Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 135, September 24, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
This weekend's TF News is going to be about alternative uses for cake mixes. We have posted a couple cookie recipes using cake mixes and they seemed to be well received so we are going to devote a whole TF News to similar recipes.
Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Make Baby Food With Your Blender
- Easy Wallpaper Removal
- Clothes Pins for Drying Artwork
- Removing Stickers from Windows and Mirrors
- Keep Those Milk and Juice Containers
- Make Your Own Ant Bait
- Sticking to a Lunch Budget
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Side Dish
- Organizing Leftovers
- Quick & Cheap Spaghetti & Eggs Dish
- Feedback: Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution
- Feedback: A Critique of ThriftyFun
- Feedback: Keep a Soup Bucket in Your Freezer
- Feedback: Chocolate Chip Cookies Gone Bad!
- Feedback: Fixing a Bathtub Drain
- Feedback: Organizing Shoes
- Feedback: Tips for Boiled Eggs
- Today's Recipe: Broccoli
New Requests:
- Removing Paint Stains from Dried Clothing
- Juice Pouch Purse
- How to Clean Chair Pads?
More Reading:
- Credit Cards
- Quick Facts
- Pest Control the Frugal, Natural Way
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Editor's Pick
Dear Webby's Humor Letter
Dear Webby publishes a daily ezine with clean humor and tech tips. We get it here at ThriftyFun and really enjoy it. They offer 3 versions: Text, HTML, and large font HTML versions for vision impaired people. As an added bonus, they have begun publishing our syndicated thrifty tips! Check out Dear Webby's Humor Letter by clicking the link below.
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Today's Tips
Make Baby Food With Your Blender
Save many dollars and feed your baby healthy food.
When my children where babies I did not purchase baby food. Take the same food you prepare for your family, after it is cooked run it thru the blender (you can do as much or little as needed), then freeze in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop them out, and put them in baggies that are labelled with the type of food and a date. Thaw cubes as needed and you won't waste much when you first start your baby out on foods.
By Jackie Cox
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Easy Wallpaper Removal
For easy removal of wallpaper, score the paper first and then use fabric softener on it. Wait fifteen minutes and peel it off, it will come off easily.
By Colleen
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Clothes Pins for Drying Artwork
I use the clip-type clothes pins to hang children's paintings to dry from metal racks or wooden clothes racks.
By Sonya
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Removing Stickers from Windows and Mirrors
Try rubbing alcohol to remove stickers or adhesive from glass or mirrors. It works like a charm.
By Karrie
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Keep Those Milk and Juice Containers
Keep those UHT milk and juice containers. Fill them 3/4 full with water and keep in the freezer, that way you will always have an icepak available to keep drinks/food cold when you go on picnics, etc. It can also double up as a cold drink in an emergency.
By Kay Russell
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Make Your Own Ant Bait
Dissolve 1 tsp. boric acid and 6 tblsp. sugar in 1 cup water. Soak some cotton balls in solution. Make bait dispensers from margarine containers by punching holes in container lids. Put cotton balls inside margarine containers and cover with lids so bait won't dry out. (I have also used berry containers with success). Place containers where you see ants. Ants may increase in number initially, but will disappear within days after worker ants carry boric acid back to nest. For long term control, reduce boric acid from 1 tsp. to 1/2 tsp.
By k-la
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Sticking to a Lunch Budget
I am not working currently as I am a carer for my elderly parents, so I eat lunch at home. I have set myself a budget of 1 pound a day for everything I eat, except for our main meal at night with my husband. It is quite possible to make 1 pound (British, 2 bucks approximately American) stretch, as I mostly live on snacks and fruit during the day. I mentally calculate the cost of everything as I go along - I know that's a bit sad, but it gives me a sense of satisfaction to stick within my budget. If I do go over one day, I cut back the next. It's a bit like a diet I suppose. I can make a big bowl of mashed potato with grated cheese mixed in for about 50p, and this covers lunch for 2 days. Then I can have a banana, an apple and a bag of crisps. There is no limit put on our evening meals, but we don't go mad! I am a great believer in looking after the pennies etc.
By econ o'miser
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Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Side Dish
When I make smashed taters I always peel and cut extras, so I can use the extras for a side dish of cheese taters.
I use the extra smashed taters, about 5 cups. (16 oz.) of chedder cheese (or cheese of your choice) 2 lg. eggs, garlic and onion powder to taste, mix well place in a baking pan, and bake @350 F. for 45 minutes or until the cheese is melted
By dsbaby14
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Organizing Leftovers
It is possible to use every bit of leftovers in a different way so there is no waste. Put leftovers in the front of the shelves all the time. If you have a second day of leftovers, place them in back of yesterday's leftovers. You may now have enough to make a chef's salad or a stew. Make your best effort to use the leftovers in a tasty way over the following day or two. You will save a lot of money on groceries and use your imagination at the same time. They are not leftovers anymore, they are "ready to go overs".
By Bev Sobkowich
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Quick & Cheap Spaghetti & Eggs Dish
Boil up some spaghetti, whilst boiling, fry some chopped garlic in olive oil do not let it colour, beat up some eggs. Drain spaghetti, pour into pan with garlic & olive oil, mix well to coat the spaghetti with oil. Remove from the heat and pour over the beaten eggs and mix well. Season well with ground black pepper and salt. Sprinkle over with chopped fresh coriander (cilantro), optional.
By reb1234
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Feedback: Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution
I found this recipe for carpet cleaning:
Cleaners - Carpet and Rug Mix
1/2 cup mild liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 pint boiling water; let cool. With an electric mixer, whip the paste into a stiff foam. Apply it to the carpet with a damp sponge and rub gently. Work in 4 by 4 foot sections. Wipe off the suds with a clean cloth. To rinse, add 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Rinse each section and wipe the carpet as you go. Change the rinse frequently. Clean the carpet on a dry, sunny day with windows open to speed drying. Do not soak the carpet; it may mildew.
For steam carpet cleaners, combine 2 ounces clear household ammonia, 2 ounces liquid laundry detergent and 1 gallon cold water. Also works well on upholstery. Or, mix 1/2 cup bleach and 1/2 cup white vinegar in the steam cleaner, then add 5 gallons cold water, and last step, add 1/2 cup liquid low-sudsing laundry detergent. Adjust the recipe to the size of your cleaner. Be sure to test this and other homemade cleaning solutions first on a hidden spot before using to insure that no discoloration will occur.
Also see Stain Removal - Carpet. Carpet brightener: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt or cornstarch on your carpet. Let stand for an hour before vacuuming.
By truleelee
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Feedback: A Critique of ThriftyFun
I have only been using this site for a short time but I love it! The tips are so helpful and I have used many of them to save time and money! Keep up the great work !
By cookiepom
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Feedback: Keep a Soup Bucket in Your Freezer
Your recipe sounds delicious! I used to do a version of this. I'd keep 4 tupperware containers in the freezer door: 1. Leftover bits of chicken 2. Leftover beef bits 3. Leftover pork bits 4. Leftover veggies, a teaspoonful here or there adds up over time. These containers are wonderful for stir fries, for soups, for omelets, for (combining the beef and pork, yum!) barbecue which is delicious on buns.
This wasn't my original idea; I found it in a wonderful budget cookbook I don't have anymore but I'd give the world to find again.
Those teaspoonfuls you'd otherwise throw away will add up to many "found" and delicious meals over time.
Regards.
By Leslie
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Feedback: Chocolate Chip Cookies Gone Bad!
Do not put cookies on a very hot cooky sheet. They will spread a lot. And you might try keeping them in the oven for a shorter time then called for. They harden a little with time.
By BABBY
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Feedback: Fixing a Bathtub Drain
We have the same problem with our drain! We're going to get a flat rubber plug that you can lay over the top of the drain. Cheap solution, but would love to hear others!
By Ann
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Feedback: Organizing Shoes
I keep mine in the plastic "shoebox size" rubbermaid totes. That way I can stack them and easily grab the ones I want. For shoes I don't wear alot, I keep them stuffed with tissue paper. You can also put sachet in there to help them smelling fresh.
I like this because I can swap them out seasonally and keep the seasonal ones in the front, and the ones I am not wearing in the back. It also keeps the dust bunnies away and the cat hair off my shoes.
My sister-in-law has these as well, and slides them along the perimeter of her bed. Another friend stacked them underneath a nightstand and covered it with a tablecloth to hide them.
By QueenBeeCrafts
Feedback: Organizing Shoes
If you can get hold of the cardboard boxes shoes are sold in (or you may have kept them anyway), I have heard a tip for taking a photo of each pair and sticking it to the front of the box, then stack the boxes up in an unobtrusive corner. You can see at a glance which pair is in which box. I have also heard the idea of decorating the boxes with self-adhesive plastic, to make more of a feature of your collection.
By econ o'miser
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Feedback: Tips for Boiled Eggs
I use an oversize safety pin and pick a small hole in the bottom side of each egg I boil. They very very rarely break because there is room for expansion.
By toni k.
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Broccoli (Information and Recipes)
By Jennifer A. Wickes
Introduction
Broccoli is Italian for "cabbage sprout".
Broccoli is related to cabbage, Brussel Sprouts and cauliflower..
Broccoli is deep green with tight clusters of florets on tiny tree-
like buds known as the stem!
Science
Brassicaceae (Cruciferous family).
Season
October to April.
How to Select
Choose broccoli with a deep color and no signs of drying or
yellowing.
Storage
Store unwashed in the refridgerator up to 4 days.
Nutritional Qualities
Vitamin A, Vitamin C, riboflavin, calcium and iron.
Wine Pairings
Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel
Spices
basil, mace, rosemary, savory, sesame seeds
Equivalencies
- 1 lb. Fresh = 2 cups chopped
- 10 oz. frozen = 1 1/2 cups chopped
- 1/3 lb. Per person (serving size)
Preparation
Cut florets 1/2 inch below their heads, then snap off each cluster into
small bite-sized pieces.
Boil: Cover in 1 inch of water for spears (or 1/2 inch water for 1 inch
pieces) and cook for 10 minutes (5 minutes for 1 inch pieces)!
Microwave: Cut florets into 1 inch sized pieces and place in 2 tbsp.
water and microwave for 4 minutes. Allow to stand for 2 minutes.
Steam: Steam for 15 °© 20 minutes.
Stir-Fry: Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a skillet. Add the broccoli in 1/2
inch pieces and stir fry for 1 minute. Add 3 tbsp. of liquid and cook
for 4 more minutes.
Additional Information
http://www.broccoli.com
Recipes
Fusilli W/Broccoli & Garlic
- 4 cup broccoli flowerettes
- 6 cup garlic -- thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- salt & pepper -- to taste
Saute garlic in olive oil until JUST beginning to brown. DO NOT allow
garlic to brown. At the FIRST sight of browning the garlic is
finished. Any more cooking will make the garlic bitter. Add broccoli
& toss to coat, then add this mixture to the hot, drained pasta and
toss to mix completely. Season w/salt & pepper to taste & enjoy!
Yields: 4 servings
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Recipe By: Public domain recipes converted from Meal Master format
- 1 bunch broccoli
- 1 bouillon cube -- vegetable
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/8 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 pound Swiss cheese -- grated
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1 pound cheddar cheese -- grated
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup cashews -- ground
Saute broccoli in butter for 10 minutes. Using blender combine all of
the ingredients together. As blender fills, transfer liquid to soup
pot and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Good with muffins or corn bread.
Yields: 12 servings
Broccoli Casserole
Recipe By: Joan P. Chilvers
- 2 packages frozen broccoli florets
- 8 ounces Velveeta (or Cheddar)
- 25 Ritz crackers -- crushed
- 1 stick margarine
Grease a baking dish.
Cut the cheese into cubes and place in the bottom of the dish.
Cook and drain the broccoli.
Add 1/2 stick margarine to the broccoli.
Place over the cheese.
Melt 1/2 stick margarine and add crumbs.
Put on top of the broccoli.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20 - 25 minutes.
Yields: 8 servings
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New Requests:
Removing Paint Stains from Dried Clothing
I would like help on how to remove paint stains from clothing after it has dried and been washed once already.
Yolanda
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Juice Pouch Purse
How do you make juice pouch purses?
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How to Clean Chair Pads?
Hello,
How do you clean foam rubber removeable chair pads for my dining room chairs
Thanks,
Brigid
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
More Reading
Credit Cards - Quick Facts
If you travel, a bank or travel and entertainment card will eliminate the need for carrying large sums of cash.
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Pest Control the Frugal, Natural Way
By Cyndi Roberts
Whether in the garden, yard or in the house, all of us have, at one time or another, had to deal with pests.
View Article: Click Here
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Thanks
Susan
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