Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 199, December 1, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We had 343 tips submitted in our last contest, the winning number was 182 which belongs to a tip by Robin. Congratulations to Robin and thank you to everyone for sumbitting tips. That is over 20 tips a day!
Like previous contests we let you choose between a gift card at Amazon.com, Joann's Crafts or Home Depot. So far, everyone has chosen Home Depot, except Robin, she wanted JoAnn's.
Enter The New Tip Contest:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Holiday Travel Tips Ebook
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Tips:
- Save Money by Taking Your Own Family Holiday Portraits
- Clothespin Rocking Chair Pattern
- Avoid Buying a Special Tree Disposal Bag
- About MyPoints
- Chlorophyll For Skin Problems
- Removing Hair from Hair Dryer
- Updating Address Books
- Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie
- I Make Smoothies Everyday
- Baked Chicken Tortilla
- Betty Crocker Points
- Apple Cake
- Applesauce Cake
- Unusual Condiment Serving Containers
- Prize Coffee Cake
- Digestive Biscuits for the Fire
- Using Plastic Paper Sleeve
- Peaches & Cream Coffee Cake
- Removing Candle Wax from a Tablecloth
- Flower-Pot Dirt Cake
- Holiday Oatmeal Cake
- Tradition for Granddaughter
- Stretching Moisturizer
- Keeping Pipes from Freezing
- Cold Weather Preparation For Your Car
- Shop at Grocery Stores after Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Buy Pet Food In Bulk
New Requests:
- Chai Tea Mix Recipe
- Looking For Bold, New Color To Paint My Walls
- Getting Cigarette Smoke out of Doll Clothing
- Good Stuffing Recipes
More Reading:
- The Animal Rescue Site
- Choosing Wedding Decorations To Fit Your Theme
- Reducing My Spending - The Dollar Stretcher
- Good Pet Supply Websites & Catalogs
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Today's Tips
Save Money by Taking Your Own Family Holiday Portraits
The secret to taking great family portraits is to have a colorful background, have everyone dress in colors that match or contrast with the background,
have plenty of natural light, and take the shots as close as possible.
I just took a Christmas portait of my one-year-old niece. Her dress
was red and white, mostly white, so I bought 2 yards of red fabric
with roses and two yards of white net-type fabric. I attached the red
to the wall with straight pins, draped the net over top, also attached
with straight pins. I added a couple of white plastic snowflakes too
the wall, attached the same way. Then I handed the baby a snowflake.
While she was looking at it delightedly, I snapped away. Always be
sure to have light behind your subject as well as in front of it. The
people at Wal-Mart thought we had it down at a studio and wanted the
copyright permission, which made Auntie Cindy very proud!
Click the view article link below to view the photo.
View Article: Click Here
Clothespin Rocking Chair Pattern
Many have been looking for how to make Clothespin Rocking Chairs. Thanks to Ray for sending in this pattern and pictures.
These would be fun to make for Christmas presents or for a doll house. These use the regular clamp type wooden clothespins. Take them apart and put together like the pattern. A little pillow can be put on as a cushion or fabric covered stuffing glued to the frame. This would also make a handy pin cushion.
For a larger version of the images, click on the image.
For a larger version of the images, click on the image.
View Article: Click Here
Avoid Buying a Special Tree Disposal Bag
Instead of buying a special tree disposal bag, stand the tree stand on a large garden bag. Then put the tree skirt just goes over this. This will keep any excess water from splashing on the floor. At clean up time, remove the stand, pull the bag up and out you go.
By Linda
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About MyPoints
I noticed that MyPoints is todays sponsor. I have been a member of this program for many years. IT's sooooo easy to earn points. I get gift cards to Red Lobster as I don't feel so bad about spending the money. Last year I received a gift card for Bath & Body for $10 and used it to get a gift for the baby sitter. The item was $20 so I got 1/2 off when I purchased it and she loved the gift. So sign up.
By Amy
Here's the MyPoints sponsor link if you are interested:
http://www.dpbolvw.net/2g66qgpmgo358A598D35479DCBD
View Article: Click Here
Chlorophyll For Skin Problems
For any girl who has any skin care problems whether it's oily to pimply skin do what I do. Go to your local organic food store (Trader Joes) and buy some chlorophyll. Drink this and I guarantee the results will be spectacular. It take about a week for it to kick in.
By Zen Chick
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Removing Hair from Hair Dryer
Use a clean soft paint brush to remove hair & fuzz collected on the back area of an electric hair dryer. Works great.
By Mdipert
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Updating Address Books
While sending out your Christmas Cards, now is a good time to update your address book.
Make a list of ones you sent to and keep it with the extra cards you have left over.
I always clip the address' from incoming cards, check addresses in my address book, then drop the address in my leftover cards, just in case I can't find my address book. And, I usually can't if I want it! Especially if I need it real bad! LOL
By Gladys Hill
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Peanut Butter Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin
- 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cups Skippy Creamy Peanut Butter
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, you may substitute 1/2 teaspoon EACH ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 pint (1 cup) light cream, you may substitute half and half
- (9-inch) unbaked deep-dish pie crust
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°. In large bowl, with wire whisk, beat eggs. Beat in pumpkin, sugars, peanut butter, pumpkin pie spice and salt. Gradually add light cream, beating until blended; pour into pie crust. Bake 65 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. On wire rack, let cool. Garnish, if desired, with whipped cream.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
I Make Smoothies Everyday
I make a smoothie every day with milk, soy milk, banana, apple, frozen fruits and ground flax seed. I make sure I leave a tablespoon or so when I'm done and I massage it gently into the skin on my face and throat. I let it set a few minutes and the wash it off. The milks and fruits are good for the skin and the flax seed acts as a gentle exfoliate.
By Anna
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Baked Chicken Tortilla
Ingredients:
- 3 c. cooked chicken
- 1 can cream chicken soup
- 1 can cream mushroom soup
- 1 c milk
- 1 sm. can diced green chilies
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 dz. corn tortilla
- 4 c. cheddar cheese grated
Directions:
Combine soups, milk and onions.
Grease large shallow baking dish, add 2T water. Layer tortilla,
chicken, then soup mix; top with cheese, refrigerate for 24 hours. To
Freeze: Cover with foil and seal well. Label and Freeze. To Serve:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 300 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
until hot. Serves: 6
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Baked Chicken Tortilla
Ingredients:
- 3 c. cooked chicken
- 1 can cream chicken soup
- 1 can cream mushroom soup
- 1 c milk
- 1 sm. can diced green chilies
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 dz. corn tortilla
- 4 c. cheddar cheese grated
Directions:
Combine soups, milk and onions.
Grease large shallow baking dish, add 2T water. Layer tortilla,
chicken, then soup mix; top with cheese, refrigerate for 24 hours. To
Freeze: Cover with foil and seal well. Label and Freeze. To Serve:
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake at 300 for 1 to 1 1/2 hours
until hot. Serves: 6
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Betty Crocker Points
Perhaps I was the only one not to know, but Betty Crocker points CAN EXPIRE! I had over 3,000 points which expired in 1999 or before. I have a coffee can under the sink I use to clip the points and slip through a slit I made in the top. Collecting since 1983. I never knew, Did you?
By Susan
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Apple Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 c. sugar
- 2.c. flour
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 2 t. soda
- 1/2 t. nutmeg
- 1/2 t. salt
- 4 c. chopped apples
- 1/2 c. oil or soft butter
- 2 eggs
Directions:
Mix all dry ingredients together. Add apples and mix. Add oil and eggs; mix. Bake at 325 for 1 hour in a 9x13 pan. Very good served with a little Cool Whip.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Applesauce Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. applesauce
- 2 c. flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 c. butter or lard
- 1 t. soda
- 1/2 t. cloves
- 1 c. chopped raisins
- Cream
Directions:
Mix ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees in a 9x13 inch pan.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Unusual Condiment Serving Containers
Scoop out green or red peppers to make containers for mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces and dips.
By Jazzlyn
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Prize Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. soft shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 c. milk
- 3 c. flour
- 4 t. baking powder
- 1 t. salt
Streusel mixture:
- 1 1/2 c. brown sugar (packed)
- 6 T. flour
- 6 t. cinnamon
- 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts
- 6 T. melted butter
Directions:
Mix first 3 ingredients thoroughly. Stir in milk. Soft together and stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Spread half of batter into pan. Sprinkle with half of streusel mixture. Add remaining batter and sprinkle remaining streusel over top. Bake in 9x13 inch greased and floured pan at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes. or until toothpick stuck into center of cake comes out clean. Serve warm, fresh from the oven.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Digestive Biscuits for the Fire
Once your fire is going, a few digestive biscuits thrown in make it burn like fury.
By Jazzlyn
Editor's Note: I know, many of you are saying "What are Digestive Biscuits?" Here is a link showing what they are:
http://www.greatbritishkitchen.co.uk/recipes/biscuits/digestivebiscuits.htm
View Article: Click Here
Using Plastic Paper Sleeve
Use the plastic sleeve that comes on your Sunday newspaper as a cover for your computer keyboard. Just slip it on and tape up the back.
By Anna
View Article: Click Here
Peaches & Cream Coffee Cake
Ingredients:
- 3/4 c. flour
- 1 t. baking powder
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding (not instant)
- 1 (15 oz.) can sliced peaches
- 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1/4 t. salt
- 3 T. butter
- 1 egg
- 3 T. peach juice
- 1/4 c. sugar
Combine flour, salt, baking powder, and softened butter. Mix well. Add pudding, milk, egg, and beat 2 minutes. Grease a 9x9 inch pan. Pour in batter, arrange peach slices on top of batter. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and peach juice. Beat until smooth. Spoon over batter within one inch from edge.
Topping:
- 1 T. sugar
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
Sprinkle over top. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Removing Candle Wax from a Tablecloth
If you get candle wax on your tablecloth, heat a spoon over a candle. Then place a piece of wet newspaper over the wax and rub the hot spoon over the newspaper to melt the wax which will then come off the tablecloth and stick to the paper.
By Jazzlyn
Editor's Note: I wonder if a brown paper bag or blank newsprint might be better. Less chance of ink being transfered from the paper to the cloth.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Flower-Pot Dirt Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 large pkg. cream-filled chocolate cookies
- 1 (8oz) pkg. cream cheese (softened)
- 2 (3 oz. ea.) pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
- 1 c. confectioner's sugar
- 3 1/2 c. cold milk
- 1 (12 oz.) frozen topping (thawed)
- 1 new flower pot (8-10 inches)
- Silk flower
- candy gummy worms
Directions:
In a food processor or blended crush cookies until fine. Set aside. In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese, butter and sugar until smooth. In another bowl, mix pudding and milk until blended. Fold into cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping. Line flowerpot with foil. Alternate layers of crumbs and pudding ending with crumbs. Chill several hours or overnight. Decorate with silk flowers and gummy worms. Makes 12 servings.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Holiday Oatmeal Cake
Cake:
- 1 c. regular oatmeal
- 1 1/2 c. hot water
- 1 c. white sugar
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1/2 c. shortening
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 c. flour
- 1 t. cinnamon
- 1 t. baking powder
- 1 t. baking soda
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1 t. vanilla
- 1 c. pecans
- 1 c. angel flake coconut
Pour hot water over oats and let stand 20 minutes. Beat together white sugar, brown sugar, shortening, and eggs. Mix together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine the 3 mixtures. Add vanilla, nuts, and coconut. Pour into greased 9x13 inch glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
Topping:
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 1 stick margarine
- 1 c. nuts
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1 t. white syrup
- 1 c. coconut
Cook brown sugar, margarine, milk, and white syrup together in a pan for 5 minutes over warm heat. Add 1 c. nuts and 1 c. coconut to the warm topping mixture. Stir together. Spread topping over warm cake. Put completed cake under oven broiler to brown coconut.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Tradition for Granddaughter
A lady I know started a tradition for her little granddaughter. Whenever it was gift giving times, (ex. birthday, Christmas, etc.) she'd purchase an item from an expensive bear collection and had several already, when I was shown this. She said by the time the granddaughter got to be college age. The granddaughter would have the option to "cash in" and sell her collection to help pay for college tuition, etc. or to keep it. I thought this was a wonderful idea that others might appreciate being inspired by it. Rather than purchasing a gift that might appear in Mom's next yard sale.
By Terri H.
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Stretching Moisturizer
I need to use quite a bit of facial moisturizer just to have enough to spread over my entire face. I have found that if I wet my hands or face first, I can use a very small amount, as it will thin out and spread easily. My face feels just as moisturized this way. I would think this would work for body lotion as well.
By Leann D
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Keeping Pipes from Freezing
In areas with freezing temperatures, if you don't have your pipes wrapped, you can leave your inside faucet dripping (just a small trickle will do, from the furtherest faucet from the water pipe entrance of your home) while you're sleeping so your water lines won't freeze and burst.
By Terri H.
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Cold Weather Preparation For Your Car
In winter months, carry an extra change of warm clothes, blankets, flashlight, some nonperishable food, matches, a small breakdown shovel, etc. You never know when you might slide into a snowy ditch. It's better to be prepared, than to wish you'd been prepared! Let someone know your estimated time of arrival, so if you don't show up, someone will know to come looking for you.
Get your vehicle tuned up before the winter cold sets in. Also, you might want to pick up a can of de-icer to have on hand, for windshields and car locks.
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Shop at Grocery Stores after Thanksgiving and Christmas
Remember to shop at grocery stores after the holidays. They will sell the seasonal foods for cheap. -- breads, cakes, cookies, meats, etc. (and of course seasonal candy.)
By coolchinchilla
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Buy Pet Food In Bulk
Along with your groceries, buy your dry pet food in bulk. It's cheaper per pound. Store it in ziploc baggies or plastic containers to keep it fresh. I keep my pets' dry foods on the shelf and it works just fine. If you have space in your freezer that's even better.
By coolchinchilla
Post Feedback: Click Here
Other Active Topics
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! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card 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! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on December 15th.
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.
http://webby.com/humor
Do you publish a newsletter? Sign up for our Tip Syndication:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests:
Chai Tea Mix Recipe
I recently saw a recipe for a gift mix for chai tea. It was a mix you could stir into brewed regular tea with spices and dry milk. I lost it before I got to make it and want to give some for Christmas. Anyone?
Linda from San Diego
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Looking For Bold, New Color To Paint My Walls
My house has hunter green carpet all the way through it. My walls are all white. My den, kitchen/dining room and living room are connected (not separated by doorways). I want to paint my walls in a bold new color. I have thought about yellow, but my furniture in the den is yellow, and the furniture in my living room is burgundy (which i would like to make it have a palm tree/jungle theme). I would like something classy, but trendy. But yet is simple to achieve. Anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
Myndi
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Getting Cigarette Smoke out of Doll Clothing
I just bought a doll off of Ebay and it is in perfect condition except that the clothes on the doll reek of cigarette smoke. The doll was made in 1975 and I am worried about using products that might tarnish the clothing. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Kate
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Good Stuffing Recipes
Has anyone got a really nice receipe for stuffing?
Karolyn from Dublin
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
ChildSafe Network
Get 3 FREE Child Identification Kits with your FREE membership to the ChildSafe Network. 
Click Here for more information.
GoZing Surveys
Get Paid Cash or Sweepstake Opportunities for each survey you complete about movies, sports and products!
Click Here for more information.
More Reading:
The Animal Rescue Site
Your Daily Click Helps Animals Survive! Millions of animals are rescued by shelters every year. Your daily click each day donates food for pets.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Choosing Wedding Decorations To Fit Your Theme
By Rose Smith
Wedding decorations are a very important part of your whole overall theme. It sets the mood for this special day, and presents your guests with a beautiful and memorable setting. From simple and casual to formal and traditional, choosing the right decorations will add drama and style to any wedding.
View Article: Click Here
Reducing My Spending - The Dollar Stretcher
By Gary Foreman
Week after week the money just goes. My husband earns about $40,000 a year which is roughly about $2600 take-home a month. Our bills are as follows:
View Article: Click Here
Good Pet Supply Websites & Catalogs
I wanted to share the following websites and catalogs for the readers who might not be too thrilled with the prices at some of the big box chain pet stores. These three companies carry a good selection of pet products.
View Article: Click Here
A Simple Little Holiday Plan
By Bridget Messino
The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and the gift-buying season has shifted into high gear. Remain calm and prepare yourself for the most jam-packed month in the calendar year.
View Article: Click Here
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