |
Uses for Bacon Grease
Cooking With Bacon GreaseI always save the grease from bacon to use for cooking and baking (even my teenagers and husband will save it!). Put the fresh hot liquid grease into a glass jar (a plastic containers will melt) and place a lid on it and stick it in your fridge.When frying raw or cooked potatoes put some in the frying pan first, don't bother adding much more salt because the bacon grease has salt in it already. When cooking potatoes or vegetables the little bit of bacon grease I put into the water helps the foam from developing and boiling over and once again I don't add any more salt. When frying meat that doesn't have any "inside" fat such as chicken, deer or rabbit I use the bacon grease to coat the frying pan. Any time that I make pancakes or waffles, I take my bacon grease out of the fridge and warm the jar in the microwave for 30 seconds or so, just enough to liquify the grease and use it instead of melted butter or margarine. Anytime that I need melted butter or oil in cooking or baking I ask myself whether the bacon grease would work. When using it, you don't need to add any salt to your cooking or baking, it also gives a nice flavor to whatever dish you are preparing. It took about 15 years but I have finally about a year ago persuaded my sister-in-law that potatoes when boiling do NOT have to boil over each time and make a mess on her stove. A tsp. of bacon grease (she uses margarine) keeps the boiling in the pot only. Also, my mother-in-law grew up using the pure fat that comes when you cook a chicken in the oven. You need to freeze this fat. She would make cookies from it. I have also done so and you would never know that margarine was not used but rather chicken fat was. It used to be that everything was fried in bacon grease. My in-laws used to keep a coffee can with the grease they got from frying bacon every morning. They boiled potatoes for one meal and fried them for the next, in bacon grease. I always liked fried potatoes with onion, slow fried in bacon grease. Of course the eggs were fried in it too. Some chopped raw bacon can be put in with fresh green beans when cooking. My in-laws kept the grease in the side of there stove, but I refrigerate mine. By chml Bacon grease is great for frying potatoes, eggs, flavoring muffins and cornbread, and for greasing pans, so save your bacon grease! By Robin from Washington, IA Freezing Bacon GreaseI have used bacon grease for frying the usual - potatoes, eggs and of course, in green beans. But I also use some when frying onions, mushrooms and green peppers for any reason (from sausage subs to a side for a steak meal).I go to my market and purchase what is considered "bacon ends" (irregular slices from the ends of the slab) at about half price. I then cut the slices in half. I fry the entire package which is usually about 2 lb.. all at one time, in batches. After the bacon has cooled, I wrap the strips in waxed paper and then in a freezer bag. When I need some bacon for blt's etc., it is already done. The grease is first put into a glass bowl to cool down and then, when cool enough, I put it into a quart size freezer bag and sit it upright in my freezer so it freezes into a "log". When I need a tsp. or two, I slice it off and away I go. By Norma Bacon Grease and Cream Cheese SauceA great use for bacon grease. Add it into cream cheese and use it as a sauce to pour over vegetables. I like to use yellow squash.By Sharon A Little Bacon Grease for DogsIf you're on a low carb lifestyle, like I am, you'll probably end up with a lot more bacon grease than you'll know what to do with. I keep it in a tin by the stove, like others suggested. I also drizzle a small amount on my dogs' food every day. Just mix it in. The dogs love it and I'm sure it gives their bland boring dog food a great bacon flavor. As well, the oil is great in keeping them regular and keeping their coats shiny.By pookster For Stove Top PopcornIf you make your own popcorn on the stove, It tastes great popped in bacon grease. My grandmother always made it like this and we gobbled it up. Also pour a small amount on your dog's dry dog food. It's very good to keep their coat shiny.By jeangnome46 Frying SteaksI use about two tablespoons of bacon grease in a cast iron skillet and "fry" my steaks in it. Yum! I'm talking about t-bones to strip steak. It gives them a great flavor.By Lynn Thomas Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Keeping Recipes at Eye Level and Clean
To keep my recipes from getting dirty, and to keep them eye level. I use the poster putty found in the stationary department. The putty does not stain, sticks as long as you want, and is really cheap. I put my recipe up on the cabinet where I am doing my work, and take it down when I am done. Post Feedback: Click Here |
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Syndication Spotlight
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. More Information:
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New Requests
| Deleting Auto-Fill Information On My Computer
I would like to know how to delete the information that you type in when filling out forms and such on my computer. For example, when asking for address you type first letter and the rest shows up. There is some of this info on my computer that I don't use anymore and I would like to delete it. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Crocheted Afghan Pattern
Several years ago I crochet an afghan, unfortunately I can't find a pattern for it now. It was made of individual strips, joined with a single crochet but each strip had a ruffle on it. Would anyone who does crocheting have this pattern or know where I can get it. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Grandma Brown's Baked Beans
How can I find Grandma's Baked Beans? I found them in Thousand Islands , Alexandria Bay, NY this year on vacation. We love them and always look for them when we go out of state. I used to get them in New Jersey but no longer do they have them. Help us, were are addicted to them. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cutting Expenses
This may be a strange request, but here goes. My son attends a very good college and we were fortunate to have most of it funded by scholarships, etc. However, due to an increase in our assets, he has lost his work study program. The financial aid director informed me when I questioned him that any increase in our income or assets would result in a decrease in benefits. In other words, I cannot go back to work as planned, I just cannot make what it would take to make up any lost funding. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Upgrading WebTV
I need to upgrade my webtv to receive more e-mail information. I'm told my browser does not receive Java. What does that mean and what can I do to improve it? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Earning Money Online
Does anyone know a legitimate place I can earn money at home online without paying a fee. I don't want to own my own business just to make some extra money. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Fragrance Lamp Oil Recipe
What type of oils do you use to make fragrance lamp fuel? Essential oils, Perfume oils, or any fragrance oils? And what about the the flash point degree for the oil? Do you have a recipe for making fragrance lamp fuel? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Black Scuff Marks on a Car
I am looking for tips for removing black scuff marks off a car. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Acrylic Water From a Vase
I have a flower arrangement in a vase with acrylic water and would like to re-use the vase. Can I get the acrylic water to become liquid again or have I lost the vase? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Good Grass for Rocky Soil
I would like to know of a good hearty grass to plant in bad soil with lots of rocks in it. We live in the country. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Information About Shitzu Dogs
We just recently got two female 6 week old half shitzu/half rat terrier puppies. I would like to know something about shitzu dogs? I saw the mother dog and she was beautiful and so docile... I was impressed. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Recipes Using Yellow Summer Squash
Please share your summer (yellow) squash recipes that do NOT contain meat (or meat flavoring). Thanks! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Painting a Leather Sofa
How can I paint my beige 3 piece sectional leather sofa? It has a blemishes and the leather is fading. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Locust Making Holes in Window Screens
Small holes appeared in window sreens all around the house. They were replaced about a month ago. The holes began appearing again and the culbret was caught in the act! A locust was actually seen cutting away. I have searched the web and can only find where they destroy crops/trees etc. Why window screens and how can this be stopped? Any help will be appreciated. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Juice Box Purse Pattern
I am looking for an easy pattern to make Juice Box Purses. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dealing With Emotions After Quitting Smoking
I quit smoking cigarettes 3 1/2 months ago and have been having a difficult time dealing with my emotions. Any suggestions from other ex-smokers? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cushings Disease Advice
We have a dog that is part Dalmatian. She has just been diagnosed with Cushings Disease. She has an overactive thyroid gland. Has anyone had a dog with this disease and if so, what did you do to correct this situation. One vet wants to operate (for $400.00) but no guarantee that she'll pull through. Another said to give her Lysodren pills, which costs $8.00 per pill. Her stomach is getting bigger in size and she pants a lot even though she lives in an air-conditioned house. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Removing Latex Paint From Cupboards
How do you remove latex paint from kitchen cupboards without taking the finish off of the cupboards? Is there anything I can use that won't be toxic to pets or to people with allergies? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cooking a Cake in a Saucepan
I am trying to find a recipe on how to make a cake solely in a saucepan on a hob or gas ring. My grandmother used to make her cakes this way but she never passed the recipe on before she died. She never had an oven so she never oven baked. Any help would be appreciated. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Pen on a Leather Purse
How can I get pen ink out off a lether clutch bag? Post Feedback: Click Here |
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
| Today's Sponsors
Free Photo Organizer From Google "Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized." More Information:
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More Reading
Freezing Rhubarb
Selecting High-Quality Fruit Rhubarb:Choose firm, crisp, brightly-colored stalks with good flavor and few fibers. There are red and green stalked varieties, so you can't always use color as an indicator. Large stalks will be tough. Stalks the thickness of your thumb are a good size for harvesting. Twist (don't cut) outside stalks to remove them. Preventing the plant from flowering and going to seed will prolong harvest.Read More: Click Here |
| Pass the Coleslaw
By Arleen M. Kaptur Cole Slaw is always a welcome salad addition to any summertime meal. Whether you prefer creamy, sweet/sour, or a special family favorite, serve cole slaw. with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, grilled or fried chicken, grilled fish, thick, juicy steaks, or even meatloaf. Coleslaw adds crunch, flavor, and color to any entree. It is versatile, and lends itself to almost any menu plan. So serve coleslaw and give your meal that extra special taste treat. Read More: Click Here |
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The really odd thing is that we have managed to pay all our bills and acclimate ourselves to this new way of life. By the time my son was born Steve and I decided it was better to continue to live this "frugal life" and let me stay home with my son than for him to be raised by others. As someone who has sewn off and on most of my life, I started taking in a little sewing here and there for some extra income once Will was old enough to have a set schedule. Not much, as I didn't want to infringe upon my time with my son. Everyone that would stop by the house would remark upon my son's shoes, which I made. On a whim, I put out an ad on Craigslist offering the pattern for sell and showing several pairs of my son's shoes. They were a hit.
