Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 277, November 22, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We have a redesigned the homepage a bit. Featured pet pictures are now towards the bottom of the page. We have a nice article by Ellen Brown called "Save Energy by Winterizing Windows" in the More Reading section. Ellen Brown also answers Gardening and Green Living questions that readers send in, feel free to post a question here:
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
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More Reading:
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Today's Photos
KibblesNBits (Pomeranian) In a Basket
KibblesNBits is 2 now and is a Pomeranian (all of 3 pounds). We got Kibbles as a Christmas gift about 2 years ago. She loves to chase her tail and play with her little animal toys.
This little dog is a bundle of energy. She is such a contrast to our other dog Buck, which is a labrador/rottweiller mix. Kibbles rules the roost! All I can say is, it's a good thing that Buck is so good-natured. By-the-way, we didn't PUT her in this little basket. My husband found her there and took her picture.
By Fran from Bishop, Georgia
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Emma (Shepherd, Husky and Lab Mix)
Emma is 12 weeks old and is a Shepherd, Husky, Lab mix. In early October I received her. She was then 8 weeks old. She was my birthday present.
She loves to chase the cats. She is very spoiled! As you can see by the picture, even our 18 year old son is under her spell!
By Rebecca Calvo from Snohomish, WA
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Organizing the Pantry
My husband built me a pantry, which now I get to use all my cupboards in the kitchen for kitchen stuff. I like organization. My can goods are in alphabetical order (as are my spice goods, but they are not pictured here). I only purchase something if its on sale and I have a coupon.
By Tracey from Michigan
Read more tips for keeping your food pantry organized below and feel free to post your ideas.
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Victoria the Butterfly
This is 8 month old Victoria, trick or treating at Grandma and Grandpa's house. She is a pretty pink butterfly.
By Kathy Hagel from Calgary, Alberta. Canada
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Coat Hanger Cloth Wreath
By Kim Davis Are you looking for a way to tie in the colors in your room? Or do you just need to fill in a blank wall? Want a wreath to match your Christmas decorations? This project doesn't take a super creative person to complete. It's inexpensive, too. Your finished project will look professional and give your room that custom decorator look.
Materials:
- One wire coat hanger (the thin white ones are easier to work with)
- Three to five different coordinating colors of cotton or cotton blend material (total yardage is less than 1/2 of a yard. I just used scraps that I had)
- Pliers
- Scissors
- Ruler
Directions:
First use the pliers to bend the coat hanger into a round shape. The hook on top will be used to hang the wreath.
Then cut the material into strips 2 inches x 7 inches. You'll need 120 of these. You can spray starch and press the material before you cut. It makes it a little easier to handle. The finished product will look a little crisper and it will be easier to dust when it is finished.
Next, tightly tie the strips on the hanger. Twist each strip so the ends are pointing in a slightly different direction than the previous strip. Fluff it a bit, hang it up and you're done!
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Crocheted Birdhouse Placemats
By Connie Decker Brown I design and make so many placemats that I have a template on my computer! When I decide on a theme for a new placemat, I play around with it on the computer. When I'm happy with what I've created, I print it out and crochet from the chart. If you haven't crocheted from a chart before, it's really quite easy ' especially when using my template!
Level: Intermediate, only because there are so many color changes
Beginners: Double crochet is the only stitch used in this pattern. Give changing yarn colors a try!
Supplies:
- 1 skein background color per placemat
- Scraps of 3 different colors for the birdhouses & posts
- Crochet hook size H
Directions:
Chain 51
Reading up and down the chart, double crochet each row as marked on the chart.
*Remember ' when doing double crochet, the first two chains of the first row are considered the first dc*
Have fun!
Download Chart:
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Walking Your Cat With a Leash
When putting a cat, or kitten outside it's best to get a leash. Many cats and kittens have been stolen, hurt, hit by cars or they run away. My cat Molly has always been walked with a leash and she loves it.
By Barbara
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Today's Tips
Thawing Fish
Trying thawing frozen fish in milk. The milk will help draw out the "frozen taste" and make it taste more fresh.
By ThriftyFun
Feel free to post your tips for thawing fish below.
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Fish Buying Tips
Fish meat should be firm, not soft or mushy. Fish eyes should be shiny and protrude from the fish. If they are dull or sunken, the fish should be avoided. The fish should smell fresh and not overly fishy or musty. The skin should have a nice sheen and the scales should not be coming off.
By ThriftyFun
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Baking Fish
When baking fish, set each fillet on a lettuce leaf. The lettuce will prevent the fish fillets from sticking to the pan. Just discard the lettuce when you fish is done baking.
By ThriftyFun
Feel free to post your tips for baking fish below.
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Biscuit Pizza Dough
If you do not have pizza dough use biscuits. Spray your pan, add biscuits and press them down slightly touching each other. Add your toppings: pepperoni, cut up peppers etc cheese or fruits and jelly or jams for a fruit pizza.
Bake until lightly browned and remove to cool down a little. Sit back and enjoy. Use the temperature given on biscuit label
By Sandi G from WPB FL
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Making Fleece Throws
I am not a "crafty" person but I still wanted to figure out how to make some gifts for Christmas and save a bit of money at the same time. I found the ideal thing for those people like myself who are not talented at making nice gifts.
Try fleece throws! You don't have to do any sewing at all! All you need is the fleece and a good pair of scissors! Then just tie! It's easy and everyone loves them! There are even kits in some stores, though they are sometimes more expensive than just buying the fleece.
If you think you need some instructions to follow it would be worth buying the kits. Otherwise, just ask around or go on the internet for instructions on how to make these beautiful, warm throws for gifts. I haven't found anyone yet who did not love them!
By Robin from Washington, IA
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No More Fishy Hands
Get your hands wet and then rub salt on them before handling fish. It will make the fish easier to grip and will diminish the fish odor on them. When you are done rub your hands with lemon juice and then wash them with soap and water.
By ThriftyFun
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Designer Plates
I have a great homemade holiday gift idea that is great for family, friends, anyone! And it's so inexpensive, you could give one to everyone on your list!
What you'll need is some clear glass plates with no design on it - we found ours at Big Lots - they're just big plain glass plates with no etching or anything on them. You'll also need "Mod Podge" which you can find in the craft section at Walmart or any craft store. Finally, you need some pretty Christmas wrapping paper (actually, any kind of wrapping paper will do, or designed tissue, even window clings work, I just found out.)
You'll want to cut out the pictures from the wrapping paper, or just unpeel the window clings from their backing, and decide how you want the design to look on the plate when right side up. Then, with one of those sponge paint brushes, you'll spread Mod Podge all over the BACK of the plate, then stick your pictures right onto that. You need to work fast as the Mod Podge dries fairly quickly. After getting all your pictures on the way you want them, let it all dry.
When it's dry, you'll just spread another layer of Mod Podge over the whole back of the plate as a "sealant", then stick a little piece of felt on the part where the plate would sit on the table, that way it won't scrape the pictures or anything when you set it down. Let all that dry as well.
Now, when you set the plate down the right way, your design shows through! Bake up some cookies or other Christmas treats, put them on the plate and make that your gift. Be sure to give a note with the plate telling the recipient not to put it in the dishwasher or in water - to clean, they'll just need to wipe it off with a damp cloth. It's a very lovely and inexpensive gift to give for any holiday or birthday! If you wish, I can upload a picture of one of my completed items.
By Stacey from Orem, UT
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Paper Chain for How Long Till Christmas
During the Thanksgiving weekend, have your kids make a paper chain with 25 links. This could be made from wrapping paper scraps or any other kind of paper. Each child can make their own, if they want to. Starting Dec 1, remove 1 link a day, until Christmas gets here. It helps little ones to visualize the days passing until the holiday finally arrives!
By Linda from Vista CA
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Contest ends November 30, 2005
Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests
Sherry Substitute
I have a recipe that calls for Sherry, what can I use as a substitue?
Thanks,
timjamie from AZ
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Having a Good Christmas Without Gifts
Christmas is caming and I don't have money to buy gifts for my kids and I know that all we need is our love. I just would like the kids to be happy so how can I make a good Christmas for my kids without gifts?
Mommy4 from Lincoln, ME
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Homemade Aftershave Lotion Recipe
Does anyone have a recipe for after shave lotion for a man? Nothing fancy, just basic.
TIA
Margaret from BBC, AZ
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Throwing a Party on New Years Without a Lot of Drinking
I am planning on throwing a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend's 21st birthday on New Year Eve! My problem is, I want his family to come and also his friends, but I don't want this to become a purely drinking party or his family will be uncomfortable (a lot of them are Morman). So does anyone have any ideas of themes or activities that I can plan that can keep people occupied and not drinking all night? And also I need ideas for foods for people to bring.
Thanks,
Shannon from Kelowna BC
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Recipes Using Butterfinger Bars
Does anyone have suggestions for what I can do with 2 dozen stale, rock hard Butterfinger bars? I'm thinking maybe cakes or cookies. Hopefully the baking will soften them up a bit.
Thanks,
Joyann from California
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Hockey Stick Tape Stain
I have gotten a black stain from hockey stick tape on a brand new white t-shirt. It got went and the colors/dyes from it ran. What can I do to get it out? Keep in mind there is a fairly large logo on the front, however the stains are on the arm and the back.
Thanks for any help.
Revolution from Toronto (Canada)
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Permanent Marker on Leather Steering Wheel
My girlfriend thought I was cheating on her so she wrote another girl's name in permanent marker on my leather steering wheel. I wasn't cheating and now I can't get the marker out. I've tried everything, alcohol and ammonia don't work.
Please help!
Justin from Chicago, IL
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Removing Cologne Smell from Avon Bottles
How do I remove cologne smell from old avon bottles?
Dee from Scott, LA
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Heating Your Home With Your Clothes Dryer
Several years ago a co-worker told me that his dad would help heat their home with the clothes dryer. He disconnected the exhaust hose that sends the heat out of the house, put an old section of panty hose over it to catch any lint, and let the heat from the dryer into the house. Is this safe? I have an electric dryer. Since the laundry room is upstairs across from the bedrooms, the heat would be great. Has anyone done this? It would really help with the heating bills this winter since I do alot of laundry.
Thanks,
Ann-NC from Mint Hill
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Tape Worm Remedies for Dogs
My name is Tammy and I wanted to ask you a few questions. I have a 6 week old puppy whom I'm sure has tape worm. I cannot afford a vet and wanted to know if you know of any home remidies? Someone told us to put a couple of teaspoons of mineral oil over his wet food. Have you heard of this? Also he will not drink water, we've had him for 3 weeks almost and I never see him drinking water.
Otherwise, he does not act sick at all, he runs, jumps, plays and is loveable but he has not gained any weight at all. You can see his ribs. I watch his feces all the time and I have only seen one little tape (looking) worm. That's why I'm pretty sure he has tape worms. I just gave him his first 7 in one shot and I've wormed him for the regular type of worms. Can you help please?
Thank you,
Tammy from Oklahoma
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Perfume Odors on an Artificial Christmas Tree
I'm desperately trying everything. I have a beautiful tree but it had a perfume type smell to it this year so I asked a friend what to do. She said "oh, no problem spray it with fabreeze, that will take care of it". Yes, only now it smells a like a cross between perfume and fabreeze. Is there anyone that knows a way to eliminate the odors? Airing it out doesn't work. If anyone can help me i would be forever grateful! If not, should I just trash it? It's a 9' foot tree and only two years old. Tears here.
Thanks to anyone who can help me.
HoneyBrat from Lindstrom
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Gift Mixes Using Splenda
I've found several recipes on this site for the gifts in a jar mixes (cookies, muffins, hot cocoa, etc.). I am trying to find recipes such as these using Splenda as many of my family and friends are diet conscious.
Teddygirl from WV
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Painting Privacy Lines on a Shower Door
How can I repair my shower doors. From cleaning them, I have removed some of the paint lines that are used for privacy. This has been the result of using a harsh cleaning agent. Can I repaint them with special paint or is this not repairable?
Nancy from Guelph. Ontario, Canada
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Today's Sponsors
Printable Coupons!
Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 81 money-saving offers inside.
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More Reading:
Clay Pot Turkey
By Amanda Formaro http://familycorner.com
This little turkey is quite simple to make. The cost is minimal and he makes a
great table decoration or hostess gift for Thanksgiving dinner!
Read More: Click Here
Save Energy by Winterizing Windows
By Ellen Brown Windows can account for as much as 35 to 40 percent of a home's heat loss. With heating costs on the rise, that can translate into significant dollars. New windows are not in everyone's budget, so if you are looking to increase the energy efficiency of existing windows, here are some simple tips for sizable energy savings.
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