Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 132, May 27, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
For those of you leaving for the weekend, I hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend. It's very hot in the Pacific Northwest today, we are expecting it to get up to 97F which we rarely see in this area.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Tips:
- Kitty Litter Tip with Mya and Max
- Homemade Mother's Day E-card
Today's Tips:
- Carry a Laundry Basket in Your Car
- Changing a Fuse In The Dark
- Check the Date When Buying Dairy
- Keeping Animals Out of Trash
- Getting Dishes Unstuck
- Coca-Cola Cure for Rust
- Cut Down on Static From Carpet
- Shopping at Garage Sales
- Using Greeting Cards for Scrapbooking
- Beef Stew - Recipes and Tips
- Starting Seedlings
- Soar Throat Remedies
- Vinegar Tips: Cleaning with Vinegar and other Frugal Tips
- Pastry Making Tips
- School Coupon Books
- Move Out Day at College Dorms
- Washing Dishes Joke
- Cutting Meringue Pies
- Take the "Slip" out of Slipcovers
- Cake Making Tips
- Taking Photos for Scrapbooks
- Organic Eggs Taste Better
- Tooth Fairy Tip
- Hamburger Casserole
- Applesauce Cake
- Butter Pecan Turtle Bars
- Novelty Layer Squares
- Applesauce Drop Doughnuts
- Baked Sausage Patties
- Grapefruit Drink
- Kentucky Ham 'n Angel Biscuits
New Requests:
- Brittle Finger Nails
- Transportation Dilemma
- Getting Rid of Thistle
- Make Your Own Training Pants
- Pit Bull Driving Me Mad
- Two Year Old Birthday Ideas
- Preventing Weeds In a Flower Garden
- Need Major Help Redecorating My Room
- Printing Pictures For Graduation Announcements
- Cleaning a Homemade T-Shirt
- Car Wax Recipes
More Reading:
- Christening and Baptism Favor Ideas
- Save Money on Your Mortgage
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Today's Sponsors
D. Blick Art Materials
The Best Art Supplies ... at the best discounts! Since 1911,
artists have turned to D. Blick Art Materials for dependable
savings, a huge selection, and fine customer service on art
supplies.
Click the link below to visit D. Blick!
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Kitty Litter Tip with Mya and Max
To keep clumping kitty litter from sticking to the bottom of the pan, spray it with non-stick cooking spray before adding the litter. It works like a charm!!
These are my babies, Mya (left) and Max (right). They are spoiled rotten and totally inseparable. Anytime I take a picture of them it looks as if they're always hugging. Actually in this picture, Max took time out from attacking Mya to pose for a picture. Hes such a bratty little brother!
By Melissa
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Homemade Mother's Day E-card
This is a Mother's Day e-card that I created. I took this picture of California poppies in our front yard (aren't they beautiful?) and used Photoshop to add the text.
By sunhat
View Article: 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:
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Today's Tips
Carry a Laundry Basket in Your Car
I had someone tell me to carry a large, STURDY laundry Basket in your car and when you go shopping place bags in laundry basket. Then when you get home, just carry the basket in . Not 3 or 4 trips to the car. Don't forget to take it back to the car for next trip.
Seamstress
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Changing a Fuse In The Dark
If your house use fuses, keep some fuses near your fuse box so you can easily find them if the lights are out. Always keep a flashlight in the same place so that it is easy to find when the lights are out. You can put luminous tape or glow in the dark stickers on the flashlight so it's easier to find in the dark. Also consider having your fuse box replaced with a breaker box.
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Check the Date When Buying Dairy
When buying dairy at the grocery store, be sure to check the "use by" or "sell buy" date on the packaging. If the date is not to your liking, grab a carton of milk from the back of shelf. The same goes for any dairy products. There is no sense is buying products that will go bad before you can use them.
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Keeping Animals Out of Trash
It just takes one stray dog to create a big mess for you. A bungie cord securing the lid should prevent trash from spilling out if an animal tips it over. As a deterrent, fill a spray bottle with ammonia and spray the outside of the can every few days. The smell of ammonia should encourage the critter to find a nicer smelling garbage can.
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Getting Dishes Unstuck
When two dishes are stuck, one nested in the other, pour cold water in the top dish while dipping the bottom dish in warm water. The warm water will make the bottom dish expand while the top dish contracts. Works with glasses and bowls.
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Coca-Cola Cure for Rust
Forget those expensive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
By Dawn Sposato
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Cut Down on Static From Carpet
To cut down on those annoying static shocks from walking on your carpet, mix 1 part fabric softener to 5 parts water in a clean spray bottle. Put the spray bottle on its widest setting and spray your carpet with a light mist.
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Shopping at Garage Sales
Tips from our readers about shopping at garage sales. Post your ideas!
Garage Sale early for better selection, I only yard sale in the really nice neighborhoods. Or if you can't get out until late morning, you might get better deals since people don't want to pack everything back up!
By Dawn Sposato
Read More Garage Sale Tips: Click Here
Using Greeting Cards for Scrapbooking
Save old greeting cards to use in scrapbooking, either for the poem or for the heading of a page.
By Christi
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Beef Stew - Recipes and Tips
Tips and recipes for making beef stew. Post your ideas.
Beef Stew
Stew beef with parsley, oregano, lemon and chopped apples. Bring to a boil. Remove vegs and cook stew until done. Add potatoes carrots and add back the vegs. Cook until carrots and potatoes are tender. Serve.
By Sheila Carter
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Starting Seedlings
Tips for starting seedlings to plant. Post your ideas.
Using Paper Egg Cartons
When planting seeds, plant them in the pressed paper kind of egg cartons, that way, when they are big enough you can just cut the sections off and plant the whole thing in the ground.
By Regina Burrell
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Soar Throat Remedies
Tips to help revieve a soar throat. Post your ideas.
Sore throat?
Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
By Dawn Sposato
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Vinegar Tips: Cleaning with Vinegar and other Frugal Tips
I use white vinegar to clean so many things. I cleans my tile floors, my windows, my bathroom, tub, mirrors, counters. I also rinse my white clothes with it. It really helps get them clean and white. It will remove lipstick, crayon etc. from about anything. I don't use it on anything with color: re: clothes etc.
By Lisa
Read More Vinegar Tips: Click Here
Pastry Making Tips
Tips for making great pastries. Post your ideas.
Butter in Pastries
Freeze butter before baking pastries and they come out great!
By tara mckenzie
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School Coupon Books
Check out the little coupon books that are sold by local schools and organizations. For a small price you can get great discounts for local businesses. Many are buy one, get one free offers. My junior high school kids usually have a two week window to sell them. They also make great gifts for clients, etc.
By MICHELLE HENRIQUEZ
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Move Out Day at College Dorms
If you live near a college with dorms you can get some amazing stuff for free on "move out day" each spring. The students throw away an amazing amount of extremely useful stuff.
By Kimberly Reever Morghan
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Washing Dishes Joke
John went to visit his 90 year old grandfather in a very secluded, rural area of Virginia.
After spending a great evening chatting the night away, John's grandfather prepared breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast. However, John noticed a film like substance on his plate, and questioned his grandfather asking, "Are these plates clean?"
His grandfather replied, "They're as clean as cold water can get them. "Just you go ahead and finish your meal, Sonny!"
For lunch the old man made hamburgers. Again, John was concerned about the plates as his appeared to have tiny specks around the edge that looked like dried egg and asked, "Are you sure these plates are clean?"
Without looking up the old man said, "I told you before, Sonny, those dishes are as clean as cold water can get them. Now don't you fret, I don't want to hear another word about it!"
Later that afternoon, John was on his way to a nearby town and as he was leaving, his grandfather's dog started to growl, and wouldn't let him pass. John yelled and said, "Grandfather, your dog won't let me get to my car"..
Without diverting his attention from the football game he was watching on TV, the old man shouted ... "COLDWATER, GO LAY DOWN!"
By Terri H.
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Cutting Meringue Pies
You can cut a Meringue pie cleanly by coating both sides of the knife lightly with Butter.
By Aurelia Casson
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Take the "Slip" out of Slipcovers
This is a way you can make a slipcover for furniture that doesn't slip. Use the dollar store version of barkeepers shelf liner, the kind of a rubbery web usually found on a roll. Lay this on cushions and along the back head rest, then add slipcover. No more slip.
By Thyra Chaddock
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Cake Making Tips
Tips for making a cake. Post your ideas.
Eggs at Room Temperature
For fluffier cakes, let your eggs come to room temperature 1/2 an hour before mixing your cake batter.
By Terri H.
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Taking Photos for Scrapbooks
Take LOTS of pictures using several different angles. You never know which ones will be perfect and which ones will have their eyes closed.
By Dawn Sposato
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Organic Eggs Taste Better
Organic eggs might cost you up to 3 times as much as regular eggs, but the difference in the taste you'll notice.
By Terri H.
Editor's Note: If there is somewhere locally you can buy fresh farm eggs, they are a lot better, too.
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Tooth Fairy Tip
Tips to make visits from the tooth fairy special. Post your ideas.
The Tooth Fairy was Here!
I used to take glitter and put it from my son's pillow to the window. He thought it was fairy dust and became a true believer! Vacuums right up.
By Dawn Sposato
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Hamburger Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup raw rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cup boiling water
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 large can chow mein noodles
Directions:
Brown beef and onion; drain off fat. Put raw rice in a larger casserole dish; add meat and onion. In a saucepan, put soups, soy sauce and water. Let heat. Pours over the meat and rice. Cover and cook 1 hour at 325 degrees. Cover and top with chow mein noodles; return to oven till noodles are hot, about 5-10 minutes.
By Terri
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Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp. baking soda
Directions:
Cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs. Beat well stir in applesauce and add dry ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
By imaqt1962
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Butter Pecan Turtle Bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate morsels
Directions:
Cream 1/2 cut butter; add 1 cup brown sugar, beating at medium speed of an electric mixer. Gradually add flour, mixing well. Press mixture into an ungreased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle with pecans; set aside. Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and pour hot mixture over crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from oven; immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes; cut through chocolate with a knife to create a marbled effect. Cool. Cut into squares.
By Robin
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Novelty Layer Squares
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Cream shortening; gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg yolks and 1/2 tsp. vanilla; beat mixture well. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture, and mix well. Press mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Beat egg whites at high speed just until foamy. Gradually add brown sugar, and beat 2 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla, mixing well. Spread mixture evenly over crust; sprinkle with pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Let cool 30 minutes and cut into squares. Remove from pan, and let cook completely on wire racks.
By Robin
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Applesauce Drop Doughnuts
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil
- Powdered sugar
Directions:
Combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; beat at medium speed until blended. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients; add to sugar mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in applesauce and vanilla. Pour oil to a depth of 2-3 inches in a heavy saucepan; heat to 375 degrees. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into oil; cook 3 or 4 at a time. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until golden. Drain doughnuts on paper towels; sprinkle with powdered sugar.
By Robin
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Baked Sausage Patties
Ingredients:
Directions:
Shape sausage into 8 patties about 3/4 inch thick; place on a rack in a broiler pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until done. Drain on paper towels.
By Robin
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Grapefruit Drink
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cup water
- 2 cup grapefruit juice
- 1 cup chopped grapefruit sections
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- 4-6 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 4 cup sparking mineral water, chilled
Directions:
Combine sugar and 4 cup water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool. Combine syrup, grapefruit juice, and next 3 ingredients. Chill. To serve, add chilled sparkling mineral water, stirring gently.
By Robin
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Kentucky Ham 'n Angel Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 3/4 cup shortening
- About 3 pounds cooked country ham, thinly sliced
Directions:
Combine yeast and warm water; let stand 5 minutes. Add buttermilk, and set aside. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add buttermilk, mixture, stirring with a fork until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn biscuit dough out onto a heavily floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Roll dough to 1/3 inch thickness; cut with a 1 3/4 inch biscuit cutter. Place on lightly greased baking sheets, and bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until done. Serve with ham.
By Robin
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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
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.
Enter the contest!
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.
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New Requests:
Brittle Finger Nails
My fingernails are brittle! I get splits and tears easily. They are tiny splits and tears but make it painful when I pull on a shirt, brush my hair or touch my pets. Ouchie! I have invested in costly clear polish for this purpose but it has not helped. What do I do?
Dani
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Transportation Dilemma
I would like to know if anybody can help me out in getting a car. i am about to graduate and need a car to get back and forth to college and work. I do not have a job because I don't have a car.
Irene
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Getting Rid of Thistle
Does anyone know how to get rid of thistle once and for all?
Thanks,
Jennifer
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Make Your Own Training Pants
I am desperately looking for patterns and/or frugal ideas for training pants. I have a TON of gerber cloth diapers and would like to use them, but don't have a pattern or anything to guide me along my merry way. Please help!
Jennifer
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Pit Bull Driving Me Mad
I am in need of advice. I have two Pit Bulls. one of them is 3 years old and has no problems at all. I got her when she was only 5 weeks old, but the other is approximately 1 year and a large male. I haven't had any problems training any of the pits I have owned but this one seems to be a whole different story.
He wont stop chewing the couches, getting on counters, urinating in the house whether we are home or not. We tried the crate but after 3 weeks to no avail (he doesn't stop barking... ever, if he is in it). I am a rescue/helper of the breed, please, i need someone's help.
Out of Ideas
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Two Year Old Birthday Ideas
My daughter is turning 2 on August 25th ond I have no ideas for themes or games. I want this birthday to be fun because she is learning and remembering so much at this age.
Amber_74
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Preventing Weeds In a Flower Garden
This is a question that's been asked for centuries I'm sure. I am so impressed with some of your tips that I just HAD to ask! I love my garden but I can see myself weeding it perpetually. I always get the roots but is there a tip or trick to discourage weeds in our garden?
It's a flower garden not a veggie garden. We have a rose bush, Tiger Lillies and Wandering Jews. Thanks!
Jim in FL
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Need Major Help Redecorating My Room
Hey I am a 15 year old girl. I love music, acting, singing, play soccer, tennis, golf, and I like to surf. I talk on the phone a lot, and I have a computer in my room and I love it!
I just recently painted my room. It's a light blue and a light pink. I like to take picture and hang things on my wall. I love to hang out with my friends. I need some help redecorating my room.
Thanks
Ashley!
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Printing Pictures For Graduation Announcements
When making graduation announcements, after taking the picture with a digital camera, do you take the camera to a photo place to have alot of pictures made or do you print a picture first and take that to the photo place?
Pattie
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Cleaning a Homemade T-Shirt
I made a homemade t-shirt with different colors of permanent sharpie marker, and would like to know how to wash it without smearing the marker and not ruining the t-shirt?
Rita
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Car Wax Recipes
First let me thank all of my frugal family. I have had many tips that worked out quite nicely. This next one will call on your frugality: How about car wax? I have never heard of a substitute for it and would like a tip.
Thanks everyone!
Jim in FL
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
D. Blick Art Materials
The Best Art Supplies ... at the best discounts! Since 1911,
artists have turned to D. Blick Art Materials for dependable
savings, a huge selection, and fine customer service on art
supplies.
Click the link below to visit D. Blick!
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/dblick.lasso
More Reading:
Christening and Baptism Favor Ideas
By Criss White
Baptism and christening ceremonies are an important event that signifies the
start of a child's spiritual life. As a common courtesy to guests who attend
these ceremonies, the parents of the child or the host of the event often obtain
party favors as a gift. Here are some themes and ideas that are appropriate
for these occasions:
View Article: Click Here
Save Money on Your Mortgage
By Kevin Adelsberg
Many Americans love to treat their mortgages like some of their favorite kitchen appliances - they want to "set it and forget it." Paying close attention to your monthly statement can actually protect you and your family. And using a few simple tricks can actually help you save a significant amount on your monthly expenses.
View Article: Click Here
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