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Hello,
First, thank you to Promotional Offers, Coupons, and Freebies http://www.promotional-offer.com for sponsoring today's issue.
We had two contests end yesterday, the photo contest where we were giving away a Fuji Digital Camera and the tip contest where we were giving away two $25 gift cards. Winners are chosen at random from the pool of entries, and the winners are...
The winner of the Fuji Digital Camera is Sharon, Ky
The winners of the tip contests are: Ardis Ilene Barnes (20 entries) and Imaqt (10 entries). Each get a gift certificate for $25 to Home Depot, JoAnn's or Amazon.com.
Thanks to everyone who sent in your photos and tips. More people find us everyday because of all of the great information that we have been able to accumulate over the years.
With those contests ending, two new contests begin, this time we have made some changes. Many people have recommended that we select the contest winner based on merit, so the best tip wins. We have been hesitant to do that since it will be hard for us to choose the best tip from among all the great tips that are posted. However, we have decided to try to step up to the challenge. This month we will give away fourteen $25 prizes, one for each of the categories below. Instead of gift cards, we will just send company checks, that is easier for us than ordering 14 gift cards.
We will still give away two prizes to random winners, but 12 of the prizes will be based on merit. Our staff (all three of us) will try to pick the best tip or photo in the categories below. While the ultimate decision will be up to us, we encourage you to send us your feedback or post feedback on the website when you see a tip or photo that you really like. We are excited to be able to give away more prizes than we have in the past. We are very appreciative of everyone that has submitted tips in the past, it has made the last seven years of publishing a lot of fun.
Tip Contest:
Photo Contest:
All together we will be giving away $400 dollars worth of prizes.
This contest will end on July 15th, 2005.
Good luck to everyone that enters and thanks again for your readership and support.
Susan
Tip Contest!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Photo Contest!
a href="http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/add.ldml
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Tips:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Promotional Offers, Coupons, and Freebies
Smart Shoppers visit promotional-offer.com before purchasing online. Find coupon codes and special links to savings at major online merchants.. Get discounts on Apparel, Jewelry, Travel, and many other categories...plus FREE samples from merchants too!
http://www.promotional-offer.com
Today's Photo Contest Entries
This is a beautiful photo of the work of Spring, both gardener and wildlife. Take floral photos with an interesting theme. Normally it is a patience game, just keep an open eye and have a little free time.
By Robert Oliver
Post Feedback: Click Here
Need a Recipe for Spotted Dick
When I visited London a few years ago (earned a trip there), I was taken to dinner to a fantastic seafood restaurant that had a fantastically delicious dessert called Spotted Dick. It was like a super-rich super-flavorful Bread Pudding.
Here's a shot of the menu:
and here's a shot of the half-eaten Spotted Dick:
There's a funny story behind this particular evening. When I saw S.D. on the menu, I blurted out, without thinking, "If I saw Spotted Dick in the United States, someone might need to go to the hospital." Everyone at the table burst out laughing, even Lady Mary. Later, when I was out of the room, they talked the waitress into letting me keep the menu as proof that I had eaten Spotted Dick. (I still have it somewhere.)
I'd love it if someone has a recipe to share.
By John
Post Feedback: Click Here
Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a Digital Camera! You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Preventing Mildew On a Shower Curtain
When you get out of the shower, always close the curtain so that the it is not bunched up. This allows the curtain to dry more quickly and helps prevent mildew.
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Makeshift Knife Sharpener
In a pinch, you can sharpen a knife on the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug. Hold the blade at a slight angle and sharpen it on the unglazed ring on the bottom of the mug. It's not ideal, but it will work.
Tips for sharpening knives. Post your ideas.
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If your toaster is reluctant to accept the toast it's probably because crumbs have built up to point that the bread can no longer be pushed down all the way. Most toasters have a handy trap door on the bottom that allows you to remove any crumbs that have built up. First unplug the toaster.
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Remove Hard Water Deposits From Faucets
To remove vinegar deposits that accumulate on faucets from hard water, fill a bag with vinegar and tie the bag to the faucet. Allow the faucet to soak in the vinegar for a couple of hours. When you remove the bag, the deposits should be gone. Repeat if necessary.
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Using a Plunger In a Bathroom Sink
One problem with using a plunger in a bathroom sink is that the plunger can not create a true seal because of the overflow opening. Before plunging, cover the overflow with a piece of tape or hold a cloth against it. This will allow the plunger to do it's work efficiently.
Post Feedback: Click Here
One Sunday a pastor told the congregation that the church needed some extra money and asked the people to prayerfully consider giving a little extra in the offering plate. He said that whoever gave the most would be able to pick out three hymns.
After the offering plates were passed, the pastor glanced down and noticed that someone had placed a $1,000 bill in offering. He was so excited that he immediately shared his joy with his congregation and said he'd like to personally thank the person who placed the money in the plate.
A very quiet, elderly and saintly lady all the way in the back shyly raised her hand. The pastor asked her to come to the front. Slowly she made her way to the pastor. He told her how wonderful it was that she gave so much and in thanksgiving asked her to pick out three hymns. Her eyes brightened as she looked over the congregation, pointed to the three handsomest men in the building and said,
"I'll take him, and him, and him."
By Terri
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An old Listerine bottle that has been emptied and washed can be filled with warm water and used as a hot water bottle in a pinch.
By Katherine Dutton
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Tips for removing tar from your car or trucks finish. Post your ideas.
Use baking soda to take the tar off your car.
By scabansweeps
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Cleaning With a Steam - Advice and Reviews
We received this tip recently. "Steam for Soap Scum: For easiest removal of soap scum, use a steamer to dissolve it."
By gmor
Has anyone else used a steamer for cleaning? What cleaning projects are they good for and are their any brands that you would recommend?
Post Feedback: Click Here
Tips for saving money on batteries. Post your ideas.
Buy rechargeable batteries for all digital/electronic devices.
By Rennae G
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Saving Money on Litter For Small Animals
Use newspapers in small animal cages instead of buying bulky animal filler.
By Rennae G
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Wash, dry and store fresh spearmint from your garden in a plastic baggy in the fridge for 4-5 days. Add to tea being brewed or tear fresh leaves into iced tea with fresh lemon and sweetener of choice. Amazingly refreshing!
By brenda remis
Editor's Note: It is also a good addition to lemonade.
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Instead of buying fancy plates to set my large candles on, I use inexpensive salad plates either from my house or yard sales.
By Michelle Robbins
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Tips to help you locate an oil leak. Post your ideas.
A plain brown paper bag under your car will give you a good idea where your oil drip is coming from, if you have one!
By John Sibley
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Use pieces of felt to clean algae off acrylic fish tanks. It doesn't scratch.
By Amy Chang
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Mouth Watering Slow Cooker Roast
- Beef Roast (any kind)
- 1 can Jellied cranberry sauce
Place roast in slow cooker. Crumble cranberry sauce on top. Cook 8-10 hours.
Best you ever tasted. You can cook veggies in juice. Ummmmm good
By Gayle
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Tips for organizing shelves. Post your ideas.
Dividers for Shelves
My husband and I just ordered shelves from a carpenter. We had him add a divider every 2 feet or so on each shelf. This way the shelf always looks neat and the books can stand up straight.
Tip: Add dividers on the shelf (it will look like an upside-down T.)
By Tali
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Tips for saving money on utilities. Post your ideas.
Tips for saving money on utilities. Post your ideas.
Use only cold water to do laundry whenever possible.
Shut off the breaker to the hot water tank before you leave for work so it doesn't heat water all day while no one is there to use it.
Editor's Note: You can purchase a timer for you electric hot water heater at your local hardware store.
By joni514
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Microwave Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Ingredients:
Directions:
Sprinkle brown sugar over bottom of microwave round cake pan or 9 x 13 baking dish, dot with butter.
Microwave at power level 10 for 1 1/2 minutes.
Evenly distribute mixture.
Arrange pineapple rings in single layer over mixture and place a cherry in center of each ring.
Combine cake mix, water,oil and eggs. Beat well spoon batter into pan microwave at power level 7 for 14-16 minutes.
Let stand for 5 minutes. Loosen with knife and carefully invert onto a platter.
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Melt chocolate chips in double broiler over low heat stirring constantly so chocolate won't burn. Remove from heat. Add peanuts and noodles.
Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper. Let cool. (Butterscotch chips may be substituted for chocolate chips.)
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix together and freeze over night. Add 7 Up to 2-3 tablespoons mix.
By imaqt1962
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Spiced Tea
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and store dry in air tight container. Add heaping teaspoon or more (to taste) to cup of boiling water
By IMAQT1962
Spiced Tea Mix
Ingredients:
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and store in tightly closed jar. Serve 2-3 tsp. in a cup of boiling water.
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In large punch bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients. Stir in ginger ale. Add scoops of sherbet. serve immediately (makes 8 qts.)
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
In a saucepan, combine soup, milk, parmesan cheese and pepper. Stir in cooked noodles and cubed chicken.
Heat through.
Supper is now on. Enjoy!
By imaqt1962
Post Feedback: Click Here
Ingredients:
Directions:
In non stick pan cook first 4 ingredients. Stirring often until browned and cooked through. Drain. Stir in tomatoes. Add worcestershire sauce, ketchup, chili powder (if desired) and salt. Heat through.
On baking sheet broil cut sides of buns until toasted, about 2 minutes. Top buns with mixture and cheese. Broil until melted, 1-2 minutes. Cover with top of buns. Serves 4
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat well with wire whisk, about 2 minutes. Gently stir in 1/2 of Cool Whip. Pour into pie crust.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.
Garnish with remaining Cool Whip and cookie halves just before serving.
By imaqt1962
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Stir boiling water and jello together, mixing until dissolved.
Stir in cold water.
Refrigerate for about 1 1/4 hours or until slightly thickened.
Reserve a few orange segments for garnish. Gently stir in remaining orange segments. Set aside.
Beat cream cheese and sugar in separate bowl until well blended. Stir in Cool Whip topping. Spoon into 2 1/2 quart bowl.
Cover with gelatin mixture. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm. Garnish with reserved orange segments.
By imaqt1962
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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 Prize! Now a 2 $25.00 Gift Cards
In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will
select to winners at random) 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! This contest ends on May 31st,
2005.
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 am out of work and can't afford tape worm meds for my four month old puppy. Is there a home remedy for eliminating this parasite?
Mr. Edwin
Post Feedback: Click Here
I have been very interested in getting my 18 month old son into baby modeling, But I don't know where to start? Please help,
Roopam
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Peanut Butter Cup Graduation Cap Favor
I remember seeing a graduation favor using a small peanut butter cup and a square cookie to make a graduation cap. Does anyone know how to make them? Any other ideas would be welcome, also.
RuthAnn
Post Feedback: Click Here
Need a Recipe for Spotted Dick
When I visited London a few years ago (earned a trip there), I was taken to dinner to a fantastic seafood restaurant that had a fantastically delicious dessert called Spotted Dick. It was like a super-rich super-flavorful Bread Pudding.
Here's a shot of the menu:
and here's a shot of the half-eaten Spotted Dick:
There's a funny story behind this particular evening. When I saw S.D. on the menu, I blurted out, without thinking, "If I saw Spotted Dick in the United States, someone might need to go to the hospital." Everyone at the table burst out laughing, even Lady Mary. Later, when I was out of the room, they talked the waitress into letting me keep the menu as proof that I had eaten Spotted Dick. (I still have it somewhere.)
I'd love it if someone has a recipe to share.
By John
Post Feedback: Click Here
We recently bought a pop-up camper and after it had been closed up for a while, we popped it up and realized there was an odor in there from cat spray or cat pee. I bought stuff from the local vet that said would eliminate the smell and that didn't help.
We washed all the canvases, but realized the smell is on the ceiling which is wood, almost like a paneling. Any suggestions at all on how to get rid of that smell on that surface? It's so smooth, it's hard to saturate it. We are desperate, and want so badly to get rid of it. Any help would be appreciated!
Jennifer in SD
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Does anyone have a recipe that will produce something like Tyson Fajita Chicken Breast Strips? Tasty but $3.50 for 6 ounces.
Holly
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
Promotional Offers, Coupons, and Freebies
Smart Shoppers visit promotional-offer.com before purchasing online. Find coupon codes and special links to savings at major online merchants.. Get discounts on Apparel, Jewelry, Travel, and many other categories...plus FREE samples from merchants too!
http://www.promotional-offer.com
More Reading:
Cranberry Chicken
By Crystal Miller
Place onion slices and cranberries in the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange chicken on top. In a small bowl mix together the catsup, Sucanat, dry mustard and vinegar. Pour this over the chicken. Cover and cook on low setting 6 to 7 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Read More: Click Here
How to Make a Wheat Heating Pad
By Christine Miserandino
We have all seen those microwave heating pads selling in the stores for big bucks, and I always thought "Boy I wish I knew how to make one" They look so easy to make. So my new friend Wendy gave me the "directions" and it is easy enough to do and so helpful to those of us who get cold easily or have sore muscles.
Read More: Click Here
Mix first four ingredients. Spread on bun halves. Top with a tomato slice. Mix miracle whip & grated cheese. Spread on top. Broil until cheese is melted.
Read More: Click Here
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